Vicinitee Magazine November Edition by www.runwildmedia.com

VICINITEE NOVEMBER 2008

NOVEMBER 2008

ELEGANT THREADS Timeless mens Tailoring for The ciTy genT US ELECTION an insider’s view on The poliTical evenT of The year SWISS PLEASE! clocking off in swiTzerland HOT PROPERTY Uk & inTernaTional

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contents 32

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62 COVER STORIES

F E AT U R E S

12 Place your bets

An insider opinion on the

US elections

18 Entrepreneur series

Alice Tozer investigates

having the entrepreneural itch

28 the highs and lows

Robert Cook investigates two

very different sides of Switzerland

32 tequila sunrise

A look at the sensous and

seductive side of Mexico

52 Elegant threads

The best of men’s tailoring

for the discerning gentleman

36 through the lens

Mark Johnson shares insights of

his passion for travel photography 38

the dream 18 Josephine O’Donoghue takes a look at the best golf holes in the world

47 End of an era

A look at the final series of the

Bentley Arnage

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christmas inspired An extensive guide from gifts to experiences for the festive season

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diamond geezer Claire Adler catches up with the man behind the De Grisogano brand

84 ARTSCENE The Illustrators 96

Surviving the credit crunch A look at who is benefiting from our caving minds

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BETWEEN TO HERMÈS AND LOUIS VUITTON R OYA L E X C H A N G E , B A N K , C I T Y O F L O N D O N AGENT PROVOCATEUR, ARTISAN FINE ART, BOODLES, BULGARI, CARTIER, CHANEL, CHURCH'S, CROCKETT & JONES, DE BEERS, GUCCI, HERMÈS, JO MALONE, L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR, L'OCCITANE, LORO PIANA, LULU GUINNESS, MOLTON BROWN, MONT BLANC, OMEGA, PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES, PAUL SMITH, PICKETT, PRETTY BALLERINAS, ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS, SEARLE & CO, SMOKER'S PARADISE, SMYTHSON, TATEOSSIAN, THEO FENNELL, TIFFANY & CO, WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND, WINT & KIDD

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS

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MOTLEY FOOL

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MOTORING

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ONLINE

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royal exchange

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five of the best

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interiors

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CULTURE

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FOOD & DRINK

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LIFE COACHING

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COMPETITIONS

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CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS

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WHAT’S ON

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PROPERTY

Editor the November issue Welcome to the latest edition of Vicinitee magazine. It’s been hard to ignore the recent economic news and many of the financial issues facing us will mean some change in one way or another.

It is however important to remember that change can be a good thing and even small changes in our personal lifestyle will result in extraordinary outcomes. With any downturn in the economy comes opportunity and the ability to launch innovative and successful businesses. History has a tendency to repeat itself and inevitably those companies acute to the current economic climate will be forced to evaluate their position. In short, this means that it will be the consumers who will benefit over time, so expect some positive changes along the way.

Here at Vicinitee, we’re already ahead of the game in helping to maximise your lifestyle further and that’s why we have created our very own privilege club ‘Vicinitee VIP’. Many of you will have seen the recent press, announcing the launch of the new ‘Vicinitee VIP Card’ and we briefly touched upon the benefits of this exclusive offering in last month’s edition. We are delighted to announce that Vicinitee VIP will now launch in December so you can take full advantage of the many exclusive concessions and privileges in time for Christmas.

Alongside the launch of the ‘Vicinitee VIP Card’ our events team kick off the winter season with the launch of the Vicinitee Ski Weekender in Chamonix, France. Taking place from 26 February – 1 March 2008 this specially tailored package promises to be an action packed weekender with packages and activities to suit everyone. Chamonix offers breathtaking scenery alongside ideal snow conditions for skiers of all ages and abilities with an abundance of après ski in style. Take advantage of our 10% discounted rate for Vicinitee.com registered users, places are strictly limited so please register your interest or to find out more information please email: skiweekender@vicinitee.com With the festive season fast approaching, our special Christmas gift guide provides the ultimate in unique presents to help inspire you. We’ve come up with some great ideas from exquisite, quirky and original gifts for him and her, to imaginative experiences for those who have everything. We also feature services to help lighten the burden of entertaining and decorating at home, to different and exciting locations to visit for your Christmas shopping. We hope you enjoy our range of gift ideas to help you on your merry way this season.

Broadgate Ice Rink will re-open on Saturday 15 November as Broadgate Circle will be transformed into the City’s premier outdoor ice rink, providing occupiers and visitors with the perfect location for a magical skate. So why not enjoy some winter fun with a group of friends, ‘après skate’ with work colleagues or practise your skating skills with an invigorating whizz around the arena. With an array of bars and restaurants surrounding the Arena, Broadgate is the perfect place to watch others take to the ice and soak up the winter fun atmosphere. Skate hire and private or group lessons are available. For more information please log on to the ‘What’s On’ guide at vicinitee.com.

We have received some tremendous feedback from you recently, so please keep sending us your emails, comments and suggestions to Vicinitee@runwildmedia.com Finally, don’t forget to check our November theme page on vicinitee.com which showcases many forthcoming events in and around Central London along with this month’s exciting competitions.

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

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director RunWild Media

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

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CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Claire Adler is a London based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator Business, Wallpaper*, Intelligent Life and House & Garden. She also writes for fashion news service WGSN, hotel magazine IN London and magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

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

Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Kate Hughes has an established reputation as one of the UK's leading celebrity hair and make-up artists. A regular guest beauty presenter on television, she has worked with a wide selection of actors, presenters, musicians and models.

Kate's hair and make-up consultancy, 'It's All About You', transforms women for weddings, special occasions and red carpet events.

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

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LADIES & GENTLEMEN, P Based at UCLA, Katherine Eriksson is currently studying for a PhD in Economics. With an academic background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Virginia Tech University and Oxford University, she has a keen interest in global economics, politics and third world development. In the midst of the American presidential campaigns, Katherine takes a critical look at the realities of the upcoming election and its impact not only on American citizens but on the rest of the world

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he next US president has no small job.

He must find a way out of Iraq, pull the world economy out of its slide towards another Depression and fix all the other things the Bush administration managed to destroy in eight short years. The budget deficit? Check. Health care? Sure, let’s do something about that. Make the rest of the world hate us less? Why not.

Like it or not, the US affects the life of every man, woman and child on this planet, be it through swings in ideology, like the Democratic shift in the 1990s towards the centre of the political spectrum, which coincided with the advent of the New Labour party in

Britain; through our bastardisation of the English language (now accepted by nine out of ten versions of Microsoft Office); or our propensity to invade other countries at will and drag our friends along for the ride.

No matter whom I talked to at Oxford before and after the 2004 election, the questions were all the same, some more emphatic than others. They ranged from mild detached confusion, “Why did you elect George Bush twice?”, to the more passionate, “What were Americans thinking putting that idiot back in the White House?!”

As the token American, I was required to explain how the dreaded red states could elect the leader of the free world.

currentaffairs

, PLACE YOUR BETS Being from Virginia, I have more of an understanding of red-state America than most. I grew up in rural Virginia in a Democratic town surrounded by a sea of red; conservative flags were more common than not, in the windows of houses and pick-up trucks. It’s easy to belittle rural areas, to call them backwards and close-minded. I know plenty of people who would never vote for Barack Obama because he’s ‘half-black’ or who have never left the country because “there is no need, America is the best place on earth!” – ideologies drummed into us from an early age at school.

But there is a certain logic to the appeal of country music, Nascar, and religion…

Small town America is all about being just like everyone else. Everyone knows each other. Joe Six-Pack is always sitting on his front porch or watching the football with a beer on Sunday afternoons. He is married to your sister and the hardware store he works at is right across the street from your cousin’s bakery. Country singers sing about lost love, Friday night high school football, and loved ones who go away to war. At church on Sunday you catch up with neighbours about the accomplishments of children or when that road will be fixed.

Dependability and reliability are what makes small town America tick and many Americans are

cautious of outsiders. They know what they believe, marriage is between a man and a woman, abortion is a sin, etc., and no Washington politician is going to change that. These characteristics go some way to help explain why red state voters connect with politicians like Sarah Palin: she is just like them; she has the same religious values; she is the all-American ‘hockey mom’. Palin preaches that America is great and rails against the Democrats who would have us accept that we are just one nation among many. “Hell no”, say the Republicans. “We are the best and we don’t have to listen to anyone!”

How many Americans can you fit on a hill? The same number of

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angels who can dance on the head of a pin? America as an idea is just as incorporeal as an angel. As John McCain says often, America is the shining light on the hill, the beacon of democracy for undemocratic countries, the symbol of prosperity. If you live here, you can make anything happen, and to paraphrase Mitt Romney after the third debate, Americans believe in the ideals of opportunity and entrepreneurship.

That’s the rhetoric. What they don’t mention is that we have one of the lowest social mobility rates in the world. That means if you are born poor, you are very likely to be poor your entire life. We have the highest child poverty and infant mortality rates among developed

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Obama admits we need to talk to Iran rather than ostracising them, a claim that has been mocked by the McCain camp as naïve

countries. Our education system ranks last among the same countries across several indicators.

Republican success hinges on being able to sell the American dream to rural voters. What is the American dream? They must convince voters that Republicans understand the struggles of small town America and that hard work really does pay off. A fundamental difference between the two parties is that definition of ‘hard work paying off’. Republicans manage to sell the idea of reaping all the rewards of work through low taxes. Democrats say no: if you work hard you should have health care and be able to send your kids to college, and richer Americans should pay higher taxes to fund social programmes.

In the 2008 election, Obama proposes to cut taxes for the bottom 95% of the income distribution and to raise them for the top 2.5%. McCain claims he will cut taxes for everyone. What he doesn’t mention is that those in the lowest income bracket will see their taxes go down by a paltry $19, or 0.2%, while those in the top income bracket will have an average tax cut of over $269,000, or 4.4%. Hardly fair, is it? Under Obama those numbers will be a decrease of $567 for the poorest and an increase for those making over $2.8million a year. If I was

a rural voter making below the national average salary, I would prefer Obama’s plan!

In most European countries, being relatively poor is a good predictor of voting for a left-wing party. Even Americans know that the traditional Labour party base is found in working-class Britain.

In America, a working-class voter is just as likely to vote for a Republican. I’ve seen multiple interviews this election season in which a voter says they are voting for McCain because he promises lower taxes. An interesting fact: red states get a disproportionate

amount of tax money back from the federal government, more than 100% of what they pay. It actually pays to pay taxes in Republican states! The only convincing explanation is that these voters vote based on non-economic issues. Gay marriage, abortion and immigration all combine with rhetoric against big government to turn states red.

The problem the Republicans face this election season is that noneconomic issues just don’t matter in the face of high gas prices, the financial crisis and the collapse in retirement savings, and a war in

McCain’s endless attempts to misrepresent Obama’s health care plan are succeeding

Iraq without an end in sight. Sure, Palin is relatable, but voters are terrified of the idea of someone so inexperienced dealing with the global financial crisis. Even if she does have foreign policy experience (she can see Russia from Alaska, after all), nobody wants her acting as our ambassador to the world.

When it comes to foreign policy, voters must distinguish between McCain’s black and white attitudes and Obama’s more nuanced shades of grey. McCain’s hawkish stance towards Iraq and Iran suggests more of the same “you’re either with us or against us” mindset of Bush. Obama admits we need to talk to Iran rather than ostracising them, a claim that has been mocked by the McCain camp as naïve. Certainly, McCain is naïve if he thinks America is ready for more isolation from the world.

Obama’s simple willingness to consult with other countries can only help our image to the rest of

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the world and Biden’s substantial foreign policy experience stands in sharp contrast to Palin’s long distance view of Russia.

Politics in America is all about saying the same thing often enough until enough people believe you. Sure, Obama is a Muslim, that one almost stuck. Obama is a terrorist, nope, good try.

Republicans paint Democrats as arugula-eating, wine-drinking urban elites and Democrats portray Republicans as being guided by blind ideology and out of touch with real economic issues.

McCain’s endless attempts to misrepresent Obama’s health care plan are succeeding. After the third debate, NBC news interviewed a group of undecided voters.

When asked why he was more likely to vote for McCain than he was before the debate, one voter said that he didn’t like the idea of government mandated health care.The federal government has done so much wrong recently that he didn’t trust them to handle health care. That’s exactly what McCain wanted him to believe, but Obama’s plan doesn’t mandate health care; it simply offers an alternative plan to uninsured Americans.

Conservatives in America are squirming right now (at the time of writing we are three weeks before the election) and Obama is leading by over fifteen points. Obama is even ahead in Virginia, a state that hasn’t voted Democratic since 1964. Conservative pundits who a month ago hailed Sarah Palin as a breath of fresh air are jumping ship en masse. Bill Kristol, a

conservative columnist at the New York Times, called for McCain to fire his campaign managers and David Brooks, another conservative New York Times columnist, laments the movement in his party towards anti-intellectualism. He decries that Palin’s appeal is largely from her “you betcha” attitude and cheeky winks.

The 2008 election will ultimately be decided by swing

state voters, Ohio and Florida being the two most notable swing states. If McCain and Palin can argue that they are better able to fix the economy or guide the political debate back to national security, Americans might vote for the ticket to which they can relate. If not, Obama and Biden look destined for the White House.

Maybe then my friends in England won’t think my country is crazy –

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but then, that’s only a maybe. n For more information on Barack Obama, visit www.barackobama.com and for more information on John McCain visit www.johnmccain.com Further details on American government and politics can be found at www.whitehouse.gov

OBAMA versus MCCAIN: THE FACTS IRAQ Obama was against the war in 2002 and has promised to end the conflict and begin to withdraw the troops immediately. He is opposed to establishing permanent bases in Iraq, but would be prepared to send troops back in case of genocide. McCain is a fervent supporter of the US surge launched in 2007 and has vowed ‘no surrender’ as he believes the USA is winning the war.

IRAN Obama is in favour of communication with Iran, who he believes poses a serious threat to the Middle East region and the United States. He is in favour of using international sanctions to push Iran to be more open about their nuclear programme. McCain says that “there is only one thing worse than military action and that is a nuclear-armed Iran”. He is against any presidential level talks and would prefer to tighten sanctions, mostly economic, outside the UN sphere if necessary.

ECONOMY Promising to cut taxes for working classes and low-income homes earning less than $75,000 p/a, Obama also wants to raise taxes for those homes with an average income of more than $250,000. With regard to the housing crisis he would choose to establish a fund to help stave off foreclosures and federal help to gain access to loans. McCain vows to maintain the tax cuts put in place under President George W. Bush,

has proposed a freeze for a year on non-military federal spending and has suggested state guarantees for mortgages and for student loans.

HEALTH Obama wants all American citizens to be covered by a universal health care plan.

Based on incentives and cost cuts, the plan would be voluntary but oblige parents to insure their children. McCain believes that health care should be made more accessible as approximately 45 million Americans lack insurance and he promotes greater oversight of insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

IMMIGRATION Obama supports an immigration reform which boosts border controls while legalising under certain conditions the 12 million illegal immigrants. McCain was a key mover in 2006 legislation to try to regularise the situation of illegal immigrants, but insists on the need to secure the borders before any other reforms can be carried out.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE Attacking the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, Obama says he would renegotiate it. McCain supports NAFTA and sees free trade as an important tool in US foreign policy, notably in the Middle East. Unlike Obama, he supports a free trade accord with Colombia.

Source: The Daily Telegraph, Australia

ALL OF YOUR In the third and final instalment of our entrepreneurial series, Alice Tozer prescribes effective treatment for all those nursing an entrepreneurial niggle

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here has been ample speculation recently over the personal circumstances of the Lehman lay-offs.

Several (who saved at least a papersharpening of their perennial pile) are seizing the opportunity to leave the rat race; midcareer gap years to lands far-flung are in the pipeline for some, it seems. Other victims of the City slaughter might have experienced (or might still) a moment of epiphany upon drifting down the office escalators: a voice urging them to dabble in the world of the self-employed.

Of course, being laid off isn’t the only spur towards entrepreneurship; other impetuses include a capricious decision to, perish the thought, actually do something you enjoy or the shameless realisation that you are better at your job than your boss.

Apart from feeling that the moment is never right, a principal reason why those with the requisite ambition have not nurtured their entrepreneurial ego is: nerves. A recent survey by Orange found that of 2,500 UK adults, nearly half had contemplated setting up a venture but lacked confidence to develop their idea.

From a card-making business to building a piña colada-plugging bar on a remote Caribbean isle; from continuing in your current trade but going solo, to retraining in an area to which you are completely virgin – some advice stays the same. Unfortunately I can’t organise a speedy dismissal from your current place of work, but I can supply you with a little informative literature to read... as you hit the exit door.

Solid steps to self-employed success Mingle at the events

pilot event where he will work with a group of no more than one hundred participants, Harris will help entrepreneurs to identify clear next steps that are required in order to accentuate their businesses’ growth curve.

Harris’ consistent ability to impact mass markets has made him an industry legend.

This event is perhaps more suitable for the seasoned entrepreneur looking to add some panache to his operations.

Return triumphant from a talk BY the pros A leading event promotion company, specialising in the presentation of inspiring entrepreneurs, authors, speakers and leading-edge thinkers, Triumphant Events is reckoning on large audiences for Mike Harris’ Business Growth Workshop.

Harris’ expertise is beyond reproach and this is a rare opportunity to be guided personally by one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs. The co-founder of iconic financial services consumer brand Firstdirect and Egg, Harris also played a major role in transforming telecommunications. During this one-day

Tuesday 25 November, Greater London (location TBA) 9am-6pm Keep an eye on www.triumphantevents.co.uk

November seems to be the month for business start-up events.These provide a balanced combination of listening to the heady substance and enjoying lighter moments by perusing the stands exhibiting the smartest office and stationery products for your office-to-be.

Try your idea out on everybody you know – if you get more enthusiastic each time you tell the story, keep going. otherwise, give up now and be grateful you failed fast and cheap Mike Harris, Co-founder of iconic financial services Firstdirect and Egg

BUSINESS Start-up your entrepreneurial engines For the aspiring entrepreneur or for those aiming to expand their business, Business Start-Up is the UK’s biggest and most vibrant exhibition. There is something for everyone, whether you’re simply playing with the idea of starting a business or are half-way through expanding. Hundreds of experienced and innovative exhibitors offer advice on everything from book-keeping and finances to websites and marketing; you can even order some snazzy business cards on the day – if that doesn’t inspire you, I’m not sure what will.

Also, hear first-hand from the entrepreneurs who have already been through the motions.

Learn about the secrets, shortcuts, successes and pitfalls of business from live speakers, including James Caan and Caprice.

28–29 November, Olympia, London Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm www.bstartup.com

Join the national bandwagon There’s a little-known sub-calendar of days for the celebration of various people and pursuits in this country which often go unnoticed by the general population.

National Enterprise Week is among these and must be ear-marked by all serious business bods-to-be. The week is the country’s annual celebration of all things enterprising, and will this year be part of the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week. Alongside more than 75 countries from around the world, the UK will be unleashing young people’s enterprising ideas to address some of society’s biggest issues, from poverty through to climate change. The event is coordinated by the national Make Your Mark campaign, which is supported by a variety of celebrities including Peter Jones, Levi Roots (as in Reggae Reggae sauce), Laura Bailey and Jamelia.

17-23 November www.enterpriseweek.org

You need to be able to explain your idea in 30 seconds or less; you need to be properly funded and you need to hire the best people you can. Too many businesses are undercapitalised and so have to compromise on talent Christina Domecq, Co-creator of SpinVox, a company pioneering the conversion of voicemails to text

Adam Curry, Podcasting father and founder of The BT Podcast Show

If you have enough confidence to start your own venture, you have enough to find another job if it doesn’t work

Richard Reed, Co-founder of Innocent drinks Everything takes longer than you think. That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get overoptimistic and carried away by thinking things will happen instantly.

They won’t

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business&finance

Lap-up the literature Perhaps the most encouraging rule to the entrepreneurial game is that there’s no correct technique with which to play it; there’s no genuine Bible nor exhaustive A to Z guide, even though many publishers try to market their books as such.

Dipping your nose into various reads will, however, provide you with the reassurance that you are covering certain vital areas.

Let’s start with those overexcitedly toned, nauseaprovoking and commercialistic Get Rich Quick guides. Adam Curry, founder of the BT Podcast show and entrepreneur in excelsis, says that he has a plethora. How does he rate them? “Complete waste of time. Your best resource, apart from the local council, is a thin guide covering practical areas such as tax regulations.

You need to know the tax rules or you’ll get ****ed.” Curry speaks from experience. Here are two basic guides: The No-Nonsense Guide to Government Rules and Regulations for Setting up your Business This one-hundred page, frank guide cuts out all the fancy frills, instead nourishing you with the essential practical facts about starting up – from tax, VAT and National Insurance to taking on employees and ensuring that you’re up to date with health and safety. It might sound dry but the user friendly, colourful format of the book is anything but boring. From the legal and

official side of starting up on your own, to the regulations on obtaining new premises, this guide covers it all.

Free from www.businesslink.gov.uk

how he manages a crisis and which entrepreneurs he most admires and why. Find out the true story behind Virgin Blue’s success in Australia, what really happened when Virgin bid for Northern Rock and read Branson’s belief in a strong co-operation between business and governments, in order to tackle climate change and invest in the future of our planet.

Branson’s words are suitable for all, whether an executive, seasoned entrepreneur or business novice. £20, published by Virgin Books

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To lighten the load, keep an autobiography of one of the big cats of business on the go simultaneously. This will inject you with a steady dose of conviction, ensuring that your longer-term vision stays alive whilst you’re tackling some of the tricky, preliminary groundwork.

Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur,

by Richard Branson No harm in getting the wider picture; you might not be aiming for global domination of the airline and music industries, but there must be inspirational benefits in listening to the only person in the world to have built eight billion-dollar companies from scratch in eight different sectors. Discover what qualities Branson looks for in the people he hires,

Your evening class: starting a small business Finally, this sweet little box of informative goodies is great for hands-on individuals who like to break their projects down into delectable bites and who are looking for an interactive resource. The authors, Vera Hughes and David Weller, started their own business in 1980 and have many years’ experience in commerce. If

you like the evening class mentality but feel the logistics would be a nightmare, this package brings the part-time course concept to your home in true twenty-first century form.

Five CDs or DVD-ROMs and ten workbooks with exercises – a year’s worth of lessons in total – cover areas from ‘your image’, to ‘personal finance’ and ‘employing others’. The course is not as reclusive an activity as it might seem, either, given you can extend your knowledge and meet other people at the dynamic online community of fellow learners.

True, the colouring of the items is a little bland (black, white and some welcome rays of yellow), but in truth that just keeps you all the more focussed on the task in question: learning your trade. The package is much cheaper than an evening course (the latter priced on average at £250), and will encourage you to make productive use of at least some of your spare time. £49.99, available from many book shops and priced at £10 off if bought at www.youreveningclass.com

citylife-ASTB_june08-ol.indd 1

23/05/08 09:00:23

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currentaffairs

The importance of BEING George

S

Tim Rowbottom explains why Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne should step into the light

eptember and October represented to develop a credible Conservative critique expected politicians to pull together. At the a difficult few weeks for the same time, they knew that simply offering of the government’s economic policy – shadow chancellor, George critical bi-partisanship risked making them something that had eluded his predecessors in Osborne. First, the financial invisible while the prime minister strode the the role. With the state of the public finances crisis which erupted during the world stage. In these circumstances, giving worsening, borrowing rising and an economic week of the Conservative Party conference support to the immediate measures being downturn beckoning, the shadow chancellor presented a number of challenges. The taken to save the banking system, while accused Messrs Brown and Darling of failing Conservatives had to strike a balance between making it clear that they would not offer a to use the good years to prepare for the lean supporting measures to rescue banks while blank cheque, was probably the only realistic years or, to use a phrase associated with John F maintaining the freedom of manoeuvre to option. Whilst it is easy to criticize the Kennedy, neglecting ‘to fix the roof while the criticise more broadly the government’s Conservatives for being unclear on some of sun was shining’. This, he argued, had left the handling of the economy. Second, the the details during the crisis, when it came to United Kingdom more exposed to the effects story of Mr Osborne’s involvement with the big strategic decision, Messrs Cameron of a downturn than other major economies. It Peter (now Lord) Mandelson, an Oxford also opened up a key battleground for the next and Osborne made the right call. contemporary, Nathaniel Rothschild, and So where do the events of the past month election – between the ‘fiscal conservatism’ Russian businessman, Oleg Deripaska, while leave Mr Osborne? The immediate fallout espoused by Messrs Cameron and Osborne on holiday in Corfu, presented the shadow from ‘yachtgate’ will undoubtedly leave him and the ‘irresponsibility’ of Mr Brown. chancellor with the most testing in a weakened position. Colleagues period of his political career. resentful at the rapid rise, and Mr Osborne’s Conservative critics influence of, the shadow chancellor, Mr Osborne was widely have used both these episodes will no doubt derive amusement from hailed as the saviour of the to re-open questions about his his current travails. Mr Osborne has suitability for his current job. They admitted making mistakes over his Conservative Party argue that the shadow chancellor dealings with Mr Deripaska and has lacks experience, that his grasp said that he will no longer take part of economic detail is too limited and that, in conversations about individual donations.

In addition, Mr Osborne has used 2008 to bluntly, compared to Gordon Brown spell out more details about the Conservatives’ One would assume that Mr Osborne will be and Alistair Darling, he comes across as economic policy should the party win the next doubly careful about having anything in the lightweight. To some, opposition to Mr future to do with Lord Mandelson. election. This will be based around three key Osborne derives from his refusal to take a Yet longer term, Mr Osborne’s critics should elements: what they call a ‘responsible fiscal more aggressive stance on the government’s be in no doubt. Barring a catastrophe, he policy’, including the establishment of an spending plans and to offer significant tax remains absolutely indispensable to David Office of Budget Responsibility; a ‘responsible cuts should the Conservatives win the next Cameron and critical to the Conservatives’ financial policy’ with a renewed role for the election. The so-called ‘yachtgate’ affair has chance of winning the next election. Those Bank of England in managing overall debt now led to criticisms over Mr Osborne’s who have worked alongside him can testify levels; and a ‘responsible attitude to economic political judgement. to his razor sharp political brain. He is one development’ with the emphasis on more It is all very different to this time twelve of the party’s best strategists. As he and Mr balanced economic growth. The main rate months ago. Then Mr Osborne was widely Cameron demonstrated in the autumn of 2007 of corporation tax would be cut while the hailed as the saviour of the Conservative they are a formidable political team. It would increase in the small companies’ rate would Party. His announcements on stamp duty be foolish to write off either of them. When be reversed. The pledges on stamp duty and and inheritance tax at the 2007 conference they set about their plan for ‘modernising’ the inheritance tax still stand. All of these policies played a huge role in turning around the Conservative Party in the summer of 2005, and more were contained in the publication party’s fortunes which culminated in the both men realized that it was a project for the ‘Reconstruction plan for a strong economy’ prime minister announcing that there would long term. George Osborne may feel a little launched in Birmingham. be no autumn election. From that point, battered by recent events, but he has survived.

Yet it is in response to the immediate Mr Osborne – buoyed by some effective He remains by far the second most important turbulence on the financial markets where parliamentary performances – embarked on figure in the Conservative hierarchy. n the Conservatives have loooked less than sure a period in which he cemented his position as footed in recent weeks. In reality Messrs the second most important figure in today’s Cameron and Osborne faced a dilemma. They Tim Rowbottom is Senior Consultant at Bell Pottinger Public Affairs Conservative Party. wished to avoid being accused of indulging Over the past year, Mr Osborne also began in party politics at a time when the public

business&finance

23

How to save money on insurance Finding the right motor insurance to suit you need not be a ‘premiums and excess’ nightmare

by DR. DAVID KUO Head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk

J

ack Benny once quipped: “I don’t want to tell you how much insurance I carry with the Prudential, but all I can say is: when I go, they go too.” Sadly, the vaudevillian is no longer with us, but the Pru, thankfully, is still going strong.

I suspect most people have a love-hate relationship with insurance, and a recent Fool.co.uk study confirms this. Three out of five people baulk at insurance, but think it is a price worth paying. One in ten think it is a waste of money, and one in four try to selfinsure by putting aside money they can use if something unfortunate happens.

By and large, most of us know insurance makes sense, even though we may be reluctant to buy it unless we absolutely have to. Perhaps one reason why we dislike it is because we don’t like to think that anything awful will ever happen to us. Another may be because it is sometimes just too darn expensive.

But the key to buying insurance is only to insure against risk that you cannot afford to bear.You also need to work out whether the cost of the premium reflects what you may have to pay in case of an accident.

Motor insurance is an interesting form of cover because it is something you must legally have if you own and drive a car.

But that doesn’t mean you have to pay through the nose for it.You can reduce your premiums by assuming some of the risk yourself. This is done by adjusting the level of voluntary excess, which is the amount you must pay out of a claim before the insurance

company will fork out for the rest if you have an accident.

But drivers are often in two minds as to whether they should pay a higher premium by opting for the minimum excess, or a higher excess with lower premiums.

Personally, I like the latter, but my wife prefers the former. So who is right?

Let us assume that you can save £50 on your annual insurance premium by increasing your voluntary excess from £200 to £500.

And by assuming the higher voluntary excess, your annual insurance is cut from £400 to £350. Now the question is whether the £50 annual saving’s worth having?

The answer, as always, is: it depends.

Here’s why.

accepting a lower voluntary excess.

The situation changes slightly if you have an accident in year two. At the lower voluntary excess of £200, your annual premiums for two years will be £800.

So in the event of an accident, your total maximum outlay will be £1,000. But with the higher voluntary excess, your total outlay will be £1,200, which is made up of £700 in premiums and the £500 voluntary excess. Now you are only £200 better off by accepting a lower voluntary excess.

After ten years, the picture changes significantly. At the £200 voluntary excess level, you will have paid £4,000 in premiums. So in the event of an accident, your total outlay will be £4,200. But at

But the key to buying insurance is only to insure against risk that you cannot afford to bear. You also need to work out whether the cost of the premium reflects what you may have to pay in case of an accident If you have an accident in your first year when you are paying £400 in premiums, then your maximum outlay will be £600 because your voluntary excess is £200.

However, it can cost you up to £850 if you had opted for a higher level of excess. That’s because your premiums are £350, but you are liable for the first £500 of repair bills.

Consequently, you are £250 better off by

the higher excess level of £500, your total expenditure is £4,000, which is a saving of £200 over ten years, or £20 a year!

So is it worth it?

That depends. A saving of £20 a year is not quite as attractive as the £50 that was first touted. So maybe, just maybe my wife is correct. But then again, I am the better driver! n

Fool.co.uk Seriously good with money

TM

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: St petersburg Cat Hughes discovers imperial grandeur IN RUSSIA St Petersburg is a city made for fairytales. With its palaces and ballet, even the city’s history reads like one. Like the frog that turned into a prince, this northern Russian metropolis grew from a swamp to become one of Europe’s most elegant and stylish cities. Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, it was home to the imperial Tsars for over two centuries. St Petersburg is fast becoming the destination of choice for the discerning business traveller.

Where to stay The Grand Hotel Europe

Situated on St Petersburg’s most splendid avenue the Nevsky Prospekt, the Grand Hotel Europe invokes the impressive grandeur of old Tsarist Russia.

The Hotel has been at the centre of culture in St Petersburg for over 130 years. It was here that Tchaikovsky spent his honeymoon and George Bernard Shaw dined with Maxim Gorky. The Hotel has an extensive business centre with secretarial services, interpreters and private meeting rooms. A spa and fitness centre help you

unwind after a long day in the boardroom, and if you’re staying in one of the hotel’s historic rooms you can have your very own private butler.

Corner of Nevsky Prospekt & Mikhailovskaja Ulitsa, 1/7 +7 812 329 6000 www.grand-hotel-europe.com

Corinthia Nevskij Palace Hotel

This recently-refurbished hotel sits in the heart of St Petersburg close to the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace and the major business districts. The executive club is highly rated among business travellers, as is the fitness club, which has stunning views of St Petersburg’s skyline and Swedish-style massages. With its chic and modern interiors and celebrated international restaurants, the Corinthia Nevskij Palace Hotel is the place to stay.

Nevsky Prospect, 57 19102 +7 812 3802001 www.corinthia.ru

Seal the Deal Taleon Lobby Bar and Cigar lounge

The Taleon Lobby Bar and Lounge TheCigar Lowry Hotel

Situated in the Taleon Imperial Hotel, the Lobby Bar and Cigar Lounge mixes Tsarist luxury with modern-day technology.

You can sit in the elegant and

travel

25

Day tripping The Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum

The Hotel Astoria Spa

refined bar, drinking the best that St Petersburg has to offer while watching a Champions League football match. After the match you can move on to the walnut-panelled Cigar Lounge, and enjoy a range of exclusive cigars and top brand cognacs.

Moika River Emb, 59 +7 (812) 324-99-11 www.taleon.ru

Fine Dining The Noble Nest

A place to see and be seen, the Noble Nest has played host to royalty and world leaders including George W Bush and the former French President Jacques Chirac. The restaurant is situated near the Mariinski Theatre within the former Garden Pavilion of the Yusupov Palace. The menu is a mix of traditional Russian and French cuisine. Ask for a table in the

The Noble Nest

Musical Drawing Room, where you can relax and listen to some fine classical music.

Ulitsa Dekabristov, 21 190000 +7 (812) 312-3205 www.dvgnezdo.ru 1913

In 1913 Russia had to decide whether it wanted to belong to Europe or Asia. This restaurant voted in favour of Europe. Its menu is a fusion of Russian and pan-European food. The restaurant, though elegant, has not tried to recreate the splendour of Tsarist Russia. In fact the establishment is a selfconfessed democratic restaurant, “guaranteed to suit every taste”.

This is the perfect place for a stylish business lunch.

Voznesenskii Ave, 13/2 +7(812) 315-51-48 www.restaurant-1913.spb.ru

Shop ‘til you drop Nevsky Prospect

If you need some retail therapy, Nevsky Prospect is St Petersburg’s most stylish and splendid street, boasting all the leading international boutiques.

The one to stop by is Tatiyana Parfyonova, which stocks well-known Russian designers.

Gostinny Dvor, St Petersburg’s first department store, should definitely be on your radar, and if art and antiques are your thing, head down to Peterburgskiy Salon or Rapsodiya for ceramics and silver furniture.

Spa Escape Hotel Astoria Spa

With a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, this spa fuses Eastern and Western traditions perfectly.

Located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Astoria, the treatment and relaxation rooms have stunning views of the Admiralty and St Isaacs Church.You can enjoy the use of the 24-hour high performance gym, massages and unique Payot beauty treatments.

With its stylish décor and experienced staff, the Hotel Astoria Spa offers a little piece of calm in the middle of a hectic city.

Hotel Astoria Spa St Isaac’s Square / Ul. Bolshaya Morskaya, 39 190000 +7 812 494 5068 www.thehotelastoria.com

The home of Catherine the Great and her successors, the Winter Palace is by far the most stunning attraction and piece of architecture in St Petersburg.

The Palace boasts 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows and 1,057 spectacularly-decorated halls, many of which are open to the public. The Hermitage Museum was founded by Catherine the Great, after she bought a collection of paintings from Germany. Today The Hermitage holds some of the greatest works of art in the world; you can expect to find creations by Raphael, Titian, Renoir, Van Gogh and many more. Experts believe it would take 11 years to see the full collection, but if you don’t have that much time you can opt for the guided tour. +7 (812) 710-90-79 www.hermitagemuseum.org

Travel Accessory Asprey London Arms bag

A must-have for the elegant business woman, the Asprey London Arms Kit bag is made from soft calf leather and canvas and is available in red, green and purple leather trim. It will surely make a statement at high altitude or in that all-important client dinner. £1,700 167 New Bond Street London W1S 4AY 020 7493 6767

For more information on accommodation, tours, excursions, guides, transfers and visa services, go to www.justgorussia.co.uk or call 020 3355 7717

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Porsche Centre East London 68-70 High Street Stratford London E15 2NE www.porsche.co.uk/eastlondon

Fuel consumption/emissions in accordance with 80/1268/EC. mpg Urban 20.5; Extra Urban 41.5; Combined 30.4. CO2 emissions (g/km) 222.

The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value is the value of the vehicle at the time your contract ends. Advertised finance offer available on a Porsche Boxster with 12 month road fund licence and first registration fee through Porsche Financial Services on a Porsche Preferences Plan, at participating Porsche Centres. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. All finance subject to status to over 18’s only. Subject to availability. £75 acceptance fee is included with first payment and £25 option to purchase fee is included in Guaranteed Minimum Future Value. Contract is based on annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Excess mileage will be charged at 14p per mile. Porsche Financial Services, Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7SE. Registered in England number: 3708834. Porsche Financial Services Great Britain is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

travel

27

HIGH low and

© Basel Tourismus & Christian Lichtenberg

Robert Cook discovers two very different Swiss destinations THE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE Hannibal was a wimp. That’s what I concluded after the two-hour drive from Geneva Airport to the Alpine village of Gstaad. It didn’t seem particularly steep, and the Carthaginian general must have exaggerated his Alp-crossing exploits. Or at least, I thought that until I stood at the edge of the Diablerets Glacier, where the precipice drops down, sheer, for hundreds of metres. The awe-inspiring view out from there revealed dozens of similar crags stretching all the way across the French and Italian borders. I definitely wouldn’t want to take elephants over that.

My day had started at an airfield down in the valley. After a staring contest with a nearby cow (I blinked first), I took a helicopter ride up to the glacier. I suffer from pretty bad vertigo, but as the helicopter rose above the landscape, strewn with houses, fields and forests, a sense of amazement – for the most part – took over.

There was one hair-raising moment when the helicopter headed straight towards a cliff face, but suddenly it lifted up and over and the scenery changed completely. Green slopes transformed into a dazzling expanse of snow. Another surprise – apart from the complete silence after the helicopter dropped me off – was the weather. The sky had been overcast down in the valley, but here, at 3,000m, I was above the cloud layer and it was bright blue.

The cathedral, Basel

Restaurant Botta 3000 and the view from Scex Rouge

Bedroom, Grand Hotel Bellevue, Gstaad

Bathroom, Grand Hotel Bellevue, Gstaad

Gstaad

Shin-deep in glittering snow, I trekked towards the precipice, trudging past the tracks of a mountain hare. They’re common in the area, and foxes and chamois live there too. The glacier doesn’t lack creature comforts either: my guide had the keys to a little hut which, quite naturally, features a bar with a terrace overhanging the abyss. After gathering some salami and tangy local wine, I swept the snow off a bench outside and spread a fleece over it. From my seat, gaps in the cloud cover gave frightening glimpses of the valley far, far below, so I concentrated intently on my glass of wine.

Following a safe path between the crevasses, we found more substantial evidence of human habitation on the other side of the glacier. At the top of a chairlift was Restaurant Botta 3000 and “the world’s highest Alpine coaster”, which at one point comes within metres of another gutwrenching precipice. Though more of a bobsled than a fully-fledged rollercoaster, it was too much for my nerves. I’d already done a helicopter ride and a chairlift, so nothing could persuade me to have a go. Not even the grandmother who was visiting that day because she loved the coaster.

After descending to the valley by the conventional route – a rather sheer cable car – I returned to Gstaad. This traditional-style village is world-famous as a winter playground for the aristocracy. They come from all across Europe to ski, and at that time of year the hotels are booked out far in advance. However, in other seasons Gstaad is becoming increasingly popular as a base for outdoor pursuits – glacier walks being a prime example.

It was in Gstaad that my hotel was located. The five-star Grand Hotel Bellevue has an extensive spa complex, which is another big draw for visitors.

Worn out by my trek, I headed straight there for some R&R in one of the themed saunas. Relaxing on a bench in the Roman-inspired Laconium, it didn’t take me long to fall asleep – before I woke with a start and realised I was late for my Hawaiian shell massage. Though not traditionally Swiss, this treatment was an exciting new addition to the spa’s repertoire and proved to be very soothing. I was offered a choice of oils and rhythmically massaged in time to Hawaiian music, sometimes gently, at other times more vigorously. Then, for the second half of the session I was rubbed with shells, while a pair of big conches at my feet supposedly sucked out all the unleashed ‘badness’.

My room in the hotel was slickly decorated in contemporary style. Highly-polished floorboards were accompanied by brick red furniture and monolithic wooden lamp stands. Mirrors were cunningly used to divide the bedroom from the equally sleek bathroom, which boasted an indulgent freestanding bath, spacious wet room and attractive stone cladding. The bathroom was so luxurious that it even had its own balcony, complete with stunning view.

During a total revamp in 2002, Thomas Straumann, the owner, had every aspect of the hotel tailored to his exact specifications. There’s even a nightclub called 911 (in honour of his pair of Porsches), and the two restaurants, Coelho and Prado, bear the names of his favourite author and museum. I enjoyed an inspired gourmet meal at the Michelin-starred Prado, with elegant delicacies including scallops, venison fillet and chestnut ice cream. We rounded off the evening in the lounge listening to the hotel’s talented and amusing resident pianist.

travel by the Swiss Cocktail Champion). This made a powerful first impression, but my room was also exquisite. It was just like stepping back to Victorian times – except for the state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen television. In fact, some of the elements actually were authentic, as every room in the hotel has at least one piece of original antique furniture. I instantly fell in love with the opulent red and gold wallpaper, plush drapes, lavish wood panelling and glossy black bathroom.

The room also had a perfect view over the Rhine and the Mittlere Rheinbrücke (Middle Bridge) that crosses it.

The river forms Basel’s focal point, so it’s not surprising that a boat trip was one of my first activities there. The city is located at the crossroads between several states, and when the boat passed a rocket-shaped monument on Three Countries Corner, I had Germany to my right, France to my left, and Switzerland behind me. Then it sailed back through Basel, providing a great view of landmarks such as the historic White and Blue Houses, the red sandstone cathedral with its vivid green tiles, and, of course, Les Trois Rois itself. I also got to try out one of Basel’s other great river attractions. At several points along the waterfront there are traditional ferries that cross the Rhine without the need for engines. Instead they’re attached to a cable that runs above the water and are pulled along it by the force of the current.

© Basel Tourismus & www.picswiss.ch / Photo: Roland Zumbühl

Bathroom, Les Trois Rois, Basel

Bedroom, Les Trois Rois, Basel

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Three Countries Corner, Basel

THE CITY OF CULTURE All too soon, it was time to move on to my second destination. If Gstaad’s strengths are outdoor activities and classic mountain scenery, then Basel is the place for a cultured city break. It has almost 40 museums, many of them world-class.

On top of that, Basel’s vibrant calendar includes a renowned carnival, art fair, and watch and jewellery event. Around November / December the city is particularly exciting thanks to a huge Christmas market. The rest of the year its festive credentials are maintained by the Christmas shop belonging to Johann Wanner (or ‘Mr. Christmas’, as some call him), which is open all year round and is a popular choice among Hollywood stars.

Awaiting me in Basel was Bellevue’s fivestar sister hotel Les Trois Rois, one of the most exclusive in the city. It also underwent major refurbishment a few years ago. After 20 months of work, the building was scrupulously restored to its original 1844 glory.

The entrance takes the form of an elegant five-storey atrium which feeds into a lavish restaurant, a brasserie and a bar (the latter served

Atrium, Les Trois Rois, Basel

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© Basel Tourismus & Pino Musi

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Museum Tinguely, Basel

Basel’s other great feature is undoubtedly its museums. Being a culture vulture, within moments of opening the tourism brochure I’d already selected three times as many as I had time to visit. It sounds unlikely, but my first museum experience in Basel was quite a baptism of fire. I had just started a tour of the Museum Tinguely, which is dedicated to local artist Jean Tinguely, “the father of kinetic art”. He took objets trouvés such as old tea trays, bicycle wheels, garden gnomes and animal skulls and made them into surprising moving sculptures.

Standing in the unassuming area dedicated to his early works, my tour guide said; “I like this room because it doesn’t frighten me”. What? Right on cue, a deafening crash came from the next room.

It was the sort of sound that would bring most curators running, heart in mouth, but here it turned out to be a common occurrence. The cause was an installation with dangling strings of objects. Every now and then they would shake violently, making the crashing noise.

I also jumped on one of Basel’s many trams (they have bendy buses as well!) to attend a preview of the latest exhibition at Fondation Beyeler. Venedig, which is open until 25 January, showcases hundreds of paintings of Venice on loan from US and European institutions. There were astonishing numbers of Turners, Monets, Sargents and Canalettos. Not that the museum’s permanent collection was any less distinguished – it included works by Picasso and Cézanne.

My cultural exploits ended with a visit to the Antikenmuseum (Museum of Antiquities) and a journey to the nearby ruins of Augusta Raurica, Switzerland’s largest Roman park. I didn’t see any sign of Hannibal’s elephants, but there was a suspicious-looking Trojan horse outside the museum. I wonder if he’s decided to try a different tactic… n

Antikenmuseum, Basel

KEY CONTACTS Gstaad Grand Hotel Bellevue: +41 (0)33 748 00 00 www.bellevue-gstaad.ch Gstaad Tourism: www.gstaad.ch Outdoor activities in Gstaad: www.experience.ch Basel Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois: +41 61 260 50 50 www.lestroisrois.com Basel Tourism: www.basel.com

THE REAL TEQUILA

SUNRISE

Sarah Collinson discovers the sensuous side of Mexico’s rich cultural traditions and stunning natural beauty

W

hat usually springs to mind when you think of Mexico?

An American playground of all-inclusive resorts? A rural community of sombreros, fajitas and piñatas? Or perhaps a convenient cactus-covered sanctuary for American runaways?

Thankfully, as I discovered this summer, the reality can be quite different.

Mexico harbours a plethora of elegant hotels, serene getaways and luxury bars in secluded locations, making it the perfect holiday location.

Condesa DF

The country is so large and so diverse that a multi-destination break is essential, but my advice is to limit the final number of locations to maintain the air of relaxation. I narrowed it down to four, choosing to experience the vibrancy of Mexico City (also the most convenient place to fly in and out of the country), the ancient Mayan wonders of Palenque and the relaxed beachlife of Tulum and Isle Mujeres on the Caribbean coast.

Flying over the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City, you know that you are in for an exciting few days; with a population of 19.2 million, it is the biggest city in the Western world and, as a result, there is a never-ending list of things to do. There is, however, only one place to stay for an authentic yet luxurious stopover in Mexico City.

While most high-end travellers head straight for the Four Seasons, the discerning among you will choose Condesa DF – a fabulous boutique hotel set around a beautiful internal courtyard that we discovered by chance while wandering through the most salubrious district in the city. The design was elegant, the wine list long – an unusual feature in a primarily beer-drinking country – and all the rooms luxurious, particularly the penthouse suite whose sliding walls open the lounge out onto a balcony.

The district of Condesa is where we spent most of our time. The Centro Historico is unbeatable for impressive plazas and the major architectural sites of the Aztec Templo Mayor and Catholic Catedral Metropolitana (interestingly the latter build is over the former, in a Spanish attempt to subdue the Aztecs in 1520). But Condesa has a sophisticated quality more reminiscent of Madrid than Central America. It is the playground of the Mexican rich and so has become a hub of art galleries and the chic restaurant scene. Tacos and sour cream are nowhere in sight, with each venue offering innovative fusions and international cuisine. The steamed sea-bass at Maria del Alma (Cuernavaca 68, Condesa) and black bean scallops at Condesa DF are just two of my personal recommendations. On the drinking front, wine lists are sometimes scarce so you must occasionally be creative with your choices. Avoid Americaninvented margaritas like the plague and opt instead for a Cuba Libre or fiery shot of tequila or mezcal (but beware – they’re pretty strong!).

Our next stop was the majestic Palenque – a collection of aweinspiring Mayan temples set amid a tropical jungle. Official tours are available but we preferred to wander around on our own, climbing to the top of these phenomenal structures to look out at the jungle stretching for miles.

travel

Luxury accommodation is in short supply; we had the unfortunate (yet rather common) experience of almost being duped into staying in a dilapidated shack, but if you look carefully there is a rustic gem within walking distance of the ruins. Maya Bell offers simple but chic bungalows set around a lagoon-like pool and a small restaurant serving surprisingly delicious traditional Mexican dishes, beers and jugs of homemade sangria. It was certainly the most rustic place on our trip, but I fell in love with it while sitting on our veranda at night looking at the moon reflecting in the pool and listening to the sounds of the jungle.

On the Atlantic coast steer well clear of the spring-break Mecca of Cancun (unless package deals, crowded beaches and fishbowl cocktails are your thing) and

33

head instead for beautiful Tulum, famous for its seafront ruins and 50-mile beach of powdery white sand. The town itself has little to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the best accommodation and restaurants lie directly on the beach, making for fantastic sea views and superb seafood.

The must-do activity here is to visit a cenote; these crystal-clear freshwater pools are part of a vast underground river system.

Tourists head en masse for the famous Grand Cenote but for a personalised experience hire a car and drive to the one of the smaller pools for a serene afternoon swimming in a tropical jungle. I chose a convertible jeep wrangler.

Small tip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be sure not to leave the roof down when going for an impromptu romantic swim on a deserted beach. You might just encounter a rainstorm that soaks the new leather seats, turns

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Chamonix offers over 140 kilometres of slope and is situated amongst the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the famous Mont Blanc massif at 4,810 metres offering good snow conditions. For the more nocturnal, ‘Après Ski’ is an art form in Chamonix, there are many bars and even a casino to fill time not spent on the slopes.

Early booking recommended as limited spaces available.

For further information, to register your interest, or book please email: skiweekender@vicinitee.com

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28/10/2008 16:10:17

travel

the fantastic audio system into a spluttering mess and leaves you attempting to convince the car hire agency that “it was like that when we got it”.

If you are flying back from Cancun, Isle Mujeres makes a fabulous final stop. A tiny island 11km off the coast, it is a tranquil haven where the fastest form of transport is a golf cart.

The main beach is quite small but has stunning turquoise water that stays at knee depth for about 600 metres out to sea, and a palm beach bar offering bespoke cocktails, swing seats and real beds for sunbathing. There are several hotels in this main area, but we stayed towards the south of the island in Casa de los Suenos – a luxury boutique hotel with full spa services, an infinity clifftop pool and only 10 rooms.

The diving off the island is world-renowned and it is extremely easy to organise a personal boat tour and guide

around the reef. I had never dived before and when I nervously lowered myself off the boat came face to face with twenty ‘relaxing’ barracudas. Instantly I tried to jump back out but, impeded by my air tanks and flippers, ended up falling back into the middle of them – who knew oxygen was so heavy?! The multicoloured fish and coral were phenomenal in this area and visitors to the island can even organise whale-shark diving trips in season.

So, if you look beyond the standard tourist brochures and are prepared to travel a little, a multi-destination Mexico break can epitomise both luxury and adventure. There are famous heritage sites, fabulous beaches and stunning hotels that you will never want to leave. Who knows, if you stay long enough you may even develop a taste for tequila and start exchanging your usual postwork tipple for a large shot of this Mexican favourite! n

35

Condesa DF Avenida Veracruz N.102 Colonia Condesa Mexico df 06700 +52 55 5241 2600 www.condesadf.com

Casa de los Suenos Carretera a Garrafón Fracc. Turquesa lote 9 A y B Isla Mujeres Q. Roo, Mexico +52 99 8877 0651 www.casadelossuenosresort.com

36

culture

Clockwise from top left: Girl in Blue, La Isla, Cuba, 2007; Anri, Tbilisi Old Town, Georgia, 2006; Jan, Memphis TN, 2008, from the series ‘God and Guns’; Excavated graves of Armenian refugees, Tbilisi, Georgia, 2006; The pier to the MoJito Bar, Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, 2007; Jeff, from the series ‘God and Guns’; Street scene, Havana, Cuba, 2007.

TRAVEL THROUGH A LENS Stephanie Baxter talks to photographer Mark Johnson about his passion for travel photography

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ravel and photography are two of my favourite pastimes so I was delighted to get the opportunity to chat about the two consecutively with professional pphotographer hotographer Mark Johnson. Having only left university about 6 years ago, Mark’s clients have included 4 Creative,You magazine, Heineken, Dyson, Channel 4 and British Airways; an enviable list for a photographer who has only been in the industry for a relatively short space of time.

Among his most exciting and engaging work are his personal series that involve overseas travel, such as his most recent project ‘God and Guns’, in partnership with Monica Meira.

Having visited the Southern States of the USA previously, Mark developed a passion for the area, thanks to the warmth and friendliness of the locals, and decided to return to undertake a photographic project exploring the subject of Christianity and gun-ownership. A thoughtprovoking and evocative series of portraits, he wanted to challenge the predominant views on Christian gun-owners through his sensitive portrayal of a wide range of people from teachers to businessmen. Speaking to and photographing them in their own homes, Mark was able to explore the contrast of the brutality associated with firearms with the peace- and

people-loving attitude displayed by his subjects.

Even his own views were challenged through the course of the project, Mark explains.

Whilst talking to and photographing a pastor in Memphis,Tennessee, they were approached by an unsavoury-looking character who clearly had his eye on the expensive photographing equipment. All it took was one flash of a gun from Pastor Phil, and the would-be thief made a speedy exit. “After being very nearly robbed in broad daylight, it was really brought home to me why these people carry guns,” Mark admits.

Interestingly, it is his portrait of Pastor Phil that has earned him a much-coveted spot in the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. With photographic legend David Bailey on the judging panel, it is one of the most difficult competitions in which to get your work featured.

Mark is hoping, sponsorship willing, to return to the Southern States to continue the ‘God and Guns’ project, with the idea of turning the whole series into a book, as well as to Georgia to continue his photographic exploration of the effects of the revolution since 2004. 

For portrait commissions or more information, visit www.markjohnson.eu

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sport

GLOBAL GOLF In search of the ‘Dream 18’ Josephine O’Donoghue scans the globe for the very best golf holes in the world DOMAINE DE SPERONE, CORSICA 16th hole

THE GROVE, ENGLAND 4th hole Designed by Kyle Phillips, the golf course at The Grove is just 18 miles from London. Its 7,152 yard course comprises expansive greens and stretches of sand resembling the huge American courses. It employs the latest technology, including cutting-edge A4 creeping bent grass to ensure firm, fast putting surfaces. Amongst the numerous popular holes sits the 4th, a daunting par 3 requiring a good long iron to carry the water.

Golf at The Grove is not member’s only, but open to any golfer who loves the game. www.thegrove.co.uk

K CLUB, IRELAND 14th hole Ireland’s first Ryder Cup venue is no ordinary golf course; easily one of the best courses in Europe, its spectacular scenery and challenging layout make it a firm favourite. Considered Ireland’s most testing inland course, the Palmer Course at K Club brings out the best in golfers of any level. Highlights include the picturesque 14th hole with its waterfall and creek backdrop. Players are required to hit a long iron from a front to back sloping green. www.kclub.com

Located on the southerly point of Corsica, the 18hole Domaine de Sperone golf course offers truly breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Bonifacio Strait.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1990, the course is a masterpiece crafted on manicured land separating sea and bush-land terrain.

It is a great mix of nine inland holes and nine played on ravine-ridden coastal links. The 16th hole which requires a powerful cliff top drive is renowned for being one of the finest par fives in the world! www.sperone.com

DUBAI CREEK GOLF, UAE 18th hole The popular Dubai Creek Golf in the UAE is a par 71 course measuring 6,857 yards. This beautiful course is one of the most enjoyable to play in the Middle East with its carefully manicured date and palm tree-lined fairways. Apart from the creek, which comes into play on four or five holes, several artificial lakes add to the beauty (and complexity) of the other holes. The course builds up to a rather dramatic finale with its two par 4 closing holes.

The best hole on the course is the 18th; with the creek running alongside the entire left side of the fairway requiring careful and logical movements for every shot. A good drive will still leave players with a long iron into the tiered and sloping green, which is guarded at the front and right by a lake. www.dubaigolf.com

ROYAL GOLF CLUB MARIANSKE LAZNE, CZECH REPUBLIC 7th hole The pine forest enclosed course at the Royal Golf Club lies on an upland plain 787 metres above sea level, and was built under the governance of Scottish professional Duig. It was opened in 1905 and is the oldest course in The Czech Republic. By far one of the prettiest holes in Marianske Lazne is the 7th; a newly constructed water hazard lies across the fairway in the drive landing zone and unlike the 6th, this hole is played uphill – so don’t forget to take a longer club for the second shot!

GOLFPLATZ PRENDEN, GERMANY 18th hole

MISSION HILLS, CHINA 11th hole

North of Berlin lies the 27 hectare Scottish links-style Golfplatz Prenden. No more than 6km long, with a slope of 133, this Thorsten Gideon designed course has been rated Germany’s fifth most difficult golf course by Golf Journal. The 18th hole is a particular highlight, with large terraced greens, manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers and is ideal for a leisurely game.

The golfer’s dream, Mission Hills boasts twelve golf courses of which the Zhang Lianwei Course is something rather different. An 18-hole par 3 course that measures 2,393 yards, this is the first of its kind in China and popular with players of all abilities. The new layout incorporates different design concepts from the history of golf, with a wide range of green styles and water hazards. The 11th hole, considered to be the most exciting, comprises five separate areas leaving rollercoaster putts for any ball that comes to rest in the wrong portion.

www.golfplatz-preden.de

www.golfml.cz

CAPE KIDNAPPERS, NEW ZEALAND 15th hole A truly dramatic location, the Cape Kidnappers golf course on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island was built on what was a 5,000 acre sheep station.

Designed by the American architect Tom Doak, the course at Cape Kidnappers has none of the sandy dunes that characterise true links courses, but the harsh natural landscape is certainly in keeping with the game. Golfers here battle with deep ravines, contoured fairways and fast, tilted greens. The fairways play out along a series of jagged ridges that extend out into the Pacific Ocean. The coastal holes are the highlights on this course and the 15th (known as the Pirate’s Plank) in particular requires a final shot to what seems like the end of the earth! www.capekidnappers.com

www.missionhillsgroup.com

WINTER 2008/2009

GOLF PACKAGES STARTING FROM

£65

To book please call

01474 879899

www.londongolf.co.uk

LGC - Winter Advert 210 x 297.indd 1

17/10/2008 11:00:26

Welcome to Pink

With opulence and sophistication, Pink offers the perfect setting for the very best in table dancing coupled with the most stunning girls in the Thames valley area.

The club retains a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere and offers an extensive range of wine, champagne and spirits along side the most popular premium bottled lager.

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sport TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND 9th hole The championship Ailsa course was redesigned by Mackenzie Ross after it was flattened for use as a World War Two airfield. The best hole of course is the 9th; the back tee is set on a rocky outcrop, where just keeping your balance in the wind can be a challenge. Golfers must demonstrate a strong drive, able to carry over the 200 yards of rocks, sea and beach. The 9th hole enjoys views of a lighthouse and the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s Castle nearby. As Henry Longhurst observed, “You find yourself lingering on the tee, gazing down on the waves as they break on the rocks and reflecting how good it is to be alive”.

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CANOUAN, GRENADINES 13th hole Designed by Jim Fazio, the golf course on the tiny Caribbean island of Canouan is a tropical island hideaway rising from sea level to the 840ft rim of an extinct volcano. After the dog-legs and tricky tee-offs of the opening holes, the course becomes more dramatic with the 11th hole forcing players to drive over a deep ravine. The impressive 13th hole offers panoramic views of the Grenadines, and is placed at the highest point on the course. www.canouan.raffles.com

www.turnberry.co.uk

LE MÉRIDIEN NIRWANA, BALI 7th hole With shifting trade winds and a number of angles of attack on every hole, golf at Le Méridien Nirwana is never the same course twice. Designed by Greg Norman and largely influenced by his talented associate Bob Harrison, the end result is a layout applauded throughout Asia. Located near the iconic Tanah Lot sea temple, the lush 18-hole course has been named the ‘Best Course in Asia’.

The most dramatic par 3 in Asia, the signature 7th hole is a test of skill where the 215-yard shot must carry over rock and surf, to a green on the peninsula. To add to the drama, the Tanah Lot temple provides a bold backdrop visible off the shore long and left of the green. www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

ROYAL MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 5th hole According to many, the East and West golf courses at the Royal Melbourne are said to be the finest courses in the southern hemisphere. Designed 80 years ago by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the fairways and greens feature cleverly placed bunkers and contoured greens meaning that work is cut out for even the best golfers. Lined with deep bunkers, the green at the 5th hole on the West course looks inviting but beware that its tilt from back to front means any hit short of the flag races back down towards you! www.royalmelbourne.com.au

TERRAVISTA, BRAZIL 14th hole Widely acknowledged as the most enchanting and challenging golf course in South America, Terravista is situated on the southern coast of Bahia; a natural beauty spot and overlooks the cliffs of Trancoso. Designed and built by American architect, Dan Blankenship, Terravista offers golfers the opportunity to play between the sparkling azure ocean and the lush green Atlantic rainforest. The par 3 14th hole is the club’s signature hole with a challenging three-tiered putting green; the club selection depends on the ocean breeze at that particular moment, so pay close attention to the wind! www.terravistagolf.com.br

CHARGE

CAR

Fancy an electric vehicle but don’t want to suffer milk float performance? Then take a look at the remarkable Tesla Roadster. It’s a piece of automotive history, says Matthew Carter, but it has a huge albatross around its neck: the price

I

’ve been in this game for many, many, years. I’ve driven literally thousands of cars for more than a million miles. I’ve driven fast cars and slow cars, classics and new models, ludicrously expensive cars and some cheaper than chips.

I’ve driven supercars and piles of junk at the other end of the food chain (the Dacia Duster, anyone?). I’ve also been a passenger in remarkable machinery: the trip across northern France in a full race (and barely road legal) McLaren F1 piloted by a Le Mans driver will stay with me forever.

But none has confused me as much as the little two-seater I drove the other day. The American-built Tesla Roadster is

pretty to behold and easy to drive.

You sit low – at eye level to lorry wheels in town, but skimming just above the Tarmac out in the country – and the handling is as good as you might expect from a chassis developed by Lotus.

The performance literally takes your breath away. The first time you put your foot down, the near-instant rocket ship thrust will cause an involuntary gasp as your brain struggles to absorb what’s just happened: Tesla claims the Roadster takes less than 4.0 seconds to whoosh to 60mph from rest.

It’s not just the physical side of the performance that astounds.

It’s the fact that it does it in near silence. For the Tesla is an electric vehicle and the only

motoring xxxxxxx 45 xx

noise it makes comes from the tyres. For anyone brought up to determine exactly how fast a car is going from the roar of the engine ahead (or behind), the Tesla comes as a genuine shock.

Everything about Tesla is remarkable. The company was founded in California by a chap called Elon Musk, the seriously wealthy American behind PayPal. Although he has no automotive background, he has surrounded himself with people who do, Tesla’s top men coming from Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, GM, Lotus and others.

It’s not just the physical side of the performance that astounds. It’s the fact that it does it in near silence The Roadster uses an aluminium chassis developed from the Lotus Elise and clothed in a carbon fibre body. It weighs next to nothing. Or rather, it does until you put the drive train in the car.

Using a Tesla-developed 250hp AC motor, a single speed transmission and no fewer than 6,831 lithium-ion battery cells, just like the sort you’ll find powering your laptop, the

weight inevitably goes up. In fact, the Roadster weighs more than the conventionally-powered Lotus… but still comfortably outperforms it.

It also wins when it comes to running costs; Tesla claims one full charge will take the car 227 miles at a cost of $0.03 a mile, compared to the $0.19 a mile it costs to run a Porsche 911. And the Tesla, of course, will save the world by having no exhaust emissions (let’s ignore how the electricity is generated in the first place, shall we?).

But Roadster ownership will involve many compromises.

Only gymnasts will find it easy to get in and out of the thing, while erecting the Heath Robinsondesigned fabric roof takes time and broken fingernails.

And the weight of all those batteries does make the car more tail-heavy / tail-happy than it ought be. Build quality is also, frankly, a little crude – it offers nowhere near the luxury or the practicality of a 911 or an Audi R8.

Why am I comparing the Tesla with a supercar like the awesome Audi? Couple of reasons: first, the stopwatch

says the Tesla is quicker… but more significantly, the Tesla is considerably more expensive.

Just 250 examples of Signature Edition, which has a full leather interior, special wheels, fully adjustable suspension and comes in virtually any colour you want, will come to Europe at an enormous £92,000 each.

And that’s the bit I can’t get my head around. It’s undeniably clever, the Tesla, and breathtakingly quick. It’s also at the cutting edge of automotive technology. But 92 grand?

If I were spending that sort of money, the cash would go on something that could get me across a continent without needing to be plugged into the mains en route, and something small and easy to park for the city: an R8 and a smart sounds like a good pairing to me.

And the environment? OK, I’ll swap the smart for an electric vehicle in a couple of years when GM and Nissan start offering mass-produced EVs at an affordable price. I may be wrong, but as I see it, Tesla is destined to become no more than a footnote in automotive history. n

motoring

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THE END

OF AN ERA E

ven its name reveals that we have reached the end of an era: it’s the Bentley Arnage Final Series, a last gasp for one of the oldest, proudest and, yes, baddest cars on sale today.

The Arnage is old school Bentley, a hand-crafted bolide powered by a venerable V8 engine that can trace its history back 50 years. Now boasting twin turbochargers which help the 6.75-litre beast to develop a massive 500bhp, the Final Series marries the power of the existing Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R: a formidable combination.

Top speed is 179mph, while it takes just 5.2 seconds to waft to 60mph from rest: not bad for what’s essentially a gentleman’s club on wheels. But you’d better be quick. Just 150 examples will be produced, after which Bentley will “prepare for the future”, as the company puts it.

As befits the price tag, the Final Series wants for little in the way of bespoke luxury. All the usual goodies are present, right down to picnic tables in the rear, while the rear cocktail cabinet is trimmed in hide and comes complete with a special Final Series stainless steel flask and shot glasses.

Bringing things up to date, you can even get an iPod interface for the eight-speaker stereo but, outrageously, it’s an extra cost option.

I know times are tight, but not that tight, surely? n

Anyone got any money left? Bonuses might be a little scarce for a while, but if you do have a spare £200,000 stuffed under the mattress Matthew Carter says this is your last chance to buy one of motoring’s truly iconic cars

STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE

It’s been a long, long time since VW had a coupé on its books, says Matthew Carter. But they’ve more than made up for the omission with the stunning new Scirocco

T

here’s something weird going on here. When a car manufacturer turns a humble hatchback into a coupé, there’s usually a catch. One that starts with a £ sign.

A coupé invariably offers less metal – and interior space – for much more money, but style-conscious buyers are happy to stump up extra for something that looks great.

All of which means Volkswagen has missed a trick with the new Scirocco. Not only does it look much better than the comparable Golf GTi (and gives away little in terms of cabin space), but it’s an even better drive than the seminal hot hatch.

But here’s the curious bit: at £20,845, the ‘premium’ for buying the svelte coupé rather than the podgy hatch is just 90 quid.

What’s that, two tanks of fuel? Frankly, the Scirocco is so much better than the Golf;

VW could add at least another zero to that premium and still not worry about having a high sticker price.

And this is the top-of-the-range model. If you like the style but don’t need the performance, there’s the 160hp, 1.4 turbo version at just £18,790. They’re giving it away!

It’s been more than 34 years since Volkswagen introduced the original Scirocco and 12 years since the company had a pure-bred coupé, the Corrado, in its line-up. Filling the gap is long overdue.

The new Scirocco shares much of its hardware with the Golf GTi, but has more of a sense of purpose. It’s longer and wider than the Golf, and noticeably lower, too.

And to these eyes, at least, far better looking. Think of them as a pair of sisters at a ball: the Golf is the older, duller and uglier one, while you just know the Scirocco will show you a good time.

VW has been really quite adventurous with Scirocco. There’s a new Golf waiting in the wings – it’ll be launched in the UK early next year – and it looks, well, like a Golf.

motoring

49

Performance is matched by handling prowess. Staring from a strong base – let’s face it, there are few complaints about how the Golf goes around bends – Scirocco’s wider track, lower centre of gravity and revised suspension settings add up to greater poise and grip.

But there’s more. VW has blessed the Scirocco with what it calls Adaptive Chassis Control, which electronically links dampers, steering and throttle so that the chassis is primed to react instantly to how the car is being driven. Add in a superbly-supple ride and the combination sets new standards for its class: involving, easy to drive, comfortable and supremely competent.

the Golf is the older, duller and uglier [sister], while you just know the Scirocco will show you a good time

The Scirocco, on the other hand, has its own distinctive style.

The chisel nose and wide-eyed headlamps, slim side glass and broad haunches and the steeply-sloping roof line culminating in a letterbox rear window make Scirocco unlike any other Volkswagen currently on sale. Bearing in mind that VW has managed to produce some of the dullest-looking cars of recent times (Touran, Golf Plus, Tiguan to name but three), the Scirocco is a breath of fresh air.

Best of all, it goes as well as it looks.

The 2.0 TSI GT is powered by a lightly turbocharged direct injection petrol engine promising a punchy 200hp. What that means, essentially, is that it delivers the performance of a 3.0-litre engine with the fuel economy and emissions of a 2.0-litre.

Proof of a sort comes with the realisation that the most potent Corrado of old, the 2.9-litre VR6, developed just 190hp and gave similar performance… Engine development has certainly moved on.

VW claims a top speed of 146mph for the new Scirocco, with 0-60mph taking around seven seconds. Impressively, economy over the official combined cycle is 37.2mpg with 179g / km of CO2 emissions. While that last figure won’t get you free road tax, nor will it get you banned from city centres.

Figures are one thing, but it’s how the car performs in the real world that really matters. And, once again, Scirocco doesn’t disappoint. The engine has a delightfullywide power band and masses of torque, meaning that it’ll offer brisk performance no matter what gear you’re in.

The standard six speed manual shift is a delight, but so is the optional DSG box.

This is easily the best ‘manual / automatic’ on the market and matches the character of the Scirocco perfectly. Stick it in auto when bumbling around town, but as soon as you find the open road, snick the steering wheel shifters and you have precise manual control.

It’s a £1,330 option, but worth every penny.

The low driving position, too, is damn near perfect, while all the controls, especially the optional sat nav system, are clear and simple to use.

Downsides? Well there are some, but they’re almost not worthy of mention. The interior is beautifully finished and there’s a surprising amount of room in the (two-seat) rear compartment… but the high waistline and resulting tiny glass area does make it a little claustrophobic in the back. And if you go for the all black interior, it’s a little sombre, too. Better, perhaps, to choose a lighter interior shade.

Space for oddment stowage is limited – the glove box and door pockets are too small to be of much use – though the boot is commendably large and practical.

The shape of the body also means that over the shoulder rearward visibility is poor, and while the thick windscreen pillars might be great for passenger safety, they, too, obscure forward visibility at times: coming up to a junction, you’ll find yourself having to look both sides of the pillar to ensure it’s safe to move off. But that’s about it on the negative front.

So it’s great to look and live with, fabulous to drive and a bargain (even if leather trim, standard on the Golf GTi, is a £1,535 extra on the Scirocco). What’s not to like? n

ONLINE JAMIE CARTER presents this month’s technological highlights

SHARP

HI-DEF IN YOUR HAND

GOES SUPER-SLIM

Sharp might not be a huge brand in the UK, but the inventor of the LCD TV is massive in Japan.

It’s easy to see why from its latest luxury screen, the XS1.

Just 9mm thin and sculpted from aluminium by a top Japanese designer, this 52-inch or 65inch LCD TV perches atop a matching floorstand and uses just one cable. Stuffed with the latest LED tech and sporting a super-slim speaker from hi-fi expert Pioneer, it boasts fluid pictures and incredible colours.

Most cameras can record video, but if you need something of more serious quality, head for Aiptek’s new AHD 300. At just 12cm it’s small enough to carry around in a pocket, but can shoot full high definition video. Add a 32GB SDHC card (around £60) and it can film for eight hours – and it even has a lower resolution mode tailored to the files used on YouTube, in case you want to upload the results.

Also works as an eight megapixel camera.

Sharp Aquos LC-XS1E LCD TV From £4,000 www.sharp.co.uk

Aiptek AHD 300 hi-def camcorder, £130 www.aiptek.com

ANOTHER DIMENSION

EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE Based around Windows Mobile 6.1 software, so strictly for PC users only, Samsung’s OMNIA – which simply means ‘everything’ in Latin – is designed to rival the ubiquitous iPhone. Although it has a similar touchscreen and only three buttons, OMNIA is aimed more at business users than Apple’s offering. It buildsin WiFi and HSDPA connectivity to the Internet, a five megapixel camera, GPS and a 16 GB microSD card slot.

In an effort to create a more realistic driving guide, Navman’s latest sat nav adds an extra dimension to maps by going 3D. Including 3D images of more than a thousand buildings in major European cities, the touchscreen S70 3D is pre-installed detailed maps of over six million miles of streets. And if your mobile phone has Bluetooth and can go online, the S70 3D can not only work as a hands-free kit, but also link to websites to find petrol stations, restaurants and local businesses when on the move.

Samsung i900 OMNIA mobile phone, £600 www.samsungmobile.co.uk

Navman S70 3D European maps, £150 www.navman.com

technology

51

A BETTER TONE FROM YOUR iPHONE The iPhone may be a sophisticated and iconic gadget, but the white headphones it sells with are far less desirable. The iPhone’s sunken headphone socket means you can’t just use any old headphones, so Sennheiser has brought out the specially-made MM50iP for those after an upgrade. Improving sound quality immensely by increasing the frequency range and cutting out background noise, it also has a microphone for answering calls on the go.

Sennheiser MM 50 iP, £50 www.sennheiser.co.uk

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, ALFiE?

SPACE-SAVING

With most of us using our DVD players to spin CDs, the art of hi-fi is getting lost. British audio brand Roth Audio’s ALFiE is an easy way of resurrecting real music by combining music from CD, radio or an iPod, with DVD playback. Powerful 40W speakers and a subwoofer are also integrated into ALFiE, making it compact but no lightweight.

SUPER-ZOOM

Roth Audio ALFiE audio-video system, £400 www.rothaudio.co.uk

THE BIG PICTURE

The creative touch

For movies and games, it’s always a case of bigger is better. Until now home cinema projectors have been too complicated for most people to consider, but Epson’s latest is simplicity itself. Its short-throw and adjustable lens means it can project 100-inch images from almost anywhere in a room, while its built-in DVD player and speakers make it a cinch to set up. It’s even got a carry handle and slipcase, so is ideal for taking on the road.

Creative ZEN X-Fi with Wireless LAN 32GB, £200 www.creative.com

Epson EH-DM2 portable home projector, £500 www.epson.co.uk

Rip your CDs to MP3 and something gets lost. Creative’s new ZEN X-Fi MP3 player attempts to put lost details back in the mix using its new Xtreme Fidelity X-Fi audio technology, but it doesn’t stop there.

The ZEN X-Fi is also fitted with wireless reception for downloading music, photos and even video from a home network. Its FM radio, microphone for voice recording and built-in speaker make this one of the most versatile MP3 players around.

Even if lugging a digital SLR camera around the world is just not possible for most of us, the top-pocket compact cameras can be rather limiting. Panasonic’s latest Lumix has a huge 18x zoom lens for pulling in faraway subjects, but still manages to be small enough to carry. Add a wide angle option for taking landscapes and you’ve the ideal mid-range camera that let you be serious about photography without having to carry bags of kit around.

Panasonic DMC-FZ28 superzoom camera, £290 www.panasonic.co.uk

GO ORGANIC At only 11 inches Sony’s XEL-1 telly might seem like a bit of a joke, but the clue to its seriousness is in the price tag.

Based on just-out-of-the-labs organic LED tech, this diminutive TV produces a picture so natural and fluid that it really is like looking out of a window.

If you take pride in being the first to adopt the latest trends, this is the ultimate desktop toy.

Sony XEL-1 OLED TV, £1,300 www.sony.co.uk

Return to

Savile Row Revisit a more traditional sartorial elegance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for the quintessential British gentleman

Photography by: Paul Viant

Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Return to

Saville Row Revisit a more traditional sartorial elegance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for the quintessential British gentleman

Photography by: Paul Viant

Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

From left, Andrew: Suit, £850; Shirt, £100; Tie, £60; Shoes, £260; Coat, £1,800; all Canali, 020 7499 5605 Sam: Suit, £2,500; Shirt, £90; Shoes, £469; Coat, £1,210; all Ermenegildo Zegna, 020 7518 2700. Pocket square, £25; Thomas Pink, 020 7498 3882 Michael: Suit, £890; Shirt, £155; Tie, £65; all Kilgour, 020 7734 6905. Boots, £439; Salvatore Ferragamo, 020 7629 5007

Sam: Suit, £595; Shirt, £79; Tie, £69; Pocket square, £39; all Gieves & Hawkes, 020 7434 2001

Michael: 3 piece suit, £1,195; Shirt, £95; Tie, £65; Loafers, £305; all Dunhill, 0845 4580779

From left, Sam: 3 piece suit, from £2,420; Shirt, from £270; Bowtie, from £100; Loafer, made to measure, all Tom Ford at Harrods, 020 7730 1234. Socks, £15; Thomas Pink, 020 7498 3882.

Andrew: 3 piece suit, from £1,850; Tie, from £100; Pocket square, both from £65; Shirt, from £270; Sunglasses, £210; Mocassin, made to measure, all Tom Ford at Harrods, 020 7730 1234. Socks, £9; Falke, 020 7493 8442

Michael: 3 piece suit, £700; Shirt, £80; Cufflinks, £80; Pocket square, £35; all Hackett, 020 7939 6865. Tie, £55; Thomas Pink, 020 498 3882. Sunglasses, £120; Rayban, 020 7240 3003.

Watch, £2,545; Baume et Mercier, 020 7312 6885

From left, Michael: Waistcoat, £270; Trousers, £285; Shirt, £219; Coat, £970; Shoes, £175; all Paul Smith, 020 7379 7133. Glasses, £185; Tom Ford at Harrods, 020 7730 1234. Socks, £9; Falke, 020 7493 8442 Sam: Waistcoat, £289; Suit, £910; Shirt, £219; Pocket square, £60; all Paul Smith, 020 7379 7133

Models: Andrew, Ben and Sam at Premier Model Management. With thanks to Jon Grooming: Paula Mann using Dermalogica and Paul Mitchell Luxury Haircare Products Fashion Assistant: Cathy Lauren Shot on location at Belmont House, Salisbury www.paulviant.co.uk

LULU GUINNESSMasterpiece in Bronze

Cold-weather Comforts The new Lulu Guinness A TROPICAL BREEZE

Based in the Royal Exchange, Artisan Fine Art is one of a select

collection, Holiday handful of top art galleries in the country that exhibits the exclusive As the weather gets colder, Molton Brown’s annual Autumn/Winter Resort, is inspired As the weather starts to change and all chance of sunshine sculpture by world renowned sculptor Lorenzo Quinn. Borne collection brings a little cheer to your daily routine. This season’s gifts and by an unusual disappears, it’s heartening to maintain at least a tiny taste of through a desire to communicate directly with his audience and gain are thebrand highest quality preciousis releasing materials, including eclectichand mix of the made tropics.from Luxury l’Artisan Parfumeur an immediate emotional response to his work, Quinn’s pieces have 1940s and that 1950s blown glassthis forseason all candelas, andbringing speciala gift boxes a new scent perfect for touch of thefor the products been exhibited to great acclaim across all continents. Especially for the bags, dresses exotic to greyby autumn days intravel London.

Fleurand de Liane is ‘a are inspired luxurious trunks old-fashioned jewellery and icons.

This upcoming Christmas season, Artisan is pleased to offer a collection scent stolen a perfumer on his is travels’ which draws its candle gift box boxes.

Ourby recommendation the Air Constellation chic yet fun of hand-signed limited edition Bronzes by Lorenzo Quinn. from athesparkling flowers onarray the Island of Bahia Honda –inspiration choose from of scents, each oneininfusedcollection with pure is a Panama. The vibrant tropical island is permanently scented mood-enhancing essential oils and presented in coloured glass fusionholders. of beautifully Limited edition bronzes, from £695 with wild fragrances of leaves, sap, bark and wood earth and textured fabrics, appliqué and embroidery, all featuring quirky details. The the nearby ocean; reflecting this Air Constellation Gift Box, £59 Colour Flash Elongated Pollyanna is a bright and dramatic clutch bagFine idealArt for Artisan beautiful natural environment, Molton Brown a glamorous evening party.

The Elongated Pollyanna clutch is a new shape in 35 Royal Exchange 0207 929 5656 Fleur de Liane is exhibits facets 27 Royal Exchange the collection and is also available in a variety of other www.artisangalleries.com colours. The Colour of green, floral, aqueous, woody 0207 621 0021 Flash features shades of aubergine and black with embroidered flashes of lime, and mossy undertones. The www.moltonbrown.co.uk fuchsia and purple bringing fun back into the collection. new perfume, created by Bertrand Duchaufour forms the latest addition to the collection Odeur volée par un parfumeur en voyage.

Fleur de Liane 100ml, £70

Colour Flash Elongated Pollyanna, £195 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 0207 626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

Strike a

Watch Out!

POSE

For a watch of all-round excellence, the IWC Big Pilot is a timepiece of special calibre; featuring an automatic Pellaton system with a The Royal Exchange presents winding the best of glamour 7 day power reserve, PERFECT SOLITAIRE and style in the wake of London Fashion Week; anti-reflective here are our best buys for staying in vogue A beautiful choice for an autumn engagement, De sapphire glass and Beers presents the Forever Ring. A choice of beautiful a soft inner case to engagement solitaire diamonds in a variety of weights, PARISIAN STYLE protect the watch these are the latest additions to the DeBeers Bridal Over a century ago, in 1904, Louis Cartier Collection, with stones guaranteed withThe the DeRoyal Beers Exchange against magnetic is on hand with the made a major breakthrough in the watchMarque. With unrivalled expertise in the selection and fields. A chic and of the seasonal making world by creating one of thecrop. first specification of fine diamonds for over a century, Destylish picks understated accessory ever wristwatches designed primarily for Beers offers the most authoritative diamond knowledge for the modern man, pilots in flight.With its visible screws, raised in the world. the Big Pilot’s watch makes bezel and ridged bracelet, the Santos watch is All diamonds above .20 carats that pass the De Beers the perfect Christmas gift a truly classic masculine timepiece, echoing stringent specifications are microscopically branded with limewhen combined withflaunted delicateas hints a time watches were status the De Beers Marque. Completely invisible to the naked Sweet for that special someone. symbols.and Theylang Santosylang, watch pioneered eye, this microscopic etching ensures that each stone will of jasmine coconut,the Alternatively,Watches of design of the day and represents an early retain its identity as a De Beers official diamond, and is and the vanilla-like tonka-bean appeal Switzerland also offer a timeless classic for a of the Art Deco style. new catalogued in the De Beers Diamond registry, providing to allexpression the senses in this refreshing man of any age or taste: the Patek Philippe This variation in pink gold surrounded by an additional level of protection and security. fragrance from Jo Malone.

The nutty Men’s Calatrava watch in rose gold.This is a black rubber illustrates the spirit of the scentSantos of pandanus sweetinto yetthesour Forever Ring, prices starting from £1,150 quintessentially classic timepiece which takes de Cartierleaf, collection twentytamarind and the aromatic warmth of first century. its name and ornamental cross from an ancient De Beers cardamom, complete an unexpected Spanish order of chivalry, founded in 1158.

13, The Courtyard, Santos Watch, £11,250 Royal Exchange harmony within the scent. Taking The instantly recognisable model features 020 7929 2777 inspiration the flavours of Thai Boutiquefrom Cartier a bezel that may be flat, round or gem-set, www.debeers.com 1 The Royal Exchange cuisine andCourtyard, flower arranging, this exotic whilst the watch itself is either ultra-thin or 020 7312 6923 and unusual scent balances zesty citrus www.cartier.com fitted, with a cover to protect the sapphire fruits with fragrant, aromatic leaves, case back. delicate flowers, spices and nutty woods.

Sleek & chic L’Artisan Parfumeur 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 www.artisanparfumeur.com/uk

Exotic Aroma

Sweet Lime and Cedar fragrance, £59 Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 020 7444 1999 www.jomalone.co.uk

IWC Big Pilot’s watch, £7,750 Patek Philippe Men’s Calatrava Watch, £12,605 Watches of Switzerland 22, Royal Exchange 020 7626 7321 www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

AGENT PRO CROCKETT & JONES || DE LULU GUINNESS || OMEG PRETTY BALLERI SMOKERS P

Globetrotter Perfect for the big Christmas holiday, Loro Piana present the Plane Cashmere range which includes a blanket, pillow, mask, men’s slippers and cashmere ballet slippers.The Travel series has created the new range in a lighter, soft cashmere fabric with a diagonal weave that recalls traditional cavallery.

In a dark charcoal grey and with a convenient cashmere carrying bag that can also be used separately, the range also includes soft cashmere socks with suede soles that are perfect for long-haul flights.

Plane Cashmere range Loro Piana 2-3 Royal Exchange 020 7398 0000 www.loropiana.com

Game On In this new and modern age of technology, Pickett adds a touch of nostalgia to the forgotten world of board games by offering a unique and overwhelming selection of both modern and antique sets. Trevor Pickett’s hobby of collecting antique games means that the range is always being updated with stunning wooden backgammon boards and unusual chess sets. For the ideal family Christmas, a visit to Pickett is a must with many handmade modern leather games, including the updated Monopoly and Scrabble sets.

Lambskin Monopoly, £975 Leather Scrabble, £999 Pickett 6 Royal Exchange 020 7283 7636 www.pickett.co.uk

Bewitched The stunningly sexy Grace range of lingerie at Agent Provocateur is totally and utterly bewitching; a sexy sheer micro-fibre base fabric and edgy, jagged French embroidered trim will set hearts beating in no time at all. Heart shaped pockets give a cute contrast, and tiny covered buttons show precise attention to detail.

The plunging padded bra in sheer micro-fibre gives a great shape to the bust, whilst a pretty French embroidered trim sits delicately along the top edge. The bra is finished with matt bows and soft covered buttons at each apex and at the centre front. For those looking for the whole package, a very sexy sheer suspender dressing gown with French embroidered trim is an absolute must-have, topped off with little heart shaped pockets.

The Grace range: Bra £70, Brief £50, Gown £350 Agent Provocateur 5 Royal Exchange 020 7623 0229 www.agentprovocateur.com

Eye Candy Highly popular and widely celebrated designer Elsa Peretti takes inspiration from this autumn’s bold and brilliant colour scheme and injects the vibrancy of the season into her original must-have accessory for November. Beautifully contoured, these chunky lacquer bangles are available in pine, persimmon and orchid. Each bangle is carved from Japanese hardwood and treated with Urushi – a traditional Japanese term for applying multiple layers of gloss lacquer. Though quite a statement in scale, these gorgeous bangles are lightweight making them very wearable; alternate the colours, or go bold with a bright mix of colour!

Elsa Peretti Lacquer Bangles, £255 each and available in a range of sizes Tiffany and Co The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7409 2790 www.tiffany.com/uk

AGENT PROVOCATEUR || ARTISAN GALLERY || BEVERLEY HILLS JEWELLERS || BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHANEL || CHURCH’S CROCKETT & JONES || DE BEERS || GUCCI || HARMAN KARDON || HERMÈS || IMPERIAL CITY || JO MALONE || L’ ARTISAN PARFUMEUR || L’OCCITANE || LORO PIANA LULU GUINNESS || OMEGA || MOLTON BROWN || MONT BLANC || PAUL . A . YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES || PAUL SMITH || PAVAROTTI’S || PENHALIGON’S || PICKETT PRETTY BALLERINAS || RESTAURANT SAUTERELLE || ROYAL EXCHANGE GRAND CAFÉ AND BAR || ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS || SEARLE & CO SMOKERS PARADISE || SMYTHSONS || TATEOSSIAN || THEO FENNELL || TIFFANY & CO || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

V

All i Want for

Christmas...

Now you can have it all with our sumptuous seasonal treats >>

MEG RIVERS

Meg Rivers Cakes, the quintessential artisan baker, is set to challenge the corporate gift market this Christmas. Founded nearly twenty years ago, Meg Rivers Cakes has become synonymous with home baking delivered directly to the door.

Prices start at £9.95 www.megrivers.com

Pinky Vodka

>>

Considered the world’s most beautiful vodka, Pinky is distilled five times from pure glacial water and Swedish winter wheat, and then hand-blended with violets, rose petals and wild strawberries. A chic edition to the Christmas table. £32.99 Available at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges www.thedrinkshop.com

Johnnie Walker, Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky, has unveiled two editions of an exclusive diary. Designed by Aspinal of London, each one contains invitations to the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix,The Johnnie Walker 2009 Golf championship and Bespoke Blending by Johnnie Walker 2009. £95,000 www.selfridges.com

Moss Bros Skinny Ties

>>

This season’s must-have, the skinny tie, is here to stay. Moss Bros’ Ventuno 21 silk ties come in plain, striped and crystal-studded variations. Who said ties were a boring gift choice for men? £15 www.moss.co.uk

From the Black Automatic watch designed exclusively for Dior

by John Galliano, to the Black Sapphire Crystal Glass watch with mother of pearl dial and four scores of diamonds, Dior’s timepieces are elegant yet serious.

These handcrafted Swag bags are a quirky new take on the coin-purse and might provide the solution to present-hunting-for-difficult-Dads syndrome. £42 www.thomaslyte.com

Comprising a stylish case in classic black monochrome, and elegantly holding a Grand Siècle magnum and a collection of six champagne flutes, the contents are delicately handcrafted and blown by fine crystal House Baccarat, whilst the glasses were exclusively commissioned by Laurent-Perrier in 1965. £1,600 www.laurent-perrier

>>

PRINCE RAINIER PEN

This outstanding writing jewel is made of 18-carat white gold and decorated with diamond and ruby-studded lozenges in imitation of the red-white lozenges on the shield of the Grimaldi coat of arms.

The Edition is limited to only 81 pieces worldwide – in honour of the age reached by the sovereign. £160,000 www.montblanc.com

>>

ÉCRIN GRAND SIÈCLE GIFT SET

>>

SWAG BAGS

>>

DIOR WATCHES

£5,000 www.dior.com

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

lifestyle

Sartorial Dilemmas

Stephen Webster Fly By Night Collection >> Pendant with Yellow and Gold Champagne Diamond A talented jewellery designer who hails from Gravesend, Stephen Webster has changed the way we wear and think about jewellery.

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Each month Fashion Editor, Lucie Dodds answers all your Sartorial Dilemmas….

£4,225 www.charlesfish.co.uk

>>

GAMES BOX IN BLACK BREUNINGER GRAINED LEATHER A sophisticated delight for games aficionados, this hand-made Games Box in Black Breuninger Grained Leather comes with cribbage set, dominoes and two sets of Thomas Lyte silk playing cards.

>>

£265.00 www.thomaslyte.com

HAND WEIGHTS IN SILVER PLATE

£345 per pair www.thomaslyte.com

>>

JO MALONE The recipient of this set can design a scented signature that can be adapted to suit their mood and occasion by choosing two different scents to wear together from the selection of twelve within this limited-edition Ultimate Fragrance Trousseau. £750.00 www.jomalone.co.uk

THE CLOSET QUEEN’S DREAM

>>

An at-once practical and artistic sporting luxury for the body conscious in the family, these unique sculptured silver 2kg hand weights are crafted in the UK by Thomas Lyte silversmiths and will certainly add glamour to any workout.

Featuring a pink-candy oval shaped gift box, the Luxurious Gift Box is a dream gift for every closet queen and includes two organic essential oils, wooden diffuser, linen spray, pot-pourri cone, two hanging ceramic flowers and a powerful organic essential oil candle. £60 www.totalwardrobecare.co.uk

Dear Sartorial Dilemmas, I would like to buy a bespoke suit but am not too sure where I should go – everyone seems to be selling made-to-measure. Can you advise of an easy, central London location with excellent service and quick delivery?

Jonathan, CanaryWharf, E14 Dear Jonathan, Budget makes a huge influence on answering this question – especially at the moment. The best has to be the Italian King of menswear, Ermenegildo Zegna. If money is not a problem, arrange an appointment at the recently opened New Bond Street store in the ultra luxury made-tomeasure suite. Delivery can be between 4 to 6 weeks after just two fittings. Prices start at around £1000. Ermengildo Zegna, 020 7518 2700.

Without the heritage but great if you know what you want, A Suit That Fits is a unique, web-based service with a tailoring service in the City.

You can choose a suit from start to finish on-line. A whole host of measurements are then needed or you can book an appointment and get them to fit you for an extra charge. Delivery times range between 3 and 8 weeks. www. asuitthatfits.com, 020 3006 7999

Dear Sartorial Dilemmas, I need an eveningwear style update! What should I be wearing this winter for work parties, to impress my boss? Are tuxedos still fashionable or will I look like an idiot?

Mike, London Dear Mike, Men’s eveningwear is a strong fashion statement right now.

The first rule is not to try and impress anyone.Wear a suit that is flattering and simple.Tom Ford has the most stylish tuxes this season if you are tall and slim.Tom Ford at Harrods, 020 7730 1234.

Otherwise a classic single-breasted style from one of the Best of British will be smart and forgiving.

Try Gieves & Hawkes, Hackett or Dunhill. Dunhill has just opened its new flagship store, Bourdon House in Mayfair and offer all the extras from cufflinks to bow ties, socks and footwear – you can even visit the in-house traditional barber. Dunhill, 0845 458 0779.

Lucie Dodds Personal Styling offers a unique styling and wardrobe service for men and women using some of London’s finest fashion stylists. For more information and advice contact Lucie at www.luciedodds.co.uk or call her to arrange an appointment +44(0)7736 450146.

Gift Vouchers Hampers Flowers Wine Gifts

Tel 0845 603 7979

www.johnlewis.com/sfb

Searle &Co

Searle & Co. ltd Established 1893 Jewellers & Silversmiths

Celebrating 75 years at Number 1 The Royal Exchange. xchange.

Searle &Co Searle and Co. Ltd 1 Royal Exchange Cornhill, London EC3V 3LL T 020 7626 2456 | F 020 7283 6384 www.searleandco.ltd.uk info@searleandco.ltd.uk

lifestyle

65

Ultimate Christmas Cat Hughes conjures up gifts with a difference 1

Experiences

3

4 2

5

1. London Eye Trip The iconic London Eye is providing a number of Christmas experiences which would certainly make your Yuletide a little different.

London can be at its most beautiful on a December night. Whilst looking over the festive lights you can sample some Winter Pimms and chocolate truffles (from £430) or spend an hour on a champagne tasting experience (from £1,000). Organised by Vinopolis, the champagne and wine tasting experts, you will be able to sample five different champagnes from Laurent-Perrier under the guidance of a specialist.

You can also hire out a private capsule where you will be served mulled wine and mince pies; perfect for the office party (from £430). To cap off the night you can take a Christmas cruise down the Thames whilst sipping a hot chocolate.

The London Eye www.londoneye.com

2. Oxfam Unwrapped If you want to experience the feeling of making a difference, instead of buying a diamond or an item of gold jewellery for your loved one, why not buy her diamonds and gold that will make a difference to those who obtained them?

The limited edition Diamonds and Gold gifts from Oxfam (£95) help local organisations get a fairer deal for miners working in Angola and

Rwanda. This gift will also support research into the impact of the mining industry, help address issues faced by affected communities and assist with lobbying for social facilities. £95 www.oxfam.org

3. Demonstration and testing day with Jean-Christophe Novelli This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the famous Michelin star chef in his Herefordshire farmhouse. Novelli will share with you his enthusiasm and passion for cooking. Under his instruction and using only the finest seasonal ingredients, you will be shown how to create a diverse range of gourmet dishes. He will reveal the secrets behind the use of seasoning and chocolate!

You can try everything he makes and he will hand pick the wine to go with it.

Virgin Experience Days £495 www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk

4. North Pole Fly In What do you buy the one who has everything? An adventure of a lifetime to the North Pole, of course. You will fly to Svalbard, Norway’s most northerly point, and board a jet to Camp Borneo, followed by a flight in a polar helicopter over the

Arctic Circle, where you will be able to spot polar bears, walruses and seals.You will land as near to the North Pole as possible, sip champagne and have the opportunity to run around the world. Return to Svalbard for a snowmobile day, to explore the icy wilderness and the majestic Temple Fjord. £21,500 Four days. All fights, equipment and accommodation are included. www.redletterdays.co.uk

5. BA Simulator Treat flight fanatics, or even fearful flyers looking to overcome their demons, with a virtual trip in the cockpit this Christmas. BA’s Boeing simulator offers the experience of a lifetime in the cockpit of a multi-million pound full motion flight simulator normally reserved for the exclusive training of professional pilots.

A British Airways pilot gives a 30-minute preflight briefing on the flight desk instructions, controls and systems. Once training is complete, it’s time for take-off.The experience is incredibly realistic; the cockpit and its myriad buttons and dials, and the computer generated Heathrow Airport-runway scenes which fill the cockpit windows both bear a frightening similarity to reality. n Boeing 747-400 (Jumbo jet) One hour flight £449 Three hour flight £1,347

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lifestyle

ALL WRAPPED UP Josephine O’Donoghue takes a look at the ways we can make the Christmas season just a little bit easier for ourselves this year Delivered right to your door in time for Christmas, creator Max Marulli De Barletta structures the cheesserts from whichever cheeses you fancy; topped with hat of quince jelly, fresh figs, grapes, or even chocolate coins, the choice is entirely yours.

Home Help Just in time for a perfect Christmas, Quintessentially Estates have launched a new service, on hand to make all the complicated and timeconsuming arrangements for your home this festive season. Allowing clients the much-needed free time to go Christmas shopping, meet with friends and family or simply space to relax, Quintessentially Home can handle everything from walking the dog to stocking the fridge. On-site staff members are available 24 hours a day during the run-up to Christmas, ensuring that your home is just as you desire.

Quintessentially Home charge an hourly rate of £30 plus VAT www.quintessentiallyestates.com

Homage to Fromage Make your festive lunch one to remember this year with the ‘Twelve Tiers of Christmas’ from the John Lewis Foodhall. Choose from a selection of bespoke Christmas ‘cheesserts’ – cakes made of cheese! Made to order, these stunning creations are made from layers and layers of the finest British and continental cheese and provide a dramatic table centrepiece or decoration before your guests dig in!

Book in for a cheessert consultation with Max on 020 7629 7711 throughout November and December at the John Lewis Foodhall on Oxford Street

Festive Finesse World-renowned event planners Lillingston have extended their services this Christmas to include a couture home styling service. Founder Sophie Lillingston and her team take ideas and inspiration from the client before beautifully styling the home for the festive season.

With a background of over 500 couture events across the globe, Sophie is now using her party planning expertise, creativity and endless contacts to create a unique and stunning backdrop for her clients’ Christmas parties and celebrations. “We style our

clients’ homes in a way that is totally individual to them”, says Sophie, “providing a stunning backdrop for their dinners and drinks parties, at a time when their social schedules are too hectic to allow them to manage it themselves”.

To arrange a consultation, call 020 7221 5820 www.lillingston.co.uk

Big Kids For those who will need to buy presents for children this Christmas, but haven’t a clue what a seven-year-old niece and nine-year-old nephew would want, Wicked Uncle can help. An online toy site, Wicked Uncle helps break down the selection, with areas for each gender and age. How do you know it’s the right gift? “Because we say

the kid will like it”, says Wicked Uncle, “and of course, we’ve done our homework. We’ve put a lot of effort into finding the range of children’s gifts that we offer so that you don't have to worry about it”. Offering a huge range of great toy suggestions (with a handy one-minute giftfinder), the website is perfect for busy city professionals who don’t have time to roam the shops for the perfect gift. n www.wickeduncle.com

52 Cornhill

Matt Roberts Personal Training is the City’s first integrative private training club, providing a broad range of facilities and services. Every client is privately managed by our extensive team of professionals who produce a bespoke programme to ensure that you reach your personal health and fitness goals.

• Personal Training • Physiotherapy • Biomechanical Analysis • Dietician • Kinesis • Human performance analysis

The stunning new 5500 sqft facility opened in August 2008.

Members are also able to use all training sessions and services within the Matt Roberts Mayfair and Hampstead Clubs.

• Sportswear Retail Area • Contemporary Changing Rooms

www.mattroberts.co.uk | 020 7626 0888 | cornhill@mattroberts.co.uk

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retail

Antiques in the City

To stand out from the crowd this Winter or choose a truly unique gift, take your pick from Searle & Co’s exquisite antique jewellery

Late Victorian natural pearl and rose diamond sautoir £8,500

c1860 Stone Cameo Brooch Pendant and Earrings Suite

c1905 French Enamel Pearl and Diamond Brooch/Pendant £3,150

£6,850

c1900 Enamel Heart Bow Brooch £725

c1915 Peridot and Diamond Dress Ring £825

c1845 Cabuchon Garnet and Diamond Dress Ring £3,650

Art Nouveau 14ct Gold Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Brooch £930

c1910 Enamel and Pearl Brooch, Signed Child and Child £1,650

c1905 Art Nouveau Diamond Ring £1,770

Searle and Co Ltd 1 Royal Exchange Cornhill London EC3V 3LL T 020 7626 2456 www.searleandco.ltd.uk

lifestyle

69

A Better

Way TO shop

Cat Hughes goes in search of alternative retail destinations

O

xford Street is a nightmare at the best of times, but at Christmas it becomes something far worse.

Millions push and shove to get hold of the best Christmas bargains or the latest toys. Why people insist on doing their Christmas shopping in London’s busiest street is beyond me, especially as there are many other places to shop that have far more unique gifts than London’s retail Mecca.

Europe With the Eurostar now faster than ever before, why not escape the city and the country for the day or the weekend and head to Lille? Only one hour and twenty minutes away, Lille’s month-long Christmas market (29 Nov-30 Dec) is held in Palace Rihour, in the centre of town. The square is taken over by stalls selling arts and crafts, local cuisine, and traditional French Christmas delicacies. This is a great place for children as there is plenty to keep them entertained, such as street theatre and a small fun fair with a carrousel and a big wheel. They can also have their picture taken with Father Christmas, who on 20 December “falls” from the Chamber of Commerce’s 80-metre-high belfry.

For the mother of Christmas markets head to Cologne (24 Nov-23 Dec). The city hosts no fewer than six of them.

The most idyllic market is the AlterMarkt, located next to the

City Hall. The half timbered stalls give the feeling that you are shopping in a bygone era. There is also a medieval Christmas market outside the Chocolate Museum and a floating market on board the MS Wappen von Mainz. There is plenty of entertainment on offer, including a huge ice rink on Heumarkt. If you can’t make it to Cologne, why not head down to London’s South Bank Centre for the Cologne Christmas Market at South Bank (21 Nov-23 Dec)? It will have everything you need for a special Christmas, including German beer and delicacies.

UK If you would prefer to stay in the country, head to Canterbury’s Christmas Market (28 Nov-21 Dec). Whitefriars Square will be transformed into a traditional German Christmas market, full of hand-crafted toys and jewellery and authentic German food. After you have finished your hard day of shopping you can relax with a German mulled wine, Glühwein.

If you are looking for something a little different, a trip to the Welsh valleys may be in order. The town of Caerphilly hosts a Medieval Christmas Fair (13-14 Dec). You can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a town and castle preparing for Christmas.

Laugh at the hilarious antics of the castle jester and listen to seasonal music. There will be

a farmers’ market selling local produce and a crafts market selling jewellery and traditional medieval gifts. This is one to take the kids to, as there will be plenty to keep them occupied.

London Oxford Street is not the only place to shop in London; there is a great variety of unique hidden shops all over the city – you just have to find them! Situated down a tiny side street behind all the Christmas shopping chaos is Grays Antique Market. This place really is an Aladdin’s cave. Here you will find the most amazing and unique gifts, like a first edition Hemmingway, antique jewellery, vintage bags and dresses. This is the place to find that special gift.

If cutting-edge design is your kind of thing, you should stop

by Made in Clerkenwell (27-30 Nov), where there are over 70 designers selling jewellery, interiors, ceramics, accessories and traditional crafts. What

makes this shopping experience so different is seeing the designers’ studios and how they work.

Another little London shopping secret is the numerous museum shops. And you will be surprised at what you can find in these great bastions of history and knowledge – funky and educational toys, art books, personalised Christmas cards and figurines of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.

Online Forget going out into the cold, why not just purchase your gifts online? A classic place to look is of course eBay. You can literally find anything. Gifts.com has devised an ingenious way to help ease the burden of buying gifts – you can shop by personality. If you want a gift that will make a difference to the world, Oxfam.org.uk. Unwrapped is the perfect place. You can give a family a goat or an African school a textbook. n

Sarah Stafford in studio, Made in Clerkenwell

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retail

London City Treasure Unveiled Oliver Hall, Director of Gassan - Swiss Watches & Fine Jewellery, welcomes you to luxury at London City Airport

Good News – Oliver Hall director of Gassan Diamonds UK reveals all

I

f you’re reading this, welcome to the club you didn’t know you had joined – Gassan Watches & Fine Jewellery at London City Airport. Imagine a fraternity right on your doorstep with 3 million plus members – all with some time to kill, a desire for quality and a journey to make in common.

Imagine that this journey starts with the most fluid and efficient process in the land, a friendly, personal and boutique experience which is growing and developing into the best of its kind.

I’m talking about London City Airport of course, where I have been privy to the breathtaking changes which are now taking place – not least, if you’ll excuse my lack of modesty, the opening of our own Gassan store which will offer you a comprehensive range of Swiss watches, fine diamond jewellery and other luxury gifts all at the sharpest price in town.

We are launching a brand new

product range for a brand new location and a first within the world of diamonds. A modified brilliant cut diamond with 121 facets (instead of the usual 57) – the Gassan ‘one to one’ cut will be available in a complete range of solitaire jewellery.

We are bringing to you, the esteemed club of London City flyers, the very best and foremost in our industry and as you would expect – All Products at Tax Free Prices, For All Customers. This is regardless of your destination or your country of residence. Gassan offers equal value for money to all of our clients and we have been doing so since being founded, two decades ago.

In fact, as you read this we are just two weeks away from being open for business and to top it all, we are offering for you to come and take a veritable hamper of surprises and prizes off our hands, in the run up to Christmas and make your flight from London City even more worthwhile. We look forward to seeing you soon. n

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fashion

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TOM FORD Selection of lizard, crocodile and ostrich wallets, from £2,490 Harrods, 020 7730 1234

ROLEX AT THE VINTAGE WATCH COMPANY 1953 vintage watch, £3,495 020 7499 2032

TOM FORD Cirage crocodile tassel loafers, £POA Harrods, 020 7730 1234

TOM FORD Black leather and tan trim weekend bag, £3,420. Washbag, £800. Trolley, £9,330 Harrods, 020 7730 1234 Ralph Lauren

STYLE UPDATE

SEASONAL

STYLE

DUNHILL Oxford Brogues £345 www.dunhill.com

LINKS OF LONDON Silver and gold cufflinks, £270 0845 120 2922

DUNHILL Leather messenger bag £290 www.dunhill.com

SMYTHSON Brown Mara leather watch roll £270 www.smythson.com

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fashion

SHARP SHAVES AND STYLISH COCKTAILS Fancy some time to yourself? A little pampering and self-indulgence? Smirnoff® Black vodka has partnered up with Hugo Boss to launch a brand new range of boutique barbers for men in a selection of London stores

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o celebrate the opening of a new Hugo Boss store in Liverpool Street, Smirnoff Black vodka and Boss Skin are teaming up from 6 November to provide London’s metrosexual men with an exclusive personalised service, offering 15 minutes of ‘He Time’ with a BOSS Skin Shave and Facial Treatment, and a Smirnoff Double Black Martini or Smirnoff Black Collins.

“A modern and polished take on the traditional barber shop shave, the Smirnoff Black Boutique Barbers is for men who may be short of time but never compromise on quality and style,” says Laura Pearce Brand Manager for Smirnoff Black vodka. “Men are much more interested in their appearance than ever, but they don’t want any hassle,” adds Michaela Stein PR Manager BOSS Skin and fragrances.

“A good grooming regime complements lifestyle, fashion sense and boosts confidence. The BOSS Skin range is functional, simple and masculine and answers the needs of men who don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of time maintaining their appearance”. Smirnoff Black, BOSS Skin and Hugo Boss clothing create the perfect partnership for men who enjoy the finer things in life. Customers can sit back and relax in a comfortable traditional leather barber’s chair and enjoy a Smirnoff Black Double Martini. A professional grooming consultant (trained in the art of traditional shaving) will use BOSS Skin’s cutting edge skin care products during the traditional wet shave followed by moisturising treatment and hot towels.

The Boutique barbers launches at the newly opened BOSS store on Eldon St, just at the end of Liverpool St. on Nov 6th – 8th before travelling to Queen St, City of London store 13 – 15th Nov, Canary wharf 20 – 22nd Nov and then selected BOSS stores throughout London.

To make an appointment call 07931 265 015 Treatments are available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 13 December priced at £15 for a 15 minute personalised experience.

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A Personal

Touch Cat Hughes meets those new Christmas angels, the personal shoppers

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hristmas is a time for giving and thinking of others, but sometimes you’re so busy thinking about everyone else you find that you have nothing to wear for the Christmas party season. You’re pressed for time and the stores are so crowded with flustered Christmas shoppers that the idea of venturing out fills you with dread. Cue the personal shopper.These Christmas angels will help you to find the right dress for the office Christmas party and they may even do your Christmas shopping for you.

To help you get your Christmas wardrobe all wrapped up, look no further than Signature Style. Owner Julie Hurst knows only too well

how difficult it can be to have a high power career and look great. Before she launched Signature Style, Hurst was a managing director of a global consultancy firm. “I often struggled, as many women do, to find time to invest in myself”, said Hurst. “Offering clients a flexible, tailor-made service was therefore essential.”

After a brief consultation, Hurst or one of her stylists can either accompany you on a shopping trip or, if you’re really strapped for time, she can shop on your behalf.

She is even able to help you edit your wardrobe.You never know what you might find that you may have forgotten about. The result is an organised wardrobe that will suit any Christmas party occasion.

If you want the Gabriel of personal shopping, Harrods By Appointment is what you need. By Appointment can take care of all your Christmas shopping. All you need to do is fill out a Christmas List either in store or send one via e-mail, and By Appointment will source the gift, no matter what it is. After they have found them, By Appointment will wrap your gifts up and send them to any address in the world. By Appointment’s personal shoppers can even advise you on Christmas interiors.They can shop for the tinsel and tree

decorations and then go to your home to handle the decoration.

Boys, you have not been forgotten. Ensuring you have the right attire for this Christmas party season can be a nightmare, especially if your calendar is back to back. Heartless, a luxury boutique in Essex, can provide you with all you need to look your best during this season’s round of parties.

Used by celebrities, footballers and highflying City boys, their Black Service will pick you up in one of the store’s super fleet cars. You can choose from a 1960’s silver Porsche turbo, a black Lamborghini or, if you feel like channelling your inner hippy, you can be picked up in a VW camper van or classic VW Beetle. When you arrive, your style consultation will begin over a cool,

crisp beer. After your stylist has established your needs, he will help you choose the right clothes and accessories to suit you. Heartless stocks some of the world’s best labels, such asYoshjiYamamoto and YSL. After you have assembled your new wardrobe, your car will take you to your next destination, whether it be a meeting or a client dinner – what better way to spend that ‘in-between meetings’ time?

So for a stress and chic free Christmas, you know who to call – the personal shopper angel. n Julie Hurst: 020 7357 0511 www.signaturestyleconsultancy.com Harrods By Appointment: 020 7893 8000 or e-mail byappointment@harrods.com www.areyouheartless.com

Trends

Versace

Hackett

Fashion editor Lucie Dodds reports on menswear Spring/Summer 09 collections

Dolce&Gabanna

Versace

Bottega Veneta

Bow t es

John Varvatos

Dolce&Gabanna Paul Smith

Bottega Veneta

Neil Barrett

Hackett Bottega Veneta

fashion

Roberto Cavalli

Ermenegildo Zegna

Giorgio Armani

pastels

Ermenegildo Zegna

Neutral SuitiNg Versace

WiDe trouSerS Bottega Veneta

Gucci

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Diamond

Geezer De Grisogono is something of a phenomenon in the world of luxury jewellery and watches.

Its flamboyant, artistic, clever and sometimes outrageous designs are the vision of one indefatigable man. Claire Adler catches up with founder Fawaz Gruosi

T

Naomi Campbell and Fawaz Gruosi Event: Fawaz Gruosi's 'Absolutely Fabulous' party Venue: Eden Roc by invitation only

he founder of De Grisogono prides himself on his courage to take financial risks, and they seem to have paid off. In the 15 years since founding his own jewellery and watch brand, Fawaz Gruosi has succeeded in opening an impressive 16 stores worldwide.

Walking round the Paris Biennale this September, a sumptuous invitee-only art and antiques fair, it was difficult not to be impressed by the De Grisogono stand.

Amongst a super-exclusive cluster of worldclass and long-established luxury jewellers – from Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Dior to Chanel – stood the youngest one of all by far, De Grisogono.

Luxury jewellers are currently clamouring to associate themselves with the art world.

Gruosi admits he was “astonished to be accepted” to exhibit at the Paris Biennale. “I would love to do Art Basel Miami and the Maastricht Art Fair, but the waiting lists for these events are years and years long. It’s not going to be easy”, he says.

In fact, De Grisogono’s origins involved paintings, objets d’art, furniture and carpets. In the company’s early days, the logo included the words objets d’art. Now, Gruosi is going back to his roots and has invited 16 contemporary artists from China, South America, Russia and France to create paintings inspired by De Grisogono jewels for a book due for publication in 2009.

Approximately two-thirds of De Grisogono jewels are one-off pieces. In addition to its boutiques in some of the finest shopping streets in the world, including

fashion

Geneva, Gstaad, London and Paris, Fawaz Gruosi’s designs have also appeared in Christie’s contemporary jewellery sales in Dubai and Geneva.

Even the doyen of diamonds himself, Laurence Graff, has been spotted wandering down Bond Street to admire the eye-popping jewellery designs in the shop window of his neighbour and rival. But perhaps Laurence Graff bears an affinity to Fawaz Gruosi since their own personal stories share parallels.

Both came from modest backgrounds, were brought up by their mothers, and their success is self-made.

Gruosi, 57, worked in the jewellery business for 20 years for companies including Harry Winston and Bulgari before setting up his own company in 1993 with no formal business plan. After reading about an 180 carat diamond known as the Black Orlov, he became fascinated with the lure of black diamonds and brought out a collection of high jewellery with these seldom-used gems as the focus. They immediately became a hit. Gruosi has since made pavé set black diamond mobile phones and sunglasses.

More recently, his maverick approach has resulted in the striking Otturatore watch, which uses a cunning camera shutter effect to display and hide elements of the time – seconds, date, phases of the moon or power reserve.

“I had lots of debts when I started”, remembers Gruosi. “In this business, you need to either be rich or an established family business. We have opened more than one shop a year for 15 years, so I have taken risks every second of the day for 15 years. But I’m still alive, which means that with passion and a good team around you, things can be done. Luck comes into it too. I’m sure there are other more talented people than me who also have no money and who perhaps because of the wrong timing, the wrong approach or because they haven’t had luck, haven’t made it. But the alternative is to stay at home and do nothing. I’ve learned management through making lots of mistakes.”

Gruosi now launches two or three new watch designs a year in a bid to show off his company’s burgeoning creativity. “Nowadays, changing your watch is a bit like changing your jacket or tie. Like ties, many people own 200 and wear them all when they first buy them, but they keep coming back to their

White gold earrings set with a pearshape blue sapphire of 18.65 carats and a pear-shape Colombian emerald of 14.62 carats, enhanced by 28 baguette-cut white diamonds of 5.60 carats, 28 baguette-cut emeralds of 7.76 carats, 463 emeralds of 1.73 carat, 142 blue sapphires of 1 carat, 14 rubies of 0.02 carat and 311 white diamonds of 1.33 carat

favourite two or three”, he says.

While Gruosi’s success is partly down to his focus on innovative materials, imaginative design and edgy technology, he’s also famed for his love of partying. In great measure thanks to him, opportunities for social climbing while shopping for luxury jewels and watches have never looked so good. His birthday parties in Porto Cervo Sardinia brim with celebrities in one of the world’s most exclusive nightclubs – The Billionaire Club – owned by his pal, Formula One boss Flavio Briatore.

When the De Grisogono party at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006 took place on Naomi Campbell’s birthday, Gruosi surprised the supermodel with special fireworks and a huge birthday cake.

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“My clients become my friends and my friends become my clients. By three or four in the morning people feel totally relaxed. I love laughing, joking and having a good time and it takes time to build up those relationships”, says Gruosi. All of which probably explains why he keeps the De Grisogono shop in Porto Cervo open till around 4am. Each February Gruosi also hosts an intimate weekend in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad, remaining on 24-hour call to ensure his guests have everything they need, from drivers to tables at the best restaurants in town.

Gruosi seems to travel ceaselessly. He says his current hot destinations are Japan, China, South America and Eastern Europe.

He is now preparing for the first Indian De Grisogono flagship store, opening in Delhi this autumn, and a first anniversary dinner for the Tokyo store.

“I don’t generally have time to go shopping. But occasionally I stop at one of our shop windows or, for example, recently at our exhibit at the Paris Biennale and I think ‘wow’. But for me, my favourite piece will always be the next one. I need excitement and challenges and I am always looking forward”, he says. “If we have achieved this much in Europe alone, just imagine what we can do in the rest of the world.” n

De Grisogono peacock necklace of blue sapphires, white and yellow diamonds

The SaaTchi OpuS

5

OF THE BEST… COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

Cat Hughes flicks, reads and ponders over some of our favourites...

acne paper A coffee table magazine produced by funky fashion label Acne, this issue is themed around tradition. It takes at look at why tradition is important today. Art historian Vincent Juillerat, in the story on the Louvre, raises a significant question. “Why is it still important to familiarise oneself with the old masters?

Why is it still important to become aware of one’s traditions?”

This question seems to have shaped the issue. It looks at tradition from many different angles, from the demise of the traditional butler, to the traditions and changes in our own language, to the changing methodologies of the East. With its thought-provoking fashion shoots and in depth articles, this is a must for any art-loving, loft-dwelling fashionista. £5 Available from Waterstones, selected Acne stores, independent and high-end book stores

For the first time the Saatchi Gallery’s legendary exhibitions will be documented in the ultimate coffee table tome. The Saatchi Opus, edited by the renowned art publisher Edward BoothClibborn, with written contributions from leading art critics Richard Cork, Brian Sewell and actor Steve Martin, will include work from over 150 artists, from Lucien Freud to Damien Hirst to Zhang Xioagang. The Opus is limited to only 950 copies, each signed by Charles Saatchi. The No1 copy will be signed by many of the artists from the Opus and will be auctioned for charity.The purchaser will have an exclusive tour of the newly-opened gallery. The following 100 copies will be a special marquee edition and each will include a VIP tour of the gallery. The book comes complete with its own crate. £2,200 Order from: www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk or www.saatchiopus.com

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Wisdom Andrew Zucherman, a NewYork photographer, travelled the world interviewing and photographing the globe’s most influential pensioners.

The Wisdom Project aims to deliver one of the greatest gifts one generation can give to another. Wisdom. Zucherman wanted to create a record of a multicultural group of people who have all made their mark on the world. Each and every subject is presented against a white space and removed from their context. You can find many pearls of wisdom: from Dame Judi Dench, “I feel I’m constantly leaning, in every single thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never in fifty-one years done a play that has come easy to me.” Billy Connelly, “Wisdom is the constant questioning of where you are and when you stop wanting to know, you’re dead.

You’re walking but you’re dead.” Nelson Mandela, “A good head and a good heart are a formidable combination.” Clint Eastwood, “Take your profession seriously; don’t take yourself seriously.” Enjoy many more from the world’s influential people. This truly is an inspirational read.

The Car design Yearbook This is the ultimate guide to new concept and production cars for 2007-2008, compiled and written by Tony Lewin, the former editor of What Car? Magazine, and Stephen Newbury, the former concept manager of TWR. Together they provide an objective assessment of design and technical innovation for 130 new concept and production cars. Dominating the literature are battery-power and hybrid cars; Newbury and Lewin focus on how important alternative power has become in the automotive industry. The book has 550 images and six illustrations, showing every angle of the car, including interior shots. This is ideal for any car enthusiast.

£30 Abrams Available from all major book stores

£29.95 Merrell Publishers Available in all major bookshops

aTlanTiC oCean: The illusTraTed hisTorY of The oCean ThaT Changed The World As the title suggests, Atlantic Ocean, by Martin W Sandler, gives a comprehensive history of one of the most important seas in the world. The book covers everything from exploration to piracy to discovery, and maps out how this ocean which touches four continents, has served as a corridor for the fundamental exchange of people, ideas and culture. But that is only part of the Atlantic world.This is a story dominated by human beings pitted against the sea, the natural desire for freedom and humankind’s determination to expand horizons no matter what the cost. The book uses maps both old and new, art and photography to tell this compelling saga. £20 Sterling Publishing Available in all major bookshops

london’s most powerful network Vicinitee VIP members gain access to an exciting world

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of exclusive concessions and privileges. They think big,

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our events provide the ideal platform for this with regular invitations to exclusive parties and events - ranging from the simple & elegant, to the wild & extreme. Our parties are by invitation only and take place in stylish London locations or at famous sporting and social events, with the added benefit that our members may bring their guests to most events.

The beauty of Vicinitee VIP membership lies in its flexibility - no matter what you are looking for; a health club, a bar, a restaurant, a taxi, film premieres, a tanning studio - they are all available to you, at exclusive rates, using your VIP membership card.

Vicinitee VIP members are kept up-to-date on Club activities with regular emails, which inform them of up and coming events, member deals and services. On joining, we also provide a handy pocket guide containing comprehensive listing on exclusive Vicinitee VIP venues and services where preferential rates apply.

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28/10/2008 16:09:30

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interiorsprofile

GETTING HEAVY WITH METAL Not every job has a silver lining, but in the world of high-end design professionals, Lee J Rowland’s certainly does, as Alice Tozer finds out Why did you choose to work in metal?

Metals, especially precious ones, are quite remarkable materials. Metal can break like glass, spring like rubber, be formed like clay or be the most difficult, stubborn material to work with. Highly versatile, metal has something eternal about it especially when finished and preserved with precious finishes and chromium coatings. Gold in its refined form will last without decay indefinitely. Did you know a piece of gold weighing just one mere ounce can be drawn out to a mile in length due to its incredibly ductile nature?

When gold is beaten thin enough and held up to the light, it’s actually blue!

What is your background?

I was brought up in Hull. My engineering career and passion for metal began in 1986 with an apprenticeship in aircraft tool manufacture. The standards adhered to here are amongst the highest found anywhere in industry. Everything in the manmade world from the floors we walk on, to the water we drink, to the utensils we eat with have been processed and manufactured by tools. To be versed in this field of engineering gives us the ability to make just about anything we can imagine.

By 2001, I was at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, studying for a Jewellery For Fashion MA but I was asked to leave after 8 months. I didn’t find it hands-on enough; I couldn’t get used to the idea of having to provide a dossier of sketches for each idea – I’ve never been much good at drawing, and I just wanted to get on with it.

Who are you inspired by?

Marc Newson. Newson is a Sydneyborn successful industrial designer whose accolades include The O21C Concept Car for the Ford Motor Company in 1999, work for Quantas including first class business lounges and business class seat ‘Skybed’ and the lighting the Sydney Opera House for the 2000 Olympics. He has fully established himself and knows no bounds when using materials, especially marble. I also love

the work of Iraqi designer Zaha Hadid and American kitsch sculptor Jeff Koons.

Amongst all your work, of what are you most proud?

I was part of a team who made a chain link tunic which Boris Becker wore in a TagHeur advertising campaign for a new watchlink strap. In 2000, Katharine Hamnett approached me to design a oneoff commission of dagger-heeled shoes, worth £1,350 a pair. I was petrified when she bashed one on the floor to test its strength; luckily it remained intact. After all, I had been forced to test them with my own weight by tottering around my studio in them at times!

What are you currently working on?

A solid 22ct gold-plated iPhone back. It’ll be the first one in the world apparently... I’m playing the technical role for a colleague at GoldStriker, who I met on the blog site of BornRich.org. I am also creating a reception desk for the offices of French designer Phillip Stark. Otherwise, I currently work with architects and interior designers in helping them to realise their visions.

What are your aspirations for the future?

What is the range of asking prices for your objets d’art?

Between £250 and £15,000. One of my polo mint stools would command £250 (a stool with a polo shaped white ring for a seat, and the letters ‘M I N T’ cleverly punctured in circular motion onto it). At the other end of the spectrum, some of my tables have sold for £15,000. Metal’s incredible dividends don’t come without their price, and that’s why my work is not cheap. Learning to manipulate the stuff, and to make it go precisely where you want it too takes a lot of time and effort.

What would you have been if not a designer?

I’d like to be a healer – I’d heal myself then others! I’d like to spend more time exploring my passions for hypnotherapy and nutrition.

I am looking to market my ‘Big-Time’ watch table to high-end watch corporations such as Cartier and Rolex. The highest end of the design world – residence to the likes of Marc Newson – is a very select industry, tailored by the designers to serve the most discerning of clients. I am not quite involved at this level yet. However my work is generating interest at alarming speed. n www.leejrowland.com

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On

Screen

Cat Hughes previews the latest releases

Body of Lies The story is certainly gripping, and keeps you guessing. Crowe plays the arrogant, ‘I know what’s best and I’m always right’ American to perfection, and DiCaprio plays his passionate character in a believable way. One thing that was surprising about this film, it did not massage the egos of the American army and US intelligence, which was a nice change for an American war movie. Of course as with all big budget war films, the special effects were impressive and lots of things go boom, but the film is a long one and half way through you do begin to wonder where is this going and when will it finish. It’s definitely one for boys. Oh and lads, don’t take your girlfriend along, unless you are lucky enough to have one who likes long war films – unless you want to get her back for dragging you to Sex And The City.

DIRECTOR: RIDLEY SCOTT RELEASED: 21 NOVEMBER

© 2008 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, Body of Lies, based on the book by David Ignatius, is an intense international spy thriller, where nobody knows who’s lying, who’s using who or who is telling the truth. Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) is the best man U.S intelligence has on the ground, in places where human life is worth no more than the information one can offer. Ferris’ operation takes him all over the globe and his next breath often depends on a voice at the other end of a secure phone line – a CIA veteran and Ferris’ boss Ed Hoffman (Crowe). Hoffman is on the trail of an emerging terrorist leader, who has orchestrated a campaign of bombings, while eluding the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world.

Ferris is charged with luring the terrorist out into the open, and to achieve this he must penetrate their murky world, where trust is both a valuable and dangerous commodity and the only one that will keep him alive.

Also on this month EasyVirtue, starring Jessica Biel, Colin Firth and Ben Barnes, is the latest adaptation of Noel Coward’s witty social comedy. John Whittaker (Ben Barnes) falls in love and marries glamorous American Larita (Jessica Biel). When he returns with Larita to his stately pile, his family are far from thrilled (Out 7th November).

As the sun sets over George W Bush’s presidency, director Oliver Stone takes an unprecedented look at one of the most controversial public figures in his film W (pronounced dub-ya) The Improbable President. The film takes a look into Bush’s

(Josh Brolin) struggles and triumphs, his relationship with his wife and his faith and the critical days leading up to the Iraq war (out 7 November).

Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) is an undercover cop fighting crime on the gritty streets of New York. When his wife and child are murdered by psychotic drug addicts high on a new designer drug, he joins the Drug Enforcement Agency. While tracking the drug, he is accused of his family’s murder and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy (out 14 November).

Jason Briggs and Kate Hudson star in

My Best Friend’s Girl. Dustin (Jason Briggs) came on too strong in the early days of his relationship with Alexis (Kate Hudson), so to get her back he lets his best friend Tank, who is famous for seducing and offending women, take her ex on the worst date of her life, in the hope she will go back to her beau (out 21 November).

Blindness, starring Julianne Moore, is a gripping thriller. As one man is instantaneously blinded while driving home, his world turns into a milky haze. And one by one each person he encounters suffers the same fate (out 28 November).

ArtScene

by CAROL CORDREY - carol@artalone.com

THE

ILLUSTRATORS

T

he curtain is about to be raised on a spectacular show of a rarely discussed art form â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the art of illustration. One London gallery, Chris Beetles, has been championing it for over two decades through its annual exhibition called The Illustrators. This gives well-deserved prominence to the work of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest political and satirical cartoonists, book illustrators and caricaturists. The show has become a magnet for worldwide collectors and enthusiasts and I want to bring you in on the act!

Chris Beetles will feature over 1,000 pictures, so whether you love to marvel at the freedom of expression of historical, graphic satire, roar with laughter at the wit of contemporary cartoons or be amazed to discover the original illustrations of favourite old and new books, this exhibition will have you enthralled! The exhibition is also perfectly timed for sourcing truly unique Christmas presents that any recipient will relish for years and years.

CROC IN RAIN

By Emma Chichester Clark

culture

...AND WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE AN ELECTION? by Peter Brookes

Cartoons are intended to amuse us but they play other vital roles: The graphic dissemination of political and cultural views; a reminder of our right to free speech; they hold a mirror up to contemporary events and invite us to reflect on whether they are just plain ridiculous or awful enough to demand change. Peter Brookes is a multi-award-winning cartoonist at The Times whose witty, richly-coloured drawings mock politicians in particular. He is probably most famous for his Nature Notes, which link distorted Latin names and the characteristics of creatures from the natural world to portray the undesirable behaviour of people. The result is merciless, hilarious character assassinations – unmatched by any other cartoonist – and guaranteed to deflate the biggest ego. Although some of his satire requires the reader to be aware of the circumstances from which the cartoons emerged, others carry less of a ‘sell by’ date, a typical example being ...AND WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE AN ELECTION? The title’s sexually-charged pun contrasts powerfully with the image of sagging, aged members of the House of Lords and does not necessitate knowledge of Labour’s radical reform of the rights of hereditary peers to induce laughter.

The first Children’s Laureate, Quentin Blake CBE, is renowned also for his illustrations of the Roald Dahl children’s books. His hugely popular, distinctive style generally consists of simple outlines, spiky hair, tiny dots for eyes and a mere line for a mouth, yet in combination, they create

Anticipation by William Heath Robinson

spontaneous, funny figures full of movement.

In MAN AND BOY BOWLING A HOOP the oversized bow-tie and feet, undersized hat, baggy trousers and hoop convey the circus with a few strokes of his pen.

Henry Mayo Bateman was a leading cartoonist of the 1930s and his work is in public collections such as the British Museum, the Cartoon Museum and the V&A. He developed a style that emphasised enlarged heads and exaggerated facial expressions which evoked great characters, CLUB TYPES, NO. 6 THE GAG, being a good example – it may well have been inspired by his fellow members of The Chelsea Arts Club and The London Sketch Club. Bateman was a regular contributor to many publications, including Tatler and Punch, and he created successful posters for the government in WWII, for London Transport, Guinness, Shell and Lucky Strike amongst others.

Shortly after joining Punch as a cartoonist in 1921, the late Ernest Howard Shepard MC, OBE became acquainted with A.A. Milne. Shepard created drawings for numerous books, including Kenneth Grahame’s TheWind in theWillows, but it was his illustrations for Milne, most notably WhenWeWereVeryYoung (CATCHING BUTTERFLIES is one of them) and Winnie the Pooh, which were to bring him international fame. His great observational skills of children at play and their reactions to life’s experiences stemmed from his own childhood and that of his children; the depiction of Winnie the Pooh, for example, was based on his son’s bear, Growler.

Shepard’s delightfully natural drawings were often simply portrayed so children of all ages identified with them and, what’s more, never forgot them. Thus, the cycle was established for Shepard’s illustrations to be treasured by generation after generation. n The Illustrators 2008 15 November – 3 January Chris Beetles Gallery 8 & 10 Ryder Street St. James SW1Y 6QB 020 7839 7551 www.chrisbeetles.com Exhibition catalogue £15

Catching Butterflies by E.H. Shepard

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lifestyle

Being the host with the most!

With the impending festive season heralding party overload, Siobhan Craven-Robins looks at getting it right

P

robably the key concern most of my clients come to me with is the question of “how do we ensure that our wedding is one that is thoroughly enjoyed by all our guests”? The majority of hosts of any kind f event, not just a wedding, fear that their party will be a flop. Although the day is primarily about the commitment the two of you are making to one another, you also want to ensure that everyone there enjoys the celebration.

Usually with a wedding or similar celebratory event you are only inviting people you like and who like you; that automatically makes for a great atmosphere.

Everyone is there to have a good time. With careful planning you can ensure that your celebration will be one that all your guests talk about afterwards!

Timing is key to the day’s success; it should not be too long or too short. There is a tendency for couples to want to spin the day out for as long as possible and this can result in guests getting bored or leaving early. A

drinks reception should last no longer than 90 minutes, as this gives adequate time for you to have photos taken and for guests to mingle and catch up. Dinner service normally takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours, longer if you decide to punctuate the courses with your speeches. This does work well and I always recommend it if the ‘speakers’ are particularly nervous, the earlier they get them over with, the more of the reception they can enjoy.

If you are having dancing afterwards, up to 3 hours is about right. After that guests will start leaving and the party will fizzle out rather than end on a high. I always recommend to my couples that they depart just before the end so that they are leaving while the reception is still buzzing.

Seeing that your guests are well catered for is another way of ensuring a successful event. So long as they are being wined, fed or entertained - they will be happy. It is the long pauses without a drink or anything to distract them that can make a party suddenly feel boring. Make sure that during the drinks reception staff are circulating topping up glasses and that the canapés are being served from different corners of the room so that all your guests are being offered something to eat. There are always a few guests who hover by the service exit and grab the canapés as the staff come out, depriving other guests of the opportunity!

Good entertainment is also a key factor.

A close-up magician, caricature artist or the like work well during a drinks reception. They circulate amongst the guests entertaining them and they also act as a great icebreaker by getting your guests to interact with one another.

Live music is pleasant to listen to and a great distraction too. It creates an instant ambience for your guests as they arrive at the reception and helps pass the time acting as an entertaining diversion.

Your band or DJ for the dancing is a crucial element of your reception – choose carefully! A good band or DJ read the crowd and see what they respond to and will keep your dance floor packed.

Change the lighting for the evening reception – lights should be dimmed and the dance floor illuminated. This creates an instant buzz and is conducive to dancing.

Somehow dancing in daylight or bright light never feels quite right!

Above all, you must remember to relax and enjoy your day. Hosts who are enjoying their own party are the best example for guests to follow! n

For more information on Siobhan’s services, call 020 7481 4338 or visit www.siobhancraven-robins.co.uk

it up Beef In the second of our new recipe series, deWintons the leading event caterer shows you how to create a deceptively simple beef casserole that will feed six to eight people. Alternatively, keep it in the fridge and eat it slowly by yourself during a few wintry nights in BRAISED FEATHERBLADE OF BEEF IN GUINNESS Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to get your beef from a good, local butcher. Ask for a featherblade of beef, cut into six steaks. A featherblade is cut from the thinnest end of the blade and is also known as a shoulder cut.

METHOD 1 Heat a large casserole pan with vegetable oil then season the steaks lightly with salt, pepper and flour and add to the pan. Brown the meat over a moderate heat, remove from the pan and set aside (you may need to do this in several batches).

2 Cut the ten shallots into thin rings and add to the pan. Fry until golden.

3 Add the thyme, peppercorns and Guinness. Bring to the boil and slowly reduce.

4 Return the sealed meat to the pan and pour in enough beef stock to cover.

5 Simmer the casserole for at least two hours, or until the meat is tender.

6 Remove the meat from the sauce, set aside and keep warm.

7 Bring the sauce to the boil and reduce down until lightly thickened.

You might need to thicken the sauce with a little cornflour if required.

8 Return the meat to the sauce and heat through. Serve with mashed potatoes and glazed red cabbage.

IENTS

INGRED

x x x x 10 x 1 x 10 x l 700m x l m 0 50 x 1tsp pepper d n Salt a

3tbsp 1.2kg 100g

oil eaks) vegetable into six st beef (cut e d la b er feath ur plain flo allots banana sh e esh thym fr f sprig o s rn co per black pep s es n in u G beef stock r cornflou

We hope you enjoy making this dish at home but, alternatively, why not let deWintons take on the responsibility and get us to prepare it for you? Whether you have a private dinner party or a corporate event to organise, we cater for all occasions. So, if you want some of our delicious food, catered and served by delightful people, give us a call on: 020 7627 5550 or e-mail: info@dewintons.co.uk www.dewintons.co.uk

Bo

3 rd of da ce an ri 9. . st p £1 M02 4 e y t h ou W jo r y e R o En ts f ing cod v ke sa ing t ic ok

4-7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

LIVE FOR 4 DAYS ONLY!

LIVE – Gordon and friends take on Christmas in a sizzling kitchen theatre with inspiring

Thank Gordon it’s Christmas!

cook-offs and special guests.

All tickets guarantee a seat in one of Gordon’s live Christmas Theatre performances.

SHOP for unique gifts and the best in food and drink, so you can get set for the festive period.

TASTE delicious signature dishes from a range of London’s finest restaurants including some of Gordon’s own.

4 -7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

Event tickets on sale now at:

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22/10/08 12:43:10

food&drink

89

LOVELY

bubbly Cole Porter may not have got a kick out of it, but there are many reasons why Champagne equals perfection, says Stephanie Baxter

W

hen I was offered a press trip that involved Champagne-tasting in France, I jumped at the chance. What could be more pleasant than spending two or three autumn days in beautiful France, gently sipping what is considered to be the alcohol elite? My prior Champagne knowledge was virtually nonexistent. All I knew was that it was a nice, expensive drink usually consumed to mark a very special occasion. Not so.

Little did I realise that what awaited me was a whole little world all of its own, a world of complex tastes, ageing processes and a plethora of different types of Champagne and jargon to accompany it.

To me, Champagne was just one thing – all Champagnes were essentially the same, and if you’d tasted one, you’d tasted them all.

This could not be further from the truth.

And 48 hours, 17 Champagnes and three crème brûlées later, I had become somewhat of an expert on the subject, or so I’d like to think.

The complexity of the whole issue of Champagne starts with the most simple of facts: for a wine to be classed as Champagne, it has to be produced entirely in the Champagne region, a fact that I was totally unaware of before my educational journey began, I am ashamed to admit. Covering just 34,000 hectares of French soil, the region consists of four main areas: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. These areas, subsequently, are made up of the 319 crus, or communes, where the grapes are actually grown.

Protecting the Champagne appellation is a serious business. Despite the fact that if it has not been produced in this region, wine cannot be given the name Champagne, there are constant battles with companies

who wrongly bestow it on their products.

The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) is a private organisation that, among other things, works hard to fight cases of misuse of the appellation.

Surprisingly, this is not merely limited to alcoholic products. In the 1990s, for example,Yves Saint Laurent produced a perfume which they decided to name ‘Champagne’, the removal of which was soon ordered in court in 1999.

As with the geographical location, there are strict rules about what type of grapes can be used to make Champagne. Only three different varieties are used – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, each bringing their own unique taste and character to the wine.

As well as maintaining the regulations surrounding the creation of Champagne and protecting the appellation, the CIVC aims to promote communication between the grape growers and the Champagne houses. The relationship between them can sometimes be complicated, given the imbalance in the statistics of production. The growers, of which there are 15,000 in the region, own 90% of the vineyards but only represent on third of the total Champagne houses. The 300 houses, of which 30 are international, therefore only own a small portion of the land, and yet are responsible for two thirds of sales, and a staggering 90% of all exports.

The houses, then, buy many of the grapes that go into their Champagne direct from the growers. As a result the CIVC acts as a joint trade association, where houses and growers can join together on an equal footing for a common interest: the promotion of Champagne across the world.

It was at the CIVC headquarters in Epernay that my education into the world of Champagne began, starting with

my enlightenment on the process of its production – an absolute must for any other Champagne ignoramuses considering a similar trip to the vineyards and Champagne houses in the region.

In a nutshell, the grapes are harvested in the middle of September, usually exactly 96 days after the vines have started flowering (normally around 6 June), and are then taken to the presses which lie in the heart of the vineyard, just a few hours after picking. The exact timing is crucial, since if pressed too soon, the skins of the grapes would colour the juice. It is the clear juice that is the heart and soul of Champagne. On average, it takes a whole vine to produce just one bottle of Champagne, which gives some indication as to the high price that one must pay for it.

The first fermentation happens in a few days, after which the wines are tasted and the blending of the different cuvées (still wines) takes place in order to create the perfect one. For a standard non-vintage, cuvées from different crus and different years are used, since a uniform taste must be achieved for this, a house’s signature Champagne.

Vintages, on the other hand, must be from a single year, and always one where the harvest has been good. The blend can consist of as little as four or five different wines, and can go up to as many as 50. The blending process really is an art form, and is carried out by a group of trained oenologists with many years of experience.

The bottling follows, where a pinch of yeast and sugar is added, after which the wines are left to rest in cellars for the second fermentation, when the yeast transforms the sugar into alcohol and carbonic gas. Once again, there are rules to be adhered to when it comes to the minimum ageing period. For non-vintages it is 15 months, and three years for vintages.

food&drink

Before it is ready, the sediment must be removed from the Champagne by a very precise method of turning and shaking the bottles (called riddling), and then disgorgement, where the sediment that has collected in the neck by the riddling process is frozen and then expelled due to the sheer pressure in the bottle. More sugar is added as a finishing touch, and it is this that results in even more different champagne types – brut, sec, demisec, etc., each one unique according to the amount of sugar that is put in. The Champagne is then ready to be packaged.

The tasting of Champagne, much like the production process and everything else associated with it, is a matter of the utmost importance, and so at the CIVC I embarked upon a quick master-class into this fine art, in a room that looked more like something from the Starship Enterprise. Come to think of it, our guide did have a certain look of Captain Kirk about him. The tasting is a multi-sensory activity, at first concerned with how it looks in the glass in regard to the colour, the silkiness and the bubbles, which is best viewed against a white background (Star Trek-type pod is not necessary; a piece of plain white paper will do). Next is the smell, with hints of flowers, citrus, grass, spices, dried fruit and even bread having even been detected from different Champagnes. It is the look and smell that acts as a precursor for what is to come: the all-important taste.

There are about as many adjectives to describe its taste as there are different Champagnes, and with a long list of said words having been issued to me at the start, trying to decide which ones went with each Champagne was about as difficult as running a marathon with your eyes shut (not recommended), and it felt very overwhelming.Yet one of the best things about the exercise is that there is no right answer.

Everyone’s palate is unique and is bound to react to certain things differently. Or so I’m told. Let’s hope that wasn’t just something that was said to make me feel better.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Champagne lies in the final part of the tasting process: the decision about when it should be drunk. That is, on what occasion and with what type of food. Again, the matching of Champagne to different events

91

and different food-types is somewhat of an art form, but is most definitely a skill that comes more naturally the more times you exercise it. I am still revelling in the fact that Champagne is and should be a drink that is consumed with a good meal, not just for those birthday or new job celebrations. The novelty of being able to drink a different one with each course did not wear off the slightest bit throughout the four glorious and truly delightful meals I had in Reims and Epernay. Indeed, any meal not consumed in this manner is now a bitter disappointment. However, I can rest assured in the knowledge that, having devoured three in 24 hours, I am a bit further forward in finding the perfect Champagne partner for crème brûlée.

For all those with even the slightest interest in Champagne, the region is a wonderfully enlightening place to visit. To see its production first-hand results in an appreciation of just how much time, care, attention and effort goes into the making of it. The warmth and hospitality of the smallest houses and grape-growers, such as Tarlant, is as endearing as the grandeur and elegance of the larger houses like Lanson and Louis Roederer, and it is well-worth visiting both types if the opportunity arises. Some of the large Champagne houses are not open to the general public, so it is best to check with the CIVC before travelling.

The charm and allure of the region is not restricted to pursuits relating to Champagne, however. The city of Reims is wonderfully enchanting, the surrounding countryside simply breathtaking, and the food divine.

And with Paris only 90 miles away, it could not be more fortunately situated. This is France at its best. n

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You can order your Christmas turkey and all the trimmings from Waitrose, so why not let us do the hard work?

By phone

Waitrose Entertaining can provide everything from canapÂ&#x17D;s and vegetables to cakes and desserts.

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food&drink

“

Mamma mia Robert Cook enjoys a family meal at Devonshire Terrace

“Y

ou’ve never taken me to a restaurant review before. When are you going to take me on one?” This is something food critics hear a lot from their friends and family. So after several months of being at the receiving end from my mother, I took her along to Devonshire Terrace.

This restaurant, which opened near Liverpool Street Station a few months ago, follows the trend for ‘indoor al fresco’ – undercover venues that replicate the al fresco dining experience without the unreliable weather. In this particular case, the eponymous terrace combines a setting like Hay’s Galleria with a tranquillity completely

unlike the hectic eateries on the ‘streets’ of The O2. Visiting for dinner one evening, we found it pleasantly quiet, with a smattering of occupied tables and some groups of suits clustered around the bar.

Bypassing the terrace in the courtyard, we went inside the restaurant proper, took a seat at one of the booths and ordered a bottle of white wine – a fresh and fruity Terrazas Reserva Torrontes from Argentina (£29.50).

A quick glance around proved that Devonshire Terrace is aimed squarely at the Square Mile, with the business lunch as its speciality. One side of the main room is lined with Japanese-style private dining

93

suites, and the restaurant’s location inside an office development means that most people on the street don’t even realise it’s there.

The upshot is that it’s perfect for business lunches during the day, while in the evening it becomes a haven for any dinner occasion – including a meal with your mother.

Our negotiations began at once. In the interests of variety we didn’t both want to eat the same dishes, so I struck a deal with my mother that let her have the succulent Cornish Dressed Crab (£8.25) as her starter. Its subtle flavour was enhanced by the inclusion of mango and avocado. But in the event, I was actually happier to have secured my second choice, the excellent Crispy Duck Salad (£7.95), with its mixture of watercress, coriander, chilli, sesame seeds and, of course, duck.

For the main course I really got down to business, selecting a meaty 28-day-aged sirloin of Black Angus Beef with Béarnaise Sauce (£14.95). It was on the pinkish side of medium but very succulent, and the sauce was deliciously creamy. Meanwhile my mother had the Free Range ‘Yellow Leg’ Chicken Breast (£11.95), which featured (she exclaimed) “the best gravy I have ever tasted”. Her selection of this poultry dish was the reason I’d got the duck salad starter in our opening negotiations. There was no argument over the portions of hand-cut chips and mixed leaf salad, which we shared (£3 each).

Finally, it was time to indulge our sweet teeth. The dessert list wasn’t enormous (the lunch menus are more extensive), but it was still very tempting. I had the ever-so-sweet Sticky Toffee Pudding, while my mother chose the alluring Chocolate Fondant with Honeycomb Ice Cream (£5.50 each).

As my mother sat back, sated, I tried to suppress the mental image of an overstuffed zoo bear. Replacing that thought in my mind was the certainty that she would be satisfied for a long time to come. Or at least, until she discovered one of my colleagues had just taken her mother on a luxury work trip abroad! n Devonshire Terrace Devonshire Square EC2M 4WY 020 7256 3233 www.devonshireterrace.co.uk

bars & restaurants RESTAURANTS

The Slaughtered Lamb

american

34-35 Great Sutton Street, EC1V 0DX Tel: 020 7253 1516

Hawksmoor

greek

157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ Tel: 020 7247 7392 Missouri

76 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1BD Tel: 020 7481 4010

british Bevis Marks The Restaurant

Bevis Marks, EC3 5DQ Tel: 020 7283 2220 Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW Tel: 0845 6861122 Paternoster Chop House

Warwick Court Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX Tel: 020 7029 9400

Mezedopolio

14 Hoxton Market, N1 6HG Tel: 020 7739 8212 The Real Greek

14-15 Hoxton Market, N1 6HG Tel: 020 7739 8212

INDIAN Mehek

45 London Wall, EC2M 5TE Tel: 020 7588 5043 Tiffinbites

23 Russia Row Off Gresham St, EC2V 7PG Tel: 020 7600 4899

MIDDLE EASTERN Kenza

10 Devonshire Sq, EC2M 4YP Tel: 020 7929 5533

Aurora

Cellar Gascon

Great Eastern Hotel Liverpool St, EC2M 7QN Tel: 020 7618 7000 CRU

2-4 Rufus Street, N1 6PE Tel: 020 7729 5252 Fifteen

13-15 Westland Place, N1 7LP Tel: 0871 330 1515 The Larder

91-93 St John Street, EC1M 4NU Tel: 020 7608 1558 One Lombard Street

Baracca

26 St. John Street, EC1M 4AY Tel: 020 7251 0848

2c Cherry Tree Walk, EC1Y 8NX Tel: 0871 0751158

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA Tel: 020 7929 6611

french

Caravaggio

Almeida

107-112 Leadenhall St, EC3A 4DP Tel: 020 7626 6206

Chez Gerard

64 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AJ Tel: 020 7588 1200 Club Gascon

57 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS Tel: 020 7796 0600 Comptoir Gascon

61-63 Charterhouse Street EC1M 6HJ Tel: 020 7608 0851 Coq D’Argent

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

1 Club Row, E1 6JX Tel: 020 7613 1924 Sauterelle

Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR Tel: 020 7618 2483

gastropub

Rhodes Twenty Four

Refettorio

Smiths of Smithfield

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6BD Tel: 020 7438 8052

67-77 Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HJ Tel: 020 7251 7950

Volupté

spanish

The Zetter

86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5JR Tel: 020 7324 4455

japanese Ah-So

206 Upper Street, N1 1RQ Tel: 020 7704 1890 Kurumava

76 Watling St, EC4M 9BJ Tel: 020 7236 0236 Saki

The Ambassador

55 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL Tel: 020 7837 0009

tokyo city

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

88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH Tel: 020 7253 6950

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ Tel: 020 7877 7703

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JX Tel: 020 7489 7033

Duke of Cambridge

Portal Restaurant and Bar

141-142 Upper Street, N1 1QY Tel: 020 7288 2488

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

46 Gresham Street, EC2V 7AY Tel: 020 7726 0308

mexican

The Peasant

Green & Red

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

51 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA Tel: 020 7749 9670

Cantaloupe

35 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3PB Tel: 020 7613 4411

italian

La Porchetta

5 Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AY Tel: 020 7657 8088

modern european

St John

30 Almeida Street, N1 1AD Tel: 020 7354 4777

Bonds

Casa Catalina

8 Bride Lane, EC4Y 8DT Tel: 020 7353 6431 Fuego

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS Tel: 020 7796 0600 Cicada

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 4JT Tel: 020 7608 1550 Corney & Barrow

1 Leadenhall Place, EC3M 7DX Tel: 020 7621 9201 Dion

52-56 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 2BJ Tel: 020 7702 911 Fishmarket Champagne Bar

Great Eastern Hotel Liverpool St, EC2M 7QN Tel: 020 7618 7215 The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 5AA Tel: 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar

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

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

233 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ Tel: 020 7247 8989 Match EC1

1A Pudding Lane, EC3R 8LB Tel: 020 7929 3366

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

Moro

Ortega

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

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR Tel: 020 7623 1818

bars

Vertigo 42

Abacus

24 Cornhill, EC3V 3ND Tel: 020 7337 6767 Balls Brothers

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 8AE Tel: 020 7600 2720 Bankside EC2

30 Throgmorton St, EC2N 2BL Tel: 0800 912 0575

Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ Tel: 020 7877 7842 Prism

147 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4QT Tel: 020 7256 3888 93 Feet East

150 Brick Lane, E1 6RU Tel: 020 7053 2031 19:20

The Big Chill Bar

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

19-20 Great Sutton St, EC1V 0DR Tel: 020 7253 1920

citylifepromotion

95

A feast of ideas for Christmas and New Year with Waitrose Entertaining at Waitrose Barbican Waitrose Entertaining is the hassle-free food ordering service that will help make catering a pleasure this Christmas and New Year.

There’s delicious food to wow your guests, be it at a festive feast or an office party, and you can easily tailor your menu to the occasion with the range of options on offer.

For a Christmas feast fit for a king, you can order everything you need from a Bronze Feathered Free Range Turkey to all the traditional trimmings, including Honey Glazed Parsnips and Sprouts with Chestnuts. If you’d like something a bit different for your Christmas dinner this year, why not order a Free Range Four Pig Roast or Dry Aged Aberdeen Angus Wing Rib of Sirloin.

If you are hosting a festive party, discover the gorgeous range of canapés and buffet dishes like Brie & Cranberry Parcels and Mini Pork & Mustard Melton Mowbray Pies. Or if that’s all under control, just order from the range of tasty desserts such as the Bagatelle Chocolate Etoile Gateau or Luxury Sherry Trifle .

All the dishes are made with the finest,

freshest ingredients and come fully prepared with cooking, heating and serving instructions, making entertaining effortless and leaving you with more time to spend with your guests.

Ordering is easy - you can visit Waitrose, Cherry Tree Walk Centre, Barbican to talk to a Waitrose Entertaining expert, you can even order online at waitrose.com/entertaining or by calling 0800 169 2701. Whatever way you choose to order, you’ll find our experts are happy to help you plan your event. It’s as easy as falling off a Christmas log.

Just make sure your Christmas order is placed

by Monday 15th December and Sunday 21 December for your New Years order … then relax - Waitrose will do the rest.

You can order all of your wine for the festive season with Waitrose Wine Direct by visiting: www.waitrose.com/wine or call 0800 188 881. There are special monthly promotions as well as a 5% discount on any case of six or more bottles and free standard delivery to anywhere in the UK. Waitrose Barbican even has a free glass loan service so that you can borrow all the wine glasses, goblets and Champagne flutes that you need for entertaining - simply visit the Customer Order Point in-branch to arrange your loan.

Thecredit crunchies Health and wellbeing experts are doing well out of bodies and minds caving in under the credit crunch crisis, says Alice Tozer

C

onversation rarely requires thought these days; all we need employ is one trusty mantra: ‘ah, that’ll be the credit crunch’. Silent assenting nods all round. For this reason, I want to be very careful about what I say about this phrase: it deserves sparing, even sacred use.

Much has already been said about the flip side to the credit crunch, that is, those areas that are benefiting from the downwardly spiralling economy around them. Such sectors include coffee manufacturing (of the homemade genre), frill-free holiday makers and computer game sellers. The list is a predictable blend of anything, anywhere, which stands for low cost, comfort and / or escapism.

In a laughably clichéd extension of the ‘finding comfort at home when times are tough’ saga, it has been reported that maternity retailers are seeing a rise in sales, as couples look to ‘entertain’ themselves at home (an evident short-term solution where a blind eye is turned to the costs to be incurred later down the line...).

But my favourite story comes from London restaurateur Herbert Berger, chef patron of City restaurant 1 Lombard Street. Comparing customer orders between 2007 and 2008,

he has noticed a substantial increase in requests for hearty dishes that would sooth even the most troubled financial soul. Bangers and mash, braised and stewed meat dishes and comforting game pies are all up a third on last year, whilst sales of soup have nearly doubled.

Encouraging such restaurantgoers to head to the gym instead of gourmet food for comfort are personal trainers. Jon Denoris (MSc CSCS) has just launched Club 51 in the heart of Marylebone, using exercise as the medium to help business leaders to cope with stress. He is convinced that now is the time to offer an elite one-to-one service, as levels of anxietyridden business executives reach record highs. Denoris, who has a Masters in Sports Science and is qualified as a strength and conditioning coach, appreciates that City workers are being affected both physiologically and mentally by the climate.

Denoris is eager to disassociate himself from the watery term ‘life coaching’ (which has become curiously fashionable of late). Denoris’ ‘type A’ personality clients – all high achievers – work with a small team of highly trained sports coaches who aim not to rid their clients’ lives of stress (they couldn’t even if they

wanted) but to teach them how to manage it, and to set goalsetting strategies to deal with the situation in hand.

The type of City employee turning to Club 51 lives in a 24/7 society, juggling erratic and long working hours. “These people can come to the gym at any time they wish because their working hours aren’t like the rest of ours.” Just as well for them, since Denoris tells me that hormonal fluctuations mean that exercising mid-afternoon is the best time to combat stress.

It is telling that his City clients diarise their appointments at Gym 51 like they would a working lunch.

Club 51 is actually a joint venture between Denoris and Central Investment Properties, hence the plush listed building in which the gym lies. Incidentally, the high-end property market is said to be booming, whilst the rest of the property market is left in its wake. London property developer, Nicholas Trimmatis of CBG Worldwide says: “I compare how the highend market is being affected by the general economic situation to a plane flying in the Gulf Stream at 45,000 ft as opposed to a Boeing 737 flying at 30,000ft. In other words the high-end market is above the weather conditions. The sorts of

lifestyle

people who invest in high-end property are not affected by issues such as the credit crunch.

They don’t need to borrow money to make purchases, so they’re not dependent on lenders that have made it more difficult and costly to obtain mortgages.” Private jetting is another industry benefitting for parallel reasons.

There is a stark absence of pumping vibes in Club 51’s gym and only two to three people are allowed in at a time. “We believe in a therapeutic alliance between coach and client, which works better in a more discreet environment,” says Denoris, who is also quick to point out how the average person’s usage patterns of an ordinary gym can just add their stress. “Stress is additive, so the kind of excessive and repetitive activity we see in everyday gyms can have a negative effect,” he says. “Too much cardio work can produce excessive amounts of the stress hormone (cortisol), whilst repeating the same exercises can lead to an equivalent of repetitive strain injury, which

has been linked to stress in its widest form, so the cycle is circular.” Exercise is the perfect outlet for stress, but when used in the correct way.

Somewhere particularly apt for taking stock in the City is E Rejuvenation Centre which occupies a renovated conference centre on London’s Commercial Street. The therapy rooms are cavernous and decorated modestly in hues according to the four elements, lending the main focus of the rooms to the large massage chairs.

The difference of rejuvenation therapy lies principally in its focus on group relaxation, the thought being that the more people the greater the energy buzz and the more effective the rejuvenation of the tired City bods who take to their chairs.

A one-hour rejuvenation session involves nearhypnotisation from the calming voice of a rejuvenation guru who relaxes the mind with her hypotonic words on the treatment, whilst a group of socalled ‘energy experts’ employ bodily relaxation techniques Jon Denoris

97

E Rejuvenation Centre

Club 51 CityLife readers are offered 50% off Club 51’s initial Wellness Assessment (usually £150). The assessment is a comprehensive bench mark of a client’s current health and fitness status, using the physiological parameters of resting metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These measures ensure that your programme ahead will be safe, effective and achievable. Club 51 will also test your aerobic fitness level, whole body functional strength, and core stability. An assessment of your posture and a full dietary analysis complete your physiological results. The wellness Assessment is designed to facilitate breakthroughs in lifestyle and behavioural barriers in order to accentuate wellbeing. Call 020 7258 8456, quoting CityLife. www.clubfiftyone.co.uk

The Pilates Reformer Centre CityLife readers are offered a free initial Pilates Reformer class when they set up an online account at this City central venue.

Reformer Pilates is a step above mat-based Pilates, designed to give participants a stronger, more engaged core, and lean, toned muscles. In addition, it improves posture and will help back pain or shoulder and neck tightness. Call 020 7377 1819, quoting CityLife. www.pilatesk.co.uk

iGlobal Recently launched iGlobal pioneers a worldwide network of personal fitness training services for the corporate market. It enables individuals to work out in private rather than in the company gym next to employee or boss, and at times beyond when the gym is even open, whilst also providing the solution to balancing business travel with maintaining some sort of health and fitness levels owing to its extensive network of personal trainers worldwide, from Britain to Beijing to Buenos Aires. With athletics legend David Moorcroft as UK chairman, it has expert direction. Furthermore, ex-Lehman Brothers employee Sphinx Patterson is one of iGlobal’s personal trainers, ever since being made redundant from the firm; who better to know firsthand the challenges of combating high stress levels in the City? This is definitely a service to make your company aware of. www.iglobalfitness.net

E Rejuvenation Centre In November, CityLife readers making a pre-booking for the ‘Rejuvenation treatment’, which lasts one hour and costs £98, can bring a friend or colleague free. Call 020 7650 0718, quoting CityLife. www.erejuvenation.co.uk

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lifestyle

on the clients. Melting into a state of utter relaxation, my colleague and I were treated to masochistically comforting gentle poundings of mini Chinese hammers and a massage (fully-clothed - how practical and yet still very effective).

Particular emphasis was paid to my extremities and pressure points, to excellent effect. I became as relaxed as a jelly fish and the hummings of my guru detracted my wandering thoughts towards her uplifting talk – far more therapeutic.

What, exactly, is an ‘energy expert’? In a nutshell: a qualified practitioner in massage and relaxation. The term might sound provocative to a sepctical, rational Western mind but the fact remains that I felt completely rejuvenated afterwards and for an entire hour I had been under a physical and mental spell that had only done me good. Afterwards, upon sipping my rose tea and biting into fresh strawberries

at the bar – all part of the service – I felt, as advertised, rejuvenated and not even sleepy.

Later, I noticed improved concentration levels when I returned to work and felt ready to take onboard the day’s many challenges.

The centre strikes me as a great place to pop into, to manage stress levels during a busy working day. If, however, the situation has become critical and we’re talking cure rather than prevention, E Rejuvenation Centre runs a Fit For Work programme which aims to get employees who have become absent from work for stressrelated reasons back to their desks within two weeks. The programme has a full money back guarantee.

It might be a conundrum for directors to know the trustiest areas in which to invest money right now, but by investing in their employees’ wellbeing, they can expect a high return on health. n

An end to

snoring A revolutionary laser treatment is putting a stop to the nightmare of nightly snoring

A

s many as 25% of the UK population are habitual snorers.

And, whilst snoring can be seen as a topic of amusement for some, it is no laughing matter for those who suffer. Daytime tiredness, increased irritability and memory problems are just some of the side effects associated with snoring. It has also been linked to much more serious health problems such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and even strokes.

Craig Noble, an Independent Financial Adviser from Essex, had never associated his lack of energy with his snoring. But, since having a revolutionary laser treatment at The Private Clinic on Harley Street, Craig now realises the extent to which it was impacting on his quality of life.

“I have a very demanding, and at times stressful job, and for the last few years have felt constantly tired. I put it down to working too hard and not sleeping for long enough, but since my snoring has stopped I’ve realised that it was the quality of my sleep that was the problem, not the quantity. If my snoring didn’t disturb me frequently throughout the night, then a dig in the ribs from my wife certainly would.

“I had tried all the over-the-counter products such as throat sprays and mouth guards but nothing seemed to work. I heard about this laser treatment at The Private Clinic and decided it was worth giving a go. I am so pleased I did. It has made an enormous difference to my energy levels during the day and both my wife and I are less irritable.”

The treatment Craig had is called laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty, or LAUP. It is a non-invasive treatment which is performed under local anaesthetic and takes just a few minutes to complete. During the procedure, a laser beam is used to reshape the uvula and to tighten the excess tissue that surrounds it. It is when the uvula is unnecessarily long that it vibrates excessively during sleep and makes the snoring sound. n

For more information or to book a free consultation, call 0800 599 9916 or visit www.theprivateclinic.co.uk A treatment session at E Rejuvenation Centre

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lifestyle

101

SHAME ON YOU!

HOW BEING ASHAMED KEEPS YOU DOWN

by Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist

S

hame is an emotion no-one wants to talk about – unsurprisingly – but the latest thinking in psychology is that it could account for much selfdestructive behaviour.

Behaviours as far apart as over-eating for comfort, or hiding yourself away after losing your job, may have their underlying roots in shame. Shame probably starts with being rejected by others in some way – perhaps you got the axe at work or are rebuffed by someone you fancied. Shame is what you feel because you decide you deserve to be treated this way by life.

Dr. Jessica Van Vliet, a psychologist based at the University of Alberta in Canada has just published a study in the Journal of Counselling Psychology arguing that it’s only by directly tackling shame with specific psychological strategies that we can learn to move on and rebuild our lives. She says it’s vital we attack our shame because it’s this emotion that lies at the heart of unhelpful behaviours like not exercising or getting back in the job market.

The argument in Dr. Van Vleit’s paper is that shame is one of the most powerful emotions, and yet its hold over us is neglected because perhaps it frequently operates at levels below conscious awareness.

She points out that it’s the potential experience of shame which often keeps us more in line than rules and regulations.

We fervently don’t want to lose face in front of others, but why is this such a powerful motivator? Van Vliet argues that we all suffer from a basic need to appear attractive to the world at large. Indeed, it is contended from another branch of psychology that practically all conversation is designed subtly to enhance our status in the eyes of the person we are talking to.

The reason, then, that shame is so aversive is because to be disapproved of or ostracised by others has dramatic implications for one’s social standing.

Shame leads to some important consequences. A one key one is avoidance – we want to avoid the pain of shame so we avoid it with various self-destructive behaviours, such as drinking or overeating.

Van Vliet has come up with some key strategies. She termed the overall strategy Refocusing; she refers to this as a shift in energy and attention to goals, interests, and positive behaviours that enhance the self and counterbalance the negative judgments and powerlessness associated with shame.

In order to refocus you have to start by ‘shifting priorities’.

In this tactic, instead of ruminating on what went wrong or what you lost, your attention shifts toward goals, activities, and relationships that strengthen your positive self-concept, sense of power, and control.

‘Focusing on the Positive’ is another key approach to overcoming shame which Dr. Van Vliet advocates. The tactic here is to redirect attention away from your shortcomings to your strengths. If you are ashamed of your body, for example, you may want to think about which bits of your body you could take pride in, rather than obsessing all the time on those parts you hate.

to clearing away external and internal sources of negativity that perpetuate the shame. In some instances, this means distancing from people whose implied or overt criticism or hostility threaten your sense of well-being. So hanging around with people still at work in your old organisation, when you got the sack, may not be great for your self-esteem.

Instead, argues Van Vleit, immerse yourself in more supportive environments.

‘Distancing’, as Van Vleit puts it, provides the opportunity to make a fresh start without being weighed down by constant reminders of the shame event.

‘Focusing on Action’ is the final approach that Van Vleit advocates, and this is another form of ‘refocusing’, which in this case means shifting attention away from the pain of the shame experience toward constructive actions you can take to address the situation.

In cases in which individuals have wronged others through their actions, practical steps may be taken to redress any harm caused.

Shame is what you feel because you decide you deserve to be treated this way by life Van Vliet also argues that perhaps the most powerful antidote to shame is pride, and satisfaction is best developed through comparing yourself with those who have done much worse than you. So you may be overweight or have just lost your job, and this may make you feel the worst person on the planet, but what about comparing yourself with all those who are much more overweight, and those who lost their jobs?

‘Working on Self-improvement’ is another key tactic advocated by Van Vleit, and by this she is referring to anything you do which is helpful to your health or general self in the longer term. These tactics would include making healthy lifestyle changes and will enhance positive self-concept, self-esteem, and sense of personal control.

Establishing a sense of personal control in overcoming shame shows to yourself that you can re-learn to rely on yourself. Clearing away negativity, Van Vleit argues, is also crucial to overcoming shame, and by this she is referring

The psychological power of ‘taking action’ as a strategy is that it helps to counteract the sense of powerlessness and inadequacy that characterises shame.

So going for a run or doing some brief yoga exercises or checking the Internet for jobs are all practical focusing on action strategies if you are coping with the shame of losing your job or relapsing on a healthy eating plan.

Shame is about feeling bad about yourself – but given your ‘self’ is all that you have in life, feeling bad about your universe produces a cycle of negativity which leads to eventual despair. Understanding the need for tackling shame is about appreciating why you need to look after yourself and why your ‘self’ deserves looking after. n Reference: Shame and Resilience in Adulthood: A Grounded Theory Study Journal of Counseling Psychology, Volume 55, Issue 2, April 2008, Pages 233-245 K. Jessica Van Vliet

!

NG ecial?

I N sp OR S M meone A o SM HRI r that s C N s. fo D O resent tificate E T r A p e REIC ck for a ur gift c P P BE A you stu orget o f Are don’t n e Th

NEW FOR DECEMBER! ‘THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS WORKOUT!’

‘SNOW-FIT COURSES’

‘JAMES BOND WORKOUT’ These are 4, 6, 8, and 10 week intensive programmes visiting the studio 3 times per week for just 20 minutes.

Remember 20 minutes is equivalent to over 1 hour of conventional exercise.

Visit our website www.fitnessforeverybody.co.uk and click on specialist courses for more information and prices Fitness for Every Body Power-Plate & Personal Training Studio Trowbray House The Leathermarket 108 Weston Street London SE1 3QB Tel: 0207 403 9988 reception@fitnessforeverybody.co.uk

competition

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TCA Peel Competition Transform your skin this winter with a course of TCA Peel treatments designed to reveal a fresher you

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t a time when premature ageing is a real issue, the TCA Peel offers a solution to skin concerns and is specially designed for busy people. The light peel helps improve fine lines, pigmentation, acne, poor tone and smokers’ skin. A safe, light skin peel, it also works to minimise wrinkles, make tired skin sparkle and smooth out fine lines. The unisex treatment is ideal for helping discolouration, open pores, and even scars and stretch marks.

The standard course of four treatments involves using a mild solution of active ingredient Trichloroacetic acid, which gently peels off the first superficial layers of the epidermis of the skin to reveal a fresher, younger and a more evenly toned layer underneath. The course of peels is usually spaced from one to two weeks apart, in order to promote a skin ‘regeneration cycle.’

The Skin Tech Easy TCA procedure is very convenient and can easily be performed during lunchtimes, with little redness or other tell tale signs to let colleagues know what you’ve been up to! And just like a facial, you can fit it into a regular day with minimal disruption.

We are offering one lucky reader a treatment course of four 30 minute Easy TCA Peels plus six weeks of homecare creams from their nearest Transform clinic. The London Clinics are on New Cavendish Street, Finchley and Fulham High Street.

For the chance to win, simply send your name, address and telephone number to competitions@runwildmedia.com, stating ‘TCA PEEL COMPETITION’ in the subject line of your email.

Closing date: 30 November 2008. The Editor’s decision is final. www.transforminglives.co.uk

Win a Bond Experience Forget sedately streamlining the Thames on a tourist boat, Thames Rib’s boating experiences are for the aspiring secret agent Thames Rib has recently launched its Bond Experience tour on the Thames. Those who subscribe enjoy a hair-raising spin upon the Thames, in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) – the Lamborghini of the water. The speeds reached by this boat – which is of the same genre as lifeguard boats and one of the fastest animals on the Thames – are a tad frightening, but unmatchable in their exhilaration. The boat is powered by a twin 245hp engine set-up and swings across the water, skimming the surface and leaning at 45 degree angles, cutting into the water.

The Bond package is all this, plus a tour of the M15 and M16 buildings (from the water). At this point the speed of the boat slows somewhat, to allow you to take in all the fascinating facts.You get information about the life of bond’s author Ian Fleming, who once worked in these buildings and his feelings towards arch enemy

Scaramanga. This is all, of course, set to the genuine Bond theme tune we all know and love, creating an atmosphere of drama and jovial shenanigans on the Thames.You could take it very seriously of course, and pretend to be Bond, James Bond. This is, after all, the closest you might ever get.

Thames Rib’s Bond Experience can form the ultimate corporate entertainment package – what better way to achieve utter escapism from the office antics, for between 50 minutes and two hours? Thames Rib has teamed up with CityLife to offer 6 pairs of tickets, worth £58 per pair.

For the chance to win, simply send your name, address and telephone number to: bondexperience@ runwildmedia.com, stating ‘THAMES RIB BOND COMPETITION’ in the subject line of your email.

Closing date: 30 November 2008.

The Editor’s decision is final.

citylife

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Black oil and vinegar set Combining great looks with a unique non-drip feature, the Nokka Black Oil and Vinegar set has a readymade ‘drip’ at the end of the spout. The small holes allow users to control how much oil and vinegar is added to salads and the bottles are very easy to refill. Inspiration if ever there was to keep the salads going, albeit intermittently, across the festive period.

Winter bed socks These scrumptious bed socks from Austique are 100% cashmere and come in a variety of colours. A stylish yet practical investment and perfect for some winter snuggling. £65 www.austique.co.uk

£60.00 www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk

Butler’s Café Since 1932, Butlers Chocolates have been Ireland’s leading confectioners.

This Autumn, Butlers opened Butlers Chocolate Café in Westfield shopping centre. Every drink comes with a free chocolate whilst Butler’s award winning Hot Chocolate is reputed to be the tastiest, creamiest ever. Why not combine Christmas shopping for others with a little cocoa treat for yourself?

Westfield Shopping Centre Ariel Way, W12 7GG 9am – 9pm Monday to Sunday

Camitz Sparkling Vodka Camitz Sparkling Vodka is a natural and refreshing Swedish sparkling vodka. As a highly versatile super premium drink, it can be used to create new twists on classic cocktails.

Barcelona tapas bar y restaurante Too much stodgy British cuisine can leave even most patriotic among us leaving bloated during the Christmas period. Barcelona Tapas Bar y Restaurante offers a range of Spanish food products to take home, many of which are very hard to find in the UK. From olive oils to Turron, Mantecados and a whole leg of jamón serrano; perfect to feed family and friends over the Christmas period. www.barcelona-tapas.com

Connemara peated single malt irish whiskey

The delicate bubbles also make the vodka a delightful drink to sip on its own and the perfect accompaniment to a range of foods. Patricia Field selected the drink for her Sex and the City party in New York earlier this year.

The Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independently owned distillery, has revived the lost, ancient technique of drying the malting barley over peat fires for their Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

This method leads to a unique and authentic taste and aroma, a marriage of sweetness and smokiness, where hints of chocolate vanilla and oak leave a mouth-watering taste.

70cl Bottle £25.09 www.thedrinkshop.com

£25 Available from Waitrose

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Perfect Party Pieces Looking gorgeous is simple when you have the perfect party wardrobe-a show stopping evening dress, statement shoes and glamorous clutch bagtimeless classics that guarantee instant glamour. For gorgeous party wear and extra special gifts choose from the fabulous Hobbs Autumn Winter collection in stores now.

3 Bishopsgate Arcade, EC2M 3YD

Christmas at the London Coliseum English National Ballet returns to the Coliseum from 3 December to 11 January with a glittering season featuring The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Manon, providing a finale of love and luxury. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a little ballet to warm the soul.

0871 011 0200 www.ballet.org.uk

64-72 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LT www.hobbs.co.uk

Newby teas Newby Teas specialises in premium black, green, herbal and fruit infusions. Previously only available in select establishments such as Claridges and One Aldwych, the caffeinated goodness can now be snapped up in Selfridges, as well as delicatessens and online. Through a rigorous process of sampling, tasting and selection only during the prime growing season, Newby selects the finest teas and tisanes. Newby as a tea for every occasion and palate. Packed in foil in distinctive metal caddies.

Paul’s Extraordinary Biscuits from PT’s Created by Paul Tidmarsh, after a sevenyear personal quest to make the perfect all-natural biscuit, the crumbly, rich, buttery loveliness of these sweet things is unrivalled. Available on Virgin Upper Class flights and now through online, they come in beautifully packaged chic boxes and funky glass jars, making ideal luxury Christmas gifts or indulgences. £10 upwards www.ptbakery.com

£5.45 www.newbyteas.com

The pure package

The luxury travel fair

The Pure Package, a gourmet food delivery service in London, is an extremely convenient service perfect for time starved professionals. Aimed at business travelers is The Pure Package’s take off and landing package which provides a specially designed programme to ensure travellers have all the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy on long flights or to deal with hectic schedules that includes lots of traveling.

Many of us like to dream of warmer climes over the festive period and will jump into a frenzy of holiday booking as soon as 2009 arrives. What better source of inspiration that The Luxury Travel Fair, which will urge you to holiday in style by presenting the most exclusive resorts, first-class travel specialists, five-star hotels and luxury tour operators?

www.purepackage.com

6 – 9 November Olympia, London

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The Race of Champions is one of the most spectacular motorsport events assembling the best drivers from across the globe

S

tars from the worlds of Formula 1, World Rally, World Superbike, touring cars and Le Mans will gather at Wembley Stadium on December 14 to fight it out in a range of highperformance cars, on a purpose-built tarmac track laid over the famous Wembley pitch.

Confirmed for this year’s Race of Champions so far are the greatest drivers of all time from F1, World Rally, World Touring cars and Le Mans, including seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, four-times World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx, and many more like newly-crowned triple Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss.

Add in plenty of spectacular demonstration drives, exhibitions and stunt shows, and The Race of Champions truly is an unmissable event for all the family.

You could be inside Wembley Stadium for this thrilling and unique event thanks to Canary Wharf and The Race of Champions. We’ve got 5 pairs of tickets to the Dec 14 raceday to give away. To win a pair of tickets, simply answer this question: How many F1 World titles has Michael Schumacher won? a) Seven b) Eight c) Nine Send your answers to: competition@runwildmedia.com stating ROC in the subject box.

Tickets for The Race of Champions are on sale now and are available by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at www. raceofchampions.com. Adult prices start at £18 and child tickets at £9.

“a happy co-educational school” The Good Schools Guide

St Dunstan’s College the best start for a City Life A forward-thinking and successful independent school for 3 to 18 year olds. We give our pupils a superb all-round education designed to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.

The IB Diploma - the qualification for a global world, recognised and commended by top universities and employers - is offered in the Sixth Form alongside A Levels.

Close historical links to the City are matched by quick access via public transport.

The College is just 2 minutes walk from Catford stations served by: o London Bridge (14 minutes) o Greenwich (15 minutes) o Canary Wharf (25 minutes) o Lewisham DLR (5 minutes) College coach service operates from Clapham and Dulwich via the South Circular Find out more: Wed 5 November Thu 13 November Sat 15 November

1400-1600 0900-1130 0930-1130

16+ Open Afternoon for Students 7+ Open Morning 11+ Open Morning

For more information or to reserve a place at any of our events, visit www.stdunstans.org.uk or contact 020 8516 7200 or admissions@sdmail.org.uk St Dunstan’s College, Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY | Charity number 312747

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14/10/2008 13:36:31

5 November – 29th November

Is Your Career Important To You?

ART AND EXHIBITIONS HIDDEN DELIGHTS Conley Harris elaborates on the otherworldliness of painting by borrowing extensively from distant pictorial traditions of seventeenth and eighteenth-century India and Iran. He also uses narrative from miniature paintings, depicting stories of gods, kings and lovers as they were sung by bards within the courtly cultures of India and Iran.

Indar Pasricha Fine Arts 22 Connaught Street, W2 2AF 020 7724 9541

6 November - 12 November EVENT LONDON KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL An unmissable selection of the best of Korean Cinema both past and present, this year’s highlights include the Cannes 2008 hit ‘The Good, the Bad and the Weird’ and a screen talk with director Kim Ji-Woon.

The Barbican Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 0845 120 7527 www.barbican.org.uk/film

6-9 November EVENT CONDE NAST LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR Showcasing a definitive collection of tailor-made travel experiences, from adventure to the ultimate in relaxation.

The Conde Nast Luxury Travel fair is the most stylish event for the discerning traveller.

London Olympia 0871 230 1091 www.luxurytravelfair.com

8 November EVENT LORD MAYOR’S SHOW The Lord Mayor’s Show has been going for 800 years and attracts more than half a million people. The procession will start at Mansion House at 11am, after the splendour of the parade head down to Waterloo Bridge to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display at 5pm.

Mansion House, EC4 Fireworks 5pm, Waterloo Bridge www.lordmayorsshow.org

• • • •

Redundancy worries, need to professionally prepare your CV? In need of some professional career advice?

Considering changing your role, company or even industry?

Thinking of negotiating a pay-rise, promotion or bonus?

Forward your CV (however old) to careerhelp@selfinvestcareers.com and we will send you back some free pointers to demonstrate just how useful we can be.

Details will not be retained or forwarded and remain strictly confidential.

Uniquely tailored CV and Covering Letter Services – Form Completion – Interview Skills Training – Psychometric Testing – Career Change Advice – Self-Confidence Coaching – Work Issues/ Problems Advisory Service – Salary Negotiation Advisory Service – Performance Appraisal Advice – Document Proof Reading – Complete Makeover

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what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

11 November

14 -16 November

Event

Event

AMPHITHEATRE VISIT

THE BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW

The museum of London is giving you the chance to see the excavated remains of London’s only Roman Amphitheatre preserved underneath Guildhall Yard. Tickets include a guided tour with the ‘Roman’ curator.

A celebration of great British food, the BBC Good Food Show returns to London’s Olympia with Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthal, a host of celebrity chefs and the UK’s finest producers showcasing their mouth watering creations. The Show promises to be a culinary experience unlike any other.

© Museum of London

Museum of London 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN Tel: 0870 444 3852 www.museumoflondon.org.uk

12 November

29th November

Event

Event

OXFORD STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

HENNESSY GOLD CUP

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are back for their 49th year. Join the thousands that will gather outside House of Fraser to witness the big ‘Switch On’.

20/10/08

16:00

An event to see and been seen. The Hennessy Gold Cup is one of the UK’s oldest sponsored races and was one of the Queen Mother’s favourites, a great place for a little pre-Christmas indulgence.

Newbury Racecourse Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ 01635 40015 www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk

House of Fraser Oxford Street, W1

gaslight_citymag

Kensington Olympia 0870 040 0324 www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

Page 1

With 65 years of history, the Gaslight Club, situated in St. James, is considered to be an icon with business men, celebrities, movie stars and politicians. All having savoured the atmosphere, the fine champagne's and attractive dancing companions of this unique venue.

We have a FREE complimentary chauffeur service to and from our club please call 020 7930 3095

With a 9pm-5am Licence (six days a week) Marble Dance Floor Unique Alcoves Unlimited Musical Choice So whether you are entertaining clients, closing a business deal or simply to have fun, the Gaslight Club must be your chosen venue.

THIS

IS THE PLACE TO BE AND BE SEEN!

FREE VIP membership and brochure available on request

The Gaslight Club 4 Duke of York Street (off jermyn Street) London SW1Y 6LA Telephone: 020 7930 3095 | Email: info@gaslightclub.co.uk | www.gaslightclub.co.uk

citylifepromotion

St Joseph’s Hospice The People Who Care

S

t Joseph’s exists to help people live life to the full, to the very last. It has been enhancing lives, easing pain and bringing comfort and understanding for over a hundred years.

St Joseph’s broad range of services enriches the lives of patients and their families from the diverse communities of east and north-east London. St Joseph’s end of life care is available to all those who can benefit from it: we work to meet all the needs of our patients, including those which reflect their ethnic, cultural or religious heritage.

St Joseph’s broad range of services enriches the lives of patients and their families St Joseph’s team of specialist doctors, nurses, social workers and other skilled staff and volunteers, provide pain control and symptom relief for those whose illness cannot be cured. Patients are treated both in their own homes and in the hospice on Mare Street in Hackney. In-patients at St Joseph’s enjoy some of the most modern facilities in Europe which have been designed to accommodate the diverse needs of the many communities we serve.

The care and treatment available at St Joseph’s helps patients live as actively as possible for as long as possible. It also supports the whole person, offering practical, emotional and spiritual help in addition to the medical care.

The Day Hospice, social work team, chaplaincy, bereavement and children’s bereavement services all work to meet the needs of those with cancer and other life limiting illnesses as well as those of their families and carers.

St Joseph’s provides a full range of community and inpatient services to the people of Hackney, City of London, Newham and Tower Hamlets, as well as inpatient care for people in Camden, Enfield, Harringey, Islington, Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

All services are provided free. St Joseph’s is a charity and depends on the generosity of its supporters to enable it to continue its work.

This year, in common with everyone else, St Joseph’s faces rising costs and financial uncertainty. The need for our services gets no less just because money is tight. n To make donations, contact: St Joseph’s Hospice, Mare St, E8 4SA 020 8525 6000 info@stjh.org.uk www.stjh.org.uk

109

Discover...

...five beautifully restored Coach Houses at Sundridge Park, Kent The Grade II listed Coach Houses at Sundridge Park have been beautifully restored to form 5 elegant and spacious homes over 2, and in one case, 3 floors.

Adjacent to two renowned golf courses, surrounded by breathtaking parkland and benefiting from a fantastic specification, Sundridge Park offers everything you could desire for a modern, comfortable lifestyle in a truly classical and unrivalled setting.

Prices from ÂŁ725,000 Call: 020 8313 7468

www.sundridge-park.co.uk Building Excellence

Marketing Suite & Show Apartment now open. Viewing by private appointment only.

November

UK & International Property

112

property

Residential rents fall in central London as stock continues to rise

P

rime central London rents fell by 1.8% during the third quarter of the year, with more stock from ‘forced landlords’ coming onto the market.

Liam Bailey, Head of Residential Research, at Knight Frank says, “This is a larger drop than in the previous quarter, when rents fell only marginally, by 0.5%, and as a result annual growth has now decreased to 1.7%.” He adds that, “the main cause of the falls in most markets is the number of ‘forced landlords’ who have opted to rent out their primary residence – either because they cannot sell at the price they deem appropriate, or are waiting for the market to turn. As a consequence, the quality and quantity of rental stock has noticeably increased over the past few months, increasing the choice for tenants and driving down rents. They have been joined by a number of developers who are choosing to let out their unsold properties.”

But what does this actually mean?

Basically, capital values are falling more

rapidly than rents, consequently yields in central London are continuing to rise, now standing at 4.2%, compared to 3.9% a year ago. There is evidence however that the amount of new stock coming onto the market has peaked. Liam says, “Given the problems in the sales market, we anticipate that demand will remain strong. Consequently, rents are unlikely to fall any faster over the next three months.

They could begin to rise next year, as demand begins to exceed supply, although the ability of tenants to pay higher rents will clearly depend on wider economic factors. We expect rapid growth over the next year, as prices continue to fall and rents begin to rise.” n

For further information, please contact: Liam Bailey, Head of Residential Research, Knight Frank (0) 7861 5133, +44 (0) 7919 303 148 liam.bailey@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W

Capital Wharf, Wapping E1W

A 2 bedroom river view flat in a popular warehouse conversion. Full of character, this generous sized flat is in need of some renovation. Comprises reception room, kitchen, cloakrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, parking space and on-site porter. 123 sq.m (1,327 sq.ft).

A spacious fifth floor,1 bedroom flat with fabulous views of the river and Tower Bridge. Offers reception room, balcony, kitchen, bathroom, guest cloakroom, lift, gym, 24-hour porterage and garage parking space.

79 sq.m (584 sq.ft).

Leasehold: 104 years approximately

Leasehold: 987 years approximately

Guide price: £670,000

Guide price: £595,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Torrington Place, Wapping E1W

Keepier Wharf, Limehouse E14

A 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house in a peaceful square, just a ten minute walk from the City. With a conservatory, secure garden, covered parking and a lovely leafy outlook to a residential square it makes for a perfect family home.

115 sq.m (1,237 sq.ft).

A fantastic 3/4 bedroom riverside penthouse in this well maintained portered, purpose built development.

The apartment profits from excellent reception space throughout and a terrace overlooking the river.

219 sq.m (2,364 sq.ft).

Freehold

Share of Freehold

Guide price: £549,999

Guide price: £1,800,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Times Square, City Quarter E1 Stylish one and two bedroom City flats

Beautifully presented selection of one and two double bedroom apartments situated in this brand new portered development in The City. These stylish flats have been fitted to a high standard boasting good size reception rooms with open plan fully fitted kitchens and a contemporary furniture package.

Prices from ÂŁ375 per week

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Theobalds Road, Bloomsbury WC1

Selection of newly converted apartments in Bloomsbury Stunning selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments set in this newly converted block in Bloomsbury, close to Holborn and Chancery Lane underground stations. These stylish flats have been fitted to a very high standard boasting modern open plan kitchens, good size reception rooms, lovely bathroom suites, wooden flooring, interior designed furnishings and air cooling and terraces in selected units.

Prices from ÂŁ425 per week

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Gulliver’s Wharf, Wapping Lane E1W Impressive two double bedroom warehouse conversion in central Wapping. Very spacious at 1,527sq. ft. and has a fantastic large open plan reception room with fully fitted kitchen and solid wooden floors throughout. The property is offered on an unfurnished basis and is available immediately. £595 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Papermill Wharf, Narrow Street E14

Naylor West Building, Aldgate Triangle E1 Beautifully presented apartment set in this purpose built 24 hour portered development close to Aldgate and The City. This lovely flat has a good size reception room with a dining area, double doors leading to a private terrace, fully fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite), underground parking and the use of the communal gym. Available on a furnished basis. £450 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Pemberton House, East Harding Street EC4

Well presented one bedroom 3rd floor apartment situated in this attractive portered development on Narrow Street, within easy walking distance of Limehouse and Westferry DLR stations and a short walk to Canary Wharf and Wapping. This lovely apartment has a smart reception room, fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom, bathroom with shower, wooden floors and is available furnished.

Smart one bedroom apartment in a lovely building in the heart of the City very near Fleet Street. Light bright reception room with Victorian style fire place and french doors leading to patio area, fitted separate kitchen, bathroom with shower and wooden floors.

£365 per week

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

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

£425 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

New Crane Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Simply stunning split level unfurnished three double bedroom three bathroom penthouse apartment situated in this lovely 24 hour portered development on Wapping High Street, with easy access in to Canary Wharf and The City. This 3174 sq ft; 295 sq m apartment has been fitted to a very high standard boasting a large reception room with floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors leading on to the terrace, a lovely fully fitted kitchen, 38 x 18 foot master bedroom with river views, two further double bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two guest WCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, marble and wooden flooring, underground parking and a long terrace with beautiful views of the river Thames and Canary Wharf. This stunning apartment is rarely on the rental market and can be available with 3/4 weeks notice.

From ÂŁ1500 per week

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

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

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

Property Property address address

Q Q Q Q

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Cottelsoe Mews, SE1

A beautifully presented and refurbished three bedroom mews house, Tem ex feugiam quat lumsan quam, qui Temdo doaetetgated exeu euand feugiam quat lumsanullutatem ullutatem quam, qui tem tem North within cobbled development, 150m from Lambeth euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent in in tube and 500m from Waterloo station. 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

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towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

Firstname FirstnameSurname Surname

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

Price Price on on application application Freehold Freehold £749,000 Freehold

An Anexpanding expandingnetwork networkof ofover over85 70offices offices--local, local, national national and and international international 70

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

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

Providence Square, SE1 £795,000 Leasehold A 1,356 sq ft three bedroom, two reception townhouse within a portered, gated development, having flexible accommodation over three floors.

Axis Court, SE16

Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 £895,000 Leasehold A striking architect designed penthouse with panoramic views of the City, three bedrooms (one en-suite), three terraces and an open plan reception/kitchen.

Empire Square West, SE1

£795,000 Leasehold A 1528 sq ft two bedroom duplex penthouse built by Berkley Homes, with two terraces, balcony and underground parking. Jubilee Line at Bermondsey or London Bridge Tube.

£675,000 Leasehold A superbly presented two bedroom apartment on the 11th floor of this Berkeley Homes development, next to Borough tube. The apartment has far reaching views, balcony & parking.

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Curlew Street , SE1

£850,000 Freehold

A three bedroom townhouse located in central Shad Thames, having an en-suite and dressing room to the master, two further bedrooms, shower room and wc.

Dockhead Wharf, SE1

£295,000 Leasehold

A 4th floor studio apartment in a warehouse conversion, within Shad Thames, having allocated parking and porter services.

An expanding network of over 85 offices - local, national international An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, national and and international

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

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

Property Property address address

Q Q Q Q

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The Flag Store, SE1

A beautifully presented and recently refurbished warehouse Tem eu feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, qui Temdo doetetex ex feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, qui tem tem apartment in eu central Shad Thames, with fantastic character. euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent in in This 1154 sq ft loft style apartment has no chain. 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 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

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

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Price Price on on application application Freehold Freehold £689,000 Leasehold

An Anexpanding expandingnetwork networkof ofover over85 70offices offices--local, local, national national and and international international 70

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

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

Wheat Wharf, SE1

£650 per week

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

£850 per week

A stunning two double bedroom apartment arranged on the 5th floor of this prestigious development. The property boasts, large reception room with exposed brick and wood floors, two bathrooms and car park space. Furnished.

A fantastic character filled warehouse conversion in Shad Thames.

Arranged over three floors the property boasts wood floors, exposed brick and beams and benefits from a spacious reception room with stairs leading to mezzanine level and two bathrooms. Furnished.

Artesian House, SE1

Disney Place, SE1

£575 per week Stylish two bedroom apartment with a stunning dual aspect reception room, mezzanine level with dining area and kitchen, floor to ceiling windows, balcony and panoramic views. Parking space.

Furnished.

£450 per week A beautiful two double bedroom apartment boasting a stylish reception room with wood floors leading to balcony, a luxurious bathroom and two well proportioned bedrooms located moments from Borough Underground Station. Furnished.

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Vanilla & Sesame, SE1

£390 per week A one bedroom apartment offered in excellent order throughout arranged on the 3rd floor of a warehouse conversion situated in the heart of Shad Thames. Unfurnished.

Luna House, SE16

£650 per week A stunning two bedroom apartment boasting two terraces with exceptional river views. Furnished.

An expanding network of over 85 offices - local, national international An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, national and and international

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

Times Square, E1

£375,000 Leasehold

Fetter Lane, EC4

£349,950 Leasehold

A stylish third floor corner apartment with a balcony and private parking within City Quarter, a luxurious new development on the eastern side of the City. Completed and ready to move in to.

A third floor flat in one of the City’s more recent developments providing a fresh interior with timber floors, a luxury kitchen and bathroom, all in an enviable location.

West Smithfield, EC1

The Strand, WC2 £489,950 Share of Freehold A two bedroom apartment in a period building in a sought after location overlooking One Aldwych.

£360,000 Leasehold A stylish and contemporary dual aspect one bedroom apartment within this imposing period building adjacent to Smithfield Market on the southern edge of fashionable Clerkenwell.

perty address

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High Timber Street, EC4 £599,950 Leasehold Firstname Surname don House Department 01403 262828floor apartment overlooking the A bright and airy fourth Office London House Department 01403 262828 landscaped atrium in one of the City’s most popular blocks, with a rshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com balcony, secure parking and a daytime concierge.

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Bunyan Court, EC2 Price on application

£650,000 Leasehold Price on application A stunning modernised two bedroom penthouse triplex Freehold apartment in excellent Freehold condition with original kitchen and bathroom and a northwest facing terrace.

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

Sir John Lyon House, EC4

Property address

A selection of The City’s most prestigious and luxurious two and three bedroom apartments set in the award winning development beside the River Thames.

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Q Q Q Q Q Q

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• Comfort Cooling • Timber Flooring Firstname Surname • Fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances Price on application Office London House Department 01403 262828 • River Views* Hamptons City Freehold Email • Leafhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Award Winner 2007 Aldermary House • British Home Awards Winner 2008 15 Queen Street *Selected apartments London, EC4N 1TX

Long Let Prices from £3,000 per week Furnished/Unfurnished

An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, national and international Lettings 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk

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D R A G O N F LY

APARTMENTS

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Joint Selling Agents:

020 7407 3173

www.hamptons.co.uk

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Relocation and home search specialists

Recruiting from overseas?

Too busy to ďŹ nd a new home?

Seeking an investment property?

We offer a personalised, hassle free approach to finding homes in Blackheath, Greenwich, Lewisham and the Docklands.

Our bespoke relocation service takes the stress out of moving for individuals and corporations.

We also offer a customised property management service in Blackheath, Greenwich, Lewisham and the Docklands

Call Sue direct on: 020 8297 8307 | www.medicsonthemove.co.uk | suechapple@medicsonthemove.co.uk

Asher Way, Wapping E1W

2 double bedroom, duplex apartment within this modern gated development.

Offering 2 bathrooms and additional cloakroom. Balcony. Close to Tower Hill and the City.

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street, Wapping E1W

£439,995

Recently re-furbished throughout Spacious 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom top floor apartment.This larger than average property offers good size living accommodation.

Arcadia Court, Old Castle Street, Aldgate E1

Kingsley Mews,Wapping Lane, Wapping E1W

Ideally located for easy access to both Liverpool street and Spitalfields market is this spacious one double bedroom apartment set within this secure development.

£275 PW

Steam Mills Fairclough Street, Aldgate E1

Fabulous two bed, two bathroom property within this secure warehouse conversion. Benefiting from wooden floors throughout exposed brickwork.

Patio. Secure parking.

£575 PW

Wine Close, Wapping E1W 1 double bedroom apartment with patio doors leading to a large terrace with great views over park land. Fitted kitchen. Reception. Bathroom.

£250 PW

1 bedroom house with private garden.

Reception with wooden floors. Spiral staircase leading to first floor. Double bedroom. Bathroom. Allocated parking.

Must be viewed.

Hermitage Court Knighten Street,Wapping E1W

Chimney Court, Wapping E1W

£500 PW

Modern 2 double bedroom apartment situated close to Docklands Light Railway. Within easy access to Tower Hill and The City. This well presented apartment offers fitted kitchen reception, bathroom and timber floors.

£350 PW

Portland Square, Wapping E1W

WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE OWNER WILL OFFER TO PAY FOR THE STAMP DUTY. Modern 3 double bedroom, 3 storey town house situated within this delightful garden square.

£599,995

Vinegar Street,Wapping E1W

Spacious 2 double bedroom which has been refurbished to a very high standard, 2 bathroom modern apartment within this gated/ porterage building. This sought after development offers a communal residents only court yard.

£425PW

£275 PW

Spacious top floor two bed two bath duplex apartment in this popular warehouse conversion. Wood flooring, semi open plan kitchen, large industrial window to reception. Private terrace, day concierge, secure parking.

£550 PW

Gailbrath Street, E14

Times Square,Tower Hill E1

£250 PW

£360 PW

1 double bedroom apartment offering its own garden. Reception.

Fitted kitchen. Bathroom. Close to Crossharbour Docklands Light Railway.

Within easy access to Canary Wharf.

Newly built 1 double bedroom modern apartment set on the 2nd floor of this stylish new development. Situated close to Tower Hill and Aldgate underground stations.

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internationalproperty

luxurious luxor

Alistair Powell, CEO of 7CI talks about what to look for when investing in Egypt

E

gypt is seen as a viable market for investors seeking strong returns and low cost of entry with apart-hotel prices starting from £30,000. Just three to five hours direct flight from Europe all year round, it is a steadily growing tourist destination with the cost of living approximately 20 per cent to that in the UK. According to The World Bank, Egypt is among the top 10 countries in the world to apply economic reforms and the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report ranked it as the second largest country attracting foreign investment in Africa.

The Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE) is considered among the best ten emerging markets in the world and the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), was recently voted the most innovative stock exchange in Africa.

Egypt has a buoyant tourism market and is considered as a leading international tourist destination. It is has warm climate with temperatures rising to 14 degrees in winter to 30 degrees in summer creating year round tourist season.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation Council (WTTC) has reported that tourism figures grew in Egypt by 20 per cent in 2007 with roughly 10 million new tourist arrivals.The Egyptian Government plans to have 14 million visitors by 2011.This is likely to succeed as The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) expects Egypt’s travel and tourism to generate US$23 billion of economic activity in

ten years which will encourage even high Foreign investors are regarded by the government as an important investment opportunity and laws have been recently simplified and a number of red tape procedures have been abolished to make the purchase process easier.There are several additional benefits to investing in Egypt including no stamp duty, capital gains tax or inheritance tax for British citizens living in the UK. In addition, non-resident property owners are exempt from tax.

Politically, Egypt is a democratic semipresidential republic with power split between the President and appointed Prime Minister.

In order to improve democracy, the Egyptian constitution was amended in 2005 to allow multi-candidate presidential election. Egypt is also considered to have an important role as a mediator for any problems among Arab countries and is an important player in diplomatic relations with Israel.

Pyramisa Isis Luxor is an example of an attractive investment opportunity in Egypt.

Unlike many projects on offer in Egypt, it is an established hotel which has been operational for 15 years. Resting on the banks of the Nile, it is the city’s largest five star resort, built directly on the Nile in the centre of Luxor and within a few minutes walk from the famous temple and the bustling shopping areas.

Unlike other off-plan projects currently being offered in Egypt, investors will benefit from the completed hotel’s ten year, seven to 12 per

Payment structure: Prices from £37,130 Reservation fee £1,495 Flexible payment plan available Features: Five star resort 20 minutes from the airport Recently refurbished Exotic panoramic view of the Nile The largest conference venue in Luxor Leading Egyptian hotels chain that manages your asset Fully furnished and equipped turnkey property

cent rental guarantee and be able to earn yields from tomorrow. Rooms start at £37,0000 with 50 per cent finance available. Pyramisa enjoys an outstanding profit and loss account showing excellent occupancies with room rates and bookings expected to rise further over the coming years.

The management company, Pyramisa Resorts, has been operational for 25 years and is a is the leading Egyptian hotel chain which owns and manages five star properties in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sahl Hashees, Sharm El Sheikh and the famous Nile cruises.

Furthermore, the value of Pyramisa properties have experienced 30-40 per cent capital growth over the last two years and is estimated to continue at the same rate for the next five years.” n For further information on 7CI’s investment properties call 0 203 22 900 70 www.7cinvest.com invest@7cinvest.com

For more information call: 0203 200 20 30 www.carparkinvest.com

Next issue...

December

W

e bring you Last Minute Christmas Ideas so that you don’t have to search for that elusive Christmas gift. There’s Luxury Train Travel, with exciting adventures onboard the majestic Orient Express. If that doesn’t whet your appetite then perhaps the Taste of Christmas will, we have highlights of the show, exclusive interviews and whole host of delicious festive treats. Before you reach for the antacids we are one step ahead with our Ultimate Detox. Just a little something to start the New Year as you mean to go on!

No sooner is Christmas on the way out, when holidays are on the way in! Or rather our look at Innovative Ways to Deal with Lonely Hotel Syndrome.

For this and much more be sure to pick up a copy!

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