Vicinitee Magazine October 2008

VICINITEE OCTOBER 2008

OCTOBER 2008

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contents 18

78 COVER STORIES

36

F E AT U R E S

12 ENTREPRENEUR SERIES

Alice Tozer uncovers secret of

success

17 PISTE OF THE ACTION

Unforgettable experiences for ski

enthusiasts

36 FASHION NEWS

Hot off the catwalk from London

Fashion Week

30 DEVELOPMENT IN DUBAI

Extraordinary constructions in

the UAE

18 EASTER ISLAND ROCKS

The most remote luxury hotel in

the world

42 FASHION

Sleek in the City

80 SCHOOL OF LIFE

Evening classes brighten

business

21

A FEEL FOR FRANCE Robert Cook presents a fresh perspective from across the Channel

22 A RIGHT ROYAL RETREAT

Stephanie Baxter finds a jewel in

the country club crown 25 BOND, MS BOND

Weekend breaks with a

difference

62 I GOT STUNG

When is a Fiat not a Fiat?

78 ART SCENE

Urbane Art 88 THE PERFECT MARTINI

Alice Tozer gets to grips with the

art of mixology

For all things Porsche.

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Porsche Centre East London offers you the world of Porsche under one roof and is staffed by experienced teams who are passionate about Porsche cars. To explore your ideal Porsche specification or to arrange a demonstration drive, contact us on 020 8519 9999 or visit www.porsche.co.uk/eastlondon

Porsche Centre East London 68-70 High Street Stratford London E15 2NE info@porscheeastlondon.co.uk

contents 28

48

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REGULARS 8

EDITOR’S LETTER

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

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ROYAL EXCHANGE

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CITY GROOMING

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CITY CHIC

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MUST HAVE ITEM

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INTERIORS

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ONLINE

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MOTORING

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CULTURE

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ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH

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FOOD & DRINK

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FIVE OF THE BEST

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COMPETITIONS

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LIFE COACHING

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MOTLEY FOOL

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS

98

CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS

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WHAT’S ON

106

PROPERTY

Editor the October issue Welcome to Vicinitee Magazine, sister publication to our online community website, vicinitee.com - one of the most powerful networks in London today. To compliment the Vicinitee brand and with the continued success and growth of our audience, the Vicinitee team has decided to introduce the ultimate and must have Privilege Card to enhance your lifestyle.

After many months of planning, we are proud to announce that next month will be the launch of the long awaited Vicinitee VIP Card, delivering you an unparalleled service in luxury concessions and privileges.

So here’s just a taster of some of the exciting offers that you can expect to see as part of Vicinitee VIP: members will have access to over 400 exclusive deals not only within London’s leading bars, restaurants, retailers and nightclubs but also throughout England and around the world.

Members of Vicinitee VIP will have unlimited access to money-can’tbuy offers, personal invitations to high profile events and amazing deals with many of the country’s leading brands. Furthermore, they can expect regular invites to exclusive openings, fashion shows, sporting events and film premieres as well as a restaurant and hotel booking service. We have worked extremely hard to negotiate and broker these exclusive deals with the leading companies in each sector; this will enable you to not only save money but also enhance your spending power. Look out for full details in next month’s issue of Vicinitee.

Continuing with our entrepreneur series, this month Alice Tozer interviews some renowned entrepreneurs who have kindly allowed Vicinitee magazine to take a closer look at the history behind their careers, their inspiration and the journey that has made them who they are today. Look out for our final part in the series in next month’s edition, where we focus on the latest business start-up tools, whilst providing you with a reference guide to setting up your own business.

Looking ahead to the winter months, from mid-November the ice rink will return to Broadgate Circle for its 23rd year and promises plenty of winter activities and events to keep you occupied. For more information and our latest discounts, please log on to the What’s On guide at vicinitee.com.

Thank you for your continued feedback, support and ideas, which helps contribute to future editions. Our aim is to provide you the reader with the best editorial features to inspire and interest you. So if you have something you’d like to share with us, then please e-mail us at vicinitee@runwildmedia.com.

Finally, don’t forget to check our October theme page on vicinitee.com.

It 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.

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor: Lesley Ellwood Editorial Director: Kate Harrison Production Editor: Robert Cook Editorial Assistants: Stephanie Baxter, Josephine O’Donoghue, Alice Tozer Art Editor: Carol Cordrey Motoring Editor: Matthew Carter Beauty Editor: Kate Hughes Finance Manager: Annette Habel Sales Director: Eren Ellwood P.A. to Sales Director: Ella Kilgarriff Graphic Designers: Hiren Chandarana, Chris Hume, Victoria Wren Managing Director: Giles Ellwood P.A. to Managing Director: Charlotte Evans

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Subscription: A free subscription service is available to employees at City offices. E-mail city@runwildmedia.com for further details. For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading 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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It’s in t In part two of our entrepreneur series, Alice Tozer gets to the bottom of three entrepreneurs’ successes

W

hen Adam Curry tells me he has a family history of involvement with the CIA, I’m not entirely surprised. His alternative version of world politics was not the topic I was expecting to encounter when we met in a tiny café in Guildford town centre. I became quickly entranced by this leather and sunglasses-clad svelte figured man, my notebook full of questions remaining buried in my lap for most of the session; in his company I couldn’t have possibly swapped

Adam Curry

a moment of brain chewing for scribbling.

As soon as he opened his mouth, I assumed Curry had high level qualifications in politics and finance. “No, it’s experience like having floated my own company on the US stock exchange which gives me knowledge.” A multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Curry has most recently become known as ‘the podfather’, for his contribution towards pioneering podcasts.

Curry’s current project is the BT podcast show; an amalgam

of shows, music and videos available to watch and download as podcasts. A self taught scholar, he immediately seems most interested not in business but in questioning our nonchalant acceptance of the media and government’s workings.

Searching for cracks in the global woodwork, faults with accepted systems, Curry is controversial and outspoken. “The populous is conditioned and trained to grow up, go to school, go to work, pay their taxes, be good and think they are free.Well, they’re not.” Curry’s rebelliousness has led him to

© Phillip Carpenter

AdamCurry

branch out and make his own way in the world – and it has made him a hefty fortune.

Born in America, he was brought up for much of his childhood in Holland. Did he always know he wanted to work for himself? “I’ve always known I’m unemployable!” he smiles, speaking in a gentle American drawl. At the age of thirteen, Curry’s parents bought him an electronics set. One of the projects it included was a small radio transmitter kit. He had soon fixed the aerial to the roof of his house and created a primitive radio station. His mother was then enlisted to drive him round the block to see how far the signal reached; far enough for it to become his school’s new station and Curry the geeky pupil who covertly DJ’d on it.

Curry had also always shown interest in adventurers like Thomas Edison. “But being an inventor is not the same as being an entrepreneur,” he cautions.

“Entrepreneurs look at who they admire and replicate what they are doing; they are in the business of adapting an existing industry.You don’t have to be Bill Gates to be an entrepreneur. On that note, Bill Gates didn’t even invent anything – he copied others. Do you remember the Reggae Sauce man on Dragon’s Den? He didn’t invent anything; he just had a recipe – an association.”

Curry recounts how when he

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n the blood was growing up, “kids at college” were just starting to dabble in a transmission system called the Internet - something quite different, then, to the worldwide web of today. “The Internet started for me in 1987, as FidoNet.This was a labour intensive hobby; emails took half an hour to send in those days.” Time consuming it might have been but it didn’t matter “because college kids didn’t have much else to do in between smoking dope and doing this... or doing both!” When living in NewYork during this time and broadcasting for MTV, so convinced was Curry that the Internet was the place to be, that he he spontaneously quit on air in 1993. A year later, he started his own broadcasting company which he subsequently sold and then moved back to Europe. Since then, he has not stopped. “Initially, I built some companies,” he says, blasé, “a data centre and a helicopterowning one.” Did they come to much? “No, those ones didn’t really but I became a great pilot,” he laughs, but he maintains this hobby today, frequently flying his own small plane.

Curry is very modest when asked about his personal qualities but, as his publicity representative rightly asserts, he could sell sand in the dessert; he has a clear, concise way of explaining and gets me onside even when there is nothing to be sold but free ideas. “I couldn’t do without the constant support of my wife and daughter,” he says. “Sometimes I forget to eat.” His wife Patricia, seventeen years his senior, is a famous singer in her native Netherlands and recently starred

in the Dutch version of Strictly Come Dancing. Says Adam on life at home, “I try to tone down my ideas when I’m with the girls because it can all get a bit much. My daughter laughs at my rainwater contraption,” Curry collects rainwater with which to brush his teeth, to avoid coming into contact with the healthdamaging fluoride fed into our taps.

Curry soon needed to head back home to film his podcast for the BT Podcast show. I’m surprised he had any more political energy left after his fervent natter with me

on the current economic climate which, by the way, Curry thinks will lead to riots in America.

“We’re also going to see the service sector come out of the woodwork. Like the old days, a man with a hammer will knock on the door and ask what he can do for you.”

He kindly drops me at the station in his Jaguar, the hydraulics of which he has gutted to enable a hydrogen-powered fuel-efficient system to run. It was unusual to see the owner of a sleek, seriously-priced motor yank up its bonnet and reveal

plaster tape and plastic tubes holding the inside together.

Curry’s eco efforts are admirable but how about all those flights to his condo in San Francisco?

How is his carbon footprint looking? I should have guessed: Curry doesn’t believe a carbon dioxide problem even exists; it’s just another governmental trick to get us all hyped up and obedient. Politically speaking, Curry is extreme but it feels like there is at least a nugget of truth in everything he says. Technically, however, there’s more than a nugget of gold to his name.

MikeHarris

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he banks are quivering in their boots but cofounder of online bank, Egg, and industry legend Mike Harris’s entrepreneurial shell remains a hard one to crack In 1987, Mike Harris visited Nokia in Finland – then a small company unknown outside of Scandinavia and best recognised for its fine range of Wellington Boots. It was, however, simultaneously pioneering the world’s first mobile phone production and Harris was entranced by the company’s vision of seeing one of these in everyone’s pocket. “In some ways it seemed laughable, given what a heavy ugly device it was,” Mike recalls. Upon witnessing the mobile phone concept become a reality, Harris decided he was going to use the rest of his career “to make big things happen.”

Take Egg, the world’s largest pure online bank, the idea for which emerged in a team meeting which lasted five days in a dingy basement of the Barbican hotel in the first week of January 1998. How does one go about starting a bank, of all entities, I wonder? “A good question,” Mike laughs. “Our answer was quite simply to start a standing order system.” Delving straight

into the heart of the matter was their approach then, and also evidence that the early days of mega organisations upon which we all come to depend can be frighteningly unsystematic. It’s also the first clue I get from Harris that there really is no right way to go about starting a business, be it a bank or a bricklayers.

Harris did have a good working background behind him, having spent fifteen years in IT at Midland Bank. He eventually got bored in such a big organisation and was headhunted to join a small technology company embarking on a third round of venture funding, which in turn led him to Nokia. He grew up in the right environment; his grandfather started the eponymous Fred Corbett’s Garages, Dudley’s Leading Motor Agent. Harris lived with his large extended family on the

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business

premises, and still remembers a lorry engine on the kitchen table and his grandmother regrinding its valves. “I guess something of that rubbed off on me although not until I had tried out the ‘I want to be a research scientist’ game first.’”

He went on to study chemistry at University College London.

Egg went from mere concept to billion pound public company in just two years. “We always had a big vision for Egg but it grew faster than we had dared hope.

No one can take sole credit for it. Egg was driven by the belief that the Internet, which at the time – 1998 – was steadily emerging, would thoroughly transform financial services. It offered exactly the platform upon which to build such a service. Egg’s creation was also spurred on by the fact that while Firstdirect – the iconic financial services consumer brand of which Mike is co-founder – had produced a customer-sided current account banking service, nobody had done the same for all of the other financial

services products, that is deposits, mortgages, loans and investments.”

Harris endorses the use of risk management which, in layman’s terms, is “simply deciding what risks to take in your business and which ones to avoid, then managing the downside of the risks you do choose to take, by limiting your exposure to failure in some way.” If your business is already failing however, Harris recommends you think twice before taking a management consultant on board. Put precisely, he laments the nonchalant acceptance of their advice in the public sector.

“When anyone is giving you advice, you have to ask yourself who are they, what insights do they have into my business, what is their track record and does their advice make sense? If you ask that question of management consultants you can find the advice has been produced by wet behind the ears MBAs, although it may be being presented by a smooth senior partner. Used

I hope the current financial crisis has destroyed forever the arrogance of bankers that they know best and maybe a few of them will listen, really listen to their ordinary customers properly, the best management consultants can be a great resource, but caveat emptor!”

Harris is also a fervent believer in the decentralisation process, particularly as regards the public sector. “Take the NHS and its 1.2 million people; only the Chinese army is a bigger employer. It is managed centrally and has the same rules – it’s one big system. We can’t build systems that big that work with a one size fits all model. They need breaking up into smaller units which are manageable and where initiative is allowed and different solutions are encouraged.”

Can the current economic climate be used to people’s advantage, business creation wise? “If you can find the funds it’s a great time to start

ChristinaDomecq A SpinVox advertising campaign, ‘The SpinVox Mobsters’

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a business, as long as you have a product which will meet a real need. The competition is distracted for a start.” On that note, Harris adds, “I hope the current financial crisis has destroyed forever the arrogance of bankers that they know best and maybe a few of them will listen, really listen to their ordinary customers. In some banks there are encouraging signs that this is starting to happen.”

Telephone banking, internet banking... what type of banking is next? Harris is not sure it will be a form of banking defined by a technology. However, he suggests that the iPhone could make mobile banking much more attractive. Now there’s entrepreneurial bait for whoever’s prepared to bank it.

S

ince co-founding SpinVox in 2003, Christina Domecq has been challenging the technological and linguistic status quo: why should a blog be for writing, a phone for speaking, a text for reading? More than just philosophical claptrap, asking such questions has resulted in a service which has positive, practical and time-saving implications for all who dabble in mobile phones.

Christina’s moment of inspiration for SpinVox – ‘spinning voice’ – came when she received fourteen voicemails in one morning and thought it would be so much easier to receive her voicemail

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business

Christina Domecq

One of the benefits of the American education system is that you are expected to succeed and this undoubtedly encourages the risk taking that is inherent in entrepreneurship as text – and seven times quicker for the human brain to process too, so the statistics say. Anyone in the UK with a mobile phone on a contract can use SpinVox, by going to the website and signing up. The service is priced from a mere £3 a month and a SpinVox blog facility also exists; this converts your voice into text and posts it directly to your blog or social network site. The potential of this technological cross-wiring is mind-boggling.

The entrepreneurial spirit was always present in Christina, Spanish by nationality and born in Jerez, southern Spain, where she lived until moving to the US in her early teens.

“As a youngster in Spain, I remember running lemonade stalls outside our house to raise money for charity.” She went on to study for a BA in Systematic Theology at Boston College. “My family, of course, would have preferred me to study something more vocational, which I addressed by going on to complete a Masters in Finance from Nôtre Dame University and founding my first business whilst doing so.” Apart from a couple of internships, Christina has never worked for anyone but herself.

“Being an entrepreneur is in my blood, so I don’t think I could now. That said, I think entrepreneurs can be created as well as being born. One of the benefits of the American education system is that you are expected to succeed and this

undoubtedly encourages the risk taking that is inherent in entrepreneurship.”

Christina got her first business under way in New York at the mere age of twenty; an IT service provider for some of the world’s largest corporations, including Kraft, Pepsi and Kodak. Having sold the business in 2002, she returned to Spain to turn round a luxury yacht brokerage business. SpinVox is her third business among three very varied areas, all united by one common goal: a challenge.

One of SpinVox’s priorities is to keep its system up-todate, to reflect real, everyday, spoken language. “Think of how often we say ‘credit crunch’ nowadays but it just wasn’t in our vocabulary a year ago. When the SpinVox system comes across a word or phrase it doesn’t know it refers that part of the message to a language expert – they verify the meaning and then feed it back into the system, so that the next time it will be converted automatically.” A fluent speaker of English, Spanish, French and German, Christina’s multi-lingual capacity must have had something to do with her starting a company with the manipulation of language and sound at its heart. SpinVox offers voice to text conversion in English, French, Spanish and German and is on the verge of launching with its first carrier in Latin America as well as developing language capabilities in Portuguese and Italian.

A real all-rounder, Christina insists on making time to exercise each morning, which makes for a very early start.

“It’s how I keep my energy levels high enough to deal with the long days and even longer flights.” It’s refreshing to see that Christina advocates a healthy atmosphere in her workplace. “You can feel the high energy level in the building. We have a totally open-plan set up in the office – I’m at my desk, like everyone else, so anyone can come up to me ask a quick question or get my take on an issue. We all went to see Kylie at the 02 recently – a great chance to let our hair down.”

Christina also insists on a corporate social responsibility.

“I’ve helped sponsor an orphanage in South Africa for nearly a decade and we’re rolling-out a programme within the company to raise money to help the community there build a bakery which will help keep them self-sufficient, but also provide opportunities to generate revenue. It’s vital that people can ultimately help themselves and it’s a real privilege to support their efforts.”

In the future, Christina wants the SpinVox service to come with a phone upon purchase.

Meanwhile, the company is looking beyond voicemail, to how it can use message-todigital capacity across other media and the Internet, opening a whole new kettle of fish. Then there’s that minor footnote of global expansion to address.

Christina will be in New York just next month, but this time the marathon she tackles will be physical; all ensuring that this admirable young woman is kept in perfect working order. n

citylifepromotion

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Sun Mountain Lodge, China

Kristiania Lech, Austria

Looking for a Piste of the Action?

Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers unforgettable experiences for discerning ski enthusiasts

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magine an action packed day cruising the ski slopes followed by a glass of mulled wine in front of a roaring fire, a luxurious soak in a private Jacuzzi with a view of snow-capped mountain ranges, a blissful in-room massage and then finishing the day off with a five course gourmet meal…with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) it’s not too late to make the dream a reality this ski season.

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Alternatively try something a little off the beaten track and experience Sun Mountain Lodge on the summit of Sun Mountain Yabuli in China’s first villagebased mountain ski resort. A new addition to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this mountainside retreat makes its debut this December with a special three night ski experience, complete with daily VIP ski pass with rental equipment, a 90-minute Elements spa treatment and daily breakfast.

In New Hampshire, The Manor on Golden Pond is putting a slightly romantic twist on its ski experience. In addition to a two-day ski pass and private ski lessons, you can enjoy a gourmet ski picnic on the slopes and then return to the hotel to indulge in afternoon tea and chilled champagne!

However, if your preference is to stay a little closer to home, Italy’s Mont Blanc Hotel Village is an ideal option, with its cluster of pretty wood and stone chalets nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Surrounded by the most awe-inspiring mountain peaks, the hotel has excellent access to the Courmayeur ski resort.

Return after an exhilarating day on the slopes and unwind in the hotel’s steam grotto, before indulging in a rejuvenating massage.

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Mont Blanc Hotel Village, Italy

When the melt has begun on the northern pistes, ski aficionados still have numerous options with Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Southern Hemisphere ski properties, where the season runs from June to October. n This is just a taste of some of the breathtaking worldwide ski resorts that Small Luxury Hotels of the World has to offer snow addicts. For full details visit www.slh.com/inspirations or www.slh.com

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EASTER ISLAND ROCKS Amanda Riley-Jones visits the world’s most remote luxury hotel

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f you enjoy mystical ancient sites and have already seen Egypt’s pyramids, Mexico’s Mayan ruins and Machu Picchu, try somewhere even more extraordinary. Mysterious Easter Island is the world’s most remote inhabited place – and probably the most extraordinary offthe-beaten-track destination.

The 12-mile speck of rock lies in complete isolation in the Pacific Ocean.

Tahiti is 2,000 miles to the west and the Chilean mainland just as far in the opposite direction. Despite its diminutive size, the island has gripped the world’s imagination ever since the Dutch ‘discovered’ it on Easter Sunday 1722. The eerie remains of a lost civilisation have inspired countless theories, including the inevitable involvement of aliens.

My journey to the centre of the Earth took me from the UK to Madrid and then on to Santiago de Chile. The final segment was a ‘hop’ out to the island – called Isla de Pascua by the Chileans (who annexed it in 1888) and Rapa Nui by the people who live here. Five hours later, we were still flying over empty sea. It was an exciting moment when the plane finally started descending – towards a sheer-sided island dented with three extinct volcano craters.

Of course, our journey across half the globe was a breeze compared to the Polynesian explorers who crossed mindboggling distances in canoes hewn from tree trunks sometime between 400 and 800AD. No wonder they named this place ‘Te Pito o Te Henua’, or ‘Navel of the World’. And, as if it wasn’t enough that they found this place

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at all, they went on to build one of the most amazing statue cults we have ever seen.

It was another 1,500 years or so before Rapa Nui opened its first five star hotel.

Up until last December, most visitors were backpackers who stayed in fairly basic guest houses. But since the opening of the luxurious explora en Rapa Nui, a new type of traveller is discovering Easter Island.

The quietly-luxurious boutique hotel is run by the Chilean explora group, who’ve already made a name for themselves with their two luxurious eco-friendly lodges in remote locations in Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. And it’s already become one of the world’s hippest hotels.

Despite the obvious irony of flying halfway round the world to stay in a ‘green’ hotel, explora en Rapa Nui has been created using stringent ‘green’ building practices, and is the first South American hotel to be certified

by LEED (The Leadership in Energy and Design Green Building Rating System).

The five-star pampering started as soon as we sleepwalked into the tiny airport and were welcomed with garlands of crimson flowers. We were soon being transferred across rolling countryside to our hotel, with frequent stops to let semi-wild horses meander across the road.

This is no typical South Pacific Island.

Instead of tropical palms and powdery beaches, I was looking out at rolling savannahs and drystone walls. The landscape is stark, reminiscent of Dartmoor or the Hebrides, with hardly a tree or human in sight.

Somewhere along the south coast, we

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arrived at our base for the next three days.

To my feverish, jet-lagged imagination, the cluster of circular, one-storey structures were glowing in the dark like flying saucers.

Standing solitary on a gentle hill, explora en Rapa Nui’s curving lines pay homage to the island’s ancient boat-shaped houses.

Guests’ rooms encircle the central core of the hotel, which features a lounge, restaurant and bar with open-sided decks and floor-toceiling windows. Wherever you are, there are widescreen panoramas of savannah and sky, with distant sea and volcano views.

Foodies can also enjoy views into the glasswalled kitchen where chefs create gourmet meals three times a day.

The architecture is stylishly low-key, combining futuristic design with local materials: Chilean wood and stone and native volcanic rock. There are just 30 guest rooms (including four suites), with stone walls and floor, wicker furniture, ambient lighting, big, comfortable beds and epic views of the sun rising over the Pacific. Lavish bathrooms have powerful showers and large, seductive Jacuzzi baths.

Before dinner, I wended my way through the eucalyptus trees to the Casas de Banos Hare Vai, past the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi where guests can lie back and gaze at the impossibly starry sky. But I was treating myself to a blissful jetlag massage in a cosy, candlelit treatment room.

In the bar afterwards, I had a potent Rapa Nui Cosmopolitan, made with local guava juice, and got chatting to some of the globe-trotting guests, including an Australian mine owner and his wife and a retired hedge fund manager travelling the world with his young family.

Dinner was a relaxed affair with great views, sweet-natured waitresses and fresh, simple food: from the moreish homemade bread to super-fresh salad, ceviche of tuna and guava tart – accompanied by a parade of Chilean wines.

But, fabulous though the explora is, no-one comes all this way for the five star accommodation. We were all here to visit the world-famous statues, or moai. I’d wanted to see them for three decades and slept fitfully, waiting for first light.

A stay with explora includes all food and wine and, most importantly, small-group excursions with bilingual local guides who know their stuff about the island’s tragic

No matter how many photographs you’ve looked at, seeing the moai with your own eyes is something else rise and fall – except for the missing bits, which no-one knows. Expeditions are by foot, bicycle or four-wheel drive, with extravagant picnics in dramatic settings such as beaches, caves and volcanic craters.

Next morning we fuelled up on pineapple and mango, omelettes, homemade breads and pastries, cheese, guacamole and strawberry juice and set off to Playa Anakena on the north coast. As a reggaefied version of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here floated out from the radio, we arrived at an untypically tropical spot beautified with palm trees imported from Tahiti. Following the sound of the sea, we were walking through a sun-dappled palm grove when we came to a skidding halt.

Our guide Uri laughed with delight as the eight of us gasped in unison. No matter how many photographs you’ve looked at, seeing the moai with your own eyes is something else. Lined up along their platform (or ahu) like surreal chess pieces, seven stone giants were staring out to sea, casting their shadows over the pinky-white sand. Some were crowned with great blocks of red stone and stood 13 foot tall.

The island’s moai were built from 1000 to 1600AD when its population peaked at about 12,000 and statue building became obsessive. Most theorists agree that so many trees were cut down to move the moai across the island that the place became deforested, the soil eroded and starvation and tribal wars followed. By the time missionaries arrived in 1864, all the moai had been pulled down.

These fine specimens were extracted from a giant sand dune as recently as 1978.

Any moai now standing have been restored to their altars since the Second World War. It felt as if there were moai silhouetted against the sky almost every direction I looked. I could only imagine what a powerful force they must have been in their heyday, when they stood sentinel along virtually the whole coastline, watching over their people.

The most haunting, must-see sites include the moai with restored eyes at Ahu Tahai, the 74-ton giant moai at Ahu Te Pito Kura and Ahu Tongariki, the largest altar, with 15 colossal moai and petroglyphs of fish, turtles and the mythical birdman carved into the ground nearby. It’s magical to hire a car and come here to watch dawn break.

I was amazed to discover how many moai there are. 887 have been found so far, and over half are at Rano Raraku volcano. I’ll never forget my first distant sight of the volcano’s slopes covered with what looked like gravestones, leaning out at crazy angles.

As we walked closer, moai were staring back at us out of the landscape, everywhere we looked. I couldn’t stop photographing those iconic brooding brows, sloping noses and deep-set eyes and realised they were all similar but not the same. Some were sunk in the earth up their chins, one had a beard and someone claimed to have spotted a female.

Making our way higher up, there were empty niches where moai had been cut from the crater walls and other statues were still in situ, in various stages of completion. El Giganta, a 70-foot colossus, was still waiting to be cut free. I stared at the volcano walls until I could make out noses and foreheads, emerging from the rock like something out of a science fiction film. Extraterrestrial?

Probably not. But totally extraordinary. n

For enquiries about staying at explora, call 00 562 206 6060 www.explora.com

© Gratiane De Moustier/France.e.motion/ University of the Arts London/LCC

© Maciej Markowicz/France.e.motion/ University of the Arts London/LCC

Le Havre

Rouen

© Evi Lemberger/France.e.motion/ University of the Arts London/LCC

Marseille

© Leonardo Wen Magalhaes/France.e.motion/ University of the Arts London/LCC

Metz

France.e.motion

A cliché-challenging exhibition into 22 French cities…

In April 2008, The French Government Tourist Office commissioned twenty two students from the London College of Communication to participate in a unique cultural exchange.

Each of them spent three days in one of twenty two French cities to document the life, atmosphere and attraction of their respective locations.

They explored both the cities and their creativity as new artists.

France.e.motion is an invitation to discover a new generation of photographers and an eye-opener on France’s people, landmarks and lifestyle.

Discover this unique exhibition at Canary Wharf – Jubilee Place and Canada Place –

14 – 18 OCTOBER

www.franceemotion.com France, a unique rendez-vous In partnership with the London College of Communication

Cities involved in the project: Amiens – Aix en Provence – Angers – Avignon – Bordeaux – Dijon – Grenoble – Le Havre – Lille – Marseille – Metz – Montpellier – Mulhouse – Nancy – Nantes – Nice – Nîmes – Reims – Rennes – Rouen – Toulouse – Versailles.

Stephanie Baxter finds the jewel in the country club crown

A RIGHT ROYAL

RETREAT L

eonardo da Vinci once offered these words of wisdom: “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer.” How profound these words are, for in an age of increasingly long work hours and the pressure of optimal professional performance, a break to devote time to total relaxation has never been so needed. Luckily for you, the perfect place to do just that has been located. And it’s not as far away as you might think.

Set amid 350 acres of immaculately kept parkland and gardens under the watchful eye of Windsor Castle lying just 3 miles away, the mansion at Stoke Park Club rises above the flat Berkshire land in all its Regency beauty.

The imposing Palladian architecture that presents itself as you sweep up the drive gives a foretaste of the splendour waiting within its walls. Steeped in royal history, the Stoke Park estate was sold to the Crown in 1518 to pay for the outstanding debts of Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon.The mansion itself was designed by James Wyatt, architect to George III, who worked on the development of the house and monuments from 1790 to 1813. It was only in 1908 that the estate was bought back from the Crown to be turned into Britain’s finest country club.This year Stoke Park Club, Europe’s leading country club and hotel, is celebrating its first hundred years,

for in an age of increasingly long work hours ... a break to devote time to total relaxation has never been so needed

with a book being written by commissioned author Peter Pugh to mark the occasion and to celebrate the club’s rich history.

Fitting, then, that the opening of 28 luxurious new bedrooms should coincide with the estate’s centenary.The new well-equipped and individually designed rooms, with direct views of Windsor Castle, are located in the Pavilion building, which was originally opened in 2002 and which boasts an award-winning spa, indoor pool and multi-surface tennis courts, dance and fitness studios, and a stateof-the-art gymnasium.Whilst the mansion emanates a sense of tradition, the new Pavilion rooms have a more contemporary feel to them, yet at the same time remaining true to the estate’s heritage of pure opulence.

The rooms ooze elegance, brought about by the careful consideration given to their furnishings, which include sumptuous marble and fabrics, handmade furniture and antiques from the Far East. The luxurious en-suite bathrooms are clothed in marble and feature heated floors and mirrors, while the cast iron baths provide the ideal channel in which to

transport yourself a world away from any thoughts of the office. The wall adornments provide an edgy, modern air, and each bedroom is made entirely unique through the selection of famous modern paintings, photographs and film posters. A particular highlight is their collection of Pop Art, which includes various Andy Warhol lithographs and Roy Lichtenstein’s iconic Girl With Ball print. As well as the Standard, Executive and Junior suites, Stoke Park are proud to offer two Signature Suites, which are the definitive rooms of extravagance.They boast a range of gadgets which firmly ground them in the 21st century including surround sound systems and LED mood lighting, as well as little indulgences like four-poster beds and walk-in wardrobes: enough to more than satisfy both the club’s male and female guests. Such attention to detail ensures that it never seems that guests are sleeping in a hotel room – it has a real home-from-home feel which enables visitors to completely unwind and de-stress.

This is aided, of course, by the Pavilion’s award-winning spa, listed in the ‘Top Ten Spas in the UK’ by Tatler,The Independent and The Daily Telegraph, and the ‘Top 100 Spas in the World’ by Harpers Bazaar.With a plethora of treatments on offer as well as use of the deep relaxation rooms, Italian marble steam rooms, and the indoor pool complete with in-built hydro-seat Jacuzzi, total body relaxation is inevitable. And with your new-found energy

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you will feel invigorated enough to get rid of your work frustrations on the club’s championship golf course.

Keen movie fans will be interested to learn that Stoke Park Club has been featured in a number of notable productions. Perhaps the most famous of these is the infamous golf match between James Bond and Auric Goldfinger, who is defeated by 007 on the 18th green in Goldfinger (1964). Bond came back for another visit in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), before Bridget Jones was brought by love-rat Daniel Cleaver for a romantic weekend in the Club’s Pennsylvania suite in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001).

The club and its grounds can also be seen in blockbusters Bride and Prejudice, Layer Cake and recent release RocknRolla.

Stoke Park Club also boasts its own restaurants, which offer truly exquisite food.

The Dining Room, with its 360° views of the golf course and lakes, is proud to be headed up by Chris Wheeler, previously Group Head

Chef and right hand man to Jean-Christophe Novelli across his empire of Michelin starred restaurants in London. His expertise has resulted in a menu that presents the very best of good British food with a contemporary twist, and adds to the club’s reputation of allround luxury.

As autumn really tightens its grip on the country and as winter begins to close in, with its ever-dwindling hours of daylight and increasing anxiety about achieving enough to get a big Christmas bonus, Stoke Park Club promotes itself as the ultimate retreat from the dark and cold evenings, and the growing workload that makes many so miserable at this time of year. A break at the club is the perfect tonic to perk you up, and get you looking ahead to the delights of spring. n For more information please visit www.slh.com or call 0800 525 4800 for reservations

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citylifepromotion

www.beautifulbreak.com presents the Jagdhof

Exhilarating Glacier & Spa week at the star Spa Hotel Jagdhof near Innsbruck

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he Relais & Châteaux Spa Hotel Jagdhof in Neustift / Tyrol is a truly exquisite five star hotel with inimitable style and rich tradition, owned and managed by the legendary Pfurtscheller family. This luxurious hideaway is the epitome of refined alpine living, with generously proportioned rustic elegance and an interior inspired by the amazing beauty of the Stubai Alps.

The Jagdhof offers a wide choice of spacious rooms and suites furnished in Tyrolean style with local antiques, all have exceptionally well appointed bathrooms and all have balconies with stupendous views over the mountains. Roaring open fires await in the cosy bar and the hall, leading to a succession of interconnecting ‘Stuben’ forming the hugely comfortable Restaurant.

The Pfurtscheller family consider culinary excellence an obligation to their guests. Therefore fine food (mostly locally sourced) and an inspiring wine list go hand in hand with the highest international standards of service – everything one could possibly expect from a Relais & Châteaux Hotel.

The Spa Hotel Jagdhof honours the name with the ultimate Spa Experience for mind, body and soul. This extraordinary Spa is spread over two floors and 2,000 sqm, offers 17 different facilities, huge indoor/outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, beauty salon and a superbly equipped gym. This is the place for stress relief, relaxation, chill-out and recharge – it addresses every aspect of fitness, vitality and beauty.

Although this region is an all-year-round destination, it is during winter that the Jagdhof is absolute magic. Discover the largest glacier skiing area in Austria, go for a snow shoe hike, enjoy a toboggan ride or just take in the blissful peace of the snow-covered mountains and valleys.

This exclusive offer can be booked directly at www.beautifulbreak.com Special Jagdhof week  Seven nights’ accommodation with half board  Use of the entire Spa area (over 2,000sqm), indoor and outdoor pools and Jacuzzi  Ski pass for six days  One Glacier Massage per person (60 mins)

Prices starting from £1,005 per person

For further information or bookings regarding this offer, please e-mail info@beautifulbreak.com or call us on 020 8858 5877 to speak to one of our dedicated advisors

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Bond, Ms Bond …

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hen you hear the name Bond you automatically conjure images of fast cars, planes and of course James himself. With Ms Bond you couldn’t be further away from the truth. Ms Bond is different, very different. It’s strictly female; made for women, by women.

Caroline Whitmey’s belief (as company founder) is that women can indulge sometimes “Because they can and should”, and this phrase sets the tone for what the company is all about. It is most definitely not the usual events company; Ms Bond organizes bespoke and innovative luxury experiences solely for women.

The concept is simple, women need to take time out from the hectic humdrum of everyday life and indulge themselves. With time being a precious element of any busy woman’s life, Caroline and her team plan every detail of the experience, turning any dream into reality. Whatever the occasion – a special birthday, a hen party, grabbing some time with old friends or simply some pampered down time – Ms Bond is there to help.

In 2007 the idea of Ms Bond was born to Caroline, a former TV presenter, whose life everyday revolved around juggling a busy social and work schedule. For her, like many, time was precious and she wanted to ensure every second of it counted. Creating memorable experiences with

friends and loved ones was the best way of keeping this balance and ensured she got this special ‘me time’ as well. By doing this she made an enviable black book of key contacts and forged first class relationships with the UK’s best. The contacts that she has made over the years are the jewel in the crown for her business, as it’s these existing relationships that ensure she can deliver results.

The most exciting thing about Ms Bond is that they will take on any task, large or small and plan every detail down to the smallest thing (such as having your favourite radio station playing in the car that collects you). Every part of the experience is taken care of for you, from having personalized invitations sent to your friends to sourcing the food, drink, hotel and even gifts from all your suppliers of choice. All they ask is that you use your imagination and let them make your ideas come to life. Previous experiences have included dining in your own home with food cooked by a Michelin-starred chef in your own kitchen; flying by helicopter for a champagne afternoon tea in a 5* hotel; and exclusive out-of-hours use of a major designer store.

For Ms Bond no request is too big or too small and they aim to provide the most luxurious bespoke events available on the market. To put this theory to the test Siobhan Craven Robins grabbed the girls and headed off to meet to Caroline…

The new Bond girls Celebrity wedding planner Siobhan Craven-Robins samples the Ms Bond experience

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y clients frequently ask me for unusual ideas or recommendations for their ‘hen’ do; with this in mind, I felt it worthwhile to take three days out of my working week and accept Caroline Whitmey’s invitation to travel to Edinburgh to experience one of her Ms Bond luxury breaks.

In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined just how delightful the experience would be. I returned home after just three days away, relaxed, chilled out and feeling thoroughly spoilt. The surprise element of the break added such value to it for me; having been used to organising other people, it felt wonderful to be ‘organised’ myself.

I flew to Edinburgh to arrive Monday lunchtime and at the airport I was greeted

by Caroline and my driver, Bruce. Caroline presented me with a welcome gift from my favourite gift and stationery shop in

Edinburgh, Magenta Ink! I sat in the car having no idea where I was being driven to, but enjoying the anticipation and chatting with Bruce.

Arriving outside Boudiche Lingerie boutique in Edinburgh I was welcomed by Fifi and Emily with a glass of champagne.

They showed me around the beautiful shop and together we selected underwear for me to try. Fifi fitted me and after trying on most of the shop (it was all gorgeous), I made my choice which was beautifully wrapped for me.

Prestonfield House, my next stop, has the prestigious claim to being Edinburgh’s only five red star hotel. Caroline had placed a welcome gift in my room – a luxurious set of Jo Malone products and a cup cake to have with my tea. After the arrival of the rest of the girls and a fun session of glamming ourselves up, we went down to the bar for champagne. After drinks, we headed to the

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Balmoral Hotel where we merrily consumed yet more champagne before making our way through to the Michelin starred restaurant for dinner. The meal was wonderful and the ambience was lively and bright.

soon the pipes were drowned out by the noise of the helicopter that landed ready to take us on to our next destination No idea where we were heading next, we walked out of Prestonfield House to be greeted by a piper; soon the pipes were drowned out by the noise of the rotors from the helicopter that landed ready to take us on to our next destination. Flying up the coast to land in front of St Andrew’s Old Course Hotel we disembarked to be met with yet more champagne! Quickly changing into robes we made our way to the roof terrace for an outdoor Jacuzzi. After a delicious lunch, hot stone massages were the perfect way to unwind before lazing around the pool for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner was a riotous three-hour affair that night as we enjoyed a seven course tasting menu. A champagne afternoon tea at The Howard the following day was the icing on a break so indulgent it was quite unbelievable.

It is no exaggeration to say that all four of us felt those three days were among the best we have ever enjoyed. Caroline succeeded in not only creating a relaxing and luxurious break for us all, but also a couple of great memories.

Ms Bond creates unique, innovative and decadent experiences that all women love, without landing them with the time and effort that goes into organising them. Just remember: you can, and you should. n For more information on Siobhan’s services, call 020 7481 4338 or visit www.siobhancraven-robins.co.uk To find out more about Ms Bond experiences, visit www.msbond.co.uk

Edinburgh’s Finest Boudiche 15 Frederick St Edinburgh EH2 2EY 0131 226 5255 www.boudiche.com

The Old Course Hotel and Spa Old Course Hotel St. Andrews Old Station Rd. St. Andrews KY16 9SP United Kingdom T: 01334 474371 F: 01334 475234 reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk www.oldcoursehotel.kohler.com

Prestonfield House Mark Rowley Prestonfield, Prestonfield House Priestfield Road Edinburgh EH16 5UT 0131 225 7800 www.prestonfield.com

Number One at The Balmoral Number One 1 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2EQ Scotland 0131 556 2414

The Howard Hotel 34 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH 0131 274 7418 www.thehoward.com

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: manchester vanessa bolosier discovers enjoyable ways to spend a business trip in the North-west’s number one city Some call it the ‘Capital of the North’, some ‘Cottonopolis’, but we all know it as the city of Manchester. And there’s far more to the place than its passionate sports supporters.

It’s a highly-business-orientated city which has been voted the best place to base a business in the UK. It has also become a centre of the arts, media and commerce, and financial and professional services are a major industry there. The city has much to offer in terms of night life, cultural heritage and entertainment.

This combination makes Manchester the ideal business trip destination.

WHERE TO STAY The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

It’s the first 5* hotel in Manchester and it’s definitely worth a visit. Publicly acclaimed and an award winner,The Lowry is the destination for opulent luxury and high-standard customer care.

The suites are delectable and except for a couple of celebrity appearances, the clientele is definitely business-minded. One other incentive for gadget-savvy travellers is the complimentary use of a PlayStation Portable during their stay.

50 Dearmans Place Chapel Wharf, M3 5LH 0161 827 4000 www.thelowryhotel.com The Midland Hotel

The Lowry Hotel

The Midland Hotel is a Manchester classic. Located on the southern side of St Peter’s Square in the city centre, it’s a stunning piece of architecture, restored to its full glory by a £15m renovation. With its 14 suites and 298 meticulously-designed rooms, the Midland is a high-calibre hotel that has welcomed royals, politicians and business leaders alike. The hotel offers a unique

The Midland Hotel

24-hour residential package for short-stay delegates and is ideal for big business meetings as well as small, intimate rendezvous.

Peter Street, M60 2DS 0161 236 3333 www.qhotels.co.uk The Malmaison Hotel Manchester

Stylish, trendy and lavish, ‘The Mal’ is all about soft

lighting, sultry velvet sofas and luxurious fabric. Even more impressive is its original range of thematic suites. The Theatre of Dreams suite is named after the legendary football stadium, with the ideal audio-visual equipment to enjoy sport.

There’s also a Moulin Rouge suite with pictures of cancan showgirls adorning the walls.

Additionally, you can enjoy the Cinema Suites for a splendid private screening experience.

Piccadilly, M1 3AQ 0161 278 1000 www.malmaison-manchester.com

SEAL THE DEAL Cloud 23

This bar owes its name to the fact it’s located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton, in the Beetham Tower.

The view over Manchester is truly stunning. Part the floor is made of glass, so you can also gaze at the streets below as you sip your Happy Monday, or other The Malmaison Hotel

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revitalising, and the Moroccanstyle chill out area, where you can enjoy fresh fruit and herb infusions, is luscious. A particularly highlight is the Aromatherapy Facial.

112 High Street, M4 1HQ 0161 819 2465 www.r3holistictherapies.co.uk

DAY TRIPPING The Wheel of Manchester

song-inspired cocktail. Bringing shameless luxury to Manchester’s bar scene, the cocktails are excellent and the atmosphere will make your business trip even more enjoyable.

Beetham Tower 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ 0161 870 1688 www.hilton.co.uk/ manchesterdeansgate

FINE DINING Harvey Nichols panoramic restaurant

For a chic dining experience, try a classic: Harvey Nichols Manchester. Overlooking Exchange Square, it has three floors with a restaurant, bar and brasserie. The design is edgy and of course you will top the city while dining and discussing business matters. The Modern Alternatively European menu excites the taste buds and the atmosphere makes guests want stay for hours. Multiple-awardwinning, it’s perfect for those who want to dine in elegance and richness.

Harvey Nichols Exchange Square, M1 1AD 0161 828 8898 www.harveynichols.com Ithaca

Ithaca has been arguably Manchester’s most acclaimed restaurant opening. And it deserves it. It’s the first 5* top notch dining restaurant in the city and it completes the trendy, lively and quality-leading position of Manchester in almost all entertainment areas. Named after the home of the legendary hero Odysseus, it’s all about Oriental food, with leading chefs from celebrity restaurants Nobu and Nahm.

36 John Dalton Street, M2 6LE 0870 740 4000 www.ithacamanchester.com

down to some serious shopping at Emporio Armani, Flannels, Hermes, Jaeger, Mulberry, Charles Tyrwhitt,Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY... There’s everything from designer suits to casual chic.

SPA ESCAPE The Sienna Spa

The Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester has a hidden gem known as Sienna Spa. The relaxing centre is highly impressive and just entering the place you feel relaxed. The pool reflects the ceiling and the lighting enhances the rich decor. Their star treatment is The Elemis Japanese silk booster facial, which leaves you with baby-smooth skin.

Peter Street, M2 5GP 0161 835 8964 www.radissonedwardian.com

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP King Street

Inner Sanctuary Spa

Need retail therapy? Head to Manchester’s funkiest, most fashionable, chic and sleek road: King Street. Take advantage of the area’s historical heritage, then get

While visiting the Northern Quarter, you might want to stop by and have a holistic experience. This spa is all about relaxing, releasing and

HOTEL OFFER We have teamed up with the Midland Hotel, Manchester to bring you a deluxe overnight deal. With our special offer save 50% on a luxury stay, paying just £130* per person for one night’s accommodation with single occupancy and full English breakfast. Add just a further £10 for double occupancy with breakfast.

For more details or to book, telephone 0845 074 0060, quoting ‘The City’. To find out more about The Midland Hotel and other luxury hotels in the, QHotels collection, AA Hotel group of the year visit its website at www.qHotels.co.uk

* Offer based on single occupancy and valid until 31 March 2009, excluding Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day and subject to the availability of allocated rooms.

Offering a “voyage in the sky”, the Wheel of Manchester echoes the London Eye and allows visitors to discover Manchester in a totally unexpected way.

With its 42 pods providing a capacity of eight people each, book as a VIP to enjoy luxury treatment. There’ll always be champagne available onboard.

TRAVEL ACCESSORY Ideal for those who want to work on the go, the Lite-On eSAU208 DVD writer combines the best technology with a sleek exterior. Owners of the portable DVD writer can watch movies on long-distance journeys, as well as carry out work, including the transfer of photos and data to disc. Also say goodbye to paper labels, since this stylish gadget includes LightScribe functionality, allowing a professional label to be applied to discs. £59 www.liteonit.eu

The Wheel of Manchester

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Achieving the impossible Robert Cook and Stephanie Baxter profile the most extraordinary developments under construction in Dubai

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alk to anybody about Dubai, and there’s one statistic guaranteed to crop up: the percentage of the world’s cranes currently located there. Some say 20%, others 25%, while the most optimistic sometimes go as high as 80%. Whatever the truth, it cannot be debated that the city is in the middle of an enormous construction boom. A clever move, since it means that all commercial eyes are turned towards Dubai as the most happening place in terms of business and property. We highlight some of the biggest and best new developments in the region.

Luxurious Living In recent years, Dubai has been trying to make a name for itself as the city that has it all.With some of the tallest buildings in the world, a year-long temperature which is high enough to satisfy even the most hardcore of sunworshippers, and some of the hottest celebrity properties on the infamous Palm Islands, Dubai really does seem as if it’s becoming a serious contender to rival the likes of London and New York.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) sits in the centre of this vision, with more than 650 financial companies operating within the centre and 18,000 businesspeople employed there already. Aiming to take business and commerce to new heights, the plans have been made for the construction of a new district, DIFC Lifestyle, to complement the existing realms of the DIFC.This new district seeks to be a self-contained location that encompasses all aspects of day-to-day living – work, home and recreation – in

short, to become a city within a city. Inspired by the sophistication of Canary Wharf and Knightsbridge,Wall Street and 5th Avenue, and Paris’s La Défense, DIFC Lifestyle will combine the best aspects of the greatest cities in the world, thus aspiring to be the best of the best.

Designed to be the ultimate ‘people-friendly’ destination for locals and tourists alike, the plans for the new district give a taste of the luxury and innovation that will exude from its surroundings. Indoor waterfalls and beautifully landscaped gardens are just two of the features that will make it a truly unique and magnificent complex, with top hotels, contemporary office buildings, luxury apartments and links to the Dubai metro system bordering the district.

DIFC Lifestyle will also boast a climatecontrolled boulevard, making it possible to walk from one part of the city to the other in maximum comfort. It will also incorporate the very best of high-end shops and eateries,

as well as art galleries and a performing arts centre, which will be home to a state-of-the-art amphitheatre.

Another unique aspect to the development will be the inclusion of its own court with UK judges and regulatory authorities. In its operation of the Common Law of the UK, DIFC Lifestyle will separate itself in a judicial sense from the rest of Dubai in an attempt to accommodate the diversity of the 175 nationalities working within the DIFC. This new district promises to be the ultimate cultural destination; one that can act as a gateway between Europe and Asia. Boasting the absolute finest in commerce, property, retail, cuisine and the arts, DIFC Lifestyle is the ideal location for anyone who desires the finer things in life or, alternatively, an escape from the dreaded credit crunch. n www.difc.ae

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lifestyle

Reach for the sky The $20bn Downtown Burj Dubai development has a lot of unique qualities. Described as an area equivalent to two Canary Wharfs being built in half the time, its (soon-to-be-lavishly-landscaped) grounds are home to a range of retail, leisure, business and residential structures, but it’s easy to pinpoint the headlinegrabbing feature. Upon completion, Downtown will feature the world’s tallest building. At the centre of the development, beside a colossal artificial lake, stands the teetering heights of Burj Dubai.

Like the rest of Downtown, the Burj Dubai skyscraper is mixed use. Its lower levels will host the world’s first Giorgio Armani hotel, the flagship for a new international chain owned jointly by Armani and Downtown developers Emaar Properties. Above this will be around 800 or 900 residential apartments (some of them also kitted out by Armani), with offices on the subsequent storeys. Throw in a public observation deck on the 124th floor (also the highest of its kind in the world) to complete the picture.

It seems like every conceivable aspect of the building has been record breaking: the construction of Burj Dubai even set a global record for the vertical pumping of concrete!

Not that Burj Dubai is Downtown’s only world leader.

The development is also home to the Dubai Mall, set to be one of the largest in the world when it opens on 30 October. In Dubai, shopping is not so much a hobby as a full-time occupation. The state is already famous for its huge Mall of the Emirates, which boasts all the familiar designer and high street stores, as well as an indoor ski

slope. But Dubai Mall will far outstrip this in size. A true shopping and entertainment destination, it is three times the size of the Mall of the Emirates, with more than 1,200 shops and 120 food outlets. It will include the Middle East’s first branch of renowned French department store The Galeries Lafayette, and to indulge in statistics again for a moment, will also feature 14,000 undercover car park spaces, a 22-screen cineplex and a colossal walkthrough aquarium (one of the world’s largest, naturally).

Many people are excited to see what the mall will look like when it opens at the end of this month, but the biggest mystery surrounding the Downtown development is exactly how tall will Burj Dubai be? Emaar are keeping the final height firmly under wraps, and will only reveal it when the building is finally completed in September 2009. All they’re willing to say is that it is set to have over 160 storeys and be more than 700m high. To put this into perspective, Burj Dubai dwarfs the colossal skyscrapers that already stand around it; it will be not only the tallest building in the world, but by far the tallest man-made structure ever made and will be the first time a building has outgrown the gigantic TV masts that previously held the record.

Burj Dubai is an amazing achievement, but one question remains: with the ambition and drive underlying current developments in Dubai, how long will it be before the emirate constructs another building to surpass it? n www.burjdubai.com www.thedubaimall.com

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The property experts With the Dubai property sector everexpanding from month to month, one private developer stands out as the frontrunner in the region. DAMAC Properties are the largest private master developer in the whole of the Middle East; with 670 million square feet of properties already spread across 8 different countries and 9,000 more hoping to be planned every year, their portfolio is growing fast. A large proportion of these projects will be implemented in Dubai, tapping into the vast and promising market that the region has to offer.With the population of Dubai expected to double and reach 3 million by 2010, DAMAC’s expansion plans, it would seem, could not have come at a better time.

The sheer number of developments proposed by DAMAC means that property buyers have an extremely extensive choice in terms of location; something which had not been previously possible.To make things even easier, DAMAC have highlighted where the best investments are for a whole range of buyers.

The holiday home buyer, for example, would do well to invest in a property located in the Dubai Marina, offering beautiful beaches and top golf clubs as key attractions. Such investors could buy a penthouse or a one-, two- or threebedroom apartment in DAMAC Heights, an iconic 90-storey tower which boasts health club, sports and childcare facilities.

The buy-to-let investor, on the other hand, is steered towards the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), where DAMAC has almost completed their development,The Crescent,

Cultural infusion With Dubai already a big name in the realms of business and property, a new development is underway that will forge a name for Dubai in another crucial area – culture.

His Highness Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, is a keen advocate of the cultural growth of the region, highlighting the equal need for culture as well as business development and suggesting that it have its own place within Dubai society and everyday living.

Dubai Properties have answered this desire with the launch of a new development, Culture

Village, which is set to become a top tourist attraction bringing culture and art lovers from all over the world to appreciate the richness and diversity of everything the development will have to offer. Not only that, it has been predicted that the area which Culture Village occupies will become the most exclusive address in all of Dubai, with both local and international investors itching to pour their money into the venture. n www.culturevillage.ae

conveniently located near to two of the largest employment generating districts of Dubai – Business Bay and Dubailand.

The close proximity to these business centres will certainly bring a wealth of rental opportunities, making it a perfect development for a buy-to-let property.

Another exciting venture embarked upon by DAMAC is the partnership with the award-winning interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), which was established in order to create the most luxurious and expensive penthouses and apartments in all of Dubai.These ‘Signature Residences’ will be available on the top nine floors of DAMAC’s impressive 82-storey residential skyscraper,‘Ocean Heights’, as well as in the 50-storey ‘Lotus Heights’, and will represent corporate luxury at its best.

Elegance and sumptuousness are the two key aims for these apartments, with the ultimate sophistication in decoration, furnishings and appliances being incorporated into the designs.

Peter Riddoch, CEO of DAMAC Properties explains the motivation behind the idea: “We understand that purchasers of our ‘Signature Residences’ live a fast-paced 21st century lifestyle. Many of them see Dubai as a vital hub in the world business network, so we wanted these apartments to reflect their need for convenience and taste for style and sophistication.”

Based on DAMAC’s reputation, experience and expertise in the field of property, they are definitely becoming the company to watch within Dubai. n www.damacproperties.com

LUXURY BOUTIQUE TO LET

ADJACENT TO HERMÈS AND OPPOSITE LOUIS VUITTON 1 4 / 1 5 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

W W W.T H E R OYA L E X C H A N G E . C O M

C O N TAC T W I L S O N M c H A R DY F O R D E TA I L S 0 2 0 74 3 9 1 6 6 6

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fashion

Fashion Fringe Rebecca Walton headed to LFW to check out the competition This year’s Fashion Fringe took place at its new home in The Flower Cellars at Covent Garden. Guests were welcomed into a reception area that was bright, vibrant and buzzing, and set the perfect tone for the sparkling show that followed. Vivid neon colours were used to make a lasting impact against the vast white backdrop of the breathtaking venue itself; throughout the reception champagne and bespoke cocktails were served to guests by topless ‘butlers in the buff’, and a delicious canapé spread was provided by the team at Red Snapper Events.

The four finalists – Go by a secret path, LF Markey, Sarah Easom and William Tempest – took turns to showcase their twelve-piece capsule collections. The international panel of judges and guests included Donatella Versace, Roland Mouret, Dita von Teese and Lucinda Chambers (Vogue), amongst numerous others. The four collections were strikingly different and each created a unique reaction.

© Paul Smith A/W08

But there could only be one winner; this year the converted prize went to Go By A Secret Path, aka designer Eun Jeong Hong. She earned herself a rather nice £100,000 prize, alongside continuous support from the Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden team to kickstart her professional design career.

Find out more about Fashion Fringe at www.londonfashionweek.com

STYLE UPDATE

STATEMENT

IN COLOURS ORANGE COUTURE SILK COAT DRESS, PAUL SMITH, £659, WWW.PAULSMITH.CO.UK

VOGUE We take a look at city high fashion in the wake of London Fashion Week

Fashion Rules

CATKIN JUMPER, JOHN SMEDLEY, £119, WWW.JOHNSMEDLEY.COM

IRINA HEELS, TOAST, £145, WWW.TOAST.CO.UK

Marking 25 years of London Fashion Week in 2009, the British Fashion Council has announced the beginning of a groundbreaking new research report which will form a cornerstone of the UK fashion industry. Generating £20m for the London economy every Fashion Week, the industry is finally being recognised as a major contributor to UK plc and the new report is set to re-align social, educational and business approaches to fashion.

Speaking at 10 Downing Street last month, BFC Chief Executive Hilary Riva stated that “Crucially – consistent, ongoing funding is a huge priority for 2009 and we are working on a new funding programme to raise talent bursaries and securing funding over a number of years to come. Bringing the magic and aspiration of British fashion to the broader public is a key goal for us next year, and we are working with key partners, including the V&A, to create a buzz.”

To find out more about the British Fashion Council, visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com

Cocktail Hour On the catwalk at London Fashion Week, Jenny Packham’s stunning cocktail creations were some of the hottest evening dresses around. Bright, vibrant colours and luxurious fabrics combined to cause a stir among the best-dressed and high society girls. Floaty hot pink chiffon, azure blue beading, tangerine orange ruffles and mauve tulle all appear in this delicious S/S09 collection. www.jennypackham.com

Fashion Forward

Belen Echandia From the professional world of top law firms to the pages of fashion magazines, designer Jackie Crawther seems to have established her gorgeous handbags as a must-have collection for the coming months. The A/W09 collection is effortlessly stylish and nods to the trends established for the season. Purple plum leather, muted metallics and glossy python create a chic yet cool range perfect for accessorising this winter. Don’t be seen in the city without one! www.belenechandia.com

© Paul Smith A/W09

Not only did Christopher Kane present a wonderful S/S09 collection at London Fashion Week last month, but he also scooped himself a Fashion Forward sponsorship.

Having shown for four seasons now, under New Gen sponsorship, Kane has built his label into a major player within the industry and demonstrated a contemporary flair in the realm of women’s fashion. The Fashion Forward sponsorship is “awarded to the most exemplary, innovative womenswear designers based on exceptional talent they have already demonstrated in fashion design and their potential for future distinction in the fashion industry”. In his S/S09 collection, Kane takes inspiration from the circle and details skirts, dresses and suits with the shape.

To find out more about Fashion Forward, visit www.londonfashionweek.com

STYLE UPDATE

COLLEGE

COOL VINTAGE TARTAN SCARF, DRAKES, £125, WWW.DRAKES-LONDON.COM

RED TROUSERS, PAUL SMITH, £189, WWW.PAULSMITH.CO.UK

Timeless Stripes Settling the vertical versus horizontal stripes debate for once and for all, Nicole Farhi uses both in the S/S09 collection on display during London Fashion Week. Classic sun dresses are nipped in at the waist, with white and colour stripes accentuating the female shape. Gathered at the waist and flaring into an A-line skirt, the dresses are timeless in elegant design but rooted firmly within the 21st century by the modern combination of colours and fabrics.

Other designs unite the prints so popular across London Fashion Week with Farhi’s stripes, creating a fresh spring season look. www.nicolefarhi.com

MEW VELVET BOOTS, EMMA HOPE, £230, WWW.EMMAHOPE.CO.UK

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fashion

A passion for fashion Sophie Daly talks to Charles Svingholm about his eclectic flair for design

“A

s a young man I was dyslexic, and I still am today. This is a handicap that has made me a better listener, and one that I have turned to my advantage.

It’s quite simple to succeed – all you need to do is listen to women and realise their dream, so I started creating beautiful dresses.”

When he puts it like that, it actually sounds rather simple, but behind this modest front lies a background of hard work and raw talent. Charles Svingholm has worked in the fashion industry since 1995, and had a varied background working for other designers before setting up his own label. “After starting out as a model in London, Paris, New York and Milan I went on to work for John Galliano and it was there I learnt the discipline of cutting and creating unique designs for the most discerning fashion consumer. Later I joined the J. Todd group and then Prada working as the manager of the VIP client service that I created.

Working for fashion icon Paul Smith gave me more fashion experience and I created key pieces for designers such as Tashia and Lotus amongst others.”

It is clear that this is more than just a job for Charles. “Fashion is my passion”, he enthuses.

“I love everything to do with the industry! The image we project of ourselves is extremely important as first impressions count. Fashion and style are a reflection of our personality and it is a question of self respect and respect for others to look our

best.” Of course, it comes as no surprise that Charles’s designs are elegant and sexy, and create a lasting first impression. “I admire Chanel for its timeless elegance; my newest collection is very feminine, sexy and elegant. I am also influenced by John Galliano, who was one of my teachers and is one of my favourite designers.

His style is so extravagant and daring. Also Dame Vivienne Westwood. She is unique.”

Charles’ inspiration comes from all over the place. “I am inspired by the strong, vibrant colours of Asia at the moment”, he reveals, “but also by looking at street fashion wherever I might be.”

Each season Charles nods to the seasonal trends of the industry and major shows, but always maintains individuality in his collections.

“This season, consumers should be looking at the trend for greys and purples, and lots of cashmere.

As for style, go for tailored and elegant designs, as I am happy to note that classic is back! In my designs I have used a lot of natural fabrics, cashmeres, lots of laces, feathers and furs.”

In terms of the future, Charles sees the development of the fashion industry rooted firmly in the city. “London is now the fashion capital of the world. The rest of the world looks at London for emerging new talents and it is very important that British designers continue to break into the fashion industry.” Charles Svingholm is one of those designers representing fashion talent in Britain, so keep an eye out for his successes in future. n

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fashion

Cool

Marc Wallace talks to Lydia Scott about his new collection of suave and stylish suits

Sophistication “S tyle is important to help separate the individual from the masses” says Marc Wallace. “My attitude towards design is that yes, it is about function, but it is also about classic styling.”

Marc’s designs ooze confidence and refinement. A favourite amongst smart City professionals, his suits, shirts and accessories are made from the finest fabrics to exact specifications. Marc launched his very first collection in 1998 and since then has enjoyed an international reputation for some of the finest bespoke tailoring on offer. His handmade suits and high-end accessories bring to life the suave sophistication of the classic suit with contemporary design twists.

Re-coursing the direction

of menswear, Marc’s passion and enthusiasm for design is evident in his fresh and highly original creations. “All things visual serve as my inspiration” he says. “My new collection is deep, dark, gothic-inspired luxury with sumptuous fabrics and sharp silhouettes”. With his continuing hands-on involvement in the brand and the collaboration with skilled artisans on limited edition pieces for the label, Marc’s inspired designs will continue in their popularity with London’s bestdressed professionals.

For this season, Marc recommends that “men should be looking for a fitted silhouette, a one button suit in brown or charcoal shades with luxury silk accessories”. Key trends are named as one buttoned jackets, flat front trousers with no belt loops and three-piece suits

in shades of brown, navy and charcoal grey.

“Along the same lines as our current collection, the A/W09 collection is classic with a twist, using the best quality English fabrics” explains Marc, confirming the current trend for quintessential British styles in high-end materials.

The fabrics used in this year’s bespoke collection have been chosen by Marc and follow the tendencies of his mainline collection; clean lines in a palette of greys, black and brown, they define the business style of the A/W season.

This is sleek tailoring combined with ease of movement to deliver a beautiful fit. Classic suiting in wool, silk and mohair create a luxurious finish of practical modernity. n www.marcwallace.com

lifestyle

Time to Tux

T

he festive season is once again creeping up upon us. Over the next few months invitations will start to arrive for evenings and parties that will be filled with champagne, canapés and of course the obligatory dinner suit. Finding a tuxedo that is both stylish and multifunctional is not always the easiest of tasks but luckily Moss Bros one of the UK’s leadings men’s retailer have launched a new six piece collection that is ideal for every occasion.

The exclusive Moss Bros Covent Garden collection has transformed the traditional tuxedo into a real impact making sharp, fitted modern suits. The collection itself comprises of three fine pure wool jackets; a shawl collar, notch lapel and peak lapel. The jackets are then beautifully teamed with a choice of two styles of trousers either single pleat style or a flat fronted style. The finishing touches to the whole look is to get a crisp white dress shirt and match

41

a tie or bow tie to make the ultimate statement. The pièce de résistance in the collection is a luxurious plush velvet jacket that completes this unique yet functional range.

The Moss Bros team are confident that the Covent Garden Collection is going to be a hit with their clients.

Scott Williams Moss’ senior formalwear buyer feels this is because “The luxury collection has been styled beautifully with sexy lapels, slim fitted and shorter length jackets, all with sharp satin detail featuring on collar lapels, flap and jet pockets and covered buttons.”

This dapper collection is perfect for every gentleman’s wardrobe and will be available in 120 Moss Bro’s stores nationwide and is currently being launched as part of the Autumn/Winter 2008 collection.  For more information contact your local Moss Bros store.

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

Sleek in the city Photography by: Mike Bryant PRODUCTION by: SUCCESS MEDIA

Hair: Rachel Cohen at Scissorhands using Wella SP and Sebastian Make up: Kelly Fowler at Scissorhands Model: Chelsey Baker

Shot on location at Plantation Place, EC3

Black cashmere jacket with leather belt and pleated silk georgette skirt Charles Svingholm - 28 Bina Gardens, London, SW5 0LA Tel: 0207 835 2129 www.charlessvingholm.com

Black puffed sleeved blouse and belt: Charles Svingholm, 28 Bina Gardens, London, SW5 0LA 020 7835 2129 www.charlessvingholm.com Silver and onyx cocktail ring (ÂŁ98) and cuff (ÂŁ365): Monica Vinader at Charles Fish www.charlesfish.co.uk

Silk georgette Swarovski crystal and diamante dress: Charles Svingholm, 28 Bina Gardens, London, SW5 0LA 020 7835 2129 www.charlessvingholm.com ‘Thorn’ 18ct white Gold and diamond earrings (£2,925): Stephen Webster at Charles Fish www.charlesfish.co.uk

Red silk dress and red leather handbag: Charles Svingholm, 28 Bina Gardens, London, SW5 0LA 020 7835 2129 www.charlessvingholm.com ‘Capriccio’ 18 carat yellow gold and diamond ring (£1,750) ‘Capriccio’ 18 carat gold diamond set bracelet (£5,750) Orlando Orlandini at Charles Fish www.charlesfish.co.uk

Blue wool knit dress with leather belt and stole: Charles Svingholm, 28 Bina Gardens, London, SW5 0LA 020 7835 2129 www.charlessvingholm.com

Lulu Guinness A Tropical Breeze As the weather starts to change and all chance of sunshine disappears, it’s heartening to maintain at least a tiny taste of the tropics. Luxury brand l’Artisan Parfumeur is releasing a new scent this season perfect for bringing a touch of the exotic to grey autumn days in London. Fleur de Liane is ‘a scent stolen by a perfumer on his travels’ which draws its inspiration from the flowers on the Island of Bahia Honda in Panama. The vibrant tropical island is permanently scented with wild fragrances of leaves, sap, bark and wood earth and the nearby ocean; reflecting this beautiful natural environment, Fleur de Liane is exhibits facets of green, floral, aqueous, woody and mossy undertones. The 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 L’Artisan Parfumeur 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 www.artisanparfumeur.com/uk

Perfect Solitaire A beautiful choice for an autumn engagement, De Beers presents the Forever Ring. A choice of beautiful engagement solitaire diamonds in a variety of weights, these are the latest additions to the DeBeers Bridal Collection, with stones guaranteed with the De Beers Marque. With unrivalled expertise in the selection and specification of fine diamonds for over a century, De Beers offers the most authoritative diamond knowledge in the world.

All diamonds above .20 carats that pass the De Beers stringent specifications are microscopically branded with the De Beers Marque. Completely invisible to the naked eye, this microscopic etching ensures that each stone will retain its identity as a De Beers official diamond, and is catalogued in the De Beers Diamond registry, providing an additional level of protection and security.

Forever Ring, prices starting from £1,150 De Beers 13, The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7929 2777 www.debeers.com

The new Lulu Guinness collection, Holiday Resort, is inspired by an unusual and eclectic mix of 1940s and 1950s bags, dresses and icons. This chic yet fun collection is a fusion of beautifully textured fabrics, appliqué and embroidery, all featuring quirky details. The Colour Flash Elongated Pollyanna is a bright and dramatic clutch bag ideal for a glamorous evening party. The Elongated Pollyanna clutch is a new shape in the collection and is also available in a variety of other colours. The Colour Flash features shades of aubergine and black with embroidered flashes of lime, fuchsia and purple bringing fun back into the collection.

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

Strike a

POSE

The Royal Exchange presents the best of glamour and style in the wake of London Fashion Week; here are our best buys for staying in vogue

Parisian Style Over a century ago, in 1904, Louis Cartier made a major breakthrough in the watchmaking world by creating one of the first ever wristwatches designed primarily for pilots in flight.With its visible screws, raised bezel and ridged bracelet, the Santos watch is a truly classic masculine timepiece, echoing a time when watches were flaunted as status symbols. The Santos watch pioneered the design of the day and represents an early expression of the Art Deco style.

This variation in pink gold surrounded by black rubber illustrates the spirit of the Santos de Cartier collection into the twentyfirst century.

Santos Watch, £11,250 Boutique Cartier 1 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7312 6923 www.cartier.com

A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

PRECIOUS TREASURES A limited edition collection, Robert Tateossian’s ‘Rare Stones’ are 18 carat white, pink and yellow gold cufflinks featuring rare and unusual precious and semi-precious stones. Remarkably, the precious stones have been collected by Tateossian himself over years of travels across the world, from Brazil to Namibia, South Africa to Afghanistan, and Russia to Thailand.The stones, including organic, rough and hybrid pieces, have been hand-cut by Italian masters using age-old techniques.

A stylish break from the norm, these unique cufflinks fuse the natural materials of the environment with the highly skilled craftsmanship of the designer to create something truly individual.

Pieces in the Rare Stones Collection range from £1,000 - £40,000

Boodles is a name synonymous with luxury and style and ‘Waterfall’ is just one of the several stunning collections created by the brand. Elegant and sophisticated, the collection continues one of the trademark Boodles themes of water and smooth, flowing lines. Amongst the new pieces added to the popular Waterfall Collection includes the Waterfall necklace with strands of effervescent diamonds interspersed with pretty heart-shaped diamonds. Perfect for bringing an extra-special sparkle to a glamorous outfit, Boodles is definitely a vital stop for any City girl.

Tateossian 1/4 Royal Exchange 020 7283 3434 www.tateossian.com

MODERN MASTERPIECE Launched this month and echoing some of the most famous pieces in the modern art world, Smythson presents a striking new collection of bold, vibrantly coloured leather accessories. Including the Lippiatt Writing Folder, Slim Travel Wallet, Card Case, Passport Cover and the Watch & Accessory cabinet, the collection is edgy and masculine. All pieces in the collection have black pigskin leather exteriors with a grid composition of block primary colours in blue, red, yellow and white inside.The Watch & Accessory Cabinet features a specially designed perpetual motion ‘rocker’ and additional drawers which can store up to eight more watches, cufflinks, sunglasses, belts, pens and documents. Perfect for a new winter wardrobe, this is a bold statement piece for the modern business man.

Waterfall necklace, £67,000 Boodles 2-3 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 www.boodles.co.uk

TICK TOCK TICK TOCK To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Diagono, Bulgari presents the new Diagono watch collection.The Diagono idea came from a simple concept; perceiving movement an instant before it occurs, sensing and anticipating its tension.The case of the Diagono Calibro 303 comprises of 75 different elements and is characterized by a new bezel with a flat white gold profile.The Calibro 303 displays incredible attention to detail, including the anti-skid surface with vertical lines on the two chronographic buttons, the double matte and glossy finish of the case, and the embracing design of the winding crown guard. A BVL 303 caliber movement is can be seen through the sapphire glass window on the back and the number 303 indicates the number of components in the watch; exactly 303.

Modern Art Collection

Diagono Calibro 303, £POA

Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1037 www.smythson.com

Bulgari 15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 www.bulgari.com

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

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health&beauty

citygrooming MANSCARA? SUITS YOU SIR….

OK, so once upon a time blokes couldn’t care less about grooming but with a wide range of men’s make-up appearing on the market men seem to becoming more and more slapcurious.

Personally I think its cool for guys to wear the odd bit of corrective make-up, but really boys no red lipstick!!

Check out my favourite products and decide for yourself…

We sent Red (my hairdresser!) to Gentlemen’s Tonic for an eyelash tint. “I was a bit apprehensive going into the salon but I was pleasantly surprised with the relaxed heterosexual atmosphere. My beautician made me feel relaxed and welcome. As I’m fair skinned she decided to mix black and brown for a more natural looking eyelash tint. My girlfriend loved the final look. I would recommend this to any bloke willing to give it a try. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.”

Eyelash tinting £18 Gentlemen’s Tonic, The City Point Club, 1 Rope Maker Street, London EC2Y 9AW

ON THE LASH Eyelure has launched the first natural lashes for men who want to add a subtle edge to their look. Easy to apply with a clear adhesive band that’s invisible against the eyelid, these are discreet but very effective.

GUY LINER Myego’s kohl eyeliner defines and transforms the eye with a natural looking line.

Soft to apply, the eyeliner produces a matte finish and is waterproof. £12 Available exclusively at www.mankind.co.uk

£5.45 Available at www.amazon.com & Harrods

M COVER Clinique’s skin supplies for men, M cover, is a lightweight concealing stick that provides true colour in two shades.

It covers efficiently and effectively providing all day coverage for that occasional breakout. £11.50 Buy online at www.cliniqueformen.co.uk

MONSIEUR SMILES AND MAKES A STATEMENT! Jean Paul Gaultier’s make-up range is for the well groomed man for whom taking care of his appearance is priority. The brow corrector pencil allows you to discreetly define the outline of the eyebrows giving them subtle definition.

The lip balm is completely non-greasy and hydrating and comes in both a clear and lightly tinted version to enhance the natural pigmentation of the lips.

Brow corrector £9 Lip Balm £12 Available nationwide at selected department stores

Kate Hughes is founder of It’s All About You hair and make-up consultancy www.itsallaboutyou.uk.net

TANTASTIC! Biotherm’s matte powder brush is an easy to use bronzer.

Simply turn the attached brush upside down with one quick movement to infuse the brush and then apply. It enhances the skin with an ultra even and perfectly adjustable sheer matte tan effect. £30 For stockist info please call 0800 037 1020

SHINE AWAY The 4Voo shine reduction powder is a translucent enhancement powder that absorbs excess oil. Suiting any skin tone it ensures that traces of shine and sweat are eradicated with an invisible edge. £37 Available from www.HQman.com

THE

PU R E PACK AGE

H E A LT H Y E AT I NG

W E IGH T LO S S

T R A I N I NG SU PP ORT

The Ultimate Convenience, The Pure Package does the hard work for you, each morning you wake to your day’s food freshly prepared. We do all the cooking and preparation delivering three tailored guilt-free meals and two appetising snacks to you daily.

GROOMED TO PERFECTION For any discerning gentleman in search of relaxation, Nickel Spa is the ultimate choice

N

ickel Spa promises to provide men with the best spa treatments available. Rejuvenating and revitalising tired minds and aching bodies, the treatments range from manicures, pedicures and facials to waxing and even Botox! A range of massages are available including the Hot Stone Massage, where gently heated stones are placed on the body in order to alleviate tension – absolute escapism from even the toughest day at work. The Deep Tissue Massage, where more force is applied in order to ease chronic muscle tension, is suited to those suffering from back pain developed by sitting at a computer all day.

Technical treatments, such as microdermabrasion and the Alpha Beta Face Peel can help treat fine lines and wrinkles.

And as if this wasn’t enough, the spa also has a range of products to suit every skin type; as well as their own range, Nickel Spa also stocks a variety of different skincare brands including Nicole Farhi, Australian Bodycare and Blockhead. n Nickel Spa is open: Monday: 12pm – 6pm Tuesday, Wednesday 10am – 7pm Thursday, Friday: 10am – 8pm Saturday: 10am – 7pm Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Whether you wish to lose weight, increase your energy levels, run a marathon or take the pressure off after having a baby, The Pure Package can help you achieve your goals through a perfectly balanced diet.

The team of nutritionists, dietary therapists and chefs have designed a range of dietary programmes to meet your needs.

Keeping healthy has never been so easy and delicious!

“Need more energy? Pure Package has the solution...

The perfect solution.” GQ Magazine “Impressive... a godsend... saves you time and stress... mouth-watering.” Tatler “Perfect... created by a nutritionist to suit your needs, then you sit back and wait.” The Times “The bliss of waking up and finding an entire day’s supply of healthy food on your doorstep is hard to describe – it’s all delicious.” Telegraph

Nickel Spa London 27 Short’s Gardens London WC2H 9AP 020 7240 4048 www.nickelspalondon.co.uk

The diet delivered to your door PR E A N D P O S T B A BY

SK I N

E N E RGY

Te l : 0 8 4 5 6 1 2 3 8 8 8 i n f o @ p u r e p a c k a g e . c o m w w w. p u r e p a c k a g e . c o m

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13/5/08 12:44:49

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health&beauty

citychic

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP……..ACTION!!

LASHTASTIC Had enough of the daily hassle and clumped up look of mascara? Still desire lashes that enhance your eyes?

Flutter eyelash semi-permanent enhancements are the answer.

I found these fantastic lashes lightweight to wear and so natural they really enhanced and defined my eyes giving my lashes more volume and length.

Because the lashes are semi-permanent, your eyes always look fantastic from when you wake up to when you’re out on the town so putting on mascara is one less thing to worry about!

Prices start from £140 to £180 and a 2/3 week maintenance £60 to £80 www.fluttereyes.co.uk 0208 288 3103

PRECISE PLUCKING Shavata says “eyebrows instantly frame the face; a perfect arch is like a mini face lift and can take years off you”. I totally agree, I visited Shavata in her brow studio at the Urban Retreat in Harrods and my brows were groomed to perfection.

Prices start from £24 to £29 for Shavata Shavata brow studio @ The Urban Retreat at Harrods and House of Fraser City Spring is in the air and make-up is taking on the characteristic crisp and pretty colours.

Skin is left dewy to sparkle in all the right places.

Look at my pick of the season’s hot property influenced by the runways of London fashion week…

BRUSH OFF The key to all looks is creating a flawless canvas and for this you need the best brushes.

Suqqu offers a complete set of professional brushes that are luxurious hand-tied natural hair brushes that are a firm staple in my make up kit.

Prices ranging from £20 to £160 For stockists please call 0207 659 2220

PURPLE PASSION François Nars really is one of my favourite make-up brands. The colour pigment is always true and the shades imaginative. This new colour launching in November is a real gem, it’s called Jolie Poupee and is a vibrant purple, perfect to match the autumn mood.

GO BOLD This new Lip Velvet colour in Mocha Rouge cushions the lips with lush lasting moisture and a layer of intense long lasting colour.

It’s easy to apply with a demi-matte finish, perfect for creating this season’s look of matte full red lips. £18 Available on counters nationwide

£23 Available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk

LOOKING LUMINOUS Giorgio Armani’s fluid master primer.

CREAMY COVERAGE

This is your first step to flawless make-up, a primer that is totally invisible, controls shine and smoothes the surface of the skin.

Bobbi Brown’s concealer kit is the product no woman should be without.

This convenient stacked duo contains the ultra natural-looking coverage on top and the super shear lightweight powder on the bottom.

£32 Available at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges

£21 Call 0870 034 2566 for stockists

Kate Hughes is founder of It’s All About You hair and make-up consultancy www.itsallaboutyou.uk.net

health&beauty

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All made up Kate Harrison experiences one-to-one tuition on how to enhance her very best features

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omen’s magazines are always telling us to refresh our make-up; to wear this season’s shade of purple eye shadow; or to paint on that daring red lipstick – and though I like to think I know the latest trends, rarely do I try them out, at least not in public anyway. It got me thinking, how many of us actually have more than one ‘look’?

Most of us have mastered a make-up style that has carried us through the years and will take us to any occasion. I for one have been stuck in the same make-up rut since I was 14; but it seems the truth about makeup is less about the latest trends or newest products, and more about the application.

Celebrity make-up artist Kate Hughes has spent years creating model good looks for the likes of Heidi Klum, Martine McCutcheon, Orlando Bloom and even Sir Elton John.

Perhaps more of a challenge, Kate is currently creating confidence and glamour in real women like you and me. For her, the transformation is not about following the latest media recommendations but instead focuses on the enhancement of natural beauty. Not intent on changing every aspect of her client’s routine, she tries instead to re-vamp and update.

Arriving at my house Kate radiates with enthusiasm and I relax; until she asks to see my make-up bag that is. I hand it over in all its glory – two year old mascara (far older than the recommended 3 months), lipsticks with tops missing and mangy old brushes. There is definitely something incredibly intimate about sharing your stash of cosmetics with a stranger, but soon enough I’m laughing at my out-dated collection and reminiscing about thick black eyeliner and dark lipstick.

Quizzing me on my career and lifestyle, Kate establishes my aim for the workshop - we finally decide on a convenient daily routine that can easily be adapted into a more sultry night time look.

With expert knowledge, Kate quickly chooses products which will take minutes to apply as part of a morning regime and create a miraculous transformation fit for the outside world. Creating the perfect base is perhaps the most difficult element of make-up to achieve, and Kate manages to create a soft, translucent finish, evening out skin tone and covering imperfections without any sign of caking.

As she continues to work her magic, she shares handy tips and explains each step so that I will understand and remember

too. Having completed half of my face, I complete the other one step at a time – it’s a total re-education. I learn to actually look at my face, to notice where shadows fall, where coverage is necessary, and most importantly, not to just smother products under my eyes and round my nose.

Without batting an eyelid, Kate uses colours I would have been afraid to try, but by now I should have known that her choices would work perfectly.

My eyes look bigger and brighter than ever before and my complexion was positively glowing. I don’t look like I’m wearing layers of make-up, even though I am wearing more than I’m used to. As Kate leaves the house, I’m full of information, tips, techniques and most importantly, confidence.

I clutch my list of notes and products and eagerly start to plan my next shopping trip… n

To get in touch with Kate and book a one-on-one appointment, contact her at info@itsallaboutyou.uk.net For more information visit www.itsallaboutyou.uk.net or www.katehughes.com Prices range from £150 - £500 for make-up and hair for weddings, special occasions and make-up lessons

54

health&fitness

BODY BOOST

The Private Clinic leads the way in non-invasive cosmetic enhancements

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ith more and more people expressing a desire for cosmetic treatments that won’t take much time both during the procedure itself and the recovery period, non-invasive treatments are fast-becoming the most popular choice in the world of cosmetic enhancement. Advances in technology are making this increasingly more possible, and The Private Clinic in Harley Street is proud to pioneer such alternatives.

Laserlipolysis (or Laser Lipo) is a much less invasive substitute for traditional liposuction, without the need for general anaesthetic, a long recovery time or any of the other risks associated with a major operation. Performed under local anaesthetic, laserlipolysis involves the melting of body fat before removal, resulting in minimal bruising and a lower risk of the skin sagging, a possible occurrence after normal liposuction. The procedure is suitable for removing unwanted fat around the stomach, arms and legs, as well as smaller areas such as the chin and knees, which are not easily treatable with liposuction or other surgery.

Results can be seen almost immediately, and downtime is minimal!

The Private Clinic also offers an alternative to the normal breast enhancement operation, for women wanting a bigger and firmer bust without having to undergo surgery or resort to having implants.

The treatment, Macrolane, is also suitable for men wanting to enhance the shape and definition of their chest. A revolutionary new treatment, Macrolane is a simple procedure under local anaesthetic which involves the injection of a filler, acid hialuronic, a natural substance already present in the body.

Taking only approximately forty-five minutes, it is a simple treatment that is safe and non-permanent, and has far less of the costs and risks involved in a surgical procedure.With natural-looking, immediate results, Macrolane is the ultimate alternative to breast enhancement surgery.

The Private Clinic, established in 1983, is highly specialised in noninvasive cosmetic procedures, priding themselves on their high safety standards and customer focus. n

To find out more or book an appointment, call 0800 599 9919 The Private Clinic 98 Harley Street, W1G 7HZ www.theprivateclinic.co.uk

The heart of the matter Harley Street cardiologist Dr. Dinos Missouris answers your questions about heart health

I thought smoking only affected the lungs, but recently I’ve heard that it can cause heart disease and other circulatory problems. Is this true, and how does it happen?

Yes, smoking is a contributory risk factor in the development of heart/vascular disease. There is overwhelming evidence linking the two, and with the added (and well-documented) risk of respiratory disease and cancer there comes the probability of stroke and peripheral vascular disease. The effect on the vascular system comes from damage to the lining of the artery walls. Smokers are therefore at a much higher risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Which would be the lesser of two evils for my heart: To eat whatever I want and do a lot of exercise, or to eat carefully without exercising much?

Your enquiry is interesting in that it begs the question, ‘Can we have our cake and eat it?’. Wouldn’t life be a breeze if we could! However, life isn’t like that. As with most things, you must find a balance. Eating whatever you want must include a greater proportion of the ‘healthy’ foods as well as the taking of regular exercise. However, eating carefully (as you put it) without much exercise is only half the story. Exercise should be encouraged in some form at least three times a week.

Living in the ‘comfort zone’ of exercise is not a satisfactory option alone and you should seek to achieve an overall balance of both healthy diet and exercise. n

Dr. Dinos Missouris is a Consultant Cardiologist based at 78 Harley Street, W1G 7HJ. 020 7637 5007

If there is a heart-related question you’d like him to answer in this column, e-mail heart@runwildgroup.com

56

lifestyle

MUST-HAVE ITEM

A CLOSE SHAVE Josephine o’donoghue hunts down the ultimate in male grooming luxury

W

ith so much of personal reputation resting on first impressions, it’s vital that men in business look clean-cut and smart. For important board room meetings, client lunches and company cocktail parties, a face of prickly and scruffy stubble will get you noticed for all the wrong reasons. A seriously sharp look requires a close shave, so take the time to throw out all disposable blades and invest in a high quality, long-lasting razor.

A beautiful object as well as a vital grooming tool, the smooth heavy Cutting Edge razor from Molton Brown is both stylish and functional. The latest shaving accessory, the wet razor and stand is the most stylish shave system around. Traditional quality and weight teamed with the very latest razor design results in a super-smooth shave.

Created in England, the razor has an ergonomic dark brown handle, handpolished, nickel-plated brass fittings and fits disposable Gillette Mach 3 blades to deliver a comfortable close finish.

For the ultimate in shaving luxury use the Cutting Edge razor with Molton Brown shaving products. The Ultra-calm lemon leaf shave wax is a rich thick cream wax and a refreshing alternative to conventional foams.

Melting on contact with the skin, the shave wax creates a smooth oil preparation base for shaving. Perfect for those with sensitive skin, the shave wax delivers a razor glide like no other thanks to the lemon leaf oil, shea butter and vitamin E. These natural ingredients protect the skin and leave the face hydrated, soft, nourished and comfortable.

Together, the Cutting Edge razor and Molton Brown shave wax are an ideal gift for the modern man and bound to become a regular sight in his bathroom! n Cutting Edge razor, £99 Ultra-calm lemon leaf shave wax, £19 www.moltonbrown.co.uk

interiors

57

INTERIORS news

Stephanie Baxter seeks out the crème de la crème of white faux-vintage

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Time flies Bring a nautical touch to any room with this traditional Newgate Gallery wall clock. £45

TWEET TWEET

WWW.HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK

SWEET DREAMS

A quirky but stylish accessory to bring a unique touch to your home. Bird not essential. £70 WWW.DEBENHAMS.COM

A good night’s sleep is guaranteed with this gorgeous Georgian fourposter bed. You could almost think yourself at Pemberley. Regrettably, Mr. Darcy not included. £3,295 WWW.ANDSOTOBED.CO.UK

Retro revival

Transport yourself back to the 1950s with this Roberts Revival analogue radio.

With a battery function as well as mains power and a convenient carry handle, the radio can be moved from room to room to spread a touch of 50s chic all over the house. £99.99 - £129.99 WWW.ROBERTSRADIO.CO.UK

58

interiors

BoConcept Mystery Mood collection

The icing on the cake?

Robert Cook talks to BoConcept expert Marlene Waldorf about the vital role of accessories in interior design

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hen planning an interior, people are often obsessed by the big things – finding the perfect sofa, or just the right dining table. But often it’s the supposedly minor details – accessories such as lamps, rugs and ornaments – that really bring a room to life.

That’s the picture that emerged when I spoke to Marlene Waldorf, a Global Product Manager at Danish interiors retailer BoConcept. Every year, she and the other three Global Product Managers design a trio of new collections for the company, and Marlene is responsible for the accessories.

Last month saw the release of this year’s ranges, entitled Dimension Delight, Mystery

Mood and Global Ground. Of these, arguably the most striking is Mystery Mood, with its midnight blue leather and coppercoloured metal.

As we sat nibbling elaborately-iced cupcakes in BoConcept’s Tottenham Court Road showroom, Marlene explained that her role in accessories, far from being inconsequential, actually dictates the overall look of each BoConcept scheme. While the furniture planning is in its preliminary stages, Marlene travels the world looking for inspiration to design the accessories and the aesthetics for the three collections. “I get to be the one creating the trend in terms of colours and styles.”

Marlene loves the freedom that this job

provides: “I have been hired as the girl with the ‘funny hat’, so I get to be more creative.” She draws her inspiration from everywhere – not just the realm of interiors.

She particularly looks to the fashion industry, but even the smallest thing can influence her designs. Once, in Como, Italy, she was so inspired by the green of some olives she was eating that she whipped out her camera and made it the basis of a colour scheme.

Looking at interiors accessories in general, I wondered what Marlene considered the single most important thing to perk up a room? Her answer was surprising. “I am most excited about cushions. Since I was very young I’ve seen cushions as fun objects.”

She considers them a simple and effective way to completely change the look of a sofa, and takes an intriguing pic ‘n’ mix approach, evident from the BoConcept collections. “I like to mix things that are different – it’s more interesting. I prefer things not to look like a set.” So, each cushion in one of her trios might, for example, use a different pattern or material – perhaps one knitted, one felt and one with glass beads – to give a more authentic, natural look.

Marlene also has some handy tips about lighting. Pendant ceiling lights are a great source of illumination, but people often set them too high in the air, so she recommends placing them above a dining table to create a more cosy, diffuse light. One impressive feature in the new BoConcept range is a big standing lamp, but sometimes large feature items aren’t practical in cramped urban apartments. As such, Marlene is proud to point out that she has made a perfect lamp for situations like this. The half lamp, which exists in both standing and table form, consists of only half a shade and stand, so that it’s placed against a wall to save space.

Setting one against a mirror also creates a clever optical illusion, making it look as though it is complete.

So, the ultimate test: does Marlene practise at home what she preaches at work?

Well, a picture of her own living room is featured in the latest catalogue. While her personal style may be a little more “casual” and “humoristic” than the usual BoConcept minimalism, she’s clearly doing a lot of things right. n BoConcept 158 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NH 020 7388 2447 www.boconcept.co.uk

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Loewe Canary Wharf FP.indd 1

27/8/08 10:49:12

ONLINE JAMIE CARTER PRESENTS THIS MONTH’S TECHNOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS

In the Movies The “iPod of digital camcorders” is how the makers of the handheld and point-and-shoot describe Flip Ultra. It certainly is easy to use, with just three buttons to operate some simple on-board editing and a USB port on the side to transfer everything to a PC. It also includes some sharing software to e-mail your movies, upload them to YouTube or watch them on a TV. Flip Ultra, £100 www.flipvideo.co.uk

BLACK IS BACK While flatscreen TVs have slimmed-down in size, price and quality, Pioneer has concentrated on creating the perfect picture. Boasting the inkiest black screen around – many flat TVs can only manage grey mush – its latest ‘Kuro’ (Japanese for black) crop is its most impressive yet. On the plasma side its 50-inch PDP-LX-5090 and 60-inch PDP-LX-6090 start at £3,000, while it’s also just unleashed its first-ever LCD TVs if you’re after something smaller. The 32-inch KRL-32V and 37inch KRL-37V LCD TVs (pictured) promise blur-free and full high-definition picture quality.

Pioneer Kuro plasma/LCD TVs from £1,500 www.pioneer.co.uk

WORLD SERVICE

VALVE REPLACEMENT

Taking advantage of Internet broadcasting, Tivoli Audio’s new NetWorks global radio promises to deliver crystal clear reception of any radio station, near or far. It tunes into any radio station anywhere in the world and can also stream music stored on PCs in any room of the house via a wired or wireless broadband home network.

It’s also got a SuperBuffer, which reduces loading times and virtually eliminates Internet radio station dropouts.

Designed and built the old fashioned way, Fatman’s latest iTube amplifier promises to add extra warmth and richness to music.

Proudly displaying its funky analogue valves for all to see, the Red-i nevertheless doffs its cap to the digital generation by including a built-in dock for an iPod or iPhone. The Red-i’s clever remote can even control a ’pod’s menus, before pumping the music out of 25W stereo speakers.

Tivoli Audio NetWorks global radio, £500 www.tivoliaudio-uk.co.uk

Fatman iTube Red-i with speakers £400 www.fat-man.co.uk

technology

61

FLAT PACKED These ultra-thin portable speakers are the perfect travel companion for business trips. Designed using flat NXT speaker technology, these Traveler’s Choice speakers can be attached to laptop computers via USB or to the supplied battery pack powered by four AAA batteries. Perfect for hotel rooms or audio presentations, the speakers work with iPods, MP3 players and laptop computers.

Targus Traveler’s Choice NXT stereo speakers, £20 www.nxtsound.com

PEERLESS ’POD DOCK Hi-fi doyens Meridian have embraced the humble iPod in their brand new i80 with Universal Dock.

It’s British-built and designed to reveal more detail from music stored on an iPod or iPhone. Costing just shy of £200, the i80 connects to Meridian’s Ferrari-branded – and peerless – £1,500 luxury F80 tabletop hi-fi (pictured), surely the most luxurious product of its type. The i80 is available in gloss black with clip-on red or yellow trims to match the mother ship.

Meridian i90 Universal Dock, £195 www.meridian-audio.com

SEE THE LIGHT Truly a one of a kind, Philips’ Aurea takes a simple flatscreen TV and transforms it into a lightshow extraordinaire. Its illuminated Ambilight frame emits coloured light sympathetic to the dominant colours showing on the screen itself, which not only creates a dramatic effect but also reduces eyestrain – especially if you watch movies in a blackout. The 42-inch LCD screen itself can show Full HD pictures from a Blu-ray player pixel for pixel.

Philips Aurea 42PFL9632D, £3,000 www.philips.co.uk

Headphone Haul Those of you who regularly have to endure long-haul flights should know about Sennheiser’s newest travelling companion. Its PXC-350 headphones, which were initially developed in 1984 for airline pilots to reduce cockpit noise, have since migrated back a few rows. And we’re glad they did. Able to cut out electronic noise by 85 percent – including high-pitch sounds like voices, kids and mobile phones – the PXC-350 features soft earpads and runs for a stunning 40 hours on AAA batteries.

Sennheiser PXC-350 NoiseGard Advance headphones, £150 www.sennheiser.co.uk

Lap of Luxury First it was TVs that went HD-ready: now it’s laptops.

Fitted with a Blu-ray drive for movie perfection on the go, Sony’s latest VAIO FW11-Series of laptops features a 16.4-inch X-black LCD screen and magnesium case.

Fitted with an ergonomic keyboard for those of us who do a lot of work while travelling, its Intel Centrino 2 platform increases memory speed and battery life.

Sony VAIO VGN-FW11ZU laptop, £1,300 www.sony.co.uk

62

motoring

I GOT STUNG When is a Fiat not a Fiat? When it’s a go-faster Abarth.

Matthew Carter samples the return of the scorpion

I

f you’re in marketing, I apologise in advance for what I’m about to write… but c’mon guys, why do you have treat everyone as if they’re stupid?

I’ve just been driving a hot little Fiat Grande Punto and, some reservations aside, it’s pretty damn good. It looks the part and goes well enough. And it seems well built, too… not something you always used to be able to say about baby Fiats.

But my biggest beef is with the marketing men who are trying to convince me this is not a Fiat at all, but an Abarth. It’s certainly true that you’ll look in vain for a Fiat badge on this Punto and that the thing is covered (and I mean covered) in the Abarth name and the Abarth logo, a scorpion.

But why ignore its Fiat antecedents? Fiat and Abarth go together like Jagger and Richards. The Abarth legend goes back to the 1950s and ’60s when Austrian-born Carlo Abarth set up his eponymous company to make Fiats go faster.

The scorpion badge comes not from the fact that most Fiats of the period were rearengined and he gave them a real sting in the tail, but because Scorpio was his star sign.

Abarth-powered Fiats won races and rallies and set literally hundreds of endurance and speed records. But, as is often the case, Fiat bought Abarth out and proceeded to let the name fall into disrepair. Until now.

A huge investment in resources backed by an equally large marketing campaign has seen the return of the hot Fiat Abarth. The first to undergo the transformation from shopping trolley to performance hatchback is the aforementioned Grande Punto and there’s a feisty version of the little 500 waiting in the wings.

To convert a cooking Punto into the firebreathing Abarth version, Fiat fits a turbocharged version of its 1.4-litre petrol engine which delivers 155 bhp, giving a top speed of 129 mph and a 0-60 mph sprint time of around eight seconds. There’s even a ‘Sport Boost’ on the dashboard which increases engine torque for extra overtaking punch.

It’s got bigger wheels and a revised chassis with a wider track, thicker anti-roll bars and stiffer springs. The brakes have been uprated, too, so it stops as well as it goes.

And, of course, it’s got the de rigueur body kit with side skirts, deep airdam and extra spoilers. Inside there’s plenty of ‘sporting’ detail such as red stitching on the leather covered steering wheel and supportive front seats. In summary, the changes are faithful to the Abarth approach and turn a humble hatch into something altogether more interesting.

But that’s just the start. After you’ve paid £13,500 for your GP Abarth, you can then spend a grand or so to add a chassis tuning

The first to undergo the transformation from shopping trolley to performance hatchback is the aforementioned Grande Punto and there’s a feisty version of the little 500 waiting in the wings kit called Assetto which upgrades the brakes still further, shortens the springs and adds handsome 18-inch white alloy wheels.

Or you can go the whole hog and specify the £3,500 esseesse tuning kit (say it, but don’t spell it, SS). As well as the chassis upgrades, esseesse adds a raft of under bonnet engine mods, including a bigger turbocharger, which

together boost power to 180 bhp.

Just as they used to do 40 years ago, these after-market tuning kits arrive in wooden packing cases and are fitted by your local Abarth specialist… which begs the question of what to do with the old wheels and turbocharger. When asked that question, Fiat, er, Abarth, representatives shrugged their corporate shoulders and muttered something about e-bay. Thanks guys.

Another issue with the tuning kits – and with the Abarth brand as a whole for that matter – is that your local Fiat dealer won’t be able to help. Even though this is clearly a Grande Punto with some extra go-faster bits, it has been decided (those damned marketing men again) that Abarth should be a stand-alone brand.

And that means you’ll only to be able to buy or have a car serviced by one of the

dozen of so Abarth dealers. That’s great if you live in a major city but less so if you live miles away in the sticks.

While the added power might appeal to those with a Teflon-coated driving licence, it’s difficult to recommend either tuning kit for another significant reason. You see, the standard GP Abarth has just about everything needed to bring a smile to the lips every time the engine is fired up.

The cockpit, despite being over-run with scorpions, feels special and the engine is a willing little thing, packing a 2.0-litre-sized punch thanks to that tiny turbocharger. The ‘Sport Boost’ button adds a further sense of drama, despite being little more than a tacky silver sticker placed, almost square, over an existing dashboard button. And the sixspeed gearshift helps by being delightfully precise with tightly packed ratios.

To give Fiat its due, it knows how to make small front-wheel drive cars handle and the GP Abarth is tremendous fun over the twisty bits.

But – and it’s a big but – the trade off for flat cornering from the stiffened chassis is a ride that is downright uncomfortable on anything but the smoothest surface.

In fact, on the UK’s typical broken B-roads – roads that should be the Abarth’s natural habit – the Punto is nothing short of damn uncomfortable. The thought of the esseesse version with its stiffer still chassis is, as far as I am concerned, another nail in its wooden packing case.

Rice aside, the Abarth is a convincing machine, offering as much fun as a Mini Cooper S but at much less cost. In fact, all it needs is a modern day Carlo Abarth to improve the standard car so that it doesn’t knock your fillings out on every trip. n

It’s great to compete but it’s even better to win....

Team Modena and Vicinitee win the final GT1 class at Silverstone in the LMS finale

The Team enjoyed 3 wins out of 5 races this season - establishing itself as the most competitive GT1 team in sportscar racing. The Team’s Aston Martin DBR9 #101 - the first customer car and developed over the past four seasons of racing - is now the most successful DBR9 GT1 racecar ever.

Team Modena and Vicinitee look forward to building on their success together for the 2009 season.

The racecar is currently undergoing a post season rebuild - after which it will make a unique appearance at the Broadgate Arena watch this space for details...

www.teammodena.com

motoring

65

SNAKE BITE There are prettier cars around, but few with the performance potential of the intriguing Aspid

A

from Spain. Matthew Carter investigates

t the British International Motor Show a couple of months back, ExCeL London played host to a number of significant new car launches. The enthusiast, for example, got excited over the Lotus Evora, while the fleet car buyers pored over Vauxhall’s handsome Insignia.

But there was one car that appealed to petrolhead and engineer alike – the Aspid.

The attraction for the fan was obvious enough, as here was a car that was clearly built for speed.

It was the interest of the boffins that really set the Aspid apart from the rest.

Given its world debut in London, Aspid is small, lightweight and compact and offers exceptional performance, agility and style.

Its makers claim it has the same powerto-weight ratio as a typical supercar… but with half the vehicle mass to haul around, it needs a smaller, more efficient and more environmentally-aware engine.

Aspid is the result of a five-year development programme by a top team of professional automotive engineers who have set out to create a vehicle with distinctive looks, outstanding road holding, predictable handling possible and exceptional levels of performance both on and off the track.

Aspid delivers its track performance without compromising the ease and reliability with which it can be driven on the road. The strong and immensely stiff chassis underpins the car’s dynamic performance and road holding, while the car’s compact dimensions ensure excellent fuel economy and correspondingly low CO2 emissions.

“The Aspid has been engineered to deliver a high level of driving pleasure”, says Ignacio Fernández Rodriquez, whose initials give IFR Automotive its name. “It brings a new and unique definition to what a sport scar should be and what it can do.”

Formerly with Prodrive, Rodriquez subsequently joined the Mitsubishi World Rally Championship team as race engineer for Alister McRae and François Delecour.

Rodriquez founded IFR Automotive in 2003 and began work immediately on the new sports car project, while handling confidential car and commercial vehicle assignments from industry clients.

“For the Aspid our aim was to advance the current state-of-the-art, particularly in the critical area of steering, handling and road holding”, he says. “We have taken a new approach on vehicle dynamics, including a new construction method for the chassis, as well as developing new brakes and suspension arms. We’ve also broken with the tradition that says a long wheelbase, wide track and low ride height is best for performance; our chassis and suspension philosophy ensures the car can also be driven with ease on normal roads.”

“The electronics, too, are highly innovative and include a sophisticated interface between the driver and the car – touch the interactive screen located in the centre console and the Aspid is instantly reprogrammed with a whole new set-up to suit different road and track conditions.”

Aspid prototypes feature a 2-litre engine: either naturally aspirated to deliver 270bhp or supercharged to 400bhp. The engines

are highly modified by IFR, such that the engine block can be sourced from a number of possible suppliers. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a manual 6-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential.

The lightweight aluminium and carbon structure of the car helps deliver awe-inspiring acceleration on the track, with the car reaching 62mph in 2.8 seconds and 100mph in 5.9 seconds. This is matched by exceptional braking performance while the car can generate enormous grip and an intense 1.6g of lateral acceleration when cornering. Maximum speed is limited to 155mph.

The Aspid’s natural proving ground for its development includes the notorious mountainous roads used for the main stages of the Catalonia Rally. The mountains are near Reus in northern Spain, where the company is based, close to the coastal cities of Tarragona and Barcelona.

Thanks to advance orders already taken, a six-month lead time for components, and the company aiming initially to build cars at the rate of just one a week, the first customers can expect to take delivery next summer.

With a long list of options, no two Aspids will be exactly alike. And with each one tailored to the precise needs of each customer, the anticipated base price of £75,000 should be considered the starting point.

And the name? Aspid is the Spanish word for the small and very quick snake that killed Cleopatra. It is thought to have been a member of the cobra or viper family and is native to southern Europe. And as we all know, vipers and cobras tend to move very quickly. n

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motoring

From road to race track Not content with winning Le Mans year after year, Audi has now developed a racing version of its spectacular R8 supercar, says Matthew Carter

T

he aim is to sell the racer to privateer teams who will user the mid-engined machine in GT championships all over the world.

The R8 racer will conform to international GT3 regulations which outlaw four-wheel drive… so Audi has had to dump its quattro technology and convert it to rear-wheel drive. And unlike the R10, with which Audi claimed its fifth Le Mans win on the trot this year, the R8 racer will be petrol rather than diesel-powered.

“Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sports car equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle”, says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport.

Boasting around 500 hp, power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential racing gearbox, but the suspension

uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highestlevel of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

Test races in various European racing series are scheduled for next season with delivery to customers planned from the autumn of 2009. No word on price… but it won’t be cheap! n

67

FORD’S LATEST GREEN FOCAL POINT More than any carmaker, Ford Motor Company deserves to feel frustrated with the eco-scene but, as Iain Robertson discovers, you can’t knock the latest ECOnetic offerings from the nation’s finest. And there’s more to come

W

hen you are on the top of the pile, people want to push you off. Yet, try as they might, Ford’s rivals have never managed to usurp the Focus from its UK market-leading position and the company just continues to bolster the nation’s most popular model at every twist and turn.

However, before looking in more detail at the latest environmentally-friendly models from the company, which deal in diesel this time, rather than the bio-ethanol of the Flexi-Fuel variants, it is worth dwelling on Ford’s eco-stance.

All motor manufacturers realise that they have to attend to specific elements when establishing their environmental credentials.

After all, there are European Standards that

must be attained. Yet, Ford Motor Company has been in the vanguard of not merely meeting but exceeding those expectations.

It was the first to market with productionised alternative fuel options for its products. Its plants at Dagenham and Cardiff are designed to reduce environmental impact as much as possible using both solar and wind power. Despite the size of the company, it does react speedily to changing expectations.

However, Ford, which has researched and developed heavily the most eco-friendly transport options of the past 30 years, has been shoved from pillar to post by constantly changing regulations. It would be easy to dismiss many of its developments as flimflam, were it not for one simple fact: Ford is the UK market leader and it probably

knows more than any of its rivals about how to address eco-issues.

Hence, we arrive at ECOnetic. On the face of it, the changes amount to a small start but they are remarkably effective and demonstrate that you do not require trick transmissions, specially flowed paint schemes, dodgy dynamic handling developments or stylistically challenging designs to deliver taxreducing products. When the starting point is the outstandingly good Ford Focus, the comprehensive ECOnetic conversion is all the more potent a statement.

Ford has played a clever game with its best-seller. It is, without doubt, the best handling, most accommodating, best trimmed and neatest packaging exercise in the class. As a product range, it takes in

motoring

69

The changes... demonstrate that you do not require trick transmissions, specially flowed paint schemes, dodgy dynamic handling developments or stylistically challenging designs to deliver taxreducing products

zesty petrol engines, from small capacity 1.4-litre to 2.5-litre power-houses, the latter as fitted to the popular ST line-up.

In conjunction with strategic partner the PSA Group, it produces some of the finest 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre diesel engines in the world and both private and business buyers have benefited immensely from the frugality that results. Yet, at no time is there a discernible diminishing of the qualities for which the Focus range is renowned.

Yes, the Ford Focus is mainstream, but it is never humdrum. Slick gearboxes in manual, automatic and the latest twin-clutch Powershift system demonstrate that the company can meet even the most exacting of customer demands. However, the ECOnetic line-up, small as it is at this stage, being restricted to just five-door hatchback or estate variants, with either the 88 or 108bhp (including diesel particulate filter) versions of the 1.6-litre TDCi engine powering it, is about as subtle as eco-motoring can be.

You need to peer deeply beneath the model’s skin to see what changes have been effected, because their efficacy is such that, in terms of life costs, the ECOnetic line-up has all of its rivals beaten by a long chalk.

It is almost too easy to be cynical about lowering CO2 exhaust emissions levels.

While it is true that CO2 is not a pollutant, it is responsible for perpetrating the ‘hole’ in our world’s ozone layer, so any attempt to cut the emissions levels, hopefully by reducing noxious emissions at the same time, has to be welcomed.

Naturally, aerodynamics and weight reductions play their part and Ford is more than aware of the benefits that can be gained from these areas alone. Factor in lower rolling resistance, higher pressure tyres and some elements of the car’s phenomenal handling envelope do suffer slightly but it is only in the heat of on-the-limit testing that any major discernible differences can be noted.

Yet, the ECOnetic Focus manages to create a slightly more sporting stance than most of its rivals, even with the special wheel covers designed to make passing air flow around rather

than be spoilt by the tedium of cooling brakes.

A special body-kit adds new bumper shrouds and side skirts just for being eco-friendly.

So it’s not ST-sharp but, then, neither is a 115g/km CO2 figure for the punchier 108bhp variant, which guarantees a £35 annual Vehicle Excise Duty charge from 2010 (unless Gordon Brown is forced into a rethink, of course). For the business user, a lowly 13% Benefit-in-Kind tax consideration is something that the £250 higher price tag will amortise surprisingly quickly and inexpensively.

Amazingly enough, both versions of the engine can return a healthy 65.6mpg on the Official Combined fuel cycle, with the lesser-powered version emitting just 1g/ km less than its torquier variant. Thanks to the careful over and under-body reshaping, the top speeds posted of both models are increased by 2mph over their nonECOnetic brethren, which should highlight that Ford is appealing for greater normality in a market sector that could all too easily branch into self-conscious abnormality.

The bottom line is that Ford Motor Company is playing its eco-cards much further away from its chest than any of its rivals. It deserves to feel proud of its achievements, as the Focus remains a pinnacle product by any definition. Its cornering agility is in the upper echelons of

dynamic capability.

The high pulling power of the diesel engine places the driver under no demands, especially as the peak torque figure is at a lowly 1,700rpm and stirring the slick fivespeed manual transmission allows drivers of all types to feel at one with their Focus, thanks to the taut drive train and compliant ride quality of the car. However, the Focus’ cockpit is a great place from which to conduct one’s daily drive. Plenty of soft-touch materials, classy yet clear instrumentation and logical, intuitive controls are supported by an impeccably neat presentation and bags of space for all the family.

Ford has succeeded where others have failed to go and the end result is a restrained, environmentally-friendly motorcar that meets the various standards, while demonstrating that radical approaches to achieving broadly similar end results are unnecessary and that customers desperate to assume the role of eco-warrior need not wear sackcloth and ashes en-route to environmental salvation.

Ford Motor Company is perfectly in-tune with what today’s motorists are demanding and ECOnetic is the badge to request, which will soon feature on the Mondeo line-up too. Ford proves that a bitter pill is not a constituent of future motoring medicine. n

E P R A

C

M E DI

Imagine fast cars, adrenaline and testosterone all uniting to form one huge fest of motor racing mania. Imagine no more, because it exists in the form of PalmerSport, says Alice Tozer

A

desire to burn rubber is the guilty pleasure of many men and women alike. The automobile signifies independence and freedom and encourages elation from flirting with the rules – by going too fast or driving dangerously.

But the need for an adrenaline rush on the road can obviously be dangerous, which is why purpose-built areas exist for satisfying the thrill. The bog-

stand practice is to pay to bolt a car like billio round one of several famous circuits: Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Rockingham or Thruxton. This is typically a matter of basiclevel test driving, the highlight of which might culminate in a three-lap crescendo, the cost not usually exceeding £200.

But Jonathan Palmer wanted to go a little further. The entrepreneur and former racing driver had a vision of

creating the ultimate corporate driving day – bringing ordinary people as close as possible (as they wanted) to being proper racing drivers. The all-day motoring experience takes place at Bedford Autodrome, a circuit unique for the fact it was designed specifically to run the PalmerSport event which, incidentally, boasts Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton among its former instructors.

A day at PalmerSport is

perfect as a corporate occasion; it is the UK’s leading corporate driving day and provides a unique opportunity to fast track good relations with your clients, through a shared experience of euphoria.

In a nutshell, both motor racing novices and seasoned fast drivers take to the wheel of a selection of race-prepared cars and push them to the limit around one of four highlygroomed circuits in unparalleled safety. The only reason this type of concept can exist for real is due to the precautions taken. With the exception of the Formula Jaguar singleseater, every car has dual pedal controls, enabling the instructors to take over at any point. The instructors possess an unrivalled pedigree of expertise, and an intercom system between instructor and driver facilitates clear communication at all times.

There are also acres of run-off, so if drivers do spin there is nothing to hit.

Colleagues who use the event as a corporate occasion can test

motoring

71

Landrover Defender

their track times against one another, rather than their typing speed for a change. For those who have a group booking and are seeking the ultimate thrill, the Superrides in the Jaguar JP1 will be an unforgettable highlight during which participants are driven by an instructor at a nail-biting speed, the cars sent out two at a time to chase and be chased in a choreographed wheel-to-wheel duel. Ever clinched a deal whilst driving at breakneck speed? PalmerSport has the potential to be client entertainment at its most furious.

But precisely what calibre of motoring metal are we talking? The Porsche 911 JP3 (the original supercar), the Jaguar XKR (a supercharged muscle car), the Palmer Jaguar JP1 (a Le Mans masterpiece), the Land Rover (Defender Ground attack), the Clio Cup Racer (a touring car hero) and the Caterham 7 Superlight (shining with Banzai brilliance).

Drivers are encouraged into the unknown, the body and mind subjected to a simultaneous surge of fear and exhilaration.

Participants will never go faster than is comfortable for them, but if they want to explore the limits of the cars and their own skills, PalmerSport exists to make it happen. The element of competition is as high as drivers make it.

Becoming a grand prix driver – along with becoming a fire-fighter, footballer and Thundercat – is a common

dream for many young boys.

For those who haven’t turned out to be Jenson Button or David Coulthard, driving the last in the luscious line-up at PalmerSport and cream of the car crop will be a close second.

All the fuss centres around the newest recruit to the racing car cohort: 2008’s single-seater Formula Jaguar (exclusive to PalmerSport), which allows F1 wannabes to indulge in the ultimate Grand Prix fantasy.

The car is a purpose-built slicks and wings single-seater racing car, using a clutchless six-speed paddleshift gearbox identical in concept to those used in Formula 1. Powered by a 300bhp Jaguar V6 motor, it operates in a realm far beyond the reach of the quickest, most exotic production road cars.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a track day veteran or someone who’s never donned a helmet in their life – no experience can prepare you for a PalmerSport day, and unless you are a seasoned racer, you almost certainly have no idea how much you can achieve behind the wheel. You just need the right tuition, equipment and encouragement – which is precisely what PalmerSport provides. There is no pressure and you’ll never go faster than is comfortable for you, but if you want to explore the limits of their cars and your skills, it’s their job to make it happen.

PalmerSport offers the chance to indulge in deluxe hospitality at its most illustrious; the suites attached to the pit garages house plasma screens, ample amenities

and human fuel in fantastic forms. Throughout the day you’ll be kept fuelled with a full English breakfast, a high quality two-course waitress-served lunch and served traditional afternoon tea. The veritable VIP treatment provides the optimum opportunity to either engage in some office team-building or to discuss the finer details of your business arrangements. The entire experience oozes exclusivity; prices are available only upon request, but start from around £550 per person. To top it all off, PalmerSport has spent more than £1 million on new cars for this year’s event, the ultimate demonstration of how to truly seize the day. n For more information please visit www.palmersport.com or call 01403 733 999

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“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: Fri 10 October Fri 17 October Wed 5 November Thu 13 November Sat 15 November

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one of 10 pairs of tickets to The Norman Conquests

18/09/2008 11:26:09

Three Plays by Alan Ayckbourn See One or See Them All Until 20 Dec

The Old Vic brings Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpiece The Norman Conquests (Table Manners, Living Together, Round and Round the Garden) Garden to the London stage for the first time in 34 years with an outstanding ensemble cast: Amelia Bullmore, Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miles, Paul Ritter and Amanda Root – directed by Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing Boeing). The Old Vic auditorium will undergo an exciting transformation into the new CQS Space, to recreate the ‘theatre-in-the-round’ the plays were originally written for.

To win a pair of tickets to one of the plays, please send an e-mail with your name and telephone number, with ‘Norman Conquests’ in the subject field, to competition@runwildgroup.com

For more information visit www.oldvictheatre.com or to book tickets call 0870 060 6628.

Winning tickets are valid for Monday-Thursday performances in November, subject to availability, and will be held at the Box Office for collection. Closing date: 31 October 2008.

culture

75

On

Screen

Robert Cook previews the latest cinematic releases

Quantum of Solace © 2008 Danjaq, United Artists, CPII. 007 ™ and related James Bond trademarks, ™ Danjaq

At the end of this month Daniel Craig makes his much-anticipated reappearance as 007. Quantum of Solace follows straight on from the events of Casino Royale, as Bond pursues the little bit of inner peace (quantum of solace) he needs. Since his beloved Vesper Lynd is dead, he tries to find that tranquillity in typical Bond style – by going on a one-man mission to punish those responsible for her downfall.

He discovers a sinister plot led by Quantum boss Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), who is trying to seize control of one of South America’s most crucial natural resources. And of course, 007 fights against it all with the help of an alluring Bond girl – Camille (Olga Kurylenko). The film has a superficial theme of environmentalism, but as usual the real focus is breathtaking chases and dramatic explosions occurring all around the world. The crop of international locations ranges from lovely views of Italy in the opening scenes to climactic events set in Bolivia. Quantum of Solace is an exciting second instalment in the revamped, grittier Bond series, and its release should provide avid fans with more than just a quantum of solace.

DIRECTOR: MARC FORSTER RELEASED: 31 OCTOBER

Billed as a “comedy thriller” (if you can imagine such a thing), this Coen brothers release follows the bizarre fallout after a pair of hopeless gym workers (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) find a disc of ‘sensitive’ information belonging to ex-CIA analyst Osborne Cox (John Malkovich).

They then embark upon a course of action that proves far more dangerous than it had to be. George Clooney and Tilda Swinton’s performances are two highlights of the film, though Brad Pitt is particularly irritating. This may sound like criticism but it’s actually praise, as the main point of his character is to be annoying! I must admit that, for a comedy, there are surprisingly few laughs in the first hour or so, but it all builds up to some brilliant payoffs in the last 20 minutes. The CIA progress meetings scattered throughout the film are also really funny, and it’s gratifying to see that the peripheral characters are even more bewildered by what’s happening than the audience.

As you might expect from the people behind O Brother,Where Art Thou?, this film is completely oddball but very enjoyable once you get into it.

DIRECTORS: JOEL AND ETHAN COEN RELEASED: 17 OCTOBER

Macall Polay, © 2008 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

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activityofthemonth

BOOGIE NIGHTS Farah Syed gets swept onto the dance floor in roller disco madness Dancing with a difference; that’s one way to describe roller disco, the new craze that has recently been sweeping the capital.The seventies and eighties are experiencing a revival, with the roller disco being a top choice when it comes to nights out.

Roller disco is an alternative to clubbing and bars, that combines regular dancing with the added fun (or panic!) of skates. Starting out in 2003 as a Saturday gathering, roller disco has expanded and is now popular amongst those who want to have fun with a difference.Whether you know how to skate or not, roller disco is a great alternative, particularly for those wanting to keep fit and looking for a workout.

The Renaissance Rooms, a funky roller disco venue, has people turning up for nights of Classic Disco, Funk, House and Eclectic music. From fashion shows and hen parties to corporate bookings, Renaissance Rooms is one of the hottest places to be seen this month.The 16,000 sq ft venue can hold 2,270 people and has two arenas adorned in black canvas, which dancers can request to be decorated to their personal specifications.Top quality sound systems and mobile bars make this the perfect place to relax and just have fun. “It’s the only venue that offers clubbing on wheels and it’s situated

in the heart of Vauxhall. It’s got connections to corporate clients and also it’s not far from the city,” says PR Manager of Renaissance Rooms, Ozgur Sav, “As a location, it makes it great for parties and all sorts of gatherings, not just clubbing.

It has one of the best sound systems in London.”

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular nights at the Renaissance Rooms and is open to the public for Classic Disco & Funk or House and Eclectic ‘Skate Adventure’.This summer saw Latin themed Thursday nights prove extremely popular with Cuatro por Cuatro. Hailed as a roaring success, Ozgur promises that the Latin nights will be back next summer.

Corporate groups can also enjoy their own private party at Renaissance Rooms and an evening on skates is sure to break the ice at any team outing. Companies are able to hire their own private area of the venue and can even have it decorated with balloons! Revellers are given wristbands and have their own bar to get the bonding underway. Groups of 100 people or more are able to hire out the venue for an hour or two, on Thursdays, before the doors open to the public at 8pm. n To find out more, and book tickets visit www.rollerdisco.info

77

78

culture

Sniff, Robert Bradford

N URBANE ArtScene

by CAROL CORDREY - carol@artalone.com

ART

ow in its tenth year, Art London is far from the oldest of the capital’s art fairs but it is certainly one of the best because galleries from around the UK and overseas use it to bring the work of their top artists – those with recognised talent – to our attention. Its excellent reputation is based also on the unusually spacious environment of Art London’s huge, elegant marquee at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea where both we and the art are treated with due respect. Instead of shuffling around cramped stands, we can stand back to view prospective purchases – especially important with large scale ones – from the kind of distance we would experience in our homes or offices. Here is some of the excellent work you can find there.

We are accustomed to artists employing unusual materials but Robert Bradford’s sculptures redefine innovation. Robert became a sculptor via a circuitous route, having initially trained as a painter then film maker at the Royal College of Art, but we should rejoice that the random juxtapositions and vivid colouring of his own children’s toys lying in a box suddenly inspired him to create his current mesmerising works. Used plastic toys are screwed together in clusters then screwed onto a wooden armature, but they are imbued with life – Sniff is a great example. Generally over-life size in scale, they are all the more remarkable because they demonstrate the virtues of recycling.

Although colours are sometimes used symbolically, such as a proliferation of pink in Toy Girl, each toy is selected primarily according to its form and how that will contribute to the evolving piece. Robert continues to use mainly second-hand toys from a myriad of sources, including those from a New York patron’s own children which the mother sent to him to incorporate into a dachshund form. What a great family heirloom as well as a marvellous conversation piece that must be!

Mauger Modern Art, Stand 17 From an MA in fine art textiles at London’s Goldsmiths College, Rosie James has gone on to develop beautiful, distinctive textiles that begin as photographs and drawings of figures in public places. They are individually worked in stitch on silk organza and that fabric is built up in layers so that the figures overlap and suddenly appear to be part of a busy scene or crowd. Finally, the organza is stitched onto a white linen background. Rosie sees the whole process as an exploration of “how a sense of place is formed by the people in it”, but for me her work transforms this often underrated art form into one that is highly desirable and very much of the 21st century.

Woolff Gallery, Stand 68 Everyday scenes painted with great precision in a subdued palette and with dramatic lighting and stillness, Anne Françoise Couloumy’s work has a distinctly Hopperesque quality to it. Her big, deserted interiors with open doors and windows invite us, in the manner of detectives, to scan the rooms for clues to explain the mystery within. In Lettre Pliée, the discarded, folded letter makes us ponder its significance as does L’Entracte (Interval) with its unusual perspective on what appears to be a pause in a lady’s evening entertainment or toilette.

The more cluttered L’Atelier takes us into a

From top to bottom

Howling Beast, Lynn Chadwick RA Indian Temple, Rosie James Bad Luck Old Boy, Gary Bunt L’Entracte, Anne Françoise Couloumy

busy artist’s studio but the wide, shadowstrewn floor funnels our gaze towards the ominous open door. All Couloumy’s work is technically strong and imbued with tantalising suspense so, unsurprisingly, her paintings are in collections around the globe.

The Cynthia Corbett Gallery, Stand 80 In the depths of Gloucestershire, Pangolin has been the bronze foundry of choice for decades for many of the world’s celebrated sculptors, including Damien Hirst. Next door it developed Gallery Pangolin, but Art London has been its shop window in the capital where it displays sculpture and related drawings by legends such as the late Lynn Chadwick RA (his Couple on Seat look magisterial in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square) and contemporary sculptor Peter RandallPage. Chadwick’s monumental, steel Howling Beast has thin, pointed limbs and exaggerated angles that are hallmarks of his work and evoke superbly well the strain and anxiety of this shrieking creature. RandallPage creates stone sculptures in more realistic forms – the tactile, bronze maquette of Seed achieving perfection!

Gallery Pangolin, Stand 9 Gary Bunt straddles two art forms – painting and poetry – and in both he is a master of simplicity. Bunt has developed his own naive style reminiscent of the late L.S. Lowry, so figures are reduced to basic shapes and appear almost flat, yet barely defined, tense lips, an arched back or solidly planted feet speak volumes about his characters. Each narrative is enunciated through his poems, which are written by Bunt on the reverse of every canvas, as in Bad Luck Old Boy: To win the round He needed par But he hit The bloody ball too far No detail provided by the brush or the pen – not even punctuation. Just simple, clear statements within both art forms… a feast of insight into 20th century daily life, peppered with humour. We can all relate to it and it’s unique, and that is why large numbers of buyers snap up his work.

Portland Gallery, Stand 4 Art London Royal Hospital, Chelsea London, SW3 2-6 October Entry: £12 pp or £18 for 2 (includes catalogue) 020 7287 7222 www.artlondon.net

The DJ of ideas Fed up with the daily grind? Tired of trawling through airports on endless business trips? Disenchanted with organised religion? How about a sermon on pessimism or a holiday to Heathrow Airport to bolster the spirits?

Claire Adler meets Sophie Howarth, founder of the School of Life

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vening classes don’t need to be depressing”, says a fresh-faced and smiling Sophie Howarth, as I enter the newly-opened School of Life in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury. The former Tate Gallery curator of public programmes and founder of the School of Life welcomes me into a cosy shop decorated with a sprinkling of carefully-edited bookshelves. There is a shelf with suggested reading for those who have spent too much time in the city, another shelf for those worried about messing up their kids, one for those with a short attention span, and one for those who have recently fallen in love.

Howarth ushers me downstairs into a teaching

space adorned with a black and white mural by artist Charlotte Mann evoking bustling domestic scenes.

“The classroom is dead quiet, but the mural is full of life. There’s a vague memory of an unpaid gas bill. It’s a case of I’d love to read all the classics but actually I’ve read Diana, Her True Story. People in their 20s to 40s are constantly tackling issues surrounding relationships, raising children, questions of status versus money versus travel and how to find happiness at work”, says Howarth, 33.

85% of UK workers being unsatisfied with their jobs, the issue of work is the basis for

lifestyle

a course at the School of Life. Participants consider what makes certain jobs sound attractive and visit different workplaces for themselves.

Howarth herself made her biggest career change early on. After studying medicine, she did a Masters in History of Art, before joining the Tate Modern as curator of public programmes from 1999 to 2006.

“Modern art is a great starting point for disagreeing with the status quo”, says the woman who invented The Great Turbine Hall Challenge, a 3,000 square foot board game for Tate visitors in 2006 and commissioned hundreds of events, courses and conferences.

“But I found I was becoming less interested exclusively in art and more interested in people’s lives. I realised a book from 400 years ago was just as relevant as a piece of contemporary art or insights from a business guru. I felt like a DJ of ideas: everything was there for the mixing and the raiding.

Through the School of Life, I want to expand the number of great conversations we can have in our lives through having our ideas turned entirely upside down”, she says.

Howarth went on to enlist an assortment of actors, popular philosophers, therapists and the odd disillusioned academic to assemble the School of Life’s curriculum.

Faculty members include philosopher Alain de Botton, psychotherapist Brett Kahr, photographer Martin Parr and cultural historian Robert Macfarlane.

“The courses at the School of Life are a subtle criticism of the rather abstract academic courses you get at university, like the rise of the novel or agricultural theory”, says Alain de Botton, author of How Proust Can ChangeYour Life, a School of Life faculty member and the doyen of taking high culture and philosophy and making it relevant to the everyday.

Howarth now believes universities which de-emphasise teaching and focus excessively on research and peer reviews are far too insular. “People who work in The City don’t want to do an MA. In a sense, the narcissism of academia has worked in our favour”, she says.

The School of Life modules Howarth and her team have come up with are light but not lightweight. They are deadly serious about enriching life and achieve this by coupling boffins and rarefied knowledge with the mundane. In some cases, the more mundane and boring the better. Take, for example, the Sunday morning secular sermons at the nearby Horse Hospital where two old ladies will serve you tea, while editor of The

Idler magazine Tom Hodgkinson preaches on loving your neighbour or TV presenter and philosopher Alain de Botton extols the virtues of pessimism.

Meals designed to help participants develop the art of fulfilling conversation with strangers will take place at the nearby Konstam restaurant with the help of a conversation menu. “Why are all the books about conversations focused on etiquette?” asks Howarth. Conversation menu topics range from when you stopped being a child to your greatest ambitions and what makes you angry.

In a neighbourhood inhabited by what is probably London’s densest abundance of university colleges and, to top it all, the British Museum, Bloomsbury is brimming with experts in their fields. It is perhaps surprising, then, that the School of Life is offering access to 50 more. The main difference is that the School of Life is targeted at those with a taste for the bizarre and a sense of humour. Experts available for a game of chess, a manicure, a coffee or an office visit over a lunch hour range from a documentary maker and a street photographer to a palaeontologist, an airline

Modern art is a great starting point for disagreeing with the status quo pilot and a bee-keeper.

So far, so quirky. But does all this really go to explain why one of De Botton’s offerings is a two-day holiday to Heathrow Airport?

“When feeling sad at home, I have often boarded a train or airport bus and gone to Heathrow where… I have drawn comfort from the sight of the ceaseless landing and take-off of aircraft”, writes Alain de Botton in his book The Art of Travel. “I hope City workers who are frequent travellers might see the airport differently next time they are stuck there”, he tells me. With a photographic slide show by a veteran plane spotter, overnight lodging at a capsule hotel, meetings with people whose lives are intimately linked with the airport, including a local community of Sikh British Airways engineers and a baggage handler, there’s little doubting they will.

“The School of Life’s philosophy is much more akin to Plato’s Academy, looking at how to live well, die well, be an honourable citizen and make the right judgements”, says Howarth. www.theschooloflife.com

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Restaurant listings

American

Italian

Hawksmoor 157 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ 020 7247 7392

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

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

French Coq D’Argent No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ 020 7395 5000 Les Trois Garcons 1 Club Row, E1 6JX 020 7613 1924 Sauterelle Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2483

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

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

Indian Tiffinbites 23 Russia Row Off Gresham Street, EC2V 7PG 020 7600 4899

The Zetter 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5JR 020 7324 4455 Volupté 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Japanese

Bar listings

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

Saki 4 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JX 020 7489 7033

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

Mexican

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

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

Middle Eastern Kenza 10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP 020 7929 5533

Modern European One Lombard Street 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 7703 Smiths of Smithfield 67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ 020 7251 7950

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

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 5AA 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar 5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 7BA 020 7623 2355 Light Bar 233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ 020 7247 8989 Match EC1 45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RS 020 7250 4002 Ortega 27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7623 1818

deWintons deWintons is a London-based catering company that creates delectable dishes for all sorts of events – from private parties to gala dinners, weddings and film premieres.

Over the next six issues, we’ll share some of our most popular dishes with easy-to-follow recipes for everyone to use and enjoy.

So get started by baking our fantastic Valrhona Chocolate Brownies which are guaranteed to banish any autumnal blues VALRHONA CHOCOLATE BROWNIE Valrhona is a French chocolate and one of the finest and best for cooking with.You’ll be able to get both the cocoa powder and chocolate pieces at your local Waitrose or any of London’s major food halls such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. And… it’s really not expensive!

METHOD 1 Whisk the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and thick (i.e. the mixture should drop off the whisk and leave a ribbonlike pattern on the surface).

2 In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate pieces, cocoa powder and butter together.

3 Sift together the flour and salt.

4 Fold the chocolate mixture into the eggs, sugar and vanilla and then fold in the flour and scrape down the bowl.

5 Spread onto a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 150°c for 20mins, or until the top cracks and doesn’t sink when pushed with your finger. Remove from oven and cool.

6 Slice into very generous pieces and enjoy.

IENTS

INGRED

butter unsalted 500g x d sugar granulate 900g x extract x eggs illa bean 8 quid van li s n o o x teasp 2 ur x cake flo g 0 a salt 0 3 inch of se p ll a sm x wder p 1 a s coco o late piece Valrhona ni’ choco a u 150g x g ra ‘A a n o h Valr 150g x king tray d one ba You’ll nee 6cm g 35 x 4 measurin

If you need to book some delicious food, catered for by delightful people, then give deWintons a call on 020 7627 5550 or visit our website: www.dewintons.co.uk

THE RIVER VIEW Situated on the south bank of the Thames opposite the Tate, the Park Plaza Riverbank is not your average Christmas party venue. The awe-inspiring outlook of the river, as well as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, makes this the venue with a view.

With packages that include a “fizz” reception and a traditional three-course dinner, the Park Plaza caters to each client’s needs by offering a bespoke party planning service so that you can create a truly unique Christmas event. The Park Plaza boasts a comprehensive range of venue rooms, which can hold between two and 150 people. And the best thing about it? Because it’s a hotel, the party can continue into the night without worrying about having to catch the last train home. They even serve breakfast in bed in the morning. Happy Christmas!

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Park Plaza Riverbank London 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ 020 7769 2577 www.parkplaza.com/hotels/gbriver

OF THE BEST… CHRISTMAS PARTY VENUES

Stephanie Baxter picks some crackers to host a glamorous office get-together

THE “FAUX-PARIS” EXPERIENCE Be transported to the glamorous atmosphere of a 1940s Parisian supper club at 45 Millbank this Christmas, with the help of Evolve Events & Venues. This Grade II listed Edwardian venue, with its beautiful neo-Baroque architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for the sumptuousness of the settings and exquisite three-course feast provided

by Zafferano. With a champagne reception and brilliant entertainment from singers from the West End shows performing the best of Cabaret and other period-appropriate shows, the luxuriousness and allure of 1940s Paris will send you well on your way to having a truly magical evening.

45 Millbank 16 John Islip Street, SW1P 4JU 020 7514 8514 www.45millbank.com

lifestyle THE ONE FOR THE SPORTS FANS For the avid cricket fan, this venue is, simply, perfect. Hailed as the most historic and famous cricket ground in the world, Lord’s boasts a number of stylish event spaces just a four-score away from the “hallowed turf ”. However, for the average Christmas party-goer, Lord’s is just as perfect, as the setting exudes style and luxury. Offering a choice of packages, guests can enjoy the excitement a of a 1920s speakeasy-themed party in the Thomas Lord Suite, organised by Impulse (up to 350 guests), or the sophistication of a more traditional soiree in the sumptuous Long Room, home to the Club’s collection of Fine Arts (100-200 guests). For a more intimate event, still in keeping with the traditions of the season, a group of up to 50 can revel in the elegance of the Writing Room.

Lord’s Cricket Ground St John’s Wood, NW8 8QN 020 7616 8501 www.lords.org

THE HISTORICAL VENUE Once a part of the former Whitehall Palace, the Banqueting House is a truly unique venue for a classic Christmas party. The imposing feel of the Main Hall, with its famous Rubens ceiling (which is, in itself, an artistic masterpiece), provides the perfect setting for a formal dinner. The Undercroft, on the other hand, which was the drinking den of James I and his friends, is the ideal atmospheric location for pre-dinner drinks or a standing reception.

The expertise of the events team at the Banqueting House will aid you in all stages of planning for the office party of the year. Whilst basking in the splendour of this previously royal venue, which also incidentally served as the execution place of Charles I, guests are sure to have an unforgettable seasonal celebration.

The Banqueting House Whitehall, SW1A 2ER 020 3166 6151 www.hrp.org.uk

THE GARDEN PARTY See in the festive season in style with the ultimate bash at the Roof Gardens. Soaring 100ft above Kensington High Street, the three beautiful outdoor entertainment spaces (The Spanish Garden, The Tudor Garden and The English Woodland Garden) make for a wonderfully unique venue. Cosy up by the many outdoor heaters that transform the winter chill into a toasty glowing atmosphere, whilst giving season’s greetings to the Roof Gardens’ resident flamingos, Bill and Ben! Christmas party packages also include room hire for those who wish to take shelter indoors, where lunch or dinner will be served. And to see Christmas in Italian style, there is the opportunity to combine your event with the Roof Gardens’ Venetian Ball, which includes a three-course banquet and entertainment throughout the evening.

The Roof Gardens 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA 020 7937 7994 www.roofgardens.com

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food&drink

Too Many Critics

Spoil the Nosh Josephine O’Donoghue chats with Tom Parker-Bowles in the run-up to a unique culinary event, to find out whether the critics will be able to stand the heat in the kitchen

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verybody has heard the saying that ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ and I’m sure many cooks would agree that too many critics spoil... well, everything really. Most commonly known as grumpy lone diners with frankly unrealistic expectations, the breed of food critic has been feared in kitchens across the nation for many years. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how they do it themselves?

There is one such opportunity this year; a rare moment if ever there was one, and this time the critics really are under pressure. Judged themselves by the UK’s finest chefs, the media’s top food critics will prepare an exclusive five-course dinner under the watchful eye of the industry greats. Held in the Royal Exchange Grand Café and Bar, the event will showcase the cooking skills of ten critics including Tom ParkerBowles (The Mail on Sunday), Charles Campion (The Evening Standard), Jay Rayner (The Observer) and Tracey MacLeod (The Independent). BBC radio foodie DJ Nigel Barden will be providing an entertaining commentary alongside the action and the soirée will commence with a Champagne Taittinger canapé reception.

In full view of hungry and expectant diners, the critics will be tasked with preparing a delicious five-course meal from the highest quality ingredients and showcasing carefully sourced rare breed British

pork. Enjoying a more relaxed form of restaurant life, diners and professional chefs will experience wonderful food, fine wine and a buzzing atmosphere whilst the critics get to grips with the lengthy menu and a professional kitchen.

Entertainment is the selling point for this event; cameras will track every move in the kitchen and transmit this to large television screens around the dining room. Every slip, every mistake and every melt-down (expect a few) will be recorded.

Nigel Barden will be interrupting throughout the evening to talk to the stressed critics and will invite the dining chefs to challenge their pen-wielding friends and pass comment on their skills (or lack thereof).

I caught up with Tom ParkerBowles last month, to see if he was ready to prove himself to the professionals...

Tom, how are you feeling in the run-up to ‘Too Many Critics’ 2008?

Well, it’s a bit scary to be honest; it’s all very well to sit and talk about these chefs but to be on the other side will be, well, quite scary. With chefs like Raymond Blanc and Fergus Henderson, there’s a high standard. I think the main thing is to treat it as a charity event, and not take it all too seriously and not be too worried by what the chefs say.

Where did your fascination with food come from?

Well, I’ve always been greedy.

And it was super-greed at school. But food has always been very central to family life so it’s always been there.

And did you study food and nutrition?

Christ no, complete waste of time.

Do you think you’re up to cooking five courses?

With help! It is one thing cooking at home but this time we’ll be in a sort of studio, and judged by chefs.

What are the chances of you actually winning?

Ah, slim to none! It depends on all number of things. I’ll try my best of course, but I won’t be too disappointed if I don’t win.

Which of the critics will perform well?

Oh I don’t know, but I’ve heard that Charles Campion might be a good bet.

Do you think that celebrity chefs are overrated?

Some are and some aren’t.

Gordon Ramsey is certainly a positive force; I like watching him, I like him, I like his food, and he’s great. Jamie’s great and a really positive influence on British food.

How important is it for you to support charities such as Action Against Hunger?

It’s hugely important; most of the time we sit there stuffing our fat faces...sorry, my fat face... and now we’re trying to give something back. It’s such a worthwhile charity and it’s a good way to get food across to some of the poorest nations in the world.

It’s great that we can use a bit of media power to make as much money as we can for the charity.

What do you think is the finest British culinary creation?

Finest British creation... well, there are millions to choose from.

Shepherd’s pie; good cuts of beef; puddings; British sausages – all the classics really.

And in terms of our worst creation, well, I’m not too keen on the battered sausage. All the cheap and processed food is awful – it’s the quality of the food rather than the particular dish that

more information

Tickets for Too Many Critics, which will take place on 19 October, are priced at £130 per person with all proceeds going to the charity Action Against Hunger. Special discounts are available for group bookings, with ten tickets priced at £1,200. A very limited number of Golden Tickets are also available for £250 per person, allowing the lucky holder to sit right next to a chosen chef and spend the evening in the company of their food hero!

To purchase tickets for Too Many Critics, contact Aimee Rowlands (a.rowlands@aahuk.org, 020 293 6138)

makes a difference. It depends where you buy the food.

When you cook for yourself at home, do you experiment or do you prefer to stick to the classic recipes?

Yeah, I do make the classics. A roast chicken for example; you get the meat, and then you can boil the bones for stock and make another meal. You could get several good meals from a chicken if you use it properly.

How might you sum up the British attitude to food?

We have a long way still to go but we’re on our way. Thanks to the Gordons and the Jamies, we are becoming more aware.

I’m cautiously confident. We used to have it right, but due to changes in society such as industrialisation and war-time rationing, we seem to have lost respect for food.

Which country has the best attitude to food?

The continent has got it right; France, Italy, Spain. Food is part of the lifestyle there – it’s really important.

If you could add to British supermarkets one unusual food product that you have sampled on your worldwide culinary travels, what would it be?

Ooh, I think maybe deep fried bee pupae; they’re really sweet and crunchy. n

Alice Tozer celebrates the renaissance of the mainstay of mixology

NOT SHAKEN; NOT STIRRED

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fter a long moribund period, the Martini cocktail is edging its ways back onto bars across the globe. Classically comprising gin and vermouth, with a score of fruity bitters available to add to this base, variations on the theme know no limits; from the to the Martini Atomiser, to the Dirty Martini, from Hemingway’s Montgomery Martini, to modern fruity effusions such as the Passion fruit Martini. The nectar of sophistication is easily confused but altogether different from

Martini and Lemonade, and gravely misunderstood by drinkers and bartenders alike.

In truth, the Martini cocktail never really disappeared; the visual icon has maintained its desirability on-screen through the likes of James Bond (‘shaken not stirred’) and Frank Sinatra. Everyone and everywhere has claimed ownership of the concoction; whether German composer J.P. Schwartzendorf in the 1880s or Martinez, a town in California.

The Italians, the English and New Yorkers have also staked their claims, pointing to the fact that the

Martini is, rather, universal.

Every serious cocktail bartender worthy of his white gloves should ask you a few questions when you order a Martini. Whether you want your Martini shaken or stirred is a question of the past; nouveau takes on how the liquid should be mixed include rolled, thrown, frozen or simply... rested.

Then there’s the dryness of the Martini to consider, which will depend on how little vermouth is added to the gin. There’s no real rule - the Martini is all about signature style – but über-cold glasses and chunky, fresh ice are

food&drink

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Whether you want your Martini shaken or stirred is a question of the past. Nouveau takes on how the liquid should be mixed include rolled, thrown, frozen or simply rested good signs. To top it off, there’s the Charles Dickens question: an olive, or a twist? (That’s a lemon twist.) Olive juice can too be added to make a dirty martini, the very beverage Franklin Roosevelt is reputed to have offered Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill during a rendezvous.

Recent Martini mania may have been given headwind by the fact that the cocktail – in its generic sense – celebrated its 200th anniversary in the US in May 2006. The Martini cocktail offshoot had its heyday between the 1920s and the 1960s and that’s when Tanqueray gin – a commercial gin house founded in Bloomsbury 1830 – became associated with it. Tanqueray remains the gin of distinction in 2008. Added to the juniper berries (which they import from Tuscany),Tanqueray No.Ten distillers source harvests of freshly infused botanicals: Bulgarian coriander, chamomile and angelica, which carry a musky, chocolatey charisma. Fresh, hand-chopped citrus fruits are ingredients unique to Tanqueray No. 10 gin and I can assure that,

upon my blind testing session of several consumer brands of gin, the fresh and fruity brand really stands above the others, lacking that pungent ethanol whiff so commonly associated with spirits.

Each distillation process of Tanqueray No.10 gin takes eight hours and produces very modest amounts, hence its greater expense over its gin brothers.

From liquid to gin via vapour, half of what goes into the distiller is thrown away to make sure what is left reaches the pinnacle of perfection. It’s easy to imagine the broad Scot and Master Distiller at Tanqueray,Tom Nicholls, in his gin laboratory like a fervent scientist pumping chemicals through tubes and marvelling at the colourful steam which then clouds his goggles. Nicholls recalls how nervous he was when he first distilled for Tanqueray. Since then, he works alone, to ensure optimum concentration for the complex juggling of equipment.

Bartenders are slowly but surely starting to get the respect they deserve but still fail to receive the kudos accredited to chefs of their equivalent

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food&drink

level of expertise. “A bartender can make your evening and bar tendering is as professional a job as any,” Angus Winchester, Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray assures me. It is this message, as well as how to be at the peak of your bar tendering game, which Angus seeks to spread as part of his international quest for Tanqueray, who have recently created the Tanqueray Guild, showcasing ten iconic cities and ten of the best bartenders within them. Each nationality and personality of professional bartender has their own idiosyncratic manner of Martini making; the speed of Japanese bartending, for instance, is jaw dropping.

Back to the UK and Angus feels frustrated that “the broadcast media won’t touch the topic of cocktail making, still tending to demonize spirits. So it’s hard

for the public to realise what an art there is to bar tendering.You have to be thick-skinned to be a good bartender, because people wrongly assume bartenders are stupid. It also helps to be a little obsessive compulsive,” laughs Angus, explaining: “The job calls for a lot of polishing, cleaning, moving and preparing.”

A surprisingly physical activity, some women might be frightened

by the work, Angus says. But he adds that there is much to recommend women to it: namely their ability to multi-task, to be sensitive to flavour and to know how to be a hostess.

Indeed, there is more to being a bartender par excellence than merely pouring the drinks.

Angus believes a synergy between the drink, drinker and server is at the crux of the Martini

experience. What’s more “the barman is the safest person in the bar to flirt with,” Angus says, halfjokingly. After so many Martinis in so many cities worldwide, does Angus have a preferred location and person with whom to drink them? “The rooftop Galaxy Bar in Athens (of the Hilton Hotel), anywhere with a view of the Hong Kong skyline or in any basement which possesses

vampiresque qualities.” “But,” he adds cheekily, “I’ll take Martinis with anyone prepared to pick up the bill!”

Angus wouldn’t want to get into a cocktail drinking competition with a woman.

Whilst the Martini cocktail was originally a masculine drink, ladies have since revealed their tolerance to the strong stuff.

To reflect this shift towards

femininity, cocktails are now over-embellished and come in every colour of the rainbow and beyond. The American writer Dorothy Parker once declared with characteristic caustic wit: “I love to drink Martinis, two at the very most, three I’m under the table and four I’m under the host.” But it’s not only a ladies game; with men increasingly persuaded to express

their effeminate side comes a newfound adventurousness and confidence to their cocktail choices. Ordering Martinis across London’s retro style bars might be a style statement but, male or female, remember not to make the fatal faux-pas of just asking for a Martini. It shows a fatal lack of understanding and you might have appeared more elegant asking for an orange juice. n

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food&drink

PARADISE

FOUND Alice Tozer lands upon an island of distinction

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estaurants attached to hotels have a difficult plight. Often hidden from those who are not bedding down at the hotel, they are perhaps too obvious a venue for those who are. Island Restaurant and Bar, belonging to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, has decided to stand out from the rest – literally.

Sitting on a corner overlooking the Italian gardens of Hyde Park, its name is indicative of its marooned situation. Vast windowing creates a feeling of contact with the world whizzing past outside, whilst low purple lighting and dark wooden panels simultaneously ensure a warm mood within.

A few cocktails later and life can seem much brighter, but at Island a mere sober surveillance of the cocktail menu is enough to get the juices flowing: a myriad Martinis (including a Nutella one) and a high-calibre collection of cocktails – both long and short – set the standard. My dining partner and I settled for one French Martini and

another passion fruit (£8 each).

After one sumptuous sip of the frothy, vibrant liquid I wondered if the food to come could possibly be any good – surely these people specialised wholly in drinks?

Insalata Tricolore, as it is formally known (mozzarella, tomato and avocado salad as it is casually called), is a personal favourite. At Island, it was refreshing to see a variation on the theme – buffalo mozzarella, fennel, red onion, olives and caper berries (£7.50) – which my companion fully savoured for her starter. I opted for steamed Cornish mussels (£8.50), and the exotic sauce of creamy coconut and a kick of chilli opened my (watering) eyes to the versatility of this sticky-fingered seafood.

Beer-battered fish and hand-cut chips (£14) seemed perfect for mid-week fuel, and the carbon dioxide in the beer apparently lends a lighter texture to this less usual form of batter. The crisp slab of fish was not overbearing in size but the pinnacle of quality, and

accompanied by wedges of meltin-the-mouth chips. A modest dollop of meticulously mashed lime-green peas and another of rich tartar sauce completed this sophisticated approach to an elsewhere cheap and cheerful quick fix of a meal. Meanwhile my companion tucked contentedly into her tender best end of lamb (£21.50) with spiced aubergine, couscous and cucumber yoghurt.

Sometimes fruit salad is just the tonic after a hearty main and, in characteristic Island style, there was an exotic twist to my companion’s dish: tropical fruits with lemongrass and lime sabayon (£5.50). Lychees, papaya and mango also joined the party, all sublimely sprinkled with cinnamon. I opted for the Pineapple Tatin (£5.50) largely because of the prospect of the star

anise ice cream which accompanies it. Creamy and subtle, it was a delicious, chilled partner for the warm and buttery toffee pineapple tart, which came parading a translucent pineapple wafer as a stylised head-dress.

Floating upon Lancaster Terrace for four years, Island has revamped its menu to dazzling effect.

If you’re heading westwards on your way home from the bosom of The City, or at a conference in one of the many hotels of distinction in the area, perhaps, and would like to be inspired by novel exotic takes on the staples of modern British cuisine, this island should be your priority destination. n Island Restaurant & Bar Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY 020 7551 6070 www.islandrestaurant.co.uk

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W ar f 3 ite O d o lim N an e K st ric 9. are O y 4 e p £1 ets BOenjo r th you . Tick o d ts f ing 01 an e v M k s a RW t ic de

Bo

4-7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

LIVE FOR 4 DAYS ONLY!

LIVE – Gordon and friends take on Christmas

Thank Gordon it’s Christmas!

in a sizzling kitchen theatre with inspiring 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:

tasteofchristmas.com

or call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 5581 TICKETS ARE LIMITED

15_TOC_CanaryWharf+CityMags_Oct_FP.indd 1

24/9/08 11:57:46

94

competitions

Indulgent Escapism In 1887, two Latin mottos were engraved over the entrance of Grayshott – Pax Intrantibus (peace as you enter) and Salus Exeuntibus (health as you leave), defining her destiny for years to come

One lucky reader has the chance to win a special Thalgo Day Programme; the perfect way to hide away from the cold weather. The prize includes a Micronized Marine Algae Wrap and Hydrotherapy Bath for the winner and a guest. The prize also includes two Exceptional gift sets from Thalgo worth £149 each.

Please email competitions@runwildgroup.com (with ‘Grayshott’ in the subject box) with your name, address and telephone number for a chance of winning.

G

rayshott really is the ultimate city escape; only an hour from the city centre, the retreat is renowned for their holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

The acclaimed natural therapies, the environment and atmosphere of the spa all contribute to the overall feeling of calm and tranquillity. This ‘whole’ approach, based on the philosophy of health through inspiration not deprivation, is incorporated in Grayshott’s treatments, therapies, fitness and outdoor activities and diet. A personal consultation with the Health Consultant ensures that guests achieve their individual goals both during and after their stay.

A popular treatment choice is the Micronized Marine Algae Body Wrap which utilizes riches of the sea: oligo-elements, proteins, amino-acids, minerals and vitamins aid slimming, firming, de-tox and relaxation. It is ideal for activating circulation, increasing metabolism and relieving aches and pains.

The prize valid for any day of the week; the weekend rate of this programme is £185 per person. However, if booked Monday – Friday Grayshott will offer an additional £20 each towards another treatment. This is non-refundable if not used.

Validity is 6 months from date of the competition.

Closing date: 31 October 2008. The Editor’s decision is final.

www.grayshottspa.com

Va Va Voom!

Lamborghini Murcielago Spider

Experience a live motor show extravaganza at MPH featuring Top Gear Live

T

he MPH Motor Show 2008 is set to be one of the most exciting motoring events of the year and news that Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team will perform live in London on four dates (30 October – 2 November) before heading north to Birmingham (13 – 16 November) has created an unprecedented demand for tickets.

Featuring hundreds of current and rare cars from iconic manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Pagani, Porsche and Rolls-Royce, the show guarantees entertainment throughout the day.

During the show, Jeremy Clarkson will headline a live action event with cars creating chaos and mayhem, alongside some of the most prestigious new cars on the planet. The creative team behind Top Gear is developing breathtaking stunts, hilarious challenges and block-busting driving sequences to deliver a heady mix of thrills and spills to satisfy even the most ardent car addict. www.mphshow.co.uk

Four lucky readers will have the chance to win a pair of London Silver tickets valued at £38 each. The Silver ticket admits the holder to a standard seat during the specified Top Gear Live performance and entry to the MPH ‘08 Prestige and Performance Motor Show. Winners should be aware that their tickets may be valid for a weekday performance.

Please email competitions@runwildgroup.com (with ‘MPH’ in the subject box) with your name, address and telephone number for a chance of winning.

Prize tickets will refer to fixed seats for one performance of the live theatre show and cannot be exchanged. Entrants will only be allowed into the live show and galleries on the date and time specified on their ticket.

Closing date: 31 October 2008. The Editor’s decision is final.

lifestyle

95

CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

by Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist, Visiting Emeritus Gresham Professor For Psychiatry

A

s I write this, financial crisis is everyone’s preoccupation, so by the time you read it, things might be a lot worse, or much better.

The outcome feels, from the way it’s reported in the press, like it depends to a large extent on decisions that remote authorities in power make. However, our own personal futures hinge crucially on the quality of the decisions we also make when facing crisis.

There is a fascinating branch of psychology devoted to the study of how people make decisions in the midst of crisis, which is referred to as ‘Crisis Decision Theory’. One of the world authorities in this field is Dr. Kate Sweeney, a psychologist based at the University of Florida. She has recently published in the prestigious academic journal Psychological Bulletin one of the most respected summaries of how the field can help a non-psychologist who is facing a crisis.

Crisis Decision Theory understands that when we face a crisis, our behaviour falls into three key stages – and the better you appreciate these phases, the better equipped you are to survive a crisis in superior condition.

So the first phase found by psychologists is that we tend to make an evaluation of how serious the crisis is. Crises vary in severity and also the assessment of how serious they are; for one person losing the key to their home is a major crisis, while for another this is merely a mild headache. This phase is vital because it determines the emotional and intellectual resources (or any others available) we devote to addressing the crisis.

The way we decide exactly how major a crisis is hinges on our estimate of what is at stake and how much we value it. If our financial foundations are threatened, then this obviously might lead us to the view that we are contemplating a catastrophe.

Those who are most likely to survive and thrive through a crisis are precisely those who take more control of their lives by re-trenching their value systems. For example, in a financial crisis, making an active decision to value status and material comfort less. This may also provide the much-needed elbow room in which to make some decisions – rather than feeling ‘trapped in the headlights’ and overwhelmed.

Another problem is whether we decide we brought the crisis upon ourselves. This can be quite a complicated decision. For example, people sacked because of a downturn in the global economy may still have room to blame themselves because they may know others with the same qualifications or backgrounds who didn’t get fired (‘Why me?’). Also you can still blame yourself for not saving enough when times were good.

While it’s useful to learn from our mistakes so as not to repeat them in the future, selfblame doesn’t seem that helpful in the midst of a crisis. For example, Kate Sweeney points out that research on victims of sexual assault has found that women who blame themselves for the rape are more likely to end up being unhelpfully avoidant, like refraining from going out again if the attack occurred on the

words, they tend to be more blasé.

Another factor which tends to influence the way we handle a crisis is our decision over how things might otherwise have turned out – referred to by psychologists as ‘counterfactual’ or ‘what-might-have-been’ thinking. So if you believed things could have been very different and the current financial crisis was not an inevitable product of the boom years, you are likely to feel worse about it than if you come to see it as entirely predictable.

The problem with thinking things could have been much better is that this often leads to an obsessive preoccupation with picking over the past to try to forensically patch together what went wrong and why. This is not helpful in a crisis. Better to understand that what happened was probably a lot more inevitable than you had realised and that indeed things could have been a

In the absence of past experience there is a tendency to over-react and exaggerate because there is no context in which to place things street. Whereas women who do not blame themselves are more likely to engage in more active coping, like taking up self-defence classes and refusing to allow the event to stop them going out.

It would appear that apportioning blame might be more usefully held over for when a crisis has begun to subside – so like many things in life, timing is everything when it comes to how best a crisis is handled.

Another method that we use to evaluate how bad things really are is our past experience.

If, as many suggest, we are facing the kind of tumultuous events in the financial world which come round but once a century, then it’s easy to see that our past experience may let us down when trying to decide how bad things are.

In the absence of past experience there is a tendency to over-react and exaggerate because there is no context in which to place things. This can happen after ‘once-in-lifetime’ events such as the tragedy of 9/11. Those who have experienced many similar crises tend to downwardly regulate the seriousness with which new crises are evaluated – in other

lot worse as well.

The next two phases of decision making when in crisis are thinking about your options and then deciding which option to take. It’s easy to say ‘Don’t panic’ when it comes to a crisis – but in fact there are things you need to do rather than simply not panicking: these are to keep taking decisions – but at all stages to make sure they are the best decisions you can take given your predicament.

Climber Joe Simpson puts decision making at the centre of his continued existence. The book and film Touching the Void tell the true story of his incredible survival against all odds as he climbed his way out of a crevasse with a broken foot. He says in the film that when in a tough corner the key is to keep making decisions though the temptation might be to give up instead. It’s better to make decisions – even if they turn out to be bad ones – than to make no decisions at all. n Reference: Sweeny, Kate – Crisis Decision Theory: Decisions in the Face of Negative Events. Psychological Bulletin.

134(1):61-76, January 2008

96

business&finance

Three myths that could damage your wealth Investing in the stock market is not necessarily what you think

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

P

eople have been buying and selling stocks and shares for hundreds of years. The earliest stock exchanges dealt mainly in farmers’ debts. But this quickly spread to other commodities. Some of the earliest deals took place at the house of a man called Van der Beurze, which is why stock markets are sometimes called bourses today.

Even though stock markets have been around for centuries (or perhaps it’s because they have), investors have perpetuated a collection of false notions about what goes on inside them. Sadly, some of these myths have become so ingrained that many of us consider them to be gospel. But believing in these untruths can damage your wealth.

Timing is important

Some traders believe they can accurately predict the stock markets’ every turn. But the truth is no one can. So the best time to buy shares, especially if you plan to invest for the long term, is now.

It is impossible for us to know today if shares will rise or fall tomorrow. But for anyone with niggling doubts, investing in shares has delivered a return of around 10% a year over the long term. This works out to be approximately 7% a year, if you adjust for inflation.

One of the easiest ways to buy shares is through low-cost index trackers. They are a cheap way to gain exposure to stock markets by tracking the performance of popular and, for the more adventurous investor, exotic indices.

What’s more, you don’t have to invest your money all at once. You can drip as little as £25 a month into these funds. Investing

little and often helps smooth out the volatility of stock markets.

You must be over 18 to invest

Another common myth is that you have to be over 18 years of age to buy shares. Truth is, parents have always been able to invest on behalf of their children through bare trusts.

But now it’s become a lot easier to buy shares for youngsters.

Children born after 31 August 2002 can invest up to £1,200 in shares through two flavours of Child Trust Funds. These are Stakeholder and non-Stakeholder CTF Accounts.

The main difference between them is that

are not just for the wealthy.

A stock market is a place where people can acquire a stake in a company by buying shares. Each share gives the owner a right to a portion of the company’s profits, so as the company flourishes, shareholders will benefit too. Of course, investors are trying to second-guess how a business will perform in the future, which can cause share prices to fluctuate in the short term. But over the long term, a company’s performance will be the main driver of its share price.

What’s more, you don’t have to be rich to buy shares. The Internet has opened up the brokerage market, so you can now buy and sell shares for as little as £10 a deal. As an

Many people are, understandably, put off investing in shares because they believe stock markets are massive gambling dens where rich people gather to play games of chance using shares as currency lifestyling is compulsory in the former but not the latter. With lifestyling, shares are gradually shifted to less risky investments after the child’s 13th birthday.

The stock market is a casino for the rich

Many people are, understandably, put off investing in shares because they believe stock markets are massive gambling dens where rich people gather to play games of chance using shares as currency. Firstly, the stock market is not a casino, and secondly shares

added bonus, many brokers provide valuable data and research tools that were previously available to a privileged few.

So you don’t have to be over 18 years old, you don’t have to know much about shares, and you don’t need to be rich to invest in the stock market. But you could miss out on being wealthy later on if you don’t start investing now. n

Fool.co.uk Seriously good with money

TM

currentaffairs

97

MANAGING POLITICAL RISK Financial and political turmoil seem to be going hand-in-hand

O

ver one year into the credit of pre-funding could tie up banks’ capital for arising from the credit crunch as a result crunch, its effects are being felt arguably little benefit. of imprudent lending and the creation of more than ever. Turmoil on The effects of the credit crunch will ‘innovative’ complex financial products in the stock market has resulted likely lead to a redoubling of efforts from which risk was obscured. This presents a in the end of an era on Wall Street and in The government to foster financial inclusion significant reputational challenge. Individual City. The merging of Lloyds TSB and HBOS for those who fall outside the mainstream players within the sector will be judged on has created a bank of unprecedented size and financial services. The Savings Gateway Bill, how they react to the crisis and how their with a market share which is bound to have to be introduced in the next Queen’s Speech customers fare in their hands. Going beyond significant competition implications in the in December, is designed to encourage the the principles underpinning the FSA’s Treating long run. The FSA and the UK Government saving habit amongst the financially excluded.

Customers Fairly agenda will be of optimum have placed a sticking plaster over the The creation of two pathfinder areas for the importance to political decision-makers, who economy with a temporary ban government’s money guidance on the short selling of stocks to initiative will point to the The global economic crisis protect confidence in the UK feasibility or otherwise of and its impact on the UK is as much banking industry. As I write, it Otto Thoresen’s proposals for appears to be working. In these the provision of free generic High Street as it is Wall Street febrile times however, nothing financial advice for those who is certain. need it. The financial services sector needs to will expect the sector to comprehensively fulfil Figures released in mid-September showed decide the extent of its role in this sphere – the commitment pledged to that end in the the number of people claiming unemployment Banking Code. especially as it will almost certainly be asked benefit last month rising at the fastest rate for to pick up at least part of the bill. Other In a period of economic uncertainty almost 16 years. The public finances are going challenges include the potential repercussions and dwindling popularity, the danger for further into the red. In August the shortfall of the Equalities Bill, specifically on the financial services industry is that the between tax revenues and spending was discrimination between demographic groups in government is struck by an impulse to be seen £10.2bn. This is the worst figure for August the provision of financial services. to act to protect the consumer, regardless of since records began in 1993. The fiscal deficit By the time this hits the press, Gordon the disproportionality of any response. is on course to reach £70 billion this financial Brown will have reshuffled his government.

The retail banking sector already finds itself year, compared to the £43 billion that the The Treasury, once expected to bear the under threat from significant, accelerating Treasury predicted in March. brunt of a thorough rejig, may have come regulatory intervention. More widely, the The Bank of England’s latest quarterly through unscathed. Nonetheless, a refreshed financial services industry as a whole needs inflation report highlighted the degree to and renewed Government will wish to hit to be in close contact with government to which credit crunch is now coming home to the ground running, especially to attempt to monitor and contribute to any regulatory people in their everyday lives. Figures from rebuild confidence among ordinary people gambit that the government may initiate. the Office of National Statistics showed a 0.6 in their stewardship of the economy. In In legislative terms, the retail banking point jump in the actual cost of living in July preparation for the critical months to come, sector will need to proactively engage on the – the biggest one-month jump since Labour the financial services industries need to Banking Reform Bill and FSA consultations came to power. House prices are down an react with significant, targeted public affairs on depositor protection. The bill is designed average of nine percent year-on-year, leading to to correct the faults of the regulatory engagement with Government ministers substantial reductions in discretionary spending system identified as a result of the failure of and officials to protect their positions whilst and providing increasing threats for retailers. maintaining a constructive stance. At the same Northern Rock. It will include a new special PricewaterhouseCoopers took the governor’s time, the industry needs to continue to work resolution regime for failing banks, the power announcement as an opportunity to launch closely with the Conservative economics team to introduce a pre-funded compensation its own study, suggesting a fall in consumer to clarify expectations and plans for a putative scheme, and pave the way to faster payouts spending of up to £16bn or one percent of Cameron government and prepare for change. for customers in the event of a bank collapse.

UK GDP was likely next year. The global These are times of both political and In light of recent upheaval in the markets economic crisis and its impact on the UK is as economic flux. It has never been more crucial the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, is bringing much High Street as it is Wall Street. forward the introduction of the bill to October. for industry to be ahead of the game.n The financial services sector is in danger The FSA will consult on what information of bearing the brunt of government banks need to have readily available to Tim Rowbottom is Senior Consultant at Bell recriminations. Banks have been blamed by support faster payout. This could require very Pottinger Public Affairs many stakeholders for economic difficulties significant IT changes, while any introduction

citylife

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A fashionable mixer It’s not often that you get to combine fashion with your favourite tipple, but Peroni has done just that thanks to its new Marli bottle opener. Ingeniously designed with a dual functionality, it can be used as a stylish adornment for scarves and hip straps, whilst also being in line with its traditional function of bottle opening. www.peroniitaly.com

Safe socialising Introducing the world’s most fashionable personal security alarm, the Ila Dusk looks like it should be in the handbag of a trendy celeb.

The alarm, named after the Hindu goddess of the voice, features an innovative warning sound – an earpiercing woman’s scream pitched at an uncomfortable 130dB, which is intended to stun the attacker. £20 Available from Marks & Spencer from 13 October

Clutch tight

Flex’it

The new autumn/winter 08 Ignes collection oozes style and sophistication. The clutches in particular scream “red carpet” with their exquisite, hand-picked animal hide designs. The collection also features gorgeous totes, shoulder bags and satchels, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect bag for every occasion.

Fope’s Flex’it bracelets can be worn for everyday use as well as for more formal occasions and are made in white, rose and yellow 18ct gold.

They are available with or without diamonds and semi-precious stones as well as in a choice of diameters.

Prices vary, but are approximately £2,700 depending on your choice.

Prices start from £115 www.ignesbags.com

Available from Searle & Co 1 Royal Exchange, Cornhill, London EC3V 3LL 020 7626 2456 www.searleandco.ltd.uk

Universal Contour Wrap

Keep your cool

This inch loss treatment guarantees clients a minimum loss of six inches after their first treatment with the inches staying off for at least thirty days. Our tester did indeed lose inches and had super-soft skin for days afterwards. A relaxing, pain-free way to boost body confidence in the run-up to the Christmas party season.

Stay fresh with ila’s chemical free Energy Spray. This natural spray combines Himalayan salt crystals with pure water to create energy, refresh and awaken. A convenient handbag size, this product will help to keep you cool on the move.

Prices from £50 – £80 depending on salon.

Our tester went to: Balance the Clinic, The Courtyard, 250 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UE 020 7565 0333 enquiries@balancetheclinic.com www.universalcontourwrap.com

Available at www.ila-spa.com or at Fenwick Bond Street, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic or Content Beauty.

£15

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Sun safe

Goodbye man-flu

Stay safe in the sun with this chic white bracelet which darkens to a shade of purple when exposed to harmful UVA rays. Perfect to protect both you and the family.

It’s a well-known fact that a cold is the most common illness to prompt people to taking a sick-day, and we can hazard a guess as to how many of these are taken by men!

However, this might be a thing of the past with the arrival of Fruit for the Office, a range of super-healthy fruit boxes that are delivered direct to your desk, promising to boost the immune system with their vitaminrich goodness.

£2.50 Available at SpaFinder

Prices start from £18.99 per ten people www.fruitfortheoffice.co.uk

Facial in a jar

Hotels on the move

The Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask

by Elemis uplifts the skin, helping to minimise the signs of ageing to give skin a younger and firmer appearance. Apply and leave on for ten minutes before removing, or alternatively leave on overnight for added glow.

Book a hotel on the move with the Utellâ mobile site, specially designed by Mobile Travel Technologies Ltd to access hotel information when a desktop isn’t accessible. Available in major cities mobile.utell.com allows you to select and book a hotel, as well as access information, pictures and rates for over one hundred hotels in cities such as New York, Berlin, Rome and Barcelona.

£45 www.timetospa.co.uk

A girl’s best friend Roca London is a new online diamond house where the collection of engagement rings and diamond jewellery has been selected by a panel of women – what better way to give ultimate confidence than the female seal of approval. www.rocalondon.com

Say cheers to silky skin Achieving beautifully moisturised, hydrated and nourished skin has never been so luxurious than with this new face cream from Le Vin, exclusive to Harvey Nichols. Containing the same grape seed extract used in Chardonnay from the world-renowned Burgundy vineyards, Le Vin offers a radically unique gateway to fresher and younger-looking skin. £77 www.harveynichols.com

99

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events Until 19 October

ART & EXHIBITONS

ART & EXHIBITON

LOVE

THE STORY OF THE SUPREMES FROM THE MARY WILSON COLLECTION

© Manchester City Galleries

Showcasing work from artists including Raphael, Cranach, Vermeer, Holman Hunt, Marc Chagall, Tracey Emin and Marc Quinn, this exhibition takes an exploratory look at the depiction in art (from the 15th Century to the present day) of the most powerful emotion – love.

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Courtesy of Motown Records Archives

Until 5 October

Stop! In the Name of Love and go and see this wonderful exhibition celebrating one of Motown’s most successful groups, which is drawing to a close at the Victoria and Albert Museum this month.

Victoria and Albert Museum Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

Until 23 October

Until 27 October

Art & exhibitions

Art & exhibitions

THOUGHTS AND SECRET GARDENS

DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE

The Sesame Gallery presents the creations of British artist Kim Baker and East German painter Jom Grothkopp.

Both artists produce work somewhere between figurative and abstract, with Thoughts and Secret Gardens dedicated to exploring the abstract ideal of purity via the meditative quality of gardens.

Sesame Gallery 354 Upper Street, N1 0PD 020 7226 3300 www.sesameart.com

This unique annual exhibition showcases the latest up-and-coming talent in the design world. Each designer is allocated a separate section in the museum, and visitors will see an eclectic mix of exhibits which push the boundaries of design.

Design Museum Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7940 8790 www.designmuseum.org

Until 1 November

Until 15 November

Event

Theatre

OKTOBERFEST IN LONDON

FLAMENCO FLAMEN’KA

For seven weekends in a row, Bavarian Beerhouse is bringing traditional beer and cheer to The City. It’s a perfect chance to sample some German pints and enjoy a range of authentic Deutsche entertainments.

Based on the Jorge Luis Borges short story The Intruder, Flamenco Flamen’ka tells, through dance, the story of a passionate love triangle in and around a bordello. Jealousy, betrayal, hate and tragedy are all portrayed by some of the world’s most inspirational flamenco and Latin performers.

Bavarian Beerhouse 190 City Road, EC1V 2QH 0844 330 2005 www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk

Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES 0844 412 4661 www.flamencoflamenka.com

Until 15 November

Until 20 December

Theatre

Theatre

WASTE

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS

Harley Granville Barker takes an evocative look at early twentiethcentury society in this political piece that was banned by Lord Chamberlain on its release. The profound and thought-provoking foundation of the play lends itself particularly well to a contemporary audience, bringing a new and fresh perspective to the text.

Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpieces The Norman Conquests come to London for the first time in 34 years.

The three plays – Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden – are being presented in The Old Vic’s specially transformed auditorium, which creates an intimate ‘theatre-in-the-round’ space.

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

The Old Vic Theatre The Cut, SE1 8NB 0870 060 6628 www.oldvictheatre.com

events

Until 21 December

Until 4 January

Art & exhibitions

Art & exhibitions

CUT AND PASTE: PHOTOMONTAGE 1920-1950

DESIGN CITIES Organised in association with the Istanbul Modern Museum, Design Cities exhibits the best of contemporary design from cities at their creative peak. Pieces by a variety of design luminaries will be on show, including William Morris, Christopher Dresser and Eileen Gray.

Contemporary artists are able to create stunning works using digital photography and computer manipulation, but this exhibition concentrates on their predecessors, who created works by physical means.

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art 39a Canonbury Square Islington, N1 2AN 020 7704 9522 www.estorickcollection.com

Design Museum Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 www.designmuseum.org

Until 1 February

4 – 25 October DANCE SWAN LAKE

Art & exhibitions In America’s post-war years, Mark Rothko’s canvasses depicting square blocks of colour forced an intellectual debate on abstract art. This exhibition showcases his later works, providing visitors with the opportunity to assess whether he deserved his status as America’s most significant post-war artist.

The best-loved ballet of all time is back at the Royal Opera House. The Royal Ballet offers a traditional yet breathtaking production in this revival of Anthony Dowell’s version of the classic. Complete, of course, with Tchaikovsky’s full score, the mystery, romance and sheer brilliance of Swan Lake is wonderfully inescapable.

Tate Modern 25 Sumner Street Southwark, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD 020 7304 4000 www.roh.org.uk

4 October – 4 January

5 October

ART & EXHIBITIONS

EVENT

EDWARDIAN OUTDOOR GAMES

CAR FREE DAY

Discover how the Edwardians spent their time outdoors at this exhibition, which includes a selection of inkjet prints taken by photojournalist Andrew Pitcairn-Knowles (1871-1956), whose trip to the seaside resort of Ostend in Belgium allowed him to record such pursuits as kite flying, cart races and sand yachting.

Enjoy a pollution free day in Greenwich, when traffic is sealed off and runners take part in London’s half-marathon, ‘Sony Ericsson, Run to the Beat.’ The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of alternative methods of travelling, which are greener for the environment and the health. Cycling activities are also part of the car free day, which, it’s hoped, will make way for a greener environment.

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.vam.ac.uk/moc

7 – 25 October THEATRE THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING Vanessa Redgrave stars in this onewoman piece which has been adapted from Joan Didion’s memoirs of the same name. Didion guides the audience through all the emotions associated with losing someone close to you in a production which has received rave reviews across the board.

National Theatre South Bank, SE1 9PX 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Greenwich www.greenwich.gov.uk

© 2008 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. All rights reserved

© V&A Museum of Childhood

© Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

ROTHKO

Brigitte Lacombe Vanessa Redgrave in THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING

101

7 October – 18 January ART & EXHIBITIONS ANDY WARHOL – OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS The Southbank Centre shows a major new exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work.

Dedicated to one of the most influential artists of the modern age - an extensive collection of Warhol’s films, screen-tests, videos and television programmes, as well as his most famous paintings and prints.

The Hayward, Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, SE1 8XZ 0871 663 2519 www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visual-arts

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

14 October

14 October

EVENT

MUSIC

AFRICA RISING

JAMES BLUNT

Music and fashion meet in this blend of African and international cultural celebration. Including Christina Aguilera and Seal, top fashion designers Ozwald Boetang and Chris Aire, and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Alex Wek and Tyson Beckford, Africa Rising aims to raise awareness for African issues.

Ending his UK tour in London at The O2 , James Blunt performs off the back of his number one album All The Lost Souls, which was released in September last year. If you like Blunt enough to elbow your way through swarms of teenage girls on the way to The O2, this promises to be an aural treat.

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

The O2 Greenwich, SE10 0844 856 0202 www.theo2.co.uk

16 October

17 October

EVENT

MUSIC

TANGO@SPITALFIELDS

MONGREL AND SPECIAL GUESTS

As part of the Spitalfields Estate free event programme, join the dancing craze sparked by popular reality TV shows and tango ‘al fresco’ in London.

Free lessons will be given before the event by professional tango teachers, so even beginners can join in.

This unique musical event celebrates the young British music scene of the last ten years, with performances from Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles’ Drew McConnell, and UK Hip Hop legend Low-Key.

Spitalfields Brushfield Street, E1 6AA 020 7470 8736 www.spitalfields.co.uk

Hackney Empire 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

19 October

21-25 October

DANCE

MUSIC

TRANSPORTS EXCEPTIONNELS

BEETHOVEN UNWRAPPED – WEEK ONE

Q. What do you get when you cross a male ballet dancer with a mechanical digger? A. Transports Exceptionnels.

French choreographer Dominique Boivin has created an inspiringly comic recreation of the Ballet pas de deux between man and machine, resulting in a surprisingly graceful dance piece.

Jean-Claude Martinez

Central Park High Street South, East Ham, E6 6EJ 020 8279 1080 www.stratford-circus.com

King’s Place presents five days of the maestro’s best Piano Sonatas (played

by Jean Bernard Pommier) and String Quartet pieces (played by Orion Quartet, New York), as well as films and a study day to try and get a little closer to understanding the man behind the music.

King’s Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG 0844 264 0321 www.kingsplace.co.uk

23 October

23 October – 6 November

THEATRE

ART & EXHIBTION

BHARATI

JOHN YARDLEY RI

A music and dance spectacular awaits in the hit stage show Bharati which has its UK debut at Hammersmith Apollo.

Already a success in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland, Bharati includes songs composed for their own production as well as songs from Bollywood, making this a truly delightful performance.

Master of watercolour painting, John Yardley brings his work to life at the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery this autumn.

John Yardley has been part of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour for more than thirty years and has had his work publicised all over the world.

Hammersmith Apollo Limited 45 Queen Caroline Street W6 9QH 020 8563 3800 www.hammersmithapollo.net

Llewellyn Alexander LTD 124 -126, The Cut, Waterloo London SE1 8LN UK (Opposite the Old Vic Theatre) 020 7620 1322 www.llewellynalexander.com

events

103

24 – 25 October

25 October

EVENT

MUSIC

FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANS

VIVALDI – FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT

The O2 is transformed into New Orleans for one weekend, when Londoners celebrate music, culture and food from across the pond. The festival corresponds with the NFL basketball match of New Orleans Saints and San Diego Charger’s at Wembley.

St Martin-in-the-Fields welcomes The Festive Orchestra of London, who, as well as performing in the majority of London’s top music venues, have toured Europe and the Middle East together. They present a unique performance of Vivaldi’s most famous orchestral piece, using a mix of modern and period instruments.

The O2 Peninsula Square SE10 0DX 020 8463 2000 www.theo2.co.uk

St Martin-in-the-Fields Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

25 – 26 October

25 – 26 October

EVENT

EVENT

LONDON MCM EXPO

THE RUM EXPERIENCE

Video games, movies and comics are the highlights of this event, which brings stars from TV and Film to the Excel London. Opportunities to test new and forthcoming video games are available throughout the two days, to which kids can go free.

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at The Rum Experience, where you can discover all you need to know about rum. Learn how to make rum cocktails and indulge in rum from around the world, in this must-see event.

The Royal Horticultural Hall Lawrence Hall Greycoat Street, Victoria SW1P 2QD 0845 370 4606 www.rumfest.co.uk

Excel London One Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock E16 1XL 020 7069 5000 www.excel-london.co.uk

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 • Sportswear Retail Area

The stunning new 5500 sq ft facility opened in August 2008 Members are also able to use all training sessions and services within the Matt Roberts Mayfair and Hampstead Clubs.

Please contact us for more details

• Contemporary Changing Rooms

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

what'son

Our guide to this month’s top events

25 October – 9 November

25 October

ART & EXHIBITIONS

MUSIC

FRIENDS AUTUMN EXHIBITION

DESPERATELY SEEKING… SOMEONE The Space introduces local singer Leann Young, performing a selection of songs on the ever-popular theme of love, through all its highs and lows.

Music will cover a wide range; from theatre to jazz, the popular to the unknown.

Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road, Dulwich London SE21 7AD 020 8693 5254 www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

The Space Theatre 269 Westferry Road, E14 3RS 020 7515 7799 www.space.org.uk

26 October

28 October – 15 November

EVENT

DANCE

APPLE DAY

SANGRE FLAMENCA

Say goodbye to the summer and welcome the autumn with Apple Day. Food including cakes, meat, cheese and vast numbers of different apples are available to consume throughout the day.

Fun activities including apple bobbing and a theatre performance will keep children and adults entertained from 11am – 5pm.

With live music from an 8-piece flamenco band, top Spanish dance company Nuevo Ballet Español presents their brand-new production – Sangre Flamenca (Flamenca Blood). Giving traditional flamenco an edgy and contemporary feel, the company of eleven dancers dazzle through their incredible routines instantly transporting you to the streets of Spain.

Borough Market 8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL 020 7407 1002 www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Canary Wharf Magazine_140x100_01Page 1

17/3/08

13:08:58

Jesus Vallinas

Warwick Sweeney

Budding artists have the chance to showcase their talent at this year’s Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery, where up to three pieces of art may be submitted on the 18 and 19 October.

The art will be shown in a temporary exhibition space in the Gallery, from the 25 October to 9 November.

Peacock Theatre Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com

beautiful sofas at great prices, delivered straight to your sitting room.

C

M

Courtesy Brian Love / Charity File Collection: Remembrance Series

30 Sept 2008 – 6 Sept 2009 ART & EXHIBITIONS IN MEMORIAM: REMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR With the ninetieth anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War quickly approaching, the Imperial War Museum has produced a major exhibition as an act of commemoration. 90 individual stories of men and women, civilians and military personnel both at home and abroad, will be told through the exhibition.

Imperial War Museum London Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5000 www.iwm.org.uk

Y

CM

31 October – 2 November

MY

EVENT STUFF LIVE 2008

CY

Gadgets, technology and music are the delights on offer at the Stuff Live show being hosted at Excel London. Supported by Stuff Magazine and What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Magazine, the event showcases many top high quality gadgets that cannot be missed.

CMY

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Order online or visit our showroom in Chelsea. www.sofa.com 0845 400 22 22

Excel London One Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock E16 1XL 020 7069 5000 www.excel-london.co.uk

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ARABIAN

PROPERTY

AWARDS 2008 AWARD

WINNER

in association with

October UK & International Property

108

property

Palatial Grandeur

Welcome to Aphrodite Hills: a stunning Cypriot property development fit even for the Gods

A

n idyllic slice of Mediterranean life awaits residents in Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus. Outstanding property opportunities in this popular region of the world include generous plots and beautifully designed villas, all with private swimming pools and lush landscaped gardens. Apartments with adjoining terraces enjoy a variety of sea, golf and panoramic views and a slower pace of life than the bustling City.

The development provides residents with an incredible blend of unique location, magnificent landscape and panoramic sea-views. Spread across 234 hectares and situated above the coastal road connecting Limassol to Paphos, the site faces the mythological birthplace of Goddess Aphrodite and overlooks the Mediterranean from two gently sloping plateaus separated by a ravine. An easy fifteen minute drive from Paphos International Airport, the development is conveniently located for those in search of the perfect holiday home.

Aphrodite Hill is not simply a property development but also

a community; the site provides owners with an exclusive 18hole championship golf course with luxurious Club House, Tennis Academy, Equestrian Centre, extensive spa, nature trails and biking paths – all of which are great for family life and socializing with friends.

Creative facilities for children and teenagers are also available for those with young families.

In addition, it is home to the five-star InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel which houses a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant.

Theseus Village is the latest village release at Aphrodite Hills and will play host to 116 properties: apartments, junior villas and villas. There are several swimming areas designed within the Village, but the focus is likely to be around the main swimming pool.

This is surrounded by shady trees, a gazebo and a pavilion and is ideally positioned for people to enjoy the spectacular Cypriot sunsets. Designed around three terraces with breathtaking views of the sea and horizon, each terrace has an individual character.

The natural contours of the surrounding land and the area upon which the village is set give the development some of its unique attractions. Carefully trying to preserve these natural elements, the architects have been working with the spirit of the site to achieve a natural and comfortable harmony.

Property in Theseus Village comprises apartments, junior villas and villas. All expertly designed and built by local craftsmen, each one offers excellent and enduring quality.

There are three designs of apartment (Hyppolite, Phedra, Ariadne) named after Theseus’s lovers, and these certainly make for romantic settings. Each of the ground floor apartments spills from its living and dining areas into landscaped gardens, shaded by pergolas which are romantically draped in flowering plants. With a combination of graceful local stonework, timber and traditional Cypriot detail, the apartments at Theseus Village are a perfect, tranquil retreat from the stresses of City life. n For more information on Aphrodite Hills, visit www.aphroditehills.com

www.propertycliniconline.com

Q: COULD YOU RECOGNISE AN A-LISTER BY THEIR FOOTPRINT? YOU MIGHT IF YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR! The rich and famous made the Caribbean islands amongst the most desirable places on Earth for a second home.

Now, with expanding tourism and exciting property investment opportunities, the time is right for you to follow in their footsteps. Let Property Clinic be your expert and impartial guide. With key investments in tax-efficient locations offering handsome returns, specially structured to suit you. Call to arrange a consultation with a Property Portfolio Manager at the address below and find out how you can get a valuable foothold with no obligation.

MARQUIS ESTATE, ST LUCIA

PALMYRA RESORT, JAMAICA This elegant sanctuary is the first on the island to offer its guests the added luxury of the Caribbean’s finest signature spa ESPA. The spectacular Palmyra Spa is 30,000 sq-ft. of pure indulgence. With VIP suites, private outdoor treatment and relaxation areas, aromatic steam rooms, vitality pools, lifestyle showers and ice fountains.

The Marquis Estate is situated amongst some of the Caribbean’s most attractive landscape on the stunning northeast coast of St Lucia and occupies a breathtaking 500 acre site in a tropical valley, sweeping majestically down one of the most beautiful beaches in St Lucia, the Marquis Bay, where pristine white sands meet waters perfect for diving.

Prices from £250,000

Prices from £95,000

MERRICKS, BARBADOS

PETEVINOS PARK, LIMMASOL, CYPRUS

The luxury 5 star Merricks Beach Resort is situated in a stunning cliff-top position in the south east of Barbados on the ruggedly beautiful Atlantic coast. Barbados is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world with breathtaking scenery, a wealth of chic restaurants and world-class golf courses.

Located on the coast of the Mediterranean, Limassol blooms with tourism.

Renowned for its long cultural tradition, it offers much to its visitors, ranging from museums to archaeological sites. The spontaneous hospitality of its people and its merry carnival and wine festivals, have established Limassol as the island’s most important tourist and wine industry centre.

Prices from £245,000

Prices from £120,000

Property Clinic UK Limited Southbridge Hse, Southbridge Place, Croydon, CR0 4HA

Sales: +44(0)8703 003 929 Tel: +44(0)20 8240 4485 Fax: +44(0)20 8240 4486

Email: info@propertycliniconline.com Web: www.propertycliniconline.com Skype: propertyclinic

DOCKLANDS INVESTMENT EVENT (BY INVITATION ONLY) Venue: City Bunker, Canary Wharf Date: Thursday 18th September 2008 Starts: 5pm with champagne and canapés served on arrival Please RSVP Property Clinic for invitations. Call freephone: 08008 40 41 08

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

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Price on application Freehold £650,000 Leasehold

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

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

www.hamptons.co.uk

Britton Street, EC1

£550,000 Leasehold

High Timber Street, EC4

A bright and airy fourth floor apartment with a balcony, secure parking and a daytime concierge.

Upper Thames Street, EC4 £350,000 Leasehold A fabulous one bedroom flat with easterly river views towards Southwark Bridge and additional basement storage.

Leyden Street, E1 £349,950 Leasehold A smart apartment in this modern building located just two streets from Bishopsgate and close to Spitalfields market.

perty address

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£625,000 Leasehold

An impressive duplex apartment away from pedestrian traffic on one of Clerkenwell’s most popular streets.

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Commercial Street, E1 £1,300,000 Leasehold Price on application A fabulous three bedroom penthouse covering two floors with Freehold a galleried reception and access to a 50 ft roof garden with cityscape views.

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

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

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

New Concordia Wharf, SE1

£465 per week

Riverview Heights, SE16

£595 per week

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

Parking by separate negotiation. Furnished.

A bright two bedroom riverside apartment boasting two double bedrooms, reception room with wooden floors, two bathrooms and a large balcony with river views. Furnished.

Victor Wharf, SE1

Vogans Mill, SE1 £675 per week A stunning two bedroom apartment arranged on the top floor of a well maintained warehouse conversion. The property boasts high ceilings, exposed beams and stylish furnishings. Furnished.

£650 per week A beautifully presented two double bedroom apartment with two bathrooms arranged on the 4th floor of a well maintained purpose built development in the heart of Borough. Furnished.

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The White House, SE1

£1,150 per week A stunning three double bedroom, three bathroom air conditioned apartment arranged on the 10th floor of this sought after block overlooking the London Eye and Big Ben. Furnished.

Luna House, SE16

£650 per week A stunning two bedroom apartment benefitting from two bathrooms, contemporary open plan kitchen and two decked balconies with exceptional views of the river. 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 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

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

Wapping High Street, E1W

£650 per week

Chequer Street, EC1Y

£525 per week

A two bedroom apartment in this impressive development on the Thames, benefiting from a large wrap around terrace, direct river views, a 24 hr concierge and excellent links to The City and Canary Wharf.

Superbly situated between Barbican and Moorgate, this is a rare opportunity to rent this two bedroom duplex apartment in a contemporary School Conversion.

Trinity Square, EC3N

Bridgewater Square, EC2Y £485 per week An excellent two bedroom apartment in the heart of The City, recently refurbished to a high standard, with a daytime concierge and excellent local amenities.

£600 per week An incredibly well presented, bright and spacious two bedroom apartment within this popular building, situated moments from historic Tower of London and offers easy access to all areas of Central London.

Property Property address address

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Portsoken Street, E1

£550 per week

Firstname Surname Firstname Surname An exceptional two bedroom penthouse apartment, situated Office London House Department 01403 262828 Office London House Department 01403 262828 on the eastern edge of the City.

With over 1000 sq ft this newly Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com refurbished apartment offers the highest standard of furniture,

marble floors, two terraces and a daytime porter.

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£395 per week An immaculatePrice one bedroom apartment in this popular building on Price on application application close to Tower Hill, tastefully furnished and with wood floors, private Freehold Freehold balcony, concierge service and a communal roof terrace.

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

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Cinnamon Wharf, London SE1

A stunning 3 bedroom 2,165 sq ft penthouse apartment, with 1,500 sq Tem do feugiam quat lumsan ullutatem quam, qui tem Tem doetetex exeu eu feugiam lumsan ullutatem quam, ft of external terrace area,quat having views across the City qui andtem along the euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent euguerit volesed tat lor am duipsummod tio eum velit, summy vent in in Thames. Includes porter & underground parking. 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 £2,750,000 Share of 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

The Flag Store, London, SE1

Empire Square West, SE1

Woodland Crescent, SE16

Tamarind Court, London, SE1

£995,000 Leasehold A 10th floor 785 sq ft two bedroom apartment within a Berkeley Homes development, enjoying spectacular views of the City and having a balcony and underground parking.

£650,000 Freehold A superbly presented, modern 3 bedroom townhouse, set within a gated development close to Canada Water tube (Jubilee line) and having two terrace areas & communal gardens.

£745,000 Leasehold A 10th floor 785 sq ft two bedroom apartment within a Berkeley Homes development, enjoying spectacular views of the City and having a balcony and underground parking.

£435,000 Leasehold A one bedroom penthouse apartment within a converted warehouse, in the heart of Shad Thames, boasting a full length terrace and high ceilings. No onward chain.

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Ginger Apartments, London, SE1

£395,000 Leasehold

A third floor 565 sq ft one bedroom apartment within a portered development, having a juliet balcony, underground parking and a communal leisure complex

Stable House, London, SE16

£299,000 Leasehold

A 3rd (top) floor two bedroom apartment set within a gated development at Rotherhithe Village, with allocated parking.

An expanding network of over 85 offices - local, national international An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, national and and international

The Pepper Mills - SE1 A new development by Award Winning Designers

Four exceptional 2 bedroom apartments.

Located in the Shad Thames area, with dock views.

Available November 2008.

Tel: 020 7407 3173

http://www.hamptons.co.uk Pepper Mills Advert 210x297mm AW1 1

28/8/08 12:07:22

Dragonfly Apartments, SE16

A superb collection of stylish new one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses.

All the apartments are finished to a high specification, many have the benefit of wide balconies or terraces and will enjoy the open aspect of St. James’s churchyard.

The Dragonfly Apartments are ideally located. With bus, train and tube connections (Jubilee Line) only a few minutes walk away, this is an excellent location and offers an easy commute to central London and the City.

»

incentives available.

»

move in before christmas 2008.

1 bedroom from £249,000 2 bedroom from £359,000 Penthouses from £450,000 - £585,000 (just released)

Do not miss this unique opportunity - the Dragonfly apartments are available immediately.

020 7407 3173

0845 643 1500

020 7491 2055

www.hamptons.co.uk

www.newlondon.co.uk

www.kfh.co.uk

A862_DragonFly_AD_LETS.indd 1

24/9/08 15:37:03

For more information call: 0203 200 20 30 www.carparkinvest.com

savills.co.uk

Blenheim Court, SE16 Riverside Living Entrance hall reception room kitchen 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 2 balconies river views protected parking porter leisure facilities

Temple House , EC4 Secluded terrace in the heart of the City Savills Wapping

cfisher@savills.com

0207 456 6805

Entrance hall reception room open plan kitchen 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms roof terrace protected parking

Savills Wapping

cfisher@savills.com

0207 456 6805

Price £525,000

Price £795,000

Peartree Lane , E1W House ideal for modernisation

Telfords Yard, E1W 1463 sq ft of converted warehouse

Entrance hall reception room kitchen and dining area 3 bedrooms bathroom guest WC roof terrace garden garage

Price £675,000

Savills Wapping

cfisher@savills.com

0207 456 6805

Entrance hall reception room kitchen 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms protected parking porter

Price £750,000

Savills Wapping

cfisher@savills.com

0207 456 6805

London - Sales estate agency by

// Mallow Street, EC1

// Myddelton Square, EC1

// Curtain Road, EC2

£1,000,000

£1,695,000

£599,500

// Allingham Street, N1

// Holywell Row, EC2

// Wilton Way, E8

£795,000

£995,000

£1,500,000

// Provost Street, N1

// Newbury Street, EC1

// Acer Road, E8

£345,000

£575,000

£500,000

London - Lettings

// Clere Street, EC2

// Tabernacle Street, EC2

// Tabernacle Street, EC2

£1200 p/w SHORT LET

£550 p/w

£750 p/w

// Sherbourne Street, N1

// Kingsland Road, E2

// Kingsland Road, E2

£800 p/w

£750 p/w

£450 p/w

// Cavell Street, N1

// Bankstock Buildings N1

// Dalston Lane, E8

£375 p/w

£450 p/w

£275 p/w

1 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3DH

w w w. f y f e m c d a d e . c o m

t 020 7613 4044 e info@fyfemcdade.com www.fyfemcdade.com

122

property

Is it really a buyers’ market?

Lisa Power of Genesishomes takes a look at mortgage options and the alternatives

“T

he global financial economy has never in recent years been tested by quite such a combination of accidents and jolts to confidence” said Richard Peston, BBC Business Editor, following the recent administration of Lehman Brothers. Once considered one of Wall Street’s biggest industry movers and shakers, Lehman has incurred losses of billions of dollars from the high-risk investment of securities linked to the US sub-prime mortgage market – a poignant reminder that the credit crunch has taken a strong grip on the economy.

This jolt has caused a serious snowball effect on the housing market, forcing developers to stop developing and many estate agents to cut staff or close down.

However, all is not lost for first-time buyers in the UK,

as the market has now been made even more accessible due to strong investment from the Government into the New Build HomeBuy scheme. This innovative scheme enables people with an annual income of up to £60,000 to get onto the property ladder with the assistance of a Housing Association. The scheme allows you to buy a share of a property (between 25% and 75%) and pay a monthly subsidised rent on the remaining share to the Housing Association.

This method of buying does not necessitate a large deposit, which is required when purchasing from the open market. However, purchasers should have at least £2,500 available to cover the cost of legal and solicitors’ fees. As the market changes or your financial situation improves,

there is also the opportunity to buy more and more shares until you eventually own 100% of your home.

The quality of these affordable homes is of a very high standard and, in fact, many are privately developed. The majority of private developers involve the Housing Association in the early stages in order to agree as high a specification as possible.

Therefore the apartments usually come with a fully-fitted kitchen, carpets and, in some cases, white goods. The age-old myth of affordable housing being small, cramped and badly finished is just that… a myth!

This is all well and good, but with the current state of the mortgage market, the question of mortgage availability is a topical one. The good news is that the affordable sector is still thriving, mortgages are out there and 100% deals are still available for those who don’t have a huge deposit available.

Mortgage rates are also getting

better, with average tracker rates coming in at 5.68% and average fixed rates coming in at 5.99% based on two-year products. In light of the fact that the Bank of England base rate has remained at 5% for the last two months, there are strong indications that there may be a cut in rates very soon, which is a good sign for homeowners and first-time buyers alike. An additional bonus is that stamp duty is not payable on the first share of your property, so long as it falls under the new threshold of £175,000.

This is a great time to invest in an affordable property, giving you independence and a first step onto the property ladder.

Interest rates are low, mortgages can be found and it involves less risk than buying a property on the open market. The home that you have been searching for is in reach and it is affordable. n Genesishomes 0845 600 4663 www.genesishomes.org.uk

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22/9/08 13:32:13

EARN MONEY WHILE OTHERS WORK INVEST IN A DYLAN HARVEY BUSINESS CENTRE Business Centres now SOLD OUT in: Padiham, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Liverpool, Blackpool, Manchester City Centre, Lancaster and Ormskirk

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Welcome to our latest Dylan Harvey Business Centre St. Petersfield Business Park, Greater Manchester An investment in a Dylan Harvey Business Centre offers a unique way of investing in the lucrative commercial property market with very little risk. We guarantee the rental at an 8% return for the first 12 months. All Dylan Harvey business centres are fully managed and maintained by ourselves on your behalf. We will even find you the best mortgage product and make sure your office suite is let as quickly as possible to the most suitable tenant, all tenants will sign a minimum 3 year lease contract.

This dynamic business centre is located within half a mile of Junction 23 of the M60 Motorway, which gives direct access to the M56, M61, M62, M66 and M67 motorways and lies only 8 miles east of Manchester City Centre. Ashton itself is undergoing a massive redevelopment by Tameside MBC, North West Regional Development and English Partnerships, who together have invested £14m of public sector finance to regenerate this historic market town into a 400,000 sq ft £42m commercial hub. Over £1.75m of this development will go into public realm works to ensure a landscaped environment of the highest quality for the occupiers of the Dylan Harvey Business Centre.

Office Suites are priced at only £99,950 Rental guarantee for first 12 months at an 8% yield.

Please call for your full information pack on:

01282 77 73 78 lawrence@dylanharvey.com

www.dylanharvey.com

internationalproperty

125

the hotel room boom Charting the rise of apart-hotels

T

he rise in popularity of apart-hotel investments knows no boundaries, with demand significantly increasing from investors wishing to beat the credit crunch.

Apart-hotels are opportunities for investors to purchase into a new asset class with much higher yields than traditional buyto-let properties. The rental opportunity is achieved through a global desire and need for hotel accommodation, rather than the residential lettings market.

Unlike buy-to-let, apart-hotel investments are completely hands off, as the room remains part of the hotel accommodation, being fully managed and let out to guests by the hotel operator. It is then the job of the operator to maintain it and ensure maximum room occupancy. Because they receive a percentage of the room rental, they are motivated to ensure bookings.

Alistair Powell, CEO of Seven Continent Investment, says: “The hotel industry is shielded from the property market as it is based on tourism rather than dependent on where people are living and how much they are willing to pay. Furthermore, aparthotels are about ‘income’ as opposed to buyto-let, which is focused on ‘growth’.

“With regard to apart-hotels, rental return should be at least 10 percent per annum. 7CI will not get involved with any developer suggesting a rental return of less than 8 percent, which is why it is currently promoting and exploring developments

outside of London. With this approach, the company has sold over £17,000,000 worth of apart-hotel units during the last two months in both the UK and overseas.”

Traditionally, apart-hotel schemes have been offered in major capital cities such as London. While there are strong levels of tourism, the entry level is high and the yields are quite low, hovering around six percent on average.

Regional areas throughout the UK, such as the ‘triangle’ between York, Harrogate and Leeds, are a prime location to consider due to the number of people travelling through them, including domestic, international and business tourists.

For example, Leeds and its surrounding towns are a strong alternative. Not only are entry prices significantly lower, Leeds is the major work centre for Yorkshire and boasts the second-largest workforce outside London. It is also recognised as the UK’s leading financial services centre beyond London and a top 30 European business location. It is considered the most important legal centre outside London, it is the UK’s third-largest manufacturing centre, with 50 percent of the country’s manufacturing base within two hours’ drive of Leeds, and is one of the fastest-growing centres for both traditional and new media.

The Flaxby Country Club and Spa falls within this ‘golden triangle’ and is nestled between the affluent spa town of Harrogate, historic York and within a thirty-minute

drive of Leeds.

With prices starting from £121,000 for double rooms and 70 percent corporate finance available, The Flaxby is a 303room, five star luxury hotel with a 27-hole golf course, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities and a first class spa and four helipads on site.

7CI has secured 32 double rooms with a 12 percent net rental guarantee for three years, as opposed to the standard 7.5 percent rental guarantee on offer. From year four, it is reverted to a 50 percent nightly room rate.

During the first three years, no maintenance or ground upkeep fees are payable. The 7CI deal will introduce investors to an estimated 18 percent yield four years before the 7.5 percent, eight-year deal. Double room units are expected to achieve £150 per night after the rental guarantee period.

At the expected 80 percent occupancy, the 50 percent of the room rate to the investor will achieve an 18% gross yield from year four onwards. That is 12 percent more than the London schemes on offer per year.

In addition to the increased rental guarantess, only 7CI can offer investors the option to sell their units from year four onwards, unlike other similar projects where you are committed to eight plus.n Seven Continent Investment (7CI) 020 3229 0070 invest@7cinvest.com www.7cinvest.com

Dundee Court, Wapping High Street E1W

Portland Square, Wapping E1W

£350 PW

£589,995

Burr Close, Wapping E1W

Torrington Place, Wapping E1W

£377,995 Leasehold

£525,000 Freehold

Steam Mills Fairclough Street, Aldgate E1

Noble Court Cable Street, Wapping E1

1 double bedroom converted warehouse apartment which has been re-furbished to a very high standard. Reception. Fitted kitchen. Double bedroom with walk in wardrobe area. Modern fitted bathroom suite. Timber flooring. Part exposed brick walls.

Porterage. Close to Tower Hill.

2 double bedroom duplex apartment within the poplar St Katharine’s Dock location. This well decorated property is situated within easy access to the City and Liverpool Street. Reception, fitted kitchen, bathroom and laminated wood flooring. Must be viewed.

Fabulous two bed, two bathroom property within this secure warehouse conversion. Benefiting from wooden floors throughout exposed brickwork. Patio. Secure parking.

£595 PW

Modern 3 double bedroom, 3 storey town house situated within this delightful garden square. Benefiting from a spacious reception and dining area. Fitted kitchen/ breakfast room, leading onto garden.

Offering a garage with off street parking for 1 vehicle. Wood flooring. Close to Tower Hill and the City.

Canal side development. 4 Bedroom modern built house.

Reception. Fitted kitchen. Bathroom. Cloakroom. Garden. Allocated parking. Close to Tower Hill Underground & D.L.R Stations. Close to St Katharine’s dock. Good condition throughout. Must be viewed.

2 Double bedroom apartment within easy access to Tower Hill.

This spacious property benifits from own garden, fitted kitchen and reception. This recently decorated flat must be viewed to avoid disapointment.

£275 PW

October Hot Properties

property

127

Cinammon Wharf, SE1 A stunning 3 bedroom 2,165 sq ft penthouse apartment, with 1,500 sq ft of external terrace area, offering views across the City and along the Thames. £2,750,000 Hamptons International 020 7407 3173

Living the high life

Merchant Court, E1W Stunning two double bedroom warehouse conversion on the river extending to approx 1588 sq ft with natural exposed brickwork and cast iron columns.

Rental £750 per week Sales £855,000 Knight Frank 020 7480 6848

Tabernacle Street, EC2 A spacious and stunning luxury apartment, set near Old Street and ideally located for the City. £750 per week fyfe mcdade 020 7613 4044

Dundee Court, E1W A one double bedroom converted warehouse apartment, re-furbished to a very high standard and located close to Tower Hill. £350 per week ea2 020 7702 3456

Vogue1, London, E1 Spectacular two and three bedroom penthouses with high end design specification in a central location offering views over London.

Prices from £625,000 Higgins Homes 020 8498 6059

Dream loft apartments are becoming a reality, says Ray Smith, Director of fyfe mcdade

T

his time last year East London agents were inundated with enquiries from buyers wanting to purchase their dream loft apartment, with visions of high ceilings, exposed brickwork, factory windows and sweeping expanses of original wooden floor. However, for most it tended to be unachievable. The price of refurbished lofts was pushed higher and higher by people spending the cash from their bonuses, and ‘raw’ spaces were nigh on impossible to find as developers would snap them up before they even hit the market in order to ‘Philippe Starke’ them.

The current housing market has presented a new opportunity for the loft-dreaming purchaser, where the previously inaccessible is now more than achievable.

The velvet rope has been very much dropped. Developers cannot yield the same profits as before, so have lost interest in loft renovations, leaving the door open for owner-occupiers who would previously have had to settle for a regular flat.

A prime example is 4749 Tudor Road, just east of Broadway Market and London

Fields. With an average asking price of around £400 per square foot, these 1,000 sq ft raw factory conversions have masses of original features, including Crittall windows, wooden floors and high ceilings. Some even have private patios. Having originally been converted about 10 years ago, they are ripe for refurbishment and priced accordingly.

What about if you don’t have the time to refurbish and you just want to buy the finished product? Look no further than Tabernacle Street in Shoreditch, where a private development of three lofts and one penthouse are available finished to an exceptionally high standard, with Lutron lighting, Bang & Olufsen audio-visual systems and bespoke interior finishes.

With prices starting well under £500,000, you can literally lift your furniture into place and pop to Shoreditch House for a cocktail by the pool. n fyfe mcdade 1 Charlotte Road Shoreditch, EC2A 3DH 020 7613 4044 www.fyfemcdade.com

knightfrank.co.uk/lettings

Times Square, City Quarter E1

Stylish one, two and three bedroom City flats Large selection of brand new one, two and three bedroom apartments set in this new portered block on the edge of The Square Mile, close to Tower Hill and St Katharineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dock. These lovely flats have been finished to a high standard boasting modern fully fitted kitchen, contemporary bathroom suites, hard wooden floors, balconies and interior designed furnishings. Available immediately.

Prices from ÂŁ400 per week Wapping Lettings - 020 7480 6848 - wapping@knightfrank.com

knightfrank.co.uk/lettings Aberdeen Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W £625 per week Spacious 3 bedroom split level apartment set in this attractive warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street with lovely views of the river.

This stylish apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms (one en-suite), real wooden floors, exposed brick work and beams.

Call: Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848

Riviera Court, St Katharine’s Way, Wapping E1W £1000 per week Stunning newly refurbished two double bedroom two bathroom house set in this purpose built block moments from St Katharine’s Dock. This beautifully present home has a lovely reception room with views down Wapping High Street and across the park to the river, a large family eat in kitchen, two stylish bathroom suites, tasteful furnishings and a huge landscaped terrace with parking.

Call: Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848

knightfrank.co.uk/lettings

Merchant Court, Wapping Wall E1W

Stunning two double bedroom warehouse conversion on the river On the first floor of a popular warehouse conversion, a very spacious two bedroom flat extending to approx 1588 sq ft with great character having natural exposed brickwork and cast iron columns. The flat has a vast reception room ideal for entertaining and the flat is in excellent order and both the bathroom and shower room have been replaced.

Local shopping is in Wapping Lane and supermarket shopping at Waitrose in Thomas More Street.

Rental price ÂŁ750 per week Sales price ÂŁ855,000 Wapping Lettings - 020 7480 6848 - wapping@knightfrank.com

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solutions to the banking and financial services community throughout the City and Docklands

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Portland Square, Wapping E1W

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W

#ANALSIDE FOUR BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE WITH FLEXIBLE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION 3ITUATED WITHIN A VERY POPULAR DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO 7APPING 3PORTS CENTRE A LIGHT AND BRIGHT HOUSE WITH A SUNNY SOUTH FACING GARDEN 3ITTING ROOM FAMILY ROOM DINING ROOM KITCHEN TWO BATHROOMS CLOAKS KITCHEN GARAGE UTILITY SQ M SQ FT

#HARISMATIC WAREHOUSE CONVERSION WITH UNUSUALLY HIGH CEILINGS /N THE TOP FLOOR WITH VIEWS OVER THE COURTYARD AND TOWARDS #ANARY 7HARF A SPACIOUS TWO BEDOOM FLAT WITHIN THIS POPULAR DEVELOPMENT 2ECEPTION ROOM KITCHEN BATHROOM WALK IN DRESSING CUPBOARD GARAGE PARKING SPACE HOUR PORTERAGE SQ M SQ FT

£745,000 Share of Freehold Wapping Sales - 020 7480 6848

£515,000 Leasehold (105 Years) Wapping Sales - 020 7480 6848

Gun Place, Wapping E1W

Cinnabar Wharf West, Wapping E1W

5NSURPASSABLE 4OWER "RIDGE VIEWS FROM ALL PRINCIPLE ROOMS /N /NE BEDROOM FLAT WITH OPEN VIEWS ACROSS THE ROOF TOPS TOWARDS Finance | Finance Technology | Front Office | Human Resources | Investment Banking THE THIRD FLOOR OF THIS CONTEMPORARY RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT WITH #ANARY 7HARF /N THE FIFTH FLOOR OF A CONVERTED WAREHOUSE Investment Management | Projects, Change & InterimFABULOUS VIEWS OF 4OWER "RIDGE 4WO BEDROOMS WITH ACCESS ONTO Management | Purchasing & Supply BUILDING IN THE HEART OF 7APPING A SPACIOUS FLAT WHICH HAS BEEN THE RIVER FRONT TERRACE TWO BATHROOMS AND AN OPEN PLAN KITCHEN REFURBISHED TO THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS 2ECEPTION ROOM KITCHEN

Risk & Compliance | Marketing | Secretarial & Specialist Support 0ARKING AND PORTERAGE 3Q M SQ FT BATHROOM LIFT PARKING SPACE CONCIERGE COMMUNAL TERRACE SQ M SQ FT £365,000 Leasehold (102 Years) Wapping Sales - 020 7480 6848

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£985,000 Leasehold (990 Years) Wapping Sales - 020 7480 6848

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where every piece is a work of art 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0QN TEL 020 7499 6814 www.hirsh.co.uk

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