VICINITEE SEPT 09 by Runwild Media Group

VICINITEE SEPTEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

SEPTEMBER 2009

MASTERPIECE REPRODUCTIONS

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contents COVER STORIES 14 JAMIE’S ITALIAN Jamie Oliver talks about his latest venture 16

GOING PUBLIC Catherine Quinn discovers why the public sector is enjoying a sudden rush of applicants

24 MEET THE JET SETTERS Kate Harrison finds that some places really are beyond the stars 86

Impressionist Master It looks like a Picasso but it’s not. Josh Simms investigates the art of reproduction paintings

90 RED, RED WINE We show you how to get the best from the ‘perfect’ glass

F E AT U R E S 19

Young Entrepreneurs Part three of our series looking at successful entrepreneurs under the age of 25

Business Traveller We take a look at what Hamburg, Europe’s second largest port has to offer

44 Fashion Quintessentially London

29 24hrs in ... Stephanie Baxter spends 24hrs in Toronto 30 MADE IN CHINA A look at post 1997 Hong Kong 34 Luna-tick? Timepieces that are out of this world

Small by name, not by nature Claire Adler takes a look at the earthy cool glamour of Pippa Small’s jewellery

77 The Great North Run A challenge loved by the British public 78 F1 Singapore Style We take a sneaky peek at the night race spectacle 82 Artscene A look at top English landscape artist Peter Symonds

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contents 77

REGULARS 10

EDITOR’S LETTER

20 BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS 65 GADGETS 68 MOTORING 77 sport 90 FOOD & DRINK 101 life coaching 105 MOTLEY FOOL

110 CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS 111 WHAT’S ON 117 PROPERTY

editor’s letter Welcome to another exciting edition of Vicinitee Magazine, exclusively designed for city life and metropolitan living. We hope you enjoy this month’s jam-packed edition of Vicinitee and, as always, we strive to bring you the latest news and compelling features that matter to you. If the weather here in the UK has not quite met your expectations or aspirations then perhaps fractional ownership of a second home in the sun may just be what you’re looking for? The ‘Fractional Life Expo’ returns to Broadgate Event Venues from 14-16 September 2009. The main exhibiting area of Broadgate Circle will be undercover and transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, entertainment and discovery whilst showcasing a selection of the best fractional opportunities in property, motoring, air, sea and lifestyle available to purchase in the market today. The Fractional Life Expo is the largest and most diverse fractional ownership and asset sharing exhibition in the world, catering for the growing number of people who want to enjoy luxury items and experiences at a fraction of the cost and without the ties, responsibilities and capital outlay of a complete purchase. There will be plenty of desirable objects on display and complimentary canapés from Cinnamon Kitchen so don’t miss this free to attend event this September. For more info please visit www.fractionallifeexpo.com We only have a few places left on our exclusive golfing break to the Amendoeira golf resort to see the Portugal Masters with Oceanico. This five star golfing break takes place from 15-18 October 2009 and is one event not to be missed! For further information or to book please visit www.oceanicoresidenceclub.com/vicinitee If there is something you’d like to share with us then please e-mail your thoughts and comments to vicinitee@runwildmedia.com Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you. VICINITEE

Giles Ellwood Managing Director RunWild Media

VICINITEE ‘DAKS’ fashion shoot, p.44 All clothes and accessories DAKS A/W2009 10 Old Bond St W1S 4PL, 0800 288 188 www.daks.com

SEPTEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

SEPTEMBER 2009

masterpiece reproductions

You’ll never know the difference

meet tHe Jet-setters

luxurY on the french riviera

red red Wine

I S S U E 23

GettinG the best from the ‘perfect’ Glass In association with

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor Lesley Ellwood

Sales Director Eren Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

P.A. to Sales Director Ella Kilgarriff

Deputy Editor Josephine O’Donoghue

Senior Designer Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong

Arts Editor Carol Cordrey Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Production James Britton Dan Hyde

Beauty Editor Kate Hughes

PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

Finance Executive Kätlin Maasik

P.A. to Managing Director Charlotte Evans

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

RUNWILD M

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB RunWild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and RunWild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. 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.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Claire Adler is a London based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury. 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 fashion news service WGSN, hotel magazine IN London and magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist based in Cardiff. Specialising in gadgets and technology, Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites. He writes on flatscreen TVs for What Video and What Plasma magazines and away from technology is also a regular contributor to BBC History and Real Travel magazines.

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.

Kate Hughes has an established reputation as one of the UK's leading celebrity hair and make-up artists. A regular guest beauty presenter on television, she has worked with a wide selection of actors, presenters, musicians and models. Kate's hair and make-up consultancy, 'It's All About You', transforms women for weddings, special occasions and red carpet events.

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.

Carol Cordrey is a freelance writer and art editor, devoted to promoting fine art through writing and judging numerous art competitions, some of which have become the source of images for the popular Guildford Calendar. She is the founder of the London Ice Sculpting Festival and has been published in Artists & Illustrators, Financial Times, NADFAS Review and the National Trust.

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18/08/2009 16:55

Italian

A DELICIOUS SLICE OF LIFE Josephine O’Donoghue catches up with Britain’s favourite chef, Jamie Oliver, to talk about the launch of his new chain, Jamie’s Italian

ith the arrival of a new Jamie Oliver restaurant in Canary Wharf, we decided to talk to the man himself about the idea behind the new Jamie’s Italian chain, the success of the project so far and what he sees in the future of the restaurant. The fifth restaurant in the chain to open since last year, Jamie has so far had Canary Wharf customers queuing for hours to sample a meal from his ‘traditional Italian kitchen’. We find out more... Josephine: How was the concept of Jamie’s Italian born? Jamie: I’d had the idea for years, to be honest. Gennaro and I used to talk about a chain of High Street restaurants offering really good, authentic Italian food at a really good price – and I guess we both knew we would achieve it someday. We just didn’t know when. About three years ago, we started talking about it a bit more seriously. I’d founded FIFTEEN, and that was and is doing very well, so I thought the time was right to start on this dream that Gennaro and I had been talking about for so long. Josephine: So, how long has it taken for the project to get off the ground? Jamie: Well, we started talking about it seriously in about 2006 and soon after that we began knocking a few recipes together. We announced it in the autumn of 2007, and opened Oxford in spring 2008. So, it took a while, but once things started to move, they moved quickly. Josephine: Why did you choose Italian cuisine over any other – why not create Jamie’s British restaurant? Jamie: I love British food, don’t get me wrong. Maybe one day I will do a British restaurant but I always used to say that I thought I should have been born Italian because it feels like that food is in my blood. I suppose it’s something to do with working with Gennaro and Antonio at Neal Street when I came out of Catering College, and then working with the wonderful Rose and

interview

Images: Sebastian Wuuttke & David Loftus

Ruth at the River Café; pretty much all of what I learned during those years was Italian or Italian influenced. I remember when I was about to leave Catering College and the tutors asked everyone what they wanted to do next. All my classmates were saying that they wanted to go and work for this great chef, or that great chef – and when it came to me I just said “I want to learn how to make the best pasta in London”.

Everyone laughed, but that’s how I got to meet Gennaro and here we are now with a successful chain of Italian restaurants. Josephine: What is it that you (and the rest of Britain!) love about Italian food? Jamie: I think it’s delicious, comforting food with so much variety that there’s something for pretty much everyone – kids too! Josephine: So, who is your target clientele? Jamie: Everyone! If you look at the restaurants we already have in Oxford, Bath, Kingston and Brighton, we get people coming in for business lunches; we have families; we have people taking a break from shopping; we have people getting a bite to eat before a show; and we have workmates just having a good value lunch to make a change from a sandwich at their desks. Our target clientele is anyone who loves good food but doesn’t want to spend a load of money. Josephine: How important has it been to create an authentic atmosphere, alongside authentic food? Jamie: Oh, hugely important. What you’ll find is that each Jamie’s Italian looks different, but then again there’s something about them that sets them apart from everywhere else. There’s something very welcoming, I think. The food, the atmosphere, the service – it’s all important. Josephine: How did you go about trying to re-create a little slice of Italian life in each branch of the restaurant in the UK? Jamie: The best answer is to come in and see us. It’s hard to describe the smells, the look and the general atmosphere of a Jamie’s Italian if you’ve not been to one. Josephine: So, from what you’ve said so far, it seems each branch has something unique about it - a character of its own? Jamie: Absolutely! As I said, if you go to Churchill Place and then, say, Oxford Jamie’s Italian, you’ll know they’re connected, but at the same time, there will be something that sets them apart – the layout, the décor, something. But the welcoming atmosphere and great service is the same. Josephine: Is the menu the same at each restaurant? Jamie: Mostly, although some of the restaurants will add dishes using local ingredients where they can. Josephine: How many more branches will you launch after CanaryWharf? Jamie: Well, that’s an impossible question to answer at the moment. We’ve got Guildford coming up in September, and then Cardiff in November, which will be really

exciting. Nest year I’m hoping we can open in the North of England somewhere and we’re also talking about going overseas. Josephine: What do you look for when sourcing suppliers?What are the most important things you consider when selecting your ingredients? Jamie: Well, you know me by now. It has to be the best stuff, but also at the right price so it’s mostly suppliers that I’ve worked with over the years and we have a good relationship. They know that I treat them well and in return they give me the best stuff. Josephine: What have been your most popular dishes since the launch? Jamie: I’ve been surprised at how many dishes have become real favourites, but to name just a few, the flash steaks always go down well, the prawn linguine flies out of the kitchen most days, chicken cooked under a brick is always popular, and anyone who tries the polenta chips has to come back for more. Josephine: But what is your favourite dish from the menu? Jamie: It changes all the time but because I’m a bit of a chilli freak, whenever I eat there, I have to ask the chef to make mine a little bit spicier than normal! Josephine: Why did you decide not to take reservations at Jamie’s Italian? Jamie: This is a question that we’re asked a lot. We do take reservations for groups of 8 or more, but for everyone else, we really wanted to make it so that anyone could just decide to turn up and eat.Yes, that sometimes means there’s a queue, but usually we’ve got a quick turnaround so the queue should go down quickly and we tend to look after our queues by sending a few bits and pieces out for people who have been waiting a while! Josephine: Have you had any feedback from Italians eating at Jamie’s Italian? Jamie: Yes, we have actually and they’ve been very complimentary. One lady wanted to take some recipes home with her! Josephine: What has been the highlight since launching the Jamie’s Italian brand? Jamie: Every time we open a new place is a highlight, but I think the main thing has just been the great feedback from people. We’ve still got full restaurants in Oxford and Bath and that’s a year after opening in the midst of a tough economic climate. We’re very fortunate but it does make you think that we must be doing something right. n For more information on Jamie’s Italian restaurants, visit www.jamieoliver.com/italian

GOING PUBLIC With fears of job insecurity, it seems that many of us have radically reassessed our career paths. Catherine Quinn discovers why the public sector is suddenly enjoying a rush of applicants

ime was when careers in the public sector were more about altruism than career success. Taking a role in this area, so received wisdom went, was more about doing good than an ambition for break away career success. But with job security in private companies crumbling, many workers are reassessing their options. And it seems that the public sector’s promise of steady work is suddenly attracting a rush of talented candidates. “With the economic problems there were some issues which led the market by way of job insecurity” explains Darren Montagu, MD of Hays Recruitment. “I think there was a bit of a feeling of ‘let’s go to work in the public sector’ because of the security it offered”.

In fact, according to Hays Research 72% of staff surveyed said they were more likely to consider a job in the public sector due to the economic downturn, with 73% stating that job security was top of their list for reasons to make the switch. Whilst more than half (54%) also said they would be well prepared to take a significant pay cut, in return for what they saw as greater job security. But the last few weeks has seen several think-tanks and experts declare that the economy has taken an unexpectedly early turn for the better, and although a fixed contract might now represent slightly less of a reason to go public the appeal hasn’t waned. Manpower’s latest Employment Outlook Survey shows that employers are reporting better hiring prospects since last quarter, with the outlook improving by three percentage points quarter-over-quarter. Redundancies have also now levelled off to be equal to hiring, and whilst the public sector is geared up for a recruitment drive, they’re not the only industry to be doing so. So with sunnier financial predications undermining the initial appeal of job security in the public sector, demand now seems to have expanded to encompass something more career-driven for private sector employees. “The initial increase in applicants might have been fuelled by the economy, but I think there are also some other significant changes which are more applicable now” says Darren Montagu. “The public sector is offering some very attractive opportunities, as it is recognising the need to attract private sector skills such as cost savings and efficiency – something the private sector is very good at. People are also now

currentaffairs

recognising that some time spent in the public sector will serve them well on their CVs, particularly if they have made a degree of achievement in their role. This is true even if they decide to return to the private sector.” So whilst private staff might have been initially lured by a perception of greater security, the recognition that their hard won skills might win them better employment prospects is now generating greater interest. Neither is pay necessarily the turn-off it once was – particularly at lower levels of employment. “In terms of pay it really depends on what kind of job you’re working in, as the public sector isn’t necessarily inferior to private” confirms Lesley Garrick, associate director of The Hay Group. “If you’re working in a relatively unskilled role the pay is comparable if not better in the public sector, and the terms and conditions are very favourable. At more professional levels pay is weighted towards the private sector but you have to consider what you’re getting in return. A lot of people now are assessing their options such as maternity or paternity leave against salary.” So how is it that the public sector – once held in positive disdain by some private sector employers – has now become a laudable attribute to the CV? With the money-grubbing eighties well behind us, it seems that both employers and employees have made a complete turnaround when it comes to what they’re looking for in their workplace, and staff swearing allegiance to the dollar or pound sign are not as attractive as they once might have been. Instead employers are recognising that the most productive workers are those motivated by

higher rewards than money, whether these be simple job satisfaction or a desire to accomplish more holistic employment goals. A stint in the public sector, then, rather than labelling an employee as an unmotivated type willing to sacrifice success for an easy life, now distinguishes those looking to put something back and work to a wider purpose. In fact nowadays a role in the public sector demonstrates a well rounded individual in genuine pursuit of a career which makes a difference. n

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business&finance

meet the

YOUNG ENTREPrENEURS The last in a three part series, Josephine O’Donoghue meets the co-founder of Franklin Waugh and the E-Club, Shaun Cooper

he Entrepreneurial Club UK is a not-for-profit community for aspiring entrepreneurs to come together in order to develop themselves and their businesses from the security of employment. Shaun Cooper graduated from university in South Africa and worked in investment banking (for companies including JP Morgan and UBS) during which time he co-founded Franklin Waugh Ltd (www.franklinwaugh.com) and a few years later, started the E-Club. We talk to Shaun to find out more… What was the initial concept/idea behind the company?

The idea of trying to infiltrate a cold business environment is extremely difficult and many start-ups are challenged with this. We thought we would proactively create a community of businesses that could work intelligently together and overcome many of the resource challenges we, as small businesses, face. Many opportunities are lost by working independently, so by coming together we can maximise economies of scale through joint venture marketing initiatives, strategic alliances and reduce costs through buying consortiums. To our knowledge, our approach to this concept had not been done in the UK before and we felt the need to take the lead. When did you realise that your idea might be good enough to turn into a successful business?

We always knew the idea was a good one. For me it was more of a question of timing as opposed to the feasibility of the idea. When do I leave the security of my employment and commit fully to the business? And when is the right time to launch the business? As Victor Hugo once said, “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”

How long after the initial idea was the company launched?

The business was launched three years after doing extensive research into the market and most importantly developing ourselves in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship and building a community of businesses and professionals. How did you turn ideas into a tangible service?

We did an extensive amount of market research to understand and see the opportunities. We also used the community to test and support our ideas, products and services. Were you taken seriously as a young entrepreneur or have you encountered difficulties?

Many people didn’t take me seriously initially; but those that did take me seriously (and not my age) I now work very closely with. I felt extremely challenged; as a young entrepreneur with very little understanding of business and entrepreneurship it can be a very daunting undertaking. In saying that, I felt fortunate that I had a great deal of guidance and support from my mentor and I would advise any aspiring entrepreneur to seek a legitimate mentor. What is the unique element within the company?

The E-Club is an environment that brings together aspiring entrepreneurs in order to develop themselves and their businesses from the security of employment. We call this stage ‘pre start-ups’ and to my knowledge, there is nothing else out there like the E-Club. When you consider that 95 per cent of businesses fail in the first five years, it is not the fact that people

fail in plumbing or accounting, they fail in building the business (the very vehicle that delivers the technical aspect of the business). People are enterprising as opposed to entrepreneurial – so they need to focus on developing themselves as entrepreneurs. What are your future plans?

I want to take the business global and we are already in the process of doing so. A very ambitious goal is to revolutionise small businesses in this country. We firmly believe by helping aspiring entrepreneurs build their business in the safety of employment – and by focusing on developing them as leaders – we will be able to build a real community around their company. What would be your advice to other young people who want to turn their new ideas into business ventures?

Often you hear people say “Just get out there and do it”. I’m very optimistic, and five years ago I would have said the same thing. However, what I would say now is to pay your dues before launching your business – otherwise you will more than likely become another business failure. The analogy I often use relates to boat building in place of building a business. Most people take their little boat (in this case, the initial business idea) and hit the wild turbulent ocean. The plan is to set sail and build their raft up to the size and status of a ship. Instead, what they end up doing is emptying the water from the hull, never finding the time to actually build the ship. Eventually they run out of steam and the boat sinks. We advise you build your ship (or business) in the shipyard (or the E-Club) with expert guidance to help launch the company within a business community.

For more information, visit www.e-club.org.uk

business

BUSINESS&FINANCE

news High Speed Rail Approved Links between London and the North of England are set to be improved in coming years, as Network Rail approves a £34bn railway linking Scotland, through Preston, Manchester, Birmingham and London.

In some cases the new train line will halve journey times, and see commuters reaching Birmingham in 45 minutes and Manchester in just over an hour.

many businesses in the North, though there has been criticism of the failure to cover any of the East of England, including major cities such as Leeds and Sheffield.

The 200mph route, which is still to be approved by the government, would be an incredible boost for

If the rail link bid is successful, Network Rail hopes to have the first part of the track completed by 2020.

Housing market on steady incline The housing market had another boost this month with the news that not only has the number of mortgages being approved risen, but house prices have also seen another increase. For the fourth month in a row housing prices rose by 1.6%, putting the average price of a house at £160,224. Figures from the British Bankers Association also revealed that the amount of mortgages approved in July rose by 7.4% – just over 38,000 approvals. Low interest rates have made borrowing easier for many people, with the average amount borrowed being £139,700. While the new figures are still below expected seasonal averages, reports show that this increase is likely to rise into the autumn, a key time for the industry.

Weather affects online sales Figures from research group IMRG Capgemini have shown that trends in online shopping have shifted due to an unpredictable summer. While overall online sales improved in July by nearly 16 per cent, much of which was down to a rise in clothes sales, alcohol sales dropped – something which has been blamed on the bad weather meaning less parties and barbeques. Good marketing was mainly responsible for the rise in online sales, with numerous discounts and special offers encouraging shoppers. “Online merchants are becoming more sophisticated in their marketing efforts and e-mail communications to their customers, the result of which can be seen in higher conversion rates, particularly in the clothing sector,” said Tina Spooner, of IMRG. While numbers in July were an improvement on recent months, the figures come after a dip of 1.3% in June.

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: Hamburg Cat Hughes profiles the city of Hamburg and explores all it has to offer

Hamburg throws off the image that Germany is dull and boring. This is the city that made the Beatles, as John Lennon once said ‘I grew up in Hamburg.’ It is also the birthplace of Brahms and Karl Lagerfeld. Now ‘Germany’s gateway to the world’ is multi-cultural, famous for its shopping and a renowned as an international business destination. Where to stay? Hotel Abtei

Located in an elegant villa, Hotel Abtei is a home away from home. The décor resembles that of an English country hotel – chintzy but stylish. Owned by Petra and Fritz Lay, who were inspired

by their trips to England and France, and this is why the rooms have an immediate comfort feeling. The hotel also has a restaurant ‘Prinz Ferderik,’ which has become one of the most fashionable gourmet hotspots in town. www.abtei-hotel.de Park Hyatt Hamburg

Popular with business men and media types, the Park Hyatt Hamburg is located in Mönckebergstraße in the historic Levantehaus. The décor is elegant with a maritime twist, paying homage to the city’s port, the second largest in Europe. The hotel offers state of the art communication

technologies, a large swimming pool and a restaurant with an open live kitchen. hamburg.park.hyatt.com

Where to eat? Restaurant Haerlin

This Michelin stared restaurant is located in the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Head Chef Christoph Ruffer, not only has a Michelin star but 17 Gault Millau points. He serves classic French cuisine, with an element of the Mediterranean. The restaurant manager, Hagen Hoppenstadt, who was named Sommelier of the Year, offers an exciting wine list that has more that 1,000 rare wines.

Das Feuerschiff

www.hvj.de

www.das-feuerschiff.de

A restaurant and bar located in a bright red boat that once served as a floating lighthouse in the English Channel. You can see the city lights twinkle on the water and the river traffic go past while enjoying a bowl of fish soup. Local jazz and cabaret acts provide the entertainment. Don’t miss the Sunday morning seafood-heavy breakfast buffet as it usually draws a big crowd.

travel

Seal the Deal East

This is where you find the designer clad kids of Hamburg. East has a number of bars, some of which you can hire if you want a private party.Yakshi’s Bar is the place to go if you looking for a trendy place to take your clients to. With a mix of cocktails, shots, wine and Champagne this is a great place to start the night. And if you want to carry on just head up the stairs to Upper East, a club with a multimedia guise, that will set a benchmark.

Shop ‘til you drop Hamburg is famous for its shopping. Schanzen and Karoviertel is where fashion trends are made and the young up-and-coming designers sell their wares. The environment has inspired many a painter, writer and actor. If you are looking for more unique and specialised shops Hanseviertel, Europapassage, Jungfernstieg, Mönckeberg and Spitalerstrasse are the places to go. If you want a one stop shop, Stilwerk is where you need to be.

www.east-hamburg.de

Spa The George Hotel Spa

This Moroccan style spa is located on the sixth floor of the hotel and features a sauna, relaxation room and a partially canopied terrace with a view over St Georg. Treatments include facials, body wraps and an outdoor massage. www.thegeorge-hotel.de

Day tripping If you’ve only have a couple of hours spare head to St Michaelis church, a beautiful baroque building with a 132 metre high tower with a viewing platform for stunning views from the city. If you want a place to relax and enjoy some peace head to Alster, a man made lake in the centre of Hamburg and on a nice day you can’t beat it.

Travel Accessory If you are in need of a stylish hold all with a difference look no further. The Asprey Traveller, made out of woven horse hair with a buffalo leather trim will certainly impress, and its quality guarantees it will last for business trip after business trip. £1,300 www.asprey.com

BEYOND THE

StARs © Jacques Garcia

Hotel Metrople, Lobby

Monaco’s sparkling glamour defies the limit of 5 stars discovers Kate Harrison

he South of France is famous for its extravagance – incredible yachts, over the top luxury, casinos, gambling, and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix. At the heart of this uber-glamorous part of the world is the Principality of Monaco, synonymous with jet-set lifestyles and renowned for its princesses and excesses. Although immediately associated with the South of France, the Principality of Monaco, situated on the Côte d’Azur, has repeatedly managed to retain its independence from France, against extraordinary odds. Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s playground for the rich and famous, is a city that never sleeps – with a world famous casino and exquisite bars and restaurants keeping visitors entertained at all hours. But Monte-Carlo is also a charming town, with beautiful shops, boutiques, and a rich history. Monaco’s compact nature means that it is possible to savour the sun, and explore the principality entirely on foot, taking in the Prince’s Palace and State Apartments, the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, and fabulous views of the Mediterranean Sea.

My journey to Monaco took me from the convenient location of London City Airport to Nice Côte d’Azur airport. Once I arrived in the South of France, the final segment of my journey to Monaco was by helicopter transfer, just a seven-minute journey from Nice, making it the fastest method of travel, and also a lot more entertaining than the 45-minute drive. Monte-Carlo is home to three members of The Leading Hotels of the World – the prestigious luxury hospitality organisation that represents more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas. Throughout its 80-year history, The Leading Hotels of The World has always prized the individuality and authenticity of each of its member hotels, and has this year announced a complete overhaul of its quality standards template. The meticulous standards by which The Leading Hotels of the World judges and accepts its members have been reworked to a higher international level and have become more stringent and rigorous than ever before. I took a look at the three Leading Hotels of The World in Monte-Carlo, which more than fit the requirements of the new criteria.

HOTEL METROPOLE From the moment I arrived at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, I was immersed in the lavish glamour that has become synonymous with the vibrantly chic Monte-Carlo. This luxury property, located just steps away from the famous Casino Square, was named one of the newest ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ in 2004, after internationally renowned architectural and interior designer, Jacques Garcia, transformed the property with a multimillion pound renovation. The dramatic tree-lined entrance to the hotel has been designed to make you feel as though you are entering the grounds of a sumptuous Mediterranean villa, but instead at the end of the path, I found a truly modern palace. The decor throughout Hotel Metropole is classic and distinguished, so I was surprised when, on my descent through the lobby, I was confronted with a bizarre display of bright mauve and aniseed green hares, sitting below a stunning crystal chandelier. The coloured hares, I discovered, were an exposition of original pieces by Ottmar Hörl, President of the Academy des Beaux Arts in Nüremberg, and were part of a seasonal theme running throughout the property. Adding to Hotel Metropole’s unique character, Artistic Director Maud Lesur, displays a series of ephemeral themes throughout the year, transforming the ambiance each time. The 200 coloured hares were a reproduction of Hörl’s installation of 7,000 hares in Nüremberg’s main market place in 2003. The theme during my visit was Arty Spring, hence the duo of tonic colours – mauve and aniseed green – featured across all public areas of the hotel, with spectacular purple and green floral decorations, green crockery by the poolside, and even purple glasses for serving juice at breakfast. Hotel Metropole offers the ultimate haven of tranquility and indulgence in the form of

Hotel Metrople, Exterior

Joël Robuchon’s Yoshi

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Hammam, Métropole Espa

five-star Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo. The spa offers a complete range of treatments, blending modern techniques and ancient therapies, and, soon after it opened, the Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo was honoured as a ‘Leading Spa of the World’ – the benchmark of spa excellence. The meditative retreat exudes stylish opulence, with its rich and shimmering materials of bronze leather and copper, combined with black and white stone, and an oriental essence. I spent the afternoon relaxing in this luxurious environment, taking advantage of the Heat Experience area, with Sauna, Hammam and Caldarium and Lifestyle showers. Dining at Hotel Metropole is a divine affair, thanks to Joël Robuchon, one of France’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. Robuchon was named Master Chef at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo in January 2004 when he opened the hotel’s epicurean two Michelin-starred restaurant and here, I dined at his newest venture, his first ever Japanese restaurant,YOSHI. As you enter you are greeted by the YOSHI mascot – Hotel Metropole’s customised version of Japan’s famous Qee Bear doll symbolising Asian creativity. The warm decor of the restaurant, designed by French interior architect, Didier Gomez, gracefully combines Japanese influences and the elegance of the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, whilst the 35 cover dining room opens up onto a serene Japanese-style garden, created by Jacques Messin. The focal point of the room falls on an exquisite sculpture chandelier, which cascades like a falling flower over the room full of elegant people.YOSHI, which means ‘kindness’ in Japanese, offers a modern and healthy cuisine, created by Japanese Chef Takéo Yamazaki, under the helm of Joël Robuchon and Executive Chef, Christophe Cussac. To accompany the delicious food there is a fantastic selection of sakés, Japanese green teas and international wines to choose from, all of which have been carefully selected by the Japanese Sommeliere, Miss Norié Harada. For an opulent holiday, worthy of the lavish Monte-Carlo, Hotel Metropole is the perfect choice, setting new standards of luxury with incredible, warm and genuine staff who really make you feel welcome during your entire stay.

Hôtel de Paris, Lobby

HOTEL DE PARIS A true pioneer of the luxury hotel business, the legendary Hôtel de Paris exemplifies the privileged aura that surrounds Monte Carlo. It was built in 1864, when Monte-Carlo was barely a year old and the foundations were still being laid for the dazzling future of the now famous Casino de Monte Carlo, which is adjacent to the hotel. A simple flight of steps leads from the Place du Casino to the majestic lobby of the Hôtel de Paris, which exudes an atmosphere of a bygone era. The stately magnificence of its original architecture has been beautifully preserved, like a history book, with its pages decorated with gilding, wood panelling, works of art and precious fabrics. It is no wonder that this renowned palace hotel, so full of beauty and history, has been a port of call for the rich and famous since its inauguration. One of Hôtel de Paris’s most prestigious guests was Winston Churchill, whose apartment on the top floor, ‘The Winston Churchill Apartment’ boasts fabulous views, a private entrance and an immense bathroom. While the luxurious apartment is contemporary, it remains a tribute to the past, as the mantelpiece, books, photographs and artist’s easel all belonged to Churchill himself. Another one of Hotel de Paris’ historical attributes, is its remarkable wine-cellars, known as the ‘Cave Centrale’, which are dug out behind the hotel. I was lucky enough to receive a fascinating guided tour of the Cave Centrale, which is the largest hotel cellar in the world holding 600,000 bottles. The cellars really are a connoisseur’s paradise, but even those who aren’t wine experts cannot help but be enthralled by the corridors, upon corridors, upon corridors of carefully stored bottles. The 1.5 km of racks hold some of the world’s top vintages and most expensive wines, as well as the cellars’ amazing collection of brandy, the oldest of which is dated 1800. Our guide revealed that during World War II, the back of the cellars were hidden by piles of empty bottles to avoid the looting of the most notable bottles. Unbeknown to looters, behind the thousands of abandoned bottles laid some of the world’s most prestigious bottles, such as Château Yquem 1890, Château Léoville

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The Winston Churchill Apartment

Poyferré 1895, Château Margaux 1920, Mission Haut Brion 1920, Château Lafite Rothschild 1935. The cellars have also been used as a unique location for celebration dinners, with Princess Grace choosing the Hôtel de Paris’s wine cellars as the setting for celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary in April 1976. At Hôtel de Paris, head to the famous Bar Américain for a pre-dinner drink. A favourite meeting place of Monaco’s in-crowd, the atmosphere is 100% glamour, elegance and high society. Hôtel de Paris also boasts four spectacular restaurants, and we chose to dine at Le Grill. Le Grill’s uncomplicated cuisine is enhanced by breathtaking views of the French Riviera, courtesy of the restaurant’s top floor location. HOTEL HERMITAGE Hôtel Hermitage began its life as an inn nestling amongst olive and orange trees, watching enviously as its prestigious neighbour, the Hôtel de Paris, was inaugurated. Fast forward to 1900, and the Belle Époque jewel as it is known today was built, with the decoration on its façade inspired by the Princely Palace of Monaco. Sumptuously re-designed during a recent refurbishment, the Hôtel Hermitage is now more elegant than ever before. Clothed in cream carpets, white marble, and neutral furnishings, the Hôtel Hermitage is light and bright, with a cosy charm and timeless atmosphere. Big, airy windows offer enchanting views over the harbour and the Rock of Monaco, but one of the hotel’s finest features is the incredible glass dome over the marvellous Winter Garden, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

The Hôtel Hermitage is a registered historic monument boasting 280 rooms, including eight Exclusive Suites. For golf fans, the hotel opened an astonishing Golf Area in 2007 on its roof. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, an elegant lawn made of synthetic turf houses two golf cages which delight players seeking to improve their swing, whilst a putting green enables others to improve their technique. Both Hôtel Hermitage and Hôtel de Paris have direct access to montecarlospa Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo and are linked by a walkway. n Stay at The Hotel Metropole from €420 per room per night based on two people sharing a superior room. For reservations call The Leading Hotels of the World toll free on 00800 2888 8882 or visit www.lhw.com For further information on Monaco, or to arrange helicopter transfers, visit www.visitmonaco.com

Hôtel Hermitage, Lobby

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HOURS IN....

TORONTO Sean Phillips explores the edgy, artistic city of Toronto, Canada in just 24 hours

ocated in a prime spot on Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Boasting a busy and beautiful waterfront, a mix of cultures and a range of theatres, concert halls, clubs, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants, it is a true embodiment of the artistic and vibrant ‘Canadiana’ style. 8:00am: Breakfast in bed at the Hazelton Hotel Waking up in a Hazelton Suite is one of Toronto’s finest indulgences (www. thehazeltonhotel.com). The suites feature a separate living space which opens onto stunning balconies. If you have the opportunity, book a suite on the corner of the building for a breath-taking vista, morning or night. Order breakfast to your room from the tempting menu and start the day off slowly. The bathrooms are the epitome of luxury interior design – Galaxy Granite throughout, heated floors, built-in flat-screen televisions, multi-jet and rainforest showers – perfect for getting ready in the morning. 9:00am: Shopping on Hazelton Avenue Maneuvering past Gucci, Tiffany’s and Chanel, this street is jam-packed with designer boutiques and popular fashion brands. Visitors to the busy street could easily spend all day burning plastic. Various artistic types hang around looking cool. It’s clear this place is revered as something special. 11:00am: Royal Ontario Museum The Royal Ontario Museum is one of North America’s largest, most diverse and exciting urban centres. Check out the current exhibition displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls; “words that changed the world”. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. There are also two additional

displays of modern art work inspired by the scrolls – a definite must-see! 1:00pm: Lunch at the Gardiner Continuing your tour of Toronto’s finest museums, head to the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art to admire beautiful handcrafted art work and indulge in a delicious lunch at Jamie Kennedy’s (well-known Toronto chef) newest restaurant. Lunch here is always good, made from fresh local ingredients with featured wines chosen to compliment every dish. 3:00pm: Private Screening Designed by the elite ‘Simply Homes Entertainment’, the screening room at the Hazelton Hotel is a luxury 3 tier cinema for up to 30 guests. Some of the many sports stars who frequent the hotel have been known to hire the room and its Wii console, spending hours competing on the big screen bathed in superb surround sound. Private hire is also available so intimate movie experiences are hugely popular (but don’t try booking during the yearly Toronto film festival, as this space is prime real estate for the glitterati).

one of Toronto’s best restaurants. The main room is a very large open space with multiple doors opening onto the patio (definitely the place to be in the summer). Nice touches include purse stools for the ladies and an edgy yet chic ‘Canadiana’ décor and atmosphere throughout. Our waitress Miran was a joy, and gave comprehensive information on the menu so make sure to ask for recommendations. We feasted on fresh crusty bread, lobster spoons with vermouth butter, Thai-style jumbo shrimp, oysters with Shitake mushrooms, and (the world’s best) steak – the food was plentiful, made with quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. A special mention has to be awarded to Miran’s recommendation of Bread Pudding - made from sweet croissant bread from Quebec and smothered in the finest chocolate sauce. Exquisite!

Bel-Air Suite

5:00pm: The Spa at the Hazelton Hotel Heading to the pool after a day in the city is the perfect tonic to a long day. The salt solution water was perfect - an advantage for the environment and better for the skin. All treatments are sublime, ranging from massage to manicure, but after a day of sight-seeing, a pedicure is wholly relaxing. 7:30pm: Dinner and drinks at ONE restaurant ONE restaurant sits on the ground floor of the Hazelton Hotel, but is more than good enough to stand-alone as

Bar at One

Screening Room at The Hazelton

One at The Hazelton

China

Made in

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Since the 1997 handover to the Chinese, Hong Kong has undergone a turbulent period of transition; the result is a fascinating blend of British colonial and Eastern Oriental tradition says Kate Harrison

Pool, Four Seasons Hotel

welve years ago the sovereignty of Hong Kong was handed back from the British to the Chinese, marking the end of 156 years of British Rule. The first few years after 1997 proved challenging – new airport openings, financial problems and the devastating effects of avian flu meant the city suffered with some bad press initially; but recent years have a seen a real blossoming for the Asian metropolis, and the strong Chinese influence has infused the city with a rich cultural heritage twinned with decadent, high-tech modernity. Change has come thick and fast and, as the iconic skyline has risen ever higher in the sky, it is clear that a modern vision is at the centre of development, and the city remains at the cutting edge of business, industry and wealth. China’s glittering jewel, continues to offer the best in luxury hotels, bars, restaurants and of course, shopping. Four is the magic number The place to stay to get the best out of modern Hong Kong is The Four Seasons. Perfectly located at the edge of the magnificent Victoria Harbour and integrated with the International Finance Center (IFC), an upscale retail and commercial complex housing over 200 shops and brands, the hotel is ideally placed. And with Hong Kong’s Airport Express stopping directly beneath the IFC, you’ll arrive in your room less than an hour after your plane touches down. The hotel enjoys easy access to Hong Kong’s key business and retail addresses and is supplemented by a Hong Kong classic, the Star Ferry terminal, whose ferries have plied

Victoria Harbor’s waters for the past 100 years. In fact, ferries to all outlying islands leave from piers conveniently located on the doorstep of the IFC and a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel’s doors. We stayed in the one of the Four Seasons Executive corner suites, where room design varies from contemporary decor to more traditional Chinese furnishings. Wall-towall windows showcase stunning harbour views and provide hours of spectator delight, where the city’s expanding skyline, and nightly laser show, can best be appreciated. High spec technology is abundant with plasma televisions in both the bedroom and beautifully appointed living area. In fact, even the stunning marble bathroom has a television and speaker system. If you’re here for business, the suite’s separate living area is a perfect solution for meetings or working away from home – with a stereo system, fax/printer/photocopier/scanner, dual-line speaker telephones, coffee & tea making facilities and a guest powder room. If by some miracle you tire of the view from your suite – which is unlikely! – then many of the restaurants in the Four Seasons provide equally stunning vistas across the harbour. We loved lunch in ultra glam Caprice, which had stunning views of Kowloon Peninsula and even better French cuisine. Its design integrates guest seating into the open kitchen which provides an on-site show of Chefs at work. The authentic French cuisine offers dishes that are light and refreshing, yet rich in taste and flavour. Perhaps most impressive of

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Temple Street for the best in late night shopping, and you shouldn’t miss the street markets of Stanley Road either – pick up a Chinese bargain or classic knickknack from the endless rabbit warren of market stalls. Shanghai Tang is the perfect place to pick up gifts for home; the glossy ‘lifestyle emporium’ stocks a wide variety of high quality traditional Chinese clothing with a contemporary edge. Particularly popular are typical Chinese dresses, or cheongsams, in bright fabrics, silk Mao jackets and a range of colourful home accessories. Day trip With a notable Mediterranean influence in each street and corner of the city, Macau’s Portuguese past has evolved with Eastern traditions to emerge as one of the most eclectic and popular leisure destinations in Asia. Travelling via high-speed jet-foil, you need only travel for an hour from Hong Kong to reach what has in recent years been nicknamed the ‘Las Vegas of the East’. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a flutter, the mega-casinos of Macau are sure to impress.

Art in the lobby, Four Seasons Hotel

all is the spectacular cheese board, hosting the most comprehensive list of cheeses I’ve ever encountered which are delivered weekly and kept in a specially built, humidity-controlled cabinet. Pre-dinner drinks are a must at the very cool Blue Bar or from the Executive Club Lounge on the 45th floor. It’s open around the clock and offers champagne, cocktails and a light buffet. It costs a little extra to use, but is well worth the expense, for the exclusivity, service and views that it affords. The pool at The Four Seasons offers true wow factor, where an endless expanse of water stretches to the harbour and beyond. The views are again incredible, and it is easy to lose the day relaxing in the sun beneath the city skyscrapers, sucking frozen grapes and swimming a few relaxed laps watching huge tanker ships sail past on their exit to the South China Sea. Getting out Hong Kong has become one of the chicest and trendiest cities in recent years and

there is no shortage of exclusive bars and restaurants that would suit the most discerning of guests. Nobu, Mandarin Grill and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon are classics that fit perfectly with the smooth glamour of Hong Kong. You could also try the Isola bar and restaurant – handily located close to the hotel in the IFC Mall. Isloa is a stunning glass structure, urban, glittering and very stylish, serving Italian food and the outside terrace provides gorgeous views of the harbour as the sun goes down. For Chinese food enjoy One Harbour Road, famed for its incredible dim sum served in sleek, cream surroundings, and treat yourself to a martini in the Sevva penthouse bar. Retail Therapy Hong Kong is without a doubt one of the best shopping destinations in the world. The places to be seen and to shop are Mandarin Oriental Arcade and Nathan Road, a mecca for designer labels and exquisite boutiques. For the busiest and most vibrant market in the city, head to

Something special A popular way to enjoy Victoria Harbour and watch the city slowly light up is by water, and there are a number of great ways to do this. Aqualuna, an old junk boat that has been refurbished to the highest standards, serves cocktails as you sail out into the harbour at sunset. A classic way to enjoy the waterfront view. A perfect blend of Old, New and East meets West, Hong Kong post 1997 remains one of the world’s most energising, glamorous and modern cities. n Address Book Four Seasons: www.fourseasons.com/hongkong (+852) 3196 8888 Aqualuna: www.aqua.com.hk (+865) 2116 8821 Hong Kong Tourist Association: www.discoverhongkong.com (+852) 2508 1234 Macau Government Tourist Office: www.macautourism.gov.mo (+853) 2831 5566

The hot ticket, the hot hotel Urban cool on the Thames, just 10 minutes from The 02. Music to your ears. For your room with a view, complimentary wireless and mp3 connectivity, visit radissonedwardian.com/newprovidencewharf, call +44 (0)20 7987 2050 or email resnpw@radisson.com

LUNATICK Josh Sims meets Yvan Arpa and discovers the latest ‘DNA’ watch to take the watch world by storm

t is one small step for a man, one giant leap for watch-making kind. Or, at least, that is how Romain Jerome might regard its latest product. It comes with a certificate, but, unlike other prestige pieces, this is not to authenticate its movement but rather its materials. The steel and titanium case incorporates steel from the Apollo XI rocket (the NASA voyage that put the first men on the moon); the strap incorporates fibres from a spacesuit worn during International Space Station missions; the paws incorporate fragments from the Soyuz spacecraft launched by the USSR; and the luna dial, complete with craters, is layered with a mineral deposit that includes moon dust. The Moon Dust DNA is, by any account, a ‘space watch’ of an altogether more literal kind. It has already sold out. Another ‘DNA’ watch has been a year in development for launch in 2010. “And that’s a really crazy idea,” says (with some understatement) Yvan Arpa, one of the founders of Romain Jerome. “When you look at lots of Swiss watch manufacturers 99% have the same story, with only a few manufacturers gaining recognition for anything other than tradition. That is something you cannot invent. To stand out you should find something new to say. And it works – there may be a financial crisis but we’re not feeling it, because people want something that’s unique.” Of course, Romain Jerome has been here before. It launched only in 2004, and in 2007 released the first of its ‘DNA’ series,

the equally off-beat Titanic DNA, with a case incorporating metal from the hull of the famously doomed ocean liner, especially fused with shipmaking-grade steel by Harland & Wolff, the ship-making company that built the Titanic. And that wasn’t all. The dial was covered with a layer of coal lifted 12,500ft beneath the sea from the ship’s broken bowels. Harland & Wolff also applied a secret process developed by Romain Jerome to bring the case to an advanced stage of rusting, stabilised so that the case will rust no further. If the idea of buying pre-distressed clothing was once dismissed as an insult to the consumer’s intelligence (and now commands a premium) perhaps the same may now be said of watch-making. So popular was the idea - Romain Jerome not only sold all 2012 pieces of the limited edition to its retailers but these were also pre-sold onto watch buffs without even touching a store counter - that the company has applied the same rusting technique to the lugs of the new Moon Dust DNA. “When other brands have a model that sells well, they stretch it until it is dead. We have a best-seller now and when it’s gone, it’s gone, and that’s true luxury to me,” says Arpa. “Why pay more than $10 for a watch? You have the time on your mobile phone. So if you spend money it’s because you want a trophy on your wrist – and for most this is the rational trophy of ‘Swiss watch-making’. But, like art, you either love or hate our watches because they’re very emotional, so different. It’s all about the shock of doing something different, of raising questions.” Take, for example, Romain Jerome’s oneoff T-Oxy Concept – a watch made of nonstabilized rusted parts, which will eventually fall apart and can’t even be touched without contributing to its end, but is arguably as pure an expression of passing time, as might be

found in any art gallery. Its Day & Night watch runs two tourbillons sequentially, one running for 12 hours of the day, then passing nighttime duties over to the other – provocatively, the watch does not actually tell the time. “And I love provocation,” admits Arpa. “Metals that rust, watches that have dust on the dials - these are the enemies of traditional watch-making rules.” Romain Jerome’s one-off Titanic collaboration with watchmakers Cabestan is no less avant-garde. Watch design guru Jean MOON DUST-DNA Francois Ruchonnet’s yacht-inspired ‘winch’ DNA of Famous Legends vertical tourbillon may give it a vague nod to sea-faring but, more importantly, makes

A High‐e

Moon Dust-DNA White Mood black

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it part of what could be a new vogue for mould-breaking designs, including the likes of Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Concept, designs by Sector or those hailing from the Jules Verneinspired world of ‘steampunk’. In assuming high craftsmanship and placing the emphasis on using unusual materials, Romain Jerome has moved from the prosaic - its very first watch, another sell-out, was designed for golfers to keep count of the hole number and strokes played – to the poetic. These are watches that embody time in their very construction, rather than merely express the time now. “Of course lots of people think these are all crazy ideas,” concedes Arpa. “I did at first. But who really wants to wear the same watch as their father or grandfather? Watches are jewels for men and you want people to see them and go ‘Wow, what’s that?’ From a conceptual point of view, the watch industry has been sleepy. We’re out to change that.” n MOON DUST-DNA

Titanic-DNA DNA of Famous Legends Titanic-DNA, A la Grande

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Titanic-DNA rusted steel T-oxy III Skeleton Chronograph Tourbillon

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The best things come in small packages With influence reaching from the catwalks of Gucci and Nicole Farhi to the slums of Nairobi and India, it’s no surprise jeweller and anthropologist Pippa Small believes jewellery can help the world’s most vulnerable people, says Claire Adler

ippa Small loves gold.You can tell this because you’ll often find its 22 carat form wrapped around uncut stones in her jewellery – ropes of gems left in their natural state which call to mind the precious metal in its liquid form. There’s subtlety to Small’s work too though, which often incorporates stones left in their rough, flawed state. “Gold is such a beautiful metal, I have often used it to lift materials you wouldn’t use for jewellery, like a seashell wrapped in gold. I’m interested in rocks, stones and minerals,” says Notting Hill based Small, whose recent Turquoise Mountain collection gave school boys and girls in Kabul traditional vocational skills while capitalising on Afghanistan’s unique natural resources – lapis mines that are over 5000 years old and which once supplied the pharaohs of Egypt. One of Small’s favourite pieces of jewellery is a rough diamond ring she’s worn for years. “There’s something special about knowing it’s that gem – a diamond – when no-one else does. And because it’s water worn it tells of a journey, a trail through wind and water, that has shaped its beauty. It’s been tumbled in the sand for thousands of years, so the shape becomes softened and pebble-like.”

Pippa Small

lifestyle

Pippa Small’s shop interior

It’s this earthy cool glamour that has led Pippa Small to create collections for Gucci, Chloe and Nicole Farhi and soon ethical brand Bamford. And it’s probably why her number can be found in the little black books of many of the world’s film stars, power brokers and jewellery collectors. Small was invited to sell her work at Sotheby’s and counts Uma Thurman, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Mick and Bianca Jagger and Sophie Dahl amongst her clients, all of whom confirm that the best things come in Small packages. The Los Angeles store was recently closed briefly to enable Jennifer Aniston to enjoy a private browse. At the same time, there could hardly be a jewellery designer with more of a social conscience than Small. Ever since her student days as a social and medical anthropologist, followed by human rights work in Borneo and remote parts of Asia, Small has been helping people from some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. She specialises in working with organisations aiming to protect the land of threatened tribes people, help traumatised groups generate income and preserve traditional knowledge and biodiversity, She is now convinced that jewellery – the ultimate luxury item – can become a way to help threatened groups. Growing up with her family in Wiltshire,

Quebec and Spain, Small travelled extensively.While at university studying social anthropology and then medical anthropology, she became aware of injustices against tribal and indigenous peoples living in isolated and groups whose land and ways of life were being forcibly taken away from them. When Small first showed her jewellery collection in Paris Fashion Week in the late 1990s, she had just returned from a summer spent working with refugees in Thailand. “I started making jewellery as a business, but I felt a bit like a skier with my legs going in different directions,” says Small. “I was consulting for Gucci and Chloe and Paris Fashion Week while at the same time pursuing my work of raising the confidence of marginalised communities. I wondered how I could reconcile the two worlds.” At first unclear how to merge these two paths of her life, she was encouraged by London gallerist Rebecca Hossack to visit the Bushmen of Botswana to run a jewellery making workshop. Together with the San women of the Kalahari region, Small created a crafts collection that was exhibited at the Rebecca Hossack gallery. The following year she returned and created a collection from leather, beads, pictures and embroideries, with input from both the men and women. She went on to work with a group of Bushmen from South Africa’s Northern

Cape; the Batwa pygmies of Rwanda; the Kuna Indians of Panama; craftsmen in Nairobi’s Kibera slum in co-operation with MADE; and with an ethical gold mining cooperative in Bolivia. As an ambassador for Survival International, Small recently created jewellery with a tribal group in India, the Dongria Kondh who are fighting against a mine slated for their land. Profits go to help the campaign. Now Small is on another mission. She is aiming to tackle the challenge of working with ethical gold. “Around two years ago, I read a newspaper article on the effects of gold which I found horrifying. Some of the Bolivian silver mines are famous for child labour, while off the coast of Venezuela horrendous amounts of fish have died due to mercury seeping. Blood diamonds got a really high profile, so I’m not sure why the gold issue didn’t get as much attention,” says Small. “Mining is such a tough industry – the bad pay, remote locations, unpleasant working conditions and health and safety problems. Jewellery is a way of having a connection to the earth through its rocks and it’s the oldest form of art. But it’s also complicated – it’s about making ornaments for rich, privileged people and it can be difficult to justify.” In 2007, Small was approached by Urth Solution, an organisation enabling miners to get a rung on the ladder towards the standards set by the Association for Responsible Mining. They introduced her to a cooperative working with the Tipuana mine in Bolivia, who mine without cyanide and aim to mine without mercury. Small pays a percentage over the cost of the gold to pay for an engineer from Colombia to run workshops on how to run a mine using neither cyanide nor mercury, although not all suppliers of ethical gold demand a fair trade premium. Her first ethical gold collection was a sellout and her latest 24 carat gold Zen collection, based on Buddhist beliefs, is already treasured by collectors worldwide. “Gold is such a beautiful metal – it would be great if all jewellery could be made from ethical, clean gold,” she says. n Pippa Small Zen cuff

lifestyle

ROKA’s

coming

Canary Wharf gets a taste of unique Japanese style; Roka restaurant opens this October

Roka - Scallops

ondon’s Fitzrovia, a mecca for media types, has enjoyed ROKA’s robatayaki cusine for several years, and now the financial sector is to be the location of the newest ROKA outpost. Following on from openings in Hong Kong and Arizona, the Canary Wharf Roka will bring its unique style of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the heart of the city. ROKA is a meeting place where food and drinks are shared with friends (Ro) and heat, warmth and an all-embracing energy surround (Ka). The principle cuisine is from the Robata grill, which originates from the fishermen of the Northern coastal waters off Japan, who would cook the fish on the boats with different charcoals and share the bounty with one another using their oars. Working with Roka’s Group Executive Chef Nic Watt once again, will be Head Chef Yoshi Muranaka, reforming their ROKA Charlotte Street partnership of old. Whilst many ROKA Charlotte street favourites will, of course, be on the menu, Canary Wharf will boast its own dishes such as: nori fu-mi no pan to ama ebi- a sweet shrimp, nori toast and yuzu mayonnaise; maguro to pirikara- spicy tuna, yuzu tobiko and avocado maki; as well as hinadori no teriyaki, nasu to shiýtake gohan zoe- a robata grilled teriyaki baby chicken, shiitake rice and roast ginger eggplant. Nic Watt says of the new ROKA “We are incorporating a new dynamic into this Roka project. It will be the first Roka to include a ‘Robata Chef’s table’, where guests can literally be seated within the energy and action of the open charcoal robata kitchen.’ Noriyoshi Muramatsu, renowned designer of Studio Glitt in Japan, is responsible for the restaurant and bar design, which will fuse rustic with contemporary; blending exotic hardwoods with soft oriental fabrics and unique design, taking diners on, not only a culinary, but also a sensory, journey. Roka Canary Wharf will accommodate up to 140 guests comprising the main restaurant, the bar and an external seated terrace, overlooking Canada Square Park. Like Charlotte Street, the bar at Roka Canary Wharf will specialise in Shochu- Japan’s other national spirit, which is distilled from barley, buckwheat, sweet potatoes and sugar. As at Charlotte Street, guests can order their very own personalised Shochu Kume which will be made available Roka - Counter Corner to them to enjoy with their every visit. n The Park Pavillion Canada Square Canary Wharf

fashion

Tweed jacket, Burberry Prorsum, £995 Available at www.matchesfashion.com Scarf with mohair stripes, Maison Martin Margiela, £120 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

Western check shirt, Adam Kimmel, £295 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

White shirt, Comme des Garcons SHIRT FOREVER, £165 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com

Red and navy woven belt, Andersons, £54 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com Black jeans, Ralph Lauren, £95 Available at www.matchesfashion.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs

MARK MY

STYLE

Maroon Double V Neck Knit, Vivienne Westwood, £179 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com Black leather messenger bag, Mulberry, £425 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com

Raina Linden checks out the latest in collegiate style Converse All Star Low Plimsolls, £32 Available at www.asos.com Lace-up boots, Ann Demeulemeester, £695 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

DAKS

â&#x20AC;Ś.Quintessentially London

Photography by: Peter Zownir Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Lewis wears cream trench £450, tan jumper £90, cream corduroy trousers £110, and large house check scarf £80, all DAKS Bex wears black poloneck £125, cream jodpurs £125, and house check scarf £80, all DAKS. Black leather thigh-high ‘Jedi’ boots £850 Jimmy Choo 020 7493 5858 www.jimmychoo.com Jazzi wears cream trench £500, and house check clutch £295, both DAKS. Black ribbed opaque tights £26, Wolford, www.wolford.com

Bex wears olive wool trench £450, and black/cream check scarf £80, both DAKS Lewis wears olive corduroy suit £475, tan jumper £90, and cream cashmere scarf £145, all DAKS

Bex wears black house check dress £310, DAKS. Black opaque tights £18, Wolford, as before

All clothes and accessories DAKS A/W2009 10 Old Bond St, W1S 4PL, 0800 288 188 www.daks.com Model: Bex, Jazzi and Lewis at Premier Model Management. Thanks to Jon and Flo. Hair: Marc Ramos using Kevin Murphy: Body Guard, Hair Resort, Gritty Business, Easy Rider, Session Spray

Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative www.tigercreativelondon.com using Clinique: Redness Solutions Urgent Relief Cream, Superbalanced Powder Make-up SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula, Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad in Black Tie Violets, Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher in Tuxedo Plums, Brush-On Cream Liner in Violet Luxe, Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Bloomberry and High Impact Mascara in Black.

Lewis wears white and grey collared shirt £90, paisley silk tie £55, grey wool suit £550, grey tweed button-down collar coat £395, all DAKS Jazzi wears grey poloneck £125, grey jacket £350 and matching skirt £160, black leather quilted gloves £85, and large house check weekend bag £950, all DAKS. Black leather thigh-high ‘Jedi’ boots £850, Jimmy Choo 020 7493 5858 www.jimmychoo.com

SIGN WITH STYLE A high quality, beautifully crafted pen is a must-have for any business professional. Why not spoil yourself or a loved one with this exquisite sterling silver pen from Tiffany & Co. It’s a timeless classic that will last for years and should be an essential addition to any discerning city worker’s purse or briefcase.

back to

Paloma Groove retractable pen in sterling silver, £225 Tiffany & Co 9 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 0207 409 2790 www.tiffany.com/uk

Back from your summer holidays, the Royal Exchange houses a range of luxury products perfect for going ‘Back to Work’

MUSTHAVE BAG From luxury leather brand Smythson, the Erica is a slouchy shoulder bag made from a shrunken lambskin leather for an irresistibly soft finish.The Erica is named after the Italian briarwood tree used to make the wooden clasp, Erica Arborea. Featuring zipped detailing on the sides to expand the bag, the Erica comes in black and winter white with mauve satin lining and denim blue with contrasting malachite satin lining. Predictably practical, the Erica has a magnetic closure, zipped and ruched interior pockets to keep you beautifully organized.

GENTLEMEN’S ATTIRE The traditions of craftsmanship are a rare commodity in today’s world and it is reassuring to know that Church’s are still manufacturing their fine gentlemen’s shoes in England.Their beautiful shoes are the essence of everything English, from the fine leather uppers, the sweep of their lasts to their hand finished appearance.The essential accessory for the discerning businessman that recognises class, we love the Chetwynd style for a perfect everyday business look. Chetwynd Shoe, £340 Church’s English Shoes 28 Royal Exchange 0207 929 7015 www.church-footwear.com

GLOBETROTTER The Gulliver watch is inspired from the novel Gulliver’s Travels. Tateossian has reinvented this style by adding North, East, South and West compass markings to symbolise a wearer who travels extensively around the globe. The watch is a sporty and colourful, yet affordable and a elegant timepiece. It is made from stainless steel with Japanese Miyota movement and Italian leather straps. The Gulliver watch is available in white, black, red and yellow.

The Erica Bag, £850

Gulliver Watch, £150

Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 0207 621 1037 www.smythson.com

Tateossian 1/4 Royal Exchange 0207 283 3434 www.tateossian.com

CITY HOT SPOT September sees the launch of The Mezzanine Sessions at The Mezzanine Lounge; a weekly evening of music and cocktails which will see DJs provided by 8-Track, entertaining guests with a mix of genres to appeal to everyone. Don’t miss the new After Eight cocktail promotion with a selection of cocktails priced at £5 each, available from 8pm to 10pm every night. Including creations such as apple and tarragon martinis and strawberry and balsamic mojitos. This is the new City hotspot. The Mezzanine Lounge Royal Exchange 0207 618 2480 www.danddlondon.com

WORK HEAVEN SCENT

Vanilla & Anise, the latest fragrance from The World of Jo Malone, transports you to the floral valleys of Madagascar, capturing the extraordinary, fleeting moment when the rare vanilla orchid blossoms at day break.The fragile cream and white flowers found on the vanilla vine are a precious discovery; only one or two appear in the morning. Let your senses be enticed by bergamot, neroli and star anise. Visit Jo Malone at the Royal Exchange for a complimentary Vanilla & Anise Hand & Arm Massage. Offer from 1 September – 1 November. Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 0870 192 5131 www.jomalone.co.uk

DAYTIME CHIC

SMART & SHARP For a sophisticated style these luxurious cufflinks are the perfect finish to a sharp look. Elegant yet masculine, these black faceted diamond beads are the ultimate in male accessories. These shining black diamonds set in platinum are designed exclusively for De Beers by Neil Lane (designer to the stars). The cufflinks are one piece of an extensive and stunning vintage inspired Neil Lane collection, sold exclusively in De Beers boutiques. Neil Lane for De Beers cufflinks, 4 black diamond beads set in white gold (13.74 carats), £5,900

2009 sees Lulu Guinness commemorate her 20th Anniversary year. To celebrate, special anniversary items and favorite icons from past seasons are incorporated into her AW09 collections. The Suzy bag is the undisputed key shape of the season, a luxurious and chic day bag which comes in black or red leather, and for the glamour girl there is the beautiful leopard print version with red lining. Stylish and spacious, these are the ideal bags for the working woman.

De Beers 13 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 0207 929 2777 www.debeers.com

The Red Leather Suzy: £395 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 0207 626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

AGENT PROVOCATUER || 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

Phillip Bodenham is the…

CITY style SPY

KICK IT Let’s face it, nowadays, being a smoker can leave you something of a social pariah, relegated to huddling in doorways, or on pavements, while you quickly suck in a cigarette, all the while being given dirty looks by smoke free passers-by… I’d had enough! So I asked someone in the know about such things, and the name of clinical hypnotherapist Georgia Foster came up. I have to admit I was skeptical at first, but after just one session, I didn’t want to smoke anymore. After a few days, I started to feel great, and after my second session I was completely cured. She also works with CEO’s and city big shots, helping them to prepare for high pressure, high visibility roles. Highly recommended. Georgia Foster, Clinical Hypnotherapist at The Wren Clinic. £175 per hypnotherapy session (2 recommended for quitting smoking). For appointments call 07768 858828 www.georgiafoster.com

HOT HOMEWARE I’m thoroughly bored of giving cashmere sweaters and bottles of wine as gifts! Ever a fan of eccentricity, particularly when it comes to design, I love Thorsten Van Elten’s online store. A haven for unusual gift’s, fete’s of modern design and some really entertaining pieces of homeware; from honesty stamps, to bowls made of melted toy soldiers, there truly is something to tickle everyone’s funny bone. The eclectic mix of his designs and other pieces selected from designers all over the world makes this online store something that needs to be seen to be appreciated and understood. www.thorstenvanelten.com

LA PETITE SALOPE For those in the fashion know, La Petite Salope is a wardrobe must have. This up and coming label is worn by Thandie Newton and is being featured in Vogue this month – and deservedly so. Using the best technical Italian taffeta (I’m told by a Burberry insider this is the future – silk and taffeta increasingly don’t cut it in the real world) used in a 50’s way with a grown up colour palette, these are Audrey Hepburn elegant pieces, with a darker, edgier Tim Burton feel to them. Drawing new lines of a harder femininity, over old clichés of cocktail dresses, this is the new way to do day wear into evening wear. Team with a jacket in the day and take it off for cocktails. www.lapetitesalope.com available at Harrods and www.Net-a-porter.com

DENTAL DREAM Ok, I have to admit something. Your faithful Style Spy had a flaw. But don’t worry, it’s all better now! See this week saw me finish my course of Invisalign and I’m so delighted it would be an absolute travesty to not let you in on the wonders done by Andrew McCarthy of Holborn Dental Centre. In a nutshell, my wonky teeth are LA perfect (and it only took 8 months). It’s no wonder, the centre is one of only a few in the UK accredited by the US company Invisalign, which produced my near invisible plastic brace. Highly recommended to you, as they were to me. And I can finally smile in photos again. Couldn’t be happier. My treatment also came with free teeth whitening. No idea why I didn’t do this sooner! Holborn Dental Centre 020 7242 7212 www.holborndental.co.uk

beauty

OF THE BEST:

RELAXING BODY TREATMENTS

Feel cleansed, toned and relaxed with these all-over wonder treatments, says Kate Hughes

BESPOKE BLISS

Treatments at the Mayfair spa are completely bespoke, and tailored to fit the individual’s personal needs and requirements. I had a combination of Swedish and Aromatherapy massage which was unbelievably relaxing. It relaxed my muscles and relived built-up muscle tension in the gorgeous, tranquil surroundings of the chic West End spa. Swedish & Aromatherapy Massage, £135 for 90mins 020 7915 2826 www.mayfairspa.com

SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

This fantastic massage is uplifting and detoxifying while still being wholly calming. Using lemon, lime peppermint and grapefruit oils, it’s perfect for jetlag or just an opportunity for total relaxation. The treatment ends with a face and scalp massage which leaves guests feeling peaceful and serene. Elemis Spirit Renew Well-being Massage, £45 for 60mins 01278 727 830 www.timetospa.co.uk

YON-KA CANDEL

This totally relaxing sensual massage is a truly amazing experience. Once lit, the natural candle creates a calming atmosphere and the warmed oils are then trickled over your body and massaged into the skin to create a total pampering experience. Yon-Ka Candel Treatment, £70 for 60mins 020 7518 8370 www.yonka.com

beauty

SEA SHELL BEAUTY

This new deeply calming therapeutic massage uses 100% recycled tiger striped clams filled with a combination of natural minerals and water, which heats the clams naturally. The clams are used to massage the whole body staying warm for up to an hour; an unusual take on a traditional treatment, this is definitely a must-have massage. Lava Shells Massage, £75 for 90mins 01689 338 890 www.sharedbeautysecrets.com

ASIAN INFLUENCE

Ushvani is a real haven in the heart London. The experienced therapists use a combination of massage techniques from Malaysia and Bali, so your bespoke massage can fulfil any extra personal requirements. I left in a heady cloud of inner peace and physical relaxation. Ushvani Signature Massage, £180 for 90mins 020 7730 2888 www.ushvani.com

VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS

A deeply relaxing full-body experience, the Jo Malone Vitamin E treatment begins with a Vitamin E scrub before warm oils are massaged into to the body. My treatment specialist used skilful massage movements to ease away muscle tension leaving me feeling luxuriously revitalised. n Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment, £125 for 90mins 0870 192 512 www.jomalone.co.uk

The DIARY

interiors

Sim Smith’s round up of this month’s best design exhibitions, art fairs and events...

The British Art Fair opens its doors again this September for its yearly exhibition of modern and contemporary British art. From 16-20 September, 60 expert dealers will be showing an unparalleled collection of works spanning artists from Bacon to Hirst and Hockney to Emin.Whether you have a penchant for the Scottish Colourists, Pop Art or are after something a little more contemporary, this fair has it all. Tickets cost £8, concessions £5 British Art Fair Royal College of Art Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU 020 8742 1611 www.britishartfair.co.uk

Established in 2003 to celebrate and promote London as a creative capital, the London Design Festival now forms a key part of London’s creative season. This year’s festival is taking place from 19-27 September, boasting up to 200 activities all over the capital including exhibitions, product launches and parties. The festival will take residence in the V&A where the events, shows and talks will be based. In addition, installations have been commissioned by world class designers demonstrating the imaginative application of materials. One example will be found at Trafalgar Square where Jaime Hayón’s collection of giant ceramic chess pieces arranged on a vast chessboard will present an interactive installation in a reinterpretation of the Battle of Trafalgar. London Design Festival 020 7734 6444 www.londondesignfestival.com

Alison Lambert, ‘Mikhail’, charcoal and pastel on paper, 135x112 cm, 2009. From Jill George Gallery

Please enter promotional code ‘CAN2’ online for twofor-one entry. 100% Design Earls Court, SW5 9TA 01923 690 640 www.100percentdesign.co.uk Wallpaper Mural by Wallpaperspace (www.wallpaperspace.co.uk)

Tent London is back with its most innovative and eclectic show yet. This year, we’ll be spoilt for choice with award winning exhibitions and installations covering digital and architectural design, midcentury furniture in boutique-like settings Soil Cutlery by Vladimir Rachev and multi-disciplinary micro-shows from the latest and most madcap of designers. Much celebrated for being a launch pad for new designers, this year prepare to be amazed by the likes of Mark Boyce’s hand carved ceramic wall coverings based on Japanese rope bondage and Vladimir Rachev’s ‘Soil’ cutlery. 24-27 September, tickets are £7.50 in advance, £10 on the door.

Chess board by Jaime Hayón

Firmly established as one of the industry’s most important events in the international design calendar, Decorex promises yet another showcase of new and exciting products from a wide variety of international exhibitors. An interiors show for design professionals, the exhibition will open to the public on 29 September, tickets cost £20. Decorex International Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR 020 7921 8500 www.decorex.com

A must see event this September, ‘Food with Thought’ will open at Borough Market. With the focus on recycled and sustainable materials, a collective of six design companies will be revealing contemporary interiors eco products to the public. The new products on display will range from textiles to rugs, furniture and lighting, all based on the market theme. Each designer will also design a unique canvas shopper, only available at the event, with proceeds going to the Borough Market charity. The event is free and takes place on 17-27 September Borough Market 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL www.foodwiththoughtevent.

Please enter promotional code ‘CW09’ online by 18 September for two-for-one entry. Tent London, Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 020 7739 5561; www.tentlondon.co.uk

Recycled Tutti Frutti Stool, by Kay & Stemmer

Selection of door knobs from the Beardmore collection

This year 100% Design will celebrate its 15 year anniversary. Renowned for its unrivalled showcase of both established designers and emerging talent, this September will see over 350 exhibitors from all over the world attending the fair.The theme of this year’s show is ‘Britishness’ focusing on the originality, creativity and quality of British design. So if you’re feeling patriotic why not pop down to the fair to see what all the fuss is about. 24-27 September, tickets cost £15 in advance online.

Receive up to 20% off when quoting Canary Wharf 09

51-55 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8AG 020 7739 7162 Bathroom Showroom Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 3pm

The Trend

interiors

Sim Smith explores the kaleidoscopic colours and enchanting inspirations behind this month’s hot buys...

eep are the colours of this month’s palette, intense hues that act as a prelude to the burnt umbers and russets of autumn. In a move away from high summer’s neon brights, the richness of these tones take their inspiration from far off lands, exotic summer gardens and distant seas. Cool azure and indigo colour palettes play against sumptuous shades of scarlet and ruby drawing inspiration from the pigments of Africa, Egypt and the Orient. These bejewelled works have taken on many forms. Organic structures and bulbous shapes are contrasted against multifaceted, almost geometric contours, in a play on the natural formations inherent to these native lands. From opulent crystal to hand crafted stoneware and peacock quills to crocodile skin, this contemporary trend derives predominantly from traditional materials and their surroundings. Striking arid landscapes and twilight skies focused designers’ attention on local beauty, flora and fauna. Colour, form and scent have been brought together in these designs to evoke a genuine sense of place and history, of allegory and myth. In these pieces we can see an exploration of secret gardens, their open flowers and woven twines; an insight into a potter’s studio and the painting of a colourful glaze; a customary Moroccan tea on a sunny afternoon. It is a transportation of the mind and the senses, a move away from the mundane, turning the everyday into a work of art.

Orange Blossom Zagara bath oil, £25, Ortigia Sicilia (020 7730 2826; www.ortigia-srl.com)

Stainless steel Le Grand Castel 90 range oven in aubergine, from £8,660, Le Cornue (01926 457 618; www.lacornue.co.uk)

Porcelain Clin d’oeil tasse in azure, £202, Haviland (020 7292 0444; www.haviland.fr) Stoneware Tourron pitcher in orange, from £23, Jars Ceramistes (01905 359 684; www.jarsceramistes.com)

Glass Orietta bowl in lilac, £44, LSA (01932 789 721; www.lsa-international.co.uk)

Hand knotted Tibetan wool Amelie rug, by Kim Parker, £515 per m2, The Rug Company (020 7229 5148; london@therugcompany.info)

Rose, Violet and Jasmine chocolates, £4.95 each, Rococo (www.rococochocolates.com)

Red Passion Golf crystalware in ruby, limited edition of 25 by Jaime Hayón, £5,760, Baccarat (020 7730 1234; www.baccarat.com)

Blackberry Freeze crystalware in amethyst, limited edition of 25 by Jaime Hayón, £5,760, Baccarat ( 020 7730 1234; www.baccarat.com)

interiors Cast aluminium, brass, resin and car spray paint, Me and my Camel sculpture, by Gary Webb 2009, £9,775, Other Criteria ( 020 7629 5800; www.othercriteria.com)

Two tone felt Peacock chair in blue, by Dror for Cappellini, from £3,545 Viaduct (020 7278 8456; www.viaduct.co.uk)

Leather Saffiano luggage, available in a variety of colours, from £775, Prada (020 7647 5000; www.prada.com)

Divina fabric V&A sofa in orange, by Ron Arad for Moroso, £7,070, Aram Store (020 7557 7557; www.aram.co.uk

Polypropylene Eames Elephant stool in pink, £140, Vitra (020 7608 6200; www.vitra.com)

Mohair blanket in coral, £89.90, Zara Home (020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com) Glass and enamel Rainbow cafetiere in apple, £20, La Cafetiere (01352 717 555; www.lacafetiere.com)

Lacquered Louis console table in purple, £695, Heals (0870 024 0780; www.heals.co.uk)

Leather Nadir chair in green, by Bonaldo, from £610, Design Link International (07834448228; www.bonaldo.it)

Calf leather Malachite Bijou organiser in turquoise crocodile print, £240, Smythson (08705 211 311; www.smythson.com)

The delicate aromas of these lands have been captured, bottled and transported to our shores in an attempt to evoke memories of these forgotten landscapes with the wonderfully vivid scents of rose, jasmine and orange blossom. Bathe in exquisitely scented oils and indulge in heavenly infused chocolate for a true return to ancient decadence. With a powerful escapist quality to rival any good book, this trend aims to whisk you away to a magical land, evoke a memory of a place once visited or ignite a passion for travel. Lose yourself in dreams of holidays on idyllic far away shores or pack up your bags for a voyage of discovery; this month the world is yours. n

39 Balls Pond Road, London, N1 4BW | 020 7254 5108 office@ptinteriors.co.uk | www.ptinteriors.co.uk

311 Essex Road, London, N1 2YG | 020 7354 8958 showroom@ptkitchens.co.uk | www.ptkitchens.co.uk

interiors

The ADDRESS BOOK Sim Smith reveals Lots Road’s hidden gems...

1 Carew Jones Tucked away through sleek glass doors is Carew Jones, the bespoke furniture specialists. The company is best known for exceptional creations in glass and Perspex, creating pieces to a variety of sizes, finishes and designs.They also produce bespoke furniture in lacquer, metal, wood and upholstery. All pieces are made in British furniture workshops and if it’s something truly individual you’re after, make sure you take full advantage of their great design service.

2 eskandar On entering I notice heavy wooden shelves stacked with fabulous coffee table books and clay urns. Simple glassware is mixed with clean, hand crafted ceramics in neutral tones and smoke fired earthenware. Tables are solid and heavily distressed with only touches of paint colour seeping through and there are numerous armchairs – comfortable leather creations that once sat in make it difficult to leave. The space feels homely yet luxurious, a great place to buy presents or invest in something a little special for yourself.

3 Lots Road Auctions What would a visit to Lots Road be without popping into the auction house for a quick browse? There is a wide variety of pieces ranging from furniture to paintings, carpets, textiles and decorative works. Auctions are held every Sunday with some 600 lots being sold each week. The auction house offers an unusual mix of contemporary and antique pieces for sale with specialist auctions taking place once a month.

4 Nordic Style A company that does exactly what it says on the tin, at Nordic Style you can expect clean stripes in white, red and blue, gingham checks and pretty pieces of furniture. The space is fresh and clean allowing the eye to take in everything the shop has to offer. They also supply classic fabrics, environmentally friendly paints and a new bespoke service offering custom made pieces for your home.

5 The Odd Chair Company A bijou shop filled with colourful fabrics and eccentric upholstery, The Odd Chair Company really is a great find. The company is renowned for its handmade

upholstered furniture, examples of which can be seen in their Lots Road showroom. From velvet clad traditional Chesterfield sofas to silk dressing table stools, add a bit of personality to your space with a one off and truly bespoke luxury buy. The company also offers a full interior design service and free home visits are available.

6 Richard Taylor Specialists in lighting, Richard Taylor offers an eclectic mix of period and modern pieces.The designs are innovative and exclusive, boasting collections crafted by top artisans in Italy and the UK. From decorative hand finished chandeliers to oversized outdoor lanterns and lamps encrusted in small ceramic stones, there really is something for every taste. 2

7 Shiraz With walls dressed in exquisite antique rugs and experts rolling out historic textiles for their clients, Shiraz proves the epitome of an oriental treasure trove. Designs range from what we think of as classic Persian rugs, faded colours and elaborate designs, to what look like more modern and graphic creations. All are antique however, and make beautiful investment pieces for any space.

8 Sofa.com Just round the corner from Chelsea Harbour Design Centre in a new warehouse conversion sits Sofa.com. Predominantly based online, if you can make it to the showroom, it is well worth the visit.The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to have you lounging 4 all over the sofas on show.They offer a fabulous range of comfortable sofas in a modern take on classic designs. Free information cards and samples are also on offer to ensure you get the perfect look for your home.

9 Tom Faulkner Situated in Chelsea Reach just off of Lots Road is Tom Faulkner’s studio. After being lured in by the sign on the main road, I came across this fresh white space filled with elegant glass and steel designs. A designer himself,Tom has all of his work handmade by craftsman in his workshop in Wiltshire. Fine detailing and sympathetic use of seemingly hard materials transform them into light and liveable works. The company also acts as a dealer for Italian manufacturers showcasing some beautiful glass pieces that compliment Tom’s works perfectly.

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GADGETS

gadgets

JAMIE CARTER checks out the hottest new technology

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Grab an iPod dock or digital clock radio for £50 and you’re likely to be disappointed with the flimsiness of the sound. For the real deal, head for this luscious R2i Tabletop Stereo from British brand Vita Audio. DAB and FM are all well and good, but what about internet radio? With so many stations around the world now broadcasting online (over 15,000 at the last count) British audio doyen Monitor Audio has come up with the slinky Airstream 10. With 7W sound it’s designed primarily for desktops and bedrooms. Monitor Audio Airstream 10 DAB & Internet radio, £225 www.monitoraudio.co.uk

OFF THE WALL

Even if you do get round to hanging your flat TV on the living room wall – most people don’t – it’s likely that you hadn’t banked on the ugly cables collecting underneath. An easy way to banish the bundles is with iConceal, a devilishly simple stick ‘n’ click cover. Available in black or silver coated aluminium, iConceal sticks to the wall with tape and the cover clicks on – great if you’re a DIY disaster or can’t stomach paying someone hundreds to bury cables into your walls. iConceal cable management system, £39.95 www.iconceal.tv

THEORY OF EVOLUTION

PYRAMID SELLING

Denon PMA-710AE and DCD-710AE amplifier/CD player, £349.99 each www.denon.co.uk

Edifer E3350 multimedia speakers, £69.99 www.play.com

iPods and MP3 files may dominate our listening habits, but a traditional hi-fi is still on most muso’s wants list. Available in silver and black, Denon’s latest Advanced Evolution range comprises a dedicated digital amplifier and CD deck that promises the kind of high quality audio that put the humble MP3 to shame – though the DCD710AE CD player does include a USB port to hook-up an iPod or a memory stick, just in case.

For those us who spend too much time at computers, music is what keeps us sane; don’t skimp on your desktop sound system. Edifier’s new E3350 takes the concept further with its stylish pyramid shaped subwoofer and sleek satellite speakers. A separate wired volume control, complete with red halo lighting, contains a volume dial and a headphone/MP3 jack.

PLAY & DISPLAY

If you can’t wait until you get home to look at your holiday photos, Nikon has an unusual answer. Ultra portable projectors and even mobiles with built-in beamers have appeared before, but its new S1000pj this is the first compact digital camera to do so. A 12.1-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom, the S1000pj comes with a small stand and a focus dial for dedicated projection, though don’t expect hi-def quality. Nikon S1000pj compact digital camera, £400 www.nikon.co.uk

GADGETS JAMIE CARTER checks out the hottest new technology

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

OFF THE WALL

THEORY OF EVOLUTION

PYRAMID SELLING

Denon PMA-710AE and DCD-710AE amplifier/CD player, £349.99 each www.denon.co.uk

Edifer E3350 multimedia speakers, £69.99 www.play.com

PLAY & DISPLAY

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31/07/2009

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BRITISH BULLDOG

Britain’s car industry might have overseas owners these days, but that doesn’t prevent it from producing some excellent cars. A prime example is the new Land Rover Discovery 4. Matthew Carter tries it out here’s a perfectly good bridge up ahead, traversing a fast flowing, and pretty wide river. But rather than drive over it as normal folk might, I’m being directed off the road and across a field. At the end of the field is a gentle drop into the self same river, and this time I’m told to drive (or should that be dive?) straight in. It’s not that deep – the water laps the bottom of the doors – but it’s quite a battle against the current. Ultimately, though, the vehicle is unfazed by having to wade across, rather than drive over the river. On reaching the opposite bank, I stop on the slope to let the water drain away from the brakes and then continue my journey as if driving through rivers is the most natural thing in the world. Thing is, for a Land Rover, it is the most natural thing in the world. Here I am cocooned in a £50k luxury saloon, swathed in leather and finest Wilton, listening to crystal clear digital radio over an impressive Harman/Kardon sound system, while outside all hell is breaking loose. From the riverbed we move to the jungle (well, dark, dank and dense woodland near the Scottish Borders). Here the new Discovery 4 climbs up near vertical muddy slopes, clambers over banks, wades through muddy gloop and does all the things you’d

expect from a Land Rover. Much of its ability is down to Land Rover’s extraordinary Terrain Response electronic trickery.You simply look at the track ahead – be it grass, gravel, snow, sand, mud, or rocks best driven over at a low speed crawl – and then turn a dial on the centre console to the appropriate low ratio setting and the car will do the rest. Well, you still have to point it in the right direction, but that’s about it. In short, off road it’s as brilliant as it’s ever been. Battling through the undergrowth is not the best place to test the latest Disco, though. No, where the latest incarnation of Solihull’s warrior really excels is on the road. It’s down to a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. Essentially the same V6 unit that goes in the Jaguar XF, albeit modified so that it is happy working underwater, the new engine delivers more power and more torque than the old 2.7-litre unit. Power goes up by 29 per cent to 245PS and torque by 36 per cent (yes, 36) to an enormous 600Nm. Given that the new car has also been on a modest diet, the resulting improvement in performance is impressive. We’re not just talking 0-60mph times here, though nine seconds dead is pretty impressive considering the bulk of the thing. Thanks to the engine’s greater

flexibility, it doesn’t need to be worked as hard as before so enhancing refinement, while fuel economy – 30.4mpg, a 9 per cent improvement – and emissions are both better. OK, 244 g/km of CO2 won’t win you a place on the Greenpeace board, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. The new engine does its bit off road, too. A lower engine idling speed means that it is even more manoeuvrable off the beaten track where the ability to crawl without stalling is a must. Matching the extra performance is a gently revised chassis designed to cut body roll and generally make the Disco feel more car-like on road. It’s still no sports car but it does corner more flatly, while steering improvements make it less nervous at higher speeds. Bigger brakes do their bit, too. There have been plenty of visual changes as well. Disco 3 was one of those objects loved by designers who appreciated its almost industrial looks. Car buyers, especially those in the States, weren’t quite so convinced so for the Disco 4 there’s a fair amount of added bling. Out go the black plastic wheel arches to be replaced by body colour ones. The simple grille has been replaced by a chromed affair similar in style to those on Range Rover and Freelander and there are new headlamps

motoring

with Audi-style LED running lights. New rear lights, revised alloy wheels and new air intakes behind both front wheels complete the external story. Inside the changes are even more dramatic. Far less severe cabin architecture with simpler controls, fewer switches, better seats and greater use of wood ‘n’ leather makes the seven-seat Disco 4 a more

pleasant place to spend a few hours. There are new toys, too. As has become the mode, the sat nav display (the system is still a little clunky in operation) doubles as a screen for external cameras. But while most other cars have a simple rear facing camera for parking, the Discovery has no fewer than five: as well as the rearward one, there are two forward facing ones on the front bumper and one each, pointing downwards, on either door mirror. It’s an off-road thing: those at the front can reveal obstacles ahead while the side cameras – they can be displayed split screen-style – show the edge of the track, as you inch along a narrow gorge. More prosaically, they mean perfect parking every time. Downsides? Well it is more expensive: the top of the range 3.0 TDV6 HSE costs £47,695 and that includes the Harman/ Kardon premium sound system with 14 speakers and iPod connectivity, sat nav, electric front sun roof and two fixed glass roof panels. If you want that full five camera experience however, you have to pay more still. You could save a cool £15K+ by opting for a version powered by the old 2.7-litre engine. But why would you? Best to look at the new Discovery 4 as a cheaper alternative to the Range Rover… it’s that good. n

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motoring

RETURN TO FORM

he Ferrari 458 Italia means business and make no mistake. While some recent Ferraris have lacked a little dynamism shall we say, that’s not a criticism that can be levelled at the latest from the Prancing Horse stable. Arguably the most aggressive-looking Ferrari for years, the 458 is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 (hence the name) mounted behind the seats. A replacement for the long-serving F430, the 458 will be shown at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in Europe. UK deliveries are expected to start next spring. Prices have yet to be announced, but you won’t get much change out of £150,000. At its heart is a new engine developing an enormous 562bhp with peak power reached at a race car-like 9,000rpm. Ferrari reckons 0-60mph should take less than 3.4 seconds and it has a top speed over 200 mph. And we thought the 508bhp of the F430 Scuderia was impressive. Styled, as ever, by Pininfarina, the shape was fine tuned in Ferrari’s F1 wind tunnel and the car has been developed with the help of one Michael Schumacher. Technical highlights include a lightweight aluminium chassis, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission – shifts take less than 0.06secs – and a steering wheel covered in knobs and switches. At the back, no fewer than three exhaust pipes protrude centrally beneath the number plate surround. The brakes, too, deserve mention. Electronics detect the moment the driver lifts his foot off the throttle and, sensing an imminent shove on the brakes, automatically moves the pads closer to the discs. Stopping distance from 60 mph is said to be less than 32.5 metres. Best of all, though, are the looks. Start drooling… n

YOUNG AT HEART

Just as with the Land Rover Discovery 4, a heart transplant – indeed, it’s the same engine – has helped transform the Jaguar XF into a serious alternative to a BMW. And you don’t have to be grey-haired to drive it, says Matthew Carter

ext time you’re stuck at some traffic lights, take a quick look at the cars around you. Inevitably there’ll be a number of Mercs, Audis and BMWs, but compared to a year or so ago there’ll be fewer of them. They have been replaced by Jaguars. Or more specifically by the Jaguar XF. Now take a look at the bloke behind the wheel of the Jag. He’ll be younger than you might expect and sometimes he might even be a she. At long last, Jaguar has started to shed its ‘old man’s car’ image and is producing vehicles that appeal to younger drivers of both sexes.

The trend was started by the XK sports car, but it’s really moved up a notch with the XF, launched a little over a year ago and now a serious alternative to the default German executive saloon. And that position has just been strengthened further. If there was one complaint that could be levelled at the XF (not the looks, I’ve got used to them) it was that the 2.7-litre V6 diesel ran out of puff too quickly. It developed just over 200bhp but that wasn’t nearly enough to see off the opposition. But that’s changed. The same 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel that’s been shoehorned

motoring

in the latest Land Rover Discovery can now also be found in the XF, where in ‘S’ guise it develops 275bhp and 600Nm of torque, enough for a sports car baiting 5.9 sec 0-60mph time. And, as with the Disco, economy and emissions are improved at the same time. The new engine – and that is what we’re talking about here, there are no other changes to the XF – means the diesel XF is now the car is should have been in the first place. Progress is as refined as before… it’s just a whole lot quicker. As before, the interior of the XF is a work of high theatre. As you turn on the ignition – or, rather, punch the start button – the fresh air vents swivel open and the gear change control, a circular knob, rises up from the centre console. Select D in the six-speed automatic and you’re ready to venture forth. Select the Sport Mode and you’re ready to battle BMWs. The central touch screen navigation/ audio/control panel is easy and logical to use and there’s ample space both inside the car and in the boot. The only downside of the styling is that the high tail makes it very difficult to place when parking. Thank goodness for the rear parking camera… At £44,200, the Sport Portfolio model is the most expensive diesel in the XF range, though for those who have a private fuel station at the bottom of their

drive, there’s always the £49,900 5.0 V8 petrol version. The Portfolio badge adds a sporting panache to the car with soft grain leather, ebony veneers, heated and cooled leather covered seats, sat nav, a B&W audio system and a suede-like cloth headlining. Unfortunately it also adds 20-inch alloy wheels into the equation. Don’t get me wrong, they look absolutely fantastic and help turn this four door, five seat luxury saloon into something that can be flung about as if it were a hot hatch. But they don’t half ruin the ride, especially in London. Potholes and speed bumps litter our streets and every one is a challenge to the equilibrium found within the XF’s cabin. And what started as a minor irritant quickly became a literal pain in the backside. There is a solution and that’s to avoid the Portfolio version altogether. Stick with the Sport version of the diesel – there’s a lowered powered version of the 3.0-litre engine also available if you must – but go for the S Luxury model (saving yourself £7K into the bargain) which comes on 19-inch wheels and has a commensurately more refined ride yet loses little in terms of handling. Then it’s just a case of hitting the options lists to add some individuality. But whichever version you choose, you’ll have a car that delivers on every level. And it’s (almost) British. n

at LE MANS Team Modena heads to this years premiere event in the motor racing calender, Le Mans 2009 by Kevin Haggarthy

ure excitement, pure adrenalin. That is Le Mans. Hitting speeds in excess of 250 mph at times, this 24 hr motor racing marathon of endurance, stamina, and speed, rates at the top of the motor racing calendar. To be there is awesome, to drive there in a supercar is a bonus, but to be part of the action with a participating team is a dream. Guess what? We at Vicinitee went for ‘the dream’ and did all three. The ‘dream invitation’ came courtesy of our very own Team Modena as a direct follow up to our Vicinitee launch party they attended at Jalouse with us last Spring. It was team owner and Vicinitee VIP member Graham Schultz’s fourth Le Mans challenge, running the team’s brand new Ferrari 430 GT. And adding more spice to the equation for our trip was the young Leo Mansell. Before you ask, yes he is the son of ex Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell! Graham recruited the young Leo as a works driver for the team to compete in this year’s Le Mans Series – the Le Mans 24 hr being the highlight of the race calendar. Leo shared his seat for the 24 hour marathon with young Russian driver Roman Usinov, and ‘gentleman driver’ Pierre Ehret. Another highlight was our mode of transport. It needed to be fast, expensive, exotic of course and, as befits a team racing a Ferrari at Le Mans– Italian. Well that’s easy – Ferraris’ of course! - in fact a beautiful 599 GTB Fiorano in a sophisticated grigio ferro metallic, and a

avio (blue) metallic 430 Ferrari Scuderia, courtesy of Ferrari North Europe. Excited about our ‘prancing horse’ trail we successfully put in an entry for another big Le Mans event taking place the day before the race; the Supercar run; a staggering array of crème de le crème of the Supercar world parading in front of 150,000 people. We just couldn’t wait.

We’re off!

So there we were, off to Le Mans, our two Ferraris running alongside a British Automobile Calvalcade on the M20 – all of us eying up each others cars, but mostly others admiring ours! Whilst the buzzing excitement of Le Mans beckoned, right now the prospect of enjoying time in these wonderful Ferraris beckoned even more. So like all dutiful petrol-heads we substituted motorways, tolls and the gendarme for the Country, trekking the borders along Le Havre, via St Pierreen-port and through Caan and Alencon and finally Le Mans - their endless power and piercing acceleration singing the Ferrari melody through those double twin exhausts. What an experience!

Nous sommes arrive!

And the minute the Ferraris entered Le Mans they were greeted by the kind of onlooker enthusiasm that only true enthusiasts understand – we arrived late evening on the Thursday before the race, yet cameras were flashing at us from the moment the sound of the Ferraris stirred the first glance from the side of the road. That interest multiplied fifty-fold the following day when we took part in the pre Le Mans Supercar run in the local town; this was a true spectacle of an event with every supercar badge worthy of the name, (and some we hadn’t even heard of) for the cordoned off parade though the town. 150,000 people gathered to watch and cheer the world’s most expensive gathering of supercars, revving to the crowd for entertainment.

motoring

The end?

Yet that was chicken-feed compared to the almighty shunt to the back end of the car into the gravel at 3.30 pm in the morning, suffered by Team Modena driver Roman Rusinov. We knew that because it was just about as long as we could keep our eyes open; we were desperately making our way to a bed for a cheating shut eye when the news was announced. Was that the end

of the race for Team Modena we enquired of Mr Nigel Mansell – ‘no, its fine , we can sort it, but it’ll cost us about 10 laps” Great. So we’re still in. We slept with a vengeance - in fact collapsed in a heap- for about four hours, and felt totally guilty when one of the team Modena pit crew greeted us in the morning with “I bet you’ve been sleeping!” well…. what could we say? Yes, we cheated. Ten stiff coffees later and it was 2.30 pm on Sunday afternoon; 30 mins to go before the end of the race. The Team Modena Ferrari was still out there, lying seventh in class with Mansell junior on the final finishing haul. No one said anything about making it to the finish – it could jinx it…. But we did! Leo Mansell finishing the race a credible 7th in class and crossing the line right in between the winning LMP1 Peugeots. There was furore in the pits, everyone hugging, shaking hands and cheering – Schultz and the team did the job again with Team Modena’s fourth successful Le Mans challenge now safely in the bag. This is a race where finishing alone is victory – testimony to team and drivers alike – for ‘the greatest endurance race in the world’. Prince Michael of Kent, alongside Nigel Mansell, joined the Vicinitee crew at Team Modena’s hospitality to congratulate the drivers, Schultz, and his team. The President of Ferrari, Luca de Montezemolo, had already personally congratulated Schultz. It was emotional; as was the anticipation of sitting behind the wheel of those Ferraris again for the journey home. Maybe that’s what Ferrari and Le Mans is all about: emotion – and we at Vicinitee can’t wait to do it all again next year! n If you are a racing fan and wish to join us and Team Modena next year at Le Mans, then please email your contact details to us at vip@vicinitee.com and we’ll keep you posted with our exciting hospitality plans for 2010.

Race day

Saturday and race day. It’s 1pm; the race is due to start at 3pm. Walking from pit lane to pit lane, the other race teams were busy checking telemetry and engines. By contrast in the Team Modena garage, team manager Hans Muelhbauer was standing rock steady in front of the car with arms folded, and the team looking remarkably relaxed. Is there a problem Hans? I enquired. “No, not at all; the jobs already done. We are ready for the start”. Now there’s professionalism for you. At 3pm the race, now in its 77th year, got off to its usual spectacular rolling start, to the joy of 249,000 people. Hoopla over, time to do the business, matched with a sense of relief in the Modena pits – the 430 Ferrari was off to a good start, with experienced ‘gentleman driver’ Pierre Ehret kicking off behind the wheel. Consistency, and looking after the car, being the key to a good race – but with another 23 hours and forty five minutes to go, anything can happen; so fingers crossed. With cars hurling around for 24 hrs at speeds in excess of 250 mph at times, a trouble free race can only be expected in cuckoo land. And so it came to pass, for we were not in cuckoo land, that some inconsiderate LMP1 car pilot ( the fastest category of the race) chose to slice a piece off the Team Modena car as Leo Mansell rejoined the track exiting from a pit stop. Car and driver thus limped all the way round again to get the front end replaced, losing us a good three laps while the car was being repaired.

Team Modena’s Race results Class Position 7th (17 starters in LM GT2) - Overall Position: 27th (from 55 starters) - Laps: 314 - Distance Completed: 4,279.5km (2,658.8 miles, or London to Baghdad, with another 100 miles of driving left) - Fastest Lap: 4m09.036s - Average Race Speed: 178.091kmh - Pit Stops: 28 - Total Time in Pits: 1h00m17.392s - Longest Stop: 11m33s (after Roman Rusinov was hit from behind and fired off circuit at 3am Sunday Morning)

Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano Model: 599 GTB Fiorano F1 Exterior: Grigio Ferro Metallic, 0-60 mph: 3.7 secs Top Speed: 205 mph Average consumption: 15.8 mpg Model tested: OTR Price = £218,604.64 (with optional fitted spec on test car)

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28/08/2009 10:25

THE

sport

Lawrence Barretto takes a look at what it takes to compete in this month’s Great North Run, the largest half-marathon in the world

hen you wake up on 20 September and switch on the telly, don’t be surprised to see 54,000 people packing the streets of Newcastle-upon-Tyne as they attempt the largest half-marathon in the world – the 28th annual Great North Run. For many, the thought of running 13.1 miles is stomach churning, but for an increasing number of people, it’s the thing to do.You’ll find elite athletes who take it deadly seriously, sharing the same piece of road with spirited fun runners covered head to toe in fancy dress in the name of charity. You’ll find teenagers running side-by-side with pensioners and half-marathon novices competing with seasoned veterans who just do it for fun. There’s nothing quite like it. The run was devised by former Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist and veteran athletics commentator Brendan Foster who was inspired by street running after competing in the Round the Bays Race in New Zealand in 1979. Two years later and the first Great North Run was staged. It was advertised as a local fun run but attracted an impressive 12,000 runners. Now, 28 years later, it’s become one of the world’s biggest running events. If you’re inspired by watching this year’s race because you want a new challenge or want to get fit, but don’t know where to start, Bupa physiotherapist David Toy has given us some tips to get you started.

HALF-MARATHON NOVICE “The key is to start your training gradually. There’s quite a lot of literature around which gives you a breakdown of specific training programmes depending on the distance. The biggest problem is when people start off too hard or too fast which leads to medical problems.” TRAINING “Don’t train too often, too soon. The most common injury is tissue breakdown. It could be tendons that are overloaded, inflamed joints or muscles fatiguing. In broad terms, these are a result of overdoing repetitive loading exercises.You can vary your sessions so that one day you just do stretches, one day some light weight work and then one or two days running.” THE RIGHT KIT “Get yourself an appropriate pair of running shoes. Depending on how seriously you’re taking it, you can either go to a reputable running shop and ask them to recommend a pair which will suit your feet or you can go to a Bupa Wellness Centre and get a Bupa Run Check (£99 available at the Barbican branch) which will analyse your body, hips, ankle and feet as well as assess your running style and foot posture. Based on those results, they can recommend a good pair of shoes.” WARMING UP “Warming up is very important. Before a run, start with a few simple stretches and then

CHALLENGE

start running at a slow pace. Then stop and try some more aggressive stretches, followed by some faster running. Repeat this several times before you start the stopwatch and get into your training run to ease yourself in.” COOLING DOWN “After a run never stop exercising suddenly. Spend 10-15 minutes drinking water, doing some gentle stretches and getting your breath back. It’s important to let the body recover.” NUTRITION “The key is to stick with a balanced diet. Around race time, you may want to increase your carbohydrates to boost the glycogen store but largely the key is just to eat healthily.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of keeping hydrated during training.” Later this month, when the starter gun sounds, every runner will have their personal target in site, whether it’s breaking that elusive hour barrier, hitting a personal best or simply finding a way to haul their body round. If you’ve missed this year’s run, now is the time to start training, enter a few 10km events around London and then make the pilgrimage up to Newcastle next year. n Bupa can offer access to medical experts including sports doctors, podiatrists and physiotherapists. For all your running needs visit www.bupa.co.uk/running

THE TOUGHEST RACE IN

FORMULA “t

has a good chance of challenging Monaco for being the jewel in the crown of Formula 1,” said Williams F1 team boss Frank Williams after last years Singapore Grand Prix. “That is the most accurate thing to say. They have great weather, a very good track and the grandstands packed. I think there is a lot of enthusiasm out there.” That’s quite an accolade for a Grand Prix which only enjoyed its debut last year, as well as becoming the first ever night race to feature on the Formula 1 calendar. Such was the success of the event that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is trying to convince other races in the Pacific to follow suit and race under flood lights. It looks like night racing is very much here to stay. The 2008 race around the streets of Marina Park served up a kaleidoscope of entertainment, with the spotlights of the track well supported by twenty V8 Formula 1 cars whizzing round the bumpy streets, sending up cascades of sparks from their titanium skid plates. Last year’s race had everything – accidents and collisions, pit stop chaos when Felipe Massa left his pit with the fuel hose still attached, countless overtaking manoeuvres, safety car periods

Lawrence Barretto looks ahead to this month’s Formula 1 race in Singapore as the unique night race bids to take Monaco’s status as the most glamorous Grand Prix

and a storming drive from Fernando Alonso from 15th on the grid to victory. This year, we should expect no less. Unlike many of the new circuits to join the Formula 1 calendar, this innovative fourfifths street circuit, one fifth racing circuit provides both a tactical challenge for the drivers but also packed grandstands and a buzzing city totally in love with the sport. Add an element of darkness and the whole concept gets even tougher. Naturally, the first challenge for the drivers is trying to live on European time in Asia as they attempt to maintain peak condition for the race. Going to sleep when it is light and waking up when it is dark confuses their bodies, and eating times play havoc with their stomachs. Next up they’ll have to deal with the 1,600 light projectors beaming down on them. A total of 108,423 metres of power cables, 240 steel pylons and a total power requirement of 3,180,000 watts will be used to light up the circuit. The illumination measurement is around 3000 lux, meaning the lighting will be four times brighter than the lights at sports stadiums. The strength and glare of the lights could prove a tough challenge to overcome. Singapore Skyline

sport

Fernando Alonso

concentration, it’s impossible for a human being to repeat such performance for 90 minutes or more. So I have to train the brain to run faster for a longer time and pace itself. That’s why we spend so much time away from the circuit working on this element.” That concentration could be pushed even further with the interruption of rain. The region is notoriously humid so rain is expected most evenings, further exaggerating the huge challenge in front of the drivers. In another first for the far eastern island, Singapore will host the inaugural F1 Rocks concert after the race on Sunday evening. Attracting the likes of Beyoncé and the Black Eyed Peas, the Asian city state’s stunning skyline will become the backdrop to a rock gig as Formula 1 aims to bring in new audiences and create an all encompassing entertainment package. If all goes well, the plan is to role out the concept to seven or eight races next season. A week of entertainment to build up enthusiasm, following a huge publicity push which started after the chequered flag was waved at last year’s race, combined with three nights of

Circuit Padang Zone

Nicholas Lorden

Although there are generators for back up, there is always the chance of a blackout. Like many street races, the close proximity of the barriers and numerous bumps characteristic of a street circuit mean that accidents will happen. Consequently, we’re more than likely to see the safety car at least once, extending the length of the race to around 1hr 45 minutes or more and heaping extreme pressure on the drivers’ concentration. Riccardo Ceccarelli, Panasonic Toyota Racing team’s doctor believes the brain is the most important variable when preparing a racing driver for a Grand Prix, and is even more critical for a unique race such as Singapore. “The most important muscle is the brain,” said Ceccarelli. “There are some sports where increasing the aerobic capacity will lead to the athlete performing better but motorsport is not like this. If you want to improve the performance lap by lap during the race and maximise the concentration, I need the brain to run faster. “If you’re qualifying and driving one lap to the top

Travis, performing at F1 Rocks

thrilling Formula 1 night racing, a huge crowd and a bumper entertainment package to go with it – it’s no wonder this event is such a rip-roaring success. With darkness, beaming floodlights, a strong chance of rain and the possibility of a major shunt at every turn, any driver who completes this race has well and truly earned their money. n

To find out more about the Singapore Grand Prix, visit www.singaporegp.sg

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Screen Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde’s gothic classic has had the Hollywood treatment. When young and naïve Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) moves to London after the death of his uncle, he meets meets society artist Basil Halward (Ben Chaplin), who paints a portrait of Gray, making a pact to his soul in exchange for keeping his youth and beauty. He then meets Henry Wotton (Colin Firth), a charismatic and dastardly socialite, who takes it up on himself to show Gray the pleasures that London has to offer. After committing a series of sins and crimes, Gray disappears for 25 years and when he reappears he has not aged. Gray finds it increasingly difficult to deal with the terrible things he’s done, and soon everything comes to a head. If you expect this adaptation of the much loved story to be close to Wilde’s original masterpiece you will most likely be disappointed. When Dorian reappears in London, the First World War has broken out, (A Portrait of Dorian Gray was published in 1890) and a character that does not appear in the book (Emily Wotton played by Rebecca Hall), daughter of Henry Wotton becomes a love interest for Gray. This

Cat Hughes previews the latest releases

tale has been Hollywood-ised and they’ve added more blood, gore and special effects, which in my opinion, takes away from the credibility and potential of the film. But not all is lost; the saving grace of this film is the acting. Ben Barnes’ portrayal of the spoilt, pleasure-seeking Gray was fantastic. He took the character from naïve to disturbingly immoral with subtlety and reality. However, it might be fair to say he was somewhat overshadowed by Colin Firth’s outstanding portrayal of Wotton – he had the larger than life character perfected.

2/5 Out 9 September

dvdreview

Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) in Dorian Gray

Doll House

Doll House is Joss Whedon’s latest Sci-fi creation. Eliza Dushku (Faith in Buffy The Vampire Slayer) plays Echo, part of a group of ‘actives’ or ‘dolls’, whose personalities have been erased so they can take on new personas. Echo takes on a different persona every episode, and as the series goes on Echo become increasingly self aware. The series had mixed reviews after it aired, which is most likely due to the fact that it is slow to begin with; viewers do have to stick with it, but in the end it is worth it. What lets the show down is the formulaic structure; Echo becomes

a different personality, trouble ensues, and someone saves the day. As Echo is just a blank canvas, it’s difficult to feel for her and it can sometimes seem that the viewer doesn’t have a hero to root for. But it’s the much talked about 13th episode, that never aired in either the UK nor the US, that makes the DVD worthwhile. 3/5 released on DVD on 7 September

Also on this month Citizen Games is set somewhere in the future and focuses on a multi-player game in which humans control other humans (4 Sept). Fish Tank is the second film by Andrea Arnold; a troubled Essex teenager’s life is turned upside town when her mother brings home a new boyfriend (11 Sept). Starring Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia is a biopic of TV chef Julia Child, who brought French cuisine to 1970s America (11 Sept). Away We Go, directed by Sam Mendes, is a comedy about a couple who are searching for a place to have their first child; on the way they find the meaning of ‘love’ and ‘home’ (18 Sept). Fame, a remake of the popular musical, follows a group of students through their time at the New York School of Performing Arts (25 Sept).

A CAPTURED MOMENT

Peter Symonds’ work captures the majesty and beauty of raw nature in a single moment

s the summer holidays draw to a close, we all sense the whirlwind of modern life enveloping us, increasing stress to unwanted levels; but I have the perfect antidote. It comes not in the shape of pills or potions but in a far more desirable form – oil paintings. Not just any paintings. What I am prescribing are beautiful works of art by one of our top English landscape artists, Peter Symonds, and I can almost guarantee that as you stand in front of any one of them, they will work their magic and the stress will instantly begin to drain away from you. Their magical qualities stem from Peter’s ability to reproduce the beauty of nature in such detail that, as viewers, we don’t just look at the scenes he has painted, we experience them with all our senses and in moments we are mentally and emotionally transposed from our hectic lives to places of tranquility.

Those places may be British or foreign, for Peter travels all over the UK and the world to gain inspiration for his work. He has been a professional artist for over twenty years but finding just the right view to commit to canvas is almost a science for Peter, who admits to being a perfectionist. That is anything but a fault, for the results of his painstaking endeavours are portraits of nature at its stunning best. As a result, Peter has a group of collectors who go to extreme lengths to get their hands on his paintings. For example, his exhibition last year in a Lake District gallery which did not permit initial sales online resulted in a Kent couple taking overnight accommodation in a nearby hotel to ensure they would be first in the opening day queue. Another buyer from Gloucestershire drove through the night then slept in his car outside the same gallery to guarantee a successful purchase. Needless-to-say, the exhibition was

artscene

Clockwise from far left: Blaven, Isle of Skye Oman The North Downs Way Ebb Tide, Newton Creek Shere in Winter, Surrey

a complete sell-out…a sell-out, that is, of 45 paintings in the depths of Britain’s recession. Fortunately, you won’t have to travel far to get your hands on Peter’s latest body of work, because the Mayfair gallery, W.H. Patterson Limited, will be exhibiting his paintings this month; indeed, they are the only source of his work in the whole of London. There will be scenes from the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, Wales and Oman, all of which he has not just travelled to for inspiration but trekked across and, in most cases, camped in. In doing so, Peter has felt able to fully engage with his subject through his personal, direct experience of their variously rugged, softly undulating, arid, damp, tranquil or majestic characters. Once he has found his preferred view, Peter makes extensive sketches and notes, recording details such as the activity of clouds, atmosphere, reflections, shadows

and the subtleties of rock formations. Back in his home studio, he likes to pour all these visual and emotional responses to a landscape onto canvas a premier coup (at first attempt) and Peter’s success at achieving this is particularly clear in Ebb Tide, Newton Creek where the tranquil, muddy conditions of low tide are palpable. He has always loved, “simply messing about in boats”, as Kenneth Grahame famously wrote, and this painting reflects the delight he gained from finding and painting this scene. By way of contrast, Peter presents us with a majestic, rugged view in Beinn Eighe and the Triple Buttress. Despite the painting’s modest size (20” x 30”), we calculate the full might of this distinctive, awesome landscape through the tiniest outline of a bird flying over the water. The dramatic use of light and shade – note those massive, creeping shadows – define hot and cold elements with great skill.

Peter’s off-road exploits in the MiddleEast resulted in another rugged landscape painting, Oman, but this one combines the life-threatening elements of a desert with refreshing water. On the one hand it is arid, uncultivated and with a heat haze that makes the background mountains indistinct but the water looks so cool and inviting, we feel the urge to dip our toes in it. Back in his home surroundings of Surrey, Peter has created several excellent snow scenes. A typical example is Shere inWinter, Surrey, in which a lone walker trudges through deep, fresh, undulating snow towards the centre of the village of Shere, defined by its sunlit church spire. Elsewhere, heavy shade creates a fittingly chilly atmosphere and the finely detailed, brittle, bare branches of plants and trees combine to evoke a quintessentially English view of the countryside in winter. These pictures and the many others in the exhibition reveal Peter Symonds’ skill at realistically capturing the character and atmosphere of a scene as well as a view. It is a rare talent which makes his work both magical and highly sought after. n Peter Symonds 9 September - 2 October W.H. PATTERSON Limited 19 Albemarle Street London W1S 4BB 020 7629 4119 www.whpatterson.com

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EGREE

Annette Habel: Falling Bodies, 2009

COURSE SUCCESS Kelly Green looks at the success stories of media-based degree courses and the wealth of academic opportunity available in the capital

or most people, deciding which career to pursue is a difficult task. Many of us spend years trying to figure out what it is that we want to spend our working days doing, and even longer working out how we are going to do it, often getting swept up in an entirely different profession in the meantime. Sometimes, when making this decision, people completely overlook the things they are truly passionate about, choosing maybe a simpler, safer or more conventional career path. However, there are a number of successful individuals who are managing

to make a living out of their real interests, becoming professional photographers and artists, selling and exhibiting their work and winning widespread acclaim. Artist and Photographer Annette Habel is a shining example of one such individual who has turned her passion for art into a professional skill (though she finds it problematic to describe the role of an artist as a profession – “Opinions on this seem pretty divided, I would describe an artists’ role more as a mission”). Having recently graduated with a First Class honours degree in Fine Art, auctioning her work at the

highly prestigious Christie’s and winning an award for her degree show, her story is one of glowing success; but Annette acknowledges that making a living from art can take time, and often requires professional training. “Though it’s easy to point a camera at something, it’s much harder to understand what makes an image ‘good’, let alone produce one”, says Annette. “It’s a process with no formula, or rather; following a formula will only generate formulaic work – not that interesting.” It is taking the plunge and undertaking professional training that can seem daunting to some people, and doing so certainly

requires guts and hard work. With a degree in Dance with Writing and Publishing already under her belt, Annette chose to leave behind the relative security of a position in publishing to pursue a passion for art that stemmed from her early childhood in Germany. “As a kid growing up in rural Germany I caught only a few glimpses of art – my parents would sometimes takes us to the theatre, or to Berlin for the exhibitions, or sometimes the Circus came to town – I remember them as electrifying, hyper-real moments” she reminisces. “I was an introverted child and would spend days locked away drawing and inventing stories.”

culture

was, “humbling and exciting”, and exhibiting her work to widespread praise, Annette is visibly enjoying her new profession. “Exhibiting is wonderful and also nerveracking: after all that time in the studio the work is released into the world; some artists hate it, others love it, it’s part of the process. I have been involved in shows for a while, but the degree show was special – like a rite of passage”. And it’s no wonder that Annette’s work has had a big response. Her latest work is impressive and thought-provoking. Through her photographs, featuring unique depictions of objects and bodies in motion, she chose to explore a theme both of personal significance and wider relevance. “My recent body of work is about falling.The theme is connected with my past as a circus aerialist, so it’s autobiographical, but also encompasses more

universal notions – transition, evolution, mortality. “I invited my subjects – acrobats and ‘regular’ people – to fall in a specially constructed studio from heights of up to five metres, and then recorded the falls on large-format film. I also produced a book. The ‘falling’ idea evolved from a series of still-lives I made of objects being dropped and smashed in the home; I’ve now started working on a new set of ideas to do with performers risking their lives. I suppose my work starts with what I know, and my looking for relevance is where the development takes place.” n Annette studied Fine Art at London Metropolitan University. For more information on her work, visit www.annettehabel.com

Annette Habel, 2009

Now far away from rural Germany, Annette enrolled on a BA degree course in Fine Art at the Sir John Cass Department at London Metropolitan University, with the intention of following her childhood dream and becoming a painter. But once able to fully explore her love for art in a range of disciplines, with the guidance of expert tutors and a range of interdisciplinary modules to choose from, Annette’s focus moved away from painting and she specialised, instead, in photography and filmmaking. “Lens-based media suit my way of thinking. Photography and film deal with narrative and duration, though in fundamentally different ways,” she explains. During her degree course, Annette was faced with a mixture of idea development and hands-on work. “Most art degrees teach an exploratory way of working. As regards to film, it falls under ‘time-based media’ which is a vast subject. It was a case of finding

the media suited to a particular idea or approach. Some parts of my course were entirely dedicated to critical practice. Photography was quite technical, we worked our way from ‘black & white’ to colour photography, from 35mm to large-format.We had to earn our wings in the darkroom before being let loose on digital.” But pursuing her love of art was not without its challenges. “Letting go of a result-oriented way of working and allowing things to develop; that was a fundamental change,” Annette tells me. “And money! I was not entitled to any student finance so worked my way through the course.Then I wanted to have the option to do an MA later on, so had to come out with a First. I also went through some fundamental changes in my personal life. Altogether it was like living in a pressure cooker, with hindsight, it probably drove me to immerse myself more deeply”. If living in a pressure cooker is what it takes to make expressive and inspiring art work, then it certainly paid off for Annette, especially when she won an award for her spectacular degree show and got the First she deserved. Now having her work auctioned at Christie’s, which she tells me

Falling Bodies (4): Jack

Falling Bodies (30): Maria

Falling Bodies (36): Anna

Feeling inspired? Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design offers a range of art and design courses, including degrees in Fine Art, Fashion and Textile Design, and evening and weekend courses in Photography, Jewellery Making and Painting. If you’re looking to turn your creative flair into a way of making money, they also offer courses such as ‘Building a Jewellery business’ or if you’re stuck for inspiration why not take up ‘Ideas for Artists’. Or to help expand your professional portfolio ready for interviews, enrol on ‘Photography Portfolio’. Chelsea College of Art & Design offers a variety of short courses such as ‘Basic Sewing Skills’ and ‘Introduction to Pattern Cutting’, as well as a wide range of degrees. They also offer a ‘Graduate Diploma in Interior Design’ for graduates with backgrounds in other subjects to study interior design. The KLC School of Design offers Professional Diplomas and Certificates in Interior Design, Interior Decoration and Garden Design.

Master impressionist Josh Sims investigates the growing trend for masterpiece reproductions, and asks, can you ever really tell the difference?

Distracting The Baby -original by Emile Munier

ue Eades-Willis is an unlikely criminal mastermind. Visit her studios, however, and they are stacked with stunning, priceless art works by Picasso and Caravaggio, Degas and Renoir. She must be on Interpol’s most wanted list. Or she would be, were any of the paintings genuine. Her studio of in-house painters and expert art restorers are very handy with brushes and paint. Her company, Ruby Cavalier, is one of a growing number specialising in producing legitimate reproductions (which is to say unsigned and, to avoid copyright issues, by artists now dead for at least 70 years) of famous art works. Not screen-prints or laser copies, but actual oils on canvas, “as close to the original as you can get, using the same materials, techniques and brushstroke,” says Mike Mitchell, marketing director for art

Spaniel - by Rosseau

repro service 1st Art. “These reproductions are produced by very good artists in their own right but those who, crucially, are able to put away their egos and leave their own artistic input out of the work. And they each specialise in a style or painter - we have one artist who just does the Mona Lisa.” One wonders whether he still finds that smile quite so enigmatic. After all, the process behind creating a reproduction takes (depending on the complexity of the original painting), anywhere up to eight weeks full-time and results in a work of art that, to all but the most highly-trained eye, is indistinguishable from the original. All that may give the game away would be the small likelihood of the buyer actually owning a priceless masterpiece or perhaps the size of the painting: philistine though it may be, buyers are not above having their famous

artwork resized to suit their decor. “Though we draw the line at anything that distorts the ratios of the original image,” says Eades-Willis. “Some people do say, ‘can’t you just cut a bit off?’ But that is to disrespect the original art.” For those who love a particular painting, a repro is probably as close as one can get to owning it without being fantastically well-off; and in most cases, even that won’t buy what is invariably not for sale – many of the most famous or seminal works of art are owned by the state or by public museums that very rarely sell them, and usually only then to other museums rather than into private hands. “Buyers tend to be that passionate about a painting but, like most people, don’t realise that an oil reproduction is possible,” says Paul Williams, owner of repro company, the Impressionist Art Gallery. “I have several at home, mostly

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impressionist masterpiece?

The Duchess of Devonshire- original by Romney

Monets, but some Renoirs and a Degas.You can see the disbelief on people’s faces. The first question they ask is ‘are these real?’” But making an impression with your impressionists is not the only reason why a copy may be desired. Fashion can spark interest; Mitchell notes how a major exhibition or world-record auction often prompts high demand for a particular painting, while the Vermeer biopic Girl With a Pearl Ear-ring led to countless orders for the work of the same name. Period houses like them to add to the atmosphere, while Paris and NewYork-based copyists Troubetzkoy Reproductions scored a good deal when commissioned to provide over 200 masterpieces for the remake of The Thomas Crowne Affair, which became necessary when the director’s request to film inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art were turned down.

Teatime - original by Tissot.

More seriously, global companies such as J P Morgan and Deutsche Bank (the latter of which has, with 50,000 works, the world’s largest corporate art collection) often commission reproductions for insurance purposes; known to own prestigious art pieces but unable, for security reasons, to display them in the headquarters lobby, a copy is a suitable stand-in. Private individuals may do the same. “They have these wonderful paintings in a vault and, ironically, can’t afford the risk to hang them,” says Eades-Willis. In other words, you may be looking at a copy more often that you realise. Arguably the spread of such quality art copyists raises fundamental questions about the value of reproductions. If it is acceptable for music, literature, lines from a play or images on a movie screen to be endlessly reproduced

without diminishing the quality or substance of their content, why is it culturally unacceptable for a museum to hang such precise copies of masterpieces for many more people to then enjoy? The insistence on original specimens not only limits the public’s exposure to art (seeing a great work as a print or on a PC is not the same experience) but means many museums, unable to afford the original, are left full of second-rate or provincial work. “It’s tragic that art has become so expensive. Art should be appreciated as widely as possible,” says Eades-Willis. “The problem is that there is, now more than ever, an element of snobbery in the art world – ‘I’ve got it and you can’t have it’. But that’s wrong. Everybody has a right of access to great art. Reproductions are one way to make that happen.” n

competition

win

FASHION & MUSIC UNITE FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISER

WIN TICKETS TO A STAR-STUDDED CHARITY EVENT!

ashion designers and entertainers are joining forces to raise much-needed funds for children in Zimbabwe, at the inaugural Ndoro Children’s Charities charity gala evening at The Dorchester on 17 September. The gala night combines music and fashion and highlights including music from Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Nate Evans from The Temptations, Mutya Buena and The London Community Gospel Choir. Twenty British and leading designers also join together for a catwalk show and highprofile auction. Fashion leaders such as Nicole Farhi, Maria Grachvogel and Mark Jacobs are participating as well as rising stars from the British fashion industry including Charlotte Olympia, Olivia Rubin, Mac-Millan and Bordelle. The night will be hosted by a raft of talent to include TV presenters Ann Salter, Martin Roberts and Leah Charles.

Ndoro Children’s Charities was formed to help children in deprived developing countries with an initial focus on Zimbabwe. The aim of the night is to raise £100,000 which will go towards building a new orphanage home, school and clinic in Zviyambe, 80 miles from Harare. The charity has already raised enough money to open two homes in Harare for sixteen street children to live and attend local schools. Ndoro Children’s Charities was set up by Roseline Ndoro, who visited her home country Zimbabwe in 2005 after having been away for 10 years. She was shocked by what she saw and became quickly aware of the plight of the people, especially children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, TB and cancer.The charity which was officially launched in 2008 and Roseline has recently been joined her by son, Ronald Ndoro, who gave up his training as a lawyer to head up the charity. n www.ndorocc.org.uk

WIN TICKETS! We’re giving two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets each, to this star-studded charity gala event at The Dorchester Hotel. Tickets retail at £200 per head, and comprise a drinks reception and four-course meal, followed by the fashion show and musical entertainment. To be in with a chance of winning, email your name and telephone number to charitygala@runwildgroup.co.uk Michelle Williams, performing at Ndoro Children’s Chairties event on 17 September

Entries must be made by 13 September 2009 and the Editor’s decision is final.

To buy tickets www.ndorocc.org.uk

The newly launched Lovage Indian Restaurant & Bar is a stone’s throw from Shad Thames and the picturesque views of Tower Bridge, Lovage Indian Restaurant exudes the kind of upmarket ambience that is unparalleled in the Square Mile. Lovage is a contemporary Indian restaurant and bar that offers wonderful cocktails and cooking, combining many of your favourites from the Indian repertoire, along with modern and subtly spiced dishes. Whether you are looking for a relaxing meal, a family night out, a romantic dinner for two, a business meeting, or even a party gathering to celebrate those special occasions such as birthdays and other celebrations, we are here to cater for your needs.

SE1’S BEST KEPT SECRET

13 – 15 The Circle Queen Elizabeth Street London SE1 2JE 020 7403 8886

WWW.LOVAGERESTAURANT.COM INFO@LOVAGERESTAURANT.COM

Red Red W

Wine Josh Sims talks to Claus Riedel to find out more about his revolutionary wine glass designs

hen Claus Riedel offered his new kind of wine glass to the market, it was more out of self-belief than because he knew there was a demand for it. For one, its design was, for 1958, simplistic to the point of basic, at a time when the fashion for wine glasses was dictating ornate, heavy cut glass and crystal. Secondly, the Austrian glassmaker was facing a market then dominated by French and British companies who, as Georg Riedel puts it, “were making glasses more for the consumer who was keen to have his income displayed on the table”. On top of this, wine had yet to become a common beverage outside of Mediterranean countries – a situation that remained the case until wine prices dropped, wine quality improved, New World wines came onto the market, and an education in wine became a marker of membership to the middle-classes, all in the early-1990s. So far, so risky then. But more striking was the seemingly fantastical claim that Claus Riedel was making for his glasses;

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that drinking from them would improve the taste of the wine. “The design gave a more intense aroma, brought about a change of flavour patterns,” explains Georg Riedel (Claus’ son and now the company’s chief executive). In recent years, he has seen the glass design become part of the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art and more progressive restaurants adopt the model. “But let’s say it was, at first, a very hard sell,” he says. “Still, visionaries have a stubborn belief that their time will come.” Small wonder that the company did not make any money on the glasses initially – but his father insisted that they remained part of the company’s collection regardless. He waited some 30 years for change. The design philosophy of the glasses is deceptively simple but requires great precision. The model is about enhancing a wine’s aroma, with smell and taste intimately and intricately linked to create flavour. A certain shape and thickness of glass delivers the wine to a certain part of the palate

where its constituents are best appreciated; the more narrow the rim diameter of a glass, for example, the more the head has to be rolled backwards to get the glass’s contents into your mouth and the more the wine is likely to be delivered to the centre or back palate (sensitive to bitter tastes) where it may not be best appreciated; a more open wine glass, in contrast, sends the wine to the front palate (sensitive to sweet). There is also a tactile, perceptive element; more standard wine glass shapes flood the palate with the tannins in the wine, washing away saliva and with it an appreciation of the wine’s textural qualities; while, with the right shape the tannins are better integrated into each sip. Look though wine glass history and the egg-shape bowl that characterises Riedel’s glasses is conspicuous by its absence. “It’s one of the most natural shapes in nature – decapitate the egg and you have the fundamental shape of the Riedel glass,” says Riedel, who has also recently experimented with radical shapes for decanters. “Glassmakers had always had aesthetics [rather than flavour] in mind so they appeared, as it were, like flowers on the table. We have designed the shape to follow the best aroma.” Indeed, technically the same product design approach could be applied to design, not only a glass specific to a grape variety, or to enhance the flavour delivery for different oakages of spirits (all of which Reidel has done), but even to a cup to improve the flavour of a specific leaf of tea or type of coffee bean. “The best glass for Pinot Noir is, for example, the worst glass for Cabernet Sauvignon and that’s just down to shape,” says Riedel. “You could, for example, create a glass that would make people say, ‘Wow, I’ve never tasted Coca-Cola this way’.”

Certainly Riedel’s most convincing pitch is something akin to the Pepsi Challenge: try the same wine from a standard and from the right Riedel glass and the difference is said to be striking. Compare a cognac from a standard, open globe of a cognac glass with Riedel’s small, compact option, which better contains the slowly evaporating contents, and that is the case too. Are people still sceptical of the idea? “Absolutely, although you can predict with 100 per cent accuracy how the glass will affect the taste of the wine when it hits your palate,” says Riedel. “And it is still a hard sell today. Look at most restaurants and they tend to opt for the less expensive glasses that do nothing for their customers’ enjoyment of expensive bottles of wine.” Perhaps the strongest proof that there is something in Riedel’s designs is the fact that, in recent years, they have become widely copied – a glass shape unfortunately not being copyrightable. That has left the €140m+ brand investing heavily in marketing. This is both because it faces the same challenges of convincing the sceptics with each new market it opens, and because the wine glass market is generally becoming increasingly brand-conscious, albeit leaving the at home market still yet to trade up to glasses that are up to £80 each. But anyone serious about wine will want the right equipment to enjoy it. “There has long been this assumption that the shape of a wine glass doesn’t make any difference to the experience of the wine. But that’s changing,” says Reidel. “Until today there was really a very small number of aficionados who understood that it could. But, as more and more people enjoy fine wines and spirits, that appreciation is growing.” n

LONDON’S BEST

CHRISTMAS VENUES Kelly Green investigates the top venues in London to hold your xmas party this year to ensure it goes with a bang!

HMS Belfast

Enjoy a traditional naval Christmas onboard HMS Belfast; a unique venue, with its history, big guns and the title of last remaining example of the great fleets of armoured warships of World War II. Enjoy tea dances, jitterbugging and festive frolics onboard, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights each side of the Thames. With spicy mulled wine, ice cold beer and Naval rum punch flowing, you might even start to know your port from your starboard by the end of the night! Call or email now, and find out how you can celebrate onboard this Christmas 020 7403 6246 email: hms.belfast@sodexo.com

Dockmasters Celebrate Christmas in this unique listed Georgian building, offering stunning dining rooms, sophisticated bars and private rooms. Enjoy the highest standards of Indian cuisine in Canary Wharf from a range of menus created by executive chef Navin Bhatia. VENUE CAPACITY:

First Floor: 80 seated, 150 standing. Cellar Bar: 300 capacity. Full Venue: 800 standing Private Dining Room: 60 seated, 75 standing, Cube: 20 seated, 30 standing, Lounge: 45 standing SPECIAL OFFER:

Bookings of 20+ guests made before 1st October, will receive either: - a complimentary magnum of Henriot Champagne - £100 voucher valid in restaurant and bar Mishalle Deepchand Events & Marketing Manager 020 7345 0345 mishalle@dockmastershouse.com 1 Hertsmere Road london E14 8JJ www.dockmastershouse.com

Comedy Club

‘The most hilarious shows in town at this superb, long established and very friendly venue’.‘Time Out’ The Comedy Cafe is one of London’s longest standing Comedy Clubs, regularly playing host to the hottest talent. Situated in the heart of fashionable Shoreditch, on the doorstep of the city with Liverpool street just around the corner, the venue includes the Bedroom Bar, a boutique bar and event space above the Comedy Café, which can accommodate up to 150 for receptions, perfect for hosting parties or launches. VENUE CAPACITY:

Seated 10-180; bespoke packages including stand up comedians, 3 course dinners , D.J’s and dancing, late bar till 2.00 am can be arranged. Booking for Christmas now, with prices from 34.50 per person. For more information and to book call 0207 739 5706, email sales@comedycafe.co.uk or vist www.comedycafe.co.uk

citylifepromotion MATTER

There’s no venue quite like matter: a brilliant architectural conception; a ‘structural machine’ that generates and orchestrates ethereal plays of light and sound into waves of pure entertainment, a location and host building that are the focus of the future…. Matter is controlled with skill and enthusiasm by a team of expert operators who provide the best possible service and deliver the most acutely enjoyable spectacle & environment – all within an impressively vast space with a standing capacity of up to 2,600 people. Room One is Matter’s most dramatic space, with a vast bodykinetic dancefloor and triple height void framed by curved balconies on each of the two upper floors, and a “Sky Bridge” slicing across the top – as well as a large stage, DJ & lighting booth – and an immersive VJ system of projections throughout. The more intimate second room features bespoke illuminated wall panels and an island bar, whilst the top balcony can also double as a self-contained VIP area. VENUE CAPACITY:

Standing Capacity up to 2,600 people Celine Khor Head of Events matter: The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DY office: Level 2, Greenhill house, 90-93 Cowcross street, London EC1M 6BF Celine.khor@matterlondon.com www.matterlondon.com 020 7549 4844 020 7253 3932

Chef Colin Brown

Chef Collin Brown’s Restaurant uses nothing but the best ingredients for inspired dishes that go above and beyond what has been seen in any London restaurant previously. Relax in Chef Collin Brown’s luxurious surroundings, enjoy the warm and friendly service and be mesmerised by the fine dining. Chef Collin Brown’s Restaurant combines unparalleled food within a truly stunning atmosphere for an unforgettable experience. The restaurant also provides free parking for all its guests and one of the finest home delivery services in Canary Wharf. VENUE CAPACITY:

Parties for 60+ guests. Reserve a table now: Chef Collin Brown 2 Yabsley Street E14 9RG 02075 158 177 www.chefcollinbrown.com

lifestyle

CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANNING Josephine O’Donoghue talks to Mandy Alberry of Sonning Flowers about festive arrangements, as companies start planning for Christmas parties and special corporate events

s summer ends and the leaves start to change colour, it’s time to start planning for Christmas corporate events. It may seem early, but according to leading florist Sonning Flowers, clients need to order arrangements in plenty of time, just as you would for a wedding. “Most hotels and companies start ordering Christmas arrangements in August or September,” explains Mandy. “Particularly for larger events, such as balls and formal sit-down dinners.” It’s hugely important for companies to put extra effort into the overall look of their corporate events, and even more so at Christmas. “Floral arrangements contribute to the overall experience for employees and company clients,” says Mandy. “These events often serve as a kind of ‘thank-you’ for the hard work put in over the year and it’s important that you show extra effort when expressing that gratitude.” Of course, it’s important to consider subtlety and prudence when hosting elaborate events in the midst of an economic recession, but Mandy recognises there is still an important role to be played as the host of a successful corporate event. “The way that you dress a room for a cocktail party or Christmas ball is a direct reflection of the distinction of the host company,” she reveals. “No room looks complete without floral arrangements, and no sit-down dinner would be dressed without floral table centres. If you are part of a successful, high-quality company, then your corporate events should be of that same highquality. Having beautiful venue decoration is part of the package.”

Mandy is also quick to establish that traditional Christmas dinners and festive parties don’t necessarily equate to holly branches and sprayed pine cones – Sonning Flowers can create a wide range of unusual yet beautiful arrangements, perfect for a chic and stylish Christmas celebration. “Amaryllis is one of our most popular choices – a seasonal flower, we usually use red or cream in Christmas arrangements but they are actually available in a wide variety of colours. We can be very flexible with colour schemes and design” says Mandy. “The Amaryllis can be combined with roses and pussy willow for a really stunning arrangement”. According to Mandy, those planning a party in a grand room with high ceilings should select tall arrangements in glass vases or giant martini glasses for that extra wow-factor. Or, if candlelight is used, low arrangements in rich colours would best suit the overall atmosphere of the event. Trends change of course; last year saw a bright electric blue rise in popularity and this year Mandy predicts white and silver will be a winning combination for an icy Christmas style. Whatever your requirement for corporate events, the team at Sonning Flowers is renowned for their beautiful arrangements, unusual designs and unfailing elegance. Whether you’re looking for a couple of pedestals with deep red roses and trailing ivy, or two dozen modern masterpieces in white and silver, Sonning Flowers are truly talented industry experts who will not disappoint. n For more information, visit www.sonningflowers.com

Restaurant listings

American

Italian

Dollar Grills and Martinis 2 Exmouth Market Farringdon, EC1R 4PX 020 7278 0077

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

Hawksmoor 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ 020 7247 7392

British Canteen 2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW 08456 861 122 Beach Blanket Babylon 19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7749 3540

French Coq D’Argent No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ 020 7395 5000

Lena 66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3JT 020 7739 5714 Volupté 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Japanese

listings

Balls Brothers 5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 8AE 020 7600 2720 The Big Chill Bar Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, E1 6QL 020 7392 9180 Bonds 5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AY 020 7657 8088 Cellar Gascon 59 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS 020 7796 0600

Saki 4 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JX 020 7489 7033

Cicada 132-136 St John Street, EC1V 4JT 020 7608 1550

Mexican

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

Green & Red 51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7749 9670

Middle Eastern

Les Trois Garcons 1 Club Row, E1 6JX 020 7613 1924

Kenza 10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP 020 7929 5533

Sauterelle Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2483

Modern European

Gastropub

Bar

One Lombard Street 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA 020 7929 6611

Duke of Cambridge 30 St Peter’s Street, N1 8JT 020 7359 3066

Rhodes Twenty Four Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7703

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

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

Greek

Spanish

Mezedopolio 14 Hoxton Market, N1 6HG 020 7739 8212

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

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 5AA 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar 5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 7BA 020 7623 2355 Light Bar 233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ 020 7247 8989 Match EC1 45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RS 020 7250 4002 Ortega 27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7623 1818 Vertigo 42 Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7842 The Worship Triton Court 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1BR 020 7330 0920

S P O T C O L O U R PA N T O N E 2 6 2 3

every tuesday

CMYK VERSION 2623

LONDON’S BEST

CORPORATE VENUES Find out the top corporate venues across the capital, for every event from client cocktails to annual conferences

BMA House

Located in fashionable Bloomsbury, the stunning Grade II listed house BMA House offers a new and unique venue in grounds which were once home to Charles Dickens.The Dickensian themed Christmas Party package includes a drinks reception, Dickensian themed entertainment, award winning catering and traditionally themed tables. Packages offer excellent value for money starting as low as £44.95 per person plus VAT. Host your event in The Great Hall – the jewel in the BMA’s crown; the Sir James Paget Room with traditional French polished woodwork or the Prince’s Room – a beautiful state room with gold leaf painting on the walls. VENUE CAPACITY:

Seated: 40 to 200 guests Standing: 320 BMA House Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP 020 7874 7020 events@bma.org.uk www.bmahouse.org.uk

East Wintergarden East Wintergarden is a stunning events venue in the heart of Canary Wharf. The spectacular glass covered atrium is a unique event space boasting a light and elegant atmosphere – perfect for hosting exhibitions, cocktail parties, launches, receptions, fashion shows, dinners and press events. East Wintergarden features a 27 metre high arched glass roof structure, 682 sq metres of uninterrupted Italian marbl e floor, and steamed beech wooden wall panelling. The venue includes the Gallery, suspended above the main floor, which can accommodate up to 250 for receptions, and the Promenade Room, which is a multimedia, theatre style meeting room, large enough for 40 people. Whether your event is for 50 or 1,000, East Wintergarden provides the solution with flair, expertise and imagination. For more information call 020 7418 2725/ 2782, fax 020 7512 9117, email eastwintergarden@canarywharf.com or visit www.eastwintergarden.com

citylifepromotion Mews of Mayfair

1 Lombard Street A City favourite since its opening in 1998, this Grade II listed former banking hall is one of London’s most stunning event settings. Located opposite the Bank of England, with its bar featuring the famous domed glass ceiling designed by Pietro Agostini, it is home to a lively brasserie, bar and fine dining restaurant,and is a popular venue for formal dinners, launches and parties, and exclusive hire. Boasting the talents of acclaimed chef patron Herbert Berger, 1 Lombard Street is known for its exquisite cuisine and exciting menus, and also offers an extensive range of event planning services. VENUE CAPACITY:

Seated dinners of up to 200 Canapé receptions 450, with more intimate functions hosted in the luxurious Red Room. Events Manager, Elena Leva 020 7929 9511 / events@1lombardstreet.com.

The Attic at Pan Peninsula

The perfect location for a showstopping and ultra glamorous event, this luxurious cocktail and champagne bar is the epitome of style and sophistication. Set in the heart of London’s docklands, unique 360 degree panoramic views over the capital, it makes for a truly out of this world entertaining space. VENUE CAPACITY:

80 people, tailored packages for any type of event can be created. Subject to a minimum spend of £3,000, hire of The Attic is free of charge, Sunday to Thursday For an appointment on either a Friday or Saturday night, please call 020 8305 3091.

Located at the end of a historic cobbled courtyard, this boutique restaurant, bar and private dining room is spread over four stylishly decorated floors, perfect for hosting dinner parties, canapé receptions and press conferences, with late night dancing in a glamorous basement lounge. Located on the top floor, the stunning Chefs Dining Room, offering a prime view of the kitchen, is the ideal space for a corporate dinner or canapé reception. The luxurious ambience of the first floor restaurant can suit any clientele, whilst enjoying the kitchen’s modern dishes, created from fresh, seasonal produce. VENUE CAPACITY:

Restaurant: 40 to 70 people exclusive use Cocktail Bar: 150 guests. Chefs Dining Room: 28 Christmas menus starting from £65.00 per person. Events Manager, Helena Karlsson 020 7518 9395 events@mewsofmayfair.com

Each element of the experience is given the highest level of care and attention to detail. We constantly improve our standards and processes, and we continuously invest to maintain our position as one of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading venues. matter is already established as a world-class venue, capable of staging the most stunning shows ever seen. One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best sound systems and one of the most advanced visual systems are combined in a breathtaking purpose-built environment. Service is led by a team recruited directly from 5-star hospitality management.

The infrastructure for hosting a wide variety of events is already built into the fabric of the building, including live broadcast facilities. This leads to unparalleled ease of planning, set-up / take-down and top-flight catering.

The result is great execution, every night. Contact: Celine Khor - Head of Events tel: 020 7549 4844 email: Celine.khor@matterlondon.com

business&finance

101

Raj Persaud Consultant Psychiatrist

HOW PASSIONATE ARE YOU?

sychologists Eric Donahue, Blanka Rip and Robert Vallerand from the University of Que´bec in Montreal have just published fascinating research in the prestigious academic journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, which scientifically probes the fascinating question of whether you can suffer from too much passion? Vallerand and his team are pioneers in an important approach to the study of passion. The first key point they make is that there is a world of difference between merely liking something and getting passionate about it.You may take pleasure in following a football team, but if you are truly passionate about ‘the beautiful game’, the activity becomes incorporated as a core aspect of your identity.You declare you are a football fan (short for fanatic) rather than simply someone who enjoys the game. When your sense of identity becomes enmeshed with your passion then, for example, you get defensive if football is attacked in some way because the attack becomes an assault on you as well.

Obsession So far so good, but Vallerand and colleagues go on to provocatively contend there are in fact two distinct kinds of passion – one positive and the other negative. This is an important idea because for the first time it is being suggested that the key to success in life is not just zeal, but a particular kind of enthusiasm. They define the negative passion as ‘obsessive passion’ and believe the obsessively passionate are suffering from a problem – their basic personal identity is too closely and unhealthily tied up with their infatuation. If it’s a certain football team you are passionate about, for instance, you believe your world will fall apart should your team lose, or you not be able to watch them play.You are literally controlled by your enthusiasm rather than the other way round. And, because the interest ends up occupying disproportionate space in your identity, this inevitably leads to conflict with others and additional parts of your life – because your

existence narrows to the relentless pursuit of just the obsession.You will lose relationships and experience economic hardship, in order to service your craze. Vallerand and his colleagues suggest that feelings of guilt will also accompany this negative obsession, usually because your pursuit of it means you are failing to fulfil family and work obligations.You might also experience withdrawal symptoms, even pining for your infatuation.

Harmony The more positive form of passion which Vallerand and colleagues discuss is known as ‘Harmonious Passion’. They invoke the concept of harmony because of the idea that your infatuation is more harmoniously integrated into the rest of your life, and you fulfil other roles and obligations separate to your passion. Paradoxically because you are taking part in the interest freely, you are then able to engage in it more fully, and as a result become more positively absorbed by the passion. If you have a Harmonious Passion for cycling, for example, you will not continue to prepare for the next race by cycling on icy roads that have become dangerous due to a cold snap. The Obsessively Passionate, on the other hand, appear unable to help themselves in the face of these kinds of ill-advised risks. Understanding passion appears key to grasping how excellence and elite performance are achieved. One famous study of musicians found that by age 20 the top-level violinists had practiced 2,500 hours more than the second-most accomplished group of expert violinists, and 5,000 hours more than the lowest level of experts. It is passion which sustains effort long after the repetitive, demanding and no longer theoretically enjoyable task has been given up by the less passionate. The link to elite performance goes further. Vallerand and colleagues’ study of basketball players found that those who suffered from Obsessive Passion were more likely to become aggressive during play and then

break the rules and get penalised. If your sense of identity becomes too closely tied up with your passion, and you are threatened by loss during a game, this leads to defensive retaliation. In contrast Vallerand and colleagues argue that the Harmoniously Passionate are more fundamentally driven to master the skills of their interest, rather than focusing on winning no matter what. Vallerand begins an older previous study on the subject of passion by citing the examples of Laurence Olivier, Rudolf Nureyev, B. B. King, and Luciano Pavarotti some of the greatest performers of all time in their respective fields of accomplishment. Can their considerable achievements only be comprehended as the outcome of natural talent? In fact Vallerand and colleagues contend that it is years of highly structured practice and very hard work which lies behind all these success stories. The question is what motivates this level of effort and Vallerand concludes passion has to be key. This explains why he opens one of his dry academic papers with the lyric from the 1980’s pop song and eponymous film Flashdance; all about climbing to the top against all odds (which could only have been made in the naked ambition power shoulder pad decade) ‘‘Take your passion and make it happen’’ n

DR RAJ PERSAUD IS A CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST WORKING IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AND THE NHS AND WAS VOTED ONE OF THE TOP TEN CLINICAL PSYCHIATRISTS IN THE UK BY A POLL OF CLINICIANS CONDUCTED BY THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY NEWSPAPER. HE IS EDITOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK ‘THE MIND: A USERS GUIDE’ PUBLISHED BY BANTAM PRESS

Meet

the new Dragons in town

With the hunt to find London’s ‘first model business woman’ well under way, Sarah Hamilton talks to the savvy duo behind The City’s Top Model Entrepreneur competition: Richard Farleigh of BBC’s Dragon’s Den fame, and entrepreneur, Chelsey Baker

he City’s Top Model Entrepreneur competition has been set to encourage entrepreneurial women to start their own business and to showcase the talent that London has to offer. More than 21,000 people have started a new business since December 2008 and businesses owned by women have doubled in the last ten years. The drive is now on to find applicants who possess business acumen, a flair for fashion and the innovation to become the UK’s next success story. We met up with the two leading entrepreneurs to find out their success stories and the concept behind the idea. Why did you launch this competition? Chelsey: I have worked in fashion since I was sixteen; however my focus and passion have always been on the business side of the industry. I felt it was time to launch a business competition that encompassed beauty, intelligence and entrepreneurship. How is this different from other competitions? Chelsey: The focus is more on female enterprise – helping young women realize their true potential in the fashion industry can be through business and commercial know how, rather than modelling. The competition focuses on pitching and

presenting a business idea, how to correctly dress for success and represent your own brand, encouraging intelligence, personality and drive to get ahead in the industry. Who can apply and what are the judges looking for? Chelsey: We’re on the look out for real women, not super models. Someone who could grace the pages of a fashion magazine, endorse an office product and at the same time be a great business woman. Richard: Those who have drive, determination and a flare for fashion can apply. I’ll be looking for my next investment opportunity of course! This is an incredible opportunity for female enterprise and I can’t wait to see what business ideas people will come up with. How did you both end up working together? Chelsey: I met Richard at the Business Start Up show. I’d already worked with numerous other well known entrepreneurs, but when I met Richard he stood out as having the charisma, patience and the business success I was looking for in a judge for The City’s Top Model Entrepreneur. How have you achieved success? Chelsey: By having immense self belief and unrelenting determination. I’ve always been self-employed as well. From day one I knew that I was more than capable of being my own boss. I have always made my dreams a reality and not been influenced by what others expected of me. Shift your perception to be successful in your mind and you’ll be successful in life’ Richard: Good luck, I guess! I am only half joking because I believe you have to grab the opportunities that come along – try different things, keep an open mind, and work hard. You’d be surprised how “lucky” you can then be. I’ve had careers in investment banking, finance and backing

businesses, and in each I’ve taken that same approach. I also have an inner belief that I can succeed. That helps me with motivation and also to deal with failures, which are inevitable. What advice would you give to women looking to succeed in business? Chelsey: Be determined, overcome fear, listen to yourself, be strong and trust your instincts. Know who to take advice from, but also know your competition. Richard: Use your strengths. Often women are more people oriented than men. And because, sadly, there are fewer women than men in the business world, women can stand out. Do you believe it’s harder for women to succeed in business than men? Chelsey: Absolutely not, that’s a complete myth – unless you buy into the concept that it is. If a woman believes that the world is against her, she’s starting out at a huge disadvantage. I always believed that I deserved my success and what you believe about yourself will massively influence the results you get – no matter what sex you are. Richard: There is no reason for that. Consequently we are seeing over time, an increasing number of successful women. How is beauty relevant in today’s society? Richard While looks shouldn’t matter too much, the modelling industry, for example, is huge. Bringing together looks and business is the meeting of two juggernauts! Richard, how do you think this competition compares to Dragons’ Den? It has many of the components of Dragons’ Den – competition, analysis and drama, for instance – but brings in the new elements of looks, fashion and style.

interview

103

Many women are realising that it’s not just the men who can have it all, women can also achieve anything and everything if they just put their mind to it.

Do you have any tips for dealing with Men in Business? Richard: - Many women are realising that it’s not just the men who can have it all, women can also achieve anything and everything if they just put their mind to it. Don’t feel threatened by the men in suits - be confident, position yourself correctly and you will be surprised at what you can achieve. In a post-feminist world aren’t beauty contests a little outdated? Chelsey: Firstly this is not simply a ‘beauty pageant’. We are looking for someone dynamic with beauty, creativity and brains. Beauty is often misunderstood; however it is a characteristic of a person. It is admired by all society and comes in many forms. Richard: We are not looking at just ‘Outer Beauty’, but beauty as a whole which is measured by a number of factors including personality, intelligence, elegance, grace, charm and integrity. This is something that should be admired not criticised. Are you suggesting that you need ‘model looks’ to be successful in business? Chelsey: Of course not, however confidence and presentation are important. We live in a society that places a very high value on aesthetics, so having ‘model looks’ is not necessary for success but being able to project the most attractive image of yourself is. Richard: We are trying to advance the world of fashion and business by breaking down social stereotypes that suggest you cannot be beautiful and intelligent. We are helping by providing young women with the knowledge they need to be a success in business. n www.citytopmodel.com

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business&finance

105

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

Feng Shui Your Way To Greater Wealth

eng Shui, which literally means ‘Wind & Water’, is the Chinese practice of geomancy. Some people call it spiritual ecology, but others, unkindly, say it is just a feeble excuse to buy another piece of furniture for the home. That said, followers of Feng Shui believe you can enhance your life and, in turn, your finances by improving the flow of energy or chi in your homes and workplace. It makes perfectly good sense if you think about it for a minute. If you throw together your possessions in a haphazard fashion, then you are not in complete control of the things that have a direct affect on you. Consequently, useful objects quickly become treacherous obstacles waiting to trip you up at the first opportunity. But how, you may ask, can hanging a mirror in the middle of a dining-room wall change your life? Additionally, can the positioning of a “money plant” in the “wealth and prosperity” area of your home and dangling a wind chime in a doorway really make you rich? Sadly, there is quite a lot of misunderstanding about Feng Shui. At the heart of Feng Shui is a belief that energy channels in your home should not be impeded. Consequently, you should try to de-clutter your home or work place regularly. Overgrown plants in the garden should also be trimmed neatly. Quite apart from helping to make your home a nicer place to live, it also makes things easier to find. Try to clear out your garage often and sell any unwanted items too. This not only allows chi to flow freely, but money will also run liberally into your bank account. Hoarding castoffs is a dreadful waste of money. Moreover, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much cash you can raise by selling unwanted junk. For instance, a games console sitting pathetically in the corner of your living room gathering dust is not going to boost your finances. But the £100 generated by selling it

could reduce any debt you have. Paying the £100 towards a 7-year £3,000 personal loan can cut the total amount repayable by £131. De-clutter other areas of your home also. Start with the ‘wealth’ areas, which are located in the left-hand corners of a room as you walk in the door. Get rid of those tiredlooking house plants and piles of paper that have been sitting there gathering dust. Once you are done then get to work on other corners of the room too. You should also rearrange furniture regularly. After all, it’s much more interesting to have something new to come home to. According to Feng Shui, changing the flow of energy can be a good thing to do every now and again. It is also a great excuse to get rid of cobwebs! When you’re done with de-cluttering your home, turn your attention to tidying up your finances. If you have a share portfolio, then systematically weed out poor and underperforming assets. Hanging onto shares that are doing badly makes about as much sense as clinging onto that games console that you no longer want. Admittedly you may crystalise a loss when you sell an investment. But being fixated on the price you pay for an investment is a common mistake that many private investors make. Instead, focus on what’s left and how best to use it. To some, Feng Shui may seem like a load of mumbo-jumbo. But remember, you should always be in control of the things that affect you directly. Still not persuaded? Well think about it this way: at the very least you’ll have a much nicer place to come home to, which can’t be a bad thing! What’s more, moving that old grandfather clock out of the bedroom could do wonders for your love life! To take control of your finances, visit The Motley Fool website at Fool.co.uk

Swine flu xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Clare I’m in HR and am concerned by reports that employers may face personal injury claims if they fail to protect staff from swine flu – is this correct?

Thanks, George

Dear George,

Whilst the media have suggested this, the risk of this claims is relatively small and can be reduced if appropriate measures are taken.Whilst an employer does have a duty of care towards its employees, the employee would need to show that they would not have contracted the virus if their employer had protected them.This is likely to be a difficult hurdle for the employee to overcome. The main issue for your organisation will be business continuity planning.You must keep your employees informed of health risks and stay up to date with government advice on the matter. Make employees aware of the following website: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

Martin’$ Money Matter$

Why your property is not your pension Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice

hear a lot of different things about plans for retirement , but the two claims that tend to cause most concern are “my property is my pension” and “I don’t need a retirement plan because I plan to just keep working”. In many cases both are just plain wrong, or at least misguided. It is generally accepted that we have a problem with pensions in this country.We are all living for longer (on average) so the cost of funding a longer retirement is getting more expensive.The typical solution to this conundrum is to save more for retirement and retire later. Indeed, the state pension age is already due to

increase from 65 to 68, and more recent proposals suggest that age 70 might be more realistic within a few generations. One way people seem to deal with this pension problem is to plan to fall back on the value of their home. New research from Barings found almost three million working Brits are relying on their property to fund their retirement, and I fear that many of these people are in for a very rude awakening. In the past year alone we have seen £29bn wiped off the value of the property owned by these ‘property pension’ owners. Residential property can deliver good long

Review systems of hygiene in your offices and encourage employees to wash their hands regularly and carry tissues. Increase cleaning of hard surfaces (particularly phones and door handles). Cultures of “soldiering on” when ill should give way to the need to prevent the spread of the virus; a well-advertised sickness policy should reinforce this. Staff absences may be due to employee sickness, caring for sick relatives or fear of contraction in the work place. It may be necessary to be more generous about allowing time off for employees to care for dependants. Consider whether normal company sick pay is payable in such circumstances or where a vulnerable employee is absent as a precautionary measure, and keep a record of any decisions and reasoning to reduce the risk of discrimination and related claims. Requiring employees to work from home or refrain from working for a period may constitute a breach of contract and potential constructive dismissal, if it is not in their contract. Consult with them at an early stage about such proposed measures. In the absence of agreement, consider whether the measures are necessary and justifiable in the interests of the business, and if so, document this to place the company in the best position to defend any potential claims. Provided you have acted reasonably and consulted the employees in advance, an employment tribunal is likely to sympathise with the difficult decisions you have had to take in these trying times.

Best wishes Clare

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

term results but it can equally be a very volatile investment over the short term. Property as a retirement plan comes with two main types of problem – the investment problem and the practical problem. From an investment perspective, property is a single asset class.This means that you are putting all of your hopes for retirement income into the hands of one investment type, which can fall as well as rise in value. More specifically than that, you are often investing in a single property, which increases the investment risk further. If you go beyond simply considering your home as your retirement plan, and become a ‘landlord’ investing in a number of properties, you spread the risk a little more, but also often introduce the risks associated with borrowing money to invest. On a practical front, you need somewhere to live in your retirement. The money you can release when you downsize

to a smaller property can be invested to generate the income you need, but after the cost of the property transactions you might find the income is nowhere near as much as you thought it would be. The best retirement plans we see typically include a good mix of pension and non-pension assets. Property can play a role in retirement planning, but it should not be the only ‘investment’ in your retirement portfolio. If you are able to create a diversified retirement portfolio which includes a pension plan, an Individual Savings Account (ISA) portfolio, cash, property, business assets and other investments, you are more likely to have the retirement income you need. n Martin Bamford is site editor of BrilliantWithMoney and a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice.

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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_September_09_revC.indd 1

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED! 19th September 2009 The Ibiza Closing Parties Vicinitee VIP members and their guests can come to witness the white hot euphoria of Ibiza closing parties – the clubbing climax of the white islands party season. Our exclusive package includes 3 nights luxury accommodation and free admission into Hed Kandi @ Space, Tiesto Closing Party @ Privilege and an exclusive sunset boat cruise. Visit www.viciniteevip.com for more details.

15th – 18th October 2009 Vicinitee VIP Golf Weekender – Free tickets to the Portugal Masters Vicinitee VIP hooks up with Oceanico Group to bring you one of the hottest golﬁng mini-breaks of the year! Take some well earned time out with us at Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve – Voted Best Gold Resort in Europe. Non Golfers also welcome. Email vip@vicinitee.com for more information.

November 2009 Aprés Ski Party If you missed our launch party in March then don’t miss our next big event! Following our successful Chamonix Ski Weekender earlier this year and in preparation for next year, the VIP team will be hosting the biggest Après ski Party, outside of the Alps at The Roof Gardens, Kensington. We will be transforming this top London nightspot into a fabulous ski resort for one night with plenty going on! Please email vip@vicinitee.com for further information.

ACCESS ALL AREAS As well as the events we select for our members , we can also get you, as a Vicinitee VIP member, access to some of the most exclusive events in the world. Ticket only and hospitality options at sold out cultural and music events and VIP tables at glittering awards ceremonies, such as the BRITS, BAFTAs, Grammy’s and Golden Globes. If you have ever wanted to party at the Playboy Mansion, wish to walk the red carpet at a Blockbuster ﬁlm premiere, have a desire to go to Snoop Dog’s private Party in St.Tropez, this Summer, or go to Muhammed Ali’s hosted dinner this month, you just have to ask! Whatever event you want, you will be provided with the very best option that suits your budget and needs.

Let us know what you are after and we’ll do our best to turn it into reality!

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

27/08/2009 17:11:31

110

cityliferecommends

citylife

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Alto London This 1920s themed premier members club is a unique masterpiece in originality and design. Alto London caters to the elite socialite; professional people who enjoy refinement and finesse, and want to unwind in comfort. Great for product launches, high profile events, Christmas or Corporate Parties, you can be assured that Alto will surpass all expectations. Alto London 15-21 Ganton Street, W1F 9BN 020 7734 6696 www.clubalto.com

The Launch Collection Brigid Strevens new luxury furniture label combines striking combinations of colour, pattern and texture,to bring piece to life and create a distinct character. Influenced by a range of sources from contemporary art, architecture and fabrics, Brigid Strevens has created five uniquely individual tables, which will add colour and glamour to any home. Brigid Strevens limited edition tables and commissions are priced from £2,850 www.brigidstrevens.com

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The brand new Charles Tyrwhitt store has opened in Canada Place showcasing both menswear and womenswear. Classic English, Italian and our contemporary Black Label suits remain a staple of the Tyrwhitt collection. Shown is the Blue Sharkskin English Suit Jacket. Please ask in store for details.

Kate Kuba is proud to announce it’s first men’s collection exclusively for it’s Canary Wharf store. The collection is in collaboration with Italian designer Paolo Vandini and features fashion forward shoes and boots for today’s modern man…

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Kate Kuba Cabot Place West Canary Wharf 020 7715 5303 Jamie £89.99

The Mayor’s Thames Festival

Grow Green

Head over to the Southbank for a free, fun-filled weekend (12-13 September). This annual festival features hundreds of artists and dancers performing daytime displays and lively night carnivals, featuring 2000 costumed performers, floats and an impressive fireworks display, as well as activities for children and a River Race involving over 300 boats.

Philippa Craddock offers high-end plants, all delivered within two days. Collections are inspired by seasonal trends and are all handpicked, potted and packaged - an ideal and longer-lasting alternative to flowers. A thoughtful present, this environmentally friendly company encourages customers to re-use packaging (as hat boxes, practical storage solutions and bedside tables!). They also donate 2.5% of their profits to Growaforest.

The festival runs from 12pm-10pm on both days and is FREE.

Prices range from £35 to £75. Available online at philippacraddock.com

WHAT'SON

events

Our guide to this month’s top events

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Every Wednesday

Every Friday

COURSES

EVENT

YOGA

BANGERS AND MASH

Always wanted to give yoga a try but not yet got around to it? Hour-long beginners’ classes are available at Islington Yoga at 6.15pm and 7.30pm on Wednesdays. De-stress, tone up and improve your flexibility.

This is a series of music based events currently taking place at Proud Galleries every Friday. Expect to see anything from live caricature to kissing games. So sit back and enjoy the music. Past acts include New Young Pony Club, Dirty Pretty Things and Babyshambles.

Islington Yoga 357 City Road London EC1V 1LR 020 8533 5553 www.islingtonyoga.com

Proud Camden The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8AH 0207482386 www.proud.co.uk

Every Saturday

3 September - 17 October

COURSES

THEATRE

SATURDAY MINIEXPLORERS

JUDGMENT DAY

Get those kids off to an arty start at the weekend with this Saturday Miniexplorers class. The session is geared towards 7 to 9 year olds, and runs from 10am to noon. Children are encouraged to get creative using methods such as painting, drawing and modelling.

Ödön von Horváth’s play, Judgment Day, uses a train accident and the ensuing fatalities to discuss a society which fails to recognise responsibility for its actions. Director James Macdonald has been instrumental in bringing the controversial work of new playwrights, such as Sarah Kane, to the fore.

Painting Explorers Studio Corbyn Street London N4 020 7272 6540 www.paintingexplorers.com

Almeida Theatre Almeida Street, London N1 1TA 020 7359 4404 www.almeida.co.uk

Every Saturday

4-6 September

CLUB

MUSIC

ROCKABILLY REBELS

KING PLACE FESTIVAL 09

Let a night at stunning new club The Bathhouse be the high point of your weekend, with Rockabilly Rebels bringing the best in rock ‘n’ roll to the Liverpool Street area every Saturday night. The venue is an old Victorian bathhouse, in all its tiled glory, and the DJ spins the tunes from inside a giant birdcage.

Kings Place will be filled with the sound of toy pianos from 4-6 September. There will be six professional pianists led by Phil Venables alongside performances of classical music, blues, avant-garde, world, folk and jazz.

The Bathhouse 7-8 Bishopsgate Churchyard London EC2M 3TJ 020 7920 9207 www.thebathhousevenue.com

90 York Way, N1 9AG 020 7841 4860 www.kingsplace.co.uk

Every Thursday

Until 5 September

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITION

JEWELS OF THE EAST

BEAUX ARTS’ SUMMER SHOW 09

Exploring the beauty of the Regent’s Canal, the Hertford Union Canal, Victoria Park and Mile End Park. Hidden amongst the post-war estates and tower blocks in Mile End and Bow, there lies some of London’s greatest surprises. This walk begins at 1:30pm.

Beaux Arts presents its annual summer show, a constantly changing exhibition of paintings and sculpture by its established artists, young talent and new additions to its inventory of modern British work. Centrepiece of the show will be Marilène Oliver’s ‘Dreamcatcher’, a life-size figure levitating above a cloud of pure white carnival feathers.

www.greencitywalks.com

Beaux Arts 22 Cork Street, W1S 3NA www.beauxartslondon.co.uk

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

10 September & 22 October

12 September

MUSIC

EVENT

BLUESMIX PERFORM LIVE AT THE GORE HOTEL

SPEAKEASY

London-based band, BluesMix, will perform exclusively in Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel, in what promises to be an amazing show of rhythmic groove. Bar 190, The Gore Hotel 190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, SW7 5EX 02075846601 www.gorehotel.com

Have a glamourous night out golden-oldie style at the magnificent Carisbrooke Hall, to the sounds of Georgina Bromilow’s Big Dance Band. With a cabaret show and dancing from ballroom, to swing, to rumba, plus a glass of champagne upon arrival, this is a classy night for fans of old-style glamour. Carisbrooke Hall Seymour Street London W2 www.twinkletoes.me

11 September

Until 13 September

CLUB

ART & EXHIBITIONS

FREE FRIDAYS

QUEEN: THE UNSEEN ARCHIVE

A nice little club by all accounts, with a diverse range of events and a load of cool parties, Cargo doesn’t need much endorsement. However, it’s also got a regular event called Free Fridays, where you get the best in cutting-edge music without the sting of an entrance fee. On the 11th there’s live music from Joana and the Wolf, and more.

Proud Central presents an intimate photographic portrait of legendary rock band Queen – launching to coincide with the anniversary of the band’s final gig and showcasing revealing, never before seen images. 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP 020 7839 4942 20 7839 4942 www.proud.co.uk

Cargo 83 Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY www.cargo-london.com

11 September

14 September

DANCE

CLUB

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES TOWER FESTIVAL

SALSA CARIBE NIGHT

This spectacular gala night will feature the best in ballet (including a performance by Tamara Rojo of the Royal Ballet), flamenco and ballroom, against the magnificent backdrop of the Tower of London.

Start the night with a dance lesson then flaunt your newly learned skills at the Buffalo Bar’s Salsa Caribe night. The dance class starts at 7.30pm and costs £7 including entry to the club night. If you already know the moves, it’s a mere £4 in from 9pm.

Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.towerfestival.com

Buffalo Bar 259 Upper Street London N1 www.buffalobar.co.uk

Until 12 September

17 September – 14 October

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

BBC PROMS 2009

ROMERO BRITTO

Now in its 115th year the world’s greatest classical music festival returns to the Royal Albert Hall. With tickets costing as little as £5 you have no excuse not to join the fun!

Having been part of Opera Gallery artists stable for many years, Romero Britto, will be honoured in September at the gallery with an exhibition showcasing more than 30 recent original and unique paintings and sculptures.

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009 www.royalalberthall.com

Opera Gallery London, 134 New Bond Street, W1S 2TF 0207 4912999 www.operagallery.com

Tel: 0870 200 4949

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what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

17 September - Doors 7.30pm

18 September

MUSIC

EVENT

PALOMA FAITH

THE REEL CEILIDH AT VINOPOLIS

Half-Spanish half-British singer, actress and former magician’s assistant, Paloma Faith is the new pop darling of the charts. Her style, however, is anything but pop-based, inspired by silver screen glamour, cabaret and burlesque, making this one show music and fashion fans won’t want to miss.

Enjoy an evening of high energy Scottish dancing at Vinopolis. Don the tartan for a free dram of whisky and let the expert caller guide you effortlessly through the steps. Bring friends for a cracking evening! Vinopolis Bankside 02079408300 www.vinopolis.co.uk

Scala 275 Pentonville Road London N1 9NL www.scala-london.co.uk/scala

17 September - 5.30pm

Until 20 September

BOOKS

ART & EXHIBITION

BOOK SIGNING

BEYOND THESE WALLS

Here’s a book signing with a decidedly local focus, with former Arsenal player, Alan Smith, joining author Alex Fynn for a signing of ‘Arsenal: The Making of a Modern Superclub’. Co-authored by Kevin Whitcher, the book includes interviews with Arsene Wenger.

The South London Gallery is turned back to front by artist Tue Greenfort as part of the new exhibition, Beyond These Walls. South London Gallery 65 Peckham Road, SE5 8UH www.southlondongallery.org

Borders The N1 Shopping Centre Parkfield Street, London N1 0PS 020 7226 3602 http://islington.borders.co.uk/store/ islington/70

Until 18 September

23 September

ART & EXHIBITIONS

EVENT

RANKIN LIVE! & RETROSPECTIVE

ROUS ILAND’S A/W09 FASHION SHOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH CANCER RESEARCH

Rankin Live! is a radical twist on the traditional exhibition format featuring two shows in one: Shoot Me Rankin, the ongoing photo shoot of 1000 individuals, whose portraits will be immediately included in the exhibition, and the Retrospective, including 600 images selected from a vast portfolio of work.

Rous Iland, members’ boutique, will be hosting this season’s Fashion Show in association with Cancer Research UK and all proceeds made on the evening will go towards the charity. www.rousiland.com

Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane www.rankin.co.uk

23 September

THEATRE

ART & EXHIBITIONS

CINDERMOUSE

The Little Angel Theatre

Cindermouse is a magical show for all the family, with enchanting glove and rod puppets designed by Lyndie Wright. Children of three and over will enjoy this rather familiar tale, in which Cindermouse falls in love with a prince. Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, off Cross Street London N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com/lat/

19 September - 30 October

KEN HOWARD Royal Academician, Ken Howard exhibits his recent collection in the Friends Room. The subjects in this exhibition reflect the artist’s passions and experiences of his life in London, Venice and Cornwall, three of his favorite places. Royal Academy Piccadilly W1 020 7300 5995 www.royalacademy.org.uk

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

Until 27 September

Until October 25

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

BUTTERFLY JUNGLE

DAN DARE & THE BIRTH OF HI-TECH BRITAIN

Take a magical journey this summer, as the Natural History Museum comes alive with the brand new Butterfly Jungle. Travel from the dark depths of the forest floor, to the heady heights of the tree canopy, and experience the magic and beauty of live butterflies and other rainforest creatures.

This temporary exhibition explores the role played by technology in creating post-war Britain. It also looks into the pre-globalisation age – a time when rockets and radios sprang from local roots. Science Museum Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Until October

Until November

ART & EXHIBITIONS

INDIAN SUMMER

MARISCAL DRAWING LIFE

The British Museum and HSBC are collaborating to bring a season dedicated to Indian culture. A unique programme of exhibitions, installations, lectures, film and performances, highlights include The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur, an Indian landscape and a specially commissioned space showing India’s biodiversity.

This is the first UK exhibition of Spanish designer and artist Javier Mariscal. Regarded as one of the world’s most innovative and original designers of our time, Mariscal’s work spans kooky cartoon characters to stunning interiors.

The British Museum Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8181 www.britishmuseum.org

The New Yorker Cover 1995

Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk

Design Museum 28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 0870 833 9955 www.designmuseum.org

Until January 2010

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

THE SCOOP AT MORE LONDON

FUTURE FASHION NOW: NEW DESIGN FROM THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

The Scoop at More London is an outdoor sunken amphitheatre with seating for 800. Throughout the summer months it regularly hosts a variety of free events from films, music and theatre to local community events and activities London Bridge www.morelondon.co.uk/scoop

Until October 2

Featuring highlights from the RCA Fashion MA graduates final collections. This exhibition will show the designs from concept to the final product. The V&A Museum Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

Until 10 October

Until spring 2010

ART & EXHIBITIONS

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE EXHIBITION

FLASHBACK

Shakespeare’s Globe 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT 020 7401 9919 www.shakespeares-globe.org

Using objects from Museum of London’s collections, photographic artist Tom Hunter has created a series of unique and surprising portraits; juxtaposing modern London icons like the Vespa with a 1770s ‘panier’ dress. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

This exhibition is an engaging introduction to the life of the world famous bard. It explores the history of the globe’s unique theatrical space, the costumes, music, special effects and printing. The exhibition also regularly organises public dressing demonstrations.

Museum of London 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk

LONDON HOMES&

PROPERTY SEPTEMBER 2009

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

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Warner House, Warner Street, EC1R Stylish three bedroom Loft in Clerkenwell

Impressive 2600 sq ft three bedroom two bathroom two reception room 1st floor loft set in this smart development in Clerkenwell. This stylish apartment has a huge open plan kitchen reception room with dual aspect views, large kitchen with exceptional space and appliances, stone and wooden flooring throughout, beautiful bathrooms, two private terraces, underground parking for two cars and great storage throughout the apartment. Available unfurnished or furnished. ÂŁ1495 per week

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

Pear Tree Street, EC1V Stylish and contemporary two double bedroom two bathroom newly decorated first floor apartment set in this purpose built block just off Old Street close to the underground station and a short walk in to The City. This modern furnished unit has a smart good size open plan kitchen reception room with two full double bedrooms, en-suite bathroom, stone flooring with under floor heating, a private balcony. £495 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Trafalgar Court, Wapping Wall, E1W Stunning two double bedroom penthouse set in this 24 hour portered block in Wapping. This stylish apartment has a spacious reception room leading on to a large private terrace, modern fully fitted kitchen diner, new hard wooden floors, parking and amazing south facing river and Canary Wharf views. We highly recommend viewing this beautiful flat. £795 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

China Court, Asher Way, E1W Beautifully presented one bedroom apartment within walking distance of The City of London. Accommodating double bedroom, bathroom with shower, sitting/dining area, open plan kitchen and secure parking.

£315 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

St Pancras Chambers, Euston Road, NW1 This large duplex 1001 sq ft one bedroom unit is based on the 4th and 5th floors boasting lovely windows, a fully fitted kitchen, modern bathroom with shower, real wooden floors, exposed beams, views to the back of the building and available immediately on a furnished basis. This landmark development has to be the most convenient location for anyone travelling to and from Europe as the development sits on top of St Pancras station. £625 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Theobalds Road, Bloomsbury, WC1X

Cinnabar Wharf East, Wapping, E1W

Beautifully presented two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set on the 3rd floor of this newly converted block in Bloomsbury, close to Holborn and Chancery Lane underground stations. This stylish flat has been fitted to a very high standard boasting a modern open plan kitchen, good size reception room, lovely bathroom suites, wooden flooring and interior designed furnishings.

Stylish and modern two double bedroom apartment set in this 24 hour portered development on the river. This great apartment has been interior designed to a high specification boasting a contemporary open plan kitchen, modern bathroom suite, hard wooden floors, underground parking and stunning river and Towerbridge views.

£575 per week

£540 per week

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

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

The Sanctuary, Reardon Path, E1W

Stamford Street, Lambeth, SE1

Spacious and well presented two double bedroom two bathroom 3rd floor apartment set in this attractive warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. This lovely flat has a good size south facing dual aspect reception room, fitted kitchen with a separate dining room, new bathroom suites (one with a Jacuzzi bath), beautiful wooden flooring and exposed brick work.

57 Stamford Street is a new development conveniently located for the City and West End. Offering one and two bedroom apartments, with fitted kitchens, modern bathroom suites, double bedrooms and balconies. Also boasting porterage and underground parking with selected units. Unfurnished and furnished.

£450 per week

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

Prices from £330 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk

Whitehall Cottage, St Katharine’s Dock, E1W

Basin Approach, Limehouse E14

Situated on the south side of the inner dock, a terraced cottage which was substantially remodelled in 2000 extending the accommodation to sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, 2 bedrooms, bath and shower room, terrace, separate garage 95 sq m (1018 sq ft)

One of only 3 houses with direct views across the Limehouse Basin. Superb top floor reception room opening onto balcony, semi open kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, bathroom, family room/bed four, utility room, garage. (Photo as previously furnished) 228 sq m (2460 sq ft)

Share of Freehold

Leasehold: 189 years

Guide price: £745,000

Guide price: £1,275,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Riverside Mansions, Wapping E1W

Basin Approach, Limehouse E14

With direct access to the communal gardens from the reception room, an attractive 2 bedroom flat in good order with refurbished kitchen and bathroom. Riverside Mansions has recently been extensively upgraded with smart communal areas. Parking. 71 sq m (772 sq ft)

Spacious and light 2 bedroom apartment on the 1st floor with views overlooking Limehouse Marina. Situated within a well maintained portered development, the property profits from a fantastic south facing private terrace. 88 sq m (951 sq ft)

Leasehold: 976 years

Leasehold: 189 years

Guide price: £315,000

Guide price: £539,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

Carter Lane, EC4 Cliffords Inn, EC4

Crane Court, EC4 Mitre Street, EC3

Upper ThamesStreet, Street,EC1 EC4 Featherstone

Chicksand Street, Garden Walk, EC2 E1

£1,100,000 Share ofLeasehold Freehold £595,000 Ansuperb impressive three bedroom apartment over two floors A 2 bedroom apartment in this popular block onin the this converted warehouse off Ludgate Hill, aspect boasting attractive western edge of the City, with a southerly and beautiful features, large windows and an aspect on to the gardens behind. views over St Dunstan’s Church.

£899,950Leasehold Leasehold £395,000 With views towards Shakespeare’s Globe, thisdevelopment highly sought An impressive apartment within this popular after andstylish rarelycontemporary available riveraccommodation facing two bedroom flatfloor offers offering on one 850 sq of accommodation in the heart car of EC4. with itsftown street entrance and private parking.

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£235,000 Leasehold Leasehold £399,950 A quiet andtwo comfortable apartment situated just off stunning bedroomstudio apartment with an abundance of Fleet natural Street and Fetter This well tea kept building provides a light on theclose thirdtofloor of Lane. this converted warehouse, away from lift and a resident caretaker. busy traffic and adjacent to the Gherkin.

£425,000 £390,000Leasehold Leasehold A spacious second floorapartment two bedroom flat situated in a of modern smart contemporary located in the heart building justFinished off BricktoLane with a smartthe interior. Shoreditch. a high standard property enjoys access to a private balcony and a communal roof terrace.

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£725,000 Leasehold £325,000 Leasehold A simply stunning top fl oor duplex apartment with a glass-fronted don House Department 01403 262828 With easterly river views towards Southwark Bridge and Office London House Department 01403 262828 reception offering access to a this paved terrace and views over East additional basement storage, 5th floor apartment would shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com London. make the ultimate City base or rental investment. Left Hand Page Footer

e Surname

Times Square, Barbican, EC2 E1 Price on application

£370,000Leasehold Leasehold £565,000 A sleek and contemporary one a decked Pricea on application This duplex offers lovely viewbedroom over the apartment garden andwith the lake. The Freehold balcony overlooking water garden within the stylish Quarter interior remains truethe to the Grade II listed heritage, withCity a smart Freehold development. modern kitchen and 60’s bathroom suite.

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Unity Wharf, SE1 SE1 Providence Square,

Tea Trade Axis Court,Wharf, SE16 SE1

St. Saviours Wharf, Cayenne Court, SE1 SE1

Millennium Square, SE1 SE1 Butlers & Colonial Wharf,

£975,000 SH of FH TBC £585,000 Share of Freehold A superbly refurbished two bedroom character warehouse A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular apartment, with views of St. Saviours Dock. Includes ceiling Providence Square development, having a terrace directly speakers, built in wardrobes, beams and leather flooring. overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£750,000 Leasehold £585,000 Leasehold A 1,281 sq ft two double bedroom warehouse apartment, retaining A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne exposed brickwork and boasting a covered terrace, accessed from Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony the reception and both bedrooms. from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£945,000 Leasehold £695,000 Leasehold A 5th floor two bedroom 1,464 sq ft two bedroom apartment, within A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment a superb warehouse conversion in Shad Thames at Tower Bridge. built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and Balcony, parking and communal leisure complex. underground parking.

£485,000 Leasehold £389,000 Leasehold A freshly decorated and carpeted, bright South facing apartment A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & with balcony overlooking the courtyard parking, two double portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located bedrooms and reception with separate kitchen. No onward chain. in the heart of Shad Thames.

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Three OakCourt, Lane, SE1 Windsor SE16

£465,000 Leasehold £395,000 Leasehold A well presented 1st floor two bedroom apartment with two west An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom facing balconies, in this popular Shad Thames development, having apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from underground parking and no onward chain. the balcony and parking.

River View Heights, SE16 Bridgewalk Heights, SE1

£395,000 Leasehold £465,000 Leasehold A bright and spacious, 6th floor, one bedroom apartment with A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with Southerly views, underground parking and porter services. en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London Bridge station.

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

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

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

Falcon Point, SE1 EC2A Tabernacle Street,

£380 per week £450 per week A stunning newly refurbished one bedroom apartment on the A one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, contemporary Southbank with direct river views, benefiting from two balconies. kitchen and private terrace located in a former warehouse.

Portsoken Street, E1 London Wall, EC2M

£330 per week £430 per week A large one bedroom duplex apartment moments from A two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City only moments Tower Hill underground, benefits from wood floors and air to Liverpool Street and Bank stations. The apartment benefits conditioning. from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

Commercial Street, E1 £350 per week Poppins Court, EC4 £345 per week St Marks Street, E1 £585 per week Trinity Square, EC3N £590 per week A large refurbished one bedroom apartment in this popular An incredibly well presented one bedroom apartment situated just A three double bedroom arranged two portered development inpenthouse the heart ofapartment Spitalfields. Parkingover available levels providing a bright living area with two balconies. Parking is by separate negotiation. available by separate negotiation.

A two bedroom two bathroom with offstunning Fleet Street, benefitting from woodenduplex floors,apartment bright aspect and panoramic views over the Tower of London and the River Thames. modern furnishings.

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High Timber Street, EC4V

£330 per week Rare opportunity Firstname Surnameto rent this spacious warehouse conversion

between Liverpool Streetapartment and01403 Shoreditch. Firstname Surname A modern one bedroom in this popular centrally located Office London House Department 262828 Firstname Surname riverside development with concierge and impressive tropical Office House 01403 Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com OfficeLondon London HouseDepartment Department 01403262828 262828

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£850 per week Little EC1A £430 per week LuxuriousBritain, riverfront two bedroom apartment in this new Price on application development overlooking the Thames andin the Tate Modern. A super split level two bedroom apartment the historical Price on Freehold Price on application application Benefits from concierge and pleasant stunninggardens, interiors.situated in a Smithfield area, overlooking Freehold Freehold portered mansion block between St Paul’s and Barbican.

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Tower Bridge Ofﬁce 020 7407 3172 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com

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

Globe Wharf, SE16 SE16 Riverview Heights,

£750 per week £725 per week A stunning two bedroom two bathroom duplex penthouse apartment An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity boasting two terrace with views of the Thames, open plan kitchen to Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views, to spacious living area and office area. Use communal gym, pool, contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious sauna. Off street parking space. reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

Corbetts , SE16 Tea TradeWharf Wharf, SE1

£675 per week £800 per week A charmingtwo twodouble bedroom apartment with outstanding A spacious bedroom two bathroom apartmentviews of the river Thames boasting a large reception room wood with balcony offered in excellent order and arrangedwith within a floors throughout, exposed brickwork and private balcony. Garage. prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

Little London Court, SE1 £460 per week Butlers Wharf, SE1 £525 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 per week A beautifully refurbished two bedroom apartment set within a A fabulous one bedroom apartment set within a prestigious Shad A beautiful two bedroom two bathroom apartment in and pretty courtyard development boasting two modernoffered bathrooms excellent orderfland wood parking floors, exposed kitchen, wood oorsboasting and off street space. brick, small balcony with river views and communal terrace. Furnished.

An exceptionally spacious two double bedroom Thames warehouse conversion benefiting from aapartment sizeable living with two ensuite reception bathroomsroom and with a guest cloakroom. Offered a space to include doors to large balcony, in excellent order and boasting two balconies, spacious open planthroughout kitchen and separate dining area. 24 hour porter allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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Providence Square, SE1 £500 per week Victor Wharf, SE1 £525 per week The Circle, SE1two bathroom apartment arranged £380 on perthe week A Merganser Court, E1Wbedroom apartment £475 pertwo week A two double bedroom beautifully presented two double with

A oneflbedroom boasting reception room with woodwith third oor of thisapartment secure gated development boasting balcony floors and balcony overlooking pretty garden. 24 Situated views of the Japanese style garden andcommunal the river Thames, hour in the heart Shad Thames. Furnished. porter andofoff street parking space.

A beautiful arranged one bedroom apartment bathrooms on the 4th floor boasting of a well spacious maintained purpose bedroom and reception roomfrom boththe with directBorough access tomarket. built development moments vibrant balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter. Furnished.

A network of offices - local, national and international.

Onenetwork address.ofThousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk An expanding over 70 offices - local, national and international

Paper Rocketing Kelly Green meets the masterminds behind Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agent 'Paper Rocket' to find out more about their tailored property finding service

inding a new home is always a daunting and stressful experience. While sellers have an Estate Agent representing their needs, buyers can sometimes feel that they have no one to guide and support them - but this is where London-based Buyer's Agent 'Paper Rocket' come to the rescue. Having worked in the industry for over 17 years, Anna-Marie Foynes, Director of Paper Rocket Ltd, has a wealth of experience in the property market. During this time, Anna-Marie has developed and sold over 200 properties, with projects ranging from developing commercial property in Pall Mall to sourcing hotel sites in Germany it is this varied and extensive experience that helps make Paper Rocket such a success here in London. Working alongside Anna is Zerin Tara Safa, who has also built herself a successful background in property sales, along with vast experience in international new developments, while working for some of the leading Estate Agents in the U.K. Thanks to her specialist knowledge and with her finger firmly on the pulse of the market, Zerin can offer buyers an unrivaled insight into the current property market. Q. What was the initial idea behind Paper Rocket? A. Surprisingly, the idea of launching Paper Rocket was based on the success of 'Buyer's Agents' in the U.S. While we were out there on business we were astounded by the feedback we received from the average home buyer, who simply could not believe that the majority of UK property buyers use Estate Agents. In the U.S., anyone buying a property would

use a Realtor, who acts as a Buyer's Agent. We wanted to apply the same personal and unbiased service to our customers in London, which has a property market that is dominated by Estate Agents pushing properties which are on their books. A great deal of people are still unaware that this service is possible. Q. What is different about your property finding service from the many others in the market? A. At Paper Rocket, our service is completely committed to the buyer. Although almost all property agents in London would say the same, there are very few companies who can actually offer a tailored, unbiased and personal service to their clients. A lot of buyers can feel intimidated when dealing with pushy agents, being pitched property that 'needs to be sold' as opposed to property that is genuinely in their interest. At Paper Rocket, the responsibility falls on us to provide our buyers with their ideal home, independent of any other commercial interest. To put it simply, we look for the ideal property for you - we are not interested in selling a particular property from a limited portfolio. Q. How is Paper Rocket ideal for a corporate market? A. We have had a tremendous amount of experience dealing with corporate buyers, from international investors to young bankers looking to invest in a new, or perhaps additional property. As we have both worked in demanding roles, we also understand how much of a factor time can play in the homebuying process, so we work around the schedules of our clients - at their convenience. It is not unusual for us to have an initial meeting over a lunch

property

or coffee, where we can discuss the requirements of our client in detail. So, while the buyer is busy at work, our team are throroughly scanning the markets, agents, databases and auctions to produce a tailored portfolio of suitable properties to be presented back to them. We even deal with the negotiation on behalf of our customers, presenting our buyers with a money and time-saving service. Q. Why do you feel that it is important to use a Buyer's Agent? A. The market is moving faster than ever at the moment, and it's important to have someone on your side to provide you with all the support you need. Although Estate Agents will listen to your needs and research their books, they will always produce a limited number of options which they need to sell. Our 'No-find No-fee' service takes the pain out of the home-buying process, and opens the buyer up to a vast unbiased portfolio of property across London. Q. Why does it make financial sense to use Paper Rocket when buying a new property? A. Using our expert knowledge of the market, we will negotiate on a professional level with the Estate Agents on your behalf. A recent client of ours saved over ÂŁ25,000 through negotiation on a ÂŁ350,000 flat, cherry-picked for them using one of our contacts - all they paid for our service was 1% finder's fee upon legal completion of the sale. Also, registering with lots of different Estate Agents takes time, and as time is money, we will save you both by doing all the research for you. Q. What do you think are the most important factors to consider when buying a property?

A. It really depends on the customer. To answer this, first we ask the customer why he or she is buying the property - Is it an investment? A new family home? A bachelor pad? Some buyers will purely be interested in the investment or 'return value' of the properties, whereas others will be looking to raise a family in a 'home'. This is why it is so important for us to get to know our clients, so that we can offer a service tailored to their exact requirements. Q. Do you feel that the UK property market is beginning to pick up again? A. There is evidence to suggest that the market is starting to recover on the whole. Personally, we are seeing a great deal of properties below ÂŁ500,000 selling within days of coming onto the market, due to a constant demand from a large cross-section of purchasers, whether it be first-time buyers, wealthy investors or families. In addition there is a lack of supply of properties being offered for sale, as property owners wait to see what is happening with the economy. With interest rates so low it is now cheaper to get a mortgage, yet at the same time it has become more difficult for many buyers to meet mortgage companies' stricter criteria. There is now a greater need than ever before to be prepared and 'sensible' with the market, which is why so many clients are using our service. n For more info on Paper Rocket's property finding services call Anna or Zerin 020 7038 8534 or visit www.paperrocket.net Paper Rocket are affiliated members of the APFBA

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Sale & Rental Prices Improve Latest figures released last month from Hamptons International have revealed a steady rise in sale prices and a leveling out of rental prices across the UK market in the last quarter of 2009

he figures indicate there has been nearly a 5 per cent increase in average sale prices in the latter part of 2009. Price gains are being driven by competition in the marketplace - with 75% more applicants than this time last year - the ratio of would-be buyers per seller is now nationally around 9-to-1 in line with the ‘good property markets’ of 2006/07. Looking at the cost of renting, there was very little movement in average rental prices, with only a 1.1 per cent increase overall. The London Market

The latest findings from Hamptons International reinforce the trend of sale prices picking up throughout Q2-2009. There are distinct signs the market during the summer has strengthened at a time when traditionally activity drops off. Leading statistics include: Recovering sale prices, up 5% in Q2-2009 against the first quarter of the year. Smaller property is proving most popular, rising 6.7%, with fewer price gains this quarter in mid-market three-bed flats/terraced property. As a result of supply and demand dynamics the London market now sees more than nine applicants registering for each new instruction taken on. Significant applicant numbers and a shortfall in newly available property are behind the stabilisation in pricing. With applicant numbers up more than 60% compared to the same time last year. London applicants have been increasingly busy in the market, with viewings up 34% and offer numbers up 77% compared to the same time last year. For the first time this year average asking rents

in the London rental market gained ground, with a quarterly increase of 0.3%. This follows significant declines in previous quarters with average prices down -4.7% in Q1-2009 and -9.8% in Q4-2008. Rental prices started to strengthen most noticeably at the larger unit/premium end of the market with five-bed detached houses gaining 2.9% in the quarter. With an 82% rise in the number of new lettings applicants compared to last year we have examples of in-demand property re-letting for double the previous rental level. Rob Bruce, research manager, Hamptons International notes, “Our latest figures demonstrate climbing prices in the London sales market, with early indicators suggesting a comparatively steady flow of new buyers still entering the market, even during the typically quieter summer months. Statistics now show the progression from offers via agreed sales to exchanges: with offer levels up 77%, agreed sales at double the rate of last year and exchanges up 81%.” “Demand from tenants in the London rental market has increased, with new applicants up an average 82% on last year and offers up 46%. In areas such as the City, Notting Hill or Knightsbridge figures show there are more than twice as many applicants compared to the prior year. This change is leading to examples of in-demand property re-letting for double the previous rental level.”

Hamptons International Tower Bridge Sales 41 Shad Thames | London SE1 2NJ www.hamptons.co.uk

London's Finest Properties

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• A Selection of One/Two Bedroom Apartments • On-Site Leisure Facilities • 24hr Concierge Service • 5 min Walk to Canary Wharf

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