VICINITEE AUGUST 2010 by Runwild Media Group

the city magazine A U G U S T 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • travel • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property

Viennese dreams Intoxicating, magic Vienna

BEHIND THE SCENES AT MANSION HOUSE n

The team behind the Lord Mayor

travel gadgets motoring interiors property AUGUST 2010 i ssu e 3 4

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interview

All

about

the bull

contents

Nothing epitomises the successful allegiance of Italian and German thinking than in the appointment of CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, in 2005. Born in Berlin, the son of German parents, Winkelmann moved to Rome as a baby. Growing up in Italy, he studied political science, and spent two years as a (Lieutenant) paratrooper in the German Army. Professionally, he began his career in the field of finance, landing at Mercedes-Benz where he was bitten by the automotive bug. From here he went to Fiat Auto, where he remained for 11 years, rising to the position of CEO of Fiat-Auto Germany, responsible for Fiat, Alfa-Romeo and Lancia. Credited by the majority of press as the man who made Automobil Lamborghini profitable, when faced with this statement and questions about his success, he begins with a self-effacing laugh. “Thank you. Our success is in the brand, in keeping it clean. Our cars are the things dreams are made of, to reward yourself with and relax with on the weekend.

Luxury car manufacturers are having a bit of a tough time right now. Louisa Castle speaks to Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, and the man credited with the rescue of the marque

utomobil Lamborghini has been passed from pillar to post in its lifetime, from Italian ownership to American, to Indonesian and finally German. To me the mix of Italian and German is the perfect state of affairs – you have the passion of the Italians, the style and the flair, but the reliability and technical excellence of the Germans.

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When Audi AG (a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG) bought Automobil Lamborghini in 1998 it was reported that Lamborghini “could strengthen Audi’s sporty profile and, on the other hand, Lamborghini could benefit from our technical expertise”. Looking at the models on the market today that prediction rings true. I wonder, would we have the R8 if Audi didn’t have Lamborghini?

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“We need to deliver consistency in our brand and the product, providing the perfect match, keeping the brand image clean and the product constantly surprising our consumer. Ultimately, we sell the emotion, the intangible sense of reward, success, satisfaction, fun. We sell the uncompromising, the extreme and the very Italian. “It is about understanding that and having a clear and highly distinctive view, so that you can continuously provide that match. And that understanding should always be evolving so that we are always evolving – business is film, not a snapshot, it is always moving.” And in the current market where all supercars are suffering, what is the strategy? “We have a long-term plan, a marathon strategy, not a sprint. Number one is to remain profitable, because this is what we owe to our employees and our company’s future and, two, not reducing the investments for future products. “This is very basic. We want to stay emotional. We want to continue to build without compromising the brand. This is the only way

12 All About the Bull Talking to Stephan Winkelmann CEO of Lamborghini

16 Up Your Sleeve Discovering this season’s countless dynamic watch designs and hottest trends

…if you were

20 Behind the Scenes at

born in the

80’s

Black ‘Bondage’ body, £160 Wolford, 020 7529 3000 Leather ‘Guetres’ stocking, £990 Jitrois, 6f Sloane Street, SW1 www.jitrois.com

Mansion House

Photographer:

The day-to-day challenges of supporting the Lord Mayor of London

Ezra Patchett Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

comment

32 Swiss Family Elsener

Talking to Charles Elsener, CEO of Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss army knife

40 The Expatriate Survival Kit

Exploring job opportunities abroad and ways of taking your work with you

calibre

travel connoisseur Donnerbrunnen Fountain Vienna Austria

50 (Not) Blowin’ in the Wind What are the chances of getting close to nature in the new Mercedes convertible? Intoxicating, majestic and more dynamic than ever, Vienna is experiencing a second cultural wave and has rediscovered its joie de vivre, learns Oliver Balcazar

56 Two-Wheel Nirvana

Nail-biting racing and daredevil riders in the high-octane

Viennese DREAMS

concierge

ith its unique blend of imperial tradition and contemporary creativity, the Austrian capital has firmly shaken off its erstwhile reputation as old-fashioned and outmoded. In 2009, 4.4 million visitors racked up a total of 9.8 million nights in Vienna. While this represented a decline of 3.8 per cent on the record-breaking previous year, it was still the second best total in what was an exceptionally challenging economic climate. Vienna can seem overwhelming in its sheer concentration of sights, yet an ideal way to discover the iconic monuments is via bicycle. Pedal Power delivers and collects top quality bikes direct from your hotel. In three unforgettable hours I see more of Vienna up close than others see in three days. Setting off from my hotel entrance, my tour group glides under trees along the 2.8-mile Ringstrasse – the spectacular circular

66 Interiors Dinner in Mexico

74 Fashion 80s inspired lingerie and loungewear

connoisseur

90 Viennese Dreams

Experiencing a second cultural wave in the majestic and dynamic city of Vienna

103 A la Carte Blanc

Sampling the fusion of Parisian chic and rustic charm at Brasserie Blanc

regulars 10 editor’s letter

71 fashion

39 personal finance

83 health & fitness

55 sport

89 travel

60 gadgets

101 food & drink

65 interiors

115 property

road surrounding the central district of Vienna, home to the enigmatic old town. This grand boulevard follows the line of the medieval walls and is a roll of gardens and fine buildings, including the Stadtpark, Volksgarten and the neo-gothic Rathaus (city hall). You could spend days visiting Vienna’s eclectic range of museum and art galleries, but if you want to cherry pick, then the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) in the newly re-designed Museums Quartier, is a must. This enormous complex of galleries, museums, shops and cafés, and the open-air Haupthof, is a fabulous place just to chill out and peoplewatch. It includes areas devoted to theatre, dance and architecture, the Leopold Museum (Vienna’s principal contemporary gallery), as well as the excellent Café Leopold. The 119-yearold Museum of Art (Kunsthistorisches Museum), housing centuries of Habsburg-acquired artistic gems, as well as works by Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Velazquez, is also essential.

Born in the air, defined in the cockpit, created in England, realised in Switzerland: Bremont mechanical chronometers are made by professionals to exacting standards.... for the rest of us.

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contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editor

Louisa Castle

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Deputy Editor 1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine. 2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist

Josephine O’Donoghue

Editorial Assistants Oliver Balcazar Penelope M Walsh

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.

Senior Designer

3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading

Design Assistant

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and

stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance

journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

6. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and

most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications.

Hiren Chandarana

Kayze De Silva

Production Manager Dan Hyde

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

7. Josh Sims is a freelance writer and editor,

contributing to the likes of The Financial Times, The Times, Esquire, Wallpaper and CNBC. He lives in east London.

8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

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

Travel to cultural capital, Vienna See page 90 Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2

Subscriptions: A free subscription service is available to employees at Canary Wharf offices. E-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details. For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

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EU fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100 km) for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera with e-gear: urban 13.8 (20.4); extra-urban 30 (9.4); combined 20.9 (13.5). CO2 emissions: 319 g/km.

from the editor...

August

elcome to the August edition of vicinitee magazine. The long days of summer sunshine ahead are guaranteed to help ease some of life’s pressures. As the holiday season continues and we experience a slightly quieter time here in the City, we bring you the latest feature articles and reviews to keep you inspired and entertained during what’s set to be the hottest month of the year. There are, of course, endless weekend destinations to escape to in summer and this month our focus is on Brighton which has morphed into one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan towns in the UK. Being so close to London, it makes for the perfect seaside escape with a flamboyant mix of bars, funky shops and quintessentially British restaurants; Sarah Gilbert also visits Brighton’s only five-star boutique hotel. A little further afield we explore the historical capital of Austria. Experience a unique blend of imperial tradition with contemporary creativity with Vienna’s eclectic range of museums and art galleries. This dynamic city offers a choice between relaxation and serenity, or action and adventure. If being active is part of your agenda this month, then why not consider taking part in ‘Smash the City?’ The City of London Corporation is inviting everyone to come along and play Table Tennis from Monday 26 July until the Sunday 22 August on Finsbury Avenue Square. There will be free

time to play on the tables throughout the four weeks and a chance to test your batting skills against other top City companies. August also sees the return of The City Basketball Tournament 2010 to Broadgate Circle, in support of XLP’s work with young people in inner London. Taking place from 2 to 4 August 2010, there will be live music performances throughout the tournament whilst raising money for the urban youth charity. To register a team please visit www.citybasketball.co.uk Finally, don’t miss out on London’s newest farmers’ market which is coming to Broadgate. Discover a huge range of seasonal and local foods to take home and plenty to eat for lunch. The farmers and growers will be on hand to offer enthusiastic cooking advice as well as selling the best shellfish, poultry, organic fruits and vegetables. The market will take place from 8.00am to 2.00pm on the 5 and 19 August as well as 2 and 16 September at Finsbury Avenue Square. For more information on all events happening in your area please visit www.vicinitee.com Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you.

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director Runwild Media

GUNS CLOTHING ACCESSORIES WWW.PURDEY.COM 020 7499 1801

All

about

the bull Luxury car manufacturers are having a bit of a tough time right now. Louisa Castle speaks to Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, and the man credited with the rescue of the marque

interview

feature

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to keep the emotion. Currently, that is not stretching beyond one new product or product extension a year. “Recovery will be slow, I have no doubt. We have markets that are better than last year and are growing – the Chinese market, for example. But the US is by far our biggest market and they have been hit the hardest and will take the longest. “A luxury car is something you buy to reward yourself, and most of the people in this market have lost a lot of money in the last 18 months. They are keeping their distance from these things. But we all know that business is coming back, and after a long time of not rewarding yourself you will want to have something again.” And what of his personal success, how does he attribute that? “Generally, good leadership and success in business is recognised as someone

having the right character, some good luck, knowledge, and building a great team. “But, for me, it is more about the intrinsic values that are within; my character, my childhood, my DNA and a sense of gravity to keep things real. Success is the one who does things right.” Lamborghini, finally, seems to have found itself in a safe pair of hands; ones that will keep the bull raging and the brand very Italian, with just an added dash of Teutonic technical excellence. n Thisinterview interview coincides coincides with the opening This opening of of a the new Lamborghini showroom in Sevenoaks, new Lamborghini showroom in Sevenoaks, visit adding to the Jardine Motor Group’s www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com for existing further Lamborghini dealership in Reading. information. Lamborghini Sevenoaks, 01732 430041 Lamborghini Reading, 0118 3360117

a short hisTORY OF LAMBORGHINI The brain child of Ferruccio Lamborghini, a World War II mechanic who went into the business of building tractors out of leftover military hardware, making it one of the largest agricultural equipment manufacturers in the country (in the 1950s), as well as successfully venturing into gas heater and air conditioning manufacturing.

Chrysler chairman, Lee Iacocca, who previously orchestrated the turnaround of Chrysler, spearheaded the acquisition, paying out US$33million to the administrators. Under this leadership, the company entered Formula 1 and launched the 25th anniversary Countach, later acclaimed to be the finest version ever built.

This success meant Lamborghini could invest in his passion of cars, especially Ferraris, although he did consider them too noisy and rough to be proper road cars. Therefore, he pursued an automobile venture with a view to bring to life his vision of the perfect grand tourer. Automobil Lamborghini was officially incorporated in 1963 and opened the doors to the factory at Via Modena, Sant’Agata Bolognese, where production is still housed today.

Then came the launch of the Diablo in Monte Carlo, 1990, the fastest car in production at the time, and Lamborghini returned to profit. The concept of efficient franchise dealerships was perfected and profits increased passed the USD$1million.

The fledgling automotive company made its mark in the 1960s with unveilings at Geneva Motor Shows of a four-seater, annual sales reaching 353 cars, the production of smaller V8-powered 2+2 cars (following the likes of Ferrari with the Dino 246 and Porsche with its 911). When the world financial crisis hit in the ‘70s, Lamborghini’s companies began to run into financial difficulties. The tractor company was sold and Georges-Henri Rossetti, a wealthy Swiss businessman, friend and owner of two Lamborghinis, bought 51 per cent of Automobil Lamborghini for US$600,000. Then came the 1973 oil crisis, which clearly plagued the sales of high-performance cars around the world. In 1974, Ferrucio Lamborghini sold his remaining stake and retired to the shores of Lake Trasimeno, Perugia. In 1974 came the Countach, but then a dire financial situation arose as the company entered bankruptcy in 1978. During receivership, efforts were made to revive the company, but to no avail as the only viable solution was a larger, stable financial partner, one of America’s ‘Big Three’ – the Chrysler Corporation.

In the late ‘90s, Chrysler began looking for someone to take Lamborghini off its hands, finding an Indonesian conglomerate that appointed Michael J Kimberly, former vice-president at the helm of General Motors. When, after six years, the company still wasn’t out of the red, Vittorio de Capua was hired, with the hope that if anyone could change the situation, the Fiat veteran could. In 1998 it was time for another ownership change as the financial crisis hit Asia and the chairman of Volkswagen AG, Ferdinand Piech (grandson of Volkswagen’s founder, Ferdinand Porsche), went on a buying spree and bought Lamborghini for over USD$100 million. Yet again, the company was reorganised under the watchful eye of Audi AG (the luxury arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG). The first new Lamborghini in a decade was produced, the Murcielago, closely followed by the Gallardo and, under German ownership, Lamborghini finally found stability.

WHERE DOES THE BULL COME FROM? The world of bull fighting is a key part of Lamborghini’s identity. In 1962, Ferruccio Lamborghini visited the Seville ranch of Don Eduardo Miura, a renowned breeder of fighting bulls where, being a Taurus himself, he was so impressed by the Miura animals that he decided to adopt the raging bull as the emblem for the car manufacturer he was shortly to open. After producing two cars with alphanumeric names (350 GTV and P400), Lamborghini once again turned to the bull breeder for inspiration, naming the Miura after the breeder himself and holding the fourth generation Miura unveiling at the Seville ranch. The connection continued: The Islero was named after the Miura bull that killed the famed bullfighter Manolete in 1947; Espada is Spanish for sword, and sometimes was used to refer to the bullfighter himself; Diablo, the ferocious bull famous for fighting an epic battle against ‘El Chicorro’ in Madrid in 1869; Murcielago, the legendary bull who life was spare by ‘El Lagartiijo’ in 1879; Gallardo, named for one of the five ancestral castes of the Spanish fighting bull breed; and Reventon, the bull that defeated the young Mexican torero, Felix Guzman, in 1943. The only exception came in 1974 when Lamborghini broke with tradition and named the Countach, not after a bull, but for ‘countach!’ – an exclamation of astonishment used by Piedmontese men upon seeing a beautiful woman.

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There, you can also hear the story of F. A. Lange who 165 years ago moved to Glashütte and established Germany’s precision

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01.07.2010 17:42:46 Uhr

Up your

sleeve

This season dynamic watch design shows no signs of a slowdown, with watch lovers finding countless ways to express their individuality, says Claire Adler

jewellery & watches

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In a backlash against recent years of heady excess and jumbo-sized watch cases packed with technical complications and piled high with intricate components, the latest watch world fad is now fitting everything into watch cases so skinny they appear almost flat. It would be easy to think an emphasis on form rather than function reflects a lack of innovation on the technical front. But squeezing a watch movement into such a skinny space while hiding its functionality within, is an achingly exacting engineering feat all its own. Take, for example, the Patek Philippe Complicated Perpetual Calendar, a movement with a 3.88mm profile, but which displays the correct date, taking into account months with 31 and 30 days, as well as leap years. You (so to speak) won’t need to correct it till 2100. While Piaget has come up with the P12, the skinniest automatic watch on the market at a stomach-crunching 2.35mm, Vacheron Constantin has come up with the Ultra Fine 1955, the leanest mechanical hand-wound watch in the world. Elsewhere in these leaner, less opulent times, Zenith, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richard Mille and Ralph Lauren have also revealed sumptuous, slimline timepieces. “A slim watch is a bit like a black tie suit, it’s timeless,” says Piaget brand manager, Nicolas Mohs.

Size zero watches

Watches by city A slew of new Swiss watches are inspired by the energy of buzzing metropolises and views of exotic landscapes. Many are artistry watches designed to baffle the senses, renewing rarefied old crafts of enamelling, engraving and even sculpture. The dials of Vacheron Constantin’s newest Metier d’Art collection have been painstakingly decorated with the help of Japanese craftspeople. Having loyally transmitted their skills uninterrupted for centuries, and inspired by their native Kyoto, they attribute their meditative work style and Zen calm to the spirituality of Kyoto – a city that is home to 2,000 temples. Meanwhile, the love affair between Van Cleef & Arpels and Paris is still holding strong with Le Pont Amoureux – a romantic watch whose dial shows the figures of two lovers meeting and parting. Other watches inspired by cities include Harry Winston’s New York collection, which draws a picture of sprawling traffic on Manhattan streets – in diamonds of course; Jaeger le Coultre’s Grand Tourbillon Continents; and the Roger Dubuis Excalibur automatic tourbillon, which lets you switch between the time in different cities using the corner of your credit card.

Vacheron Constantin Ultra Thin Heritage 1968 and 1955

feature jewellery & watches

Au naturel

Exotic and beautiful floral embellishments, tactile animal skin motifs and earthy materials provided courtesy of nature, are all permeating watch design right now. “Nature, it’s fascinating complexity and fluidity and the way there is no waste and only logic, means it is the ultimate inspiration,” says lead designer at Tag Heuer watches, Christoph Behling, who is also at work on solar ferries to transport guests to the 2012 London Olympics. At Kenzo, Boucheron and Chanel, flower motifs encircle watch cases; animal skin textures inform watch dials at Guess, Fendi and Chopard; tigers and panthers inspire art watches at Cartier, while butterflies and Californian landscapes are painstakingly interpreted at Van Cleef & Arpels, and peacock and guinea fowl feathers are set deep within Jaeger-LeCoultre’s high jewellery watches. In timepieces that reflect our eco-loving epoque, wood expresses a new kind of luxe. Super-cool Nixon incorporates gold-framed wooden modules in the bracelet of its Bread & Butter range, while Boucheron offers a watch with an elegant wooden face. The Ray by Quiksilver, available on Watchismo.com, is hand-built from recyclable materials, and transported only by truck and boat. The organic and curvaceous Issey Miyake Hu, created by the product designer nicknamed Captain Organic, Ross Lovegrove, aims to be an extension of the human body. n

VO1 E VOID

Against a backdrop of iPods, Smartphones and HD TVs, retro digital technology is very much here to stay. “Dali was right when he said what is unfashionable today becomes fashionable tomorrow,” writes branding commentator Mark Tungate in his latest tome, Luxury World. At the high end of the watch world, digital watches have been showing their faces for the last several years. They’ve taken the form of sophisticated timekeepers like Tag Heuer’s Formula 1 Microtimer, offering 1/1000th of a second precision, to Gucci’s statement I-Gucci, and De Grisogono’s Meccanico DG with 651 components, while Porsche Design was responsible for the first chronograph with a mechanically driven digital display, which took four years to develop. Now Seiko has come up with the EPD watch. This piece of kit uses a large screen display, with images three times finer than anything achievable via conventional LCD watch displays. The only company using Active Matrix EPD technology in a watch, Seiko has made figures, text and graphics appear on the dial in a cleaner way than ever seen before. At humbler price points, ‘hipper than thou’ digital watches now abound, with some by topflight designers. Philippe Starck for Fossil, and British architect Will Alsop’s 3D polygonal Alessi Daytimer are cases in point, while Brazilian neo-pop silkscreen painter and sculptor, Britto Romero, has collaborated with quirky watchmaker 01 The One. Others with heaps of personality include colourful Nooka, Casio’s fabulous Core, and all watches by VOID.

Digital curios

The new SLS AMG Driving Experience. Going fast. An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often. So you should catch it while you can. A Mercedes-Benz AMG gives you high performance at its best. Now Mercedes-Benz brings to you the most powerful performance AMG yet. The SLS AMG is the official Formula 1™ safety car. And even standing still it’s breathtaking – a twenty-first century reincarnation of the legendary 300 SL. And with an AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine, a top speed of 197mph, and acceleration of 0-62 in just 3.8 seconds, its performance is truly awesome. Now you can be one of the first to experience it, on an SLS AMG Driving Experience at Mercedes-Benz World. How fast can you get here?

SLS AMG Experience SLS AMG Passenger Experience (limited period only) £75 £270 SLS AMG Driving Experience† £1,050 SLS AMG Half Day Experience†† AMG Experience AMG 1 Hour Experience Off-Peak* £120 AMG Half Day Experience (limited period only)** £395 £15 per person AMG Hot LapsΩ

To book or for more information, call 0870 400 4000 and quote SLS CM or visit mercedes-benzworld.co.uk/SLS

SLS AMG Passenger Experience available at £75 for a limited period, check website for details. †SLS AMG Driving Experience is 50 minutes in an AMG and 5 laps in the SLS AMG. ††SLS AMG Half Day Experience is 2 hours in an AMG and 55 minutes in the SLS AMG. SLS AMG experiences available from 1st August, subject to availability. *Off-peak times Mon to Sat 10-11am and 4-6pm, Sun 10-11am and 4-5pm. **AMG Half Day Experience is 3 hours in duration, special offer available for a limited period. Ω5-minute Hot Laps available at weekends and school holidays, may have to share with other guests, up to 2 passengers per car.

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22/07/2010 17:02

Behind the scenes

Mansion House Josephine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue hears from some of the team at Mansion House about their day-to-day challenges, and their roles in supporting the Lord Mayor of London, Nick Anstee

interview

feature

Lucia Graves: Speechwriter and Researcher “I’ve worked at Mansion House for nearly three years now and I write roughly half of the Lord Mayor’s 700 speeches each year. Most have a financial services theme, while others deal with local government services, the services the City Corporation provides to London, civic City events, the London Livery Companies, charitable events and fundraisers for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, and the City Corporation’s involvement in corporate responsibility. It’s an incredibly varied writing role. “I found the job in The Guardian, and I was attracted by the rare combination of business and arts writing; the job is rather similar to working on a newswire – where you might put up five or six stories in a day; here you aim to do two to three speeches. I speak to PR offices around the City, to UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) and the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office), and to the event organisers, to try to ensure the speech fits the bill, and sit at my computer until the day’s work is done. “I think my whole job is unusual, but for a poetry-loving arts graduate, writing speeches for and about the armed forces and reserves, particularly so. A couple of weeks ago I spent an evening meeting the Royal Marine Reserves to understand a bit more about why they joined up. As well as spending some time talking to the reservists, I listened to a lecture on Improvised Explosive Devices in Afghanistan and handled some of the devices. It was pretty sobering stuff. “It’s difficult to choose the most enjoyable part of my job, but in order: the intellectual challenge of writing speeches which promote the UK effectively after the financial crisis, quite often to an overseas audience; the sense of being at the centre of a changing financial services industry; writing speeches for many different speakers; writing about the City Corporation’s successful corporate responsibility events; and writing about the arts and history, which I studied at university. “In contrast, the toughest part of the job is writing really good speeches to a deadline, given the immense volume: I have written as many as 17 or 18 speeches in a week, though usually I hope to get around 10–15 done each week; you have to prioritise particular events and speeches over others, and every speaker wants every speech to be brilliant.”

Richard Martin: Swordbearer and Senior Programme Manager

Clockwise from top: Richard Martin William Chapman Marie Bernard Lucia Graves

“Before working at Mansion House, I was an infantry soldier for 35 years serving in England, Northern Ireland and Germany. At the end of my time in the Army, I studied externally for an MBA – which proved to be good preparation, as well as very interesting. “I was the Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms (one of the other ceremonial appointments at Mansion House) for six years and I have been Swordbearer for four years now. My official uniform as Swordbearer is called “Old Bailey” and is the court

feature interview

dress that was designed for the coronation of King George IV in 1821. I wear a traditional (since the 16th century) sable hat – under which I keep the key to the Christ’s Hospital Seal. “In the role of Senior Programme Manager, I develop, manage and plan a share of the Lord Mayor’s heavy programme of business, livery, civic and charitable engagements, including overseas and regional visits. I contribute to the development and delivery of the Lord Mayor’s business agenda, finding links and synergies and using the extensive network of contacts that I have built up over several years. I also head up the ceremonial team at Mansion House and, on State occasions, I carry the ceremonial sword. I am also responsible for protocol advice within Mansion House. “Days at Mansion House are very varied, but a typical day might start (as has this morning) with a business breakfast, where a professional organisation is able to host a highprofile speaker in very special surroundings. Often, there will be a discussion with an overseas minister on strengthening links between UK and the foreign country concerned. “Lunch might be an opportunity to put together a small business group – for example, overseas investors and the Stock Exchange – to effect introductions and to promote further activities. In the afternoon, we might visit one of the City of London Corporation departments (the Lord Mayor being Head of the City Corporation), or there may be a meeting with City Corporation colleagues on civic business. Time must also be found for briefing, reading up the necessary papers and conducting media interviews. “Some of the more unusual parts of my job have included travelling with the Lord Mayor in the gold coach during The Lord Mayor’s Show; meeting the Presidents of Egypt and South Africa; attending the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Service in St Paul’s Cathedral; and meeting the air ambulance crew on the roof of the Royal London Hospital.”

William Chapman: Private Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Lord Mayor “For most of my career I was a civil servant, based in what was, when I joined it, the Department for the Environment. I also had two secondments to the Prime Minister’s office and worked as policy director for the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. “I’m now responsible for general oversight of the Lord Mayor’s programme and priorities, for advising him on them, and ensuring that the whole team helps to meet them. I also have responsibility for all the Mansion House operations that contribute in any way to the smooth running of the mayoralty. “I have always enjoyed working in roles on the cusp of tradition and modernity, which is precisely where the mayoralty is. It’s an 800-year-old office, which also has a key national and international role in promoting one of the most successful British industries, the financial service industry and related professions. The combination of the tightly packed square mile of the City, which has an almost village-like feel, and on the other hand, its global networks and reach, is also fascinating. “Almost every day involves a good deal of face-to-face contact with the Lord Mayor – it’s essential that we can

communicate easily. A day might start with a Lord Mayor’s working breakfast either with City Corporation colleagues or with leading City figures, including a briefing session looking ahead to the day’s events. It might involve sitting in on one or more of the Lord Mayor’s meetings with individuals or bodies who wish to discuss an issue with him, whether financial service industry leaders, Ministers or figures from the charitable and cultural sectors. “Some of the more unusual parts of my job have included dancing the conga in a line of small children at the party which the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress give every year; learning far more about the financial services industry than I ever expected; adapting to the heady mix of business, diplomacy, ceremonial, civic and philanthropic work; and finding myself working in an office under a Dutch School picture which my one of my colleagues delighted in pointing out was entitled ‘The Charlatan’. I’ve tried ever since not to live up to that… although some might dispute how successful I have been! “Perhaps the biggest challenge at the moment is the role the Lord Mayor plays in helping represent an industry that makes huge contributions to the economy, but parts of which have lost the confidence of the public in the aftermath of the financial crisis. This involves making maximum use of the mayoralty’s convening power and authority to influence key decision makers and opinion formers, helping the industry address what needs to change, and making sure that the general public and politicians fully understand the importance of the financial services industry to the nation’s economy and international influence.”

Marie Bernard: Executive Assistant – Events “I work closely with the Events Manager, supporting and assisting with the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the Lord Mayor’s events, which include formal banquets (at which several Government Ministers speak), business lunches, and dinners and receptions. I also co-ordinate the private dinner guest lists to ensure a cross-section of attendees in close consultation with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. All these events are, in one way or another, designed to further the aims of the City of London Corporation – and of the City – more widely. “I’m currently in my 12th year at Mansion House; originally I joined as an Executive Assistant in another part of the House; however, as my role developed, I moved across to join the Events team. “We deal with a wide and diverse cross-section of guests, including government ministers, city business leaders and guests from the arts world. The most enjoyable part of my job is working on a banquet from the beginning and seeing it through to its conclusion, the Lord Mayor’s Show being a typical example. My greatest achievement was working on the Millennium Lunch and the Queen’s 80th Birthday Luncheon – and being part of the highly televised British Menu programme with the various chefs.” n For more information on the Lord Mayor and Mansion House, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lordmayor

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current affairs

feature

BURNING A BURNING BURNING ISSUE Bronzed and beautiful – most of us think we only look good with a tan. But as the weather gets hotter and the nation’s love affair with the sun grows, it’s time to consider the long-term damage that comes as part of the tanning package, says Josephine O’Donoghue

his came as quite a shock to me, but according to Cancer Research’s Sun Smart campaign, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. We often hear about the more publicised breast and prostate cancers, but there are now over 40,000 cases of skin cancer reported each year (UK Health Protection Agency). More than 10,000 of these cases are diagnosed as melanoma, claiming around 2,000 lives a year, which marks skin cancer out as having a faster growth rate than breast or prostate cancer. The occurrence of ‘cancer noire’, as skin cancer is nicknamed, has almost doubled within a decade and has quadrupled since the ‘70s – but why is this? According to the British Medical Association (Apr 2010), “The popularity of tanned skin has increased throughout the 20th century. At the turn of the century, pale skin was a mark of high social status in Europe, but as the century progressed the perception changed and tanned skin is now seen by many as attractive and a sign of health.

“This has resulted in an increased personal exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), mainly attributable to an increase in outdoor recreational activities, but also a result of the widespread use of artificial sources of UVR, such as sunbeds”. Ironically, it seems that the British love of the sun (and the ‘healthy’ bronzed tan it creates) is the very root cause of a fatal cancerous epidemic, more common than any other kind of cancer in the UK. And perversely, it is the most preventable of all cancers. Worryingly, in many cases of skin cancer, most of the damage occurs before the patient is aware of it – during childhood. Children are at a much higher risk of damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation because their skin is thinner and more sensitive, and even short periods outdoors can result in sunburn. Studies have shown that episodes of sunburn in childhood precede high rates of melanoma later in life, as around 80 per cent of your lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. The first step in preventing skin cancer, therefore, is protecting children from the sun.

INTERESTING FACT: Coco Chanel started the fashion for being tanned when she came back from a holiday on the Duke of Westminster’s yacht in the South of France with a deep tan. This encouraged fashionable women to throw away their parasols and try and look the same. However, changing the attitude of the nation when it comes to health issues is far from easy (just look at Jamie Oliver’s struggle with healthy school dinners). Given the amount of information and campaigning centred on skincare in the sun, shouldn’t we already be aware of the dangers – particularly for children? Yet the rates continue to increase. “I don’t think it is ignorance,” comments Professor Lesley Rhodes, a photo-dermatologist at the University of Manchester hospital trust, talking to The Guardian. “I think a large number of people ignore the evidence. The information is out there, but perhaps it isn’t convincing enough. Perhaps we could explain, for example, that too much sun ages the skin even faster than smoking does.”

feature current affairs

THE DISEASE: Melanoma, the most fatal kind of skin cancer, is caused by the uncontrolled growth of pigment cells known as melanocytes. In most cases, those who survive melanoma noticed the mole or tumour at an early stage. The key factor is the thickness of the mole; if the malignancy is diagnosed when it is still less than 1.5mm in thickness, then the chance of being alive five years after diagnosis is more than 90 per cent.

INTERESTING FACT: Malignant melanoma is the third most common cancer in people aged 15–39, with most cases appearing during ages 40–60. Dr Newton-Bishop, consultant dermatologist at St James’ University Hospital in Leeds agrees, telling the newspaper that “It’s very difficult to persuade people to stop doing something they really love. Come the Bank Holiday, you can see burnt people everywhere. People are being asked to change their behaviour when there isn’t anything visible to gain by it. They might change their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease, but they’ll be doing it because they want to lose weight, so there’s some immediate advantage.” But avoiding sunburn is just the first step. As part of the changing attitude Brits need to develop, sunseekers should also be aware of the misleading ‘protection’ offered by sun cream. What should be used as a backup to shade and covering up (or as a last resort when direct exposure is unavoidable) is often seen as the only needed defence when out in the sun. Recent research shows that applying sun cream creates a false sense of security in users who consequently

stay in the sun longer, and develop more moles. Medical studies indicate that a large mole count and a tendency to freckle are together an established indication of high risk of skin cancer, as people with fair skin are 40 times more likely to develop melanoma than those with dark skin. So it seems that in the case of skin cancer, forewarned is forearmed. In fact, Australia’s hard-line programme of health education in schools and the media has led to a substantial fall in new cases. The decrease in numbers has been noted after just 15–20 years, showing that early damage from sunburn may be controlled by a change in public awareness and attitude. In Australia, where the frequency of melanoma per capita has always been almost double that of the UK, mortality rates have started to fall in the last decade. Australia now has approximately 1,000 deaths from melanoma each year – half that of the UK. So the next time you head out into the glorious English summer, just reconsider the risks to your health and swap the dodgy tan for a sunhat and sun cream. (And if it bothers you that much, fake it – who’s going to know?) n For more information, visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

It is widely considered that most skin tumours are caused by a number of environmental events, the most significant of which is an incident of sunburn in childhood. Early irradiation of a cell caused by ultraviolet rays (both UVA and UVB) will damage DNA and make it divide faster, and an adverse effect on the immune system will make self-repair slower.

Malignant Melanoma

HEALTH TIPS: • Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm • Prevent the possibility of burning by covering up with hats, sunglasses and loose-fitting clothing • Take extra care with children and keep babies out of the sun completely • Use a sun cream with at least factor 15 protection, applied 30 minutes before sun exposure. Use this as an extra precaution alongside covering up and staying in the shade where possible • If you suspect you may have an unusual mole or skin growth, seek advice from your doctor as soon as possible

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29/7/10 15:13:05

interview personal finance global living

victorinox pensions .......................................... the decision

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Dee-_p -sea spill response unit

At the end of last month, it was confirmed that Exxon Mobil, Shell, ConocoPhilips and Chevron plan to contribute $1bn (£650m) to fund a new deep-sea response unit in the wake of the BP oil spill

his year’s spill at the BP Macondo oil rig highlighted the need for a new company that can operate at much greater depths beneath the ocean, and the consortium wants to be able to deal with spills in depths of up to 10,000ft (3km). It should be able to contain a spill of up to 100,000 barrels per day, compared with the estimated 60,000 barrels per day leaking from Macondo before it was contained. The new Marine Well Containment Company will use $1bn to invest in robots, capture vessels and other marine equipment that can be mobilised within 24 hours.

BP said it may join at a later date; Scott Dean, a spokesman for BP said, “We expect to be part of the overall effort moving forwards. Once we get this leak capped, we would fully expect to share in those learnings.” The announcement echoes a similar move after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, when the US oil industry clubbed together to create a similar company, the Marine Spill Response Corp. However, the recent spill at BP’s Macondo oil well has highlighted the need for a new company that can operate at much greater depths beneath the ocean. n

SWISS FAMILY ELSENER A true family company, Victorinox is the maker of the original Swiss Army Knife. Josh Sims speaks to Charles Elsener, CEO and greatgrandson of the founder

hen sales dropped by 30 per cent in the matter of a few months, Carl Elsener, CEO of Victorinox, knew the company was facing challenging times. The incident would go on to change the world, but no company could have prepared for this eventually. The incident was 9/11. The company was the maker of the famed Swiss Army Knife. And suddenly nobody was allowed to carry a penknife on a plane.

interview

“It was the biggest challenge faced by the company in its history,” says Elsener, the fourth generation of his family to run the company established by his greatgrandfather Karl Elsener in 1884, when he registered the design. “We sold a lot of knives on-board and through Duty Free and a huge quantity to corporations, who had their logo put on them and gave them away as gifts. Suddenly everyone was telling us that this really wasn’t the time to give a knife as a gift.” The consequences were radical for the company, which has just embarked on a retail expansion drive that will see its 30 brand stores around the world grow by five a year for the next ten years. Elsener had already piloted a gradual reinvention of the company as a ‘multi-product manufacturer’ through internal doubts among those who saw the company only as a maker of knives for more than a century, and the struggle to get others to understand that a broader brand development was necessary for the longterm survival of the company. That too was a consequence of problems abroad. Counterfeiting, mostly out of Asia, was getting better all the time. “And when the quality of a copy is getting close to the original, but at half the price, then the only solution is to invest in the brand,” says Elsener. “People will pay more for a brand because they’re buying an element of trust and because they know brands have to invest in customer service.” But with 9/11, any misgivings that staff might have had about Victorinox’s reinvention finally evaporated - it now makes luggage (under license) and clothing, watches and fragrances, with sunglasses and footwear under consideration for launch in a couple of years. And the shift from being Europe’s biggest maker of knives - it produces some 35,000 Swiss Army knives plus around 60,000 domestic and other knives every day, with knives now only accounting for 40 per cent of output - to a brand that sought to instill other products with the same sense of solidity and functionality began in earnest. It was just as well - Elsener reckons that if it remained just a knife company today, its sales would be at least three times lower than pre-9/11 boom times. “The shift was at times a painful one, especially getting used to how fast the fashion industry moves,” Elsener admits. “The Swiss Army Knife is a very functional product, not driven at all by fashion and, for example, some people here tried to adapt the philosophy of the knife to clothing. There was the notion that we could design one jacket and that would be the only jacket you’d ever need, like having the one knife...” On the other hand, there has been much in the company’s favour as it has extended its remit. One is the sense of reliability that has come from owning the definitive penknife, a little design icon. This, after all, was the gadget that armed

Getting your first Swiss Army knife is symbolic of moving into adulthood. And even in a hectic, modern world of cities the appeal of the outdoors life that the knife suggests is still important, maybe more so than ever

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forces around the world adopted as the standard after 1945 (India’s has become the latest army to put in an order for 1.3million knives, and 40,000 are still made each year for the Swiss Army), that is carried by NASA astronauts, that, even in an electronic age, “can still light up the eyes of a boy when he is given his first knife,” as Elsener has it. “Getting your first Swiss Army knife is symbolic of moving into adulthood. And even in a hectic, modern world of cities the appeal of the outdoors life that the knife suggests is still important, maybe more so than ever.” The other benefit has been the knife’s very Swiss-ness, with all that national stereotype might suggest about high design and technical excellence, and one especially appealing to the booming Asian markets. “There was a good reason why the first product we went into after knives was watches - we’re in Switzerland,” says Elsener, with a chuckle. But this, he adds, is not to say that the Victorinox logo would work on anything. “We’ve always done a lot of research before entering a category, to see if there is real demand there,” he says. “But the more licenses we have launched, the more we’ve been asked to launch - for mineral water, for cellphones, for office chairs... They’re not all bad ideas but we just can’t imagine an office chair sitting alongside our other products in a shop just yet. You can get carried away and lose control of your brand for short-term profit.” The knives too have had to move with the times - in recent years the company has launched a golf tool, a cyber tool, one with a laser pointer and one, this spring, with what it claims to be the most secure, commerciallyavailable USB device in the world, with a very ‘Mission Impossible’ anti-tamper self-destruct function. But control is something management has held onto tightly. It has meant, remarkably, that in 80 years it has never made a staff-member redundant for reasons of economy. There is self-control too: in 2000 those Elsener family members involved the company put all their shares into a foundation so Victorinox’s future could not be disrupted by, for example, inheritance issues, also ensuring that growth is sure but steady and the company remains financially independent. It seems fitting that company founder Karl Elsener named it after his mother, Victoria. “I think we’ve always looked at the company as though it’s been entrusted to us by our parents for responsible management,” says Elesener, who is one of 11 children himself, and whose own children already will hopefully follow suit. “And with other generations coming up, it means that there’s a business philosophy of always trying to set a good example. You can’t ask people to do something you won’t do yourself. You can’t ask management to fly economy while you fly business.” The subject of flying takes us back to a sore point in the Victorinox world. Elsener always carries two Swiss Army Knives with him, a small model that fits on a ring with his keys, and the Traveller, complete with an alarm clock and a very Boy’s Own-appealing altimeter. “And yes, I’ve forgotten to pack them away and had knives confiscated from me at the airport,” he says. “It’s annoying and often sad. It’s easy to get attached to a particular knife, and for it to be connected to special memories. But, of course, it’s not too hard for me to get a replacement.” n

comment human resources

HR MATTERS:: SHOULD INTERNS BE PAID? Clare Murray examines the growing number of internships in the wake of the recession, and considers whether or not those seeking work experience should be paid

In the aftermath of the recession and with youth unemployment at record levels, internships are increasingly viewed as a vital way of gaining experience and, in turn, graduate jobs. The debate surrounding the payment of internships has recently been put in the spotlight following the CIPD’s (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) recommendation that interns should be paid a ‘training wage’ of £2.50 per hour in line with apprentices. However, at present there are no specific laws covering the hiring of interns. Whether or not an intern is entitled to be paid will depend on their employment status. Determining whether an intern could be a worker or even an employee under UK law (and therefore be entitled to the National Minimum Wage – NMW) depends on the type of work that they undertake, and the amount of control the company exerts over them. The NMW is currently £5.93 for those aged over 22, and £4.92 for those aged between 18 and 21.

Employers who provide interns with a placement that consists entirely of work shadowing should be able to show that the intern is not a worker, as they are not carrying out work of value, simply learning from others. They are likely to be classified as volunteers who are under no obligation to work and have no expectation of being paid, other than their reasonable expenses. However, if an intern is undertaking work of value and the organisation exerts an element of control over him/her (for example, they work set hours), it is likely that they would be considered to be a worker and be entitled to the NMW. It is also possible, though far less likely in practice, that interns who are paid may be deemed to be employees if certain conditions are met (for example, there is a mutual obligation to provide work). Workers at charities, voluntary organisations, associated fundraising bodies or certain statutory bodies are not entitled to the NMW if, under the terms of their engagement, they are not entitled to remuneration, just reasonable living expenses. In addition to the question of whether an intern has the right to be paid, you should also be aware that other employment rights arise if an intern is considered a worker. These can include rules on working time and certain statutory rights under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Further, depending on their legal status, any intern you take on may have a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of their sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age and a right to health and safety protection. n The CIPD’s internship guide for employers can be found at www.cipd.co.uk/publicpolicy/_internships-that-work.htm

Clare Murray is managing partner at employment law firm, CM Murray LLP; email: clare.murray@cm-murray.com The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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Made to Measure - Off the Peg - Accessories - MarcWallace.com

MW - City Advert.indd 1

24/3/09 15:01:48

foreign exchange

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Plastic fantastic With prepaid currency cards soaring in popularity, James Hickman managing director of Caxton FX explains why they are now an essential for overseas travellers When the first traveller’s cheque was issued on 1 January 1772, it was perfect for the 18th century traveller, offering a secure alternative to cash. Yet, nearly 200 years on they have become an outdated form of travel money, no longer widely accepted by retailers and demanding some time to organise. However, there is now a new way of spending overseas that is taking the UK by storm – the prepaid currency card. A prepaid currency card operates in a similar fashion to a mobile phone top-up card. Customers choose to load their desired amount by transferring sterling to their card supplier. The selected currency is then loaded to their card. Customers can spend as they would with a normal credit or debit card, purchasing items and services and withdrawing cash from ATM machines whilst abroad. Cards are reloadable and have a similar life span, which for Caxton FX is two years. Prepaid cards have several benefits over traditional methods of overseas spending. Exchange rates tend to be significantly better compared to purchases made in cash. Unlike traveller’s cheques, prepaid cards in general are accepted everywhere. As most are MasterCard® branded they act in the same way as credit cards. They can be used in shops, restaurants and at ATM machines all over the world and the only difference is that you won’t be charged huge commissions. Furthermore, being prepaid means that you can only spend what’s on the card ensuring that no surprises appear on your bank statement.

About Caxton FX Caxton FX is one of Europe’s leading foreign exchange companies. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Founded in 2002, it offers bank-beating rates and fee-free transfers on large and small currency transfer transactions. The company also offers guidance on timing and hedging strategies and is a leading commentator in the media on trends in the foreign exchange markets. Caxton FX offers three prepaid currency cards, the euro, the dollar and the Global Traveller (Sterling), which is suitable for use worldwide. Caxton FX Corporate Currency Cards offer the same great exchange rates, and administration systems to help reduce business travel costs. It recently launched its FastPay service, an online service enabling regular payments of small sums overseas with no transaction charges, bringing significant savings for customers. Over 96% of our FastPay customers recommend it. www.caxtonfx.com

When it comes to security matters it is important to remember that many travel card issuers offer emergency card or cash replacement facilities. So, you will not be left without your holiday money if your card should be lost or stolen. Most prepaid travel cards are available in euro or US dollar currency in addition to UK pound. This makes it much easier to manage your available balance whilst away, and generally means you will not pay any additional foreign exchange rate fees. Simply put, if you buy a t-shirt for €10 you will only be paying €10. But, much like credit or debit cards, not all prepaid travel cards are the same. Some currency card providers apply additional charges such as top up fees, overseas ATM withdrawal fees and inactivity fees. You should always do some research to get the best deal but, at the same time, it is important not to make a decision on the headline fees alone. For example, selecting a Maestro card, no matter how cost effective, would not be a good option if you were travelling to the Caribbean, as you would be restricted at the number of retail locations where you could use the card. The Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) trap is a hidden cost that holidaymakers can often be unaware of. Some retailers or ATMs will offer a cardholder the choice of paying in sterling, converting the price of the purchase from the domestic currency. The retailer or ATM will then apply their own conversion rate based on unfavourable margins which can leave the card holder out of pocket. Although fees are added to the purchase in such a way that consumers have almost no way of knowing the additional cost, the practice is legal almost everywhere in the world. In order to avoid this, the cardholder should always elect to pay in the local currency. So when asked if you would like to pay in sterling – Just say NO. n

For further information, call 0845 222 2639 or visit www.caxtonfxcard.com

comment insurance

Healthy peace of mind Everyone’s talking about international private medical insurance according to Teresa Rogers, international sales and marketing manager, Aviva UK Health With many companies expanding an existing international presence, a growing number of employers are facing the challenge of managing an internationally mobile workforce. This is becoming increasingly complex as new industry hot spots emerge, with different cultures, languages, tax systems, legislation and healthcare provision. And just because a country’s economy is flourishing doesn’t guarantee that its will have a health system to match. China is a prime example of such a country. Being relocated thousands of miles away from home can be a very daunting process that can often leave employees feeling anxious and isolated. Many assignments fail for just this reason and ensuring that you have the best benefit structure and support in place for your employees can help improve the chance of a successful relocation. Wherever they are in the world your employees want the reassurance that they can access quality medical treatment whenever and wherever they need it. Where the treatment isn’t available in the country they are living, they need to know that where necessary, they will be evacuated to the nearest country where treatment is available. International private medical insurance helps provide employees with the peace of mind that they have the medical support they need, when they need it most. At Aviva, we can arrange ambulances, find appropriate treatment facilities, deal directly with providers in their local language and settle invoices directly. Basically we take care of everything whilst keeping your employee, their relatives and you informed throughout.

COMMON QUESTIONS Are people entitled to the same state health provision as the UK if they move to another country? No not at all. State medical provision varies from country to country and in the case of the US and Canada region to region. Moreover, due to the rising burden of state health costs, an increasing number of countries are introducing legislation to ensure that expats have private medical insurance before they can be issued with a work visa. The UAE is a prime example. Employers therefore need to thoroughly research the health support available and supplement it through an international medical insurance policy where appropriate. How much health cover does the EHIC card offer if people are moving abroad? The amount of cover is dependent on the country they are living in. The card is valid in all 27 member states of the EU and in the majority of cases, UK citizens will have the same access to the state system as locals of that country although they may need to pay in advance and then apply for reimbursement. It is worth remembering that the cover received may be less than they are used to receiving in the UK. For those planning on working, the card covers UK nationals for up to one year but they will also need a completed A1 form to show they are still paying tax and NI in the UK to cover this (employers should arrange for this). This can be extended for up to two years in case their stay lasts longer than originally expected but they will need to reapply for both the card and the A1 to be eligible.

Would standard travel insurance cover employees’ health needs for a shortterm assignment? It depends what you mean by shortterm, but travel insurance generally only provides cover for a defined period of time. Aviva’s annual multi-trip travel insurance policy for example offers cover for stays up to a maximum duration of 120 days. Looking at health specifically, standard travel insurance policies generally only cover medical emergency treatment following an accident or illness during the trip Everyday medical expenses such as prescriptions, GP visits and non-emergency medical treatment is not usually covered, leaving employees unprotected. n

For further information call, 0800 42 42 42 or visit www.aviva.co.uk/ health/international-health/companies

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Poker Face Dr David Kuo, director of The Motley Fool, discovers what poker teaches us about investing I always thought that poker was just a game of chance. After all, you can’t really control the cards that you are dealt unless you have the prestidigitatory skills of a David Copperfield or a Paul Daniels. It’s all down to the hand of fate, surely? However, my blinkered view about poker may just be because I am an awful poker player. Let’s face it; it’s hard to be good at the game if you break into an involuntary chorus of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah when you draw an inside straight. The same can’t be said of stoical professionals, who are perhaps more in tune with Kenny Rogers – they certainly “know when to hold ‘em”, and “when to fold ‘em”. In the main though, poker is reckoned to be one of the fairest casino games. That is because, unlike other games of chance, players are not competing against the house but against each other. Instead, the house makes its profits from the ‘rake’, which is a small percentage taken from each pot. Since winners collect most of the pot, they generally don’t begrudge paying most of the table rent. And if you are playing poker at home with friends, where the house is the host of the poker party, the ‘rake’ goes towards paying for your drinks and pizzas! Despite my irrational myopia about poker – otherwise known as being a sore loser – I can’t help but notice some interesting parallels between those good poker players that you see on the telly, and successful stock market investors. This is not to say that investing in shares is akin to gambling, but merely that the similarities are noteworthy.

Luck be a lady Good poker players have clear playing strategies. We’re back to Kenny Rogers again – these players can quickly compute the odds of winning or losing a particular hand. What’s more, they will stick to their strategies, even if they are having a run of bad luck. Successful stock pickers have clear investing strategies too. This helps them identify which shares to buy and which ones to sell. There are many investing strategies to choose from, and it can take time to identify one that suits your personality and plays to your strengths.

For example, some people may be good at crunching numbers, while others may be better at recognising patterns on charts. Others may be quick at spotting companies that are likely to benefit from changes in the economy. Then again, some investors are good at spotting businesses that the market has undervalued. Just as there is no right or wrong poker strategy, there is no right or wrong investing strategy either – just one that is right for you.

What’s gone is gone Most poker players know they may occasionally make a wrong call. However, they are also acutely aware that money committed to a pot should not affect their decisionmaking. That is because throwing good money after bad cannot change a weak hand into a strong one. Money that you have placed into a pot is a sunk cost, and this cost will be unaffected by any future decisions you make. Experienced investors understand the concept of sunk cost too, when buying shares. Consequently, they rarely look at whether a share is making a profit or incurring a loss. Instead, they decide where they can invest funds to generate the best returns. For instance, you may have invested in a share that is showing a healthy profit. However, the share may still be cheap, which means that you should consider buying more.

Lady Luck Finally, poker players know that luck can play a part in any game – it’s hard to argue with a straight flush. However, whilst the lucky amateur can beat any professional on a given day, the skilful professional tends to win over the long term. Luck also plays a part when picking shares. However, experience and knowledge tend to win in the end. Unfortunately, it can take many years before you discover whether you are cut out to be a stock picker. But don’t forget you can still make a handsome long-term return from shares by just opting for a stock market index tracker instead. n Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

Cheryl Cole and malaria Celebrities do have their uses. The unfortunate Ms Cole’s bout of malaria has raised the profile of what is an often overlooked and under reported ailment. According to charity Malaria No More (www. malarianomore.org.uk), 2,000 British travellers contract the disease each year and some reports indicate that 10 per cent of those cases result in a fatality. This is at least in part because of difficulty of diagnosis. Putting this in perspective, 250 million people catch malaria globally each year. 850,000 Africans die from it annually. It is probably not surprising that Bill and Melinda Gates charitable foundation has donated considerable funds for research into malaria cure and prevention. Briefly, malaria is spread by certain types of female mosquitoes, transmitted into the blood after a bite. Substantial parts of Africa, South America and Asia have areas where malaria is endemic. In some of those areas, species of mosquito have become resistant to anti-malarials. For comprehensive matter of fact advice on malaria, www.malariahotspots.co.uk, an educational initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health is well worth a look.

Career World Champions Putting an imaginative spin on the World Cup (remember that?), Experteer, the leading online career service polled a number of European executives to ‘elicit critical feedback about their careers’. As regards job satisfaction, 70 per cent of Italian and Austrian executives rated challenging tasks most highly compared with 59 per cent for Germany and 52 per cent overall. French and Spanish senior-level professionals favoured a positive team environment in their companies, though possibly not always in their national football teams. 20 per cent of British respondents rated the reputation of their company as a critical factor whereas the Germans rated it least at 3 per cent. However both nations’ executives rated their career development – from setting goals to achieving targets and scoring promotions highest at 70 per cent and 60 per cent. And training and coaching are also important. The Germans valued career coaching at 40 per cent. The Dutch (15 per cent) and Swiss (13 per cent) came in second and third respectively. As a headhunter, Experteer is keen to emphasise that a key element in a successful job change is the choice of... headhunter. They are seen as particularly important in Spain (40 per cent) and Austria (39 per cent). The UK favoured connections higher at 39 per cent.

The Forum for Expatriate Management is holding hold a Global Mobility Summit in London, 15 November 2010 in association with The Telegraph. The Summit includes a full conference program with high quality speakers from leading corporates, an exhibition, plus a Gala Awards dinner to present the EMMAs (Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards).at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. For more information, please visit www.totallyexpat.com

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the

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RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important

The Expatriate

Survival Kit

Summer means travel and whilst accepting a job overseas seems like a great idea, Brian Friedman takes us through the due diligence

n summer a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind turns to travel, with many keen young things considering an offer of employment or transfer away from home. Equally, they may be plotting to persuade their employer to let them undertake their work elsewhere in the world. We live in a (mostly) wired world, so why not? We know that there is a strong correlation between global mobility and upward career progression. Many employers now make the assumption that, if asked to move internationally, most employees will agree to do so unless serious family commitments get in the way. Whilst recommending a positive attitude to an offer to work abroad, there is some minimum due diligence you should undertake prior to signing on the dotted line. First, verify exactly what offer is on the table. In particular, you will need to know if you will be required to sign a contract with a different, that is to say, foreign, corporate entity. If you are going for a longer period (more than one year), find out whether

your current job will be held open for you. Many larger employers will offer to re-employ returning expatriates within the wider company or group. However, not every employer will give an explicit re-employment guarantee. Second, make sure that you fully understand the financial package. If there are extra allowances payable, what do these cover? Are they continuous, or subject to variation during the course of the assignment? It may be that your employer also insists that part of your remuneration is paid to you in the currency of your new home. If so, you need to be sure that you have adequate funds at home to cover any remaining domestic commitments that you have. Then there are questions such as immigration, tax and pension. Hopefully you will receive advice and guidance from your employer or their appointed advisers on these areas. Nonetheless, your cooperation and involvement in expediting the relevant procedures is vital. Therefore, it pays to at least be aware of the complexities. For example, it may well be that for a period you will be required to file tax returns in two countries

simultaneously. Many employers will arrange help with this, but ultimately you are responsible for filing the documents on time. In immigration terms, you will be the person arriving at an airport in a new country, so you need to be sure that you have the right credentials to live and work there. Then there is your pension. Legislation on cross-border pensions can be bewildering. You do not want to discover in 40 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time that an international assignment in your 20s affects your income in your 70s. Another fundamental point that needs checking is health insurance. Healthcare systems vary hugely from country to country, but there are some excellent international medical plans on offer. Make sure that you are covered, one way or another. None of these warnings should deter you from accepting that interesting proposition. Yet it pays to do your homework before you step on the plane in case someone else has not. n Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of The Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded in 2008, the Forum already has over 4,000 members who collectively manage over one million expatriate moves. Members come from the leading blue-chip employers of international assignees both in the UK and globally.

Taking Responsibility The question â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;should there be corporate social responsibility (CSR)?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is irrelevant today, argues Joe Davies the real question about corporate responsibility today is not whether but how

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SR refers to a system, whereby companies work to include consideration of public interest into their corporate policy making. For many companies, making a conscious effort to reduce the negative impact of their activities and ideally making a positive contribution to the welfare of their immediate and wider environment can, in turn, benefit their own development and productivity. The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest CSR initiative. It outlines ten principles to guide businesses on how they can avoid inhibiting, and actually encourage sustainable social, environmental and economic development. The three-tiered bare bones of this initiative are often referred to as The Triple Bottom Line: people, planet and profit. “People” can involve a wider group than many companies might imagine, with the decisions a company makes having the potential to affect employees, customers, suppliers, investors and others in the wider global community. As such, CSR refers to such a potentially far-reaching set of agendas that it can take a company from simply instigating an office recycling policy, in order to reduce the burden they place on the world’s resources, to raising money for communities in need, promoting social development on a domestic or even global scale. Since the 1970s, CSR has been considered to be increasingly important, not only in relation to keeping companies ethically in check, but also in relation to their own financial development. Several economists have found a correlation between a business’ social or environment performance and their financial performance, and in fact CSR has begun to be considered such a good indicator of a company’s overall performance, that the FTSE Group now publishes an evaluation of CSR performance in the FTSE4Good Index. Companies are no longer judged merely on the service they provide, but also on their ethical values, such as their carbon footprint or their attitude to expansion into developing economies. Being not only blameless in this respect, but actually taking the initiative to make a positive difference to the concerns of the global community can be an extremely successful marketing tool, helping to raise a company’s profile and enhance their reputation. In a market place where the focus on conscience lead consumer choices has become the order of the day, this can become a company’s unique selling point, the added extra that helps them stand out in an increasingly bloated market. A successful and far reaching CSR policy can give companies the competitive edge that makes them the first choice for recruitment, customers and investors. In a recent interview, Günter Verheugen, vice president of the European Commission, discussed the benefits of CSR and argued that the competitive edge it could give companies was of even more importance during the recession, with one of the biggest areas effected being risk and reputation management. Building a good reputation based on ethical practices and integrity can often help to offset the damaged caused by negative incidents, reducing the extent of negative attention this can draw from the media, regulators and governments. For companies that establish themselves as having

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CASE STUDY In 2009, Starfish Greathearts Foundation (an international charity, which works to stem the tide of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa) teamed up with Community Challenge and Project Build to create a corporate challenge for BP, which involved funding and participating in the building of two classrooms and disabled toilets at the Gozololo project in KwaMashu, KwaZule Natal. The team from BP raised the sum necessary to undertake the building project (£30,065), flew out to Durban in order to support the construction phase and also managed to raise £30,245 surplus, which can be used to support the future running costs of Gozololo. Gozololo has been working with Starfish for many years, running three centres in the area which support hundreds of orphaned children. The impact of this corporate challenge will have a long term positive effect on the community, helping to ensure the project’s future growth and development, whilst also having a positive effect on BP’s team morale and company profile. For more information visit www.starfishcharity.org

distinct ethical values, this can not only inspire customer loyalty but can also play a part in encouraging greater loyalty in the workforce. A good CSR policy, can also include initiatives that actively improve the experiences of employees, improving staff perceptions of the company, especially when staff are encouraged to take an active involvement through fundraising and similar initiatives. Further to this, a competitive edge in relation to recruitment can be important, particularly with the competitive graduate market and it is worth noting that CSR has become so important to company identity, that prospective employees often consider CSR when deciding whether a company is right for them. Everyone from big business to the UK government, the EC and environmental groups seem to be on side and used sensibly is an excellent idea. But it has to make good business sense and be woven into the corporate stategy. n

A N E V ENING

W I T H S TA R F I S H

AT T HE H U R L I N GH A M CLU B W I T H T H E L A DY M AYO R E S S O F LO N D O N

Join us for a night celebrating Starfish’s work with children across southern Africa, with an exquisite dinner, wine, enter tainment, dancing and an auction packed with unique items and experiences.

F R I DAY 2 2 N D O C TO B E R 2 0 1 0 7 P M D R I N K S R E CE P T I O N Tickets available from £85 before August 31st, £90 thereafter or treat yourself to a Gold Ticket for £110! DRESS: POSH FROCKS AND JACKETS

For more information and ticket details please visit www.starfishcharity.org or email alice.gilkes@starfishcharity.org Starfish Greathear ts Foundation is an international development charity, aiming to bring life, hope and oppor tunity to children in southern Africa who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS. Charity Number 1093862

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MONEY MATTERS: THE PROBLEM WITH PENSIONS Just when you thought it was safe to start saving for retirement again, Martin Bamford discusses the problems As someone who spends most days discussing the technical aspects of pensions with clients, I have no doubt that the world of pensions has become a more complex place over the past year.

retirement income from their pension plans. In addition to removing the specific age at which people have to buy an annuity with their pension fund, they are suggesting some other radical changes.

When the whole pension taxation system was ‘simplified’ in 2006, it might not have resulted in a truly simple system, but it did mean that people saving for their retirement knew what they could save and what they might get back. More recently, we have seen something called ‘anti-forestalling’ introduced, which means having to complete a personal calculation to find out how much some higher earners can contribute to their pension plans before they are penalised.

It could become possible to draw unlimited amounts of income from your pension fund in retirement, as long as you first secure a minimum level of income. This is to prevent people from depleting their pension savings, and then falling back on the state when they run out of money. In theory, this sounds great. In practice, it will require much more intensive analysis of likely cash-flow requirements for the rest of your life.

The recent emergency Budget from the new coalition Government initially appeared to deliver some muchneeded simplicity to pension contribution limits. Instead of gradually reducing income tax relief on pension contributions from April next year for higher earners, they proposed instead reducing the ‘annual allowance’ for all people saving for retirement. In practice, this is likely to mean an allowance each year of £30,000 to £45,000 on which you can receive tax relief.

These proposed changes could also result in a bigger tax bill for your beneficiaries, if you die whilst drawing an income from your pension fund. As things stand, this tax charge is 35 per cent of the fund if it is taken as a cash lump sum. The proposals seem to suggest it will increase to 55 per cent, which is bad news for your children and grandchildren if you wanted to leave them most of what was left in your pension fund.

At the same time they increased the age at which you had to buy an annuity with your pension fund from 75 to 77. This was an interim measure ahead of consultation to scrap the compulsory annuity purchase age altogether; a move that is very welcome for some people in their old age who do not want or need to buy an inflexible annuity. And then things started to get a bit more complex again. A read of the latest HM Treasury consultation on the subject reveals some complex plans for people taking

The consultation could also do away with the current flexibility to not take an income from your pension fund once you have taken tax-free cash, a proposal known as the minimum income requirement. Of course, this all remains open to consultation and interested parties will be quick to put their considered views to the Treasury before legislation is introduced. Pensions remain an essential component of plans for income in retirement, although they continue to need professional independent financial advice to understand the various twists and turns associated with them. n

Martin Bamford is a chartered financial planner at Informed Choice (www.icl-ifa.co.uk) and author of several best-selling personal finance books.

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Fear

of Failure

Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, looks at overcoming fear in all its guises

ver the last few months I have outlined a variety of strategies and techniques that can, if properly adopted, go a long way to help regain control of your life and build up your self-confidence. I have also discussed certain methods that will allow you to encourage some inner self-realisation. As with all forms of life-enhancing techniques and, in particular, the actual implementation of positive changes, there will almost certainly come a time when you start to feel yourself flagging or become plagued by self-doubt; this can invariably manifest itself into a full-blown fear of failure which, if left unchecked, can completely debilitate all of your best efforts. This is so important its worthy of repeating for emphasis: what makes people fail in life is not the act of failing but a psychological fear of failure, which often paralyses them and can stop them from even trying anything in the first place. This month’s column focuses on the one trait that can be our worst enemy and our best friend – fear. In general terms, fear has two distinct faces: external/physical fear and internal/psychological fear. External fear is caused by a perception of potential danger, such as a fear of heights or fear of flying. Internal fear is something that, for whatever reason, you find yourself unconsciously linking to some form of negativity, for example, the fear generated by low self-esteem. Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat. It is a fundamental human survival mechanism that causes changes in your mind and body to aid survival in circumstances of extreme pain or danger. However, fear is a reaction that should be distinguished from the related emotional state of anxiety, which can occur without any form of external threat whatsoever. Fear is related to other specific behaviours such as escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of significant events that are perceived

to be uncontrollable or unavoidable. It should be noted that, whilst fear relates to immediate current events, it also concerns our anticipation of potential future events. On an emotional level, fear can seem to take on an irrational life of its own and, if allowed to continue, will eventually plague us. When fear decides to rear its ugly head, it can and will block any possibility of moving forward unless we are able to control it. Indecision and doubt are closely related to fear; and so whenever you anticipate one, the other two are seldom very far behind.

So, what can we actually do about it? Most people see fear as a reason to quit, when really it ought to be utilised as a trigger point; a positive marker to show you that you’re on the right track. When the moment arises and you feel that first flurry of fear building up inside you, you should stop and try and savour the moment. Absorb and appreciate it, because it’s indicating that you may be about to discover something new and head in a different direction. Once you have stepped through the challenge of overcoming fear, the next time you are faced with it you’ll know that you can override it, and each successive challenge you are faced with will become easier to deal with. When anyone is experiencing indecision, doubt or fear, you can be sure that it’s mainly due to a lack of purpose and/ or a specific goal or target to work on. Not knowing which direction you are heading in and just rebounding aimlessly without purpose or focus, leads you nowhere. Knowing where you are now, and where you want to go are two vital components to moving into a new life direction. Fear is nothing more than a state of mind and your state of mind is subject to your control and direction. Therefore, fear is, in essence, just a warning sign that you are heading in a direction that the body and mind does not recognise. We should embrace fear, as it’s the first indication of the initial steps of change, and change should always be seen as a positive. n

CITYpromotion

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY PACKAGES 2010/11 DINING WITH GEORGE COHEN from £295* per match Champagne reception, fourcourse meal, fine wines from Harrods, half time cheese and biscuits, full time cream tea, parking space, seats in the Directors Area.

AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION Fulham is the oldest of London’s first class football clubs with a history dating back to 1879. Before the start of the 2010/11 season we speak to Mike McSweeney, head of ticketing, hospitality and events about what makes the Club so special. “It’s about a unique combination of things, to be honest,” begins Mike who has been at the Club for over six years. “First, and to coin an overused phrase, it’s all about location. We, unlike any other Club, sit on the banks of the Thames and are next to the greenery of Bishops Park and Fulham Palace. The whole experience is enhanced straight away with such a beautiful and welcoming setting. “There are numerous packages that can be enjoyed at a home game, whether it be through pre-match entertainment in lounges, whilst overlooking the river, or dining via a river cruise, arriving in style to enjoy the fixture. We are also in a prime position for those who wish to watch the Oxford v Cambridge boat race from the corporate hospitality suites. “Secondly we have 130 years of history and heritage. The facade of the Johnny Haynes stand is Grade II listed; the Cottage in the corner of the ground is also listed for its historical value, and was once the hunting lodge of Anne Boleyn, now of course, it is from where the Club derives its unique name. “Craven Cottage has played host to some of the true maestros of the game, with England captain Johnny Haynes, England World Cup winner George Cohen, Bobby Robson, Bobby Moore,

Rodney Marsh and George Best all donning the famous black and white. “Then there’s the sense of community and family. The ground holds almost 26,000 spectators which enables you to be very close to the pitch and never too far away from the action - ensuring that you get a more exciting experience.

THAMES BOAT CRUISE £225* per person A scenic two hour voyage taking in some of London’s most famous sights, champagne reception, three-course meal, home stand seating. HARRODS PACKAGE from £225* per person Champagne reception at Harrods, three-course buffet in the famous Georgian Restaurant, matchday programme, transfers to the game, home stand seating. SEASONAL BOXES from £31,000* *all prices exclusive of VAT

“This personal touch carries through all our hospitality, whether it’s for avid fans or client entertaining. The executive suites provide the perfect, close to the action venue to host important clients with our in house caterers on hand to develop menus and arrange your suite to suit your specific needs. Then there are the more informal options of The Trophy Lounge or McBride’s Sports Bar where you can meet fellow fans and enjoy the build up to a game. “What’s more, seasonal executive boxes are yours to use Monday to Friday to hold out of the office meetings in formal or informal settings. We are a small client led team who aim to bring the ethos of Fulham to everyone that comes through our doors.” For further information about any of the corporate hospitality packages visit www.fulhamfc.com or call 020 8336 7555

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alfa centurion Moto GP ................................. latest & greatest .....................................

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EXERCISING DESIGN EXCELLENCE

I Ciclotte is the world’s first design exercise bike, unmistakably Italian and undeniably cool

nspired by ergonomics and with style at its heart, Ciclotte is designed to complement the finest contemporary space. Designed by one of Milan’s leading designers, Luca Schieppati, and made by the Italian Lamiflex Group, known for its state-ofthe-art technological solutions, the concept was born out of the need to create a product that is an expression of contemporary life; where work and relaxation, inhabit the same dimensions. Ciclotte has been designed to reproduce the dynamics and performance of road cycling and is ideal for high-intensity aerobic workouts. It is

also the first exercise bike to use an epicycloid system. This works by generating a concentrated magnetic field using a copper ring, which is rotated at a high speed in front of five magnets – which can be moved back or forwards via the touch-screen display to control the strength – producing a highperformance effective cycling resistance system. The Ciclotte will be launched in the UK at the 100% Design Show from 23–26 September 2010 at Earls Court, London with an RRP of £6,800. n For further information, please visit www.ciclotte.com

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BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND A convertible is all about getting close to nature, reckons Matthew Carter. Mercedes-Benz, however, seems to have other ideas

he whole point of windin-the-hair motoring, you’d have thought, is to, er, get some wind in your hair. But Mercedes thinks differently. Among its many clever features, the new E-Class Cabrio has a device – standard on all versions – called AirCap. It’s a cunning little aerofoil that sits on top of the windscreen and works in tandem with a more conventional wind stop at the back of the car. It can be raised when the roof is down to redirect airflow over the heads of the occupants – even those in the back seats. In other words, it is now possible to drive al fresco without getting a hair out of place. Or, in deference to the typical Merc Cabrio driver, losing your rug. This is not the first time M-B has developed something to take away ‘the negatives’ of driving with the roof

down. The new Cabrio, like the SL two-seater before it, has something called AirScarf on the options list, which blows hot air around your neck to keep you warm as you drive topless into the cool of the evening. If you think such fripperies detract from the concept of an open-top sporting drive, then the Merc is not for you. If, however, you fancy more of an open-air boulevard cruiser, then this latest variation on the new E-class theme gets much closer to the mark. Unlike the rival BMW 3-series, M-B has opted for a fabric top for the E-class, figuring that a metal roof weighs too much and takes up too much luggage space when folded. Not that Merc has been over generous with boot space in the E… the folded roof still steals space, so that travelling to the South of France for a fortnight’s holiday will mean hood up all the way, or suitcases on the back seats.

motoring

The roof itself is a gem, however. It takes just 20 seconds to raise or lower and is a substantial triple-layer affair, which means the Cabrio can be used all year round and even put through an automatic car wash. The Cabrio is based on the new E-Class Coupé and shares the like-itor-loathe-it sharp-edged styling and the pronounced blisters over the rear wheels. Me? I’m in the ‘like’ camp: as far as I’m concerned, the E-class makes far more of a statement than its predecessor. As ever, there’s a vast choice of models to be found in the showroom, everything from small petrolengined versions to a big V8, with a smattering of lusty diesels thrown in for good measure. The test car was an E 350 CDI, which translates as a 3.0-litre V6 diesel pushing out a healthy 231 bhp; it’s the first time a Merc Cabrio has been available with a diesel engine.

Thankfully, it’s one of the best diesels around. Smooth, quiet, refined and powerful, it’ll push the Cabrio to 62 mph in under 7 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155 mph. Thanks to M-B’s advanced BlueEfficiency technology coupled to a wind-cheating aerodynamic shape, it’s economical and clean, too. Even better is the transmission, a state-of-the-art 7-speed auto that blurs gear changes so effectively that you’d be forgiven for thinking it had but one speed. It complements perfectly the surge of power that allows the Cabrio to waft along rapidly, hood up or down. As with most convertibles, the removal of the roof does mean the structure loses some of its rigidity – drop a wheel into a pothole, for example, and the whole frame shudders – but the flex is a great deal less pronounced than in some rivals. Mercedes reckons the E-Class is 30 per cent stiffer than the old CLK Cabrio it replaces. All the same, this is no sports car. The chassis is set up for comfort rather than outright handling, which means those looking for fun ought to head towards the BMW 3-series, though the Merc is certainly good enough to outcorner the anodyne Audi A5 Cabrio. Just don’t go expecting the wind to ruffle your golden locks as you pose behind the wheel. n

calibre

IN BRIEF Car: Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI Sport Cabrio Price: £40,780 Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel Power: 231 hp Drive: Rear-wheel drive

ALFA

THE

CENTURION

One hundred years ago, Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili built its first car. The company is still with us, though these days it’s better known as Alfa Romeo. Its latest car is the Giulietta. Is it, asks Matthew Carter, a worthy birthday present to itself?

couple of decades ago, few would have bet on Alfa Romeo making it to the end of the week, let alone to its 100th birthday. Yet here we are celebrating Alfa’s centenary. That the company has survived, despite pedalling some pretty dodgy cars in the recent past, says more about Alfa’s fans than the company itself. Without those fans staying faithful to the badge through thick and a lot of thin, Alfa would be no more than a footnote in history. But then, as Jeremy Clarkson once

said, to be a true petrolhead you need to have owned an Alfa at some point in your motoring career. In that case I’m in. I’ve had three, including a 1960 Giulietta Sprint Veloce that I’ve had for 25 years, and that’s just about to emerge from an 18-month stint at the restorers. Thing is, despite being a fully paid up Alfisti, I haven’t bought a new Alfa for 20 years… but that might be about to change. To celebrate its centenary, Alfa has revived the Giulietta name. Again. The original, like mine, was the car that ushered in the modern Alfa, yet was reassuringly expensive: in the

early 1960s, this left-hand drive only 1.3-litre coupé cost more than an E-type Jag. Little wonder it sold in small numbers. The second Giulietta was a weirdlooking, wedge-shaped saloon from the late 1970s and, thanks in part to a reputation for unreliability, rust and poor build quality, it, too, sold in small numbers. I owned one of those as well. And now comes the third iteration of the name. The latest Giulietta is a thoroughly modern, five-door hatchback powered by a range of advanced engines. It looks good, drives

motoring

well and should no longer be plagued by any negatives that scuppered the previous generation Giulietta. But despite all that, sales will never be huge. Alfa is expecting annual sales of around 6,000 in the UK. To put that in perspective, in the first six months of the year, Ford shifted more than 48,000 Focus models. Higher sales doesn’t necessarily mean better, though… ask any smug Apple owner what they think of a PC. And that’s just the case here. The newest Alfa is, at last, a car worthy of the badge and the fact that there’ll be comparatively few around is a bonus for buyers who see themselves as individuals, rather than followers. There are five engine options powering the Giulietta, two diesels and three petrols, and four trim levels: Turismo, Lusso, Veloce and Cloverleaf. The latter is the top of the range and is powered by a turbocharged 1750cc petrol engine that delivers a heady 235 bhp. But, for once, I’m going to ignore the performance variant as well as both 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels and instead concentrate on the best of the bunch, which is powered by a sophisticated, turbocharged MultiAir petrol engine, as found in many new Alfas and Fiats. It might only displace 1.4-litres, but in the Giulietta it develops 170bhp and up to 250 nm of torque – figures you’d expect from a much larger engine. Remarkably, this performance – 135mph max and 7.8 secs to 62mph and not far off the Cloverleaf – doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy. In fact, the whole point of MultiAir technology is that allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently, it can deliver superior performance with diesel-like economy. Alfa reckons it’ll return almost 50 mpg on the combined cycle. So that’s two of the boxes ticked. And you can do the same in the box marked ‘ride and handling’. The Giulietta’s ride is soft and cosseting, yet the handling is fun, sharp and largely roll-free, a remarkable achievement. The car’s safe, too: according to the independent NCAP test people, it’s the safest in the class. And it looks different. The famous Alfa grille is bigger than ever and gives the Giulietta real presence, while the side profile has an almost coupé look,

thanks to the hidden rear door handles. Life inside the Giulietta is pretty good. There’s a modern mix of metal surfaces, leather and quality plastics, while a nice touch seen in recent Alfas and continued here is the labelling of the instruments – benzina, oilo and so on – so much more evocative than the English equivalent. The driving position, a weakness in Alfas of old, is just fine, though there’s not that much room in the rear for the long of leg. As a package, then, there’s not too much to complain about. Until you get to the price list. At first glance, the Veloce version gets most of what you need, including Alfa’s DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All-weather) mode control, which sharpens up the throttle response and steering (Dynamic) when the mood takes, and softens everything down (All-weather) when conditions are treacherous. It also has sports suspension, Stop/Start technology, part leather trim, dual zone climate control, alloy wheels and Blue&Me, Alfa’s Bluetooth hand-free system with voice recognition, and a USB input port for the media player in exchange for £20,795. But once you hit the

calibre

options, the sky’s the limit. A fully integrated satnav is a £1,200 option, which is fair enough, but if you want a colourful Giulietta, you’ll have to pay extra: the only ‘free’ colour is solid black; even Alfa Red will cost you an extra £490. Parking sensors, heated seats, automatic lights and wipers – all extras. Maybe that doesn’t matter, though. The one thing the Giulietta has as standard is exclusivity… and that’s something you won’t find on the options lists of virtually all its rivals. Happy birthday, Alfa. n

IN BRIEF Car: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir Veloce Price: £20,795 Engine: 1368cc four-cylinder petrol Power: 170 hp Drive: Front-wheel drive

sport

calibre

Buy it: CLASSIC STYLE

sports

Legendary rugby clothing brand, Eden Park has launched its first ever range of sunglasses with reinterpreted classic vintage designs. Epitomising the effortlessly chic style of the French brand, the 16 unisex styles will complete the most fashionable of looks. The highlight of the collection is the PRR41 classic gold framed aviators – a favourite with the most stylish stars.

news

WHIFF WAFF RETURNS

In order to celebrate London winning the 2012 Olympic bid, Ping London, an expansion from Sing London, has been busy overseeing and maintaining the 100 ping pong tables that have popped up all over the city. With free balls and bats being provided, it’s easy to enjoy a quick game over a sandwich for an unusual lunchtime activity, or enjoy one of the many master classes around London squares and events all over the capital, including a ping pong quiz at the British Library, and a citywide tournament, where you can even win your own bat. The whole project has been supported by the Lord Mayor, Boris Johnson, who is undoubtedly ecstatic about ‘whiff-whaff’ coming home. The Victorian-invented sport is certain to put a smile on everyone’s face, and ease away the typical stresses of the working day. This four-week extravaganza is sure to be fantastic fun and will return in 2012 during the Olympics.

WWW.EDEN-PARK.COM

Say what?

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them

Michael Jordan

Five things you didn’t know... FRED PERRY

u Well renowned for his tennis

www.pinglondon.com

DARING FEATS The Red Bull X-Fighters will be returning to the UK on the 14 August at Battersea Power Station as part of their fantastic world tour. The exciting show features the freestyle motocross elite competing against one another, performing ridiculous, death-defying stunts. The show started as a one-off in Valencia, trying to combine extreme sports with the region’s national sport, bullfighting. Since then the show has grown bigger each year, as have the stunts, which become more wild and reckless as the show goes on. The show has broken ground for the freestyle motocross sport, including a rider completing the world’s firstever double backflip, performed in a freestyle competition last year. You can expect this year to be even more wild and exciting, and it promises to be an exciting show for all. www.redbullxfighters.com

triumphs and clothing brand, Fred Perry originally started out as a table tennis player, winning the 1929 world championship in Budapest.

u Although Perry is still

considered one of the best tennis players ever, he didn’t start playing until the very late age of 18.

u Perry was married four times; his fourth and final wife was Barbara Reise.

u The Fred Perry clothing brand

started when Tibby Wegner, an Austrian football player, showed Perry an antiperspirant device he’d invented to go around the wrist. Perry made some modifications and invented the sweatband.

u Perry was the first person in

history to win all four tennis grand slam events, with only five competitors achieving this feat since.

L E E H W O TW

Seven-time MotoGP Champion, Valentino Rossi

V R I N

sport

calibre

As the MotoGP world championship heads into the second half of the season, Lee Brooks takes a look at the highoctane, two-wheel series which promises nail-biting racing from daredevil riders

A N A

n an age where fans crave overtaking, battles for the lead that go down to the final corner and fast flying laps, motor racing simply doesn’t cut the mustard. Instead, you have to turn to the twowheeled variety and specifically motorcycling’s premier category, MotoGP, to get all of those ingredients in abundance. Set across 18 venues on four different continents, MotoGP features a small but competitive field of 19 riders who battle it out for the coveted world title. Italy’s Valentino Rossi makes it look easy with the way he effortlessly glides around the track at breathtaking speeds, and has picked up a record seven MotoGP world titles for his efforts. But a closer look at the sport demonstrates that it’s anything but easy. Just ask Britain’s James Toseland, who won the World Superbike title twice before graduating to MotoGP with the Tech 3 Yamaha team. For two seasons he toiled away, trying to replicate the form which saw him rack up 16 WSB victories, but it didn’t happen. He didn’t get so much as a sniff of a podium, and was made to look amateurish by his American team-mate, Colin Edwards. Two years and several crashes later, he retreated back to World Superbikes in an attempt to resurrect his career. Established as a world championship in 1949, MotoGP is now in its 62nd year, making it the oldest motorsport championship in the world. It’s renowned for the use of cutting-edge motorcycle technology, and is essentially the Formula 1 of the motorcycling world.

calibre sport

Left: Britain’s James Toseland Below: Italian maestro, Valentino Rossi

There are three racing classes, distinguished by engine size. The 125cc class is the first step for young riders and features single-cylinder 125cc engines. With a minimum age of 15, it gives aspiring riders the chance to race worldclass machinery at a young age. Britain’s Bradley Smith is our leading hope in the category and, after narrowly missing out on the title last year, the 19-year-old is looking to go one better this year, before graduating to Moto2 next season. Moto2 is the second racing class and is designed as a cost-effective preparation for MotoGP. Japanese manufacturer Honda is the sole engine supplier, and they run 600cc 4-stroke engines, which are capable of producing around 140hp. It’s got a huge field of 41 riders, so if you can come out on top in this category, chances are you’re ready for MotoGP.

Ever since he made his debut in the series, Italian maestro Rossi has been prolific, winning over 100 races and gracing the podium a staggering 167 times in just 230 starts. The Doctor, as he is affectionately known by his legion of fans, is renowned for his never-say-die attitude, ability to carve an overtaking move out of nothing, and steal victory on the final corner of the final lap. But what makes Rossi really great is his attitude to racing. He loves his fans and always puts on a show for them. When he wins, he’ll always perform some sort of stunt, whether it’s playing human bowling, stopping off at a portaloo on his warm-down lap, or dressing up in a chicken costume. However, back in June, the sport’s worst nightmare happened. Rossi was hurled off his bike during practice at Mugello, breaking his right leg and facing a six-month layoff. But just 41 days after the accident, he was miraculously back on a bike to test the waters and is set to be back in action for this month’s race in the Czech Republic. While Rossi has been on the sidelines, his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo has taken the opportunity to step out of his shadow and dominate this year’s championship with rivals Ducati’s Casey Stoner and Honda’s Dani Pedrosa trailing in his wake. But now Rossi’s back, we’ve got a real fight on our hands, and though he’s trailing Lorenzo by a long way, the new points system combined with Rossi’s neversay-die attitude, this championship is still a long way from being 15 August over. What’s more, with Czech Republic the field restricted to 19 29 August to ensure only the best Indianapolis: riders can compete, you 5 September can guarantee battles San Marino all the way down the

THIS MONTH’S RACES

field. Let’s look forward to a summer feast of motorcycle racing. n

Watch it on ITV4 www.motogp.com

TICKETS TO CHELSEA AUTO LEGENDS SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER The magic of the legendary Le Mans 24-Hours race is coming to London for the very first time to raise funds for the Chelsea Pensioners. This year’s inaugural Chelsea Auto Legends is celebrating the illustrious stars and great cars that have made the celebrated French day-night-day classic the world’s most famous and spectacular showdown for man and machine. For one day only, Sunday 5 September, the glorious grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be home to a spectacular collection of the finest Le Mans sports cars, many appearing in the capital for the first and only time. Founded by King Charles II in 1681, Royal Hospital Chelsea has been a retirement and nursing home for British soldiers for more than 300 years. Today, it is home to more than 300 Chelsea Pensioners who will benefit directly from funds raised by Chelsea Auto Legends. Adding to the excitement and drama, the event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Porsche’s first win in the French race as well as the filming of the epic Le Mans movie, which starred cult hero Steve McQueen. Many of the drivers involved in the making of the movie will be present to share their memories. Those already confirmed include five-time winner Derek Bell MBE, Britain’s most successful Le Mans racer and Richard Attwood the man who actually won the 1970 race (not Steve McQueen as in the film!) to give Porsche its maiden victory. On top of the Le Mans 24-Hours centrepiece, there will also be a huge number of mouth-watering prestige, exotic and supercars from both road and track. Aston Martins, Bentleys, Bugattis, Ferraris, Jaguars, Maseratis, Porsches and many other stunning marques will be out in force adding to the ‘wow’ factor. Indeed, with helicopter and military displays, there will be something for all the family. What’s more owners of classic, performance and supercars can also be part of the show.

THE PRIZE

Adult entrance tickets are priced at just £12 in advance and those aged 16 and under admitted free if accompanied by an adult and are available from www.ChelseaAutoLegends.com

We have four pairs of tickets to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with AUTOLEGENDS in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is Friday 20 August, 2010. Terms & conditions: The first four correct entries drawn will win the prizes. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into.

Steve McQueen 917

gadgets

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

Free and easy

The first Freeview HD set-top boxes were big news a few months ago as the nation converted to high definition in readiness for the World Cup. And while watching England lose in exquisite detail may not have been much consolation, how many matches were missed because of early kick-offs? Step forward the latest and greatest Freeview HD gear around; the hard disk recorder. There are scant few Freeview HD products available that can record – as well as receive – crisp HD broadcasts from the BBC and ITV, but the DMR-XW380 from Panasonic does just that. It actually sits around halfway up Panasonic’s range, which also includes similar models for Freesat HD (Freeview’s rival – though similarly subscription-free – satellite service) and even a clutch of Blu-ray recorders that add the ability to burn HD broadcasts to blank discs. Since a lot of programmes on the BBC HD and ITV 1 HD channels (as well as the soonto-start BBC One HD channel) will soon be copy-protected, the Blu-ray option is probably overdoing it a tad, which leaves this 250GB hard disk recorder in pole position. Looks-wise it’s just another black box, but beside that hard disk – which can record 255 hours of regular programmes and 65 hours of

new gadgets

high definition content – is also a DVD drive. It’s a superb DVD player that upscales well to match movies to a bigscreen HDTV, but it also acts as a recorder. After you’ve filled that hard drive it’s easy to select recordings and burn them to a blank disc – and in several different qualities to squeeze as much onto one disc as possible. The same goes for HD programmes; although they can’t be burned to a disc in their original quality, they can be ‘shrunk’ using clever tech that cuts the file size in half without losing much in the way of pin-sharp detail. The DMR-XW380 also has a novel home networking feature that could see it used as a home hub; transfer JPEG photos to the machine using a USB stick and those pictures – as well as everything recorded onto the hard drive – can be watched on a Windows 7 PC or laptop running on the same home broadband network. Converting files can take time (it’s best done overnight), but there’s no argument about the DMR-XW380’s convenience, ease of use or stunning picture quality. Who needs Sky?

Panasonic DMR-XW380 Freeview+HD recorder £479.99 www.panasonic.co.uk

Auluxe Reverie digital music system, £179.99 www.mircroanvika.com

Denon AH-C560R earbuds with Apple Voice Control, £99.99 www.denon.co.uk

gadgets

calibre

On the road

Tailor-made TV

Digital DAB radios are ten-a-penny, but British brand Vita Audio has just upgraded its much-loved (by us) luxury R1 model to make it portable. This Mark Two model now comes complete with hand-stitched tan or black leather carry case (£39.99) and rechargeable battery pack (£49.99) and also adds adjustable bass and treble controls. Seriously smooth sound is the result, but it doesn’t stop there; an input for an iPod also features, while sounds from either the DAB or FM radio tuners can be fed into an existing hi-fi system. Available in Rich Walnut, Dream White and Midnight Black.

Why buy a TV off-theshelf when you can have it tailor-made? Loewe’s noted Individual line-up of LCD TVs have been given an update, with the German luxury brand adding LED backlighting, 400Hz scanning for blur-free pictures, a Freeview HD and/or Freesat HD tuner, and a 250GB hard disk recorder. Web radio, video or TV can be watched while wireless music and video can be streamed from a PC or Mac. The ‘basic’ model can be souped-up with various colour and styling options, while the TV’s speaker can form part of a digital 7.1 cinema sound if Loewe speakers are added.

Vita Audio R1 MkII digital radio £159.99 www.vitaaudio.com

Loewe Individual Slim 55-inch customisable LED TV from £3,995 www.loewe-uk.com

Mister moonlight

Zebra crossing

With a curvy ‘moonlight silver’ cabinet by industrial designer Giorgio Revoldini, this projector from Italian company Sim2 offers the last word in home cinema. The C3X Lumis Uno combines high-end design with a powerful lamp to help create bright images, with its three-chip DLP colour wheel promising the most accurate colours around. Packed with ins and outs and able to be combined into a home automation system, the C3X Lumis Uno also offers anamorphic projection options to banish those black bars from DVD and Blu-ray discs.

If you yearn for some serious audio power from movies and music, lend and ear to North American brand JBL’s new 1400 Array loudspeakers. Finished in black ‘zebra’ wood or mahogany, these powerful speakers clock in at 52kg each and stretch to a metre in height – thanks in part to their novel use of a ‘SonoGlass’ horn atop the design that ensures the most accurate time and phase response. The perfect partner to a hi-fi or home cinema, the unusually styled 1400 Array speakers are designed to cope with 300W – now that’s some serious sonics!

SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X Lumis Uno projector £18,995 www.sim2.co.uk

JBL 1400 Array loudspeakers £8,500 per pair www.csecustom.com

Samsung SP-H03 portable DLP projector, £299.99 www.samsung.co.uk

Canon IXUS 300HS Digital Camera, £379 www.johnlewis.co.uk

Pipetto iPod & iPhone cases, from £34.99 www.pipetto.co.uk

V7-38-UK

Available in 38 or 44 mm diameter

www.brm-manufacture.com For stockist enquiries please telephone +33 (0)1 61 02 00 25 J U r A LT D 0 8 0 0 0 1 1 2 7 0 4 - T H E WAT C H G A L L E rY 0 2 0 7 5 8 1 3 2 3 9 - F rO S T O F L O n D O n 0 2 0 3 3 7 2 0 1 0 8

interiors fashion interview

dining brights eighties style ............................... a womans touch

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

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

IN THE PINK

Asprey is renowned for its distinctive design and this tiara, using extremely rare Argyle pink diamonds, from the Rio Tinto mine in Western Australia, is no different

he Argyle Diamond Mine is the world’s primary source of the rare and beautiful pink diamond. So sought after are these exceptional stones, that they attract on average 20 times the price of an equivalent white diamond. The most exceptional of the stones excavated from the mine each year are cut and polished in a state of the art factory and sold in an exclusive private auction, known as a “tender”. These beautiful pink diamonds are so rare that for every million carats of rough diamonds produced at the mine, usually only one carat

is suitable for sale in a tender, and the prices achieved per carat range from US $100,000 to an eye watering US $1,000,000. Designed by Asprey, this spectacular tiara is set with 196 of the elusive Argyle pink diamonds and 320 white diamonds and mounted in platinum and 18 carat rose gold. The intricate motif allows for an ingenious and unique design feature: the centre stone can be adapted and mounted into a ring setting. The tiara is due to accompany the Argyle tender on its worldwide tour. n www.asprey.com

CITYpromotion

3D TV... a whole new world of possibilities We can only see the real world in 3D because we have two eyes. If you close one of your eyes, you’ll see the world in 2D only. So what is it that enables us to see in 3D when we have both our eyes open? The experts at RGB explain How 3D Works - You’ve GOT to Have Two Separate Images Each individual eye sees just a 2D view of the world, but the brain combines the two views into a single 3D view. Typically cinema has sparked a huge interest with 3D. However many people may not realise that the new 3D TV sets are even better quality then the cinema screens. The 3D TV also allows you now to see television as you have never seen it before in true 3D. This is accomplished by wearing special 3D glasses which make the image jump out of the screen. The basics of 3D TV 3D TV works by feeding a separate image to each eye. The two separate images need to be carefully constructed so that they show the same thing but from slightly different angles. Also on all 3D TV sets you can still watch normal 2D viewing which means you do not have to wear the 3D glasses all the time. The best products on the market The new Samsung 3D TV (UE55C9000 at £6,499.99) the world’s slimmest 3D LED TV at less than 8mm depth, with its new 3D Hyper Real Engine delivers breathtaking images that your eyes won’t believe. This TV also comes with a set of 3DE Glasses and a film to get you started*. It’s is so good it will even convert normal 2D programs to 3D. Sony’s KDL40HX803U (£1,649.99) comes with the new BRAVIA Engine 3 and Bravia Sync option which lets you control your entire home entertainment system with one universal remote control.

Add access to your favourite internet content such as Youtube as well as being 3D Ready - the LX9 Infinia TV series from LG will take your home entertainment experience to a whole new level. This set also comes with a set of active 3d Glasses. So what else do you need? In order to receive 3D you will need a source, this could be a Sony PS3, 3D Bluray Player or soon Sky HD. Practicalities - Which 3D technology to choose? The practical choice is really just between passive technology and active technology (shutter glasses). Both have their pros and cons: Passive 3D glasses do not require batteries however they may not be as sharp as Active 3D ones. They are cheaper than active glasses and a more cost efficient option. On the other hand Active 3D works with shutter glasses that are specifically designed to work with the TV. At the moment this means they need to come from the same manufacturer, though hopefully there’ll be a compatibility standard at some point. They cost typically £100 or more for each set of glasses. The next biggest question is: How does the quality compare? Dennis Digwa from RGB says, “customers interested in 3D should visit our store and see 3D for themselves. “Our Ilford Superstore has all 3D models on display ready for demonstration. Once you sample the 3D experience it will be the only way you will want to watch TV.” *through a redemption form

The Panasonic TXP50VT20B (£2,049.99) using 600Hz sub-field drive technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology which converts the motion in each scene into data. This model also comes with a set of 3D Glasses. The 55LX9900 from LG (£2,999.99) uses passive 3D technology. The LG Full LED Infinia LX9900 series is a whole new type of TV and provides the ultimate in home entertainment with better picture quality, ultra slim single layer Infinia design and more eco-friendly features.

Ilford Showroom: 543-549 High Road Ilford Essex IG1 1TZ Tel. 020 8924 7744

Loughton Showroom: 121 Roding Road Loughton Essex IG10 3BS Tel. 020 8508 3399

interiors

news

Liberty & Merci

If you missed the Parisian Merci pop-up shop in spring, be sure to get down to Liberty of London as soon as possible to pick up some of the much coveted items still on sale in store. This limited edition collection designed by Merci creative director Marie France Cohen was produced exclusively for Liberty, celebrating the department stores iconic floral print fabrics taking on a new lease of life across home wares, stationary and soft furnishings.

Unfortunately, the pieces will only be available whilst stocks last so if you are a Liberty fan and fancy a little floral flight of fancy before the autumnal months kick in, make sure you don’t miss out on these truly brilliant little pieces of design.

concierge

New Citrus Wishbone Chair Why not opt for a fresh perspective at the dinner table this month with the new citrus colour Wishbone chair collection. If you’re thinking you’ve seen this before, you’re probably right, the original design by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen has remained unchanged since the 1950’s when it was first put into production. The iconic chair, however, has been made over into a contemporary classic with the injection of an array of vibrant colours perfect for its new modern-day audience. Citrus Wishbone Chair from £510 www.iconsofdenmark.dk

Merci at Liberty collection from £6.50 www.liberty.co.uk

Atelier Abigail Ahern Queen of quirk Abigail Ahern has revamped her iconic store to house a new collection of floral delights. A flower shop by any other name but a flower shop with a difference... We’re talking spectacularly realistic, beautiful fake flowers here, the kind you want to and can keep forever. The collection is seasonal, however, so once you’ve bought your first posy from there it’s quite likely that you’ll be back for more as and when you fancy a change. Silk flowers, from £3.50 www.atelierabigailahern.com

Suzie Hoodless Interiors Workshops

ins Hugh ham Atk by Gra Photogr aphed

Interiors workshops, £250 per person www.suzyhoodless.com

Whether you’re bravely taking on a complete house renovation or just need a bit of guidance when picking out the perfect paint colour, help is at hand with a string of new workshops launched by the much celebrated interior designer Suzy Hoodless. These morning sessions cover everything from basic interior design to working with colour, where both Suzy and her team of experts including paint specialist Farrow & Ball and David Oliver will be on hand to help with all of your decorating dilemmas. Attendees are also encouraged to take photographs of the projects they’re working on, be it a specific piece of furniture or an entire room design to fully benefit from the great advice on tap. Groups are restricted to just nine guests at a time so be sure to book your place on what will prove to be one of your best interiors investments yet.

the trend Sim Smith explores the colourful world of Mexican super brights in this month’s contemporary twist on dining in style

Acrylic perspex Mex Mat in pink by Nadia Sheltawy £7.95, Hidden Art Eshop, www.hiddenartshop.com Organic Mint Box, £10, Prestat 0800 0213 023, www.prestat.co.uk

Polycarbonate Diamond tunmbler in orange, £3.99 for six Zara Home, 0800 026 0091, www.zarahome.com

Solid timber, linen and silk Prickly chairs from £1,800, Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers 020 7739 9803, www.valentinagw.com

Stained Oak Slab dining table in Flouro Orange by Tom Dixon for Heal’s ReDiscovers, £2,350, Heals 0870 024 0780, www.heals.co.uk

Metal Multi Coloured Candlestick, £29, BoConcept 0845 605 0565,www.boconcept.co.uk

interiors

concierge

Copper netting and feather bird pendant light £350, Graham & Green 0845 130 6622, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Untitled painting on glass by Tim Garwood, £820, Alicia David Contemporary Art, 07511 250000, www.aliciadavid.com

Hand carved wood Raw dining chair by Jens Fager, £749, The Lollipop Shoppe 020 7655 4540, www.thelollipopshoppe.co.uk

Himalayan wool and silk Handwriting Life is Good rug by Rug Star, £1,000 per square metre Knots Rugs, 020 7228 2424, www.knotsrugs.co.uk

Hand decorated Limoges Porcelain and gold and or silver plated cutlery from the Tresor dining collection by Sophie Villipigue, from £229, Harrods 020 7730 1234, www.harrods.com

High gloss polyester lacquer Edie sideboard in hot lilac pink and salmon, £4,550, White Allom Studio 020 7268 7777, www.whiteallomstudio.co.uk

concierge interiors

the address book

Sim Smith spends an indulgent afternoon basking in the sun on Walton Street

Andipa Gallery In the window of what could be mistaken for an architectural practice sat a small painting, brought to life by the sheer amount of light shining onto its surface. On closer inspection, I realised that this was a Tom Wesselmann which prompted a sudden curiosity as to what else could be found behind the gallery’s impressive glass fascia. Inside, the space extended before me, clean lines of crisp white walls and glass panels broken up by an assortment of canvases and framed works. Although the design of the gallery is impressive with a recent refurbishment having been undertaken to increase the space downstairs, it’s the work that really catches your attention. Long established as one of London’s specialist dealers in modern and contemporary art, in one visit I admired works by Matisse, Bacon and Chagall to name but a few. With a constantly evolving exhibition schedule and an extremely impressive list of artists on their books, if you’re looking for investment piece to hang on your walls, be sure to consult the experts at Andipa. 162 Walton Street 020 7589 2371 www.andipa.com

Chelsea Textiles An entrance under delicate chandeliers opened up onto a room that could only be described as a miniature stately home. This charming space is home to Chelsea Textiles’ extensive collection of hand embroidered fabrics re-created from original antique English and French 17th, 18th and 20th century pieces. There are over 200 designs available here, all embroidered in meticulous detail onto authentic materials, hand-worked by master craftsmen. Contrary to their name, Chelsea Textiles do not simply supply fabrics, cushions and throws but also have an impressive range of furniture on show at their second store a few paces away. Expect to find stunning hand-painted Gustavian furniture based on designs from the first half of the twentieth century in subtle Scandinavian tones. The shop occupies two floors; upstairs where the new lacquer collection was staring to filter in alongside touches of soft furnishings and downstairs which was full of painted furniture and a resident little dachshund who popped out to say hello. Whether you consider yourself a romantic traditionalist or subscribe to a more contemporary philosophy when it comes to interiors, Chelsea Textiles is well worth a visit. 3 Walton Street 020 7584 5544 www.chelseatextiles.com

De La Cuona This black fronted shop complete with door bell entry system is home to one of my favourite fabric haunts, De La Cuona. With one of the world’s largest own brand linen collections there are over 100 weaves and colours available in store ranging from the transparent to the densely opaque. There are fabrics everywhere here, floor to ceiling and wall to wall, draped from up high and folded into neat piles one on top of each other. Towards the back of the shop past an ever changing room set lives a nifty sample system of pigeon holes packed with fabric swatches in every weave and tone imaginable. The common denominator here is natural fabrics and neutral colours, be it their famous paisleys or eclectic collection made from bamboo, silk and jute nothing says understated luxury quite like De La Cuona. 150 Walton Street 020 7584 767 www.delecuona.co.uk

safe • timeless • beautiful

markilux 6000 Find out more about this exceptional awning with a wide choice of designer end-caps available. Contact us at:

www.markilux.com · Tel. 01244 650170

Major specialties include: - Acute Neuro Rehabilitation - Bariatric Surgery - Cardiac Surgery - Critical Care - Dermatology - Interventional Cardiology - ENT - Gastroenterology - General Surgery - Gynaecology - Liver and Hepatobiliary Medicine

The Wellington Hospital is one of the world’s leading private

- Hip Surgery

hospitals with an international reputation for the excellence

- Knee Surgery

of its medical care. It is part of HCA – London’s No 1 private

- Neurology

hospital group. It provides a wide range of acute medical services

- Neurophysiology

supported by the very latest diagnostic, imaging and treatment

- Neuropsychology

technology, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of complex

- Neurosurgery

conditions. State-of-the-art facilities include:

- Ophthalmology - Orthopaedics

• 6 4 slice CT scanners able to provide images of the heart and its associated blood vessels with higher definition than before

- Plastic Surgery

• t he latest MRI scanners; the full range of x-ray and ultrasound, angiography & fluoroscopy plus a cardiac research centre

- Spinal Surgery

• e ndoscopic ultrasound facilities enabling gastroenterologists to employ the latest diagnostic & treatment techniques, including capsule endoscopy

- Speech Therapy

- Urology - Vascular Surgery

• a range of minimally invasive surgical procedures that are performed through one incision in the belly button, which is virtually scarless surgery • a 45-bedroom Acute Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, which is the best equipped and most extensive in the UK • the largest Critical Care facility in the private sector The hospital has a dedicated GP Liaison service giving GPs and patients easy, fast access to the hospital’s extensive services & facilities. For further information please contact the Helpline:

Tel:

020 7483 5148

Fax:

020 7483 5618

Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk www.thewellingtonhospital.com Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE

5266 HCA Well Canary Wharf advert.indd 1

21/12/09 13:25:53

fashion

concierge

a STEP ABOVE A hot tip that is steadily making its way onto every design cognoscenti’s radar is the new jewellery collection from Step by Step. Designed by Ursula Müller, the collection boasts the best in Swiss design and craftsmanship and features strong, clean lines and geometric shapes in a simple yet stunning palate of silver, red and black, in superior materials such as the precious metal rhodium. Handcrafted in small collections for that added element of exclusivity, Müller’s stunning designs are no doubt influenced by the peaceful studio on the banks of Lake Zurich, from which she works.

fashion

news MELLOW YELLOW

For those of you lucky enough to still have your summer holiday in front of you, the time has come to think, not just how beautifully bronzed and refreshed you will look on your return, but about key wardrobe pieces to look effortlessly chic whilst you’re away. This season’s shade of yellow looks great under the hot summer sun, and Net-APorter has several trend-ticking swimwear pieces, in this season’s hottest colour. La Perla’s yellow Teja bikini features gorgeous Grecian drapes and braiding, and this season’s one shoulder shape, for a look of fiercely elegant femininity. Or for a look significantly more active than your intended poolside itinerary, try the sleek and sculpted Elise Maillot one-piece from Lisa Marie Fernandez, for a touch of this season’s sporty chic. For a unique cover-up, look no further than the glamour of this multicoloured and intricately embroidered wrap from Etro. Accessorise with a tall, toned, tanned waiter holding a tray of mojitos at your disposal.

www.stepbystep-uk.com

All available from www.net-a-porter.com

Quote of the month:

Clockwise from top: La Perla Teja one-shouldered bikini Lisa Marie Fernandez The Elisa Maillot one-piece

People have told me about organised crime in the fashion industry, but I can’t talk about that. I’m looking to stay alive

ETRO Embroidered cotton wrap skirt

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

Website:

New to Canary Wharf, Mint offers exciting and exotic jewellery and accessories, such as ethnic inspired embellished cuffs and delicately painted glass beads. Mint’s gorgeous scarves are a quick and easy way to tap in to one of this season’s key trends, such as this cool, casual cotton scarf, for a touch of the nautical striped trend, or this stylish silk scarf in delicious looking teal, green and chocolate brown, for a hint of the grown up tie dye seen at Proenza Schouler in similar hues. Mint ONE CANADA SQUARE CANARY WHARF www.mintdesignltd.com

www.cocosa.com

MINT SCARVES

As fashion websites go, you can’t get more innovative and exclusive than the invitation-only club that is Cocosa. Offering the sort of fashion perks that are usually reserved for industry insiders, Cocosa gives its members exclusive access to private sales, each running for a limited period of time and offering an impressive array of luxury and designer goods with jawdropping discounts.

Calvin Klein

TREND: SCARLET Making its attentiongrabbing mark on the catwalks of Chanel, Christopher Kane and Donna Karen, scarlet is the ultimate statement shade this season. Far from being branded a scarlet woman, this season’s take on this notorious colour spells ladylike luxe, with trim dresses and tailored suits. Available from www.my-wardrobe.com

DKNY Scarlet Nautical dress

Sleek in the

City S

Chelsey Baker meets Anoesjcka de’Lorenzo, the new bespoke tailor to take the City by the storm outh African-born Anoesjcka de’Lorenzo is the elegant driving force behind AG Bespoke Couture Ltd; the creators of exquisite tailor-made couture shirts for men and the stunning ready-to-wear range for women called ‘Straight and Curvy’. As the face of the enterprise and brains behind it, this 28-year-old has certainly made an entrance into the undoubtedly male-orientated world of tailoring. Anoesjcka first arrived in London from Cape Town in 2003, “I came to London and began working at a wine bar in the City; I wanted to earn customers’ respect by dressing as elegantly as the City people. But I found it impossible to find a good shirt with a fit that flatters the female figure; I decided to do something about it and conceived my initial shirt concept.” To really learn the basics of quality tailoring, she turned to an Italian tailor on the outskirts of London. Then, in Savile Row, she honed her eye for the art of cutting a bespoke shirt under the tutelage of renowned tailor Sean O’Flynn. What did she learn from him? “The buttonholes are the most important element, and who would have thought that tells the quality of a shirt?” she explained. “I moved to Milan to study Italian and to learn the Italian way of craftsmanship at Instututo di Burgo. Nothing can teach you style and class as can walking on the streets of Milan.” But it was in an Italian restaurant that her business really took off after a chance meeting with fashion legend Giorgio Armani himself. “I found myself sitting two tables away from the godfather of it all. It seemed too good an opportunity to miss.” She clearly made a big impression: “He gave me the number of his CEO in the factory. Two months later, we had a women’s line and my ready-to-wear

interview

shirts were being crafted by the same hands that skilfully put his Collezione range together.” After three years’ production working out of Giorgio Armani’s factory in Milan, Anoesjcka returned to London with AG Bespoke Couture Ltd. and has never looked back. She has very definite ideas about bespoke tailoring and aims to fill a need: “I do love sleek tailoring on a woman; it is the difference between fashion and style. A confident stylish woman will never be out of fashion.” She developed a range of Italian inspired ready-to-wear shirts for British women who often have problems finding the most flattering fit for their body shapes. Her shirts are designed to make women feel beautiful; however, the classic style with the defined collar and cuffs also add a strength and professionalism to the look, a hybrid of style and good, solid, quality tailoring. She started off with women’s shirts, but the phone calls for men’s bespoke shirts did not stop and so she branched out. However, men’s tailoring throws up different challenges, most notably that of physique: “One cannot use the same technique for everyone. You can trick the eye and change a man’s physique and appearance by using skilful tricks and cuts, and that is definitely a combination of several techniques, but also an intense study of the human body.” Based in Convent Garden, Anoesjcka offers a unique bespoke service; one size does most definitely not fit all. For the guys, the shirts have already proved a big hit with Premier League footballers and England rugby stars, “I now have a fantastic client base ranging from sporting celebrities to major corporate clients. It has always been word of mouth that has driven my business and so far, so good.” It’s not only a bespoke garment that is created for the client, but AG Bespoke Couture prides itself in delivering a bespoke service. “Most of my clients have no time in their busy schedules to get measured after working hours, so we accommodate them by meeting them at their office or where it’s most convenient. This also ensures that the client gets the full attention deserved when ordering a bespoke piece and the luxury of receiving the shopping experience in your own home or office.”

concierge

The buttonholes are the most important element, and who would have thought that tells the quality of a shirt? Tailoring is still a passion and not a science, and with that in mind, Anoesjcka really is delivering the ultimate bespoke service and a one-off piece with striking individuality. Soon you will see the AG team running all over London delivering boxes wrapped in bows. “When the company was first created it was resolved that 15 per cent of annual net profits will be

donated to the preferred charity chosen that year. With this in place, it gives me more drive and meaning to my business, as I am not only working for myself but also helping others.” Purchasing an AG Bespoke Couture shirt is undoubtedly an investment in more ways than one! n For more information visit www.agbespokecouture.com

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Mention The City Magazine/Vicinitee magazine and receive 15 per cent off any AG Bespoke Couture Shirts

…if you were Black ‘Bondage’ body, £160 Wolford, 020 7529 3000 Leather ‘Guetres’ stocking, £990 Jitrois, 6f Sloane Street, SW1 www.jitrois.com

born in the

80’s Photographer:

Ezra Patchett Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

White ‘Jamaika’ body, £79 Wolford, as before Black leather corset, £990, Jitrois, as before. Black studded ‘Scorpion’ stilettos, £850, Gina, Old Bond Street, W1, 020 7409 7090, www.gina.com

Black bodysilk bra, £59 Myla, Cabot Place West, Canary Wharf www.myla.com. Black leather skirt, £850, Jitrois, as before

White nylon spandex micro-mesh tee, £30, white cotton spandex triangle bra, £10 and white cotton spandex high-waist brief, £16, all American Apparel www.store.americanapparel.co.uk

Black spandex micro-mesh ‘Gloria-V’ body £36 American Apparel as before Leather gloves, £350 Jitrois as before

Black zip bra from a selection at H&M www.hm.com. Black control briefs from a selection Spanx, 01580 241 111. Grey patent lizard court shoe, ÂŁ470, Gina Couture as before

Fashion Assistant: Natalie Dale

Make-up: Laurence Close at Models1

Hair: Enzo Volpe at Models1 using Fudge Haircare

Skeleton Globe

Dragonfly Jewels

Tateossian’s 20-year celebration brings with it some reinventions to the brand’s true classics. The new iconic Skeleton Globe cufflinks is a take on their best selling pair – recreating a replica of a real standing world map spinning effortlessly on its axis. The perfect accessory for the travelling man, the seasonal collections have a distinctive signature, constantly reflecting and reinterpreting trends in fashion.

The elegant dragonfly, darting from sunny spot to sunny spot, with its beautiful colours – Theo Fennell has transformed this creature into a beautiful pendant to celebrate the ephemeral story of the dragonfly. Made from 18ct white gold with paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel, and combined with the exquisite shape of the dragonfly, this pendant is a truly unique and stunning piece. Dragonfly Necklace, £10,950

Silver Globe Cufflinks, £195 Tateossian 1/4 Royal Exchange 020 7283 3434 www.tateossian.com

Theo Fennell 4 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7623 4380 www.theofennell.com

SummerLoving

Whether you’re staying in London or making travel plans for the last month of summer, head to the Royal Exchange and get everything you need for a stylish break

Travel Chic

Ice Cream Delights

The classic Smythson travel wallet with a versatile twist; the dividers are removable so it can be a clutch bag for evenings out. The Cerulean Collection takes inspiration from the sun dappled waters of the Aegean Sea and the vivid blue painted houses of the Greek islands. The intense blue leather with baby croc print has a high shine finish and contrasting matt blue leather interior.

Take a mini-break to Paradise with Paul A. Young’s mouth-watering ice creams and sorbets, handmade in their Royal Exchange chocolaterie. Paul’s ice creams have been consistently included in Time Out’s ‘Best Ice Cream in London’ feature three years running. They are made with all natural ingredients and with the very best chocolate. Indulgent flavours for 2010 include sea salted caramel, raspberry and white chocolate, and milk choc with stem ginger and fennel seeds.

Cerulean Travel Clutch £390 Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1037 www.smythson.com

Paul A. Young Ice cream, £3.95 Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates 20 Royal Exchange 020 7929 7007 www.paulayoung.co.uk

Sent with love This summer, send a message to the one you love with the stunning Postcard Felicity clutch from Lulu Guinness. The clutch comes in black satin with Lulu’s handwriting and lips blot embroidered on front. Open the turn-lock fastening on the back of the envelope to reveal a purse framed interior with luxurious red satin lining. Postcard Fw elicity clutch, £195 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

Symbol of Love Each year, Cartier sets a rendezvous with love to weave or renew ties of commitment through the ageless modernity of its Love Collection. The jewellery in the collection now features a link as a recurrent symbol with new rings in black ceramic and pink gold joined for life, and chain necklaces or bracelets linked by a shared passion. Love necklace (pink gold, diamonds, black ceramic), £1,125 Cartier 1 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7312 6923 www.cartier.com

Eighties Tribute

Hollywood Glam

Vilebrequin’s 2010 autumn/winter collection pays tribute to the eighties, an era of colour and creativity, where personalised identities emerged and everyone created their own look. Those wonderful years remind us of trends that are visual, flamboyant and energetic, all of them tied back to memories of carefree happiness, freedom and strength. To fully stand out on the beach this year, no suitcase should be without a pair of these legendary swimming trunks.

In a run-up to a personal appearance at the Royal Exchange on 23 September, Artisan Fine Art Galleries will be exhibiting the latest collection by one of the world’s hottest artistic talents, Todd White. White’s iconic images capture the glamour and style of Hollywood’s Martini nightlife, from sophisticated divas to suit clad city slickers. His clients include the likes of Madonna, Catherine Zeta Jones and Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs. Signed, limited edition reproductions will be available at the gallery for under £500.

Pieuvre print swimming shorts, £140

He Loves Me He Loves Me Not, £925

Vilebrequin 26 Royal Exchange 020 3206 1022 www.vilebrequin.com

Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Court Entrance Royal Exchange 020 7929 5656 www.artisangalleries.com

AGENT PROVOCATEUR || ARTISAN | BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHURCH’S || CROCKETT & JONES || DE BEERS || GRAND CAFÉ AND BAR || GUCCI || HERMÈS || IMPERIAL CITY || JO MALONE || L’OCCITANE || LORO PIANA || LULU GUINNESS || MILLEPERLE || MOLTON BROWN || MONT BLANC || NAPKET || OMEGA || PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES || PAUL SMITH || PAVAROTTI’S || PENHALIGON’S || PRETTY BALLERINAS || ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS || SAUTERELLE || SEARLE & CO || SMOKER’S PARADISE || SMYTHSON || TATEOSSIAN || THEO FENNELL || TIFFFANY & CO || Vilebrequin || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

Royal Exchange, Bank, City of London, EC3V 3LR

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

Join us in supporting The Wellington £1 million Appeal 2010, raising money for two charities that help children facing enormous difficulties.

Join us on this fun day out for all the family with: • 10km timed sponsored run • 6km sponsored family walk • Live music • Children’s entertainment • Food and drink for all participants

The Wellington e Appeal Challeng ober

To take part register now at www.thewellingtonappeal.org

Oct Date: Saturday 2nd ich Park Location: Greenw or 6km walk Event: 10km run

Appeal n o t g in ll The We lf Day Go

ppeal The Wellington A Gala Evening Lord’s Long Room ber Saturday 9th Octo

Friday 2

b Golf Clu Hendon eptember 4th S Friday 2

The 10 0 Cycl is Cycle Challe ts n ge London to

Bruss nday 26 els th Sept e

4th - Su

mber

Get involved in our range of fundraising events or even organise your own...

To find out more and register your interest go to www.thewellingtonappeal.org Contact: James Boyle, 020 7877 7105, JBoyle@redcross.org.uk or Hannah Scott, 020 7713 2039, hscott@jdrf.org.uk

BritishRedCross The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738)

Registered charity numbers 295716 (England and Wales) and SC040123 (Scotland)

A complimentary 5 NIGHTS STAY AT ANY SMALL LUXURY HOTELs OF THE WORLD property TM

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, Mykonos, Greece

Simply by subscribing to this magazine for free Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldÂ is an unsurpassed collection of over 500 hotels spanning more than 70 countries, which together offer an infinite variety of experiences. Whatever your inclination, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm. For reservations visit www.slh.com Aquapetra Resort & Spa, Telese Terme, Campania, Italy

how to win Please send your name, address and the title of the magazine you would like to subscribe to: subscribe@runwildgroup.co.uk Terms & conditions: Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and Runwild Media Group, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions. The editors decision is final. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purpose. Please see www. runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

Riva, Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel, Hvar, Croatia

CITYpromotion

Countdown begins

There’s only one week to go before The London Triathlon. As the clock counts down we get some top tips from the experts at Maxifuel for a successful challenge Gwen Fitzpatrick, sports nutrition trainer takes us through some top triathlon nutrition tips

this years hopefulls This year’s hopefuls OLLY FREEMAN and NAT BARNARD also share some tips a couple of key pieces of advice Olly started out as a triathlete at the tender age of eight and has never looked back. At the age of 24 he is one of the hopefuls at this year’s event, having had a successful start to the 2010 season.

A week before the event • Maximise muscle glycogen stores and keep yourself hydrated • Carb-up: 60-70 per cent of the daily diet should come from carbohydrate • Try and drink at least 2 litres of water or Viper Active each day to ensure you are fully hydrated • Eat regular meals and snacks, helping to encourage glycogen storage The day before • Aim to top up the muscle glycogen stores and ensure you are properly hydrated. Drink Recovermax the evening before the triathlon to help hydration and glycogen stores • Don’t over-indulge, keep meals little and often otherwise you risk feeling heavy and sluggish • High carbohydrate meals such as pasta with tomato base sauce are ideal for the night before a triathlon event The morning of the event • Have a high carbohydrate meal including some protein approximately 3 hours before the triathlon (porridge, beans on toast, scrambled egg on toast). Never skip breakfast! • Steer clear of foods containing more than 5g of fat • Aim to sip (not gulp) between 400-600ml of water or Viper Active during the 2 hour period before the event (stop drinking in the last half an hour to reduce changes of a full bladder when competing) • If you are feeling particularly lethargic you can switch Viper Active for Viper Boost 1 hour prior to the event

During the triathlon • Drink Viper Active regularly (sip) to maintain hydration, replace lost salts and maintain glycogen stores • Use the time in the saddle to refuel your body. Have a Viper Active gel during the cycle discipline to ensure glycogen stores are topped up • If you find you generally struggle during the run discipline have a Viper Boost gel 15 min before your cycle is finished to ensure full focus when you reach your run

“Make sure you are wellfuelled before by eating a carbohydrate rich meal the night before the race but don’t overeat on the morning of the race if you don’t want to see your meal again halfway through the run!” Currently undertaking a degree in Sport & Exercise Sciences at Loughborough, Nat is a Level 1 triathlon coach and has represented England at the world biathlon championships. “Ensure that you are fully prepared equipment-wise and take on plenty of fluids, such as an isotonic energy drink every 20 minutes or so.”

Afterwards • The key to fast recovery is a carbohydrate and protein blend as soon as possible after finishing. Recovermax contains a unique 3:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein to ideal for speedy recovery and refuelling • Consuming whole foods (carbohydrate and protein) within an hour of finishing will help to top up glycogen stores and increase recovery time • Hydration is extremely important, hydrate with a Viper Active as soon as possible after finishing

DON’T MISS The London Triathlon, 5-7 August, ExCeL London www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk Don’t forget to pick up the September issue for all the results, interviews and who won the battle of City v. Canary Wharf?

travel destination food & drink

vienesse dreams munich ................ brasserie blanc

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

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

SWEET TOOTH

Some say, no matter how indulgent and satisfying the meal, there is always room for dessert, but what about a meal comprised entirely of desserts?

he renowned chocolatier, William Curley, has recently added another string to his bow with the launch of the Dessert Bar at his already impressive Belgravia boutique. The Dessert Bar will be available from Wednesday to Sunday, 1.00pm–6.30pm, and will offer discerning dessert addicts the chance to sample a menu entirely comprised of delicious desserts for a reasonable £15. The menu offers a vast array of sweet treats, categorised much like an ordinary restaurant menu, as if to illustrate the point that dessert, the

way William Curley does it, is all you need. As such, the menu features pre-desserts, desserts à la carte, and petit fours to finish. The pre-dessert menu includes the Moelleux au Chocolat and the Pomme Granita, while the dessert à la carte menu offers Savarin aux Framboises, Rhubarbe Sablé, Foret Noire and Mille Feuille au Chocolat. Ice creams and sorbets are made from the finest natural ingredients in house to ensure optimum quality and freshness. n For more information visit www.williamcurley.co.uk, or call 020 7730 5522

spa spa

by Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ by Small Luxury Hotels of the World™

rom body scrubs with blends of raw almond to one-on-one yoga classes on a private beach, and facial treatments created individually from natural products, Spa by Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a mouthwatering collection of soothing oases where you can truly indulge in some hedonistic bliss and therapeutic pampering.

With over 500 of some of the world’s finest small independent hotels in over 70 countries, the choices are infinite with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Here is just a small selection, but visit www.slh.com/spa to find your perfect spa hotel and see all the latest special offers.

Pennyhill Park Hotel & The Spa, Surrey, England Experience the rejeuvenating effect of water at The Spa at Pennyhill Park Hotel, where you can wallow in hydrotherapy pools, soak in hot tubs, steam in a sauna or be invigorated under an experience shower.

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives Surround yourself with the glories of the ocean in the Maldivian hideaway of Huvafen Fushi and head for the underwater treatment room and the signature Unite-me Crystal Ritual where exotic ingredients from sea and land anoint and enwrap your body.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Arizona, USA Soothe, smoothe and indulge your body from the most comprehensive spa menu at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. Here in the heart of Arizona’s red desert lie back and luxuriate in an aloe skin quencher body wrap and a Sanctuary stone massage.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ Over 500 hotels in more than 70 Countries To book your perfect spa break visit www.slh.com/spa

Spa advertorial A4.indd 1

27/7/10 09:43:41

travel

connoisseur

ON THE ROAD

In cooperation with member hotels across Germany and Austria, BMW ConnectedDrive and Sixt; Design Hotels™ have launched 11 road trips, specially designed for independent travellers who wish to discover the most hidden regional delights, such as wineries, museums and restaurants. Aside from a great day out, the Design Hotels™ road trips are perhaps the most culturally rich excuse to date, for letting rip on the Autobahn.

travel

news

AS YOU LIKE IT

Many travel companies refer to their offerings as tailor-made, but it seems few could come close to the exclusive London travel company Brown + Hudson’s truly bespoke service. No trip exists until it has been created in collaboration with a client, with painstaking care and astonishing attention to the minutiae that could make your trip a genuinely one-off experience. Catering for discerning international clients, they offer luxury travel around the world, from Africa to Antartica, crafting a unique experience from your personal requirements, needs and desires. How about a being given a private cookery lesson by Fez’s best chefs, and the finest in Morocco, a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Moreno de la Cova Ganaderia bull ranch in Andalucía, or even learning about the subtle rules of free-market communism from a Vietnamese entrepreneur? The planning doesn’t stop there; Brown + Hudson also works to ensure that the smallest detail of your trip will not be overlooked, from flying in your favourite wines, single malts and cigars to a remote luxury camp, to arranging a satellite dish so you can catch up with the BBC News. Whatever you desire, Brown + Hudson can help you make travel into an exquisite experience, rather than just another holiday.

www.designhotels.com/roadtrips

Exchanging number A short walk from the City in London Bridge, local Bureau de Change ACEFX not only offer a commission- and charge-free service, but are also so adamant that they cannot be beaten, that they will beat quotes on all currencies. Frequent users can also apply for a Corporate Account to give them great benefits when changing money for worldwide business trips. www.ace-fx.com

Travel fact:

www.brownandhudson.com © Brown+Hudson

With a height of around 8,850m, the summit of Mt Everest is the highest point on Earth. Nevertheless, this majestic mountain on the border between Nepal and Tibet continues to grow an estimated 4mm each year, due to the clash of tectonic plates underneath it.

www.whatsonwhen.com

Website of the month: Explore the many weird and wonderful global goings on listed at What’s On When, which offers an easy-to-navigate yet comprehensive guide to festivals and events taking place throughout the world. Whether your passion is for film noir, beer or oil wrestling, you will be able to find an event that will make your holiday genuinely unforgettable.

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.

Donnerbrunnen Fountain Vienna Austria

Viennese Dreams

travel

connoisseur

Intoxicating, majestic and more dynamic than ever, Vienna is experiencing a second cultural wave and has rediscovered its joie de vivre, learns Oliver Balcazar

We ride across the Danube Canal, traversing the Prater, the city’s 19th century amusement park, past the golden Mozart Statue, the State Opera and the commanding opulence of the Parliament building in all its epic neoclassical grandeur, hitting the brakes at each sight as our tour guide and patriotic Vienna resident, Wolfgang, gives a fascinating insight into the historical and cultural background of each landmark. With a broad variety of tours including “Viennese Music” and the “Danube-Lobau-Nature Tour”, cycling some of Vienna’s 1,000 km of bike paths provides invigorating access to its main sights. We return to the 7th District, Vienna’s Mecca for the latest trends. In its narrow streets lie countless design stores with a selection of fashion, shoes and accessories of all styles. Make sure you pick up the 7tm map and explore an inspiring array of 36 innovative shops exemplifying Vienna’s legacy for unique creativity. Whether you want to purchase a chic piece of cutting-edge style or just get a feel of this bourgeoning fashion scene, a 7th District guided tour immerses you within the world of Viennese creative flair. While the overall impression is of postcard-perfect majesty, visitors would be hard-pressed to ignore the minimalist clubs that produced the most innovative music scenes, or the artist-curated “off-space” galleries housed in empty ministry buildings, where the next generation talents of the city’s renowned art schools show their work. A city built for far more inhabitants than currently reside here, Vienna’s abundance of space has meant a low cost of living. A local government pledge to provide investment in the creative industries means between €3m and €4m is spent annually to support start-up fashion and music labels, as well as digital video artists.

In 2009, 4.4 million visitors racked up a total of 9.8 million nights in Vienna... the second best total in what was an exceptionally challenging economic climate

Stop by acclaimed young designer Leana Hoschek’s boutique for some chic, 1950s Americana print dresses and accessories – all with a frisson of ultra-feminine, punk attitude. Or take a walk on the wild side and enter Tiberius, “a place where taboos don’t exist”. This Austrian designer’s unique blend of couture fashion sharpened with a kick of fetish culture has attracted the support of Lady Gaga, amongst others, and the atmospheric boutique is a must for fashionistas and those too curious to stay away. Also in the 7th District is my Hotel, the Alstadt, initially used as the manor house of an industrialist. Located in the heart of old world Vienna, it is surprisingly quiet yet quite close to the Ringstrasse as well as to the other main tourist attractions. “After travelling for more than 20 years, I realised my dream in 1991,” says owner and art collector Otto Wiesenthal. “I was always looking for a showroom for my art collection, so I transformed a Patrician house in Vienna’s artists’ quarter into a boutique hotel. It has always been my wish to create the surroundings in such a way that I personally want to spend my time there. “My philosophy is based on three components: supporting young artists, providing outstanding service for my guests and creating a fulfilling atmosphere and a high quality of life for my employees.” Otto recently commissioned Matteo Thun, one of Italy’s star architects, to design eight new rooms and a suite. As he breathed new life into these fine rooms, the architect, with his fresh, modern interpretation of the turn of the 20th century, brought back the flair and created a celebration of the lifestyle of that epoch. On entering my room, one immediately feels transported to the decadent world of fin de siècle Vienna. The eye is immediately caught by the large format picture on the wall, a study of the nude from the period between 1900 and 1950. It is designed in principle as very dark, with parquet made of stained oak and wallpapers with a dark damask pattern as the decorative element. This sense of dark gravity is refined by the furniture, with red velvet coverings (“Villa Gallia” upholstered

WHERE TO STAY: A night’s stay at the Altstadt hotel costs from 149 Euros for a double room and 199 Euros for a suite, including breakfast and afternoon tea with cake. www.altstadt.at

WHAT TO DO: For more information on events, tours, city walks, sightseeing and lifestyle in Vienna, visit www.vienna.info

DON’T MISS: Vienna, wine and design 15 September–15 November As the name suggests, the Vienna, wine and design event is all about great wine and contemporary design. The diverse month-long program includes everything from vineyard tours and tasting sessions to jazz brunches in the city. There are also 999 bottles of Viennese wine and 9,999 instant prizes to be won from the tourist information office. www.vienna.info

HOW TO GET THERE: easyJet flies to Vienna from London Gatwick and London Luton. Prices for a one-way ticket start from £66.99 (prices include taxes and are subject to change). www.easyjet.com

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Matteo Thun Suite, Altstadt Hotel

armchair by Josef Hoffmann) and a chandelier from Prague, recalling associations with the Vienna salons and their sumptuous receptions. The setting is relaxed by the creamcoloured curtains, which reflect the same damask pattern as the wallpapers. Each of the rooms even has its own name, which is woven into the dark grey carpet. The walls of the bathroom are designed completely in black with individually placed Swarovski stones to create points of light and a floor of black reflective marble. The dark background makes an elegant contrast with the chrome-plated brass of the fittings and the cool white of the basins, creating an atmosphere of pure, unique luxury. It’s really no wonder Vienna retained its ranking this year as the city offering the best quality of life in the world in an annual survey by management consultancy Mercer. The juxtaposition of what is traditional – coffee houses and wine taverns with typical Viennese congeniality – and what is modern – events such as the Life Ball and the Festival of Electronic Music – presents a highly desirable lifestyle. A choice between relaxation and serenity, or action and stimulation, Vienna has everything to suit your mood. n

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Weekend break:

BRIGHTON

Emma Fitzmaurice gets away from the City for the weekend, heading to the sunny shores of Brighton and the indulgent luxuries of Hotel Una

nly 90 minutes from London via train or car, the stylish seaside resort of Brighton is often nicknamed ‘London-on-Sea’; a fashionable weekend destination since the mid-18th century, it started out being well known for the restorative properties of the sea, and centuries later for its lively nightlife, fantastic shopping and popular foodie scene. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Brighton is the perfect place to take a break from London, with bars, restaurants and hip hotels on every street. Making the most of the summer sun, we headed to Brighton last weekend, to Hotel Una, which fuses edgy contemporary design with a sophisticated atmosphere and amicable service. ‘Una’ means river, and so each of the 19 rooms is named after a famous river. True to form, no two are alike, which adds to the unique charm you’d expect of a boutique hotel in Brighton. We stayed in the Jubba Suite, which was an uberstylish king-suite at the front of the hotel with views of Regency Square and the sea front. The room is smart and contemporary with clean lines and exceptional attention to detail; think natural wood, leather and luxurious fabrics with modern lighting and contemporary art. I loved the huge walk-in shower with Molton Brown goodies and fluffy towels, and the living room area was a real treat – lots of bright space, beautiful artwork, a big leather sofa, and a huge plasma TV mounted on the wall.

Delightful and rather unexpected extras in other suites and rooms include a free-standing bath, a private sauna and Jacuzzi, and a hidden private terrace. Perhaps the ultimate luxury (especially for the boys) is the Quaile Suite, which comprises four rooms over two floors, and boasts a private home cinema, PlayStation 3 and reclining leather chairs! Downstairs the hotel’s style and atmosphere is continued in a lounge scattered with large relaxing sofas and a very well-stocked bar – a brilliant place to begin an evening out in Brighton, with some pre-dinner cocktails. We spent some time at the bar having a chat with the very friendly barman whilst he made our drinks (which can also be served in your room) – delicious and reasonably priced, I’d definitely recommend the Midori June Bug and Unas Berries. Breakfast, like everything else at Hotel Una, is something to look forward to. We were offered breakfast in our room or in the restaurant; the dining area is beautiful and we enjoyed a full English breakfast at a lovely table with fresh juice and fresh coffee; perfection! Nothing is too much at Hotel Una; from arrival to departure, every detail is thought of and every need met. The perfect atmosphere for a relaxing but fun weekend break, this is the ideal spot to base yourself for a fantastic few days in Brighton. n For more information visit www.hotel-una.co.uk

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South African

September 8-18, 2011

Cycle Challenge

What’s your ultimate challenge? Cycle 380km along South Africa’s Garden Route. Telephone: 08700 340 040 email: events@mariecurie.org.uk www.mariecurie.org.uk/southafrica

KISS ME QUICK No longer just for dirty weekends, Brighton has morphed into one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and creative cities in Europe. Under an hour from London, it makes the perfect seaside escape, finds Sarah Gilbert

here’s no finer hideaway than the delightfully sophisticated Kemp Townhouse – Brighton’s only five-star boutique hotel. Tucked down a quiet residential street, only a pebble’s throw from the seafront and a short walk to the plethora of bars, restaurants and shops of trendy Kemp Town, the hotel effortlessly combines old-world elegance with contemporary cool. Spread across four floors of a slender, bow-fronted Regency terrace, the nine rooms are calm and classy, decorated in muted hues with crystal chandeliers, original artwork, antique silver and other imaginative touches. The rooms all have ensuite white-tiled wet rooms or, for those on a romantic break, the four-poster room has a freestanding tub, large enough for two. Breakfast is served in the stylish, teal-coloured lounge that sits in the middle of the house as sunlight pours through the floor-to-ceiling window and the table groans under the weight of freshly squeezed OJ, mini pastries, jams and homemade granola. And that was just the beginning. Over our second course of Eggs Benedict and a cooked-toorder English breakfast, we chatted to the friendly, handson owners, Claas and Russell, who created the hotel out a dilapidated B&B and live in the basement. They are a font of local knowledge, from where to shop to the latest eatery.

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Brighton is a flamboyant mix of elegant squares, funky shops and quintessentially kitsch British seaside – all neatly contained within a small area. We began our tour on the doorstep, amid the terraces of the magnificent Kemp Town Estate. Completed in 1855, it quickly became one of the most desirable areas of Brighton and remains one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country – although today many of the larger houses have been converted into flats. In up-and-coming Kemp Town Village, trendy eateries and cosy pubs sit alongside mouth-watering delis and a quirky mix of second-hand bookshops, and independent interiors and fashion stores. We meandered along the main street, browsing in Andrew Fionda (17 St George’s Road) – owned by half of design duo Pearce Fionda – which overflows with gorgeous vintage clothes and accessories, old-school Kemp Town Bookshop (91 St George’s Road) with its own bijou café, and Hank & Hugo (115 St George’s Road), jam-packed with original homeware and pampering products. That evening, it was a very short walk to Blanch House’s (17 Atlingworth Street) living-room style bar and a delicious cocktail from its award-winning, inventive list, before we headed to Sam’s of Brighton (1 Paston Place). There’s been a restaurant at this location since the 1950s, but Sam’s is fairly new on the scene, and sister restaurant to the much-lauded Seven Dials. Family-owned, they serve a constantly changing menu of classic, yet creative British dishes, in a relaxed bistrostyle setting. After tempura squid with red onion salsa, followed by roast noisette of local South Downs lamb and gratin dauphinoise, rounded off with an indulgent chocolate and amaretto brownie, we even managed to squeeze in a post-prandial cocktail at the nearby Hanbury Club (83 St Above left to right: Kemp Townhouse Brighton beach Kemp Townhouse bathroom Kemp Townhouse breakfast Funfair Kemp Townhouse lounge

George’s Road). This Art Deco gem showcases an eclectic range of live music, from jazz to lounge, as well as featuring new singer-songwriters and up-and-coming bands. Everything is walking distance in Brighton and on Sunday we strolled around the hip, North Laine quarter – a mini-Camden, with lots of quirky boutiques, including the eco-organic Bill’s Deli (100 North Road); not to be confused with the Lanes, a tangle of narrow alleyways lined with antique and jewellery shops.

Brighton is a flamboyant mix of elegant squares, funky shops and quintessentially kitsch British seaside – all neatly contained within a small area You can’t leave Brighton without exploring the domed architecture of the Brighton Pavilion, King George IV’s extravagant folly, which put Brighton at the heart of fashionable Regency society; or taking a stroll along the pebbled shore, backed by Victorian arches that have been transformed into galleries, cafés and bars. Due South (139 Kings Road Arches) is a former fishermen’s net-mending-shed turned contemporary restaurant, with superb views of the beach. Perfect for a relaxed Sunday lunch, the majority of dishes are made up of organic and free-range, seasonal produce from small, independent producers within Sussex, such as the panseared Brighton scallops and medley of Sussex guinea fowl. We walked it off down the seemingly endless Victorian pier, where you can still buy a ‘Kiss me quick’ hat. Some things never change. n

WHERE T

WHEN

TO V

I S I T: Brighto n Fe www.bri stival, 1–23 M ay ghtonfe stival.org

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O STAY:

nhouse: Kemp Tow h Street ort 21 Atlingw 0 1 40 n.com 01273 68 sebrighto townhou p m e .k w ww

alternative

ADVENTURE Picturesque views and exciting thrills, Jennifer Kyte discovers that there’s plenty to see and do during the summer months on the stunning West Coast of Canada

s I touched down in Vancouver, I was immediately taken by the calm serenity of the city. The relaxing ‘Canadian way’ quickly rubbed off on me as I was effortlessly greeted at the airport and whisked off to visit the whales that lived off the British Colombian shores. Settling aboard my chariot, the journey down the Strait of Georgia produced more spectacular views round every twist and turn, with never a dull moment to be had during the whole of the four-hour trip. The boat takes you on a scenic route from Vancouver to Victoria, via the Gulf Islands; there’s beautiful views of islands and picture-postcard mountain scenes, as well as an incredible amount of wildlife to see – bald eagles circling overhead, curious seals popping up and bobbing along and not forgetting the killer whales which leap out of the water in an awesome show of power. Experiencing the natural charms of the scenery and nature, as well as breathtaking and thrilling all in the same ‘taken’ breath, this was the ultimate way to begin my trip and a must-see for any visitor, naturalist or not. After our wind-blown journey across the water, I was excited to arrive in the capital city, Victoria, for a relaxing lunch and a spot of

sightseeing. Based on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this temperate city is perfect for a quiet stroll. Make sure that you pop to the Silk Road for some tea tasting – the gin infused green tea is a definite try. Arriving by sea, the only way back to Vancouver is by floatplane, the way the locals travel, and the views coming into the city are outstanding, perfect for tourists to see the area from a bird’s eye view. My stay in Vancouver was short and sweet, as the next day we hopped onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train, which winds along the coast and up through the mountains to the popular resort of Whistler. Whilst on board we enjoyed a fivestar breakfast, served by the friendliest of staff, who kept us entertained with historical tales and myths. Along the way, you look out of the window as if it is a movie screen, the landscape transforming from sea views with mountains looming in the background, to waterfalls and tree-lined cliffs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and one you will be telling friends and family about for years to come. Arriving in Whistler it became clear that, whilst famed for hosting the Olympics last year, this picturesque village also has lots to offer during the summer months, as I found out at an hour of the morning I didn’t think existed the next day. I was meeting

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‘Mike the bear man’ at the base of Whistler Mountain. The summer months are the only time to see the black bears famous in this area of Canada, and we were lucky enough to spot our first mum and cubs after only half an hour, playing in a tree nearby. It was an incredible sight to see, and as we travelled further and further up the mountain, we saw more and more of these amazing scenes of daily bear life.

Mike was an amazing guide, filled with tales of adventure and everything you could ever wish to know about these bears, as he moved to the area purposefully to study them. He’s a fountain of knowledge – and once you see them up close and personal, you can understand his avid interest. The tour lasts for about three hours, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot plenty of bears throughout ≠ all with their own tales to tell!

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Back at the base of the mountain, a great way to spend the rest of the day is on the ‘River of Golden Dreams’, where you can hire a canoe or kayak and enjoy a pleasant trip down river. There are some tight twists and turns though, so expect some diversions every so often, via bushes or water, if you’re really unlucky, but it offers some incredible views and the guides will be more than happy to help you along the way.

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WHERE TO STAY... VANCOUVER

For the more adrenalin-driven, mountain biking is a must do in Whistler. When the snow dries up, the ski runs turn into biking tracks, and people travel from all over the world to try the sport. But if you’re like me and the thought of careering down the mountain on a bike scares you to death, then there are some more leisurely options, providing some excellent picture-perfect opportunities of the lakes and scenery. After all that activity, the best way to unwind and relax is at the Scandinave Spa. The feature of this Spa is that it’s all outside, helping to send your body into complete Clockwise below: relaxation (and recovery!) mode. Rocky Mountaineer train One of the main attractions Bear viewing Peak 2 Peak view Whistler has to offer is the PEAK 2

PEAK Gondola Ride. Not for those afraid of heights though, especially if you jump in the one with the glass bottom... however, this is a great way of seeing the top of the resort, and with snow still on the peaks in summer you get some amazing views, especially from a lunch table at Christine’s Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb Mountain. As I sat reflecting on all the adventure and all the beauty of the outdoors with an array of simple, yet deliciously fresh food before me, I realised that British Columbia may well be known for its off- and onpiste adventure, but it also offers an alternative summer break away for adventure or simply getting away from it all. n

... the five-star Fairmont Waterfront with prices starting from £1,203 per person for seven nights, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, including direct return scheduled flights from London Heathrow with British Airways and resort transfers. Flights are available at a supplement from Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.

HOW TO TRAVEL...

Rocky Mountaineer Train The Rocky Mountaineer train is included in the three-centre and rail holiday, with prices for 14 nights starting from £1,613 per person, which includes flights, transfers, hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast basis, and two-day travel on the Rocky Mountaineer Train. www.rockymountaineer.com

WHERE TO STAY... WHISTLER Crystal Lodge Hotel, with prices starting from £901 per person for seven nights, based on room only, including direct return scheduled flights from London Heathrow with British Airways and resort transfers.

WHAT TO SEE & DO • Whale Watching, from £45, 5–7 hours, daily An unforgettable trip – enjoy the experience and close encounter with whales, porpoises, seals and other wildlife. • Bear Viewing, from £110 half day, daily Join Bear expert Michael Allen (BBC Natural World, In the Company of Bears) in his 4x4 to active bear dens, daybeds and feeding sites to spot the infamous black bears. • PEAK 2 PEAK from £25, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com for info. • River of Golden Dreams from £52 half day, daily For further information on all the activities and booking visit www.inghams.co.uk or call 020 8780 4454

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BOVEY CASTLE YOU’VE ARRIVED

Bovey Castle is history, excitement, glamour and adventure. We offer our guests luxury and indulgence, but this is not a stuffy hotel where you can’t sit on the furniture or let your kids enjoy themselves. Bovey Castle is where you can live out your dreams, then put your feet up.

Featured in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Best 100 Hotels of the World and voted England's Finest Golf Resort 2009 at the World Travel Awards.

www.boveycastle.com

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Destination...

Munich

Leading up to the world-famous Oktoberfest, Penelope M Walsh takes in the charms of Bavaria’s capital, Munich Where to stay:

Cornering the Market

Situated right on the bustling Viktualienmarkt, Louis Hotel is the first Design Hotel™ in Munich. This chic retreat in the heart of the city boasts 72 individually designed rooms, along with all the facilities you would expect of a top-class hotel, including a gym, sauna and roof terrace with breathtaking views. At Emiko, the hotel’s restaurant, Tokyo-trained chefs dish up traditional Japanese cuisine infused with modern European flair, using fresh produce sourced directly from the Viktualienmarkt on its doorstep.

Where to eat:

What to see::

Vow of Abstinence

No visit to Munich would be complete without experiencing a traditional Bierkeller and Andechser am Dom offers a great example of the beer-swigging, warm spirit that Munich is famous for. Located next to the Frauenkirche, one of Munich’s key landmarks, Andechser offers the perfect combination of tradition and modernity that encapsulates the spirit and charm of Munich. The restaurant serves beer from its name sake, a cloister, which has more than 550 years of brewing experience, along with traditional and hearty Bavarian fare, all under the beautiful canopy of the intricately painted ceiling. www.andechser-am-dom.de

www.designhotels.com/louis_hotel

The Place to be

Part of Munich’s unique charm is the plethora of historic sights within a compact and easy-toexplore area. Start at Marienplatz, the town square and central heart, from which life in Munich flows. Amongst the many beautiful buildings and distinctly Teutonic architecture, Marienplatz is home to the famous Glockenspiel: an intricate carillon with 32 life-sized figures, depicting key events in Bavarian history. Head to Café Glockenspiel and if you are early enough to get a window seat, you can miss the crowds and enjoy the display over a relaxed coffee.

Where to play::

Sin City

With a vein of decadence and grandiosity running through it, and a glossy slick of sleek modernity over the top, Lenbach is one of Terence Conran’s many awe-inspiring ventures. This Renaissance-inspired venue is home to the city’s longest bar, serving great cocktails to the cool crowd. With a highly developed sense of unselfconscious people-watching, this bar even boasts a catwalk. With Lenbach’s ‘seven deadly sins’-inspired theme pervading every aspect of the place, this must be the perfect spot for a long night of narcissistic indulgence. City Airport offers up to two direct flights daily from Monday to Friday to Munich

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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit www.londoncityairport.com

www.lenbach.de

Don’’t miss:

The Fest

If you head to Munich in September, don’t miss out on the world-famous Oktoberfest, which (confusingly) takes place from 19 September. Dating back to 1810, the festival was initially held to celebrate the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince to Princess Therese. Known originally as Theresienwiese, it is still known as “die Wiesn” by locals today. Amongst the myriad of beer tents occupying the Wiesn, highlights include the Hippodrom, which pulls in a young, stylish (and generally local) crowd with its sekt bar, serving local sparkling wine or enjoy a Mass at the Schotterhammel, where each year the Mayor of Munich’s cries of “O’zapft is!” begins the whole event.

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HOT STUFF On Sunday 8 August, Jun Tanaka, chef of the Pearl Restaurant and Bar, will be holding an exclusive, one-off barbecue demonstration in the historic regency courtyard of the Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel. Tanaka will take guests through 11 Alternative BBQ Recipes, perfect for impressing guests with your al fresco entertaining skills this summer. Guests will be able to quiz the chef, whilst sampling a selection of these easy and delicious dishes.

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news

www.pearl-restaurant.com

KEEEPING COUNT With branches in Bankside, Spitalfields and Hoxton, City favourite The Real Greek has just added a really unique element to their menu. In a bid to help guests to eat healthily, the menus now include a calorie count on every item, from desserts to drinks, making The Real Greek the first restaurant in the UK to do so. Greek cuisine is naturally healthy, using olive oil instead of saturated animal fats and plenty of grilled fish. www.therealgreek.com

GOURMET GETAWAY Bordeaux wines, and put their insider knowledge to good use, hunting down hidden culinary gems. You can take part in various cooking courses and wine tasting sessions, or even let Château Lavergne create tailor-made culinary holidays for you. Guests can also enjoy guided trips to the region’s best outdoor markets, followed by a hands-on cookery class and a delicious lunch at the château with wine tasting. www.chateau-lavergne.com

NEWS:

Food lingo:

New store NOW has just opened on Liverpool Street, specialising in a sophisticated take on Chinese street food to takeaway. Inspired by the food available at stalls and markets throughout China’s bustling cities, NOW serves fluffy steamed buns, delicious dumplings, noodles, soups and even iced tea with tapioca pearls, for something a little less ordinary in your lunch hour.

HARISSA

NOW, 22 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7PD

Originally from Tunisia, harissa is a spicy paste, is commonly used in cuisines across North Africa. Recipes vary across regions, but the main ingredients are generally Piri Piri chilli peppers, Serano pepper and olive oil. The paste is used to flavour a wide variety of dishes, in particular meat or fish stews, grilled fish and couscous.

Quote:

Website:

Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he’s buying. Fran Lebowitz, American Author

www.eattheseasons.co.uk

The perfect holiday for gourmands, head to Château Lavergne this summer, where you can learn about the world-renowned food and wine of the local Bordeaux region. Run by husband and wife team, Suzanne and Michel Bourdais, the 19th century château is set in seven acres of parkland in the charming village of Bouliac in southwest France. Having managed a vineyard for many years, Suzanne and Michel are perfectly placed to guide guests through the best in French food and

Eat The Seasons is a simple website that makes green gourmet cooking uncommonly easy. Updated every week, the website’s home page gives the definitive low-down on what foods are in season and good to eat right now, including interesting information, recipes and helpful hints.

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planethollywoodlondon.com

ONE VENUE, MANY OPTIONS FOR PARTIES UP TO 650 PEOPLE BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW! Call Phil or Maria: 020 7024 8456 or email: salesuk@planethollywood.com

57-60 HAYMARKET SW1Y 4QX

Discount on corporate/group bookings when you quote CITYMAG Terms and Conditions: Christmas Menu’s are available from the 01.12.10 – 24.12.10. Please note that our a la carte menu is also available during this time. All menus are subject to change and availability.

food & drink

À la carte

ucked away in an unassuming spot on Threadneedle Street, lunchtime finds the City branch of Brasserie Blanc heaving with suited City types tucking into steaks, salads and soufflés over business lunches and a well-earned hour’s breather from the office. Decorated in a mixture of creamy clay and vivid burgundy red, the brasserie fuses design elements of a Parisian bistro and a country kitchen. The atmosphere is energetic and the air fills with the chinking, chiming sound of glasses being poured and enjoyed, as menus are pored over. The special for the starters was crayfish and mango with potato salad, and sounded too enticing to pass up. A great start to a summer lunch, the crayfish was light, fresh and filled with delicate flavours, each one distinct yet discreetly working in unison. The subtle sweet saltiness of the crayfish worked well with the sweetness of the mango, and was cut through beautifully with the sharp freshness of the lime dressing. The potato salad was well seasoned, with large chunks of potato giving it a smooth but firm texture. The ham hock and pea risotto was a classic and simple dish with thick, substantial chunks of ham in a creamy textured, well-cooked risotto, with each grain distinct and al dente. A fairly satisfying and hearty starter,

Blanc

the risotto is also available as a main course, and would no doubt make good fuel for the rest of the working day. Brasserie Blanc does not specialise in offering wine recommendations, yet our waitress was well versed with the wine list and able to give guidance to direct us towards wines to suit our tastes. With our starters she recommended Mâcon Villages Domaine des Verchères 2008, a light, fresh and elegant white, which was not a only successful choice, but with its slightly citrus, herby and even minty aromas, went beautifully well with our starters. For quick bites there are several great-looking bistro dishes on the Grills menu, such as the steak and chips or king prawns and chips, which a quick survey of the dining room suggested were popular amongst the lunchtime crowd. Yet again, I couldn’t resist the temptation of the specials board and opted for the confit duck with cabbage and potatoes, which came in a really generous, man-sized portion. Whilst good in flavour, the texture of the duck was a little too dry and heavy, but the accompaniments were great. The cabbage was rich and buttery and nothing like those greens that mothers try to bargain with in return for puddings. The potatoes were cooked with the skins on and had a wonderful nutty, earthy taste and were deliciously creamy on the inside, with a little crispy bite on the

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Described by Raymond Blanc as the can-can to the Manoir’s delicate waltz, Brasserie Blanc combines the vibrancy of a bustling Parisian bistro with humble and hearty great cooking. With Blanc’s first restaurant in London opening recently in the City, Penelope M Walsh samples the brasserie’s fusion of Parisian chic and rustic charm

surface. This dish was dressed with a rich and sweet sauce of honey and cinnamon, which lent a delicious depth and exoticism to the otherwise simple cooking. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder with palace potatoes was well-seasoned, tender and moist and accompanied with well-cooked and flavoursome vegetables. The dish was overall simple, satisfying and a success. To accompany the main courses, we also had Maman Blanc’s miscellany of salads, which was a certainly a feast for the eyes, with various bright and enticing colours. The piccalilli was worthy of note, combining the perfect earthy, sweet and slightly acidic taste with crisp vegetables. Nevertheless, the salads were on the whole not as varied and exciting as appearance led the taste buds to believe. With our main courses, we had the Château Les Arromans Bordeaux 2007, which was full and strong in taste, with woody, oaky, smoky and slightly leathery flavours and carried the rich, fattier meats and flavours of our main courses well. Throughout lunch, service was friendly, helpful and accommodating, though if anything a little slow. Despite that, the great atmosphere and good food make Brasserie Blanc a good lunchtime addition to the Square Mile’s culinary cityscape. n For further information, visit www.brasserieblanc.com

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Canary Wharfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret

Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 8RS Tel: 020 7510 1999 - www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

food &drink

connoisseur

How to be a wine buff

We all enjoy a glass of wine. But when faced with the ‘wall of wine’ in our supermarkets, a certain weakness in the knees and lightheadedness takes hold of many. Pieter Rosenthal of Love that Wine shares some tips

he usual solution is to opt for the label you recognise, or simply the wine that seems like the best bargain. But wouldn’t you love to know more about wine, just to make that decision a little easier? The main thing is to trust your own palate. If you like a wine, it’s a good wine for you and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But make sure you push yourself by trying something unusual every now and then. Summertime for me is about lighter, easier drinking styles of wine. We look to white wines, rosés and lighter red wines. Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular whites currently on our supermarket shelves, but much of it is a bit dull and, frankly, not worth the money. For a bit more character look out for grapes like Fiano or Falanghina instead. At home in the south of Italy, on volcanic soils, you’ll find these grapes in Puglia, Campania and Sicily. The choice in rosé has its own quirks. Many rosés are quite sweet, and that can make them lack freshness. If you like your wines a bit more elegant, dry and zesty, go to rosé heartland, the Provence or the Rhône valley. Spain is also proving a great source of new-age rosé with great character. Light reds can also provide the freshness we’re after during the summer. Styles like France’s Beaujolais, straight Valpolicella and Bardolino, both from Italy, or youthful Spanish Rioja Joven don’t mind a little chill and prove good food wines with lighter dishes, particularly pasta and tapasstyle food. n

My choices for summer drinking with character:

For further information, visit www.lovethatwine.co.uk

Brown Brothers Tarrango 2008, Victoria, Australia Waitrose/Coop-Somerfield/Tesco, £4.86-£6.55 A light-coloured red that is not only great value but a lovely barbecue wine if you like a juicier cherry and raspberry style of red without the big tannins. Made in a Beaujolais style, this wine is best served chilled and is quite happy with barbecued salmon, served with sundried tomato and mozzarella salad. Tarrango is the grape variety and is a cross between Touriga Nacional (a Portuguese variety used in Port production) and the humble Sultana.

Vesevo Falanghina 2009, Beneventano IGT, Italy Slurp.co.uk, £9.75 This is a fantastic example of the Falanghina style with a fresh nose of honeysuckle, ripe pears and peaches. The palate is alive and zingy with lots of citrus fruit and a long, dry finish. The grapes for this stunning wine are grown on volcanic soil just a short distance away from the volcano Vesuvius. Falanghina is a variety that is not yet widely known, but make sure you also look out for Fiano. Many of the supermarkets now have at least one of these in their own label ranges. Caves Saint-Pièrre, Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé 2009 Tesco £5 (on special offer until mid-August) I think Caves Saint-Pièrre wines always hugely over-deliver in the value-for-money stakes, and this pink number is no exception. It is a generous rosé with plenty of fresh raspberry and strawberry fruit coming from the Grenache, but a nice bit of spice from the Syrah as well; a far cry from the sweetish, confected wines that can dull so many wines in this category. Try this with a mildly spicy dish – a Thai curry, for example. The ripe flavours will pair well with the spiciness of the food and the zesty finish will liven up the palate.

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restaurants

bars

American

Italian

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 020 7278 0077

Churchill Place, E14

Dollar Grills and Martinis

Jamie’s Italian

020 3002 5252 Lena

The Big Chill Bar

Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, E1 020 7392 9180

Hawksmoor

66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 020 7739 5714

British

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 020 7438 8052

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 020 7657 8088

Volupté

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7796 0600

157 Commercial Street, E1 020 7247 7392 Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 08456 861 122 Beach Blanket Babylon

19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 3540 GREENS

14 Cornhill, EC3V 020 7220 6300

French Coq D’Argent

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 020 7395 5000 Les Trois Garcons

Refettorio

9 Norwich Street, EC4A 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Oriental

Royal China Club (Baker St)

40-42 Baker Street, W1U 020 7486 3898 Saki

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7489 7033

Mexican

Green & Red

1 Club Row, E1 020 7613 1924

51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 9670

Sauterelle

Middle Eastern

Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2483

Gastropub Duke of Cambridge

30 St Peter’s Street, N1 020 7359 3066 The Peasant

240 St. John Street, EC1V 020 7336 7726

Greek Mezedopolio

14 Hoxton Market, N1 020 7739 8212

Kenza

10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 020 7929 5533

Modern European One Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four

Bonds

Cellar Gascon

Cicada

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 020 7608 1550 CATCH & Champagne Bar

Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, EC2M 020 7618 7215

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar

The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar

5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 020 7623 2355 Light Bar

233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 020 7247 8989 Match EC1

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 020 7877 7703

45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 020 7250 4002

Smiths of Smithfield

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 020 7623 1818

67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 020 7251 7950

Spanish Moro

34-36 Exmouth Street, EC1R 020 7833 8336

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Balls Brothers

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 020 7600 2720

Ortega

Vertigo 42

Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 020 7877 7842 The Worship

Triton Court 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 020 7330 0920

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With over 100 offers to use throughout London including entertainment & attractions, Shopping, Food & Drink, and much more Visit:

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Over 400 exclusive deals brokered with London’s most stylish bars, restaurants, retailers, nightclubs and essential services - enhancing your lifestyle whilst saving you £1,000s and all savings are passed on to you in full:

PARTIES & EVENTS

Weekly invitations to exclusive parties ranging from worldwide VIP hospitality to monthly cocktail events (e.g. Film/Theatre premieres, fashion shows, Cartier Polo, Henley Royal Regatta, Concerts, London Fashion Week, Festivals, Après Ski London, Bloodlust Halloween Ball)

Bars & Clubs Free drinks…free entry… membership… every day of the year… (e.g. Amika, Mahiki, The Roof Gardens, Café De Paris, Eight, Vendome, Kingly Club, Jalouse, Embassy etc.) The Sunday Times, Style: Restaurants 20% off full ‘Discounts at hundreds of shops, bars restaurants bills…free bottles of restaurants and services, ‘Slap’ on the champagne… (e.g. Gaucho Restaurants, counter goes my card; ‘‘Ching ching’’ 1 Lombard Street, Floridita, Maxwells goes the discount’ Restaurant Group, Boisdale, The Oriental Restaurant Group, The Mercer, Etrusca Restaurants, Marco Pierre White’s Restaurants, The Collection, Nahm etc.) To view our Retailers and Fashion 10-50% off…men’s & women’s clothing…accessories…jewellery... (e.g. Purdey, Moschino, Bang & Olufsen, Pickett, Brora, Jeroboams, Agnes B, Coco De Mer, Hackett, Penhaligons, Pal Zileri, Crew Clothing, Austique, Laurent Perrier etc.) Hotels and Service Providers 10-50% off … upgrades…health & beauty…ﬁtness… (e.g. The Grove and Athenaeum Hotels, Conran Group, The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Conde Nast Magazines, Prestige Car Supply or Hire, Mobile Beauty and Fitness Specialists, 24hr Delivery services, Feng Sushi, Fantasy Dry Cleaners etc)

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Free entry and guest list… Financial concierge… Hotel reservations…Tickets, VIP access or hospitality… Event Management service… Networking drinks parties… Concierge on request.

event calendar, see our forthcoming VIP parties or simply browse through our exclusive deals and concessions, visit www.viciniteevip.com

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The Button Club and V-VIP’s The Fall of Rome Imperial Ball Cowes Week 31st July – 7th August 2010 Cowes, Isle of Wight Experience corporate hospitality at its finest on board your own private luxury sailing boat or motor yacht where members and its guests are guaranteed quality contact time with their most valued clients.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Last Night of the Proms

6th – 28th August 2010 Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

11th September 2010 The Royal Albert Hall, London

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an awe-inspiring performance regardless of age, nationality or tastes. Fantastic hospitality makes this an ideal and memorable entertaining experience especially as 2010 is its Diamond Jubilee year.

The Last Night of the Proms is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by millions around the globe and members and their guests have exclusive access into some of the best hospitality packages available.

Goodwood Revival London Fashion Week 17th -22nd September 2010 Vicinitee VIP members and their guests will have the opportunity to purchase hospitality tickets to the famous and glamorous Fashion Week. It’s not an event to be missed and one to finish the summer on a high.

17th – 19th September 2010 For three days in September, the Goodwood Motor Circuit closes its gates on the modern world and creates a unique blend of intoxicating excitement. Vicinitee members are invited to this historic track to watch to Goodwood revival and take a magical step back in time.

29/07/2010 15:35:45

FestivalAd_Vicinitree.indd 1

17/06/2010 16:52

out about

It’s the summer of 1963 and ‘Baby’ is about to learn some major lessons in life...

out & about

connoisseur

Clash of The Titans The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final is a dramatic annual encounter that sees Europe’s best rugby players battling it out for championship status. It is one of the most prestigious fixtures in British sport, combining adrenalin-fuelled excitement with sporting pageantry. The climax of a historic knockout championship, The Challenge Cup features Rugby League teams from across Europe, dating back to 1896. It encompasses amateur, semi-professional and full-time Super League professionals, though the lower ranked teams rarely make it to the later stages of the seven-round knockout competition. Last year’s champions, Warrington Wolves, will try their best to retain the highly coveted trophy. Carnegie Challenge Cup Final Wembley Stadium 28 August, 2.30 pm www.thechallengecup.com

Dirty Dancing Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, has broken records around the world and before opening in London was sold out for a six-month run. Now at the Aldwych Theatre, the ultimate chick flick rocks the stage to avid audiences who tend to sing along. It’s a show for the fans and the not-so fans who just want some light-hearted entertainment. As you cast an eye around the audience, it’s mainly female with a smattering of those other halves who are sacrificing their evenings to keep the love of their life happy. To us, the first half felt a little slow, but the second half is well worth the wait with singing and dancing that truly make the show. Johnny Castle (Martin Harvey) and Hannah Vassallo (Baby) are strong in their dance roles, but the star of the dance floor is Helen Harper (Penny). The understudy wowed the audiences with her moves and figure (making me most jealous of her figure in a short, black leotard). The singing stars for us were Billy (Fra Fee), who is making his West End debut in the show and Cleo Rey, part of the troupe who gave such a finale that had people on their feet dancing. www.dirtydancinglondon.com

the ICT: VERD

e is ng on stag Dirty Danci ctor. fa t en ainm pure entert

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connoisseur out & about

Summer Sounds

Pulses Racing

Whether you’re completely new to jazz or a committed aficionado, Canada Square Park is the place to be for an unforgettable three days of traditional and modern jazz, funk, Latin rhythms, soul and instrumental. The free music celebration features top jazz musicians on a massive outdoor stage in the beautiful setting of Canada Square Park. With up-and-coming jazz musicians as well as established artists such as Ruby Turner and The Baker Brothers, come to dance in the sun or doze on a picnic blanket.

The world’s largest event of its kind, the London Triathlon is fast replacing the London Marathon as the event of choice for pushing your body to the limit. Over 13,000 confirmed entrants are set to run, swim and cycle across the capital, while thousands are expected to line the streets and visit the Triathlon Expo. Starting at the ExCel Centre in Docklands and making its way past major London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge, the setting is idyllic for all those involved, and the Thames hopefully not too cold for the brave athletes. It’s a great spectator event too, with the chance to see some of the fittest sportspeople do battle across three gruelling disciplines in the heart of London.

Canary Wharf Jazz Festival, Canada Square Park, 13–15 August. www.mycanarywharf.com Pee Wee Ellis

Viva La Carnival Now in its 11th year, the multi-coloured extravaganza that is Carnaval del Pueblo continues to offer a grand fiesta of all things Latin American in the capital. Proceedings kick off at noon when a procession of brightly coloured floats are paraded down the streets of Southwark, admired by more than 100,000 people. Once at Burgess Park, revellers can enjoy authentic Latin food, drink, live music and, of course, dance late into the night. Different stages offer everything from traditional music to the freshest reggaeton and Latin hip-hop. Carnaval del Pueblo, 1 August, Burgess Park www.carnavaldelpueblo.co.uk

The London Triathlon, 7–8 August ExCel Exhibition Centre www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk

Peek into the Palace Throughout August and September, members of the public can catch a glimpse around Buckingham Palace and admire the interiors of the principal royal residence. The Summer Opening tour includes a look at some exquisite royal gifts including Fabergé Eggs, and a walk through the Royal Mews, which is still a functioning stable facility. Visitors are permitted access to the 19 State Rooms, which are still used by the Royal Family to receive and entertain guests on state and ceremonial occasions. Decorated in lavish fashion, they include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, Sevres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Buckingham Palace Summer Opening 1 August to 28 September www.royal.gov.uk

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April 09 Final ad 2 OL.indd 1

29/04/2009 11:02:47

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

Covering The City, CANARY WHARF, DOCKLANDS & SE LONDON

Image courtesy of Stressless

KnightFrank

Cubitt Wharf E14

Vickerys Wharf E14

Well proportioned one bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor of a warehouse conversion. Presented in excellent order having been recently refurbished, the apartment benefits from a terrace which runs the length of the property.

A well proportioned two bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of this modern development.

Leasehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Guide Price: £290,000

Leasehold Guide Price: £315,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ability Place E14 A light and well presented one bedroom apartment located on the eighteenth floor of a well maintained portered block overlooking Millwall Docks. The apartment is presented in excellent order and benefits from two private balconies. Leasehold Guide Price: £335,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Goodhart Place E14 A well presented and spacious two bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of a purpose built portered development. The apartment profits from a private balcony with views over Limehouse Marina. Leasehold Guide Price: £545,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

St Davids Square E14

Basin Approach E14

A spacious and well proportioned three bedroom apartment on the sixth floor of a portered development offering easy access to Canary Wharf. The property benefits from south facing river views both internally and from the two balconies.

A unique penthouse which is the result of two apartments being made one and refurbished to a superb specification and arranged over two floors.

Leasehold

Guide Price: £1,350,000

Guide Price: £910,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

West India Quay E14

Leasehold

Commercial Wharf E14

Wonderfully spacious and south facing two bedroom duplex apartment located on the fifteenth and sixteenth floors of a sought after portered development. The apartment profits from panoramic views over Canary Wharf and towards the City.

With glorious river views, a spacious flat extending to some 3,018 sq ft full of character and original features refurbished to very high standards. Reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, balcony, bathroom, shower and utility rooms.

Leasehold

Guide Price: £1,350,000

Guide Price: £1,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank

Feathers Place, Greenwich SE10

The Forge E14

This four bedroom house has been refurbished throughout and offers a high calibre style of living. Feather’s Place is located within a few moments from Greenwich Park, The O2 Arena and local transport includes Maze Hill Station and Greenwich DLR.

This one bedroom, one bathroom apartment offers contemporary accommodation at a reasonable price, with easy access into Canary Wharf and Bank; the commute into work is transformed into a matter of minutes. Luxury kitchens and bathrooms complete this property. Available now.

Available furnished

Available furnished or unfurnished

£1,385 per week

£300 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Warehouse W E14

Ocean Wharf E14

We are delighted to offer this immaculate two bedroom modern warehouse conversion for rent. The development is situated 2 minutes from connections to the Capital’s entire DLR and tube network. The City, Canary Wharf and London City Airport are all between 10 and 20 minutes away.

Fantastic fully furnished one bedroom in sought after Ocean Wharf. Spacious and bright living/dining room with ultra modern fully fitted open plan kitchen. Access to balcony with fantastic river views facing west from both the living room and bedroom.

Available furnished

£300 per week

£320 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Flynn Court E14

City Harbour E14

Two double bedroom, one bathroom modern apartment. Located in the ever popular Canary Wharf, it is a luxury being able to walk to work within minutes. If you need to gain access into Central London, Westferry DLR is literally just around the corner and Bank could be reached within 5-10 minutes. Available furnished

We are delighted to offer this stylish 5th floor, two bedroom two bathroom duplex apartment. Set within the ever popular City Harbour development this apartment offers size, modern living and panoramic river views via a superb roof terrace. Available unfurnished

£350 per week

£495 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Old Sun Wharf E14

No. 1 West India Quay E14

We are delighted to offer this impressive two double bedroom penthouse apartment located on Narrow Street. This apartment offers a balcony off the main reception area with fantastic river views and a large decked roof terrace off the second reception room. Available furnished

An amazing 17th floor apartment, interior designed with excellent furnishings. Fantastic views, wooden flooring, two bedrooms, shower room, en-suite bathroom with separate shower, large reception with open plan kitchen, 24 hour porter and parking. Available furnished

£650 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/CanaryWharf 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank

Devon House, Borough SE1 Charming example of a warehouse conversion full of character with exposed brick walls, wood columns and beams. Entrance hall, reception room arranged with kitchen/dining area and sitting area, 2 bathrooms, gas CH, lift, concierge 145 sq m (1568 sq ft). Leasehold: 989 years approximately Guide Price: £895,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Commercial Wharf, Limehouse

Times Square City E1 A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a terrace overlooking the now fully established and matured watergarden of City Quarter. In excellent condition and being sold with one parking space. 683 sq m (735 sq ft). Leasehold: 124 years approximately Guide Price: £510,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W

With glorious river views, a spacious flat full of character and original features refurbished to very high standards. Reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, balcony, bathroom, shower and utility rooms 280 sq m (3018 sq ft).

The flat would make an ideal pied a terre and is ready for immediate occupation. Living room with fitted kitchen area, bathroom, storage cupbaord, garage parking space, lift, 24 hour porterage 43 sq m (469 sq ft).

Share of Freehold

Leasehold: 102 years approximately

Guide Price: £1,500,000

Guide Price: £285,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

The Bezier, Old Street EC2

Stylish selection of brand new apartments Selection of stylish studio, one and two bedroom apartments located in this outstanding new 24 hour portered development on the corner of Old Street and City Road, a short walk in to The City. Boasting comfort cooling, private balconies, good storage, 13th floor communal terrace and a gym, sauna and steam room. Available furnished From ÂŁ360 per week

City Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings gary.hall@knightfrank.com 020 7606 1560

KnightFrank

Park Street SE1

Outstanding three bedroom Penthouse in SE1 Outstanding 1217 sq ft three bedroom duplex, air-conditioned Penthouse with a huge terrace. London Bridge Station and Borough Market only 200m away. Double height ceilings and unrivalled panoramic terrace views of London skyline and River Thames. Available furnished ÂŁ1,400 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7408 6848

Cinnabar Wharf, Wapping E1W

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W

Stunning apartment based in this luxury 24 hour portered block in Wapping. This contemporary flat comprises of two double bedrooms (both with river views), two bathrooms, good size reception room, fully fitted kitchen and amazing views of the river and Tower Bridge. Available furnished

Spacious one bedroom apartment set in this 24 hour portered warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. This furnished apartment has a good size reception with a semi open plan kitchen, good size double bedroom, underground parking and river views from the reception room and bedroom. Available furnished

£825 per week

£425 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Capital Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W

Old Sun Wharf, Narrow Street E14

Lovely furnished 4th floor riverside apartment. Accommodating master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and separate shower, further double bedroom with en-suite shower room, separate kitchen, sitting/dining area with balcony, 24 hour porter and underground parking. Available furnished

Lovely duplex two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set in this smart portered development on Narrow Street, Limehouse. This apartment has a good size reception room, wooden floors, separate kitchen, and a private balcony with stunning views of river Thames. Available furnished

£625 per week

£425 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

luxury restoration Alan Selby and Partners is delighted to introduce to the market for sale, 7 Lothbury Dominating the corner of Lothbury and Tokenhouse Yard and standing proud opposite the Bank of England, 7 Lothbury is a most unusual building, unique within the City’s central district. Maintaining its Portland stone façade and Venetian-Gothic exuberance the building has undergone extensive restoration and now offers a rare opportunity to own a luxury home in one of the most exclusive addresses in Europe. As you step through the imposing and lavishly decorated arched portal you are immediately struck by the harmonious marriage of old and new. Once a bastion of Victorian finance, this Grade II* listed building now houses a stunning array of luxury one and two bedroom apartments, each individually designed to complement the building’s heritage and using thoughtful architecture and contemporary style to create spaces perfect for modern city living.

Behind the privacy of your front door, the beautifully designed interiors are the very essence of style and luxurious contemporary living. Quality exudes throughout and the building is adorned with an array of original period features such as carved teak entrance screen and room panelling, intricate metal fretwork, arched floor to ceiling sash windows and ornate plasterwork and cornicing. Throughout each apartment there is something to cater for every discerning taste. The flexible open-plan living areas make optimal use of the building’s natural space and light, individually crafted fittings and exquisite joinery make the most of the building’s retained and restored architecture and an uncompromising attention to detail all combine to create classical elegance with modern design and an ideal pied à terre within Europe’s financial capital. From the bedroom to the ensuite, the kitchen to the spacious open-plan living areas, everything has been considered. Stylish interiors, state-of-the-art technology and quality fixtures and fittings all make for comfort and convenient living throughout. As you would expect each interior has been designed and finished to the very highest standard. From the foundations to the fittings, every care has been taken to ensure that the contemporary specification sits comfortably within these historic walls. Modern and spacious, luxurious and convenient, the quality of build and uncompromising attention to detail combine to provide a living space as pleasing to the eye as it is practical.

homes & property promotion

Living Areas As befitting a building of such historical value and modern prestige, the main living areas offer all the benefits of a private and comfortable home. English Oak-paneled entrance doors, bespoke hardwood joinery, paneled internal doors with painted finish and individually designed oak cabinets all contribute to creating a very impressive living space.

Bathrooms Bathrooms include stylish white fittings and chrome fixtures from CP Hart and are fitted with large glass-walled shower enclosures with thermostatic power showers, mirrored cabinets, electric shaver points and heated towel rails.

Kitchens All kitchens are individually designed and built with solid oak-flooring, Corian worktops and upstands, fully fitted with high quality units and integrated state-of-the-art Siemens appliances including oven, microwave or steam oven, fridgefreezer, dishwasher and halogen hob.

Bedrooms The bedrooms are fitted with hardwood lined paneled wardrobes which include integrated drawers and shoe racks. The floors are carpeted throughout.

Lighting The apartments are lit with a variety of stylish low voltage, low energy lights and halogen wall, down and up lighters including a Lutron lighting control to the living areas.

Air Conditioning Each apartment is fitted with a heating and cooling system which can be individually controlled to suit each room. A heat recovery unit provides tempered fresh air to sitting rooms and bedrooms to ensure comfort and energy efficiency. For further information or an opportunity to view these spectacular apartments please contact Alan Selby and Partners 020 7519 5900 or visit our website www.alanselby.co.uk

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London's Finest Properties

City Walk Apartments, SE23

Hopton Road, Royal Arsenal, SE18

Wharfside Point South, Canary Wharf E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Large South Facing Balcony • 8th Floor • 24hr Concierge Service

• A Selection of Two Bed Apartments • Starting From £300 per week • Balcony with River Views • Fully Equipped Gymnasium • Nr. Custom House DLR

£290 PW

£275 PW

£280 PW

From £300 PW

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Part furnished • 5th Floor • Large Roof Terrace • Nr. Forest Hill Station

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • 9thFloor • On-Site Leisure Facilities • 24hr Concierge Service

£365 PW

Strata, Elephant & Castle, SE1

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Leisure Complex • Parking Available • Concierge Service

WE URGENTLY REQUIRE MORE PROPERTIES THOROUGHOUT LONDON FOR AWAITING TENANTS AND PURCHASERS

The Academy, Lawn Lane, Vauxhall, SW8

Channel House,The Watergardens, SE16

• 33rd floor • Two bedroom/two bathroom apartment • Unparalleled views across London skyline • London's newest and highly prestigious residential skyscraper • A new benchmark in design

• 4th floor • Two bedroom/two bathroom duplex apt. • Edwardian schoolhouse conversion • Enviably located next to Vauxhall Park • Moments from underground and mainline train stations

• Two bedroom/two bathroom apartment • Balcony • Superior fixtures and fittings. • Views over tranquil courtyard and gardens • Moments from Canada Water tube

£487,000

£530,000

£395,000

Westgate Apartment, Excel E16

Sugar House, Tower Bridge, E1

• Three Bedroom Split Level Apartment • Fully Furnished • 6th Floor • Balcony • 24 Hour Concierge Service

£995 PW

Marina Heights, Limehouse Basin, E14

• 2nd floor two bedroom/two bathroom • Modern fixtures and fittings • Stunning marina views • Good sized balcony • Secure underground parking

£534,950

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

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