VICINITEE MARCH 10 by Runwild Media Group

Lamborghini Sevenoaks

Lamborghini Reading

92 London Road

Bennet Road

Sevenoaks

Reading

Kent

Berkshire

TN13 1BA

RG2 0QX

Tel 01732 430 039

Tel 0118 336 0116

www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com

www.lamborghini-reading.com

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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, now available at Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading.

march 2010 FEBRUARY 2010

The best Italian in town.

Essence of

British

Mens

The best of British fashion

ENGINES AT THE READY the Formula 1 season begins

A LOAD OF HOT AIR n

59 29 Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading, part of Jardine Motors Group.

What is the

are airships the way forward?

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ARR I V ED

Introducing the breathtaking new Lotus Evora. It has all the spine-tingling performance, award winnning handling and to-die-for looks you’d expect from a mid-engined Lotus. But what’s rather more unexpected are the extra two seats in the back. You’ll be equally surprised by the supple ride, sumptuous leather interior and boot generous enough to take a set of golf clubs. Plus, it has the lowest emissions in its class. So, there really is room in your life for a Lotus. The Lotus Evora. From £48,550 OTR* *On the road (OTR) cost includes £950 for delivery, PDI, first service number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel. Prices effective from 1st January 2010. Information correct at time of going to print. Lotus Cars reserves the right to amend prices or specification without prior notice.

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For details of your nearest Lotus Dealer please visit www.lotusevora.com Lotus Evora – Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205g/km

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contents feature 12 Great British Style Claire Adler ponders the classic staples of men’s fashion

16 Going Green Josh Sims considers Forum for the Future’s proposal for airship travel

comment 20 Polo in the Park

current affairs

air

Hot

Daniel Fox Davies tells us more about the revival of the great game

t would be a return to the elegance of travel of the luxury liner’s heyday, one that the Forum for the Future, a green think-tank, could be running as a solar-powered service from London to New York in 20 hours by 2022. It would not, however, be a radically new idea: the journey would be conducted by airship. Some say it will happen sooner than that, despite a public perception problem. Airships – which have a rigid internal structure, unlike a balloon or blimp – have been blighted with public misconceptions about their safety ever since the Hindenburg disaster in 1937; even though by then, Zeppelin, its owner, had been running a successful, incident-free transatlantic airship operation for nearly a decade. The return of the airship is already set for take-off: the industry may be a fledgling one, with no operators established or airship ports built, but some 60 airships have been launched for various operations around the world over the last 20 years. One company, Skycruise, based in Switzerland, already runs a passenger service and is planning one connecting cities across Europe. The name on the side of it is familiar too: it’s Zeppelin. Now called Zeppelin NT, the company is expected to launch its own first commercial flights soon, in its 85m-long NT14, a larger, passengercarrying version of its NT07, which is already in production and being sold around the world. Nor is Zeppelin alone in developing LTA – that’s Lighter Than Air – craft. In the US, the American Blimp Corp and ABC Lightship, and in the UK the Advanced Technology Group and Airship Industries are among those companies developing airships. “There has been a giggle factor with airships, but that was before people realised there were real duties that airships could perform and no other kind of craft can,” says Arnold Nayler of the Airship Association. “When a real commercial venture gets underway, there will be massive public interest. There’s so much bubbling away right now.” And not just for passenger flight, but tourism, scientific experimentation, mine-sweeping, coastguard work, surveillance, as flying cranes, mobile

Imagine travelling the world at a more stately pace, one counter-balanced not only by a carbon footprint 90% that of a jet, but offset by the freedom to work in open plan office space, or pop to the gym while you journey. Josh Sims proposes something to satisfy your imagination

29 Global Living The rise of the ex-pat lifestyle

42 Boy Racer

phone antennae and even satellite deployment or anti-missile systems, these last two currently being worked on by Japan Aerospace and LockheedMartin respectively. Most projects seek to utilise the airship’s ability to stay in the air for up to 24 hours, travel long distances inexpensively, relative to airliner transport and, like helicopters, dock in remote spots – making them ideal in emergency or disaster relief situations. With already congested roads and sea lanes, freight transport would be a key market. Certainly the craft are more advanced than the airship’s reputation allows: not only in terms of new shapes – one, the SkyCat, a flying wing, is technically a blimp but will be able to land on water – but is using solar arrays, super-strong fabrics and, crucially for commercial success, lightweight propulsion units, because the lighter the ship, the bigger it and its payload can be. And they are all perfectly safe, using cells filled not with hydrogen, but heavier yet inflammable helium. In fact, one stumbling block to the future of airship flight may not be their being developed or accepted, but the supply of helium. Even the Hindenburg’s makers knew it was the safest gas to use but, while new natural gas fields with a helium output are being discovered, for the moment the planet only has two, both in the

concierge 56 Fashion Sorbets and pastels

65 Dizzy Heights Tower running is the newest fitness craze to sweep the City

Stranger on the

66 Restoration Perfection The fusion of cutting edge technology and classic architecture on Harley Street

Photographer:

Daniel Ward

Third Floor White chiffon and pink linen dress, £937

Alberta Ferretti, 205-206 Sloane St, SW1 020 7235 2349

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

weddings 74 Dream in Diamonds Our guide to popping the question

77 Stags & Hens London based ideas for a memorable weekend

78 Fit to be Wed Get toned up and slimmed down for the big day

connoisseur 86 Cosmopolitan Cape Kate Harrison explores Cape Town before the World Cup hits

89 Destination: Barcelona Weekend city guide

US (it was the hoarding of helium due to political tensions of the time that forced Zeppelin to use hydrogen). Perhaps the only other drawback is the need for an extensive ground-crew. In flight an airship is controlled just like an aeroplane, by manipulating lift through air flow. But landing, when slow speeds mean a lack of aerodynamic control, is another matter. People on the ground have to provide the brakes. Such troubles would be quickly overcome, with one service likely to generate the quick launching of others. Why? Because aside from a keen business opportunity and a major ecological benefit, the renaissance of the airship provides what air travel lost some 50 years ago: the return of that romanticism found in the flights of early airline travel, but which economy seats and budget airlines have diminished. To view the ground from 6,000ft or to see an airship pass overhead at such an altitude, will be a spectacle for passenger and the earth-bound alike. It was a feeling that was not lost on those who experienced those early Zeppelin flights. Gerhard Hauptmann, one of Germany’s literary lights of the era, even immortalised airships in verse. “This ship of gods, which silver-gleaming marries the mist of the air... Let this symbol rise again.” n

Previewing the Formula 1 season

feature

This ship of gods, which silver-gleaming marries the mist of the air... Let this symbol rise again

regulars 10 editor’s letter

52 royal exchange

22 motley fool

55 fashion news

24 financial expert

63 health & beauty

35 motoring

85 travel news

41 sport

91 food & drink

44 gadgets

103 out & about

49 interiors

107 property

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 Ruth Sherrington 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.

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

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.

Senior Designers Hiren Chandarana Victoria Wren

Production Manager Dan Hyde

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

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.

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

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. 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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12:35

Lamborghini Reading

92 London Road

Bennet Road

Sevenoaks

Reading

Kent

Berkshire

TN13 1BA

RG2 0QX

Tel 01732 430 039

Tel 0118 336 0116

www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com

www.lamborghini-reading.com

Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading, part of Jardine Motors Group.

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

RunWild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, now available at Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading.

M A R CFEBRUARY H 2010 2010

British style from Gieves & Hawkes See page 12

Lamborghini Sevenoaks

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The best Italian in town.

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Essence of

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tHE BEst oF BRitisH FAsHion

ENGiNEs at thE REaDY tHE FoRMUlA 1 sEAson BEgins

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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.

This year marks the 35th anniversary for Tumi, the leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories. Since its founding in 1975, Tumi has become the brand of choice for the world’s most discerning professionals, influential thought leaders, sports and entertainment celebrities and demanding travelers. A symbol of status for the global consumer, Tumi’s heritage and legacy celebrate a modern philosophy of fashion, function and intelligent investments in CABOT PLACE EAST, CANARY WHARF +44 (0) 207 513 2456

prestige. This year the brand will celebrate 35 years of innovation, performance and design. Founded upon the principles of excellence in design, functional superiority, technical innovation, unparalleled quality and world class customer service, otherwise known as The Tumi Difference, 35 years later Tumi still embodies each of these unique qualities. Receive £50 off every £250 spent* 11 March - 14 April 2010

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from the editor...

March

elcome to the March edition of vicinitee magazine. The days are already growing longer and in spite of the occasional cold morning frost, spring is very much in the air. March heralds a timely opportunity to discard those, all too heavy, winter garments and make way for a lighter and fresh new season. Pastels are the highlight of this month’s fashion shoot (p.56) so it’s time to incorporate the essence of spring into your wardrobe and we show you how. For those who regard sartorial elegance as an absolute necessity, we delve into the epitome of British Style and begin with the importance of the perfect suit (p.12). For the suave City reader who appreciates quality, the perfect look can only be attained with a bespoke suit; from edgy individual suits to timeless classics; renowned to enhance feelings of confidence and poise, this issue brings you the latest in bespoke tailoring to help you find the perfect suit. As the wedding season fast approaches you’ll find this month’s features bursting with ideas to help you through the planning process (p.73); from how to choose the perfect ring,

shaping up in time for the big day, venue finding and, of course, how and where to shop for the ultimate perfect dress. Whether it’s vintage or modern, A-line or mermaid our special dress feature will be sure to assist you in finding the ideal dress for your special day. One of the hottest challenges to hit the City this year is taking place on Tuesday, 23 March when Victim Support’s flagship fundraiser will be right on your office doorstep. The national charity is holding a fire-walk and glass-walk to raise much needed monies for victims and of crime across London. This brilliant and empowering event with professional training is an opportunity not to be missed – after all if you can walk on fire or glass what else could you do? Team and individual entries are all welcome. For further information and registration please visit www.broadgateinfo.net. Finally, don’t forget to check our March themed pages (p.100) for other forthcoming events and activities in and around Central London and for more information on our latest offers, discounts and competitions please log on to the ‘What’s On’ guide at 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

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What is the essence of British men’s style? From wedding suits teamed with citrus coloured shirts, to umbrellas, Fair Isle sweaters and khakis, Claire Adler finds out

BRITISH

style T

hey say a true English gent is never without his umbrella. Then again, a Burberry trench coat, John Lobb brogues and a classic Savile Row suit probably conjure up quintessential Britishness just as effectively. In Japan, such is the influence of British menswear that the word for suit is ‘sebiro’, thought to be a mispronunciation of Savile Row. From Tokyo to Shanghai, New York and Milan, the design-conscious embrace British fashion – whether it’s the nuanced detail on a Paul Smith shirt; a suit built to last from Savile Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes, whose past customers range from Winston Churchill to Michael Jackson and Bill Clinton; vintage-style sports kits from Hackett, or high street staples from Jaeger of London or Austin Reed, both brands which draw on their rich archives to produce today’s seasonal collections. This winter, number 14 Savile Row opened its doors to Sir Hardy Amies: A Century of Couture, a retrospective of one of Britain’s greatest ever fashion designers. It marks the first time a British couture house has opened its archive to the public. Visitors can view unseen photos of the royal family, costume sketches for the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and personal letters from the likes of photographer Cecil Beaton and fashion designer Norman Hartnell. Amies famously dressed the Queen, 1960s style icons Michael Caine and Peter Sellers, and the 1966 English World Cup Squad for their official engagements. He launched his first-ever collection in London’s Savoy Hotel in 1967. It was the first time music was heard accompanying a fashion show.

Today the quintessential British gent is a man who is clever at mixing his own styles. He is fashion-conscious, but doesn’t let trends dictate his wardrobe

style

feature

When the Olympic Committee for the 2012 Olympics in London was asked to define Britishness, the fashion designer Hardy Amies appeared high on their list. Amies, who in 1964 penned his own ABC of Style, which was recently reprinted by the Victoria & Albert Museum, once said: “A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten about them.” This is as true as it ever was. Because if once British fashion took its inspiration from garments of the Edwardian era, or the likes of 19th century dandy extraordinaire, Beau Brummell – who was said to polish his boots with champagne and take five hours to dress – then today the look and feel of British men’s fashion is more relaxed than ever. Denim has made its way into some of Savile Row’s hallowed workshops and even the best dressed commonly don a spectacularly tailored suit without a tie. “Today, quintessential British menswear is all about comfort over style. It never ceases to amaze one, when one discovers colleagues don’t own a suit or tie! Amazing!” says Howard Mutti-Mewse, an authority on the golden era of Hollywood and English heritage brands, currently consulting on British menswear label Kent & Curwen. Yet fashion is cyclical and the best of British brands continue to re-work and re-invent historical influences, even if their creations are very much of the moment. “The French Riviera of the 1930s continues to revolve around the collections of Gieves & Hawkes, Dunhill’s casual collections often reflect the style of Cary Grant in North by Northeast or Steve McQueen’s character in The Thomas Crown Affair,” says Austin Mutti-Mewse, twin brother of Howard, curator of the Hardy Amies Archive and nephew of Brenda Consolé, a Hardy Amies house model during the 50s and 60s. “Fashion and film go hand in hand”, he continues. “One only has to look at Graeme Fidler, the creative design force behind Aquascutum, to find traces of the British matinée idols of the 1930s and 1940s including Leslie Howard, David Niven and Cary Grant, who influence his collections.” What’s more, khakis, an everyday staple today, were first invented by Lieutenant-General Henry Lumsden in India in 1846. Left: British style from Gieves & Hawkes

feature style

GREAT

BRITISH

style

Above right: Michael Caine with gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, London, 1965 Above left: Tailoring from Hackett

Hackett, a brand started in the 1970s, gives the impression of a rich heritage even though it actually doesn’t have one. But it works, agree both the Mutti-Mewse brothers. Jeremy Hackett and Ashley-Lloyd Jennings began by scouring Portobello Road market for second-hand quality British men’s clothing, cleaned and repaired it and sold it on. By 2003 England’s world rugby champions were parading round London in an open-topped bus in Hackett tailored suits. In 2005, Hackett became the official partner to the GTI works Aston Racing team. Today, Jeremy Hackett dispenses advice on the company website about how to wear a pocket watch on a chain. Maverick British designers are also known for injecting elements of surprise and quirkiness into their work. Sir Paul Smith, who works with traditional shapes

In Japan, such is the influence of British menswear that the word for suit is ‘sebiro’, thought to be a mispronunciation of Savile Row

influenced by the Edwardian era, emphasizes colour and the unusual co-ordination of fabrics. “As a designer, I have for years played with opposites and the unexpected in my work, a classical jacket with an unusual lining for example,” he says. Meanwhile, Savile Row resident Ozwald Boateng has dressed Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Will Smith and Jonathan Ross. For Boateng’s fifth birthday, his mother had a purple mohair suit made for him. This surely explains why he routinely makes colourful bespoke suits for bridegrooms, including one in deep mauve paired with a lime green shirt. “Today the quintessential British gent is a man who is clever at mixing his own styles. He is fashion-conscious, but doesn’t let trends dictate his wardrobe,” concludes English heritage brand expert Howard Mutti-Mewse. n

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air

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current affairs

feature

This ship of gods, which silver-gleaming marries the mist of the air... Let this symbol rise again phone antennae and even satellite deployment or anti-missile systems, these last two currently being worked on by Japan Aerospace and LockheedMartin respectively. Most projects seek to utilise the airship’s ability to stay in the air for up to 24 hours, travel long distances inexpensively, relative to airliner transport and, like helicopters, dock in remote spots – making them ideal in emergency or disaster relief situations. With already congested roads and sea lanes, freight transport would be a key market. Certainly the craft are more advanced than the airship’s reputation allows: not only in terms of new shapes – one, the SkyCat, a flying wing, is technically a blimp but will be able to land on water – but is using solar arrays, super-strong fabrics and, crucially for commercial success, lightweight propulsion units, because the lighter the ship, the bigger it and its payload can be. And they are all perfectly safe, using cells filled not with hydrogen, but heavier yet inflammable helium. In fact, one stumbling block to the future of airship flight may not be their being developed or accepted, but the supply of helium. Even the Hindenburg’s makers knew it was the safest gas to use but, while new natural gas fields with a helium output are being discovered, for the moment the planet only has two, both in the

The World Polo SeriesTM presents

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comment interview daniel fox davies personal finance china global living taxing times .............................

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IS THE RECESSION OVER???/

At the end of January, it was reported that Britain emerged from the longest recession in modern history, with a GDP rise of 0.1%

he main drivers of the growth in the British economy came from the retail and motor sectors – both of which have been propped up by government intervention. A change in GDP could occur as the country readies itself for a general election, which must be held before 3 June 2010 – although Gordon Brown is facing calls for a poll as early as March. Britain is the last big economy to emerge from a full-blown downturn; the United States, Japan, China, Germany and France all came out of

recession in the third quarter of 2009, between July and September. Britain has been in recession for six quarters, well above the minimum of two consecutive quarters of negative growth that qualifies the term ‘recession’. “I think we are now on a path to recovery. I am confident that the steps we have taken have put us on the right path,” said Alistair Darling last month. But he also warned that “there’s a lot of uncertainty around the world — there will be further bumps along the road, there’s no doubts about that.” n

P DOWN to

EARTH

Polo in the Park is returning to London for its second year; fast becoming one of the City’s most popular sports, the event has recently been accepted into the Veuve Cliquot Season making it one of 2010’s premier networking opportunities. With new rules, a new home and a new attitude, Daniel Fox Davies has brought the game down to earth, says Josephine O’Donoghue

olo is generally thought of as an upper class sport – a favourite past time of royalty, aristocrats and elitist Eton and Oxbridge school chums. But in the last year or so, the ‘game of kings’ has undergone a bit of a makeover – and, led by City businessman Daniel Fox Davies, has turned a corner into mainstream sport. “Polo is incredibly easy to play and understand” explains Daniel, when I asked why the sport appealed to him. “I have always had a love for horses and all things outdoors. Working in the City all hours of the week, I love to escape to the country at the weekends and enjoy the fast and the furious sport of polo. It is this passion that I am bringing to central London in this new and exciting event.” In fact, it was the lack of polo in the capital that inspired Daniel to establish the Polo World Series, and by extension, Polo in the Park. Working with the Hammersmith and Fulham Council and funded by World Polo (with investment from Daniel), the restoration of the traditional polo ground at Hurlingham Park began. And in June 2009, the Polo World Series was launched at the newly reinstated pitch – a fitting re-birth for an iconic venue widely considered to be the spiritual home of British polo. Having successfully revised the rulebook (making the game infinitely easier to observe and understand) and restored the London grounds, Daniel’s first event for the Polo World Series was a runaway success and has left over 25,000 polo fans, old and new, begging for more. A notably faster-paced game, Daniel’s rule changes (including a smaller octagonal shaped pitch; yellow and red card penalty system; a sin-bin box for fouling players; a single end-change at half time; and umpiring aided by television playback) have revolutionised the entire spectator experience.

interview

“We have developed the rules to make the game faster, slicker and above all, completely spectator friendly” reveals Daniel. “Polo in the Park is really an outdoor live show; it’s the Formula 1 of polo, with live cameras tracking all the action on and off the pitch. Our developed rules make it easier to understand and enjoy.” Team New York captain and Ralph Lauren ambassador Nacho Figueras says “Polo in the Park 2010 has developed some terrifying rules; the game is so fast and now with just three players per side the match will be positively on fire. We will be using double the amount of ponies per game, riding each one at breakneck speeds for just three minutes”. In a new television-friendly format, the sport has made a significant jump in mainstream exposure, attracting audiences at home to the high-octane competitive game. Additions such as television cameras and helmet microphones enable spectators and viewers to listen to onpitch conversations and watch full match video coverage on large outdoor screens – edited and commentated live. The modern changes result in a quicker more open game, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats throughout the match. The revised rules have already attracted teams from Moscow, Barbados, Geneva, Milan, Durban, Sydney, New York and London, with interest from many others hot on their heels. This year the eight teams (each representing global cities) will play over three days of the tournament, culminating with the Final and the presentation of The World Polo Series Trophy on Sunday 6 June. “Visitors to this year’s show can expect an exhilarating day of entertainment” says Daniel. “Whether you are a polo veteran or experiencing this fast-paced sport for the first time, we have something for everyone.” A full weekend of entertainment, Polo in the Park 2010 boasts a jousting competition, stunt riders from famous Hollywood blockbusters, military displays and ‘skills’ events from the polo players, including penalty shoot-outs and the longestshot at goal. “The focus of the 2010 campaign was to bring polo to the people by getting more Londoners involved both on and off the pitch. As much as we welcome the business professionals and polo enthusiasts, the event will be a family show for everyone, both young and old, to enjoy.” A fabulous weekend event, Polo in the Park offers an opportunity to enjoy a day out with both friends and family. Visitors can choose from fine-dining or picnic box packages, and organisers have teamed up with Harrods and Veuve Clicquot to provide a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea in the exclusive pitch-side marquee. Of course, as one of London’s favourite new sports, Polo in the Park also provides an excellent range of corporate hospitality options for those working in the City. The Hurlingham Club (usually a private membersonly retreat) sits beside Hurlingham Park in 42 acres of beautiful gardens overlooking the Thames and in celebration of the return of polo, the famous East Wing will host the corporate hospitality and entertainment. Providing an unparalleled hospitality venue for entertaining clients, guests taking the ‘Club’ package will be given direct access to the Grandstand from the adjacent Hurlingham Club grounds.

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So, as this popular new sporting event secures its place on London’s social calendar, what’s next for the future of polo? “Polo is one of the fastest growing sports in the world” declares Daniel. “Anyone can turn up and play polo at their local club – it costs the same as a game of five-a-side football (that is, around £30) and you need absolutely no riding experience to get going. The same number of people plays polo as play cricket – it’s just as easy to get into so we just need to cast off any stigma that people feel prevents them from joining in.” n Polo in the Park runs from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 June 2010. For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com or call Rachel Roullier on 020 7936 5284 to discuss your requirements.

HURLINGHAM PARK Polo was first played at Hurlingham Park in 1874, and the name ‘Hurlingham’ became synonymous with British polo after it hosted the 1908 Olympics Polo final, where England won gold. Up until the outbreak of WWII in 1939 it hosted the annual Westchester Cup match between England and the USA, but with the onset of war, the polo grounds were converted into allotments and in more recent years, a local housing estate. However, the name ‘Hurlingham’ maintained its reputation in the sport, lending its name to the Hurlingham Polo Association; indeed, 70 years later over 80% of polo playing countries play under the rules of the Hurlingham Polo Association. In 2008 World Polo Limited signed an exclusive deal to reinstate the grounds at Hurlingham Park, bringing polo back to its British roots. Speaking at Polo in the Park 2009, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said “It is 70 years since a polo match was last played at Hurlingham and it is an exciting prospect to see the sport return to central London. I hope this will inspire people to take up this fast-paced and exhilarating sport”. Daniel Fox-Davies said “We are delighted and proud to be bringing polo back to its rightful home, and giving the wider community the chance to see this fantastic sport. We have signed a five year deal with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to rejuvenate Hurlingham Park and we will also incorporate local schools and to educate children about the heritage of this British sport. We have run a number of ‘Discover Polo’ days where local schools have been able to experience polo with some of England’s finest players and we have free lesions for local residents.

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Year of the Tiger How to Invest in China With anaemic growth prospects in store for the developed countries, it is tempting to look to pastures new for better returns on our investments, says Dr David Kuo It seems to make sense, given that Europe is in a pecuniary pickle and the UK is in a monetary mess. In Europe, the EU is looking at clever ways to shrink the worrying budget deficits of Portugal, Ireland and Greece. Meanwhile, in the UK, nobody wants to talk about the budget shortfall and the national debt ahead of the General Election. Consequently, the gaping hole in Britain’s accounts is likely to stay gaping until the main political parties can find the most painless way to tell voters that they will be taxed until the pips squeak. For these reasons, it is understandable to consider investing our money in emerging economies. China, for example, has been touted as a country that promises huge growth potential. The Middle Kingdom is now the second largest economy in the world, behind the US. It is also the world’s biggest exporter, having overtaken Germany. What’s more, it has overhauled the US in becoming the world’s biggest car market. China has captured the imagination of many investors who are salivating at the prospect of sweet Chinese growth at a time when the domestic economy tastes decidedly sour. However, investing in China is far from a stroll through the fields. Its many peculiarities include the concept of ‘A’ shares, which are available to local residents only, and ‘B’ shares that can be bought by anyone. Others include regulations that prevent a foreign bank from owning more than 20% of a Chinese bank. The regulation also limits a foreign bank from holding stakes in more than two Chinese banks at a time.

There is also the question of accuracy, transparency and availability of financial information, which are other hurdles that investors need to overcome. It is also worth bearing in mind that high growth can be synonymous with high risk. Bubbles are, after all, there for bursting, and for this reason investors should think twice before sinking their last yuan into the Chinese stock market. Interestingly, though, many UK companies already have a vested interest in the Chinese market. HSBC has the largest network of any foreign bank in China, and Vodafone holds small a stake in China’s biggest cell phone company China Mobile. Unilever is no stranger to the Chinese market either. Its history in China dates back to 1923, through its China Soap Company founded by Lever Brothers. Elsewhere, mining outfit BHP Billiton generates a fifth of its profits in China. Not to be outdone, rival Rio Tinto generates a fifth of its profits from the region too. These are just a few examples of well-known UK companies that are already players in China. Clearly, with many other international conglomerates peppering the FTSE 100, there’s plenty of exposure to China if you are invested in a UK index tracker. It can be argued, and rightly so, that investing in companies that have an exposure to China is already quite a good way to buy into the growing Chinese economy. However, investors who prefer to have greater control over their Chinese investments can do so through Exchange Traded Funds such as the iShare FTSE/Xinhua China 25. These Exchange Traded Funds can be wrapped in a tax-free ISA and a Self Invested Personal Pension. It’s quite easy to adjust the amount of exposure you have to China in your portfolio, depending on the level of risk you are prepared to take. Buying foreign shares can be a sensible option for investors who want to diversify their investment portfolios. Furthermore, investing in fast-growing economies such as China, could also boost your investment returns. But beware that currency fluctuations can wipe out (or magnify) any share-price gains. n Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

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MONEY MATTERS: Personal finances get political Martin Bamford, chartered financial planner at Informed Choice looks at the battle lines being drawn regarding personal finance With a general election looming, the various political parties have started to draw their battle lines in the area of personal financial planning. Whilst public focus has been on the MP’s expenses scandal, some potentially important announcements have been made in recent months that could have a more direct impact on our pockets. There are two areas in particular where decisions made now could have a lasting impact – the compulsory purchase of an annuity with your pension fund at age 75, and the provision of ‘free’ personal care in the home for the elderly. Under current rules, you need to convert your pension fund into a secure stream of income by the time you reach your 75th birthday. This is usually done by purchasing an annuity, which converts capital into income. Since the last major change to pension rules in April 2006, it has also been possible to keep a pension fund invested past age 75, using what is known as an alternatively secured pension. This anti-annuity option comes loaded with tax penalties and restrictions, designed to make it unattractive to the vast majority of retirees, leaving annuity purchase as the only real option. Recent proposals from the Conservative Party included a commitment to scrap compulsory annuity purchase at age 75, along with some other proposals on raising the stamp duty threshold to £250,000 and the inheritance tax threshold to £1m, if they win the general election.

Scrapping forced annuity purchase is a repeat of a previous manifesto pledge, so should come as little surprise. Whilst it is unlikely to result in significant benefit for the majority, who have pension funds too small to consider other retirement income options, it should signal a change in attitude from politicians towards pension funds, allowing people to make their own decisions about how hard-earned retirement savings can be used. On the other side of the political spectrum, the Labour Party has been making pledges that will also result in a change to personal financial planning for elderly people. The proposed Personal Care at Home Bill has been hitting the headlines, with Local Authorities questioning the real cost of providing free care in their own homes. The Government estimates a cost of £670m a year, with some local authorities claiming they will face extra costs of £20m a year. Most people would agree that, in an ideal world, those with critical needs such as the elderly, and those suffering from cancer or serious illness should be entitled to free care in their own home. Whilst part of the proposals for free care at home will be funded from the existing NHS budget, the balance is likely to come from higher Council Tax bills. With the UK economy still in delicate state, money needs to come from somewhere to balance the books before the international markets take action and we face a credit rating downgrade. This means higher taxes and public spending cuts are inevitable, regardless of the outcome of the election. As individuals, we each need to address our personal financial planning needs based on current rules, with one eye on the political proposals but our decisions grounded firmly in the here and now. n

Martin Bamford is a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice Ltd www.icl-ifa.co.uk

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HR MATTERS:: Flexible Working Clare Murray addresses the question of spending more time at home with your children and the right to work flexibly

It is commendable that you want to work flexibly and hopefully your employer will be able to accommodate your request; your legal right is to have your request considered and not, as is often misconstrued, the entitlement to work flexibly. This right to request was extended, as of April last year, from carers of children under the age of six to carers of children up to and including the age of 16 (and in the case of carers of disabled children, 18). Certain other eligibility criteria need to be met, including having been employed for more than 26 weeks and not having made another request in the past year. Practically, it is often better to approach your employer on an informal basis first, if you wish to change your working hours or pattern; if this does not work, check your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff handbook for guidance as to the steps you need to take to initiate the procedure. However, in general, you need to make a written application, specifying the following: that you are making an application for flexible working, the change that is requested and the date on which the proposed change should take effect; and the effect that this will have on the employer and how it may be dealt with. Your employer needs to comply with time limits in respect of dealing with such a request, including holding a meeting

(at which you have the right to be accompanied) within 28 days of receipt of the request, and communicating the decision to you within 14 days of that meeting. If your request is granted, any changes to your hours or schedule will be permanent and your contract will be altered. You will not be able to make another formal request until a year has elapsed. Your employer can still decline your request but if it chooses to do so, this must be in writing and must state which, and explain why, one or more of the statutory grounds for refusal are considered to apply. The statutory grounds include, by way of example, the burden of additional costs. You have the right to appeal against this decision. You normally only have the right to bring an employment tribunal claim for such refusal on limited grounds (for example, where there have been procedural breaches in the right to request process), or if you feel that you have suffered discrimination on the grounds of your sex. n

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.

CITYpromotion

Challenge your team to make a difference

Leading national charity The Disabilities Trust is looking for corporate teams to help raise funds throughout the 2010 calendar. A charity golf challenge, volunteer projects, or sponsoring events are just some of the ways you can meet your corporate social responsibility (CSR) targets and help make a difference to the lives of people with complex disabilities The Disabilities Trust offers high-quality care, rehabilitation and support for people with profound physical disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, and learning disabilities. With services across the UK ranging from our school for children with autism at Heathermount in Ascot, to a residential facility for people with acquired brain injury in Glasgow, the Trust has grown over 30 years to become a top provider of care and rehabilitation. Golf Challenge 2010

The Disabilities Trust Golf Day is an event that we look forward to immensely. The Barclays Healthcare Team is very proud to bank The Disabilities Trust Group, particularly when we can help directly in raising funds for the Charity and the vital services they provide for the community Simon Noach, Relationship Support Manager, Healthcare for Barclays Commercial Bank A team from Zurich gets involved with landscaping the gardens at Graham Anderson House, Glasgow

The Trust’s annual Golf Challenge, held at the Royal Mid Surrey Golf Course, is a highlight in the Trust’s events calendar. Situated in the luscious green Surrey countryside, the course will provide a superb day of team-building, networking and, of course, the chance to play golf with friends of the Trust, hosted by former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan and other sporting celebrities. Rounding the day off, participants retire to the clubhouse for a celebratory three-course meal and the winning team will be announced, followed by a fundraising auction. Chris Gaskell, The Disabilities Trust fundraising officer, says: “We hope this year’s fundraising event will be as enjoyable and successful as ever before. Now into our fifth year, the golf challenge has many aspects which make it our most popular event. It’s a great opportunity for business teams to network and the impact on team morale we see year on year is fantastic – by the end of the day everyone is in high spirits.” The Disabilities Trust is looking for teams of four to take part in the challenge. There is also the opportunity to sponsor this high-profile and prestigious event. Perfect for golfers and nongolfers alike, who want to make a difference. To register your interest, email golf@thedtgroup.org or call 01444 237263 Volunteering Challenges If your team would like to get involved in a ‘hands on’ challenge, why not spend a day volunteering your time? A great opportunity for team-building, you will help with vital projects situated at any one of our services across the country. Painting a communal room or helping landscape our gardens – there is always something your company can get involved with. Run to Raise

To take part in any of the featured events or activities, email The Disabilities Trust fundraising team fundraising@thedtgroup.org or call 01444 237263. Registered Charity: 800797

Encourage your team to get involved in the Disabilities Trust ‘Run to Raise’ initiative. Running with your team to raise funds enables you to build on motivation and discipline skills, and is an excellent team-building opportunity. Joining the scheme entitles you to be sent updates on our forthcoming running events and information on how your team can get involved in our latest running challenges.

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RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important LOVE IS ON THE MOVE

Why would you become an expat?

According to a recent BUPA Survey one in five expats admits that love is the reason they moved country. This tops the other choices such as lifestyle (8%), retirement (4%) and weather and culture (1%). Women (24%) are also more likely to move for this reason than men (11%) and 25 per cent of expats in the Netherlands and 23 per cent in Germany moved for romantic reasons. The medical experts at BUPA warn that you should not let your heart rule your head when it comes to health care. Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director at BUPA says, “things can get complicated overseas, particularly if you are not familiar with the health care system which can very enormously from one country to another... So make sure you seek advice and help from experts before you go”.

24%

11%

Earthquakes and other disasters International SOS reported recently that they provided emergency assistance during the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake to more than 100 clients. These included corporations, charities, governmental organizations, and individuals. Natural or man made disasters are hugely rare but can occur at any time so those travelling for work or leisure need to be wise to the risks they may encounter. Before you go on your next foreign trip it is worth asking your employer what sort of support you can expect in the event of an emergency. Some major multi-national companies such as Accenture now have sophisticated tracking systems to monitor globally all employee movements. Even smaller companies will generally have an evacuation plan in place. So spend five minutes checking this out before you next travel on business.

Shanghai, Mumbai or...? It is obvious to all that China and India are two of the key, next major staging posts in the global economy. Unsurprisingly, international expatriate assignments to both economic powerhouses have increased markedly in recent years. Indeed, research by the market leading provider of global relocation Cartus indicates that in the next two years, China is expected to overtake the US as the number one destination for expats. But we are now not just talking about postings to major cities. According to Cartus, expats are finding themselves living and doing business in areas previously not as they put it, “on corporate radar screens”. In China, the forecast is that cities such as Cheng Du, Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao will figure much more significantly on expatriate horizons. In India, Pune and Ahmedabad are seen as the most likely cities to experience an influx of expatriates. So if you are looking to head east to pastures new in the near future, it might be a good idea to check out the details of these new cities on the up.

The Totally Expat Show takes place on 24 May at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Leading sponsors include Interdean, Rosetta Stone, Pickfords and Sterling Relocation. Gold Sponsors include Cartus, Ernst & Young, AXA PPP, AIRINC, ORC Worldwide, Zurich International, AEGON, Equusoft, NET Expat, Go Native, INS Zoom, Smith Stone Walters and many more.

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TAX WORD IS A FOUR-LETTER

Following on from his article looking at the rise of global living, Brian Friedman, founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management, looks at the new punitive tax regime for city high-fliers

ost of us have grown accustomed to relatively low rates of income tax, but it was not always so. Back in the bad old days of Wilson and Heath, the marginal rate of tax on investment income reached a staggering 98%. Not surprisingly, many fled the UK to offshore tax havens. The Beatles famously sang about their tax problems in Mr Taxman on their Revolver album. Lord Browne, formerly of BP, pointed out that very few of us have calculated how much tax we have paid during the course of our working lives. Life is too short for such an exercise. The fact that there is no direct relationship between money paid over in income tax and services received makes any sort of value-for-money analysis impossible. So we have largely just grinned and borne it.

But that was then and this is now: it looks like the bad old days are making a bit of a comeback. We face the introduction of the bonus tax, the forthcoming 50% tax rate, higher national insurance contributions, rumoured increases in VAT and the new regulations for non-domiciles. There are ever-growing reports and rumours of companies and institutions preparing to leave the UK and establish headquarters in lower tax jurisdictions.

hand, often with a relatively small number of expatriates, may make no allowances at all and decline to intervene in the personal tax affairs of their employees. Others may treat each situation on a case-by-case basis. If you are a global employee or an HR professional responsible for your expatriate population, make sure you visit the Totally Expat Show on 24 May. Organised by the FEM in conjunction with The Daily Telegraph, it offers all professionals

“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle” In the expatriate world of the globally mobile, the domestic complexities can be multiplied. Companies treat their expatriate staff in a variety of ways when it comes to reconciling income tax differences between countries. Most companies will seek to mitigate any increase in income tax on an individual’s remuneration in the host country if the tax regime in the new country is more punitive than in their home base. Most expats will have more than a passing familiarity with the somewhat arcane concept of tax equalisation. However, in the current climate, care should also be taken to ensure that high-flying local employees are not irritated by their expatriate counterparts apparently obtaining protected tax status. Some companies, on the other

Winston Churchill, 1903

the opportunity to meet with the world’s leading experts in all aspects of Expatriate Management including relocation, tax, immigration, financial services and much more. n

Brian Friedman is the Contributing Editor of Global Life and founder of The Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded just 12 months ago, 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. For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com

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

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

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15/1/10 09:49:00

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APPRENTICESHIPS GOOD FOR BUSINESS New research commissioned through the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) and the British Chambers of Commerce shows that 63% of London businesses plan to recruit this year, while over half of businesses who currently or have recently employed apprentices saying that they have made a positive contribution during the recession. The good news for young people considering Apprenticeships is that drive and enthusiasm is the trait most prized by London employers (77%), while having skills that the business will need in the future is also sought after (69%).

Liza Okafor, Apprenticeship Co-ordinator at Tube Lines Ltd

For further information or if you have any questions about the work of NAS or about Apprenticeships, call 08000 150 600 or visit apprenticeships.org.uk

CASE STUDY: Tube Lines LTD Apprenticeship Employer (large) Award 2009 When Tube Lines started six years ago, it faced a serious shortage of skills. Since then, it has become the second largest employer of apprentices in London, with the intake for 2009 growing by 19 per cent. Through their training and development scheme the company now boasts a full complement of workers contributing to the improved reliability of the service, with delays down by 50 per cent overall. In 2005, Tube Lines even went so far as to invest £10 million in a specialist Skills Training Centre in Stratford. The centre introduced state-of-the-art facilities including five full-size lengths of track to enable practical training on infrastructure, points and signalling. Four of these tracks are exact replicas of those currently used on the London Underground, with a fifth track allowing for training on the new systems being introduced by line upgrades. In addition, an interlocking machine room contains all the equipment needed to control each of the tracks. Liza Okafor, Tube Lines Apprenticeship Co-ordinator said: “Apprentices have become a highly valued part of our company and help us keep competitive in a tough recruitment market. We currently have 81 apprentices on the programme. Past and present apprentices account for 10 per cent of the company’s operational headcount. We have a retention rate of 97 per cent, which is well above the national average for railway operations.”

Apprentices at Tube Lines Ltd

Tube Lines continues to encourage and nurture young talent through its successful and highly respected four-year Apprenticeship scheme and proactively recruit underrepresented groups within engineering, such as females and ethnic minority groups. The Tube Lines model has been so successful that they are helping one of their contractors implement an apprentice programme by assisting with the recruitment and managing of the apprentices. www.tubelines.com

motoring..........................red alert sport................................... formula 1 gadgets.............................. cable guy

RAISE THE BAR

T Following its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is the 911 Turbo S Germany’s next top model?

he engineers at Porsche have developed the new 911 Turbo S in response to customer demand for greater power, performance and driving dynamics. Building on the success and reputation of the revered 911 Turbo, at the heart of this high-performance athlete is a six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine boosted by two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry. An increase in horsepower over the 911 Turbo of 30 hp boosts peak output to 530 hp and maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb/ft). It accelerates from a

0–62 mph in 3.3 seconds and reaches 124 mph in 10.8 seconds. Yet, with a top speed of 196mph, the new S returns 24.8 mpg combined making it arguably the most efficient sports car in its class. Customers will also be able to explore the dynamic attributes of their 911 Turbo S, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. The new Porsche goes on sale from May 2010 priced from £123,263. n For further information, visit www.porsche.co.uk

RED ALERT A One push of a button and Vauxhall’s mild-mannered Insignia turns into a fire-breathing monster. It’s fun the first few times you engage the VRX booster, says Matthew Carter, but you wouldn’t want to do it all the time

s a piece of automotive theatre, it’s hard to ignore the VXR button in the hottest Vauxhall Insignia. As in many performance cars, the top-of-the-range Insignia allows its driver to stiffen the chassis by pressing a ‘Sport’ button on the dashboard. But the Vauxhall goes one step further by having that VXR button as well. Press ‘Sport’ and the ride gets firmer and body roll is reduced. But go the whole VXR-hog and the car grows horns. The steering becomes more direct, the throttle more responsive and the chassis is put on full performance alert. Best of all – and here’s the theatrical touch – the dials change from a subdued white glow to a menacing red hue, just to remind the driver what’s been unleashed. On paper the newest member of Vauxhall’s VXR performance stable is an impressive beast. Based around the Mondeo-bashing Insignia, the VXR adds a potent 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 under the bonnet, delivering a none too shabby 325 horsepower to a four-wheel drive chassis, specially honed after thousands of miles pounding round the famous Nurbürgring race track in Germany. And it’s pretty good in reality, too. On the road the Insignia performs its Jekyll and Hyde role admirably. With the chassis on its standard setting, the ride is comfortably firm while the engine and six-speed ‘box delivers plenty of grunt.

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Performance ought to be mighty – 0-60mph takes a claimed 5.6 seconds – but thanks to the grip of the allwheel drive chassis and the creamy smooth power delivery, the acceleration is sophisticated rather than aggressive, meaning it never really feels as fast as it undoubtedly is. Move up to the sports setting and things start to get sharper but it’s the VXR mode that sets this Insignia apart from its tamer stablemates. And it’s great fun… at first. You’ll find yourself jabbing the

Press ‘Sport’ and the ride gets firmer But go the whole VXR-hog and the car grows horns button just to feel the steering and throttle come alive as you watch the dashboard lights do their thing. But after a few miles the bone-jarring ride becomes little more than tiresome… especially when the car comes on optional 20-inch wheels and tyres. Handsome they may be, but they don’t half wreck the car’s composure on our pock-marked roads. In truth, unless you’re indulging in some track day action, the sport setting is the one that’ll be used most of the time. The car certainly looks the part. In standard form, Insignia is good-looking in a solid, dependable, Germanic way. But for the VXR version, the designers have added some drama with deep trapezoidal air intakes at the front, embellished by chunky matt chrome surrounds. At the rear, there’s more matt chrome around the exhausts while the lowered chassis is set off by the large wheels. Like the rest of the range, the VXR is available as a saloon, hatchback or an estate It’s that chassis that’s perhaps the most impressive aspect of the VXR. The front suspension has been redesigned to handle the extra power, while the electronically controlled four-wheel drive system and adjustable damping turn it into a formidable cross-country machine. Rapid progress is helped by the extraordinarily supportive Recaro front seats. Their only downside will be felt by those in the back. Not only is space in the rear at a premium, it’s extraordinarily claustrophobic sitting behind the tombstone front seats. And while we’re on the negatives, the dashboard layout is a real mess. In its attempt to give drivers control over everything, Vauxhall has fired a blunderbuss full of buttons at the dashboard resulting in a bewildering array of major and minor controls within an arm stretch of the wheel. At least the ‘Sport’ and ‘VXR’ buttons have different textures so the driver can tell which one he’s prodding without having to take his eyes off the road. There’s no doubt that the VRX Insignia is an impressive beast in many ways, especially as it’s possible to tone down the traditional VRX lunacy by avoiding excessive use of the ‘red’ button. But the real question is whether it stacks up against the opposition. While it knocks the Mondeo into a cocked hat (Ford’s quickest equivalent is 100+ bhp down) the Insignia will find the going tougher against its other natural rivals. Here’s the rub: would you prefer a Vauxhall on the drive or an Audi S4, BMW 335i or Mercedes-Benz C350? See what I mean? n

IN BRIEF Car: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Price: £30,995 Engine: 2.8-litre V6 turbo-charged petrol Power: 325ps Drive: Four-wheel drive

calibre interview

Top Gear Chelsey Baker speaks to a young designer who has turned the tables on luxury cars

Photography by Bernhardt Von Spreckelsen

ionel Virdee has created a unique take on some of the world’s most luxurious cars, transforming the alloy wheels of such iconic automotive design as the Ferrari F430 into veritable pieces of art - coffee tables for the modern bachelor pad. At the tender age of 20, what drives young entrepreneur Lionel is a burning desire to produce some of the hottest and most innovative products for the 21st century home in 2010: “My passion for motor racing has inspired me to design unique and irresistible handcrafted pieces for the guys who have everything.” The range of tables, created under the company name Custom Designz, incorporates coffee tables and slightly smaller side tables. Lionel has also developed office chairs from the plush leather seats of the McLaren SLR and timepieces using the carbon ceramic breaking system from a Ferrari F430 Scuderia. Buyers are able to specify the colour of the wheel and caliper, as well as the glass dimensions. “If there is a specific wheel you would like a table made with, or seat for an office chair then our Bespoke Designz service will help create the furniture of your dreams. The possibilities are endless!” Lionel’s eureka moment arrived during the refurbishment of his own bedroom at home: “I was redecorating my room and needed a table. I wanted something completely unique and thought about creating a design with a GT3 alloy wheel I had in the garage.” Calling upon his improvisational skills, Lionel then sought inspiration for a stand in an unlikely source. “I bought a bar stool, took the seat off and placed the wheel on top accompanied with a piece of glass. I looked everywhere and there was nothing like this on the market. I

thought to myself that this was a niche market yet to be filled and developed the concept to produce different variants of the original design; which incidentally sits proudly next to my bed!” Adapting to the current economic climate, Lionel also appears to have the knack for designing cost-effective products. Surprisingly, given the glamorous and exclusive appearance of these coffee tables, Lionel rescues the alloy wheels from specialist salvage yards. “I acquire the wheels, discs and calipers in poor condition that would otherwise have been scrapped. They are then refurbished to their original condition and this is definitely a unique selling point. In these modern times I think it is important to have a recycled element in a product.” Outside of the design studio, Lionel has played golf at a professional level, and holds an MSA National B racing license. Yet his dream is to combine his twin passions of motor racing and design. “I have been entrepreneurial even when I was at school and wanted to combine this with my creativity and passion for racing. This is a niche market but the response to the products has been amazing.” The tables have already proved a hit amongst various Premier League footballers, reinforcing its status as the ultimate boys’ toy. And for young men with cash to spare and a love of fast cars, what better toy is there to have in the living room? A fusion of luxury car components and modern design, these tables ooze glamour, style and innovation. n For further information, please visit www.customdesignz.co.uk

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â&#x20AC;Ś will you find a collection of luxurious apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Square Mile. Launching March 2010 Register now for more information Telephone

0844 544 9930 Email sales@theheron.co.uk Joint Sales Agents

A development by The Heron Residences LLP

sports

calibre

Buy it:

sports

news

what to watch: CANARY WHARF CLASSIC

BUCKLE & BELT

Renowned for his out-of-the-box style on the course, Ian Poulter set up IJP Design three years ago, bringing the course to the catwalk. This limited edition belt, part of the spring/summer collection, is made of embossed St George’s Red leather with exquisite vintage golf ‘London’ print lining developed specifically for IJP Design, featuring London’s iconic landmarks and other symbolic images that Ian values highly – a very personal touch. RRP £110

The ISS Canary Wharf Classic will take place at the East Wintergarden in London between 22 and 26 March 2010. The tournament, run by events company Eventis and fronted by legendary squash player Peter Nicol MBE, has always been a popular sporting occasion in the City and, having enjoyed record early ticket sales, looks set to sell out once more. Now in its seventh year, the tournament will again feature an array of the world’s top squash talent, having hosted eight of the top ten players in 2009. In a highly charged final, Australian two-time World Champion David Palmer beat Sheffield’s former world number two James Willstrop, to thwart his attempt at a third successive Championship title. Current British number one Nick Matthew will be amongst the favourites to take victory in London, having had a disappointing outing at last year’s meeting. Matthew finished 2009 in top form, having fully recovered from injury to take his third successive PSA World Tour Super Series Final.

www.ijpdesign.com / 01525 249 555

Say what?

I figure the faster I pedal, the faster I can retire

Lance Armstrong

Five things you didn’t know... PETER NICOL u

u His rivalry with Canadian player, Jonathon Power, is amongst the most famous and extended in the history of squash

Remaining tickets for the 2010 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic are on sale via Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk)

THE BOAT RACE The idea for a rowing race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge came from two friends, Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his Harrow schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth), who was at Oxford. On 12 March 1829, Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and thus the tradition was born which has continued to the present day, where the loser of the previous year’s race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

In 1998, he became the first player from the UK to hold the World No. 1 ranking

The modern boat race still runs along the same lines, but has now become a major international sporting occasion, drawing millions of viewers from around the world. Cambridge currently lead the series since 1829 by 79–75. Oxford won the 2009 Race.

He held the World No. 1 spot for a total of 60 months during his career

After representing Scotland, he switched to England in 2001, claiming he was not receiving enough support from the Scottish governing body

His racquet of choice was the Prince 03 Speedport Tour

The 156th Boat Race takes place on Saturday, 3 April 2010 at 4.30pm

A host of new teams, new regulations and the return of a racing legend will ensure Jenson Button wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it all his own way in the defence of his Formula 1 world title. Lee Brooks looks ahead to the muchanticipated 2010 season

at the ready

fter a Formula 1 season which had a heap of lying, scoop of scandal and a sprinkling of controversy whisked in with some beautiful driving, majestic overtaking and strategic genius, the winter break should have provided the perfect respite for some very satisfied fans. However, a certain seven-time world champion by the name of Michael Schumacher soon set the temperatures back up to boiling point when he announced his return to the sport, making this the most anticipated season for a generation. The former Ferrari driver, who dominated the sport in the early noughties, retired in 2006 amidst speculation he had been gently pushed, rather than choosing to leave. In the three years that followed, Schumacher fed his racing hunger by competing in numerous go-karting races, winning the Nations Cup in the annual Race of Champions event and learning to ride motorbikes competitively. Ironically, it was the latter that nearly ended his racing career altogether when he damaged his neck in a bike fall, which prevented him from making a Formula 1

return last season in replacement for the injured Felipe Massa. At that point, it all but ended hopes of a return for arguably the greatest racing driver ever to have lived, but in a sensational turnaround, the now 41-year-old German signed for Mercedes GP, the former Brawn GP team which led Jenson Button to world championship glory, as a replacement for said world champion. It took Schumacher just three laps to get up to speed in testing, and just 20 laps to post a lap time that put him in the top three fastest drivers. That should be enough to tell you heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in with a shout of race victories, and maybe even the title. However, unlike previously in his career, the German will have a plethora of title challengers. First, we look to McLaren, who has the strongest partnership on paper. Button, the reigning world champion, has taken the unusual step of jumping ship from a team where he was settled and understood, to an outfit which is essentially built around 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton to form an all-British line-up. With the pressure of winning the title no longer a problem, Button should be able to race with a relaxed attitude, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take time to

sport

calibre

Far left: Double world champion, Fernando Alonso Left: Seven time world champion, Michael Schumacher

adapt to his new surroundings and he’s likely to find Hamilton too tough a challenger this season. Then there’s a rejuvenated Ferrari, which finally signed double world champion Fernando Alonso, after years of wooing the Spaniard. The former Renault driver, who was caught up in the ‘crashgate’ scandal when he won the Singapore Grand Prix where teammate Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed, looked ominously quick in testing and will provide Hamilton’s sternest challenge for the title. His teammate Massa has shown no hangover from the highspeed accident which left him fighting for his life, and shouldn’t be counted out after narrowly missing out on the title in 2008. If Brawn GP was the surprise package last season, Red Bull Racing wasn’t far behind. The Milton Keynes-based team fought valiantly for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles with German Sebastian Vettel and Australian Mark Webber at the wheel, but came up painfully short.

This season, nearly every team has borrowed design ideas from last year’s Red Bull, which means the team should be one of the fastest, if not the fastest car on the grid. Behind the top four teams, the likes of Williams, Renault, Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso will be joined by four new teams. Following his successful flutter with the title-winning Brawn GP team, Virgin boss Richard Branson has taken a bigger gamble and bought his own team named Virgin Racing. Using a mantra that has served him well in the past, Branson has slashed costs in every department and even pioneered the use of CFD, which has allowed the team to design the car using only a computer, rather than producing a scale-model and testing it in an expensive wind tunnel. Only time will tell whether that was the right decision. The famous Lotus brand returns to the sport, although this time it’s backed by Malaysian investors, while American-based US F1 and Campos Meta 1, who will bring the famous Senna brand back to the sport after

giving Ayrton’s nephew Bruno a drive, complete the 26-car grid. As if that wasn’t enough, the sport is employing a Moto-GP style points system which runs 25–18–15–12–10– 8–6–4–2–1 aimed at inspiring drivers to fight for victory and grab the extra points on offer, rather than just settling for second. In terms of new regulations, there’ll be no refuelling for the first time since 1993. That’ll mean drivers will have to complete a race with a whole tank of fuel, putting greater importance on a smooth driving style to protect their tyres, as they won’t want to waste time pitting more than once for new tyres. Last year’s feast of action both on and off the track will be tough to beat, but with the return of a legend, a raft of new teams and drivers entering the sport and yet more new regulations to spice things up, there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be another vintage season to leave viewers thoroughly satisfied. n For further information, visit www.formula1.com

gadgets

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

CABLE GUY Wireless headphones that use Bluetooth are not new – the shops were awash with them in 2009 – but Sennheiser’s latest is one of the few attempts at reproducing hi-fi sound quality without cables. A quality constructed pair of cans, the weighty yet comfortable PXC 210 BT, does slightly outgrow its headband design and seem overly big for wearing while out and about, but there’s a reason for that; on one earpiece are controls for volume and even skipping tracks. Unfortunately, the latter doesn’t apply to Apple products, which makes the PXC 210 BT slightly less than ideal for using with an iPhone. When paired with the latest iPhone 3GS, we could only change tracks on the phone itself. Volume, meanwhile, can only be changed on the earpiece. That said, pairing the PXC 210 BT with a Bluetooth device is simple – a press of a button quickly links it, with the model number even flashing up on an iPhone. Using Bluetooth does, however, involve having to put up with an intermittently flashing blue ear that needlessly advertises how potentially expensive – and nickable – your new headphones really are. The hands-free mantra stops there; with no microphone it’s not possible to make hands-free phone calls. If that’s what you’re after – and if you fly regularly – Sennheiser’s MM 450 (£300) with mic and noise cancelling tech is more up your street.

new gadgets

Bluetooth headphones in general do have one huge annoyance that’s not easy to get over; they need charging, in the PXC 210 BT’s case by using a wall charger or attaching it to a PC via a USB cable. Although during our test the battery lasted for an impressive 13 hours, it could potentially die at any time (most probably an hour into a long-haul flight!), so it’s best to carry around the supplied phono cable for emergencies. That cable attaches to one of the earpieces and is blessedly slim, so there’s little chance of a tangle. Better still, they are the 2.5mm design, so can be attached to an iPhone. Sound quality is indeed superb, with plenty of bass and impressive stereo effects. More than enough for urban commuting, the Bluetooth signal is also relatively flexible; you can walk at least ten metres away from your phone (if you dare). Well made, comfortable and boasting terrific sonics, the PXC 210 BT is nevertheless rather bulky and not quite as convenient as you’d expect, though its sound quality and travellerfriendly design (it also comes with a well-made zipped pouch) will prick up a few ears.

Sennheiser PXC 210 BT, £149.99 www.sennheiser.co.uk

Amazon Kindle DX ebook reader, £305 www.amazon.co.uk

Cowon E2 4GB MP3 player, £44.99 www.advancedMP3players.co.uk

gadgets

BEAM ME UP Who hasn’t brought work’s presentation projector home for the night to watch a giant-sized movie, and then been thoroughly annoyed with having to set up separate speakers? Step forward the EH-DM3 from Epson, a nicely priced occasional – and highly portable – home cinema-in-a-box that includes 10W speakers and a DVD player. Manual levers next to the lens means you can plonk the EH-DM3 just about anywhere and still create a widescreen 100-inch+ image in seconds, but it’s aimed more at gaming nights on the Nintendo Wii and DVD movies, rather than at high definition.

calibre

SMALL WONDER Capable of playing CDs as well as MP3s (with the lens turned off), JPEGs and DivX video files from a USB stick, the EH-DM3 isn’t HD-ready, but this jukeboxcum-home-cinema has just about everything else.

Epson EH-DM3 home cinema projector, £699 www.epson.co.uk

Here’s another example of how hi-fi is emerging from its dusty old reputation to become a real must-have in the living room. More sensibly priced – though less ambitious – than Linn’s Klimax DS is Yamaha’s MCS1330, a mini system that clubs together both high-end sound quality with digital convenience. It stops short of wireless streaming, but the MCS1330 does include an iPod dock and USB port for playing music from a memory stick, as well as CD player and two super

DOUBLE CLICK

THIRD WAY

In case you hadn’t noticed, the CD is dying. With hoards of us replacing record shop trips with iTunes clicks, CD player makers like British brand Linn are turning their attentions to hi-fis that can stream digital music. A fine example is the Klimax DS, a highend system that deals in MP3 as well as audiophile-grade lossless file types like FLAC and WAV. Promising ‘precision engineered performance and beauty’, the Klimax DS uses wireless to stream digital music (as well as CDs) from a separate

With some Blu-ray discs now certain to include 3D versions of films this summer, and Sky planning to launch the UK’s first ever 3DTV channel late in 2010, now is the time to start checking-out the emerging 3DTV market. Samsung is one brand that’s grabbing the zeitgeist with both hands, announcing three ranges of LED TVs with built-in 3D processors. Its 7000, 8000 and 9000 LED TVs can handle all 3D formats, while the latter also includes a revolutionary remote control. Sporting a touchscreen LCD screen, this remote uses its brains

hard drive. Best of all, it can be controlled from a laptop or netbook, though an iPhone App would be nice.

Linn Klimax DS hi-fi with digital streaming, £11,400 www.linn.co.uk

speakers – and all in two tiny units just 60mm tall. As an allin-one hi-fi for a living room, it’s hard to beat.

Yamaha MCS1330 mini component hi-fi, £999 www.yamaha-uk.com

to stream music, photos and videos from your PC to the TV, and can even display a different channel to the one you’re watching on the big screen.

Samsung LED9000 55-inch LED TV with 3D processor www.samsung.co.uk

Sony KDL-60EX703 LED TV with WiFi & Freeview HD tuner, £2,799 www.sony.co.uk

Samsung E101 ebook reader, £440 www.samsung.co.uk

Parrot Zikmu by Starck wireless speakers, £1,000 www.parrot.com/zikmu

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wrinkle Freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Ultimate Business Shirt

Brand Store: 65 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TD 020 7430 1433 Concession: Selfridges London Oxford Street 020 7318 3497 Selfridges Birmingham Bullring 0121 600 6861 www.etonshirts.co.uk

fashion stranger on the 1st floor health & fitness tower running feature harley street .......

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

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SEE- THROUGH SKELETON

Officine Panerai unveiled its special exclusive edition Radiomir at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salon de la Haute Horlogerie. We take a closer look

ith an aesthetic and technological make over, the Lo Scienziato Radiomir Tourbillon GMT Ceramica retains all the usual appeal, the main refinement being a clearly visible skeleton structure. This is, in fact, made of a fine mesh that supports both a fine external band, with small ecru-coloured luminescent Arabic numerals and hour markers and also subsidiary dials, showing the small seconds, tourbillion movement and am/pm.

Despite the technical complexity of the tourbillion movement (that rotates perpendicularly to the axis of the balance, completing two rotations a minute instead of one and thus guaranteeing greater precision), and the special case material, the watch is waterproof to 10 bar (approximately 100 metres). The watch will be produced in a limited edition run of 30 numbered units. It comes on an adjustable leather strap and is expected to be retailing at the ÂŁ100,000 mark. n For further information, visit www.panerai.com

SH O CO VO W N TE O SU D F M TH ER E YE AR

INSPIRING IDEAS FOR EVERY ASPECT OF THE HOME

SPECIAL OFFER 2 TICKETS FOR £18*

EXCEL, LONDON 1 - 9 MAY 2010

QUOTE GDLCITY

Call 0844 581 0771 or book online

www.granddesignslive.com OVER 500 COMPANIES

DESIGNER ROOM SETS

*Saving upto £18 off the weekend door rate. Advanced booking offer, closes 31st March 2010. Transaction fee applies

GDL_Canary_210x297.indd 1

FREE KITCHEN DEMOS

FREE SEMINARS

Organised by Media 10 Ltd. Grand Designs is a trademark of Freemantle Media Limited. Licensed by Freemantle Media Enterprises. www.fremantlemedia.com Photography taken at previous Grand Designs Live events.

18/2/10 15:51:07

interiors

concierge

Must visit:

Harrods Bed studio

interiors

news

GALA AUCTION Be sure to get your tickets for the Christies Lighthouse Gala Auction this month in aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust. An impressive selection of money-can’t-buy items including artwork by Tracey Emin and Marc Quinn, and an opportunity to have tea and macaroons with Victoria Wood will be auctioned off to raise money for the HIV charity. My pick would be the iconic Grande Papilio Chair redesigned by Viktor & Rolf for the B&B&3. The auction will be held on 22 March 2010 and tickets cost £135 each. 020 7812 1686 www.tht.org.uk/auction

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sanderson will be celebrating their 150th anniversary this month with the much-anticipated exhibition ‘Very Sanderson – 150 Years of English Decoration’, held at the Fashion & Textile Museum, London. Cocurated by Dennis Nothdruft and independent curator Mary Schoeser, the exhibition will span works from the company’s archive collections to present-day designs. Whether you have a penchant for Arts & Crafts style, jazzy Moderne or Pop patterns, this show will not disappoint. Showcasing beautiful textiles, elaborate wallpapers and colourful household paints from as early as the 1860s, the exhibition will be accompanied by a lavishly illustrated book published by Thames & Hudson, an absolute must for interiors enthusiasts and Sanderson fans alike! The exhibition runs from 19 March to 13 June 2010. 020 7407 8664 www.ftmlondon.org

In need of some much needed sleep? Then head to the exclusive Harrods Bed Studio this month. Newly refurbished to the highest of standards, this new space has been dubbed Europe’s number one destination for bedroom furniture. It boasts some of the world’s finest design innovations from top brands including Hastens, Jensen and Vi-Spring with an exclusive home collection by Fendi available in store too. 020 7730 1234 www.harrods.com

Must see:

Chiharu Shiota Take some time out this month to visit Haunch of Venison, London and be wowed by the first UK solo exhibition by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. In a new take on everyday household objects and building materials, her major installation work will see pieces made from over 400 window frames, collections made over the years from dismantled buildings in East Berlin where the artist lives and works. The exhibition, One Place, runs until 27 March 2010. 020 7495 5050 www.haunchofvenison.com

Must buy:

Interiors by Yoo Yoo is an international design, marketing and investment property company with a difference. Founded by John Hitchcox, co-founder of the Manhattan Loft Corporation, the company now works with some of the industry’s most celebrated designers including Philippe Stark, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger and Kelly Hoppen. Home is important to all of us, but we all have different styles, tastes and requirements. In response to this, 18 style palettes have been devised by their designers and bound together in their debut inspirational new book. 020 7612 0400 www.carltonbooks.co.uk

the trend

Today’s society demands beautifully crafted products with ecologically sound backgrounds. Award-winning products are now breaking the negative stereotypes originally associated with Eco products so, as Sim Smith discovers, we needn’t compromise on design in order to save the planet

Wooden board Bunbury coaster, £15 for a set of four, John Lewis 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com

Acrylic Matt Emulsion in Fray, £25.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene Paint Company 0845 880 5855; www.thelittlegreene.com Polypropylene plastic Polywrap wastepaper bin in Ice Blue, £19, EcoCentric 020 7739 3888; www.ecocentric.co.uk

100% recycled Grow Table with integrated ceramic dish to grow or serve fresh greens, £1,500, re-plied designs, stand E81 at Grand Designs Live, London, www.granddesignslive.com

Woodnotes K-Chair, £1,251, Skandium 020 7584 2066; www.skandium.com

Reusable polypropylene Keep Cup, from £7.80, Keep Cup 020 3239 3505; www.keepcup.com Guide to Natural Housekeeping, by Christina Strutt, Cabbages & Roses, £19.99, Eco Age 020 8995 7611; www.eco-age.com

interiors

concierge

Sustainable alpaca yarn and non-toxic dye Moluche cushion, £59, Eco Age 020 8995 7611; www.eco-age.com

Solid mahogany Marabu tables, £552 each 020 3417 0193; www.welchome.co.uk

Handmade unrefined series N° 4 Turquoise clay tiles from the Kleurtjes collection, €207 per square metre, Emery & Cie 020 8969 0222; www.emeryetcie.com

Sustainable birch plywood stool, by Michael Marriot, limited edition of 100, £120, Paul Smith 020 7493 4564; www.paulsmith.co.uk

Felt Restore storage basket, £65, by Muuto, Skandium 020 7584 2066; www.skandium.com

Upholstered hemp, English wool or stinging nettle fibre/wool mix sustainable sofa, by Marnie Moyle, £14,500, Beryl Mavis & Coco 01920 463645; www.thedollymix.co.uk

Spring Scent Jo Malone presents Vanilla & Anise; the fragrance inspired by the floral landscape of Madagascar, capturing the fleeting moment that the rare vanilla orchid blossoms. Vanilla & Anise blends notes of bergamot, neroli and star anise to create a touch of spice above layers of vanilla orchid and frangipani. We love the scented bath oil, perfect to wash away all the stresses and strains of the working day.

Wildflower Blossom Perfect for the blossoming season of spring, don’t miss the beautiful blooms from the iconic Wildflowers collection. De Beers has captured their light blossoms in a white gold and diamond flower. A central sparkling round brilliant cut diamond is encased in pavé petals to form a charming floral blossom; a light and modern design, it’s perfect for everyday glamour. Wildflower Blossom ring, £1,300

Bath Oil (250 ml), £38 De Beers 13 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7929 2777 www.debeers.com

Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 0870 192 5131 www.jomalone.co.uk

Fresh ideas for Just in time for the Easter break, hop down to the Royal Exchange for a selection of the most stylish spring/summer gifts and treats

Fresh Start Artemisia Eau de Parfum is caramel soft, sweet, powdery and silky – the perfect scent for a fresh spring day. The aroma of green apples, jasmine tea, violet and lily petals softly unfolds, surrounded with layers of honeyed vanilla and warm spices. Artemisia is a compulsive scent; a celebration of all things feminine. Eau de Parfum (100ml), £85 Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 www.penhaligons.com

Spring Key to my Heart These breathtaking key pieces come in many different designs, set with a vast array of vividly coloured stones. They have long been one of Theo Fennell’s most desired collections, unlocking many hearts. From the beautifully proportioned classic shape to the elegant but fun new angel and devil keys, these quirky pieces make the perfect Easter treat. Motif Keys, from £395 Theo Fennell 4 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7623 4380 www.theofennell.com

Flower Power

Easter Keepsake

London’s famous Columbia Road flower market is the inspiration behind Lulu Guinness’ spring/summer collection. Featuring a mixture of appliqué, embroidery and print, the stunning Columbia Road Tote Bag is the perfect accessory for an Easter getaway break.

Tiffany & Co. captures Easter with renowned designer Jean Schlumberger’s pink opal egg charm pendant and bracelet. The egg’s elegant form inspired a collection of charms in colourful gemstones to wear on a bracelet or suspend from a chain. Hand carved and polished to perfection, the pink opal charm symbolizes the sheer delicacy of the egg, which Schlumberger ‘tied’ in ribbons of 18 carat gold.

Columbia Road Tote Bag, £225 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

Pink egg charm, £685

Precious Pearls

Chocolate Eggs

Visit Milleperle at their luxury Royal Exchange boutique and discover a whole new way of indulging in chocolate. The store boasts a fantastic range of pearls and until the end of April, Milleperle are offering a 30% discount on their Chocolate Tahitian pearls. The colours range from soft bronze to rich coffee and deep chocolate – beautiful jewels that suit all skin tones. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect pearl.

This Easter, chocolatier Paul A Young, and Robin Gill (head chef at Sauterelle) have collaborated to create an extravagant Easter egg. Served on a ‘nest’ of toasted nuts, dried fruits and sweetened parsnip crisps, the egg is created with 64% Madagascan dark chocolate, 23-carat gold leaf and filled with Paul’s award-winning sea salted caramel. Paul has also added champagne to this chocolate delight which will be served as a dessert alongside white chocolate and cardamom truffles and vanilla ‘snow’ exclusively at Sauterelle and Paul A Young stores.

Price on request Milleperle 8 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1118 www.milleperle.co.uk

Tiffany & Co 9 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7409 2790 www.tiffany.com/uk

Paul A Young Fine Chocolates 20 Royal Exchange 020 7929 7007 www.paulayoung.co.uk www.restaurantsauterelle.com

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

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fashion

concierge

PULL YOUR SOCKS UP

fashion

news BOND’S BLUEPRINT

All hail the mighty Connery. As with so many things in the world of male style and fashion it was James Bond who wrote the modern rulebook on how to dress abroad. Fortunately, there Connery was, in Jamaica for Dr No (1962), the Bahamas in Thunderball (1965) and Hong Kong and Japan for You Only Live Twice (1967), laying down a template for sun-drenched dressing that was ultimately much more influential in style terms than his feted tux.

Teaming tight slacks and a pale blue polo or an open-necked half sleeve cotton striped shirt with white trousers Connery, with the possible exception of the globe-trotting Alan Whicker, did more than anyone to lay down the sartorial style guide for a British public just starting out on cruises and package holidays aplenty. And while the details have changed, the legacy remains. Those cotton shirts are still versatile beach-to-bar favourites. Check out the drapey cottons of Universal Works’ patchwork

check shirt and team it with the Polo Ralph Lauren beige classic fit chinos or the Farhi by Nicole Farhi drawstring linen slacks. Take it to the evening with Universal Works’ fourpocket twill Morten blazer or switch it with knitted polo. Try John Smedley’s navy knitted Dorado top and wear it with APC’s slim leg chino. And where would James Bond be without his shorts? Polo Ralph Lauren’s white cotton knee shorts fit the bill perfectly.

In aid of Sport Relief, Sainsbury’s will be selling a new range of limited edition red and white stripy socks. The Socks are priced at £2 a pair with at least £1 going to Sport Relief, to help people living unimaginably tough lives both across the UK and the world’s poorest countries. Available in a range of sizes for adults and kids, they contain Fairtrade Certified Cotton ensuring small scale cotton farmers in developing countries receive a better deal from trade and can improve their livelihoods. The Sport Relief Weekend is 19 - 21 March For further information, visit www.sportrelief.com

All available at www.my-wardrobe.com

APC Slim Leg Chino

Polo Ralph Lauren White Logo Cotton Chino Shorts

Quote of the month:

Polo Ralph Lauren Beige Classic Fit Chino

John Smedley White Fine Wool Dorado Knit Polo

Website of the month:

MUST-HAVE ITEM

White Shirts have made a return for spring/summer as a key staple piece in any respectable man’s wardrobe. Hollywood has already tapped into the trend with the release of Tom Ford’s new film Single Man. Colin Firth’s character is immaculately dress is this white shirt complimented with dark toned suits. For the perfect white shirt visit Alexander Boyd www.alexanderboyd.co.uk

www.theoutnet.com

THE WHITE SHIRT

The Outnet, along with anonymous brown paper packaging, is Net-aPorter’s response to the recession. Essentially, this is a cross between a sample sale and a discount warehouse, minus the hassle and passive-aggressive shop assistants. Each month the site hosts Pop-Up sales for limited periods featuring hefty reductions on an interesting range of brands.

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society

Mark Twain

TREND of the month: PRINTS Prints are an important message for the season; Batik, ikat, tie-dye and African inspired. Go tribal with bold colours and contrasting neutrals. Go wild with animal prints including leopard and zebra.

Stranger on the Photographer:

Daniel Ward Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Third Floor

White chiffon and pink linen dress, ÂŁ937

Alberta Ferretti, 205-206 Sloane St, SW1 020 7235 2349

Lemon chiffon feathered halterneck, £602 and lemon trousers, £518, both Alberta Ferretti, as before Snakeskin printed clutch, £295 Furla, www.furla.com

Chiffon and linen dress, ÂŁ629, D&G at Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7730 1234

Blue boucle zip dress, ÂŁ679, Michael Kors at Harrods, as before

Blue faded ombre charmuse work shirt, ÂŁ940 and carpenter trousers ÂŁ1,140 Ralph Lauren, 020 7535 4600

Hair: Dino Pereira at www.onemakeup.com for Hair Associates using Shu Uemura Art of Hair Make-up: Carol Morley at www.onemakeup.com using Dior Assistant Stylist: Natalie Dale Photographers Assistant: Roger Bool Set Build: Rida Ltd Shot at: Snap Studios Digital Retouching: Touch Digital

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

health & fitness

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Must have item:

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news

Getting rid of those frustrating, unwanted spots can be a bit of task for men, especially as they can’t reach for the life saver that is concealer. Clinique’s new Anti-Blemish Solutions Blemish Gel for men is the answer most are looking for. It unblocks pores, lessens oil on the surface of the skin and helps to stop future breakouts, as well as deals with blemishes there and then. www.clinique.co.uk

BEST FITNESS APPS iPhone apps have become all the rage over the last couple of years, with some providing entertainment and others designed to improve your day-to-day activities. Making sure you choose the best fitness apps can be difficult considering we are bombarded, daily it seems, by news of the latest must-have. So, to make things a little easier, we’ve compiled three of the best fitness orientated apps on the market.

GoodFoodNearYou

IRON BUTTS CHALLENGE Do you remember Red Dwarf, the wacky science fiction TV series that amassed a huge following during the late 80s to late 90s? Well, now its very own Danny John-Jules, a.k.a. ‘The Cat’ is back on the scene – this time, however, doing his bit to raise money for Sports Relief 2010. Along with motoring enthusiast Graham Hoskins, John-Jules will travel 7,000 miles through Europe, Africa, the Middle East and back to the UK – all in a staggering 15 days. The two daredevils will return from their self-named ‘Iron Butts Challenge’ on 14 March, having travelled between 480 to 630 miles each day! Such a feat is definitely worsupporting, as it also aims to raise awareness of the Get On campaign which offers free one-hour motorbike sessions in the hope that more will understand the excitement and benefits behind riding. Follow the pair’s progress at www.geton.co.uk, or visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ ironbutts if you would like to sponsor them

On the move? Use this app to make sure you avoid the easier fast-food option. Type in your location and choose from the best grocery stores, restaurants and supermarkets. Once you’ve seen the menu and made that all-important decision, your iPhone will guide you there.

NutritionTips Know your foods with this free app. You’ll learn all kinds of facts about the food you eat (or don’t eat), ensuring you have a safe and healthy diet. For a taster, we learned that oysters not only contain protein, but also iron, calcium and phosphorous – more please!

iTreadmill This ingenious app means we can all make the most of our everyday movements, especially when other commitments mean the gym must wait another day. From the inside of your pocket, you can see the number of steps taken, distance walked and average speed.

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

competition

win MOVE YOUR FRAME Frame is a dance, fitness and holistic studio in Shoreditch, created around the belief that getting fit shouldn’t be a chore. In fact the general ethos is that if done right, getting fit can actually be heaps of fun. All classes are designed so you can drop by any time and try something new, or get fit by doing something you normally wouldn’t (like acrobatic yoga or Jane Fonda style aerobics). You can be a member or just turn up, it’s totally up to you, because different things suit different people. To celebrate the fact that spring is around the corner and we’ll be ready to bare all in the summer months, the team at Frame is offering the chance for one lucky person to win a four-week Signature Bootcamp and a second entrant to win a £50 Frame gift card. The Signature Bootcamp gives you a little bit of everything. Each week the Bootcamp includes: one vibe session, one Pilates class, one yoga class and your choice of a dance/fitness class. The gift card can be used against any classes at a discounted rate so you can test out Quickies and other dance classes. For further information, visit www.moveyourframe.com or call 020 7033 1855

how to win Simply answer the following question: How many weeks does the Signature Bootcamp prize last? a) Eight weeks b) Four weeks c) Two weeks To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@ runwildgroup.co.uk with FRAME in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 1 April, 2010. Terms & conditions: The first correct entry drawn will win the Signature Bootcamp and the second correct entry will receive a £50 Frame gift card. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Subject to availability. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purposes. Please visit the website for full details. The Signature Bootcamp must start before 1, May, 2010 and includes four classes a week for four weeks. The £50 Frame gift card has a three month expiry and can be used against any classes / courses / workshops of your choice at Frame, not including beauty or other therapies.

Introducing Frame’s new

30 MINUTE FITNESS QUICKIE

health & fitness

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hitting the

If you’re one of those people who can’t seem to find enough time for the gym in a working week, why not try finding a fitness opportunity in your office instead, asks Claire Saunders? What’s the trend? One of the latest fitness trends to sweep America, ‘stairrunning’ (racing up the staircases of office skyscrapers), is becoming the latest extreme endurance sport. Enthusiasts, who enjoy the tough but effective workout, are racing to sign up to a series of ‘tower-running’ events. Ideal for anyone who can manage the stairs, this workout can work for everyone – from those looking to get super toned, to those who just want to lose a few pounds. You might be interested to know that climbing stairs at a moderate pace burns seven calories a minute – and if you run, you could burn up to 900 calories an hour.

Is it worth the effort? According to The American Lung Foundation, stair-running provides the same benefits in 15 minutes as a 30-minute run on flat ground. The average 11-stone human will burn 704 calories an hour running on the flat, but racing upstairs increases that rate by about 50 per cent. In addition, a study at the University of Ulster found that women who climbed stairs for up to six minutes a day reduced their cholesterol levels by 10–15% over six weeks, as well as raising their cardiovascular fitness. Stair-running (or even just stair-climbing) is well worth the effort, as it’s brilliant for bottom-firming and legtoning. In fact, it’s so good that last year a Swiss study suggested that banning the use of lifts and escalators in offices could lead to a 15% reduction in our chances of dying young.

Working towards a goal There are a number of tower-running events and competitions across the world; these include the Empire State Building Run-up (organised by New York Road Runners), which covers a staggering 1,576 steps and the Tower Rush in London, where competitors ran up 920 steps to the top of Tower 42 (the tallest building in the City).

“It’s incredibly tough. Most people can’t run one flight. I’ve run 80 and it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. You get this incredibly quick build-up of lactic acid but you have to keep going, two steps at a time in this hot little tube, because it’s always in a stairwell. It’s very intense.” Martin Cox (British tower-runner) This year, millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne (Dragon’s Den) joined athletes, runners and joggers in the Tower Rush. Speaking after last year’s race, he said; “I’d never run up 42 flights before and didn’t think I could do it last time. I started off at the run, but after what I thought were three or four floors I realised I was still only on the first floor!” He did eventually reach the top, and the challenge was enough to tempt him back to the 2010 race last month. There are nine major skyscraper races this year, in a world cup challenge including Berlin, New York, Milan, Barcelona, Singapore and London. In addition, there are hundreds of races worldwide, so get online to find an event near you. n For more information, visit www.shelter.org.uk/verticalrush

TOP TIP Find some steps (in the office or even your own stairs at home) and complete a number of repeat climbs, squats and lunges. You can also choose to use the handrail, so upperbody strength helps. Don’t hunch your back or twist your head. Bend your arms at right angles to provide power as they pump. Land your whole foot on each step, to avoid straining the Achilles tendon. Finally, don’t run back downstairs.

Centre of

Excellence Renowned across the world as a hub of medical excellence, Harley Street has come a long way since it first began its course in the 19th century. Louisa Castle looks into the street’s past and forwards to its future

arley Street is a street in the City of Westminster noted since the 19 th centre for its private specialists in medicine and surgery. Records show that there were around 20 doctors in 1860, 80 by 1900 and almost 200 by 1914. When the National Health Service was established in 1948, there were approximately 1,500 and today more than 3,000 people are employed in the Harley Street area. Historians can only speculate as to why doctors were originally attracted to the area; the beautiful Georgian townhouses, proximity to Cavendish Square – a magnet for the fashionable and wealthy or the closeness of the important railway stations of Paddington, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Euston and later, Marylebone. Either way, like so many streets in London inextricably linked to a certain trade (Fleet Street and Savile Row for example) Harley Street’s niche is that of the medical profession.

health & beauty

Above: State of the art cancer treatment at The London Clinic

concierge

Simon Baynham, property director at the Howard de Walden Estate talks about the evolution of Harley Street: “When you can spend the time looking back at the evolution of Harley Street it is clear to see that its everpresent success and reputation can be attributed to its evolution and re-evolution. “The Estate has evolved also, from traditional landowners who lived away and collected ground rent to landlords, in the true sense of the word, who appreciate the value of their commodity. Today, rather than what has been a natural evolution of the area, considerable time has been spent on the strategic planning; to improve, evolve and become more efficient. “Obviously there are challenges to be met maintaining period buildings that everyone loves as well as ensuring that our tenants can maintain their reputations at the top of their fields, however we work hard and closely with all our hospitals to ensure both sides of the coin are more than satisfied. Last December saw the arrival of a state-of-the-art cancer centre at The London Clinic providing the very latest technological advances in the form of CyberKnife robotic radio-surgery equipment, the first in Europe. “But it’s not just about the big players and it’s not just about traditional medicine, not forgetting the world-class dentists we have that are so often left out of the equation, there are so many centres of excellence here from IVF clinics to osteopaths and all of them contribute to the reputation and consistently building on that reputation as a medical centre of excellence for the world.” Beyond keeping tenants happy and finely balancing the traditional properties with the state-of-the-art technology a large part of the Estate’s remit is also to retain a balance of residential and commercial properties. Just as there was a trend in the 1950s to move away from the large residences offered in Harley Street, thus the start of mixed-use buildings with apartments and consulting rooms taking the place of the larger receptions, this balance has to be retained. To keep all of the plates spinning and retain the ratio is no mean feat especially with tight parameters, understandably imposed by planning. the Estate’s hope is to be able to work even more closely with the planners to continually evolve this important industry hub. The main misconception I had about Harley Street before undertaking this piece was that it is all about botox and boob jobs. In reality, those clinics make up a very small percentage and surprisingly, others use the Harley Street name when they are not based there, fuelling the myth. Harley Street has come a long way from the original days when doctors arrange their own appointments in their own reception rooms and dealt with correspondence by candlelight. Today it offers the very best medicine, some say that the world can offer. It looks as if the Street will continue with its noble trade for some years yet. n

Looking back at the history of Harley Street it is clear to see that its ever-present success and reputation can be attributed to its evolution and re-evolution The street’s history really begins in the early 18th century when the land between Oxford Street and Marylebone Road was developed in the grand Georgian style of the day backed by the capital of one Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford. Assisted by architect, John Prince he created an abundance of highly sort after residential property with its centre at Cavendish Square, naming many of the streets after members of his family. By the 1790s the area was highly fashionable attracting a number of wealthy and famous residents. Victorian Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone lived at 73 Harley Street and romantic landscape painter JMW Turner lived at a number of addresses, turning one into a gallery. Today, the street falls under the watchful eye of the Howard de Walden Estate as it has since Edward Harley first drew up his grand plans back in 1715. As with every successful entity, evolution is critical to survival and Harley Street and the Estate are no different.

For further information about the Howard de Walden Estate, visit www.hdwe.co.uk

S O P H I E SOPHIE S O P H I E SOPHIE

H U N T E R HUNTER H U N T E R HUNTER

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LIFE CHANGING TREATMENTS For those suffering from obesity, losing weight can seem impossible – but there is a way. Claire Saunders finds out more at The Wellington Hospital Patients suffering from severe overweight have a disease that may spoil every aspect of their lives. From us, they need not only safe and correct professional care but understanding, kindness and support – to be helped, and not judged Mr Alberic Fiennes, surgeon If present trends continue in the UK, nine in every ten adults will be overweight by 2050. And with this predicted increase in severe weight problems comes a marked jump in illhealth, morbidity and mortality among a large section of the population who, with adequate weight loss, would otherwise remain in good health. Today, food is always available, of good quality, affordable, convenient and heavily marketed. Compared to eating habits 50 years ago, we are preparing less fresh food at home, eating convenience food and consuming much higher levels of sugar and salt. In addition, most modern adults expend less physical energy in their daily lives, with many more working in desk jobs than 50 years ago. Studies prove that adults who have been severely overweight for a significant period lack the normal automatic physiological response that limits food intake.

Mr Kesava Mannur

“Weight loss surgery alone can provide sustained weight loss in the long term compared to any non-surgical measures”, explains Mr Kesava Mannur, consultant bariatric surgeon at The Wellington Hospital, who has been performing weight-loss surgeries since 1998.

“For patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40 or even with BMI over 35 but having diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnoea or other co morbidities, surgery is recommended as a long-term solution,” says Dr Rodwin Jackson (Consultant Metabolic Physician). “It has been estimated that patients who remain severely overweight may die 11 years earlier than they might otherwise.” Bariatric surgery can help people lose a large amount of weight by reducing the amount of food entering the body. This is achieved by reducing the drive to eat, mechanically restricting intake capacity, or reducing absorption, or by a combination of these. It’s worth pointing out that these procedures are for health improvement rather than for cosmetic gain. Options for surgery include adjustable gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch. The suitability of each is discussed thoroughly by the consultant with each individual and an individually tailored operation will be arrived at. “Patients should expect access to a multi-professional and holistic framework, committed with them to their long-term care and well-being,” says Mr Alberic Fiennes, surgeon at The Wellington Hospital and specialist in bariatric surgery and weight management since 1995. “I am extremely fortunate to be able to be part of such a team at patients’ disposal.” Despite adverse publicity, the risks of bariatric surgery should be low if it is undertaken by experienced doctors with good resources. Surgery is almost exclusively undertaken by a keyhole (laparoscopic) approach.

“External appearance and embarrassment are only the surface elements of overweight – of greater concern are the physical discomfort and major health risks including breathing difficulty, heart disease and diabetes, for which overweight is the single greatest risk factor.” Therefore, as research suggests, those classed as severely overweight are seriously harming the length and the quality of their life – fortunately these risks can be halted or reversed by lasting major weight loss.

The Wellington Hospital is able to provide bariatric patients with a highly professional and experienced team. For more information, visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com or call the helpline on 020 7483 5148

Mr Alberic Fiennes

BENEFITS OF SURGERY

•

70% of people have resolution of high blood pressure or raised cholesterol

•

Arthritis symptoms improve

•

Many other overweight-related health risks improve

•

People can return to an improved emotional, social and working life

•

The risk of premature death is reduced by 60–90%

Successful bariatric surgery offers direct health benefits including:

•

80% of people who had Type 2 diabetes no longer need treatment

•

80-100% of people with sleep apnoea no longer need treatment

concierge xxxx

A “I am really pleased that I made the decision to have this done and would certainly recommend the laser sweat ablation procedure to anyone who suffers from axillary hyperhidrosis. I have had no noticeable sweating since the operation and can now wear any colour of clothing without worrying about sweaty patches appearing!” Miss RW – 22 year old Female

Underarm sweating

not this summer nor any other summer Mark Whiteley, consultant vascular surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic, talks about this embarrassing problem that can make any business meeting or social event a nightmare

s with all human conditions, there is a wide range that is considered ‘normal’ with some people hardly sweating at all, whilst others sweat to a much larger extent. Most normal or heavy sweating can be controlled with shop bought anti-perspirants or aluminium chloride. However, when the amount of sweating is excessive and cannot be controlled by these measures it is termed as ‘hyperhidrosis’. Although some people have hyperhidrosis as a consequence of another illness, in many others it is merely due to overactive sweat glands or overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Excessive sweating from the armpits (axillae) can be more than just annoying – it can alter the way some people live their lives. People suffering from excessive underarm sweating (axilliary hyperhidrosis) find that they have to be very careful about what clothes that they buy or wear and find that they are very self conscious in the socially, particularly if hot or if nervous. At work people suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis are always conscious of what they are wearing and if they can remove their outer garments - or whether this might reveal embarrassing sweat marks on their clothes. Relief of the condition allows the sufferer a new freedom. One year ago, I introduced the Laser Sweat Ablation operation into the UK to stop excessive underarm sweating. Laser Sweat Ablation is a simple walk-in walk-out procedure, under local anaesthetic, which I perform and has shown to be an effective treatment, reducing excess sweating by 80%. Leading the way with this surgery has been most rewarding as patients have gone as far as describing the results as life-changing. People who have suffered from axillary hyperhidrosis for years can now have this relatively simple keyhole procedure, which only takes about one and a half hours. My patients wear a compression jacket and are usually back at work in one or two days. By reducing the volume of sweat by an average of 80%, most of our patients do not even need antiperspirants unless the weather is very hot, in which case anti-perspirants, which didn’t usually work for them, become effective. It is a very satisfying procedure. My first case was covered by the BBC and can be viewed online on the BBC website. n

For more information about Laser Sweat Ablation please see www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk. For more information about excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) please see www.sweating.co.uk. To book an appointment to see Mr Whiteley either at Harley Street in London or in Guildford, please telephone appointments on 01483 477180 or e-mail info@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk

Medical Lettings +44(0)20 7290 0970 marketing@hdwe.co.uk www.hdwe.co.uk

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Weddings

interview choosing a ring planning how to propose health & beauty shaping up venues five of the best fashion the perfect shirt ......................................

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Plume by Ian Stuart

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feature

Weddings

Engaging Conversation These days it is a brave man who goes out and chooses his fiancĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engagement ring for her. Gemmologist Jason-Paul Hirsh of Hirsh London passes on a few hints and tips based on a family history of playing cupid

hoosing an engagement ring is perhaps the second biggest decision that one can make in their life, the first is choosing your partner for life. There are many factors in choosing, but before we get that far we should look at whether you should choose the ring alone, with your partner or bringing a friend? My advice is to surprise your partner. We all love great surprises even if we sometimes say we don’t, even more so for such a special occasion. A great salesperson should be able to help you choose the style of the ring if you can provide even just basic information such as the colour of her hair, eyes and the shape of her hands. The engagement ring is the start to what can become a long term relationship between trusted jeweller and customer (we have clients returning to us for over 30 years). If you decide to propose and then go ring shopping just know that you might be leaving your financial comfort zone, you know what you can afford and while we endeavour to try to find the right budget we are unable to stop the reflexes when the heart is involved, ‘ohhh darling but I like that one’ can easily cost you double your initial budget. Avoid bringing in friends as this could cost the relationship and I speak from experience. An engagement ring is personal between the both of you, having the best friend choose it just opens up a big can of worms that is best avoided. When it comes to the 4c’s (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight), most will tell you how important they are when choosing the perfect diamond. What the 4c’s actually represent are different prices to the consumer. The difference between a 1ct DIF Excellent Excellent round brilliant cut and a 0.95 GSi1 Good Good round brilliant cut can be several thousand pounds, that is for two diamonds that look identical to the naked eye. It certainly takes a bit of the romance from choosing the stone, you should be able to see what makes a diamond beautiful, all the light should reflect back to you like the brightest mirror and that is special. Those are just the basic factors to consider when looking for a stone,

I have met people that have come in with spreadsheets and spent weeks researching the purchase of one diamond and they end up buying a stone they haven’t even seen. As great as it is considering all the scientific facts, you should always remember that

of choice for finding your perfect engagement ring. The most important question is how to propose and while great ideas like putting the ring in a champagne glass or getting down on bended knee might seem cliché, one must understand the

while we endeavour to try to find the right budget we are unable to stop the reflexes when the heart is involved, ‘ohhh darling but I like that one’ can easily cost you double your initial budget the most important thing is to buy a stone that looks beautiful to you. Jewellers are here to guide you through this very important purchase and our staff are trained in diamonds and other fine coloured gemstones so that you can be certain to make an informed decision. Be wary when researching online as many websites only provide you enough information to sell you their own limited range of products and other sources can be unreliable, such as Wikipedia for example that can be changed by almost anyone yet it is trusted by millions of people daily for their research. What you should do is find someone you trust to guide you on this important journey, there is a reason some stores have been in business for years and others open up and close down. In the past few years, we have seen a much higher demand for precious colour stones especially emeralds, sapphires and natural pink and yellow diamonds. Few actually realise that there are more natural colour diamonds than there are colours of the rainbow. Certain stones suit certain people and while there are those that think they should only buy a diamond, sit back and wonder why. Could it be all be thanks or because of advertising? Well if Coca Cola made Santa wear red then it’s pretty plausible that women started wanting diamonds for their engagement ring when you think of the many adverts for diamonds in the last few decades. They are a girl’s best friend after all! Look back in history however and you will find that antique engagement rings with sapphires, rubies and emeralds held equal footing with the mighty diamond and that provides quite a wide spectrum

nerves and pressure faced with the task of actually asking someone to marry you. I have always kept a list of some great ways to propose that are a little out of the ordinary but the best was from a customer of mine in Toronto, who asked me what he should do? I told him to take her on a helicopter ride over the nearby Niagara falls, instead he got all his employees together in the park and they all held up a letter spelling “Shernee, will you marry me!” as they hovered in a helicopter above. Certainly better than when I blurted out some Swedish gibberish to my wife (hoping her sister had actually taught me the right phrase), but they both worked and thank fully “Vill du gifta dig med mig” did actually mean will you marry me…and she said yes!” n For further information, visit www.hirshlondon.com

Weddings

The final With just a few weeks to go before the big day, a hen or stag weekend is a much-needed chance to blow off some steam, have a good time with your friends, and forget all about the stresses of the wedding for one special night – but with so many choices in London, the question is where to start?

feature

fling

THE HENS

THE STAGS

DUCHESS TO DIVA

LICENCE TO THRILL

The ultimate London hen weekend (and a really easy option for busy bridesmaids to get organised), The Duchess to Diva package at the Draycott Hotel kicks off with a twohour VIP shopping trip (complete with a personal shopper) to find your dream outfit for the coming evening. After a fabulous shopping session, head to London’s luxurious KX Spa for a two-hour indulgent treatment before returning to the hotel to chill out and gossip with your girls over a traditional champagne afternoon tea. Theatre tickets of your choice are also included in the package alongside complimentary entry to the exclusive Kitts nightclub and a stay in a deluxe room.

For any James Bond fans booking a stag weekend in London, consider an exhilarating rib ride (for up to 12 stags) over the most famous waterway in the world, 007 style – an ideal way to start the day and set the tone for the weekend. The mission will start at Embankment, past Parliament and stop at M15 and M16 where scenes from The World is Not Enough were filmed. Your guide will tell you interesting filming facts before cruising down the Thames to Tower Bridge. Once you’ve passed under the bridge, the driver will whack the rib into top gear and cruise to Canary Wharf at high speed, throwing in enough turns and kicking up enough wash to get your heart pumping. After some more daring water antics, you’ll pass through Greenwich and finally The 02 Arena where the pre-title film sequence reaches its climax.

Duchess to Diva Package, from £467.50 per person www.draycotthotel.com

COOK UP A STORM For food loving hens, why not try an authentic Italian cooking class with a visit to London’s best food market thrown in too? Enrica Rocca’s cooking classes are very popular with groups and his aim is not only to teach authentic Italian cooking, but also to introduce his class to London’s gastronomic mecca, Borough market. A fabulous way to spend a day with friends, enjoy exploring ‘London’s larder’, learn how to select the best quality ingredients and cook with them in a range of easy-to-master Italian recipes. The day includes eight hours tuition, all ingredients, an electronic cookery book detailing shopping and cookery techniques and a file of your hen weekend recipes.

www.chillisauce.co.uk

GENTLEMEN’S TONIC To kick off your stag weekend, why not book yourself and your mates in for a treatment at Gentlemen’s Tonic. After indulging in a wet shave or a skinimproving massage, you can participate in a complimentary cognac-tasting session with experts from uberprestigious cognac brand Hennessy – the perfect start to the weekend. n Available on the last Friday of the month only Facials and massages cost from £32 and a wet shave costs from £25 www.gentlemenstonic.com

£170 per person or £300 for two www.enricarocca.com

feature

Weddings

Fit to beWed With more bootcamps than you can throw a boot at, Pip Black of Frame in Shoreditch looks at sweating and smiling your way into shape for your special day in no time

ome the start of a New Year everyone has good intentions to get fit and slim down – but most of us have all but given up by the time we reach Valentine’s Day. However, in the run up to a wedding the fitness regime takes on a new meaning, with a far more dedicated following. Of course, there are many of us working professionals who don’t have the time to hit the gym for hours on end (or who really don’t enjoy doing so!). Our wedding bootcamp is really popular as it covers at least three hours of exercise a week and it’s varied - fun sessions such as 45 minutes boxercise, 30 minutes vibe-toning (great for those in a strappy or backless wedding dress) or 60 minutes de-stress yoga. The package also includes a full body analysis which looks at measurements, weight, body fat percentage and muscle mass. There’s also personal ‘take home exercises’ designed by the gym’s own highly qualified personal trainers so that brides and grooms-to-be can concentrate on special areas. But if you think you might still require an extra bit of motivation, you can sign up with your partner. This way, loved-up couples get to spend more time together in the lead-up to the big day; they can help motivate each other towards the end goal; and boys – it’ll give you a chance to shape up so you’re not totally outshone by your beautiful bride! Getting fit shouldn’t be a chore – in fact, if you get it right, it should be heaps of fun, especially when combined with new skills and a more laidback approach. n

For more information, visit www.moveyourframe.com

Get your Hens in a Row If you’re looking for a retro alternative to the usual Hen party, Frame’s got just the thing. Frame Hen parties start with a glass of champagne on arrival, followed by an hour-long dance class. The bride can choose from her favourite songs and themes; you can do anything from learning the routine to Beyoncé’s Single Ladies to dressing up for an ‘80s Flashdance class! After the class, get changed and head to our mezzanine for food and drinks, ranging from afternoon tea with more champagne, to ‘80s party food and fruit punch! We can even organise blow-drys and makeovers to get you all ready for the evening celebrations in stylish Shoreditch. Prices start from just £150 for a private 1-hour dance class.

‘Fit-to-be-Wed’ Bootcamp

Frame Bootcamps generally last for 12 weeks, although they can be customised to meet your needs. Each week includes:

~ 2 x Vibe classes: perfect for toning, calorie burning and targeting specific areas

~ 2 x Cardio Classes: designed to burn calories and fat, using interval training techniques

~ 1 x Yoga or Reformer Pilates: to help you achieve long, lean muscles

~ Optional 30 minute nutritional add-on including expert one-to-one guidance from our on-site nutritionist, weekly diet plan and take-home healthy eating guide

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Walk in, walk out surgery for varicose veins Suitable for women and men of all ages Our state of the art, specialist medical clinic offers the ultimate personal treatment plan. Led by Mark Whiteley MS FRCS (Gen) consultant surgeon and Harley Street practitioner, the clinic has been a leading innovator of vein treatment over the last decade. The first in the UK to introduce walk in walk out minimally invasive keyhole surgery, treatments in our clinic allow you to avoid hospital stays and lengthy convalescence. Our surgical and non-surgical procedures include EVLA (laser treatment), VNUS Closure®, RFiTT, Foam Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy and Thread Vein Sclerotherapy, providing the optimum chance of blemish free results and the alleviation of aching legs. And by using ultrasound to discover problem veins and guide surgery, the recurrence of varicose veins is greatly reduced.

Other advanced treatments at our clinic include: • Laser Sweat Ablation, a life transforming procedure to eliminate excess underarm sweating • Liposonix ™ fat reduction using ultrasound, a very safe method to dissolve fat away without surgery • Thermage ® to tighten and lift loose skin non-surgically

HARLEY STREET

To make an appointment or find out more call

+44 (0)1483 477 180 www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk info@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk

THE HOME OF KEYHOLE VARICOSE VEIN SURGERY

GUILDFORD

of the best

Finding the perfect wedding venue can be tough, here’s a selection of the best London has to offer

ORIENTAL FLAIR From a lavish wedding reception to an intimate candlelit dinner, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park can offer you a truly unique and unforgettable experience on your special day. All of the hotel’s function rooms are opulently decorated, giving your wedding an extra air of grandeur. Weddings at the Mandarin Oriental also enjoy the services of a wedding co-ordinator to oversee all the details and make sure that everything is planned to perfection, from ceremony to reception. And for the ultimate bridal experience, why not book into the Mandarin Oriental spa for the Wedding Belles treatment; detoxify, purify and nourish your skin during the two months before the big day to ensure a radiant wedding day glow, then experience an intensely relaxing massage two days before the big day to calm pre-wedding jitters and energise your body and mind.

Wedding

020 7235 2000 www.mandarinoriental.com/london

RIVERSIDE NUPTIALS Greenwich Yacht Club is London’s undiscovered hidden gem. Located on the Thames riverfront between the O2 and the Thames Barrier, it is the perfect place for your wedding day. The River Room can hold 100 for formal dining, 200 for more informal weddings and 120 for civil ceremonies. The private pier enables you and your guests to arrive in style, followed by an elegant drinks reception on the sun deck and delicious seasonal menus for both a formal and informal wedding breakfast. The Greenwich Yacht Club’s experienced staff are on hand to assist with all aspects of your special day and make it a truly memorable occasion. 020 3206 1278 www.greenwichweddingvenues.co.uk

ENGLISH COUNTRY PERFECTION Sitting in the midst of an 11th century estate, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire redefines the essence of quintessential English country style. Think fairy-tale English manor house (dating back to 1728); manicured gardens; romantic orchard; and even a royal history. Described as an “intimate haven of pure Georgian charm that exceeds 21st century expectations” there are numerous options for a traditional country wedding; choose from the romantic 17th-century Walled Garden, a marquee in the 500 acres or five beautifully appointed private rooms licensed for civil ceremonies. Enjoy champagne and canapés in rolling countryside. Wander down the Long Walk lined with vibrant lavender leading to the orchard and croquet lawn. In addition, the Ballroom terrace is awash with natural daylight – offering endless possibilities for your guests both inside and outside. Just an hour from central London, this beautiful retreat promises storybook charm and gracious, intuitive service to create the wedding of your dreams. 01252 853000 www.fourseasons.com/hampshire

CITY CHIC Green’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar has recently opened it’s new flagship branch at 14 Cornhill in the heart of the City. Green’s, an institution in St James’ for the last 27 years, offers the finest British seasonal produce, accompanied by a unique champagne and wine list delivered by an efficient and friendly team. Proprietors, Simon Parker Bowles and Lord Daresbury maintain a simple philosophy, which is expertly executed. The City branch is housed in one of London’s most elegant and historic buildings. Formerly the Head Office of Lloyds Bank, dating back to 1677, the magnificent marble lined Banking Hall has retained it’s majestic features, whilst transformed into one of the City’s most elegant bars - a fantastic venue for a champagne reception/party. The Restaurant on the Mezzanine has wonderful views of the Bank of England and Royal Exchange and is surely amongst London’s finest dining rooms. Situated by Bank tube station, Green’s is well placed to ensure easy access and egress to all. This venue offers a unique opportunity to ensure your wedding or event is a truly splendid and memorable experience. Green’s offer a bespoke Wedding Service, intent on delivering the perfect day to the bride and groom’s most exacting requirements. Green’s and the Runner Bar are available for exclusive hire every weekend, to accommodate events of all styles at the very keenest rates. 020 7220 6300 cornhill@greens.org.uk

heart of the city Voted as one of the top 50 hotels in the world by travel bible Condé Nast, and one of top 20 hotels by Tatler, Threadneedles is a beautiful five-star boutique hotel in the City. Nestled in the oldest part of the capital, couples can have their wedding day photographs taken with landmarks such as the Bank of England, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, the Lloyds Building and Gherkin as a backdrop. Located in a beautifully converted banking hall built in 1856, the contemporary rooms make for chic and stylish entertaining. The event room can seat up to 80 guests with an adjacent private reception for an intimate champagne reception. The epitome of British luxury, the hotel boasts a rich interior design featuring smooth walnut, marble floors, oriental carpets and the breathtaking beauty of light filtering through the hotel’s nineteenth century dome of stained glass. A unique hotel, Threadneedles is a Victorian banking hall turned city boutique hotel; a perfect blend of past and present. 020 7657 8295 www.theetoncollection.com

feature

Weddings

Professional

Luxury

With a philosophy of ‘no compromise when details matter’ Claire Saunders finds out more about the luxury brand, Eton Shirts

“L

ämna aldrig över någonting förrän du ar fullständigt nöjd med det” is the motto of luxury City brand Eton. Roughly translated from the original Swedish, it means “never hand over an item until you are completely satisfied with it” and it was an old saying from Annie Petersson, cofounder of the luxury brand in 1928. Of course, little did Annie and David Petersson realise back in 1928, that their modest clothing manufacturing business based in the Swedish hamlet of Ganghester would grow into Eton; a world-renowned name for high quality shirts. Today, Eton is run by their grandson, CEO Hans Davidson, in a continuing family tradition. As you might expect, considering Annie Petersson’s motto and the company’s high-brow reputation, Eton shirts are the very highest quality. Not just a philosophy at Eton, each item uses only the best raw materials and fabrics. Each and every shirt is tailored with meticulous care and attention to detail, using the brand’s own unique manufacturing method and owndesigned, 100% pure pima cotton fabrics. The crisp cloth is woven solely from yarns spun from the finest long-fibre cotton, developed to provide the wearer with a

soft, luxurious shirt that responds to his own body heat and stays wrinkle-free, fresh and comfortable throughout the day – ideal for City professionals who need to remain looking sharp throughout the day. Woven in Zurich exclusively for Eton (in a unique process perfected to produce a 100% cotton fabric with very special properties) the final result is beautiful 100% cotton shirts that stay in shape all day long. Perfect for those with a busy professional lifestyle, simply give an Eton shirt 15 minutes after dressing and the wearer’s body heat will make the creases drop out. A business traveller’s dream, even after a long-haul flight, the shirt is as smooth and presentable as it was when you packed your case. EXQ by ETON is a collection of wrinkle free shirts perfectly suited for the travelling businessman; Urban Marine includes cool whites and blues and striking red and black shirts; Summer in the City incorporates the city pulse with fabrics in twill, poplin and oxford, dipped in the bold and bright colures of yellow, orange and fuchsia; Elegant Afternoon is all about looking smart and elegant in essences of lime, turquoise and shades of purple; and New Romantic is inspired by the 1980s where classic pink and shades of blue are merged together bringing back the new romantic style in a very modern way. Naturally, Eton offers a wide choice of traditional and modern styles and the colours, patterns and micro-designs of the shirts meet the demands of discerning professionals (and style gurus) all over the world. The spring/summer 2010

collection is inspired by the contrasts between the fast pace of city life and the calmness of the countryside during spring and summer. The Grey Ribbon Collection incorporates luxury linen and stretch qualities in a cornucopia of colours grouped into red, white and blue; intense black and beige; and bold colours including purple, fuchsia and lime. Today’s City professional always strives for the best in quality and innovative design – and with its focus on sharp modern style, the very finest materials, and ultimate comfort, Eton is a true luxury. Closely following a tradition of excellence, with no compromise when details matter, the finished shirts from Eton confirm their strength and reputation as an outstanding shirt manufacturer. The whole process unites three generations of tradition and pride with modern technology and cutting edge design – resulting in a collection that would satisfy even Grandmother Annie Petersson’s high expectations. Find the full collection of unique Eton shirts and accessories in the London Brand Store. n Eton Shirts 65 Kingsway London, WC2B 6TD 020 7430 1433 Concession: Selfridges London Oxford Street (020 7318 3497) Selfridges Birmingham Bullring (0121 600 6861) www.etonshirts.co.uk

connoisseur travel cosmopolitan town restaurant 1901 andaz best of British ireland out & about what not to miss entertainment music, games & dvds ...............................

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50 FOR 50

A One of only three bottles available in the UK in its first year of release, the precious Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is now on sale at Harrods

lready famed as one of the most expensive Scotch whiskies ever auctioned, the Knightsbridge store is aiming to achieve £1,000 for every year the whisky has spent maturing in oak casks. This limited edition whisky is a collector’s dream, destined to become a significant landmark in single malt whisky history. A product of time, the whisky is remarkably light and elegant on the palate and has an uplifting, vibrant and complex aroma. The sale of the whisky will raise significant funds for the Evelina Children’s Hospital (20%

of all funds raised from the auction), part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. Harrods proprietor, Mohamed Al Fayed, is a longstanding supporter of the Evelina and the money raised will help provide state-of-the-art equipment for two new operating theatres. The whisky is available from Harrods via auction with bids accepted from now until the end of March. Minimum bids start at £15,000 and are subject to special terms and conditions. n For further information, or to place a bid please contact wineshop@harrods.com or call 020 7893 8777.

travel

news

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Since its inception in 2001, the King’s Cup Elephant Tournament has built up a reputation as a not-tobe-missed event that attracts people from around the world to enjoy a unique week of sport in the most breathtaking settings Thailand has to offer. But there is a serious purpose too. This event is crucial in raising much-needed funds to help conserve Thailand’s elephants and their heritage. This important work is carried out in association with the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) and the National Elephant Institute (NEI) – two Government initiatives that have been endorsed by HM The King of Thailand. Through the generosity of participants and spectators at the lively annual auction and during the tournament, Anantara Resorts has raised US$200,000, much of which has been used to care for more than 60 elephants and their mahouts at the TECC in Lampang. Minor International, owner of Anantara Resorts, has set up its own elephant charity – the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (www.helpingelephants. org) – that takes a unique holistic approach to rescuing elephants which otherwise face a bleak life scraping a living in the tourist areas of big cities.

connoisseur

TASTY TEXAS Weslaco, Texas is home to the annual Texas Onion Fest, this year taking place on 26 and 27 March when visitors can see contestants battle it out in onion-eating contests, as well as enjoying a car show, air show and the Guitar Hero World Tour Tournament. www.traveltex.com

NECKER NYMPH

Virgin Limited Edition enters the underwater world, welcoming Necker Nymph, a DeepFlight three-person aero submarine. Likened to an underwater aircraft, this open cockpit winged sub is the first of its kind to hit the market – would Sir Richard Branson want it any other way? www.virginlimitededition.com

Travel fact: While the state of Minnesota is known for its 10,000 lakes, the country of Finland contains 187,888 lakes.

www.whydontyou.com

Website of the month: With travel ideas to inspire enthusiasts and adrenalin junkies whatever the age, this website is a mine of ideas for anyone who wants to do more than just fly and flop. No longer will the UK holidaymaker be constrained by choosing solely by destination or spending hours trawling the web.

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.

CAPE

Ahead of this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup, Kate Harrison spends some time in Cape Town, hunting down the very best in luxury hotel hospitality, gourmet dining and must-see local attractions

travel

ape Town has always been a beautiful destination, attractive to foreign visitors for the striking silhouette of Table Mountain, the world-famous sandy beaches and its laid-back and cosmopolitan atmosphere – and in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup, the city is seeing tourism boom even more. I decided to check out Cape Town before the rush. Travelling to Cape Town for the first time, I wanted a hotel that would take care of everything, from a beautiful room with excellent facilities, to top restaurants and luxury spa treatments. The solution was One&Only Cape Town which has been open for less than a year and offers the very best hospitality on the famous V&A Waterfront. As I enter the hotel, my first view is one of the majestic Table Mountain, framed perfectly in a huge picture window. My second view one of bold design and Capetonian style which continues through to the rooms and suites, all of which boast fantastic panoramic views of : IS S D O N’T M Table Mountain. The rooms here H into are the most spacious rooms in THE BEyAoCr Clifton, which is spelitct the city (with a minimum size couples Camps Ba s, ie il m s for fa four area of 60 sq m); think dark woods, NTAIN s – trek or U O rich coloured fabrics, a view of M E L TAB om different route fr the resort’s landscaped ‘island’ se o o h C ble car below, a balcony and full-size M take the ca IU R UA Q A S N free standing bath. A E TWO OrCthose who don’t fancy Of course, it’s not long into fo Perfect g a hotel stay that thoughts turn in iv -d e cag to food – and after a twelve G d SHOPPAINWaterfront market an hour journey from London re At the V& rket Squa a m to Cape Town, I was totally n e re G mall, and focused on the evening meal. South Africa is renowned for its famous wines, but the food is delicious too and the choice within the resort is outstanding; Africa’s first Nobu restaurant and a Maze restaurant by Gordon Ramsay are both housed within the hotel, each offering an incredible dining experience. Before dinner we stop at the Vista Bar for an ‘evolution’ cocktail under the ever-watchful eye of Table Mountain. Popular with Capetonians Above: and visitors alike, each drink can be Table Mountain Suite bath made in three different ways: as it Far left to right: was made when first invented, as you Maze restaurant expect it to be served today, and how Hotel pool Nobu restaurant it will be made in 50 years time!

connoisseur

Our first meal, at Nobu combines the renowned innovative Japanese cuisine with indigenous spices and organic regional produce. The result was the high standard that you would expect and it was really lovely to see the South African influence (I can definitely recommend the crispy pork belly with spicy Miso). We were also lucky enough to dine in Maze, well known for serving tapas-sized dishes bursting with the bountiful flavours of authentic South African recipes, including seafood and game. My particular recommendation is the delicious Wagyu fillet, served with a crisp local white wine. We returned to Maze for breakfast each morning, where the outdoor terrace offered a serene environment to start the day – in an environment like this, it’s easy to feel a million miles from the stresses of London. One of my favourite memories was the hotel’s wine experience; an educational, interactive, multi-faceted tasting, this was a brilliant introduction to the region’s vineyards and perfect for connoisseurs and amateurs alike. There are a mind-boggling 5,000 bottles in the Wine Loft (ranging from prestigious older vintages of Cape classics to newer wineries in emerging terroirs) showcased in a regal glass library – it seemed to me like the very essence of South Africa’s spirit, bottled and in one room – everything was there. After a heady class of ‘wine appreciation’ the spa was definitely calling; the Spa Island features the most comprehensive and expansive spa in Cape Town, surrounded by water and dense vegetation – a real hideaway. I opted for the signature Essence of Earth and Ocean Experience (120 minutes). As a regular traveller in Asia (and a big fan of the Thai Massage), I usually find hotel massages too soft, but the therapists here had the perfect pressure for ultimate relaxation. Don’t miss the spa’s heat experiences, which include a vitality pool, sauna, crystal steam room, experience showers and an ice fountain – I felt thoroughly cleansed and intensely relaxed, both inside and out. And when I wasn’t out exploring the city, I spent almost all my time by the pool – a triumphant success for the hotel, they’ve really got it right, and I honestly never wanted to leave. The resort’s main pool area – located on one of two private islands linked by bridges – features a 350-square metre freeform, infinity swimming pool, a private sitting area with double chaise longues for sunbathing, and shaded trellis pavilions. With a cocktail in hand, a good book and a very attentive waiter, I could certainly envisage coming back for the World Cup this summer, even if I don’t make it as far as the stadium... n For more information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Stay three nights from £1,450 per person (saving of £760 per couple). Price is based on two adults sharing a Marina Room on a bed and breakfast basis, economy flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic including private car transfers. Valid until 1st May 2010. For further information, please contact Elegant Resorts Reservations on 01244 897515 or visit www.elegantresorts.co.uk

travel

connoisseur

Destination...

Barcelona

Penelope M Walsh discovers the delights of Catalan capital, Barcelona nestled between the mountains and the sea

What to see::

Iconic Culture

Where to eat:

It was the remarkable Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi who carved out Barcelona’s iconic city skyline. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without seeing his incredible town houses on Passeig de Gracia (La Pedrera and Casa Batlló), or the Sagrada Familia, a Cathedral so fantastical, even in its current unfinished state. Visit Parc Guell, an epic outdoor space that features Gaudi’s signature fusion of austere Gothic structures, fluid, organic shapes inspired by trees and water and colourful “trencadis”, a traditional Catalan mosaic technique.

Epicurean taste

Sample the gastronomic delights of a modern take on gourmet Catalan cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurant Moo and allow acclaimed sommelier Roger Viusa to aid your selection from more than 600 wines in the restaurant’s cellar. Situated in the luxurious Omm Hotel, near the elegant Passeig de Gracia at Rosselló 265, Moo is the perfect venue for a gourmet indulgence or a sophisticated business lunch. www.hotelomm.es

Where to play::

Sunrise at the sea Where to stay:

Nostalgic style

Bearing the name of the year the last Spanish colonies became independent, Hotel 1898’s exquisite décor fuses intricate fin de siecle and elegant colonial style. The hotel boasts an impressive array of services, including live music, a spa and two swimming pools all year round. Located at Las Ramblas 109, Hotel 1898 offers relaxed luxury and epicurean delights, making it an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. www.hotel1898.com

And finally, if the culinary and cultural delights of Barcelona leave you wanting more from this vibrant city, finish a perfect day with a perfect night out in one of Barcelona ‘s legendary night spots. SHÔKO is a Japanese inspired restaurant that, come evening, metamorphoses into a sophisticated nightclub with an exclusive atmosphere. Situated along the beach at Paseo Maritimô de la Barceloneta 36, SHÔKO offers a sea front terrace and two VIP zones, perfect for relaxing in style or a night to remember. www.shoko.biz

arcelona is a city steeped in culture. The home of Modernism, many of the 20th Century’s most influential and experimental artists such as Dali, Picasso and Miró gravitated to Barcelona and fell under its spell. Explore the eclectic architectural styles of the city’s streets, immerse yourself in Barcelona’s rich history, indulge in its delicious and distinctive cuisine, or simply take it easy with cocktails on the beach front.

Don’’t miss:

Chic Boutique

Exuding classic elegance, laid back urban chic or eclectic individualism, fashion and style feature heavily on the streets of Barcelona, from the sartorial savvy of its residents to the numerous boutiques dotted around the city. To claim your share in Barcelona’s style stakes explore the many fabulous boutiques on the Carre Avinyo in the Barri Gotic. Favourites include quality vintages pieces for the fashion forward at Produit National Brut, beautiful knitwear at Zsu Zsa and high profile international labels such as Yohji Yamamoto and Boxfresh at boutique come bar So-Da. The Barcelona Route commences at the end of March ‘10 with seven flights a week. Fares from £63 one way

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

food & drink

connoisseur

Buy the Best The Good Food Producers Guide is designed to help consumers shop for fresh produce with confidence. Perfect for anyone who’d like to know where to find the top 10 farm shops in London, best places to buy honey in the country, or top places to buy seafood.

food & drink

news

Wine, dine and put your heart on the line

The Good Food Producers Guide is out on 25 March and available from all good bookshops

If you’re planning a special meal for someone or a celebration meal, look to The Good Food Guide for help. Whether you’re in the capital or out on a weekend break, here are some suggestions:

BECOME A MASTER CHOCOLATIER

Britain’s finest chocolatier, William Curley, is offering a series of unique chocolate making master classes at his new venture in Belgravia. Try your hand at truffle making, how they are infused, blended and prepared and make your own award-winning House Dark Truffles and Framboise Truffle to take home and impress your friends. Or master the art of sea salt caramels, with a fascinating talk on how chocolate is made from bean to bar.

Cellar, Anstruther, Scotland – a remarkable series of romantic dining rooms lit by open fires, a true delight for seafood lovers. Clos Maggiore, London – an intimate restaurant where the stunning, plantfilled conservatory allows diners to feel they’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of city life. The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire – a

Courses cost £150 each for two people

splendid riverside location sets the scene perfectly for a romantic tête-à-tête.

www.williamcurley.co.uk

The Bluebell, Henley-in-Arden,

Samuels at Swinton Park, Masham, Yorkshire – fine-dining in a stunning country manor.

Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor,

Oxfordshire – lovable eccentricity and surreal objets d’art continue to charm the pants off everyone.

Restaurant NEWS: Not content with conquering Clerkenwell and Soho, Mark Hix will open a new restaurant and Champagne bar on the ground floor of Selfridges this month. The dining room will feature art from Tim Webster and Tracey Emin, while the menu will offer breakfast, lighter dishes, small plates and British classics.

Pearl, London – this old banking hall hung with pearls and finished in soft pinks and creams is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The Good Food Guide 2010 can be ordered on 01903 828557 (£16.99, p&p free) or can be bought from all good bookshops. The iPhone app (£4.99) is available at www.thegoodfoodguide.com or from iTunes

Food lingo:

Quote: Food and love have a long and entwined history. Luckily for us, the UK is home to some of the most downright dramatic, quirky and intimate restaurants in the world. Elizabeth Carter, Consultant Editor of The Good Food Guide

Ceviche

Raw fish or seafood marinated in a citrus (usually lime) juice. The acid in the juice ‘cooks‘ the fish.

Website of the month:

www.gourmetsociety.co.uk

Warwickshire – the menu has a wide appeal, while soft lighting and candles set off the quirky mix of ancient features and swanky modern design.

In the midst of the recession, many savvy City folk have discovered that the smart way to make genuine savings on restaurant bills is to become a member of one of the discount dining cards now available. The largest, and providing by far the greatest choice (members are not restricted to set menus) and value for money, is that offered by the Gourmet Society.

CITYpromotion

RULE

Britannia A

HMS Belfast is re-launching after a £250,000 restoration and refurbishment project London icon, this month the majestic HMS Belfast is celebrating the completion of its refurbishment programme. The centrepiece of the re-launch is the restored Admiral’s Quarters which have become an exclusive private dining room aboard the ship. Set in the heart of London, diners can guarantee a grand entrance as they are piped on board in traditional naval style, reminiscent of the arrival of the Admiral himself. Perfect for a private celebration or corporate event, guests are indulged with fine wine and a delicious three-course meal, served by stewards in traditional jackets with epaulettes and gold buttons. Thanks to

the restoration, HMS Belfast is a great party venue, from an intimate dinner party in the Admiral’s Quarter to a drinks reception in the Anteroom. The original Admiral’s Quarters (comprising a private dining room and sitting room, alongside the Ward & Anteroom) have been carefully restored bringing back the original character and atmosphere that would have been found in 1959. The Gun Room and The Ship’s Company Dining Room have also been updated and modernised with additional effort to ensure the authenticity of the refurbishment. Archivists at Sanderson have matched new material to the original curtains; stitching on the lampshades have been painstakingly copied to perfection; the frameworks have been stripped back to

the original wood; and the bar has been recreated complete with upward folding shutters and mounted glass holders. Brad King, the ship’s Director says: “Thanks to this unique partnership of commercial investment and historical expertise, you can now step back in time and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone age. The restoration has been meticulously researched from the original plans and historic photos.” n HMS Belfast Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street London, SE1 2JH For more information or to arrange a visit please call 020 7403 6246, email hms.belfast@sodexo.com or visit www.prestigeexperience.co.uk

The Glenmorangie tasting room: 8-10 guests per session (standing) Enjoy an educational whisky tasting with friends or colleagues in this private oak-panelled space.

THE RUNNER BAR Newly opened in one of the City’s most historic buildings, the Runner Bar is a stunning new addition to the vibrant City bar scene. The finest seafood and unique Tiffin menu ensure that the Runner is fast establishing itself as a favourite haunt of busy City folk Enjoy a business breakfast, tasty lunch or relax in the evening to live music from some of London’s favourite musicians. The champagne and wine list is both eclectic and well-priced and the expert bartenders mix the classics to taste. The Runner Bar is unique - with its own two tasting rooms: The Glenmorangie room and The Laurent-Perrier Champagne room.

The Laurent-Perrier Champagne room: for up to 20 seated guests or 35 standing Indulge in champagne tasting with friends or colleagues at Green’s. The ideal spot for people-watching, LaurentPerrier’s exclusive mezzanine overlooks the banking hall and features an adjoining Laurent-Perrier tasting anteroom. Perfect for champagne receptions birthday, treats or team building events. Expert sommeliers are on hand to ensure that a Runner tasting is the most memorable way to enjoy that special occasion. The Runner Bar is available for exclusive hire on weekends and is the perfect place to entertain colleagues and friends throughout the week. For further details, contact or email us with your enquiries on 020 7220 6300 or eventscornhill@greens.org.uk

food & drink

connoisseur

CENTRE STAGE Located in Andaz Liverpool Street, the 1901 restaurant impresses on all accounts. Emma Fitzmaurice is impressed with the venue but it’s the food that takes centre stage

1901

is undeniably a strikingly impressive restaurant, with an enormous ceiling held up by huge fluted columns that wouldn’t look out of place in an ancient Roman temple. Large circular lights border the ceiling and tables and chairs are simple but modern, and they do well to keep your attention on the sheer vastness of the space. Towards the rear of the room is a high, rustically carved wooden table used to serve cheese and coffee and behind this is rack upon rack of wine bottles along with two temperature-controlled glass refrigerators for the celebrated cheese selection. The seasonal menu is nearly entirely British, with the exception of some desserts, with each starter and main qualified by the county (or country) it comes from; quail from Suffolk, hen pheasant from Yorkshire and sea bass from Guernsey. To start, the pot-roasted partridge (from Yorkshire) with cauliflower purée, girolles and Madeira jus is simply presented. The partridge is cooked perfectly with rich tender meat and the consistency of the mushrooms and jus work well with the meat to give it an added texture. My tastebuds were tantalised and eager for the second course. They didn’t have to wait long as I opted to stay in Yorkshire and they were rewarded with a wonderful combination of pot roasted Venison loin, shoulder kromeski and an artichoke purée. It is a rich, warming dish, with large

chunks of slightly pink meat in a thick, moreish red wine and port sauce. Accompanied by tiny little cubes of salty bacon and succulent baby onions, it’s almost like a posh stew. A side of almost impossibly smooth, well seasoned mashed potatoes is served in a small iron cauldron, which adds a friendly, old fashioned touch to the dish’s presentation. Desserts keep the traditionally British theme going, and as with the rest of the menu many choices have creative touches that make them just a bit different than you’d expect. The classic pear chocolate tart was a fantastic mixture of light flavours which cleansed the pallet, mixed with a satisfyingly strong chocolate after taste. There’s also a large cheese selection, which you can have brought to your table or choose from the wooden table at the back of the restaurant. A selection of five costs £9, and the cheeses are mostly British with a sprinkling of goat’s, ewe’s and French thrown in. The cheese is supplied by La Fromagerie, and the restaurant’s staff has spent time training there so they’re incredibly knowledgeable in regards to recommendations. I couldn’t mention the meal without discussing the wine, as the fine collection is displayed for all to see. The wine list is manageable, with a decent selection that’s not too overwhelming. All the wine on the list is commendably served by the glass as well as the bottle, from £5 and £21 respectively, which is reasonable for the area. If you’re game, though, ask the sommelier to choose wines to complement your meal and you’ll find that it is not merely the selection which is impressive but their spokesman, Joris. One of the most engaging sommeliers that I have ever encountered, his passion for matching the perfect wine to compliment each course was always interesting and extremely accurate to our personal tastes. Sophisticated without being stuffy, 1901 is an impressively elegant venue that manages to stay friendly even with its high heritage surroundings. Elegantly situated inside the Andaz hotel in Liverpool Street it makes the perfect setting for a business dinner or a relaxed meal with friends and loved ones. We were the first to arrive and the last to leave and already looking forward to our next visit. n 40 Liverpool Street London, EC2M 7QN 020 7961 1234 www.andazdining.com

The Perfect

Whisky

food & drink

connoisseur

Following the runaway success of The Whisky Show 2009, we look ahead to the next show and the up-and-coming profile of this complex spirit

ollowing the first ever Whisky Show in London’s Guildhall at the end of last year, notes of praise and appreciation flooded in to the organisers from many of the privileged people that were able to attend the unique whisky sampling event. Not only were visitors able to sample rare and limited whiskies (some of which were over 40 years old) but everyone was provided with a whisky infused two course buffet meal and given a real opportunity to broaden their appreciation and understanding of whisky. Founded by whisky publisher Graeme Wallace, in partnership with Sukhinder Sawhney, proprietor of whisky retailers The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Show has the simple objective of enabling visitors to sample and develop an appreciation of some of the finest whiskies available. In the words of one well-known whisky expert who travelled over from France, “some fantastic young and old whiskies to try (including Karuizawa 1967, Macallan 1938, Dalmore 40, Fettercairn 40, Glengoyne 40, Glen Grant 1954, Glenlivet 1964, Springbank 1968 and many others), thrilling master-classes and matching company … all that in a magnificent and historic setting. I shall attend next year’s edition of The Whisky Show, and so should you, if you ask me. It’s all very London, baby, swinging and tasteful.”

“Your event was fabulous. Very enjoyable, educational and the most civilised of shows” Emphasising quality and appreciation, the organisers certainly made every effort to ensure visitors had an enjoyable, memorable and educational experience without suffering from over consumption or fatigue. The £95 ticket price reflected the aim of the show, enabling the event to retain a niche quality rather than being a mass free-for-all and thus allowing people to make their way around the hall at a leisurely pace. Visitors were able to develop and fine tune their ‘whisky palate’ at their own, enjoyable pace. With unanimous support from whisky exhibitors and visitors to the show, The Whisky Show will take place again in 2010 and is to be held at The Brewery on 29 30 October. The venue is part of the Whitbread brewery complex near Barbican, and as both beer and whisky are made from malted barley, it is a fitting location for such a sublime experience. While many people at the show are whisky aficionados and travel from around the world, The Whisky Show is held in the City so that City professionals can visit the show after work on Friday. Whether you enjoy the occasional single malt or already have a few favourites, the world of whisky presents a fascinating journey around Scotland, and from country to county as far as Japan and Australia.

connoisseur food & drink

win From Glenfiddich to Talisker and Ardmore to Karuizawa, many distilleries produce a whole range of aged whiskies, some with special finishes and limited editions. While all this may appear rather daunting to some, understanding regions or styles of whisky and appreciating their differences is not a difficult as you may think. However, there’s no substitute for attending a live tasting, so we have teamed up with the organisers of The Whisky Show to provide some dedicated tastings for Canary Wharf readers over the course of the coming months. If you have not yet acquired a taste for whisky then sampling whisky with food or even cooking with it may be the way forward. Although whisky has been around for centuries, it is only in the last decade or so that people have really started experimenting with whisky and food, a phenomenon which has really gained momentum. Following the launch of The Whisky Kitchen, a cookbook using different whiskies as a key ingredient in each recipe to enhance or contrast with attributes in the food, restaurants around the world are now using the book to liven up their menu. Cooking with whisky infuses complimentary or contrasting flavours, resulting in dishes with a subtle lift and extra dimension. Visitors to The Whisky Show have the opportunity to try some of the dishes adapted from the book by the authors, and the experience will undoubtedly leave a memorable impression. For all those who enjoy whisky from time to time and may be interested in learning more, now is the ideal opportunity to develop your appreciation and understanding of this most interesting and complex of spirits. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, there is a world of whisky just waiting to be unlocked with an ideal style for each of us. n

THE BASICS

Reader Offer Win a bottle of luxurious 18 year old Chivas Regal - Gold Signature Created by Chivas Brothers’ Master Blender of over 35 years, Colin Scott handselected casks from over 20 Scottish distilleries for their richness and balance to create this superior deluxe expression. The resulting whisky is smooth, full and extremely well balanced with a hint of orange citrus and dark chocolate! Each cask of whisky for this expression will have matured for at least 18 years meaning that they will all have been distilled prior to 1992; resulting in a smooth and mellow blend. To be in with a chance of winning the bottle of Chivas Regal 18 year old, simply register your details on www.thewhiskyshow.com/city Ticket purchase to the show or attendance at any of our events is not necessary in order to enter the competition. Your details may be used to notify you of future events and promotions by the organisers but will not be forwarded to any third party company.

Scotch Whisky Whisky (whiskey) has been produced around the world for hundreds of years, including as far away as Japan and Tasmania. However, Scotland is the undisputed home of whisky and is the only country that can call its product ‘Scotch’.

Malt Whisky Whisky in Scotland is either made exclusively from malted barley or from one or more other grains such as wheat or maize. Only whisky made exclusively from malted barley can be called Malt Whisky. All other whisky is referred to as grain whisky. Malt Whisky is generally produced in a traditional copper pot still and has a far more complex flavour profile than grain whisky.

Single Malt Whisky Whisky produced as above and from one distillery is referred to as Single Malt indicating that it is from a single distillery.

Blended Malt Whisky A blend (mix) of malt whiskies from two or more Scottish distilleries.

Blended Whisky A blend (mix) of malt and grain whiskies. Generally, the greater the percentage of malt whisky being used – the higher the price.

To register your interest in attending a free tasting session (held at The Attic in Canary Wharf and Vinopolis in the City) visit www.thewhiskyshow.com/city. Each tasting is limited to 35 people so invites will be drawn from those that register to attend. You can also let us know if you are interested in our establishing a City Whisky Club with regular tastings and a monthly recommended selection of great malts to buy. Everyone that registers will also be entered into a draw to win a bottle of whisky. Tickets to the show are available from www.thewhiskyshow.com. Capacity is limited to 600 per day, so it’s worth booking early to avoid disappointment.

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connoisseur food & drink

listings restaurants American

Dollar Grills and Martinis

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 4PX 020 7278 0077 Hawksmoor

157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ 020 7247 7392

British Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW 08456 861 122 Beach Blanket Babylon

19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7749 3540

French Coq D’Argent

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ 020 7395 5000 Les Trois Garcons

1 Club Row, E1 6JX 020 7613 1924 Sauterelle

Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2483

bars Greek Mezedopolio

Balls Brothers

14 Hoxton Market, N1 6HG 020 7739 8212

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 8AE 020 7600 2720

Italian

The Big Chill Bar

Refettorio

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6BD 020 7438 8052 Lena

66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3JT 020 7739 5714 Volupté

9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Oriental

Royal China Club (Baker St)

40-42 Baker Street, W1U 7AJ 020 7486 3898 Saki

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JX 020 7489 7033

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS 020 7796 0600 Cicada

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 4JT 020 7608 1550 Fishmarket Champagne Bar

Great Eastern Hotel Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN 020 7618 7215

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

Grand Café & Bar

Kenza

10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP 020 7929 5533

Modern European One Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7703 Smiths of Smithfield

67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ 020 7251 7950

Spanish Moro

34-36 Exmouth Street, EC1R 4QE 020 7833 8336

Cellar Gascon

51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7749 9670

Green & Red

Middle Eastern

240 St. John Street, EC1V 4PH 020 7336 7726

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AY 020 7657 8088

Mexican

Duke of Cambridge

The Peasant

Bonds

Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 5AA 020 7071 5009

Gastropub 30 St Peter’s Street, N1 8JT 020 7359 3066

Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, E1 6QL 020 7392 9180

The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar

5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 7BA 020 7623 2355 Light Bar

233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ 020 7247 8989 Match EC1

45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RS 020 7250 4002 Ortega

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7623 1818 Vertigo 42

Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7842 The Worship

Triton Court 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1BR 020 7330 0920

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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.

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Beach Couture & Forthcoming Events Brazil Carnival At The Kingly Club 13th March 2010 Kingly CLub London The Kingly Club cordially invite all card holders and their guests to see their bar tenders mixing up the ‘Taste of Brazil’, which will be kicked off by complimentary caipirinhas on arrival before 11pm and a cachaca based cocktail list designed exclusively for the night.

The John Smiths Grand National 8th - 10th April 2010 Aintree Racecourse Liverpool Soak up the atmosphere at the Grand National in April. Card holders and their guests can access tables for 12 people over two floors, with private areas available upon request. Don’t miss out!

Katherine Jenkins 13th March 2010 - 02 Arena, London Britain’s favourite singer and the world’s most successful classical crossover artist, Katherine Jenkins, announces a performance at the 02 arena and Vicinitee VIP is delighted to offer exclusive hospitality tickets into the O2’s box seats and VIP lounge.

Joe Calzaghe Gala Tribute Vicinitee VIP’s Cocktail Party

Monthly London nightclub’s Vicinitee VIP is proud to organise monthly cocktail parties for its card holders and their guests. Offering a variety of complimentary cocktails, members are invited to come and enjoy drinks and canapés in some of London’s top nightclubs and bars.

22nd March 2010 Grosvenor House Vicinitee VIP invites you to join Joe Calzaghe & special guests for a unique gala tribute to the world’s greatest fighting heroes. With champagne, a three course dinner, complimentary drinks and amazing live entertainment from bands such as The Stereophonics, Joss Stone and The Band of the Coldstream Guards the night is destined to be great.

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out & about

TWO WOMEN Theatre Royal Stratford East presents the world premiere of Two Women, an explosive new play based on the novel by Martina Cole – one of the UK’s most popular crime writers. The play weaves a hard-hitting tale of betrayal, heartbreak, justice and redemption, full of twists and turns, keeping you hooked from the very start.

out about

POP PORTRAITS

‘Andy Warhol: Portraits’ is an unmissable exhibition of paintings, unique prints and films displaying some of Warhol’s most celebrated works alongside previously hidden gems. A key initiator of the American pop art movement and an avantgarde filmmaker, Warhol rubbed shoulders with an array of vastly diverse communities, ranging from Hollywood celebrities and well-heeled aristocrats to reputed academics, cultural figures and trendy beatniks. The artist’s involvement and interest in radically differing social circles is reflected in the succession of works that he produced in the twenty years preceding his death in 1987. After a break from painting in the late 1960s, the 1970s saw the reawakening of this multi-faceted artist as he employed new techniques to paint commissioned portraits of copious personalities, whether famous or obscure. He quickly became, according to Art historian Robert Rosenblum, “court painter to 1970s international aristocracy”. The exhibition at Olyvia Fine Art will include iconic portraits of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, artists Joseph Beuys and Robert Mapplethorpe, socialites Doda Voridis and Karen Lerner, athlete Tom Seaver, Chinese political leader Mao Zedong, the reigning Queen Elizabeth II, and a unique self-portrait accompanied by a photograph of Warhol taken in 1965 by New York photographer, John McCabe. 17 March – 9 May, 2010 Olyvia Fine Art 17 Ryder Street, London

connoisseur

To 20 March, 2010 Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN www.stratfordeast.com

JO THORNE BRIDAL ACCESSORY SHOWCASE On Saturday 6 March, bridal hair accessory and jewellery designer Jo Thorne will be hosting a relaxed accessories showcase at her beautiful E14 studio on the Limehouse Cut canal. The entire collection will be on display to view and try, and you’ll have the exclusive chance to preview some exquisite new pieces. You’ll also have plenty of time to chat with Jo over champagne and canapés, get expert help on choosing accessories, and get a special one-day-only 15 per cent discount on any order. Special guests at the event include hair designer Sev Hubert of Hepburn Collection, and award-winning luxury shoe designer Emmy. An inspired master stylist , you’ll have the opportunity to experience Sev’s expertise first hand as he reveals the chicest hairstyle ideas, using Jo’s hair jewellery as the all-important final detail. Completing the day in perfect style will be shoe designer Emmy. You’ll be able to meet her expert team, get great advice, and try her fabulous shoes for yourself, whilst taking advantage of a 10 per cent discount on orders placed at the event. Call 020 7503 3478 to reserve a place, or visit www.jothorne.co.uk

Top: Portrait of an unknown female Iranian Princess, 1977 Left: Self-portrait, 1977 Above: Mao, 1973

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connoisseur out & about

SECRETS OF THE SUN

A walk in the Past

All For You

ICONIC ART An exclusive new collection of artwork, from international artist Mackenzie Thorpe is currently being displayed at Artisan Fine Art Gallery, Canary Wharf. Proudly showcasing this exclusive new collection of published work, the exhibition displays iconic images which connect and identify with their viewers. 2010 marks a significant

turning point in Mackenzie’s career and this new collection of images embrace some of his familiar and well loved icons and display a confident masterful command of his craft.

‘Secrets of the Sun’ takes Royal Observatory planetarium visitors on a journey which reveals the Sun to be far more dynamic that its steadfast presence in the sky suggests. Real and spectacular images from Sun orbiting satellites show in detail its ever changing face as intense magnetic fields churn and pummel the Sun’s atmosphere. ‘Secrets of the Sun’ takes viewers deep inside our nearest star culminating with a glimpse of the Sun’s ultimate fate.

Visit the gallery to view this highly sought after collection of signed, limited editions, which start at £350 www.artisangalleries.com

THE SPIRIT OF FILM The super-premium Ketel One vodka has partnered with Future Shorts to present The Spirit of Film, a celebration of the skills and craftsmanship of short film-making. The evening will be held at Riverside Studios in London on 6 May – so make sure to book in advance. It will kick off with an hour of pioneering short films followed a number of vodka master classes where you can learn about the story behind the hand-crafted, distinctive Ketel One vodka brand. Then, there will be an opportunity for some bespoke tuition from some of the UK’s top mixologists on how to create the ultimate Ketel One Vodka martini!

National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich are open: 10.00 - 17.00 daily Tickets: Adults: £6.00, children and concessions: £4.00 Family ticket: £16.00 (includes one adult plus three children or two adults plus two children)

www.nmm.ac.uk

Museums at Night 2010, Royal Observatory, Planetarium Show by Ruth Cobb

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM ‘Museums at Night’ is back in May, so put a date in the family diary in advance. Bigger than ever before, night owls can look forward to a weekend of ghostly goings on as museums and galleries across the UK unlock their doors for the annual after-hours celebrations. 14-16 May www.culture24.org.uk/museumsatnight

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LIFE IN ART Sarah Harvey’s paintings of figures underwater have a sensual, exotic quality. Referencing British artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Jenny Saville, her works have gained her a keen following amongst art collectors thanks to their other-worldly feel that is still carnal and sexually charged. The Pleasure Principle, her next exhibition, opens at the Sesame Gallery on Upper Street on 4 March. Until 8 April Sesame Gallery, 354 Upper St, London N1 020 7226 3300 www.sesameart.com

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LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

Covering The City, CANARY WHARF, DOCKLANDS & South East

Escape the city, In the city With seren park, greenwich

M a p PE D O u t Viewings using our agent detailed maps

Hot Properties check out this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest homes

KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales

Sugar House, City Quarter E1

Rose Cottage, St Katharine’s Dock E1W

High specification conversion flat on the edge of the City. A 2 bed apartment within a sympathetically restored & converted building just a few minutes walk from the square mile. Apartment benefits from a terrace, 24 hour concierge and the option of underground parking. 84 sq m (909 sq ft).

Unique end of terrace cottage with views over St Katharine’s Dock. Charming mews house in this very special location facing directly onto the marina. Lovely secluded walled garden, reception room opening onto a conservatory, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, separate garage 72 sq m (783 sq ft).

Leasehold 123 years

Freehold

Guide price: £814,950

Guide price: £810,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Victoria Wharf, Limehouse E14

Monza Building, Wapping E1W

Views to the River Thames and Limehouse Basin from private balconies. Spacious and light 2 bedroom apartment located on the first floor of well maintained gated development. Presented in good order. Porter and private parking. 90 sq m (969 sq ft). Leasehold 985 years Guide price: £575,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

2 bedroom flat with a balcony and leafy outlook through to Shadwell Basin. On the first floor of a striking contemporary building, a stylish flat in good order. Reception room with high ceilings and access to balcony, kitchen, en suite shower, bathroom, parking space, gas CH. 90 sq m (969 sq ft). Share of Freehold Guide price: £525,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Doughty Mews, Bloomsbury WC1

Gun Place, Wapping Lane E1W

Spacious two bedroom apartment set in this lovely Mews in Bloomsbury. This great apartment has a large open plan kitchen reception room, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, high ceilings, wooden floors, air conditioning and fully equipped.

Stylish and spacious 2nd floor one bedroom apartment set in this warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. This modern flat has a large fully fitted open plan kitchen reception room, spacious bathroom suite, double bedroom, wooden floors, communal terrace, porter and underground parking.

£475 per week

£330 per week

Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Towerside, Wapping High Street E1W Modern one bedroom apartment set on Wapping High Street and on the river. This furnished flat has a lovely open plan kitchen, modern bathroom suite, wooden floors, underground parking and private terrace with lovely south facing river views. Located on the 100 and D3 bus routes and with Wapping underground station due to be opening soon. £350 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

St Pancras Chambers, Euston Road NW1 An impressive selection of apartments set in this magnificent Grade 1 Listed development currently undergoing a £150 million refurbishment. This landmark development has to be the most convenient location for anyone travelling to and from Europe and offers a mixture of original period apartments and very contemporary units. Prices from £540 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Tower Walk, St Katharine’s Dock E1W 1LQ Substantial four bedroom house with dock views

Beautiful and substantial house situated over four floors accommodating two large reception rooms, a fully fitted kitchen, four large bedrooms, four bathrooms, two roof terraces, a private garage and stunning views of St Katharine’s Dock. This excellent family home is very unusual in this area and in a fantastic location, moments from Tower Hill and The City. £1,500 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848

Cinnabar Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Lovely riverside apartment situated on the third floor of this smart 24 hour portered development in west Wapping. Accommodating two double bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, fully fitted open plan kitchen and a large balcony with river views. £575 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Wapping High Street E1W Furnished three bedroom two bathroom house set in this central location in Wapping moments from the D3 and 100 bus route and the soon to be opened underground station. This bright house has an open plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors throughout, loft space, a lovely private garden and a secure parking space. £430 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Gun Place, Wapping Lane E1W Lovely newly refurbished studio apartment set in this portered warehouse conversion just off Wapping High Street. This beautifully present apartment has been completed refitted boasting a fully fitted kitchen, studio room with a pull down double bed, full modern bathroom, wooden floors with under floor heating, a private balcony and parking. Available furnished. £275 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Cormorant Lodge, St Katharine Dock E1W Beautifully presented two double bedroom two bathroom apartment with lovely views over the dock. In excess of 1000 sq ft this lovely apartment has been furnished to a high standard offering a good size reception room with access on to a private terrace, good size double bedrooms, two full bathrooms with showers, separate fitted kitchen, wooden floors, underground parking and great views. 24 Hour porter. £750 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Ontario Tower E14 We are pleased to offer studio apartment available to let. The apartment has been interior designed and offers more than you would expect from rented accommodation including. The Ontario Development offers two health spas, riverside pool, 24 hour concierge which is soon to be followed by a bar/restaurant and retail facility specifically for the residents of The Tower. £240 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

No. 1 West India Quay E14 An amazing high specification luxury two bedroom apartment in the brand new sought after West India Quay development. Lavishly interior designed. Must be seen. First to see will take. Available now, fully furnished. £625 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Anchorage Point E14 A fourth floor two bedroom apartment with two balconies and double aspect view towards Canary Wharf and the River Thames. Furnished, wooden floors, 24 hour porterage, use of swimming pool and gym. Available end of March. £375 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Milligan Street E14 Set just off Three Colt Street, Knight Frank are delighted to offer this three bedroom house situated in the heart of Canary Wharf and within close proximity of Westferry DLR. The house itself offers two double (master bedroom with ensuite) bedrooms and one single. Available Now. £450 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Concordia Wharf E14 Live life on the river in the wonderful two bedrooms, two bathroom third floor furnished apartment. The balcony offers River Views and the property is close to DLR stations for quick access to Canary Wharf and the City. Furnished. Available in February. £325 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Dundee Wharf E14

Boardwalk Place E14 Wonderful two bedroom penthouse situated on the top floor of a well maintained portered development. The apartment benefits from Canary Wharf & Marina views from all principal rooms as well as the private roof terrace. The property has been refurbished to a very high standard and is presented in superb order. The Jubilee Line and Canary Wharf DLR Station are both within a 7-8 minute walk. £650 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Eaton House E14

We are delighted to offer this spacious 7th floor apartment found in the ever popular Dundee Wharf. Boasting an extremely large reception which features amazing views across London and Canary Wharf. Being only five minutes walk to Canary Wharf this apartment offers modern living with all Canary Wharfs shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep. Parking, porter and free leisure facilities included, and is offered unfurnished.

An extremely spacious and light three bedroom apartment situated on the tenth floor of a premier portered development. Presented in good order throughout, the property profits from river views, porterage and underground parking. There is a spacious reception room with wood strip flooring and floor to ceiling windows giving views over the private gardens and the River Thames and a well appointed galley kitchen.

£775 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£895 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Port East Apartments E14 Within this Grade I listed warehouse apartment block we delighted to offer this duplex three double bedroom, three bathroom 1100 sq ft apartment. It boasts original wooden beam ceilings supported by the original pillars and girders, oak flooring and internal brick fascia walls. The block is conveniently located within easy reach of the DLR and Jubilee Line. £575 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ocean Wharf E14

Victoria Wharf E14 We are delighted to offer this impressive two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment. This apartment also includes a fantastic view across The River Thames which will be hard to beat in any property. The apartment is available from the end of March. Viewings are highly recommended to avoid any form of disappointment. £495 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Pan Peninsula E14

Superb two double bedroom apartment to rent in Ocean Wharf. Comprising of large reception/ dining room with access to balcony and direct river views over the Thames looking towards central London. Also open plan fully fitted modern kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second double bedroom and large guest bathroom. Development includes porter and parking.

Brand new studio suite available to let on the 27th floor of London’s tallest and most spectacular residential building. Offered on a fully furnished basis the accommodating comprises of separate living and sleeping areas, concealed kitchen and luxuriously appointed bathroom. Pan Peninsula is situated witching walking distance of Canary Wharf.

£395 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£300 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

No. 1 West India Quay E14

Orion Point E14

A well presented one double bedroom, one bathroom furnished apartment. This apartment features floor to ceiling windows with views over Canary Wharf and the Dock. The block is conveniently located within easy reach of West India Quay DLR so access into Bank can be achieved within 15 minutes, with Canary Wharf Jubilee Line tube station close by.

An apartment set within the Odyssey development. Accommodation comprises of two large double bedrooms, two bathrooms (1 en-suite), reception area and fully fitted kitchen. Apartment also boasts a balcony with river views. Development includes 24 hour porter, gym and lift facilities. Transport into the City, Canary Wharf and Greenwich is easy with DLR and bus within 5 minutes walk.

£465 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£350 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Lumina Building E14

Langbourne Place E14

Knight Frank are proud to offer this well presented apartment available for rent within this modern development. Located within 10 minutes walk of Canary Wharf and transport links. The apartment consists of reception, semi open plan kitchen, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and a balcony giving views across the river and the City of London. The apartment also comes with a porter.

A two double bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, open plan reception, fully fitted kitchen, wooden floors throughout and 24 hour porter in a quiet riverside development. Available furnished. The development is on the tip of the Isle of Dogs, just a few minutes walk from Island Gardens DLR and close by is the clipper river boat service for easy commuting to the Wharf, the City and the rest of London.

£350 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£275 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

City Ofﬁce 020 7236 8398 city@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk

Wallside, Barbican, EC2Y Cliffords Inn, EC4

£2,000,000 Freehold £595,000 Leasehold This 5 bedroom house with roof terrace and garage offers an A superb 2 bedroom apartment in this popular block on the exceedingly rare opportunity to live in the heart of the City of western edge of the City, with a southerly aspect and beautiful London, and is in sight of the Barbican Centre. views over St Dunstan’s Church.

Banner Buildings, EC1Y Mitre Street, EC3

£1,000,000 Leasehold £399,950 Leasehold This stunning 3 bedroom penthouse is set over 2 floors and would A stunning two bedroom apartment with an abundance of natural be ideal for anyone wishing to entertain and impress. Its bright light on the third floor of this converted tea warehouse, away from reception room opens onto 2 roof terraces. busy traffic and adjacent to the Gherkin.

Dandridge House, E1 £520,000 Leasehold Werna House, EC3R £375,000 Leasehold Featherstone Street, EC1 £395,000 Leasehold Garden Walk, EC2 £390,000 Leasehold This well presented 2 bedroom apartment is set on the 2nd floor of Situated on the 2nd floor of a secure, modern portered building, An impressive apartment within this popular development a highly sought-after block in a modern lift-serviced development offering stylish contemporary accommodation on one floor offering a rare opportunity of a West-facing balcony. with its own street entrance and private car parking.

perty address

A smart contemporary apartment located comes in the heart of added this well-presented 1 bedroom apartment with the Shoreditch. Finished to a high standard the property enjoys access luxury of an allocated underground parking space. to a private balcony and a communal roof terrace.

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Hudson Building, E1 Upper Thames Street, EC4 Firstname Surname

£375,000 Leasehold £325,000 Leasehold This well-presented 2 bedroom flat is on the 2nd floor of a modern don House Department 01403 With easterly river262828 views towards Southwark and building with secure entry located Bridge just offand Brick Lane, Officesmart London House Department 01403 262828 additional basement storage, thisterrace. 5th floor apartment would shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com and benefi ts from a large private Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com make the ultimate City base or rental investment. Left Hand Page Footer

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Norfolk House, EC4V Barbican, EC2 Price on application

£280,000 Leasehold £565,000 Leasehold A recently refurbished studio within one of the City’s most exclusive Pricea on application This duplexbuildings. offers lovely view overopen the garden and the lake. The waterfront Studio room, plan kitchen, shower Freehold interior remains true to the Grade II listed heritage, with a smart Freehold room. modern kitchen and 60’s bathroom suite.

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Aragon Tower, SE8 SE1 Providence Square,

Pickfords Wharf, SE1 Axis Court, SE16

Luna House, SE16 Cayenne Court, SE1

New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £2,500,000 Share of Freehold Butlers & Colonial Wharf, SE1 £389,000 Leasehold

£499,950 Leasehold £585,000 Share of Freehold A two bedroom 25th and 26th floor riverside duplex apartment A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular within a Berkeley Homes development, having parking, concierge Providence Square development, having a terrace directly and views of Canary Wharf and The City. overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£2,500,000 Leasehold £585,000 Leasehold A stunning riverfront penthouse with views of Tower Bridge, the A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne City and Canary Wharf. This spectacular apartment has three Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony bedrooms, a mezzanine study and two parking spaces. from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£1,650,000 Leasehold £695,000 Leasehold A highly desirable 1830 sq ft penthouse apartment set over the top A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment 2 floors of this popular riverside block. Offered with 2 bedroom built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and suites, private courtyard & balcony. underground parking.

A spectacular example of modern architecture. Designed by A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & Mark Guard, this 2067 sq ft apartment offers one of the most portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located contemporary living experiences in London. in the heart of Shad Thames.

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Tunnel Wharf, SE16 Windsor Court, SE16

£649,000 Leasehold £395,000 Leasehold A river front two bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor, with direct An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom river views along the Thames, balcony and underground parking. apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from the balcony and parking.

The Cooperage, SE1 SE1 Bridgewalk Heights,

£965,000 Leasehold £465,000 Leasehold A superbly presented 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of Shad A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with Thames, having partial views of Tower Bridge. This top floor apartment en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London has an en-suite, porterage and parking. Bridge station.

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City Ofﬁce 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Assam Street, E1 EC2A Tabernacle Street,

£295 per week £450 per week A spacious one bedroom apartment, immaculately furnished. Benefits A one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, contemporary from a resident’s gym, sauna and Jacuzzi and communal roof terrace kitchen and private terrace located in a former warehouse. with spectacular views. The development has 24 hour concierge.

Wormwood London Wall,Street, EC2MEC2

£440 per week £430 per week Two double bedroom apartment in this central city location, benefitting A two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City only moments from equal sized bedrooms, stylish furnishings and a Juliet balcony to Liverpool Street and Bank stations. The apartment benefits overlooking tennis courts and church. from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

Tabernacle Street, EC2 £450 per week Upper Thames Street, EC4 £625 per week St Marks Street, E1 £585 per week Trinity Square, EC3N £590 per week A super one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, A rare opportunity to rent a river facing apartment in this popular A three doublekitchen bedroom penthouse apartment arranged two contemporary and private terrace situated in thisover former levels providing bright living areacity with two balconies. Parking is warehouse. The aultimate in stylish living! available by separate negotiation.

A stunning twoRefurbished bedroom two duplex apartment with ts development. to abathroom high standard and further benefi panoramic views over Tower of London and the River Thames. from a communal roofthe terrace with river views.

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riverside development with concierge and impressive tropical Office House 01403 Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com OfficeLondon London HouseDepartment Department 01403262828 262828 atrium. Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

Price on Freehold Price on application application Smithfield area, overlooking pleasant gardens, situated in a Freehold Freehold portered mansion block between St Paul’s and Barbican.

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Lafone Street, SE1 SE16 Riverview Heights,

£735 per week £725 per week A unique two bedroom house arranged over four floors which has An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity been beautifully designed throughout with glass floored mezzanine to Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views, study, contemporary bathrooms, stylish kitchen. contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

Vanilla & Sesame Court, SE1 Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

£550 per week £800 per week A beautifully presented two bedroom apartment set in a warehouse A spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment conversion with private terrace, recently refurbished kitchen and with balcony offered in excellent order and arranged within a modern bathrooms. Contemporary furnishings throughout. prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £425 per week Vanilla & Sesame Court, SE1 £385 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 A charming one bedroom apartment situated close to Shad Thames A fantastic one bedroom apartment set within a warehouseper week A beautiful two bedroom bathroom apartment offered boasting period features, two balcony with direct dock and riverinviews. excellent order and boasting wood floors, exposed brick, small Parking by separate negotiation. balcony with river views and communal terrace. Furnished.

An exceptionally spacious two double apartment conversion in Shad Thames offered in bedroom immaculate order with two ensuite bathrooms and a guest cloakroom. Offered throughout. in excellent order throughout and boasting two balconies, allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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The Jam Factory, SE1 £385 per week Butlers Wharf, SE1 £325 per week The Circle, SE1 per week Merganser Court,setE1W £475 per week A spacious open plan one bedroom apartment situated£380 on the 5th A fantastic studio apartment within the prestigious Butlers

floor a prestigious development, theroom Hartlys Jam Factory. A oneofbedroom apartment boastingformerly reception with wood This fantastic property boasts wood floors and modern bathroom. floors and balcony overlooking pretty communal garden. Situated in the heart of Shad Thames. Furnished.

Wharf building boasts 24 hour porterage. Beautifully finished A beautiful onewhich bedroom apartment boasting spacious throughout with wood floors. bedroom and reception room both with direct access to balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter. Furnished.

A network of offices - local, national and international.

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homes & property

LIFE IN THE CITY The heart of the City has always been a place for business rather than living, but all that is about to change with the arrival of The Heron

t’s a well known fact that living space in the Square Mile is extremely rare, with 350,000 workers by day and only 8,000 residents – but 2010 marks the start of change in the City. The first major new high-rise residential development in the City for a number of years, The Heron is set to deliver first-class luxury living in the centre of the world’s premier financial district. Within walking distance of the centre of the Square Mile, luxury and convenience are placed at the heart of this unique design. The Heron sits adjacent to the Barbican Centre on Silk Street within walking distance of Barbican, Moorgate and Liverpool Street tube stations, placing it at the very heart of the City of London. Apartments at The Heron will be the ultimate pied à terre, with unparalleled luxury living and superb views across London; perfect for a corporate crash pad, week-day apartment or a full time home for any City lover. The sleek and slender 36 storey tower will provide a collection of 284 highly specified apartments and penthouses with the highest ambitions of architecture and design. Something of an urban oasis, The Heron will sit above the City where residents and their guests will enjoy a landscaped roof garden where they can escape from the bustle below and unwind. In addition, a restaurant will be located on the ground floor of this premier development for the enjoyment of both residents and City workers. Not only a business and financial hub, The City of London has much more to offer its residents.

HERON INTERNATIONAL Heron International is a leading pan-European investment and property group with operations in the UK and Continental Europe. Headquartered in London, it is led by its Chief Executive, Gerald Ronson. Since it was founded, Heron International has developed 156 buildings in the key business districts of nine leading cities and has developed, invested in and managed a wide range of prime offices, residential, leisure, hotels and mixed-use projects in the UK and Europe. It currently has a £500 million investment portfolio and its current development programme is valued at £1.5 billion.

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Restaurants, bars and galleries are all hidden like gems in between the businesses and national landmarks associated with the area. History, trade, culture and the arts combine to provide Citydwellers with everything they could need, right on their doorstep. From landmarks such as the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral to the markets of Shoreditch and Spitalfields, the location of The Heron has something to offer everyone. Restaurants including Coq D’Argent, Smiths of Smithfield, The Don and Comptoir Gascon are just a short walk away and weekend markets at Borough and Brick Lane, the Museum of London, The Tower of London and The Globe theatre are all close by. The Heron is also adjacent to The Barbican Centre, home to the finest in international arts and culture, with a diverse programme of exhibitions, performing arts, concerts and cinema. The Heron development is also to provide a new home for the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, one of Europe’s leading conservatoires. The customdesigned, state-of-the-art performance, teaching and support space will be an additional facility for this world renowned School. It will accommodate a 608 seat concert hall, a 227 seat drama theatre, and a 126 seat studio theatre. The marketing suite is due to open in March 2010 For all enquiries visit www.theheron.co.uk or call Alan Selby & Partners LLP on 020 7519 5900 and King Sturge LLP on 020 7993 7399

GAR24693 Swaylands 210x297 AD:Layout 1 26/02/2010 10:42 Page 1

Your place in the country?

A WEEKEND PAD OR A STUNNING NEW HOME? Escape the stress of the city at Swaylands, whether you’re looking for a weekend pad or an individual home with space, style and character. • 2 and 3 bedroom homes of up to more than 3000 sq ft, some over multiple floors, in 1840s Swaylands House or newly built Drummond Hall and Woodgate Manor • 40 acres of private landscaped grounds in an elevated setting on the Kentish Weald with stunning views over beautiful countryside • Balconies or terraces to most properties for fabulous al-fresco living A AM PL

I ITUDO V

SWAYLANDS PENSHURST . KENT

• Close to vibrant Tunbridge Wells with its cultural life, restaurants, bars and quality shopping • Village pubs, country walks, horse riding and sailing all close at hand • Loosen up in the residents’ gym or on the tennis court

Prices from £440,000 to £1.225m Our marketing suite and showhome are open daily from 10am-5pm. Call us on 01892 871529, email us at sales@swaylands-penshurst.co.uk or visit www.swaylands-penshurst.co.uk to discover more about these exceptional homes.

homes & property

SPENCERS OPEN NEW CITY OFFICE With a network of seven offices in East London and Essex, Spencers Property Services adds a new City office to the fold, unveils a new corporate image and is offering to sell or manage your property free of charge

n the current economic climate not many estate agents are expanding. Indeed, it is well documented that many have either shut offices or shut down. However, independent agents Spencers Property Services are bucking that trend as they announce the opening of their new City office in ultra-trendy Spitalfields. It is the seventh in their network of offices which have been trading since 1992, the others being in Woodford, Walthamstow, Leyton, Ilford, Forest Gate and Bethnal Green. Managing director Alan Spencer comments: “Despite the downturn in the residential property market over the last few years, our expertise and local experience of operating in difficult markets has resulted in an increase in turnover in 2008 and 2009. Our staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve this and they deserve a great deal of credit.” Generally recognised as one of the leading agents in East London and Essex, the new City office will compliment Spencers’ successful Bethnal Green branch. In keeping with the company’s practice of promoting from within, Valeria Rossi has been promoted to area manager and will launch the new office. However, she will retain her interest in Bethnal Green and maintain contact with our clients in that area. Associate director Keith Cross says, “minimal staff turnover is critical. No client wants to speak to a different person every time they contact us.

Likewise our employees are more motivated when they see a career path and their colleagues being rewarded for loyalty and hard work”. Not content with just opening a new office, Spencers has also decided to drop their familiar stripes and completely rebrand. Director Roger Spencer explains; “Whilst the old image was very well known, we felt it was time for a change. We deal with a lot of high end quality property and we hope our new image reflects this.” As a special introductory offer to celebrate the launch of the new brand, Spencers’ offices in Woodford, Bethnal Green and the City are offering to sell your property for 0% (free of charge). This offer applies to all instructions received up to 1 May, 2010. The Bethnal Green and City offices are currently offering free property management too. Conditions do apply so please contact the participating offices for details. n For further information, visit the new website at www. spencersproperty.co.uk or participating offices for details. City 020 7247 2472 city@spencersproperty.co.uk Bethnal Green 020 7729 5222 bethnalgreen@spencersproperty.co.uk Woodford 020 8559 2110 woodford@spencersproperty.co.uk

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Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Letting â&#x20AC;˘ Property Management

to sell or manage your property*

*Offer applies to City and Bethnal Green Offices only.

Terms and conditions apply full details available upon request.

City Office: 13 Artillery Passage E1 7LJ

T: 020 7247 2472

Also at: Bethnal Green: 020 7729 5222 Woodford: 020 8559 2110 Walthamstow: 020 8520 5255

www.spencersproperty.co.uk

Wapping, E1W

Victoria, SW1

Islington, N1

£250 PW

£1,000 PW

£305 PW

• • • •

Studio Apartment Private Gated Development Close to Narrow Street Private Balcony

• • • •

4 bedroom apartment Set within period building Refurbished Walking distance to Victoria

• • • •

One Bedroom Apartment Set within former warehouse High Ceilings Fantastic location

Waterson Street, E2

Lafone Street, SE1

Tooley Street, SE1

£395 PW

£750 PW

• • • •

Two Bedroom New Apartment Block Luxury Finish Contemporary Furnishings

• • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment Stylish Interior Design Furnished to high Specification Overlooking the Thames

• • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment Period Listed Building 1300 Sq. Feet Exceptional Roof Terrace

City of London, E1

The Grange, SE1

Belvedere Road, SE1

£1,500 PW

£249,950 Leasehold

£599,999 Leasehold

• • • •

Three Bedroom Apartment Three Bathroom Georgian Town House Luxury Fixtures and Fittings

• • • •

One Bedroom Apartment Popular Development Floor to Ceiling Windows Contemporary Fixtures

e: city@spencersproperty.co.uk

• • • •

The Property Ombudsman LETTTINGS LE

Two bedroom apartment Two bathrooms Prestigious development Fantastic location

Tenancy Deposit Scheme member

Leyton: 020 8539 3650 Ilford: 020 8518 5411 Forest Gate: 020 8555 5666

The Property Ombudsman SALES

OFT Approved code

ATTENTION LANDLORDS ! The 2010 Lettings rush is upon us We urgently require your property to satisfy unprecedented demand from City professionals Competitive rates Experienced personnel Call now, and speak to Lynn Greenfield Williams Lynch, 63 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF Tel 020 7940 9940 Fax 020 7940 9941 Email info@williamslynch.co.uk www.williamslynch.co.uk

The Landings - sT Lucia’s FinesT

The LasT chance To Buy WesT coasT BeachFronT FreehoLd... ever On the island’s best beach, the Landings is St Lucia’s only award winning 5 star beachfront development with unrestricted freehold ownership, complete with stunning private marina and wide range of first class amenities. Marina homes from US$550k ~ Beach homes from US$1.8m For a private showing, please visit www.thelandingsstlucia.com or contact us on 0845 2177851 or email: info@thelandingsstlucia.com

London's Finest Properties

LIF y tb

Idaho Building SE13

Atlanta SE13

• Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Swimming Pool & Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • 10mins Walk to Greenwich & Blackheath Common • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Swimming Pool & Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • 10mins Walk to Greenwich & Blackheath Common • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

£175 PW

£250 PW

by t Le

E LIF

Western Beach E16

• Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 4th Floor • Balcony • Secure Underground Parking • Nr. West Silvertown DLR

£355 PW

Gainsborough House, Canary Central, E14

• 5th floor 1 bed/1bath • Larger than average living space • Stunning views to Canada Square • Minutes from South Quay DLR • Concierge and on-site pool, gym and sauna

£289,950

The Landmark, Marsh Wall E14

Marina Heights E14

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 8th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR

• Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Large South Facing Balcony • Stunning Marina Views • Secure Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

£345 PW

£350 PW

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41 Millharbour, Canary Wharf, E14

• 2nd floor • Spacious 1 bed/2 bath apartment • Excellent order throughout • 24 hr concierge • Balcony with views over courtyard

£265,000

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

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Marmara Apartments E16 • Three Bedroom/Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr Royal Victoria DLR

£450 PW

IF L y ld b

New Providence Wharf, E14 • Immaculate 2 bed/2bath (one en-suite) apartment • Highly prestigious riverside development • Balcony with river views from all rooms • Exceptional level of specification

IF L y ld b

No 1 Pepys Street, E1

• Delightful 1 bed/1bath apartment • Highly desirable City location • Excellent condition throughout • Moments from Tower Hill tube and Fenchurch St • Porterage and parking

£365,000

£445,000

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

spRING 2010

Fourteen beautifully designed and elegant townhouses only a stones throw from Chislehurst Station, connecting you to the City, West End and beyond. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Knight Frank, Sevenoaks GIll lAMpREll

01732 744 470 gill.lamprell@knightfrank.com jdm, Chislehurst

lORRAINE GATwARd

deneterrace.com CityMagCW&LHMag_Chislehurst_HallwayAdCitySP_26.02.indd 1

020 8295 2505 lorraine@jdmonline.com

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Switzerland Switzerland Exclusive property for the smart investor Exclusive property for the smart investor

Crans Montana - Traditional Luxury Luxurious 3 bedroom apartments built in traditional Alpine style with old wood. All apartments have large south facing balconies, large open plan living area s with fireplaces, many feature Jacuzzis. Purchase Price from SFr. 1,440,000

Grindelwald - 5 Star Penthouse Luxury 3 Bedroom Penthouse set on two levels with 200m2 of living space in the centre of Grindelwald. Enjoy the luxury and privacy of your own residence with all the amenities of a top class hotel. Purchase Price from SFr. 2,475,000

Villars - Ski in Ski out! Bespoke 4 bedroom chalets located on the slopes. These chalets are built to your requirements in the highest quality materials by a local Swiss c halet builder and include open plan living area with fire place, fully fitted kitchen, sauna, jacuzzi, home cinema and garage. Prices from SFr. 2.75 Million

Lake Geneva - Secluded and spacious On the shores of Lake Geneva in a private setting overlooking the lake and the Alps. This property consists of beautiful beach style villa, a staff house and apartment on 3000m2 and has 7 bedrooms and private mooring for 2 boats. Price on request

For more information call +44 (0) 1845 597 795 and ask for Beat Hartmann www.hartmannsingleton.com

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BoConcept TCR · 158 Tottenham Court Road · London W1T 7NH · Tel. 0207 388 2447 · www.boconcept.co.uk

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18/1/10 11:55:25 18/02/10 8:25:53

Lamborghini Sevenoaks

Lamborghini Reading

92 London Road

Bennet Road

Sevenoaks

Reading

Kent

Berkshire

TN13 1BA

RG2 0QX

Tel 01732 430 039

Tel 0118 336 0116

www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com

www.lamborghini-reading.com

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

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, now available at Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading.

march 2010 FEBRUARY 2010

The best Italian in town.

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ENGINES AT THE READY the Formula 1 season begins

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59 29 Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading, part of Jardine Motors Group.

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travel gadgets motoring interiors property MARCH 2010 i s s u ue e 2 9