Vicinitee Magazine - April 2009

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

APRIL 2009

INTRODUCING LOTUS

Say hello to the lateSt model

DO WE KNOW OUR CITY?

the thingS you never knew

THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK BOSS Store london 18-31 Eldon Street +44 (0) 844 847 9202 BOSS Store london 85 Queen Street +44 (0) 844 847 9294

I S S U E 18

the evereSt teSt team

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It is this knowledge that has led to one of the most varied and exciting product line ups by any manufacturer, each model has one thing in common, passion. Our founder, Colin Chapman, was an engineering genius, his passion for cars meant he made many ground braking decisions, not just for Lotus, but for the automotive industry as whole. Everything we do at Lotus today is injected with the same passion, from our engineering through to our cars.

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Elise S Urban Extra Urban Combined CO2 emissions

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26.6 (10.6) 48.7 (5.8) 37.2 (7.6) 179 g/km

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2-Eleven Entry Level 0-60 mph 4.3 seconds* Max Speed 140 mph (225 km/h)* Max Power 189 hp at 7800 rpm (142 kW) (192 PS)* Max Torque 133 lbft at 6800 rpm (181 Nm) (18.3 kgm)*

Exige S 0-60 mph Max Speed Max Power Max Torque

4.5 seconds 146 mph (235 km/h) 220 hp at 8000 rpm (164 kW) (223 PS) 158.6 lbft at 5500 rpm (215 Nm) (22 kgm)

25/3/09 12:18:14

53 24

contents

44

100 COVER STORIES 12 DO WE KNOW OUR CITY? The things you never knew 16 THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK The Everest Test Team 42 INTRODUCING LOTUS Say hello to the Lotus Exige S

F E AT U R E S 24

26

34

REGULARS

BUSINESS TRAVELLER Cat Hughes delivers her guide to Kuala Lumpur

8

BY GEORGE! Adam Wynne examines St. George’s Day

44 MOTORING

A DROP OF SHERRY Deana Gershuny discovers all Jerez has to offer

66 LIFE COACHING

53

LONDON MARATHON Josephine O’Donoghue looks at the world’s most human race

56

GLITTERATI GIRL Lara Bohinc talks jewellery

100 ARTSCENE Carol Cordrey looks at the work of artist Peter Brown

EDITOR’S LETTER

20 MOTLEY FOOL

50 GADGETS

107 FOOD & DRINK

The ENgineers of communication Forward-looking technology.

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Editor Welcome to the April edition of Vicinitee Magazine. With a new season upon us it’s time to disperse those winter blues and welcome Spring with open arms.

This month’s issue is packed with features to guide you through the Easter break with a tempting look at some Easter-related goodies.

Financial Spread Betting has seen a massive growth over the last decade and this month financial guru, Vince Stanzione, explains the advantages of spread trading over conventional share trading in his beginner’s guide to Spread Betting. Vince explains how to master the technique and the tax efficient ways to back anything from shares, currencies, commodities and even house prices.

If you have a spring in your step this month then you can take inspiration from Richard Kirtley and Gareth Wesley with a hike up Mount Everest.

They will be taking two teams who have spent the last year getting fit, to the highest plateau of the formidable peak, all in the name of cricket. And while on the subject of intrepid travellers, Charley Boorman, the extremely likeable motorbike-riding actor, talks to Kasha Van Sant on his latest adventure.

Finally, after many months of planning, we are delighted to announce that Vicinitee VIP, our new and eagerly awaited lifestyle membership club, has fully launched and you can now register for your own personal VIP card at www. viciniteevip.com and check out the range of desirable offers, concessions and privileges that membership offers. Our recent ‘Vicinitee VIP’ launch party on 26th March was a great success and the photos from the event will be published in the next edition of Vicinitee Magazine.

We have received some tremendous feedback from you recently so please keep sending us your emails, comments and suggestions to Vicinitee@ runwildmedia.com Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you.

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

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director RunWild Media

APRIL 2009

INTRODUCING LOTUS

Say hello to the lateSt model

DO WE KNOW OUR CITY?

the thingS you never knew

vicinitee BOSS Store london 18-31 Eldon Street +44 (0) 844 847 9202 BOSS Store london 85 Queen Street +44 (0) 844 847 9294

Boss the city 190309.indd 1

Image courtesy of Group Lotus plc 20/03/2009 17:44:51

THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK I S S U E 18

the evereSt teSt team

In association with

the city city

HOT PROPERTY

uk & international

CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor: Lesley Ellwood Editorial Director: Kate Harrison Deputy Editor: Kasha Van Sant Editorial Assistant: Josephine O’Donoghue Arts Editor: Carol Cordrey Motoring Editor: Matthew Carter Beauty Editor: Kate Hughes Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds Finance Executive: Kätlin Maasik Sales Director: Eren Ellwood P.A. to Sales Director: Ella Kilgarriff Graphic Designers: James Britton, Hiren Chandarana, Mandeep Kalsi, Victoria Wren PR & Marketing Manager: Rebecca Walton Managing Director: Giles Ellwood P.A. to Managing Director: Charlotte Evans

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Subscription: A free subscription service is available to employees at City offices. E-mail city@runwildmedia.com for further details. For all other areas, 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 bestseller.

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 financial experts, and is head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk, the country’s top website for independent financial comparison. As well as providing daily comment and financial news for BBC London, he presents Money Talk – Fool’s weekly podcasts which cover all aspects of personal finance.

the city magazine promotion

proud to support the Save The Children ‘Rewrite the Future’ campaign 2009 www.theroyalexchange.com

RewRite the FutuRe On the 125th anniversary of its foundation, Bulgari launches a major fund-raising project for the defence of children’s rights Bulgari has come up with a novel way to treat yourself to a piece of iconic jewellery while helping the

Bulgari supports the Save the Children ‘Rewrite the Future’ campaign by launching this special silver ring, £200

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world’s most impoverished children. To coincide with its 125th anniversary, the Italian jeweller has teamed up with Save the Children to produce a beautifully engraved, silver ring. The ring has been specially created as a tribute to the company’s founder, silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, and features an engraving of the Save the Children logo inside. Thanks to the ‘Rewrite the Future’ campaign, Save the Children has helped rebuild schools, supply school materials and protect children from abuse and exploitation in conflict-affected areas around the globe. Now you can join the many celebrities from the world of film and music already seen sporting the ring such as Willem Dafoe, Jason Lewis, Ronaldinho, Valeria Golino, Julianne Moore and Sting.

The special, distinctive charity ring is available at Bulgari stores worldwide including the Royal Exchange boutique in the City of London, priced at £200 (£40 of which will be donated to the campaign).

Bulgari, 15 The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LR www.bulgari.com

25/3/09 14:52:00

HOW WELL DO WE KNOW OUR CITY?

Josephine O’Donoghue talks to City Planning Officer Peter Rees to uncover the hidden secrets in our streets, unravel the history of the Square Mile, and reveal the direction the City of London is going in next

feature

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ondon is a very unusual city” says Peter the credit boom of the nineties.”When I ask him Business and trading have become more Rees, who has worked in City Planning what his role as City Planner Officer primarily mobile these days, and workers can now operate and Transport in the Square Mile since requires of him, Peter explains that he is tasked from the office, their homes or the millions of 1985. “Historically, it developed out of with helping London to grow and embrace wi-fi enabled coffee-shops and cafés in the City. two cities: the City of London and the City of change, whilst preventing some of the damages “You can go into a coffee shop in the City at Westminster. London was the centre of trade, that can be caused by redevelopment. “There 10am and each table is surrounded by people and Westminster was the centre of the church, is a need to protect the past and the future of with a laptop and a mobile phone, having a the crown and government.”

London,” he emphasises. meeting,” explains Peter, “When you think back I like to think that my own knowledge of The street plan of London is roughly 2,000 yrs to the 1700s and realise that the great insurance London is pretty good. I can navigate myself old; it was a Roman settlement and large parts companies and banks of London were born in the almost anywhere within the City, I’ve seen all the of the City are based on it’s original pattern. pubs and coffees bars, you realise the whole thing major landmarks and historical sites several times Alongside the famous landmarks, main roads and has turned in a full circle. over; I’ve visited museums, churches, libraries, office buildings, snake hundreds of tiny passages “The more technology there is available now, theatres, palaces and galleries; and I have known and narrow streets; maybe these aren’t the most the more people want to get together for face-tothe tube map like the back of my hand since the efficient use of City land, but as Peter phrases it, face, eyeball-to-eyeball meetings, as we used to” age of ten. “these streets are the lifeblood of London”. reasons Peter. “After all, if you can’t smell fear, However, it only takes two you can’t do a deal. People want to minutes of chatting to Peter for come together for contact and to I’m not thInkIng years, I’m thInkIng me to realise that my so called finish those deals.” decades. after the Wall street crash, ‘knowledge’ is in reality only a very The City of London is also very It took 20 years to recover very small proportion of London’s much an area of public transport rich history. In actual fact, I am explains Peter, and the network only a little more educated (as a Londoner) than “It doesn’t matter whether you’re in an oasis of streets is used by hundreds of thousands of the thousands of foreign tourists who arrive in in the Sahara, or whether you’re in the centre of pedestrians every day. 90 per cent of the 300,000 London each day, knowing nothing about the the City of London, people come together in the people coming to work in the City travel by destination until their arrival. streets, parks, and cafés, to gossip, to exchange public transport, and within the Square Mile Rather than try to impress Peter with my news, and it’s that kind of information and that over 90 per cent of trips are made on foot, from limited knowledge, I decide to keep quiet and let exchange of news that is good for business. building to building, another great way to meet him educate me properly.

London’s communication networks succeed colleagues and pick up gossip (and another good “Although we have 300,000 people working because the original layout of the City is based on reason to maintain the original street layout when in the City of London during the day, only 8,000 social interaction. Communication (essentially planning). live there at night; the textbook definition of a ‘street gossip’) is actually what makes business Today in London, you’ll find more people Central Business District (CBD).This is the area happen.” than ever walking the streets and working from for which I am the chief planner and it runs from So really, the success of London as a social coffee shops – the Starbucks generation – and in the City of Westminster to the west, the southern settlement and a business centre is due to the turn this is reducing the need for office space; a boundaries of the River Thames, the Tower of Roman layout that has been built upon since massive turnaround in City planning from just a London at the eastern end and it runs up as far as around 60 A.D. – and this makes it unique. decade or two ago. the major railroad station at Liverpool Street on “The City has 2,000 years of history and that Peter insists that successful companies no the north-eastern corner and the Barbican in the history invigorates the future, because people longer need huge office spaces of 1.5 million mid-north. can come away from their desk and go into these square feet, “They’re dinosaurs!” he says. “They “It’s been a long job so far,” he says, “I’ve seen communal City areas to communicate,” Peter won’t last long. Don’t put your money into the City change, and the rate of change has been enthuses. “That’s what makes the City tick, it’s people who’ve already grown. Put your money particularly fast in the last twenty years, during the balance between the past and the future.” into people just starting to grow.”

Docklands and Canary Wharf were expanded as satellite developments (as Croydon was twenty years ago), designed to help the City cope with the increasing pressures of business expansion. But as the demand for office space begins to decrease and the economic climate worsens, are these areas set to become ghost towns; a glimpse of what business used to look like?

Last month, it was reported by the Investment Property Databank that UK commercial property values fell by a record amount in 2008; the UK Quarterly Property Index illustrated that commercial properties lost 26.4 per cent of their value during 2008 – the most since records began in 1987.

The values of office buildings, shops and warehouses are now roughly in line with 1999 and over five and a half years of growth has been lost in just 18 months of successive falls. The IPD’s co-founding director stated that: “In nominal terms, we have never tracked a year with this level of capital decline.” Perhaps now the bulk of trade, industry and business will move back to the

CBD of the Square Mile, moving back around in that full circle described by Peter.

So, as both value and demand for property drops and businesses move closer to the centre of town, the fate of the Docklands and Canary Wharf remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. And for Peter: “If a major project has not started in the city already, it is unlikely to start,” he told BDonline – an online architecture magazine – last week, “I’m not thinking years, I’m thinking decades. After the Wall Street crash, it took 20 years to recover.”

Predicting that only KPF’s Pinnacle and Heron towers are going ahead as planned, he explains that the city has renewed nearly three quarters of its building stock already.

“It doesn’t require more redevelopment, unless there is a need for more floor space. But if companies are downsizing and the trend is ‘do more with less people’, then I don’t envisage that there will be a need.” n For more information on City Planning, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

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13/3/09 17:39:42

The Umpire STrikeS Back

Or rather a couple of umpires and two opposing teams who are taking on the most imposing peak in the world. Kasha Van Sant finds out more

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aving the spirit of an explorer takes a little bit more than pitching up a tent in the living room at age eight. Richard Kirtley and Gareth Wesley may have harboured such dreams as children but their current ambitions are far from child’s play. The former an ex financial professional and now marketeer; the latter a strategist, are miles away from the donning the spiked boots of the world’s most well-loved explorers. Or are they?

It seems not, as the duo have given birth to a concept that is sure to spawn many a copycat. The countdown is almost over as they take to Everest to play a game of cricket. Gorak Shep, to be precise, is the highest plateau (5165m) where a game of cricket can be officially played. For the Everest Test Team this is no joke; this is a serious expedition that will challenge physical, mental and emotional strength.

To put it into perspective FIFA won’t even allow their players to play at half that altitude. Are they mad!?

Richard admits that they have different answers to this question, “The challenge itself, isn’t that crazy. To

be honest, taking on and organising something for 50 people over the course of the year in our spare time – that’s a little bit more insane than actually playing the cricket.”

Richard and Gareth are the members of opposing squads –Tenzing and Hillary – named appropriately after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s 1953 historic climb to the summit of Mount Everest. As we sit talking they are even tight-lipped about each other’s weekend training regime; this is competitive stuff and neither must give the other the edge. Both are clearly exhausted. Having been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at the conception stage of the project, Gareth is no stranger to this.

“I had it right back in February 2007, and I had four months off work. I went undiagnosed for months and was being tested every two days in order to find out what was wrong with me. Eventually I was diagnosed as having the Epstein Barr virus.”

Gareth has made the required adjustments to his life to ‘get over’ his illness, including cutting out

interview

17

I have never ever taken the easy route In lIfe. I never dId thIngs just because other people were doIng them. when I went travellIng I dId It alone, the same wIth unIversIty

alcohol and caffeine. It seems to be working, but is it an impediment to the challenge? Richard swiftly responds: “Not at all, he’s managed it really well.

It has meant that Gareth and I had to fall into our dynamic a little bit quicker. I could see how he was being affected and then I could pick things up.”

Clearly they work well together and have different skills to offer. He continues, “There’s very little crossover between us, so it’s very clear cut what Gareth’s best at.”

And what is that? “I’m a strategist, I write strategies and plans for companies. I used to work in strategy for the British Horseracing Authority. Now I work in a digital agency advising companies like British Telecom, BA etc on how to use digital properties.”

Consultation and then implementation then?

“Yeah, exactly. I’m like a strategy perfectionist, whereas Richard’s the type of guy that keeps on going until things get done.”

The pair met several years ago through a mutual love of cricket and playing for the same nomadic

team, but Gareth enthuses about how taken by Richard’s notion he was, “It was about two years ago when Rich came back from the Himalayas for the second time. I’ve got to be honest, in my head it was something that I wanted to get involved in. We both knew we wanted to pull it off.”

As I sit listening I can see that the success of this trip is already a virtual certainty, and to cement that, the hype has been building around the challenge for some time now. Richard is adamant that he can deliver and “just get it all done” whilst Gareth who will film the entire nine day trek to the plateau and the subsequent cricket match, is excited about what it will lead to.

We joke about brains and brawn but in all seriousness there is a real sense of sacrifice about this mission. Aside from the commitment that the guys have had to put in both after-hours and at weekends, there is a clearer message coming through: this is a test on many levels. Richard adds: “I have never ever

Clockwise from left: Richard Kirtley and Gareth Wesley, Himalaya expedition, Richard Kirtley, Gareth Westley in training, Everest test team farm training

18

interview

taken the easy route in life. I never did things just because other people were doing them. When I went travelling I did it alone, the same with university. I want to push myself outside of the comfort zone and this will do it for me. And on top of that I want to be able to climb all the major summits, because as a mountaineer it’s what I love doing best.” Indeed, it was this wandering outside the comfort zone that instilled the idea in the first place.

So how easy was it to get people on board? Richard replies: “We used a bit of social networking but we also just used our friends too. We put together an application pack with all the details of what we were doing and how much it would cost, the whole ethos of the trip, how it would be a big fundraiser for charity. We got everyone to email out to their friends and tell them that we would be giving a presentation in Clapham one Sunday morning in April last year.

When we started we didn’t know how many people we’d get, in the end about 40 people turned up to the presentation and we got near enough 100 applications or so.”

I asked him what kinds of people have got involved.

“It was a total mix. So many different people from different kind of lifestyles, different parts of the country, but one of the things we knew was that we probably weren’t going to be able to do it alone.”

He elaborates on the selection process.

“On the applications we asked for specific skill sets and also for useful contacts. We also picked people by merit rather than choosing friends! We knew we needed a lawyer, so we made sure we selected a lawyer. We knew we needed someone with experience in doing corporate sponsorship so we recruited someone who did that and over the

All imAges courtesy of george Powell ©2009 tg-PhotogrAPhy.com (excePt richArd Kirtley/himAlAyA exPedition)

Everest Test Team Launch

recruitment period we managed to get all these amazing people who, for the majority, are serious achievers. People who’ve really got the get-up and go.

Now although Gareth and I will be doing most of the work we have now got people we can call on.”

Gareth adds, “With a project like this it takes a long time to get sponsors, it’s at least two years before you take it to market and we didn’t want to do that. So we worked it out initially and have made sure that we’re selfsufficient in that everyone pays their own way. As long as we have the 22 players and a couple of umpires that’s the embryo.”

Although the pair admit that all they have done is take a “conventional sport and made it really extreme”, it’s clear it might be a little more than that.

They’ve taken a leaf out of their predecessors’ books – challenging convention and logic and breaking a few world records along the way! n

www.theeveresttest.com www.lordstaverners.org www.himalayantrust.co.uk www.tg-photography.com

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CARE 24 Peaks Challenge 27-28 June 2009

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eading overseas development agency CARE International is looking for intrepid City professionals to take on an epic challenge: 24 peaks in 24 hours.

Billed as the ultimate UK mountain challenge, this is an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves, and challenge poverty. All funds raised by the event will support CARE’s valuable work helping over 65 million people in 70 countries to find a route out of poverty.

ExchangE suits for boots and briEfcasE for backpack This is a far cry from the office - the CARE 24 Peaks Challenge is set amid some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. The route will take teams of 4-6 walkers up 24 mountain

peaks around the Lake District, taking in mountains such as Scafell Pike, Hellvellyn and Great Dodd along the way. Afterwards, teams will have the chance to celebrate at a wellearned dinner, awards and party. case study Matthew Lindsey-Clark, managing director of Lexicon Partners, took part in the event last year. He found solid team-building and networking was a valuable aspect of his company’s participation.

“Our involvement with the Challenge Series started in an effort to find an outdoor event for a worthy cause which we could use as an opportunity for internal team building.

Once we got to know CARE, Lexicon were very happy to continue to support

the charity…. The 24 Peaks Challenge was a successful and heart-warming event that most, if not all, of the participants look back on with some pride and pleasure.

“The event had an excellent impact on staff morale at Lexicon. There was a real sense of satisfaction in the individual and team performance and, I think, a bit of corporate pride.

“The networking and corporate hospitality elements of the event knitted the whole thing together.

“The fact that the challenge was for a good cause was very much a factor in Lexicon’s involvement in the event. CARE is a fabulous cause with a committed team of staff. CARE’s approach resonates with us and we felt that it worked well with those of our clients.”

CARE Challenge Manager Michele Evans urges teams to get involved. “This is a fantastic opportunity for corporate teams to put themselves and their colleagues to the test in a very enjoyable way. It’s great for teambuilding across companies and networking across The City, in a truly inspirational setting. This is a rare chance to harness the masses of goodwill The City has to offer. By challenging themselves, our participants will be helping families and communities for whom every single day is an uphill struggle.” n If you and your colleagues have what it takes, visit the CARE Challenge website, where you can register your team: www.carechallenge.org.uk/24peaks or call the CARE Challenge Team on 020 7934 9470.

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business&finance

The Dangers Of emerging frOm a recessiOn If you think the recession will be over soon, the signs are it won’t

by DR. DAVID KUO Head of Personal finance at money website fool.co.uk

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he downturn is expected to last for some time, yet. Naturally opinions differ over how long the downturn could go on for. That’s because economists seldom see eye to eye on anything. In fact, if a room full of economists are laid end to end they would still manage to point in all directions.

In a nutshell, a recession is formally defined as a drop in real gross domestic product for two consecutive quarters.

It simply means that when an economy shrinks for six months then it is officially in recession. Some slumps last a bit longer than others - just ask the Japanese. But in general recessions generally fade away after about eighteen months.

Problem for us is that economists have different ideas about how to cope with recessions. For instance, followers of John Maynard Keynes believe that governments should step in and spend money where private enterprise fears to tread. So, Keynesian economists want to build more roads and bridges, more hospitals and schools during a recession to keep people busy.

Meanwhile, fans of Milton Friedman reckon that raw money should be pumped into the ailing economy to loosen purse strings that have been pulled tauter than a weightlifter’s belt. They advocate that central banks slash interest rates and cut taxes to boost the supply of money. If that doesn’t do the trick, they may even go so far as to shower consumers with money thrown out of helicopter. Hence, the aptly named “helicopter” theory of money.

And those who subscribe to laid-back

economics say market forces should always be allowed to prevail. Doris Day economics or Que Sera, Sera… Whatever Will Be, Will Be believes that an ailing economy should be allowed to sort itself out. And if that means some businesses may go to the wall, then so be it.

But regardless of your personal taste in economics, recessions inevitably take time to run their course. There are no easy solutions.

Now you would intuitively think that as the economy emerges from recession the

process of belt-tightening to trim output in line with reduced demand for their products and services. The retrenchment will result in companies slashing stock levels and shedding staff. We will see this in the form of price cuts in shops and higher unemployment numbers.

Businesses will also downsize their operations and cut back on both capital investment and daily spend. Some may even dispose of underperforming businesses and other assets to replenish their fast-emptying

ThIng Is, a recessIon Is an InevITable parT of The busInesses cycle. They reflecT The way ThaT companIes respond To expansIon and conTracTIon of The economy outlook for businesses will immediately improve. After all, shouldn’t revenues start to rise, profits begin to grow and cash roll in when companies start to grow again?

Unfortunately, things are never that simple in the world of commerce. As companies emerge from recession, the outlook can be even more fraught than when they entered the economic slowdown.

Thing is, a recession is an inevitable part of the business cycle. It reflects the way that companies respond to expansion and contraction of the economy. And as economies grow and shrink, then so too do businesses because they are using scarce resources such as raw materials, labour and money.

Consequently, boom and bust cycles are unavoidable – the only issue is how long the boom and how deep the bust. Normally, when businesses enter a recession, the well-managed ones will quickly go through a

bank accounts. But that is the easy part.

As slimmed-down and more efficient operators, these companies are able to cope with the shrunken market. But as the economy starts to expand again, it is questionable as to whether they can cope with the ensuing increase in demand.

Some of these companies will find that as a result of their prudence they will be faced with the twin problem of not enough capacity and not enough working capital.

They will also find that their betterpositioned and better-financed competitors will start to gain a greater share of the market.

For investors, the period that follows a downturn is a good opportunity to pick up strong businesses at bargain-basement prices provided extra care is paid to the fundamentals of the Seriously good with money business. n

Fool.co.uk

TM

CARE Challenges The City Leading overseas development agency CARE International is laying down the gauntlet for the City, in the shape of the CARE 24 Peaks Challenge on 27-28 June 2009. This is the ultimate UK Mountain Challenge: 24 Peaks in 24 hours!

An opportunity to challenge yourself - and challenge poverty.

The Challenge

The Charity

The Challenge will take teams up 24 mountain peaks around the stunning Lake District, taking in infamous mountains such as Scafell Pike, Hellvellyn and Great Dodd along the way. A far cry from the office: throughout the challenge teams will be amid some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.

CARE works in around 70 countries helping 65 million of the world’s poorest people find a route out of poverty. CARE’s long-term programmes tackle the deep-seated causes of poverty and they are always among the first to respond with emergency relief when disaster strikes.

Afterwards, celebrations and awards will take place at a well-earned dinner and reception where teams can exchange walking boots for dancing shoes along with other teams from the City.

In emergency situations, CARE remains with communities to help them rebuild their lives long after the cameras have gone. Challenge participants can be sure their money is going where it’s needed most, as ninety one pence in every pound raised for CARE goes directly to fund their poverty fighting programmes.

The CARE 24 Peaks Challenge is undoubtedly demanding - an opportunity to test yourself and your colleagues; an opportunity to achieve the ultimate.

With 14 years’ experience of organising and running outdoor fundraising events, the CARE Challenge Team will be there to support teams every step of the way, with training advice, fundraising support and an exceptional event.

“The 24 Peaks Challenge is possibly the most demanding event in the CARE Challenge Series, and we think City workers have the necessary determination and sense of competitive fun.

It’s set to be a fantastic teambuilding and networking event and a great fundraiser for CARE, so we’re urging everyone in the City to challenge poverty and challenge themselves.”

Michele Evans, CARE Challenge Manager

How to take part

For more information or to register...

Teams of 4-6 walkers will be given the task of climbing 24 Peaks in the Lake District in 24 hours and raising a minimum of £6,000 to support CARE’s work.

W > www.carechallenge.org.uk/24peaks

If you and your colleagues have what it takes, visit the CARE Challenge website, where you can register your team today!

thecity-advertorial.indd 1

T > 020 7934 9470 E > challenge@careinternational.org CARE International Reg Charity No. 292506

11/02/2009 14:33:07

business&finance

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SPREAD BETTING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE Financial Spread Betting also known as Financial Spread Trading has seen a massive growth over the last decade in the UK and is a flexible and tax-efficient way to back anything from shares, currencies, commodities, bonds, stock indices and even house prices

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inancial spread betting lets you gain exposure to the performance of key markets, without having to put up the full value of the transaction as you’re trading on margin, so you can profit from market moves while only putting forward a margin deposit as collateral, this can be as low as 10 per cent of the contract value.

As your transaction is a bet, your profits are free from UK capital gains tax and income tax, and trades on individual shares are free from stamp duty. Those living outside the UK may also be able to Spread Bet, however, the same tax advantages do not apply.

One of the major advantages of financial spread betting over conventional share trading is that it’s just as easy to go short as it is to go long. That is, you can profit even when a particular market is falling, you simply open a SELL / DOWN bet rather than a BUY / UP bet. Other methods of shorting shares are often expensive and not easily available to smaller private traders.

Financial spread betting can be used to trade from less than one minute up to 12 months and can be used to cover a range of different investment strategies.

For instance, you could use spread bets to hedge the value of your existing holdings, hedge against a currency exchange movement or to speculate on market volatility. You also have the flexibility to respond quickly to any changes in market conditions as most Financial Spread Betting companies are open 24 hours a day.

As the popularity of Financial Spread

Betting has grown so have the number of Financial Spread Betting Brokers – as traders this is good news as the competition has led to better products, lower spreads and smaller bet sizes available.

Another advantage is the ability to trade in your base currency, for instance Sterling; even though the market may be traded in US Dollars on Gold or Oil for example, it means you don’t have to worry about exchange rates.

ExamplE of a financial SprEad BEt on Gold Let’s look at placing a trade on Gold. You can trade via phone, Internet and in many

One OF the majOr advantages OF Financial spread betting Over cOnventiOnal share trading is that it’s just as easy tO gO shOrt as it is tO gO lOng cases you can now trade with a mobile phone such as an Iphone.

All spread bets have an expiry date; we don’t have to hold the bet until this date.

In this case April Gold which is currently quoted at 945.0/946.0.The first price is the price we sell at and the second is the price we buy at. We think Gold will go up so we buy £100 per point at 946.0.

One important factor in trading is to always protect your downside; however sure you are you need to have a safety

net, in this case a Guaranteed Stop loss.

We will place our stop 20 points away, so if Gold hits $926 then the bet will be automatically closed out. This means that our downside is known ahead of time, our profit is unlimited but our risk is strictly limited to 20 X £100 so £2,000.

A few weeks in to the trade we see Gold is now trading at 1075/1076, so we decide to take our profits and close the bet, so we now sell at 1075.

So to recap we Bought £100 at 946.0 and Sold £100 at 1075 the difference is 129 points X £100 = £12,900 profit.

We could have easily done the reverse and profited from a down move. Also notice whilst Gold is traded in US$ we are using £ as our betting currency.

Summary Financial Spread Betting can be used to profit from rising or falling markets.

It’s possible to trade a diverse range of markets from one account. Bet sizes can be smaller than traditional futures brokers.

Traders can use guaranteed stop loses to protect against unlimited losses, yet profits can be unlimited. It is still important to realise that Spread Betting is a higher risk investment and it is advisable to learn and practice before placing real trades, also only trade with risk capital. n

Vince Stanzione has produced a home study course to teach private investors how to benefit from trading financial Spread Bets and Fixed Odds. For more information please visit www.fintrader.info

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: KUALA LUMPUR

Cat HugHes discovers that this Malaysian geM offers plenty for an essential tiMe out froM a hectic business schedule

Above: Old China Restaurant, Ritz Carlton Spa Village, Lafite Restaurant

This beautiful and vibrant capital city is a multi-cultural patchwork quilt of different cultures - a perfect escape for the business traveller. One day you could be burning joss sticks at a Chinese temple, or kicking off your shoes to enter a mosque or a Hindu Shrine.

The next you could be wandering through the highly-westernised business district with glass sky scraping edifices and copious numbers of European and American stores. But whatever you decide to do, you will never get bored in Kuala Lumpur.

Where to stay The CarCosa seri Negara

Situated only 15 minutes away from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, The Carcosa Seri Negara is a luxury boutique hotel, which overlooks the famous Lake Gardens. The hotel offers a 24 hour butler service, wireless internet and a choice of fine dining restaurants. The one to choose is The Gulai House, an informal dining room with panoramic views of the picturesque gardens. www.ghmhotels.com

hoTel Maya

Hotel Maya is a contemporary resort located next to the architecturally stunning Petronas Towers in the centre of the business district. The rooms are modern with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the impressive Kuala Lumpur skyline.

The hotel has a number of restaurants that serve a mix of Malay and international cuisine.

And if you need some ‘me’ time you can rejuvenate yourself at the luxurious spa. www.hotelmaya.com

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Clockwise: Asy-Syakirin Mosque with Petronas Towers, The Lake Gardens, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Carcosa Seri Negra

Fine dining

Seal the deal

Old China

the Village Bar

Precious Old China serves Chinese and Far-Eastern food by head chef John Locke, who has worked for Brunei royalty, and revived the traditional food of Baba Nyonya. Menu highlights include, fish head curry, devil curry chicken, and Itik Tim (duck soup) amongst other exciting dishes.

A popular meeting point for business travellers,The Village Bar in The Starhill Gallery is the perfect place to do business.

There are five counters that serve different drinks.You can choose from a beer bar, a hard liquor bar, which serves cocktails; a wine bar, a rice wine bar and for the teetotallers a soft drinks bar.

www.oldchina.com.my

www.starhillgallery.com

lafite

Spa eScape

Located in the Shangri-la hotel, Lafite serves Western and vegetarian dishes that are perfectly matched to the restaurant’s selection of elegant wines and cigars. With its luxurious and relaxing atmosphere it’s the perfect place to entertain clients and discuss those finer business details. www.shangri-la.com

ritz-CarltOn Spa Village

If you need some time out from the chaos of the city, the Ritz-Carlton Spa Village is the place to go. You can choose from a whole host of treatments, from an indigenous massage to a papaya gentle body scrub.Or for the ultimate indulgence why not try the Caviar facial. www.ritzcarlton.com

Shop till you drop The place to go for some serious credit card bashing is The Starhill Gallery. This huge shopping centre will have all your favourite brands from Mulberry to Davidoff. If you prefer to spend your hard earned cash on art, the centre has no less than four art galleries and a number of antiques stores. day tripping the lake gardenS

The Lake Gardens, which date back to the 1880’s are a tranquil paradise in the heart of the city.

Built around an artificial lake, the gardens incorporate 91.6 hectares of orchid and hibiscus gardens, a deer park, a butterfly park and a large bird park which has near 3000 species.

travel acceSSory The perfect overnight bag, this stylish handmade luxury Italian leather tote, By Alison van der Lande, will have all the room you need for those essentials. Alison uses only the best Italian leather in the most exquisite colours in her unique collections. www.alisonvanderlande.co.uk

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feature

By GeorGe!

Adam Wynne considers the decline of patriotism in the UK and what it means to be ‘English’

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hether we’re halting the fire of dragons, or preventing the dramatic explosion of gunpowder, the English seem to revel in a glorious but violent past. And yet Bonfire Night is now celebrated far more widely than St George’s Day; so does our preference for a more indirect form of national ritual hint at a gradually eroding sense of national identity?

The Scots may pipe their haggis in on Burns Night, and much of England joins them. The Irish welcome St Patrick’s Day with green ribbons, shamrock and Guinness, and we gladly help with that as well. Yet

when it comes to celebrating our own country we strangely seem to lose voice and appetite.

Perhaps basic divisions over patriotism can be traced by the way we follow sport, and the desire to pin oneself to a particular team. Public perceptions of sports fans differ vastly across Britain. Images of Welsh rugby followers surging en-masse into the Millennium Stadium, and hordes of Irish enthusiasts invading Croke Park are understandably considered inspirational, yet the stereotype of an English sporting fan is of tipsy, bearded and feared yob, whose ill-fitting replica shirts match their ill intent. It is certainly possible that the

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The Beardmore Collection

behaviour of England fans during previous decades has fuelled the decline of overt patriotic displays; it is believed by many that to bear the English flag is now to also bear associations with narrow-minded attitudes and xenophobia. st george’s day concerts Clearly there are better ways to express national pride than this. Appreciating cultural greatness is one way – a country can define itself easily through artistic, literary and musical richness, offering us a bite-size definition of ‘Englishness’. It is no surprise then to see that the Royal Albert Hall is presenting a more cultural offering for those wishing to celebrate patriotism this St. George’s Day. The inspiring display will include renditions of Elgar, and performances of Shakespeare and Wordsworth. Music will include Knightsbridge March, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring and Jerusalem, proving that any sense of national identity is tied to the beauty of our physical surroundings. ‘England’s pleasant

pastures’ and the iconic City of London landscape have inspired men for centuries, often without us realising we are being patriotic.

In this sense patriotism has nothing to do with race or origin. You don’t have to be a Londoner to appreciate the Square Mile. And when we graft ourselves into the artistic vines the country has sprouted, we are not so much celebrating a country as our possession of culture. Look at Danny Vara, who after arriving from India eventually decided to take-over the Beardmore collection: the ultimate name in architectural ironmongery and brass foundry. Their craftsmanship showcases the very best in English tradition and heritage; for Danny the point of Beardmore is that in buying British, you are buying quality, thus leaving it no surprise that he regularly turns down much cheaper manufacturing offers from around the globe. do unto others...

There is a saying that, “a man is whatever room he is in”; progressive patriotism is not about considering one’s country to be superior to others, but about appreciating where we are standing in the present.

To praise English cultural achievement is not to automatically disparage that of other countries – life is all about difference. To feel a sense of national identity is to lay claim to the unique influences that have helped make us who we are today.

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The Royal Albert Hall

Forgetting St george’S mythological exploitS For a Second, we are leFt with a Figure who died Fighting For multiculturaliSm, having rebelled againSt the attemptS to perSecute chriStianS made by emperor diocletian. who better to chooSe aS a Symbol oF ‘engliShneSS’? multicultural beliefs However, at this point we perhaps hit a snag, since Englishness has too often been tainted by its past association with Empire. Countries such as the USA and France have national days to celebrate their arrival at liberation and independence, yet protestations of English greatness are sometimes unfairly mistaken for Imperial nostalgia. Recent devolution has confirmed the independence of the other home countries, understandably leading to patriotic outpourings. But it seems England has been on the ‘wrong’ end of many historical struggles, and has thus been denied the more defined sense of identity present within other nations.

Yet it is our mixed history that has made England the unique social environment it is now. Perhaps even more than any other country, England has become a society welcoming of all beliefs and backgrounds. Forgetting St

George’s mythological exploits for a second, we are left with a figure who died fighting for multiculturalism, having rebelled against the attempts to persecute Christians made by Emperor Diocletian. Who better to choose as a symbol of ‘Englishness’?

Just as the English language has gained power through assimilative progress over the centuries, so too does the country gain its strength today from a sense of social expansion and inclusiveness. So if you find yourself in the Royal Albert Hall this St George’s day in order to extol your ‘Englishness’, perhaps you’ll find friends from other nations helping us celebrate this time... n Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com Beardmore Collection www.beardmore.co.uk

93 THE STRAND WC2R 0DW TEL: 0844 847 9270 35 BLOMFIELD STREET EC2M 7BD TEL: 0844 847 9275 83 CHEAPSIDE EC2V 6EB TEL: 0844 847 9272 81 GRACECHURCH STREET EC3V OAU TEL: 0844 847 9271

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24/03/2009 11:46:57

Clockwise from left: Amsterdam at night, Hotel Arena, The Odeon Restaurant

THE WORLD’S BEST STREET PARTY Rebecca Walton takes a few days break in the cultural hub of Amsterdam, and delivers her guide to the best city hotspots, hotels and eateries

THE CITY April is by far the best time to visit Amsterdam. Spring has well and truly arrived, the flowers are blooming and canallife is in full-swing. Sadly, the city is usually associated with British stag parties rather than romantic or cultural weekends away; but with some of the best tourist attractions in Europe, festivals and celebrations, stunning surroundings and friendly locals, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

An absolute must, if visiting Amsterdam this month, is the Queen’s Day street

festival (30 April) which celebrates the birthday of the late Queen Juliana. Her daughter, and current Queen Beatrix, celebrates her birthday on 31 January but keeps the original holiday in place as the weather is much more accommodating for outdoor activities. Night-time festivities commence on 29 April, and outdoor concert stages can be found at Nieuwmarkt, Leidseplein, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Westermarkt, Westerstraat, Rembrandtplein and Amstelveld. Often lasting for an entire 24 hours, the Queen’s

Day celebrations include a ‘free market’ (residents have bargain friendly ‘yard sales’), street performances, street discos, outdoor concerts, party boats and lots of beer (the most sensible option being the reduced-alcohol ‘event beer’, which is served in plastic containers that come with a deposit fee). www.iamsterdam.com

WHERE TO STAY In the midst of the greenery of Oosterpark and a short walk from the bustle of the city

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The building is TradiTional duTch in sTyle, originally consTrucTed in 1663 as a beer brewery which was laTer Transformed inTo amsTerdam’s firsT real concerT hall in 1830 centre, sits the Hotel Arena complex. This attractive building has been finished to the highest specification and boasts a beautiful terrace lined with trees, complementing the historical features of the building.

The hotel offers 4* accommodation in a vast array of suites and rooms, a relaxed and intimate bar, highly-recommended restaurant and a very popular 2,000 capacity nightclub.

We stayed in a luxury suite with views of one of Amsterdam’s many beautiful canals; the rooms and halls of the former Saint Elisabeth Orphanage have original features and are divided into 116 rooms of varying sizes and prices. All of the rooms have been fitted with stylish, comfortable furniture alongside all the mod-cons you would expect at a high-end hotel, from plasma televisions through to a fully stocked minibar.

Hotel Arena’s latest refurbishment has allowed for a change to its black and white theme, which really brings together all the

elements of design. Black bathrooms are a key feature; with glossy black glass walls and glistening tiles, subtly lit by Dutch Design lamps – it all feels rather decadent.

For the business traveller the Hotel Arena provides everything from Wi-Fi internet access to conference rooms, making this an ideal choice for a romantic weekend getaway or a hard-working business trip.

Rooms start at €289 with suites starting at €399 (prices per night) www.hotelarena.nl

WHERE TO EAT Nestled in the heart of one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful districts is a hidden gem: the Odeon. The building is traditional Dutch in style, originally constructed in 1663 as a beer brewery which was later transformed into Amsterdam’s first real concert hall in 1830. Today, the Odeon has become a cosmopolitan centre for entertainment, and is a hive of activity both day and night.

Friday and Saturday nights see the

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beautiful gold room being opened as an exquisite restaurant; here you can choose from delicious specialities on the a la carte menu, weekly set menu or, my personal favourite, three-course menu with ‘matching’ cocktails (a fun take on the usual wine selection). Unique in not only style but atmosphere, we dined to tunes of a DJ, which, whilst sipping on a Strawberry Balsamico (vodka, fresh strawberries, basil and balsamic vinegar) seemed the perfect accompaniment.

The Odeon restaurant provides the opportunity to savour the creations of Edwin Takens, one of Amsterdam’s better known chefs. Takens creates dishes with their origin in traditional French cuisine; highlights include Croustillant of Langoustine on a Compote of Spring Vegetables served with a Shellfish Sauce (€11.50); Skin-fried Cod with Laurel, Pappardelle Pasta, Artichoke, Tomato, Green Asparagus and a Sauce Beurre Blanc (€19); and my favourite, Marinated Strawberries with Verveine Ice-cream and Dutch Orange Cookie (€7.50).

Odeon really stands out from the rest.

Later in the evening after dinner, grab a cocktail and head up the impressive staircase to one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive nightspots. The grand dance floor is overlooked by a luxuriously decorated balcony and allows guests to dance the night away to “credible chart classics” until the wee early hours! n www.odeontheater.nl

Clockwise from left: The Mako Shark by Alastair Gibson, Angel Fish by Guy Portelli, Dutch Still Life

by Valery Koroshilov, Girl III, by Attasit Pokpong

Outswim the sharks

The 14th Annual Chelsea Art Fair is set to create a stir, with a life-size shark sculpture made from an old F1 car amongst the many treasures. Holly Willis dips a toe in the water

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scar Wilde’s famous aphorism states that ‘life imitates art far more than art imitates life,’ and it is true that many looking at a tin of Campbell’s Tomato Soup, can’t help but be reminded of Andy Warhol’s iconic Pop Art painting. Even graffiti, once considered the scourge of urban landscapes is now often viewed, in this post-Banksy world, as a means of enlivening our grey cities, and making political comments frequently more in-tune with the man on the street than any politician’s spin.

Few things in life have only one layer of meaning, take the life-size Mako shark sculpture that will be seen at the upcoming Chelsea Art Fair. Made from a recovered Formula 1 Grand Prix racing car and exhibited by The Russell Gallery, it is one of the many pieces for sale. It was created by sculptor Alastair Gibson, who was formerly Honda’s chief mechanic with responsibility for Jensen Button’s car. So why make a shark in Formula 1 metal? Alastair explains: “A shark is a Grand Prix car in nature. It has nothing on its body that shouldn’t be there. Everything on a Grand Prix car is made to get it first over the line”.

Among the many other highlights will be the stunning sculptures of Guy Portelli, alongside

more traditional paintings from the 20th Century.There will also be 3-dimensional works in glass, bronze, wood, stone and ceramics, with acclaimed artists available alongside fresh talent. So whether you’re looking for a canny purchase by the latestYBA or something that simply pulls you in at first sight, destined to hang above your fireplace forever, this is the fair to see.

Penman’s have been holding the fair since 1996 and because exhibitors have to be approved by a selection committee, the standards are high and prices accurate.

Set in the Chelsea Old Town Hall, this annual event has become a fixture on the social calendar but the new layout this year looks set to provide a few surprises for seasoned visitors. n 23 - 26 April 2009 Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Rd, SW3 Open: Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday & Saturday: 11am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm. Artwork prices range from approximately £50 - £50,000 Ticket Price: £6 pp – for complimentary tickets for two to The Chelsea Art Fair, just present your copy of this magazine at the entrance for free admission.

w w w. c a n a l i . i t

122 New Bond Street London W1 Tel. 0844 847 9292

Liverpool St (18 – 31 Eldon St) London EC2M Tel. 0844 847 9390

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A DROP OF SHERRY Deana Gershuny shares her taste of the Southern Spanish town of Jerez, the local Sherries and the interesting heritage of the horse-fair and bull-fighting ring

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n the far South of Spain, amongst the rolling Andalusian hills, lies the vibrant town of Jerez de la Frontera. Here, walkways are lined with orange trees and stacks of old oak barrels adorn street corners; a symbol of the rich history of the town where Sherry is as much a part of the age-old culture as flamenco, equestrianism and bull-fighting.

Vineyards nestled in the surrounding hills make the most of the chalky, ‘albariza’ soils which, similar to the soils of Champagne, uniquely give birth to the Palomino and the Pedro Ximenez grapes – thus producing the finest Sherry wines in the world.

Impressive, high-roofed bodegas – ‘cellars’ – are found in the centre of the town, many concentrating on the top end of the sherry market. Making sales in bottles rather than cases, the emphasis is very much on

quality, not quantity. Visitors are invited to take guided tours inside the cool and quiet rooms, which are stacked high with barrels of many vintages.

The process The solera system is a method of ageing and blending, whereby wine taken from the oldest casks at the bottom, is replenished with newer wine from the casks above. The older wine is left to ‘educate’ the new in a process which, having been developed to perfection over hundreds of years of experience, ensures consistent quality. The blend created here cannot be matched by replicas which, like mock top-range champagnes, are never more than poor imitations.

Exported since the sixteenth century, authentic Jerez Sherries are available

worldwide; but be careful not to be fooled by imposter varieties. It is only the Bodegas of this particular area whose Sherries have been classified by the Guarantee of Origin Regulatory Board as V.O.S. (very old sherry or vinum optimum signatum) or V.O.R.S. (very old rare sherry or vinum optimum rare signatum).

The unfortunate presence of inferior replicas means that many have never had the pleasure of tasting what Master of Wine Jancis Robinson calls “this world’s most neglected wine treasure”.

Whether it is the pale, bone-dry yet zesty Fino and Manzanilla Sherries (characterised by their salty taste and aroma) or the darker, more robust and nutty, Olorosos or Amontillados (produced in both dry and sweet varieties), these Jerez wines are not to be missed.

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Above and right: Sherry making, The Royal Andalusian Riding School

EquEstrian traditions Jerez is also home to the Royal School of Equestrian Art, La Fundacion Real Escuela Andaluza Del Arte Ecuestre, which not only is a centre of training for dressage riders but also holds courses for saddlers and trains in veterinary science. The stables are home to some of the world’s best Olympic riders and to spectacular Carthusian pure-bred horses that have been bred in the region since the fifteenth century. Visitors are invited to look around and watch spectacular horse dance shows during the twice weekly exhibitions, which culminate in the annual week long festival in mid-May, the Feria del Caballo.

The festival includes all kinds of activities showcasing the talents and cultural history of the people of Jerez. During the week there are international show-jumping and dressage competitions. Magnificent carriages parade down the streets and through the González de Hontoria Park, where marquees are erected and decorated on a theme which differs each year. Inside the marquees there are samples of sherry and regional produce to taste and buy. The city comes alive as people dance Sevillanas to the early hours of the morning and fireworks decorate the skies.

Cultural tastEs All year round numerous restaurants hold flamenco shows for which the city is famed and bullfights, a staple of Spanish culture, are a regular occurrence, often showcasing some of Spain’s star matadors, such as Enrique Ponce. The racing circuit, which lies on the outskirts of the city, is where the Motorcycle World Championships take place and is also used for Formula One testing, whilst on an adjacent hill lies the extensive Montecastillo golf course. Beautiful cathedrals and museums, such as The Time Palace – Antique Clock and Watch Museum,

and the Bullfight Museum Restaurant are scattered around the city. The tour of the Bodegas Tradicion includes not only a Sherry tasting but also admission to Jaoquin Rivero’s private art collection which includes three hundred of Spain’s finest paintings from the fifteenth century onwards.

Jerez is not simply a city of Sherry; it is the embodiment of a uniquely diverse and immensely rich cultural history, set in the picturesque Andalusian landscape. It is well worth a visit, but if you don’t have the chance, the authentic Sherry wines from the region, which pay tribute to generations of experience, can certainly give you a taste of this vibrant city. n For more information on Andalucía, visit www.andalucia.com

Where to Stay Hotel Villa Jerez is a stately restored mansion house, surrounded by lush gardens. Located only a few metres from the Royal Andalusian Riding School, the historic SherryBodegas, the Alcázar, the famous museums and the historic centre of town, the hotel is the perfect choice for a short break. This small luxury hotel has just 18 rooms, all of which are luxuriously furnished and offer a view of the park or pool. Where better to enjoy a glass of local Sherry with tapas?

Hotel Villa Jerez Avda. de la Cruz Roja 7 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain +34 956 153 100 www.villajerez.com

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interiors

VALUE ADDED Josephine O’Donoghue looks at the ways you can add value to your home in the heart of the house: the kitchen

thE ELEctronic AgE Urban Interior is pleased to announce the much anticipated arrival of S1, the latest high-tech kitchen design from SieMatic. Designed with the social kitchen in mind, the S kitchen creates the perfect living space within the contemporary domestic kitchen.Using the most advanced technology, the unique ‘Smart Board’ device controls a complete multimedia system. Located beneath the wall cabinets, it contains touch controls that operate all electronic gadgets within the kitchen including, the extractor hood and the built in 17” flat screen LCD TV. Starting from around £100,000 there is a bespoke service offered to each individual customer.

cooL cUBE Responding to the market trend for white glass, the Cube’s white facings are coordinated with stainless steel to give a striking focal point within the kitchen. Featuring electronic controls in addition to a handy remote control, this unusual and innovative design is able to adapt to a variety of kitchens, with options for both wall and island fixtures, and the choice of a recirculation kit. The wallmounted version can be further adapted to be fitted with or without the chimney flu.

The Cube retails from around £883 Call 0117 938 1900 or visit www.caple.co.uk

www.urbaninterior.co.uk

inDUstry sEcrEt Although you may not guess from the name, Goodwood Bathrooms are the insider’s industry secret for high-quality kitchens. Guaranteeing quality and individuality, the kitchens are designed and fitted bespoke, with a personalised design and installation service using a huge choice of both traditional and contemporary ranges.

Call 01243 532121 or visit www.goodwoodbathrooms.co.uk

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120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS Telephone: 020 7486 3080 http://www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk email: info.@halcyon-interiors.co.uk

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interiors

Sleek & ChiC Adding to SieMatic’s detailed portfolio, the new SL101 brings an air of simple sophistication to the kitchen. Light oak doors are combined with feature fog grey, creating an effortless style with a Scandinavian-style edge. In fitting with the rest of the SL range, the 101 design embraces clean lines and sleek glossy colours.

SieMatic’s innovative interior storage system, MultiMatic, is hidden

within the units to keep clutter out of sight, whilst at the same time increasing capacity by over a third. Surpassing all expectations, the new design creates an unprecedented elegance perfect for the modern home.

The SL101 kitchens start from £20,000.

Call 01438 369 251 or visit www.siematic.co.uk

Smart move

StyliSh Storage

Since February, nearly all stainless steel cooling appliances manufactured by Liebherr have made use in the newest superproduct: SmartSteel. The leading German cooling appliance manufacturer is has once again established itself as one of the leading manufacturers in product innovation. Because stainless steel in kitchens can often end up looking tired and worn, Liebherr has created the specially treated SmartSteel to be scratch-resistant and a durable sealing is applied to the front wall of appliances, ensuring that the machine looks as good as new for years to come.

Refrigeration specialist Liebherr present their latest integrated wine storage cabinet; the perfect solution for home-owners who appreciate the benefits of correctly stored wine. Large enough to store eighteen bottles, it features a ‘finger touch’ electronic temperature control, on an adjustable scale from 5 to 20°C. Humidity can also be controlled, and all air entering the cabinet passes through a carbon filter to ensure purity.

The SmartSteel appliances retail from £499.

Call 08444 122 655 or visit www.liebherr.co.uk

The WKEes553 has an approximate retail price of £950.

Call 08444 122 655 or visit www.liebherr.co.uk

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21/11/08 14:54:01

lifestyle

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Things To see at Grand Designs Live, London 2009 sponsored by British Gas

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he credit crunch means that the stay-at-home generation has arrived and consumers are making the most of their space. Based on the hugely successful Channel 4 TV series – presented by design guru Kevin McCloud – Grand Designs Live, London brings together over 500 exhibitors and six separate shows from Design & Interiors to Kitchens & Bathrooms. Just follow our ‘Must See’ guide for things to do.

1 ECO DwEllings FROM THE gRAnD VillAgE spOnsORED By FiRsT DiRECT Explore a series of new build dwellings that demonstrate the ways in which architects and designers are pushing the boundaries of design and construction to create and build the most advanced, energy efficient homes 2 gREEn yOuR HOME howcasing the latest in insulation, under floor heating, rainwater harvesting systems and solar energy from market leading brands. Our one-stop-shop of award-winning products and services in the Grand Build Section, sponsored by

Velux, offers ideas and advice on the ways in which domestic homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint.

3 MAkE yOuR HOusE A HOME wiTH THE DEsign ARCADE Shopaholics must visit this year’s brand new Design Arcade where a selection of top UK designers will bring unique hand-crafted and bespoke furniture and interior accessories, including mirrors, lamps, art and crafts that cannot be found on the high street.

4 ‘HOusE OF THE FuTuRE’ spOnsORED By sAMsung The BRAND NEW House of the Future, sponsored by Samsung, will showcase some of the latest and best stylish home entertainment gadgetry, as well as domestic appliances, and demonstrate the best new gadgets and innovations of today and tomorrow.

5 liVE kiTCHEn ExpERiEnCE, spOnsORED By MiElE A series of LIVE cookery demonstrations

sees top British chefs such as John BurtonRace, Michael Caines, Jun Tanaka, Jane Asher and Atul Kochar, road test our stunning show kitchens supplied by Peggenpohl and Stoneham, with appliances by Miele.

British Gas will be demonstrating their latest Green Streets initiative, encouraging homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint in the home. Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak to experts about the current energy rating of their home, by being asked to fill in an ‘Energy Savers Report’ which has already saved two million people over £175 a year off their energy bills.

Grand Designs Live, London is the UK’s No.1 consumer show for design, innovation and inspiration for your home. It returns to London from 25th April to 4th May, 2009. See www. granddesignslive.com. To book your tickets now and save £5, log on to www.granddesignslive. com or call the 24 hour box office on 0871 230 5577 + Kids go free.

lotus position The Lotus Exige S gets put through its paces in The City

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hey call it Exige. We call it Exciting. Make that damn exciting. Runwild Media will be spending the next 12 months behind the wheel of an exhilarating Lotus Exige S, the hand-built supercharged supercar that redefines the terms handling, agility and fun.

We’ve teamed up with Lotus, one of the most revered names in motoring, to see how the Exige performs day to day. It’s early days in our relationship but it started in the best possible way: a trip up to the Lotus HQ in

Hethel, Norfolk, to pick up the black beast (the one pictured here isn’t ours by the way!) and then a rapid run back to Canary Wharf.

Over the coming weeks and months we’ll use the new-look Exige S to commute to the city and even to do the supermarket shop. But we’ll also be enjoying track days in the UK and longer trips to Europe: visits to the famous Nurburgring and a haul down to the Italian Riviera are already planned.

And there’s also a chance for you to get involved. We will be offering a few lucky readers the chance to visit Lotus to meet

the team behind the Exige and to test their driving skills behind the wheel of a Lotus at some of the UK’s best known tracks. If you want to find out more, register your interest by email at: lotus@ runwildgroup.co.uk Oh and just in case you didn’t notice we have the Lotus Evora on our front cover we will be featuring it next issue. And in the meantime, if you see the Runwild Exige out and about, whip out your phone, take a snap and e-mail the result to us: you could win some Lotus goodies. n

motoring

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The conTenTs of The Touring Package for The exige s includes: Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior.

Leather trimmed centre control Leather handbrake gaiter Sound system iPod connection Full carpets, with embroidered logo Auxillery driving lights (in markets where legally allowed) Sound installation kit Cup Holder

loTus exige s viTal sTaTisTics engine: In-line 4-cylinder, 1796cc, supercharged Max Power: 240bhp @ 8000rpm Max Torque: 170lb ft @ 5500rpm 0-60mph: 4.0 seconds Top speed: 150mph fuel capacity: 43.5 Litres / 9.6 Gallons car insurance group: 20 length: 3797mm – 12’5 Width: 1727mm – 5’8 – excl. Mirrors height: 1163mm - 3’10

worth waiting for The Focus RS could have been here years ago, says Matthew Carter, but Ford wanted to get it right

T

he hills above Nice in the South of France offer some of the greatest driving roads in Europe. Not for nothing do the switchback, hairpin strewn mountain passes form the backbone of the Monte Carlo Rally. Ford knows the roads well: its Focus WRC rally car is a past winner here. Little wonder, then, that Ford has chosen these self same roads for the launch of the new Focus RS. Anyone with an ounce of 95 octane in their veins would appreciate the morning I’ve just had.The roads are largely traffic free and although Europe is still struggling to make the transition from winter to spring, the sun is shining and the roads are dry even though snow still lines the banks. It would be a good morning to go for a thrash in just about any car, but in the latest Focus RS roads such as the Col de Vence turn it into a genuine experience.

The route is demanding, but the surface is smooth and visibility excellent.To the left

there’s a sturdy mountain and to the right a drop of several hundred feet but between them is a snaking ribbon of tarmac. Get it wrong and the result will be expensive. Get it right and you’ll be smiling for the rest of the day.

It’s been a long time coming, the Focus RS. There have been many false starts and technical blind alleys but after a starring role at last year’s ExCel British Motor Show, the RS is finally here. The only irony is that it’s got a life span of just two years – by 2011 there’ll be a brand new Focus on offer.

Still, better late than never.The delay has been caused by Ford’s desire not just to produce another stunning RS model – the top of the Ford performance tree, there have been just 22 RS models over the past 40 years – but to do so while sticking with front-wheel drive.

Ford’s performance goal for the turbocharged five-cylinder engine was a power output of 300bhp, but no-one has successfully put that much power through the front wheels before.

Among the experiments Ford undertook was a Focus RS with four-wheel drive, but it was rejected on the grounds of cost, excess weight and a dulling of the driving experience.

Instead their boffins came up with a patented front suspension based around something called the RevoKnuckle, which is linked to a highly efficient mechanical differential.

I could try to explain how it eliminates torque steer by reducing the kingpin offset. Shove the gear lever into second, stamp on the throttle and where most high performance front drivers would have you torque steering into the mountain the RS simply puts the power down on the road and sets off at warp speed. It’s uncanny, extraordinary and utterly brilliant.

It’s equally good when it comes to corners, the specially developed low profile tyres on their 19in alloy rims finding unbelievable levels of grip. It just goes round corners with no

wander from the front or back end.

Scrub that. Maybe there is some under- or oversteer at the limit… but that limit is so high that I never found it even when trying pretty hard over the Col de Vence. The steering is quick and direct and the brakes reassuringly powerful.

It’s all matched by a jewel of an engine.

Based on the 2.5-litre unit found in the Focus ST, the RS has a bigger turbo and comprehensively redesigned top end to produce that 300bhp. As well as delivering prodigious performance (under 6 seconds to 60mph, 163mph top speed) it has a soundtrack to match: the glorious exhaust note echoing off the mountain should be recorded and put on iTunes.

While it’s seriously impressive at speed, the RS is equally astounding at a more normal pace; the ride is firm but it is always compliant and never jars. And being a Focus it’s a thoroughly practical proposition, too.

Inside the only major changes between this and a cooking version are the body hugging high-backed colour coded Recaro seats, a few extra instruments and a smattering of carbonfibre lookalike trim.

Outside things are a little less subtle.

It’s only available in three door form, and is immediately distinguishable from lesser Focus models by air intakes, venturi, deep diffusers and a huge rear wing mounted on top of the tailgate.

And then there are the colours. There’s a choice of three: white, RS blue and, erm, Ultimate Green, a shade that would make Kermit jealous. White is free, blue is a £395 option and the ‘nick me, I’m speeding’ green is an extra £695.

It’s about the only element of the Focus RS that doesn’t offer value for money, given that the car itself is a steal at £24,995. Save money by going for white (looks good against the standard darkened privacy glass), but add £750 for a luxury pack with automatic wipers and lights, parking sensors and duel zone air conditioning. A further £200 will give you Bluetooth for the phone and a USB port for music.

Ford’s making just 8000 examples over the next two years, with around half of those destined for the UK.They’ve already had 1,100 firm orders here and a further 1,000 are ‘interested’, so if you want to experience the best car of 2009 you’d better get a move on. n

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24/3/09 15:01:48

Poverty the rolls royce Way Matthew Carter checks out the latest arrival from the British icon

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t’s somehow good to know that the current economic doom and gloom is affecting all of us. How else do you explain the arrival of a smaller, cheaper Rolls-Royce?

Revealed to the world at March’s Geneva Motor Show, officially the 200EX is only a concept… but you can restassured this is pretty much how a new baby Roller will look when it appears in showrooms next year.

Although Rolls themselves don’t refer

directly to the size or price of the new car (vulgar to talk money after all) there’s no denying that the production version of 200EX will be more affordable, more practical and less, well, ostentatious than the imposing Phantom, which will continue alongside the new car.

It’s a little bigger than a BMW 7-series – and uses some of that car’s underpinnings – it should cost around £170,000.

It’ll be powered by a new V12, and although lower, sleeker and lighter than

the Phantom, it retains the rear hinged ‘coach’ rear doors of the bigger car to ease access to the voluminous passenger compartment. That said, it’ll be a car for the owner driver rather than the chauffeur.

So how will the car sell given today’s gloomy financial news? R-R expects to shift around 1,000 a year. That might not sound like many, but it will double the number of cars currently produced at the company’s Goodwood HQ. n

a legend reborn Take a Fiat 500, breathe on the engine, lower the suspension, stick on a few gofaster stripes and you’ve got a cult car says Matthew Carter

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little over half a century ago, an Italian tuning wizard got hold of a Fiat 500 and created a legend.

Carlo Abarth (actually he was an Austrian but changed his first name from Karl when he changed nationalities) took the most popular bread and butter car in Italy and turned it into a racer.

The original Abarth 500, its boot-lid permanently open to provide extra cooling for the rear-mounted engine, was a hoot to drive and a giant killer on the race tracks.

And now it’s all happening again. A couple of years ago Fiat ‘did a Mini’ by resurrecting its most famous small car, the cheeky 500.

The new 500 updated the famous shape, placing it on a thoroughly modern chassis.

An Abarth version was inevitable.

Today’s 500 Abarth is significant not least because it marks a resurgence of the hot hatch, small performance cars that are perfectly in tune with these straitened times.

At the heart of the Abarth is a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivering 135bhp.

That might not sound much, but these things are relative.

Frankly it’s more than enough to provide genuine fun behind the wheel without losing your licence. The 0-60mph dash takes under 8 seconds, with claimed top speed of 128mph.

No, where the 500 Abarth really scores is in its ability to duck and dive through traffic, to turn every mundane journey into a rally special stage and to generate a grin each time you slip behind the wheel.

Part of that is down to the way Fiat has loaded the car with go-faster goodies.

As well as comprehensive bodywork and suspension changes, everything from the flat-bottomed steering wheel via the profusion of (optional) racing stickers to

the Sport button on the dash is geared towards performance.

Of these, the latter is arguably the most important addition. Pressing the Sport button effectively remaps the engine’s brain, so it delivers full turbo boost when required. It also adds much needed weight to the steering and lets the turbo boost gauge, mounted in a special pod on the dashboard, do its job properly. Thankfully once in Sport it stays there and doesn’t default to normal each time the car is started.

Despite the changes to the suspension – stiffer springs and dampers – the Abarth rides better than the standard car which gets choppy over poor surfaces. It also offers a better driving position: you sit high in the standard car but lower in the Abarth.

Although the car has full electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, it also has something called Torque Transfer Control

(TTC) which controls understeer – when the front of the car wants to plough straight on during hard cornering – by braking the spinning wheel but without cutting power, a feature of ESP. It works, keeping the little tearaway on line even when I was being deliberately clumsy behind the wheel. In standard form, then, the 500 Abarth is a fun machine. It’s not the most sophisticated or quickest thing out there, but has charm in spades. And that’s really where the story should end. But it doesn’t thanks to Abarth’s decision to develop an upgrade kit. For an additional £2,500 on top of the standard £13,600 price tag, the essesse kit adds 25 extra horses, more powerful brakes and much stiffer springs. It’s also the starting point for a new one-make motor racing championship, neatly bringing the Abarth 500 story full circle. n

recession buster your health first

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11/2/09 11:42:08

GADGETS JAMIE CARTER presents this month’s technological highlights

BORN FREE With Apple refusing to make its iPod or iPhone wireless, Marantz has stepped in with its own solution. Aimed at those sick of plugging their device into a hi-fi to play songs on repeat, Marantz’s new IS301 is a palm-friendly adaptor equipped with Bluetooth.

Simply attach it to your iPod/iPhone – or almost any new mobile phone – and it broadcasts audio to a docking station plugged into any hi-fi or home cinema. Alternatively, attach the adaptor straight to a TV to enjoy video stored on an iPod. Marantz IS301 hand-held mobile phone/iPod dock £219 www.marantz.com

one stop shop Achieve your hi-def and home cinema ambitions in one fell swoop with Samsung’s space-saving all-in-one HT-BD8200.

The first soundbar with a Blu-ray player inside, it promises virtual surround sound. Just 2.6-inches deep the HT-BD8200 is fully wireless. The subwoofer invisibly connects with the main unit, while any mobile phone with Bluetooth can send digital photos or music to the system. Add an iPod dock and you’ve a one stop shop for the digital and hi-def age.

GOING DEEP

Samsung HT-BD8200 Blu-ray home cinema soundbar £TBC www.samsung.co.uk

Getting a bass-heavy sound requires big headphones, but Sony’s latest invention claims to overcome the laws of physics. Its five-strong new XB – or ‘eXtra Bass’ – range of cans use all-new tech to reproduce ultra-low frequencies. Headlining the range is the MDR-XB700, a closed-type design that features king-sized ear cushions.

Sony MDR-XB700 closed headphones £100 www.sony.co.uk

lOOkING tO thE hORIzON

best of both worlds If you’re feeling increasingly marginalised by new technology but are wooed by the prospect of pin-sharp high definition movies, Panasonic’s upcoming VHS-Blu-ray player should appeal. Able to play not just VHS tapes and latest-gen Blu-ray discs but also CD and DVD, the brand’s DMP-BD70V can make even poor quality recordings look good enough for a big screen TV. Panasonic DMP-BD70V Dual VHS-Blu-ray player £TBC www.panasonic.co.uk

Room-filling sound and a choice of colours is what Boston Acoustics is promising for its latest iPod hi-fi system.

The Horizon i-DS3 can manage 100W of power while playing – and recharging – an iPhone or iPod. All-important bass rumble comes courtesy of a wireless subwoofer that just needs to be attached to the mains.

The metal grille fronting the unit is available in myriad colours.

Boston Acoustics Horizon i-DS3 Soundbar and wireless subwoofer £450 www.bostona.eu

gadgets

51

GIVE YOUR IPOD A DAB HAND If digital radio and music from your iPod is fast becoming your daily dose of entertainment, Arcam’s latest DAB tuner-cum-iPod machine can act as a de facto hi-fi. As well as top-notch sound quality that surpasses most iPod docks, its advanced interface gives full control of an iPod’s contents via a remote control, while a DAB and AM/FM tuner completes the picture. Available in black or silver.

Arcam FMJ-T32 DAB tuner and iPod dock £550 www.arcam.co.uk

cLUTTer BUsTer If you’re yet to invest in either a Blu-ray player or a big screen TV, it might be worth waiting for Sharp’s AQUOS BD series of LCD TVs. Look out for this 52-incher, a monster screen whose side deftly hides a disc drive capable of spinning a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc.

Sharp AQUOS BD Series 52-inch Blu-ray LCD TV £2,000 www.sharp.co.uk

FISTFUL OF TUNES oscar winner The final flourish on a home entertainment set-up for any film fanatic is surely some comfy seats worthy of any A-lister. Cue Oscar’s black leather seating available in single or three-seater variations.

Complete with motorised incliner, massage system, footrest and fridge, it’s the ultimate way to dodge your local multiplex.

Oscar Home Cinema Seating £1,100-£3,150 www.drinkstuff.com

STRETCH MARKS Ever wondered why most DVD films have black bars above and below the action? Your TV is the wrong shape, that’s why. First off the blocks for new ‘cinema’ shaped TVs is Philips, whose 56-inch Cinema 21:9 is the exact dimensions of 90% of films available on DVD and Blu-ray disc.

As well as being of ultra-wide dimensions, the Cinema 21:9 is Full HD Ready.

Philips Cinema 21:9 56-inch LCD TV £4,000 (estimated) www.philips.co.uk

An alternative to the Marantz wireless dock featured here, Roth’s take on getting tunes from an iPod or mobile to a hi-fi uses WiFi instead of Bluetooth. The RothDock works in a similar fashion to the Marantz effort and can broadcast music around 10 metres. A nice extra touch is that if your iPhone receives a call, the music automatically fades out and the ringtone sounds through the hi-fi.

RothDock iPod/MP3/mobile phone WiFi dock £99 www.rothaudio.co.uk

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lifestyle

53

THE WORLD’S MOST HUMAN RACE Josephine O’Donoghue takes a closer look at the London Marathon and the species of ‘ultra-runners’ who live for the sport

N

ot many people know how the London Marathon began.

It’s such a central element of London history now that it seems like it’s always been there. In actual fact, it all started in a pub. Co-founder of the London Marathon, Chris Brasher first discussed the concept in the Dysart Arms, the home of Ranelagh Harriers where, on Wednesday nights, runners drift in from their runs and chat over a friendly pint.

“Peter Wilson of the Daily Mirror, one of the greatest sports writers of the 20th century, had taught me that the one event that had to be covered from start to finish was the marathon,” recalls Brasher. “An

event which, he said, was always packed with human drama.” And so Brasher, with Donald Trelford (then the editor of The Observer) met with the relevant authorities – the Greater London Council (GLC), the police and athletics’ governing bodies and in 1980, the London Marathon was officially launched.

Soon after finishing his first marathon (in New York City) Brasher wrote an article entitled TheWorld’s Most Human Race: “To believe this story you must believe that the human race can be one joyous family, working together, laughing together, and achieving the impossible. Last Sunday in one of the most trouble-stricken cities in

the world, 11,532 men and women from 40 countries, assisted by over a million black, white and yellow people – laughed, cheered and suffered during the greatest folk festival the world has seen.”

He ended the article by asking “whether London could stage such a festival? We have the course, a magnificent course [...] but do we have the heart and hospitality to welcome the world?”

Of course, today we know that the London Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the world; the City accepted the challenge with enthusiasm, and in recent years the marathon has been oversubscribed by up to 400 per cent.

© one edition neiL MUnnS

Clockwise from left: Flora London Marathon, James Cracknell, Gordon Ramsay, Ronan Keating

Each year, the marathon is made up of a large number of amateur charity runners, but the event also plays host to the ‘ultra-runner’, who trains all year round for this one day. Extreme running is all a question of will-power. Huge painful blisters, extreme heat, chafed nipples, sunburnt shoulders, shredded muscles, faster opponents; the road is certainly tough at the front of the race. So why do people put themselves through such an ordeal?

The reality is, running often becomes something of an addiction by those who integrate it into their daily routine. Our most famous marathon champion, Paula Radcliffe, explains that she needs to run seven days out of eight, and will only take a two week holiday after the marathon. “The first week I’m all right, I’m having a lie-in in the morning, doing different things and recovering from the race.” And during the second week? “You suddenly realise that running is your stress release and I’m dying to go for a run.”

“People often ask how I stay motivated – particularly on long runs,” says Paula.

“But I actually enjoy running. It makes me feel alive and free. When I’m running along the coast or through beautiful forest, I can’t imagine anything better. Of course there are days when I’m tired – but it’s when you conquer a tough session that you were nervous about that you feel the best.”

Fellow running-addict (though perhaps not quite classed as an ultra-runner) Gordon Ramsay agrees: “Running gives me time to think; no phone or BlackBerry. When I am in serious training I run wearing a weighted jacket. I use an iPod and a Nike chip so that I can track my distance and speed. Richmond Park is my perfect training ground – great hills that make you work!”

Great Britain coach Norman Wilson uses the marathon as an audition process to find the finest ultra runners and potential British champion athletes, “After London I contact several athletes to encourage them to step up beyond the marathon. I worked with 130 athletes in 2006 and we had a nucleus capable of jumping up to 100km (62.13 miles) within two years.” Back in 2005, Wilson spotted Lizzy Hawker in a 40-mile track race in Wales; by 2006, the Cheshire runner had become world 100km champion. n For more information on the Flora London Marathon, visit www.london-marathon.co.uk

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56

feature

GLitterati GirL Lara Bohinc’s jewellery is so popular, it has spawned cheap imitations available from street stalls just minutes from her hip Hoxton headquarters. Claire Adler discovers more

L

ara Bohinc is one of the most dynamic independent jewellery designers in the UK today. Born in Slovenia, she started her own brand just four years ago. At Harrods, her jewels promptly flew off the shelves.

More recently, Isla Fisher wore a Lara Bohinc clutch bag and jewellery at the London première of Confessions of a Shopaholic, as well as during her appearance on the David Letterman Show in America. When Cheryl Cole wore Bohinc’s Lunar Eclipse necklace on the X Factor, sales went through the roof the following day.

Perhaps all these endorsements are hardly surprising.

Bohinc’s designer credentials are impressive. Shortly after leaving the Royal College of Art, she scooped the New Generation Designer Award, sponsored by Marks and

Spencer. This might not be every stylista’s favourite brand but where Bohinc was concerned, it propelled her to great things almost immediately. Contracts to craft catwalk accessories for Gucci, Lanvin, Julien MacDonald, Costume National and Guy Laroche soon followed.

And though she can’t reveal the details, she currently consults between two and three days a week for one of the most desirable jewellery brands on the planet – Cartier.

This last part really is a coup, because it proves Bohinc has established recognition and a foothold in both the world of high fashion and the world of serious high end jewellery.

In the past, jewellery has sometimes been considered fashion’s poor relation. When independent jewellery designers work for fashion houses, they often benefit from sharing the limelight of an established global fashion brand.

This is still the case, but times are changing. Never has it been more fashionable to want to become a jeweller. This is perhaps symptomatic of a time during which expressing an individualistic style, curating your own look and investing in a few statement pieces that will stand the test of time are all very fashionable aspirations. Jewellery answers this brief well.

Choosing to buy jewellery from a contemporary designer often requires a degree of discernment and a confidence in your own taste. Lara Bohinc, and other independent designers like her, run relatively small-sized operations – small enough to retain that sense that you are buying something not everyone knows about.

When she opened her Sloane Street store in 2007, rather than transport her design studio across London, Bohinc preferred to keep the design operation separate in its original East London location. Sales, distribution and administration are now based in Chelsea, while design, product development and production remain in Hoxton.

“Whenever I have something new to show, all the staff get very excited about seeing it and although I want to share it, I have to be careful people don’t get too distracted from their own activities,” she smiles. “When I’m in Hoxton, I have the space to really focus exclusively on the design aspect of my work and I so appreciate keeping that apart from everything else I do.”

Bohinc is credited with having been clued into marketing and business from the start. She has a host of celebrity clients and one of London’s top fashion, jewellery and luxury PRs, Shahrzad Moaven, tells me Bohinc has long held a reputation for being a savvy networker. Bohinc managed to befriend Kate Moss and Sienna Miller when

she was starting out and ensured they wore her jewels.

When I bring up the issue of knock-offs, asking them how much of a compliment Bohinc and her business partner think these are, both roll their eyes. They clearly have a lawyer on speed dial. Unsurprisingly, they refuse to name names but companies far bigger than them copy Lara Bohinc jewellery far too often, they tell me.

Partly as a recession-busting tactic, Bohinc has now ventured into silver jewellery. “Sterling silver jewellery is a bridge between fine and fashion jewellery and so much more affordable than gold,” she says. Despite this, Bohinc has recently been surprised by an overwhelming demand for the statement pieces in her Essential collection, in particular the Lunar Eclipse necklace, one of the boldest pieces of all.

So what’s next for Lara Bohinc? Bohinc already makes sumptuous handbags which refreshingly have no visible branding and she now has her sights set on a shoe collection.

It seems luck has played a small part in Lara Bohinc’s success too. When her business partner left £100,000 worth of new design proto-types in a London taxi, they were miraculously returned by the driver to a police station the same afternoon. “We wanted to send the police a crate of champagne to thank them as we were so thrilled. At first they wouldn’t accept it, but then they told us one of the crew was getting married. So we sent it to them anyway,” she smiles. n www.larabohinc107.co.uk

Clockwise from top: Coco Choker, Coco Cuff, Lunar Eclipse necklace, Solar Eclipse bracelet

3 Peaks Challenge 25-26 July 2009

24 Peaks Challenge 15-16 August 2009

Swap your laptops for the hill tops Climb the 3 highest mountains in the UK in our infamous 3 Peaks Challenge or take on 24 mountains in the stunning Lake District – the choice is yours.

To find out more call Natalie or Lucy on 0844 412 2877 or email challenges@redcross.org.uk The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738)

redcross.org.uk/events

Photo: Scott Ferguson

Everyone welcome

surprise!

Find a Kirt Holmes necklace inside Paul A Young’s ultimate Easter egg.

geT sMArT Step back in to childhood with a Smarties inspired egg.

An eThicAl AffAir This is the first ever Fair Trade Easter egg, so you can indulge yourself and help cocoa farmers too.

Paul A Young £95 www.paulayoung.co.uk www.kirtholmes.com

Thornton’s £6.50 www.thorntons.co.uk

The Chocolate Alchemist £6.50 www.thechocolate alchemist.co.uk www.gift-library.com

chOcOlATe TripTych Celebrate the creation of the Easter egg from flower to bean to its final delicious form.

La Maison Du Chocolat £90 www.lamaisonduchocolat. co.uk

ChoCs AwAy! Easter is the best time for guilt-free chocolate indulgence, so celebrate with goodies that aren’t just for children

MMMM, cAke An egg shaped chocolate cake with notes of mango and orange flavours.

La Maison Du Chocolat £37 for six people www.lamaisonduchocolat. co.uk

i WAnT A Bunny This fun bunny comes in an amazing giant size of 1.5 kg.

recessiOn BusTers These delicious assorted milk chocolate animals are perfect for Easter egg hunts.

Charbonnel et Walker £4.99 www.charbonnel.co.uk

Thornton’s 250g £6.50 1.5kg £50 www.thorntons.co.uk

The Big One The aptly named Big Bertha is a handmade English chocolate egg that weighs in at 27 lbs.

Charbonnel et Walker £650 www.charbonnel.co.uk

righT On TArgeT This organic Belgian chocolate, Target Easter egg, is perfect gift for the chocoholic.

The Chocolate Alchemist £13.00 www thechocolate alchemist.co.uk www.gift-library.com

heaven scent Choosing a new fragrance for your wedding day is a great idea; every time you smell that scent afterwards, your senses will remind you of those special wedding memories. For a light summery scent try Lotus Blossom & Water Lily. This blend of mandarin, sacred lotus blossom, bamboo and aloes wood, will encourage energy and inspire confidence, since the sacred lotus blossom is serene and spiritual, symbolising the dawning of a new day.

accessorise!

Accessories are the key to finishing any outfit.

For a gorgeous selection of handbags, clutches and purses, Lulu Guinness presents ‘The World Is Your Oyster’ Mini Frame Purse, in black satin with cream embroidery and pearl touches.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily (100ml), £61

‘The World Is Your Oyster’ purse, £50

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

Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 0207 626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

going to finishing touch

get Me to the church on tiMe

On the big day, everyone expects the bride to run a little late, but to ensure the groom makes it to the church on time a luxury timepiece is in ideal gift. The perfect watch can be treasured forever as a reminder of the wedding and, well-chosen, will remain in style for years to come. For the adventurous man, the Bremont ALT1-P is popular with professional pilots – boasting hands and dial markings that illuminate in the dark, an internal rotating bezel and three sub-dials. The watch is also water resistant to 100 metres (he can even wear it to surf on the honeymoon!).

Bremont ALT1-P Watch, £3,100 Watches of Switzerland 22 Royal Exchange 020 7626 7321 www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

For a young, fun groom, Tateossian have a wide range of functional and fashionable cufflink designs. The designs are contemporary and unusual, fashionforward and timeless. A classic and versatile choice, are the Silver cufflinks with a flush inlay of Mother of Pearl, which, like all Tateossian cufflinks, are individually hand-crafted.

Mother of Pearl Cufflinks, £195 Tateossian ¼ Royal Exchange 020 7283 3434 www.tateossian.com

interview

61

GOLDEN BOY

NIGHT-TIME TREATS

Agent Provocateur’s Bridal Collection sees Ulysses, accompanied by a vessel of betrothed virgins, tied to the mast of his ship and inspires such dainties as the Kirsten control slip, which is ideal for creating a feminine silhouette under a wedding gown.

For the real WOW factor, one of Bulgari’s beautiful watches is a sure thing. The “BVLGARI BVLGARI” collection with its pure and contemporary design is the essence of this sophisticated timepiece. The “Bulgari Bulgari” watch with curved yellow gold case has a white dial with Clou de Paris treatment and azuré treatment on counters. It also boasts hand-applied, gold plated indexes with a brown hand-sewn alligator strap.

Kirsten Control Slip, £145

“Bulgari Bulgari” Watch, £9,450

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

Bulgari 15 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 www.bulgari.com

THE CHAPEL

As the wedding season begins, head over to the Royal Exchange for beautiful accessories and perfect gifts

A RAY OF SUNSHINE

PICTURE PERFECT Smythson photograph albums are beautiful gifts for any bride and groom.

The Wedding Photograph Album is bound in off-white pigskin, the pages are edged in gold, and the front cover can be personalised with gold stamped lettering and blocked by hand.

Smythson Wedding Album, £430 Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1037 www.smythson.com

The new Sunray collection from Boodles is perfect for a bride; brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum with a diamond sunburst surround. Very pretty and feminine, the pendant and earrings look fabulous with almost any style gown.

Boodles use the very finest diamonds from around the world, and only the best will do for any discerning bride.

Beautifully designed and exquisitely made, the groom can do no wrong with a gift like this.

Sunray Collection: Earrings, £10,500 Boodles 2-3 Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 www.boodles.com

AGENT PROVOCATUER || ARTISAN | BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHURCH’S || CIRO || 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 || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

Royal Exchange, Bank, City of London, EC3V 3LR www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

Charley Says...

Charley Boorman: intrepid explorer, actor or just a motorcycle fanatic? Kasha Van Sant finds out more

W

hen I was a kid I used to have three posters on my wall.” “Oh really which ones?” I enquire. “I had Barry Sheen, one of Easy Rider and the other was Farah Fawcett Majors.” I nod, knowing that the boyish Mr Boorman most probably wasn’t alone in his bikes and eyecandy fantasy. The man we all know and love as the creator of the LongWay Round and Long Way Down travel series seems astonishingly down to earth, to the point that I have to restrain the billing and cooing girl in the room listening intently to our phone call. I mentally readjust my questions and decide against the obvious Ewan McGregor references. Blissfully unaware Charley continues.

“The funny thing is that later I met Barry Sheen in a restaurant. We were having dinner, there was about eight of us and on the other table there was Barry Sheen,

Murray Walker and a whole bunch of other Formula 1 guys. I went off to the bathroom and by the time I got back, Barry Sheen was sitting beside my wife and chatting her up!

Which I thought was a great honour. Luckily she didn’t go off with him!”

It appears not, as I hear Ollie (aka Mrs Boorman) milling around in the background. The benevolent and humble Charley is probably most well known for trekking around the world on motorbikes with Ewan McGregor, both growing fabulous facial hair and making people wish they could pick up and do something exciting with their time. Appreciative recipients of their DVDs will testify at wishing they could follow suit. How did Charley feel about that?

“Great! If I can inspire someone to travel to somewhere in the world because of me, then great!” Charley meanders, “Someone once told me that the Royal Family had

watched it one Christmas. Just imagining the Queen and the royals watching me and Ewan is hilarious!”

I very quickly get the impression that Charley Boorman is particularly unfazed by high profile characters. I imagine him turning up at Balmoral, boundless enthusiasm, squeezing in on the sofa, helping himself to sandwiches and Battenburg.

Having grown up the son of actor John Boorman and acted from a young age, he would have had access to the Hollywood elite and I sense that ‘Ma’am’ doesn’t even make a dent on that.

It’s all for charity we know, but Charley’s latest endeavour sees him travel without his trusty partner, Ewan. (Who I still haven’t mentioned).

“On By Any Means we went from Ireland to Sydney. Next we will start in Sydney and make our way up Pacific Rim, Papua New

interview

63

Barry Sheen waS Sitting BeSide my wife and chatting her up! which i thought waS a great honour.

LuckiLy She didn’t go off with him!

Guinea, Philippines, Japan and Russia.”

Being sans Ewan I ask which people (alive or dead) from history and the present he would wish to partner him on his trip? After bemoaning the difficulty of the question, he answers: “If I had to travel with anyone from the past it would have to be Steve McQueen.

It’s a bit of an obvious choice, he was a great actor but he was an amazing bike rider. Do you know he rode for Team America in the World Enduro Championships? He was a proper full-on Enduro rider!”

I recall that famous McQueen quote, “I’m not sure whether I’m an actor who races or a racer who acts.” I voice my approval. And a woman from history?

“Amy Johnson. She flew south from London to Sydney. She was a fantastic British flier.” Now to the present, the answer is instantaneous. “Ewan.” I laugh, “No you can’t choose Ewan!” To which he retorts, “I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else!” I am relentless, “Ewan’s been rejected!”

“Okay I would probably go with my mate Roy. Roy is a good laugh, he used to run a

motorcycle shop in London and he helped me buy my first road bike.” I sense the romantic in Charley rear its head. “So he’s sentimentality personified!” He laughs, “Yeah he just a really cool, funny guy. He’s very tall and loud and a fun character!”

How about the woman? Sensing that Charley may pull another ‘Ewan’ on me I stipulate that family members or friends aren’t allowed.

“I’m trying to think, trying to think. The pressure, the pressure it’s mounting on me!”

We pause a while, Charley mutters and mumbles yet again. I wonder if I am putting him on the spot.

“It would have to be. It would be an explorer, oh god I can’t remember her name.

Oh god! Ah yes Ellen McArthur!”

Ellen McArthur I am sure, would breathe

a sigh of relief and perhaps laugh as much as I have listening to Charley as we sashay through everything from his love of bikes – his weapon of choice being “BMWs GS Adventurers, the Land Rover for bikes” – and the fact that he is motivated by the word ‘no’ – the Dakar Rally being a case in point; to his dyslexia, (he is President of Dyslexia Action) and finally the fact that the last time he cried watching was X Factor.

I share his pain, but something tells me that the lion-maned softy was shedding tears of joy! n

To find out more about Charley’s adventures or dealing with dyslexia go to: http://byanymeans.bigearth.tv www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus London E14 8RS Tel: 020 7510 1999 Fax: 020 7510 1998 www.fourseasons.com/ canarywharf

A breathtaking riverfront location in London's ultramodern financial centre, Four Seasons provides intuitive service against a backdrop of sweeping views of the River Thames and is only 15 minutes away from the O2, by river or car transfer. The flexible accommodation benefits from an abundance of natural daylight with floor to ceiling windows. In addition, the location on the banks of the Thames offers an alternative to the more traditional modes of transportation as well as the unique possibility of experiencing an evening on the river for entertainment. With 142 generously sized rooms and suites, Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf combines the finest of all that is contemporary with the traditions that are Four Seasons.

The lucky winner will be staying in a

beautifully appointed One-Bedroom Suite featuring a king-sized bedroom and a large living room with dining area. The luxury bedroom and parlour each feature a large bay window with a window seat, which looks out over the River Thames from the hotel's top level floors.

Equipped for business with a twoline speaker phone, wired or wireless broadband internet access and an inroom safe large enough to hold a laptop computer this hotel is the perfect retreat for both business and pleasure. For relaxation, the living room of each suite also features a fully stocked bar and the marble bathroom has a deep soaking tub, separate shower stall, large vanity and water closet; as well as a guest powder room adjacent to the living room.

COMPETITION

win

...a night's stay in a luxury riverfront one bedroom suite including champagne breakfast for two courtesy of...

To be in with a chance of winning please email your name and full contact details to: competition@runwildgroup.com Please put Four Seasons competition in the subject line.

interview

65

Finding MR WRight Kasha Van Sant discovers that ex-Arsenal footballer and the man with the biggest smile on television has something up his sleeve to get families moving

W

e can all recall the days when we sulked about PE at school and tried every trick in the book when it came to skiiving. When the closest we got to sport was Dickie Davis on a Saturday afternoon and moreover getting home to the sofa, TV and a fish finger sarnie was the prime motivation. Fast forward a few years some of us are still doing the same, with languishing gym memberships briefly resuscitated at New Year but now hopelessly flat lining. But according to Ian Wright, the man who dominated our screens with his skilful footwork on and off the pitch, it needn’t be that way. With a new book on the shelves urging families to introduce fitness into our lives the easy way, Wright means business. The business of buoying the youth of today and giving them the drive for a successful future.

Having never met a Mr Right, nevermind the Mr Wright, I am not sure what to expect. Handshake, firm. Eyes twinkling.

The smile, tucked away for later. This is serious Mr Wright and the minute he speaks I know he is passionate about this cause. We have all heard of personalities taking up the pen, but what is Fitter Families all about?

“I realised that it’s really hard to keep kids interested in fitness if they haven’t got the whole family unit behind them. Because when they go back home they get back into the old routine, they lose all of their energy.

So we really need parents to participate a bit more.” Is it an uphill struggle?

“It was an uphill struggle against the teachers and the parents because between them they have the kids for the most amount of time and you would’ve thought that children would get on better in the long run, but they don’t.” So what is the problem?

“They just blame each other. But at the end of the day the parents spend the most

time with their kids and they have the most influence. It’s about the whole family unit, the parent or parents need to buy into what it’s all about.”

And what is that? “It’s all about living your life normally but knowing that at some stage you’ve got to do some form of exercise.

And you have to eat accordingly – that’s a necessity.” Ian’s passion is tangible.; he’s aware this is a problem and like any parent he worries about the future of his children.

“Everybody worries about their kids, and in the current climate we’re all worried about what’s going to happen. But being somebody that is in the public eye I can do certain things.”

There is no doubt that as a successful exsportsman Wright can wield influence, but isn’t fitness more ingrained into his psyche than it would be in most people’s?

“No, because it’s all about will power.When I was a kid I didn’t know I was going to be a professional footballer, I knew that I could go run about in the park or whatever and as it has gone on my life has moved towards fitness.

My life is essentially run by it.”

Does he practice what he preaches with his own family? It appears so. Stacey 14, and Bobby 10, fluctuate between family bicycle rides, playing rugby and horse riding.

“We go on a bike ride or go to Hyde Park,

we go to the pictures, we do things that keep you active without thinking that you’re doing anything in particular. Stacey and I might even play golf and Bobby may go to a ballet class.”

Listening to Ian Wright as he talks about his passions and the future, (golf; his “blinding” collection of hats; and his children who are his main focus), I can see how integral he could be to raising awareness and using himself as a role model, albeit a reluctant one. He is a busy man and the fact that he is willing to devote a large amount of time to meeting his public at book signings to promote Fitter Families, to the TalkSport radio show or even to the forthcoming Sky 1 series about juvenile youth offenders, is commendable.

I find him straight talking, charming, serious and determined. What more could a girl want from Mr Right? n Copies of the Fitter Families (RRP £9.99) can be purchased from Waterstones, Amazon, Asda and WHSmith stores nationwide, as well as ordered from Fit for Sport directly by emailing booksales@ fitforsport.co.uk

66

lifestyle

IS WISHFUL THINKING STOPPING YOU GETTING YOUR WISHES? Is there a link between whether you buy a lottery ticket or not and whether you will lose weight?

by Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist

T

he two events seem totally unrelated but the latest thinking in academic psychology suggests they may actually be very closely linked. These are two arbitrary examples but are signifiers of practically all our behaviour!

This is because both are now thought to hinge on your view of the future. When you buy a lottery ticket you do so because of a judgment you are making about how likely it is you are to scoop a big prize. Those who don’t buy a ticket tend to assume the chances of winning are so remote, that it makes no sense to invest their money in the purchase of such a slim prospect.

Indeed much of what we do from moment to moment turns on our prediction of the future.We send our children to school because we believe that an education is likely to prove more useful to them in the future than otherwise. Our children frequently don’t study as hard as we would like them to because they are unable to share our view of the importance of education for their future.

It is differing predictions about the future that is driving contrasting behaviour.

We endeavour to lose weight because our prediction of the future is that we will be more attractive and get more dates.

It’s often more difficult to be successful in ventures like these if we are not clear about what the future holds for us depending on our efforts. People who tend to achieve their personal targets, as a general rule to be clearer about these goals, and about the consequences of failure. The future is, in a very real sense, now. What you do now determines the future that beckons. So it’s possible that those who struggle to achieve their goals, do so because their predictions of the future are hopelessly unrealistic.

This form of thinking is commonly referred to as ‘wishful thinking’ and is emerging as a previously underrated force for bad in the human predicament. Researchers Zlatan Krizan and Paul Windschitl from the Department of Psychology, University of Iowa recently published a review of this form

of reasoning in the prestigious academic journal Psychological Bulletin. They argued that ‘wishful thinking’ could explain many hitherto perplexing conundrums, like why we don’t achieve our goals despite fervent wishes to do so.

One of the earliest ways that ‘wishful thinking’ was scientifically measured according to the duo was in a famous psychological study investigating the 1932 US presidential election. 93 per cent of Roosevelt supporters when asked to anticipate the eventual result predicted Roosevelt would win. Whilst 73 per cent of Hoover supporters predicted their man would emerge the victor.

terribly dangerous to us it makes us feel good in the short term but conspires to trip us up and prevent us achieving our goals.

To guard against ‘wishful thinking’ start by becoming more aware of just what range of possible futures really are out there awaiting you. Then consider what factors determine whether they happen. Now here is perhaps the most tricky bit, estimate what probability is attached to each. This doesn’t require a degree in calculus, just a rough sense of whether something is remotely unlikely compared to very likely.

In particular, focus on how much control you have over your future. It’s perhaps

Indeed In order To aTTaIn a goal, IT’s ofTen beTTer To have a more realIsTIc appraIsal of The fuTure In order To ensure we geT whaT we wanT One interpretation of this result suggests that a voter’s preference for a candidate was heavily biasing their prediction of the future.

Because they wanted their man to win voters also believed this would be the eventual result.

Just because we would prefer something to happen in the future, we need to become more aware that this preference may be biasing us to shape our anticipation. Sure, we strongly desire to become thinner, but that doesn’t mean this will actually happen. Indeed in order to attain a goal, it’s often better to have a more realistic appraisal of the future in order to ensure we get what we want.

There is a lot of research evidence that whether we buy a lottery ticket or not has much less to do with our actual statistical chances of winning, and much more to do with the size of the prize available. It makes much less rational sense to make a lottery ticket purchasing decision on this basis.Yet this famous finding from psychological research reveals that what is going on here is ‘wishful thinking’ in full force and its being exploited by the lottery companies ruthlessly. Because we want to win that desirable prize, this biases our evaluation of the likelihood of our number coming up. ‘Wishful Thinking’ therefore is

best to err on the side of assigning a higher probability to a bad outcome that you want to avoid. This may at first seem unduly pessimistic, but the key is that it drives you to take the necessary corrective action to ensure you are not unduly prone to ‘wishful thinking’ given how prevalent this is.

The darkest danger of wishful thinking is that it leads to complacency. We also know from previous psychological research that when we experience setbacks believing that we can still produce an eventual good outcome if we redouble our personal efforts is indeed what tends to separate eventual winners from losers. The optimism about the future turns on a view that we can make a difference if we work hard enough. This is not the same as ‘wishful thinking’. n Raj Persaud FRCPsych MSc MPhil Consultant Psychiatrist Gresham Professor for Public Understanding of Psychiatry REFERENCE The Influence of Outcome Desirability on Optimism Psychological Bulletin, Volume 133, Issue 1, Pages 95-121 Zlatan Krizan, Paul D. Windschitl

HOME OF THE EUROPEAN OPEN Play at The London Golf Club from ÂŁ95

T 01474 879899 E info@londongolf.co.uk W www.londongolf.co.uk

MAKING IT ALL WORK In the current economic climate, many bosses around the country might turn to motivational speakers to boost morale. Stephanie Baxter talks to David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, about the best strategies for helping people during this time of stress

M

ost people shudder at the thought of motivational speaking. Perhaps that’s a legacy left by that episode of The Office where David Brent is asked to do a motivational speaking “gig” and he leaves his audience dumbfounded with Tina Turner’s Simply the Best. Whilst this probably has played its part in people’s negative perceptions, I suspect that people’s animosity towards motivational speaking goes deeper than that.

It may well have to do, with people’s own experiences of equally cringe-inducing talks.

In fact, the whole David Brent saga is reminiscent of a tactic taken by M&S bosses back in 2005 to boost morale among its staff during a bit of a rough patch. The company employed a top American motivational speaker, Mary Gober, to lead “a series of mass meetings aimed at getting the most out of the M&S workforce”, says Nick Britten, writing for The Telegraph. Apparently, every 40 minutes the attendees were encouraged to dance in their rows to such 1970s disco hits as ABC by the Jackson Five and the Bee Gee’s You Should Be Dancing. One can’t help but wonder if that’s what M&S bosses were getting their staff to do back in 2005, what on earth will they be doing now that things are so much bleaker for high street stores?!

With stories like this, it’s hard for people to take motivational speaking seriously.

No-one wants to sit in a room for hours on end and listen to people talk about how they overcame great trials and tribulations to reach their goal and to get success, when their email inbox is filling up and problems are mounting. That’s not going to help people overcome their own problems. If anything, it’ll just make them resentful.

business&finance

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who can help?

That’s where David Allen comes in. Author of Getting Things Done:The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, he has come up with a model (the Getting Things Done (GTD) model) that helps people in those areas of their lives which they feel they have lost perspective or control. Surely this has never been so poignant as now, during the recession?

“The more you feel out of control or that it’s important to have the appropriate perspective, the more this model will serve you, because that’s what it’s about,” says David. “If you can stay in sufficient control and perspective, you’re fine. But, for instance, with what’s happened to the economy, people are saying, ‘Oh my goodness, I may now be made redundant, but I don’t know yet.’ So how do you get that off your mind? That’s a tricky business.”

His new book, Making It AllWork, builds upon the ideas outlined in his original book, Getting Things Done, and demonstrates the success of his GTD model. It is “a manual for getting anything and everything on track – from a bloated email inbox to a significant professional challenge or your next vacation”.

“Very simply,” says David, “anything that you need to keep track of, you keep out of your head you decide and make decisions about what action is required to complete the commitment that is embodied or embedded in that thing.You organise those reminders in some coherent way that makes sense to you so you’ll see a reminder of what you need to do when you could possibly do it. And you make sure that you have a sufficient conversation with yourself and other people at all the horizons that you have commitments; and then you make an intuitive judgement out of all of those variables about what to do at any point in time. That’s as simple as it is.”

Simple indeed. In fact, it sounds so simple that it is a wonder why anyone needed David Allen to tell us this in the first place. But the fact of the matter is that, when faced with copious amounts of stress or a backlog of day-to-day tasks that keep piling up, people just don’t know how to take control of situations well enough for it to stop being a problem anymore. what next?

Furthermore, it’s not just a case of to-do

lists and filing systems, as it may appear on the surface. I, for one, am a great lover of filing and lists, but no amount of either thing can stop me feeling the sense of being overwhelmed that I get from time to time when I have a lot on my mind. The GTD model is “a thought process,” David explains. “I just uncovered the algorithm: what thinking do you need to finish about the stuff that’s pulling on your mind? And that has nothing to do with tools or systems or anything like that. It has to do with a systematic thought process.”

David is not, however, primarily an author. “Writing is not my day job,” he tells me. “This is all just when I can pull away from all this work that I’m doing. All this has emerged from all the day-to-day work that I’m doing with organisations and individuals.” As well as being employed by top companies to help staff become more efficient, David runs seminars to help

individuals do the same. His current ‘Making It All Work’ Seminar is a one-day workshop lead by himself, “examining the core principles of productivity improvement, and providing you with a unique opportunity to develop your own specific and immediate action steps to implement them”. It is a perfect accompaniment to the Making It AllWork book, and really helps you to put into practice the tools you’ve learnt about whilst reading. And there’s no hint of cringy testimonials or awful dances. Hooray. n For more details and dates of the Making It All Work seminar series visit www.davidco.com The book Making It All Work is available from David’s website or most good bookshops (£12.99 RRP).

the hottest card to hit london this spring ‘Discounts at hundreds of shops, bars, restaurants and services, ‘Slap’ on the counter goes my card; ‘‘Ching ching’’ goes the discount’ THE SUNDAY TIMES, STYLE

‘So much free champagne you could bathe in the stuff’ CARTIER INTERNATIONAL

‘Discounts at big-name fashion stores… free drink every day of the year… access to the best parties and events in town’ THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

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26/03/2009 09:59:44

Vintage

Photography by: Oly Barnsley Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

AnnA VAlentine ivory taffeta flower dress ÂŁ9,500 made to measure, Anna Valentine, 15 Cross Keys Close, W1, 020 7935 2050

Bride

Monique LhuiLLier Lace cape, corset and taffeta layered skirt |ÂŁ7,200, Monique Lhuillier at Browns Bride, 12 hinde Street, W1, 020 7514 0056, www.brownsfashion.com

Bruce Oldfield Net beaded ribbon Leonora dress, to order, Bruce Oldfield, 27 Beauchamp Place SW3, 020 7584 1363 www.bruceoldfield.com

Alberta Ferretti Beige chiffon one shoulder dress with fringing ÂŁ1,170, Alberta Ferretti, 205-206 Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7235 2349.

Gold Jasmin stilettos ÂŁ325, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com

Monique Lhuillier Lace cape, corset and taffeta layered skirt, Monique Lhuillier at Browns Bride, as before

Temperley Lara cross-back dress ÂŁ1,500, Temperley London, 020 7229 7957 www.temperleylondon.com.

Lace trim veil ÂŁ450, Toni Franci at Browns Brides, as before

Hair: Kate Hughes at www.itsallaboutyou.uk.net using Paul Labrecque Haircare Make-up: Kate Hughes at www.itsallaboutyou.uk.net using Bobbie Brown Fashion Assistant: Georgia Bateman Model: Helen J at Profile Model Management. Thanks to Gemma.

With thanks to JJLocations www.jjlocations.co.uk

Ian Stuart Brides Taffeta suede ‘Pasha’ dress £2,697, Ian Stuart Brides at London Bride Couture, 17 Church Street, SW1, 020 7821 0404 www.ianstuart-bride.com

PhilliP Bodenham Is THe…

CITY style SPY YMC

Online Menswear

THE BOUNDARY Quality never does go out of style does it? And Sir Terence Conran’s The Boundary restaurant heaves with it: luxurious French food, a dream wine list, chic interior and staff that are unobtrusively efficient. In fact, there was a whiff of discreet, sexy, naughty fun about the place, which of course we loved. It might have been our fun sommelier, or the fact we were below ground in a candlelit space, but

something clicked and we had a great time. Anyway, I won’t get into a blow by blow account of the food, but will just tell you that the oysters, scallops, crayfish gratin, calves liver and pigeon all were a treat – faultless and delicious.

And with 135 bottles listed at under £35. I couldn’t recommend it more.

2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7JE Tel: 020 7729 1051 www.theboundary.co.uk

Having just done fashion week, Fred Perry I wanted to report two bits of news. One, we’re all totally bored of the credit crunch and keen as mustard to carry on. And two, colour is the way to go for spring. These two things are related. Men’s and ladies collections showed it. Ditch the black and grey and go for colour and pattern this spring. Amid the doom and gloom heard from retailers and brands alike, one story keeps popping up – online boutiques are booming. The best for men’s, in my opinion, is the genius Oki Ni, the home of all the hottest labels the world’s most sought after Alexander McQueen designers, both niche and globally renowned. www.oki-ni.com

GROOMING

Matt Roberts Personal Training summer's around the corner and it’s time to get in shape. Matt Roberts, who has sculpted some of the most famous physiques (including Naomi Campbell’s), has just opened a studio in the City offering luxury and state of the art facilities.

Personal training packages start at £1,575 for 25 sessions. They also offer a range of tailored training packages, from weight loss to posture correction and much more.

52 Cornhill, London EC3V 3PD Tel: 020 7626 0888 www.mattroberts.co.uk

An editor friend of mine in the press tent somehow managed to drag me into the grooming area by Toni & Guy (she wanted a fringe trim, I wanted out). And a weird thing happened whilst I was there. Somehow I was convinced to have a haircut, facial and massage.

It was all taken care of by the super nice team from the new Toni & Guy concept men’s salon in Billericay, run by Jim Shaw, men’s hairdresser of the year.

Essensuals MEN, 70 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BS Tel: 01277 650960 www.essensuals.co.uk

NICKEL SPA This place’s no nonsense, practical approach to male grooming has garnered it a regular following. It’s not often guys discuss their beauty regime, but according to these men-only spas, business is booming, Nickel Spa offers a full service treatment menu, in a modern, unintimidating, masculine space. I had probably the best massage ever there. Who knew I had so many painful knots to get rid of? But I felt two inches taller afterwards and completely refreshed.

Nickel Spa, 27 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, WC2H 9AP Tel: 020 7240 4048 www.nickelspalondon.co.uk

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Karen Elson wearing Sophie Bra £65, brief £45 and waspie £165, all Agent Provocateur Bridal, 16 Pont Street, SW1, 020 7235 0229. www.agentprovocateur.com

fashion

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Lois corset bra £90 and suspender brief £65. Faran bra £90, waspie £125 and brief £65, all Agent Provocateur Bridal, 16 Pont Street, SW1, 020 7235 0229. www.agentprovocateur.com

Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Engagement rings from £11,000, Harry Winston, 171 New Bond Street, London, W1, 020 7907 8849 www.harrywinston.com

STYLE

bride Leather Wedding Planner book £40, Smythson, 0845 873 2435 www.smythson.com

Guitoune Flower satin slingback stilettos £370 and Very Privee satin stilettos £465 both Christian Louboutin Bridal at Browns Bride, 020 7514 0056 www.brownsfashion.com

Jewelled Swarovski and white alabaster hairslide £355, Andy Farrow, at Browns Bride 020 7514 0056 www.brownsfashion.com

Regal £430 , Raven £425 , Jimmy Choo Bridal, www.jimmychoo.com

Jewelled orange blossom hairpiece £365, Paris Tiaras both at Browns Bride, 020 7514 0056 www.brownsfashion.com

18ct and diamond Flutter & Wow necklace £2,000, Links of London, 0845 120922 www.linksoflondon.com

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fashion

Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

The Rotunda bespoke tailoring suite, Dunhill, Bourdon House, Mayfair, W1, 0845 4580779 www.dunhill.com

STYLE

Groom EZ Cufflinks from £89 to £189, Ermenegildo Zegna, 020 7518 2700, www.zegna.com

Just Married’ Luggage Tags £20 and Honeymoon Recollections £40, Smythson, 0845 873 2435 www.smythson.com

Mother of Pearl and silver cufflinks £75, Thomas Pink, 85 Jermyn St, SW1, 020 7930 6364, www.thomaspink.com

Three-piece suits from a selection, Jasper Conran Groom, Sackville St, W1, 020 7292 9080 www.jasperconran.com

Silk ties £60, Hackett, 020 7939 6865, www.hackett.com White Knightsbridge £170, Mayfair £185 and Savoy £195 dress shirts all Haywards. www.haywardslondon.co.uk

Leather shoes from £140, Ermenegildo Zegna, 020 7518 2700, www.zegna.com

Tahitan pearl and diamond cufflinks £14,800, Harry Winston, 171 New Bond Street, W1, 020 7907 8849 www.harrywinston.com

a n ot h e r P l a n e t to u r I n g a n d l u c a S F I l M lt d. P r e S e n t

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easter

free CHILDreN’S ACTIVITIeS

saturday 11th april, 10am - 6pm throughout the shopping malls

craft & activity workshops, storytelling, face painting, giveaways and much more! (whilst stocks last)

famous for business

fabulous for fun

www.mycanarywharf.com

Photo courtesy of Waitrose

3 hours free parking at weekends and bank holidays when you spend ÂŁ10 at any shop or restaurant in Canary Wharf. ask at point of purchase for a parking token

Townhouse Moorgate wheel-away Tumi £ 875 Townhouse Flax St. George Carry-on Tumi £1,350

Victoria Slim Brief Tumi £435

Edmond Satchel Tumi £660

In the lap of

luxury We take a look at two of the best names in luxury luggage in Canary Wharf Travel Bag Set Aspinal of London £550

Sundance Messenger Tumi £420

THE TUMI LEGACY EVENT: In celebration of over 30 years of Tumi innovative design, superior craftsmanship and world-class service buy any two Tumi products from the 16 April to 31 May and receive a 20% discount on the lower priced item and up to three additional full priced items of equal or lesser value when purchased in the same transaction.

Tumi Cabot Place East Canary Wharf London E14 4QT 020 7513 2456

Milan Messenger Bag - Black Aspinal of London £295

Travel Collection - Purple Croc Aspinal of London £109

St Tropez Travel Bag - Purple Croc Aspinal of London £525

ASPINAL OF LONDON READER OFFER: The Brit Tote Bag Union Jack Aspinal of London £325

Present this page in store at Aspinal of London, Canary Wharf and receive 20% off full priced merchandise. Terms & conditions apply.

Aspinal of London Cabot Place Canary Wharf 020 7719 0727

Super

Spa!

outdoor terrace area for those wanting to escape the stresses of the city and imagine they are somewhere far, far away.

Limited for time? Don’t worry, Six Senses caters for all, offering treatments for those even with restricted time. Guests are able to enjoy an Indian head massage, de-stress nly minutes away from Canary ultimate in urban sanctuary, offering reflexology or one of the express manicure Wharf tube station, it’s never spa treatments, spa products, lifestyle and pedicure treatments in The Express been easier to forget your consultations and programmes, along with Retreat circular lounge. If a manicure or woes and pamper yourself in effective advice to espouse the core vision pedicure isn’t for you, then head to the five-star hospitality. Opened at the beginning which they promote – to create innovative Tranquillity room where you can bask on of March, the Six Senses Spa is located in the and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate one of the many reclining loungers and let Pan Peninsula residential development and their guests love of SLOW LIFE (Sustainable- your work troubles drift away. Six Senses Spa takes the tally of Six Senses Spas in Europe Local-Organic-Wholesome Learningmenu also offers single treatments as well as to seven. The internationally renowned spa Inspiring-Fun-Experiences). half and full day sensory journeys. and resort management company not only The Spa also supplies a vast range of Six Alongside The Express Retreat room provide services to the many people who Senses signature inspired treatments and and Tranquillity room, the spa also call the Pan Peninsula home, but have also rejuvenating Asian therapies enjoyed in the includes the Inner Spa Sanctuary with opened the doors to the general public, some surroundings of natural stone, wood and eight treatment rooms where guests can of whom have already experienced Six Senses exotic ecologically sourced materials to make indulge in exfoliations, body wraps, as well on trips abroad. your Spa retreat one to remember. The urban as traditional Thai therapies which will Six Senses provides guests with the Spa at Pan Peninsula also introduces a vast send your imagination to Thailand but for

Situated in the heart of bustling Canary Wharf, the Six Senses Spa is the ideal place for those wanting to relax and unwind from the pressures of work and reward themselves with a lavish treatment. Jack Houston finds out more

O

significantly cheaper. What’s more is all these fantastic treatments are complemented by the deluxe bio-thermal circuit which includes a chromotherapy steam cabin, sensory shower, traditional dry sauna, laconium as well as the hydrotherapy pool where you can rid yourself of all your aches and pains.

Throughout the year the spa will also play host to specialist wellness practitioners offering holistic lifestyle guidance combining destination-influenced treatments, spa products, lifestyle consultation and guidance, in the hope of embracing the mind and body.

Six Senses is also committed to minimising their environmental footprint and guarantees that all of their internationally trained therapists use naturally derived and ethically produced spa products.

If you are looking to treat a loved one or close friend, Six Senses Spa range of gift vouchers are sure to be a winner. With a vast menu of exciting Spa treatments and journeys available, the newly designed couples room

allows you to share the experience with family or friends where treatments can be performed in tandem.

With the addition of the Six Senses Spa, Pan Peninsula is now firmly regarded as one of the most exciting developments in London, with it also boasting a private cinema, valet parking, signature waterside restaurant and the exclusive 50th floor cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink after a hard day’s relaxing.

The Six Senses Spa is open late until 9pm Monday to Friday, and operates 10 until 6pm at the weekends so there really is no excuse to miss out on this revolutionary urban sanctuary that has finally landed on the banks of Canary Wharf. Why spend your precious money at a Cotswold retreat when there is utter bliss on your doorstep. n T: +44 207 531 2320 reservations-panpeninsula-spa@sixsenses.com www.sixsensesspas.com

ReadeR offeR!

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The Essential Retreat For those looking to escape from their hectic lifestyle, this journey allows you to relax and be pampered whilst being perfectly groomed. Receive a 25% discount on the total exoperience; pay £162 instead of £215.

Begin with a relaxing thermal journey within the luxurious Thermal Suite Six Senses Signature Massage of 50 minutes Soothing Facial (50 minutes) Manicure (25 minutes) Refreshing Six Senses signature tea in the Tranquillity Lounge 3½ hours (includes 2½hours of treatments) Offer Valid until end to be booked before end May 31st and available to purchase as Gift Certificate.

Readers to state ‘City Magazine’ at time of booking.

beauty

xx

Spargo Spargo is a truly great find! Great hairdressing from Ian Marshall and his team of award-winning stylists. Based in Essex this fantastic local salon equals any West End offering.

Spargo Hairdressing 115 High St, Brentwood, CM14 0RX 01277 210768 www.spargo-hairdressing.com

best tressed Do you lust after fantastic hair? Kate Hughes shows you where those in the know go Beverley c This talented but approachable ‘A’ List stylist who has twice been awarded British Hairdresser of theYear is now available for cut and colour consultations in a specially designed salon within the Goldwell Academy W1. Beverley and her talented team specialise in making real women look and feel fabulous – whatever their age!

Goldwell Academy 22 Sackville Street, London, W1S 3DX 07748 666111

philip KingSley Trichological clinic The ‘hair doctor’ and his team of eight qualified consultants can treat specific medical hair complaints or offer cosmetic treats to give your hair some well needed TLC! The result is hair that is totally revitalised!

54 Green St, London, W1K 6RU 020 7629 4004 www.philipkingsley.com

UnrUly This relaxed uber-cool late night hair and make up venue is owned by Michael Price, the curly hair expert who works with Christopher Walton colourist extraordinaire.

Unruly Studio 254 Portobello Rd, London, W11 1LR 020 7727 7444 www.unrulystudio.co.uk

Daniel galvin greaT lengThS These 100% human hair extensions offer an impressive colour spectrum with over 55 shades to choose from that can be mixed strand by strand to achieve your exact shade. They add natural volume and length with completely,untreated and chemical-free hair: gorgeous!!

For your nearest salon locator see: www.greatlengthshair.co.uk

Daniel and his expert team offer a unique and personal service with emphasis on beautiful colour.The aftercolour rinse leaves your hair looking and feeling amazing.

Daniel Galvin 58 / 60 George St, London, W1U 7ET 020 7486 8601 www.danielgalvin.com

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beauty

Super Stylin...

Give your hair the luxury treatment you would get in the salon with Kate Hughes’ hero hair products

expert Hair Healing

Knot a proBlem

PHiliP kinGsley elastisizer

BumBle and BumBle PreP

The world’s first pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, it nourishes the cuticle, leaving the hair moisturised and silky soft without weighing it down or coating the hair.

This fantastic lightweight spray preps the hair for your regular styling products.

It’s also a great detangler and protects the hair against damage from heat styling.

£23.50 www.philipkingsley.com

£12.50 Stockists-020 7622 5560 www.bumbleandbumble.com

SHine on

Come Clean

Joico’s new desiGn line-Gloss wax

frederic fekkai au natural Gentle sHamPoo

Gloss wax is a lightweight finishing wax that defines the hair with maximum shine and a light hold.

The fantastic new shampoo from this luxury hair care range purifies and leaves the hair ultra clean. Sugar and palm gently cleanse, peppermint leaf stimulates, while Calendula petals strengthen and nourish.

£13.95 Stockist-01282 683100

£18 Space NK www.spacenk.co.uk

Can it!

seBastian wHiPPed crème Sebastian’s new whipped styling crème gives the feather-like hold of a mousse and the nourishing care of a cream. It’s loaded with proteins, yet so light. Use it to create sexy shapes with a silky shiny finish. £16.50 www.sebastianprofessional.com

Blow you away

BaByliss Pro Portofino Hairdryer This new Pro Italian hairdryer features better air flow, and a longer life span to ensure the best ever blow drying experience. £87.99 0870 513 3191

FIRST SIX SENSES SPA IN THE UK IS NOW OPEN

Introductory 2 for 1 Offer Book any treatment and receive a second treatment free To take advantage of this 2 for 1 offer mention “Canary Wharf Magazine” at the time of booking. Bookings must be made before 14 th April 2009. Offer valid until 13th May. Treatments are subject to availability. Refer to our website for terms and conditions.

The new Six Senses Spa at Pan Peninsula, located close to Canary Wharf, will help you de-stress, detox, re-energise and rejuvenate in unashamed luxury.

Pan Peninsula near Canary Wharf hosts the first internationally acclaimed Six Senses Spa in the United Kingdom. Following the Six Senses philosophy of using natural and environmentally friendly products, the spa is conceived to rejuvenate and revitalise, making your visit a unique, memorable and an enlightening experience.

Skilled Six Senses Spa therapists create personal and individual sensory journeys through many forms of holistic treatments based upon healing and well-being. From the comprehensive holistic menu you can select Six Senses signature treatments, or perhaps a specific therapy within the Express Retreat or Thermal Suite. A limited number of exclusive spa memberships are available.

Six Senses Spa at Pan Peninsula 2 Pan Peninsula Square, London, E14 9HA, UK Located a short walk from Canary Wharf, Jubilee Line, or opposite South Quay DLR station.

China Dominican Republic Greece Jordan Maldives Mauritius Oman Portugal Qatar Spain Sri Lanka Thailand United Arab Emirates Turkey Vietnam aboard Christina O Under Development: Brazil Egypt France India Malaysia Morocco Panama

T: 020 7531 2320

E: panpeninsula-spa@sixsenses.com

www.sixsensesspas.com/panpeninsula

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DiamonDs are forever Or as Marilyn Monroe memorably sang, diamonds are a girl’s best friend

J

ust as a Rolls-Royce is a regular sight at Royal Ascot and caviar is often found on a table beside a bottle of fine champagne, so a stylish woman will often be seen wearing the most stunning bespoke jewellery. Finding the right company to design and create such perfect jewellery can be tricky – clients need the reassurance of knowing that the jeweller they choose, especially for the creation of an engagement ring, will be the one that represents the pinnacle of the industry.

One completely trustworthy choice is the diamond and gemstone specialist Hofer & Co, a family-owned enterprise where personal referrals have allowed this London company to enjoy 13 years of continuous growth. Peter Hofer, a qualified gemmologist, founded the company that bears his name in 1995. Bringing almost 30 years of experience to his chosen field, Hofer is involved on a daily basis with the creation of fine jewellery for discerning clients, maintaining a close working relationship with customers during the design, stone selection and production processes. However, this is certainly not a one-man operation and a team of expert craftspeople works alongside artists and designers, drawing on an impressive portfolio of previous designs. Just as couture gown should fit any figure perfectly, so

should a bespoke piece of jewellery suit it’s wearer perfectly. And for the client with limited time to commission their own unique order, Hofer recently launched a range of stock products including bracelets, rings, pendants and earrings.

So think Hofer, think quality, luxury and beauty. n www.hoferandco.com 020 7404 7899

how animation grew up William Tooke examines the development of film animation and asks whether it will ever really be considered a serious film medium?

M

y earliest film memory is Beauty and the Beast – the first film I ever saw at the cinema.

Perhaps more importantly, it was the first film to ever use computer animation, rendering the breathtaking dance scene into three dimensions. It was a great first film; and I suspect that most film memories start with colourful outings to see the latest Disney film.

Thinking back, the films that I most vividly remember from my childhood (those that really captured my imagination) were animated. I’m certain I wasn’t the only child who willed the cutlery to dance and the teapots to sing after seeing Beauty and the Beast. Yes, it was truly a great film – though an obvious choice for parents (ever since Mickey Mouse whistled his way up the Mississippi in1928, animation has had a core audience of pre teens).

And this was how it was for a very long time. Of course, films for children frequently crossed over into live action, but for some reason, animation wasn’t allowed the other way. It was an unwritten rule – demanding The Snowman be shown every Christmas Eve – that animation was for kids.

But then, at the end of the nineties the so-called Disney renaissance came to an end, and a new kind of animation was on the up. Upon releasing Toy Story in 1996, Pixar studios gave the world the first feature length computer animated film. Not only was this an entirely new medium, (how many times can you say that in film history?) but it also signalled the start of a huge shift in the viweing demographic. Due to the painstaking and time-consuming process of computer animation, each film takes about four years to make, meaning that when production starts, many of Pixar’s target

audience aren’t actually born yet.

A great anecdote – but Pixar films have become so popular that it doesn’t really make sense to talk of a target audience; a large proportion of those who went to see one of the best and most successful of last year’s films, Wall·E, were adults without children, suggesting that animation has at last started to shake off the preconception that ‘it is for children’. These animations have become as entertaining for adults as films specifically aimed at them, if not more so: I know I’m not the only one who would much rather have seen Wall·E twice than the disappointing Quantum of Solace once.

However, not only has ‘children’s’ animation grown in recent years to attract a far wider audience than was one could ever have imaged, but animated films aimed specifically at adults have started to come into production, although the genre is still

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feature

in its infancy. The cartoon South Park, for instance, attracted a slew of tabloid bluster because of its ‘adult humour’; content that was ironically quite juvenile. This along with obscure Japanese offerings that tended to get impenetrably lost in translation, helped to embed in the cultural consciousness that adult animation was at best a fringe genre for students and anoraks; the medium was initially looked down on in a similar way to the graphic novels, because they smack of the comic book.

Yet, adult animations, just like graphic novels should not be written off – consider the dystopian epic Watchmen, a graphic novel that rubbed literary shoulders in Time Magazines Top 100 Modern Novels with the likes of Hemingway and Orwell.

It is perhaps fitting then, that one of the best animated films for adults, 2007’s Oscar winning Persepolis, was originally a French language graphic novel in two parts. Largely in black and white, it tells of the author’s struggle during her childhood in the Iranian revolution of the late seventies. The cartoonishly simple style forms an engrossing contrast to the tale of revolution, oppression and national identity.

I’m certaIn I wasn’t the only chIld who wIlled the cutlery to dance and the teapots to sIng after seeIng Beauty and the Beast Then last autumn came Waltz with Bashir.

If not the best film of 2008, it was certainly the most important. The autobiographical account of writer/director Ari Folman discovering his forgotten past in the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the film is a beguiling and original mixture of traditional, flash and 3D animation.

Whereas Persepolis used a stripped down, simplistic style, Waltz with Bashir is visually far more complex in a way that you’d expect from a swirling, nightmarish and ambiguous recollection of one of the greatest atrocities in recent conflicts. It has already won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, and a similar accolade at the BAFTAs, as well as other numerous awards outside of Best Animation categories, which suggests that as a genre animation is being taken more seriously than ever.

But just how serious can animations ever be? A perhaps justified criticism of Waltz with Bashir is that at the end of the picture, the animated documentary reverts to using newsreel video of the aftermath of the massacre at the Shatila refugee camp.

Whilst it violently jerks the audience out of the surreal, animated world with a haunting reminder of the reality of the conflict, the implication is that animation as a medium is limited: to appreciate the terrible gravity of the event, real footage is what is needed. After raving to a friend about Waltz with Bashir and its Oscar potential, he paused, then admitted “I’m not sure I think an animation should ever be able to win a Best Film award.” For him, and I suspect for a lot of cinema goers, no matter how good an animation might be it is ultimately unable to seem as authentic as a live action film; instead it can only offer an impression of realism.

But then is realism what we expect when we go the cinema? In my opinion, all films are inherently artificial, but the best ones are no less entertaining for it, including animations, be they for adults or for children. n

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99

On

Screen

dragonball Anyone who has children or is just a big kid themselves will have heard of Dragonball – a series of graphic novels created by Akira Toriyama. His work has spawned video games, a hugely popular TV series and has generated more than £4bn worth of merchandise sales.

Goku (Justin Chatwin) must save the world from an evil force. When he turns 18 his grandfather gives him a dragonball, one of seven. The seven Dragonballs together will grant the holder one perfect wish.

A tragedy sparks the arrival of a dark force lead by the film’s villain Lord Piccolo, played by Buffy theVampire Slayer’s James Marsters. Chow Yun-Fat plays Goku’s mentor and sage, Roshi; Bulma (Emmy Rossum), is a beautiful sparky woman who

Also on this month

Cat Hughes preview the latest releases

knows what she wants; and Yamcha (Joon Park) and Goku’s love interest Chi Chi (Jamie Chung) also join in the quest to seek all seven Dragonballs.

Not ever having watched the show I went in with out any expectations or preconceptions. From what I have been told by dedicated fans one or two of the characters have been changed, for example in the cartoon Bulma has a blue bob and Roshi is suppose to be a little more sage-

Race to Witch Mountain is Disney’s remake of the classic children’s film, Escape to Witch Mountain. A brother and sister who possess paranormal powers are being pursued by a group of men who want to exploit them. (10 April). Staring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, Julie and Julia follows the story of a frustrated secretary who decides to cook all 524 recipes in legendary chef Julia Child’s book, ‘Mastering the art of French Cooking.’ (17 April). 17 Again is

like, and not strapping and handsome like Chow Yun-fat! Director James Wong has had the hard task of bringing the rich myths of Dragonball alive and had to adapt a well loved animated series into flesh and blood, but he seems to have done it with some success. All in all, a great family film.

3/5 Out 3rd April directOr: JAmes WOng 20th century fOx

everyone’s dream or nightmare, a guy’s wish is granted when he gets to be 17 again and is given a chance to restart his life.

(17 April). A must for any Iron Maiden fan. Iron Maiden: Flight 666, will follow the first leg of the legendary band’s ‘Somewhere Back in Time Tour’. (24 April). A Brit returns to his home in Victorian England from America only to be bitten by a werewolf, in Wolfman.

(1 May)..

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interview

ArtScene

by CAROL CORDREY - carol@artalone.com

‘PETE THE STREET’ Peter Brown’s description of his daily routine reminded me of Alan Bennett’s autobiographical play, The Lady in The Van

L

ike the main character, Peter uses his van as something of a mobile home which he drives to one of many favourite areas of London then parks in a street. Canvas and easel are removed from the back and he wanders around until he finds a nearby vantage point from which he can paint his chosen surroundings. Dressed in paint encrusted clothing, officials sometimes look on him as a vagrant and move him on but he returns persistently day after day until a painting is finished. If this van appears outside your house, do not move Peter Brown on for he is one of Britain’s finest painters.

His favourite locations range from Putney to Oxford

Circus, Highgate to Clapham and most places in between.

Peter is a very down to earth character who likes to find a view that “tickles” him, then take time to soak up its atmosphere before even picking up a brush: the light, the wind, the temperature, the smells, the noise of traffic and pouring rain and, of course, the people are all mentally and emotionally absorbed. They are essential elements for creating his version of realism, portrayed not in a crystal clear, graphic way, but in an Impressionist style that evokes a “here and now” response. Indeed, Peter eschews preparatory sketches or photographs preferring to work spontaneously with paint en plein air – in the Monet manner. He only uses his home studio in Bath for the odd correction, highlighting

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Clockwise: Albert Bridge, Midday, Oxford Circus Rain, 9am Earls Court, Marylebone High Street

or touching up. So successful is he at painting urban scenes that Peter has acquired the sobriquet, “Pete the Street”.

Despite being produced at speed, there is nothing rough and ready about a Peter Brown painting. Each brushstroke is deftly applied as in Afternoon, From Battersea Park where broad patches of paint produce convincing, dark shadows and leaf laden trees on the left of this composition.Cleverly, the artist leads our eyes along the Thames and into the distance using whites and creams that he has dotted along the river and as the impasto increases to chunk size, it produces an almost magical interpretation of squint inducing, reflected sunlight.

Also glistening in the sunshine is Albert Bridge, Midday, the elegant structure that was originally built to Rowland Ordish’s design in 1870. Peter has presented it centre stage in contemporary guise yet the road signs and bollards do nothing to diminish its striking impression of a series of triumphal arches used and loved by Londoners.

Not many artists who are skilful at painting static architecture are good at painting people in a crowd but Peter Brown has a talent for both. Note how Marylebone High Street focuses our gaze on gleaming window details, turrets and gables but the human figures walking to work, shopping, crossing roads, etc are imbued with life. Oxford Circus, Rain provides a receding view of majestic architecture culminating in that pointed church spire but the foreground and middle distance teem with buses, cyclists, and people with tense

they are part and parcel of the experience of being on a street faces.The pale, grey sky, umbrellas and shiny pavements provide the finishing touches to a perceptibly, damp scene.

In contrast to petty officials who sometimes consider Peter’s easel more of a threat to pedestrians than a car, the public welcome his presence on the pavements. They stop… watch …comment on his choice of viewpoint and often praise what he is doing. Although Peter likes to become absorbed in his painting, he delights in their reactions for “they are part and parcel of the experience of being on a street”. He portrays that total sense of life in such a unique and convincing way that he has won numerous awards, gained election to prestigious art societies and been artist-in-residence at London’s Savoy Hotel.

So, if you come across Peter Brown I recommend you do what Alan Bennett did in the play and suggest he parks his van in your garden. If he agrees – as The Lady in the Van did – rejoice! It will give you the rare chance to see wonderful paintings emerging on your doorstep. n Peter Brown, NEAC, ROI, PS Messum’s, 8 Cork Street London W1S 3LJ 13-30 May 020 7437 5545 www.messums.com

citylife citylife

recommends recommends

Hike, Bike, Run, Swim It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or what you do anyone can get involved!

We have a whole range of events for 2009. Challenge yourself and help support the children and young people with life-limiting and complex health conditions at Richard House.

Please contact events on events@richardhouse.org.uk quoting CWM Registered Charity No. 1059029

Dower & Hall say it with flowers Inspired by the exotic form of the Orchid flower, this stunning hand-crafted Orchid cuff from the Spring Summer 2009 collection features an intricate beaten solid silver orchid, launching what is set to become the next Dower & Hall classic.

Orchid cuff £195 Dower & Hall 020 7377 5544 www.dowerandhall.com

Roll Up with Enzo Ever wanted to melt away your stubborn bits? Well now you can with Lipomassage. The technique increases fluid exchange and release of fat from adipocytes and the result is smooth dimple free skin and increased tone.

All in 10 30-45 minute sessions costing £450.

110 Churchfield Rd, Ealing, London W3 020 8896 0362

Cake time!

The Little Venice Cake Company has designed a stunning collection of cakes; three designs, each inspired by one of Mich Turner’s best seller cake books and each available in two flavours: rich fruit or decadent chocolate. The 6”cakes will serve 16-20 portions and are competitively priced at £45 (plus p&p).

15 Manchester Mews, Marylebone, W1U 2DX 020 7486 5252 www.lvcc.co.uk

Lyte up your life!

Thomas Lyte are an English luxury brand that create exquisite luxury leather goods and accessories. Their collection ranges from cufflinks, to traditional game sets as well as travel and desk accessories. the silver-plated Rosetti Dual Clock features the signature Thomas Lyte flower motif in mustard and fuchsia. (£159) www.thomaslyte.co.uk

The Langham Hotel The Langham, London was not only the capital’s first purpose built Grand Hotel, but also one of the largest public buildings in London, boasting seven floors and 600 rooms. Commanding a prime spot on Portland Place, it is soon to be re-born after an £80m refurbishment. So watch this space...

1c Portland Place, Regent Street W1B 1JA 020 7636 1000

cityliferecommends

NESPRESSO CitiZ is here

Dressing in style!

Style conscious city dwellers can enjoy portioned coffee with the recently launched CitiZ which is inspired by iconic skylines of London, New York and Chicago and comes in three minimalist and sleek designs, CitiZ, CitiZ&Milk and CitiZ&Co which can make two coffees at a time.

The exclusive Nokka Oil and Vinegar set from Caroline McGrath combines great looks with a unique non-drip feature. Both bottles sit on an eye-catching and elegant bentwood walnut tray ensuring that they look great on the table and the design ensures that they are easy to tell apart.

0800 442 442 www.nespresso.com

01869 340479 www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk

Watch it!

The must-have fashion accessory for the trend conscious this spring is a watch from the luxury brand, Benney. Sleek, refined and elegant, Benney watches epitomise this season’s understated style, combining a distinctive look with quality craftsmanship, thanks to the vision of designer Simon Benney.

73 Walton Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 2HT 020 7589 7002/3 www.benney.co.uk

X marks the spot If you have been stuck at your desk too long and need a well earned massage then look no further than the practitioners at Xhilarate. The team work without oil, through clothes using gentle manipulations.

Enjoy a 25% discount by contacting Nicky Weston at Xhilarate. Email nicky@xhilarate. co.uk or call 08444 822888 quoting ‘Xhilarate City' www.xhilarate.co.uk

Laurent-Perrier Celebrates Spring Get into the mood for spring with the freshness of Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose and limited edition vases. The elegant Gilded Vase in pink and gold is presented with a 75cl bottle of the said bubbly. (£150) Or the dual purpose Baccarat Vase also doubles as a champagne bucket. (£1000).

Available in Selfridges from May. www.laurent-perrier.co.uk

Lodger Footwear Lodger offers a new approach to traditional mens shoe making.

Cutting-edge technology provides a 3D model of the foot which is then interpreted by skilled shoemakers in Italy and the UK. Details are then digitally stored to simplify additional orders, which are delivered in approximately eight weeks!

15C Clifford Street, W1S 4JZ 020 7287 5455 www.lodgerfootwear.com

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Email: info@hypepartyplanning.co.uk Website: www.hypepartyplanning.co.uk

08707 606 181

Hype offers refreshing and imaginative ideas delivered by Marcus Rendle and his team, whose experience, dedication and enthusiasm is second to none. With fourteen years experience Hype is one of the UK’s leading event management companies designing, producing and managing live events to both the private and corporate sector.

Hype is well known for large scale events, such as the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Chinawhite ‘Rock The Polo’ marquee at The Cartier International Polo and the UK’s largest annual corporate party for the last three years, the Carphone Warehouse Ball. On a smaller scale Hype also arrange more intimate and private events both in the UK and abroad, including a number of well known celebrity weddings covered by OK and Hello Magazine.

Hype is pleased to have secured an exclusive deal with the David Beckham Academy to host a number of Christmas events and will be constructing a luxuriously-themed marquee for everything from football-based team-building to conferences, awards ceremonies to sit-down dinners.

food&drink

Butter me up!

Try this delicious way to use one of the finest vegetables around buTTErnuT squasH risOTTO This is one of our favourite recipes as it’s got a great feel-good factor about it.

Make it for dinner or as an easy lunchtime dish for friends.

METHOD 1

Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook over a low heat until soft and lightly coloured, now add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2

Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring all the time.

3

Add the wine, bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer until the wine is absorbed, about 3 mins.

4 Start to add the hot chicken stock to the rice a little at a time, stirring gently, allow the stock to become absorbed after each addition until the rice is cooked, approx 25 mins.

5 Add in the roasted butternut squash, stir and add salt and pepper, stirring until you have a rich orange risotto.

IENTS

INGRED 85g 1 1 400g 150ml 1.7 l 1

225g

x x x x x x x

x

Butter y chopped ion, finel Large on ushed garlic, cr Clove of ce Arborio ri wine e it h w Dry n stock ke ped in Hot Chic ash, chop ernut squ and tt u B d m n l a salt Mediu h olive oi it w d le zz ins cubes, dri for 25 m nd roasted pepper a d te gra n cheese, er Parmesa ack pepp bl d n u ro Freshly g Salt

6 Finally add the Parmesan cheese, stir gently and serve.

7

To make it look really great, scatter a few pumpkin seeds and shavings of Parmesan to finish.

We hope you enjoy trying out this recipe but alternatively, if you would prefer to book some delicious food, catered for by delightful people, then give deWintons a call on 020 7627 5550 or email us on info@dewintons.co.uk

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food&drink

WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS? Josephine O’Donoghue takes a delightful turn into Alice’s mythical Wonderland as she steps through the doors of eccentric new bar Callooh Callay

T

wo small, intertwined, neon red ‘C’s are the only signs to indicate that I have reached my destination: quirky new bar Callooh Callay. The decor, drinks menu, attitude and atmosphere are inspired by the nonsensical poem Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and Callooh Callay originally featured as part of his novel Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There (1871). The bar certainly goes a long way to re-create these magical make-believe worlds.We indulge a little, after a hard day in the office, and choose a Bitter-Sweet Symphony (Courvoisier Exclusif VSOP, Mandarine Napolean, passion fruit, lemon and Regan’s Orange Bitters, £8.50) and an Afternoon Twee (Hendricks, blueberries, lavender syrup, Maraschino liqueur, apple, lime and orange bitters, £7.50).

It had been raining on the way to the bar, and sliding onto a mustard-yellow retro sofa, we felt damp, slightly stressed and totally worn out. A couple of sips of the Bitter-Sweet Symphony however, and my companion was already perking up. The refreshing kick of the Mandarine Napoleon was wonderfully fruity, and served in a martini glass dusted with sugar, it was the perfect pick-meup. Not quite as delicious, but still lovely, was my Afternoon Twee. I had unfortunately confused the lavender with violet when

I was scanning the menu, so had a rather surprising first taste!

Glancing around the bar, it’s a mad hatter’s assortment of design features from dynamic design team Dtwo. The walls are tiled with engraved mirrors and kitsch flowered wallpaper, light-fixtures are made from recycled glass into curiously bubbled shapes, Victorian-style dining chairs sit with modern stone block tables and a huge gramophone sits on the bar.

Within minutes our next round had arrived and I quickly got stuck into my elegant flute of Nettle Fizz (Bombay Sapphire, Wild Nettle cordial, Chambord, blackberries and Prosecco, £7) while Sarah sampled a glass of Rockin’ all Clover theWorld (Bombay Sapphire, raspberry and Earl Grey syrup, lemon, rhubarb bitters and egg white, £6.50). The Nettle Fizz was a subtly sweet treat which I would happily order again. And again. And again.

Food at Callooh Calley is also yummy and more-ish. The Chorizo on bruschetta was divine, and devoured instantly. The tiny tartlets were bite-size morsels of melt-inthe-mouth heaven, and the warm Potato & Leek Croquets were the ideal tonic for a cold mid-winter night.n

Callooh Callay Bar 65 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY 020 7739 4781 www.calloohcallaybar.com

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Restaurant listings

American

Italian

Hawksmoor 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ 020 7247 7392

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

British Canteen 2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW 0845 6861122 Paternoster CHoP House Warwick Court Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX 020 7029 9400

French Coq D’argent No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ 020 7395 5000 Les trois garCons 1 Club Row, E1 6JX 020 7613 1924 sautereLLe Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2483

Gastropub Duke of CambriDge 30 St Peter’s Street, N1 8JT 020 7359 3066 tHe Peasant 240 St. John Street, EC1V 4PH 020 7336 7726

Greek mezeDoPoLio 14 Hoxton Market, N1 6HG 020 7739 8212

tHe zetter 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5JR 020 7324 4455 VoLuPté 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Japanese

Bar 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 kenza 10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP 020 7929 5533

Modern European one LombarD street 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA 020 7929 6611 rHoDes twenty four Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7703 smitHs of smitHfieLD 67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ 020 7251 7950

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

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 LigHt bar 233 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ Tel: 020 7247 8989

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Looking for a unique space to entertain clients, launch a new product or simply enjoy a corporate off site day? Look no further than The Chicago Rib Shack Knightsbridge.

We have a fully stocked bar which includes over 40 different bourbons, whiskies, a full range of American bottled beers and an extensive cocktail list for you to choose from.

The kitchen can cater for all requirements from delicious hot and cold canapes through to a sit down banquet.

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Competition Dine free for a year with the Chicago rib Shack

TO WIN: Book an event for 20 people or more before the 1st May 2009 and be in with a chance to win the opportunity to dine free for a year at The Chicago Rib Shack.

To enTer please email your event requirements to sales@thechicagoribshack.co.uk

The Chicago Rib Shack 145 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7PA

020 7591 4660 www.thechicagoribshack.co.uk

TeRMS & CondiTionS: Maximum 2 people, upper limit of £100 per experience. Any spend over £100 must be paid for. No credits for spend under £100. One dining experience per month. Must be booked in advance by contacting reservations on 0207 591 4660 or sales@thechicagoribshack.co.uk.

Management reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Total prize value - £1200 over 12 months. Any missed months cannot be carried forward.

Wall of Sound Goldie talks to Kasha Van Sant about hot-footing between the nozzle and the stylus “I listen to classical music, I play with the huskies. That’s all I really do.”

I doubt very much that is all, as I listen to the man who pioneered drum and bass and the Metalheadz label - defining the music of a generation. Goldie is in fact an incredibly busy man and he has more feathers in his cap than most. Upon his own admission his one day off sees him itching to create.

“I just think from an artist’s perspective you have to do as much as you can. I find that I get really bored if I’m not doing anything and so I conceptualise what I’ll be doing next. I think it’s when you get to an age when you feel purposeful.”

At 42 Goldie is rather youthful. Having found the “boy inside” could be partly to blame, and the rest could be reclamation of the spray can that brought him to prominence. The return to his roots as a graffiti writer means an impending exhibition at the Maverik Showroom in London, which sees that ‘The Kids Are

All Riot’ and a culmination of 15 years of work. Old and new working in tandem, but this duality is not unintentional and it pops up frequently in his work.

There is heavy symbolism at play here, the paintings are not just pictures that tell a story - their cathartic leanings depict the state of their creator. Pointing to the wall he even admits that his children can interpret this.

“See that one there, my daughter said to me, ‘Daddy that looks like your mind’. Yes it’s a kaleidoscope of colours and I thought, ‘Yeah you’re right’. She was only seven years old at the time.”

I see complexity, turmoil, sparking synapses and constant states of flux – and the aforementioned duality. But unlike most dualities that work in parallel or simultaneously never to coincide, Goldie’s work and thoughts collide explosively onto the canvas and meet somewhere in the middle. Cerebral snapshots, unexpected and surprising.

At the very time when Goldie became a massive name

interview

From clockwise: Apocalypse Angel, That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, The Kids Are All Rio

in the music scene his work as a visual artist was left behind and he could only watch his, mentor grafitti legend,Brim Fuentes of Universal Zulu Nation fame, go on to make art his lifeblood. Goldie went down a different path, joining the likes of Portishead, Tricky and Massive Attack in the musical hall of fame. He ponders the inextricable links between the two media.

“Once you’ve aurally explored stuff you need to visually explore stuff and with me it was always having the puritan aspiration that most grafitti writers have, which is not just engrossing yourself in the letter form as the main subject matter and in terms of the entire wall as a piece of work.”

And thus music has morphed into visual art and vice versa in audible protest: from the wildstyle grafitti pieces that most will recognise from the safety of train carriages to the graphic bubble-written reverse victory ‘V’s that challenge the art world. Having painted prolifically in the last three years, its rediscovery being catalysed by a car accident and a divorce – all served with a large does of humility. Being master of an art form that insists upon this, that comes as no surprise. He adds: “Thinking in the mentality of a young graffiti writer you want your piece to last forever but then you know that it won’t and that someone will go over it and change it.”

111

This mass deconstruction of pride and ego, is possibly an acceptance of the transient, but is a staple for the graffiti writer. Incredibly self aware he adds: “When people look at me as an artist they think of me walking in a straight line, but if they look closely they will see that I am actually walking at a left curvature, which means I am walking in a very large circle.”

I see the cyclical pattern reappear, flux, rebirth, deconstruction all metaphors for the man, all suggestions of being at peace.

He explains: “I fought East Midlands council to get commissions and I did my first Wolverhampton art gallery show when I was 19 and that was 22 years ago.

It’s kind of weird that it’s come full circle - now it’s kind of trendy to paint, anyone can be an artist.”

It’s not about the council estates and painful childhood, the “egotistical trap” in the guise of the Ferraris of his youth. It’s not about coming the Hoffman Process, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. It’s about not being “ready to give up the ghost”, and celebration. Thus Goldie concludes on a poignant note: “I’ve had such a painful life that in a sense that I want to spend the rest of my life celebrating it.” n The Kids Are All Riot 10 – 26 April www.maverikshowroom.com

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

1-25 April

4 & 9 April

ART & EXHIBITIONS WILLIAM CROZIER: THE FIELDS ON THE HORIZON

EVENT CORNELIUS LONG: LONDON DOCKER

Scottish artist William Crozier’s new exhibition focuses on landscapes, inspired by his Hampshire garden and the landscape of West Cork.

Come down to the docklands Museum and meet Cornelius Long, he will tell you all about working life in the docks as the area begins to decline.

Flowers www.flowerseast.com 020 7439 7766

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

6-18 April

8 -19 April

THEATRE GREENWICH CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL

ART & EXHIBITIONS MONSTERS INKED

Two fun-packed weeks of workshops and free events.

Highlights include Rainbow Fish, Little Red Riding Hood and Babe: the Sheep Pig. Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

An incredible exhibition which explores the development of monster drawings, from the deepest darkest depths of the artist imagination, to the sketchpad or the gallery wall.

Idea Generation Gallery 11 Chance St E2 7JB 020 7749 6850

9 April

11 April

MUSIC WHAT IS OUR LIFE?

EVENT ROMAN KITCHEN

A mix of poetry and music, this evening will feature Lamentations for five voices by Robert White, an elegy for Thomas Tallis by his friend William Byrd and Sir Walter Raleigh’s wry musings on the human condition.

Step into a roman kitchen and discover how food was prepared 200 years ago using mortarias and barbeques.

Kings Place 90 York Way N1 9AG 020 7520 1490

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

www.kingsplace.co.uk

14 April

14-28 April

MUSIC THE LORD OF THE RINGS LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

MUSIC LA LINEA FESTIVAL

The Royal Albert Hall will be turned into Europe’s largest and most exciting cinema for the live UK premiere of the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Howard Shore’s award-winning score will be performed by the original soundtrack orchestra.

Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 www.royalalberthall.com

Latin fever takes over the Barbican as it hosts a series of concerts dedicated to the music. Highlights include Orquesta Típica Fernández Fierro, Pascal Comelade, Bel Canto Orquestra and Spanish Bombs: A Tropical Tribute to the Clash.

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

events

Until 21 April

15 April - 16 May

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS DOCSPOT: PEACE WITH SEALS

EVENT PANIC

Follow the story of ‘Gaston’ the seal who escaped from Prague Zoo during a flood and managed to swim to Germany before being re-captured. Named as, “The most famous animal on Earth,” he became a hero and even had a statue erected in his honour at the zoo. Watch the film and participate in the Q&A.

The great god Pan – part goat, part human has been dead since 33AD hasn’t he? So that can’t be him snogging a woman in a Brixton flat can it? Panic is an intimate story of love and obsession.

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

113

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

Until 18 April

Until 19 April

ART & EXHIBITIONS CINDY SHERMAN

ART & EXHIBITIONS SEAN SNYDER: INDEX

Cindy’s first exhibition since 2007; this new series of colour photographs explore the notions of gender, beauty and Self-Fashioning; focusing on representations of ageing.

This is Sean’s first UK Solo Exhibition and it includes a selection of key video and photographic projects from the last five years. Sean is known for his examination of the way that the continuous and global circulation of images has affected all aspects of our culture.

Spruth Magers Berlin London 7a Grafton St W1S 4EJ 020 7408 1613 http://spruethmagers.net

ICA Upper and Lower Galleries The Mall SW1Y 5AH 020 7930 3647 www.ica.org.uk

Until 21 April

22 April – 1 May

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS RENEE GREEN: ENDLESS DREAMS AND WATER BETWEEN

THEATRE ANDROMAQUE

Commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, material cultures of maritime history are intertwined with desires and dreams that are carried across the oceans through experience, representation, misrepresentation and projections of past and present.

National Maritime Museum Greenwich SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk

A French masterpiece that took Paris by storm in 1667, performed in French. The Trojan War has ended and Hectors wife Andromaque faces an appalling dilemma. This subversive and ironic play exposes our capacity for self-deception.

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

23 April -10 October

24 April

ART & EXHIBITIONS SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE EXHIBITION

EVENT VARIETY LIVES

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 during afternoon matinees.

Shakespeare’s Globe 21 New Globe Walk Bankside SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400

A great night out guaranteed.

Comedians include ‘Grumpy Old Man’ Arthur Smith and Andi Osho winner of the 2007’s ‘Funny Women’ comedy award. With Arnold Brown, Carol Grimes and Dorian Ford.

Stratford Circus Theatre Square Stratford E15 1BX 020 8279 1001 www.stratford-circus.com

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24/02/2009

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WIN A UNIQUE 3D WIRELESS SPEAKER AND TICKETS TO GRAND DESIGNS LIVE* Grand Designs Live are pleased to offer one lucky reader of Canary Wharf Magazine, the brand new Xounts, (combined speaker and light) courtesy of Concept Smart Homes worth £899 and tickets to the event. Ten runners up will receive a pair of tickets to this year’s Grand Designs Live, London show from April 25th - 4th May, at London’s ExCeL Centre.

The XoUnTs is a mobile 360°stereo loudspeaker, a stunningly designed object and an atmospheric multi-colour light. XoUnTs is as versatile as you are and contains a multi-audio system featuring an iPod docking station, UsB port and fm radio as well as wireless streaming from up to 4 audio channels. The XoUnTs WIRELEss also comes with XoUnTs sTREAMInG enabling you to send your favourite music via wireless to your XoUnTs. The receiver is perfectly placed inside your XoUnTs and with the transmitter you send your music from any source, whether it’s a mp3-player, mobile phone, your stereo or your TV. To top it all off the changeable design means it will fit perfectly into any surroundings.

To find out more about Concept smart Homes and Xounts call 01983 864440, visit wwwconceptsmarthomes.com or visit us on our stand at Grand Designs LIVE (stand L360)

To be in with a chance to WIN, email the answer to the following question: Who is Grand Designs event presenter?

To competition@runwildgroup.com Tickets to this year’s grand designs live are available in advance for £13 or on the door price of £18. To book call 0871 230 5577 or visit www.granddesignslive.com to book. Kids go free. *Terms and conditions 1. This offer is only open to UK residents 2. Complimentary tickets are valid for one day only, on any one day of the show between the 25th April and the 4th May 2009, to Grand Designs Live at Excel London 3. Tickets are non transferable 4. Complimentary tickets obtained through this offer may not be duplicated. 5. All tickets will be scanned on entry to the show 6. The closing date for this offer is 20th April 2009

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what'son

events

Our guide to this month’s top events

115

Until April 25

Until 10 May

ART & EXHIBITIONS SILVER WITH A PINCH OF SALT

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS PETER COFFIN

Goldsmiths’ spring exhibition looks at the role of silver in the context of the history of salt. Highlights include important historical sliver salt cellers and a selection of works by contemporary designers.

The latest installation to be commissioned as part of the Curve Art series is by New York- based artist Peter Coffin. In this, the ninth new commission for The Curve, Coffin explores various models of perspective and challenges the way in which we perceive space.

Photo Credit: Eliot Wyman Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

Goldsmiths Hall www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

Until 16 May

Until 7 June

MUSIC BEYOND THE WALL

ART & EXHIBITIONS KUNIYOSHI

The Barbican Explores Chinese music, focusing on the bridge between East and West; highlights include the UK premiere of Oscar winning Tan Dun’s latest work.

Also take a glimpse of Beijing’s underground music scene and Mongolian and Kazakh-influenced folk, as well as a chamber opera by Liu Sola.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi is considered one of the greatest Japanese artists; he dominated printmaking in the Nineteenth Century. This exhibition features over 150 works and presents Kuniyoshi as a master of innovative design.

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk

Royal Academy of Art Burlington House Piccadilly W1J 0BD 020 7300 8000 www.royalacademy.org.uk

COMPETITION The City Magazine has teamed up with West Ham United to give our readers a chance to: Win a VIP day out for four at the West Ham vs Middlesbrough match at Upton Park on Sunday 24 May The fantastic prize includes lunch in the Sir Trevor Brooking Suite, seats in the Directors’ Box for the match and a pitchside photograph of you and your guests.

A memorable experience!

To enter the competition, simply send an email to competition@runwildgroup.com giving your full contact details and quoting ‘West Ham United’.

By entering you are agreeing for your details to be used by RunWild Media and West Ham United for marketing purposes. They will not be disclosed to third parties. The closing date for entries is the 11th May 2009.

Fortis canary wharf ad 23-3-09:Layout 1 25/03/2009 15:54 Page 1

Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 June 2009

WATCH THE WIMBLEDON STARS WITHOUT THE CROWDS Prices from £269 per person + VAT

If you are planning on entertaining this summer, do it in style at The Fortis Bank Tennis Classic. This event provides great value for money as superb hospitality is combined with the opportunity to watch former legends of the game alongside Wimbledon stars in the exclusive grounds of the Hurlingham Club

Confirmed players for 2009 include: James Blake • Pat Cash • Mansour Bahrami • Greg Rusedski

To book call 020 8233 5879, email fortisclassic@imgworld.com or visit fortistennisclassic.com Fortis Private Banking

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118

property

DEMAND FOR CITY HOMES OF DISTINCTION BOUNCES BACK The number of property purchasers believing now is the right time to buy has doubled, according to the latest figures from the Building Societies Association*

I

n just over six months confidence in the UK property market has swelled with the feel good factor creeping back in to the housing market.

Substantiating this, Berkeley Homes (Capital) Ltd has reported an increase in interest at its City Quarter development in London’s E1. Piers Clanford, Berkeley Homes (Capital) Plc’s Operations Director, comments: “Our staff have seen an uplift in enquiries that coincides with a number of property leaders stating the bottom of the property market has almost been reached.”

Professionals wishing to make the transition from a rental property to home ownership are taking advantage of the opportunities now available in prestigious central locations.

Berkeley Homes (Capital) Ltd has seen an increase in sales enquiries at its HoopersYard development on Leman Street in E1 - a collection of 45 apartments and penthouses located on the edge of the Square Mile. Piers Clanford continues, “We expect the remaining properties at Hoopers Yard to be snapped up this Spring as buyers realise our product offers unrivalled quality and good longterm prospects.”

Set close to Wapping and St Katherine Docks, HoopersYard is an array of apartments and penthouses designed by architect Sheppard Robson and built to the highest standard.The entry-level homes are attractive to those looking for a well connected pied a terre property that is suitable

for Monday to Friday living, with prices starting from £385,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

HoopersYard offers the perfect ‘lock up and leave’ environment as access to all apartments is via an electronic audio door entry system, with electronic access to common areas and multi-point locking entrance door with spy hole viewer to each property.

Secure underground parking, monitored CCTV coverage and a daytime concierge, all add peace of mind.

At the other end of the HoopersYard property spectrum is a number of stunning duplex penthouses that start from £850,000.These properties offer luxurious London living, with special finishing touches and features, extensive private outdoor space and generous floor plans, – with the largest offering 1,111 sq ft of living space.The penthouses enjoy an enhanced specification, with a duplex layout featuring an oak staircase and private terraces.

The kitchens include Miele appliances and designer Italian Linea Quattro kitchen units, for the ultimate in bespoke living.The bathroom and shower rooms have underfloor heating as standard, as well as a comfort heating and cooling system running through the rest of penthouse living spaces.

Each apartment at Hoopers Yard, no matter what price, has eight-foot high ceilings with floor to ceiling glazing to create a feeling of light and space, and each has its own balcony.The homes bear the superior Berkeley Homes

specification that, at this scheme, includes Alno kitchens with grey composite stone work surfaces and Siemens appliances.The bathrooms feature Hansgrohe fittings, ceramic floor tiling, bathroom cabinets with mirrored doors, vanity shelves with feature lighting, contemporary bathroom suites in classic white and chrome finish ladder-style heated towel rails.

HoopersYard is part of the larger City Quarter development

by Berkeley Homes (Capital) Ltd.The development is the transformation of the historic Goodmans Fields site in London E1, formerly a sugar warehouse, depot and original headquarters of the Co-operative Wholesale Society. HoopersYard at City Quarter is under a 10-minute walk from underground stations at Tower Hill, Aldgate and Aldgate East. Liverpool Street, Fenchurch

Street, Bank and Tower Gateway (DLR) stations are also within walking distance. In addition to the parking spaces available at City Quarter, a car club scheme operated by Streetcar offers a number of VW Golf’s for residents’ hire.

The City Quarter Sales and Marketing Suite is open 10am to 6pm weekdays (until 8pm on Tuesdays) and from 10am to 5pm on weekends, with a number of show apartments open for viewing. n * Figures from Building Societies Association (BSA), March 2009 Contact Details Hoopers Yard at City Quarter 99 Leman Street London, E1 8EY Tel: 020 3217 1000 Website: www.cityquarter.co.uk

Connect with London Living… …Showhome and Sales Office now open

CASPIAN WHARF MARKETING SUITE

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CANNING TOWN

Dock Road

WESTFERRY CANARY WHARF SOUTH QUAY

ALL SAINTS

O2

NORTH GREENWICH

CROSSHARBOUR & LONDON ARENA

Viewings strictly by appointment only. Call: 0844 800 1152 • Stunning studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with superb specifications including underfloor heating, designer kitchens and stone worktops • The first phase of the regeneration of the area by Berkeley Homes which is set to include bars, restaurants and shops • An easy commute to work; 11 mins** to Canary Wharf, 13 minutes** to the Olympic Village and 23 minutes** to The City

• Easy access to transport network with Langdon Park (DLR) and Bow Road (District and Hammersmith & City Line) only a short walk away. Nearby A11, A12, A13, A406 and the M11 ensure excellent road connections

Prices from £210,000*

• Stunning views over Limehouse Cut and Canary Wharf

Caspian Wharf Showhome and Sales Office 1 Yeo Street, Bow E3 3AE

• Rare outside space with balconies and terraces of up to 1,426 sq ft.

Open Thursday-Monday 9.30am to 5.30pm Nearest station: Langdon Park

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KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

St Hilda’s Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Substantial four bedroom riverside Penthouse

Substantial 2736 sq ft (254 Sq mtr) four bedroom four bathroom Penthouse apartment set on the 5th and 6th floors of this popular portered development on Wapping High Street, ideal for transport links in to The City and Canary Wharf. This lovely apartment has a large dual aspect reception room, separate fully fitted kitchen, large master suite with high ceilings, dressing area and large wet room, good size study, good storage, utility room, two underground parking spaces, a private balcony and lovely views of the river and Canary Wharf sky line. ÂŁ1,250 per week

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

57 Stamford Street, SE1

Selection of smart one and two bedroom apartments Selection of lovely one and two bedroom apartments set in this newly built development close to Waterloo, London Bridge and a short walk in to The West End and City. These smart flats have been fitted to a good standard boasting fully fitted kitchens, modern bathroom suites, wooden floors, balconies and a day time concierge service. Available furnished and unfurnished with selected units having the benefit of underground parking.

Prices from ÂŁ400pw

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Christopher’s Court, City Quarter E1 Stylish split level two bedroom apartment

Spectacular two double bedroom split level Penthouse apartments set in this new portered development moments from the Square Mile and Tower Hill underground and DLR stations.

These beautiful apartment have been finished to a very high standard boasting a fully fitted stylish kitchen, two modern bathroom suites, multiple terraces and balconies, air cooling, multi room audio system wired throughout including iPod docking system, remote control blinds in the reception and master bedroom and a contemporary furniture package. ÂŁ650 per week

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

KnightFrank.co.uk

Capstan Court, Wapping E1W

Towerside, Wapping E1W

A spacious 2 bedroom warehouse, immaculately presented, with the reception giving access onto a large terrace. Residents also have access to the riverfront terrace at Merchant Court. Daytime porter. Secure allocated parking. 1303 sq ft (121 sq m)

A superbly presented studio apartment with peaceful river views from its own balcony. Renovated to the highest of standards this apartment has a new architect designed kitchen, a new bathroom, and bamboo wood floors.

Garage space. 429 sq ft (40 sq m)

Share of Freehold

Leasehold: 102 years

Guide price: £515,000

Guide price: £295,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Eagle Wharf East, Limehouse E14 A well proportioned and spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom maisonette pentouse situated on the top two floors of a purpose built block. Extensive reception space and open plan kitchen and separate study on the upper floor.

2 parking spaces. 130 sq m (1404 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: £775,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Albert Mews, Limehouse E14 3 bedroom end of terrace town house with lock views and to the river. In excellent order and situated in the heart of Limehouse, a light and bright house with a paved garden and covered parking space. Dining room, reception room with bay window, kitchen, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) guest cloakroom. 118 sq m (1274 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £685,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

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

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

Property Property address address

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Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 SE1 Theed Street, London,

stunning 3 bedroom 2,165 sq ft penthouse apartment, with300m 1,500 sq A three bedroom, double fronted, Georgian house less than Tem etetex feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, Tem do exeu eu feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, qui tem ft ofdo external terrace area, having views the Cityqui andtem along the from Waterloo station with over 1,200 sqacross ft of accommodation, euguerit tat lor am tio eugueritvolesed volesed tat lor am duipsummod tioeum eumvelit, velit, summy summy vent vent in in Thames.

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Firstname FirstnameSurname Surname

Office OfficeLondon LondonHouse HouseDepartment Department01403 01403262828 262828 Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Room Room descriptor descriptor / feature Room Room descriptor descriptor / feature Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor • Penthouse apartment Double fronted house Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor • Two largecharacter terraces Original Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor • Three bedrooms Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor • En-suite master Re-fittedto bathroom Room descriptor / feature • Guest bathroom Room descriptor Two/three receptions • Tandem parking for up to 3 cars Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor Basement room • Porter services Room descriptor / feature Room descriptor Wine cellar • River & City /views Rear garden Room descriptor feature Room descriptor • Freehold

Price Price on on application application Freehold Freehold £2,750,000 £945,000 Share of Freehold Freehold

Anexpanding expandingnetwork networkof ofover over 70 70 offices offices -- local, local, national national and and international international An

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

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

Providence Square, SE1

Axis Court, SE16

Cayenne Court, SE1

Butlers & Colonial Wharf, SE1

£585,000 Share of Freehold A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular Providence Square development, having a terrace directly overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£585,000 Leasehold A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£695,000 Leasehold A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and underground parking.

£389,000 Leasehold A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located in the heart of Shad Thames.

iptor / feature iptor / feature iptor / feature • Stunning riverfront apartment iptor / feature • Three bedrooms iptor / feature • Fifth floor iptor / feature • c.2000 sq ft A superbly presented fifth floor three bedroom apartment with views iptor / feature • Tower Bridge views of The Thames, from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf, boasting a iptor / feature • Waterfront balcony balcony and a South facing ‘half-bridge’.

• Use of a ‘half-bridge’ iptor / feature • Porterage iptor / feature • Underground parking Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com Windsor Court, SE16 £395,000 Leasehold Bridgewalk Heights, SE1 £465,000 Leasehold

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Butlers Wharf, SE1

An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from the balcony and parking.

A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London £2,500,000 Bridge station.

Share of Freehold

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

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

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

Tamarind Court, SE1

£615,000 Leasehold

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

£1,195,000 Leasehold

A stylishly refurbished 3rd floor two bedroom apartment, with en-suite wet-room to the master bedroom, guest bathroom and replacement kitchen. Also allocated parking.

A two bedroom duplex penthouse set on the 6th and 7th floors of a warehouse conversion in the heart of Shad Thames, with views along Shad Thames and across the City.

Cardamom Building, SE1

Springview Heights, SE16

£635,000 Leasehold

A centrally located 1109 sq ft two bedroom apartment within a warehouse conversion in Shad Thames, with original character, porter services and allocated parking.

A bright, 764 sq ft, third floor apartment, situated within walking distance of the popular Shad Thames area with its famous Conran restaurants.

Property Property address address

Q Q Q Q

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Theed Street, London, SE1

A three bedroom, double fronted, Georgian house less than 300m Tem etetex feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, Temdo do exeu eustation feugiam quat lumsan quam, qui qui tem tem from Waterloo with over 1,200ullutatem sq ft of accommodation, euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent in in including two/three receptions and a basement. eugait eugaitacilis acilisalit alitiliquam iliquamillut illutvullan vullanhenim henimiusciliquis iusciliquis et et niamet niamet augue augue dolorting exercincil er si. dolorting exercincil er020 si. 7407 3173 Tower Bridge Office

River View Heights, SE16

towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

£735,000 Leasehold

Firstname Surname Firstname Surname A fifth floor riverfront apartment with views from Tower Bridge to

Office House Department 01403 262828 OfficeLondon London House Department 01403 262828 parking and porter Canary Wharf, two bedrooms, underground

services.

Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

£395,000 Leasehold

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

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Evans’ Granary, SE1

£395,000 - £625,000 Leasehold

A selection of Price 1Price & 2 bedroom luxury apartments within a superb on on application application development, set in the heart of Borough Market. Further Freehold Freehold information available£945,000 at www.evansgranary.co.uk.

Freehold

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

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

Bishopsgate, EC2 Britton Street, EC1

Bishopsgate, EC2 EC4 High Timber Street,

MansellThames Street, E1 Upper Street, EC4

High Timber EC4 Leyden Street,Street, E1

£260,000 Leasehold £550,000 Leasehold A delightful studio flatapartment on the fifth floorfrom of this modern traffic on one An impressive duplex away pedestrian development adjacent to Liverpool Street station and within of Clerkenwell’s most popular streets. easy reach of fashionable Spitalfields.

£450,000 £350,000 Leasehold Leasehold A fabulous smart twoone bedroom apartment a private terracetowards and A bedroom flat withwith easterly river views westerly aspect towards the City. The development Southwark Bridge and additional basement storage.also provides a daytime concierge and a communal roof terrace.

perty address

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Fetter Lane, EC4 E1 Folgate Street,

£595,000Leasehold Leasehold £450,000 tionHouse Department A top superb bedroom apartment in this popular block onStthe don 01403 262828 A floortwo two bedroom flat with parking in the popular George western edge of the City, with a southerly aspect and beautiful development in the heart of eclectic Spitalfields shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com views over St Dunstan’s Church.

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£530,000Leasehold Leasehold £349,950 brightapartment and airy fourth apartment overlooking thetwo A smart in thisfloor modern building located just landscaped in oneand of the City’s most popular blocks, with a streets from atrium Bishopsgate close to Spitalfields market. balcony, secure parking and a daytime concierge.

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£320,000Leasehold Leasehold £625,000 A bright delightful flat apartment on the fourth floor of this modern A andone airybedroom fourth floor with a balcony, development to Liverpool Street station and within easy secure parkingadjacent and a daytime concierge. reach of fashionable Spitalfields.

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Upper Thames Street,E1EC4 Commercial Street, Price on application

£325,000 Leasehold Leasehold £1,300,000 With easterly river views towards Southwark and additional A fabulous three bedroom penthouse coveringBridge two floors with Freehold storage, this 5th floor to apartment would make the ultimate abasement galleried reception and access a 50 ft roof garden with City base or rental investment. cityscape views.

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

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

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

New Bridge Street, Street, EC2A EC4 Tabernacle

Chicksand Street, E1 London Wall, EC2M

£525 per £450 per week week AA superb two bedroom apartment which been fully refurbished one bedroom apartment with plenty ofhas character, contemporary to include marble floors, close to Blackfriars andwarehouse.

Fleet Street with kitchen and private terrace located in a former stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

£315 per £430 per week week A floorapartment two bedroom apartment withCity parking within a A fine two third bedroom in the heart of the only moments modern residential building just moments from Spitalfields to Liverpool Street and Bankset stations.

The apartment benefits and Brick Lane, with easy access to Liverpool Street station. from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

Britton Street, EC1 St Marks Street, E1

City Road, EC1 EC3N Trinity Square,

£420per perweek week £585 AA superbly presented onepenthouse bedroom apartment the heartover of two three double bedroom apartmentinarranged Clerkenwell benefiting from a private terrace communal levels providing a bright living area with two and balconies.

Parking is gardens. parking is available by separate negotiation. availableUnderground by separate negotiation.

£425 £590per perweek week A block apartment with high A spacious stunningtwo twobedroom bedroommansion two bathroom duplex apartment with ceilings, abundant storage and modern furnishings.

Set just panoramic views over the Tower of London and the River Thames. minutes from Old Street station with easy access to the City.

Property Property address address

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Folgate Street, E1 EC4V High Timber Street,

£450per perweek week £330 Charming two overlooking Spitalfields market with Firstname Surname Firstname A modernSurname one bedroom flat apartment in this popular centrally located Firstname Surname ariverside spacious open plan living room and kitchen, south facing aspect development with concierge and impressive tropical Office London House Department 01403 262828 Office London House Department 01403 262828 Office London House Department 01403 262828 with balcony.

Parking is available by separate negotiation. atrium.

Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

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High LittleTimber Britain,Street, EC1A EC4

£520 £430 per per week week A and level spacious fourth floor apartment overlooking A bright super split two bedroom apartment in the historical the Price on Price on application Price onone application landscaped atrium in of the City’sgardens, most popular residential Smithfield area, overlooking pleasant situated in a Freehold Freehold Freehold developments, benefiting from a St balcony, fine Barbican. furnishings and a portered mansion block between Paul’s and daytime concierge service.

An expanding network of over 70 offices One address.

Thousands of70 properties. www.hamptons.co.uk An national One address.

Anexpanding expandingnetwork networkof ofover over 70offices offices--local, local, nationaland and international international

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

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

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 Riverview Heights, SE16

£995 per week £725 per week An exceptional two bedroom duplex penthouse apartment situated within An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity atoprestigious development boasting stylish and contemporary decor, Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views, private balconies with views of Tower Bridge, off street parking, 24 hour concierge contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious and use of communal pool and gym. Furnished. reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

Cinnamon Wharf,SE1 SE1 Tea Trade Wharf,

£1,900 per week £800 per week A fantastic three double bedroom Penthouse Apartment A spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment with 1,500 sq ft of offered externalinterrace area, boasting views towards with balcony excellent order and arranged within athe City and along the Thames. Parking for 2/3 cars. Furnished. prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

Providence Tower, SE16 £795 per week Anchor Brew House, SE1 £525 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 per week Stunning two bedroom apartment boasting panoramic views of A beautifully presented one bedroom apartment set within a A beautiful two bedroom two bathroom apartment Tower Bridge and the Thames situated on the fourthoffered floor ofina excellent order boasting wood exposed brick, small prestigious riverand development closefloors, to Shad Thames.

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

An exceptionally spacious two double bedroom apartment prestigious riverside development boasting stylish furnishings, with twobathroom, ensuite bathrooms a guest cloakroom.

Offered modern receptionand room with river view. Furnished. in excellent order throughout and boasting two balconies, allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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Ginger Apartments, SE1 £495 per week Cinnabar Wharf, E1W £475 per week The Circle,presented SE1 two double bedroom two £380 per week A Merganser Court, E1Wwithin a modern £475 per week An immaculately bathroom one bedroom apartment arranged riverside

A one bedroom apartment boasting reception room with wood apartment set within a popular portered development which boasts floors balconyleisure overlooking pretty communal garden. Situated in use of and communal complex.

Furnished. the heart of Shad Thames. Furnished.

A beautiful one bedroom apartment boasting spaciousroom, development boasting, open plan kitchen / reception bedroom and reception room both with direct to two bathrooms and private terrace views access of the river. balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter.

Furnished.

Furnished.

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

Next issue...

May

S

ummer is on the way and we bring sunny news. Next issue we will be featuring our first LOTUS COLUMN: in each issue we’ll discuss the virtues of our recently forged alliance with Lotus GB. And speaking of chic, we have the kings of cool with us next month. Firstly the man at the helm of the British fashion institution that is Jaeger, HAROLD TILLMAN. He speaks the language of fashion like no other, and he’s an authority on it too as Chairman of the British Fashion Council. Then we catch up with Mister Hip himself, HERBERT YPMA the creator of the HIP guides – the must have travel guide.

For this and much more be sure to pick up a copy!

GRANDDESIGNS GRANDINTERIORS GRANDGARDENS GRANDKITCHENS GRANDBATHROOMS GRANDBUILD GRANDVILLAGE 10 exciting days of ideas and inspiration for your home

25 April - 4 May • ExCeL London BOOK TICKETS NOW & SAVE £5

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THE CITY MAGAZINE

the city

APRIL 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • TECHNOLOGY • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

APRIL 2009 ISSUE 18

INTRODUCING LOTUS

Say hello to the lateSt model

DO WE KNOW OUR CITY?

the thingS you never knew

THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK BOSS Store london 18-31 Eldon Street +44 (0) 844 847 9202 BOSS Store london 85 Queen Street +44 (0) 844 847 9294

I S S U E 18

the evereSt teSt team

HOT PROPERTY

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