Vantage Magazine January 2012 - Hampstead Edition

Vantage HAMPSTEAD edition: covering HAMPSTEAD, HIGHGATE, HAMPSTEAD HEATH, BELSIZE PARK AND WEST HAMPSTEAD

action

man ben fogle talks eco campaigns

ethical &

Luxurious

don’t compromise on STYLE

greenissue

the

New Year’s resolutions for the whole planet

&

fashion travel motoring interiors property JA N UA RY

2012

i s s u e 1 8

contents

food&drink connoisseur

WILD THING

feature 8

Reality Bites

The action-packed world of Ben Fogle

Collecting wild mushrooms on Hampstead Heath gives a whole new meaning to the idea of locally-sourced produce. Julie Carbonara meets local foodie and mushroom expert Andy Overall

T

here is a common sight in continental Europe towards the end of summer, when groups of people, armed with baskets, take to the woods early in the morning. But these people are not members of some obscure sun-worshipping sect. They are just after edible mushrooms, the highly-prized porcini, ceps, and morels that grace the menus of luxury restaurants worldwide.

And it is exactly the influence of fine-dining that has seen foraging for wild produce becoming the foodie trend du jour; perhaps, not least because René Redzepi, chef of Noma, the world’s best restaurant, was spotted on Hampstead Heath recently with a basket full of nature’s goodies.

And it seems he is not alone. According to reports, a small army of mushroom pickers are said to regularly scour the Heath on behalf of some of London’s top restaurants. At the more domestic end of the scale, locals are equally benefitting from the Heath’s rich earth.

Mushroom specialist, and all-round fungi fanatic, Andy Overall has been running walks and forays to teach people about mushrooms on the Heath since 1996. Travelling throughout India, Thailand, Eastern Europe and Spain, he’d seen a variety of mushroom seasons and found the local peoples’ passion for funghi inspiring. Back in London and living near the Heath, he decided to make a career out of what was becoming an obsession and set about organising his first forays. The initial four grew to 20, starting in spring and finishing in late autumn. “Spring is a fantastic time and is also very popular for walks,” he enthuses. “You don’t get the same amount and variety of mushrooms as you get in autumn, but you get specific types like the St George’s mushroom, the chicken of the woods and the highly sought-after morels.”

While anyone can pick up mushrooms when walking on the Heath, you should only do that, if you are absolutely sure you can tell the tasty from the poisonous. Some people, says Andy, learn very quickly after just one foray but most don’t have the confidence to go it alone straight away and email him pictures of what they’ve found.

The way you pick a mushroom can also you whether it is poisonous or not: “I tend to lift them gently out because some of the more dangerous types have a sack at the bottom and if you don’t collect it and instead chop the fungus at the root – as some people do – you won’t see it,” explains Andy.

“That’s one of the reasons why I tell people to get the whole thing to make sure you are not picking anything dangerous.

The Death Cap, one of the most deadly of mushrooms, has this sack at the bottom – although you can also tell that the Death Cap doesn’t look like a normal mushroom from its colour, which is olive green.”

12 Giving Back

Impressive philanthropy from local celebs

15 Address Book

Living the green life in NW

22 Natural Earth W oollen knits and organic tones

32 Fashion Favourites

Luxury

ethical brands

NATURAL

WoRLd

Photographer:

Jon Cottam

Fashion Editor:

Cream cashmere round neck jumper, £130, Jaeger, www.jaeger.co.uk, cream wool mix collar cream, £1,075, black wool mix turn up trousers, £425, both Philip Lim at Matches, www.matchesfashion.com, blonde suede platform Evans boots, £695, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com

Lucie Dodds

collection

65 Treat Yourself

interview collection

Attention-grabbing accessories

E

68 Moving Mountains

Pippa Small talks about ethics and jewellery

calibre

72 Hybrid High

Eco-friendly cars offer a real alternative

76 Sporting Chance

86 Treading Lightly

Luxury sustainability across the globe

92 Green Idyll

The Turquoise Mountain jewellery collection comprises beautiful pieces with beautiful ethics, as Gabrielle Lane discovers in conversation with talented designer and charity ambassador Pippa Small

very so often there is an idea, an article or an opportunity that the editorial team are very excited about.

And then there are those pieces, which are not only a pleasure to research and write, but end up completely inspiring the whole issue.

The story of jewellery designer, passionate anthropologist and charity ambassador Pippa Small, and particularly her work with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in the Middle East, is as fascinating as it is uplifting and led us to this month’s focus on ethical design and community spirit.

The Turquoise Mountain Foundation strives to preserve the traditional craft skills of the Afghan people, showcase their native culture and regenerate the cities which have been ravaged by war - work that has led HRH the Prince of Wales to declare his ‘enormous’ pride in the charity’s achievements.

With Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth (encompassing ancient Lapis mines, emeralds of Panshir, tourmalines and kunzite), the creation of fine jewellery is not only a much-needed income source, but serves as an empowering platform for education and hope for those who have endured such difficult times. It is an invaluable tool which Pippa Small understands entirely.

“My academic background is in anthropology and I went on to work in Human Rights after doing a masters in London,” she explains to me. “I worked with small indigenous groups in South East Asia on land issues, language and cultural rights and, as I became more involved with jewellery and design, I felt there was a way of bringing together income-generating projects in areas that needed assistance, while creating beautiful jewellery using the resources and aesthetic influences of the culture involved.”

It wasn’t long before her experiences and enthusiasm led her to the craftsmen and women of Kabul. “When I was asked to go to Afghanistan by Turquoise Mountain I was thrilled. I have long been fascinated with the country and moved by the huge challenges they face,” she says.

The first collection of Turquoise Mountain jewellery that Pippa created brought much needed funds to the project. Previously a collaborator with luxury brands such as Gucci and Chloe, her pieces were unsurprisingly popular in boutiques such as Astley Clarke in London.

However, four years later the designer is able to observe the more profound impact and successes of the Turquoise Mountain initiative which she and the team have been working tirelessly for.

“Originally I went to help a local workshop create a range which could be sold for income, but also to create a brand through which future graduates from the

jewellery school which was started could find employment through,” she smiles. “Our greatest achievement was to see six young women hired to work on production after graduation last year. They are so proud to be working, employed, contributing financially to their families, going out and being part of a team. After all the horrors of the Talaban regime, it is a huge achievement that Turquoise Mountain has helped get these girls educated and employed.”

As we talk, Pippa portrays a joyful sense of life in the workshop, and indeed the town, where the bazaar is full of people shopping, music is playing and there is much laughter. She is also keen to talk of how friendly she has found the stall keepers, while regularly meeting shoppers and children on her way to work.

“For the last four years I was staying at the Khala - a beautiful stately old mud fort from the last century that was full of courtyards of pomegranate and mulberry trees, a pair of peacocks and a big white adopted dog, tucked away in the city. It was a heaven, with thick walls and straw ceilings rustling with animal life at night. The meals were communal, at long tables under the vines at night or in the kitchen in the cold winters, although now I stay at a quiet hotel full of interesting looking journalists!”

There is of course still great fear and violence in the region, which makes the work of the team all the more remarkable.

“The workshop itself has twice been destroyed by bomb blasts due to its unfortunate proximity to embassies,” she says, matter-of-factly. “Unsafe hours, when most attacks happen, are early morning and night so I head to work after the all-clear has been given. I am driven most of the way but the workshop is now buried among the twisting alleys where no cars can go. The tension in the city is palpable but we are taking each day at a time and we just keep the work going.”

Evidence of this determination comes in the form of a striking new collection which is inspired by the folk desert traditions and uses silk textiles that are woven in northern Afghanistan, as well as locally-sourced lapis stones set on to chokers and cuffs of silk.

“It’s perfect for people drawn to strong design, colour and statement gems,” says Pippa.

“Those women who have an interest in the story and are delighted to be supporting the charity.”

Such beautiful designs with a worthwhile cause can certainly count on our support. n www.pippasmall.com www.turquoisemountain.org

69

Investing in sport

connoisseur

Moving

Mountains

Eco lodges across the UK

www.fungitobewith.org

99

concierge

The groups Andy leads are extremely eclectic, ranging from young children with their parents to teenagers and pensioners. There are lots of different nationalities – one Japanese woman makes regular trips from Japan – but also plenty of locals, as Andy leads forays for local associations such as the Heath and Hampstead Society, the Friends of Burgh House and Kenwood.

While the walking groups aim to be a fairly relaxed introduction to foraging for mushrooms, those who are after more detailed knowledge can take part in a series of workshops, which take place in the Information Centre, next to the Lido. Andy also runs breakfast forays which differ from the others in that they end at a local pub where what you’ve collected is turned into a delicious breakfast.

It all sounds extremely yummy, but has any of his fellow foragers ever ended up in hospital? It is said that just handling poisonous mushrooms can be dangerous. “It’s a bit of a myth,” says Andy. “I asked a colleague and he confirmed that to be poisoned by a toxic mushroom you have to eat chunks of it, you can’t get poisoned by getting spores on your hands.”

By all accounts, foraging for mushrooms is a great way to get out and about and do your bit for the environment. But, says Andy, we should make sure to temper our new found enthusiasm for the riches of the Heath. “Sending out teams of people to raid the heath is not a good thing; it spoils it for everybody else and it’s just for one person’s gain. It could also be illegal,” warns Andy. “If you are seen collecting large amounts (and by that I mean bagloads) from the heath and you bump into a ranger they will probably stop you.”

Andy should know. When mushrooms are not in season, Andy is a ranger at Kenwood on Hampstead Heath, patrolling the estate, ‘so I’m on both sides of the fence,’ he jokes, and is their fungi expert, having recorded 500 species over eight years. “The thing about the foraging group is that it has been successful in marrying the scientific and the popular so that both sides win,” explains Andy. “I go out to Heath with a group of people who learn something, and come back with a few edible mushrooms, while I come away with a lot of information that we can feed back to the people who run those areas. It’s very useful to them for their ecological management and their biodiversity action plan.

You can’t just take, you’ve got to put back.” n

regulars 21 fashion

75 sports

35 interiors

85 travel

45 beauty

95 food & drink

57 collection

100 out & about

72 motoring

105 property

12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR TEL: +44 (0) 20 3405 1437 EMAIL: bachet.london@bachet.fr www.bachet.fr

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.

E

D

I

A

G

R

O

U

P

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.

2. Matthew Carter is

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.

Managing Director

3. Elizabeth Laskar

Eren Ellwood

has been involved in the eco fashion sector for the last decade and currently consults in brand and product development. She is cofounder of the Ethical Fashion Forum, as well as working in campaigns with the BBC, V&A London and Clarence House.

7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

Vantage

COVERING ST JOHN’S WOOD, MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, MARYLEBONE, REGENT’S PARk AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

action

man ben fogLe taLks eco campaigns

ethical

Ethical Fashion Brands, p. 32 Image: Mia Play Suit by Sika Designs www.sikadesigns.co.uk Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee

&Luxurious don’t compromise on stYLe

greenissue

the

new Year’s resoLutions for the whoLe pLanet

&

fashion travel motoring interiors property JANUARY

2012

i s s u e 1 8

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.

Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available to VANTAGE, e-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details.

January

from the editor...

As a new year dawns and we say goodbye to 2011, the Vantage team is looking forward to a prosperous, exciting and inspiring 2012.

Recent economic uncertainty has caused many people to reassess their values and life choices, whether forced into the position through changes in work, or through a new understanding of the possible perils of a consumerist society.

But how do you balance this with living a stylish, comfortable life for you and your family? This January we are making our own New Year’s Resolutions that not only benefit us, but help make a difference for the whole world too. Doing your bit to live an ethical, sustainable and eco lifestyle is the new zeitgeist of the 21st Century, and it’s time to get involved.

No longer the domain of hemp and raffia, the worlds of fashion, interiors and beauty are all seeing a new wave of luxury ethical and sustainable items from brand giants such as Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Liz Earle and Farrow & Ball. No longer do you have to rationalise your desire to ‘do your bit’ with a reluctance to compromise on style and quality. The best of both worlds is here; don’t get left behind!

This month, then, we kick off with some seriously inspirational campaigners in the form of the loveable and brave Ben Fogle, who has swum under glaciers, climbed mountains, sailed oceans and trekked ice caps all in the name of raising awareness and money for eco campaigns worldwide. He tells his fascinating story on p. 8. Following him we also meet Ricky Gervais, Nicky Clarke, Rachel Stevens and the inimitable Seal, who share with us their passion for philanthropy and charity. Get involved on p. 12.

Our fashion pages take inspiration from the earth with natural knits (p. 22), ethical jewellery from Afghanistan (p. 68), luxury brands with impressive eco credentials (p. 32) and a report on the fashion industry’s movement towards a more ethical way of working (p. 30).

Locally we look at some of the shops, boutiques and delis that are championing local produce, sustainable farming methods and low carbon footprint initiatives, and find out about campaigns in the area to nurture our green spaces and reduce the use of plastic bags (p. 15).

In other features we look at a green alternative to taxi hire (p. 71), travel the globe to find the best eco lodges abroad (p. 86), and at home (p. 92); as well as finding out where you can eat Michelin-starred local produce and how to decorate your home with effortlessly green (and antique) furniture and accessories (p. 36).

I’m writing this just before Christmas and it can be hard in these months of plenty to think about making changes to your routine, but researching this special January issue has convinced us that it is possible to live the luxury life you want to, while still making a difference to those around you - and that’s some serious feel good factor!

I wish a happy and green New Year to you all!

Emma Mills Editor

REALITY

BITES

interview

feature

Richard Aldhous reports on why green campaigner and activist Ben Fogle is looking to calm down his globetrotting gallantry in pursuit of rather more wholesome family values

F

rom the outside, Ben Fogle seems to have a perfectly enviable existence. Blessed with regal good looks and numerous royal connections, the elegantly-spoken Londoner has been a staple presence on our screens since showcasing his endearing charisma and swoon-some appeal on BBC reality series ‘Castaway’.

Fogle was the immediate break-out star and the state broadcaster quickly snapped him up for awfully British fare including ‘Countryfile’, ‘Animal Park’, ‘One Man and his Dog’ and ‘Crufts’. Subsequently, over the years, the presenter has been keen to shake off his James Herriot image, transitioning an adventurer cross between David Attenborough and Indiana Jones, with shows like ‘Wild in Africa’ and ‘Ricochet’ – the latter seeing the 38-year-old invite a member of the public to join him on expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kaieteur Falls in Guyana.

Since then, the dad of two, who lives near Maida Vale, has seen TV jobs, extreme challenges and charity missions take him to a whole host of destinations around the globe including Peru, Ethiopia, the South Pole, Canada and Antigua; he even filmed a documentary in Botswana with Prince William.

It’s an enviable existence, or so you’d believe. Because speaking exclusively to Vantage en route to Heathrow (he’s late for a plane which will deliver him to Reykjavik, where he’ll be swimming under the glacier caps of Vatnajokull), an astonishingly languid Fogle admits he does, at times, long for a ‘nine to five’ existence. Or failing that, a career path more reflective of one of his north-west London neighbours, Judith Chalmers...

“If somebody offered me a show like ‘Holiday’ right now, I’d jump at the chance,” he says, a clear lack of sarcasm in his speech. “At this stage of my life, I’m looking for something more sedate, so if the BBC - or whoever – fancies dropping me in some of the world’s more eclectic destinations, I’m there!

“It doesn’t all have to be hardship for me, I enjoy a bit of luxury as much as the next person, although I do seem to have built a reputation for the slightly reckless, I’ll admit that. But I shouldn’t kid myself, I love what I do. It can be horrible packing a bag every week and saying goodbye to my family - that’s the negative side of my job and I accept that – but the experiences I’ve been lucky enough to sample are quite something, and the feeling of coming home is an altogether different, yet no less pleasurable, sensation.”

Indeed, at times, arriving back in Blighty has taken on a sense of relief as well as pleasure. While shooting the series ‘Extreme Dreams’ in 2008, Fogle contracted a rare flesheating disorder called leishmaniasis, which is spread by the bite of a rare parasitic sand fly. It left him bedridden for weeks. The following year, he survived a near fatal plane crash in Bolivia.

So do these dangerous incidents pertain to his desire to

9

feature interview

Being eco-responsible and having an impact on others’ lives is what motivates me more than anything

stay closer to home? “Of course,” he replies, “I’d be lying if I said I haven’t become slightly warier of these adventures.

But having a family has been the biggest game changer.

I still do lots of travel but the risk level is much less now and I do what I do now because it’s part of my job, or because there is a real reason, a real cause, that makes the separation worthwhile. When you realise it’s not all about you, but your family as well, it has to be something really worthwhile to keep taking you away. I certainly don’t want to be taking any big risks anymore,” he concludes, seemingly forgetting what confronts him at the end of his plane ride!

But regardless, while the square-jawed buccaneer is keenly eyeing a rather more conventional existence at his northwest London home with wife Marina and their two children, Ludo and Iona, it seems he will never shirk the philanthropic commitments that have marked him out as one of our most heard modern-day environmental campaigners.

He currently acts as ambassador to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), works for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and operates as patron for the Prince’s Trust, the Royal Parks Foundation and Shelterbox – the latter an international disaster relief charity that provides portable refuge to disaster victims around the world. Most recently, they were serving those affected by the Japanese Earthquake.

“The truth is I’m asked every day to work for charities and I find it difficult to say no, but being eco-responsible and having an impact on others’ lives is what motivates me more than anything. For instance, I loved the work I did with Kenco last year - the Kenco Eco Young Designer - which encouraged young people and their families to invent and design stuff out of their household waste, paving the way for a generation of ‘upcyclers’. These days the important thing is not so much about the physical results of a campaign, more leaving behind a legacy that will have a positive environmental impact.”

The intrepid traveller recently returned from a trip to Botswana, where he was filming ‘The Secret Life of Crocodiles’

10

for the BBC, a documentary he hopes will raise awareness for the plight of the endangered freshwater amphibians. “That’s was an amazing trip, but again, pretty terrifying,” he chuckles.

“I’ll admit, staring into the jaws of a crocodile that wants to take a bite out of you... in order to raise awareness on its behalf... seemed a little illogical at the time, but the whole thing was an amazing experience nonetheless.”

So doesn’t returning to Maida Vale at times come across as being a bit safe?

“It does, and that’s why I like it,” he laughs. “I grew up in North Kensington and my family have always lived there. I wanted to stay in that sort of area and we’re in a perfect place right now. We live an eco-responsible life and love to get out in the local area; although if I had to name my favourite place in London I’d probably say Hyde Park.

It holds massive sentimental value to me as it’s where I met Marina while we were both out walking our dogs. I go there most days and did as a kid too.”

Clearly outdoorsy types, I wonder out loud whether this is replicated at home, and whether the Fogle homestead is the imagined array of ecological prowess and diverse cultural style, not an Ikea flatpack in sight. “Naturally it’s decorated with symbolic tokens and memories of my travels,” he reveals. “I usually pick up something either small or useful for my home that reflects where I have been.

London offers a fantastic array of souvenirs and mementos, but it’s got nothing on Peru and Bolivia! And if I tell you I have an unnecessarily large collection of antique ponchos sat at home, you can probably guess where my weakness lies when it comes to shopping abroad!

“Marina tells me I’m not allowed bring home any more textiles or clothing from South America. The last lot I brought back were full of moths - pest control had to be called in! So she’s pretty much banned any further additions, and demands first approval of anything I now bring back!”

He sighs. “I doubt Judith Chalmers has to go through this...!” n

ASTB_A4_City_Mag_Oct11.indd 1

19/9/11 10:44:16

Image: Sarel Jansen

Giving Back

A whole host of well-known locals give up their time to help raise awareness and money for many charities and good causes. Stephen Milton met some of our local philanthropists to find out more Nicky Clarke Seal

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Blessed with chart-topping vocals and a supermodel wife, adult life has been pretty kind to Seal, who was born in Kilburn and grew up around Paddington. But fostered at birth and eventually returned to his family where he endured abuse at the hands of his father, the singer had a difficult upbringing, inspiring his desire to help those in need.

“Charity and the environment are two things incredibly close to my heart,” he says. “I’ve worked with the Red Cross several times and have done work with the Foundation for Hospices in SubSaharan Africa. But I’m very passionate about my commitments to children’s charities like the WWO (Worldwide Orphans Foundation) and the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatrics Aids Foundations.

Whatever Heidi [Klum] and I can do, from benefits and concerts, to working with the kids themselves or promoting environmental campaigns, we do it.

I guess it comes from the love for our own children and the fact that I didn’t have the most conventional upbringing myself.”

Before finding fame, Seal was diagnosed with lupus, a disease which attacks the immune system and badly affects the sufferer’s skin.

“Any work I can do for the Lupus Foundation I will. I guess my experiences have left me with quite a focused view about charity and the environment. We have a responsibility to people and the planet in the way we live and consume.” www.wwo.org www.pedaids.org www.lupusuk.org.uk

Despite styling the manes of David Bowie, Liz Hurley and the late Princess Di, Nicky Clarke’s a man who sees beyond the coiffured a-list fraternity, lending considerable time and money to several charities close to his heart.

Those causes which focus on the needs of unwanted animals tend to grab most of his attention, particularly given age-old questions about the industry’s testing of salon products, questions that the St. John’s Wood resident has been keen to answer. “We’ve worked hard over the years to dispel the idea of products being extremely – and at times, unnecessarily – harmful to the environment. We follow very strict codes in the industry when it comes to pollution and chemicals in the products we produce.

“Maybe back in the 1980s products weren’t as well regulated, but people now have a conditioned idea of not only what they put on their heads, but what they pour into the sink too.”

On a London level, the celebrity hairdresser has been a dedicated patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. “Since I was a young boy, growing up along the Old Kent Road, I’ve always been around animals and frequently had pets,” he explains. “Battersea does such extraordinary work for neglected and unwanted animals so I try my best to support and raise as much money as I can for the home. It’s a place the city can’t do without, as thousands of animals are re-homed there. It’s a wonderful organisation.”

Clarke, 53, is also one of the founding members of HAIRraising – which was rebranded this year as HAREraising – a foundation set up by the biggest names in styling like Charles Worthington and John Frieda, to help raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

“Children come to GOSH from all over the country. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of them and have always found their bravery truly inspirational. So we hold special cut-athon days and design competitions where we donate proceeds. It’s the least we can do for such a worthy cause.” www.battersea.org.uk www.gosh.org/hair-raising

spotlight

feature

I am passionate about nature and ecology. It’s always been really close to my heart – the beauty of the world around us

Harmony Gerber / Shutterstock.com

He may have built an award-winning career from stretching the boundaries of craft and taste, but when it comes to charitable causes, it seems Hampstead-based Ricky Gervais likes to stay close to what he knows.

The former ‘Office’ star is currently lending his support to the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) Cargo Cruelty campaign, working to convince airlines to stop transporting primates for the purposes of laboratory research.

“I was shocked to learn that some airlines transport monkeys to laboratories around the world,” he says. “I want to do everything I can to ban monkey shipments.

“Imprisoning monkeys and snatching their babies is a disgusting way to treat other primates.

Monkeys are highly intelligent beings who feel pain and distress, just like us. But torn from their families, these airlines handle them - stuck in wooden crates and shipped in the holds - as if they were luggage.”

Gervais wants airlines to know the cruelty they’re condoning by transporting these creatures in such horrific conditions. “At the end of this nightmare journey, they are destined to spend their lives in a metal laboratory cage thousands of miles away from their families and subjected to cruel experiments.

“I am passionate about nature and ecology. It’s always been really close to my heart – the beauty of the world around us. When I talk about nature people often think I’m starting some kind of comedy sketch, but along with art, music, and of course comedy, I find it the most inspiring thing. We need to protect it.” www.buav.org

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Ricky Gervais

Rachel Stevens Rachel Stevens traces her awareness for eco-charity back to her days in S Club 7. The Hampstead-based singer recalls her first dealings with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as a life-changing experience. “I’m a huge animal lover and always have been, so when the band worked with WWF on our TV show (‘S Club Go Wild’) to help highlight the plight of endangered animals around the world, it was something we all felt passionate about,” she says.

“It was good for a band like us to use whatever influence and appeal we had with a younger audience to highlight the plight of species facing extinction. So now, whatever else they want me to do, I’m there, no questions asked.”

And the mum of one was also recently the face of a provocative campaign for Everyman Testicular Cancer Awareness, encouraging men to get checked. “That was an incredibly important campaign that I was so honoured to be a part of. It got a lot of attention and boosted the numbers of men getting screened for the disease, so I like to think I made a difference, in my own little way.”

And as for her local environment in Hampstead, Rachel hints that she may be making a pledge for 2012 in that respect too. “The traffic around Hampstead appears to be getting worse. There are so many small streets that it only takes a few cars for the place to feel congested. More and more I worry about the atmosphere and the effect transport is having on the air quality, particularly now I have a daughter to look out for. I’ve decided recently to use public transport as much as possible locally, and certainly when travelling into the centre of town.” n www.wwf.org.uk www.everyman-campaign.org

13

QUINTESSENTIAL BRITISH LEATHER GOODS SINCE 1934

The Bullion Collection www.ettinger.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8877 1616

Ettinger Bullion Ad Mayfair Jan12 297x210.indd 1

14/12/11 1:24 PM

Ett

feature

IMAGES: Andreu Doz

address book

Ethical Address Book When it comes to green living in the capital, North West London leads the way, says Lauren Romano

T

he defiant sense of pride in independent retailers fostered in NW has indelibly helped shape the vibrant community of thriving local businesses. Sustainable living and an emphasis on locally sourced produce is favoured by residents and merchants alike and is mutually beneficial in creating the community ethos at the heart of some of the area’s most popular boutique, pubs and eateries.

FOOD AND DRINK Organic produce features on nearly all restaurant menus these days but this ubiquitous accolade can glaze over a multitude of other factors, from animal welfare to restaurant waste, food miles and energy consumption.

Thankfully, a handful of local restaurants have made food ethics a top priority, Feng Sushi, being one of them.

Packaging is biodegradable, chopsticks are made from recycled bamboo and in the kitchen, cooking oil is reused as bio-diesel. And that’s just for starters. The company’s hardline sustainable buying policy ensures that the majority of the fish served – from hand-dived scallops to line caught Cornish mackerel – is ‘certified sustainable seafood’ from

innovative local fish farms.

Made in Camden’s locally sourced credentials are similarly admirable and all ingredients are ethically and responsibly gathered where possible, with everything from the ale to the cheese coming from London suppliers.

All restaurant profits support the Roundhouse’s creative programme, so diners can tuck into tasty sharing tapas plates or pop in for a weekend brunch of buttermilk banana pancakes, safe in the knowledge their cash is going to a good cause.

Straying slightly further afield, Islington’s rustically charming The Duke of Cambridge Pub, the UK’s first and only gastro pub to be certified by the Soil Association, has garnered just about every green award going and continues to serve seasonal, organic food and drink from carefully sourced producers. The fact that 80 per cent of the fresh produce on the menu comes from the Home Counties means food miles are kept to a minimum and the electricity used on site is mostly wind and solar generated.

Most importantly however the food tastes delicious; hearty British fare is complemented by organic draft ale from London’s The Heroic Freedom and Pitfield Breweries.

15

GROCERS, BUTCHERS, BAKERS At Hampstead grocery shop Melrose and Morgan provenance is king. Homemade jams and pickles are sold alongside organic and free-range meat and poultry, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, delivered straight from small, mainly British artisan producers, by electric van.

Local favourite butcher, delicatessen, charcuterie and wine merchant, The Hampstead Butcher & Providore, also offers an extensive range of ethically reared meat from farms in Kent, Sussex and Norfolk. Meanwhile, over in Marylebone The Ginger Pig’s livestock are ethically reared on three farms in the Yorkshire Moors, which go to great lengths to take care of their own food chain, reserving 300 acres of farmland to grow barley, wheat and oats, which goes towards feeding the animals.

Next door, La Fromagerie is easily one of the best cheese shops for miles around. Complete with an on-site cheese making cellar and tasting rooms, regional farmhouse cheeses, 24 of which hail from England, are directly sourced from artisan producers and then matured onsite to peak ripeness by a team of in-house affineurs.

Should you require a home-made loaf to accompany your favourite truckle, bread purists and artisan bakers, Gail’s will fit the bill. Daily batches of freshly baked bread are free from any kind of preservatives as chemicals are not used to speed up the fermentation process. Euphorium Bakery has branches in Belsize Park and Hampstead and uses entirely seasonal, British-sourced ingredients to produce everything from baguettes to dense black olive bread. The delectable range of baked goods taste even better washed down with an award winning cuppa from Teapig, who are committed to making their blends Rainforest Alliance certified. Their ethical scheme also pledges to directly help tea communities; the current project is fundraising for the Noel Orphanage in Rwanda.

For those with a sweet tooth, sugar cravings can be satisfied minus the guilt factor over at the indulgent Rococo Chocolates in Marylebone. Since 2007, a joint venture

between Rococo and the Grenada Chocolate Company has been producing fairly traded ethical coco beans for all the store’s organic chocolates, from cardamom and chilli pepper infused bars to basil and Persian lime concoctions.

INTERIORS For fabulous eco-friendly furnishings, second-hand is the easiest way to stay sustainable. Thankfully second-hand doesn’t have to mean sifting through car-boot sale tat at the crack of dawn. After a rummage around the plethora of vintage boutiques and antiques stores dotted around every corner of North West London, sourcing a one-off memento of a bygone era should be a doddle. The breadth of 20th Century pieces displayed throughout Decoratum’s Church Street commercial gallery is seriously impressive. High quality, retro furniture from yesteryear is scattered about the overwhelming space, which specialises in well-designed, unique home accessories and furniture, starting off at an affordable £500. Over on South End Road, Skandinteriors deals in timeless designs and minimalist mid-century furniture, perfect for adding a retro twist to period properties. The Antique Textiles Company in Hampstead is the best place to stumble upon soft furnishings, and antique English Durham, North Country and Welsh handmade quilts, and vibrant patchwork are a sure find.

If you’re planning a total home revamp, Farrow & Ball is a must for paints and wallpapers. Apart from the exquisite purity and depth of colour each tin delivers, the brand’s stringent dedication to traditional paint-making methods means cheaper acrylics with high plastic content are avoided at all costs. The water-based range continues to be produced from the same small Dorset town and offers a prismatic array of colours which are low in odour and eco-friendly thanks to the high quality, naturally occurring pigments.

SPA, HEALTH, BEAUTY Even indulging in a pamper session can earn you brownie points, with organically certified treatments and British beauty brands dominating the shelves of several spas.

Take a detox from synthetic chemicals at Content Beauty.

With a focus on natural and organic skincare, the boutique skincare store, naturopathic clinic and beauty salon has been promoting niche brands and natural apothecary since 2008 and the ever popular Dr Alkaitis Facial and the Neom

address book

Organics Massage, makes it a firm favourite with local wellbeing devotees.

Ethically aware brands, including non-toxic Butter London nail lacquers and John Masters organic hair and skincare lines are available at the Lost in Beauty salon in Primrose Hill, which exudes theatricality and old school Hollywood glamour. But, for a more energetic start to 2012, New Year’s resolutions can be addressed over at The Third Space. The swimming pools at this all-round health and fitness destination are ozone-treated, so swimmers are less exposed to harsh chemicals and strong chlorine odours.

FASHION Raise your game in the sartorial stakes and avoid repetitive dress syndrome by shunning high street fashion chains and heading to Shikasuki instead. Praised by the likes of Alice Temperly, Matthew Williamson and style bible, Vogue, for the desirable rails of wearable vintage fashions and jewellery, this is the place to snap up pristine Ossie Clark originals among other gems. A carefully curated array of well-tailored vintage clothing is also up for the taking at Marylebone’s popular WilliamVintage, where an emphasis on beautiful silhouettes and stunning fabrics have earned rave reviews from those with their fingers firmly on the fashion pulse.

feature

ADDRESS BOOK Antique Textiles Company 1 Perrins Courts, NW3 1QU

Decoratum

31-33 Church Street, NW8 8ES

Content Beauty

14 Bulstrode Street, W1U 2JG

Euphorium Bakery

45 Southend Road, NW3 2QB

The Duke of Cambridge 30 St Peter’s Street, N1 8JT

Farrow & Ball

GET INVOLVED

64-65 Paddington Street, W1U 4JG

With plenty of local schemes and green initiatives literally on the doorstep, those keen to go that extra mile, can. Join other passionate locals, like Jo Barnett of Prim Nails, in a local campaign to get Primrose Hill plastic bag free, through their Primrose Hill not Plastic Hill campaign. Supported by most local retailers and residents, its objective is to cut back on use of plastic, an increasing menace to a healthy ocean and ourselves. Spearheaded by local eco-groups, Transition and Global Ocean, alongside the Primrose Hill Community Association, it is hoped that the rest of London follows suit and revises its usage of plastic bags. As part of the campaign Sadie Frost and Radio1 DJ, Nick Grimshaw, launched a new tote bag designed by local artist, Lynne Pritchard, at the recent Christmas Fair, and there are plans for more bags with a host of celebrity designers. Marylebone Village has also produced its own environmentally-friendly shopping bag and is actively encouraging visitors to ditch the wasteful plastic alternatives for something chicer and more durable.

If you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves Regent’s Park Allotment, an inspirational food growing space run in partnership with Capital Growth, which aims to support 2,012 new community food-growing spaces by the end of 2012, are in need of volunteers. Meanwhile the BTVC Green Gym, which runs twice weekly in parks and nature reserves across the Camden borough, is perfect for residents who want to improve both their health and the environment by getting involved in practical conservation.

Or simply brush up on the three Rs ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ and keep a look out for future North London Waste Authority organised Give and Take days; the autumn programme of events included free community exchange events for residents to donate unwanted items. n

Feng Sushi

1 Adelaide Road, NW3 3QE

Gail’s

64 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1QH

The Ginger Pig

8-10 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW

La Fromagerie

2-6 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW

Hampstead Butcher & Providore 56 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 1ND

Lost in Beauty

117 Regents Park Road, NW1 8UR

Made in Camden

Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

Melrose and Morgan Oriel Place, NW3 1QN

Rococo Chocolates

45 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HG

Shikasuki

67 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8LD

Skandinteriors

57 South End Road, NW3 2QB

The Third Space

Bulstrode Place, W1U 2HU

WilliamVintage

2 Marylebone Street, W1G 8JG

www.globalocean.org.uk

17

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

fashion interiors interview

winter woollen eco chic ............................................................. pippa small

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

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

The Soft Touch

L A perfect ethical alternative, N. Peal cashmere is sourced with the utmost care

uxury cashmere has been the proviso of British brand N. Peal for over 75 years and it is easy to see that the company takes great pride in the creation of its wares, from super soft pashminas to sweeping capes, cut perfectly, in rich tones of caramel, cocoa and charcoal grey.

The conscientious approach of the company begins in the wild, freezing terrain of Mongolia where nomadic herders look after their goats exceptionally carefully, in spite of inhospitable conditions of -20 degrees.

In the harsh conditions of the Mongolian

winter, the goats have evolved to grow a very soft underdown to keep them warm, which is different from those of Scottish goats who tend to grow longer, coarser fibres. The goats naturally shed this coat in the warmer springtime weather, when it is combed, collected and used in its delicate form.

Endeavouring to help the hard-working herders and simultaneously impressed with the fine quality of the goats’ coats, the father of current N. Peal managing director Adam Holdsworth, forged a sensitive trading relationship which endures to this day. n www.npeal.com

19

fashion

concierge

fashion

news A Stella Celebration Stella McCartney is another fashion guru known for her green credentials; the Stella McCartney stores, HQ and studios in the UK are powered by Ecotricity, a company which invests profits in renewable sources of energy, and is committed to recycling office waste. Between 26 January and 14 February a celebration of the designer’s work, entitled ‘World of Stella’, will be running at Selfridges.

The installation will consist of a new fragrance launch and display of ready-to-wear, lingerie, accessories and other collections. www.stellamccartney.com

Quote of the month:

Giving Back Designer Dame Vivienne Westwood has long been a passionate environmental campaigner, launching her eponymous Palladium collection within the past few months with suitably green motifs as a call to action to prevent climate change. Having worked with the charity Cool Earth for the past three years, Vivienne has recently invested £1m

of her own finances as part of a huge fundraising drive for the rainforest charity. The campaign is entitled ‘No Fun Being Extinct’ and will run over an 18-month period to secure three of the world’s most endangered forests. NW locals Sadie Frost and Kate Moss are also supporting the cause.

www.harrods.com

www.eco-age.com

This faux fur Tibi coat is an ethical classic, with bags of allure. The taupe tone is luxurious and versatile, while the short-sleeved, collarless design as well as its exposed zip, give it a modern edge. Team with faux leather leggings and wedged boots for a look which will work day-to-night.

Harrods, Tibi

KATHARINE HAMNETT

www.coolearth.org

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

Faux Fur Coat, £625

There is an industry model which rhe earth can benefit from.

Website:

TREND:

Under the guidance of creative director Livia Firth, Eco Age highlights the best in ethical fashion brands and good causes. The website is entering a new stage of development with even more picture galleries and charity news to complement a selection of stylish pieces to purchase online including cosy cashmere cardigans and fair-trade handbags.

Collars Virtually all the looks in the Miu Miu A/W11 show featured collars, worn over everything from pretty tea-dresses to voluminous jumpers.

We love the idea of teaming a glitzy collar necklace with a simple white T-shirt, for understated appeal.

Fiona Paxton Sequin Collar Necklace, £190, Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

21

NATURAL

World

Photographer:

Jon Cottam

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Cream cashmere round neck jumper, £130, Jaeger, www.jaeger.co.uk, cream wool mix collar cream, £1,075, black wool mix turn up trousers, £425, both Philip Lim at Matches, www.matchesfashion.com, blonde suede platform Evans boots, £695, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com

Mohair open knit jumper, £255, black wool mix coat, £ 1,250, grey zip high-waist trousers, £350, all Joseph, www.joseph.co.uk

Taupe cashmere tie tunic dress, ÂŁ370, and matching scarf, ÂŁ215, both Handwritten at Liberty, www.handwrittenuk.com

Grey v-neck button jumper, £135, grey stripe arm warmers, £40, both The White Company, as before; dark grey cashmere leggings, £119, Belinda Robertson, as before

Grey ribbed cowl neck jumper, £389, grey cashmere leggings, £119, both Belinda Robertson, www.belindarobertson.com; grey cable cashmere scarf, £130, The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.com.

Grey suede ankle boots, £52, Rupert Sanderson, www.rupertsanderson.com

Hair: Darren Hau at Naked Artists using Bumble & Bumble

Make-up: Kate Hughes at Tiger Creative using Benefit Cosmetics

Retouch: www.peachperfect.com

N E W S TO R E

SLOANE ST Sw1 C O N T E m p O R a Ry CaShmERE SiNCE 1936

Available from Burlington Arcade, Mayfair Tel: 020 7499 6485 and 149 Sloane Street Sw1 Tel: 020 7730 6891

www.npeal.com

fashion

concierge

EnglishEccentric The looser, cosy cuts and patterns of Isabel Marant and ADAM’s A/W11 collections are reflective of the trend for indulgent winter dressing. Thankfully there are some fabulous fair trade labels to help you achieve the look

1

3 2

5 4

1 Jaime Fair Isle Tank, £75, People Tree, www.peopletree.co.uk 2 Large Fabric Bag, £205, Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa, www.yoox.com 3 Fair Trade V Skater Dress, £79.99, Fair + True, www.fashion-conscience.com 4 Belt, £POA, Vivienne Westwood, www.viviennewestwood.co.uk 5 Sustainable Stripe Frill Skirt, £49, Fair + True, www.fashion-conscience.com

29

Trend Setters Britain has produced many pioneering designers who have revolutionised the way the world sees fashion, including introducing a more ethical and eco approach to what we wear, says Elizabeth Laskar

T

he UK has often led the way in the fashion stakes and set trends that have influenced design and style throughout the world. This season’s London Fashion Week, as always, is set to showcase pioneering and innovative approaches to fashion, including the hotly anticipated, and well-supported, eco showcase. To be a part of this, designers must have impeccable design talent alongside a strong eco-ethos.

British designer Stella McCartney is set to take centre stage at the event when she presents her exclusive ‘One-off’ range on 18 February, and she’s joined by some other great brands with pretty impressive eco credentials.

Estethica is the eco fashion platform of London Fashion Week and has been established by The British Fashion Council in partnership with Monsoon and the award winning eco design duo Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci.

Launched in 2006, Estethica has supported pioneering eco fashion labels, like From Somewhere, Gary Harvey, Stuart Brown and Terra Plana, giving buyers direct access to the best in eco fashion. Eco fashion is exciting with design and innovation at its heart – each garment is finely balanced with an environmental or social investment giving more than just an aesthetic edge. From organic materials and

fashion

fair trade practices to working with emerging technologies, there is a meaningful depth to each label that is inspiring to customers, buyers, press and other designers.

With eco luxury on the rise, and high street retailers committing to going green, eco fashion is also fast becoming part of everyday shopping experiences for consumers. High street retailers like M&S, John Lewis and H&M are just a few of the retailers who are investing time and energy into evaluating their manufacturing and supply chains resulting in changes that ultimately engage their customers to participate in eco living. For example you can walk into M&S and pick up a garment made from Fairtrade cotton or shop online with John Lewis for organic bedding. With climate change on the global agenda, businesses are taking a genuine interest if they are to keep their brand up to date. It’s becoming the norm for retailers to explain their ethical policy and strategy on their websites; something which has been a welcomed development, showing the consumer a transparent approach to the way they do business.

Luxury fashion brands are also showcasing new and exciting collections that are durable, stunning in design and carry eco credentials.

Stella McCartney, for example, undoubtedly one of the most influential luxury brands on the market today, is leading her brand from strength to strength by finding a perfect balance with her values, designs and business practices.

It is widely known that McCartney does not use leather in her collections and has also developed an organic range of beauty products.

As her business grows, she continues to adopt her values in each project she is part of; there is something special about that attitude which brings an added value to her brand. Her online shop’s ‘Green Me’ pages show an incredible commitment towards the stewardship of our planet through luxury fashion. ‘Green me’ discusses and shares an environmental ethos that McCartney has adopted throughout her organisation, ranging from no leather or animal products to biodegradable packaging and the use of clean energy to run the company’s offices. It is widely felt that McCartney is ahead of the game and offers a luxury label for everyone’s wardrobe.

Science also plays a significant role in eco fashion and McCartney acknowledges the impact that the scientific community has had on the eco materials available to her collections. Her website comments on the scientific

concierge comment

research that goes into creating these blended fibres, noting that these, ‘innovative materials could be considered a true luxury rather than leather which has become a commodity’.

Stella has successfully combined luxury, science and fashion and produced some of the most stunning, forward thinking collections in the world.

Dame Vivienne Westwood is another of Britain’s most admired designers and she is considered to be one of the world’s most flamboyant and exciting. She is always ahead of the game and last year she began working with a community of marginalised women in Kenya to produce handmade bags that are a must have for any women. In collaboration with The Ethical Fashion Programme the bags are made from quality recycled materials – each piece is beautifully sewn together and finished to perfection. They are high end, chic and stylish, and bring something unique to the luxury fashion market place. You can buy them online at www. viviennewestwood.co.uk and I recommend watching the video of her trip to Africa, it’s wonderful to see the impact this project has had on her, her team and all the women that have participated. You can truly understand the inspiration that drives projects like this.

The British Fashion Council last December recognised a young designer who has pioneered the way for men’s eco fashion. UK born and bred, Christopher Raeburn is taking a hold on the British fashion scene. The eco luxury men’s and women’s wear brand is made from reappropriated textiles and all the garments are made in the UK in Christopher’s own studio in East London. There is something wonderful about the words ‘ Made In England’, it immediately represents garments that are well crafted and impeccably finished. Stocked in Liberty’s, Barneys and Harvey Nick’s Christopher Raeburn is inspiring in his designs and values.

I have focused on success stories and shared some of the good news within the eco fashion sector. However, it is important to fully appreciate that the challenge runs deep and wide and there are still mountains to climb in addressing the wide spread misuse of natural resources, exploitation of labour and the vast production and disposal of waste. Eco fashion is positively addressing many of these issues and tirelessly continues to roll the stone up the hill – as an inspirational movement we can enjoy making fashion responsible together.

The eco fashion story moves apace and is here to stay.

In a nut shell, eco fashion is environmentally and socially conscious fashion, design-led and durable. The last decade has seen trail blazing pioneers set the path for the industry to follow. Individuals, celebrities, designers, retailers and manufacturers are taking the right steps; perhaps it’s time for us to add a Christopher Raeburn jacket, a Stella McCartney dress or Vivienne Westwood hand bag to our fashion wardrobes, I think we all have it in us to be trend setters. n www.viviennewestwood.co.uk www.stellamccartney.com www.christopherraeburn.co.uk Elizabeth Laskar www.elizabethlaskar.com Twitter: elizabethlaskar

31

the rise of

Ethical fashion Ethical fashion has evolved from the days of tye-dye ti-shirts and uncomfortable materials, with style glossies Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar firmly on board. You can now feel as good about buying high quality design as you do wearing it, says Gabrielle Lane

fashion

concierge comment

Lalesso For the Closet: Vibrant and luxurious summer essentials inspired by the East African ‘khanga’, a flowing, traditional dress. Think long, languid silhouettes and silky soft fabrics as well as hand-made, tribal-style jewellery.

For the conscience: Lalesso have set up an independent clothing production unit which provides fair trade wages and encourages local talent.

Moreover, hand-carved coconut buttons and Masai beading are just two of the garment details which incorporate the skills of Kenyan artisans and therefore help financially support the community. www.lalesso.com

Melissa For the Closet: Super sassy shoes for the fashionconscious, including stilettos, patent-style pumps and edgy boots. Melissa partners designers including Jean Paul Gaultier, Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood to produce pieces with a quirky, pop art feel.

For the conscience: Marketed as vegan shoes, each pair is created from a special plastic which can also be recycled. The flagship Melissa factory in Brazil testifies to the brand’s ethical employment standards; Melissa seeks to recruit struggling local artists in Sao Paolo. www.fashion-conscience.com

The North Circular For the Closet: Cosy knitted jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves in an understated colour palette of black, cream and navy. The pieces are super soft and perennially in vogue. Each design is created by talented knitters using Wensleydale wool from the Izzy Lane sheep sanctuary in Yorkshire and utilises the fashion credentials of models Lily Cole and Katharine Poulton, who founded the label.

For the conscience: A Sika look facilitates a consistent income for all of those involved in its manufacture within Ghana.

The fabrics are treated and transformed into something really special, which is redefining the way the industry perceives ethical design. www.sikadesigns.co.uk

Beulah London For the conscience: With each piece produced in the UK from a sustainable resource, The North Circular demonstrates a high level of social and environmental responsibility. The sheep sanctuary is also home to those animals who have avoided slaughter and ten per cent of the profits from the clothes go to the Environmental Justice Foundation. www.thenorthcircular.com

Sika For the Closet: Eye-catching and sophisticated occasion wear is at the heart of what Sika does best. The printed cocktail dresses are fashioned from authentic Ghanian natural fabrics and have even been singled out by Vogue as an ethical must-have.

For the Closet: Understated but glamorous maxi dresses in lustrous silky fabrics and bold tones of red and blue.

For the conscience: Each Beulah gown is ethically produced and comes presented in a signature canvas bag, created by women who have been victims of trafficking in India. A proportion of Beulah London’s profits also go to victims of the sex trade here in the UK, as well as supporting the UN Blue Heart Campaign. www.beulahlondon.com

33

DESIGNSALE Great savings on sofas, tables, wall systems and lots more!

Visit our professional Design Consultants in store and ask about our Free Interior Design Service or see all the great offers on www.boconcept.co.uk

BoConcept TCR 路 158 Tottenham Court Road 路 London W1T 7NH 路 0207 388 2447 路 tcrlondon@boconcept.co.uk

333_UK_TC_sale_city_angel.indd 1

17/11/11 20:38:38

interiors

concierge

interiors

news High-tech Home On 16 January John Lewis will unveil Krushr, a suitably sci-fi sounding kitchen appliance which makes recycling all the more convenient. It stores both general waste and recyclable materials, and compacts packaging by 75 per cent to save space. The unit can also be integrated into a sideboard or is available to stand alone, making it a viable tool in the eco-friendly market for a vast number of NW homes. The Krushr appliances start from £429. www.johnlewis.com

Awarded for Ethics

Diary Date The World Wildlife Fund has declared 8.30pm on 31 March, to be the start of this year’s Earth Hour. At this time, an estimated 1.8 billion people, in 138 countries around the globe, will be encouraged to save electricity and unite in

sixty minutes of darkness, to recognise the beauty of the earth and the need to protect it from various environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change.

Nkuku have been declared www.notonthehighstreet.com’s most ethical business and manage to consolidate a commitment to fair trade and the environment into their working approach. The site showcases pieces handmade by artisans who are recruited across India. These exceptional wares include beautiful coffee tables, ornate metal lanterns and baskets woven from natural fibres by a collective of 400 craftswomen. www.nkuku.com

www.wwf.org.uk//earthhour

Conscientious Design Following on from the quirky, monochrome Karl Lagerfeld tumblers featured in Vantage recently, this month we were glad to discover some similarly contemporary pieces from Bib & Sola. The new brand is the brainchild of lifestyle designer Kira Heuer, who fuses her talent for fashion and design with a passion for sustainable living. The range is inspired by the composure of female water bearers across the world and a percentage of the proceeds from each sale goes towards The One Foundation’s development of pump water systems in Malawi. www.bibandsola.com

35

the trend Style your home ethically without forsaking elegant rooms, and take inspiration from the organic, the upcycled and the environmentally-sound

Seagrass Fine Herringbone Rug, £POA The Natural Rug Store, www.naturalrugstore.co.uk Tall Copper Candlestick, £60, Danaqa www.danaqa.com

Oval Shaped Copper Vase, £35 Danaqa, www.danaqa.com

interiors

concierge

Glass & Brass Chandelier with Arrow Shaped Drops, £1,295, Barovier & Tosa at Decoratum, www.decoratum.com Cushion Cover with River £65, Danaqa, www.danaqa.com

Cashmere Hottie Cover, £75, Celtic Sheepskin www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk

Illuminated Dining Table, £12,950 Decoratum, www.decoratum.com

Umbra Minimax Vintage Frame, £16 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

High-sided armchair reupholstered in Fornasetti Fabric £2,750, Decoratum, www.decoratum.com

Metallic Gold/Pewter Cushion, £65 Mumo, www.amara.co.uk

Infant Fleece, £75, Celtic Sheepskin www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk

37

concierge interiors Seba Dark Teak Bed, £1,195 Lombok, www.lombok.co.uk

St Germain GP Wallpaper, £65 per roll Farrow & Ball, www.farrow-ball.com

Piano Stool, £245, Lombok www.lombok.co.uk

Belle Fair Trade Quilt in Yellow, £140 Biome Lifestyle, www.biomelifestyle.com

38

HIRSH L O N D O N

REGAL COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM

Famous For Engagement Rings www.hirshlondon.com

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN - T +44 (0)20 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH - T +44 (0)20 7831 3333

CanaryWharfJan2012Regal.indd 1

08/12/2011 15:49

BeoVision 7 They’re remarkably intuitive. Stunningly beautiful. And completely focused on discerning and satisfying you’re every viewing desire. The BeoVision 7-55 and 7-40 combine leading edge, perfectly synchronised components with our signature sound and vision technologies to provide a viewing experience that will engage, entertain and inspire you like never before – all on your own terms. An experience that begins the instant you settle into your favourite chair and pick up your Beo6 remote, which enables you to control everything with ease.

For Mayfair Magazine a free For more more information information about our full range of products, products,contact contactus usquoting quotingThe Vantage Magazine for for a free consultation consultation in in our our showroom showroomor oreven evenyour yourown own home. home.

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea Scan the code with your Smartphone to browse Bang & Olufsen on your mobile. Download a QR reader app from your app store. A charge may be applied by your network provider.

147 Kings Road, London SW3 5TX Tel: 020 7376 5222 Email: chelsea@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/chelsea

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea - BeoVision 7-55 advert - Place at 100% (297 x 210mm) Production questions:

interiors

concierge

Divine Design

From the very start, sustainability has played a major role in the development of the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort, but at no point has it compromised on style. We take a look inside the resort’s flagship hotel, the Chedi Andermatt, a veritable hymn to alpine decadence

T

he small town of Andermatt is regarded as an alpine gem; a charming village which sits proudly below the slopes of the Gemsstock and the Nätschen mountain, enjoying expansive views along the valley floor. It is a unique and beautiful natural setting, and it’s fitting that, in keeping with the locale, the resort also has some impressive green credentials.

From the outset, the planning and building process was carried out in close cooperation with local residents, environmental associations, heritage protection, tourism organisations and local authorities. The use of carefully chosen resources is a central theme throughout, and all apartments and hotels meet the MINEGIE standard, a recognised Swiss Quality label for sustainable and ecological designed buildings with heavily reduced energy consumption.

Electricity and heat is obtained exclusively from renewable sources, and even the village centre is completely car-free.

In addition, the use of locally sourced materials, such as natural stone and gravel for concrete, has helped dramatically to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint; while an intelligent building automation system, which includes elevators with smart control, means energy output is reduced to only what is strictly necessary.

With this much attention to sustainable detail, you could wonder whether it’s had an impact on the level of luxury and style. Thankfully not. Five star hotel The Chedi Andermatt offers state-of-the-art lifestyle facilities, including restaurants, bars and sports services all presented with effortless alpine style and class. www.andermatt-swissalps.ch

41

“We took the essence of the local architecture and recreated it, without making a direct replica, so the alpine look has been made dynamic and cosy.�

Jean Michel-Gathy Denniston International Architects and Planners www.denniston.com.my

interiors

concierge

43

Exclusive Modern Furniture Made in Germany

Harrods Heal’s

3rd Floor Knightsbridge | www.hulsta-harrods.co.uk

1st Floor Tottenham Court Road | www.hulsta-heals.co.uk

Hülsta-Westend Hülsta-Bristol

23-25 Baker Street | www.westend.hulsta.co.uk

33 Wine Street, Bristol | www.bristol.hulsta.co.uk

www.hulsta.co.uk | the german furniture brand

Hulsta_C-Wharf_City_Oct11.indd 1

16/09/2011 13:30

beauty

concierge

beauty

news

ETHICAL TAN LIQUID GOLD

CRUELTY-FREE COSMETICS

© James King

Sienna Miller and Paul McCartney are among the stars backing the ‘No Cruel Cosmetics’ campaign, launched by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV). Despite a UK and EU ban on testing on animals, it is still possible to sell beauty products here, which may have been developed in this way in other parts of the world. A law preventing such imports is due to come into effect in 2013, though there are fears that the legislation could be delayed. The BUAV are petitioning the European Parliament to continue with the planned amendments. www.nocruelcosmetics.org

beauty scoop: Charlotte Colwell talks organic beauty Charlotte Colwell is a renowned facialist and organic beauty expert, having practiced with leading skincare brands for over ten years.

Charlotte has worked across Belsize Park and Primrose Hill and is now thankfully based at our local outpost of Triyoga. She believes organic ingredients are preferential as they do not disrupt the natural state of the skin, and the body.

Here are her top tips for those looking to discover the skin’s superfoods at home.

07747036920, www.charlottecolwell.co.uk

1. Start by cleansing and exfoliating your face.

Exfoliation assists cellular turnover, brightening your complexion.

2. Feed your skin with a superfood organic mask. Let it absorb for ten mins then remove with cool water. A good mask will be packed with ingredients to ‘treat’ your concerns.

3. A pply a facial oil to the chest, neck and face.

Stimulate the skin by massaging upwards with fingertips for one minute. Massage assists lymphatic drainage.

Charlotte’s TOP PRODUCTS 1. Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser, £29, Eminence Organics 2. Skin Radiance supplements, £38.50, Organic Pharmacy 3. Firming Facial Oil, £38, Pukka

1

2

3

4

4. Eight Greens Phyto Masque £37, Eminence Organics

A fully-organic self tan range has just launched which promises a natural-looking, flawless glow.

Available in both a spray and lotion formulation, Liquid Gold is not tested on animals, and is parabenfree and virtually odourless. www.liquidgoldspraytan.com

ETHICAL SKINCARE PUKKA

One of the most interesting organic options to land on our beauty desk this month is the Nourishing Brightener from Pukka’s ayurvedic skincare selection. The exfoliator is made with ground bilberries and almonds and is great at brightening the skin. www.pukkaherbs.com

ETHICAL HAIRCARE DGJ ORGANICS

Organic essential oils are amongst the components of the DGJ Organics products which include those devised for intensive repair, daily maintenance and colour care. The range was developed over the course of eight years in association with Daniel Galvin Junior and is of professional quality, having been tested in salons. www.danielgalvinjnr.co.uk

45

Best of beauty All Good Things

Eyeshadow Duo in Rose/ Prune Takato £15.95, Terre d’Oc www.terredoccosmetics.co.uk

Elixir Lip Plumping Gloss £18 Vapour Organic Beauty www.beingcontent.com

NataliaYeromina / Shutterstock.com

Liquid Foundation £34.50 Sappho Organic Cosmetics www.xynergy.co.uk

Certified Organic Eyeliner in Coco £11.75, Inika www.inikacosmetics.co.uk

Trend Alert GROWN-UP GLAMOUR Now is the time to master transitional looks which blend fashion’s vampish autumnal muse with spring/summer’s pretty colour palette. Thankfully organic cosmetics have evolved from the days of insipid tones and unworkable textures and are now ideal for creating a sultry and sophisticated finish.

RECREATE THE LOOK 1. Apply foundation only where necessary, lightly with a brush, to achieve a dewy glow 2. Earth-toned eye shadows are broadly flattering and can be layered for an evening look 3. Smudge kohl eye liner on the upper and lower lash line for added definition 4. Finish with a bright slick of lip gloss.

beauty

Essentials

Address Book Africology Spa

For Charity

4 Regent Place, W1B 5EA www.africology-uk.com Africology is renowned in its native South Africa for the luxurious and entirely natural ingredients in its product range, which is used in some of the world’s most exclusive spa resorts. The formulations chosen are never derived from, or tested on, animals and are presented in environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging. The brand is also known to promote sustainability and support its local communities, boosting its ethical credentials.

In September of last year, Africology opened its first UK outpost beneath the

concierge

Pampering is always a feel good activity, but no less so than when the beauty products involved benefit worthwhile causes Viva Glam Melt Your Heart Lip Bag by MAC for the MAC AIDS Fund, £29.50 www.maccosmetics.co.uk

hustle and bustle of the West End. The sanctuary offers a range of indulgent facials which use essential oils to promote rejuvenation and relaxation.

Three of a Kind BRITISH BRANDS One of the keys to sourcing ethical products, whether you’re looking for the eco-friendly, the natural or the vegan, is identifying where the ingredients within them have come from. Thankfully there are some fantastic British beauty brands utilising home-grown constituents which are mild and morally-sound.

1. Bloom and Blossom’s Baby Balm is an award-winning intensive moisturiser which adheres to the brand’s ethos of ‘minimum ingredients with maximum results’. It is ideal for both mums and babies.

2. Green & Spring products include Relaxing Shampoo which is handmade in the British Isles. It is free of parabens and other potentially harmful additives and comes in 100 per cent recyclable packaging.

3. SeaScape Island Apothecary also strives for purity and provenance, using ethical suppliers in Jersey and aiming to capture the simplicity of island living in its formulations. The Unwind Body Wash is a bestseller.

Blush Compact by Lancome for The Golden Hat Foundation £30.60, www.johnlewis.com

1 2 Bright and Brave Nail Polish by Sophy Robson for All for Eve, £10.50, All For Eve www.allforeve.co.uk

1 Baby Balm, £16, Bloom and Blossom www.bloomandblossom.com

2 Relaxing Shampoo, £16, Green & Spring www.greenandspring.com

3 Unwind Bodywash, £16, Seascape Island 3

Apothecary, www.seascapeuk.com

Limited Edition Kissable Lip Set by Clinique for Great Ormand Street’s Kiss it Better Appeal, £25 Clinique, www.clinique.co.uk

47

concierge beauty

Essential Expertise Long associated with using the best in essential oils and natural ingredients to offer divine products which soothe and calm, Aromatherapy Associates have now opened their flagship boutique and treatment rooms in Knightsbridge. Emma Mills went to try it out

S

et over two floors, offering both a shop upstairs and treatment rooms downstairs, the hotly anticipated Aromatherapy Associates flagship store is perfectly reflective of their successful brand – calming, natural and luxurious.

Approach This iconic brand, which has been teaching, practicing and blending oils since the seventies, focuses on offering a niche set of core products, whose basis lies in using the healing benefits of essential oils and the holistic approach of aromatherapy. The range is divided into a series of themes depending on what your specific needs are: revive, enrich, renew, de-stress, relax and support. Within these categories there are sumptuous bath oils, healing face masks, soothing muscle gel, divine fragrances, energising body wash and enriching hair oil.

The boutique and rooms, for the first time, allow Aromatherapy Associates a dedicated space to offer a wide-variety of healing treatments.

Surroundings The ground floor of the shop on Montpellier Street is the perfect place to browse and sample (very generously, I might add) the full range of Aromatherapy Associates’ products.

A warm, neutral space, it has a relaxed

48

atmosphere and offers excellent, informative service. Up here you can try mini-treatments, get advice on the best products for your body and mind, and even create a personalised prescription with co-founder, Geraldine Howard.

Downstairs treatment rooms are welcoming and warm with soothing colours, vast beds and textures of velvet, cotton and marble. I felt instantly relaxed and comfortable. The relaxation space is calm and quiet, and ideal for taking some time to zone out after your treatment, while enjoying a generous selection of herbal teas, flavoured waters and a menu of macaroons, fresh fruits, nuts, and even mini canapés. Perfection.

Treatments All treatments use Aromatherapy Associates products and the menu has been carefully considered with city dwellers and busy lives in mind.

Choose from highly acclaimed classics designed to revive and refresh face and body, such as the Age Repair Facial or Essential Rose Facial, or the amazing and divine de-puffing treatment, a miracle for face and body.

If you want to look after your mind, the uplifting mood and clear your mind healing treatments are excellent, while the Sleep Deeply offering is a godsend for the sleep deprived. n www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Spa Spotlight ...

City Stress Buster New and exclusive to the flagship store is the ‘City Stress Buster’, a bespoke treatment, incorporating customised massage, cranial and spinal pressures. It started with an initial consultation with my therapist to make up a completely bespoke treatment, targeted to my own needs. We discussed that I was suffering from muscular tension, tight shoulders and neck, as well as the fact that I had numerous pre-Christmas deadlines coming up and was quite tired juggling several things at once.

My therapist then put together a sumptuous 60 minute session that left me feeling focused and calm about the coming days. A divine massage with AA’s signature oils started off the treatment, followed by pressure on various points on my head and spine, which loosened and opened tight parts of my muscles and joints, and felt amazing. Following this I spent some time in the relaxation room allowing the oils to absorb into my body and my state of calm to endure. A wonderful tonic to a busy urban life.

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

The Wellington Hospital, located in St John’s Wood, is one of the world’s leading private hospitals It has an international reputation for outstanding care in areas of medicine including: cardiac services, neurosurgery, liver and HPB medicine, acute neurological rehabilitation, gynaecology, orthopaedics and many more

Patients can enjoy luxury accommodation, together with a warm and friendly service, all of which create a caring environment and a comfortable hospital experience.

Our team of consultants and medical professionals are capable of dealing with a wide range of complex medical and surgical problems, including acute admissions.

We have the very latest imaging technology, including

X-ray Ultrasound MRI Mammography

Our award-winning Intensive Care Unit combines the highest quality of critical care nursing, with 24/7 access to Intensive Care specialists and support services.

The Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre based in Golders Green, offers premium healthcare for all the family.

Children’s Health Services Reproductive Health Private GPs Diagnostic and Imaging Services

The Platinum Medical Centre is an ultra-modern outpatient and day surgery facility, located in St John’s Wood.

Providing patients with state-of-theart imaging, outpatient and cancer care services.

With a fully integrated service, The Wellington Hospital can provide each patient with the care and support they need.

For enquires or information call our team today The Wellington Hospital Wellington Place, St John’s Wood London. NW8 9LE

Telephone: 0207 483 5148 / Fax: 0207 483 5618 wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk www.thewellingtonhospital.com

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

health & fitness

concierge

health & fitness

news The It-girls’ Facial Alex Karidis is renowned for his work within the cosmetic surgery field, so it’s always encouraging when he backs less dramatic skincare interventions. The latest addition to his clinic at Kallima, The Spa at the London Syon Park hotel, is the DermaQuest pumpkin peel, which stimulates the production of collagen to refresh and revive the face. Application of an exfoliating aromatic mask follows analysis under skin imaging technology to best direct any treatment.

New Year, New You St John’s Wood based company Sportiva have developed an ideal package to kick-start a New Year exercise regime. The 28 Day Re-Programme encourages fitness, toning and weight loss through a combination of fitness and exercise. The back-tobasics regime is supplemented with two sixty-minute nutrition consultations, eight personal training sessions and incentives such as weekly body composition analysis over the course of the month and is marketed as the first of its kind in the UK. www.sportivapt.com

The Natural Touch

Many are aware of the extensive range of treatments available at Harrods Urban Retreat spa. However, the beauty destination also has alternatives which suit this month’s holistic perspective on all things good for you, such as Intuitive Healing.

This works on the basis that true inner wellbeing is reflected in our internal state and sessions are available individually or as a course.

Billed as the environmentally-derived Botox, Naturalox is an organic serum which is designed to minimise the signs of ageing. The active ingredient is Argireline which has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 50 per cent within 30 days, which may deter some from seeking more invasive cosmetic treatments. The formulation also provides some sun protection and increased hydration.

www.urbanretreat.co.uk

www.organicnaturalox.co.uk

www.kardis.co.uk

INSIDE OUT

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

53

Test of Time Mr Gidon Lieberman, consultant gynaecologist, explains that fertility tests provide the answer if you want to start a family

For most couples, achieving a pregnancy is something that is

Of course, trying to conceive is full of anxiety and questions; with

taken for granted. However for some, it’s not that easy. In fact, it’s

every month the pressure of trying to have a baby can put a lot

estimated that one in seven couples in the UK suffer from some

of strain on relationships and everyday life. The press and glossy

sort of fertility problem and trying to conceive is the second most

mags are always full of fertility stories and celebrity mums who have

common reason for young women to see their GP.

children without any problems.

The good news is that most couples that seek help will go on

In order to reassure would-be parents, it is perfectly reasonable

to have healthy pregnancies without any treatment, and in cases

to have non-invasive investigations to make sure that the basic

where treatment is required it is often limited to a minimal amount

ingredients for conceiving are all present. These include urine and

of intervention.

blood tests to confirm a woman is ovulating, as well as checking the

comprehensive and convenient care The Lister Fertility Clinic and the Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre have recently collaborated – creating easier access to world-class fertility treatment The Lister Fertility Clinic in Chelsea is the largest family centre in the UK. Since its opening in 1988 it has earned the reputation as one of the most successful fertility units in the country, with success rates well above the national average.

The Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre (WDOC), located in Golders Green, is a popular choice for local residents who want fast access to state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostics, GPs, and renowned consultants covering all forms of medicine.

Mr Gidon Lieberman will be based at WDOC, and offer patients

initial and follow-up consultations, arrange investigations and discuss different treatment options. There is no waiting time for treatment and patients can usually start treatment at a time that suits them.

Treatments available If necessary, a semen test can be arranged at The Lister Fertility Clinic prior to the initial appointment at WDOC. An ultrasound scan is normally carried out the same day of the consultation and results can be discussed that same day. Couples will be

ovarian reserve - the ability of the ovary to produce eggs that are capable of fertilisation and producing a healthy pregnancy.

A comprehensive result from a semen analysis test takes just a few days, and an ultrasound examination will demonstrate the health of the uterus and ovaries. In all it shouldn’t take more than a month to collect all this information- the results of which, more often than not, can provide a great deal of reassurance for those trying to get pregnant. If fertility treatment is needed, it is often in the form of encouraging ovulation which involves small amounts of medication.

There are many reasons for not conceiving, however in some couples there is simply no reason why it’s not happening, this is called unexplained sub-fertility. In these cases, there are several avenues for treatment including intra-uterine insemination (IUI) which involves washing and preparing the sperm before it is placed into the womb via a thin straw.

While IVF and similar technologies are only required for the minority of couples they are good at overcoming the more serious fertility issues such as damaged fallopian tubes or a very low sperm count. Although IVF is viewed as the best fertility treatment, its use needs to be balanced against the complications that can arise during treatment. IVF is a great treatment when it is needed, but its use should be limited to those that definitely need it.

Much of the stress of fertility treatment can be taken away by seeing the same doctor and nurse throughout the treatment so queries, questions and reassurance can be given in a timely and appropriate way.

So remember, while delays in conceiving can be anxious times, most people will conceive by themselves - and when help is needed there is a great deal that can be offered.

able to have all their ovulation induction, cycle monitoring and blood tests at the centre in Golders Green, reducing the number of visits to The Lister Fertility Clinic.

After cycle preparation, egg collection and embryo transfer will be carried out at The Lister Fertility Centre in Chelsea.

This partnership of two prestigious centres will bring the best of The Lister Fertility Clinic’s services closer to the North London community.

Top Tips • Start taking folic acid • Make sure you have been immunised against German measles • Don’t smoke • Being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility • Try not to over-analyse your menstrual cycle • Seek help and advice early if you are worried • Most fertility tests can be done quickly • Most couples don’t need any treatment • Most problems can be helped

Meet the Consultant Mr Gidon Lieberman BSc, MBChB, MD, MRCOG is a consultant gynaecologist and sub-specialist in reproductive medicine and surgery, based at the Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre in Golders Green.

He is also a consultant surgeon at The Whittington Hospital, and an honorary senior lecturer at University College Hospital, London.

His special interests include sub-fertility, PCOS, menstrual disorders and early pregnancy scanning.

The Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre in Golders Green, offers a full fertility and gynaecology diagnostic service with satellite IVF links with the Lister Fertility Clinic.

To arrange an appointment at the Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre, please contact The Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.wellingtondiagnosticscentre.com

55

www.vgnewtrend.it

ph. Andrea Pancino C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

VG Studio at

inspirations vision

style

design

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

watches first place precision jewellery investment men’s luxury treat yourself .........

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

Homage to a Masterpiece

It took 200 people five years to make and incorporates six patented inventions. The world’s largest grasshopper escapement doesn’t just tell the time; it devours it

I

n 1714, the problem of determining longitude at sea accurately was considered so foremost that the British government offered today’s equivalent of £3 million to anyone who could solve it. When English clockmaker John Harrison invented the grasshopper escapement a decade later, he solved a puzzle that had baffled the world’s greatest minds for centuries. Now, 200 years on, British inventor John C. Taylor pays homage to the revolutionary mechanism with a creation that transmogrifies Harrison’s innovation. Taking its name from the Greek for ‘time eater’, the five-foot

face of the Chronophage is designed to represent time radiating from the centre of the universe like ripples on a golden pond; time itself is displayed by the opening of individual slits on the clock’s face.

While the rippling, gold-plated dial is a work of art in itself (the disk was moulded into shape via underwater explosions in a military research institute in Holland), the clock’s dominating feature is the fang-toothed monster that sits above it, snapping its jaws every 60 seconds to devour the minute that has just passed. Having been housed on the outer wall of Cambridge’s Taylor library, the Chronophage is now up for sale for £2 million. n

57

watches

collection

3 Of The Best...

watch

news

Investment watches As well as looking great on your wrist, choose the following timepieces and you’re likely to see a good return for your money

For £80,000...

Patrimony Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Vacheron Constantin

Haute Horology at Harrods Before the end of last year, if you had ever wanted to see the latest offerings from all the major watch brands in one place, you’d have headed to Selfridges Wonder Room. Now there’s another option. Boasting the same 18,000 square feet of retail space as its West London neighbour, Harrods’ Fine Watch Room rivals the Wonder Room on all fronts.

London’s latest horological haunt has become Europe’s largest permanent watch space, hosting 13 individual brand boutiques in addition to 35

other fine watch brands. Amid the black marble surfaces, sculpted glass and minimalist display cabinets, you’ll find marvellous creations from the likes of Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Panerai and Richard Mille, to name but a few.

If you’re after an investment piece this January, look out for the five exclusive watches that were created in celebration of the Fine Watch Room’s launch (although we doubt that Breguet’s ruby-set bracelet watch and Corum’s elegant rose gold and crocodile design will be in the sale).

For £20,000...

Daytona 6263, Rolex

One to Watch This month we choose what we consider the best watch to invest in from one of the watch industry’s shining lights: Patek Philippe

The ultra-thin perpetual calendar ranks among Patek’s most iconic timepieces.

Emphasizing the watch’s slender silhouette, the 2006 edition is the perfect addition to any investor’s collection

5140G Grand Complication £61,440, Patek Philippe Available at Mappin and Webb, 1 Old Bond Street

For £5,000...

Heuer Monaco Calibre 12, TAG Heuer

59

Kaleidoscope_FP_CanaryWharf_Layout 1 15/11/2011 14:53 Page 1

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

jewellery

collection

3 Of The Best…

jewellery

Engagement rings

news JEWEL TONES Historic jewellery brand Fabergé has returned to the heart of London. The new store featured a special lilac façade for the festive season, emulating the brand’s renowned guilloche and enamel techniques. Fabergé collections are admired for being imbued with artistry and refined ideals of beauty and, wholly dedicated to the pursuit of perfection, the exquisite collections succeed in linking Fabergé’s ancient heritage with a sense of modernity.

Fabergé has also announced that its jewellery and watch collections are now available at Harrods. Managing and Creative Director Katharina Flohr, stated: “We are thrilled to open the doors to the first Fabergé boutique in London since 1915. This is an important moment for us and for Fabergé to continue Peter Carl Fabergé’s legacy of exquisite creations and outstanding craftsmanship. Fabergé continues to attract a customer base of discerning devotees, seeking special personal possessions and gifts which illuminate the captivating world of Fabergé, linking past, present and future.”

‘Ballerine’ platinum and diamond ring POA, cartier www.cartier.com

www.faberge.com

‘TÊte-À-TÊte’ platinum and diamond engagement ring £34,000, Van Cleef & Arpels

Cutting Edge

www.vancleef-arpels.com

Joanna Hardy has teamed up with Shizaru, the contemporary art gallery on Mount Street, to create a display that transforms jewellery from a commodity into a decorative art form

The “Contra Mundum” is a bespoke diamond glove by designer Shaun Leane and it certainly lives up to its controversial name. Giving costume jewellery a new meaning, it is bound to make even Daphne Guinness take notice, making it our pick for this month’s cutting edge item

Bespoke 18-carat white gold and 5,000 pavÉ white diamonds glove, POA Shaun Leane, www.shaunleane.com

‘Spaghetti’ diamond ENGAGEMENT ring from £18,550, Boodles www.boodles.com

61

First Place

precision Considering it almost perfect, in 1865 Swiss watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot chose to name a movement he had created after the word that designates the highest point in the universe. Nearly 150 years later, Richard Brown discovers that Zenith’s intricate timepieces continue to imitate the complexity of the constellations

I

f the trophy cabinets of the world’s leading watch brands were to be assembled together in one room, you can be certain that one cabinet would be fuller than most. That is, of course, if Zenith’s hoard of awards managed to make it through the door.

Over the last century and a half, not only has the Swiss manufacturer notched up a prodigious 1,420 international decorations for its precision timepieces but of those 1,420, 1,398 have been awarded first place prizes. This is rather impressive for a manufacturer that in 1975 was ordered by its US owners to discontinue its mechanical watchmaking operations and send to the scrap yard all of its horological machines, calibres and tools.

Luckily for Zenith, it was an order that Charles Vermot, head of the chronograph studios at the time, found that he couldn’t face carrying out. At the risk of losing his job, Vermot began hiding essential tools and components, meticulously labelling, listing and classifying the cams, cutting tools, presses and machines while recording the entire production process in a notebook.

feature

Vermot wouldn’t have known it at the time but his actions were to prove critical to the survival of the brand. Nine years later, as the watch industry emerged from the quartz crisis and mechanical watches began to find favour once more, Vermot’s deeds allowed Zenith to reinstall the entire set of watch-making equipment that would have otherwise been scrapped. The brand that had bestowed upon the world its first automatic chronograph movement, the El Primero, was back in business and now it was being approached by a host of other illustrious manufacturers who sought the company as a supplier for their own movements, brands that included Rolex, Ebel, Panerai, Concord and Parmigiani.

The last two decades of the 20th century saw Zenith continue to bolster its reputation as one of the most innovative watch manufacturers in the industry, most notably thanks to models such as the celebrated Grande Chronomaster XXT Open. In 2000 the brand became part of the LVMH group which decided it would henceforth reserve the El Primero movement exclusively for Zenith pieces. Today, Zenith remains a brand esteemed by industry professionals, experts and collectors alike, having just last year picked up both the 2011 Watch World Award’s ‘Watch of the Year’ and ‘Complicated Watch of the Year’ for its Christophe Colomb – a piece that spent a total of five years in development.

Of course, with reputations of greatness come great expectations, a fact of which Rebecca McDermott, Brand Director of Zenith UK, is all too aware. Luckily, says McDermott, the pressure is something the company’s master watchmakers thrive on:“Zenith’s strategy is not to invest in ‘celebrity’ ambassadors but to invest in the development of ground-breaking research and development. Precision remains our obsession and the Striking 10th and Christophe Colomb models are perfect examples of Zenith’s exclusive innovations.”

While celebrity endorsement may not figure in the brand’s marketing strategy, that’s not to say Zenith watches haven’t appeared on a number of notable wrists: Ghandi’s, JFK’s and Pope Pius X’s to name but a few. For them, Zenith represented the pinnacle of precision, “a gateway into a world of watch making above and beyond ‘mass-market’ luxury,” as McDermott puts it.

Zenith’s reputation revolves around exactitude and exclusivity; every Calibre is manufactured in-house and Zenith

only produces in a full year the number of watches some brands might produce in a week. It was in 1969, however, when the brand cemented itself as an industry heavyweight.

Before then, all chronographs required manual winding; no one had successfully managed to integrate the automatic winding mechanism into a chronograph movement. When Zenith became the first to do so with the El Primero, the most famous movement in watchmaking history, it revolutionized the entire chronograph market. The significance of the El Primero, however, as McDermott explains, did not stop there. “The movement was also the world’s first high frequency chronograph, meaning that the balance spring [the time-regulating organ] beats more times per hour than a regular watch from another brand – 36,000 times to be precise, compared to the industry standard of 28,800. The benefit of the higher frequency is that the ‘sweep’ of the El Primero’s seconds hand is created by ten beats per second as opposed to eight, meaning that the chronograph can be stopped accurate to 1/10th of a second.” To date, the El Primero remains the world’s most accurate series-produced movement.

How, then, does a brand that has for almost 150 years enjoyed industry-leading status guarantee that it remains among the watch elite? “Adaptability is key,” says McDermott. “If you’re not faster, smarter and stronger than your competition then you will fall behind. Creating products that are relevant to modern tastes is essential; however this should never be done at the expense of the traditional values that your company was founded on.”

It is a strategy that has served Zenith well, one in part responsible for the company’s CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour being announced as the watch industry’s 2010 ‘Man of the Year’. Planning once again to revolutionize the high frequency chronograph market in the coming months, and with its 150th anniversary just around the corner, the future of Zenith looks as starry as the sky from which it took its name. “The next five years will see us build on an already successful collection,” says McDermott. “Using our rich heritage as inspiration we will expand into exciting new directions.” Zenith will, no doubt, receive more recognition for doing so. Good news for Zenith; bad news for the person dusting the trophy cabinet. n

collection

Above from left: Zenith El Primero Striking 10th; Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb; Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb

Of course, with reputations of greatness come great expectations but the pressure is something Zenith’s master watchmakers thrive on

Zenith watches are available at Marcus, 170 New Bond Street

63

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 ’ 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

men’s luxury

collection

2 3

1 4

yourself 5 8

1

6

Stave off the January blues by indulging in attention-grabbing accessories, certain to put more than a spring in your step

9

7 10

© Tiffany & Co.

Treat

RZ8 Ziletto Slyder cufflinks, POA, Roland Iten at Harrods, www.harrods.com 2 RM 011 DLC Titanium Orange, £55,000, Richard Mille at Marcus Watches, 170 New Bond Street 3 Parentesi cufflinks in white gold and pavé diamonds, £2,480, Bulgari, www.bulgari.com 4 Tambour Diver Chronograph, £30,000 Louis Vuitton, www.louisvuitton.com 5 ‘Bulgari Bulgari’ money clip in sterling silver and black onyx, £250, Bulgari, as before 6 Opus Eleven, £160,000, Harry Winston, www.harrywinston.com 7 1837 cufflinks in titanium, £270, Tiffany & Co, www.tiffany.co.uk 8 The Legend Safe, £215,000, Döttling, www.doettling.com 9 Horological Machine No.4 Thunderbolt Flying Panda, £145,260, MB&F at Marcus Watches, as before 10 R8 MKII Sport belt, POA, Roland Iten at Harrods, as before

65

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental... ...but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Whether for an anniversary or a birthday, for saying “I love you” or “forgive me”, these precious jewels could prove one of the soundest investments you’ll ever make

25

th

Sterling Silver (25th Anniversary) A monumental milestone for any married couple, it is vital to continue to invest in the relationship and in one another. Sterling silver jewellery remains sophisticated, classic and suitable for all occasions, including important milestones in daughters’ lives, such as graduations or birthdays.

Never failing to go out of style, silver’s enduring place in fashion history makes it the perfect investment piece to ensure that your marriage continues to be long-lasting or that your daughter feels suitably treasured.

Above: Silver Winged Art Pendant & Chain in Medium, £275 Theo Fennell, www.theofennell.com Below: Superstud Chainmail Bracelet in Sterling Silver, £1,095, Stephen Webster, www.stephenwebster.com

Perfect Pearls (30th Anniversary) “The pearls were accidents and the finding of one was luck, a little pat on the back by God or the gods both” - (John Steinbeck, The Pearl).

Throughout history and literature, the pearl has become synonymous with the adjectives rare, fine, admirable and valuable. If you have been fortunate enough to find everlasting love, there is no better way to commemorate this unique union than by presenting your wife with an inimitable piece of natural beauty to mark 30 years together.

Above: Opulence Necklace, £510,000, Mikimoto www.mikimoto.co.uk Right: Baroque Ring in White Gold with Cultured Pearl and Diamonds, £39,925, Chanel, www.chanel.com

30

th

jewellery

collection

40

th

Rare Rubies (40th Anniversary)

A vivid symbol of love and passion, the ruby’s rarity marks it as an exquisite and precious stone. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, whose love affair with jewellery was as true as her ardent romance with Richard Burton, always honoured the gem. Van Cleef & Arpels, which famously designed the spectacular 8.24-carat ruby ring which was given by Burton to Taylor as a token of love, once again pays tribute the stone in its Le Bal Oriental collection. Ruby is also the traditional birthstone of anyone born in the month of July, making rubies a thoughtful birthday present.

Fleurs Mystérieuses Necklace and Earrings with Rubies and Diamonds, POA, “Le Bal Oriental” collection at Van Cleef & Arpels, www.vancleef-arpels.com

Gorgeous Gold (50th Anniversary) Celebrate the start of your golden years with your loved one with one of Fabergé’s stunning golden egg pendants; customise for an added special touch with your wife’s favourite gems. Here the sumptuous rose gold quilted cushions are studded with rubies and amethysts, orange, yellow, pink and blue sapphires, tsavorite garnets, emeralds and brown and white diamonds, resulting in bejewelled grandeur fit for royalty. Alternatively, choose your daughter’s favourite gems and make her the envy of her friends.

Above: Parentesi Ring in 18-carat Yellow Gold with Demi Pavé Diamonds £4,058, Bulgari, www.bulgari.com Below: Oeuf Matelassé Coloré or Rose, Les Favorites de Fabergé £8,367, Fabergé, www.faberge.com

50

th Diamonds Are Forever (60th Anniversary) With Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee taking place this year, the event promises to be an elaborate and regal affair to honour the monarch’s abiding reign. The diamond, defined in Ancient Greek times as “unalterable”, “unbreakable”, and “untamed”, is the perfect emblem to celebrate not only this prodigious event but also you and your partner’s momentous 60th wedding anniversary. Equally, use the occasion, and the stone, to propose. As the saying goes, diamonds will always remain a girl’s best friend. n Above: Diamond Garland Necklace, POA, Harry Winston, www.harrywinston.com

60

th

Below: Wildflowers Three-flower Cluster Earrings, £12,780, De Beers, www.debeers.com

67

Moving

Mountains

The Turquoise Mountain jewellery collection comprises beautiful pieces with beautiful ethics, as Gabrielle Lane discovers in conversation with talented designer and charity ambassador Pippa Small

interview

E

very so often there is an idea, an article or an opportunity that the editorial team are very excited about.

And then there are those pieces, which are not only a pleasure to research and write, but end up completely inspiring the whole issue.

The story of jewellery designer, passionate anthropologist and charity ambassador Pippa Small, and particularly her work with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in the Middle East, is as fascinating as it is uplifting and led us to this month’s focus on ethical design and community spirit.

The Turquoise Mountain Foundation strives to preserve the traditional craft skills of the Afghan people, showcase their native culture and regenerate the cities which have been ravaged by war - work that has led HRH the Prince of Wales to declare his ‘enormous’ pride in the charity’s achievements.

With Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth (encompassing ancient Lapis mines, emeralds of Panshir, tourmalines and kunzite), the creation of fine jewellery is not only a much-needed income source, but serves as an empowering platform for education and hope for those who have endured such difficult times. It is an invaluable tool which Pippa Small understands entirely.

“My academic background is in anthropology and I went on to work in Human Rights after doing a masters in London,” she explains to me. “I worked with small indigenous groups in South East Asia on land issues, language and cultural rights and, as I became more involved with jewellery and design, I felt there was a way of bringing together income-generating projects in areas that needed assistance, while creating beautiful jewellery using the resources and aesthetic influences of the culture involved.”

It wasn’t long before her experiences and enthusiasm led her to the craftsmen and women of Kabul. “When I was asked to go to Afghanistan by Turquoise Mountain I was thrilled. I have long been fascinated with the country and moved by the huge challenges they face,” she says.

The first collection of Turquoise Mountain jewellery that Pippa created brought much needed funds to the project. Previously a collaborator with luxury brands such as Gucci and Chloe, her pieces were unsurprisingly popular in boutiques such as Astley Clarke in London.

However, four years later the designer is able to observe the more profound impact and successes of the Turquoise Mountain initiative which she and the team have been working tirelessly for.

“Originally I went to help a local workshop create a range which could be sold for income, but also to create a brand through which future graduates from the

collection

jewellery school which was started could find employment through,” she smiles. “Our greatest achievement was to see six young women hired to work on production after graduation last year. They are so proud to be working, employed, contributing financially to their families, going out and being part of a team. After all the horrors of the Talaban regime, it is a huge achievement that Turquoise Mountain has helped get these girls educated and employed.”

As we talk, Pippa portrays a joyful sense of life in the workshop, and indeed the town, where the bazaar is full of people shopping, music is playing and there is much laughter. She is also keen to talk of how friendly she has found the stall keepers, while regularly meeting shoppers and children on her way to work.

“For the last four years I was staying at the Khala - a beautiful stately old mud fort from the last century that was full of courtyards of pomegranate and mulberry trees, a pair of peacocks and a big white adopted dog, tucked away in the city. It was a heaven, with thick walls and straw ceilings rustling with animal life at night. The meals were communal, at long tables under the vines at night or in the kitchen in the cold winters, although now I stay at a quiet hotel full of interesting looking journalists!”

There is of course still great fear and violence in the region, which makes the work of the team all the more remarkable.

“The workshop itself has twice been destroyed by bomb blasts due to its unfortunate proximity to embassies,” she says, matter-of-factly. “Unsafe hours, when most attacks happen, are early morning and night so I head to work after the all-clear has been given. I am driven most of the way but the workshop is now buried among the twisting alleys where no cars can go. The tension in the city is palpable but we are taking each day at a time and we just keep the work going.”

Evidence of this determination comes in the form of a striking new collection which is inspired by the folk desert traditions and uses silk textiles that are woven in northern Afghanistan, as well as locally-sourced lapis stones set on to chokers and cuffs of silk.

“It’s perfect for people drawn to strong design, colour and statement gems,” says Pippa.

“Those women who have an interest in the story and are delighted to be supporting the charity.”

Such beautiful designs with a worthwhile cause can certainly count on our support. n www.pippasmall.com www.turquoisemountain.org

69

exceeding your expectations

Luxury

Car Hire

Whether it’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

motoring sports games

Hybrid Engines INvest in sport ........................horses for courses ........................................

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

Drive Time

F Climatecars is an eco-friendly, green alternative to the more traditional taxi service

ounded by entrepreneur Nicko Williamson, Climatecars offers all the professionalism and luxury of a standard car service, but uses hybrid cars instead, to ensure their impact on the environment is minimal.

It costs a company nothing to switch its taxi account to a green alternative, and there are major bonus points to be gained in terms of corporate social responsibility. Climatecars’ vehicles produce 89g of carbon per kilometre against 159g for a standard people-carrier and 233g for the latest generation of black taxi.

While the traditional taxi and private hire trade is notoriously slow to innovate, the hybrid and electric is advancing all the time, and next year Climatecars is adding the latest pure electric cars to its current fleet of 80 vehicles. Williamson says: “Being green does not mean having to forego any benefits. The model we use is as roomy as most saloons, ours have leather seats and Belu bottled water as standard. We don’t want to give up those little touches just because we’re trying to be environmentally-sound.” n www.climatecars.com

71

Redefining Life on the Road

If you are a regular attendee of motor expos, you’ll have noticed the increasing number of electric and hybrid cars being brought to the stands. Richard Brown explains how, as the world runs out of oil and its inhabitants grow more ecologically minded, electric vehicles will play an increasingly bigger part in getting you from A to B

motoring

L

et’s start by dispelling the myriad myths that have married themselves to the concept of the electric car. One: electric cars travel only a handful of miles before they run out of juice. Untrue; after a night on charge, most will last for a range of somewhere between 60 and 90 miles. Two: electric cars are slow. False; the Telsa Roadster will take you from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, outperforming almost all sports cars in its class. Three: electric cars are ugly. Go to Google. Type in ‘Lightning GT’. You’ll see that there are some electric vehicles that will give any Aston Martin a run for its money in the looks department.

Of the major car manufacturers, it was the US conglomerate General Motors that unveiled the first all-electric car back in 1996. Put into production in response to a Californian mandate that wanted two per cent of all cars sold in the state to boast zero-emissions by 1998, the EV-1 was, although fullyfunctional, both expensive and, due to the inaptitude of the battery that powered it, vastly impractical.

Fast forward a decade and a half, and things have moved on. A new generation of lithium-ion batteries have extended the range that electric vehicles can travel before they need recharging, in some cases to as many as 150 miles, while simultaneously reducing the time it takes to recharge them.

In fact, not since the second half of the 19th century, when pioneering engineers were shocking the world with their horseless carriages, has the automotive industry bore witness to such widespread innovation. What once appeared on bedroom posters and desktop-backgrounds as concept cars are now real-life models progressing though production lines as the globe’s automotive giants scramble to secure their share of the future motor industry.

Following in the wake of the Toyota Prius, a car that by the beginning of 2011 had recorded over two million worldwide sales, 2010 saw the unveiling of both the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Testament to how technology has advanced, the Leaf has a range of 110 miles and is capable of running at the equivalent of 99 miles per gasoline gallon, while the Volt, the State’s most fuelefficient car, can travel a staggering 380 miles thanks to a lithium- ion battery pack that weighs 197 kg and comprises 288 individual cells.

The truth is that the beginning of the end for the traditional automobile engine has begun. Improvements in technology, coupled with record-high oil prices and a more environmentally-minded world, mean that the future of the

calibre

motor industry lies in fuel efficient, low emission, electric and hybrid vehicles.

What Toyota started with the Prius, Vauxhall, Citroen and Ford have been quick to duplicate. Having invested in rolling out the car from North America to the rest of the world, Ford’s Focus EV proves that electric vehicles are no longer destined to remain mere concepts, while Citroen’s C-Zero, by boasting a maximum speed of over 80 mph and the ability to recharge to 80 per cent in just half an hour, dispels the illusions that electric cars crawl at a snail’s pace and take an eternity to repower. If anyone doubted the appeal of environmentally friendly cars to the mass market, the 5,000 reservations that Vauxhall took for their Ampera

by June 2011, can be used to demonstrate demand.

By 2050, 60 per cent of the American automobile market is expected to be accounted for by plug-in hybrids – something that will reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 450 million tonnes a year. Illustrating that it’s not just lower-end manufacturers vying for a slice of the lucrative, electric car pie, a host of luxury brands have been investing heavily in providing wealthy drivers with energyefficient, low emission options.

As well as the stunning SLS AMG E-cell, Mercedes has launched its S-class hybrid, with BMW following suit with a similar version of its 7-Series. Rolls-Royce has unveiled its 102FX, an electrically-powered Phantom which has been nicknamed the EE (for Experimental Electric) that will be used to gauge customer reaction in order to justify full scale production.

Even the Audi R8 Spyder – one of the most desirable cars on the road today – is set for an all-electric remodelling.

Expected to hit showrooms at the end of 2012, the Audi e-tron will use four electric motors and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery to deliver 3,319 pounds of torque and get the car from 0 to 60 in fewer than five seconds.

While a cheap, reliable, all-electric vehicle may still not currently exist, most employ a range of hybrid engines that use advanced batteries to supplement elements of the traditional internal combustion engine or vice versa, it’s clear that car manufacturers are investing heavily to make sure they soon will. 75 electric or electric-hybrid models are anticipated to be cruising British roads by the end of 2013 alone. With a series of emission restrictions set to be implemented on manufactures across the globe within the next few years, filling up at the plug rather than at the petrol pump could become a reality sooner than you’d thought. n

73

sports

sports

news

calibre

Return of the Six Nations Following the departure of team manager Martin Johnson in the wake of England’s farcical performance at last summer’s World Cup, the defending Six Nations champions will be hoping that this year’s tournament sees attention return to their performance on the pitch.

In-form Wales, on the other hand, who narrowly missed out on a place in the World Cup final, having lost 9–8 to France in the semi-finals, will head into the tournament in buoyant spirits. The 13th series of the Six Nations Championship will kick off on the first weekend of February, with France playing host to Italy, Scotland facing England and Ireland taking on Wales. For the first time since they entered the tournament in 2000, Italy will play its home matches in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, instead of the city’s Stadio Flaminio.

Home

marcokenya / Shutterstock.com

www.rbs6nations.com

Horses for Courses While the stock market presents an obvious way to invest, it’s certainly not the most exhilarating nor, necessarily, the most fruitful. With racehorse ownership being more affordable than ever, horse racing is becoming an increasingly appealing way of investing your money. From sole ownership to partnerships, company ownership to club syndicates, there are numerous ways of investing in a horse. Although the risks may be high, the rewards can be immense, made even more exciting by the joy of watching your own racehorse cross the line first.

Racehorse trainer John Best has built a

reputation for spotting relatively cheap young horses that go on to compete at the highest level.

Kingsgate Native 20,000 guineas was purchased

by John and went on to win two Group 1’s and prize money of more than £400,000 before being sold for a figure in excess of £1 million. John has made a name for himself by setting up syndicates that race with a view to returning a profit, enabling owners to re-invest and increase both their racing opportunities and the fun and excitement of competing at many of the major meetings.

Visit www.johnbestracing.com and call 07889 362154 or 01622 880276 for more information

fstockfoto / Shutterstock.com

AWAY

Africa Cup of Nations The African equivalent of our European Championships, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will take place between 21 January and 12 February 2012. As host countries, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea automatically qualified for the tournament, which will be contested between 44 nations split into 11 groups.

Having being paired in Group A alongside Senegal, Libya and Zambia, Henri Michel, head coach of Equatorial Guinea, knows his team face a tough challenge to progress. “Every game will be like attacking Everest,” said the Frenchman. “If we succeed it will be a major feat.” The last three Africa Cup of Nations have been won by Egypt.

Australian Open With a total prize pool of more than £16 million, and the men’s and women’s champions each taking home a record £1.4 million, 2012’s Australian Open will offer its competitors the highest prize money in the history of Grand Slam tennis.

Having ended last year on a high by winning the ATP World Tour Finals title at The O2, Federer will head to Melbourne on a string of notable victories. Elsewhere, Australia’s Sam Stosur will be looking to delight home fans by building on her success at the 2011 US Open, where she beat Serena Williams on home turf.

16 - 29 January 2012 www.australianopen.com

Sporting Soundbite

There is nobody who understands elite rugby at the very top.

Sir Clive Woodward’s damning verdict of the Rugby Football Union

75

CHEN WEI SENG / Shutterstock.com

It’s all about

the Money

Lee Brooks takes a look at how sport has transformed itself from a profession which once sat alongside an ordinary day job to a multi-billion pound industry

S

port is a world of untold riches. From cricketer Kevin Pietersen earning £1 million for just 12 weeks work with the Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney earning £250,000 a week to Etihad Airways signing a ground-breaking ten year sponsorship deal with Manchester City for a reported £400 million, the potential to earn, and indeed spend, money is huge.

Of course, six-figure weekly salaries, multi-million pound sponsorship deals and lottery jackpot-sized prize funds for tournament victories haven’t always been the norm. As recently as the 1970s and 80s, leading footballers and rugby players would make their money from outside the sport and play the game as a second job. Welshman JPR Williams, for example, was an orthopaedic surgeon by day and legendary rugby full back by weekend.

sports

Over the last 30 years, however, we’ve seen more money come into sport as big businesses have seen how they can use it to boost their companies’ growth through advertising.

“Large companies are finding sport to be cost effective in communicating with a large audience,” said Steve Madincea, founder and group managing director of PRISM, a global sports PR and sponsorship agency which works with brands such as Red Bull Racing F1 team and Infiniti, the Champions League and Ford, and Ferrari and Shell, among others.

“We’ve seen a fragmentation of media, [with] so many TV channels and more people going online. Sport is one place where you can get a global audience.”

With events now signing up sponsors, organisers are able to offer better quality venues and healthier prize funds, which in turn attract bigger name athletes. This increases the profile of the tournament, which then attracts paying fans and also helps to drive up the price of TV rights fees. Each element feeds the other to force the figures up year-on-year.

Using the last 30 years as a barometer once more, we’ve also seen a massive change in the way audiences view sport.

When the number of TV channels was limited to just a handful, the amount of sports coverage available then pales into insignificance when you consider the dedicated sports channels in the form of Sky Sports and ESPN and the fact that the BBC has upped its scope of coverage through the use of the Red Button interactive service.

This competition has driven fees up (Sky spent £1.62 billion on TV rights when they negotiated fees in 2009), regardless of the recent economic downturn, in order to supply another much-needed source of revenue to the venues as well as to teams who compete (Premier League clubs shared £346 million in 1995, according to business analysts Deloitte. That figure rose to a mind-boggling £1.99 billion in 2009).

In Formula 1, for example, under the terms of the socalled Concorde Agreement, ten of the top 12 teams in the constructors’ standings at the end of the season share 50 per cent of the sport’s profits from sources such as TV rights and track advertising. There’s also good money to be made in appearance fees: the highest prize money for a world title bout was paid out in 2007 when Mexican boxer Oscar De La Hoya made a staggering £36 million for fighting Floyd Mayweather Jnr – and the Mexican didn’t even win, losing on a split decision.

Aside from sponsoring an event like the Champions League or the Super Bowl, large companies have found it incredibly beneficial to recruit athletes as ambassadors to endorse their products. Multiple Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy hit our screens after Beijing’s Games, promoting Kelloggs cereal Bran Flakes, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and US Open champion Rory McIlroy are the faces of bank Santander and of course the world’s most famous golfer Tiger Woods has been the face of grooming company Gillette (before he was dropped after a string of affairs were exposed), alongside former Arsenal footballer Thierry Henry and tennis legend Roger Federer.

However, while athletes continue to endorse products to

calibre

boost their income, they’ve become much choosier, according to Madincea. “If we go past the obvious money thing, athletes today are more particular about the brands that they are associated with,” said Madincea. “Now athletes are thinking: ‘What can these brands do for me? Can they help me raise my profile? Can they help me position myself as a more everyday type person?’ For the latter, I’m thinking of McLaren F1 driver Jenson Button and the Head & Shoulders deal as an example.

“There is no doubt that in most negotiations I’ve been involved in over the last couple of years, people are asking about the ‘Tiger Woods clause’, which is ironic mainly because that was the man everybody wanted to sponsor.

But let’s not forget that Nike made a tremendous amount of money out of Woods, and still do, while Woods obviously made a lot of money out of the deal, too.”

Despite losing five major endorsements in the last two years, Woods is still big business. He retains his Nike and EA Sports contracts and has replaced Tag Heuer with another luxury watch brand: Rolex. According to Sports Illustrated’s 2011 Fortunate 50 list, he earned £1.46 million in salary and winnings and approximately £38.2 million in endorsements and appearance fees, making him the top-earning athlete in the world.

Excluding Americans, Federer was the most financially successful athlete in 2011, bringing in £33.6 million, with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao second on £34.1 million, Ferrari F1 driver Fernando Alonso third (£28.6 million), Barcelona football wizard Lionel Messi fourth (£27.9 million) and Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo fifth (£24.7 million). The best placed Brit was Rooney, who endorses Nike and EA Sports, on £18.6 million and former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham just behind, on £17 million.

When it comes to overall wealth, former Blackburn player and Wigan Athletic FC owner Dave Whelan is currently the richest sportsman in Britain (according to The Sunday Times Rich List) with a net worth of £190 million. Beckham, who is coming to the end of a £128 million, five-year deal with Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy, is next up, with a net worth of £135 million. It’s no surprise that with figures like this, millions of children across the world aspire to pursue a career in sport, but it’s worth noting that for many, sport isn’t the pot of gold people perceive it to be. During the Pakistan cricket scandal court case, it emerged that some players on a central contract earn just £1,300 per month, which equates to about the same as the UK average wage of £26,470. And while still substantial, an average football player in the Championship, one level below the Premier League, earns £275,000 a year – a figure which is similar to some top players’ weekly income.

However, it remains true that there is money in sport – and plenty of it. Big businesses are finding sponsorship to be successful and cost effective and competition between TV sports channels is as big as ever, as is the desire of teams and athletes to win in order to attract fans, sponsors and TV rights financing. As such, the relationship between sport and money is only set to get stronger. n

Premier League clubs shared £346 million in 1995, according to Deloitte. That figure rose to a mindboggling £1.99 billion in 2009

77

Enjoy a taste of

luxury at the

TULLETT PREBON LONDON BOAT SHOW The 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, taking place at ExCeL London from 6 to 15 January, is set to be another spectacular event for the UK to kick-start the year

P

ick out your dream boat from what is available at this year’s stunning showcase. Visitors can enjoy the luxury and glamour throughout the ten day show; walk among a wide variety of over 1,000 sail and power boats from Sunseeker’s £17.5 million, 40 metre motor yacht and Oyster Marine’s sleek 59ft Oyster 575 to the show’s largest boat inside, the elegant Princess 32M. While you are browsing the show, nestled in amongst the glitzy yachts in the South Hall is a brand new accompaniment to the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show; the Luxury Lifestyle and Supercar Showcase. The debuting expo is set in a stunning open-plan gallery showcasing some of the most premium, luxury brands on the market

such as the Mayfair Gallery, Wayne Pollock Travel offering bespoke holidays, Clive Christian and Range Rover. This will give visitors the chance to marvel at a range of highend products from supercars, home products, leisure and health to jewellery, watches, eyewear and finance – perfectly complementing the prestigious South Hall area of the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show.

If it is relaxation you are looking for why not take time out in the Sunseeker Champagne bar and take advantage of the Piper-Heidsieck champagne being served while overlooking the stunning yachts and motor boats?

There is plenty of shopping to be done at the show with marine-inspired fashion clothing, books and a multitude of the latest gadgets. Alternatively, sit back and watch

VANTAGEpromotion

Michelin-starred Chef Adam Gray who will be giving live, daily demonstrations in the Clarks Knowledge Box. The show is free for children and is the perfect way to get into the spirit of celebrating London’s undisputed status as the ‘city of sport in 2012’. With a whole host of activities on offer to spectate or take part in, the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show has more than enough to keep the most ardent boating and watersports enthusiast entertained.

The 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show is being held at ExCeL London which is just 20 minutes from London Waterloo and has over 2,500 car parking spaces on site. For the last four days of the show, you will also be able to enjoy the London Bike Show, Outdoors Show and the Active Travel Show at ExCeL London with your Tullett Prebon London Boat Show ticket. n Standard Entry Tickets to the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show cost £20 per day on the door or £16 if booked in advance. For an exclusive £20 Champagne Ticket, which entitles you to entry and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne, visit www.londonboatshow.com or call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140 and quote code RW20.

Offer is valid Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012. Terms and conditions apply: see website for details.

79

luxury Showcase Indulge and immerse yourself in a stunning new exhibition for the New Year, The Luxury Lifestyle and Supercar Showcase proudly sponsored by St James’s Place Wealth Management

T

here are few exhibitions which are

as much of a mecca for those with an appreciation for the finer things in life as the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. Among a glittering annual exhibition of more than 1,000 sailing and motor yachts are some of the most aspirational models currently available.

Therefore it is fitting that this year the glamorous showcase has partnered with eminent brands from the worlds of motoring, travel, jewellery, finance, leisure and interiors to offer visitors a gateway to every aspect of luxury living.

The Luxury Lifestyle and Supercar Showcase, proudly sponsored by St James’s Place Wealth Management, is intended to reflect the wider passions of the discerning audience and has been carefully organised

by Exclusively Events. To this end, visitors can enjoy a fantastic live shopping experience as well as refreshments within the vibrant surroundings of the gallery.

The supercar area is the star of the show and Rolls-Royce is one brand which will occupy a prestigious site in the event space courtesy of P & A Wood, serving as a striking reminder of the finest British design. In a similar vein, Range Rover and Aston Martin will also hold centre stage, although it has to be said that the rare addition of the spectacular Lightning GT supercar and the Bugatti Veyron might be enough to enthral the petrol heads in attendance! MTECH Racing, the UK’s leading Ferrari GT Team, will also be showing one of the Ferrari 458 GT3’s from the British and European championships.

The New Year scheduling for the showcase also makes it the ideal event for those looking to make home improvements in the form of very special new home products and features.

The first might come by way of a beautiful installation from the London Swimming Pool Company, an industry leader renowned for the creativity seen in its residential projects.

VANTAGEpromotion

Alternatively, Clive Christian will be displaying its exquisite furniture designs which have earned the company royal appointment.

William Beard Flooring Ltd will also be taking the opportunity to present its precious metal finish and designer ranges. Both beautiful groups of products will be shown alongside the popular existing range.

Another stunning display comes in the form of renowned interior designer Steven Thorne who is collaborating with Home

Cinema Gallery for the first time to bring visitors the ultimate cinema experience.

For those with an interest in high quality jewels, Elite Gems is bringing the expertise which has seen its Mayfair outpost become the ultimate destination for hand cut diamonds.

Proving that the show supports enduring sophistication over impulse purchases, Elite Gems can offer comprehensive guidance on long-term investments on a discreet basis.

A visit to the show might also prove the incentive one needs to adhere to New Year’s resolutions. The Alter-G is a high-tech piece of exercise equipment, widely considered to be the most advanced in the world today. It incorporates technology utilised by NASA in the training of its astronauts to bring about cardiovascular fitness without increased risk of injury.

However, one could be forgiven for finding alternative sporting options at the stand occupied

by Prestige Ticketing. The team is the foremost organiser of exciting corporate packages for the London 2012 Olympic Games and can guarantee the same exclusivity and attention-to-detail which pervades the whole of the show. n

Luxury Lifestyle & Supercar Showcase Date: 6-15 January 2012

Destination: ExCeL London

50+ Exhibitors Include: Range Rover Aston Martin Clive Christian Rolls-Royce Elite Gems St James’s Place Wealth Management Wayne Pollock Exclusive Luxury

Book tickets: www.londonboatshow.com

81

high risk. high reward.

Take racing to a thrilling new level with horse ownership from industry expert John Best. Own a quarter share in one of our magnificent colts, and experience the sheer exhilaration of being part of the race as you watch your very own horse gallop to the finish. With the potential for a very healthy return on your investment and a lifetime of adrenaline and adventure.

For more information, call:

07889 362 154 or visit:

Office:

01622 880276

www.johnbestracing.com

travel food & drink escape

ETHICAL Resorts green gastro ........................................................................ eco lodges

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

© Le Goués for Lavazza

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

capture the moment

R Celebrating 20 years of the Lavassa Calendar, 2012’s offering is exceptionally cool

enowned coffee brand Lavazza have created a prestigious photographic calendar every year for the past 19 years, always pushing the boundaries of style and design with a whimsical, quirky irreverence. This year’s offering celebrates their 20th anniversary, and has brought together the photographic might of icons such as Annie Leibovitz, Miles Aldridge, Finlay MacKay, Mark Seliger and David LaChapelle.

Entited ‘The Lavazzers’, the calendar is a gallery of powerfully suggestive images,

combining humorous and enigmatic photographs with refined sculptural images and icons.

Photographers were briefed to demonstrate their love of Lavazza coffee through self-portraits, and have in turn created a series of striking and unusual shots.

Shown here is the stunning emblematic work from Thierry Le Gouès, entitled ‘Soul’. “When I am shooting I want to get right inside the very nature of things, be the storyteller of experiences and live them from the inside,” he says. n www.lavazza.com

83

210x297_JB

10/02/11

12:13

Page 1

www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

travel

connoisseur

travel

news

YOGA RETREAT

In the crystalline waters of the Golfo de Panama sits the unspoilt Pearl Island. Only a 25 minute flight from the vibrant Panama City, the level of luxury this private island promises makes it the perfect destination for those looking to invest in an exclusive second home overseas.

Boasting nearly 30 kilometres of spectacular coastline, 14 pristine private beaches shaded by virgin tropical forest and one of the most abundant marine and bird sanctuaries found anywhere, a limited number of eco-conscious

ECO ADVENTURE For an authentic taste of South and Central America, Adventure Life Journeys organises custom built tours of Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru led by local guides who are passionate about their culture. Designed with the most intrepid of travellers in mind, complete immersion into the heart of vibrant communities is guaranteed. Tour goers are encouraged to take the transport on offer, whether it involves buses or canoes, and settle down for the night in the local accommodation, often with a conservational twist – one night you might stay at a family run farm, or even a jungle cabana. www.adventure-life.com

ocean view homes are being developed on the island’s most stunning enclave, each equipped with solar panels and natural ventilation.

Plans to build a luxury spa, 40 berth marina and a small airstrip to accommodate private planes and helicopters are also in the pipeline.

In keeping with the island’s eco-conscious ethos, 75 per cent of the landscape will remain undeveloped and a percentage of all property sales will go towards stewardship projects. www.pearlisland.com

www.kempinski.com

Travel Fact Of the double chain of 26 atolls and 1,192 islets that comprise the beautiful island nation of the Maldives, only 200 are inhabited.

Website of the month:

www.lovehomeswap.com

ISLAND ESCAPE

Booking is now open for the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay yoga retreat, coming to the stunning Six Senses Spa this spring. Led by renowned practitioner and yoga teacher Julien Balmer, over six days guests will be initiated in the art of traditional Hatha Yoga thanks to daily sessions and sun salutations designed to improved core strength and suppleness.

Meditation classes and spiritual cinema viewings, combined with a signature massage and access to the sauna, steam bath, indoor pool and the tempting aquamarine tides of the Turkish Aegean Sea complete the holistic wellbeing package.

With a huge array of stylish, luxury homes dotted in 70 countries worldwide, this house swapping site enables holidaymakers to track down a home away from home in any number of far flung destinations, from Costa Rica to New Zealand. Live like a local and enjoy privacy, creature comforts, and a high level of luxury.

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.

85

UXUA Casa Hotel

Treading Lightly A new age of eco travel has dawned. Lauren Romano reports from three of the best eco resorts across the globe

N

o longer reserved for backpackers prepared to rough it in far-flung locations while earning their keep on labour intensive conservation projects, exclusive resorts are springing up on secluded island paradises, offering luxurious five star accommodation and a commitment to preserving the unspoilt idylls they occupy. If you want to forego your usual sojourn this year for an environmentally sound alternative, take a look at our top luxury eco escapes.

UXUA Casa Hotel, Brazil UXUA Casa Hotel on Brazil’s breath-taking Bahian coast is quite simply spectacular. A seamless amalgamation of far-flung destination and fantastic eco credentials, the hotel’s ten rustic modernist casas provide holiday makers with a unique glimpse of traditional life in the small, historical fishing village of Trancoso. Designed and run by Wilbert Das, former creative director at Diesel, this ecochic marriage of high-concept hotel and local integration with the community has been a complete success.

Rather than go down the typical, secluded luxury hotel route, this five star sanctuary has not been barricaded behind high walls; rather the development blends into and enhances the colourful surrounds. The community really is at the heart of the hotel and UXUA sponsors the local Capoeira school and has helped to reintroduce organic farming into Trancoso’s town centre. Isolation has been rejected in terms of localism and a genuine cultural

experience awaits guest ready to immerse themselves in village life.

Four of the casas, restored fishermen’s homes, are located on the 16th Century town green, while six others sit in the resort’s lush tropical grounds. Integration with the community has been facilitated from the hotel’s conception.

Local artisans were employed to build using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. This innovative use of local resources results in an eclectic and striking finish.

Using techniques that have been adopted for centuries, many of the walls have been made from a mixture of tree branches and clay to produce tactile and eye catching surfaces. A collaboration with the local Pataxó Indian tribe means natural and recycled materials and homemade decorative objects are used extensively and everything from tables to bathtubs are hand-carved from fallen trees.

The UXUA spa is divine and the perfect place to sample locally made, 100 per cent natural bath and cosmetics products. Start with a dip in the healing aventurine crystal pool, embedded with vivid, gleaming green quartz pebbles which shimmer and sparkle enticingly from dawn to dusk.

Then take advantage of the Pataxó Indian’s unsurpassable ancient botanical wisdom and indulge in the musky scents of rejuvenating almescar, coconut, pitanga and aroeira filled products before finally drifting off over at the beach lounge created from old fishing boats. www.uxua.com

travel

connoisseur

Song Saa, Cambodia In the untouched Koh Rong archipelago, two pristine islands, known locally as Song Saa or ‘the sweethearts’, lie alongside each other, nestled in the jewel toned Cambodian waters. This eco sensitive retreat teems with virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and unspoilt beaches; a sustainable sanctuary, a world away from everything else. Rather than go the way of the tourist saturated Thai isles of Koh Samui or Phuket, Song Saa remains committed to shunning over-development and promotes and maintains a harmonious equilibrium with its verdant surrounds. And they haven’t had to sacrifice luxury either; this seductive, intimate isle is enhanced by its affiliation with the surrounding natural elements.

Social programmes supported by the resort help local communities, and a marine reserve, spanning a one million square metre plot, is managed to international marine protection standards. Teaming up with the Cambodian government, marine biologists are in the process of gathering a detailed profile of acquatic species and indigenous reefs here and water quality is monitored constantly. Song Saa founders Rory and Melita Hunter have also helped implement a program to teach local fishermen about sustainable fishing methods and in the nearby village of Prek Svay, organic farming projects have also been set up to safeguard local livelihoods.

Consisting of 27 luxury overwater, rainforest and beach villas, all constructed using sustainable materials, the resort spans the dreamy islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a shimmering ribbon of ocean. With a spectacular aspect, jutting out into the bright, tempting waters, sits the resort’s world class restaurant.

Head chef Neil Wager, whose previous position at the six star North Island Resort in the Seychelles saw the likes of Prince Andrew, David Beckham and Brad Pitt sample his cuisine, is cultivating his own kitchen garden to create a menu based on organic and sustainable produce. The bountiful crop of tropical fruit trees is put to good use and the homemade sea salt, a product of the crystal clear ocean, is used to season a delectable selection of dishes.

Spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be viewed from the boardwalk while reefs, rainforests and beaches provide ample opportunity for exploration and activity, from sailing to diving and snorkelling. Relaxation is similarly high on the agenda here; infinity pools straddle both sides of the island and the spa and wellness centre, secluded in the lush rainforest offers yoga and mediation and uses wild harvested herbs, plants and iron-rich stones together with products from local artisan producers in its range of reviving beauty therapies. www.songsaa.com

87

connoisseur travel

Southern Ocean Lodge, Hanson Bay, Australia To experience more of the best luxury that treads lightly, head to Southern Ocean Lodge on South Australia’s isolated Kangaroo Island. Environmental protection, social responsibility and world-class chic abound across this strikingly designed 21 suite eco retreat, which has became a beacon for those in search of both an epicurean lifestyle and untouched nature. From the breath taking star gazing platform, overlooking the vast ocean to the sleek, glass-fronted lodges, Southern Ocean Lodge has real wow factor. Multi-award winning and globally renowned as one of the most unique, first class Antipodean holiday hideaways, this sanctuary blends with the rugged landscape to create sophisticated minimalist accomodation.

The dramatic coastline of Australia’s third largest island is never far from view here and unspoilt by development it encompasses vertiginous limestone cliffs, secluded coves, jagged edged headlands and vast stretches of deserted beaches. With more than one third of the island deemed a conservation or national park, the chance to get up close to fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and more is guaranteed and the guided island excursions on offer enable guests to encounter wildlife face to face.

Situated atop a cliff, which adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer national parks, the remote wilderness of the beautiful island can be fully appreciated and the sensitive design showcases the astonishing vistas

88

of the Southern Ocean cantilever along the coast. Each lodge is the epitome of luxury: king sized beds, glass walled bathrooms and outdoor terraces are made all the more lavish by the environmentally sound attention to detail. Sandblasted limestone floors and recycled spotted gum feature walls are joined with artworks created by local artisans.

Dining at Southern Ocean Lodge is similarly impressive and the menu encompasses fine regional cuisine made with home-produced ingredients. Famous Kangaroo Island ligurian honey and cheeses and yoghurt made from the milk of the island’s resident sheep all add to the ‘produce to plate’ approach favoured by head chef Tim Bourke. The daily menus change to reflect the quality and availability of the delicious local produce and wines from South Australia’s famed Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley regions.

Artisan crafted products are favoured too at The Southern Spa. Australian made Li’Tya beauty lines are used in the spa’s signature treatments and the steam room and chill out lounge make the perfect temporary escape from the wild surrounds, crashing surf and crisp Antarctic air. n www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

Carbon Off-Setting While these resorts might have impressive eco credentials they require a flight to get there. If you want to minimise your impact on the environment further you could consider carbon off-setting. Carbon off-setting involves investing in carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas reducing initiatives to balance out emissions produced by flying. Not for profit organisations like The Converging World (TCW) and Sustainable Travel International have developed carbon calculators to calculate the CO2 emissions associated with air travel. All holiday makers have to do is simply enter their departure and arrival destinations and the calculator will work out the emissions involved and how much it will cost to offset them. This amount can then be donated directly to environmentally beneficial schemes, such as TCW’s renewable energy programme, which works on wind power projects throughout Asia and Africa. www.theconvergingworld.org www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

A3_DPS_net worth AD.indd 1

net worth Don’t short-change yourself invest in some very un-taxing luxury

total bliss

www.slh.com our job is to make you forget about yours.

12/10/2011 17:10

Green Idyll While we still have much to do in the UK to improve our eco credentials, it’s great to see that in some corners of this green and pleasant land we are making great progress.

Lauren Romano investigates luxury eco lodges

Y

ou don’t always have to stray too far to experience the best in sustainable luxury.

With plenty of beautiful retreats boasting first rate ecology practices the length and breadth of the country waiting to be discovered, ditch the plane journey to the other side of the world (and the air miles to boot) and support these brilliant eco-initiatives.

Strattons Hotel, Norfolk This small, independent family run boutique and restaurant in the historic market town of Swaffham, has eco-friendly ethos down to a tee. Run from a beautiful Grade II-Listed Queen Anne villa, the sustainable set-up at Strattons has earned the hotel a host of green awards for environmentally conscious touches. Low allergen suite bedrooms feature dust-free wooden blinds and floorboards, organic linen, beeswax polished furniture, low energy light bulbs and loos that use 20 per cent less water. In fact, in whichever of the 14 eclectically designed and furnished room or suites you opt for, you’ll even find a master switch by the door which ensures that all appliances can be completely turned off.

Top of the green agenda here has been addressing the problem of water wastage. Norfolk is the driest county in England and in a campaign to cut water consumption, 200,000 litres of waste water is collected in 14 water butts and three underground tanks to provide a third of the hotel’s total needs.

Organic, locally sourced produce is served in the award

winning restaurant, and vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen’s own gardens along with native produce gathered from the surrounding Breckland, including blackberries, wild mushrooms, sloes, horseradish and wild garlic, are used in modern English style cuisine. Meanwhile organic wholefoods and home-made jams, marmalades cakes, pies and breads are served at the cosy café deli. Be sure to sample some of the fabulous Norfolk and Suffolk made cheese on offer and sit down to tempting cheese plates accompanied by damson paste, roasted nuts, dense breads and a bottle of organic or bio-dynamic wine.

Working off an indulgent lunch is an equally tempting prospect here too. Situated in the Brecks, which stretch out across Suffolk and Norfolk, Stratton provides the ideal base for walking, jogging, cycling and horse riding on the ancient track ways and peaceful forest trails, while the North Norfolk coast, Norwich and the Norfolk Broads are all only a short journey away. www.strattonshotel.co.uk

Lower Mill Estate, The Cotswolds Set within a picturesque 600 acre nature reserve in The Cotswolds, Lower Mill Estate offers luxurious holiday villas and private access to an award winning spa. Contemporary architecture sympathetically contrasts with the expanse of rolling Gloucestershire countryside and pristine meadowland enticingly stretched out as far as the eye can see. Only one

escape

connoisseur

Â

The Scarlet, Cornwall

fifth of the development is used for housing and, with the rest set aside for the nature reserve, wildlife reigns supreme here.

The sleek waterside properties are individually designed by award winning architect Richard Reid and stand alongside a host of unique, landmark modernist homes, which have clocked up a trophy cabinet full of green design awards. Excellent self-catered facilities are laid out across artfully elegant, understated rooms. Terraces and balconies make great sun traps in the warmer months, and even in the throes of winter, the dramatically wilting landscape can be viewed from the large picture windows while snuggled up beside the wood burner.

The ethical attention to detail really begins at Pevonia, the award winning on-site spa. Lilies filter the clear waters of the outdoor eco-pool, waiting for hardy swimmers to take the plunge and for the more faint-hearted, two more 20 metre heated pools, a steam room and a sauna await. In tranquil treatment rooms, the potent, soothing qualities of botanically rich ingredients are used across several treatments – from invigorating body wraps to restorative facials.

The surrounding 500 acres of private parkland provide a stamping ground where guests are free to ramble through secluded woodlands and meadows, cycle, fish, sail, canoe or bird watch. The preservation of nature is of great importance at Lower Mill and the warren of rivers teem with otter and beaver colonies, both reintroduced by the Estate as part of a conservation initiative, while rare swifts and housemartins swoop overhead. Educating and instilling a passion for preserving the environment is fostered in the estate-run safaris where guests have the opportunity to observe wildlife within the carefully tended landscape. www.lowermillestate.com

Spilling down the beautiful Mawgan Porth hillside to the rugged shoreline and deserted sands below, The Scarlet perches five stories high over the mesmerising Cornish coast. 37 beautifully appointed rooms, an atmospheric lantern lit Ayurvedic spa and some of the best eco credentials anywhere in the country await green conscious guests. Sumptuous luxury is sustainably achieved here and imagination and attention to detail fuse on every level, from the handmade organic soaps to the solar panels used to heat the indoor swimming pool, to make this an extraordinary eco-concept crash pad through and through.

The green efforts are applaudable: a biomass boiler running on sustainable wood chips heats the hotel, grey water harvesting cuts down on potable water consumption, an electric car charging point is available on site, locally sourced produce is used in the restaurant and the hotel actively supports social and environmental projects in the surrounding area, including regular beach cleans at Mawgan Porth. The ground breaking sea thrift roof uses native plants to create a wildlife habitat for insects and butterflies and provide a durable covering that reduces heating and cooling. Inside, the contemporary, brightly furnished clusters of accommodation are arranged to make the most of the stunning coastal views. Secluded gardens, stargazing pods and wrap around terraces accompany each room and look out over scrub and cliff.

The spa deserves a special mention. A traditional hammam and peaceful, atmospheric tented treatment rooms, are accompanied by a relaxation area where cocoon-like pods swing from the ceiling, the gentle ebb a lulling remedy to soothe aching muscles and tired bodies. Outdoors, the inviting natural pool relies on a living reed bed to filter and balance the water conditions and log fired seaweed hot tubs beckon to all those looking to de-stress and wind down in scenic surrounds, with views out across the ocean. n www.scarlethotel.co.uk

93

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

Gielly Green 42-44 George Street, W1U 7ES 020 7034 3060

Toni & Guy 30 Heath Street, NW3 6TE 020 7431 7421

Joshua Altbeck 82 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7SH 020 7722 1225

Toni & Guy 8 Marylebone High Street W1U 4NN 020 7935 7900

Lisa Hauck Hair & Makeup 148 Gloucester Avenue NW1 8JA 020 7722 1043

Vaishaly Clinic 51 Paddington Street, W1U 4HR 020 7224 6088

Lost in Beauty 117 Regents Park Road NW1 8UR 020 7586 4411 MACS LONDON 61 Kilburn High Road, NW6 5SB 020 7328 9777 MACS LONDON 9 Princess Road, NW1 8JN 020 3204 2020 Mad Lillies 34 Heath Street, NW3 6TE 020 7435 3869 Margaret Dabbs Foot Clinic & Nail Spa 7 New Cavendish Street W1G 8UU 020 7487 5510 Privato 170 Regents Park Road NW1 8XN 020 7586 6887

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

Muralto 6 Seymour Place, W1H 7NA 020 7724 3750

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

Ripples 138 Wigmore Street, W1U 3SG 020 7935 6112

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

Skandinteriors 57 South End Road, NW3 2QB 0779 464 0937

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

The Winery 4 Clifton Road, W9 1SS 020 7286 6475

Out + About Everyman Cinema Baker Street 96-98 Baker Street W1U 6TJ 0871 906 9060 Everyman Cinema Belsize Park 203 Haverstock Hill NW3 4QG 0871 906 9060

Cocorino Alimentari 18 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QA 020 7935 0860

Everyman Cinema Hampstead 5 Holly Bush Vale, NW3 6TX 0871 906 9060

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

Ginger & White 4A-5A Perrins Court NW3 1QS 020 7431 9098

Heartbreak Gallery 17 Bulstrode Street W1U 2JH 020 3219 5710

If you are a local business and would like to stock Vantage, please contact Fiona Fenwick on 020 7987 4320, f.fenwick@runwildgroup.co.uk

food & drink

connoisseur

food & drink

Images: Howard Sooley

news

34

indulgence and the new Mayfair Dover Street eatery will be no exception. Continuing with the relaxed, all day dining experience formula of its predecessors, the country style breads, viennoiseries, cakes and deserts, lovingly created by highly skilled French pâtissiers using traditional techniques, will be hard to resist.

Those craving a respite from turkey will welcome the bovine heavy menu on offer at the latest opening from Caprice Holdings. 34 taps the trend for carefully sourced, seasonal produce, offering dryaged, grass-fed Scottish beef and British salt-marsh lamb alongside a range of game and shellfish dishes.

But the steaks are the highlight here. Head chef Paul Brown, previously at Le Caprice, has created the menu with the kitchen showpiece – a bespoke charcoal grill, imported from Argentina – in mind. Fed by natural fuel, this traditional parrilla will be used to cook a mouth-watering array of free-range meat cuts to order.

www.aubaine.co.uk

www.34-restaurant.co.uk

The sophisticated Aubaine chain celebrates the New Year with the addition of another branch to its portfolio. Rustic, charmingly distressed provincial style interiors evoke a Gallic charm, matched by the refined Mediterranean inspired menu. The range of delicious homemade breads, take away pastries and dainty cakes has earned Aubaine a reputation for uncomplicated, patisserie

NEWS:

Food lingo:

Reel Fish

Biodynamic Wine

The Reel Fish Company has been offering a sustainable alternative to other branded tuna imports since its inception in 2009. Caught one-byone in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives using only a pole and line, the traditionally fished tuna is among some of the finest caught. Currently available in Waitrose and The Co-operative, Sainsbury’s will also be stocking tins of the environmental-friendly tuna from this month.

Biodynamic produce relies on a method of organic farming that considers the relationship between soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Considered one of the most sustainable methods of ecological farming, biodynamics is adopted by renowned vineyards throughout the world and involves fermented herbal soil preparations, an emphasis on local production and distribution systems and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.

Website:

Quote:

Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.

Albert Einstein, physicist

www.localfoodadvisor.com

BAKER’s STREET

Local Food Advisor is an invaluable resource for advice on where to track down the best local, seasonal produce; listing everything from farmers’ markets to rare breed producers and fish suppliers. The site also features traditional recipes from across the UK and a selection of the best regional food blogs and restaurant reviews.

95

connoisseur food & drink

Natural Goodness

A

With a growing interest in, and awareness of bio-dynamic wines, Hew Blair, chairman and buying director of Justerini & Brooks, recommends some personal favourites

lthough it sounds like a cliché, it’s true that wine is a product of the land, and, with this in mind, winegrowers are increasingly careful in regards to the health of the soil in their vineyards. While organic wines make up a small percentage of total vineyard holdings due to issues with certification and standards, biodynamic viticulture is a method that is garnering much support among winegrowers.

Biodynamic vineyards and wineries work in time with natural earthly and cosmic cycles and use methods such as horn manure (manure aged in cow horn and buried in the ground for six months) for fertiliser. In addition, pruning is also avoided when the moon is ‘ascending’, essentially anything that takes place is at a time optimal to producing the very best from the vine or fruit.

As a practice, bio-dynamics is growing but it remains niche, and has plenty of detractors, however the proof of the pudding is in the drinking and if it means that what ends up in the glass is even more enticing, who can argue?

Some favourites include…

Riesling, Grand Cru, Schlossberg, Domaine Weinbach 2009 (£27.17 per bottle) Schlossberg is a fabulous vineyard that was the first classified Grand Cru in Alsace. Zesty citrus peel nose, ripe and floral but so vibrant too, this is pretty rich but maintains exquisite finesse, juicy with wonderful citrus acid balance, botrytised hints of apricot and nectarine, notes of apple blossom and lime. Stunning.

Rully, Les Preaux, Eric de Suremain, 2009 (£17.67 per bottle) One of the most charming, vivid and beautiful value red Burgundies there is. Always so aromatic, the 2009 follows suit; perfumed, expressive and unbridled on the nose, really pure juicy fruit flavours of wild strawberry, red cherry and damson.

Cornas, Les Terrasses du Serre, Domaine du Coulet, 2006 (£30.67 per bottle) Mathieu Barret is one of the most exciting young winegrowers in the world, producing first class Syrah from his small domaine in the Rhone. This parades a wonderful array of ripe, suave black cherry and wild bramble fruits, silky sweet, powerful tannins, and a tempering, complex mineral elements. Deeply concentrated, fine, ripe and with a truly uplifting finish, this has everything. n

Three of a Kind...

Best Green Restaurants FINE DINING Gauthier Soho

The stunning Regency townhouse premises and intimate dining rooms of the Michelin-starred Gauthier Soho, evoke a bygone era of fine dining, and offer the chance to experience cuisine created by ‘intuition and instinct’. A refreshingly modern twist on French cooking is evident across the array of vegetable centric dishes and other carefully sourced produce from the British Isles. The autumn and winter menus are comprised of Scottish girolles, Highland venison, Isle of Wight shell fish and Colchester oysters, balanced with European influences, including the divine French cheeseboard selections, imported and matured exclusively for the restaurant. www.gauthiersoho.co.uk

VEGETARIAN Saf

For tasting notes and further information visit www.justerinis.com

With a philosophy deeply rooted in nutritious plantbased ingredients, Saf is the only Michelin-rated vegan restaurant in the Capital. An acronym for ‘Simply Authentic Food’ Saf aims to introduce diners to a new approach to cooking and wellbeing. Head

96

chef Fatih Guven uses carefully selected ingredients to compile dishes cooked below 48 degrees Celsius, to preserve optimum flavour and nutrition and benefit the body’s vital digestive enzymes. Nearly every single product on the menu is entirely created in-house, from diary-free cheeses to raw, gluten free breads. Over at the award winning bar, the largest range of organic spirits in Europe, innovative botanical cocktails and biodynamic wines are on offer. www.safrestaurant.co.uk

HOTEL RESTAURANT Petrichor at The Cavendish Hotel

Sustainably sourced ingredients, originating from UK farms and producers, form the basis of the menus at The Cavendish’s Petrichor restaurant. Seasonally changing contemporary British dishes, executed with flair, are served in the decadent first floor dining room, which overlooks the exclusive boutiques and galleries of bustling Jermyn Street. Hearty breakfasts consist of Scottish kippers and toasted muffins with Wicks Manor ham while the lunch menu features substantial salads of smoked Cornish mackerel and braised rabbit. Other delights inlude Scottish haggis with neeps and tatties, Wilshire river trout and delicious Paxton & Whitfield cheeses, are not to be missed. www.thecavendish-london. co.uk

food & drink

connoisseur

A Cut Above Sublime steaks, distinctive décor and a definitive nod to the more luxurious side of life is served up with punch and panache at CUT, The Dorchester Collection’s new, hotlyanticipated steak restaurant, says Neil Ridley

W

hen it was reported that AustrianAmerican super-chef Wolfgang Puck was to open his latest culinary venture in London, steak enthusiasts from across the country began to collectively salivate. CUT, the new fine-dining restaurant located at The Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane hotel, is indeed a mouth-watering proposition. Housed in a capacious ground-level hall with a distinctly Art Deco-feel by designer Thierry W Despont, Puck and his executive chef David McIntyre have created what purports to be the ultimate in steak experiences, following on from a string of successful eponymous bar and grill style restaurants across America.

Although the menu undoubtedly has a meat-heavy focus, there is a real balance to the dishes on offer – testament to the premise that every great restaurant needs some light and some shade. Starters such as the heirloom apple salad,

bought a refreshing star turn to the proceedings, with a simple but hugely flavoursome mix of crisp apple, red endive, dates, Marcona almonds and salty Montgomery cheddar. But setting oneself up with something that looks and tastes decidedly healthy is probably a tad foolish when it comes to the main attraction. The steaks, ranging from a 28-day aged Devonshire filet mignon to a top-of-the-range Black Angus New York steak, are artistry in themselves.

The cuts are grilled over hard wood and charcoal to obtain a melt-in-the-mouth centre, and finished under a 650-degree broiler to intensify their gentle smoky flavour. The whole package, when coupled with some superb hand-cut chips, divinely light tempura onion rings and the house steak sauce, is pretty faultless.

As an added bonus, the instantly likeable and highly experienced sommelier, Vanessa Cinti, made some perfect wine pairings from a list, which proudly echoes Puck’s Austrian-Californian influence, including a big, bold Stag’s Leap Cellars 2007 Artemis from the Napa Valley.

The dessert selection does wonders for that long forgotten New Year’s resolution of a gym membership.

Puck’s signature sweet is a complex and luxuriously silky Banana Cream Pie, which is liberally drizzled in ‘ten year’ chocolate sauce; named so because apparently it took the pastry chef ten years to perfect. With desserts this good, one can only imagine how much fun the previous nine years must have been.

In essence, CUT has taken the gutsy, often overly masculine domain of the steak restaurant and turned it into a culinary dream for those in search of a more refined side to gourmet meat. The sharp end of London’s steak restaurants just got sharper. n www.45parklane.com

97

WILD THING Collecting wild mushrooms on Hampstead Heath gives a whole new meaning to the idea of locally-sourced produce. Julie Carbonara meets local foodie and mushroom expert Andy Overall

food&drink

T

here is a common sight in continental Europe towards the end of summer, when groups of people, armed with baskets, take to the woods early in the morning. But these people are not members of some obscure sun-worshipping sect. They are just after edible mushrooms, the highly-prized porcini, ceps, and morels that grace the menus of luxury restaurants worldwide.

And it is exactly the influence of fine-dining that has seen foraging for wild produce becoming the foodie trend du jour; perhaps, not least because René Redzepi, chef of Noma, the world’s best restaurant, was spotted on Hampstead Heath recently with a basket full of nature’s goodies.

And it seems he is not alone. According to reports, a small army of mushroom pickers are said to regularly scour the Heath on behalf of some of London’s top restaurants. At the more domestic end of the scale, locals are equally benefitting from the Heath’s rich earth.

Mushroom specialist, and all-round fungi fanatic, Andy Overall has been running walks and forays to teach people about mushrooms on the Heath since 1996. Travelling throughout India, Thailand, Eastern Europe and Spain, he’d seen a variety of mushroom seasons and found the local peoples’ passion for funghi inspiring. Back in London and living near the Heath, he decided to make a career out of what was becoming an obsession and set about organising his first forays. The initial four grew to 20, starting in spring and finishing in late autumn. “Spring is a fantastic time and is also very popular for walks,” he enthuses. “You don’t get the same amount and variety of mushrooms as you get in autumn, but you get specific types like the St George’s mushroom, the chicken of the woods and the highly sought-after morels.”

While anyone can pick up mushrooms when walking on the Heath, you should only do that, if you are absolutely sure you can tell the tasty from the poisonous. Some people, says Andy, learn very quickly after just one foray but most don’t have the confidence to go it alone straight away and email him pictures of what they’ve found.

The way you pick a mushroom can also you whether it is poisonous or not: “I tend to lift them gently out because some of the more dangerous types have a sack at the bottom and if you don’t collect it and instead chop the fungus at the root – as some people do – you won’t see it,” explains Andy.

“That’s one of the reasons why I tell people to get the whole thing to make sure you are not picking anything dangerous.

The Death Cap, one of the most deadly of mushrooms, has this sack at the bottom – although you can also tell that the Death Cap doesn’t look like a normal mushroom from its colour, which is olive green.”

connoisseur

The groups Andy leads are extremely eclectic, ranging from young children with their parents to teenagers and pensioners. There are lots of different nationalities – one Japanese woman makes regular trips from Japan – but also plenty of locals, as Andy leads forays for local associations such as the Heath and Hampstead Society, the Friends of Burgh House and Kenwood.

While the walking groups aim to be a fairly relaxed introduction to foraging for mushrooms, those who are after more detailed knowledge can take part in a series of workshops, which take place in the Information Centre, next to the Lido. Andy also runs breakfast forays which differ from the others in that they end at a local pub where what you’ve collected is turned into a delicious breakfast.

It all sounds extremely yummy, but has any of his fellow foragers ever ended up in hospital? It is said that just handling poisonous mushrooms can be dangerous. “It’s a bit of a myth,” says Andy. “I asked a colleague and he confirmed that to be poisoned by a toxic mushroom you have to eat chunks of it, you can’t get poisoned by getting spores on your hands.”

By all accounts, foraging for mushrooms is a great way to get out and about and do your bit for the environment. But, says Andy, we should make sure to temper our new found enthusiasm for the riches of the Heath. “Sending out teams of people to raid the heath is not a good thing; it spoils it for everybody else and it’s just for one person’s gain. It could also be illegal,” warns Andy. “If you are seen collecting large amounts (and by that I mean bagloads) from the heath and you bump into a ranger they will probably stop you.”

Andy should know. When mushrooms are not in season, Andy is a ranger at Kenwood on Hampstead Heath, patrolling the estate, ‘so I’m on both sides of the fence,’ he jokes, and is their fungi expert, having recorded 500 species over eight years. “The thing about the foraging group is that it has been successful in marrying the scientific and the popular so that both sides win,” explains Andy. “I go out to Heath with a group of people who learn something, and come back with a few edible mushrooms, while I come away with a lot of information that we can feed back to the people who run those areas. It’s very useful to them for their ecological management and their biodiversity action plan.

You can’t just take, you’ve got to put back.” n www.fungitobewith.org

99

&

out

about

www.ecobuild.co.uk

The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall

Visit Dates for the landmark Ecobuild event at Earl’s Court have been announced. Between 20 and 22 March, exhibitors and experts from the realms of science, technology and construction will discuss sustainability endeavours, demonstrate products and share advice through a series of workshops and seminars.

Relax:

Party: The London Green Fair will return to Regent’s Park on 9 and 10 June for its 20th anniversary show which aims to inspire eco-friendly initiatives and celebrate the year’s achievements. The free festival will consist of ethical fashion shows, debates, live music and boutique market stalls and serves as the perfect opportunity for family time.

Neal’s Yard Remedies on Marylebone High Street is not only a natural beauty mecca, but a provider of renowned alternative therapies in-house. Amongst the more interesting treatment options is the Alexander Technique which aims to correct postural imbalance and treat back pain and stress. Sessions involve the subtle manipulation of the body and one-to-one guidance.

www.londongreenfair.org

www.nealsyardremedies.com

112 Marylebone High Street W1U 4SA

out & about

connoisseur

Shop Locals undertake somewhat of a weekend pilgrimage to Belsize Park-based Pomona, a gorgeous delicatessen and greengrocer which offers all manner of home-made organic produce, fruit and vegetables. For the perfect Saturday brunch choose organic bread, the finest sausages from the Rhug Estate farm, native potatoes and fresh berries.

179 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QS

Wear Passionate eco-campaigner Livia Firth has collaborated with the ethical branch of Yoox.com and green design champions Reclaim-to-wear to produce a beautiful party dress. The piece is available in several tones and was

developed from left-over vintage silk and wool, while its polka dot detail is hand-crocheted from the end of cone angora yarns. New designs will follow in the spring and we’re very excited. www.yoox.com

Eat:

Surf:

Manna Cuisine in Primrose Hill bills itself as one of Europe’s oldest gourmet vegetarian restaurants and is easily one of our all time favourites. This is a place where presentation and taste is comfortably reconciled with ethics, and has won awards to prove it. Ingredients are fair trade when possible, as well as organic - right down to the delights filling the wine list.

4 Erskine Road, NW3 3AJ

If you’re looking to get involved with eco-friendly action in the capital, it is worthwhile visiting www.greenlondon.net.

The website provides up-to-date information about events in the local area as well as news, tips and advice about all things environmentallysensitive.

www.mannav.com

www.greenlondon.net

Cycle: We all know that cycling is the eco-friendly alternative to driving, and there could not be a more stylish incentive to save the planet than this stunning bicycle by Bianchi in partnership with Gucci. One of two designs to emerge from the collaboration (both have the Gucci signature green and red stripe), this white, hydro-formed steel bike is ideal for city cycling and comes complete with luxury leather grips and saddle. www.gucci.com

101

Come and soak up the atmosphere of the fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled rush of the 2012 London Ice Sculpting Festival, and you could end up taking part yourself…

L Ice In a furious rush of metal on ice, the annual London Ice Scu ondo Frid lpting n Sculpting Festival is set to return to Canary Wharf for ay 13 t h & F e st i v two exciting days this month. Visitors to the free event Thro 14th Ja Saturd al ay nuar ugho y are invited to come and cheer on the international teams Frid ut Canar ay 9 a y Wh S atur m as they battle it out in an adrenaline-fuelled race against d ay 8 - 7 p m a r f am the clock and the melting ice to bring their striking and 6pm mesmerising designs to life.

Now in its fourth year, and fittingly for the year of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the ice sculpting festival explores the theme of ‘Winter Sports’ in a live- action spectacle set in Montgomery Square.

The teams will tackle crystal clear blocks of ice reaching up to two metres in height, in a bid to carve their winning creations. The audience members will also be invited to vote for their favourite piece in the Public Choice award when the festival culminates with a high-paced speed sculpting competition on the final day, when one member from each team will take on the challenge of animating the theme ‘Team Spirit’ in record time, with winners for both competition being announced at 4pm.

Visitors can also test their own sculpting skills on a small block of ice by signing up for a free, supervised Masterclass in Canada Square Park and Jubilee Place – a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Or, if you prefer a softer medium, the Snow Pit on Montgomery Square is filled with snow perfect for shaping snowmen and snowballs.

And if all those thoughts of ice and snow leave you feeling chilly, why not visit the charming Frost Fayre with winter stalls selling freshly prepared winter food and drinks, and feast on fresh hot chocolate, delicious mulled wines and ciders, and an array of mouth-watering treats.

Visit www.canarywharf.com and/or www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk for more information

Frost Fayre Montgomery Square Friday 13th January 9am - 7pm Saturday 14th January 8am - 6pm

Masterclasses Canada Square Park Friday 13th January 10am - 6pm Saturday 14th January 10am - 6pm

Masterclasses Jubilee Place Friday 13th January 12am - 4pm Saturday 14th January 10am - 6pm

Snow Pit Montgomery Square Friday 13th January 10am - 6pm Saturday 14th January 10am - 6pm

First come, first served at Masterclasses and Snow Pit. Masterclasses: Age 12+ Sessions on the hour, 20 minutes and 40 minutes past.

SHOPPING

Mediterranean Fresh for this winter season, warm up with Canary Wharf’s newest eateries Iberica and Obikà Mozzarella Bar, as they melt your tastebuds with mouth-watering Mediterranean flavours

MARVELLOUS Mozzarella

Come and discover Spanish cuisine as Canary Wharf welcomes, Iberica, to its bustling restaurant scene. Experts in gastronomic tapas, with a menu set by two Michelin starred executive chef, Nacho Manzano from Asturias in Spain, the tasty morsels are the perfect accompaniment to a night of fun, chatter and wine with friends. An outpost of Spanish culture in London, Iberica Canary Wharf showcases the very best of Spanish produce and dishes including favourites such as Jamon Iberico and Manzano’s Arroz de Pitu. With touches of character evident in the plush leather seating, textured wood and painted Spanish floor tiles, the restaurant creates the perfect ambiance in which to enjoy the irresistible little pots of delicacies. Also home to a vast array of vintage wines, Iberica’s offerings will warm you through with its Spanish charm after a day in the English chilly weather.

One of Italy’s most successful restaurant groups, founded in 2004

by Silvio Ursini and already proved popular across the globe in cities including Istabul, Tokyo, Toronto, New York, has just opened its doors in Canary Wharf, with the distinction of being the first standalone restaurant in London.

In the same way as sparkling wine is just a bit of fizz unless it comes from the Champagne region, so mozzarella is not really proper mozzarella unless it comes from the Paestum and the Agro Pontino regions of southern Italy. These handmade spheres of cheesy delight are processed using milk from the water buffalo. Around this high quality main ingredient of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, which is delivered directly to the restaurant twice a week from Southern Italy, Obikà have constructed a surprising and varied menu.

Obikà utilises the cheese in all its forms, from fresh and creamy to wonderfully melted and stringy. Combining it with traditional Italian products such as Prosciutto Crudo di Parma DOP and Mortadella di Prato, as well as light antipasti, salads, pasta dishes and freshly baked artisan pizza. Obikà Mozzarella Bar also boasts an impressive wine list perfect to discover with the flavours of the Italian food.

The restaurant is bustling at weekends featuring an all-inclusive, family-friendly brunch, for £24.50 per person (£12 for children), including starter, main, dessert, soft drink or house wine or Prosecco and coffee, a perfect way to spend a weekend.

Iberica Canary Wharf Cabot Square, Canary Wharf 020 7636 8650 www.ibericalondon.co.uk

Obikà Mozzarella Bar West Wintergarden, Canary Wharf 020 3239 8010 www.obika.it

Spanish Sensation

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

E

D

I

A

G

R

O

U

P

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

Acacia Road, St Johns Wood NW8

A beautifully presented detached terraced house.

On the favoured East side of St Johns Wood. is this beautifully presented house. Master suite with en suite bathroom and 2 en suite dressing rooms, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, dining room, kitchen, staff suite, day room, utility room, guest WC, garden with terrace, garage. Approximately 487sq.m (5,242sq.ft) planning permission to extend property to 8,442sq.ft Freehold Price on application

(SJW110091)

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

Marlborough Place, St Johns Wood NW8 Delightful ambassadorial residence

This Grade II listed property is one of the finest houses to come to the market on the western side of St Johns Wood. 6 bedrooms ( 4 en suites), shower room, reception room, kitchen, dining room, family room, study, utility room, guest WC, patio, summer House, garden, garage.

Approximately 519.5sq.m (5,592sq.ft)

Freehold Price on application (SJW110081)

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

Knight Frank

Hanover Terrace, Regents Park NW1 A end of terrace home with mews house

A magnificent Grade I listed residence built in 1822 occupying a prominent position. 4 bedrooms (3 with en suite bathrooms), bathroom, reception room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, roof terrace, mews House: 2 bedrooms, reception room, shower room, kitchen, double garage. Approximately 544.4sq.m (5,860sq.ft)

Leasehold 127 years Guide price ÂŁ14,000,000 (SJW1100140)

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

Knight Frank

Courtenay Avenue, Highgate N6

Character detached house overlooking Highgate golf course.

The property presents a rare opportunity to acquire a lovely family house on approximately 0.5 acres in this tranquil and private gated location either to utilise the existing house or to redevelop the site to create a much grander property, subject to planning permission. Existing house is approximately 6361 sq ft, potential for 19,000 sq ft house subject to planning.

Freehold Guide price: POA

(HAM060291)

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

Ast_Chs_DPS1_LHP:Vantage_DPS_LHP

15/12/11

17:11

Page 1

Ast_

H A NOV E R TERRACE R E G E N T ’S PA R K NWI

ELEGANT G R A D E I L I S T E D N A S H R E S I D E N C E An elegant Grade I Listed Nash residence located in one of Regent’s Park’s most desirable locations. The property is one of the largest in the terrace and features excellent entertaining rooms and further benefits from a west-facing town garden and a separate mews house incorporating an integral garage.

The property has undergone a complete refurbishment and is offered for sale as shell and core enabling a prospective purchaser to design a home to their own personal specification.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Double Reception Room, Family Room, Media Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Principal Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room, 4 Further Bedrooms (2 En Suite), House Bathroom, Gym, Staff Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom, Guest Cloakroom, Lift, Air Cooling System, Under Floor Heating, Wired for Lutron Lighting, Self Contained Separate Mews House, Balcony, Roof Terrace, Garden, Garage, Residents Permit Parking, 613 sq m (6,602 sq ft)

Ast_Chs_DPS1_RHP:Vantage_DPS_RHP

15/12/11

GUIDE PRICE: £15.25M SUBJECT TO CONTRACT JOINT SOLE SELLING AGENTS CROWN ESTATE LEASE 123 YEARS

16:50

Page 2

CAMBRIDGE GATE REGENT’S PARK NW1 POA L/H: 132 YEARS UNEXPIRED A remarkable opportunity to purchase one of the finest homes in Regent’s Park (422sq m/4,542sq ft), which has been extensively remodelled and refurbished to the highest possible specification and benefits from every conceivable modern amenity.

Cambridge Gate is situated on the outer circle of Regent’s Park, close to all of the amenities of Marylebone High Street and Great Portland Street Underground Station (Hammersmith & City, Circle & Metropolitan lines).

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal Bedroom Suite with ‘His’ & ‘Her’ En-Suite Shower & Bathrooms, Bedroom 2 with Dressing Area, En-Suite Bathroom & Steam Room, Bedroom 3 with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom, Bedroom 4 with En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchen, Breakfast Room, Grand Reception Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Room, Study, Guest Cloakroom, Laundry, Air Conditioning, Under Floor Heating, Lutron Lighting, Crestron Home Control System, Plant Room, Courtyard, Integral Garage.

SOLE AGENT

astonchase.com

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

CLIFTON HILL ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8 £6,950,000 FREEHOLD A handsome detached period house arranged over four floors (319sq m/3,430sq ft) presented in very good condition throughout and benefiting from excellent entertaining space, off street parking and a delightful rear garden.

Clifton Hill is located in the heart of St John’s Wood close to all the amenities of both Abbey Road and St John’s Wood High Street.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal Bedroom Suite incorporating Bedroom, Dressing Room & Bathroom, 3 Further Bedrooms, 3 Further Bathrooms (2 En-Suite), Study, Drawing Room, Reception Room, Mark Wilkinson Kitchen incorporating Breakfast Area, Dining Room, Family Room, Laundry Room, Guest Cloakroom, Off Street Parking for 1 Car, 64ft Rear Garden.

SOLE AGENT

SO LD

Belsize Park Gardens NW3 - £1,600,000 Family apartment within white stucco villa with large garden Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

1599 sq ft • 3/4 bedrooms • 23 ft reception, 26 ft kitchen • 68 ft south-facing garden •

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

www.parkheath.com

A recent letterfrom fromanother another happy happy client....

A recent letter client....

Dear Parkheath,

Dear Parkheath,

Congratulations indeed. Whilst I suppose Foxtons complained of a poor market, only matched by their lacklustre approach, Congratulations indeed. Whilst I suppose Foxtons complained you came highly recommended and lived up to your of a poor market, only matched by their lacklustre approach, reputation. What impressed me was your unique approach youand came highly recommended and lived up to your market knowledge.

reputation. What impressed me was your unique approach andI don‘t market knowledge. ever want to deal with another estate agent again.

I don‘t ever want to deal with another estate agent again.

Mr SG

Mr SG

* The name of the poorly performing agent has been concealed to avoid their embarrassment

* The name of the poorly performing agent has been

Belsize Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 | West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 www.parkheath.com concealed to |avoid their embarrassment South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 www.parkheath.com West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 | South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 | West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

www.parkheath.com

SO LD

Fairhazel Gardens NW6 - £1,950,000 Substantial garden maisonette 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

2196 sq ft • 3 double bedrooms, 2 receptions • Private entrance and gardens • Access to 2.5 acre shared gardens •

www.parkheath.com

SO LD

Steeles Studios NW3 - £2,750,000 One of five original artists’ studios built by Thomas Buttesby in 1872 Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

2000 sq ft • 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • 30 ft double volume reception • Walled garden and off street parking •

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

www.parkheath.com

HOT PROPERTY:

palatial splendour

This spectacular and spacious penthouse apartment boasts designer interiors and a 1,700 sq ft west facing terrace which offers superb uninterrupted views.

Many of the impressive rooms benefit from fantastic vaulted ceilings, which give the property a feeling of grandeur. Highlights include the bespoke ebony Makassar study and the beautiful master suite featuring a galleried area and two dressing rooms. There are also three further

suites, a fully equipped kitchen/diner and a family room. The penthouse is also fitted with state-of-the-art technology including a home cinema.

Set within the most prestigious development on The Bishops Avenue, residents will be able to enjoy a 24 hour concierge service and a leisure suite including a large swimming pool, as well as communal landscaped gardens.

The property also comes with parking for four large cars.

homes & property

the bishops avenue, N2 price on application Glentree Estates www.glentree.co.uk

020 8458 7311 119

LEFT-HAND

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

Stockleigh Hall, NW8 £1,250.00pw

Harley House, NW1 £2,800.00pw

This beautifully presented apartment is located in a portered block opposite to Regents Park. The apartment benefits from three good size double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms and a separate family bathroom. There is also a bright and spacious reception room which is great for entertaining.

A stunning grand lateral apartment to rent in a prestigious period mansion block located on the Marylebone Road in central London. This large, four bedroom family home is spread over the first floor and offers elegant decor throughout. The building also boasts a 24 hour uniformed porter and a lift.

Pavilion Apartments, NW8 Prices range from £500pw to £2000pw

Apsley House, NW8 £995.00pw This bright and spacious newly refurbished, portered penthouse apartment is offered in immaculate condition throughout and comprises of the following: Two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, large reception leading to private terrace, eat-in kitchen, communal garden, lift, and allocated parking.

A selection of fabulous apartments in this sought-after block with direct views into Lords Cricket Ground; The apartments boast 24hr concierge and secure parking, the underground station (Jubilee Line) and amenities of St Johns Wood high street are close by and the open space of Regents Park is also within walking distance.

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

Reassuringly Traditional Surprisingly Innovative

Property Expertise Beyond Your Expectations As a trusted brand with over 140 years’ experience, we know how to sell and let property. We also know the market changes; which is why our people are trained to the highest standard and equipped with the latest knowledge and innovative sales tools.

To find out how our traditional yet innovative approach could benefit you, contact Chloe Ellis today on 020 7722 2131 or ellisc@hamptons-int.com.

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

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Eyre Court, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£1,800,00 Leasehold – share of freehold

Three/four bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of this portered sought after block in the heart of St John’s Wood.

The property benefits from secure off street parking, communal heating & hot water, 24 hour porterage, access to well maintained communal gardens and a share of freehold. The property requires complete modernisation.

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546

Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

North Gate, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£1,350,000 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

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

ÂŁ825,000 Leasehold

Stunning modern apartment in prestige block opposite Lords Cricket ground. Wooden flooring, guest w/c, modern fully fitted kitchen with dish washer, washer/dryer, gas hob, fan oven, microwave and full size fridge freezer. Double glazed, en-suite to the bedroom. easy access to manicured communal gardens, porter, CCTV, underground secure parking.

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546

Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Queensmead, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

ÂŁ1,500 Per Week

Extremely bright spacious family house set within this highly sought after development. This semi detached house is organised over three floors with landscaped communal gardens, parking and porterage. Comprise entrance hall, double reception room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and guest w/c. The house features a two level garden and single garage.

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

Belgrade T: 381 11301 1161

Knowledge takes you far.

Know-how takes you further.

Over 50% of our sales and lettings business in Central London is with international buyers and tenants.

We have years of experience in tracking down exactly the right buyer or tenant for your property, wherever in the world they might be.

Even more importantly, our International Desk exposes your property to the widest global audience, opening up new opportunities all over the world.

With our award-winning marketing and close relationships with major international companies, it’s hardly surprising news of your property travels far and wide.

Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk marshandparsons.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook/marshandparsons.co.uk

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

SALES

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

Edbrooke Road W9 ÂŁ2,600,000 Arranged over four floors, this beautifully designed family house is immaculately presented throughout. The accommodation boasts a double reception room, a superb open plan modern kitchen/dining/lounge area with glazed doors leading out to a landscaped garden, two guest cloakroom and a utility room. The bedroom accommodation includes a large master bedroom suite occupying the entire first floor, a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, an additional four bedrooms and a family bathroom. Freehold. Sole Agents.

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

Local know-how. Better results.

Our Offices:

Brook Green

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Balham

Chelsea

Holland Park

North Kensington

Barnes

Clapham

Kensington

Notting Hill

Battersea

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico

At Marsh & Parsons: It’s in our culture to go the extra mile for our clients.

Firstly, because it’s second nature to us. Secondly, because by bending over backwards we get you better results.

From studios to semis, maisonettes to mansions...

...We give the same energy, passion and enthusiasm to selling all properties, regardless of their value.

“I wanted to express our gratitude for all your help, we never would have been able to conduct a search as rapidly as we did if we had not spoken to you... We also were very impressed by the cheerfulness, helpfulness and professionalism of your staff...“ Associate, US law firm, corporate tenant

Professional property management makes your life as a landlord easier.

90%

of our managed tenants renew their tenancy.

It’s just one of the many reasons why opting for our property management is a smart investment.

Maida Avenue W2 £800 per week Set within a stunning period conversion in the heart of Little Venice, this well presented property comprises a bright reception/dining room, a modern kitchen with a breakfast area, a lovely master bedroom with en suite bathroom, a second double bedroom with French doors leading out to the private garden and a shower room.

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

SO LD

SO LD

Randolph Avenue W9 £899,950

Ashworth Mansions W9 £862,000

Hall Road NW8 £1,250,000

Cunningham Court W9 £1,150,000

Alexandra Court W9 £849,950

Maida Avenue W2 £1,100,000

Clarendon Gardens W9 £699,950

Clarendon Court W9 £925,000

SO LD

Aberdeen Court W9 £1,200,000

Lanark Place W9 £1,275,000

SO LD

SO LD

Clifton Court NW8 £1,220,000

Westminister Court NW8 £1,299,950

SO LD

SO LD

Clifton Gardens W9 £1,395,000

SO LD

St Marys Mansions W2 £1,399,500

SO LD

Randolph Crescent W9 £1,575,000

SO LD

SO LD

Finch Lodge W9 £1,599,950 SO LD

Clifton Gardens W9 £1,875,000

SO LD

SO LD

Randolph Road W9 £1,999,950

SO LD

Pindock Mews W9 £2,495,000

SO LD

SO LD

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

SO LD

Join us on Facebook: facebook/marshandparsons.co.uk

SO LD

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

SO LD

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

Niddulph Mansions W9 £675,000

70 Offices • 5 Continents • 11 Countries

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

Little Venice 020 7286 4632

Maida Vale W9

sales.littlevenice@chestertonhumberts.com

£995,000 leasehold

A bright 3 bedroom flat on the 2nd floor of this mansion block overlooking Regent’s Canal.

Ideally situated for the amenities of Little Venice with its excellent transport links to the West End.

Little Venice 020 7266 2369

Randolph Avenue W9

lettings.littlevenice@chestertonhumberts.com

An exceptional maisonette offering 4 double bedrooms, a double reception room, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen with a balcony & a patio garden leading to Triangle Gardens.

chestertonhumberts.com

£2,000 per week

Camden 020 7267 2053

Marquis Road NW1

sales.camden@chestertonhumberts.com

£925,000 freehold

An end of terrace Victorian house located in the Camden Square conservation area. Arranged over 3 floors the property boasts 4 bedrooms, a reception room, kitchen & sun room opening out onto the rear garden.

Camden 020 7267 3574

Oakley Square NW1

lettings.camden@chestertonhumberts.com

£750 per week

A 2/3 bedroom garden flat arranged over the raised & lower ground floors of a grade II listed property with 2 entrances, high ceilings & sash windows with shutters. Located within close proximity to Mornington Crescent, Euston, King’s Cross & St. Pancras stations.

chestertonhumberts.com

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

BRIDGE APPROACH, NW1 An impressive semi-detached five storey period house. Approx. 2,962 sq ft.

6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, off-street parking, garden. £2,500,000 Freehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

HILLMARTON ROAD, N7 An immaculate 1st floor apartment situated in the Hillmarton Conservation Area.

Approx. 675 sq ft. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. £425,000 Share of Freehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

FS Vantage Jan12.indd 1

14/12/2011 16:36

FS V

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

TYTHERTON ROAD, NW19 A three storey church conversion situated in the Yerbury Primary school catchment area.

Approx. 1,645 sq ft. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open-plan reception/kitchen, garden. ÂŁ1,150,000 Leasehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

16:36

FS Vantage Jan12.indd 2

14/12/2011 16:37

2011-12-16 14:02:51

1

ST JOHN'S WOOD

St Marys Mansions NW8 A beautifully presented mansion flat located in this quiet street off Maida Avenue. The property is finished to an excellent standard and offers exceptional living and entertaining space, making this a truly stunning family home. St Marys Mansions is ideally located for underground and rail connections at Warwick Avenue and Paddington station, with Little Venice a short distance away reception room | 4 bedrooms | dining room | kitchen | 3 bathrooms (1 en suite) | patio (not demised)

Guide price ÂŁ1,300,000 leasehold

cluttons.com

020 7586 5863

stjohnswood@cluttons.com

2

1

2011-12-16 14:01:07

1

ST JOHN'S WOOD

Bristol Gardens W9 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/living area and a beautiful garden. Bristol Gardens is located conveniently 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

m

Lauderdale Road | Little Venice | W9 Approached via it’s own private entrance, this bright and spacious two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment of approximately 1194 sq ft, forming part of a converted Victorian semi detached house, set in the heart of this sought after location. The apartment is offered in good decorative order and retains many attractive features including sash windows and direct access to a private patio. Lauderdale Road is located within walking distance of shops, cafes, Paddington Recreation Ground and Warwick Avenue Underground (Bakerloo Line).

£825,000 | Joint Sole Agent | Share of Freehold Jonathan Arron Residential 18 Blenheim Terrace, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 0EB

Cambridge Gate | Regents Park | NW1 Set in this prestigious development, a truly stunning four bedroom triplex apartment (approx 3,202 sq ft), offering stylish contemporary dĂŠcor throughout, benefiting from four bathrooms, four terraces with breathtaking views across Regents Park, off street parking and 24 hour porterage. The apartment is ideally located close to Marylebone High Street, Regents Park and Great Portland Street Underground Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines)

ÂŁ5000 Per Week | Available January 2012 T: 020 7604 4611 W: jonathanarron.com

homes & property

State of the market As we begin a new year, we get a chance to reflect on the movements and trends across the property market in the year just gone, and look forward to what may happen in the year ahead, says Tom Gladwin from Parkheath

I

t’s agreed that 2011 has undoubtedly been a tough one for Great Britain, and forecasters predict this will continue into 2012. But how was it for the Property market in prime North West London?

Investors key to market growth The traditional tinder to spark the property market into life are first-time buyers. As finance continues to be tricky to secure, and rising rental prices hinder the chance of saving larger deposits, true first-timers are few and far between. However they have been replaced in greater and greater numbers by investors seizing the chance to make far greater returns than are possible keeping money on deposit, and with far less risk than is currently normal in the stock market. With interest rates low and rents high, returns are good. This year we have also seen a fresh influx of foreign money. The Arab spring and uncertainty in other Middle Eastern countries, and the instability of the European banking system, has led to safe harbours being sought — one of the most popular being Prime London Property.

We have responded to the increase in this sector by expanding our rental department and by opening a dedicated Property Management office close to our existing office in Belsize Park. Just as pension holders have used fund managers to grow and administer their investments, they are now using professional management services to protect their new property investments. This has led to an increase of 22 per cent in the number of properties which Parkheath manage.

London vs National What has been clearly highlighted is that the property market does not operate as a single entity. Not only is the London market vastly separate from the rest of the UK, but within the London market, certain, highly desirable areas have outperformed lesser ones. And even within those areas, certain streets or types of property have increased in value more than others.

Interest Rates and Confidence Recent reports from the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England do not paint a rosy picture for the next few years. The positive to be drawn from this is that interest rates are unlikely to rise in the foreseeable future, which means that money held on deposit will remain unproductive and people will continue to search for better performing investments. So long as this is the case, there will be a greater number of investors looking for property, which creates extra demand, putting a strain on the supply of available properties and leading to an increase in confidence as people compete for properties. As this is reported to buyers and sellers alike, prices are pushed higher.

London 2012 Last January my prediction was that prices would rise by around five per cent over the course of 2011. In fact in the prime areas of North West London the rise was closer to eight per cent.

This year London is, of course, hosting the Olympics, and so will be the focus of the world’s attention.

Historically, after the closing ceremonies have ended, property in Olympic cities has enjoyed strong and immediate growth, and I believe that London will be no different. Perhaps there will not be the dramatic change that was seen in Barcelona, but I still think that the buzz created by the greatest show on Earth will reflect kindly on the market. Early in the year canny buyers will be keen to buy, before any surge in interest caused by the Games pushes prices higher in the autumn. The regeneration of the areas most local to the Olympic Village and the new housing created will quickly be snapped up as more and more people are drawn to our wonderful city.

Prime areas will continue to outperform the rest of the capital. The best properties in Belsize Park and South Hampstead are already regularly breaking £1000 per square foot and the demand for them will only push this higher. I would not be surprised if the figure for growth in 2012 was approaching ten per cent. n www.parkheath.com

139

83 Boundary Road, St John’s Wood, London NW8 0RG

The Panoramic, Hampstead NW3 A stunning three bedroom, three bathroom apartment situated on the third floor within this portered block. The property comprises of a 26’ reception room with semi open plan fully fitted luxurious kitchen, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private terrace. Further benefits include two off street secure parking spaces. Available Immediately.

Furnished/Unfurnished/Part Furnished.

£1100 Per Week

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

Salusbury Road, Queens Park NW6 A truly stunning three bedroom duplex apartment totalling (1595 sq ft/ 148 sq m) arranged over two floors of this purpose built corner house. The property comprises of master bedroom with en-suite, second bedroom with en-suite, a third bedroom and a separate family/guest bathroom/WC. The upper floor benefits from a 28’ double reception room with double aspect folding doors onto a decked roof terrace. The property is on the corner of Montrose Avenue and within easy walking distance of transport and shopping facilities of Salusbury Road coupled with the tranquil beauty of Queens Park.

ÂŁ875,000 Leasehold

greenstone Residential Estate Agents

The spirit of St John’s Wood

If you want to sell your property come to us

Rescorp wish you a happy and prosperous 2012

Make the right move and instruct Rescorp Residential today!

We look forward to hearing from you.

Vic Chhabria Director

11 Hanover Gate Mansions, Park Road, London, NW1 4SJ

Sold / Under Offer

Festive Greetings ...

For Sale

To Let

Belsize Park NW3

Belsize Park NW3

Hampstead NW3

Chelsea SW3

Hampstead NW3

Hampstead NW3

From one of Hampstead ’s little gems

Hampstead NW3

Lancaster Gate W2

With very best wishes from “ The Divas and Divos ”

Let / Let & Managed lettings

|

sales

|

bespoke property management

|

property finder service

Property Divas Limited, 34a Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, NW3 1NH 020 7431 8000 info@propertydivas.com www.propertydivas.com

Blair Court, St John’s Wood, NW8

Stockleigh Hall, St John’s Wood, NW8

A newly refurbished three bedroom, two bathroom apartment (1,088 sq ft / 101 sq m) situated on the first floor of this modern block in St John’s Wood. This bright property features beautiful wooden flooring, balcony, underground parking space, passenger lift and 24 hour porterage.

A beautifully refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment set on the third floor of this prestigious block on Prince Albert Road. This stunning apartment features excellent views towards Regents Park and further benefits include 24 hour porterage, passenger lift and a share of the freehold.

Leasehold

Share of Freehold

£995,000

£1,395,000

St James Close, St John’s Wood, NW8

Pavilion Apartments, St John’s Wood, NW8

An outstanding recently refurbished fifth floor apartment (1,630sq ft / 151 sq m) in this highly sought after block featuring exceptional views over Regent’s Park. St Jame’s Close is enviably located for the amenities of St John’s Wood High Street, St John’s Wood underground station (Jubilee Line) and the open spaces of Regent’s Park.

A beautiful three bedroom, two bathroom apartment (1,350 sq ft / 125 sq m) situated on the fourth floor of this prestigious modern block in St Johns Wood. The property features a delightful balcony with views over the communal garden. Additional benefits include air conditioning, 24 hour porterage, passenger lift and underground parking.

Leasehold

Leasehold

£2,500,000

£2,850,000

Greville Road, St John’s Wood Borders, NW6

St Edmunds Terrace, St John’s Wood, NW8

An elegant three bedroom, two bathroom, two storey period house (1,905 sq ft / 177 sq m) situated in this tranquil area on the periphery of St John’s Wood. The property comprises two reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory breakfast room and 32’ rear garden incorporating secure off-street parking for 2-3 cars.

A 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, roof terrace with views of Regent’s Park, a front garden and off street parking.

Freehold

Freehold

£2,495,000

£5,750,000

Elm Tree Road, St John’s Wood, NW8

White Lodge Close, The Bishops Avenue, N2

A superbly presented semi-detached house (4,111 sq ft / 382 sq m) located in a gated development in this highly favoured St John’s Wood location. This contemporary house provides excellent entertaining areas and further benefits from a patio garden, garage and off street parking for up to five cars.

A handsome detached house (6,840 sq ft / 635 sq m) set behind a carriage driveway, discreetly located off one of London’s most prestigious Avenues. Willowbrook offers spacious living over two floors only comprising seven bedroom suites, large family reception room, dining room, family room, study and kitchen/breakfast room.

Freehold

Freehold

£6,200,000

£9,900,000

SOLD

Blazer Court, NW8

£899,950

SOLD

Connaught House, W9

£1.75m

£1.225m

London House, NW8

£2.85m

The Galleries, NW8

£2m

Prince Albert Court, NW8

£1.695m

Hanover House, NW8

£2.75m

SOLD

£3.495m

SOLD

£3.75m

Abercorn Place, NW8

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Regents Park Road, NW1

The Yoo Building, NW8

SOLD

SOLD

Abbey Road, NW8

SOLD

SOLD

Ordnance Hill, NW8

£3.5m

SOLD

£4m

White Lodge Close, N2

£5.5m

T LE

T LE

Marlborough Hill, NW8

£650 pw

£850 pw

T LE

Eyre Court, NW8

The Yoo Building, NW8

£1,200 pw

Carlton Hill, NW8

£850 pw

Embassy Court, NW8

£850 pw

Grove Hall Court, NW8

£900 pw

T LE

£1,500 pw

T LE

£2,000 pw

Cumberland Terrace, NW1

T LE

T LE

T LE

Hanover House, NW8

£700 pw

T LE

T LE

St James Close, NW8

Hyde Park Mansions, NW1

T LE

Collection Place, NW8

£1,800 pw

T LE

£3,500 pw

The Bishops Avenue, N2

£4,000 pw