Vicinitee Magazine March 2011 by Runwild Media Group

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10/02/11

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m a r c h 2011

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

ALESSI IS MORE

The Italian designer on making business fun

OARS AT THE READY The annual Varsity Boat Race

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contents

interview feature

feature 10 Alessi is More A pepperpot as a status item? Josh Sims

speaks to Alberto Alessi about business and design

Richard Brown discusses whether money remains a limiting factor in the world of sport

comment

lberto Alessi draws deeply on his cigar and considers one of the most iconic products of the family company that takes his name: Philippe Starck’s Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, a totem for the designer kitchens that the Italian firm has helped to define. Unstable and imbalanced, as a lemon squeezer it leaves a lot to be desired. But as an object, as sculpture for your worktop, it is hard to beat. “I have never been overly concerned with that idea that form should always follow function,” he says, taking another puff. “If you’re creating a bottle opener, for example, in a market in which devices for doing that already exist, then the function of the opener actually becomes to provide a more beautiful version. If we were just animals, then function would be enough. But we have deeper needs. And, really, there are limits to form. If you ask me what a bowl – an object that been around for millennia – will look like towards the end of this century, I’m pretty sure it will look like those we have today. It will probably still be in porcelain too.” It may even be made by the company of which Alessi is head of design and, since his father Carlo died in 2009, effectively managing director. It, after all, may have been founded 80 years ago this year, but it is over the past 30 years that it has revolutionised our idea of what those everyday objects, ones that previously went ignored, might look like – grand and neo-classical, but also witty and fun. Fun is a word that Alberto Alessi uses more than your typical industrialist. Indeed, it is what he says has driven the company over recent decades, and which, at one point, drove a rift between him and his father. “About 15 years ago, I had a fight with him about the company’s direction – he was more into traditional design and thought I was far too radical. I wanted the company

Alessi is

17 A Question of Money and Sport

A pepper pot as a status item? Alberto Alessi has turned the industrial company that bears his family name into makers of the world’s quirkiest kitchenware. Here he talks design and business with Josh Sims

She Retraced

Her Steps

28 The King of Barter We speak to Miroma founder and CEO Marc Boyan

calibre 40 Style and Substance Does the Audi A7 Sportback sound the death knell of the executive saloon? Photography:

Ezra Patchett

42 Young Blood Volvo is working hard to appeal to younger owners but Matthew Carter isn’t convinced

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Peach lace halter neck ‘Cherie’ bra, £79, Myla, 0844 873 6111, www.myla.com White taffeta skirt, £3,575, Monique L’Huiller at Browns Hinde Street W1 020 7514 0056, www.brownsfashion.com Cream leather gloves, £400, Jasper Conran Couture , 36 Sackville Street W1 020 7292 9080, www.jasperconran.com

Pale pink bustier, £1,000, cream tiered skirt, £4,450, Jasper Conran as before Chiffon net and chain necklace, £495, Lanvin at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, 020 7235 5000

48 Oars at the Ready

travel connoisseur

Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 157th annual Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Boat Race

concierge 58 She Retraced Her Steps High fashion and beautiful dresses in creams, pastels and pinks

Come fly

with me...

Beverley Byrne explores all that the Goodwood Hotel has to offer: from motor racing and flying planes to fine dining and indulging, there is something for everyone

65 The Wedding The best ways to make your wedding exactly as you dreamt it would be

connoisseur 86 Restored Confidence In Tuscany Kate Harrison discovers a rural Tuscan idyll with a 21st century twist

96 Come Fly With Me Beverley Byrne explores all that Goodwood Hotel has to offer

to be more about fun. And you have to remember that at heart it is really a metal-working company, a bit grey and sad,” the 65-year-old says. “Did the company need the fun? I don’t know. But I do think play is fundamental to business activity. And I know that when the company started out, there were maybe 30 others in a similar field. And now there is just us. Perhaps it saved us. Production costs with average industrial products are just so high that competition is impossible when the same item can be made in China for perhaps four times less.” Fun, it seems, is what has kept him going too. Although he says it was always inevitable that he would work for the family business – the traditions of such in Italy being so strong, he even refers to it as “an issue of destiny” – the realisation of the fact only hit Alberto when he was 18 and his father insisted he study economics. Headstrong, he insisted on architecture. Between them, they compromised on law. “What did I learn from my studies? Probably nothing. At least nothing important,” he says. It did, however, underscore his desire for change, one he has translated into business success. Alessi’s big idea has been, as he explains it, to act more like a gallery curator or film producer; to tap into the world’s leading design talents – Starck, but also the likes of Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and Richard Sapper, even sculptors such as Salvador Dali and Gio Pomodoro – and organise that talent to create products that are understood by enough customers to make them viable. That pool is growing with increased general interest in design, even if it is, as he notes, not better educated. “There is a lot of bad design about,” he says. “And, in fact, that is only muddling understanding of what is good and bad design. There’s all the mass-media too, TV especially – that’s not a contribution to forming good taste.”

ith a big birthday looming, I’m treating the speed-mad man in my life to a suite at the Goodwood Hotel. He thinks he’s in for a night of celebratory indulgence: little does he suspect that this particular hotel is also the gateway to petrolhead heaven. Set in the heart of the Sussex Downs, Goodwood Hotel appears from the outside to be a pleasant 18th century coaching inn with glowing Georgian windows, promising a warm refuge for weary travellers. After circling the car park and salivating over a six-pack of sleek Alfa Romeos, a Ferrari or two plus the odd Porsche, we find that, behind the period façade, the rest of the hotel is unremittingly modern with a vast health club and spa. The bright reception area is populated by young, accommodating staff, one of whom, promising a pot of tea, shows us to our suite. A sumptuous lounge leading to a separate bedroom is decorated in restrained dove greys, well-executed watercolours and sumptuous curtains. Alongside mellow antique furnishings and enormous flat screen televisions, contemporary touches, such as a circular Perspex dining table and chairs, add a distinctive flourish. From the exquisitely fine linen to the huge wet room shower and mammoth sarcophagus bath (there’s even a recessed television with floating remote control – ideal for watching soaps whilst we soak), the quality throughout is incomparable. This suite is one of five designed by Cindy Leveson, a celebrated interior designer who is pioneering a programme of refurbishment throughout the hotel and the pleasure dome that is the Goodwood Estate. Circling Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond, the estate comprises the famous racecourse reputed to be the most beautiful in the world, an historic airfield and racing circuit, and two outstanding golf courses. It also holds all manner of sporting events and celebrations of Britain’s past and present, including the Festival of Speed, Glorious Goodwood and Vintage Goodwood. Since Goodwood has become synonymous with sybaritic pleasures connected with speed and style, its sporting past is naturally celebrated throughout the hotel. Over cocktails in the clubby atmosphere of the Richmond Arms Bar, we examine a fine collection of photographs featuring those motor racing heroes of the l950s and ‘60s who competed here. Until l966, the gruelling Goodwood nine-hour endurance races were held at the racing circuit that embraces the airfield built for the RAF during World War II. Later, as we dine in the Richmond Arms Restaurant, choosing from a menu featuring local organic produce sourced largely from the estate’s Home Farm, we notice an imposing modern mosaic featuring an iconic E-Type Jaguar gracing the courtyard outside. This modern artistic interpretation of an old classic seems to encapsulate everything Goodwood has to offer. As guests at the hotel, we are also eligible to dine at The Kennels, a private members’ clubhouse situated on the estate. Originally built for the hounds

of the third Duke of Richmond, this splendid building overlooking Goodwood House is, in effect, the ‘Golf Club’. Successfully combining contemporary art and furnishings with Georgian architecture, the Kennels represents the very antithesis of a stuffy clubhouse. Goodwood golfers are not required to adhere to a dress code and instead of the ubiquitous ‘golf buggy,’ they swan round in jaunty, specially commissioned half-timbered vehicles featuring chintzy cushions and a built-in wicker champagne cooler. The man responsible for introducing these retro buggies – and the rest of Goodwood’s innovative reanimation – is Lord March. The son of the current Duke of Richmond, when he took over the 12,000 acre estate in the early ‘90s he was determined to bring motor racing back to Goodwood. Gradually events that celebrate a passion for speed, inherited from his grandfather, Freddy March, have become an established part of the social calendar. It was his grandfather, the 9th Duke, a renowned amateur racer and aircraft engineer, who helped the war effort by donating land to establish the airfield at Goodwood. Flight training has continued here for more than 70 years, and anyone with a passion for flying can take to the skies over the ravishing Sussex countryside. What birthday boy is not expecting is a flight experience in one of the Flying Schools’ five brand new state-of-the-art Cessna 172s Skyhawk aircraft. I’d originally intended to surprise him with a thrash round the track where his motorsport heroes had raced. But, as Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and chums have taken it over for the day, it’s closed to the public. Still, my partner is over the moon when he realises he’ll be taking off on Goodwood airfield’s grassy runway, alongside an instructor, and circling over the glorious Sussex countryside. I’m no Amy Johnson, so while he’s achieving the ambition of a lifetime, I head back to the hotel to indulge in a spot of cosseting and culture. A wallow in the health club and a relaxing massage in the Waterbeach Spa are followed by a tour of Goodwood House. The early Dukes of Richmond chose this country property to showcase their art collection, which includes paintings by Van Dyck, Lely, Stubbs and a pair of exquisite Canalettos. It seems the family has always valued excellence, and it obviously remains the yardstick by which the entire Goodwood Estate is still measured. Goodwood Hotel is more, much more than a supremely luxurious place to stay. Whatever your interests, be it motor racing, horse racing, flying, golf or simply being pampered, the hotel lies at the heart of it all. By simply booking in, we’ve effectively become members of the most exclusive clubs in the country, and that’s what makes Goodwood so glorious. Just ask birthday boy – he’s still on cloud nine. n For more information on Goodwood Hotel and the Goodwood experiences, visit www.goodwood.co.uk 01243 775537 Flight experiences in the Cessna Skyhawks start at £119 per person.

103

regulars 8 editor’s letter

81 health & fitness

47 sport

85 travel

50 gadgets

99 food & drink

57 fashion

105 out and about

75 interiors

107 property

GUNS CLOTHING ACCESSORIES WWW.PURDEY.COM 020 7499 1801

contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Annabel Harrison

Editorial Assistant Richard Brown

Fashion Editor 1. 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.

2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist

Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Head Designer Hiren Chandarana

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

Senior Designers

3. 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.

Technical Designer

4. 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.

5. Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor

with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises sponsored art competitions offering attractive prize money and judged by distiguished artists.

Dalton Butler Laddawan Juhong Daniel Harris

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Senior Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

6. 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.

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

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

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from the editor...

March

elcome to the March edition of Vicinitee magazine. Spring is in the air, paving the way for lighter days and a fresh new season. This month’s issue is packed with all the latest trends, interviews, news and events to inspire you this spring. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, finding the right gift to express your appreciation can be somewhat arduous so we’ve handpicked a selection of perfect presents to show her you really care. For those of you making holiday plans, our travel features explore two idyllic destinations well worth a visit. Kate Harrison explores one holiday estate that has given rural Tuscany a 21st century twist. The Castiglion, purchased by Massimo Ferragamo, is an 800 year old estate nestled in the slopes of the Val d’Orcia in Siena: this hideaway perfectly amalgamates privacy and community, relaxation and adventure, eating out and cooking in – all with effortless elegance. Further afield we look at the Gateway to New Dubai and discover the hidden treasures inside Ibn Battuta’s chest. If you’re keen to book a holiday that combines sheer luxury with ancient traditions, look no further than Mövenpick’s exclusive hotels, set to open this year. As the wedding season begins, you’ll find our wedding guide bursting with ideas to help you through the planning process: Elle Blakeman discusses the rules of engagement and a plethora of rings from which to choose, from the classic Tiffany ring to the rebel Stephen Webster, and Gabrielle Lane explores the long-standing significance of the wedding dress and the latest

stunning designs. Regardless of a bride-to-be’s preferences, the availability of excellent advisory services and exquisite high-end wedding gowns in London ensure that it’s not only Catherine Middleton who will look and feel like a princess on her special day. Richard Brown speaks to company founder and ultimate deal maker, Marc Boyan, whose barter company, Miroma, has earned a spot in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list for the third consecutive year. He finds out how Miroma differentiates itself from other media traders in the market and what the future holds. As the sporting season gets into full swing, Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 157th annual Boat Race, which pits the country’s two leading universities against each other along the River Thames. What started off as a friendly challenge between competing universities has, over the years, become one of the most quintessentially English features on the sporting calendar. Finally, don’t forget to check our March theme page for other forthcoming events and activities in and around Central London. For more information 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

Eren Ellwood Managing Director Runwild Media

Alessi is

interview

feature

feature interview

But Alessi’s second big idea has been to sweat the small, humble stuff; to give as much attention to the shape of a spoon, and all the other everyday objects we unconsciously develop a relationship with, as he might to the many collaborative projects that have seen the company also design cars, bathrooms, phones and watches. He goes further. It is in precisely the more humble objects that Alessi the company finds its competitive edge. While marketing-dominated mass production is killing “the poetry in little things”, as he poetically puts it, Alessi keeps offering consumers just that. More than that, he is prepared to sacrifice profit in its pursuit. “Of course, profit is essential to survive,” he concedes. “There’s no question about that. But it is not the most important issue and most mass-production companies don’t understand that. Before I’m an industrialist, I’m a human being who needs poetry. We all do. What we really do is commercial art. Like fashion, cinema, maybe even a rock concert, it’s the form of art addressed to a much wider audience. That means there

are limits to what we can do. Well, not what we can do, but what will be appreciated by our customers. If a product is not accessible, you don’t sell it. But we still make items even knowing they’re less accessible and will make less money, which sometimes other family members and employees don’t agree with.” Not that, as the growth of the Alessi company suggests, Alberto is more controversialist than industrialist. He is more, like his products, an unusual blend, if not of exciting form and necessary function, then hard business and left-field creativity. Take, for example, the ongoing jokey debate he has had with the designer Jasper Morrison, who has always insisted that his kitchenware come with a satin or brushed steel finish. Alessi knows that 70 per cent of sales of kitchenware can be accounted for by that with a mirror finish – in Milan, there is even an expression for it: ‘five cents more, but mirrored’. “The fact is that a polished finish makes something look more precious, more expensive, or at least that’s what most consumers think. It’s hard to ignore that,” Alessi says. “So we go for what is a typically Italian compromise: we make both.” n

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10/02/2011 09:48

BROADGaTE

Spring / Summer

events

Look forward to the wide range of events coming to Broadgate in the spring and summer season this year

citypromotion

Starting in May, 48 teams will compete in lunch hours and after work on the green in Exchange Square, being knocked out one by one until the finale in July. The Finals day is one of the big events on the City calendar when spectators get the chance to cheer on their team in the semi-finals, soon followed by the final. With a delicious barbeque, canapés and free flowing Champagne to toast the proceedings, this is not only the hottest competition in the City, attracting around 1,500 to the square, but also one of the hottest events of the year.

Ping pong returns to Broadgate Broadgate was transformed into a ping pong arena last July when it took part in City’s Ping London project. As

For more information please contact Caroline Dobson on 020 7265 2518 or email caroline.dobson@corneyandbarrow.com

part of the Cultural Olympiad Weekend, in celebration of

City Basketball, in aid of Kids Company

London’s 2012 Olympics, people challenged one another

Once again the City Basketball tournament will be taking

to friendly matches in the Broadgate Finsbury Avenue

place in the Broadgate Circle 1 – 3 August 2011. This year

Square as well as taking part in authentic summer leagues.

all proceeds raised will go to the London based childrens’

Players were encouraged to visit the nearby Gaucho

charity Kids Company.

restaurant to grab a bat and balls and enjoy the sport free

The tournament will be continuing the same format from

of charge at their leisure.

last year’s event over three days, with competition sessions

After the success of last year, 2011 will see the return of

taking place between 12 and 2pm and 4 and 8pm. There

Ping Pong with both friendly matches and pre-arranged

will be free play practice sessions throughout the day in-

league games popping up towards the end of March 2011

between competitions, alongside live performances and

on Exchange Square. The free play tables welcome all

entertainment. Stay tuned for more information on these.

ages and abilities to get involved in the fun whereas the

Kids Company was founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh

league matches allow individuals to get involved on a more competitive level.

in 1996 to provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable children and young people. Exceptionally vulnerable children not only negotiate

Anyone interested in playing in league games is welcome

significant challenges in their family homes but also face

to email arena@broadgateestates.co.uk for further details

immense threat within their neighbourhoods. Often they are exposed to relentless violence and many experience

City Beach Volleyball Championships You don’t need to go to the coast this summer to enjoy a fabulous day at the beach. On Friday 10 June 2011 you

chronic abuse. Kids Company never gives up on a child and does whatever it takes to return them to a safer childhood and positive future.

can join Action For Kids in the annual Beach Volleyball

Funds from the tournament will help this amazing charity to

Championships in Broadgate Circle. Fast-paced and

continue its vital work.

fun, this is a superb sport for spectators and players, so enter a team and put your sporting skills to the test – no

For more information about how to register or regarding

experience is necessary as training can be provided.

sponsorship opportunities, please email

To see our previous teams in action visit www.afk2010.co.uk.

suzie.curran@kidsco.org.uk or call 020 7202 2700

All funds raised will go towards Action For Kids, a national

For more information about Kids Company please visit their

charity helping disabled children, young people and their

website at www.kidsco.org

families achieve the most independent life possible. For more information or to enter a team email beach@actionforkids.org or call 020 8347 8111 Croquet League On the perfectly manicured lawn outside the Corney & Barrow wine bar, high above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station, lies the venue for the highly successful Corney & Barrow Golf Croquet League. The location on Exchange Square is perfect for soaking up the sun with a chilled glass of Champagne whilst watching City workers battle it out to become the number one croquet duo in the City.

12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR TEL: +44 (0) 20 3405 1437 EMAIL: bachet-jewellery@bachet.co.uk www.bachet-joaillier.com

current affairs

feature

A QUESTION of money and sport The boundaries dictating social class have changed and social mobility is on the up, but money, says Richard Brown, remains a limiting factor in the world of sport

t’s known as the ‘Game of Kings’, a sport traditionally reserved for royals and the rich, played by a handful of those belonging to the top echelon of the social strata. Nowadays, polo attracts an army of admirers, is played by more people than ever and at this summer’s Polo in the Park you’re as likely to bump into Peter Andre as Princess Anne. Originally the preserve of the working man, football, at the other end of the spectrum, was a sport whose players conventionally earned their crust labouring in mills and factories and whose fans came from the poor and deprived areas adjacent to their stadiums. 150 years after the official rules of the game were drawn up, fans find that Russian oligarchs and Middle Eastern princes sit at the helm of their clubs, that their idols are paid more in a week than they will earn in a year and that they themselves have been priced out of a game that is supposed to be prefaced by the word ‘beautiful.’ Demographics have changed in sport but one thing hasn’t: who plays what, how they do it and where, is intrinsically linked to one thing above all; money.

feature current affairs

Working-class supporters turned out in their thousands to watch 22 men kick a ball around a field. The low costs associated with football meant that it could be played as easily as it could be watched and the game’s popularity grew enormously in industrial towns, particularly in the north. Today, nine of the Premier League’s 20 teams are from traditional manufacturing cities in the north-west – Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Stoke and Wigan – a fact that can be considered less of an anomaly and more of a testament to football’s working class roots. Now clubs have gone corporate, football is a business and players are revered as gods, yet the media is keen to perpetuate the portrayal of our football idols as venerable working class heroes. Why else would sponsors find Wayne Rooney and John Terry so marketable? In Europe, rugby – the sport affectionately described as the ‘animals’ game played by gentlemen’ (the reverse of which, the saying goes, is football) – is split into rugby union and rugby league: a division that came about through a dispute over money. In 1895, the sport now known as rugby league split from rugby union over an argument about wages. Union wouldn’t agree to pay its players for the time they were required to take off work. The result was that only the elite and moneyed could afford to remain completely amateur. Rugby union became the sport of the middle and upper classes, played at public schools and universities, whereas rugby league turned into a game played by the working class, like football, proving particular popular in the industrial towns of north England. The north-south divide is still visible in the sport today. In tennis, time and money is required to maintain a court that can only ever entertain four players on any one occasion. In golf, 20 plus acres of natural landscape is required before money can be spent carving 18 holes from it. People then pay for the privilege of using it, having already

afforded clubs and shoes and trolleys and brollies and balls. Both sports, as a result, have remained middle class. Delineating a sport as upper class is even easier: typically they involve a horse; dressage, eventing, show jumping, jump racing, fox hunting and polo have all traditionally been the reserve of the elite. Again, the reason amounts to money. The costs implicated in owning a horse stretch far beyond the cost of the horse itself. A certain amount of disposable income is needed to satisfy stable and livery outlays, shoeing, transport and veterinary expenses, as well as kit, boots, pads and glove costs depending on the sport. In recent years, attempts have been made to modify the toffee-nosed image of polo. In the last decade, clubs have begun renting ponies for games at prices as low as £50 a chukka, Red Letter Days now organises a ‘Learn to Play Polo’ day and city businesses use corporate polo events as exercises in team building. Even so, the two biggest events in this summer’s polo calendar, the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park and Cartier International Day at Guards, will be attended by the richest and most beautiful in society. The roll-call may have changed – members of the traditional upper class are now joined by film stars, footballers and the paparazzi-hungry – but one thing will still unite all those in attendance: money, whether new or old. In sport nowadays, class is not so much a limiting factor. More people are attending universities, applying for scholarships and being recognised for their talent rather than their social standing. Class boundaries themselves have been blurred by a widening ‘middle’ class, a withering aristocracy and a new high society comprising growing numbers of the self-made super-rich. Money, on the other hand, is a limiting factor. You may be able to take part in a learn-to-play polo day for a couple of hundred quid or rent a pony for a chukka or two of arena polo for even less, but if you don’t have £100,000 burning a hole in your back pocket you can forget playing a season of the real thing. Then again, if you can ping a ball into the back of a net from 30 yards, you have nothing to despair. While there are no caps on wages in mass spectator sports, a player is free to earn in proportion to his ability to command an audience. In the poor man’s game, that’s mega bucks. n

INSPIRED BY NATURE.

DESIGNED FOR LIFE.

GERMAN LIFESTYLE EXHIBITION 23-25 BAKER STREET, LONDON 11 TH MARCH – 3 RD APRIL www.made-in-germany.co.uk

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21/02/2011 09:37

SHOPPING JUST FOR MUM Head to Canary Wharf this Mother’s Day for presents, pampering and delicious dining for the most important lady in your life

 Charbonnel et Walker

pink champagne hamper, £50

Charbonnel et Walker, Cabot Place 020 7512 9168

 Silver ring with chalcedony, £135



Pandora, Cabot Place 020 7987 9801



 Tiffany Twist collection, from £150 to £1,250

Tiffany & Co.,Cabot Place 020 7409 2790



 Grand luxe jewellery case in

turquoise jewel calf and beige suede, £495

Aspinal of London,Cabot Place 020 7719 0727



 Pink polka dot silk scarf, £49

Aspinal of London, Cabot Place 020 7719 0727

 Lime Basil & Mandarin cologne



100ml, £68

Jo Malone, Jubilee Place 0870 192 5391



 Mother’s Day limited edition friendship bracelet set, £175

Links of London, Jubilee Place 020 7519 1767



 Camilla bag, £245

L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place 020 7719 0090



 La Dame Blanche collection stud



earrings, £4,700

Montblanc, Canada Place 020 7719 1919

 Paradisiac pink pepperpod

Bath & shower, £17.50

Body lotion, £17.50

Bathing milk, £24.50

Molton Brown, Jubilee Place 020 7718 8761



TAKE HER OUT Once you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped, head to one of Canary Wharf’s many fantastic bars and restaurants to relax, refuel and rejuvenate Quadrato – modern, stylish, global The atmosphere of The Four Season’s restaurant is one of contemporary and refined, Italian style. Breakfast served on Sunday is between 8am and 11:00am and includes all the English and continental favourites as well as ‘energy’, à la carte and Japanese options. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant has spectacular views.

Westferry Circus, 020 7510 1999

Roka - weekend brunch, Japanese-style Head to ROKA for their renowned champagne brunch and toast yourselves, and your shopping. From 11.30am-3.30pm guests can indulge in an extensive menu featuring a variety of options including a selection of dishes from the counter as well as a choice served at table and all ultimately culminating in ROKA’s acclaimed dessert platters. ROKA in London and internationally brings a whole new dynamic to the ethos of the informal Japanese dining style, Izakaya and imparts all the atmosphere, energy and excitement of a large cosmopolitan city on both its cuisine and ambiance.

Quadrato

ROKA

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square, 020 7636 5228

Gaucho - riverside with an Argentine twist Gaucho boasts the largest Argentine wine listing outside the country itself and has compiled a series of tasting packages for anyone who wants to be entertained, educated or simply indulged. Perfect for wining and dining mothers who are partial to a glass or two of wine, the restaurant will also provide a bespoke service if you desire something a little more special. Westferry Circus, 020 7987 9494

Gaucho

The Parlour - cocktails and cosy booths Visit this striking bar and kitchen in The Park Pavilion for breakfast, brunch, lunch, light bites or dinner. Try the delicious skillet of gambas prawns with chilli, garlic and lime or this delightfully named, decadent dessert; old-fashioned knickerbocker glory. And whatever your mother enjoys to drink, with more than 40 wines, skinny cocktails and signature punch, she will be spoilt for choice.

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square, 0845 4680100

Getting to Canary Wharf:

THE parlour

Tube & DLR

Bus

Car

Thames Clipper

www.mycanarywharf.com

at weekends and bank holidays when you spend ÂŁ10 at any shop, cafĂŠ, bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf. Ask at point of purchase for a parking token. One token per visit, terms and conditions apply. For further information on parking call 020 7418 2752.

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24/02/2011 12:00

SHOPPING A Taste of Italy in Canary Wharf Head to Jamie’s Italian for a vibrant and versatile menu, fresh seasonal cooking and a few drinks with friends With a spring chill in the air and blue skies still a rarity, Canary Wharf has a wide range of restaurants with wonderfully warming dishes on offer and one of the jewels in its culinary crown is Jamie’s Italian. Now well into its second year and more passionate about food and service than ever, Jamie’s Italian showcases the chef’s famous Italian style and visitors can enjoy his trademark classic recipes and fresh quality ingredients. The delicious new menu for 2011 now includes pumpkin ravioli, rabbit ragu pappardelle (which you can try yourself at home using the recipe below) and chilli and mint lamb chops, as well as many old favourites. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will recommend the perfect choice of dish or drink to suit your mood, whether you’re after a glass of cool, crisp white wine and a plate of prawn linguine or a full-bodied red to contemplate Jamie’s famous flash steak. Later in the year, when the sun comes out and it’s time for alfresco dining, head to Jamie’s Italian to enjoy an evening on its large outdoor terrace. Perfect for informal client entertainment or lunch with friends, the terrace is open for full service seven days a week from 11.30am to 5pm. It is also available for private parties, making birthdays or celebrations that touch more special; for booking details and availability, just ask at reception. The restaurant has recently launched an online

Rabbit Ragu Pa

ppardelle

booking service so to reserve a table with the greatest of ease, visit www.jamieoliver.com/italian/canary-wharf to enjoy this spring ‘Italian style’. Jamie’s Italian Churchill Place, Canary Wharf 020 3002 5252 Opening times: Monday-Saturday: 11.30-11.00pm Sunday: 12.00-10.30pm

DON’T MISS... Don’t miss Jamie’s seasonal menu change for spring/ summer, arriving at Jamie’s Italian Canary Wharf in April

To make it at ho me follow Jamie’s recipe. ..

Ingredients:

150g pappardel le 180g rabbit 25g mascarpon e 25g juiced lem on 20g prosciutto 5g butter 10ml olive oil 20 ml cooking white wine 50 ml vegetable stock 5g pang retata 10g parmesan 2g parsley cres s

Fr y your rabbit off with some pa ncetta, diced vegetables of yo ur choice, bay le aves, sage, rosemar y, garlic, chilli and white wine then roast at 90 degrees fo r 18 hours. Heat oil and white wine in a pan and reduce by half Add rabbit and 50 ml of stock Add pasta, masca rpone, lemon ju ice and butter Cook the past a and sauce makin g sure it’s well combined Finish with lemon zest, parsley cres s, pang retata and a drizzle of olive oil!

arts&events Sports, Comedy, Dance & Art in

Canary Wharf

As spring is almost upon us, look no further than Canary Wharf for top quality entertainment

ISS CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC Soak up the atmosphere of a week of unbelievable squash action and pure competitiveness as many of the top ranking squash players contend for Professional Squash Association (PSA) world ranking points and to win the capital’s prestigious tournament, the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic. World No 2 and Commonwealth Champion Nick Matthew returns to defend his 2010 crown with stiff competition from World No 1 Ramy Ashour, former winner and fellow countryman James Wilstrop and a wealth of other international squash stars. With corporate hospitality packages available and dining opportunities in the hospitality gallery, East Wintergarden is the place to be this March.

CANARY WHARF COMEDY CLUB Featuring* Imran Yusuf, Ninia Benjamin, Patrick Monahan, Abandoman and Hal Cruttenden Looking for a night of raucous comedy? Then join us for a veritable feast of established comedians and rising stars. Well-loved improviser Patrick Monahan is joined by newcomer Imran Yusuf, Imran Yusuf renowned for his stinging street-slang and sharp suits. Having catapulted to stardom as one third of BBC3’s 3 Non-Blondes, we welcome Ninia Benjamin to our Comedy Club hall of fame and, rounding off the night, we have the accomplished Hal Cruttenden plus Abandoman, a three man hip-hop group who create hilarious, off-the-cuff musical sketches at lightning speed.

Tuesday 15 March, 7.15pm, doors at 6.30pm East Wintergarden, Bank Street Canary Wharf Monday 21 – Friday 25 March Doors opening and match times vary East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf Tickets £15-45 Visit Ticketmaster.co.uk, call 0844 847 2419 (booking fee applies) On the door, subject to availability. Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

Tickets £15 Visit ticketweb.co.uk, call 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies) On the door, subject to availability. Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed. *Line up correct at time of press. mycanarywharf.com

canarywharfsquash.com Ninia Benjamin

Viva La Dance!

The second in our Viva la Dance! series brings a touch of Buenos Aires to Canary Wharf as Tango night celebrates the steamy and passionate dance of South America. Join a taster session and learn a routine from the professionals on hand, then dance the night away to the live music – all levels of dancer welcome.

Thursday 7 April, 6.30pm East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street Canary Wharf £8.50 (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival) Visit ticketweb.co.uk, call 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies) On the door, subject to availability. Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

PUBLIC ART Sculpture In The Workplace Charles Hadcock makes sculptures from cast iron, large and heavy industrial forms that seem to defy gravity. His sculptural vocabulary is based in music and poetry (the pause or break found in both art forms), as well as in mathematics and finely-tuned engineering. He also embraces natural forms, the eroded surfaces of rock faces and the fossils found within them, made new by unlikely combinations of disparate parts. Naturally monumental or architectural, his vision for sculpture is large and ambitious. However, his eye for detail and finish is such that minute scrutiny is as rewarding as the sight of towering and deceptively light works of art that balance in fragile equilibrium. In addition to works exhibited in Jubilee Park, one of the largest sculptures will be placed on the dockside promenade near East Wintergarden.

21 March – 20 May Charles Hadcock: New and Revisited Sculptures Jubilee Park Open daily

window galleries The Art, Design & Lightbox Window Galleries, located in Canada Place are showcases for up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople.

Francisca Prieto Until 25 March

Chilean-born Francisca experiments with typography to create innovative artworks, with graphic elements in both 2D and 3D, giving each piece a rich narrative of its own. Her work appears in collections at the V&A Museum, Tate and the British Library.

blankproject.co.uk

Jo Thorne One of the most innovative hair accessory designers in wedding fashion, Jo’s pieces, highly desirable fragments of sustainable luxury that evoke a spirit of bygone elegance shot through with contemporary minimalist chic, are designed to be worn long after the main event.

jothorne.co.uk

Kathy Taylor Until 29 April

CAESURA V exhibited at Hatfield House, 2010

Links between London’s Docklands, the East India Company, and postcolonial culture are explored in Kathy Taylor’s work. Questioning what it means to be British, with the traces and stains of an imperial past, her installation in the window gallery juxtaposes elements of grand historical narrative with the ordinary and the present day.

kathytaylor.co.uk

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interview personal finance human resources

marc boyan diy investing ................................. retirement

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

WAIT FOR WiFi NEARLY OVER

I Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s pledge to make London a “Wi-Fi hotspot” before the 2012 Olympics looks to be on track

n March 2007 Transport for London put out a tender for a six-month trial of mobile phone technology on the Waterloo and City line to determine whether it was viable for mobile phone coverage to exist across the London Underground. Although there are no technical reasons why coverage cannot extend below ground, the cost of providing a signal in the deep Victorian tunnels has meant the project remains commercially unfeasible. Owners of a smart phone, however, may be able to enjoy underground communication later this year thanks to a WiFi

trial being piloted at Charing Cross. The six-month test, began last November and financed entirely by BT, allows commuters to access the internet on the Northern and Bakerloo line platforms and in the ticket hall at the station. The service is free for BT customers and customers of O2, Tesco Mobile, Vodafone and Orange as long as they have minutes in their contracts. If the trial is successful, WiFi will be rolled out across the rest of the Underground, meaning that smart phone users can receive data and check their emails wherever they are on the tube. n

The King of

Barter

With year-on-year sales growth of 96 per cent from 2007 to 2010, Miroma has featured in the last three The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 lists. Richard Brown speaks to company founder and ultimate international deal maker, Marc Boyan

interview

arc Boyan always knew he would make money. Like all great entrepreneurs, he started early, negotiating the exchange of commonly held football stickers for rarer, more valued ones in his primary school playground. At university, he launched his own student club night to huge success before being employed to head up sales, events, and promotions for global promoter Martin Goldsmith. In 2002, having created the marketing procurement function of Consensus Business Group, Marc decided it was time to set up his own company. Media barter company Miroma was born, and Marc has never looked back. Miroma is a corporate barter company specialising in media trading. Could you explain what a media barter company does? In essence, we enable companies to use their products as part payment for advertising. A client such as Ryanair, for example, may want to run a million pound ad campaign. What we do is enable them to pay half the cost in cash, and half the cost with their flights. So, for them, whatever the margin of those flights is, that’s what they’re saving in advertising costs. We would then take the flights and sell them within our closed network, or trade to media owners for media space.

“I’ve always bartered, even as a child. In the playground it was football stickers. I’d swap stickers of Kevin Keegan for rarer ones like John Barnes.”

The media barter industry is expected to enjoy a turnover of £125 million this year. What differentiates Miroma from other media traders in the market? We’ve revolutionised the business for all parties involved. We offer bespoke event management services and we’re the first barter company to introduce risk-free trading. But what also differentiates us is what we do with the product. Most barter companies are interested in just the advertising and media side; for us, it’s also about the product and what we can do with it. For example, we may get a car and have it driven by a Premiership footballer or a famous movie star. All these options are a space to generate advertising coverage through things like product placement. You attended the University of London. How has what you learnt helped your career? It hasn’t. I’m the worst man manager and I’m disorganised. I can read company accounts but that’s about it. It didn’t do any harm, but I wouldn’t say university is essential. Before Miroma, you worked in the events and promotion sector. What made you want to get into the barter industry? To be honest, it was something I sort of fell into. I’d work for Martin Goldsmith before, organising events and promotions. We did some work with a barter company that wanted to do a deal that involved payment in not just cash, but goods and services. It got me interested in the bartering market and I learnt a little bit more about the company and ended up working for them. Did you know you would be a success in the industry? No, but I’ve always bartered, even as a child.

comment

In the playground, it was football stickers. I’d swap stickers of Kevin Keegan for rarer ones like John Barnes. For the third consecutive year Miroma has earned a spot in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100. When you established the company, did you anticipate it would do so well? No. We started the business as a small sort of trading shop, and looked at it as something we could possibly expand. Miroma received quite a bit of negativity when it first launched because people had had bad experiences of barter in the past. We created something that offered a new twist, but didn’t know how many clients would take us up. Luckily, the last three or four years have been great for us. We’ve expanded into other countries and next month sees the launch of our Australian operation. In fact, we are up 100 per cent again this year. How much does the recession affect your business? Because of the recession sales are down, so companies are low on cash and finding it hard to pay for advertising, but they have more products that they’re able to trade. We go in and enable them to advertise through part cash, part product payments. The recession has helped us. It has got us through doors that were closed to us before; it has got people thinking outside of the box because everyone needs to generate money, but at the same time save money. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in life? Not learning a language. It’s easy for us to expand into English speaking countries, but far more problematic to expand into foreign speaking ones. Business-wise, it would be great to speak French or Spanish. What qualities do you think are most essential in being a successful businessman or woman? Integrity. It’s all about saying you’re going to do something and actually doing it. You can promise something outrageous, but as long as you deliver it, you’ve retained integrity. In terms of personal finance, what do you think is the most important rule to live by? Enjoy what you earn. Enjoy life. It’s great saving, but you can’t take that with you. Can money buy you happiness? No, definitely not. It can make things easier, but it can’t buy you happiness. My father, his family, made a lot of money and lost it all when I was born, but things happen, and he’s still very happy. Money can create problems and it can increase stress. What does the future hold for Miroma? Expansion. We’ve expanded into Singapore and Asia, Australia is to follow and hopefully India after that. In the next four to five years we’re looking to become a £0.25 billion business. Miroma looks to be going global. Will you remain in London? That depends on what the Government does. n www.miroma.com

comment further education

Moving beyond the mother tongue In a world where trade and travel are conducted across countries and continents like never before, speaking more than one language is a valuable skill. Livemocha, the world’s largest language-learning social network, has partnered with Collins to make the learning process a lot less daunting

he ability to speak more than one language is an enviable string to have on your bow. While travelling, it can enhance your experience of a country’s culture and customs; in terms of personal development, possessing a second language can inspire confidence and self belief; and in an increasingly globalized world, business-wise, being bi-, tri- or multi-lingual will increase both your employment prospects and earning potential. Unfortunately, if the extent of your French extends only as far as “Je suis anglais” and if the only words you can recall from GSCE German are eins, zwei and drei, then the thought of learning a new language can be an intimidating one. Now, thanks to Livemocha, the prospect actually becomes rather appealing. The language learning social-media network has teamed up with Collins (the leading brand for bilingual dictionaries in Europe) to create a series of internet-based language learning courses. Fusing together the worlds of print and online social media, the programmes are an engaging resource designed to have users achieving conversational fluency in a foreign tongue in just six months. Livemocha, an innovative start up launched in 2007 in Seattle by Shirish Nadkarni and Krishnan Seshadrinathan, was founded with one basic goal: to teach everyone in the world a new language. In just three years, the company has become the world’s largest online language community, boasting nearly eight million members from 192 countries. Highlighting the demand for an enjoyable and collaborative approach to learning, the company continues to attract vast numbers of people looking to add to their vernacular skill set. The newly launched Collins Livemocha Active products are available in four different languages: French, Spanish, Italian, and German. The products are unique in that they use a

physical book package – which can be bought from major high street book retailers – to direct users first to the Livemocha networking site then to advise them on how to begin their languagelearning journey. The easy-to-use website gives users the opportunity to engage in a combination of learning tools at the same time as providing individual feedback from Livemocha experts. The real value of the service, though, is the company’s online community, whose obliging, nativespeaking members are constantly on hand to help users who are struggling to come to grips with a brand new vocabulary. It’s a new social approach to learning a language, and one that customers are finding cheaper than the range of software products currently on the market. “Livemocha’s new retail offering takes language learning into the digital age,” comments Michael Schutzler, the company’s CEO, pointing out how Livemocha is indeed keeping pace with its internet-savvy users. “Gone are the days when learning to speak another language meant huddling around your CD player and mindlessly reciting recorded phrases. The social networking aspect of Livemocha allows learners to get all the intellectual benefits of interactions with native speakers without the expense of travel.” Purchase a six month online course subscription and you will be instructed through videos, audio and a variety of interactive activities on how to complete 24 units of content that comprise over 100 hours of material. Whether you’re looking to improve your employment prospects, are planning on travelling the continent, or have simply always fancied learning a second, third or fourth language, the Livemocha Active Courses are designed to transform nervous novices into self-assured language specialists. n www.collinslanguage.com/livemocha

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14/02/2011 16:14

comment personal finance

The End of DIY Investing Martin Bamford discusses the European Commission’s proposed ban on execution only investment services We have long held the belief that many investors are perfectly capable of making their own investment decisions. The rise (and rise) of ‘execution-only’ investment platforms is testament to the growing popularity of this method of investing. Some investors choose to cut out the advisor on grounds of cost: there is inevitably a cost associated with financial advice, whether explicit or bundled into product charges that some investors would rather not pay. Other investors go down the DIY route because they want to be more involved in important investment decisions. Of course, many investors value independent financial advice and transact all of their investment arrangements through their advisor, with the benefit of advice on the right strategy, risk levels and funds. Investors who do go down the execution-only route without the benefit of advice may be unhappy to hear that DIY investing could be coming to an end. The European Commission has proposed a ban on execution-only investment services, arguing that investors struggle to deal with the ‘inherent complexity’ of managing own investments.

Outlining plans in their Mifid II consultation, the move would force investors to rely solely on Independent Financial Advisors in the future. The implementation of these proposals is by no means certain, so DIY investors will not see their investment account access shut off in the immediate future, but they do reflect a growing concern that investors can do more harm than good without the benefit of advice. The proposals from the European Commission go a step further than this, considering whether to make financial advice compulsory for all mortgage sales, or just for certain types of mortgage customer. As things stand, it is possible to arrange a mortgage with or without financial advice. Whilst we continue to support the right of investors and consumers in general to make their own decisions, these proposals do highlight an important issue. Without professional advice, it is all too easy to make terrible financial decisions. The risks associated with investing in an unsuitable investment fund or borrowing more than you can afford to repay, should interest rates go up in the future, are often not realised until it is too late. Rather than banning execution-only investment services or the ability to purchase mortgage products directly, an assessment of the knowledge and experience of the individual could represent a better form of protection from this potential self-harm. Here in the UK, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is toying with the idea of applying stricter regulation to financial products. This move could see fewer ‘toxic’ products available to investors in the first place, reducing the risk that they could get involved in those schemes the European Commission believes are inherently complex. Investors receive a great deal of protection when using the services of an Independent Financial Advisor. It should be up to the financial services sector to convince investors of the value of this protection, rather than Europe pushing through legislation to remove any choice in the matter. n

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

personal finance

comment

The Fight Against Inflation Dr David Kuo discusses the 40th anniversary of decimalisation and how best to combat the annual rise in inflation Politicians are uncomfortable with it, central bankers appear to be in denial over it and consumers are fretting about it. Suddenly inflation has gone from the elephant in the room that nobody wants to mention to the elephant pirouetting on a stool blaring out the “Star-Spangled Banner” at full belt. It just can’t be ignored anymore. Perhaps it is because many of us are not getting those inflation-beating pay rises to which we have become accustomed any more. Consequently, we are now more acutely aware of how expensive our weekly shop, high street shopping and meals in our local eaterie have become. The truth is, though, inflation has been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Last month, the UK celebrated the 40th anniversary of decimalisation. It may seem hard to believe, but it was 40 years ago since the first decimal coins dropped into the pockets, wallets and purses of UK consumers. Instead of 240 pennies to the pound, the introduction of decimalisation on 15 February 1971 meant that a pound would be divided into 100 pence. It was the beginning of the end of the crown, the half crown, the thrupenny bit, the bob and the tanner. At a superficial level, the pound is still looks like a pound, except for the shift from paper to metal. However, the same cannot be said of its purchasing power. In 1971, a pound would have bought three gallons of four-star petrol. Today, a pound would not even buy enough fuel to fill a two-pint milk carton. What’s more, at the current rate of inflation, a pound may only buy 20 teaspoons of fuel in 40 years time. Over the last 40 years, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of a pound to just 7.5 pence. In other words, today’s pound would only buy the equivalent of 1s 6d worth of goods in 1971. The damaging effects of inflation over a protracted period are easy for us to visualise because we are dealing with substantial numbers. However, inflation is whittling away at the purchasing power of our money continually.

An annual rate of inflation of five per cent, which may seem trivial, means that a basket of goods that cost £100 a year ago would cost £105 today. If you stick rigidly to spending £100, then you will have to accept that your basket will contain five per cent fewer items. Some of these destructive effects of inflation could have been avoided by saving money in interest-paying bank accounts. The average annual return of 8.3 per cent over 40 years would have turned £100 into a nominal sum of £2,427, which equates to £220 in real terms today. However, stock market investors would have fared much better. The same £100 invested in shares would have turned into £11,938 in nominal terms, which would effectively buy £1,028 worth of goods today. The reason as to why investing in shares has produced higher returns than cash is that businesses need to raise prices in line with inflation to survive. It would be pointless, for example, for an electricity company to hold energy prices in the face of rising raw material costs because it would not stay in business long if it did so. Similarly, bakers must respond to higher wheat prices, tyre makers must react to the cost of rubber and clothing manufacturers have to pass on higher cotton prices. You do not need to be as old as the hills to remember decimalisation. Many of us can still recall the day when a ten-bob note was worth a fortune. Truth is, in its day, it really was. The same cannot be said of the equivalent 50 pence coin today because inflation has eroded its value over time. However, none of us should idly sit back and allow inflation to eat away at our life savings. All of us can fight back against rising prices by ensuring that our long-term savings are properly invested in shares, which have trounced inflation in the past. The returns from those investments may fluctuate from year to year but over the next 40 years, the compound return on your investment should make the 50p in your pocket feel more like £5. n

Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

comment human resources

A matter of

Conf idence

Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, looks at how self-confidence can reap rewards Do you have ambitions that you want to pursue but, somehow, you can’t seem to find the confidence to start? Have you ever felt anxious when starting up an important conversation? We all lack confidence and composure at some time or another but the truth is that it can significantly impede your progress and stifle your creativity. The key in part is perception; how you see yourself is a reflection of how others perceive you. An appropriate level of realistic self-confidence can be a major attribute to success both personally and in business; selfassured individuals invariably have higher morale and appear more relaxed and composed in their daily life. They tend to be more popular and get noticed more than most, because they are more assertive and readily seem to achieve their goals. Put simply, when you feel confident you're on top of the world: you take everything in your stride with composure and triumph over adversity. Developing trust in your own abilities, qualities and judgement will build your confidence and lead to better networking and negotiating skills. One essential component of self-confidence is a complete acceptance of the consequences of a situation, be they good or bad. Once you stop dwelling on any potential negative consequences you will feel more confident because you will lose your fear of failure and that perceived sense of disapproval from others. You are then more likely to focus on the actual event, which means that your success and even enjoyment of that event become more likely. Clearly, there will always be factors affecting your selfconfidence, which may be beyond your control, but there are a number of measures you can take to bolster it. First and foremost, set yourself realistically attainable goals both in your working and private life. Be prepared to break them down into smaller tasks that allow you to incrementally reach them. Some people find it worthwhile to attach themselves to more experienced mentors who can advise and support them. Wherever possible, associate with those people who are positive, supportive and themselves brimming with confidence. Conversely, do your best to avoid those who you regard as critical, negative and draining. Confident, self-assured professionals tend to be multidimensional people who naturally possess a diverse sphere of interests. To this end, try not to confine yourself to the

limitations of your own career, industry and pastimes. Seek out new hobbies, read widely and perhaps revisit subjects you’ve scarcely considered since school or college. Provided it’s appropriate, at work always be prepared to lead and offer your opinion. Don’t be afraid to speak up and always attempt to sit in the front row where you can be readily seen and heard. Endeavouring to make yourself heard, at least once, in group discussions will lead you to develop your public speaking skills. Steer well clear of all gossip and be prepared to extend co-workers the benefit of the doubt. By willingly praising or complimenting others, you will be seen in a better light and, ultimately, your opinion and approval will become sought by those around you. However, there is a negative side to confidence; unfortunately, some people find it all too easy to swing to the opposite extreme of hubris and vanity so care should be taken to guard against over-confidence. Hubris is a particularly prevalent trait among those who enjoy positions of power, authority or influence. Those so affected are prone to grossly overestimating their own competence or capabilities and that can, in turn, lead to a most unpleasant style of dictatorial and insensitive management. Overconfidence can also imply pride and arrogance and is usually associated with the lack of humility which leads people to act in ways that, to an observer, often belies common sense. Disproportionate over-confidence can also lead to an excessive belief in one’s own importance and abilities, ultimately resulting in a most abrasive form of vanity, which is anything but endearing; ‘pride that goes before a fall’, as the popular phrase would have it. Experience and maturity are, of course, major contributors to self-confidence and, to a great extent, the older and wiser you are, the more comfortable you will become in accepting an unquestioned belief in your own ability. Life is far more rewarding when you approach it with a confident and optimistic attitude. Switch your mind to a more positive way of thinking and see how self-confidence can improve your relationships and leave you feeling fulfilled, more at ease with yourself and ready to take on an abundance of new opportunities. n

human resources

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Retirement and DRA Removal

Clare Murray discusses the removal of the right to force employees to retire at 65 The Government confirmed on 13 January 2011 that from 1 October 2011, employers will no longer be able to force employees to retire at 65, unless they are able to objectively justify having such a policy. To date, no such justification had been necessary where employers forced an employee to retire on or after his/her 65th birthday. Transitional arrangements have been put in place for phasing out the default retirement age (DRA), which allow employers to give notices of retirement up to 5 April, provided that the intended date of retirement falls before October. In effect, scrapping the DRA means that employers will have the choice between seeking to retain a compulsory retirement age by objectively justifying such a policy to be a “proportionate” way of achieving a “legitimate aim”; or having no compulsory retirement age and instead relying on one of the five other potentially fair reasons for dismissal (conduct, capability/qualifications, redundancy, breach of a statutory restriction, or “some other substantial reason”). For employers choosing to retain a compulsory retirement age, all indications from the Government are that objectively justifying this will be an uphill struggle. Examples of compulsory retirement ages having not been accepted as objectively justified include a maximum age for trainee football referees of 48, and an age limit for applications to become trainee air traffic controllers of 38. If employers do wish to go down this route, some “legitimate aims” that have been accepted by the courts on the facts of the specific cases, include succession and workforce planning, collegiality (i.e. not putting senior employees through the humiliating process of performance management) and, in

limited circumstances, increased costs. To establish that such an aim is “proportionate”, it will be essential that employers can evidence why that particular retirement age, be it 65 or 68, has been decided upon; explain why age and not another criterion (for example, competency tests) has been adopted; and lastly, to show that the policy has been applied consistently. For those employers who have no retirement age as of October this year, many will end up largely relying on “capability” as the potentially fair reason for dismissal. This may mean that employers will need to take a more rigorous approach to their performance procedures and appraisal systems in order to ensure that these are applied equally to all staff, including older employees. In addition, employers may want to think about promoting greater flexible working arrangements to accommodate the possibility of more requests from older workers. All employers, regardless of whether they go with option one or option two above, will need to start amending contracts of employment and staff handbooks to remove references to the DRA. In addition, benefit schemes containing “good leaver”/ “bad leaver” status that refer to retirement may need to be revised. Whilst the Government has heralded this as great news for older workers and as being of benefit to both the individual and wider economy, the decision has generally been met with less enthusiasm by business groups. It is felt by many employers that scrapping the DRA will lead to an increase in the number of claims for age discrimination and unfair dismissal. This does seem likely, although issuing a claim does not in itself guarantee success and discrimination claims are still difficult to win. There is no doubt, though, that older workers, inspired by Miriam O’Reilly’s recent successful age discrimination claim against the BBC, may feel they have little to lose by suing their employers if they are forcibly retired without good reason. Watch this space. n

Clare Murray is Managing Partner at specialist employment and partnership law firm CM Murray LLP. She can be contacted at clare.murray@cm-murray.com or 020 7718 0090. The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

Be Careful Where You Live Finding the right place to live can clearly be a challenge for a sportsperson. This is especially true when it comes to tax. Taxand, which describes itself as the world’s largest global organisation of tax advisers to multinational businesses, recently published research indicating that differing tax regimes operated by different countries can lead to huge variations in income. Some countries actually have preferential tax breaks for sportspeople. Switzerland, Brazil, China, Denmark and France all offer these privileges. The UK, you may not be surprised to learn after recent publicity, does not. An example is provided by Taxand of the difference between Switzerland and the UK. Assuming a gross income of €3 million (around £2.5 million), in Switzerland this would result in a net income for a sportsperson of €2.5 million (£2.14 million). The net result in the UK would be €1.5 million (£1.26 million). This is quite a staggering difference and perhaps goes somewhere towards explaining the remuneration offered to some Premier League players in the UK. In negotiations for footballers’ contracts, the question of tax jurisdiction must weigh heavily. A number of Formula One drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, have moved to Switzerland. Taxand has issued a helpful Global Guide to Tax for Sportspeople, that gives the lowdown on 17 different jurisdictions taking into account the whole picture of personal taxation, including residency, taxation levels, tax breaks for sportspeople and image rights licensing.

The Most Expensive Cities This is the time of year that many of the remuneration consultants release their cost of living data, comparing the relative costs of one city to another across the globe. It must be remembered that the figures produced are mostly representative of an expatriate lifestyle and pattern of consumption, as opposed to an indigenous resident. Nonetheless, recent figures released by the US company Xpatulator make interesting reading. The accolade for the most expensive city in the world remains with Tokyo for another year. It is 38 per cent more expensive than Rio de Janeiro, 36 per cent more expensive than Moscow, and 65 per cent more expensive than Doha. The Venezualan capital Caracas is the next most expensive city, followed by Hong Kong in third place. Hong King is second only to Tokyo for the cost of accommodation. Geneva is the fourth most expensive, and back to Japan again with Osaka in fifth place. Interestingly, cities in China do not appear anywhere near the top of the global costly city league, with Shanghai clocking in at 19 and Beijing way down the list with a ranking of 126. Xpatulator agrees with Barack Obama that this is likely to be because of the peg of the Yuan to the US dollar. In Europe, the most expensive cities are largely those not in the Euro zone: Geneva in first place is followed by Zurich in second, with Oslo and Moscow in third and fourth place respectively. London is ranked only 7th, with Paris at number eight. The cheapest city in Europe is Tirana in Albania.

The Forum for Expatriate Management is holding the Totally Expat Show on May 16 2011 at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London. Lead sponsors include Nat West Global Employee Banking, Xchanging GMS, Rosetta Stone, Fragomen, JAM HR, HSBC International, Interdean, Sterling Relocation, HCR Group and Equus Software. For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com

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

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT, THE FUTURE IS MOBILE Brian Friedman discusses the risk of talent shortage following the annual World Economic Forum report and its estimations concerning the job market

he Swiss town of Davos has an interesting history. For example, in the 19th century, it was regarded by doctors as the best place to recover from lung disease; Robert Louis Stevenson went there in 1880 to recover from TB. Nowadays, Davos is better known for hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF) every January, from which no self-respecting banker, politician, industrialist or celebrity should be absent. For this year’s event, the WEF, with the assistance of Boston Consulting Group, released a report entitled Global Talent Risk – Seven Responses, which contains some jaw-dropping findings. The main thrust of it is that, despite the current rate of unemployment being historically high in many parts of the developed world, there are severe “talent risks” – for which read ‘shortages’ – on the horizon. The WEF estimates that to sustain economic growth, the US will need to add more than 25 million workers by 2030 and Western Europe 45 million. But it will not only be the West that suffers. Believe it or not, China will suffer similar problems before long. The number of Chinese aged 60 and over is already 12.5 per cent of the nation’s population. By 2050, the current worker to senior citizen ratio of 10:1 will fall to 2.5 from 1. All G7 and BRIC countries, with the exception of India, will have more aged societies by 2050 than in 2011. At the same time, the WEF anticipates that 300 million new jobs are needed by 2015 to keep up with the growth in the pool of available labour globally. The problem is that many in the pool do not have the requisite skills and education. For example, only 25 per cent of Indian professionals and 20 per cent of Russians are regarded as employable by

multinationals. Even Germany is now concerned about the potential growing shortage of engineers. The report concludes that “talent mobility is inevitable” and that rates of migration will rise. Whilst its authors accept that elements of protectionism and xenophobia are currently very prevalent, they see this as short term and expect talented people to circulate more within both developed and developing countries. It believes that countries which put up the shutters to new migrants are likely to lose out in the end, because not only will companies need to brand themselves, but countries which will also need to do so, as the place to be employed in future. These sorts of conclusions will be music to the ears of the CBI and other industrial bodies who have been making similar points to the UK government. It does have to be said that David Cameron and his colleagues

are not alone in facing these challenges. Many countries in the developed world are faced with the democratic deficit of trying to explain that the relationship between immigration and unemployment is not at all straightforward. Human capital is now as important as financial capital for economic prosperity, and needs to be just as mobile. In the future, to be sure of being employed, you may well need to be prepared to move. n

Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded in 2008, the Forum already has over 4,000 members who collectively manage over one million expatriate moves. Members come from the leading blue-chip employers of international assignees both in the UK and globally.

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Audi a7 boat race ................................. latest & Greatest .....................................................................................

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TWO-WHEELED MEAN MACHINE

Ducati merged the worlds of power and style to bring us the 2011 Diavel. Now they present the bike in black, Diamond Black to be precise

hen Ducati unveiled the 2011 Diavel at the Milan International Motorcycle Expo last year, the allnew 162 horsepower, 456 pound monster stole the show. The Italian manufacturer had created a top-of-the-range sports bike that boasted the nimbleness of a naked street bike and the comfort of a cruiser. Powered by a Ducati Testastretta 11° engine developed from the race engines of Ducati Corse - the Diavel goes from 0 to 60mph in just 2.6 seconds. The bike’s front brakes use Brembo’s

powerful Monobloc callipers, accentuated by new integral alloy master cylinders, to deliver top performance while a specially engineered 240 section rear tyre and race-inspired chassis serve up mind-blowing handling. Having listened to the feedback of riders, Ducati then made a black edition. The black frame and body of the Diavel Diamond Black is enhanced by black anodised headlamps and lateral air intakes. Exhibited for the first time in January, the model became available at dealerships last month. n www.ducati.com

Style

Substance

It looks great and runs pretty well too. So, asks Matthew Carter, does this mean the Audi A7 Sportback is about to sound the death knell of the executive saloon?

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unny how attitudes change. A few years back, a hatchback was something rather mundane, a workmanlike Golf or Focus, a car with ‘practical’ as its middle name. Businessmen never drove hatchbacks. That was left to housewives taking the kids to school or heading for the supermarket car park. Nowadays, that’s all changed: mums use the upmarket 4x4s, while businessmen drive hatchbacks. Except, of course, they’d never call them hatchbacks. The Audi A7 is a case in point. It has four doors and a rear tailgate that lifts all the way up; it’s a hatchback. Except that Audi prefers to call it a Sportback, adding the slogan: “Executive transport with a new slant”. The A7 is yet another niche machine from Audi. It’s aimed at those who don’t want a dull saloon, but don’t need a huge estate, who fancy a little sporting style but still need four seats. That’s pretty precise targeting. Audi’s A7 – like the smaller A5 Sportback before it – is a four-door coupé in the style of the Mercedes CLS. And stylish it certainly is, especially when placed next to BMW’s take on the four-door coupé market – the 5 Series GT, a lumpy, frumpy machine. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the A7 is one of the most elegant cars on the road, especially from the side where frameless side windows and a swooping roofline give the back end more than a hint of classic Aston Martin DBS. The front aspect, though, is pretty blunt. The deep Audi grille makes it look like, er, every other modern Audi on the road: head on, you really need to know your cars to identify which is which. In a few respects, the A7 is something of a conundrum. It has the practicality of a hatchback – and with the rear seats folded, there’s a handy 1,390 litres of load space – but it only has four seats. Despite its coupé looks and the ‘sport’ in its name, the A7 is more grand tourer than sports car. But what a grand tourer. For once, Audi has got the ride absolutely right – though I was driving a top-of-the-range version with optional air suspension, which undoubtedly had a great deal to do with that. It also had the latest generation quattro four-wheel drive, which has a 60/40 bias in favour of the rear wheels. OK, it doesn’t enjoy the pure rear-wheel-drive dynamics of a BMW, but it does pretty well, and in icy or snowy conditions, it would fare a whole lot better than the Beemer. Steering feel, which is so often lacking in Audis, is better than normal in the A7, thanks in part to the standard adaptive dynamics, which allows the driver to set certain parameters for the suspension, steering weight and throttle

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response; in Dynamic mode, the A7 feels more alert than is usual in a big Audi. There’s ample punch from the 3.0-litre V6 diesel – 245 bhp – but there needs to be. Despite extensive use of aluminium in the body, this is no lightweight and its heft shows during spirited cross-country driving. Get the A7 on a smooth motorway, though, and it’s a very different story. With its standard seven-speed twin clutch automated manual gearbox (Audi calls it S tronic, VW calls it DSG), mile eating is the name of the game. As well as the compliant ride, smooth transmission and frugal engine – mpg in the mid-30s is perfectly possible without much effort, helped by the standard Stop/Start system – long-distance travel is made all the more bearable by the cabin. When it comes to car interiors, Audis are among the best. And with the A7, they’ve excelled themselves. Classy, elegant and beautifully made, the interior is a class apart. From the feel of the fixtures and fittings to the theatrical way the satnav screen emerges from the dashboard, this is a great place to be. This Audi is pretty well equipped as standard, with leather, a DAB radio, decent sound system, navigation and a power-operated boot lid all standard. But plunder the options and the price will quickly rise. The A7 is the first Audi to have a head-up display (£1,450 extra). You can also go for night vision display (£2,100), a better navigation system with 3D display (£1,175), ventilated massage front seats (£1,600) and a mega Bose stereo with a 14-speaker sound system. It sounds fantastic, but then you’d expect that for £6,000. Of course, you needn’t start at the top with the 3.0 diesel or petrol quattros (virtually identical in price at £49,790 and £49,860 IN BRIEF respectively). The entry-level point is a front drive A7 powered by a 204 bhp Car: version of the 3.0 diesel at £43,755 and, Audi A7 3.0TDI Quattro S-line in truth, it wants for little. Price: Essentially, the A7 is Audi at its best. £49,790 It’s good to drive, great to ride in and looks fantastic. It might be a niche product, but its style and panache places a large question mark over the next new Audi, due any day. That’s the A6 saloon, which shares much of its technical makeup with the A7, but none of its flair. It might be a ‘humble’ hatchback, but the A7 is the Audi to go for. n

Engine: 2,967 direct injection V6 diesel

Power: 245 hp Drive: Four-wheel drive

Blood

Volvo is working hard to appeal to younger owners. But Matthew Carter isn’t convinced that all their efforts will reap the right rewards

oing anything special in April? If not, why not head down to Mayrhofen in Austria for a week-long music and snow festival called Snowbombing? The organisers, who clearly don’t believe in modesty, call it the Greatest Show on Snow and a quick glance at some of the artists appearing will surely confirm that stance. Why, among the bands there’s The Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Summer Camp while among the DJs there’s Whole Sick, Skumkid & Moi and we mustn’t forget Rattus Rattus and Klose One (Urban Nerds). Sounds...unmissable. Volvo clearly thinks so. The Swedish brand, now under Chinese ownership, has handed over sufficient sponsorship cash to ensure this year’s event is known as Volvo Snowbombing 2011. According to the company, “Snowbombing, like Volvo, is a brand on the move and we share many similar values making the headline partnership an ideal match.” So dear old Auntie Volvo, purveyor of square-rigger estates to antique dealers, feels it needs to change its staid image. Fair enough, but is ‘getting down with the kids’ really the best way of going about it? I’d argue not, especially as the company is already doing a great deal to change that image. The new S60 and V60, for example, are Volvos with curves, and with the new R-Design versions, they even have sufficient style to tempt drivers away from their BMWs and Audis. In Volvo-speak, ‘S’ stands for saloon and ‘V’ means versatile, though as far as the V60 goes it’s not quite as versatile as it could be. Volvo calls the V60 a sportswagen and talks about its coupé-like styling, conveniently forgetting to mention that its boot space – surely the reason why people buy estates in the first place – is actually less than the ‘smaller’ V50. Still, if that’s the sacrifice needed to get a shapely Volvo, then so be it. Without a doubt the V60 is the best looking Volvo there has ever been with swooping lines, bold curves and a tapering rear end. The R-Design package adds an aggressive look quite unlike Volvos of old with a new front bumper, featuring a smart piano-black insert while the rear end has a new diffuser and twin exhaust pipes. The chassis has been lowered by 15 millimetres and

it’s been given stiffer springs, while the sporting image is completed by attractive 18 inch five spoke ‘diamond cut’ alloy wheels. Inside there are sports seats, a three spoke sporting steering wheel, aluminium sports pedals and – this is important – blue tinted instrument dials. You get the picture: this is a sporting Volvo ready to carry skis and snowboards rather than old wardrobes. Fortunately it drives with rather more spirit than a traditional Volvo, especially in top-of-the-range T6 AWD guise. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six-cylinder engine pumping out 304hp and driving all four wheels. The downside of a big petrol engine is that fuel economy and emission are hardly favourable and, as a result, most V60 will be smaller diesels. The most popular will probably be the D3, a 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel with 163hp and a hefty 400Nm of torque, but it is front wheel drive only. That alone means it’s not as fun to drive as a BMW 3-series Touring, though it will give the Audi A4 Avant a run for its money. And it beats both when it comes to interior ambiance. Audi is the master of clean, modern and practical cabins, but it now has a serious rival. More remarkably, despite the stiffer chassis and the big wheels, the V60 R-Design rides pretty well over our pockmarked roads. And while the chassis is not as taut as the BMW, a phalanx of electronic aides will make sure that the car will do its best to get you out of trouble if you try a little too hard, and the same goes for the raft of safety kit. Volvo is synonymous with safety, of course, and equipment like City Safety, which will take over the brakes if it feels a collision is imminent, really does move the game on. So it’s safe, good-looking, reasonably powerful in midrange diesel form and comfortable and while the boot isn’t huge, it’s okay for most occasions. In premium form it’s well equipped, too, with sat nav, leather and a DAB sound system as standard – though asking extra for Bluetooth phone connectivity is a bit cheeky on a car costing a couple of hundred quid short of £30,000. Whether fans of Skumkid & Moi will be prepared, or able, to spend that sort of money on a Volvo is another matter. I guess we’ll see when next year’s Snowbombing sponsorship deal is announced. n

motoring

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IN BRIEF Car: Volvo V60 D3 R-Design Premium Price: ÂŁ29,420 Engine: 1,998 five-cylinder diesel Power: 163 hp Drive: Front-wheel drive

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FERRARI ON ALL FOURS Matthew Carter investigates Ferrari’s first four-wheel drive – the Ferrari FF

s this the world’s most desirable estate car? It’s the Ferrari FF, the first production four-wheel drive car to wear a Prancing Horse badge, and the first Ferrari in a long time to have enough room for four adults and their luggage. To be launched at this month’s Geneva motor show, and due on sale shortly afterwards, the FF takes the place of the 612 Scaglietti 2+2 coupé as the family man’s Ferrari. Power comes from a newly developed 6.3-litre V12 pumping out a heady 650 bhp, enough for a claimed top speed of 208mph. Although having virtually identical dimensions to the outgoing coupé, the FF is clearly far better packaged. As well as four proper seats, it has a reasonable boot and folding rear seats to boost luggage space when needed. Designed, as ever, by Pininfarina, the FF shows some of the advances there have been in the six years or so since the 612 arrived. The FF is not only more powerful and notably faster, but it also uses less fuel, produces fewer emissions and weighs less, despite the addition of the four-wheel drive hardware. And the name? Ferrari says it refers to four-wheel drive and four seats, but there are those with long memories who wonder if it’s a tribute of sorts to the Jensen FF, the world’s first production four-wheel drive car. That was a hugely fast four-seater too. n

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SURF’S UP Running until 9 March, the Quiksilver Pro Surf event is the first stop of the 2011 ASP World Championship Tour. The meet brings the globe’s top-ranked surfers to Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Queensland Gold Coast. With prize money of US$425,000 at stake, expect to see all of surfing’s big guns in the water, including San Clemente’s Patrick Gudauskas and Brett Simpson of Huntington Beach, who both start their second season on tour at the event. 26 Febuary–9 March 2011 ASP World Tour Quiksilver Pro Surf www.aspworldtour.com

MEDIEVAL MAYHEM RARING TO GO After the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to the country’s political unrest, the 62nd FIA Formula One season will now kick off at Melbourne Park, Australia. The 2011 calendar consists of 19 rounds that will include the inaugural running of the Indian Grand Prix and conclude at Sao Paulo, Brazil, later in the year. Red Bull Racing will be looking to defend their 2010 Constructor’s Champions title, while Sebastian Vettel aims to

protect the Driver’s Champion crown. Stepping into the Formula One arena for the first time will be Paul di Resta, who replaces Vitantonio Liuzzi at Force India, Pastor Maldonado, who has signed for Williams, and Sergio Pérez, who partners Kamui Kobayashi at Sauber. 25 – 27 March 2011 The Australian Grand Prix www.formula1.com

ADRENALINE JUNKIES Last year’s Winter X Games Europe was the first Winter X Games event ever held outside the United States. For the second year running, the Games will wow crowds at Tignes, France, as more than 125 athletes take to the stage. The Games see the biggest names in extreme sports compete against each other on skis, snowboards and snowmobiles, displaying their skills on the resort’s slopes, pipes and freestyle arenas. The Games will host eight events and spectators can watch the jaw-dropping showmanship for free. 16–18 March 2011 Winter X Games Europe www.tignes.net

Shops in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will board up their windows and close for two days over Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday as the town is transformed into a huge playing field, three miles long and two miles wide. In an annual tradition that dates back to 1349, the Ashbourne Shrovetide Football match sees the ‘Up’ards’ – those born north of the Henmore Brook – take on the ‘Down’ards’ – born on the south side – in a battle that would have most health and safety officials pulling their hair out. The game starts at 2pm each day, when hundreds of opposing players attempt to bundle a ball towards goals at either end of the town. 8–9 March 2011 The Ashbourne Shrovetide Football Match

Say what?

I know nothing about racing and any money I put on a horse is a sort of insurance policy to prevent it winning.

Frank Stronach, founder of horse racing entertainment specialist Magna International, talking about his bad luck at the races

Oars at the

Ready

Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 157th annual Boat Race, which pits the country’s two leading universities against each other along the River Thames

hat started off as a friendly challenge between friends of competing universities has, over the years, become the most quintessentially English feature of the sporting calendar. Generally held on the last Saturday of every March at about 5pm, the University Boat Race pits the best rowers from the country’s two leading universities – Oxford and Cambridge – against each other over a fourmile, 374-yard route along the River Thames. It was in 1829 that Charles Merivale, a student at St John’s College Cambridge,

challenged his friend Charles Wordsworth, who studied at Oxford, to a race. They assembled crews and headed down to Henley-on-Thames, where they competed in the first Boat Race. Oxford came out on top, so Cambridge challenged them to a re-match and so the annual race was born. Since then, the race has moved upstream to West London. Kicking off in Putney, the route passes Hammersmith and Barnes, before finishing in Mortlake. Crews are formed of eight rowers, who must study at either the University of Oxford or of Cambridge to be eligible. Before the race, the clubs toss a coin to choose which

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with just a few hundred metres go. However, one of the oarsmen, Sebastian Mayer, suddenly collapsed from exhaustion, which allowed Oxford to row through to win by three-quarters of a length. Cambridge had yet more bad luck 18 years earlier when, in 1984, they managed to sink their boat before even taking the start line. The crew crashed into a station barge during the warm up and though they managed to start, Oxford went on to win. Last year, Cambridge came from behind to beat Oxford and win the race by one-and-ahalf lengths to extend their lead in the overall standings to 80–75 (there was one dead heat in 1877). Over the last 30 years, the race has seen each team dominate for a period of time. Oxford won a record-breaking nine of ten races in the 1980s and seven during the 2000s, while the light blues enjoyed the upper hand in the 1990s, winning seven in that period. Judging by this pattern, it’s Cambridge’s turn to dominate this decade. This year should see the most open race in years, as both teams are fielding largely inexperienced crews. Oxford has the more untested squad, with only one returning Blue in the form of president Ben Myers. Cambridge coach Steve Trapmore, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, meanwhile, has four experienced oarsmen to call upon with president Derek Rasmussen, Hardy Cubasch, Geoff Roth and George Nash all returning. However, this is Trapmore’s first year as coach in the Boat Race, while his Oxford counterpart Bowden can call upon 14 years of experience. Yet again, it’s impossible to pick a winner come 26 March, but that’s part of the Boat Race’s charm. n For more information visit www.theboatrace.org

Photography: Getty Images

side of the river they’ll start the race on. In most rowing regattas, this wouldn’t make too much difference, as each boat has a lane and they simply row in a straight line to the finish. However, this is where the boat race differs. The route follows the bends of the river and there are no lanes, so the side of the river in which you start is hugely important. The crew that starts on the north side of the river has the advantage on the first and last bend where the route is at its shortest, while the south side has the upper hand on the longer middle bend. Steering is an integral part of the Boat Race, then, which puts much of the pressure on the cox. This is the man or woman who sits at the front of the boat, facing their team of eight rowers and barking orders at them. It’s their job to compete with the other cox for the fastest current, which lies in the deepest part of the river. “I’m not sure if people realise just how difficult steering an eight is,” says Sean Bowden, coach of the Oxford University Boat team for the 14th successive year. “The boats are extremely expensive and our crew would rather stay dry. “The cox is in charge of steering, which isn’t easy to do, especially when the rudder’s not much bigger than half a playing card. There are no buoyed lanes in the boat race either, so you’ll need to know where the fastest line is. This is a combination of being on the inside of the bend and also where the stream is fastest.” The beauty of the Boat Race is that it’s usually a very close-run thing. The two crews will start off fast to ensure neither gains an advantage, and then try to crank up their stroke rate at just the right time to inch ahead. However, the race isn’t over until their nose crosses the line – just ask Cambridge. In 2002, the light blues looked to have the race sewn up as they led comfortably

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gadgets

Jamie Carter heads to Las Vegas to try out world-class gadgets at the Consumer Electronics Show

Tech’s high rollers gather in Las Vegas Every year after Christmas, the tech world gathers at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. No one is quite sure why Sin City is the venue, but showing off is second nature here, and that’s just what the likes of LG, Motorola, Sony and Samsung did under the tall shadows of the look-at-me mega-casino resorts of the Venetian, Paris, Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio. A hive of innovation, business and excess (from our three cab rides, two were forcibly in stretched limos), what happens at the CES dictates what will be on sale in your local Curry’s in a few years’ time – as well as being a chance for the world to see a first glimpse of products already rolling off production lines in East Asia, due in UK shops for Easter. This year it was all about tablet computers, with more than 80 shown along the 1.6 million square feet of CES 2011, as well as endless broadband and super-fast, 4G-connected devices, from TVs with Google TV and Skype, to fridges with a thermostat you can email if you want the temperature lowered for the ice cream you just bought. After 3DTV’s frosty welcome by consumers across the world in 2010, shop-ready ‘passive’ models were shown at

new gadgets Cinemin Slice iPad dock & Pico projector, £275 www.wowwee.com

the CES using glasses that cost ‘just a few dollars’ (rather than £100 a pair). A host of smart phones, TVs, camcorders, laptops and tablets were also unveiled, using 3D screens with no glasses required. Now that’s progress. Although the American organisers like to talk about the CES as the engine room of the domestic economy (chief organiser Gary Shapiro used the occasion to promote his new book about how silicon innovation can revive the US economy), the show is dominated by the big Japanese and Korean electronics brands like LG, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic. There’s even a huge hall dedicated to highly innovative Chinese engineering firms intent on becoming a supplier to, or an acquisition for, those big brands. It’s here we saw the majority of the PC tablets – only a tiny percentage of which will ever actually go on sale – as well as cleaning robots and artificially intelligent dinosaurs (don’t fret – it was only a model) flanked by thousands of humble iPad covers. For anyone interested in global commerce, let alone gadgets, the Las Vegas Convention Center once again acted as one of capitalism’s major barometers; and after the busiest CES for years (140,000 trade attended), the forecast is good.

Polaroid Polaprinter GL10 instant 3x4-inch mobile printer, £225 www.polaroid.com

gadgets

BETWEEN THE LINES After the success of the iPad in 2010, an onslaught of tablet computers was inevitable at this year’s CES. The top choice in Vegas was Motorola’s Xoom, a 10.1-inch touch screen that boasts a super-fast dual core processor, camera, 3G connectivity and widgets aplenty. It’s powered by Google’s brand new Android 3.0 operating system called Honeycomb, and I had a sneak preview of this in Las Vegas. With 3D Google maps, automatic multitasking and ever-changing virtual touch buttons, the Xoom can also be used as a gaming device and e-reader. Described as ‘literary telepathy’ at the product’s launch in Las Vegas, the system synchronises ‘flicker’ ebooks across all your mobile devices – you’ll never lose your page again.

Motorola Xoom 10.1-inch tablet with Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system, £750 www.motorola.com

DOCK SHOCK Always looking for somewhere to charge your iPhone? Earthquake’s nifty and colourful iQuake-52 consists of two speakers that happily sit either side of a TV, one of which has a built-in 200W amplifier and iPod dock that can charge and play the iPhone 4. A powerful iPod speaker, the iQuake-52 also makes an excellent TV sound system, with plenty of ins and outs to hook it up to a screen or a laptop if you want to sync with iTunes. There’s even an S-video out if you want to watch your iPhone’s videos on your TV. Available in a range of colours.

Earthquake iQuake-52, £335 www.earthquakesound.com

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

DITCH THE SPECS

Toshiba has a range of glassesfree gadgets at the CES, the most impressive of which was a prototype of a laptop that tracked the user’s eye movements to deliver tailormade 3D images without the need for special glasses. A665 uses lightweight NVIDIA 3D glasses and can even convert 2D video to 3D on-the-fly – and that includes your DVD collection. With a 3D Blu-ray disc player built in, the A665 could serve not only as the ultimate onthe-go 3D device, but also as your living room’s new disc spinner. Using active shutter 3D tech, the A665 is built around a second generation Intel Core i7 processor.

Buoyed by the success of the pocket-sized Flip video cameras and probably cursing its own lack of forethought, Sony used the CES to launch its Bloggie range of handheld HD cameras, one of which offers glasses-free 3D. Equipped with two tiny cameras to film separate images for each eye, the MHS-FS3 films in full HD, with footage played back on its 2.4-inch LCD screen viewable in 3D, or output to a 3DTV. It’s a great effect, but it’s not quite the only no-glasses 3D camera around; Fujifilm’s W3 camera also shoots both stills and video in 3D.

Toshiba Satellite A665 3D laptop, £1,300 www.toshiba.com

Panasonic TC-P65VT30 65-inch active shutter 3D plasma TV, price to be confirmed www.panasonic.co.uk

calibre

Sony MHS-FS3 Bloggie ‘glasses-free’ 3D HD camera, £160 www.sonystyle.com/bloggie www.earthquakesound.com

Gibson Firebird X with built-in effects pedal and self-tuner, £3,575 www.gibson.com

Samsung SSG-3700CR lightweight prescription-ready active shutter Bluetooth 3D glasses, price to be confirmed www.samsung.co.uk

fashion interiors feature

retracing her steps bathrooms ................................................................................ weddings . ..............

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WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone signs up as brand ambassador for Montegrappa, a year before the Italian pen manufacturer celebrates its centenary

n 2011, Sylvester Stallone, film maker, writer and star of the Oscar-winning Rocky series, will serve as a brand ambassador for Montegrappa, providing creative input for a new style of pens, and following in the footsteps of Formula One driver Jean Alesi. The Montegrappa-Stallone partnership is one of great integrity, dating back 15 years: with a passion for art and a seasoned collector’s eye, Stallone chose to ink a major contract with an ultra-rare version of the Montegrappa Gold Dragon Fountain Pen and has since been an aficionado and collector of the pens.

Montegrappa writing implements have been used by famed authors, including Ernest Hemingway and Paulo Coelho, as well as heads of state, royalty and international leaders in politics, business, sports and entertainment. Giuseppe Aquila, CEO of Montegrappa, commented that, “I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr Stallone on many occasions. He is much more than a friend: he is an icon and an artist and now, an integral part of Montegrappa’s distinguished history.” n www.montegrappa.com

Pretty in Pink

Say It with Pearls

A silk dressing gown in signature Agent Provocateur pink with black piping is a sophisticated choice for a stylish woman and, for the ultimate indulgence, the luxury lingerie label even has silk pyjamas to match.

Milleperle has the perfect range of pearls to make any Mother’s Day a truly special occasion. This silver bracelet set with freshwater pearls is a classic and timeless piece and an ideal complement to any outfit.

Classic pink silk gown, £250

Bracelet – white freshwater pearls set in silver, £180 8 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL 020 7621 1118 www.milleperle.co.uk

5 Royal Exchange Cornhill London EC3V 3LL 020 7623 0229 www.agentprovocateur.com

Happy Mother’s Day Visit The Royal Exchange this March, before Mothering Sunday on 3 April, to show your mother just how much she means to you

Pen Pal This finely crafted pen from Montblanc is a gift certain to delight. With a barrel and cap of sterling silver coated in a transparent lacquer, a diamond cap top and an 18 carat gold nib, with the Montblanc emblem for the hearthole, this is a fountain pen she will use forever. Montblanc Etoile Eternelle fountain pen, £1,425 10-11 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL 020 7929 4200 www.montblanc.com

Smelling of Roses Paul Smith is delighted to offer you Paul Smith Rose Eau de Parfum for Mother’s Day. Inspired by the spring and new growth, this distinctive perfume combines the delicate scent of rose with Turkish rose oil and green tea, on a base of cedarwood. Paul Smith Rose Eau de Parfum (100ml), £54 7 The Courtyard Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LQ 020 7626 4778 www.paulsmith.co.uk

Bath Bliss For the mother who deserves some pampering, Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing and refreshing bath. With distinctive citrus notes of lime, mandarin and bergamot, and revitalising basil and white thyme, this bath oil will be sure to delight even the most difficult of people to gift.

Flower Power

Lime Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil Glass Decanter (200ml), £52

White Jodie perforated leather bag, £395

24 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LP 0870 192 5131 www.jomalone.co.uk

Put a spring in someone’s step with a bag from the Lulu Guinness spring/summer collection. The white perforated leather and floral design is feminine, functional and stylish – a surefire hit to carry you into the summer season.

23 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LR 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

Hot Chocolates

Heaven Scent

Paul’s chocolate bars and filled truffles strike an indulgent note for Mother’s Day. Inspired by delicate floral smells and herbs, the bars are infused with geranium, rose and violet and decorated with crystallised rose and violet petals. The delicious truffles are flavoured with jasmine flower and green tea, lemon thyme caramel, honey and lavender, and passionfruit curd and rose water ganache.

Don’t miss Molton Brown’s latest addition to the Heavenly Gingerlily range – eau fraiche body fragrance. Drawing inspiration from the South Sea Islands, the scent is infused with patchouli, musk, ginger and cardamom, with delicate top notes of jasmine and tuberose. Heavenly Gingerlily eau fraiche (100ml), £31

All bars, from £4.50 Filled truffles, from £15 for a box of nine 20 Royal Exchange Threadneedle St London EC3V 3LP 020 7929 7007 www.paulayoung.co.uk

27 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LP 020 7621 8021 www.moltonbrown.co.uk

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

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

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

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

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

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

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

www.townhallhotel.com

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

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

15/1/10 09:49:00

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fashion

news

Ladies Love Leblas

A Lyte Delight There are few items which epitomise the timeless style of leather accessories as much as this season’s Eliza collection from Mayfair-based Thomas Lyte. The range of luxury leather bags includes an elegant yet practical tote and a sleek clutch in a rich colour palette of plum, mustard, cognac and black, all of which are handsome yet understated. Whilst butter soft suede and wheatsilk linings are quintessential finishing touches, the palladium-plated lock which appears on the larger bags is a striking and identifiable design feature for spring. The Eliza strongly portrays the values of a brand which has championed fine British craftsmanship, provenance and ethics since its relatively recent emergence in the luxury goods sector. Every piece of the collection is handmade

in England, using exclusive leather and silver workshops and ten per cent of all profits are donated to the Thomas Lyte Foundation to encourage the next generation of design talent. Whilst the beautiful Eliza has an undoubtedly wide appeal, a step into the brand’s flagship Mayfair emporium will reveal a selection of highly covetable cufflinks, wallets and luggage for both him and her. www.thomaslyte.com

TREND:

Beauchamp’s belts

This website is the definitive source for luxe lingerie, offering designs from La Perla, Stella McCartney and Christian Lacroix alongside quirky, unique styles courtesy of the lines such as the playful Fifi Chachnil. There’s also a huge range of gift ideas and a comprehensive help guide for any uncertain shoppers - akin to the personal assistance of a high-end store. The store specialises in beautiful matching DD+ sets too.

Bold Colour

www.boudiche.com

Website:

www.beauchamps-online.com

www.leblas.com

Quote of the month:

The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.

Coco Chanel

MUST-HAVE ITEM: If you consider a belt to be a mere practical addition to an outfit, think again. The beautiful range from Beauchamp’s has a natural and subdued elegance and each style can instantly update any look. Inspired by organic sculpture, Beauchamp’s founder and lead designer Alex Fagan has created a line which uses natural tones and textures with a glamorous touch. The thinner belts can be threaded through wider backs or sit on the waist or hips, ensuring ultimate versatility. Choose a chunky, chocolate style to accentuate your figure in a warm and wearable tone.

When choosing a new piece of jewellery it is common to wish it had the style and sentimental value of an existing piece. In this case, add Leblas in Sloane Street to your address book. The boutique specialises in incorporating older designs into a new item and the service is useful regardless of whether much-loved items are badly damaged or you are simply seeking to make a treasured possession more relevant for the next generation. Leblas also create their own contemporary and vintage pieces that use only fair-trade gold and conflict-free diamonds. Considered together with their commitment to sourcing previously undiscovered creative input, Leblas is an ideal choice if you are seeking more unusual engagement rings.

It’s time to shed the chunky winter knits in favour of a brighter and more interesting attire. Prada led the way for S/S11, banishing neutral tones in favour of feisty orange, cobalt blue and emerald green ensembles which kept silhouettes simple for striking effect. Send black to the back of your wardrobe and experiment with the anti-monochrome items flooding the shops this spring: if you’re not quite brave enough for head to toe neon, use colourful accessories to liven up your look.

She Retraced

Her Steps

Photography:

Ezra Patchett

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Pale pink bustier, £1,000, cream tiered skirt, £4,450, Jasper Conran as before Chiffon net and chain necklace, £495, Lanvin at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, 020 7235 5000

Yellow chiffon layered dress, to order, Bruce Oldfield, 27 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 020 7584 1363, www.bruceoldfield.com, pearl drop necklace, £95, Fenwick, New Bond Street W1 020 7629 9161, tan patent ‘Glint’ ankle boots, £550, Jimmy Choo 24:7, 020 7823 1051, www.jimmychoo.com

Blush corset and tulle net dress with black sash belt, ÂŁ5,200 Vera Wang at Browns as before Black feathered hat, ÂŁ728, Rachel Trevor Morgan, 020 7839 8927 www.racheltrevormorgan.com

Green silk dress, to order, Bruce Oldfield, as before, pearl bracelets, ÂŁ39 each, Fenwick as before

Make-Up: Kate Hughes using Dove Spa-Count Your Blessings Illuminating Day Cream and Sisley Radiant Immediate Lift. SPF15 Tinted Moisturiser in Light, Creamy Concealer in Ivory Sheer, Loose Powder in Pale Yellow Sheer, Colour Cheek Tint in Sheer Coral, Metallic Eyeshadow in Burnt Sugar, Eyeshadow in Taupe Brown Pencil in Ash and Lip Colour in Black Maple. All Bobbi Brown www.bobbibrown.co.uk

Hair: Luke Anthony

weddings

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Marry Me? The wedding is the single most important day of any couple’s relationship, celebrating their promise to spend their lives together. We look at the best and most beautiful options to make your wedding exactly as you dreamt it would be

' There is no greater risk than matrimony. But there is nothing happier than a happy marriage.' Benjamin Disraeli, 1870, in a letter to Queen Victoria’s daughter Louise upon announcement of her engagement

love you’. Once these three little words are exchanged, there are four even more important words to utter, the answer to which dictates the path of the rest of your life. ‘Will you marry me?’ is a question filled with love, excitement, nerves and expectation, a moment which will resurface again and again as friends and family ask eagerly about every romantic, thoughtful or personal touch. The proposal was once solely a challenge for the man in a relationship and his prerogative to decide how, where and when. Now it is acceptable, although much rarer, for the woman to ask the man. This is just one sign of how much times have changed in the world of weddings; despite the tradition for white wedding dresses, set by Queen Victoria in 1840, brides can now be seen gliding down the aisle in anything from pale pink to vivid scarlet, sequins or even dramatic black. For the proposal, the pressure is on to deliver the perfect moment and, of course, the perfect ring. Elle Blakeman discusses the rules of engagement, considering the ‘Four C’s’ (cut, clarity, carat and colour) and how many month’s salary should be saved up for this all-important item of jewellery (subject to as many excited questions as the proposal itself). For the traditional girls, look to Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Hirsh or De Beers for classically beautiful rings, or, for modern girls who want to break the mould, consider colourful Boodles, romantic Shaun Leane or OTT Steven Webster rings. While this decision chiefly concerns the man (‘If he doesn’t choose the right ring, he’s not the right man’, one girl piped up indignantly at the suggestion of the woman choosing her own ring), for every bride, the biggest decision concerns The Dress. Everything else at the wedding can revolve around it, from the bridesmaids’ dresses and flowers to the mode of transport to the venue. Gabrielle Lane examines this season’s fashions ahead of the Royal Wedding, including those from rumoured Royal dress designer Bruce Oldfield, and amid S/S11 catwalk collection launches. While all eyes are on the bride, the man at her side must look suitably dashing. Richard Brown visits Chester Barrie to find out how the best tailoring can ensure your suit is in tip-top shape for the big day, and, in fact for many smart occasions requiring a made-to-measure suit in the future. Where to hold your special day, whether you want a traditional or modern venue, is another big choice, largely because of the cost (often the biggest expense, along with food and drink). We choose five of the best options, from London-based venues to further afield. In this day and age, no momentous occasion is allowed to pass undocumented so take the time to search for the perfect photographer: this is an investment in terms of both time and cost to make sure your memories of the day are beautifully and thoughtfully captured. Choose one of K&E Photography’s top photojournalists or contact independent photographer David McNeil but ensure you book well in advance as the best of the best are highly sought after. Once the day is over and you are officially husband and wife, where should you go to start your life together? Elle Blakeman suggests four honeymoon options for newlyweds, from hideaways in Barbados and idyllic retreats in Tuscany to paradise island havens in the Seychelles and Maldives; spoil yourselves for the first weeks of marriage, whether you’re looking for adventure, pampering, gastronomic decadence or, quite simply, somewhere heavenly. So raise a glass to all those contemplating weddings, whether as bride, groom, guest or forward planner: it will be well worth the preparation. n

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weddings

The Ring Elle Blakeman explores the rules of engagement rings, the history of which dates back to 1477; Archduke Maximilian sealed his proposal promise to Mary of Burgandy by placing a diamond ring on the third finger of her left hand, believed to have a vein that led straight to the heart

oday, men can blame the Archduke for a serious amount of pressure when it comes to choosing what has become a symbol of love, devotion and perhaps most importantly, taste. The ‘rules’ are seemingly endless, from the ‘Four C’s’ (cut, clarity, carat and colour) to the cost (tradition suggests two month’s salary is ideal), but what matters most is that you are both love it. Whether your beloved is a traditionalist or a wild child at heart, there is the perfect ring for everyone.

The Daydreamer:

Tiffany& Co.

It’s up there with being locked in a tower waiting to be saved by a handsome prince/ investment banker – the little blue box. Pictures flood to a girl’s mind upon seeing one of these, Audrey Hepburn in her LBD and pearls, beautiful, rosy-cheeked children playing in the snow... in short, the perfect life awaits. Whilst Tiffany & Co. can’t promise the idyllic world portrayed in their campaigns, they can certainly help you get off to a hopeful start with this stunning Lucida solitaire ring, with its exclusive Tiffany cut and diamond band.

The Rebel:

De Beers Owning a huge percentage of the diamond market, De Beers is in fact responsible for the current tradition of a solitaire diamond engagement ring. This Aura Cushion platinum ring, with a single De Beers diamond surrounded by a brilliant circle of diamond pave, is both exquisite and timeless, and will serve as a beautiful ring to pass down in the family for generations to come.

The New Romantic:

The Classicist:

Cartier

Keep it classic with Cartier’s breathtaking solitaire ring, which is all the bolder for its simplicity. The clean band draws the eye directly to the flawless diamond, producing an effect of pure, opulent glamour.

Shaun Leane

2010’s Designer of the Year, Shaun Leane has built a cult following with his sublime contemporary pieces, with fans including Sarah Jessica Parker and Daphne Guinness, and iconic pieces renowned for pushing boundaries; he has worked with fashion’s elite, from Givenchy to Alexander McQueen. This avant-garde white gold and diamond solitaire ring from the ‘Entwined’ collection is exhilaratingly fresh, whilst maintaining a sense of tradition, and will certainly win points on up-to-date jewellery knowledge from your significant other.

The Modernist:

Boodles A coloured diamond can be a stunning and individual alternative to the more widely used white versions. This natural yellow diamond from Boodles, set among clusters of smaller white diamonds, is a beautiful example of how colour can add a modern twist to a classic piece. The vintage setting looks divine and keeps it from being too radical.

Stephen Webster

Like snowflakes, no two women are alike. Therefore whilst some dream of big white weddings, others would rather shake things up a little. Enter the king of rock ’n’ roll jewellery. This white gold and pave Steven Webster ring, set with white diamonds and the extremely rare tanzanite is perfect for those who like to live on the edge (or rather, those proposing to someone who does). Part of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ collection, this one being ‘Lust’, this ring is a seductively wicked token of affection and sure to draw the eye, and a smile, for years to come.

The Traditionalist:

The Princess:

Hirsh

For the princess in your life, choose a cushion cut diamond ring from the Regal collection. Hirsh are famous for their engagement rings and, given that they believe ‘every piece is a work of art’, you are guaranteed to find something special. The regal rings also come in a beautiful champagne colour. n

weddings

concierge

The Dress

Magnificent, memorable and made-to-measure. Gabrielle Lane considers the long-standing significance of the wedding dress and the latest stunning designs

s 29 April and the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton approaches, there is no greater speculation than that which surrounds the dress she will wear on the big day. Whilst the level of intrigue demonstrates perfectly that the bride’s attire is a hugely important part of such an occasion, of course this excitement is far from reserved for Royal Weddings. Mark Niemierko, one of London’s most exclusive wedding planners, has been organising lavish, society weddings for over a decade. He is in no doubt about the significance of the bride’s choice: ‘the dress is massively important,’ he declares. “No matter how much detail, time and money have been spent on flowers and decor as part of my client’s weddings, you can’t avoid the anticipation of everyone at the ceremony; the guests are waiting to see the dress.” This is a sentiment echoed by the work of acclaimed designer Bruce Oldfield, the man widely tipped to create Middleton’s dress. His spring collection is a romantic array of striking silhouettes, flowing silk and flourishes of tulle from a soft, traditional colour palette and it is clear that the pieces command attention for their sheer beauty. When explaining his creative approach, Oldfield also alludes to the purpose of such glamorous gowns. He states that ‘she [the bride] should be herself at her very best,’ and great care is taken to use flattering cuts which accentuate a wearer’s assets and conceal any imperfections. However, requests to the label do indicate that certain wedding dress features have a broad appeal, regardless of a bride-to-be’s shape or style. The colour white has seemed an almost obligatory choice since Queen Victoria’s dramatic wedding gown of 1840 which started the trend, and whilst there have been many recent enquiries about voluminous skirts, lace remains a perennially popular detail. In addition to the gowns of Bruce Oldfield, brides-to-be who are eager to explore home-grown design talent during such a prominent summer in British monastic history will love the S/S11 options from Jenny Packham. Packham has captured fashion’s wider fascination for all things ballet with her new styles and critics have praised the unapologetically decadent collection for its smooth lines and attention to detail. The layers of silk chiffon and pleated corsetry of the Minerva design have a truly ethereal quality whilst there is a classical vintage edge to the Eden, which features molten gold and silver embroidering and Swarovski crystal embellishment. Mark Niemierko has witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm surrounding such styles. ‘The ballerina trend from the movie Black Swan has inspired brides. We are seeing romantic dresses, hair worn in buns and soft colour, whether blush pinks, blue sashes or green underlays.’ For those who find dress decisions tricky, there is help at hand. One of the most sought-after services is provided by Browns Boutique, part of the stylish department store. Upon appointment, brides-to-be can benefit from expert guidance and the exclusive availability of dresses by Oscar de la Renta, Peter Langer and Monique Lhullier in an intimate setting. However, by far the most exciting new addition to the Browns wedding service is in the form of the flagship Vera Wang boutique operating from a dedicated site. Whilst the couture gowns are iconic symbols of luxury, they are also internationally renowned for their creativity and uniqueness; diaphanous tulle, antique lace and heather hues are just some of the breathtaking details inspiring the next generation of discerning brides. Regardless of a bride-to-be’s preferences, the availability of excellent advisory services and an exquisite range of high-end wedding gowns in London ensures that is not only Catherine Middleton who will look and feel like a Princess on her special day. n

Top to bottom: Bruce Oldfield, S/S11 Jenny Packham, S/S11 Matthew Williamson A/W 11

concierge

weddings

The Suit

While a wedding dress is only worn once, the purchase of a suit provides a groom with the opportunity to invest in something for life, says Richard Brown

uckingham Palace has informed us that HRH Prince William will be wearing a military uniform on his wedding day, a choice that echoes the decision made by both his father HRH Prince of Wales and uncle, the Duke of York. Although the Palace hasn’t gone as far as to specify which uniform William will sport, it’s likely to be either the blue military-dress of the Royal Air Force or the scarlet jacket and black trousers of the Irish Guards, of whom William recently became Colonel. While the stateliness of regimental uniforms may be the ideal choice for members of the British services, grooms who have not served in the armed forces can still appear the epitome of refinement. Dress coats, frock coats, morning suits, three-pieces and even fancy dress costumes are an option for the big day, but one type of wedding wear has stood the test of time: the lounge suit. Choices regarding the style of shoe, shirt, tie and accessories are of course largely governed by personal preference but nothing cuts a figure of true style quite like a high-quality suit. What’s more, spend money wisely and you’ll have something that will suit a whole range of social occasions. Of course, when it comes to top-of-the-range suits, one place has earned a reputation above all others: Savile Row. Home to the flagship stores of many of England’s most highly regarded tailors, Savile Row has become synonymous with class and sophistication. After two centuries of bespoke dressmaking, the street has become renowned around the world for the quality and elegance of its suits. And while the Row may have a client list that includes everyone from Princes and Prime Ministers to presidents and movie stars, these days you don’t have to feature on the Forbes list to be able to shop there. The white steps of Number 32 Savile Row lead up to Chester Barrie, a tailor’s for gentlemen that has been producing luxury suits, shirts and ties since 1935. Using only the highest quality suiting cloths and shirting fabrics, the company has served the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant and Winston Churchill. Unlike other Savile Row outfitters, Chester Barrie provides clients with first-rate, ready-to-wear creations straight from the rack. As our suits are made-to-measure – meaning that they are cut to average measurements rather than being fully bespoke – the company is able to offer dress wear of Savile Row quality at prices that won’t require you to remortgage the house. Chester Barrie’s Chris Scott-Gray explains how “attention to detail is paramount – from the enclosed belt to the comfort splice in the company’s trousers. When you buy a Chester Barrie suit, you’re purchasing an experience; the experience of a luxury suit, the feel and sense of a top quality creation.” All Chester Barrie suits are fully canvassed, come in a huge selection of colours, cloths and patterns and are seventy-five per cent hand cut. As well as from their Savile Row store, the company’s suits are also available from House of Fraser City, located on King William Street opposite London Bridge. With prices starting at around £1,600, Chester Barrie gives you the chance to own a suit of Savile Row quality at the fraction of the cost you would pay in the street’s other stores. Standing at the altar of Westminster Abbey clad in military uniform, Price William is sure to look the epitome of grandeur and masculinity. For those of us who aren’t part of the royal family, choose to marry your own princess in the right type of newly bought suit, and you’ll have the opportunity to personify class at every christening, birthday bash, dinner party, and summer ball you attend for years. n Chester Barrie is offering readers the chance to claim a free Chester Barrie shirt when they purchase a full Chester Barrie suit or jacket in either House of Fraser City or their Savile Row store. The offer runs from 1 March to 31 March 2011. www.chesterbarrie.co.uk

The Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailor

19 Savile Row; Austin Reed, Regent Street; House of Fraser, City

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weddings

Diamonds

ARE FOREVER As Marilyn Monroe said, diamonds are a girl’s best friend so please the lady in your life by checking out Kohinoor Diamonds’ online jewellery store

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Journeys

Please quote code CW1 when booking

The Courtyard, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 0NF, England T: +44 (0) 1488 689700 F: +44 (0) 1488 681973 E: travel@baileyrobinson.com www.baileyrobinson.com

Space Travel

VIRGIN GALACTIC ACCREDITED SPACE AGENT

HOLIDAYS, HONEYMOONS, THE HEAVENS

f the thought of visiting various jewellery The first evidence of it is in the writings of the founder of emporiums and answering a flood of questions the Mogul Empire who names this diamond as part of the from a sales assistant sends you into a panic, try the treasure won by Aladdin. The spoil of many wars, it has modern-day prince’s alternative to ring purchase been fought over countless times in its history before finally by shopping online. Browse a plethora of beautiful, settling in the crown jewels in 1850 where it now remains. bespoke diamond jewellery at your own convenience and For that special engagement ring, take advantage of the from the comfort of your office or home; in doing so, personal, bespoke Kohinoor service which allows you to Kohinoor Diamonds can provide exactly what you desire, book an appointment in your own home. Award-winning not just what is available. designers will provide drawings of jewellery designed to Kohinoor Diamonds is the UK’s fastest growing online your exact specifications and you can choose the metal and diamond store, with top quality guaranteed: their diamonds stones yourself, before having it priced and sending it to be are examined by De Beers’ sight holders and they are all made. This process, along with free annual service of the conflict free, ethically sourced and fully certified to give you products for life, ensures you will give a ring which will be peace of mind. The company is named after the Kohinoor treasured forever. n (‘Mountain of Light’), a priceless 105 carat diamond that was once believed to have been the largest in the world. www.kohinoordiamonds.com Canary Warf advert:Forte Village advert 14/1/11 10:48 Page 1

weddings

concierge

The Honeymoon Elle Blakeman suggests honeymoon destinations to unwind and enjoy the start of married life, whether you prefer beaches, palatial surroundings or simply good food and fine wine

The Haven: Soneva Fushi, Maldives

The Gastronomic Delight: Hotel Le Fontanelle Spa

For those seeking a secluded paradise, Soneva Fushi, a Crusoe-style luxury resort in the Maldives, where the motto is ‘no shoes, no news’, is an excellent place to start. Star-crossed newlyweds will find themselves in good company, as this flagship resort of the luxury Six Senses chain was set up by Sony Shivdasani and his wife Eva Malmström who met and fell in love on the island (Soneva Fushi is a blend of their two names and the island). This love story infiltrates everything they have to offer, from the champagne breakfasts to the Cinema Paradiso, where couples can watch a silver screen classic under the stars. Stay in the Jungle Reserve for an incredible level of luxury; you and your beloved can dip your toes into the deliciously cool sea and enjoy the true meaning of ‘getting away from it all’.

Foodies and wine-lovers will be in heaven in this restored 13th century Tuscan farmhouse in the heart of the Chianti wine region. Luxuriously – though understatedly – decorated, this award-winning five-star boutique hotel has earned serious kudos from for its sublime service and decadent, peaceful surroundings. Take time to peruse the hotel’s enchanting grounds, including olive groves, vineyards and a perfectly-manicured botanical garden. The adjoining restaurant, La Colonna, prides itself on inducting holidaymakers into Italian culture, so make sure that dinner is an unhurried affair as you sample the rich, abundant servings of gnocchi, risotto, meat and fish. With just 25 rooms, you feel like a real ‘guest’ of the place, which is as close to perfect as we’ve come across.

www.sixsenses.com

www.mantiscollection.com

The Hideaway: The Sandpiper, St. James, Barbados The Island: Château de Feuilles, Praslin, Seychelles Barbados has long been a favourite honeymoon destination and this charming beachside retreat certainly lives up to high expectations. Family run and with just 47 rooms, enjoy a private, peaceful stay in rooms nestled among lush tropical gardens – choose the treetop suite with its own pool for ultimate seclusion – and relax on the pictureperfect beach. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant offers new style Caribbean cooking and the intimate Harold’s Bar, overlooking the sea, is the perfect place to romance your new husband or wife.

This tiny five-star hotel is truly unique. Guests must fly by helicopter from the main Mahé International airport. Once there you will book in to one of just nine rooms, all of which are decorated with sophisticated, locallyinspired style. Set among seven acres of lush, tropical gardens, you will be hard pressed to find better views on any of the other 115 Seychelles islands. At night, the restaurant offers a range of tempting treats, but specialises in fish, which simply must be tried whilst you stay here; afterwards settle onto the pool deck for midnight cocktails - heaven. n

www.slh.com/sandpiper

www.relaischateaux.com/feuilles

5 CWpromotion

WeddingVenues

of the best Whether you want to be traditional or a bit different, to be close to home or far away, here is our pick of the best and most beautiful weddings venues Viva La Vows If the thought of a traditional church wedding has never appealed to you, how about tying the knot in the entertainment capital of the world? Choose to marry at the Wynn Las Vegas and celebrate the big day in party style. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard, the super luxury resort is considered one of the finest hotels in the world – earning AAA five diamond, Mobil five-star, Forbes five-star, and Michelin five-star ratings. Wynn Las Vegas has two wedding salons, the Lilac Salon and Lavender Salon that seat 65 and 120 guests respectively. The Primrose Court is also available and seats up to 100 guests under a canopy of trees and two whispering fountains. Choose the hotel’s Elegant Affair Ceremony package and enjoy an all-inclusive celebration that includes two nights in a Wynn Fairway Villa, dinner and fondue for two at the award winning Alex restaurant, a VIP Indulgence Package to Le Rêve, two rounds of golf on the property’s 18-hole championship course, and private limousine transportation to and from the airport. www.wynnlasvegas.com 00 1 702 770 7000

English Fairytale Set in 33 acres of rolling Somerset countryside with its own stunning lake, the picturesque Brympton House has been described by Country Life as ‘the most beautiful house in England’. The Dower House, dating from 1350 and seating up to 150, can be used for Civil Weddings and decorated with flowers and candles for a romantic, intimate atmosphere, while the Parish Church of St Andrews in the grounds of Brympton House, seating 120, is available for a traditional Christian service for couples who qualify, and by arrangement with the vicar. The South Terrace can be used for champagne receptions in the summer while the Great Hall works wonderfully in winter, with roaring fires and mulled wine. The 1680 Ballroom has huge windows overlooking the lake, providing idyllic views and natural light, while the Orangery is a perfect wedding party venue, with its own bar, comfy sofas and seating areas and a separate room for music and dancing. www.brympton-weddings.co.uk 01935 862528

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Royal Retreat Every Prince and Princess deserve a fairytale wedding and at the enchanting Ruthin Castle that’s exactly what you can expect. The venue is situated 20 miles from Chester in its own estate in the mediaeval town of Ruthin, Denbighshire, North Wales. In an area of outstanding natural beauty, Ruthin Castle is a romantic retreat steeped in history. The castle dates back to the legend of King Arthur and its notable owners include King Edward I, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Ancient settings, historic walls and acres of landscaped gardens, parkland and forestry provide a truly outstanding setting for unique photographs and romantic moments. Ruthin Castle offers fully licensed civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests and traditional wedding receptions for up to 500 guests. Couples can select from several ceremony and reception options including exclusive use of the entire castle for those seeking the ultimate in privacy. To add a twist, mediaeval themed weddings are the castle’s speciality. www.ruthincastle.co.uk 01824 702664

Wintergarden Wonderland The East Wintergarden is a stunning and unique venue in the centre of Canary Wharf. It is licensed for civil ceremonies, civil partnerships, parties, receptions, wedding breakfasts and much more. Whether you have 40 or 500 guests, The East Wintergarden is the perfect setting for all your wedding needs. The magnificent 27 metre high, glass arched ceiling and the Italian marble floor combine to create a spectacular backdrop for your wedding. Opposite is Jubilee Park, with its beautiful ornamental water features, providing a matchless environment for photographs. The East Wintergarden is delighted to accommodate special events for all communities, religions and nationalities: speak directly to the experienced events team for further details. www.eastwintergarden.com 020 7418 2775

The Perfect Day, Down to a Tee All couples want the assurance that their wedding day will be a relaxed and pleasurable experience – a guarantee that London Golf Club can provide. From the moment you enter its opulent gates, the club takes care of every last detail, meaning that you and your guests can enjoy a stress-free day. Situated in 700 acres of natural beauty in the North Downs, London Golf Club is not only picturesque but also private. Attention to detail at the club is paramount, so that everything from your champagne reception to your bespoke menu will be just the way you imagined. The club’s upper terrace and Long Bar offer breathtaking views over two championship golf courses and provide a stunning backdrop for photographs, as does the oak-panelled Great Hall with its roaring log fire, imposing staircases and feature fireplaces. Bathed in natural light, the spectacular Banqueting Room is the ideal location for your wedding breakfast and after-wedding meal and it too overlooks the impressive golf courses. Precision and style go hand in hand at London Golf Club, ensuring the perfect start to your married life. www.londongolf.co.uk 01474 875720

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Celebration, and a dash of silver

SILVER VAULTS THE LONDON

The home of silver shopping Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest range of fine antique and modern silver for the home Southampton Buildings + Chancery Lane

www.thesilvervaults.com

interiors

concierge

interiors

news Graham Atkins-Hughes

New Neutrals If you’re not already familiar with Atelier Abigail Ahern – get acquainted. The quirky line from the North Londonbased designer features a cool twist to traditional homeware, with resin caribous, gunmetal grey chandeliers and vintage Persian-style hide rugs. Used together her pieces help create ambient, interesting spaces which are still warm and inviting enough to work as part of even the most traditional home. 137 Upper Street, N1 1QP www.mydeco.com

Interior Inspiration Anyone looking to redecorate their bedroom should look to the latest lavish suites at Claridge’s for inspiration. The stunning rooms have been created by fashion designer Diane Von Furstenburg and reflect her exuberant and ultra-glamorous style, whilst honouring the grand legacy of the hotel. Inspired by Furstenburg’s own travels, bold prints, fine fabrics and bespoke furniture pieces

are abound, in chic palettes of milk thistle, chocolate and magenta. Finishing touches such as Murano glass crystals, cocktail bars and beautiful photography ensure the suites are the ultimate luxury retreats for even the most discerning of guests. Claridge’s, 49 Brook Street, W1K 4HR www.claridges.co.uk

FuRnishing Touch Furnishing Touch offers the very finest soft furnishings at the click of a button. Experts in their field, the company prides itself on its flawless service, exceptional quality and reasonable prices. For made to measure curtains, blinds and cushions there really is no better place to go. All you need to do is choose your fabric from a local supplier or any of the leading fabric companies, type in your measurements and you will receive an instant quotation, pay securely online and your order will be custom made and delivered direct to your door. Interior design has never been easier. www.furnishingtouch.com

A Touch of Spring The new interiors collection from The White Company offers some great bedroom staples such as the Berkley Cotton linen range. Available in white or silver, the line is created using a blend of long-fibre superior cottons, which give a soft, luxurious feel. Cabot Place West, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT www.thewhitecompany.com

the trend Bathrooms don’t just have to be practical spaces. Transform yours into a homage to luxury and pampering - with indulgent textures, soothing accents, soft, smooth lines and rich, warm tones Shropshire classic slipper bath including white quarrycast ball and claw feet, £1,299.99, Victoria & Albert Baths, www.vandabaths.com

Nome bathroom set, £59.87 Zara Home, www.zarahome.com

Lime, Basil & Mandarin luxury candle, Jo Malone £260, www.jomalone.co.uk

Christy Royal Turkish limited edition towel John Lewis, £50, www.johnlewis.co.uk

The Saracen, from £4,560, Crye www.crye.co.uk

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Moderne four chromed brass heated towel warmer £856.80 Alternative Bathrooms www.alternativebathrooms.com

Gold Eliza Mirror, £100, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Edwardian nickel bathroom accessories £36-£89, Balineum, www.balineum.co.uk

Vintage small perfume bottle, £10 BHS, www.bhs.co.uk

Goldline bath, £31,591, C P Hart www.cphart.co.uk

1901 luxury gold-plated bath shower mixer £467, Bristan, www.bristan.com

concierge interiors

Linea Linea velour robe, £40, House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

White metal dimpled toothbrush holder £9.98, Graham and Green, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk Decorative glass bottles, from £9.38, Graham and Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Golden sculptural pear candle, £102.15 D. L. & Co, www.dlcompany.com

Wooden Bathe sign, £20, Laura Ashley www.lauraashley.com

Designer hand-carved silk and gilt bench, £1404.87, Juliette’s Interiors www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk

Spittal shower, £16,140, www.drummonds-uk.com

PuraVida Phoenix Design

PuraVida. A new sense of lightness in the bathroom.

Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit UK, Milton Keynes, Phone 0845 500 7787, Fax 0845 500 7786, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

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health & fitness

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health & fitness

news

COME TRAIN WITH ME NikeWomen has launched the ultimate training accessory: the Nike Training Club iPhone app. Free to download, and complete with audio guidance and easy-tofollow instructions, the app offers customisable programs that cater for every fitness level. The app is designed to provide full body training with more than 60 workouts all developed by Nike professional trainers. Whether you’re looking to get lean, toned or build muscle, the NTC acts like a personal trainer, providing you with useful advice on the fundamentals of strength, cardio and core training. Not bad for something that fits in your back pocket. The Nike Training Club App is available for free download at www.itunes.apple.com

BEE PREPARED

FITABILITY Spring is already upon us and summer is not far behind. In preparation, get yourself to Fitability – the unique approach to fitness and wellbeing. Providing a totally private personal training, sports nutrition and hypnotherapy service, Fitability is the ideal place to pump those pecs, build those biceps and firm those abs. Founded on a refreshing mix of honesty and excellent value for money, Fitability’s success is down to the fact that they put the needs of their clients first.

The gym is running a ‘Fitability Gym Challenge’ to raise money for the Blue Lamp Foundation – a charity set up by PC David Rathband (the policeman blinded by Raoul Moat) to help families of emergency services injured in the line of duty. So get yourself to Fitability, get involved and see how you measure up. 118 Westferry Studios, Milligan Street, Docklands, E14 8AS www.fitability.co.uk

MORE THAN JUST A GYM Ever been less than impressed with the level of facilities or general service at a gym or health club? The specialists at Nuffield Health have, and this is why they set up their Fitness & Wellbeing centres. The aim is to improve your wellbeing for the long term by offering a combination of fitness facilities, health services and expert staff. The specialists at The City Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, located on Cannon Street, give advice on nutrition and weight management, run seminars on fitness issues and offer physiotherapy treatment and free health MOTs. As Nuffield Health is a charity, and reinvests its profits in its facilities, its guests are offered the very best in healthcare services. The City Fitness & Wellbeing Centre Cousin Lane, Cannon Street, EC4R 3XJ www.nuffieldhealth.com

As well as Christmas and the New Year, winter invariably brings colds and flu – something you will know if you commute to work on crowded trains and work in a teeming office environment. Luckily, Unbeelievable Health is here to help. Aiming to make it easier for busy people to be healthier, the company’s BEE Prepared immune support products combine four ingredients known to be effective at helping support the immune system: bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf and beta glucans. Bursting with antioxidants and anti-viral properties, and taken by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Biel, BEE Prepared products are available in around 150 stores nationwide. www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

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tuscan retreat toulon ..........................................AQUA KYOTO

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THE EPITOME OF TASTE

A Harrods, the world’s most famous luxury department store, has unveiled a new Tasting Room for the most exclusive dining experience

lthough it is famed for its Food Halls, one would not expect to find an intimate space for gourmet dining in Harrods. However, if you venture to the Lower Ground Floor, you will discover, nestled in The Wine Shop, The Tasting Room, which evokes a traditional wine cellar ambience despite its location beneath the bustling beauty halls. The room seats up to 16 guests, either for private lunches or dinner parties. Decide upon a bespoke Tasting Menu and Harrods’ highly qualified sommeliers will then match wine to each course: The Wine Shop

stocks a range of over 3,000 lines, including many of the world’s finest wines and spirits. Carefully prepared by Harrods’ chefs, the deliciously classic British Tasting Menu, for example, includes fillet of Scottish beef with roast shallots, truffle mash and baby vegetables, passion fruit Eton mess and a cheese selection. Special wine tasting master classes are also available throughout April and May, each focussing on a particular grape or region. n For more information, email thetastingroom@ harrods.com or call 020 7225 5925

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Somewhere New

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news

Beach resorts are not the only places which are home to idyllic spa retreats. Tucked within the twisted valleys of Utah, the chic Amangiri hotel gives panoramic views across desert and canyons, and even incorporates a striking stone escarpment into its design. Although the complex blends seamlessly into the landscape, facilities are modern and sophisticated. Highlights include the fabulous spa, which offers unique flotation treatments combined with therapeutic colour principles to promote healing. There is also a gallery displaying the finest jewellery, arts and crafts from the region, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre and wine cellar. www.mrandmrssmith.com

Luxe Luggage

Escape to Atlantis Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai has launched ShuiQi Spa & Fitness as part of an exclusive three-year partnership with the Japanese beauty experts Shiseido. ShuiQi Spa & Fitness is the only spa in Dubai to offer Shiseido treatments, including two signature treatments specifically designed for the resort. The spa, which has 27 rooms, combines Shui (meaning water) and Qi (meaning energy flow) to create an all-encompassing experience for

both body and mind. What’s more, Bastien Gonzalez, one of the world’s leading experts in manicure and pedicure treatments, has launched two brand new products at the spa. www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com is offering four nights at the hotel from £1707 per person - a saving of £210. Price includes accommodation in a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis, return Emirates flights, airport taxes and private transfers.

Wherever you choose to travel, don’t depart without an item from the latest Jimmy Choo 24:7 luggage collection. Proving that suitcases aren’t just practical accessories, the spring line is composed of stylish holdalls, weekend bags and cabin-sized cases in a range of covetable colours and materials. This leopard-print piece, at £2,995 is so fashionable that it has proved an instant sell-out. www.jimmychoo.com

Travel Fact France was the most visited country in the world last year, topping the United States and China with 78.95 million international tourist arrivals.

www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com

Website of the month: Tuscany’s enchanting 13th century villa, Borgo Santo Pietro reopens for the holiday season on 31 March 2011. Whilst the sanctuary is usually known for the antiques, hand-painted murals and tapestries of its lavish interior, focus will shift to the 13 acres of countryside in which it is set, in time for Easter Sunday. On the day itself, visitors will be invited to explore the forest in search of chocolate eggs and tour the striking San Galgano Abbey, before unwinding with a delicious five-course dinner and complimentary massage back at the hotel. www.borgosantopietro.com

www.worlds-luxury-guide.com

Easter in Tuscany This website recommends the most glamorous places to eat, party or pamper yourself across cities of the world with insight provided by both esteemed editors and readers alike. Up-to-date information on motoring, gadgets, sports and fashion is also available, making it the perfect place to view the latest glamorous must-haves, from wherever you are, whether your interests are shopping, champagne or cigars.

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.

Restored confidence in

Tuscany

Kate Harrison discovers how one holiday estate, Castiglion del Bosco, has given a rural Tuscan idyll a 21st century twist

t almost seems the Tuscan tourist’s prerogative to expect certain staples from the popular Italian region. Top of the list may be lush undulating landscapes, fragrant pasta dishes, grape vines galore, crumbling brick towers and a spectacular fresco or two. From the ripeness of the tomatoes to the reliability of the sunshine, when thinking of Tuscany, perfection comes to mind. If the Tuscan holiday scene for the well-heeled needed some unpredictability injected into its Etruscan soul, Massimo Ferragamo was the man. As son of legendary Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, it bode well when, in 2003, Ferragamo the younger purchased an 800year old estate nestled in the slopes of the Val d’Orcia in Siena, and set about making his mark on the place.

What started as a personal quest grew almost accidentally into something more. Ferragamo had initially been seeking a property which would enable him and his friends to enjoy, separately, their own villas whilst also dabbling in the company of the group. Somewhat like a winemaker seeking terra firma for a valuable grape seed, it took him over a decade to settle on Castiglion del Bosco’s plot (or ‘CdB’ as it is fondly termed by those in-the-know). He informed friends he had found a property he considered perfect, but that rather than the original 20 friends, 200 would now be needed. Between 2003 and its opening in spring 2008, Ferragamo oversaw a lengthy restoration process culminating in 23 guest suites and a handful of luxury villas with private

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heated pools and plenty of surrounding land. He threw open the doors to the public. To stay in a suite, it will cost between 450 euros and 3,000 euros per night. To buy into a villa (a sophisticated version of timeshare, or thereabouts) you will need a few million, but also the desire to fit into what CdB is all about and offers; there is a certain vetting process which aims to keep the original ‘circle of friends’ feel to the area. During a three-day break to the region, my husband and I were fortunate enough to experience the Italian high life in one of the villas. Inside, modcons (of the self-confessed ‘six star’ calibre) are married with 17th century upholstery; edifices which, in 2004, became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A careful balance between the old and the new is achieved

connoisseur

marvellously at CdB by superb attention to detail inside the suites and villas which creates the perfect setting for relaxation and quiet contemplation. In the villa where we are staying, a television set is lined in leather, a bar is disguised as an old fashioned leather trunk and modern sound systems are hidden away in the walls. The interior colour scheme blends into the landscape whilst the exterior of the villa keeps to the original wherever possible. At 12 times the size of Hyde Park, Castiglion del Bosco’s land accounts for a serious mini chunk of Tuscany. Within it, ‘Il Borgo’ is a self-contained village set-up, but with 10 kilometres of land to play with, it does not feel enclosed; just convenient. A culinary academy and speciality shop, two restaurants, a fitness centre and a cigar room are

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some of Il Borgo’s features. There are many advantages to a gently constructed set-up, such as feeling part of a community as and when you want, whether gathering for fresh Tuscan pastries at the toll of the afternoon bell or partaking in group cookery classes. The old vicarage has become the site of joining others for breakfast on a terrace with emotion-provoking views. Then there is the earthly pleasure of picking produce from the organic Orto garden (allotment, yes) and seeing others enjoy it that evening in the restaurant’s dishes. It would be a shame not to take a drive out into the Tuscan hills at some point, perhaps for a day trip or dinner. Siena is 45 kilometres away and Firenze is about twice the distance. But in a region which is such an international tourist hotspot, both towns can attract stifling crowds in the summer, so it is utterly refreshing to return to an exclusive stretch of land. The town of Montalcino is some 12 kilometres from CdB which is also very close on the map to Montepulciano – famed for its easy-to-drink reds. Montalcino itself is home to some of Tuscany’s most esteemed red wines: Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino. Wine is predictably a big deal at CdB, where a dedicated lounge enables you to relax and taste the estate’s wine. Vineyards on the estate produce different bottles owing to a rich variety of soil types and grapes and all are produced to ensure optimum quality whilst remaining true to the land. Tuscany may not immediately conjure ideas of sport and leisure (there’s far too much relaxing to be done) but there is no real foundation for such an image and CdB has plenty to offer. Fly fishing, riding, cycling, hiking, hot air

ballooning and golf are all available. On the golf course, two million pounds were spent ensuring the right colour and quality of sand filled the bunkers. As if that were not a golfing accolade enough, the course also plays host the longest hole in Europe. Sometimes at CdB it’s enough to just look. As the slowly retiring sun casts long, lazy shadows across the land, it highlights the burnt sienas, ochres, terracottas, limes and moss green hues daubed onto the landscape. Deer graze openly on the plot as nodding lavender heads beautify the land and release their hypnotic fragrance. Endless carbon copies of slender cypress trees stand in elegant poise; an instance of nature’s unnerving perfection. I reflect that you wouldn’t want too much unpredictability in Tuscany but CdB has done just enough to keep residents unwanting in their homes away from home. Castiglion del Bosco perfectly amalgamates various holiday possibilities available to us in a saturated market; privacy and community, relaxation and adventure, eating out and cooking in – all offered with effortless elegance. More than just a world of its own, however, CdB is a microcosm of Brunello at its best. n For more information visit www.castigliondelbosco.it

Suites start from 450 euros. Fly to Pisa, Firenze or Grosseto. Siena also has a private airstrip and the Castiglion Estate has a helipad for direct airport-to-estate transfer.

FIVE NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE W RETREAT & SPA, MALDIVES

Ready for an island with a twist? W Retreat & Spa, Maldives takes the urban hotel concept for trendsetters and scene insiders to a new, and very chilled, level. In the midst of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a breathtaking house reef, this is a luxurious playground for grown-ups. Chill in your stunning Ocean Oasis, (complete with private plunge pool, sundeck, barbeque, 42” plasma screens and iPod docking stations), mingle in the bars or choose between easy-going KITCHEN, jungle chic barbeque at FIRE and eccentric seafood at FISH. The island’s concept is ‘Whatever you want, whenever you want it’ so if you’re easily bored, dive with a marine biologist, try wake boarding or take a picnic to your own private island. Extra touches include 24/7 complimentary ice cream, a Mojito-man and 15 BELOW, the Maldives’ only nightclub situated 15 steps underneath this extraordinary island, featuring international DJs and 95 brands of vodka.

how to win To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic holiday, email your name and telephone number to competitions@ runwildgroup.co.uk with MALDIVES in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 31 March 2011. The prize includes a five night stay at the W Retreat & Spa, Maldives for two adults sharing an Ocean Oasis, with daily breakfast at KITCHEN restaurant and return international flights. All extra costs including additional meals and all beverages plus seaplane transfers and taxes are to be paid for by the winning entrant. The prize is valid for travel from 1 April 2011 and 28 February 2012, excluding 23 December 2011 to 10 January 2012. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. Flights and accommodation are subject to availability and alternative dates may be discussed and offered. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, and closes at 23:59 on 31 March 2011. Entries received thereafter will be discarded. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion. Employees and directors of Runwild Media Group and their subsidiaries and affiliates, agents, dealers and their immediate family or household members are not eligible to enter. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for promotional purposes. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

The Gateway to

New

Dubai

Chelsey Baker discovers the treasures hidden inside Ibn Battuta’s chest

f you’re searching for a journey of discovery that combines sheer luxury with ancient traditions, then look no further than ‘New Dubai’. As the global hospitality industry continues to ponder the pace of business, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts prepares for the opening of more than 1,200 rooms. In partnership with real estate developer, Seven Tides, four exclusive hotels will open this year with an enchanting historical theme, just waiting to be explored. The first of the hotels to open is the five-star Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, accessible through a 60-metre high Moroccan-style gate, the archway of which is larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The hotel is named after the great 14th century Arabian explorer, Ibn Battuta, known for his extensive account of his travels and excursions, which lasted nearly 30 years and covered almost the entirety of the known Islamic world and beyond, a distance which easily surpasses that of near-contemporary Marco Polo. This striking addition to the Dubai skyline is the entrance to a unique combination of offices, 156 luxury residential apartments and a five-star hotel of iconic stature, both inside and out.

travel

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Located in ‘New Dubai’ as it’s been dubbed, the complex is within 400 metres of a Metro station due to open this month, and also adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Mall with 300,000 square metres of retail space and entertainment attractions. Its close proximity to Jebel Ali and the new Al Maktoum International Airport aims to attract business travellers and inquisitive tourists from around the world. The hotel features 396 guestrooms and 29 suites, all furnished in line with themes to reflect the somewhat glamorous travel log of Ibn Battuta. As you first enter the expansive lobby, designed to create an interactive ambiance with numerous seating areas, you can’t help feeling a sense of grandeur while looking at the 88 giant Eastern-style lanterns hanging elegantly in the vast space that is best described as ‘the hub of the house.’ The Grand Hall is also the gateway to the hotel’s eight restaurants and lounges. The 14th century traveller’s trail is reflected in every aspect of the eclectic architecture, interiors, and cuisine, offering a real design and taste journey. This embraces the jewelled plates and spices of India, the swags of the Ottoman Empire and the hieroglyphics of Ancient Egypt. The dining experience serves to tempt every taste with Sicilia offering rustic Italian, Chor Bazaar serving Indian cuisine and Shanghai Chic, elegant Chinese cuisine. Flavours and temptations from around the world complete the Arabian experience, with five more dining options available, including all-day dining at Mistral and freshly baked pastries at Pastane. Next to open this month is the 216-room Mövenpick Hotel Deira, which has its sights set on welcoming business executives and curious shoppers. Located on the north side of the Creek, the hotel provides Deira’s first new five-star accommodation. This heritage location is reflected in the hotel’s architecture, giving travellers an immediate taste of Deira, the traditional home of Dubai’s ruling family; it features spice and gold souks and carefully restored architecture of yesteryear, as well as hosting present-day merchants and many strategic commercial and government offices. This year, the Asian-inspired Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa on Palm Jumeirah will also be ready to open. With some industry firsts, including an upscale all-inclusive package available through preferred travel partners, the 293-room retreat-like resort includes 18 villas perched on stilts a few metres above the sea, and beachfront locations framing the resort’s 461-metre long beach. Guests can choose to be transferred to the resort by boat, from Dubai Creek, right to the mouth of a 2-kilometre private lagoon and a spa that respects its Balinese heritage. All of the rooms are free-standing and one suite has a glass-panelled floor that allows for 24/7 viewing of the sea bed for those who are truly captivated by underwater life. 2011 will also see the group completed with the opening of the contemporary Oceana Hotel & Spa. Seven Tides’ second property located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah will open 324 rooms set within the beach club grounds. The group’s private beach residence, Oceana Beach Club, has already opened its freehold residences, beach club and a New York-influenced restaurant-bar venue, West 14th. The New York Bar and Grill delivers a waterfront location with excellent cuisine, including steaks cut by a master butcher. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has clearly positioned itself in the upscale segment and, with everything running like clockwork, the Swiss group really has gone ‘all out’ to ensure it delivers uncompromising quality and service. n For more information visit www.movenpick-hotels.com Main image: Oceana Beach Resort & Spa Left to right: Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa Bedroom at Ibn Battuta Gate Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel

5 Mediterranean

hidden gems of the

It’s not easy to find hidden gems in a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean landscapes... so we’ve found some for you.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™

Casa Angelina Lifestyle, Amalfi Coast, Italy Clinging to the hillside

Villa Marie, near St Tropez, France

on the Amalfi Coast

There are plenty of quiet

overlooking the clear

corners and shaded patios

blue Mediterranean,

at Villa Marie where you

An idyllic bolt hole from

this gleaming white

can tuck yourself away,

which to discover the

contemporary hotel is

plus charming terraces

pleasures of the Italian

blessed with stunning

shaded by trees, views over

Riviera, minutes from

sea views, showcased by

Pampelonne Bay, beautiful

Portofino’s renowned

floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mediterranean gardens

piazzetta and delightful

White decor and whimsical

and a spectacular pool cut

harbour, Eight Hotel

pieces of art enhance the

into natural rock.

Portofino offers chic

stylish minimalism.

Eight Hotel Portofino, Italy

modern interiors, a private beach and shady garden perfect for siestas.

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Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain Dramatic Mallorcan architecture in a breathtaking setting, magical dining venues and stunning rooms and suites are Cap Rocatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim

San Antonio, Santorini, Greece

to fame. This secluded,

This romantic boutique

overlooking the Bay of

hotel is dressed to

Palma.

historic and romantic 19th century former fortress is an adults-only haven

impress: bright white rooms with amazing sea views are seductively splashed with colour; luxurious cave rooms are hewn out of volcanic rock; the infinity pool has views to die for.

Small Luxury Hotels of the Worldâ&#x201E;˘ Over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries View all our special offers at www.slh.com Experience another World

connoisseur travel

Destination...

Toulon

Toulon boasts the second largest natural anchorage in the world, a stunning cathedral, a celebrated market and spectacular surrounding coastline – the ideal getaway to the French Riviera What to see::

Old Town charm and shopping by the sea

You can’t stay in Toulon without paying a visit to the city’s Old Town. Containing architectural remnants that pre-date the town’s bombing during World War Two, the area is a nucleus of narrow streets that lead into picturesque squares and courtyards. Visit in the morning to experience the daily market on Cours Lafayette. For shops and restaurants head to the bay, where La Rade is a pleasant place to meet friends for lunch, dinner or some retail therapy. Catch a boat from the bay for a guided tour of the coastline or book a ferry for day trips to Corsica and Sardinia. If you have a head for heights, take a cable car to the top of Mont Faron. At a height of 584 metres, the mountain offers fantastic panoramic views of the city.

CityJet will be offering Friday and weekend flights to Toulon from London City Airport from 27 May 2011

i 94

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

Where to stay:

Hotel Bonaparte

For a charming outlook over the old naval dockyard and Church of Saint Louis, book a stay at the Hotel Bonaparte. Located in the heart of Toulon at Rue Anatole, the ex-residence of Napoleon Bonaparte has 22 guestrooms and three suites, all stylishly decorated in the vibrant colours of the Provence. The hotel is in convenient proximity to the Marina and Le Palais des Congres, and with Marseille and the famous beaches of St Tropez both under an hour’s drive away, Hotel Bonaparte provides the perfect base from which to explore the French Riviera. www.hotel-bonaparte.com +33 04 94 93 24 55

Where to eat:

Restaurant Bernard

Located in Bernard’s Cove in Cape Mejean to the east of the town, Restaurant Bernard is well known for producing cuisine that is the essence of Provence – think thyme, rosemary, fresh vegetables and oodles of olive oil. Favoured among locals, the sheltered waterside restaurant is accessible via Sentier des Douaniers, a beautiful and secluded seaside footpath. What was a sailor’s tavern back in the early 20th century is now a thriving upmarket fish restaurant, specialising in bouillabaisse, crayfish and fried sea bass. Once the sun has set, customers can enjoy evening dining above the waves on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. +33 04 94 27 20 62

Where to play::

Bar à Thym

As a sailors’ town, Toulon has a tradition of partying well into the night. After you’ve explored the cafés, bars and restaurants around the harbour and along the beaches at Mourillon, Bar à Thym is the ideal place to continue your revelries into the night. The city’s hippest late-night bar offers an enormous range of international beers and whiskies and caters for a variety of music tastes by playing everything from salsa to trip-hop. www.barathym.com

Don’’t miss:

Fountain Fantastic

Toulon boasts 18 exquisite fountains, many of which were first built in the 17th century. Most were added to or changed during the 19th century and have been recently restored. Found across the city in hidden courtyards and discreet corners, a morning or afternoon spent locating the fountains is a great way of getting used to the layout of the city. Due to its striking size and grandeur, many see the Fountaine des Trois Douphins as Toulon’s most remarkable fountain. Find them all yourself, and maybe you’ll disagree.

Come fly

with me...

Beverley Byrne explores all that the Goodwood Hotel has to offer: from motor racing and flying planes to fine dining and indulging, there is something for everyone

travel

connoisseur

planethollywoodlondon.com

Call Phil or Maria: 020 7024 8456 / email: salesuk@planethollywoodintl.com

for small & large groups from £24.95 • Dining inclusive food & drink packages to suit all needs & budgets • All air conditioned & central location • Fully • Full private hire available for up to 800 people

57-60 HAYMARKET SW1Y 4QX

Discount on corporate/group bookings when you quote CITYMAG Terms and Conditions apply & all menus are subject to change and availability.

food & drink

connoisseur

food & drink

news

STEAK EXCHANGE

change every three months to continuously give Kitts a new dimension. As the nightclub attracts an international crowd, its DJs cater for a variety of tastes with sets featuring old school classics, R’n’B, dance, pop, house and much more. If you’re looking for somewhere to let loose after work or party at the weekend, head to the award-winning Kitts. Just make sure you don’t have to be up early the next morning.

Opened last month, Steak Exchange is set to become a big name in the world of City dinning. Located in Exchange Square, in a space formerly occupied by Davy’s Wine Bar, the restaurant’s beef comes from handselected, grass-reared cattle sourced through Royal Warrant holder Donald Russell. Steak Exchange’s uncompromising stance on quality means that every steak is matured for a minimum of 21 days and will never hit your plate unless it meets the highest standards of fat covering, marbling, conformation and size. The restaurant’s drinks menu includes a vast, and reasonably priced, wine list that has been selected by Master of Wine Martin Everett and a range of full-bodied beers from the award-winning Meantime Brewery in Greenwich. The perfect place for lunch or dinner, Steak Exchange also boasts a cigar cabinet and outdoor eating area, and is happy to offer a takeaway service to city offices for hungry workers.

WWW.KITTSLONDON.CO.UK

WWW.STEAKEXCHANGE.CO.UK

COCKTAILS AT KITTS Fast becoming West London’s best known secret, Kitts is an exclusive boutique nightclub hidden within Sloane Square in the heart of Chelsea. Boasting an extensive cocktail menu designed by their head barman, the members club is open from 10.30pm to 3.30am, Thursday to Saturday – making it the perfect venue for an after work party or weekend celebration. The nightclub’s sophisticated interior features a variety of bespoke materials and artwork that

NEWS:

Food lingo:

Quote:

Website:

In homage to the Rio Carnival, Salto, a delicious new cachaça that has just launched in the UK, has created a range of ‘Carnival Coloured Cocktails.’ Officially unveiled on 19 March, the cocktails allow consumers to experience everything Brazilian culture is best known for: an unreserved lust for life, exciting spontaneity and exotic nature. Weaker than most cachaças at just 24 per cent ABV, Salto is a delectable mix of bitter, zingy and citrus flavours. The drinks will be available at both Rocket Canary Wharf and The Rocket City.

Singin’ Hinnies

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

For the Craic

Virginia Woolf, English Modernist Author

www.bordbia.ie

Singin’ Hinnies are hot fruit griddle cakes scented with cinnamon and studded with currants. Traditionally, there were prepared after pig-killing – so extra lard was added to the griddle. Sizzling of the lard accounts for their name as the griddle sounds as though it’s singing. Served warm and oozing with butter, the cakes are usually eaten for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with quality food and drink from the Emerald Isle. The Irish are renowned for their traditional home cooking and for generations have been passing down their recipes and demonstrating their commitment to good quality produce. Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has developed some delicious recipes designed to highlight the wealth of irresistible products available from Ireland.

restaurants American

Dollar Grills and Martinis

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 020 7278 0077

bars Italian Lena

66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 020 7739 5714 Refettorio

Hawksmoor

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 020 7438 8052

British

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

157 Commercial Street, E1 020 7247 7392 Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 08456 861 122

Volupté

Oriental

Royal China Club

Beach Blanket Babylon

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

14 Cornhill, EC3V 020 7220 6300

French Bonds

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 020 7657 8088 Coq D’Argent

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7796 0600

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7489 7033

Mexican

Duke of Cambridge

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

Middle Eastern

Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street, EC2M 020 7618 7215

Kenza

One Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four

CATCH & Champagne Bar

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

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

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

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 020 7877 7703

5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 020 7623 2355

Smiths of Smithfield

233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 020 7247 8989

67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 020 7251 7950

Spanish

Greek

3 Varnishers Yard, N1 9FD 020 7841 7331

Mezedopolio

Cicada

Green & Red

51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 9670

240 St. John Street, EC1V 020 7336 7726

14 Hoxton Market, N1 020 7739 8212

Cellar Gascon

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 020 7608 1550

Modern European

Gastropub

Bonds

Saki

Les Trois Garcons

Sauterelle

The Big Chill Bar

Dray Walk, E1 020 7392 9180

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 020 7657 8088

10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 020 7929 5533

Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2483

Bar Pepito

Varnishers Yard Regents Quarter, N1 9FD 020 7841 7331

40-42 Baker Street, W1U 020 7486 3898

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 020 7395 5000 1 Club Row, E1 020 7613 1924

Balls Brothers

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 020 7600 2720

Camino

Moro

34-36 Exmouth Street, EC1R 020 7833 8336

Light Bar

Match EC1

45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 020 7250 4002 Ortega

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 020 7623 1818 Vertigo 42

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

100

Triton Court, 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 020 7330 0920

food & drink

connoisseur

going

Japanese

Aqua Kyoto, a Japanese restaurant in Soho, is the epitome of modern glamour. Emma Mills spends an evening in the land of beautiful people and beautiful food

his place impresses from the outset. The black curtained lobby leads to the golden gilt lift, whizzing you to the fifth floor, which opens into another chic reception space – all very ‘members only’. Led through the Aqua Spirit bar, where couples sip champagne sitting in plush booths, we reach the restaurant, a seemingly vast, black and red space centred around an open sushi kitchen, lit by a dramatic oversized Chinese lantern. Wow. Even pre-dinner nibbles come in the form of a stunning tower of rice crackers with edamame beans and seaweed bites, displayed on a vast, curving silver dish that resembles the prow of a boat. Everything is on a grand scale here, from the scope of the menu to the generous tables and vast balconies with views down Regent’s Street. We start with cocktails of Rose & Li, a divine girly giggle of a drink; champagne and lychee with a couple of tiny rose buds skimming the surface. The date has the signature cocktail, Aqua Kyoto, Tanqueray with sake and dry sherry, served in traditional sake style – it’s strong and brave and the manliest cocktail I’ve ever seen. Genius. Our waitress Keiko is professional,

friendly and seriously knows her stuff. We ask for menu advice and she guides us through the pages, suggesting a cleverly inventive selection of dishes. She leaves us for a couple of minutes in case we want to choose anything different –we don’t. We order every single thing she recommends, kicking off with seared scallops with shrimp dumplings and moro miso and beef tataki with onion sauce, accompanied by spinach rolls with toasted sesame sauce. The latter is a revelation, cold spinach rolls in a thick sesame sauce, and the perfect palate cleanser after the rich beef and impressively fresh scallops. King crab tempura with crab miso comes next, an incredibly impressive dish with enormous crab claw meat, lightly and expertly tempura-ed. Udon noodles with mushrooms and black bean, miso black cod, and sake and bonito-marinated lamb rack with honey teriyaki form the next course. The black cod is really special – sweet and moreish – while the lamb rack is superbly cooked and delightfully succulent. When the rib eye tepanyaki, with cow choi and mustard sauce, and the pork belly, with langoustine and yuzu pepper, arrive, we’re not sure we can fit it in, but then we taste both and it turns out we can. Rare beef with

a bold mustard sauce is particularly memorable, while the pork belly is rich and melts in the mouth. We finish with a portion of sharbeto sorbet, yuzu, lychee and mandarine flavour, which cleanses and refreshes the palate. All this was washed down with a great bottle of Crozes Hermitage, Domanie de Colombier 2008, followed by their excellent port and whisky selection. We finish the night with a tour of the rest of the space. Across the hallway (turn right at the life size el toro sculpture), is Aqua Nuevo, a chic Spanish restaurant specialising in Iberico hams and tapas. The view from their terrace is also stunning, and its private balcony space, which can be hired out for up to 70 people, would make an ideal summer party location. I wouldn’t ever have said that Japanese and Spanish food were comfortable bed fellows, and yet the formula – glamorous surroundings and an extensive menu of tapas style food with small dishes – lends itself perfectly to each restaurant. It’s more than clever; it’s inspired. n 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (entrance at 30 Argyll Street) London, W1B 3BR www.aqua.com.hk 020 7478 0540

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connoisseur food &drink

In Fairness to Wine Love That Wine’s Pieter Rosenthal tries out Fairtrade wines, exploring what Fairtrade means to the wine market

8 February 2011 marks the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, so this provides a good reason to start checking out what the supermarkets are offering in the wine department. We tend to look towards Fairtrade coffee, tea and chocolate, often perceive these to be better than their non-Fairtrade counterparts and we are willing to pay a premium for them. With wine, the story seems to be less clear: the perception seems to be of wine made by large cooperatives of varying quality, but certainly not worth any premium. Or at least, that was the case in the past. Have things changed? The advantages of Fairtrade for the wine market are straightforward. The wines we see on our shelves are, by and large, from three countries: South Africa, Argentina and Chile. Fairtrade is about achieving fairness on a number of areas such as workers’ pay, working conditions, better prices and sustainability, not only environmentally but also in the pricing strategy; trade prices should never fall lower than market price. This addresses some of the issues of conventional trade, which can undermine the poorest producers. As research for this column, the idea was to taste as much wine from the Fairtrade ranges as possible, but even I was surprised at how extensive this range has become. So I looked just at what supermarkets are offering as part of their own labels. The Co-op, always a front-runner when it comes to Fairtrade, still has a large range, with particularly strong offerings from Argentina and South Africa. Sainsbury’s was another retailer with a good selection of Fairtrade wines under their own label, particularly from South Africa. At Tesco I only found one white and one red wine in their own label range, and Asda didn’t have a single one. Both supermarkets do offer Fairtrade wines from a variety of other producers, such as Stellar Organics, Fairhills and Six Hats. Ultimately, the proof is in the wine and having tasted a large selection, by and large I am impressed with the offering from the Co-op: the wines are dependable, particularly those from Argentina. Sainsbury’s is also offering a fairly extensive selection from South Africa with some more premium products in the ‘Taste The Difference’ range. I think these wines are worth their price tag, so pick one up with your coffee and chocolates this month and support a worthwhile cause.

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Co-op Fairtrade Torrontes-Chardonnay 2010 Famatina Valley, Argentina Co-op – £4.49 I liked this very drinkable number, a wine full of character considering it is the lowest priced one in the range. It has a fresh, light, floral nose with some peach and elderflower and a melon and zesty freshness on the palate. Don’t expect a complex wine but, for the price, I can’t fault it. Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Fairtrade Wild Valley Chenin Blanc 2010 Wellington, South Africa Sainsbury’s – £7.99 (reduced to £5.99 until 22 March) New to Sainsbury’s list is this expressive Chenin Blanc, produced by the Bosman Family Vineyards. It has a ripe, tropical nose, showing pineapple and guava, and is lovely and clean on the palate with zesty citrus fruit and fresh apples. At £5.99, this is a great value white. The same producer is also behind the Cabernet Sauvignon in this range. It’s a couple of pounds more expensive but it is a good, expressive red wine. Co-op Fairtrade Organic Malbec Reserve 2009 Famatina Valley, Argentina Co-op – £6.99 This wine has a lovely deep, glossy colour, tasting of blackberry, vanilla and chocolate, with a slight smokiness on the nose. A nice winter warmer while it is still cold outside, this is a full-bodied wine with velvety tannins and an intense cherry and spicy warmth owing to a bit of oak ageing, with a satisfying length. I tasted this against Tesco’s Fairtrade Malbec 2010, which is also nice, but I found the Co-op one to be a bit more complex and warming. Perhaps keep Tesco’s Malbec for the warmer days and the barbeque. n

out & about

connoisseur

FLOWER POWER On Tuesday 24 May, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will once again take over the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for five days, launching the summer events calendar with a flourish of flowers and fashion

scape from the City to the tranquillity of an English summer garden in the heart of London. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show marks the beginning of the social season, eagerly anticipated each year as the pinnacle of corporate entertainment; it is widely renowned as the premier horticultural show in the world. Experience the social whirl and glamour of this spectacular show, together with excellent food and pampering, in the official hospitality village. There are experiences available to suit all, including handy half day options for those unable to escape during office hours. All include Champagne and Canapé receptions and a four course luncheon or evening meal, for those who are keen to refuel and relax as well as exploring what the show has to offer. For those wishing to treat a loved one, or for those wanting to enjoy the show themselves, there are also options which can be tailored for the more personal experience on Saturday 28 May. Here’s a snapshot of the facts and history of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to whet your appetite.

h e l s

e a

is for Champagne and Canapés. Laurent Perrier is the patron Champagne of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

is for History. The 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the 89th show to be held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital.

is for Event Expertise. This event is run by the same team that operates Royal Ascot and the Open Golf Championship, with over 30 years of experience in business entertainment. is for London. Amid the hustle and bustle of central London, visitors to the hospitality village at RHS Chelsea will find an oasis of calm which combines fine dining, excellent service and comfort. is for Social Season. RHS Chelsea Flower Show marks the beginning of the social season, historically the time when members of the elite flocked to the city rather than the country, and took up residence, set to entertain. is for Eager. Hospitality guests have priority entrance to the show so they can avoid the queues. is for Afternoon Tea. What could be more quintessentially English than a selection of traditional finger sandwiches and tempting afternoon pastries served with a pot of Earl Grey tea? n

RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 May 2011. Full day, morning or afternoon hospitality packages are available, depending on how much time you can take out of the office. To book your hospitality at Chelsea Flower Show visit www.prestigehospitality.co.uk call 0870 421 4868 or email bloom@prestigehospitality.co.uk

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connoisseur special event

SALUTE! the Square Mile

this cause. Matthew Marshall, Executive Chef of Chamberlain’s of London, who was responsible for co-ordinating the proceedings in the kitchen, pointed out that while Chamberlain’s Events is used to catering for large numbers, “with 61 different chefs in the kitchen including some of the leading names in the industry, you could be forgiven for thinking that this might present some issues! Quite the opposite. These guys are quite simply the professional best.’ The teamwork on the night was outstanding: while the chefs did take the lead on their own courses, all pitched in to help each other. It was definitely a case of disproving the ‘too many cooks’ adage; as Brian Turner commented, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’. The auction was particularly successful: one bidder secured the Fairmont Monte Carlo Grand Prix experience for £13,000; a keen Duran Duran fan paid £3,000 for four tickets to an O2 concert; and a lucky couple will spend a week on Sir Richard Branson’s

Necker Island for a cool £19,000. One diner, as he left, said ‘I can honestly say that this is the best banquet I have ever attended’, a sentiment echoed by every guest. The final words must come from Ray Steadman, co-owner with brother Jeffrey of Chamberlain’s of London, who sums up perfectly the extraordinary evening: “the chefs have delivered the most amazing food to 423 discerning guests and each of the speakers have made it clear as to why we are here tonight. Our guests have responded amazingly with £240,000 being pledged for the cause - which is outstanding for Square Mile Salute’s inaugural function. We have received such great support to keep the momentum going that I am delighted to announce that we will be planning a Square Mile Salute 2012”. We are thrilled to hear that the culmination of so much hard work has paid off and raise our glasses to the no doubt fantastic success of the next year’s event. n

Photography: Katherine Alano/Cateresearch.com & Jo Cain Photography www.caterersearch.com & www.jocainphotographyandart.com

he might of the City, including Mayor of London Boris Johnson, former Chief of General Staff Sir Mike Jackson and Jeremy Clarkson, gathered together in Guildhall for a black tie banquet of the highest standard on 10 February 2011. The evening began with a wonderful champagne and canapé reception in The Crypts, followed by a gastronomic extravaganza, rousing entertainment and a lively, enthusiastic auction. The main reason we were all there was to raise much-needed funds for vital Personnel Recovery Units, part of a drive by Help For Heroes, ABF The Soldier’s Charity and The Royal British Legion who are working together to build and run centres for wounded troops on their return from active duty. We cannot underestimate how unique it is to have brought together such an array of talented chefs, giving their time and expertise for nothing, simply because they believe in

Annabel Harrison reports on the Square Mile Salute 2011: 423 guests, 130 kilograms of lobster, 61 chefs, 25 kilograms of mangos, ten auction prizes, six courses, three charities and one very worthy cause

Clockwise from left: Chamberlain’s owner Ray Steadman, Boris Johnson, Andrew Vicari; Mark Flanagan; General Sir Mike Jackson; the sushi canapés; Albert Roux OBE, Brian Turner CBE; canapés; Jeremy Clarkson; Boris Johnson; lamb belle époque Brought to you by:

The Square MILE SaLUTE Chefs Martyn Nail, Claridges; Simon Young, Jumeirah Carlton Tower; Albert Roux OBE; Glen Watson; Mark Flanagan MVO, the Royal Chef; Christian Garcia, Chef to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco; Philip Corrick, The Royal Automobile Club; Matthew Marshall, Chamberlain’s; John Williams MBE, The Ritz; Jason Atherton, Pollen Street Social; Benoit Blin MCA, Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons; William Curley, Patissier and Chocolatier www.chamberlainsoflondon.com

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out & about

out about

connoisseur

Grand Designs Live Find everything you need to buy, build and furnish your dream home under one roof at Grand Designs Live. One of the UK’s most innovative and inspirational consumer home fairs, the show returns to London’s ExCel Centre for the seventh consecutive year. With seven distinctive sections, including the spectacular Grand Village which hosts a number of full scale properties, and over 500 exhibitors, Grand Designs Live is the ultimate consumer home event for anyone looking to improve, redesign or build from scratch. The 2011 show will include stylish and unique interior products, cutting-edge design ideas, never-before-seen technologies as well as the UK’s largest selection of kitchen designs by some of the world’s top manufacturers. Readers of The City Magazine can claim a two for one ticket offer by quoting CITY241 at www.granddesignslive.com. 30 April – 8 May at the ExCeL Centre www.granddesignslive.com

Elect Lifestyle Whether you are an attractive single professional or in a relationship and looking to meet likeminded, career-orientated people, Elect Club’s new Elect Lifestyle, Elect Elite and Black Card memberships will allow you to spend time with compatible people in some of the most prestigious private members’ clubs across London. Become a member of Elect Club and you will be assigned a consultant who directs you towards people with whom you could begin a serious relationship. Existing Elect Club members

are intelligent, successful professionals who understand the value of a high level service. To launch their new memberships, Elect Club is hosting a party on Friday 25 March at the Adam Street Private Members Club. The fee for non-members is £15 - £20, although The City Magazine readers can purchase tickets for a discounted price of £12 with the promotional code: CITYMAG. www.electclub.co.uk

Trader Training Ever wanted to invest in the stock market but not had the faintest clue how to do so? If you have, Teach Me To Trade is here to help. The company is presenting an initial, free two-hour ‘Foundation in Trading’ workshop designed to educate both the novice and more experienced investor on how to build wealth through the stock market. Attend one of the workshops at Canary Wharf on 23 March or at other Central London locations throughout that week and who knows, maybe this time next year you’ll be a millionaire. www.teachmetotrade.co.uk 0800 0887280

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connoisseur out & about

Art plus Drama equals Party Whitechapel Gallery Director Iwona Blazwick OBE invites you to a special benefit evening of live music, performance and partying at the Whitechapel Gallery. Fusing the worlds of art and drama in an exceptional one-off event, the party will take place on 24 March and raise funds for the Whitechapel Gallery’s Education and Community programme that works with over 3,000 children and 30 diverse community groups each year. Leading actors will perform monologues by artists Vito Acconcis, Barbara Kruger, and Lawrence Weiner, and specially commissioned artworks will be auctioned throughout the night. 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX www.whitechapelgallery.org

Affordable Art With a huge variety of paintings, photography and sculpture, as well as original prints all under £4,000, the Affordable Art Fair gives you the chance to pick up quirky pieces of original and affordable art. Visit Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, between 10 and 13 March and bag yourself a bargain. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ www.affordableartfair.com

Contemporary Diversity The Sphere Gallery is fast becoming one of the leading commercial art galleries in the Shoreditch and City area. Since opening in 2009, the gallery has exhibited a vast array of contemporary art from emerging and established British and international names. Sphere Gallery challenges the traditions of what we perceive as art in disciplines including Landscape, Portrait, Abstract and many more. Sphere recently had a major POP ART exhibition celebrating their artists’ use of mass-produced visual commodities from popular culture in four mediums: oil, silkscreen, photography and mixed media. Located in the Old Spitalfields Market, the gallery represents over 40 artists at any one time. Pop in to view not just pop art but a celebration of Contemporary Diversity. 73 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA 020 7247 7927 www.spheregallery.co.uk

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Cirque du Soleil set to return Following this year’s hugely successful Totem run at the Royal Albert Hall, Cirque du Soleil has confirmed that the show will be returning to London in 2012. Tracing the journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly, Totem has mesmerized tens of thousands in a record breaking run of shows. Inspired by a variety of founding myths, the show explores the ties that bind Man to other species on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. www.cirquedusoleil.com

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

C o v e r i n g CANARY WHARF, D OC K L AN D S , WA P P ING & T h e C i t y

KnightFrank

St. Davids Square, London, E14

Two bedroom apartment with far reaching river views A beautifully presented two bedroom apartment situated on the 5th floor of this extremely popular portered development on the Isle of Dogs. The property boasts two balconies and extensive river views from all principal rooms. Leasehold ÂŁ475,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966

KnightFrank

New Atlas Wharf, London, E14

Superb duplex penthouse with a wealth of outside space Located on the top two floors of a well maintained portered development, this spacious and well proportioned two bedroom duplex apartment benefits from three separate areas of outside space and wonderful river and Canary Wharf views. Leasehold ÂŁ795,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966

KnightFrank

Wooton Court, London, E14

New Providence Wharf, London, E14

This bright and spacious two bedroom apartment has been completed to a high specification and occupies the entire width of the blocks riverside frontage, ensuring all the principal rooms have expansive views up and down the Thames. Further benefits include an allocated secure parking space, lift and porter.

A two double apartment to rent within the popular New Providence Wharf. The property is furnished to a very high standard and it also benefits from a modern fully fitted kitchen, good sized open plan living room and balcony with views over the river. The development benefits from gym and pool facilities, sauna, Jacuzzi, concierge and parking.

£450 per week

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

St. Davids Square, London, E14

Boardwalk Place, London, E14

This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment can be found within the ever popular St. David’s Square. The apartment comprises of a separate kitchen/breakfast room. It is tastefully furnished throughout and has an extremely spacious living room and balcony. The development also includes a concierge, gym, pool, jacuzzi and sauna, creche, pool and snooker table.

A modern two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the first floor of this sought after development. The reception offers dock and garden views from the balcony. Open-plan kitchen. Fully furnished throughout and with secured parking.

£450 per week

£420 per week

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

KnightFrank

Millharbour, London, E14

Coral Apartments, London, E14

We are delighted to offer this furnished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the sought after development which is Millharbour. This modern development is situated just minutes away from Canary Wharf Jubilee Line and South Quay DLR. This development also benefits from a concierge. Parking space also included.

We are delighted to offer a superbly presented two bedroom unfurnished apartment. Large open plan reception with balcony over looking the Royal Victoria Dock, two double bedrooms with access to second balcony and two bathrooms. The property benefits further from a concierge, gym and parking.

£410 per week

£375 per week

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

Landmark East Tower, London, E14

Gainsborough House, London, E14

We are pleased to offer this unfurnished one double bedroom apartment found within the brand new Landmark Tower. With unique features that are hardly found elsewhere in Canary Wharf, this apartment features floor to ceiling windows with excellent views from the 11th floor. Viewings are highly recommended.

Knight Frank are delighted to offer this fantastic 700 sq. ft (approx) third floor one bedroom apartment featuring an open plan fully fitted modern reception area, fully fitted kitchen and dining area. This property is also only a short walk into Canary Wharf. Available furnished. The development also has 24 hour concierge

£375 per week

£300 per week

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

KnightFrank

Under Offer Trafalgar Court, Wapping, E1W

St John’s Wharf, Wapping, E1W

On the top two floors of a purpose built block set around communal planted areas, a light and bright apartment with a good sized roof terrace. Entrance hall, reception room, kitchen/dining room, 2 bathrooms, lift, parking space.

2 bedroom flat in a converted warehouse within a listed building, entered through an exotic planted atrium, reception, kitchen, en suite bathroom, shower room, parking and porterage. 126 sq m (1365 sq ft)

Share of Freehold

Guide Price: £925,000

Guide Price: £695,000

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

Telfords Yard, Wapping, E1W A fourth floor warehouse conversion flat with exposed brick, exceptionally high ceilings and an abundance of entertaining space. Entrance hall, 2 bathrooms, lift, concierge and parking space. 131 sq m (1412 sq ft) Share of Freehold

Albert Mews, Limehouse, E14 Arranged over 3 floors, within a conservation area the house is situated in the heart of popular Limehouse close to the river. Sitting room, kitchen, dining / family room, guest cloakroom, en suite shower room, bathroom. 101 sq m (1096 sq ft) Freehold

Guide Price: £679,000

Guide Price: £669,500

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

KnightFrank

Cinnabar Wharf, Wapping High Street, E1W

City Quay, St Katharine’s Dock, London, E1W

Wonderful two bedroom two bathroom furnished apartment. This spacious apartment has a balcony with stunning views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge. Location on Wapping High Street, near St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hill underground station. 24 Hour Concierge and secure parking included.

Lovely one bedroom apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered development. This bright unit has a separate fitted kitchen, large double bedroom and a great south facing terrace with stunning St Katharine’s Dock views. Moments from Tower Hill underground/DLR stations and a short walk in to the City.

£850 per week

£525 per week

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

Bezier, City Road, London, EC1Y

Fuller Close, Shoreditch, E2

Stunning one bedroom apartments located in this outstanding new 24 hour portered development. These beautiful apartments are finished to a very high standard. Boasting contemporary bathroom suites, comfort cooling and good storage. The block also benefits from two communal terraces and a gym, sauna and steam room.

Smart first floor two double bedroom apartment to let in this popular gated development in Shoreditch, just off Brick Lane. This furnished apartment will be newly decorated with a bright reception, separate fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower and wooden floors.

£525 per week

£395 per week

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

KnightFrank

NEO Bankside, Holland St, Southbank, SE1 The most exciting waterfront in the world Predicted to become one of the most desirable addresses in the world- the first phase of the new NEO Bankside development designed by the international, award-winning architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners- offers stunning, state of the art accommodation. These amazing apartments offer contemporary living space, floor to ceiling windows that lead out to a winter garden and high specification fittings. NEO bankside is complete with a 24 concierge service and has future plans for a residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gym, day spa and a variety of shops and restaurants to be developed. Available now From ÂŁ700 per week

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

Tudor Street, EC4 £925,000 Leasehold Set on the second floor of an incredibly popular lift-serviced building next to the Temple law courts, this stunning 2 bedroom apartment offers excellent entertaining space.

Cromwell Tower, EC2 £795,000 Leasehold

Ben Jonson House, EC2 £720,000 Leasehold Set over the top three floors of Ben Jonson House, this 2 bedroom triplex penthouse apartment is incredibly bright with superb views towards the City and has a roof terrace.

Bishops Square, E1 £650,000 Leasehold Set on the first floor of an impressive modern building, this delightful two bedroom two bathroom apartment is stunningly presented and in an enviable location.

This superb 3 or 4 bedroom, 1 or 2 reception Barbican apartment is on the 3rd floor of Cromwell Tower, and has a terrace off the reception and balcony access from all rooms.

From their first steps to the first visit of the grandchildren, Hamptons International know what makes a family home. The comfort it will provide. The memories it will hold. We see beyond the bricks and mortar to help you find somewhere that’s, well, home.

Bunhill Row, EC1 £410,000 Leasehold This beautifully presented 1 bedroom apartment is on the 3rd floor of a lift-serviced building in Clerkenwell, it is incredibly bright, and has a terrace and off-street parking.

City Office

Sales. 020 7236 8398 city@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Leyden Street, E1 £395,000 Leasehold A larger than average one apartment with wooden floors, over 730 sq ft, in this modern Art Deco-style building with lift and concierge, minutes from Liverpool Street station.

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £895,000 Leasehold

Tamarind Court, SE1 £725,000 Leasehold

A 1442 sq ft, third floor apartment within a popular warehouse conversion in Shad Thames, with two en-suite bedrooms, car parking, concierge and communal leisure complex.

A well presented and bright two double bedroom penthouse apartment within the popular warehouse conversion in the heart of Shad Thames, with full length terrace and parking.

Victor Wharf, SE1 £695,000 Leasehold

Bench Apartments, SE1 £695,000 Leasehold An 858 sq ft, second floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment located in the heart of Borough A two bedroom, two bathroom, 1163 sq ft duplex apartment with terrace and partial views of Market. Stunning views of Clink St are offered directly from the living area. the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament and allocated parking.

Move in before the tax man does.

Tower Bridge Office

For buyers in excess of £1million the increased stamp duty rate of 5% being introduced on the 6th April 2011 is an added incentive to complete before that date. We strongly recommend all sellers of these properties to make their move now whilst there is a flurry of buyers. £1,500,000 purchase SAVE £15,000 £2,500,000 purchase SAVE £25,000 £3,500,000 purchase SAVE £35,000

Sales. 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Tamarind Court, SE1 £610,000 Leasehold

Rope Street, SE16 £279,000 Leasehold

A two bedroom, two bathroom second floor apartment within a converted warehouse, in the heart of Shad Thames, with parking.

A second floor one bedroom, south-facing apartment overlooking the boats at Greenland Dock and extending towards Greenwich, with communal gardens and allocated parking.

Tudor Street, EC4 £695 per week

Wapping High Street, E1 £650 per week

A two double bedroom apartment in this prestigious Grade II listed building situated between the Square Mile and Covent Garden. Available furnished.

A two bedroom apartment in this impressive development on the River Thames, benefiting from a large wrap around terrace and 24 hour concierge. Available furnished.

Bishops Square, E1 £600 per week Folgate Street, E1 £475 per week A well presented two double bedroom apartment in this landmark development in the heart of A spacious two bed, two bathroom apartment in a popular portered development in the heart Spitalfields, finished to a fantastic standard, great views and a bright outlook. Available furnished. of Spitalfields. The flat is moments from Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate. Available furnished.

The Hamptons International team always go further to meet your personal property needs, whatever they may be. Over 97% of our clients say they would use us again or recommend us to others. Let us show you why.

Leyden Street, E1 £435 per week A recently refurbished one bedroom apartment in this popular Spitalfields development. Parking by separate negotiation. Available furnished.

City Office

Lettings. 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Whites Row, E1 £380 per week A superb one bedroom apartment in this small development in the heart of vibrant Spitalfields and five minutes to Liverpool Street station. Available furnished.

Dolben Street, SE1 £950 per week Spice Quay Heights, SE1 £840 per week Stunning three bedroom penthouse apartment ideally located for Southwark Tube Station. An exceptional 1340 sq ft recently refurbished two bedroom apartment boasting spacious Property further benefits from Roof Terrace with Hot Tube and Steam Room. open plan kitchen / reception room with balcony and river views, wet room / steam room.

Bell Yard Mews, SE1 £565 per week An outstanding apartment which has recently been refurbished throughout boasting a huge terrace offering amazing views of the City.

Town Hall Chambers, SE1 £545 per week Superb two bedroom conversion apartment boasting stylish decor, wood floors and high ceilings situated in an imposing listed building on Borough high street.

Renting a property is no reason to accept anything less than the perfect home. It’s still your personal oasis. Albeit for a shorter timeframe. That said nearly all our tenants renew their contracts. Proof that we know how to make people feel right at home.

Tower Bridge Office

Lettings. 020 7407 3173 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £425 per week

Hays Court, SE16 £375 per week

A charming one bedroom apartment situated close to Shad Thames boasting a wealth of period features, balcony with direct dock and river views.

An impressive two double bedroom apartment boasting a spacious kitchen diner, modern shower room and a large loft style reception room with exposed girders and study area.

Prime Properties, Premier Locations

Our Key Quality is Customer Service Local Market Knowledge is our Speciality Meeting Client Expectations is Fundamental

SALES

LETTINGS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Knightsbridge Office

St Johns Wood Office

West Hampstead Office

20 Montpelier Street London SW7 1HD

4-6 St. Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terrace London NW8 6PJ

249 West End Lane London NW6 1XN

020 7225 0878

020 7586 5929

020 7472 5666

sw7@brianlack.co.uk

nw8@brianlack.co.uk

nw6@brianlack.co.uk

www.brianlack.co.uk 4227 BL A4 Ad2.indd 1

16/11/10 09:55:48

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Wymering Mansions, Maida Vale, W9

ÂŁ625,000 Share of Freehold

A well presented two double bedroom third floor (top) flat situated in this red brick mansion block within easy reach to Maida Vale Tube Station. Internally, the property boasts great living accommodation and particular features include newly integrated kitchen/diner, large reception room plus access to communal gardens.

BRIAN LACK AND COMPANY - opening soon at Hyatt Regency, Belgrade, SERBIA. Come and visit us.

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf, E14

Montana Building, Deals Gateway, SE13

Galaxy Building,The Odyssey, Isle of Dogs, E14

Westgate Apartments, E16

£310.00 per week

£330.00 per week

£320,000

£330,000

Balearic Apartments, Excel, E16

Dovecote House, The Water Gardens, SE16

Eden House,The Watergardens, Canada Water, SE16

New Providence Wharf, E14

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Ground Floor • Balcony • Allocated Parking • Nr. Canada Water Tube

• Large 1st Floor 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom • Rectangular Arrangement Throughout (i.e. not diagonal bedrooms) • Due South Aspect • Moments From Canada Water Tube • Popular Modern Development

• Two Bed/Two Bath 6th Floor Riverside Apartment • Highly Desirable Layout with Two Entrances • Excellent Condition Throughout • Contemporary Fixtures and Fittings • Impressive River Views

£395.00 per week

£400.00 per week

£410,000

£474,950

Lanterns Court, Canary Wharf, E14

The Landmark East, Canary Wharf, E16

Ontario Tower, E14

City Quarter, E1

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 27th Floor • Balcony • Parking Available • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf

• 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom (En Suite) • Striking Architecture • Highly Prestigious Landmark Development • Approx 1,000 sq ft of Living Space • 24hr Porterage, Security and Excellent On-Site Facilities

£450.00 per week

£600.00 per week

£475,000

• Studio Apartment on the 12th Floor • Fully Furnished • Exclusive Use of the Radisson Hotel Amenities • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 2nd Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Allocated Parking

• Brand New Luxury Apartments • A Selection of 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf • Concierge Service • www.lanterns-court.co.uk

• Large Penthouse Apartment • Two Bedrooms • Furnishing Available • 5th Floor • Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

• 2nd Floor 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom • Very Spacious and Modern • Balcony with River Views • Close Proximity to Canary Wharf and Transport Links • Secure Underground Parking

• 11th Floor Two Bedroom Apartment • Large Balcony • Stunning Views • On Site Gym Facility • Minutes From Canary Wharf

• Two Bed/Two Bath Corner Unit • Exceptional Level of Specification • Highly Desirable Development • Moments From DLR/Tube and City

£549,950

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

KidbrookeVillage

London Borough of Greenwich

M11

A1(M) M1

M25 M25 M25

M25

R i ver R o d i n g

M11

ENFIELD CapitalPlaza

BARNET MeridianGate

CatorPark

ELSTREE AIRPORT

M25

London

SE3

Kidbrooke Village

London

Kidbrooke Village

SE3

London

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London

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M25 M1

M11

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HACKNEY BRENT

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EALING A40(M)

MAYFAIR

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WATERLOO

KENSINGTON

VICTORIA

CANARY WHARF

LAMBETH

M4 M4

M25

CHELSEA

BROMPTON

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VAUXHALL

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CLAPHAM

GREENWICH

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HOUNSLOW

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RICHMOND UPON THAMES

BLACKHEATH

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London Borough of Greenwich

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London

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Discover Kidbrooke Village, launching March 2011. Kidbrooke Village

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KV KV KV New for London. New forKVeveryone.

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BROMLEY

M25

MERTON

Coming soon - Kidbrooke Village, SE3, an exciting new sustainable London community where you can live the life youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted. Choose from an outstanding range of new homes from Berkeley, where benefits for residents include shops, restaurants, CROYDON schools, sports facilities and a journey time of just 15 minutes* by train to London Bridge.

M25

SUTTON

Phase One, City Point, launching March 2011. Register for information 020 8150 5151

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Details correct at time of going to press. Photography depicts view of Sutcliffe Park and indicative lifestyle. *Journey times are approximate only. www.tfl.gov.uk.

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Kidbrooke Village

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M25

EPSOM

Kidbrooke Village. For London. For everyone.

M25

LONDON BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT

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LEATHERHEAD M

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Delivered in proud partnership with:

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Bespoke living Emerson Park, Hornchurch, Essex A mansion of grand proportions, built to the highest 9 Stunning Bedrooms 4 Large Reception Rooms 8 Bathrooms Cinema Room

Freehold For Sale

Tel: 020 8518 6555 148 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 4LZ Fax: +44 (0)208 518 6444

Large Open Garden Intelligent Lighting Gated Carriage Driveway

www.pmcompany.co.uk All enquiries welcome

se ou th ng en ini e p ma On re Built on the historic Lovell’s Wharf site and designed to maximise light and magnificent views along the river, Lovell’s offers a collection of bright, spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses with extensive terraces, all finished to an exceptionally high standard and ready to move into now. Penthouse £835,000*

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homes & property

Closer to

home

Carl Davenport explores the merits of Canada Water and Rotherhithe

e are always looking for the latest hot spot or new development area, of which there are many in London. What with the massive regeneration projects taking place in Kings Cross, Stratford, Dalston and Paddington, to name just a few, we seem to be spoilt for choice, but often there are smaller up and coming areas right on your doorstep that you might not have noticed before. Take Canada Water and Rotherhithe, for example, the overlooked neighbour to Tower Bridge, where prices in many cases are at least 20% cheaper on a like for like basis. Though once thought of as a bit of a no-man’sland connecting Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, the area is currently undergoing a massive makeover which will serve to neaten up the passageway. The housing stock here is incredibly diverse, from loft warehouses to modern apartments, which can be picked up from as little as £160,000. There is a thriving community of families here too, served by some very good schools and some very reasonable family properties, starting from £399,000 for a three-bedroom house. New developments are being built near the tube station (despite a fragile national lending market) which shows confidence in the future here. There is a brand new £14m library completing this year designed by CZWG Architects overlooking the water which is a striking inverted ziggurat. Investment into

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the area like this is all positive news for existing residents and prospective buyers alike. The recently completed East London Line has also given a boost to the area, opening up a North/South route allowing more reverse commuters to consider living here. The area has many riverside pubs and restaurants, as well as an incredible history; the founding fathers left for the New World from here! The Brunel Museum is situated in Rotherhithe Village and the Ecological Park was created on the reclaimed former docks to serve as a city farm. The large shopping centre with its cinema and bowling alley brings life to the area around Canada Water which serves Canary Wharf and the West End. The types of people who live in and around Canada Water and Rotherhithe are incredibly varied; from first generation buyers who have raised families here, the Canary Wharf commuter who travels by river boat to work, the young first time buyer looking for capital growth, to the retiree who wants to downsize to a riverside property. All these residents will understand when I say that these areas should not be overlooked just because buyers don’t know them very well. In fact, this is precisely the reason why potential buyers should take an early look. n Carl Davenport is associate director of the Chesterton Humberts Tower Bridge office, 020 7357 799 www.chestertonhumberts.com

Sensitive conversions. Sound investments. City & Country Group offer a selection of unique conversion homes that not only make a statement but also offer a sound long term investment. the Galleries Brentwood duplex and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a Victorian Grade ii listed building set in tranquil courtyard gardens. from £190,000 to £510,000. call 01277 202122

Balls Park Hertfordshire a landmark development of luxurious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom conversion apartments, set within 63 acres of picturesque parkland. from £232,500 to £365,000. call 01992 551777

Show homeS open daily from 10am to 5pm www.cityandcountry.co.uk

old Saint Michaels Braintree 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and houses converted from a collection of Grade ii listed Victorian buildings set in landscaped courtyards. from £130,000 to £325,000. call 01376 335800

Development focus A return to Royal Docks Barratt Homes have unveiled the first phase of Waterside Park, their latest flagship development in the vibrant, evolving area of Royal Docks

he first units in Heron Crescent are modern apartments designed with open-plan layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise light and space. They are available with balconies and terraces as well as allocated parking as part of a wider complex which has considered all aspects of an active, riverside lifestyle.

Although prices start from ÂŁ215,995, fittings have been commissioned from some of the most eminent interior design companies and the apartments are finished to the specification of homes costing vastly more. Kitchens feature fully-integrated stainless steel appliances and this, combined with the modern brassware of Bristan, chrome sockets by Deta and

homes & property

Star Property

slate grey Johnson floor tiles gives them a slick, cutting-edge appeal. Throughout, the property is dressed in rich textures and a stylish, minimalist palette, which in itself gives the living spaces a bright and welcoming feel yet also serves as the perfect blank canvas for those eager to assert their personality on a lovely new home. There is even the option to include fitted wardrobes, premium wool carpets and ceramic tiling to the properties, as well as sleek mirror details, for those eager to acquire the very height of sophistication. Tenants and owners of the apartments will have access to private landscaped gardens, while children can enjoy designated play areas. There will also be a crĂ¨che, concierge services and a car club to meet the needs of a busy family, while those seeking cherished health and fitness time can while away the hours in an exclusive, state-of-the-art gym of over 2,000-square feet. The striking complex of over seven-hundred homes reflects the experience of Barratt Homes in this region. Both of the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former schemes in the Royal Docks have won multiple awards, making the company an ideal choice to partner Taylor Wimpey and the London Development Agency in the next part of eye-catching regeneration in the East of the city. The Royal Docks area is a hive of investment having emerged as a lively, international business hub in recent years, which has been facilitated by its situation just ten minutes from Canary Wharf and one underground stop from City Airport. The 2012 Olympics site in Stratford is also just fifteen minutes away, and will also ensure that the apartments not only serve as convenient, attractive homes but savvy economic choices too. n

This stunning two-bedroom apartment is one of the most desirable within an already impressive development. The white walls, oak-style interior woodwork and soft taupe carpet run throughout the living areas and make the apartment feel fresh yet cosy. A step into the kitchen will reveal the stylish designer fittings by Nolte which come in a premium high-gloss finish and incorporate conveniences including a slim-line dishwasher, washer/dryer and built in wardrobe. The adjoining living space provides a naturally light and spacious environment, perfect for dinner parties. After entertaining, retire to the master bedroom which comes complete with an ensuite. Both this and the master bathroom continue the theme of luxury with vanity units, Aqualisa showers and a decor of warm tones and sparkling chrome fittings Priced from ÂŁ280,995 www.barratthomes.co.uk

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homes & property

Development DIGEST... NEW PROVIDENCE WHARF

Property Latest Property prices increase as city bonuses announced

Foxtons Canary Wharf 020 7133 7777 www.foxtons.co.uk

With City bonuses due to be announced any day, a recent property index suggests that there has been a continued growth in sales prices and resilient interest in acquiring high-end homes in London over the last few months. According to Knight Frank, while the cost of homes in the UK overall fell by one per cent in the year to January, the average price for a property in Central London has risen 10.3 per cent. Both the internal research team of leading agents Knight Frank and the D&G London Property Barometer suggest that the main cause for such a rise in value is the limited availability of suitable homes. Whilst the economic climate does not seem to have negatively impacted upon the intentions of City workers and overseas buyers who have registered their interest, sellers are being dissuaded from marketing their homes due to concerns about Stamp Duty rises. D&G have also concluded that destabilisation in the Middle East has reasserted London’s position as a stable and safe place to invest.

TAPESTRY BUILDING Located in Devonshire Square, close to Liverpool Street Station, this imposing warehouse was built in the 18th Century by the East India Company. It features a range of penthouses, starting at £1.4m Hurford Salvi Carr 020 7250 1012 www.hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

ONE STRATFORD

Rent Rises The lack of available properties in the London sales market has had further implications for the rental scene. 2011 has seen the largest yearly growth in London rents since 1995, attributed to a delay in potential buyers finding suitable properties and a difficult mortgage market. Difficulties in the rental market are

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Well-located in Canary Wharf, this luxurious riverside development offers a series of stunning apartments, renowned for their space and enviable extras. Currently on the market is a £2.5m two-bedroom apartment with a modern, generous interior and a substantial, south-facing private roof terrace with plunge pool, sauna and outstanding views across the river.

particularly apparent in the Docklands and City areas of London. Savills admit they usually see increased top tier rentals in the summer months but have recently let an exceptional riverside property for £1,000. Elsewhere, one tenant offered £120,000 in advance to let a central apartment, but was still unable to secure a contract due to the owner’s intention to sell.

This development near the Olympic Stadium offers some great transport links in a chic modern builing. The nearest station is Bromleyby-Bow (District and Hammersmith and City lines) and for the motorist the nearby A11 provides quick and easy access in and out of London. The onebedroom apartments offer good value for money with sunny reception rooms, stylish open-plan kitchens, generous master bedrooms, a modern bathroom and terrace. Foxtons Canary Wharf 020 7973 2020 www.foxtons.co.uk

PRIME AVENUE

B A LT I M O R E W H A R F , LO N D O N E 1 4 THE NUMBER ONE ADDRESS IN DOCKLANDS

Central location next to Canary Wharf, iconic architecture and extensive luxury leisure facilities make Prime Avenue the prime residential investment opportunity in London today.

www.baltimorewharf.com SUITES FROM £240,000 – 2 BEDS FROM £410,000

P RIME A VENUE BALTIMORE WHARF

Baltimore Wharf Marketing Suite 6 Baltimore Wharf London E14 9AQ

Tel: 0808 118 3551

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the city magazine MARCH 2011

the city m a g a z i n e

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

ALESSI IS MORE

The Italian designer on making business fun

OARS AT THE READY The annual Varsity Boat Race

Come

fly

with me

www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

Take to the skies at Goodwood

finance gadgets motoring interiors property march 2011 i s s u e 4 1