VICINITEE JANUARY 2010

VICINITEE JANUARY 2010 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

I S S U E 27

JANUARY 2010

CRUISE CONTROL

fashion for the top deck

£11.5 MILLION IN ONE DAY

the ICAP charity day

COME FLY WITH ME

Beauty and history in Venice

HOT PROPERTIES

UK & International

True Character

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A B a l l y m o re D eve l o p m e n t

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There has never been a better time to take advantage of one of the exceptional finance deals available on the fabulous new Lotus Evora.

An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling. Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and hand-built craftmanship.

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Regular Payment Purchase Plan

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Evora 2+0 Evora 2+0 Model Model £48,450.00 £48,450.00 OTR Price OTR Price £9,950.00 £24,225.00 Deposit Deposit £740.00 £0.00 First Monthly Payment 11 Monthly Payments £595.00 £24,225.00 35 Monthly Payments Final Payment At Baltimore Wharf leading edge architecture and design come together in superbly £21,700.50 £24,225.00 Final Payment Amount of Credit appointed apartments, where residents enjoy five-star services including a twenty-four £38,500.00 £48,450.00 Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable hour concierge and valet parking. £53,215.50 Total Amount Payable 0.0% APR Typical Central boulevard lead to the Baltimore£145.00 Club, London’s first luxury urban country Facility gardens Fee* club. Offering virtual sports – golf, clay and game shooting and a state-of-the-art gym.

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dealers for vehicles registered before 28/2/10.* Payable with the first instalment. Prices and details correct at the time of publishing, December 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Lotus Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

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consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Prices from Fuel £265,000.

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Standard BT call rates apply and may be higher from mobiles. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. *This is a computer generated image. In line with our policy of continuous improvement we reserve the right to alter the layout, building style, landscaping and specification at any time without notice.

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Regular Payment Purchase Plan Model OTR Price Deposit First Monthly Payment 35 Monthly Payments Final Payment Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable Facility Fee*

Evora 2+0 £48,450.00 £9,950.00 £740.00 £595.00 £21,700.50 £38,500.00 £53,215.50 £145.00

50:50 Purchase Plan Model OTR Price Deposit 11 Monthly Payments Final Payment Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable

Evora 2+0 £48,450.00 £24,225.00 £0.00 £24,225.00 £24,225.00 £48,450.00

0.0% APR Typical

5.2% APR Typical Finance subject to status. UK retail customers only. Indemnities may be required. Subject to availability at participating UK Lotus dealers for vehicles registered before 28/2/10.* Payable with the first instalment. Prices and details correct at the time of publishing, December 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Lotus Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205 g/km

18/12/09 09:41:02

contents F E AT U R E S 10 THE ART OF INVESTMENT

Alternative investments for 2010

the art

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REGULARS

I N V E S T M E N T

21 OBJECT OF DESIRE

22 BUSINESS PROFILE

Rob Lee talks about his move from

football to finance

27 OUT & ABOUT 32 ROYAL EXCHANGE

36 FASHION

Cruise Wear 48 NIP & TUCK

Perfection to be proud of 54 WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

Does natural medicine hold the

key to better health?

62 COME FLY WITH ME

Rebecca Walton flies to Venice

from City Airport

35 FASHION NEWS 45 HEALTH & BEAUTY

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56 5 OF THE BEST...

61 TRAVEL NEWS

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67 24 HOURS IN...

71 MOTORING 80 GADGETS

64 BANGKOK’S BEST

Kate Harrison presents her

favourites from this vibrant city 72 SCENE STEALING

Does Stoke Park offer more than

just a silver screen backdrop?

8 EDITOR’S LETTER

83 SPORT 87 ARTS & CULTURE

84

84 THE GREATEST RACE ON EARTH

Lee Brooks looks ahead to the

2010 Dakar Rally

88 ENTERTAINMENT 93 FOOD & DRINK 99 CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS 103 PROPERTY 119 INTERIORS

Cruise Photographer: Peter Zownir Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

White and gold disc cut-out ‘Phuket’ swimsuit, £ 275 Melissa Odabash 020 7229 4299, www.odabash.com Rose gold stilettos, £445, Rupert Sanderson, 33 Bruton Place, W1, 020 7491 2220, www.rupertsanderson.co.uk

ONE HUNDRED, NOT OUT

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motoring

In 2010, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centenary.

Matthew Carter summarises one hundred years of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows

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fter suffering badly in the 1990s, Alfa is back on a roll. Cars like the Brera, MiTo, 159 and the highly desirable 8C prove that Alfa can make attractive and individual cars again.Yes, they still have flaws (8C included) but they do have soul. Driving a modern Alfa no longer marks you out as someone who’s not all there.

And as Clarkson says: “Owning an Alfa is a portal through which all petrolheads must pass if they genuinely want to know what it is that differentiates a car from a toaster or a washing machine.”

To mark this birthday, Alfa will be launching the Giulietta, a car the company reckons is destined to become

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the best selling Alfa of all… emulating the first car to bear the name, which was sold between 1954 - 1965.

All new, the 2010 Giulietta replaces the 147 and is aimed directly at cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus.

It will be available with a choice of petrol and diesel engine options, all driving the front wheels. Top of the range, due late in the year, will be the 230 bhp Cloverleaf, powered by a 1750cc petrol unit.

Although sales start in Italy in March, the first chance we’ll get to see the Giulietta is at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood from 2-4 July, where Alfa will be the featured marque.

Another reason, as if it were needed, to get down to Sussex next summer. n

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE:

Lesley Ellwood

Editor

Louisa Castle

Editorial Director

Kate Harrison

Deputy Editor

Josephine O’Donoghue

Editorial Assistant

Ruth Sherrington

Editorial Support

Dominique Brady Oliver Balcazar

Motoring Editor

Matthew Carter

Fashion Editor

Lucie Dodds Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong Jenisa Patel

Senior Designers

Production Manager

Dan Hyde

Group Publishing Director

Eren Ellwood

P.A. to Group Publishing Director

Ella Kilgarriff

Sales Manager

Andy Williams

PR & Marketing Manager

Rebecca Walton

Managing Director

Giles Ellwood

Finance Manager

Annette Habel

020 7987 4320 020 7005 0045 city@runwildmedia.com www.runwildmedia.com

Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator Business, Wallpaper*, Intelligent Life and House & Garden.

She also writes for magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and stylist based in London. Having originally started out reporting on shows at London Fashion Week, she now specialises in lifestyle and interiors. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

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.

His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist specializing 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.

Dr. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading commentators on money matters. He is a Director at the popular investing website The Motley Fool – Fool.co.uk. As well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s (97.4FM) Breakfast Show , he also presents Money Talk – the Fool’s weekly podcasts where guests from the world of money thrash out the financial issues of the day.

Matthew Carter is a Londonbased freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, Matthew has been a regular contributor to Run Wild’s portfolio of magazines since the very beginning. A serial car owner, he currently has five in his stable, including a couple of classic Alfas and an awesome 550hp Ford GT.

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JANUARY 2010 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Subscriptions: A free subscription service is available to employees at City offices. E-mail city@runwildmedia.com for further details.

For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

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I S S U E 27

JANUARY 2010

‘Cruise’ - Fashion, p.41 Gold croc bandeau ‘Serpent’ bikini, £145, Melissa Odabash, www.odabash.com Cream leather and gold stud crop jacket, £390, Sara Berman, www.saraberman.co.uk Gold python platform ‘Josslyn’ stilettos, £565, Gina, 020 7235 2932, www.gina.com Publishers of: The Canary Wharf Citylife Magazine The City Magazine, Vicinitee VENUE - The official magazine of The O2 British International Motorshow Magazine London Golf Club Magazine

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January

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from the editor... elcome to the January edition of Vicinitee magazine. As 2010 begins, it’s time to put the Christmas festivities behind us and focus on the New Year ahead. January is often the month where we consolidate our thoughts, evaluate our goals and rethink our interests.

So there’s never been a better time to make positive changes and in this issue we focus on the best ways to invest your cash; from art and jewellery to cars and wine. For those looking to invest in a larger purchase we’re also showcasing a portfolio of fantastic property investment opportunities both at home and overseas.

In this issue you can discover the benefits of the tax breaks available in Switzerland; pop stars and racing drivers have been enjoying the quiet life and fresh air for years but Zoe Dare Hall suspects it’s really all about the tax advantages. With the 50 % percent tax bracket looming for those earning over £150,000 from next April, everyone from well-off individuals to the UK’s biggest hedge fund companies are considering making the move to the land of chocolate and cheese.

Last month Broadgate witnessed an array of celebrities passing by to support the ICAP Charity Day. ICAP held its 17th annual charity event on 9 December 2009, raising a staggering £11.5m for charities around the world. On this day, 100% of company revenues and broker commissions are donated to a selection of charities around the world.

Since its inception in 1993 the event has raised US$119 million and supported over 820 well deserving and needy causes worldwide. ICAP, the world’s premier interdealer broker, saw customers in 50 countries around the world participate in this special event.

It is inspiring to see what a difference the ICAP Charity Day makes to so many people.

Michael Spencer, group chief executive officer, said: “The last couple of years have proven to be a very challenging environment for many in the financial services industry, but it’s now more important than ever that ICAP continues to give to those in need. We want to sincerely thank all those who helped make our Charity Day happen this year, including our staff and suppliers, and especially our many customers – thank you for making every deal count this year on Charity Day.” Finally, for those of you who attended the Vicinitee VIP Après Ski party last month then don’t forget to check out the amazing photos online at www.viciniteevip.com and also checkout the latest events and privileges that are available to you.

Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you.

From all the team here at Vicinitee magazine we wish you a very Happy New Year.

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director RunWild Media

photography: Nicolas Claris

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18/12/2009 12:00

the art

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I N V E S T M E N T For many, the New Year is a prudent time for investment – but why not branch out from stocks and shares and look at some of the more creative (and enjoyable!) ways to invest your money, says Josephine O’Donoghue

w

ith New Year’s resolutions ringing in your ears, it’s more than likely that alongside your promises to give up wine and chocolate, there is a renewed intention to manage your money more responsibly. As the sparkle and shine of the festive period comes to an end, thoughts inevitably turn to more serious matters and in the current climate, what could be more serious than the state of our personal finances?

A growing lack of confidence in the financial markets is prompting investors to look towards assets which they can enjoy for themselves. Even if banks are secure at present, interest rates currently on offer are hardly tempting, so alternative investments are becoming popular. There are a number of more ‘pleasurable assets’ to invest your money in without agonising over ISAs, premium bonds and interest rates. From wine and whisky, to houses and cars, we look at some of the most luxurious ‘lifestyle investment’ choices.

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HE ULTIMATE LIQUID ASSET

One of the most popular methods of investment in the last decade, you might consider buying a case of vintage wine or rare whisky. The taxman considers wine as ‘wasting chattels’ – that is to say, goods that deteriorate in value – so they are not subject to Capital Gains Tax. Demand for wine is being driven by Asian buyers particularly, says Serena Sutcliffe, head of the international wine department at Sotheby’s. This could be partly due to a change in the tax system in Hong Kong and Macau, which has reduced the duty due on wine in the region.

One popular way to invest (particularly for those without expert knowledge) is to buy through a fund. The Wine Investment Fund (WIF) and The Vintage Wine Fund (VWF) are two popular choices. Charges at the VWF are 2% a year, plus 20% of any gains after fees, but the fund is based in the tax-haven of the Cayman Islands.

For those more interested in whiskies, there are three ways of investing directly in whisky: identifying limited edition bottles that will rise in price once sold out; buying casks at a good trade price that will be in demand in years to come; and looking at the new single malt distillery projects.

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MASTERPIECE FOR ME

Despite the recession, Christie’s auction house has enjoyed an increased popularity in art sales; the total sales of all art worldwide at Christie’s were calculated at £1.5bn in 2000, which has jumped 87% to £2.8bn in 2008. One late Picasso which Christie’s sold in 2004 for £2.8m came back for a sale in 2009 estimated at £5-7m. 2009 also saw the sale of Claude Monet’s Au Parc Monceau; it sold for £3.7m in 2001 but in 2009 it sold again for £6.3m – a 71% increase in less than ten years.

Other areas to take note of include Chinese and Iranian art. Harvey Cammell of Bonhams says; “One of the strongest markets during the recession has been Chinese art. We have just had one of our strongest Chinese sales with items of jade and imperial works of art selling far, far in excess of expectations”.

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IME’S A’ TICKING

Buying or receiving a new watch is one of life’s great pleasures, but perhaps even more so is the miraculous discovery of the antique, vintage or rare limited edition timepiece – perfect for a long-term investment. Whether such a treasure has inspired years of searching, or forms part of a larger portfolio collection, watches make a great investment piece and a personal collectable item.

Of course, from all the watch families, there are particular names that stand out when hunting for that classic timepiece. Rolex has been a name synonymous with luxury and class for just over a century, known around the world for developing and patenting the world’s first waterproof wristwatch; creating the Perpetual Rotor; and launching the Submariner (invented originally for deep sea divers and adopted by the British Royal Navy).

An investment like this is akin to owning a piece of technological history.

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LL THAT GLITTERS

Whilst everyone is aware that gold bullion is a solid investment, it’s often more fun to choose something you can wear too. Since 2005, the value of coloured diamonds has rocketed by 300%, taking their place as one of the most popular investments for the superwealthy. Many world renowned jewellers such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier have responded to the change in demand by creating new coloured diamond collections; these include Cartier’s Inde Mysterieuse collection where the smallest piece (a pair of yellow rose-cut diamond earrings) was valued at over £169,000.

However, coloured diamonds aren’t the only option for long-term jewellery investments. Tanzanite is one of the rarest minerals on the planet and is found in just one place; the Meralani Hills of northern Tanzania, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Discovered just over 40 years ago, the rich blue tanzanite is exceptionally precious, and over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Expert geologists estimate that there are only 15 years of supply left, meaning that tanzanite is not only a great investment for future years but also an important addition to any jewellery collection.

Theo Fennell says: “One of the great mistakes and irrelevances of jewellery buying today is the idea that cost is everything. This can lead to a cock-eyed system where not very rare stones become super expensive – diamonds over tanzanite for example – or standard rubies become more important than a very bright tourmaline, which is far rarer.” Theo Fennell, Tiffany & Co., Boodles and The Ritz Fine Jewellery all work in association with The Tanzanite Foundation.

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TROPHY ON WHEELS

Coys, the UK’s leading auctioneer of classic cars states that the most sought-after cars have accelerated in price by 200% over the past decade. For example, a 1972 Ferrari 246 Dino which sold for £35,000 at a Monaco auction in 2000 would now command more than £90,000. Similarly, a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing sold in 2000 for £100,000, would in 2010 be valued at £300,000 – and a Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS which sold for £30,000 in 2000 would now be worth £120,000. Around 90% of the cars in the Coys 2000 catalogue have risen in value, making them a solid investment for car enthusiasts.

Speaking to The Guardian, Will Smith, Coys classic car auctions, says: “The existing popular classics represent sound investment potential. A perfect example is the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, a simply stunning British sports car. Prices currently start at £35,000, and go all the way up to £100,000+, but we see them steadily increasing due to their already established cult status.”

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David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5NY 020 7538 2332 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

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investing in...

w i n e

The growth of wine investment has continued to rise in recent years and has spurned the growth of several Wine Investment Funds and a wide variety of resources for the wine investor. Richard Brierley, head of fine wine at Vanquish Wine Ltd, claims that the results can be rewarding both financially and on the palate

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o, the question is: Can one still make a sound wine investment in this market? The answer is a definite yes. The challenging economic climate does not preclude a sound alternative investment in fine and rare wines, indeed like many markets there are many opportunities to buy into the ’blue chip‘ now at a discount to the heights of the market in 2007.

Whilst technology has made comparative price information available to any collector seeking to acquire investment grade wines; the research behind the price is a key factor that will protect your portfolio long term.

Expert guidance allows a potential investor to make careful acquisitions by understanding the drivers of market value such as critical opinion, provenance, storage conditions and the presence of the original wooden case for the best wines.

A balanced portfolio across regions, producers and maturity, like most investment strategies, is the soundest approach. An authoritative adviser can help sort through the hype and conduct a thorough market analysis of the future price curve of an agreed basket of wines to measure potential returns.

Whilst in some instances the market for a single wine or vintage increases rapidly on an influential critic’s ‘buy’ recommendation, it is preferable to consider a wine investment as a 5-10 year investment. Past trends show us that wines often peak in value as they approach their first maturity window; when they begin to lose their youthful fruit and develop as mature wines, this for most great wines is at least 5-10 years from bottling.

The influence of the Asian market has grown exponentially in recent months, led by the buying power of greater China’s high net worth individuals and the abolition of duty on wines in Hong Kong. Indeed, Hong

Kong has become the new hub of a growing shift of wine investment and consumption in the world’s most populous continent. Whilst for now, their tastes are limited to a few top châteaux (in particular Château Lafite) a maturing market in mainland China will lead to a broadening of this influence.

The active secondary market in fine and rare wines, together with key indices provided by (amongst others) Liv-ex; a real-time wine trading platform for wine companies, allow investors to track the market value of their portfolio on a monthly basis. Accurate information and candid advice on a timely basis should lead to a successful sale.

At the time of sale, there are a number of routes to market that may be considered. It may be that your chosen merchant can quickly and efficiently find buyers for your portfolio or it may be that a major auction sale would increase the pool of buyers thus increasing the price. An ideal consultant would be able to understand and assess both these options and advise accordingly for all or part of the portfolio.

As the early reports of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage point to a successful harvest that will bring exceptional wines to the market next spring as futures, there seems that the potential returns and continued interest in wine investment shows no signs of abating.

Of all alternative investments, wine investment just might be the most fun! Whilst financial gain may be the central goal, the fringe benefits are just as appealing.

Many investors choose to take their dividend in liquid form - by keeping back a few of those precious bottles for enjoyment. In vino veritas. n For further information, 020 7478 8949, www.vqwine.com

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investing in...

a rt

As 15 September 2008 unfolded, a paradox emerged of such worldwide interest that it was guaranteed a place in the history books: Lehman Brothers wept as it collapsed and kick-started the global financial crisis; yet Sotheby’s rejoiced as it achieved the largest income ever from a single artist auction with its Damien Hirst sale. Carol Cordrey looks at which works of art proved to be alluring to investors in 2009 and which are likely to have the same effect in 2010?

1 ABOVE: 1 Cecil Beaton

© Sotheby’s Cecil Beaton archive

2 Spring comes to Manorbier Philip Sutton, RA

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or the major auction houses, the supply of art initially dropped as owners deferred selling because they feared the financial crisis would reduce values. That only served to increase demand, particularly as the internet encourages global competition for work that is highly sought after, unique or rarely becomes available.

In May 2009, Christie’s New York saw global buyers vying for David Hockney’s Beverley Hills Housewife – one of his most important works to come to auction – reaching a record for the artist of $7,922,500. Here in London, Sotheby’s expected a self-portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck to fetch £2 to 3 million in their December 2009 sale but was actually bought for £8.3 million.

Much further down on the price scale but high on the scale of investors’ interest is photographic art. Buyers swarmed to the 2009 Chris Beetles Gallery Cecil Beaton sale and excitement is already building towards the Terry O’Neill and Norman Parkinson sales scheduled for February and May 2010 respectively.

As far as sculpture is concerned, Polly Bielecka of Gallery Pangolin confessed that the opening of her gallery in October 2008 was not necessarily the best timing.

Nonetheless, several of Pangolin’s sculptors had great success in the Gallery’s 2009 exhibitions and those prices are expected to rise in the coming year, namely Royal Academician, William Tucker, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Centre in 2010 and the emerging artist, Abigail Fallis, who will be having her first solo London show with us in May. Becoming a Royal Academician (RA) is still considered by most people in the art world to be the benchmark of talent. That view is certainly shared by Marianna Penturo, owner of The Richmond Hill Gallery which permanently occupies a gallery space in Richmond and, temporarily,

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one in Cork Street where they are renowned for exhibiting work by RAs. It is an elite group of a maximum of 80 artists spanning painters, printmakers, sculptors and architects, all under the age of 75 and practising in the UK; beyond that age, they become Senior Academicians. irst Hirst’s “For an artist, recognition by the Royal Academy is the equivalent of a company being admitted to the FTSE 100” said Marianna, “It also gives investors a secure standard to assess artists by and in uncertain times, our buyers are looking to invest in artists where they feel their money will be safe”.

By way of example, The Richmond Hill Gallery has seen prices for Philip Sutton’s work increase consistently by at least 10% over the past four years. This artist is now in his eightieth year and the recent publication of a retrospective of his work, An Artist’sView, has increased interest and inflated prices for his paintings.

Centenaries and major art prizes are another way of noting artists’ reputations that are in the ascendancy. An exhibition celebrating the centenary of one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, the late Edward Seago (19101974), will take place at The Taylor Gallery this February.

Winners of the Turner Prize generally acquire celebrity status and correspondingly sized price tags for their work: Gilbert & George (1986); Anish Kapoor (1991); Damien Hirst (1995); and Grayson Perry (2003) typify that. Hirst’s prices fell during the start of 2009 but Bloomberg reports that valuations of his work have already returned to the peak of 2008. n For further information, please visit www.christies.com, www.sothebys.com, www.chrisbeetles.com, www.gallery-pangolin.com, www.therichmondhillgallery.com

decadence for a new decade

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investing in...

wat c h e s

Today’s watch collectors range from Forbes list billionaires to sports stars, students and investment bankers. Claire Adler quizzes Christie’s international watch expert Aurel Bacs about bullet proof watch storage, teenage watch addicts and what to wear to an auction house

Tag Heuer 40th anniversary Monaco

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t a Christie’s watch auction in Geneva recently, a young boy in the back row aged around 14 raised his paddle. He was accompanied by a woman who appeared to be his mother. The auctioneer at the sale, Christie’s international head of watches, Aurel Bacs, could not make out the bidder clearly, but assumed the mother had instructed her son to bid on her behalf. As it turned out, the boy was buying a watch from his own savings.

In over five years in charge of the Christie’s watch department in Geneva and eight years at Sotheby’s and Phillips before that, Bacs has witnessed a level of commitment to watches which is nothing short of extraordinary.

“I’ve sold watches to collectors who are in their nineties,” says Bacs, on the phone from Geneva. “On more than one occasion, one of these older collectors has suddenly called asking me to sell their whole collection.

One such gentleman called me saying: “I’m in great shape and I’m well, but I want you to sell my watch collection.

I’m worried my family doesn’t appreciate its value. But I am confident my children will understand the value of money in the bank account. I’d rather live 20 more years without the watches, than risk seeing the collection ending up in the wrong hands.”

Bacs knows ‘at least three’ collectors who each own more than 1,000 watches. His regular clients include people who turn up at Christie’s, “unshaven in a jogging suit,” as well as those in dark double breasted suits.

“One of the joys of my job is seeing the CEO of a publicly listed company, a musician and a football player sitting together talking about the intricacies of a watch dial or the beauty of a watch movement. It’s so informal, it’s really fabulous – it’s not about how much money you have to spend, but about a real passion for the subject,” says Bacs.

So with a myriad of watches on offer, how is a newcomer to know where to begin?

Ask people how they started collecting watches and most don’t remember. “Most say they liked one watch and then it just happened,” says Bacs.

First and foremost, Bacs advises deciding on what you want from a watch. Is it just aesthetic pleasure, is it the historic value, the prestige of a particular brand, a focus on technical aspects or a short term or long term investment?

Or how about a watch that tells a great story inviting you on a journey that lasts a lifetime?

Classics include the Omega Speedmaster Professional the first watch to reach the moon; the Rolex Submariner - James Bond’s favourite; and Tag Heuer’s Monaco – rendered cool by Steve McQueen ever since 1971 racing film Le Mans. Patek Philippe watches are famous for repeatedly fetching world record prices at auction – most recently in November when a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calibre 89, the world’s most complicated timepiece, fetched over £3m at Antiquorum in Geneva.

Many collectors nail down one particular area which fascinates them. One collector I know owns only watches with enamel dials which were made during World War II. He loves the notion that at a time when the world was in utter turmoil and half of Europe was occupied, people continued to produce and buy high end luxury items. Another collector buys only pocket watches with royal provenance dating up until the seventeenth century.

Every timepiece he owns has served the needs of a king, an emperor or a head of state. One woman is the proud owner of 100 Vacheron Constantin men’s watches.

When deciding on a budget or whether to buy secondhand, auction house catalogues are a great resource for learning the values of different watches in the market.

Auction sale previews offer free access to experts who are used to answering questions from beginner collectors.

There are almost as many watch magazines as there are car magazines, while online watch blogs and forums from watchprosite.com to timezone.com, are useful for connecting with connoisseurs and collectors.

“Questions to consider are who made it, the quality of the craftsmanship and its provenance – where the watch has been. It may be a fine watch, but if it has been worn by Godzilla and a butcher and been handled by watchmakers unqualified to repair it, then it is not great quality. Quality never came cheap.”

Mechanical watches rely on constant movement to keep ticking, so there is a sophisticated market for luxurious cases for boxes and display cases designed to store and care for your watches while you sleep.

Still, not everyone believes in storing watches out of sight. “I’ve seen watch collections encased in bullet proof glass showcases and one industrialist I know has built a strong room to house his watches – it’s a massive concrete bunker and only he has the code,” says Bacs. “But in the 80s, I once found myself with a collector in his living room surrounded by numerous cases filled with his watches.

I asked him if he was scared of burglars. He said: “If a burglar comes, I can’t stop him. But in the meantime, I will cherish every day in this “room”. n

Aurel Bacs, auction

Chronofighter G-BGP-001-black

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feature

investing in...

c a r s

Experts all agree that it will become increasingly difficult to make the right decision about where to put your hard earned cash. However, for the high-net worth crowd with income to spare, there are still some investments that not only hold the potential for powerful gains but can help put the fun back in your portfolio

C

lassic cars in particular have a long and colourful history of making wise collectors a small fortune. And that’s not taking into account the prestige status they can bestow upon their fortunate owners.

RM Auctions, the world’s largest auction and restoration company specialising in investment quality vintage automobiles, has in its time sold some key pieces; a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster from the Bernie Ecclestone collection which, at £3,967,0000, became one of the most expensive road-going cars ever sold at auction; and a 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spyder, formerly the property of actor James Coburn which became the most expensive car ever sold at auction when it was bought by presenter Chris Evans for a cool £5,600,000.

Experts cite several reasons why the market in classic cars continues to buck the trend: There is the rising hyperwealth in emerging economies such as Russia and India, yet closer to home, pension simplification rules and the increased popularity of SIPPs means that classic cars, along with antiques and fine wines, now offer excellent tax breaks.

“Unusual assets can be an attractive addition to a welldiversified portfolio, giving an added dimension in terms of interest and the potential to generate long-term wealth appreciation,” says Rob Myers, founder and CEO of RM Auctions. “Collectability and value is driven by three factors – rarity, condition and beauty – or a combination of these.”

To clear away the obstacle of definitions, care manufactured before 1903 are called veteran cars, those

between 1903 and 1933 are known as vintage and those that are at least 15 years old are grouped under classic cars.

However, age alone does not determine value. The top prices are typically brought by rare racing cars such as Ferraris, Jaguars and Maseratis.

Particularly desirable are cars that boast a remarkable provenance, whether it is past celebrity ownership or an impressive race history. This can double or triple the value.

As Myers explains, “it took Ferrari about ten years to build the first thousand cars and then less than three years to build the next thousand. Consequently, the early cars are much rarer and will always have much higher values – so few were built that it is impossible for everyone who wants one to have one.

“In addition, there is a certain magic in the sounds, smells and sensations of these coach built cars. Many were truly one of a kind, while others were built in small series of five, ten or maybe thirty.”

Undoubtedly, classic car collecting can prove to be extremely lucrative but “don’t forget to enjoy your classic car as well. Think about entering it in competitions – you could awards and renown that will help secure the car’s provenance and value for future owners.

“In short, enjoy the ride. There’s no other investment that compares to the enjoyment and memories of owning a classic car.” n For further information, please visit www.rmauctions.com

The World Polo SeriesTM presents

HURLINGHAM

4 /5TH/6TH JUNE 2010 TH

The most successful new event to hit the London Summer Season

Come and celebrate polo returning to the heart of the city First class corporate hospitality at The Hurlingham Club, one of London’s most exclusive venues From summer picnics to gourmet lunches, Veuve Clicquot Champagne receptions and Harrods Traditional Afternoon Teas

Enjoy world class entertainment, delicious food, luxury shopping, fabulous equestrian displays and the not to be missed Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden, all available exclusively at this event

For more information on packages and prices contact: World Polo Limited T: 44(0)20 7 936 5284 E: Rachel@worldpolo.net www.polointheparklondon.com

Combining luxury and exhilaration, with racederived hulls and the very best in power-trains and propulsion systems, the Predator 72 from Sunseeker is not for the faint-hearted.

Indeed this boat is to be taken, and driven, seriously.

The new Predator 72 provides total flexibility to meet the requirements of either owner-driver or crewed operation and with a choice of standard hardtop or sports flybridge, the options and configurations are yours for the making.

Sunseeker 72 Predator available now at ÂŁ1million www.sunseekerlondon.com

21

object of desire: Power Play

lifestyle

from STRENGTH to STRENGTH

business&finance

23

Josephine O’Donoghue talks to Rob Lee about his departure from professional football and the inauguration of his financial management company, Fortress Wealth Management

L

ast year, ex-Premiership footballer Rob Lee (midfielder at Newcastle United) teamed up with his Independent Financial Advisor, Kevin Neal to form a company offering bespoke independent advice. Breaking the cycle of bad investments and poor advice between IFAs and professional sportsmen, Fortress aims to serve high net worth clients and provide security for many years to come.

What was the appeal of the financial industry and do you have any background in finance?

There wasn’t really any appeal for the financial industry, but I think people need to be aware of pitfalls in some of the financial advice they can receive, especially if it’s recommended by a third party on commission!

I can give my own personal experiences to people about this. I don’t really have a financial background; like most people I do read the financial pages but really, my background is sport and I haven’t really had time to look after my own finances. That is why my views are strong on getting good and fair financial advice.

Why did you decide change industry and leave the sporting world?

My work with Kevin gives me some diversification from my other media engagements; this is also something which I think can benefit younger players. I’m still involved in the sporting world to some extent and I am not ruling out the possibility that I may

return to some form of coaching or management role.

In short, what does your company do?

Fortress Wealth Management has been created to provide bespoke, structured, good financial products – maybe quite different from the normal services that you see from most IFAs. We want to create a brand that is different and is associated with solid financial advice and longevity post retirement.

How did you and Kevin come up with the idea of being partners in a new company?

Kevin has been my IFA for several years and provides me with excellent advice in terms of personal and corporate finances.

He wanted to extend his brand into wealth management, particularly in the sports and media industry and I felt that I could bring in some of my own ideas and contacts. It has been a successful partnership; Kevin and his staff run the wealth management side, and I do PR to bring clients into the business.

Why is it important to get financial advice when there is a large personal wealth involved?

It is not just about the advice you can get on one component, such as life assurance or a mortgage. Complete financial advice is about all of these together, including future plans such as inheritance tax planning, trust planning and pension planning. Some of these are much more sophisticated than they used to be, and it is important to be financially prepared for all possibilities.

Which elements of the sporting industry have you been able to use in your new role?

I think I’m good at connecting with people in the sporting world because I played at the top level for England and Newcastle – players respect the fact that I am offering advice in the context of their own position.

In asking them to come and talk to us about their wealth they feel secure, particularly bearing in mind my own reputation of being a very careful and low risk investor.

Have you been able to advise young players on how to manage and preserve their personal wealth?

My two sons are currently at West Ham and hopefully when they start to earn reasonable sums of money, they will come to me and get the right advice.

The message we send out to young players is that, by the age of 18 or 19 you will be earning seriously good money, so you must invest in longterm savings and organise your accounts on a tax-efficient basis. This is where the term wealth management comes into its own.

Has the recession had a negative impact on your business?

No it hasn’t; funds have done extremely well in difficult circumstances and I do believe we will go from strength to strength for many years to come. n For more information, visit www. fortresswealthmanagement.net

24

business&finance

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

Investing Tips For Women

H

ere is a starter for ten for the start of the year: Should women invest the same way as men?

In many ways, men and women face similar issues when investing.

After all, they both have similar budgetary constraints. Put another way, if you spend more than you earn, then chances are you will not have any money left over to invest.

But if you do have money to invest, you need to wring as much from your investments as possible. Consequently, regardless of gender, we all need to start investing as early as possible.

That said there are some major differences between men and women’s life patterns that cannot be ignored. For example, women are traditionally more likely to spend more time at home caring for children. This means that for certain episodes in a woman’s career, she could earn less money than men could.

However, by trimming her budget by just £20 a week (or £3 a day) a woman can extract an extra £1,000 a year that can then be put towards any investment.

Furthermore, through the power of compounding, those seemingly insignificant £20 weekly contributions can mount up over a period of time.

For instance, £20 put into a savings account every week paying interest at 5% annually will grow to almost £35,000 in twenty years. And over thirty years, it could grow to over £70,000. The lesson here is that the earlier you start, the more your money will grow.

Interestingly, time is something that women can use to their advantage. That is because on average women outlive men.

Generally, it is reckoned that women have a life expectancy of almost 81 years, which is five years longer than for men.

On the one hand, this implies that women need to make greater provisions for their retirement, but it also means that they can take a slightly longer approach to investing.

Accordingly, the stock market would be a

better home for a woman’s money than say, a savings account.

Historically, the UK stock market has returned an average of 11% per year over the long term. Consequently, if those £20 weekly contributions were put towards an index tracker instead of into a savings account, the investment would grow to £75,000 after twenty years. Additionally, she would have almost £250,000 at her disposal after thirty years, which is three times more than leaving the money in a savings account.

Unfortunately, it is reckoned that women are usually less comfortable with taking on investment risks than men are. But taking on board some risk is essential if you want to achieve inflation-beating returns. In this regard, high-yielding shares may be a sensible way to strike a happy balance between risk and returns.

Dividends are a share of the profits a company makes that is distributed to shareholders. Once it is paid, the company can’t take it back, which means you can do what you want with it. Utility companies are generally some of the highest yielding blue-chip companies. These include household names such as Cable & Wireless, National Grid, Severn Trent, BT Group and Centrica, which owns British Gas.

Currently, their dividend yields range from 7% to 5%, which is better than leaving your money in a savings account.

If you invest in a portfolio of high-yielding shares, you should receive a regular stream of income that can be drawn on when you need to. However, it is best not to dip into the stream too often, but instead re-invest the dividends to improve your returns.

To maximise your returns further, you could consider putting your investment in a tax-free wrapper such as an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). By doing so, any gains you make from your investment will be exempt from taxes, and the less the taxman takes the more you earn for yourself! n For more information on investing, visit The Motley Fool at Fool.co.uk

Your chance to

win

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

Simply by subscribing to this magazine for free

S

mall Luxury Hotels of the World is an unsurpassed collection of over 500 hotels spanning more than 70 countries, which together offer an infinite variety of experiences. Whatever your inclination, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm.

HOW TO WIN Please send your name, address and the title of the magazine you would like to subscribe to: subscribe@runwildgroup.co.uk Terms & conditions: Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and RunWild Media Group, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.

The editors decision is final.

The winner will be drawn at random on 30 January, 2010 and notified by email. The winner must be aged 18 or over. Proof of identity and age may be required. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification. All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition. The prizes are as stated, subject to availability at the time of booking (standard Service Provider booking conditions apply) are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Winners are responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prizes, including any necessary travel, travel documents, passports and visas. Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers’ terms and conditions. The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition. The winner will be chosen from all correct entries submitted to SLH by email by the closing date stated within the promotional material and the prize must be redeemed before January 31, 2011. Winners will be confirmed in writing. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact a winner. Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize. If they cannot be contacted, or are unable comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random. Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision. Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time. The Service Provider and contact details are specified within the promotional material.

FrĂŠgate Island Private, Seychelles Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg, Austria

lifestyle

27

SHOOT KING’S CROSS Shoot Experience’s ‘Capture Kings Cross’ will celebrate and explore the variety of themes and influences from the British Library’s Points of View exhibition, promising snaphappy participants a completely unique way to capture the streets of this vibrant and everchanging area. In teams of 2-4 this is a whole day of the most fun you can have discovering unknown corners of London, and unleashing your creativity.

Teams also have the chance to see their photos exhibited in a gallery and bask in the glory at an exclusive private viewing. www.shootexperience.com

ROMANCE AT THE BALLET ROLL UP, ROLL UP! For anyone who loves Cirque du Soleil, this is a must-see; for anyone who has never experience its wow-factor – this is un-missable! The Saltimbanco show is coming to London; this is Cirque du Soleil’s longest running major touring show which has toured the world since 1992 to wide-spread acclaim and has enjoyed sell-out success around the world to over 11 million fans.

Something for all the family, this is a dazzling show where “Myth meets magic” (NY Times) – a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe inspiring artistry and agility.

It features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles.

28 July – 1 August London Wembley Arena Tickets are on sale now, priced £50 0844 576 5483 www.cirquedusoleil.com

&

out about

The nights may be drawing in, but there’s plenty to do...

Giselle is the ultimate romantic ballet – a story of innocence, betrayal and the absolute redemptive power of true love.

This year’s staging of the 1841 masterpiece includes the prelude Men Y Men, a new choreography

by Wayne Eagling (set to music

by Rachmaninov) this piece is designed to challenge the male dancers of the company.

20-23 January The English National ballet London Coliseum www.ballet.org.uk

28

lifestyle

LIVE THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LIFESTYLE

SOUND & VISION Cancer Research UK’s annual heritage music fundraiser, Sound & Vision, at Abbey Road studios, is returning on 25 February. This is a fantastic event which is fast becoming one of the industry’s best charity music events. The fundraiser will see top class musicians perform (including Newton Faulkner) and famous memorabilia from some of the biggest names in the industry go under the hammer to raise money for the charity’s lifesaving work to beat cancer.

The Gore Hotel’s Rock ‘n’ Roll afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to indulge in the middle of the day! Served in the hotel’s Bar 190 (which was the setting for the filming of the iconic Rolling Stones Beggar’s Banquet), the hotel has taken a traditional afternoon tea and rocked it up with a mix of Jack Daniel’s Muffins, music shaped biscuits and delicious chocolate éclairs. Keeping within the hotel’s ethos of ‘tradition with a twist’ guests will also receive the typical sandwiches and scones. And of course, afternoon tea wouldn’t be rock ‘n’ roll without a little champagne – delicious!

www.soundandvisionofficial.com

TOP THAT!

£30 www.gorehotel.com

RACE ON WATER Pelican Racing has recently announced the inaugural City Racing Challenge for 2010.

This is the company that brings Londoners hassle free racing and in this challenge, they invite London’s city workers to swap their spreadsheet for a jib sheet and race against their competitors on the water. The event will involve four heats where teams can compete within their own business sector; Insurance & Asset Management, Legal, Banking, and IT. Teams can leave behind the rat race and show their business competitors what they are made of!

The season runs from April – September and every aspect of the racing will be organised by Cowes based Pelican Racing and hosted by the Island Sailing Club.

For more information about the City Challenge and Pelican Racing, please email info@pelican-racing.com 01983 201 581

FITNESS CHALLENGE For those looking for a fitness and endurance challenge, why not sign up for the London Triathlon on 7-8 August 2010.

Enter at Sprint or Super Sprint level, and take part in a running, cycling and swimming competition around London, designed to push your physical limits. Many of last year’s participants were triathlon novices, so everyone is welcome to take part. Funds raised will go to a range of charitable organisations, but the official charities are Water Aid and MacMillan Cancer Support. www.londontriathlon.co.uk

As the world goes crazy with the launch of Tim Burton’s new film Alice inWonderland, a London hat-maker is offering group hat-making sessions at her ‘Glam Hatters’ Tea Parties’.

Talented London milliner Janie Lawson offers a four hour course in hat making, where groups of friends or individuals can design hats, fascinators and even tiaras! The Glam Hatters’ Tea Parties take place regularly at the London workshop in Clapham (or for bigger parties she can come to you).

Parties cost £45 per person (including tea and biscuits, although you may bring along champagne if you wish) and she also runs jewellery making workshop which caters for all levels of ability. The parties can be booked for groups of 8-24.

To book your party and for further information, email Janie direct via info@janielawson.com or call 07879 451451

NATURE IN DIAMONDS

ICONIC STYLE The Lulu Guinness ICON collection is a selection of beautiful bags that have stood the test of time, and are now an iconic and recognised style for the brand. With its strong shape and elegant style the Hillary bag has been an iconic Lulu Guinness bag since 2000, when it first launched.

Available in patent leather and crocodile, its effortless style makes it the perfect day bag to start the New Year in style.

Part of the stunning Les Must Collection, the Cartier winged scarab motif is a striking yet beautiful design. The scarab motif is the ancient Egyptian symbol of rejuvenation, rebirth and everlasting life – the perfect talisman for the start of a whole new year. The scarab is a central element of the new Les Must collection, but also look out for the delicate Tortoise in mother of pearl, and the elegant Entrelacés collection: entwined pieces of gold all representing health and good luck charms to ward off the dark days of winter into the New Year.

Scarab motif necklace, £1,150 Cartier 1 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7312 6923 www.cartier.com

Blue Croc Hillary Bag, £495 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

A new year, a new you

At the beginning of a whole new year, head to the Royal Exchange for the newest selection of beauty products, sparkling jewellery and on-trend fashions to take you into 2010 with style

NEW YEAR, NEW PRICES Start off the New Year with the new Prix Fixe Menu exclusively at the Royal Exchange Grand Café. Enjoy the warm flavours of parsnip soup, sweet onion and farmhouse cheddar tart or smoked mackerel pâté to start, followed by wild mushroom and buffalo mozzarella lasagne, poached salmon or roast corn-fed chicken breast. Finish the meal with a delicious sticky toffee pudding and custard, or pecan pie with crème fraîche.

Two courses for £12 or three for £15 Monday to Friday evenings, 6pm-10pm The Grand Café The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7618 2480 www.danddlondon.com

ROMAN INSPIRATION

SILK FROM THE SECRET GARDEN

Tiffany is famous for timeless luxury, and the striking Tiffany Atlas collection of Roman numerals is inspired by the historic Atlas clock that graces the entrance of Tiffany’s famed Fifth Avenue store.

Combined with grooved borders and matte and diamond-polished surfaces, the signature numerals highlight an array of sterling silver gifts, including the golf tee that brings graphic expression to a favourite sport, as well as celebrates Tiffany’s heritage as a premier silversmith.

In true Agent Provocateur fantasy style, they say “Ride through the secret garden wearing Damsella”. This luxurious silk range is the cream of the crop, printed with a unique Agent Provocateur design.

Inspired by an enchanting moonlit garden with dragonflies sweeping through its flora, this charming kimono is a lavish treat for the New Year.

The Damsella Kimono (100% silk), £595

Gold Tee, £90

Agent Provocateur 5 Royal Exchange 020 7623 0229 www.agentprovocateur.com

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

PEACOCK FEATHERS

EASTERN SPICE Created in 2003, Malabah was inspired by an imaginary journey along the East Indian spice route.

The opening notes of citrus, green coriander and smoky Earl Grey tea give way to a heart of sublime rose, ginger and aromatic spices. The soft base introduces orris, sweet musks and amber to create a luscious and sensual experience. The complete Malabah collection includes eau de parfum, bath and shower products, hand and body cream, and a classic candle.

These exquisite pieces of jewellery are perfect for New Year, with fresh and exciting designs. The collection is deco-inspired and the range of jewellery incorporates luscious mint green tourmalines in stylised and elegant drop earrings, cocktail ring and pendant.

Inspired by the regal peacock and his magnificent tail feathers, these imperial earrings feature over 14 carats of green tourmaline (in each pair) surrounded by diamonds and set in platinum.

Imperial Earrings, £12,500 Boodles 2 & 3 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 www.boodles.co.uk

Bath Oil (200ml), £35 Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 www.penhaligons.com

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

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

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

fashion

fashion

news CELLULITE BUSTING KNICKERS

Peachy Pink is a new range of slimming and cellulite combating underwear that is taking the UK by storm!

The slimming and shaping anti-cellulite pants and leggings are now on sale in Debenhams stores across the UK and have been flying off the shelves over the festive season.

The Peachy Pink range ‘PeachyBody’ works with the natural movements of the body to help combat orange peel thighs. They are made with a 3D wave weave knit designed to massage the skin whilst releasing its microencapsualted active natural ingredients (including peaches, green tea and coffee beans) which work together with the wave weave knit to flush toxins from the body. While the active ingredients in Peachy Pink garments last for a minimum of twenty washes, the patented 3D wave weave continues working for the lifetime of the product, giving wearers that perfect ‘peachy bum’ shape!

CLUTCH CONTROL A stylish website specialising in gorgeous clutch bags, Lily Wigglesworth boasts a vibrant collection ranging from leading brands to quirky emerging designers. From chic and understated to bold bright prints, they have it all.

The team keep you updated every month with an ‘on-trend’ style blog and can direct you the perfect choices for cocktail parties, weddings or gifts. In a supporting role, don’t forget to check out their beautiful selection of jewellery and hosiery too! www.lilywigglesworth.co.uk

Exclusively for our readers, Lily Wigglesworth is offering a New Year discount of 10%; just type CWLW10 when you reach the online checkout!

FASHION QUOTE:

Luxury must be comfortable... otherwise it is not luxury

-Coco Chanel

www.peachy-pink.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM

Website of the month:

JANUARY TREND:

The VIP Handbag Liner The VIP Handbag Liner from Quirkybags is simple yet brilliant idea.

For any woman with a selection of handbags (so that’s all of you reading this!) the liner is the ideal accessory allowing you to change bags simply by taking the liner from one bag and placing it in another. Available in four styles, each model features a selection of 9 zipped and mesh pockets offering space for all of those necessary items.

60&sensational is a new website for women of the baby-boomer generation who are not prepared to become invisible when they hit 60. Lulu, Twiggy, Jane Birkin, Betty Jackson, Helen Mirren, Jil Sander and the editor of American Vogue, Anna Wintour are just a handful of women who are proving that 60 is the new 40. The website is an online fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine for women in their 50s and 60s seeking out wardrobe must-haves and super seasonal trends suitable for their ‘look’.

As the sales kick in, now is the perfect time to invest in classic pieces which can be worn throughout 2010. Look out for a timeless, tailored white shirt which can be worn with black in the office or with jeans at the weekend.

A charcoal or black pencil skirt is a must-have for both spring and winter office-wear, and if you choose well it can last for many years. For a classic look over any outfit, buy a high-quality navy or black blazer with pretty stitching or ribboned lapels – perfect for both spring and autumn.

www.60andsensational.co.uk

www.quirkybags.co.uk

35

Gold leopard print cut-out belted swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce, as before Gold python Eclipse clutch, £859, Lara Bohinc, as before

Gold bandeau swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce, 9 Pont Street, SW1, 020 7235 8423 Gold Eclipse necklace, £579 and gold Eclipse bracelet, £399, Lara Bohinc, 149F Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7730 8194, www.larabohinc.com

White bamboo and gold link halter-neck bikini, ÂŁ165, Heidi Klein, 257 Pavilion Road, SW1, 020 7259 9418, www.heidiklein.com White leather and gold stud bag ÂŁ349 Sara Berman www.saraberman.co.uk

Gold croc bandeau ‘Serpent’ bikini, £145, Melissa Odabash, as before Cream leather and gold stud crop jacket, £390, Sara Berman as before.

Gold python platform ‘Josslyn’ stilettos, £565, Gina, 020 7235 2932, www.gina.com

Hair: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Kevin Murphy Body Guard, Straight Defence and Session Spray.

Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Lancôme, Hydra Zen Neurocalm CreamGel Moisturiser, La Base Pro Primer, Photogenic Lumessence Base in 02, Ombre Absolue Eyeshadow in Casque D’Or, Tropiques Mineral Loose Bronzing Powder in 02, Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Black and Colour Fever Lip Gloss in 262 Model: Verena at Premier Model Management.

Thanks to Jon and Subreena Shot at: Captains Club Hotel, Wick Ferry, Wick Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1HU, 01202 475111, enquiries@captainsclubhotel.com Sleek, smooth and ultra-modern, Captain’s Club is a testament to designer flair. This striking contemporary, four-star boutique hotel resides on the banks of the River Stour. Among the multitude of offerings, enjoy soothing spa treatments, trips across the bay aboard the hotel’s 34ft luxury motor cruiser, stroll along the quayside to the historic town of Christchurch and sitting back in a so-comfortable armchair to absorb superb vistas through floor to ceiling windows.

Each bedroom and suite has been decorated in a maritime theme, features cutting-edge amenities and looks out to a stunning riverside view. The restaurant’s cuisine reflects the feel of the hotel: uncomplicated, fresh, innovative and ultimately satisfying. Mention Citylife and receive a complimentary half bottle of chilled Champagne in your room.

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citylifepromotions

DON’T MAKE DO...

MAKE SURE For many, the term ‘bespoke’ has instant connotations of ‘expense’ and ‘exclusivity’ – but according to Charles Pinckney, this doesn’t have to be the case...

“After struggling to find a shirt

stylish yet classic impression.

that actually fitted me properly

To achieve such a high quality

and hearing similar complaints

and perfect fit, the tailors use

from almost everybody I spoke

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to, I decided it was time to give

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both men and women the choice

quality and considered to be

– make do... or buy a shirt that

some of the finest in the world);

fits you perfectly and makes you

the best German interlinings

feel really good about yourself”

from Wendler; the strongest

says Charles Pinckney. “Gone are

mother of pearl buttons; and

the days of making do. Here are

the most durable threads

the days of making sure.”

from Japan – when combined,

In much the same way as suits

these components result in the

and jackets, off-the-peg shirts are

ultimate, luxury bespoke shirt.

designed to fit the ‘average man

Using in-house pattern-making

or woman’ – but frustratingly, the

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all the ‘average proportions’ used

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end up with a shirt that fits well

are truly one of a kind. As the

in one place, but may also be

client, all you have to do is

too wide, too long, or too short.

Hardly ideal, when you’re trying to make a sharp impression in the boardroom.

But do we have to sacrifice style for reasonable prices? Not any more, says Charles.

The focus at London-based Charles Pinckney Shirts is to create a garment of exceptional quality and durability, which fits each individual perfectly – but for a reasonable cost. An absolute must-have for any City professional (particularly for those who have invested in a bespoke suit or skirt and jacket) Charles Pinckney shirts are designed to last and create a

choose the preferred fabric and fit of your shirt and fill in your measurements before the specialist tailors handle everything else.

The perfect way for anyone in central London to update their business wardrobe for the start of a New Year, “All you need to do is to sit back and wait for your Charles Pinckney shirt to be delivered straight to you”.

Charles Pinckney Shirts Limited Unit B02 Archer Street Studios Archer Street London, W1D 7AZ 020 7352 5825 info@charlespinckney.co.uk www.charlespinckney.co.uk

LONDON COMPANY VISITS Do you have people in the office interested in ordering a Charles Pinckney shirt, but do not have the time to measure themselves?

Charles Pinckney is now offering 5+ workers at any company a personal visit where they will showcase samples, take all the measurements needed, talk clients through the process and place orders for bespoke shirts.

Log on and request a visit at www.charlespinckney.co.uk

declare your

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Small independent luxury hotels. Memorable experiences.

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MUST HAVE ITEM:

OR DE ROSE ELIXIR EXTRÊME

health&beauty

news PUSHING THE LIMITS FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

For any keen cyclists out there, you might be interested to know that the MacMillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia is rapidly becoming one of the most important events on the British cycling calendar. This is the only closed-road mass-participation cycling event to be held in the UK combining a tough endurance challenge, fantastic atmosphere and 81 miles of stunning scenery.

The money raised each year by participants (from weekend cyclist to professional athletes) will help provide vital support to people affected by cancer right across the UK. If you think you’re up to the challenge, registrations are now open to the public for the 2010 MacMillan Support Etape Caledonia, but places are limited so don’t hang around. www.etapecaledonia.co.uk

Treatment of the month Most of us will have over indulged during the festive season and on NewYear’s Eve we will have promised to get into shape. If this is your NewYear resolution then Hypoxi is the perfect solution.

Unlike no other, the Hypoxi Trainer is an exercise bike within a pressure chamber from the waist down. Whilst gently cycling, a vacuum therapy system stimulates blood supply to the stubborn fat areas, resulting in concentrated fat break down.

Although a size 8-10, I find that my lower half is always carrying more weight so the concept of targeted weight loss and losing inches from desired areas was very appealing to me.

Hypoxi recommends you take 12 sessions, three a week for four weeks and to achieve the best results, changes to diet s are encouraged to help achieve maximum results.

After four weeks of 30 minute sessions, I was extremely happy with my results. I had lost inches from my buttocks, thighs, knees and stomach - a total of 11 inches from seven areas of my lower body. Not only that, as a result of improved circulation, the appearance of cellulite had reduced and my skin was definitely smoother.

12 sessions from £500 www.hypoxi.co.uk

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

VERDICT: Expensive but with promised results it’s money well spent!

A must-have beauty purchase for ladies over 30, the true luxury of Or de Rose Elixir Extrême is in perfection, youthfulness and radiance. Helping to restore the fresh faced glow of youthful skin, Or de Rose is an embellishing primer which corrects and smoothes the skin with a ‘lifting’ action. Pure 24 carat pink gold and white water lily extract work to reshape, moisturise and protect the skin; perfect for the New Year. £105 www.spacenk.com

MUST HAVE COLOUR: METALLICS

From Black Pearl and Antique Gold, to Mercury and Brown Metal, Bobbi Brown’s rich metallic cream eyeshadows are a must-have for your make up bag this month. This sheer, shimmering cream shadow goes on comfortably leaving a soft but striking colour with a velvet finish. Available in eight gorgeous shades, the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow remains crease-free all day long. £16 www.bobbibrown.co.uk

MUST HAVE TREND: THE PERMANENT BLOW DRY

You probably won’t believe it until you try it for yourself, but thanks to hairdressing guru Daniel Hersheson, every girl can now leap straight from their morning shower without having to begin a tiresome tussle with the hairdryer/bottle of serum/mousse/ GHDs (delete as applicable). The ‘Permanent Blow-Dry’ is a revolutionary hair relaxing treatment which uses a very thick conditioner made from all-natural ingredients to ‘set’ hair into your preferred style. Unlike other hair relaxing treatments, all the natural shape/curls of the hair remain, cutting out the frizz and adding more definition.

From £200 www.danielhersheson.com

WELCOME TO THE WELLINGTON HOSPITAL At the very heart of London’s medical community, we find out more about The Wellington Hospital and their reputation for medical excellence

Throughout history, London has been at the very centre of medical research and scientific discovery.

Spend some time in the capital, and you’ll notice references to London’s medical past all over the place.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the corpses of criminals executed at Tyburn were taken to the Surgeon’s Hall in the Old Bailey for public dissection and medical teaching; in 1854 a London doctor,

John Snow, discovered the cause of cholera from a water pump on Broad Street; and in 1928 the most important antibacterial drug ever, Penicillin, was discovered in a lab at St. Mary’s Hospital by Alexander Fleming. These are just a couple of examples, but as a centre of world-class education and research, London has always been home to some of the most important medical advances.

citylifepromotions

THE HEART OF THE CITY Today, London is proud to continue to uphold its reputation as one of the world’s leading medical centres, in both medical research and world-class treatment. One of the world’s foremost private hospitals, The Wellington Hospital is London’s largest private medical facility upholding London’s reputation by offering an unparalleled quality of care with the latest technology and access to the country’s leading medical experts.

The Wellington Hospital is always improving and by utilising investment in the newest equipment and technologies, the expert staff can deliver outstanding Imaging services which speed up the time from diagnosis to treatment. Internationally acknowledged in several fields including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, liver and gastro-intestinal medicine, gynaecology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation The Wellington Hospital is quite simply, one of UK’s best private hospitals.

OUTSTANDING CLINICAL CARE The Wellington Hospital is owned

by HCA, the largest private hospital group in London, with six world-class acute hospitals and HCA Laboratories.

Working in association with medical teams at London’s finest teaching hospitals, The Wellington Hospital makes use of the very latest equipment

THE BREAKDOWN: • 266 Registered Beds • 46 Neurological Rehabilitation Beds • 20 Intensive Care Unit Beds • 4 High Dependency Unit Beds • 11 Operating Theatres • 3 Cardiac Catheter Labs • 2 Endoscopy Theatres • 3 Angiography Suites • 27 Consulting Rooms

47

THE EXPERIENCE Patients enjoy luxury accommodation, complemented by the latest technologies, together with a warm and friendly service, all of which create a caring environment and a comfortable hospital experience that promotes fast return to normality in your everyday life. Every patient is cared for as an individual and is treated with compassion and kindness.

and medical techniques and also supports research in a number of important areas of medicine.

From the latest cardiac imaging equipment (which shows heart disease developing long before symptoms occur), to real time 3D-imaging of babies in the womb, HCA is constantly striving to provide the newest technology and training for the benefits of their patients, nurses and doctors.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Here at The Wellington Hospital, the Diagnostics and Imaging Department is one of the most modern in the country – so in short, this means no waiting-lists or cancellations, no confusion over results and most importantly, no delays. Constantly updated, and the largest of its kind in the UK private sector, The Wellington Hospital’s state of the art equipment includes a 64-slice CT scanner, two MRI scanners, a full range of X-Ray machines using a Computed Radiography (CR) system, Ultrasound equipment and Interventional Radiology facilities. All of these services are linked via a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) which allows Consultants to view images anywhere in the hospital.

Twenty consultant radiologists work with the hospital to interpret and report on the results of scans, X-Rays or Ultrasounds. Working alongside highly qualified specialist radiographers and nurses (and a back office team who prepare reports of each diagnostic investigation), there is no waiting around. The satellite unit – The Wellington Diagnostics & Outpatient Centre – on Golders Green Road boasts another 64-slice

CT scanner and an ‘open’ MRI scanner plus Ultrasound and x-ray services. The team of consultant radiologists and radiographers provide excellent support to this unit which is also linked to the main hospital via the PACS system.

As part of the HCA Group, The Wellington Hospital has roundthe-clock access to the group’s Diagnostic Laboratories, with 30 biomedical scientists and 12 consultant pathologists – this results in rapid analyses and instant results sent straight back to the wards.

MEDICAL PRACTICIONERS All the doctors at The Wellington Hospital are at a consultant level, many of whom hold senior positions at London’s leading teaching hospitals – there are over 600 consultants practicing at the hospital at present.

The hospital is a multi-disciplinary institution, with specialists in all the major departments.

Keith Hague, CEO Wellington Hospital says, “To attract the best doctors, you need the best facilities, you need the latest state of the art equipment, and you need the best staff. And we have that here.”

Dr Duncan Dymond, Consultant Cardiologist agrees saying “It’s bright, it’s clean, it is well lit, the equipment is great, the staff are of a very high calibre – and you come here with your patients and you can practise medicine as it should be practised, without the restrictions that are imposed elsewhere.

For us as healthcare professionals [...] you cannot put a price on that”.

For more information, call the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

NIP & TUCK

Once upon a time, cosmetic surgery was exclusive to those on the rich and famous list – but in recent years, access to body perfecting treatments has expanded to include the masses. As the number of Brits opting for cosmetic surgery rises, Amanda Fitzgerald takes a look at some of the most popular procedures available today, the best clinics in London and the change in attitude from surgery stigma to a perfection to be proud of

health&beauty

A

decade or two ago, ‘plastic surgery’ was a phrase associated with Hollywood glamour and endless funds – the results of which were only seen on television and in the pages of glossy magazines. If a regular person, a ‘non-celebrity’ like you or me, fancied a little liposuction or a quick dose of Botox, it would have meant a choice between paying the mortgage or going in for a treatment – simply not an option.

However, in the last few years the exclusivity, accessibility and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery have changed. In fact, such is the public’s interest for cosmetic surgery that the concept has almost become a trend, with dedicated magazines, television programmes and books dedicated to revealing all.

This marked change in attitude has been sparked mainly by the media, and cosmetic surgery television programmes (both fact and fiction) are now hugely successful. Every week millions of viewers tune in to programmes such as Nip/Tuck, The Swan, IWant a Famous Face and Extreme Makeover to engage in this new phenomenon. On Channel Five, Cosmetic Surgery Live presents graphic film footage of procedures, leaving nothing to the imagination and consequently removing the mystery behind the end results.

In the same way that so many taboo subjects of the past have been made socially acceptable by the media (examples might include sex, singleparent families, homosexuality etc.) so too is cosmetic surgery enjoying a status shift into the ‘everyday’.

According to Liz Dale (Transform’s director of marketing, 2005) the change in public attitudes began small, with an interest in the less invasive treatments, and grew from there. When a number of British celebrities admitted to having Botox injections “it made it acceptable, because people didn’t mind talking

about Botox,” she explained. “And so, then, that naturally moved on to talking about having your nose corrected, and so on.”

Speaking in 2008, Douglas McGeorge (consultant plastic surgeon and then president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, BAAPS) said: “This year’s audit clearly reflects the UK’s continued acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the area of anti-aging. Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available.”

Of course, it isn’t just media hype that has increased the trend for cosmetic surgery – price also plays a large part. Ten years ago, such procedures were too expensive for the average person to even entertain the idea, but in the last decade prices have dropped as surgeries become more commonplace and more clinics open across the UK. A survey from Mintel reported that from 2007 onwards, Britons spent roughly £659m a year on cosmetic surgery – that’s almost £50m more than they spend on tea, another ‘everyday’ cost.

“These figures indicate that despite the beginnings of a financial downturn last year, the public’s interest in aesthetic surgery remained strong” revealed Nigel Mercer, consultant plastic surgeon and President of BAAPS. “Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, and we are encouraged by the fact that more people are doing their research carefully and choosing reputable providers.”

In addition, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in the number of men choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures, breaking yet another taboo. The figures have risen by 82 per cent since the beginning of 2009 and the BAPPS says there has been a 1,000 per cent rise of male breast reduction surgeries in the past five years. n

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5 MOST COMMON COSMETIC SURGERY TREATMENTS FACELIFT A face-lift tightens muscles from the surface down through the underlying tissues and the fatty tissues under the neck are suctioned away. Other variations on the treatment can remove skin before lifting and elevating the muscles through small incisions made around the ear.

NOSE REFINEMENT Rhinoplasty is the process in which the nose is reshaped by reducing a hump on the bridge, changing the shape of the tip or profile, narrowing the nostrils, or altering the angle between the nose and upper lip.

BREAST AUGMENTATION Placing an implant under the breast tissue, around the nipple or through the armpit can provide volume and shape to small breasts. For those who choose surgery for sagging breasts (post-pregnancies, breast-feeding or due to weight change) a lift involving the removal of surplus skin may be required, with or without an implant.

TUMMY TUCK The tummy tuck (also known as abdominal reduction or abdominoplasty) is surgery that flattens the stomach by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Incisions are usually made around the bellybutton and across the pelvic area.

LIPOSUCTION Liposuction (also known as liposculpture, or suction-assisted lipectomy) is a surgical method of reducing fatty bulges from thighs, hips, waist, buttocks, arms, chin, knees or ankles. Fat is suctioned out through tiny incisions.

Your chance to

win

A two night mid-week Champneys Spa Break

THE LONDON WOMEN’S CLINIC Champneys is offering you and a friend the chance to be pampered at either the glamorous Forest Mere in Hampshire, the modern Springs in Leicestershire or the cosy Henlow in Bedfordshire, all perfectly positioned in rambling countryside.

Let your stresses melt away with an indulgent body massage and relaxing facial, and enjoy use of all the facilities, including the swimming pool and whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, exercise and dance classes, and tennis courts. Your stay also includes all meals, a chance to really enjoy some healthy and tasty cuisine.

It’s the perfect escape to ensure you look and feel revived and refreshed.

If you are not lucky enough to win call 0843 316 2222 or visit www.champneys.com for the latest special offers. Two lucky runners-up will enjoy a fabulous Champneys gift box with indulgent spa products to enable you to experience that spa feeling at home.

Champneys - The Place to be …

HOW TO WIN Simply answer the following question: Champneys Springs is located in which county? a)Leicestershire b)Yorkshire c)Sussex To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@ runwildgroup.co.uk with CHAMPNEYS in the subject bar.

The closing date for entries is 18 January, 2010.

Terms & conditions: The first correct entry drawn will win our first prize and the next two the runners-up prizes. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. The prize will be offered in the form of a gift voucher which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. It is non refundable. It is not valid at Champneys Tring or on Saturday nights. Subject to availability. Minimum age 16.

Established in 1985 in Harley Street, The London Women’s Clinic offers a comprehensive range of IVF and other fertility treatments, as well as other specialist gynaecological services and was at the forefront of pioneering many of the fertility treatments now considered routine

B

ased in London, the North of England and Wales, The LWC operates one of the most successful IVF programmes in the world. Not only that but The LWC’s 3-Cycle Package offers three IVF treatments for the price of two, makes IVF treatment simple and affordable.

At the heart of London’s medical district, the Georgian home provides a comfortable, friendly and supportive environment for patients, alongside state-of-the-art medical facilities and a team of consultants and nursing staff with over 20 years’ experience.

Today, The LWC champions the practice of egg-sharing and their egg donation programme provides hope to many women, who previously believed they could not have children.

In 1992, Dr Kamal Ahuja and Dr Eric Simons pioneered the egg-sharing project which propelled the IVF programme forward to its final recognition and acceptance, in 1998, by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Since then eggsharing has had a profound worldwide impact on IVF.

The idea for egg-sharing originated when potential mothers suggested to The London Women’s Clinic some of the eggs not being used for their own treatment might benefit others desperately in need of healthy eggs.

The practice is an arrangement that enables qualifying women of 35 and under to receive subsidised or free treatment in return for anonymously donating an agreed proportion of their excess eggs to paying recipients.

The London Women’s Clinic egg donation programme provides hope to many women who previously believed they could not have children. n The LWC will be holding free eggsharing seminars on 16 and 30 January at 2pm. Please contact the clinic to book a place.

The London Women’s Clinic 113 - 115 Harley Street London, W1G 6AP 020 7563 4309 www.londonwomensclinic.com

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Walk in, walk out surgery for varicose veins Suitable for women and men of all ages Our state of the art, specialist medical clinic offers the ultimate personal treatment plan.

Led by Mark Whiteley MS FRCS (Gen) consultant surgeon and Harley Street practitioner, the clinic has been a leading innovator of vein treatment over the last decade.

The first in the UK to introduce walk in walk out minimally invasive keyhole surgery, treatments in our clinic allow you to avoid hospital stays and lengthy convalescence.

Our surgical and non-surgical procedures include EVLA (laser treatment), VNUS Closure¨ , RFiTT, Foam Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy and Thread Vein Sclerotherapy, providing the optimum chance of blemish free results and the alleviation of aching legs.

And by using ultrasound to discover problem veins and guide surgery, the recurrence of varicose veins is greatly reduced.

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

HARLEY STREET

To make an appointment or find out more call

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

T HE HOME OF KEYHOLE VA RICOSE V EIN SURGERY

GUILDFORD

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53

ULTRASMILE* INTRODUCES NEW TOOTH WHITENING SENSATION FROM KöR Your smile is one of your biggest assets. It is the first thing people notice about you and a brighter, whiter smile can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.

UltraSmile* (winner of UK’s Private Practice of the Year) has now extended its whitening services to include the new and revolutionary KöR whitening System which is aimed at those with heavily stained teeth, for whom conventional whitening procedures are not suitable.

The KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching TM System was developed by world renowned American dentist, Dr Rod Kurthy. The system produces dramatic whitening results, even on heavily stained and tetracycline-stained cases.

The KöR whitening has been ranked the highest, as the most effective and reliable way to whiten your teeth by ‘Dental Product Shopper’, a highly respected dental journal in the USA. No other dental product of any type has ever been ranked higher than KöR Whitening, and it is the only whitening system to have ever received a rating of “Best Product”.

How does it work? The KöR, like other bleaching systems, works on the principle of applying a whitening gel to the teeth. The whiteness of the teeth depends upon the strength of the whitening gel and how long it remains on the teeth. KöR whitening however, allows dentists greater freedom to control the strength of the whitening gel and the length of time that it is used in the whitening process. It is this aspect of control with the KöR, that allows UltraSmile* dentists to achieve superior whitening results for patients.

Why use the KöR? The KöR whitening system claims to be able to whiten even the toughest stained teeth, including tetracycline stained teeth. Indeed, case studies have shown this to be the case. The reason the KöR system is able to do this, is believed to be due to the superior fit of the custom made trays that are worn by the patient throughout the whitening process. The tight seal of the trays, allows oxygen to be absorbed deeply into the teeth, thus allowing deeply ingrained stain molecules to be dissolved. Teeth that have been whitened by the KöR whitening system can, in some cases, produce a whitening result which is 20 shades lighter. The KöR system is a tried and tested system. It is safe, painless and produces stunning results.

What is the process? Firstly, a super-accurate impression of the patient’s teeth and gum line is taken by an UltraSmile* dentist. It is from this impression that the custom moulded trays are made. The patient is then booked in for a second visit, where the teeth are conditioned with a whitening gel.

Next, the patient returns home with the custom moulded trays. Each night before bed, the patient applies a whitening gel into the trays

and wears the trays all night for two weeks. By the end of the 2 weeks, the patient will usually notice a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their teeth. In addition to increased whiteness, the condition of the teeth will also appear improved because teeth will be more permeable to oxygen.

This improved condition of the teeth allows teeth to appear whiter for longer.

Finally, the patient returns to the practice for one final whitening visit with UltraSmile*. At this appointment, the dentist will apply a high concentration whitening gel to the teeth for approximately one hour.

After this time, the patient is free to go and will leave UltraSmile* with a whiter, more beautiful smile.

UltraSmile* is the only registered practice in England to offer the amazing new KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System For more information on the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System, please contact UltraSmile* (winner of the UK’s Private Practice of the Year) on 0207 093 4488 or visit www.ultrasmile.co.uk.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? Supporters of complementary medicine and therapies argue that there is much modern medicine does not know about the way the body works, Josh Sims takes a look at the alternative

B

etter medicine is always on a path of discovery.

But it is also supported by the scientific method of taking a hypothesis, testing it and counter-testing those tests to either dismiss the hypothesis or reach an improved one. Tellingly, in the US, the governmentbased National Center for Complementary Medicine has now spent over $1bn in researching alternative therapies and has yet to provide evidence for the effectiveness of any of them.

It would, therefore, be fair to say that alternative medicine simply does not stand up to scrutiny - and yet that has not stopped some practices receiving NHS sanction and money better spent on proven treatments.

Nor their advance into public consciousness - particularly among middle-aged women near the top of the socioeconomic pile - without their being challenged and debunked as quackery, and largely unregulated quackery at that. After all, blood-letting too was a pillar of medical practice for over a century until roundly and loudly discredited.

What is driving the impressive market for alternative medicines and practices is, as Rose Shapiro has argued in her comprehensive and aptly-titled book Suckers (Harvill Secker), is a culture which focuses on the individual and their need (some might suggest right) to feel good. And that is what, regardless of clinical evidence of their effectiveness, alternative therapies offer. If it works for you, that is all that matters.

To give another example: acupuncture is arguably the most widely accepted of all alternative medical practices.

Vague ideas about the use of needles to release pain-killing endorphins have helped it achieve a kernal of legitimacy.

Studies have revealed such disparity between practitioners

of acupuncture as to where they put their needles for specific effects that the process seems entirely random.

More worryingly is the belief in the theory behind it: that the needles act not by stimulating the nervous system perhaps, but, as reiki also claims, by realigning energy called ‘chi’ - energy, of course, which has never been proven to exist and which was ‘discovered’ only in 1914.

Maybe some tiger penis, charred human hair, squirrel droppings or many of the other interesting ingredients employed in traditional Chinese medicine may help.

Certainly many think so: the UK is now Europe’s biggest market for it, worth some £200m a year. The danger here is less being taken in, as in what you are taking in: many of the herbs used in Chinese medicine are active, but their administration is irregular and unregulated, with potentially dangerous side-effects risked by people selfmedicating in order to fulfil promises too good to be true.

Western herbal remedies are no better. Research studies have shown the most popular choices to have no effect: gingko biloba will not improve your memory, nor will glucosamine fix your arthritis.

Defenders turn to all sorts of arguments to protect their particular and often rather lucrative practice - and the fact that such treatments generate a lot of money from the gullible cannot be stressed enough. It is suggested that the West is closed to the more esoteric medical methods of the East, a statement that fails to consider the less positive history of many of them. Traditional Chinese medicine, for example, dates not back to the time of Confucius, embodying some lost ancient wisdom, but was developed as an artificial system of health care ideas between 1950 and 1975, propagated by the Chinese Communist authorities as a means of social control in a country with

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only 20,000 doctors of conventional medicine to treat a population of 600m living on the bread-line. Reflexology, more prosaically known as a good foot massage? Invented

by Eunice Ingham in 1930s America.

Certainly some people’s suspicion of Western medicine has, ironically, been founded on the notion that ‘big pharma’ - the giant pharmaceutical companies - are also only in it for the money, and that their products cannot consequently be trusted. But this is to throw baby out with the healing waters: while conventional medicine is not infallible, it has, to give just two examples, largely conquered infection and developed anti-biotics, without which countless millions more would have died over the last century. The drugs do work. Small wonder that alternative medicines seem to promise most in treating those irritating but low-level and ill-defined problems that bother rather than disable or kill: the side-effects of being alive, one might say.

Perhaps alternative medicine might be explained as a new kind of belief system for a largely secular society - alternative medicine offers a psychological reassurance similar to that of religious faith, and with just as much scientific proof. The fact is that, alongside improvements in social conditions and nutrition, conventional medicine has been a key factor in the longer, healthier lives that we now live. That so many of us now do so, free of the ailments that afflicted our grandparents’ and even our parents’ generation, appears to have provoked a cult of endless bodily self-analysis - and, to justify that, the need to find some biological malfunction. If less time was spent naval gazing - how long before a fashion for NFA, Naval Fluff Analysis, is born? - more time might be spend understanding when we are being taken for a ride. n

5

After all the stress and strain of the festive period, a day or two at a relaxing spa is the perfect tonic for the start of a New Year

New year spas

of the best

O SPA LONDON

With a new branch of their luxurious spa now open in Canada Square O SPA London is a completely natural organic spa company, dedicated to delivering a therapeutic spa experience with little or no negative impact on the environment. All ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable sources, such as The Eden Project (the largest biosphere project in the world), organic medicinal co-operative Lisadell House, and Georgina Koomson’s FairTrade women’s co-operative in Ghana – with all products free from animal testing. Choose from a range of indulgent spa treatments which help ease muscular and emotional tension and promote personal well-being. With something for every taste, skin type and beauty need, every treatment improves personal wellbeing whilst promoting life’s most precious commodity – time. www.ospalondon.com

CHAMPNEYS TRING

Only a short distance from London, Champneys Tring is the place to be if you want to feel relaxed, pampered, refreshed and totally calmed. Discover laid-back luxury at this prestigious spa retreat where sumptuous accommodation, treatments, water therapies, delicious cuisine and the latest fitness trends are all a part of Champneys life. The stunning spa is the star, where guests can enjoy a swim in the luxurious new 25m pool, lose themselves in the Laconium or Herbal Steam Chamber and detox in the Thalassotherapy Pool. We love the Carita ‘Pro-Lift’ Firming Facial; combining massage, exclusive ‘ProLift’ technology and Carita’s exceptional ‘Progressif’ skincare products. With a realistic approach to health and beauty and a selection of one day and residential packages, there is no better place to be.

0843 316 2222 www.champneys.com

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THE COMPLETE RETREAT

If it all gets a little much and a spa in a slightly sunnier climate appeals, try The Complete Retreat in Spain, where they offer one of the most comprehensive retreat programmes in Europe. This luxury award winning detox/yoga/hiking spa resort guarantees results. With 5 stars from Wall Street Journal and winner of 2008 Tatler Spa award and listed one of the best detox spas for three years in the Harpers and Queen spa guides, it’s got to be good! With full body detox programmes, The Complete Retreat is perfect for those determined to stick to their healthier lifestyle New Year’s resolutions and the team will even help you devise a plan to take home, so you can continue the good work back in England. A favourite with magazine editors, movie stars and business moguls, The Complete Retreat is where those in the know go. www.thecompleteretreat.com

THE CHELSEA CLUB

Offering a variety of options from the single day package to a 12 month all-inclusive membership, the New Year is the perfect time to spoil yourself or a loved one with a luxury pampering gift packages. Complete with personal training sessions, nutrition consultations, and spa treatments (not to mention use of top-class gym facilities including a 25m pool, organic café, crèche and private parking) staying fit and feeling great has never been so easy and enjoyable. For the ultimate spa-lover, we suggest the Platinum package (£3,045 per annum) which offers 12 months full-access membership to The Chelsea Club (with 2 additional months free of charge). Including 12 personal training sessions, three treatments in Escape Spa, a sports massage, two hours of nutrition consultation, unlimited studio classes and12 months complimentary personal locker you’ll have covered all bases!

020 7915 2200 www.thechelseaclub.com

EAST RIVER SPA

Enter the urban hideaway of East River Spa at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel and put yourself entirely into the care of health and wellbeing experts. Guests are invited to arrive one hour prior to treatments to enjoy the stunning wet spa facilities before meeting their therapists.

Included in the price of all spa treatments is full use of the Herbal sauna, Aromatic steam room, three Experience shower sensations and panoramic relaxation room.

This indulgent heat sequence allows visitors to unwind in the elements that make East River Spa so unique, maximising the effects of the chosen treatment. Perfect for the NewYear, we recommend the Mineralising Body Wrap (90mins, £95); rich in oligo-elements and mineral salts, this treatment provides all the protein and minerals necessary for the body’s inner balance as well as a massage which can be tailored to detox, slim, tone or just relax.

020 8820 8107 www.eastriverspa.com

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

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

- Hip Surgery

hospitals with an international reputation for the excellence

- Knee Surgery

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

- Neurology

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

- Neurophysiology

supported by the very latest diagnostic, imaging and treatment

- Neuropsychology

technology, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of complex

- Neurosurgery

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

- Ophthalmology - Orthopaedics

• 6 4 slice CT scanners able to provide images of the heart and its associated blood vessels with higher definition than before • t he latest MRI scanners; the full range of x-ray and ultrasound, angiography & fluoroscopy plus a cardiac research centre • e ndoscopic ultrasound facilities enabling gastroenterologists to employ the latest diagnostic & treatment techniques, including capsule endoscopy

- Plastic Surgery - Speech Therapy - Spinal Surgery - Urology - Vascular Surgery

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

Tel:

020 7483 5148

Fax:

020 7483 5618

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

5266 HCA Well Canary Wharf advert.indd 1

21/12/09 13:25:53

citylifepromotions

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MIND, BODY & SOUL The 25 Club offers

an exclusive and stylish environment in which to polish and perfect your physical appearance and personal wellbeing; the ultimate tailored fitness experience The members-only 25 Club is a sleek, stylish and exclusive Personal Training and wellness boutique. So much more than just a ‘gym’, it provides every client with an assessment protocol that allows for a totally bespoke programme to be created for their personal health, wellbeing and performance training.

A different approach from other health clubs in the City, the 25 Club offers a truly integrated attitude with the fusion of both scientific and spiritual philosophies, teamwork and individual one-to-one attention. Their methods focus on a targeted and measured approach to tracking each client’s success, whatever their goals. By tracking weekly progress, each plan can be adapted and improved to get the very best results for each individual, whether you’re aiming for weight loss,

READER OFFER

rehabilitation or increased performance.

The state-of-the-art equipment within a luxurious environment creates a calming place in which to improve the mind and body and there is also a range of support programmes that speed up personal progress.

In addition to the hard work, the 25 Club holistic therapy team ensure your body stays in peak condition with a wide variety of massages and alternative therapies including: Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Sports & Relaxation Massage, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Energy Healing and Hypnotherapy to name but a few; to help repair and regenerate your mind, body and soul.”.

For more information, visit www.the25club.com

FREE 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION Receive a complimentary personal training session when quoting ‘The City Magazine’

CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS AT THE 25 CLUB: WEIGHT LOSS The 25 Club is one of the most successful weight loss specialist clubs in London.

The assessments pinpoint any hormonal imbalances that may affect weight loss and the Bio-Signature Modulation not only gives very accurate data on your current body fat percentage, but also lean body mass. From here a Personal Trainer will take clients through a series of muscle-building and metabolicconditioning sessions designed to grow lean body tissue that will form the basis of your body’s engine to strip body fat away.

PERFORMANCE TRAINING Getting into shape has numerous benefits including increased energy levels, confidence, less pain, more strength, stamina, increased productivity and improved libido. Personal Trainers will take your personal performance to the next level with intense one-to-one sessions. The Running Club, 25 Club Circuit and Boxing Class also help take performance to the next level.

REHABILITATION Injuries are unfortunately part of having an active lifestyle but at the 25 Club, the team is on hand to help you rehabilitate, ensuring that the pain not only disappears, but does not return. The club’s skilled Trainers, Therapists and Physios all work together to strengthen muscle weakness in a functional way – so the training you complete in the gym crosses over into the same movements that you carry out in everyday life.

www.irelandinspires.co.uk

Business events with the ultimate break-out area.

When it comes to business, Ireland is the business. From state of the art conference centres to luxurious five-star castles, whatever youÕ re looking for youÕ ll find it here, all served up with our famous Irish hospitality. With breathtaking scenery and recreational activities like golf, sailing or a soak in the spa, who says you canÕ t mix business with pleasure?

For more information on hosting a business event in Ireland email info@irelandinspires.co.uk or call 020 7518 3355.

MA4816_TI_A4_ad.indd 1

26/10/2009 09:44

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travel

news

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TALL SHIP CRUISES When Star Clippers’ three historically styled, fully-rigged tall ships return to Mediterranean waters in April, the company will offer new short break cruises for clients looking for an unusual long weekend or three-night break that combines the comfort of a private yacht with the exhilaration of full sail. Three and four night sailing voyages are being offered on board Star Clipper (one of the company’s four-masted clippers), sailing along the Cote d’Azur to the coast of Italy and Corsica from £550 per person (inclusive of meals).

For more information, visit www.starclippers.co.uk

WHO ARE THE CHAMPIONS?

In the run up to the epic World Cup 2010, travel website Skyscanner takes a look at the current line up against England, to see who are the champions when it comes to a World Cup holiday tournament...

USA The sheer size of the USA means that there is a range of climate zones; from snow covered mountains to sub-tropical everglades, the USA has a vast selection of climates. Most types of holiday are possible here, from beach bum to ski-chic, city breaker to culture vulture. Whilst the states are best known abroad for the fast food, its size and various waves of immigration have brought cooking styles from all corners of the world, from sushi to steak, Peruvian to Portuguese, Tex Mex to Thai.

With the US dollar taking another dip, pounds will now stretch further stateside.

Algeria The north of Algeria enjoys a Mediterranean climate with plenty of beach potential alongside the mountains, which offer trekking and even skiing in winter. The food here is a Mediterranean mix with a Berber Northwest African twist; expect lots of exotic spices, couscous, roasted lamb, olives, kebabs, fresh fruits and lots of mint tea.

The underdeveloped tourist industry means that the country offers very good value, alongside attractions such as national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

LUXURY IN THAILAND After more than five years in the making, Six Senses Resorts & Spas opened Soneva Kiri last month. Located on the beautiful yet remote island of Koh Kood on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, Soneva Kiri boasts 29 villas on the beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Luxury tour operator Carrier (0161 491 7630, www.carrier.co.uk) offers 7 nights for the price of 5 (save £1,075pp) at Six Senses Soneva Kiri from £2,875pp based on two people sharing a Hill Villa Suite on a B&B basis. Price includes flights with Thai Airways from London Heathrow and private transfers to Soneva Kiri.

Valid for travel 01 April – 30 June 2010 Book by 31 Jan 2010 www.onemoorgateplace.com

Slovenia

Large tote £99.99, Laptop Bag £89.99, Medium tote £79.99, Beauty Case £59.99

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.

www.tripp.co.uk

www.skyscanner.net

Website of the month:

www.roughguides.com

Summer in Slovenia is sunny, whereas winter brings plenty of snow to the Julian Alps, keeping the ski resorts nicely topped up; the perfect destination for outdoor activities all year round. Slovenia serves up plenty of pizza, pasta, seafood, goulash and dumplings; for more adventurous MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ACCESSORY: eaters, horse can often been found on the menu, and dormouse is a regional speciality.

Good value for money, compact and an Orla Kiely Luggage: exceptionally attractive country, Slovenia Multi Car Large Wheel duffle £139.99, is perfect for outdoorsy types, with Cabin trolley £119.99, good skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking, Cabin upright £119.99, in pristine terrain.

For the ultimate guide to any new destination, the Rough Guides website is relevant to everyone from the first time back-packer to seasoned luxury travellers. Log-on throughout the year for seasonal specials alongside their basic (but informative) guide to the rest of the world!

Come fly

with me

Rebecca Walton takes to the skies with City Airport’s newest airline, Baboo to see what the picture perfect Venice has to offer

E

ase and simplicity are two magic words that every traveller wants to hear before embarking on a flight, whether it is for business or pleasure, long haul or short. Those two words are ones I have happily adopted to describe travelling from City Airport so, imagine my pleasure when Baboo, the Swiss airline founded by Julian Cook in 2003, announced a new route - London City via Geneva to Venice.

As a small airline Baboo has the ability to adapt to the market and their customers’ needs quickly ensuring that they can deliver on their promises and with 16 year-round destinations including Athens, London City, Rome and Venice and three seasonal destinations Biarritz, Ibiza and St. Tropez, the company is truly flying high.

On boarding at London City the extreme care taken with very aspect is immediately made apparent. Details from the intricate branding are visible on everything from the seats to the onboard magazine and across the planes themselves. The planes are comfortable and light due to the choice of colours and from the moment you board you know you are in the safest of hands.

The service is second to none, the food is not delivered from the clumpy metal machines that roll up and down the tight corridors but is hand served on trays by the air hostesses much like being entertained at an in-flight cocktail party. With freshly baked fruit pastries to luxurious thick warming soup you will have a hard time believing that you really are on a flight.

Arriving at Venice Airport the expanse of water is nothing but breathtaking for someone like me who is on their first visit to Venice. Luigi Barzini writing for The New York Times described Venice as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man” and he was not wrong. As a city built across 118 small islands, the 177 canals and waterways are the most effective form of transportation and the small water taxis which ferry passengers back and forth between the airport and the city are, quite simply, the only way to travel.

The saltwater lagoon surrounding Venice stretches between the mouths of the rivers Po and the Piave and sets a dramatic backdrop to one of the world’s most romantic cities. A major maritime power during the Renaissance the city is steeped in history and is home to some of the worlds most exquisite art. If modern art is your thing the Punta della Dogana must not be missed. Re-opened in June 2009 this amazing space now houses a selection of Francois Pinault’s amazing contemporary art collection. Make sure you also visit sister venue the Palazzo Grassi which currently plays host to the exhibition Mapping the Studio with the Punta della Dogana.

For the more traditional visitors Venice has a rich history to explore. The Gallerie dell Accademia, situated on the south bank of the famous Grand Canal is a gallery of pre-nineteenth century art. Originally created as an art school it now houses famous works from artists including

Leonardo da Vinci. The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, prominently stands on St. Marks Square and is one of Italy’s earliest surviving public manuscript depositories in the country. It is currently home to one of the greatest classical text collections anywhere in the world and is a place to while away hours whilst staring history straight in the face.

Whilst on St. Mark’s Square the Basilica should be on every visitor’s itinerary. St. Mark’s Basilica is the cathedral church of Venice and is also the most famous of its many churches. An amazing example of Byzantine architecture, the church was originally the chapel of the Venetian rulers but since 1807 it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice. With opulent gilded mosaics the building was originally known as the church of gold and fast became a status of the wealth and power of Venice.

Venice is full of restaurants and secluded trattorias - explore the back streets of the old town to discover an array of food and drink. Tantalise your tastebuds and ensure that an open air bottle of prosecco is enjoyed if the weather permits. Venice is known as a romantic city but to see the city really come to life it is suggested that you visit during the famous carnival time. Held annually the Venice Carnival commences around two weeks before Ash Wednesday - cosely associated with the traditional venetian masks this event is an array of colour, dancing and spectacular displays so, grab your mask and we will see you there. n

travel

How to get ther e:

Flights from London Cit y - Venice return start at £131 all taxes included www.flybaboo.com 0800 445 445 45 Suite

Where t

Lobby_View

Guest Room

o stay:

Venice Baglioni, l a te o H a Lun e city just heart of th quare S ry e ’s v rk e a th M In from St. lk a w l te ts o n mome Luna H y located ll l, a e fu ti id u e a is th a be both Housed in e hotel is Baglioni. th g in d il u b c rs ti e ff ra aristoc ate and o s and intim luxurious mes guest lc that we o e historic ty li a it sp o h r. Th upon yea city) back year est in the ld o e th f o e n ry (o tu l n hote 2th Ce k to the 1 n given dates bac d as have e rd o c re s a w p f Tem lar. when it Knights o e th ced to r e shelt ave enhan ovations h to n s re e t it n e su c Re king y breathta space and of the alread ore sts with m ver the offer gue g views o in k ta th a re b . e n rs si a u co rk’s b nd St. Ma Lagoon a n phisticatio our and so m is l la g te h o it h is W ry corner th er who around eve ing travell rn e c is d e r th nce. perfect fo and roma for luxury g in k o lo is l Baglioni Luna Hote 243 – 30124 o, 1 San Marc aly It , e Venic 5287160 1 4 0 9 3 00 .com lionihotels www.bag

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Bangkok’s Best A bustling city with many highlights, Kate Harrison looks at a few of her favourites

Suite, Peninsula Hotel

travel xxxxxxx

The Peninsula Hotel Relax like royalty at this sophisticated hotel, set on the edge of the Chao Phraya River the Peninsula offers true luxury and a calm retreat amid the bustle of the city.

Oversized rooms are well appointed and benefit from high-rise views up and down the length of the river. The perfect marriage of Thai tradition and high-tech luxury, wood panelling and silk wallpaper sets the scene for relaxation in the utmost comfort.

With all amenities one would expect of a five-star hotel and a few added extras for that Peninsula touch, rooms offer a peace and tranquillity not usually associated with Bangkok.

Dining options at the Peninsula are impressive, from buffet breakfasts and Thai cuisine on the edge of the river to succulent dim sum at Mei Jiang and fabulous cocktails and contemporary dining at Jesters, all executed with style and elegance.

Set among a tropical garden, the three-tiered infinity pool overlooks the river and sitting in a traditional poolside pavilion, hours can be spent watching boats ferry past whilst sipping exotic fresh juices and picking on delights from the comprehensive poolside menu.

Thai hospitality is at its best and is conducted with grace and genuine enthusiasm. A river taxi is available to take guests to various destinations along the riverside and to convenient skytrain stations, the most pleasurable way to travel around the city.

With state-of-the-art business and leisure services, great shopping and an eye for every possible detail, the Peninsula really is a jewel in Bangkok’s crown.

Spa time Walking through the riverside garden you are prompted to leave all stresses behind as you step into the colonial-style house that is home to the Peninsula Spa by ESPA. A haven of true opulence and luxury, the traditional decor encourages a sense of peace and tranquillity. The experience begins with a traditional tea ceremony before exclusive and personalised treatments are devised by your highly skilled therapist.

Beautiful spa suites offer couples a real treat, with colour changing Jacuzzi baths, a personal steam room and plunge shower to enjoy before your treatments begin – be advised to book half the day here.

The Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok 333 Charoennakom Road Klongsan Bangkok 10600 Thailand T: (66-2) 861 2888 www.peninsula.com

Sirocco at State Tower 1055 Silom Road Bangrak Bangkok 10500 T: (66-2) 624 9999 E: information@lebua.com www.thedomebkk.com

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA spapbk@peninsula.com www.peninsula.com

On top of the world Truly breathtaking, no visit to Bangkok would be complete without a trip to Sirocco at The Dome.

Located on the 63rd floor, Sirocco is the world’s highest al fresco restaurant and with views over the city and the Chao Phraya river, it will not fail to leave you mesmerised.

Live jazz plays from beneath the gold dome while guests indulge in Mediterranean cuisine.

Prior booking is a must but if you are unable to get a table for dinner then a drink at the Sky bar will at least give you a flavour of the captivating ambiance. Suspended in the sky and lit with bright florescent lights, the Sky bar is not for the faint hearted, a glass surround is all that keeps you from the city skyline, an enthralling experience.

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All that jazz the Bamboo Bar is an icon in the Bangkok music scene and is renowned for its live jazz repertoire, and internationally acclaimed singers who have performed throughout the years. Decorated in a colonial style with animal fabrics and jungle palms, this is the best live jazz venue in town, complete with humidor and impressive cocktail list. The signature “Oriental Mai Tai” is simply delicious.

Open daily.

The Bamboo Bar Mandarin Oriental Hotel 48 Oriental Avenue Bangkok 10500 T: (66-2) 659 9000 www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok Take the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station or the metro (MRT) to Suan Chatuchak station.

The Dome, Sirocco

Getting there: Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, flies twice a day from London to Bangkok. A return flight starts from £384. For information on schedules and fares visit www.jetairways.com or call 0808 101 1199

Your chance 66 competitionto

win

A TASTE OF SWITZERLAND

S

ki Extra provides luxury catered chalet holidays in the exclusive Swiss resort of Verbier.

Verbier offers some of the best skiing in the Alps, with plenty of easily accessed off-piste for more advanced skiers.

Ski Extra’s private chalet, La Norjeanne is an impressive traditional chalet set in its own grounds, with stunning views across the Val de Bagnes.

After a hard day on the slopes you can relax in the large outdoor Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne as the sun sets behind the mountains, or curl up in an armchair by a roaring log fire with a slice of delicious home-made cake.

Perhaps you’d prefer a sauna and a luxurious massage or if you’re feeling energetic you could nip out for a bit of après-ski, then come home to a gourmet candle-lit dinner.

The chalet has six bedrooms, six bathrooms and sleeps up to 14 guests. As well as the main drawing room & dining area, there’s a cinema/playroom with DVD, surround-sound and Nintendo Wii, a spa with sauna & steam room, as well as the outdoor Jacuzzi. Spacious yet cosy, it is perfect for corporate groups or families, providing enough room and facilities to keep everyone entertained. Just 90 minutes from Geneva, La Norjeanne is staffed by a professional chef, a hostess and a chalet manager, to make your stay in Verbier as comfortable, relaxing & enjoyable as possible.

For further information, call 0208 144 1728 or email ski@skiextra.co.uk

HOW TO WIN To celebrate the festive season Ski Extra is offering a mixed case of Swiss wine to whet your appetite for the ski season.

Simply answer the following question: La Norjeanne is situated is which exclusive ski destination? a) Val d’Isere b) Chamonix c) Verbier To be in with a chance of winning email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with SKI EXTRA in the subject bar.

The closing date for entries is 18 January, 2010.

Terms & conditions: The first correct entry drawn will win our first prize. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. The winner will be notified individually as soon as possible after 18 January.

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HOURS IN....

Lunigiana, Tuscany Joe Mann spends a day in the Gulf of Poets

L

unigiana is the northern region of Tuscany and lies between the Apennines in Emilia, the Apuan Alps and the Gulf of La Spezia. Full of ruined medieval castles, Roman churches and quaint unspoilt hamlets, the area provides a rich local heritage and picturesque setting for a relaxing short break. Spend a few days enjoying a slower pace of life in this rural area, and enjoy endless peace and quiet 9am: Breakfast in the in Bagnone town square Bagnone is one of the prettiest villages in the Lunigiana region, and the perfect place to start your day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in one of the many street cafés and watch the village wake up slowly. The views from the lower village are stunning, so choose a table from which you can take in the scenery.

10am: Walk up to the Castle From the lower town, take the bridge and walk up to the castle.Topped by a fortress (with the typical round tower of the Lunigiana region), the castle began to lose its defensive function when Bagnone became part of the Florentine republic in 1471. Don’t forget to step into the Chiesa di San Niccolò (Church of St Nicholas) before you leave – this pretty church is worth a walk around and is typical of the region.

11:30am: Drive to Portovenere Just under an hour away from Bagnone, Portovenere, is a pretty town on the famous Gulf of Poets, and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving by 12:30pm, choose from a selection of restaurants for a light lunch. The harbour restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood

Riomaggiore

(look out for the local seafood risotto!) and usually have set lunch menus at reasonable prices. After lunch, take a stroll around the picturesque harbour, lined with brightly coloured houses before turning up the narrow medieval streets lined with shops. The winding streets lead from the coast, up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle.

2pm: The Gulf of Poets Also known as the Gulf of the Poets, the Gulf of La Spezia is said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Italy.

Numerous literary greats made their homes in this area, including Byron, Shelley and D.H. Lawrence – look out for Byron’s Cave: a rocky area leading to the sea where Byron himself used to swim.The coastline and islands are dotted with tiny fishing villages and this is the perfect location for a spot of sailing, canoeing, snorkelling or relaxing on one of the small beaches around Fiascherino or Tellaro.

4pm: Ferry to the Cinque Terre Ferries travel around the Gulf, stopping at Lerici, La Spezia, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre (five villages located along the cliffs). From the ferry drop off, take a walk along the cliff paths which link the five villages – don’t forget to stop in one of village restaurants to try the anchovies marinated in olive oil and garlic, served with bread and delicate local white wine.

Portovenere

1 “Via dell amor” of Cinque Terre

7pm: Dinner in Portovenere Once back in Portovenere, enjoy dinner at Tre Torri (www.trattoriatretorri.it). Located in the central square, the restaurant (managed by a large family) welcomes guests into two large dining rooms or an outdoor dining space with panoramic views of the sea.With a relaxing, slow paced atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy local fish dishes and white wine. n Brought to you in association with L’Architrave, the leading property specialist in Lunigiana, Tuscany and the surrounding areas www.larchitrave.com

Scene

STEALING

M

Backdrop for Bond and Bridget Jones, Stoke Park is instantly recognisable with its white dome and colonnade. Louisa Castle hopes that it’s more than just a scene setter

y other half is a budding Bond enthusiast so when I asked him to accompany me on a visit to Stoke Park Club (SPC), I earned immediate Brownie points and my education into a thousand years of history that surrounds the place began: “Did you know that they filmed Goldfinger here?

And Tomorrow Never Dies?”

A raft of famous movies have indeed been filmed here proving an iconic backdrop for many an iconic scene; the boating lake in Bridget Jones Diary, the golf course where Bond meets Goldfinger and the opening scenes of Layer Cake. And, as I am driven down the long driveway I can see why. The building looks good on the big screen but the imposing white walls make much more impact first hand.

Built by James Wyatt, architect to George III, the main building has to be seen to be really experienced. Grand yet calming, it sits in 350 acres of parkland (designed by Capability Brown in 1750) and golf course (created by Harry Shapland Colt, who also designed Wentworth, Sunningdale and Muirfield), quietly surveying as far as the eye can see. Yet, as was my concern, it is only a few miles from Slough. Believe me, and my snob factor, when I say it is miles apart.

Greeted very politely I was shown to my suite. This is something that the team at SPC has utterly mastered – everywhere you go you are greeted with exceeding politeness but it is not a stuffy stiff upper English lip, it is a welcoming and comforting politeness that makes you feel that you are actually being completely looked after and that is their ultimate aim.

Now, my other half may be excited about the film pedigree of SPC but I was excited about the fact that we were staying in what is rumoured to be Daniel Craig’s favourite suite, Room 112 for those of you who’d like to share in my school girl crush.

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Mansion and Lake

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Pavilion Bathroom

Room 112, Pavilion

There are a total of 49 rooms within the Mansion House and Pavilion. We were in the Pavilion, a modern addition to SPC only opened in May 2008 and positioned above the spa, gym and tennis courts. These rooms are more contemporary than in the Mansion House, luscious deep pile carpets, Eastern art mixed with vintage movie posters, huge leather sofas, 42-inch high definition LCD TVs, marble bathrooms with rain showers and mini bar treats from Fortnum & Mason. In the Mansion House the styling is more traditional with each room named after a figure important to the history of the place, Victorian roll top baths and canopied beds.

After Champagne in our room we took the short walk to the Mansion House (there is a courtesy bus that will take guests the short distance to the main building on call whenever you require) for dinner. The restaurant is situated beneath the dome with tables laid out to take in the spectacular views while you dine.

Our Maitre d’ took excellent care of us, judging just how friendly to be and just how informative as well as advising well on our food and wine choices – a fabulous red to satisfy the conflicting Shiraz and Pinot Noir tastebud preferences.

The menu offers excellent value for money, even though that sounds wrong in such a setting. £39.50 for three-courses with the odd supplement here and there when the head chef, Chris Wheeler was right hand man for Jean-Christophe Novelli

across his London empire does seem too good to be true.

Scallops, pigeon, venison, lamb (with accompanying miniShepherd’s pie), chocolate dessert selection and cheeses later, I can tell you that it is true... satisfyingly so.

As we drew back the curtains the morning after and relaxed over the papers with coffee and croissants, I was inclined to agree with the reviewer at The Independent: “Stoke Park is the perfect place.” It caters for golfers and fitness fanatics, for foodies and spa gurus, for romance and for escape...n The Stoke Park Club 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com

the romance package The Romance Package includes, one night’s accommodation in a Mansion or Pavilion Deluxe Room, bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival, three-course table d’hôte dinner in The Dining Room, full English or continental breakfast, hand-tied flowers in the room, gift box of SPC spa products, complimentary use of health and racquet facilities and costs £225 per person (11 February until 8 March 2010).

ONE HUNDRED, NOT OUT

motoring

In 2010, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centenary.

Matthew Carter summarises one hundred years of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows

A

fter suffering badly in the 1990s, Alfa is back on a roll. Cars like the Brera, MiTo, 159 and the highly desirable 8C prove that Alfa can make attractive and individual cars again.Yes, they still have flaws (8C included) but they do have soul. Driving a modern Alfa no longer marks you out as someone who’s not all there.

And as Clarkson says: “Owning an Alfa is a portal through which all petrolheads must pass if they genuinely want to know what it is that differentiates a car from a toaster or a washing machine.”

To mark this birthday, Alfa will be launching the Giulietta, a car the company reckons is destined to become

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the best selling Alfa of all… emulating the first car to bear the name, which was sold between 1954 - 1965.

All new, the 2010 Giulietta replaces the 147 and is aimed directly at cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus.

It will be available with a choice of petrol and diesel engine options, all driving the front wheels. Top of the range, due late in the year, will be the 230 bhp Cloverleaf, powered by a 1750cc petrol unit.

Although sales start in Italy in March, the first chance we’ll get to see the Giulietta is at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood from 2-4 July, where Alfa will be the featured marque.

Another reason, as if it were needed, to get down to Sussex next summer. n

NOTHING NEW

motoring

UNDER THE SUN Despite the claims Audi makes for the new A5 Sportback, it’s been done before, says Matthew Carter. Doesn’t make it a bad car, though…

I

t’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but the German car makers, bless ‘em, do believe they are reinventing the car.

It all started with Mercedes and VW who reckoned they ‘created’ the fourdoor coupé. The M-B CLS and Passat CC bought undeniable style to the traditional saloon car market, but as for creating a new type of car… well, let’s just remember the Rover P5B Coupé of the late 1960s, shall we?

Now Audi and BMW have got in on the act. According to its press bumph, the BMW 5 Gran Turismo has “an understated coupé-like silhouette, the luxurious interior of a 7 Series and the functionality of the 5 Series Touring.”

Audi says much the same about its A5 Sportback: “It has the emotion and elegance of a coupé, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.”

So, something new then? Well, not really. Remember the Rover SD1?

That had five doors and a sporting silhouette. In fact, all these ‘brand new’ concepts from Germany serve to remind us how far ahead of its time Rover really was and what a crying shame it’s no longer around.

But I digress. Let’s put the spotlight on the new Audi Sportback, the car the company claims ‘is setting new trends on car design.’ It’s called the A5 to link it more closely to the A5 Coupé and A5 Cabriolet, though under the skin they all share much hardware with the familiar A4 range.

The Sportback, obviously, offers more interior space than either existing A5, but despite being longer and lower has less space, though a good deal more style, than the A4 Avant or estate.

If Audi is worried the Sportback is simply going to cannibalise sales

from its existing range, it doesn’t show it. Yes, some buyers might move from Coupé to quasi-coupé but most, it believes, will be newcomers to the brand.

Audi reckons the Sportback will appeal to the emotions by offering a sporty drive at the same time as being surprisingly spacious. There’s no denying it looks good – though, as ever with Audis, it’s hard to distinguish which model it is at first glance – and it is roomy inside, notwithstanding the fact that it only has four seats.

But does it have an emotional and sporting appeal? Hmm, that’s a more difficult question.

As ever with Audi it pays to choose your model carefully. The range is huge with three petrol and three diesel options plus S, SE, Sport and S-line variants and the choice between two- and four-wheel or quattro drive. And there’s a hot S5 version to come.

It’s a personal opinion, but the lowered, stiffened suspension of the S-Line models really don’t work on our pock-marked roads and while the quattro models might anesthetise the handling somewhat, Audi’s fourwheel drive chassis is sure-footed and less prone to steering tug than the front-drivers when accelerating hard.

And since we’re talking personally here, my engine of choice would be a diesel. The petrol engines are advanced, and in 2.0-litre form at least, feel light and nimble. But for real-world driving the huge reserves of torque – not to mention the fuel economy – from the six cylinder diesel means I’d go for the 3.0-litre 240bhp TDI. SE trim, meanwhile, would spare me big wheels and stiffened suspension, but would provide leather

trim, upgraded climate control and a half decent sound system. I’d still have to spend extra on Audi’s excellent information and entertainment package called Multi Media Interface (MMI), mind you.

Then I would have a handsome, practical car that rides well, handles acceptably and pulls like a train. I would also specify Audi’s seven-speed S-Tronic automated manual gearbox in place of the standard six speed manual, and enjoy one of the world’s best transmissions.

It would have a beautifully appointed interior with top drawer build quality and, provided I ticked enough of the option boxes, plenty of toys to boot. I might even specify Audi’s drive select system which allows electronic control of the damping and the steering to adapt the car’s driving dynamics to suit my mood.

The result would be a genuinely versatile machine ready to eat miles for breakfast. As a machine for hacking across Europe, I can think of nothing better. But what I wouldn’t have is any emotional attachment to the car whatsoever. In that respect Audi has missed the boat completely. n IN BRIEF Car: Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro SE Price: £32,600 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel Power: 240ps Drive: Four-wheel drive

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Aston

ADVANTAGE

Day

1

Today, Aston Martin – so often close to bankruptcy in the past – is financially fit. But through thick and thin it has always created some of the world’s most desirable motor cars. Matthew Carter spends five days with one Why does this always happen? I’m due to spend the next few days behind the wheel of an Aston Martin V8, only it’s a Roadster… and it’s pissing down. Could be worse, I suppose. I could be driving a G-Whizz.

Test cars are usually delivered, but I’ve decided to head up to Aston’s home in Gaydon to have a quick look around the factory before taking the Roadster away.

Aston’s HQ is an impressive building: with office and factory under one roof, it’s a minimalist design in glass and sandstone but on a grand scale, if that’s not a contradiction. Inside I’m treated like a potential customer rather than a penniless hack. Most customers turn up at Gaydon just before their car is to be built so they can finalise colour and trim combinations and choose their options before their machine starts its journey down the line. It’s a clever ploy as, swept up by the occasion, many tick far more boxes than they originally planned.

The bulk of the building is given over to creating the current range of V8 Vantage, DB9 and DBS models.

Everything bar the engines is made here (engines are built in Germany) and, although automation is evident, much is still done by hand.

The factory has an annual capacity of around 7,200 cars, but due to the recession it was down to about 4,500 in 2009. Still, when you consider that Aston’s annual output

in 1975 was just 20 cars and up until 2000 it was in the hundreds rather than thousands, that’s still impressive.

Each car takes upwards of 185 man hours to build (a Porsche 911 takes nearer 60) but the visit takes just a couple and includes a chance to see the awesome One77 in the newly opened Aston Design Centre. Just 77 examples of this 7.3-litre V12-power carbon-bodied supercar will be built and so far around 50 have been sold...at £1.2m a go.

All this is very well, but I’m itching to get behind the wheel. Finally, I’m given the glass key to a steel grey V8 Roadster.

It’s been loaded with everything, this Vantage. It has a dramatic burgundy-coloured roof to match the red leather interior, sports seats, big wheels, lowered suspension and Aston’s own Sportshift manual/automatic transmission with flappy paddles behind the wheel.

I plug the key into the middle of the dash and with a gruff bark the 4.7-litre V8 – newly enlarged from 4.3-litres – comes to life. I choose ‘D’ from the dashboard gear selector buttons and we’re away.

The first trip is a mindless trundle back down the M40 to London. It’s tipping it down and my first concern is to look for leaks from the hood. There aren’t any: Aston build quality is as good as it gets these days.

motoring

Day

Day

2

3

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Office-bound today, with just a couple of trips in heavy London traffic. At least it gives me a chance to see how the Vantage would cope as everyday transport. Sad to report, it’s unconvincing. I stick to auto mode for the gearbox and am seriously disappointed. Gearshifts are cumbersome and jerky and more than once it refuses to accelerate away cleanly. One time I’m trying to turn right as a double-decker looms towards me – that got the heart beating a little faster.

In a bad mood with the car, I start to nitpick. With the roof up, visibility – especially to the rear – is terrible, while finding the ideal driving position is a nightmare. The thinner sports seats might save a few kilos but the backrest is fixed and I can’t get comfortable.

Oddment space is at a premium in the cabin and although there are cubbyholes behind the seats, thanks to that backrest you can’t access them. The piano-black centre centre console, meanwhile, looks fabulous but provides distracting reflections from the screen. Still the premium B&O sound system, with its levitating tweeters, adds a sense of theatre to the drive.

Still raining, but I have a journey planned that will hopefully let me enjoy the Vantage despite the weather.

I head up to the NEC in Birmingham for the Classic Car show. Avoiding the M40, I use the lightly trafficked old A40 plus a host of B-roads and start to use the gearbox as a clutchless manual.

Lifting off the throttle momentarily before flipping a paddle finally delivers crisp quick gear changes. Sometimes the car’s brain elects to change down fractions before I do, though, the result being two down shifts when one would do. Still above 4000rpm, the engine starts to sing its deep V8 song.

The Aston has spoiled me for Classic Car show. It’s difficult to get excited about old Ford Cortinas when I know I’ve got a stunning looking, fine handling, 420hp two-seater in the car park. I cut short my visit and head back to the Aston.

It’s cold and windy, but at least it’s not raining so I lower the hood and crank up the heater. Instantly the cabin becomes a better place, not so claustrophobic. And I can really hear that engine now.

I retrace my journey back down the A40, after making a quick detour to the tiny village of Tanworth-in-Arden and the 14th century church of St Mary Magdalene. In its graveyard are buried two heroes – motorcycling legend Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood, buried with his young daughter after both were killed in a road accident in 1981, and singer-songwriter Nick Drake, who lived in the village and died tragically young in 1974 - it would be years before his music was fully appreciated.

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motoring

Day

Day

4 5

Sunday and the sun’s out. Nothing is planned for today, but I surprise my wife by offering to do all manner of chores… well, those that involve taking the Aston out for a quick spin.

The car also proves to be a magnet for neighbours. While there are often new and sometimes exotic cars parked outside my house, none causes as much interest as the Vantage. Rides around the block are accepted with alacrity.

Time to take the Aston back to Gaydon. A drive across a busy London convinces me that the Sportshift gearbox is a waste of £3,000. The manual shift is said to be a little truck-like, but it’s got to be better than the paddle change.

I probably wouldn’t bother with the sport seat option, either, as I’m still finding it difficult to get really comfortable. But in other respects the Vantage could work as an everyday car. The ground clearance is good enough to handle speed bumps and the way the ‘butterfly’ doors rise up as they are opened means they’ll never get graunched on a kerb.You’d still have to be careful not to damage those handsome alloys, though.

Best of all, there’s plenty of grunt from the V8 which isn’t as thirsty as you might think: I averaged 20mpg, not bad for a 175 mph sportscar.

As I glide back into Aston I head straight for the ‘Aston Martin Only’ section of the segregated car park and then sit and ponder for a few minutes. Would I buy one? Quite possibly yes. I wouldn’t have a Roadster and ‘my’ Coupé – which to these eyes looks even better – would be a manual with standard seats and suspension. That alone would save me 12 grand over the cost of the Roadster. And it would help stretch the bonus a little bit further! n

IN BRIEF Car: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Price: £97,867 Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol Power: 410bhp Drive: Rear-wheel drive

The best Italian in town.

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

Lamborghini Sevenoaks

Lamborghini Reading

92 London Road

Bennet Road

Sevenoaks

Reading

Kent

Berkshire

TN13 1BA

RG2 0QX

Tel 01732 430 039

Tel 0118 336 0116

www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com

www.lamborghini-reading.com

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

Tracks Making

Matthew Carter discovers what our Lotus has in common with a racing kart

I

t’s a cliché, I know, but when the Lotus Exige isn’t being described as a four-wheeled motorbike, it’s being compared to a kart.

So when I finally manage to prise the keys of the black beast from the vice-like grip of Run Wild’s commercial director Eren, there’s only one place to head for: one of the leading kart tracks in the country.

And once at Buckmore Park it quickly becomes apparent that, from a scale point of view at least, the comparison is meaningless. The Exige is to a kart what a Transit van is to the Lotus.

Buckmore Park, near Rochester in Kent, is a fully licensed kart track,

and at 1,200m is one of the longest in the country. It’s perfectly possible to get five karts abreast down the straights, but it’s a tight fit for one full sized Lotus.

In other respects, though, the Exige and a kart are closer than you might think. The kart has been designed without compromise to provide genuine thrills on a racetrack. And so has the Lotus… albeit with the added bonus of being road legal at the same time.

Although I’ve driven many an Elise before, this is my first time behind the wheel of an Exige. First impressions?

Much the same as the Elise, but magnified. The supercharged Exige is

a more focused car than the Elise. It’s quicker, sharper and generally more agile. It’s also noisier and needs to be treated with greater respect: before I set off, I’m warned that the semi-slick tyres – while street legal – don’t take kindly to excessively greasy roads.

And that’s just what today is offering.

Built as a road car that is equally at home on the track, the coupé has a fistful of aerodynamic tweaks, wings and scoops to allow it to take full advantage of the rigid bonded aluminium chassis and the potent supercharged 1.8-litre engine.

Although short on luxuries, the car has had most of the options boxes ticked. That means air conditioning,

motoring

part-leather trim, bigger brakes and a performance upgrade to 240bhp complete with launch control and variable traction control.

Getting into the cabin needs agility but once there it’s basic but unexpectedly comfortable, though rear visibility is tricky: there’s no interior rear view mirror (no point, the view would be full of engine) but use the wing mirrors and you will see all you need of the road behind. But the driving experience is magnificent.

The Toyota engine delivers a real punch, and is still pulling as you near the 8,500 rpm red line.

It doesn’t take long to get to Buckmore Park, but a low-lying mist shrouds the track which, as a result, is doubly greasy.

And although I am able to take some pictures – showing just how much bigger than a kart the Lotus really is – the track is about to be used in earnest by a group on a corporate fun day. There simply isn’t time for a couple of quick laps, even if I’d been allowed.

Besides, Mr Commercial Director has made it quite clear that he wants his car back in one piece, thank you very much.

Shame. Buckmore Park is a wonderful little track. It’s been around since the 1960s and was one of the first purpose-built kart tracks in the country. Over the years it has

grown in size and stature to the point where it is now one of the best known in the country.

A glance at the pictures hanging in the club room (which was opened

by Bernie Ecclestone no less) shows its significance in UK motorsport.

Back in 1992 a youngster called Jenson Button won the UK Junior Championship here while four years later it was an even younger Lewis Hamilton taking the honours.

The circuit is in use most days of the week. The bread and butter comes from corporate days with karting, quad-biking and laser tag on offer. On-site conference and catering facilities mean business can be mixed with pleasure.

For the more serious racers, tuition, sprint and endurance events are available, all using Buckmore’s fleet of 80mph karts. Then there are the formal race days, when the next generation of World Champions can cut their racing teeth.

And here’s a tip for the future: the guys at the circuit are genuinely excited by 15-year-old Josh Webster.

Although he’s only been competing for three years – some start as young as six years of age – Josh is already a UK Junior Champion and is being courted by leading teams for a move up to single-seaters.

Before returning to Canary Wharf, I head deeper into Kent and some

quiet roads I know. The weather is still grey and miserable, but here I can push the car a little further and decide that though the power is addictive the really impressive thing is the steering. A power-assisted setup of a modern motor might make life easy, but if you want precision, if you want to know what those front wheels are really doing, try an Exige.

It’s a revelation. n With thanks to Steve Forman at Buckmore Park (www.buckmore. co.uk). Call 0845 603 7965 to organise your next team-building day… and in 2015, when Josh Webster is F1 World Champion, remember where you heard the name first.

IN BRIEF Car: Lotus Exige S Price: £34,333 (before options) Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder supercharged petrol Power: 240 bhp Drive: Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive

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Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

Turning over a new leaf Everyone likes a good book, but how about 1,500? Although it’s largely a luxury gift for a bookworm who has it all, frequent travellers will love not only the Kindle’s huge capacity for books, but also the efficient battery that sees this gadget keep on giving for at least four days – and as many as seven in our tests.

It uses power only to replace the ink in the screen when a page turns, so there’s absolutely no need to turn it off.

Using free 3G, the Kindle can download a book in seconds from a 307,000-strong book collection on Amazon’s Kindle store. Around the size of a hardback, with a six-inch screen and a leather cover, this e-book reader isn’t just a portable library. 30 magazines are available, including international titles such as Newsweek, Time and Forbes. More UK-specific titles, including The Spectator, New Statesman and – predictably – the Times Literary Supplement, can be downloaded from the store for a few bucks per issue, or between US$5 and US$8 per month for instant delivery to a Kindle.

Possibly its most attractive feature to commuters is its newspaper subscription service. The Times, The Independent, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail can be downloaded and read very quickly, easily and comfortably by literally flicking between articles, for US$1.49 per issue of US$22.99 per month.

There are a few downsides, some of them unique to UK users of this North Americancentric phenomenon. It may be called the Kindle International, but you have to buy the thing – and any books, magazines or newspapers – in US dollars. There is a basic internet browser, too, though it doesn’t yet work in the UK. Manually loaded MP3s can be played while you read, either through headphones or from its tiny built-in speakers, while it can also display Word, text and PDF files. The latter means that you can download free PDF e-books from the internet (largely old classics), though the Kindle does use an Amazon-only file type for book purchasing, so for new titles you’re stuck with whatever price Amazon is charging (unlike other popular e-book readers such as the iRiver Story, Sony PRS-300 Pocket, Iliad or COOL-ER, which allow you to buy e-books from anywhere you want).

Comfortable to read and a cinch to use, bookworms will love the Kindle. And it may yet help relight the fire under British newspapers; the Kindle isn’t perfect, but for newshounds, it’s better than the Internet. And that’s some achievement.

Amazon Kindle International e-book reader US$259 (imported by Amazon) www.amazon.co.uk

new gadgets Revo Domino D3 connected DAB radio & iPod/iPhone dock, £169.95 www.revo.co.uk

Cello C1973Fipod 19-inch LCD TV-DVD-iPod dock combo (black or pink), £199 www.sainsburys.co.uk

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Hip to be square Bang & Olufsen has always produced iconic and expensive TVs, but most have lacked the top tech to justify the price tag.

Until now. TVs may have gone widescreen a decade ago, but that hasn’t stopped the Danish brand from presenting its latest luxury screen in a unique square frame.

Using black glass framed by polished aluminium, the BeoVision 10 is designed to hang on a wall and look indistinguishable from other artwork. The top portion of this slim product is a superslim 40-inch LED screen, while the lower half holds powerful speakers and an amplifier. The

transition between the two is seamless, while there’s even a wall bracket that swings out to 45° for easy viewing.

B&O BeoVision 10 40-inch LED TV, £6,000 www.bang-olufsen.com

Cable-killing soundbars have been around for a few years, but few have matched the original and best – Yamaha’s Digital Sound Projectors. Rendering traditional wired home cinema virtually obsolete, for the styleconscious at least,Yamaha’s new YSP-5100 is the brand’s latest and greatest. Using tiny motorised speakers, sound beams are bounced off the walls to create the illusion of being surrounded. It’s clever stuff, but

this isn’t just a powerful speaker.

All your hi-def gear can be attached to its four HDMI inputs instead of to a TV, while Yamaha’s Airwired tech takes its ‘no wires’ mantra even further; the YSP-5100 can be fitted with an optional wireless subwoofer, and receive music streamed directly from an iPod. Yamaha YSP-5100 Digital Sound Projector, £1,499 www.yamaha-uk.com

Compression chamber

Slow burner How many people you know buy Blu-ray discs instead of DVDs? Although the new format is perfect for anyone who’s just bought a HD Ready TV, Blu-ray is proving a slow burn sale – and that’s great news because big brands like Sony are loading the latest machines with tempting extra features.

Take its latest Blu-ray deck, the BDP-S760. This mid-priced machine is designed primarily to get every detail from a disc, an ambition that’s aided by

Beam me up

its Precision Drive HD tech – something found on Sony’s much pricier machines. But away from Blu-ray, the BDP-S760 can get online without having to be near a broadband router; using the latest 802.11n wireless spec it can stream photos from a networked computer, or play extra features stored on the ever-expanding BD-Live service.

Sony BDP-S760 Blu-ray player £350 www.sony.co.uk

Putting your iPod at the heart of any hi-fi set-up is now de rigueur, but the success of such a space-saving idea completely hinges on finding an iPod dock capable of squeezing out every nuance from compressed MP3 music.

And that requires top quality speakers. Bose has had success with its SoundDock, but until now it’s largely been a marketing achievement.

The SoundDock 10 looks to put substance behind the style by including new and shrunken versions of Bose’s own waveguide tech and woofer to make low frequency sounds possible.

As well as improvements and tweaks to its audio performance, the SoundDock 10 also has something new; a Bluetooth module that can stream music wirelessly from mobile phones.

Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system for iPod, £699 www.bose.co.uk

Epson EH-TW2900 Full HD home cinema projector, £1,200 www.epson.co.uk

LG Chocolate BL40 mobile with ultra-wide touchscreen,

£400 www.lge.co.uk

Samsung LE22B470 22inch LCD TV-DVD combo, £379 www.johnlewis.com

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BUY IT:

sports

news what to watch:

RBS 6 Nations Championship After England finished second in last year’s tournament, it’s been all change at Twickenham. Martin Johnson’s young team were taught some difficult lessons during the autumn series, but he is convinced England have emerged as a better side. They open against Wales at home before tackling Italy and then defending champions Ireland on the road. They travel to Murrayfield for a Calcutta Cup showdown against the Scots before ending their campaign against France. The RBS 6 Nations continues to exceed all expectations as the teams fight to become Europe’s number one rugby nation.

6 February: England v. Wales, Ireland v. Italy

Last year’s inaugural Polo in the Park thrilled over 25,000 spectators and introduced audiences to a new format in high-octane polo.This year’s tournament from 4 to 6 June promises to deliver all the excitement, action and drama with a unique theatre for incredible hospitality in the centre of London. The Hurlingham Club’s exquisite East Wing will host the corporate hospitality and entertainment, just minutes from London’s Kings Road. www.polointheparklondon.com

WORK IT: Technogym presents the first treadmill to combine cutting edge technology with leading design; the Run Personal. It is hard-wearing, functional and exceptionally stylish. Additonal features include a 19” TV screen with MP3 connection, games to train your mind and software called ‘Guide Me’ which guides the user through their exercise schedule.

Available from Technogym directly or from Harrods (£8,980 including delivery & installation)

SAY WHAT? At first I thought I was third because Jessica sounds a bit like Jenson when you start pronouncing it. But second is great, so I’m happy, but as I’m competitive, a little bit disappointed as well.

Jensen Button commiserates after Ryan Giggs beats him to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009.

Five things you didn’t know about...

Jonny Wilkinson

Spectator’s Dream

lity team The Ryder Cup hospita packages y ur offers a range of lux ac e cess giving guests exclusiv e course. to the best views of th this is Range from 1-6 days e world’s th e se your chance to n. greatest golfers in actio on the For more information , please visit hospitality packages lity.com www.rydercuphospita

Winter Olympics Britain may only win a few medals in a good year, but the Winter Olympics is still a thrilling competition to watch. The current British record for a single Games is four medals, back in the first winter Games at Chamonix in France in 1924. If everything goes to plan, this year in Vancouver is set to be Britain’s most successful Winter Olympics. Keep an eye on medals for women’s bobsleigh, men’s curling and figure skating.

12-28 February

u He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Civil Law by Northumbria University u He is generally a left-footed kicker, but kicked the World Cup winning drop goal in 2003 with his right foot u He is close to becoming the first England player to reach 1,000 points for his country u He is widely known as a teatotaller, but broke that habit after England lost to South Africa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final u His former girlfriend is Sky Sports News presenter Di Stewart

THE GREATEST

RACE ON EARTH Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 2010 Dakar Rally which sees two and four-wheeled petrolheaded adrenaline junkies race across the extreme terrain of South America

sport

A

challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind,” says Thierry Sabine, when describing his creation of the ultimate test for man and machine – the Dakar Rally.

One look at the pictures of this truly spectacular motor racing challenge and you can certainly see why it’s billed as the greatest race on earth.

More than just a simple motor lights-to-flag race, the Dakar demands pin-point accuracy when it comes to off-road navigation and rock-solid consistency and reliability. Even the tiniest mistake can be fatal, so when the drivers and riders set off across the South American desert this

month, their primary goal will be to finish. Anything else is a bonus.

For 17 gruelling days, 375 drivers and riders will compete in one of three categories - car, bike or truck navigating their way across a staggering 800 to 900km per day, during which sand dunes, ferocious winds and unruly mountains will provide the necessary challenges.There’s not a GPS system in sight, as racers rely on experienced codrivers to weave them around obstacles as they bid to complete the 14 stages in the quickest time.

The racing, where competitors will battle against temperatures of more than 130oF during the day and well below freezing at night, is just a small part of the challenge. At the end of each day they must inspect their vehicles before undertaking essential repairs and maintenance before joining the queues for fuel and food, reading through the route book covering the next day’s section, pitching their tent and getting as much sleep as possible with the noise of rival mechanics working through the night all around them. Then they get up and do it all again. This relentless regime continues for more than two weeks.

The winner is the man or woman who completes the 9,000km loop from Buenos Aires, through the undulating terrain of Córdoba, through the Atacama Desert (reputed to be the driest in the world) before navigating the high-altitude peaks of the Andes mountains before racing back to Buenos Aires. It truly is a race of attrition.

The origins of the race date back to 1977, when Sabine, a young Frenchman, got lost on his motorbike in the Libyan Desert during the Abidjan-Nice Rally. Enthralled by the vast extremes of the terrain engulfing him, he returned to France to plot out a route for his own race.

The original route started in Paris, continued to Algiers in Algeria and crossed Niger’s Agadez region before eventually finishing up at Dakar in Senegal. Barring the 2008 race, which was called off due to terrorist threats, the Dakar Rally has been held every

year with 2010 being the 31st edition.

Last year’s race saw the first year in which the famous motor-endurance race (formerly known as Paris-Dakar) moved from the wild terrain of Africa to the picturesque location of Latin America. Ironically, South African Giniel de Villiers made history by becoming the first African to win the event just a year after the move.

The Volkswagen Race Toureg racer finished the event in a combined time of just over 48 hours – just eight minutes and 59 seconds ahead of American Mark Miller, ending Mitsubishi’s five-year winning streak.

Out of 500 vehicles that set out last year only 270 completed the course, such is the demanding nature of the event. Many suffer irreparable damage from accidents and breakdowns, while others pay the ultimate price – with their life.

Such is the vast expanse of the route that racers can sometimes go hours if not days before receiving assistance, and in some cases, that’s simply not soon enough. Take French motorcyclist Pascal Terry for example, who went missing after the second stage of last year’s event. The 49-year-old was on his debut in the competition but got into difficulties and quickly raised the alarm. However it was an incredible four days before organizers reached him in an inaccessible area of very dense vegetation, only to find that he had died of pulmonary edema. The Frenchman joined 48 others, including the races founder Sabine, who have perished in the search of their ultimate race goal – to finish the world’s toughest rally.

The Dakar Rally is more than just a battle for victory; it’s the survival of the fittest and as long as the challenge remains, racers will continue to try their luck and risk their lives competing in this monstrous endurance race, thrilling millions of spectators worldwide, no matter what the potentially fatal consequences. n The 31st edition of the Dakar Rally will take place between January 1-17. For more information, visit www.dakar.com

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As Hollywood prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2010, Getty Images Gallery looks at the cult of celebrity. From models to movie stars, icons such as Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn remain our favourites. To own your own piece of Hollywood or to find the perfect present, please contact the Gallery where all images can be printed in a variety of sizes, framed or unframed.

Getty Images Gallery www.gettyimagesgallery.com Cabot Place East Canary Wharf 020 7719 1457

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What to read: Love Poems by Carol Ann Duffy

art

news what to see:

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

9 January-17 February, National Theatre, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, this will be a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the complex mind of Vincent Van Gogh.

Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public due to their fragility, will be on display, together with around 65 paintings and 30 drawings that express the principal themes to be found within the correspondence.

23 January to 18 April Royal Academy, www.royalacademy.org.uk

Where Three Dreams Cross: 150 Years of Photography from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

London Art Fair

This landmark exhibition gives an inside view of how modern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been shaped through the lens of their photographers. From the days when the first Indian-run photographic studios were established in the 19th century, this exhibition tells the story of photography’s development in the subcontinent with over 400 works that have been brought together for the first time. It encompasses social realism and reportage of key political moments in the 1940s, amateur snaps from the 1960s and street photography from the 1970s.

Established in 1988, London Art Fair launches the art world year in the UK. Presenting museum-quality Modern British and Contemporary art, the Fair brings together the work of established artists and emerging talent. Whether you’re a serious collector, buying your first original work, or simply a lover of great art, London Art Fair is stylish, spectacular and uniquely welcoming.

21 January to 11 April, Whitechapel Gallery, www.whitechapelgallery.org

13 – 17 January, Business Design Centre, www.londonartfair.co.uk

Quote: Celebrity has become the new art form that competes with - and often supersedes movies, books, plays and TV shows. The names of the moment may come and go, but they always amuse us, entertain us, and educate us.

Neal Gabler in defence of our tawdry tabloid culture.

Website of the month:

www.artinfo.com

Tom Stoppard’s provocative and chilling play with music by André Previn is staged with an orchestra in an electrifying new production. A dissident locked in an asylum must admit that he is ill to be released. He refuses and, as the dissident’s son begs his father to free himself with a lie, Tom Stoppard’s darkly funny play asks if denying the truth is a price worth paying for liberty.

This is a stunning co-production with Southbank Sinfonia – Britain’s young professional orchestra.

Whether writing of longing or adultery, seduction or simple homely acts of love, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy brings to her readers the truth of each experience.

She speaks of tangled, heated passion; of erotic love; fierce and hungry love; unrequited love; and of the end of love. Always imaginative, heartfelt and direct, Love Poems finds words for our experiences in love and out of love, making it the perfect early Valentine’s day gift.

Providing unparalleled access to the world of art and culture, artinfo.com is an essential resource for art novices and seasoned collectors. It offers breaking news, profiles of top and emerging artists, stories about collectors and collecting, gallery round-ups from around the world as well as detailed coverage of art fairs.

Cat Hughes previews Nowhere Boy

Artist, Sam Taylor Wood’s new film Nowhere Boy is the story of John Lennon before and at the dawn of The Beatles. The film delves into Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) adolescent years in 1950s Liverpool after his beloved Uncle George dies and he meets his unpredictable and fun loving mum, Julia (Ann-Marie Duff).

Overall the film is brilliant.

Knowing next to nothing about how The Beatles came to be I don’t know how close the story is to reality. No doubt die-hard Beatles fans will find some fault with it, but the screenplay, written by Matt Greenhalgh, is fantastic – it’s well crafted and the teenage Lennon’s voice is authentically abrasive.

Taylor-Wood has managed the Sponsored by

0871 200 2000

www.cineworld.co.uk 11 Hertsmere Rd, West India Quay

impossible – she has succeeded in portraying a much loved legend but she was aided by Johnson’s firstrate performance, mixing Lennon’s obnoxious swagger with flickering insecurity perfectly. In fact, what makes the film is who she chose to work with.

Her core actors are top-notch. Duff, who won Best Supporting Actress in the British Independent Film awards for her portrayal of Julia, is impulsive and magnetic. Scott Thomas beautifully portrays Mimi’s cold and brittleness, but underneath you could see that she is a fiercely protective woman who loved Lennon. Also look out for newcomer Josh Bolt, who plays Lennon’s best friend Pete Shotton more than one star is born in this film.

dvd

film

entertainment (500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer is the quirky romantic comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the hapless love struck Tom, and Zooey Deschanel as the strong-minded, and occasionally annoying, Summer. Tom falls for Summer after she starts as an assistant in the greeting cards company he works for, and who unceremoniously dumps him several months later. The film jumps back and forth through various periods of their 500 days of ‘togetherness’ as Tom tries to make sense of what went wrong.

Quirky and off beat it may be but it’s not that original; Hollywood has exhausted happy ever after and quirky romantic flicks are taking over, no doubt there will be more.

The extras are average; the DVD only has deleted scenes, though the Blu-ray version is somewhat better; it includes a music video of Sweet Disposition by the Temper Trap, off beat conversations with the leading actors and Mean’s Cinemash ‘Sid and Nancy’ which is interesting to say the least.

Pop fact Lady Gaga wrote half of her number one album, The Fame, in a week! The album has now sold four million copies worldwide.

music

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Black is the new Blues Chris Baraniuk takes a closer look at Pop Noir, or is it Noir Pop?

11•01 Delphic

Acolyte Esmee Denters

Outta Here Cliff Richard

Just About as Good as it Gets!

Moebius

Tonspuren

18•01 Lostprophets

The Betrayed One Republic

Waking Up Florence Rawlings

A Fool in Love Nouvelle Vague

Bande A Part

25•01 David Bowie

A Reality Tour The Magnetic Fields

Realism Four Tet

There is Love in You Dean Martin

The Dean Martin Collection

TOP 10 games

1. Wii Sports 2. The Beatles: Rock Band - PS3, Wii, X360 3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - PC, PS3, X360 4. Halo 3: ODST - X360 5. FIFA 10 - PC, PS3, Wii 6. DJ Hero - Xbox 7. Left 4 Dead - X360 8. Tekken 6 - PSP, PS3, X360 9. SingStar: Take That - PS3 10. Need for Speed: Nitro - Wii

Someone I met once described a piece of music as a great example of ‘pop noir’ and I wanted to share with you what that means. Typically, however, there’s actually a band called ‘Pop Noir’ so I’m going to call the niche-category-sub-genre I’ll be dealing with today, ‘Noir Pop’ – an ingeniously provocative reversal of terms characteristic of the genre itself.

Noir Pop, as we’re forced to call it, is by definition hard to define. It’s a kind of no-man’s land between indie, electronica, dance, rock, folk and even blues. But all Noir Pop tunes share the same progressive mustiness that gives them their edge – and gallons of cool to boot.

Try My Tiger, My Timing for instance. How do they get away with a band name like that? Irrelevant.

The synthy structural perfection of their top track, I Am the Sound speaks infectiously for itself. That original mixture of electronic bounce and pouty vocals is classic Noir Pop territory. Two MTMT EPs are already out there, but news of an album is scarce. So, what’s lesson one? Happy + sad = noir.

New York-based band The Drums, who are also newcomers to the scene deserve equal aural attention.

Their oeuvre is packed gloriously full of references to legendary pop maestros like The Beach Boys and Lou Reed. There’s plenty of whistling, bumpy staccato bass-lines and dusky 80s-style lyric-bleating.

Lesson two: a fundamental aspect of the best Noir Pop is its role as cultural train-spotter. The more nerdy and obscure the riff they’ve nicked from a 60s B-side, the better.

But don’t get too comfortable.

Lesson three: Noir Pop should leave you slightly unsettled, on edge even. The uncomfortably melodic

masterpiece Quitter’s Raga from Gold Panda will provoke you either to a euphoric higher state or an irritable lower one.You’d think sitar riffs had all been done before in pop, but not like this – a touch on the rise and fall of heavily edited palpitating drums and handclaps.

So that’s what Noir Pop is. Or might be.

I can tell you what it isn’t. Noir Pop isn’t simply experimental, or ‘dark’ or influenced by the past.

And it isn’t just a mixture of all those things, necessarily. The fourth and final lesson is that a true Noir Pop track is knowingly irreverent or satirical. Referring transcendentally to its own absurdity, it leaves us as it arrived: with an indelible gesture of indignation and whimsy.

To be honest though, Lady Gaga does that for some people, so it’s anybody’s guess, really.

CINEMA RELEASES: Did You Hear About The Morgans sees married couple Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker relocate from New York to a tiny town in Wyoming after they witness a murder and become targets of a contract killer.

(January 1) The Road takes place in the burnt-out wasteland of a post-apocalyptic America. A man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son try to survive by any means possible as they follow a desolate, corpse-strewn road towards the coast, where they hope to find some kind of a future for themselves.

(January 8) It's Complicated; Meryl Streep has an affair with her exhusband at their son's college graduation. As the other woman, relationships are tested as she wonders if love is truly lovelier the second time around.

(January 8)

be part of

london’s most powerful network as featured in

Vicinitee VIP members gain access to an exciting world of exclusive concessions and privileges.

We provide the perfect opportunities to relax and spend time with other like-minded people and our events provide the ideal platform for this with regular invitations to exclusive parties and events - ranging from the simple & elegant, to the wild & extreme. Our parties are by invitation only and take place in stylish London locations or at famous sporting and social events.

Our association with The Renaissance Club, means Vicinitee VIP members enjoy access to hundreds of exclusive deals, brokered with London’s leading bars, restaurants, retailers, nightclubs and essential services - enhancing your lifestyle whilst saving you time & money. We only form partnerships with companies that members have requested, or that we would use ourselves. Now the legwork has been done – all you have to do is go out and enjoy the affiliations and the privileges arranged on your behalf.

To learn more about Vicinitee VIP and how it can benefit you, visit www.vicinitee.com/vip

Vicinitee_VIP_DPS_December_09_revA.indd 1

wishes all their members a happy & prosperous new year To view our 2010 event calendar, see our forthcoming VIP parties or simply browse through our exclusive deals and concessions, visit www.viciniteevip.com

22/12/2009 11:47:43

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DINE OUT IN STYLE AT CANARY WHARF

W

ith dramatic views across the twinkling night lights of Canary Wharf and a sleek, modern, minimalist décor, Plateau is a striking light-filled restaurant located in the very centre of Canary Wharf. Described as having all the glamour of Manhattan, this restaurant offers a unique and intimate dining experience, and would be the perfect location for a romantic meal, an evening with friends, cocktails with clients or a treat for Mum and Dad! Effortlessly elegant, Plateau is a haven of high-style dining with a wide variety of gourmet dishes available for the NewYear. An oasis of calm above the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf, it is the perfect place to unwind, entertain and soak up the glamour. Choose from the delicious and unique contemporary French menu, available in both the Restaurant and the Bar & Grill.

With stylish touches all around (and some of the most fabulous cocktails in Canary Wharf), Plateau offers the crème de la crème for you and your guests in 2010. n

Plateau 4th Floor, Canada Square Canary Wharf, 020 7715 7100 www.plateaurestaurant.co.uk

NEW YEAR Offer Monday 4 January - Saturday 13 February inclusive Two course set menu in the Bar & Grill for £10 or three courses for £15 Two course set menu in the Restaurant for £20 or three courses for £25 Cocktails are also available for £5 in the bar To be eligible for these offers download a voucher from the Evening Standard website www.thisislondon.co.uk

COOL TRADING

N

ow in its second year, the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival moves from the West End to its new home next to the ice rink in Canary Wharf. Over two days Canada Square Park will become the focus of the UK’s unique, international ice sculpting competition where teams of acclaimed sculptors from around the globe will carve large blocks of ice into stunning works of art against the clock – the theme for this year is ‘Cool Trading’.

Simply marvel at their skills or revel in the chance to let your own artistic side reveal itself by booking a supervised Master Class where you can “havea-go” at sculpting small blocks of ice yourself. Master Classes are free and available on a first come, first served basis.

A panel of judges, comprising Guy Portelli, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors; Sally Williams, Public Art Consultant at Canary Wharf Group and Carol Cordrey from the London Ice Sculpting Festival will declare the winner of the 2010 London Ice Sculpting Festival at 3pm on the Saturday.

Come and see if you agree with their choice!

Afterwards, why not make a night of it and visit Plateau, taking advantage of the offer above or experience one of the restaurants in the newly opened Park Pavilion in Canada Square Park. With an eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines from Canteen, The Parlour, Roka and Wahaca, there really is something for every taste and all occasions. n

For more information please visit: www.mycanarywharf.com

London Ice Sculpting Festival Friday 15 January – 9am – 8pm Saturday 16 January – 8am – 3pm Canada Square Park

FREE cANARY WHARF ICE RINK Monday to Saturday 9.45am – 11pm Sunday 9.45am - 7.30pm Canada Square Park

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 1556

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PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: DOM RUINART 50 YEAR GIFT BOX

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of prestige cuvée Dom Ruinart, the company has commissioned Dutch artist Maarten Baas to craft two limited edition champagne flutes. The matt black box is illuminated by the mirrored lid of melted metal, which transforms itself into a beautiful serving tray and the bases of the flutes appear melted – like a piece of modern art.

food&drink

news

£245 www.ruinart.com

COCKTAILS & CUPCAKES

DON’T MISS:

A new way to enjoy afternoon tea with a quirky twist, the Mayfair Hotel is offering a delicious Cocktails and Cupcakes menu this month – the perfect excuse to indulge with friends or celebrate a special occasion! Cocktails are themed on tea blends and coffee roasts and there is a selection of yummy cupcake flavours to match. Choose from cocktails such as ‘Caramel Espresso Martini’, ‘Chamomile, Spiced Rum and Pomegranate’, ‘Peppermint Tea Martini’ and ‘Peach Iced Tea’ and cupcakes including Chocolate and Raspberry, Mocha, Vanilla, Lemon curd, Coconut and Strawberry.

LIMITED EDITION COINTREAU BOTTLE

Cointreau has teamed up with French designer Catherine Malandrino to create a beautiful limited edition bottle design; laced with silver and Swarovski crystals, the bottle represents New York’s link with Paris – the Statue of Liberty. £129.99 Selfridges in London and Manchester

Prices start from £20

HOT HOT HOT

HEALTHY HOME-MADE LUNCH

www.kitchen-italia.com

Why not whip up a batch of healthy home-made soup for re-heating at work, during the cold month of January? Try Tomato and Lentil soup; add one tin of chopped tomatoes, one tinful of water and two handfuls of lentils to a saucepan, season with salt, pepper, mixed herbs and a spoon of pesto and simmer for 15 minutes. Take your soup to the office in a Tupperware container and re-heat – easy!

To beat the winter chill Dockmaster’s chef, Navin Bhatia, is launching a curry festival with traditional curries like the famous Goan Prawn Balchao. Customers can also vary the hotness of their individual dishes by choosing to flavour them with different variety of chillies.

14 January to 10 February, 2010 Dockmaster’s House Restaurant www.dockmastershouse.com

Restaurant gossip:

Seasonal produce:

Food lingo:

Quote:

KITCHEN ITALIA The new branch of Kitchen Italia has opened its doors in Covent Garden, serving fresh, innovative, exciting Italian food. Ideal for all those who love Italian food and want reasonable prices, the menu specialises in the many varieties of pasta native to specific Italian regions, each paired with the perfect sauce from light and zingy to rich and robust.

PARSnIPS The parsnip is a firm British favourite and while it can be boiled, microwaved, stewed or fried, the very best way to cook them is to roast with salt, pepper and rosemary.

Alternatively, why not make a warming winter parsnip soup – the possibilities are endless!

BLIND-BAKE Blind-baking is the process of baking a pie crust without the filling.

Blind-baking a pie crust is necessary when the filling has a shorter bake time than the crust (examples might be leftover roast chicken, or gently simmered fruit).

Blind baking a pie crust also helps prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy from its filling.

GORDON RAMSAY I always try to finish a dinner party menu with a strong dessert. It is often an afterthought, but it is also the final dish that your guests will taste, so it should leave the right lasting memory.

Website of the month:

www.nealsyarddairyshop.co.uk

For more information please visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

One for the internet ‘Favourites Folder’, this website is heaven to all cheese-lovers.

London’s top cheesemonger offers a wide range of delicious cheeses including the Stichelton unpasteurised blue cheese, Irish Gubbeen, Montgomery’s Cheddar, Appleby’s Cheshire, and Kirkham’s Lancashire.

Liefmans is one of the cult breweries of the great Belgian Beer Country.

P lease dr ink respons ibly.

Liefmans Fruit Beer is a unique fresh beer blend maturing for 18 months on cherries in the Liefmans cellars which is artfully blended with natural juices of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blueberry and juniper berry.

The result is a fruity, pleasantly sweet, sparkling and refreshing beer with a soft foam head.

4.2% alc on draught bottle: 25 cl

FRUITBEER Duvel Moortgat UK, 134 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3AR - 02077297216

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DIM-SUM DINER Just a stone’s throw from Liverpool station and tucked down Stewart Street, lies Ping Pong Spitalfields; a must-see restaurant for an up and coming area. Katie Murray discovers that this sleek dim-sum diner offers a unique experience

G

reeted at the door by friendly staff, you are given the option to either sit at a bar table, or enjoy a seated meal in the main area of the restaurant.

We decided to experience the best of both worlds, and tucked into Wasabi Peanuts and Coriander Prawn Crackers at the bar to whet our appetites.

The seating at the bar encourages conversation and is perfect for a quick meal or that deserved drink after work.

With relaxed low set seating and large wooden tables to rest chilled pints of Tsing Tao Beer (a popular order among the City boys) you would be hard pushed to find a nicer drinking environment in the area.

After an hour whiling away the time and people watching, we head into the main restaurant and are seated by our waiter. Ping Pong boasts two large floors for restaurant dining, and all are simply yet elegantly decorated, with large dark bench-style seating areas

furnished with a modern take on traditional Chinese decoration.

Seating is intimate at the table but spacious around you and with the combination of smooth ‘chillout’ background music and faded lighting it is the perfect setting for all occasions. This is surely the reason why Ping Pong attracts such a varied audience, from executives to artists, students to couples and families; everybody around seemed to be enjoying themselves.

I was told by a colleague prior to my visit that it would be a sin to go to Ping Pong and not order a cocktail, so while we deliberated over the menu I ordered a Coconut, Lychee and Lime leaf cocktail to see if this was true. Mixed and prepared in minutes it only took one sip to prove him right.With 22 cocktails on the menu (including six virgin cocktails, equally as good as their alcoholic counterparts) you will find yourself finding a new favourite cocktail a few times throughout the evening.

With a tick-the-box ordering

menu it is very hard not to fill every square with a pencil mark. Choose from baked puffs, steamed dumplings, buns, sticky rice, fried delicacies, salads and signature dishes. The choice is genuinely impressive, offering a wide array of seafood, pork, chicken and vegetarian options.

We are advised by Godfrey (acting manager) to order just one or two dishes from each section. We were then told we should sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. The food comes out at stages throughout the course of the evening, giving you time to share and appreciate the dishes, each uniquely different but similarly enjoyable; the dumplings are steamed to perfection; the buns thick and fresh; and the main dishes are perfectly put together, awakening all of your taste buds - just as you are relishing the final part of your dish, a new one will be brought to your table.

Leaving just enough room for a dessert we return to the bar seating area where, as

recommended, we opt for the Mixed Fruit Bun – mixed red and black berries in a traditional open bun. Although it doesn’t sound like a traditional dessert (and does not look like one either) it is a fantastic sweet end to the meal.

With night-cap calling, we order a flowering tea before leaving and are astonished.

Adding boiling water to a small pellet-like flower bud, the plant expands inside the glass and after just three to four minutes a beautiful flower has bloomed in your green tea – soliciting much attention from the surrounding tables.

Ping Pong is a great location for anyone based in or visiting the EC2 area, the combination of excellent food, friendly service and an electric atmosphere create the ideal environment to sit back, relax and enjoy. n Ping Pong, Spitalfields 3-6 Steward Street London, E1 6AL 020 7422 7650 www.pingpongdimsum.com

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TAKE “P THE TASTE TEST Even heavy drinkers may not have heard of Ketel 1, but then it is a new generation of refined tipples reworking the image of vodka according to Josh Sims

eople are drinking less and better,” to put the company’s focus on quality, not says Bob Nolet. He is speaking quantity. The ingredients were finessed (like from the HQ of Ketel 1, tucked those of Coca-Cola, they remain a family away in a corner of Rotterdam. secret), old-fashioned, slow and expensive Small wonder perhaps then that even heavy production methods were revived - the drinkers may not have heard of the vodka pot-still technique requires that the first and brand. It does not advertise, nor does it last third of each batch effectively has to be pay bars to stock it. And it is perhaps an discarded - and a niche product was born. even smaller wonder given how, in the UK, Niche has stayed with the family business, vodka still tends to be regarded as best sticking with the sadly outdated belief accompanied by a mixer. Nolet is not so that product experience wins out over keen on the idea: he regards his drink more flashy promotion. Bartenders, whose as one of a new generation of refined tipples recommendation is widely considered in that is re-working the image of vodka as the industry to be the best marketing of a spirit to be appreciated with the same all, are simply asked to taste-test Ketel 1 aficionado appeal as a malt whisky. against other vodkas. If they don’t like it; He is not alone. Last year Diageo, the if they don’t consider it sufficiently smooth drinks brand giant, signed an agreement to drink neat (as vodka should be at room with Ketel 1’s maker, the Nolet Distillery, temperature and with lots of good ice) that gave it 50% ownership of Ketel 1 and without pulling what Bob Nolet cheekily gave the Nolet family calls “the Absolut face” not only access to its - the thigh-slapping, eyePeople are drinking global distribution watering wince induced less and better and marketing might by what he inevitably - which is expected regards as lesser vodkas to increase sales by some 100% over the - then his people just walk away. They next three years - but a bank account now have yet to do so. The UK is now Ketel 1’s packing a cool $900m. biggest European market and it is widely “We’ve often been approached by regarded a leading style brand in the US, companies wanting to buy the whole family which accounts for 90% of sales. And that business, but we’ve never been interested,” was no easy task. says Nolet. “At the same time we have to “When we started out the initial reaction recognise that the future for us may be from bars was ‘what do I need another difficult as the companies behind other vodka for? We already have three or four...’ brands get bigger, make demands on bars So that’s when we insisted on training bar and restrict our distribution. So to be staff, in order to get them to understand one of Diageo’s priority brands is a good that this was a totally different taste for a position. Of course, Diageo had to pay for vodka. If they didn’t take the training, they their share and that money guarantees the didn’t get the vodka,” he adds, matter-offuture for those generations leading Nolet. factly. “My father always insisted that Ketel But besides that, not much has changed.

1 had to speak for itself as a drink. That’s My father hasn’t gone and bought a big boat one advantage of being a family company or anything.”

- corporations will always go for quantity.

One would not blame him if Carl Nolet But you need patience to do the right thing Snr, Bob’s father, had done so. One can for the product and that pays you back into certainly understand his reluctance to give the end.” the company away. It was Nolet Snr. who, Changes in the world of drinking seem to after nearly 300 years of the company being have chimed nicely with Ketel 1: bars are as passed from father to son, found himself the popular as pubs, being more female-friendly only offspring ready to take on what seemed and offering a touch of glamour; a growth in to be a dying business. At the turn of the 20th interest in food and restaurants has boosted century, the Rotterdam region was home to regard for the best of imbibables; drink’s some 400 distillery companies but by 1972 brands have become lifestyle labels; even there were just 42. Five years later, there cocktails, as much as Ketel 1 may be wasted were four. Nolet made the bold decision in them, are in fashion. n

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Available for small intimate meetings, through to large corporate buy outs, product launches and much more

Caters for groups from 20 for meetings to 800 for receptions

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Book your event in JANUARY and there is no hire fee Centrally located for transport (Piccadilly Circus Tube and Charing Cross overground)

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THE UK WEDDING SHOWS When you start to plan your wedding, you want it to be as perfect as possible; to reflect your personality and be a celebration of your special day with family and friends

Whether you are just starting to plan your wedding or you are looking for those final finishing touches, come along to The UK Wedding Show at ExCeL London and let yourself in on the best-kept industry secrets, and get all the help, advice and ideas you could need to help you plan and organise your perfect day.

The team at The UK Wedding Shows has spent months creating this truly inspirational show, and with the help of a wide range of companies and industry professionals your wedding can be everything you imagine it to be. There will be breathtaking fashion shows featuring the latest in stunning bridal gown designs, men’s formal hire and occasion wear, with major high street names rubbing shoulders with exclusive individual designers. This amazing Wedding Show is not to be missed!

The UK Wedding Show at ExCeL London Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 February, 2010 Opening times: 10am to 5pm with fashion shows at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm Booking hotline 01704 517 970 www.theukweddingshows.co.uk Each visitor receives a complimentary show guide and goody bag

WIN TICKETS Canary Wharf Magazine has teamed up with The UK Wedding Shows to give away 50 pairs of tickets Simply answer the following question: What time are the fashion shows held daily? a) 10am, 12noon and 3pm b) 12noon, 2pm and 4pm c) 10am, 12noon and 4pm To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address, telephone number and date of your wedding to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with WEDDING SHOW in the subject bar.

The closing date is 25 January, 2010.

Terms & conditions: The first fifty correct entries drawn will win the tickets. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. Winners will be notified individually as soon as possible after 25 January.

cityliferecommends

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THE TOWN HALL HOTEL Due to open in March 2010, The Town Hall Hotel and Apartments will offer a selection of hotel bedrooms, apartments, leisure facilities, cocktail bar, “Viajante” fine-dining restaurant and extensive conference rooms.

The grade II listed property will be finished to a five-star standard and offers an ideal base in London’s highly fashionable Bethnal Green district.

020 7621 8783 reservations@townhallhotel.com www.townhallhotel.com

PRIVATE SCANS The London Ultrasound Centre is a modern women’s ultrasound clinic near Harley Street.

They provide pregnancy and gynaecological scans performed by experts, including the latest 4D ultrasound. You will receive an efficient and personal service, and with weekend clinics and late opening hours on Thursday evenings the centre has appointments to suit everyone.

020 7935 4450 www.thelondondonultrasoundcentre.co.uk

Jing Tea

Loophouse

Served in a number of leading restaurants and hotels, Jing Tea brings the best of Asia's tea leaves some of which are rarely seen outside their country of origin.

Loophouse specialises in creating custom handmade 100% wool rugs which have gained international recognition in the interiors world. Established by Lorraine Statham in 1992, these contemporary rugs are inspired by her own perspective on life and can be found in Venice, New York and the UK. Wallpaper, cushions, bean bags and more are also available.

Choose from the likes of Phoenix Honey Orchid and Jasmine Pearls Green for a taste of the other side of the world.

0207 183 2113 www.jingtea.com

020 7207 7619 www.loophouse.com

Time Out Keep up to date with the best of London's nightlife and download the new iPhone app launched by Smirnoff and Time Out. The app offers geo-location technology to pinpoint your location and any recommended activities nearby, alerts to events that might appeal to you and friends, regular updates of event listings and previews - perfect for any socialite! www.timeout.com/smirnoff

Lavender filled eye masks by Otis Batterbee Luxury accessories brand Otis Batterbee has created these lavender filled travel eye-masks for the sophisticated gentleman.

The 100% cotton masks gradually emit a tranquil aroma that helps you sit back, relax and forget about the journey ahead, no matter how long! Available in corduroy, tweed and pinstripe.

020 7372 4453 www.otisbatterbee.com

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citylife

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Whatley Manor Treat your Valentine to a romantic weekend away at the elegant Whatley Manor, Wiltshire. Arriving on Friday 12 or Sunday 14 February, you can indulge in Champagne and chocolates as well as enjoy the award winning spa facilities, all for a special two night stay from £698 per room.

01666 822 888 www.whatleymanor.com

Free Lectures Gresham College continues its four centuries old tradition this year, offering a range of free public lectures that may take your fancy. Taking place all over London as well as at the college itself, choose from titles such as Code-breaking in everyday life; The Ethics of Reproduction; Joseph Haydn, Op 76 No 5 in D major, and listen to Gresham's distinguished professors and visiting speakers.

020 7831 0575 www.gresham.ac.uk

'Olive Tree'

by Jonathan Kruwcuzk & Caroline Sipos This stainless steel sculpture was created by designers Jonathan Kruwcuzk and Caroline Sipos, who realised the action of picking up an olive could be made a lot simpler.

Perfect for any dinner party, this quirky centre piece is bound to catch the attention of your guests.

Larger sizes are available for restaurants and hotels. £2,000 upwards for all bespoke designs www.krawczuk.it

Noor The first jewellery collection from Lebanese designer Noor Fares, the Touche du Boi range combines black ebony with gorgeous stones including jet, coloured sapphires and diamonds, as well as solid gold.

Original and eye-catching, these gorgeous pieces will be available at Harrods from January 2010. www.noorfares.com

ASUS Videophone Touch This portable videophone is perfect for those who need an easier (and cheaper!) way to keep in touch with the rest of the world. Not only will you receive unlimited free phonecalls to other Skype users but you can enjoy a 7" touchscreen display, high quality webcam and audio, video conferencing support and of course, Wi-fi.

0870 1208 340 www.asus.co.uk

Digital Photoframe Make way for the latest digital photo frame from Parrot: the Grande Specchio. Designed with position and eco sensors, this 10.4 inch high resolution frame allows you to showcase all those memorable moments without having to dig out that hefty album. £500 www.parrot.com/uk

Southend delegates A4 ad 18/12/2009 16:03 Page 1

Take your delegates out of the city and sample the seaside.

Experience the MAGIC…

• It is perfect for a wide range of special functions from a boardroom meeting for 10, a dinner dance for 600 or a conference for 1630.

• Your event will be personally catered for by our own creative and innovative team of chefs, sample menus reflect our passion for food and use only the freshest local ingredients.

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For further information please contact: Tel 01702 344553 Email events@southendtheatres.org.uk www.southendtheatres.org.uk

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An event at Southend Theatres offers a truly unique experience. Situated in a prime position on Southend’s famous cliffs, the Cliffs Pavilion offers fantastic views across the Thames Estuary and is an exclusive venue for your event.

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Designed by Luxaflex® inspired by you Create your own individual look from a wealth of delightful window styling possibilities that will transform your home.

You’ll find a full range of Luxaflex® Blinds together with expert advice at Abbotts.

Abbotts 470 - 480 Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5LU www.abbottsflooring.co.uk

Tel: 0800 716 783

Abbott’s are the main suppliers and installers of all types of floor coverings including: Amtico, Brintons, Crucial Trading, Dalsouple, Karndean, Pergo and Porcelanosa.

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KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales

Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W

Wapping Wall, Wapping E1W

Stunning example of a warehouse conversion finished to exacting standards. Stylish 3 bedroom flat with a vast reception room. Exceptional kitchen, lavish en suite bathroom, second bathroom, utility room, copious storage, parking space, lift, 24 hour porterage sq m (sq ft).

4 bedroom detached Grade II listed Victorian house. A striking Grade II Victorian detached house with a patio garden and terrace abutting the old hydraulic pumping station. 4 double bedrooms, reception, kitchen, utility room, 2 bathrooms and a store room. 152 sq m (1645 sq ft).

Share of Freehold

Freehold

Guide price: £925,000

Guide price: £895,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Leeward Court, Wapping E1W

The Listed Building, Wapping E1W

3 bedroom maisonette with garden. Located within the popular Quay 430 development, a duplex flat in excellent order with three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan reception, fitted kitchen, garden and garage. 108 sq m (1170 sq ft).

A stylish 1 bedroom flat in a listed building. Within a listed warehouse conversion dating back to 1795 the flat oozes contemporary style. The Listed Building has the use of a residents gymnasium and swimming pool and the 24 concierge at Free Trade Wharf. 60 sq m (647 sq ft).

Leasehold: 103 years

Share of Freehold

Guide price: £597,500

Guide price: £329,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Riviera Court, St. Katharine’s Way E1W Lovely two double bedroom two bathroom 3rd floor riverside apartment based in west Wapping close to St Katharine’s Dock and a short walk to Tower Hill and The City. Offering 1119 sq ft / 104 sq mtr and boasting a good size reception room with a separate fitted kitchen, great storage area, en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom, secure parking and a private terrace and lovely views of the river Thames. £625 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street E1W

The Circle, Queen Elizabeth Street SE1 Bright split level one bedroom apartment set on the 4th and 5th floors in this popular 24 hour portered development in Shad Thames. This lovely apartment has a great reception room with high ceilings and access on to a private terrace with Tower Bridge views, double bedroom with an additional terrace, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower and a spiral stair case. £415 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Cinnamon Wharf, Shad Thames SE1

Large one bedroom 1st floor apartment located in this portered development in west Wapping. This smart flat has a good size reception room with new wooden flooring, large separate fitted kitchen, double bedroom, newly fitted bathroom with shower and secure parking. Available furnished.

Stylish and spacious studio apartment. This modern flat has recently been refurnished and boasts a good size studio room, contemporary furnishings, separate fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, good storage and 24 hour porterage. Available now.

£315 per week

£295 per week

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

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street E1W Modern and contemporary apartment in west Wapping

Stunning two bedroom two bathroom third floor apartment set in this portered block in west Wapping. This contemporary unit has been completely refurnished offering a brand new fully fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, two modern bathrooms (one en-suite), wooden floors throughout, stylish furniture package, wooden floors and south west facing roof top views. ÂŁ575 per week

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

Oliver’s Wharf, Wapping High Street EW1

Gun Place, Wapping Lane E1W

This warehouse conversion benefits from many original features including wooden beams, wood floors and exposed brickwork throughout. With 1985 square feet this flat boasts three double internal rooms, further study, a separate fitted kitchen, separate utility room, two bathrooms, parking and a huge entrance/dining hall. Available unfurnished.

Stylish two double bedroom two bathroom 3rd floor apartment located in this portered warehouse conversion.

This beautiful apartment has been finished to a high standard boasting a large reception room, new fully fitted kitchen, modern furnishings, underground parking and a nice communal roof terrace.

£775 per week

£460 per week

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

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

Sugar House, City Quarter, City E1

The Sanctuary, Reardon Path EW1

Brand new one bedroom apartment set in this newly converted block on the edge of The City. This dual aspect apartment has a lovely open plan kitchen reception room with high ceilings, real wooden floors, stunning bathroom and 24 hour porterage. Also boasting a brand new interior designed furniture package.

Smart and spacious one bedroom apartment with River views available furnished. Accommodating double bedroom, bathroom with shower, sitting/dining area with open plan kitchen. This apartment boasts wooden floors an underground parking space and is located in the heart of Wapping

£400 per week

£320 per week

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

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

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

Fournier Street, E1 Cliffords Inn, EC4

£2,500,000 Leasehold £595,000 Leasehold Dating from 1726, this stunning property on Spitalfields’ most A superb 2 bedroom apartment in this popular block on the desirable street offers beautifully appointed accommodation western edge of the City, with a southerly aspect and beautiful throughout together with a separate studio house. views over St Dunstan’s Church.

Aldersgate Street, EC1 Mitre Street, EC3

£470,000 Leasehold £399,950 Leasehold A smart two bedroom apartment, with parking, on the 9th floor of this A stunning two bedroom apartment with an abundance of natural popular modern development adjacent to the Barbican. light on the third floor of this converted tea warehouse, away from busy traffic and adjacent to the Gherkin.

Crane Court, EC4A £350,000 Share of Freehold Mansell Street, E1 £350,000 Leasehold Featherstone Street, EC1 £395,000 Leasehold Garden Walk, EC2 £390,000 Leasehold A smart one bedroom flat with secure underground car A superb one bedroom flat within this popular residential An impressive apartment this popular block just off Fleet Street.within The property is withdevelopment easy reach of offering stylish contemporary accommodation on one floor the Courts of Justice. with its own street entrance and private car parking.

perty address

A smart and contemporary apartment located in the in heart parking a balcony within this modern block the of shadow Shoreditch.

Finished to a high standard the property of the City. The development also provides a daytime enjoys porter.access to a private balcony and a communal roof terrace.

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Whites Row, E1 Upper Thames Street, EC4 Firstname Surname

£325,000 Leasehold £325,000 Leasehold A one bedroom apartment in the heart of vibrant Spitalfields. This don House Department 01403 262828 With easterly river views towards Southwark Bridge and modern block is highly sought after and the property would make Office London House Department 01403 262828 additional basement storage, this 5th floor apartment would shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com an excellent City base or rental investment.

Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com make the ultimate City base or rental investment.

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Greatorex Street, E1 Barbican, EC2 Price on application

£299,950 Leasehold £565,000 Leasehold A bright and airy two bedroom top floor apartment with spectacular Pricea on application This duplex offers lovely view over the garden and the lake.

The views towards the City yet within easy reach of fashionable Brick Freehold interior remains true to the Grade II listed heritage, with a smart Freehold Lane. modern kitchen and 60’s bathroom suite.

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Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

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

Pickfords Wharf, SE1 Providence Square, SE1

UnityCourt, Wharf, SE1 Axis SE16

Butler’s Wharf, SE1 Cayenne Court, SE1

Aragon Tower, SE8 Butlers & Colonial Wharf, SE1

£1,650,000 Leasehold £585,000 Share of Freehold A highly desirable 1830 sq ft penthouse apartment set over the top 2 A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular floors of this popular riverside block. Offered with 2 bedroom suites, Providence Square development, having a terrace directly private courtyard & balcony. overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£645,000 Share of Freehold £585,000 Leasehold A spacious 1 bedroom apartment located in the ever popular Butlers A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne Wharf development. Boasting an open plan living area, 2 bathrooms Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony and a terrace directly over Shad Thames. from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£975,000 Share of Freehold £695,000 Leasehold A superbly refurbished 2 bedroom character warehouse apartment, A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment with views of St. Saviours Dock. Includes ceiling speakers, exposed built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and beams & brickwork and leather flooring. underground parking.

£525,000 Leasehold £389,000 Leasehold A two bedroom 25th and 26th floor riverside duplex apartment A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & within a Berkeley Homes development, having parking, concierge portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located and available with no onward chain. in the heart of Shad Thames.

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Jamaica Road, SE1 Windsor Court, SE16

£495,000 Leasehold £395,000 Leasehold A luxurious 834 sq ft, 2nd floor, two bedroom new build apartment, An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom within a warehouse style development, having en-suite bathroom, apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from oak flooring and Italian style kitchen. the balcony and parking.

Long Lane, SE1 Bridgewalk Heights, SE1

£299,950 Leasehold £465,000 Leasehold A second floor one bedroom apartment, completed by Galliard Homes A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with at the end of 2006, with West facing balcony, lift and available with no en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London onward chain.

Bridge station.

A network of offi ces - local, national An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, nationaland and international. international

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

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

Strype Street, E1 EC2A Tabernacle Street,

£995 per week £450 per week Spacious loft-style apartment benefitting from a larger than average A one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, contemporary living space and a substantial roof terrace, perfect for entertaining! kitchen and private terrace located in a former warehouse.

Situated only moments from the vibrant Spitalfields Market .

High Timber London Wall,Street, EC2M EC4

£635 per week £430 per week A rare opportunity to rent a riverside apartment in this popular city A two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City only moments Development, benefitting from balcony with direct river views, large to Liverpool Street and Bank stations. The apartment benefits living area and two good size bedrooms. from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

Leman Street, E1 £395 per week Little Britain, EC1 £390 per week St Marks Street, E1 £585 per week Trinity Square, EC3N £590 per week A modern apartment in this fantastic new development, A rare opportunity to rent a one bedroom apartment in this A threetting double penthouse arranged over two benefi frombedroom wood floors, plentyapartment of storage and natural levels providing a bright living area with two balconies. Parking is light. available by separate negotiation.

A stunning bedroom two bathroom with sought aftertwo development with a privateduplex balconyapartment overlooking panoramicPark views over the Tower London Postman’s only minutes fromofSt Paul’s.and the River Thames.

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Bush Lane, EC4 £350 per week Upper

High Timber Street, EC4V

£330 per week Firstname Surname A one bedroom apartment in this small development in the heart of

Firstname Surname A modern one bedroom in this popular centrally located Office London House Department 01403 262828 Firstname Surname the City, benefi tting fromapartment high ceilings, plenty of natural light and riverside development with concierge and impressive tropical Office 01403 Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com hardwood flHouse oors.

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Thames Street, EC4 £330 per week Little Britain, EC1A £430 per week A refurbished one bedroom apartment in this City development on Price on application A super split level bedroom the daytime historicalconcierge the North Bank oftwo the Thames, apartment benefittingin from Price on Freehold Price on application application Smithfield area, overlooking pleasant gardens, situated in a and communal roof terrace with river views.

Freehold Freehold portered mansion block between St Paul’s and Barbican.

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Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 Riverview Heights, SE16

£1,100 per week £725 per week Exceptionally spacious and bright two double bedroom apartment An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity set within a prestigious development boasting five balconies offering to Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views, direct views of the river Thames and St Saviours Dock.Furnished. contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

Butler’s Wharf, SE1 Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

£795 per week £800 per week Stunning two bedroom apartment situated in a prestigious A spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment development. The apartment boasts stylish decor, exposed brick, with balcony offered in excellent order and arranged within a wood floors, 24 hour concierge and parking. Furnished. prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

Butler’s & Colonial Wharf, SE1 £600 per week Axis Court, SE16 £520 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 pertwo week A stunning two double bedroom warehouse conversion, boasting A fantastic apartment boasting reception room with balcony, A beautiful twooverlooking bedroom two apartment offered two balconies thebathroom inner courtyard, secure gatedin excellent order boasting wood floors, exposed brick, small entrance and offand street parking.

Furnished/unfurnished. balcony with river views and communal terrace. Furnished.

An exceptionally double bedroom apartment double bedrooms,spacious spacioustwo terrace and underground parking. with two ensuite bathrooms and a guest cloakroom. Offered Unfurnished. in excellent order throughout and boasting two balconies, allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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Riverview Heights, SE16 £425 per week Eluna Building, E1 £410 per week The Circle, SE1 apartment boasting reception £380 per with week Merganser Court, E1W £475 per week An fantastic one bedroom room A spacious two bedroom apartment arranged within a modern

floor ceiling windows offering amazing riverroom views, wood floors A oneto bedroom apartment boasting reception with wood and open kitchen.

24 hr porter. floors andplan balcony overlooking prettyFurnished. communal garden. Situated in the heart of Shad Thames. Furnished.

development andbedroom offered in immaculate order throughout.

A beautiful one apartment boasting spacious Boasting large reception, two double bedrooms anddirect two bathrooms. bedroom and reception room both with access to Furnished. balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter.

Furnished.

A network of offices - local, national and international.

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Swiss relocation Pop stars and racing drivers have been heading to Switzerland for years, some such as Lewis Hamilton pretending it’s for the quiet life and fresh air but Zoe Dare Hall suspects it’s really all about the tax

W

ith the 50 % tax bracket looming for those earning over £150,000 from next April, everyone from well-off individuals to the UK’s biggest hedge fund companies are considering making the move to the land of chocolate and cheese.

McDonalds moved to Geneva in June and it’s said that the Swiss authorities are dangling carrots in front of UK-based CEOs and FTSE 100 companies to tempt them to their lower-taxed shores.

Monaco or the Cayman islands may have more glamour and Gibraltar the lowest corporate tax in Europe, but convenience and lifestyle play a big part in Switzerland’s appeal.

Buying property in Switzerland is also a notoriously difficult process, complicated by whether you are buying as a permanent residence or a holiday home. In non-touristic areas including Zurich and Geneva, which attract most of the fiscal émigrés, foreigners cannot buy property without becoming resident, achieved by either having a work contract or proof of sufficient funds to not be a drain on the state. There

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is no limit to the number of residency permits issued.

In designated tourist areas, including most of the ski resorts, foreigners can buy holiday homes of up to 200m2. “But each of the 26 cantons has its own rules and they keep changing them,” says Jeremy Rollason, director of Savills Alpine Homes. “Two years ago, the Valais canton, which is one of the most popular areas for British buyers, changed its mind overnight and said foreigners couldn’t buy in certain areas.

Now there are only 330 permits available for foreign holiday home buyers in the Valais canton annually and only 1,500 in the whole of Switzerland.”

Buying in Switzerland was never cheap and with the pound having lost 30% per cent of its value against the Swiss Franc in a year, it means those tax savings better be even more worthwhile.

But Swiss Franc mortgages offer low rates and anyone with a residency permit can buy with a 20% deposit (compared with 40% for non-residents buying Swiss holiday homes).

So if you are thinking of joining the gilded exodus to Switzerland, where can you buy?

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homes&property

Geneva The cosmopolitan Frenchspeaking city, where nearly half the 185,000 residents are expats, and the canton of the same name, which includes attractive towns such as Montreux or Lausanne around the shores of Lake Geneva, are where most Swiss-bound Brits chose to live.

But housing is expensive and the influx of relocating workers seeking accommodation is putting a strain on supply, with just 200 rental properties on the market at any one time and twobedroom apartments – the most sought-after property in the city – costing from £850,000-£1.2m, say Savills International.

Even small flats are in high demand. “One agent in Geneva told me it isn’t uncommon to have 100 people view an ordinary one-bed flat in a day,” says George Preston, a 24-yearold IT consultant who is staying with friends in Lausanne while he looks for a flat near his job for a large multi-national company in Geneva.

“Finding a flat is an arduous exercise because of all the documentation you need. Most people tell you to allow three months and agents have less time for expats because they mean more paperwork and are less likely to stay long-term,” he adds.

But there are distinct benefits to his Swiss move. “My gross earnings here are 25% higher than it was in the UK, and in my canton and my income tax is a flat 20%,” says Preston.

To benefit from lower taxes, many expats choose to work in Geneva but live in nearby cantons such as Valais, where Roger Moore lives, or Vaud, home to Phil Collins, as you pay tax based on the location of your primary residence.

“People play the system the best way they can, so they buy ski chalets that they claim as their

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primary residence, then rent a flat in Geneva, where they work and live during the week,” says Tony Walker, a 41-year-old energy trader, who moved to Geneva from Richmond, London, six months ago with his wife Suzi, 39, who works for the Italian property company Ultissimo, and their son Max, three.

They rent a large house in a rural village 15 minutes outside Geneva for £3,600 a month and have just bought a two-bedroom chalet in Verbier for £611,000 as a weekend and summer home.

Zurich With lower tax rates than Geneva, from 13% to 25%, German-speaking Zurich in northern Switzerland is a prime spot for emigrating movers and shakers, as agents like to call this set. There is also the benefit of having great ski domains including Klosters, Davos and Flims within easy reach.

Foreigners can only buy property in Zurich by becoming a Swiss resident. “Most vendors will allow you to rent the property while your permit is being sorted out,” assures Mark Harvey from Knight Frank’s international department, who are marketing off-plan apartments in the Mobimo Tower, a 24-floor residential block in western Zurich, inspired by 1900s Chicago skyscrapers, and with views across Lake Zurich. The 33 apartments start at £1.28m for a 127m2 one-bedroom unit.

Knight Frank also has a large new detached family house with four bedrooms for sale in the village of Zollikon, just outside Zurich, from £2.7m.

In the neighbouring canton of Zug, 45 minutes from Zurich airport and home to Boris Becker, income tax is the lowest in Switzerland from 8.8%. The quality of life is constantly rated

among the best in Switzerland, there are international schools and a large international community, with websites such as www.

Zug4you.ch informing the city’s growing English expat population.

Lugano The Ticino region of southern Switzerland may not be renowned as a thrusting financial centre or famed for its glamorous ski resorts, but it has something far more aesthetic in its favour and that’s its proximity to northern Italy.

Ticino’s 300,000 inhabitants live between the Alps and the Italian lakes in a region that runs with the ideaL ideal combination of Swiss efficiency and a Latin spirit. Milan’s shops, galleries and airport are 90 minutes away and the Italian influence has seeped over the Swiss border too, in bringing a wider range of restaurants to this southern corner of Switzerland.

As a tourist destination rather than a financial centre, property prices are cheaper than in Zurich or Geneva and there are fewer restrictions on where foreigners can buy.

Sought-after waterfront villas on Lake Lugano can fetch millions and have a devoted following among wealthy Swiss Germans, Italians and, increasingly, Russians.

Local agents are also excited about

the possibility of the Clooney effect spreading to Ticino, with rumours that the Hollywood star is selling his Lake Como home and buying on Lake Maggiore, whose northern tip lies in Switzerland.

Current lakefront villas on sale include a modern fivebedroom house in Bissone for £2.86m from local estate agency Wetag Consulting. The high-end agency is marketing cheaper houses inland, still with views of the lake, including a four-bedroom 1900s house in Bigorio, 20 minutes from the town of Lugano, for £676,000.

Or in the new Residenza San Michele development in Orselina, above Lugano and overlooking Lake Maggiore, Pure International are selling apartments from £335,000. n

Savills Alpine Homes 0207 016 3740 www.alpinehomesintl.com Knight Frank 0207 629 8171 www.knightfrank.co.uk/abroad

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Williams Lynch provide a full range of property services including Sales, Lettings and Property Management. With the area becoming increasingly popular, we are looking for properties to market for sales and lettings. To discuss your property needs call Mark Williams today on 020 7940 9940 or email him at mark@williamslynch. co.uk

Williams Lynch is the longest established property consultancy in Bermondsey, SE1, and still owned and managed by its original founder Mark Williams. He and his experienced local staff are renowned locally for providing a personal and professional service to clients looking to ‘nest or invest’ in this highly desirable and centrally located, village like community.

Bermondsey Street has been described by Vogue and other journals as one of London’s best kept secrets. The area features a Weekly Farmers Market, an art house cinema, award winning bars and restaurants, designer boutiques and most recently, a glass blowing factory! Settle here and be walking distance of the City and just three stops from Canary Wharf; You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the varied amenities!

Williams Lynch, 63 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF Tel 020 7940 9940 Fax 020 940 9941 Email info@williamslynch.co.uk www.williamslynch.co.uk

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07/12/09 11:13:35

interiors

103

the diary

Sim Smith’s pick of January’s best finds....

Moon System sofa, B&B Italia

e Hotel

Park Hous

Geffrye Museum

B&B Italia

‘Roughly Drawn’ legs chair by Richard Liddle of Codha Design Ltd, made from recycled domestic plastic waste

Escape London for a weekend to the Park House Hotel, West Sussex for a bit of indulgence. Recoup from the festive period in the newly completed spa and wile away long afternoons in front of a roaring fire playing board games in the impressive drawing room. Each of the twenty one luxury ensuite bedrooms has been individually designed in keeping with the traditional country house feel. Elegant toile wallpapers are teamed with rich floral fabrics and warm woollen blankets whilst heavy gilt mirrors hang over antique wooden furniture giving the rooms a sense of timeless luxury.The views are equally impressive, overlooking the immaculate grounds, South Downs and West Sussex countryside. Situated only 50 miles from central London and armed with a 5*AA rating for Guest Accommodation, why not make this your perfect country retreat.

Head to the IV edition of the International Biennial of Architecture “Barbara Cappochin” this month in Padua, where Zaha Hadid will exhibit some of her most important works at Palazzo della Ragione. The Monographic Exhibit will give the public a chance to see several design projects by the British Iraqi architect including the infamous Moon System sofa for B&B Italia. The exhibition runs until the 1 March, 2010.

Pay a visit to the Geffrye Museum this month to see what you can do to make small but important eco changes in your home. Eco Home, supported by John Lewis is a special exhibition examining the affect of climate change on our homes; the way we use, decorate and inhabit them. Aiming to inform the public about design and consumption within the home, this exhibition will prompt any of its visitors to rethink old habits and counteract any negative stereotypes surrounding eco design.

If you see yourself as a bit of an eco warrior or are looking for a bit of motivation to kick start the NewYear, be sure not to miss this exhibition, open until Sunday 7 February, 2010.

01730 819000; www.parkhousehotel.com

020 7591 8111; www.bebitalia.it

020 7739 9893; www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

Baccarat

Mille Nuits Collection, Baccarat from £54

Keep the party season going with some gorgeous new crystalware by Baccarat.

The extension of the Mille Nuits Collection designed

by Mathias features a beautiful series of delicately crafted tableware in deep, dark translucent tones illustrating Baccarat’s great strength of crystal working and know-how. Choose from high tiered pastry stands, fluted high top bowls and finely detailed champagne flutes to add a bit of luxury to any dinner party.

00 33 140 221 414; www.baccarat.com

Vitra If you’re after some great January bargains, head to Vitra for their annual one day sale.This has become a staple date in any serious design lover’s diary with some fans camping outside the showroom for several days prior to the event! Saturday 23 of January, 2010 will see some amazing reductions on classic design pieces with the majority of stock marked at 40% off.There are always a

Vitra, 30 Clerkenwell Rd, London, EC1M 5PG

few stellar bargains to be had like this year’s Eames Lounge chair originally priced at £3,904 can be snapped up for a mere £199! This year Vitra has teamed up with Coffee Cartel and their super cool Piaggio Apé van and will be serving hot drinks from 6.30am to all the early birds. I’ll see you in the queue...

020 7608 6200; www.vitra.com

the trend

Sim Smith takes inspiration from the roof tops of Paris...

T

here’s something magical about this time of year. Last month’s festivities have been laid to rest and there’s a distinct sense of excitement in the air. The thrill of the new and unexpected fills the minds of many as they walk to work with renewed vigor over sturdy city bridges with umbrellas held low over chilly brows.

It is the city, its winter landscape and weather that is at the heart of this month’s trend - Paris in particular, “La Ville-Lumière” in all its splendour. There is a delicate play on light-reflecting qualities, natural materials and a new sense of luxury that has seemed so absent from past minimalist representations.

Luminous green velvets and crisp white china embellished with platinum insect detailing transport me back to dewy parks and impressive formal gardens; the smell of morning rainwater and cobblestone courtyards.

Neo-classical stone buildings of bourgeoisie standing seem to have been picked as a muse for this month’s strong decorative structures and striking motifs found on wallpapers and tiles. Even the roof tops and domes of Paris have sparked new ideas in young designers with zinc roofing tiles taking on a new life as candle bases.

Magical destinations are hidden behind closed doors or porte-crochères only open to those with a key. Apartments fill with natural light on distressed, faded colours that glimmer still brightly against the natural décor. Choice objects that could have been picked from Les Puces or Paris Saint-Ouen flea market clutter the room, from gilded leather cushions to shapely pewter vases and stainless steel candelabras.

Modern touches mix with Art Deco and late 17th century pieces with contrasting elements of marble, nickel and glass being coupled with fine shimmering linens and delicate silks. Heavy roll top baths sit centrally in vast bathrooms with fine scented candles emitting soft floral notes from their warm flames.

This modern take on the metallic theme is not merely a trend but instead promotes a luxurious spin on ambience and history within the home. Choose pieces that will give your space an individual story, a personal touch of sparkle.

Hand finished stainless steel Nest candelabrum, £150, Robert Welch Designs 01386 840522; www.robertwelch.com Tarnished steel sideboard, £6382.50, OCHRE 020 7096 7372; www.ochre.net

Crackle leather rectangular cushion in silver, £195, Nicole Farhi 020 7494 9051; www.nicolefarhi.com

Hand burnished platinum detailed Entemo:1 TNE tea cup and saucer, £57.52, The New English 01782 294502; www.thenewenglish.co.uk

Marble and nickel plated steel Freder table, POA, by Kranen Gille, Gallery FUMI 020 7490 2366; www.galleryfumi.com Aqua Universalis candle, £45, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

Rustic metal tile, from £72.20 per m2, Colorker at Squarefoot Ceramics 020 83976284; www.squarefootceramics.com

Pewter Spin and Wide Flare vases, Gleam pewter collection, from £82.50 each, Miranda Watkins 020 7928 9206; www.mirandawatkins.com

Metallic grass and eco Jute Luxe Linens wall covering, from £89, by Phillip Jeffries, House Couturier 020 7371 9255; www.housecouturier.eu

Kooh I Noor mirror, £1669, Tom Faulkner 020 7351 7272 ; www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

interiors

Hicks’ Hexagon wallpaper, £45 per roll, Cole & Son 020 7376 4628; www.cole-and-son.com

Hand blown glass Spindle Shade in steel grey, £275, Rothschild Bickers 020 8418 5900; www.rothschildbickers.com

Silk velvet Sloop sofa in green with brass studding, from £2,840, Somerville Scott 020 7586 2211; www.somervillescott.com

Polished and lacquered Usk bath, from £3248.75, Drummonds 020 7376 4499; www.drummonds-uk.com

Crackle leather square cushion in dull silver, £195, Nicole Farhi 020 7494 9051; www.nicolefarhi.com

Aluminium Spun stool, £129,

by Edward Robinson, Thorsten van Elten 020 7739 7237; www.thorstenvanelten.com Wire Cube, £115 per unit, by Verner Panton, Montana 07545 244 524; www.iconsofdenmark.dk

Steel Halia photo frame, from £6.90, Zara Home 020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com

Large leather Liberty Of London diary in silver, £75, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

Leather journal in gold, £43, by Barbara Wiggins, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

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interiors

the address book

Sim Smith takes a look at new openings and classic design stores on the Brompton Road..

1 Boffi Boffi’s Chelsea store, designed by internationally renowned architect Piero Lissoni is every bit the minimalist Italian masterpiece you’d expect.The store acts as a showcase for some of their most impressive kitchen and bathroom designs based on functional and aesthetically pleasing configurations. Masters of modern storage solutions, sleek lines and impressive doors conceal whole kitchens whilst floating floor cupboards create great illusions of space and symmetry. Angles are crisp and colours muted in an array of neutral tones that reflect the natural qualities of the materials used. If you’re after something extremely elegant and modern make sure you visit Boffi for a bit of Italian inspiration.

2 Divertimenti Walking into Divertimenti is like walking into the underbelly of a beautiful French châteaux. On entering the store, huge brass and ivory enamel range ovens sparkle with tightly woven baskets sitting at their feet. To the right, shelves are stacked high with every kitchen appliance imaginable from Artisan coffee makers to Kitchen Aid toasters and my favourite, copper pans.

To the left delicious French preserves and fine herbs sit amongst delicately glazed tagine pots in the prettiest of pastel shades. Downstairs there’s even more, more range cookers, more kitchen utensils and cookery books, however, the best thing about downstairs has to be the cookery school.

3 Few & Far If there was one store that I could live in, it would be this one. The entire collection, selected by Priscilla Carluccio is changed seasonally so there is always something new to see. On entering I feel like I have just walked into a period dining room. A large oak table stretches out before me adorned with smooth ivory ceramics as if laid for a dinner party of twelve. The store also sells gorgeous little pots of conserves including rose petal jelly and greengage jam. Downstairs I walk past huge bunches of lavender, handmade soaps and flickering candles, towards a fully made bed that I could just slip into. This space is also home to the stores clothing line and children’s section, a perfect place to pick up a special gift for a loved one or a little treat for yourself.

4 Skandium Colourful wooden soldiers salute my entrance at the door of this store. I walk past comical knitted toys and polished toy cars to the right where a fabulous library can be found. The shelves are packed with books on Scandinavian design which prove great coffee table reads, presents or research tools. Strolling downstairs, past the mounted deer head I come to the lighting and furniture section boasting the very best of simple Scandinavian design by some of the country’s from bold, colourful Marimekko prints to soft, metallic materials

by Sandberg. Skandium are exclusive stockists of Iittala Asplund, Le Klint, Marimekko, Muuto, Pia Wallén and Woodnotes in the UK, examples of which can be found dotted around the Brompton Road shop.

5 Sub Zero & Wolf This super slick showroom is home to Sub-Zero & Wolf, world leader in built in refrigerators, freezers, kitchen appliances and ovens. Everything in the showroom is of gargantuan proportions, huge stainless steel fridges with magnetic seals and double door wine preservation systems. These pieces are truly impressive not only visually but technologically too. The company is one of the leading innovators in the industry pioneering food preservation with techniques such as air purification based on NASA technology.

www.edmcleaning.co.uk www.edmcleaning.co.uk â&#x20AC;&#x153;EDM Cleaning has provided office cleaning services for us for over five years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Gary and his team.â&#x20AC;?

Ted Foster, Facilities Director, Besso Ltd

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sale

London Central Office: 8-11 Crescent, London EC3N 2LY

Freephone: 0500 85 85 80

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marketcomment

New Year

SALES Following hard on the heels of Christmas, Jason Ham, partner at Gawor & Co Solicitors offers ten helpful tips when putting your property up for sale in the New Year

F

inding a Buyer. Once you have found a buyer, try and stay in contact with them directly.You may wish to swap telephone numbers or exchange email addresses. Your solicitor cannot speak directly to your buyer but only communicate via their solicitor or your own estate agent and therefore a simple direct call to your buyer can clear away any confusion and deal with non-legal matters swiftly.

Is your property leasehold? If so, where is your lease? All properties now need a Home Information Pack (HIP) in place before they can be put on the market and this includes a copy of a lease, if applicable. The companies providing HIPs can get a copy of your lease from the Land Registry but on completion you will ideally need to provide the original. In addition, if your property is leasehold, you may also need to locate documents such as a share certificate in the freehold or management company, NHBC insurance papers, and any guarantees or warranties that may have been transferred to you when you originally bought.

Have you carried out any alterations to your flat? This could be anything from moving an internal door or non-structural wall, converting additional loft storage space to installing wooden floors. Anything like this may very well need the freeholders

or the management company’s consent and possibly planning permission and/or building regulations approval from the local council, especially if the property is listed.

Mortgages. Apply for an up-to-date redemption statement from your mortgage company and familiarise yourself with any early repayment penalties and their expiry dates.

Your solicitor will, of course, obtain one of these for you just before you exchange on your sale, but mortgage redemption departments are not renowned for their efficacy and if you request one at the outset this can be passed to your solicitor who will have your full account details to contact them to ensure they can act on their behalf in the sale, and request any deeds that they may still have.

Fixtures. Take care when completing your fixtures and contents form. Most arguments that arise during and after a sale are not technical or legal but revolve around what people have or haven’t left behind.

Ensure both you and your buyer have agreed this form well before exchange of contracts.

Installations. Have you had new windows, central heating or electrics installed recently? If so, new legislation dictates that you should have certificates for all of these, which will be transferred to the new owner. Again, to save any unnecessary delays, you should ensure that the originals of all of these certificates and other such documentation that relates to modernising your house or flat is passed to your solicitors at the outset.

Instructions. Be careful who you use to do your conveyancing. The term ‘lawyer’ is a generic term, which can cover not only solicitors, but also licensed conveyancers and non-qualified paralegals. If you feel

more comfortable knowing that a solicitor will be dealing with your sale, double check the firm’s website carefully before going ahead with the instruction and make sure that the firm is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Fees. When comparing quotes from law firms, look for the hidden costs. Some firms may quote substantially lower than others at the outset and in order to secure you as a client. However, further costs are then added on during the transaction as a matter of course, for dealing with standard unavoidable pre-contract steps to include for example, writing to your management company for service charge information to actually seeing you in their office for a meeting.

Completion. The day of completion itself can be stressful enough. Therefore, you should make sure that you are totally packed and ready to leave at least the day before your sale completes. Contractually, you will usually be obliged to hand over keys by midday. This may sound obvious but if I had a pound for every completion held up due to last minute packing problems with bored removal men setting outside watching their charges go up by the hour I would be much the richer!

Please be nice to your solicitor. It might not seem like it at times, but we love our clients really.

Happy New Year n Gawor & Co Solicitors New Crane Wharf New Crane Place Wapping, London E1W 3TS 020 7481 8888 www.gawor.com

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020 7229 7229 8397 8397 020 info@theestatesoffice.co.uk 020 7229 8397 info@theestatesoffice.co.uk info@theestatesoffice.co.uk

020 7229 8397 info@theestatesoffice.co.uk

Leasehold £675,000

Leasehold £675,000 Leasehold £675,000 Leasehold £675,000

Stunning penthouse split level apartment set at the top ofofaawarehouse warehouseconversion conversion having 2 Stunning penthouse split level apartment set at the top having 2 Stunning penthouse split level apartment set at top of a warehouse conversion having Stunningterraces penthouse split level apartment set at the topunderground of a warehouse conversion having 22 spacious with fabulous views.

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www.theestatesoffice.co.uk www.theestatesoffice.co.uk

www.theestatesoffice.co.uk www.theestatesoffice.co.uk

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T E L

Luxury Apartments & Penthouses to Rent in a Unique Garden Setting The North Stand apartments in Highbury Square are part of a truly unique development set in what was the previous home of Arsenal Football Club. The development offers one, two and three bedroom apartments all designed to the highest specification and benefiting from the 24 hour concierge service and secure underground parking.

The focal point of this exclusive development is the stunning central landscaped garden located in the position of the original football pitch and provides residents with one of the largest private gardens in North London.

Highbury Square is extremely well connected with excellent road, tube and rail links on the doorstep. The development is conveniently located for all the nearby vibrant restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of Highbury and also Islington’s Upper Street.

The apartments are available to let immediately and are offered either furnished or unfurnished. One bedroom between £280 and £345 per week, two bedrooms between £370 and £475 per week and three bedroom penthouses at £850 per week.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank on:

020 7861 5525 / northstand@knighfrank.com www.highbury-northstand.com

City and Angel Magazine 26/11/09.indd 1-2

26/11/09 13:58:43

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homes&property

BEST INTERNATIONAL HIGH RISE ARCHITECTURE AWARD

W

eston Homes, the Essexbased residential developer, has won the CNBC International Property Award for the “Best International High Rise Architecture” for its flagship Bridges Wharf development in Battersea.

Bob Weston, Chairman and Chief Executive of Weston Homes who collected the award, comments; “Since we purchased the site in 2006 it was always our main aim to create an exceptional development with excellent design that would become an iconic landmark in Central London. To win the international award and to be recognised as the best in the world for architecture at Bridges Wharf proves that we have accomplished what we set out to achieve. It is a great honour and we are absolutely delighted.”

Having secured its place at the International Awards by winning the Five Star (Gold Award) for Best High Rise Architecture in the UK in October, Bridges Wharf beat off stiff competition from developments around the world in the America’s, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Africa and Europe categories to be crowned the world’s best.

The prestigious International Property

Awards, which have been held for the past 15 years, are among the most coveted in the industry. This year guests attended the awards gala dinner from around the globe where the winning categories from the national awards each vied to be honoured.

Bridges Wharf, designed by Chantrey Architects is considered the jewel in the crown of Weston Homes’ portfolio. Launched in 2008, the development which is home to a five-star hotel boasts a prime waterfront location on the River Thames and is positioned adjacent to the London Heliport.

The development comprises 266 one, two and three bedroom apartments ranging from 450 sq ft to 2,100 sq ft, with many providing balconies and terraces with river views. The scheme, with a gross capital value of more than £150 million, will also include 8,000 sq ft of commercial space and more than 14,500 sq ft of retail space, all already sold, with a café and bar already earmarked for use.

All residential, commercial, leisure and hotel facilities will be housed across three glassfronted, tiered buildings ranging from six to 15 storeys. Each apartment throughout the threetiered buildings called Altura Tower, Orbis Square and Vincentia Quay, provide residents

with luxury interiors and the latest mod cons.

Nominees were judged by a panel of professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is exceptional and unsurpassed by any other property awards. This year’s judges included Ben Wood, industry head property markets of Google UK; Peter Bolton King, group chief executive of the National Federation of Property Professionals; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council; Christopher Hall, president elect of FIABCI; Wilhelm Harnish, Master Builders of Australia (MBA); Thijs Stoffer, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents Association (ICREA); Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes magazine and Gillian Farr, head of design of Laura Ashley Home.

Prices at Bridges Wharf start from £360,000 for one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments start from £445,000 and the exclusive ‘super apartment,’ The Presidential Residence is priced at £2.5 million. n For more information, please contact the Sales & Marketing Suite on 0845 638 5005 or www. bridges-wharf.com

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B R I D G E S

W H A R F

B R I D G E S C O U R T, B AT T E R S E A S W 1 1 3 R E

1 & 2 bedroom high specification luxury apartments in an architecturally inspiring landmark development on the south bank of the Thames with secure underground parking and access to exclusive Five Star hotel services. ●

1 bedroom apartments from £350,000 to £375,000

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2 bedroom apartments from £445,000 to £2,500,000

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Available for immediate occupation Continued growth & investment

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A G E N T S

Telephone: 0800 542 7234 E: bridgeswharf@weston-homes.com

www.bridges-wharf.com Sales & Marketing Suite & Show Apartment open daily 10am - 6pm

February

next issue... s we settle into 2010, February is the month of romance; from chocolates to city breaks near and far. For those looking for inspiration for their loved one we have the ultimate gift guide to suit all purses or wallets and investigate some of the most romantic things to do in London.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our regulars, with fashion shoots of chunky knits, gourmet food from Spain and one of the first reviews of The Battery, not to forget cosy interiors inspired by country living, local news and interviews.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a look at how the X and Y factors influence workplace aptitudes and conversations with leading business authors Joseph Grenny and Richard Pound on how to increase your influence ten-fold.

For this and much more be sure to pick up your copy

True Character

True Character

A B a l l y m o re D eve l o p m e n t

Live Life

at the

wAter’s eDge

*

There has never been a better time to take advantage of one of the exceptional finance deals available on the fabulous new Lotus Evora.

An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling. Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and hand-built craftmanship.

A unique mid-engined 2+2 layout offers striking levels of everyday practicality without compromising the characteristics of a true sportscar.

An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Regular Payment Purchase Plan

50:50 Purchase Plan

Evora 2+0 Evora 2+0 Model Model £48,450.00 £48,450.00 OTR Price OTR Price £9,950.00 £24,225.00 Deposit Deposit £740.00 £0.00 First Monthly Payment 11 Monthly Payments £595.00 £24,225.00 35 Monthly Payments Final Payment At Baltimore Wharf leading edge architecture and design come together in superbly £21,700.50 £24,225.00 Final Payment Amount of Credit appointed apartments, where residents enjoy five-star services including a twenty-four £38,500.00 £48,450.00 Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable hour concierge and valet parking. £53,215.50 Total Amount Payable 0.0% APR Typical Central boulevard lead to the Baltimore£145.00 Club, London’s first luxury urban country Facility gardens Fee* club. Offering virtual sports – golf, clay and game shooting and a state-of-the-art gym.

5.2% APR Typical This iconic development is in a tranquil waterside enclave, just five minutes walk from Canary Wharf.

Finance subject to status.ready UK retailto customers Indemnities may be required.

Subject to availability participating UK Lotus So, register your interest now...get enjoy only. country club living in the heart of the atcity.

dealers for vehicles registered before 28/2/10.* Payable with the first instalment. Prices and details correct at the time of publishing, December 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Lotus Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

www.baltimorewharf.com Call 0800 404 8855

www.lotusevora.com RWM advert.indd 5

consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Prices from Fuel £265,000.

Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205 g/km

Standard BT call rates apply and may be higher from mobiles. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. *This is a computer generated image. In line with our policy of continuous improvement we reserve the right to alter the layout, building style, landscaping and specification at any time without notice.

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THE CITY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2010 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

B R I D G E

C O L L E C T I O N

DESIGNED AND HANDMADE IN HOUSE IN PLATINUM AND 18CT GOLD www.hirshlondon.com

famous for engagement rings 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0QN TEL 020 7499 6814 - 9 HATTON GARDEN LONDON EC1N 8AH TEL 020 7831 3333

I S S U E 27

JANUARY 2010 issue 27