SCENE (Kent) November 12

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SCENE November 2012

Kent’s

My SCENE:

Luxury Lifestyle Bible

British Inspired Engineering:

With Aaron Koch, owner of Villa Moura in Blackheath

The return of the Great British sports car. Enter the Wiesmann

Wine & DIne:

Ruxley Manor:

November’s recipe of the month and wine of the month

Santa’s Grotto and all things Christmas

y e l m o r B s e d a Gl s r a e y 1 2 s e t a celebr

See pages 29 -

ition of As SCENE 36 for the Autumn ed

Fashion for h

shion for him / er / gift ideas / fa

at the Glades

entertainment SCENE  1


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Edwards Flooring Complete Fitting Service

Carpet | Laminate Wood | Karndean Flooring | Vinyl

020 8249 7646

edwardsflooring@live.co.uk

57 Beckenham Lane, Shortlands, Bromley, BR2 0DN

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Always worth a second look

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KENT

Second Glance

Publishing Directors James Green James Nicol

Editor Alexander Heron alexander@scenemagazines.com Writers Roberta Pidgeon Nicky Kemp Artwork Rosie Talbot rosie@scenemagazines.com Advertising Cathy Jinks cathy@scenemagazines.com Accounts Wink Aviss accounts@scenemagazines.com

Distribution

ction

inter colle W w e n r u see o m Come and November 12 - 5p 18th

Pre-loved, Pre-owned Designer/Top End High Street Clothes and Accessories waiting for you to buy or sell

Second Glance, 28a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN Open Tuesday and Thursday 1 until 5 no appointment necessary To arrange an appointment please email janet@secondglanceuk.com or telephone 07802845881 4  SCENE

Scene Magazine is distributed to selected homes in Kent and the South East, including Bromley, Beckenham, Chislehurst, Petts Wood, Orpington, West Wickham, Bickley, Hayes, Keston, Blackheath & Sevenoaks It can also be found in hotels, local restaurants, cafĂŠs, spas, hairdressing salons, retail outlets and private health and golf clubs. You can also follow SCENE on twitter and become a fan on our facebook page. twitter.com/SCENEMAGAZINES facebook.com/SMAG1 Scene Magazine is a monthly lifestyle publication of Scene Publishing Ltd. Registered office Cambridge House, 27 Cambridge Park, London, E11 2PU. Company number: 07125177. Whilst every effort to ensure that everything we print in Scene Magazine is factually correct and up-to-date, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. Please check any quoted product specifications with your supplier before purchase. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Published by SCENE Publishing LTD The Biscuit Factory Suite A303.5A, 100 Clements Road London SE16 4DG Tel: 020 7740 1104 Email: info@scenemagazines.com Web: www.scenemagazines.com


A big thank you to Dr Jas and all the team at Perfect Smile Spa for the wonderful experience I had during my ‘treatment’ and for giving me a perfect smile. I always felt at ease and relaxed and knew I had made the right choice. In the treatment chair, Jas always made me feel relaxed and whatever I was having done, extractions, injections or drilling, I had no pain as Jas is so skilled and professional. The rest of the team always relaxed me in the chair by chatting away. I never felt like I was at the dentist! Jas you have a great team, thank you all so so much for giving me back the confidence to smile with my perfect teeth. - Mr Neil Parker

‘THANK YOU FOR MY PERFECT SMILE’

Would you like a “perfect smile”? Call now on 01708 442114 for a FREE CONSULTATION with no obligation at all. ANTI-wRINKLE TREATMENTS When you look young - you will feel young SMILE MAKEOVERS A speedy solution that gives immediate confidence

0% FINANCE Making your smile affordable with low monthly payments

DENTAL IMPLANTS The very latest in tooth replacement

COSMETIC DENTISTRY Everything you will need for a perfect smile, under one roof.

INVISIBLE BRACES Those “clunky” metal braces are a thing of the past.

NERVOUS PATIENTS We promise you “painless dentistry”

132a High Street, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 4UH 01708 442114 www.perfectsmilespa.co.uk www.askdrjas.com facebook.com/perfectsmilespa.community

twitter.com/@PerfectSmileSpa

Realise your dreams and come in and chat with Dr Jas who will explain exactly what can be done for you. Dr Jas Sagoo

Dr Jas has carried out over 40000 successful cosmetic procedures. We only use the very latest technology for the best results SCENE  5


Irresistible Greek meets authentic Italian

New and exciting to Bromley • Bookings now being taken

Celebrate the festive season in style

Christmas Party Menu

Two menus to choose from (see online) Avaiable from 1st - 24th December Christmas Party Menu A 3 course lunch £18.95 available Mon - Fri 3 course dinner £22.95 available Mon- Thu Christmas Party Menu B 3 course lunch and dinner 25.95 available Mon - Sat

4-6 Market Parade, East Street, Bromley, BR1 1QN

Tel: 020 8460 2346

www.aquabarandgrill.co.uk 6  SCENE

Christmas Day Lunch Menu 3 course meal £50.00 per person Glass of Prosecco on arrival Boxing Day Menu 3 course £22.95 New Years Eve Gala Menu Dinner, dance and DJ until late 3 cours £60.00 Glass of Prosecco on arrival


Welcome

To the November 2012 edition of SCENE Welcome to the November 2012 issue of SCENE Magazine, Kent’s Luxury Lifestyle Bible! Check out what’s in this issue below...

09. 14. 19. 20. 23. 25.

Scene In Kent The Latest news, releases and products from in and around Kent.

Dame Maggie Smith Two Oscars, seven BAFTAs, and much more, Dame Maggie Smith is a National Treasure Shampan Foundation Shampan foundation launched by the Shampan Restaurant Group. Thomas Dunton Can a remote TV lawyer really give the best legal advice? Ruxley Manor Garden Centre An award winning Santa’s Grotto and real outdoor ice rink at Ruxley Manor Ask Dr Jas Dr Jas answers your questions regarding teeth and dental problems.

29. 39. 43. 46. 49. 50.

SCENE At the Glades 8 pages dedicated to Autumn/Winter fashion and news from the stores in the Glades. Annabel’s Tea Room Treats The Apple Crumble Cake is a great winter warmer this Christmas.

Wine & Dine Plaza recipe of the month supported by Wines of the month from Champion Wines. British Inspired Engineering The German built British sports car, Wiesmann GT MF4.

Star SCENE November’s Star SCENE is brought to you by International Clairvoyant Jenny Ayers.

My SCENE SCENE catches up with Aaron Koch, owner of Villa Moura in Blackheath. SCENE  7


CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT SHAMPAN

Christmas Set Menu Available From 1st December Book Your Seasonal Party For Family, Friends Or Colleagues Festive Menu £29.90 Per Person

TOAST NEW YEAR BOLLYWOOD STYLE

Cocktail Marquee Reception, Canapes & 5 Course Dinner DJ, Bollywood Dancers Firework Display New Year’s Champagne Celebrations. Party Through The Early Hours Of 2013 £75 Per Person

DON’T MISS OUT CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR TABLE 01959 572 622

SHAMPAN AT THE SPINNING WHEEL Grays Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2HX • www.shampangroup.com 8  SCENE


Scene in Kent

The Latest from Kent this month... Great Expectations Great Expectations is the classic retelling of one of Dickens’ greatest stories, A young boy is sent to the house of the mysterious Miss Haversham (Helena Bonham Carter) in an effort to make something of him. While there he falls for a girl. Coming into a fortune, he moves to London where he bumps into the girl again. But why is she so cruel? And what is the source of his fortune? In cinemas nationwide from 30th November 2012

Villa Moura

Villa Moura has been serving up great food to local residents for over 20 years. With its roots in Portuguese cuisine, our menu is fresh, gutsy and vibrant, with a focus on traditional Mediterranean inspired seafood. Upon arriving at Villa Moura our guests are greeted with a genuinely warm welcome from one of our long serving team. Customer satisfaction means everything, and to us success is knowing that each of our guests has had a fantastic experience with us. We are a popular restaurant for parties and important celebrations owing to the special attention that we give to each of our guests. Christmas is always a great time of year at Villa Moura and we look forward to being part of the fun that is had by our guests. Whether it be a romantic meal for two, a family get together or a large workdo, Villa Moura is the perfect venue for those that want a dining experience somewhere extra special. For reservations and details of our Christmas and New Years Eve menus, please call 020 8318 2116.

LA RASCASSE FRENCH BAR & RESTAURANT As Christmas is coming why not visit our restaurant and experience our winning combination of fine dining in a relaxed, contemporary, setting. Whether you are out for a drink with friends, or celebrating that special occasion, our staff are here to ensure that your experience is a memorable one. La Rascasse have Christmas Menus and New Year Eve menus available on our website. Please also see our website for Bar Hire. Your function would be individually tailored to suit your event. We also cater for special occasions / intimate wedding parties catering for a max of 45 people). We also have a VIP area which is available for hire for up to 14 people. With table service, it is really is a great place to relax and enjoy your celebrations. Phone us on 0208 650 2291 La Rascasse 59 - 63 High Street, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1WA

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Bathing Made Easy

Spread the sound with Bang & Olufsen Playmaker offer

Bang & Olufsen retailers in Bexleyheath, Bromley and Tunbridge Wells are celebrating the arrival of the acclaimed audio-visual brand’s new Playmaker digital receiver with a fantastic offer. The Playmaker digital receiver connects your smartphone or computer to your Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers. The wireless streaming of Playmaker means anyone in your family with a smartphone or computer can connect to Playmaker, enabling everyone to conveniently and easily enjoy the unrivalled Bang & Olufsen sound experience. To Mark the arrival of Playmaker, Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath, Bromley and Tunbridge Wells is offering a complimentary Playmaker with every pair of BeoLab 3 loudspeakers purchased before 31st December 2012. BeoLab 3 perfectly complements Playmaker, the loudspeaker being 10 times smaller than a comparable, conventional active loudspeaker and delivering 250 watts of superb sound. Customers are invited to visit the retailers’ showrooms to experience how Playmaker can optimise the music on their smart telephone. Wednesday 17th October 2012 Tel: 01227 780800 Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath Tel: 0208 303 2760 www.bang-olufsen.com/Bexleyheath Bang & Olufsen of Bromley Tel: 0208 466 8080 www.bang-olufsen.com/Bromley Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells Tel: 01892 527 525 www.bang-olufsen.com/tunbridge wells 10  SCENE

Do you have difficulty getting in and out of your bath? Perhaps a walk-in bath would make an enormous difference to your everyday life, but you don’t want to alter your existing bathroom. Well, this could be the answer! Subject to survey, the Kubex Solo walk-in bath could be fitted with minimal disruption, into a bedroom. As it is freestanding, it could easily be removed at a later date if your circumstances change. If you would like a free quotation to supply and fit, with no obligation, please call 020 8855 4747 or visit our showroom, where you can see it displayed. We have been fitting high-quality bathrooms for over 44 years and all our workmanship carries a full 5 year guarantee. Beautiful Bathrooms, 76-78 Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, Kent, DA16 3HQ. Tel: 020 8855 4747  www.beautifulbathrooms.net

Annabel’s Cupcake Icing Workshop Annabel’s II played host to their very first Cupcake Icing Workshop on the 23rd September. The workshop was held in the tea room and ran by one of the store’s resident bakers Jennifer Ramos, who showed all attendees a range of icing skills including piping, creating sugar paste decorations and general decorating tips and tricks! The workshop was a great success with all who attended taking home 6 of their own cupcake creations along with a cupcake themed goodie bag! Annabel’s II, 15 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AB 07733 014 565


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An artistic Attraction It’s all on display at The Bickley

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Dame Maggie Smith The Lady of the manor Winner of two Oscars, seven BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony, a Laurence Olivier Award plus countless more award nominations and prestigious stage and screen accolades; a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire since 1990 Ladies and Gentlemen, please be standing for the formidable Dame Maggie Smith. Words by Nicky Kemp

D

ame Maggie has been working her highdrama austere tragicomedy magic for over sixty years now - and the standing ovations just keep coming. Only two months ago – Age 78 – she bagged her third Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in ITV1’s hit costumedrama Downton Abbey. She won one in 2011 too – for playing the same role. Downton Abbey (created by Julian Fellows) reportedly pulls in more Sunday night viewers than the X-Factor results show. While some might argue Dame Maggie is not only fit for primetime viewing but in fact ‘in her prime’, busy demonstrating what it is to be a living legend (The Stage Director Peter Hall famously said “Maggie could pack out a theatre even if she was reciting a telephone directory”) by contrast the ever self-deprecating Maggie was quoted in the Ilford Recorder in 2010: “I am just surprised to be doing anything at my age actually. When you think of where I am now and where I’ve come from, I am very pleased and very grateful to be standing up and delivering Julian’s great lines… This is the third old lady I’ve played for him, so I am getting the hang of it now!” Maggie was born Margaret Nathalie Smith on 28 December 1934 in Ilford, Essex and lived there during her early years - surely making her the world’s most famous Essex Girl? She has no recollection of Essex though. Age four, at the outbreak of the war, she was whisked away to Oxford by her Scottish Mother (Margaret Hutton Little) and Geordie Father (Nathaniel Smith), along with her 6 year elder twin brothers (Ian and Alistair). Her father had secured a post as a pathologist at Oxford University. Her mother worked as a secretary. Maggie went on to attend the

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Oxford High School for Girls and despite her brothers’ considerable academic achievements (both went on to become successful architects) Maggie barely scraped through her O-level exams and age 16, quit school and enrolled in drama school instead. Rumor has it she had aspirations to attend RADA but Maggie’s parents insisted she remain in Oxford. They were bewildered by her choices - there was no history of acting in the family, Maggie had never attended the theatre and films were frowned upon - but Maggie instinctively knew what she wanted to do. She joined The Oxford Playhouse School in 1951 and one year later, made her first ‘serious’ stage debut when she performed in the Oxford University Dramatic Society’s Twelfth Night. Performances at the Edinburgh Fringe followed and Maggie made her London stage debut in Oxford Accents at the New Watergate – and Broadway debut in the New Faces ’56 Revue at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre; to great comic acclaim. Maggie commented in a rare interview in the Guardian in 2004: “But that was comedy and if you do comedy, you kind of don’t count. Comedy is never considered the real thing.” She went on to join the Old Vic - leading eventually to The National Theatre where, in the 60s, she played lead roles in weighty productions, most notably Desdemona in Othello opposite Laurence Olivier. Theatre has always been Maggie’s true calling, she says she feels most at peace acting in the theatre and has always returned to tread the boards to rave reviews, winning a Tony Award in 1990 starring in Peter Shaffer’s Lettice and Lovage and picking up a Laurence Olivier ‘Special’ Award just two years ago, in 2010 – but Maggie has also achieved phenomenal screen success. In 1958 Maggie received her first BAFTA nomination for playing Bridget Howard in the crime drama Nowhere To Go. In 1963 she starred as Miss Mead in The VIPs


along with an all-star cast including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton - and said hello to her first Golden Globe nomination. In 1965 she starred in the screen adaptation of Othello, again opposite Olivier. He apparently vowed to never work with her again after that. For her on-screen performance, she received Academy and Golden Globe Award nominations. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie came about in 1969. Cast as the un-orthodox teacher at an Edinburgh girls’ school, Maggie’s impeccable performance clinched her the Oscar this time around. Then in 1978 came the film California Suite: a comedy telling four separate stories from four different rooms in a Beverley Hills hotel in which Maggie starred opposite Sir Michael Caine and alongside Jane Fonda. Ironically, she played the part of Diana Barrie: a highly charged actress who loses out on Oscar night – her performance netting her Oscar number two. For the Harry Potter films, apparently it was JK Rowling herself who nominated Dame Maggie to play the part of the stern, shape-shifting Professor Minerva McGonagle - And who better? Maggie went on to star in seven of the eight block-buster films, exposing her

to her biggest audience yet and earning her a whole new generation of fans. However it is in 2001 – the same year as the screening of the first Potter film (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) that Maggie turned in what is widely considered her greatest on-screen performance playing Constance, the indelible Countess of Trentham in the film Gosford Park - also created by Julian Fellows, directed by Robert Altman. Maggie outshone an all-star cast in this upstairs downstairs 1930s period drama, including Helen Mirren and Kristin Scott Thomas - and she was duly rewarded with BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. There was another Oscar nomination for her star turn in A Room with a View (1985) and a BAFTA for her lead role in The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne (1987). She drew great acclaim for her performance in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues in 1988 too. Quite honestly, Maggie’s achievements are too numerous to mention - bringing to mind a classic Dowager Countess of Grantham quote: “Don’t be defeatist dear, it’s very middle class”! The real Maggie has a fierce reputation – perhaps this is the kind of withering put-down we might expect from her too? She admitted to the Guardian: “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools but then they don’t SCENE  15


tolerate me, so I am spiky. Maybe that’s why I’m quite good at playing spiky elderly ladies.” But Dame Maggie is so much more than ‘quite good’. Julian Fellows was quoted in The Ilford Recorder: “Maggie Smith has a unique sense of comedy, based on a somewhat ironic view of real life, making it both funnier and more sad. But perhaps her greatest ability, or at least the one that most intrigues me, is how she can convey deep and powerful emotion without a trace of sentimentality.” One thing is certain - Maggie’s outstanding performances would not be possible without an enormous capacity for empathy. No stranger to life-trials or heartache, Maggie was quoted in the Guardian on the subject of her father: “There was an incredible nervousness about him. You couldn’t do this, couldn’t do that. Mustn’t ride a bike, you’d be bound to fall off. Couldn’t swim, you’d most certainly drown.” She said this embedded “an expectation of imminent disaster” in her as a child. Is it a co-incidence that characteristically, Maggie works on the anxious side of laughter? She has also fought off breast cancer, quietly battled with the debilitating Graves disease and not least, loved and lost – twice. Maggie met playwright Beverley Cross (“Bev”) when she was just 18 whilst performing at the Oxford Playhouse. He was “a bit older” and “lovely” and already married. Bev proposed to her anyway and Maggie agreed to marry him when his divorce came through – little knowing that in the meantime, she would meet and fall in love with fellow National actor Robert 16  SCENE

Stephens, who she married in 1967 and had two sons by (Chris & Toby). But the marriage wasn’t to endure. Robert struggled with his career - quite the opposite of Maggie - and turned to alcohol for consolation. Maggie confided in The Guardian: “I remember when he was diagnosed as hyper-manic asking what it meant and the doctor saying violent moods swings and indiscriminate sexual activity. And I thought ‘that about covers it really’… I said ‘It can’t go on’ and he said ‘No, it can’t.’ Honestly, I don’t think I could have mattered less to him by then. But by then, nothing mattered to him.” The couple separated in 1973 but happiness followed – in the form of Bev – again. In 1975 the couple married and left for Ontario, Canada to start afresh where Maggie worked for five years. Bev assumed the role of father to her children and she spent the next 23 years of her life with him. Robert, whom Maggie claims she never stopped loving despite everything, died in 1995 of an alcohol-related disease. The ‘lovely Bev’ died of heart disease in 1998. Perhaps in Maggie’s pain, therein lies her brilliance? Not one to believe or even read her own press and rarely one to give interviews (“It’s just that as you talk, one thinks, ‘God, it’s really rather dull”), Playwright Alan Bennett once said of Maggie’s few harsh critics: “She takes little notice of it herself… but those people who condescend her should consider themselves lucky to be living in her time.” Quite right. Dame Maggie Smith, we salute you.


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Shampan

Launched Shampan Foundation

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enowned across Kent for their delicious Indian Cusine, on Monday 25th June 2012, Shampan Group launched its newest addition; the Shampan Foundation.

Shampan at The Spinning Wheel in Westerham hosted an evening to celebrate the launch of the new charity, Shampan Foundation. The night was a great success and everyone who attended, as well as Shampan Group and Shampan Foundation staff teams, had a fantastic time.

with private and individual donations that have been made in the weeks leading up to the Shampan Foundation Launch, as well as those made on the evening, the total amount raised by the Launch was £12,000. This is going direct to the Shampan Foundation and will make a substantial difference to the work that is currently underway in Bangladesh and provides many pathways to start and develop more and more projects. You can view the projects and on-going work Shampan Foundation are doing at the website: www.shampanfoundation.org

The evening provided the opportunity to bring everyone together and introduce the Shampan Foundation; to show the progress they’ve made so far with the on-going projects funded by Shampan Foundation, and also, to give their friends, families, clients and business associates, the opportunity to get involved and support the work being doing. Through the sale of event tickets, they raised £10,000 and a further £500 was raised on the evening through the sale of raffle tickets. Teamed

The Shampan Foundation Spinning Wheel, Gray Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2HX Tel: 01959 572 622 Web: www.shampanfoundation.org SCENE  19


“Can a remote TV lawyer really give the best legal advice ?”

Why use a middleman? Local legal advice is best. Why be talked into using often remote lawyers through a TV advert, or your legal expenses insurers, when you could have the benefit of a bespoke, personalised service from well-qualified and accredited, independent specialists in Orpington? Thomas Dunton provide friendly, affordable advice tailored to your own individual circumstances. Isn’t it more expensive using a local Solicitor? Not usually. Many lawyers are spending large sums on major advertising campaigns and even paying for individual clients to be referred to them by other organisations. In contrast, we concentrate our resources on the service our clients receive and those clients recommend us to others. Consequently our fees are competitive; sometimes there is no fee, such as with a “no win, no fee” agreement. Above all, it is important to look at value. The right advice can make a big difference to the outcome and the right service can make a big difference to your life. The TV adverts make it look very simple... For a Personal Injury claim, for instance, what could be simpler than directly contacting your local, friendly Solicitors’ practice, with no ‘middlemen’ and no Claims Management Companies to deal with? We can ensure that your claim is dealt with efficiently and sympathetically by a qualified Solicitor specialising in that field. You can obtain independent advice directly and without delay as well as 20  SCENE

knowing exactly who is going to deal with your claim. Why is it better to contact a local Solicitor? It allows a more personal touch, and you will benefit from a thorough explanation of technical and legal matters on a face to face basis. Your local Solicitor will also be able to make visits to your home or hospital if requested. Instructing a lawyer through a Claims Management Company or from a legal expenses insurer’s panel can mean instructing someone in another part of the country, who will simply speak to you on the telephone or write to you. For a personal injury claim, shouldn’t I use a firm with a big advert on TV? With a personal injury, being able to meet your Solicitor is important, not least because they are able to see your injuries first hand and even take photographs if appropriate. Also, on many occasions it is necessary to undertake a site inspection of the accident location and a local Solicitor will be in a position to do this easily, thereby gaining a better understanding of how the accident happened; more remote lawyers generally have to rely upon third hand information. Over time, Claims Management Companies may engage a number of people on your case and you can become overwhelmed by the large number of people becoming involved. If you instruct your local Solicitor it will be he/she who deals with your case from start to finish; they will become familiar to you and with the details of your case, thus enabling a more personal, caring service. Once your personal injury claim is commenced you may also require

further treatment such as Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry etc and as your local Solicitors we will be more familiar with such local services. Surely any lawyer can help me? In many cases the insurance company acting for the opponent may not make a realistic offer of settlement, so you need an experienced Solicitor who knows straightaway if the offer is too low. They will also be able to advise on your out of pocket expenses which may not always be so apparent to others. I would like an experienced, local Solicitor but my insurer won’t pay for it... If you have legal expenses insurance cover, then you may be with an insurer which insists on instructing their own lawyers who may be in a remote location with no option but to deal with everything by telephone or correspondence. As explained above, the easiest way to understand a personal injury claim is on a face to face basis, using a local professional who knows the area. If your legal expenses insurer will not allow your local Solicitor to act on your behalf, then we can sometimes persuade them otherwise. In any event, you can still instruct us under a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, so you still do not pay anything and have the added benefits of obtaining specialist legal advice from your local Solicitor without paying for it yourself.

Here for your needs If you need a specialist in Personal Injury, Wills and Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Business, Property and Conveyancing, Employment or Family Law why look further than Thomas Dunton Solicitors? We shall be pleased to hear from you.

Call us now on 01689 822554 or email enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk Information in this article is of a general nature and details are prone to change.

Thomas Dunton Solicitors 217 - 219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ 01689 822554 enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk www.thomasdunton.co.uk


T H O M A S D U N T O N SOLICITORS

Henman Beds Quality Bed specialist

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British made beds 81 High Street, West Wickham Closed Wednesday and Sunday

020 8777 4853

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Clairvoyant Medium Jenny Ayers is an international clairvoyant medium and gives one-to-one sittings at her home in East Sussex as well as postal, telephone and e-mail sittings to her large clientele all over the world.

Contact Jenny 01892 662 856 jenny.ayers@hotmail.co.uk www.spiritualist-guidance.org SCENE  21


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RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE

Get your skates on!

Real outdoor ice rink at Ruxley Manor in Sidcup

8 November 2012 - 6 January 2013*

Sessions from only

£3.99 *Rink closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan 2013

The coolest attraction this Winter!

350m2 real outdoor ice rink and 100 seater heated Ice Cafe • • • • • • •

Every skating session lasts a fun-packed 45 minutes! Professional quality skate hire is included in the price Variety of peak and off-peak session times Fun skate aids for children aged 8 years and under Sensational lighting and acoustics for a great party atmosphere Trained Skate Marshals overseeing each session Fully heated 100 seater Ice Cafe with rink-side seating

For prices and all booking info please go to www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BQ Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm Sunday 10am-4pm Over 500 free car parking spaces Tel 020 8300 0084 www.ruxley-manor.co.uk • Open late until 8pm on Thurs 15th, 22nd & 29th November & Mon 3rd to Sat 22nd December (excluding Sundays) find us on Facebook 22  SCENE


Ruxley Manor

for everything Christmas

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o Christmas is complete without a visit to Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup. Every year the garden centre undergoes a festive transformation, offering the very best in christmas decorations, gifts and fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy! This year promises to be better than ever, with everything from an awardwinning Santa’s Grotto, a newly-opened 600 seater restaurant to a fantastic real outdoor ice rink… Santa’s Grotto experience is truly special and lasts approximately one hour from the moment you enter the enchanting Elf Village, where elves are busy making presents for all the children, then its through to Santa’s study where you will make a personalised christmas card, followed by a visit to the cosy Log Cabin Kitchen where Santa’s secret mix of reindeer feed is being made! As the excitement builds you will then meet Santa in your group and receive a personalised gift from Santa himself… child tickets cost between £5.99 and £8.99 and are available to book online now at www.ruxley-manor.co.uk.

With a superb sound system and atmospheric lighting you can enjoy up to 11 x 45 minute skating sessions every day from Thursday 8th November to Sunday 6th January! So go on and book your tickets today online… we don’t think Winter has ever been this much fun! All this and more besides...we even have a purposebuilt reindeer enclosure where our real reindeers Bolt, Lightning and Blossom will be here from Saturday 10th November every day to approximately 2pm on Christmas Eve (excluding 2pm onwards every Wednesday, when they attend flight practise!). With so much to see and do you’ll be glad of our extended opening hours – we are open until 8pm on Thursday 15th, 22nd & 29th November and from Monday 3rd to Saturday 22nd December (excluding Sundays)… so come along and join in the fun! For full details of Christmas at Ruxley Manor please visit our website www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Our real outdoor ice rink looks set to become the coolest attraction in the South East this Winter! Located in the stunning setting of our Plant department, this 350m2 real ice rink also features an adjoining heated cafe - offering skaters and spectators the opportunity to enjoy fantastic refreshments and mouthwatering cakes freshly baked in our NEW restaurant, The Mulberry Tree.

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RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5BQ 020 8300 0084 www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

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“Having a beautiful smile gives you confidence, and this is reason enough to visit Dr”

Ask... Dr Jas

Have you any worries with your teeth or questions about non surgical solutions? Well Dr Jas is here to help with all your problems, all you need to do is ask! I Have Always hated My Teeth, They Stick Out And I Hate Their Shape! What Can I Do To Correct This? If you hate the appearance of your teeth and have done for a very long time, it’s still not too late to do something about it. It depends on how far your teeth stick out, your deadline for treatment to be finished and of course your budget. There are two ways to get your teeth into better shape and so give you more confidence in your day to day life. One way is to have porcelain veneers, but if your teeth stick out a lot this may not be the best option. The other alternative may take a little longer but will ensure that the health of your teeth is not compromised. First of all you could have a clear cosmetic brace for about 6 weeks. This brace is almost invisible and is worn for 20 hours a day and works on the front teeth to bring them back into alignment. Once the teeth are back in line you could do some whitening on your teeth and have the ones that you hate the most covered with porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding. You will feel so much more confident after the treatment; you will wonder how you coped before!

Before

After

I Had A Cleft Palate As A Child, I Had Extreme Brace Work But My Teeth Are Still Really Wonky, What Can You Do? Sometimes fixed braces are used to pull your teeth into a certain position so that your bite is working correctly. If you were under the hospital for many years they might have thought that you had been through enough and just got your teeth into a more comfortable position so that you could eat and function normally. Nowadays sometimes cosmetic braces may do a much better and faster job but I’m sure that you’ve had enough of braces and would like a much faster option. Porcelain veneers can transform your smile in as little as a few weeks with no discomfort. This

is a simple and effective way to give you a fantastic smile, worthy of any celebrity. Indeed this can change your life. Dr Jas has carried out thousands of cosmetic procedures. Come and visit Perfect Smile Spa for a free consultation.

Before

After

All My Teeth Are Very Loose! I Am So Scared They Might Fall Out! What Can I Do? The first port of call is to have a thorough examination with the dentist. From this they can advise you which will be the best option of treatment for you. If the teeth are beyond saving, it is advisable to have them removed as soon as possible, so that you can have teeth fitted immediately. The dentures will be worn for approximately three months and this allows the jaw and gums to heal. It is also possible to have immediate implants depending on each individual case. The next stage is to decide which type of treatment you would like. Some people are perfectly happy with dentures and at this stage permanent dentures can be made that will fit exactly and provide many years of problem free eating. The other alternative is to have implants which can support a small horseshoe shaped denture which eradicates the problem of having the palate covered and lets you enjoy your food. Implants can also support ceramic bridges which is a more fixed type of tooth replacement. Whichever type of treatment you decide on it will give you the confidence to enjoy your life without the fear of your teeth falling out.

Before

After

www.askdrjas.com 132a High Street, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 4UH @PerfectSmileSpa (just 20 minutes from the Dartford Bridge & facebook.com/PerfectSmileSpa 50 mins from Central London) 01708 442114 www.perfectsmilespa.co.UK SCENE  25


ViSiT e RG OUR LaOOm R ShOw e range extensiv and of wall s floor tile

Many new quality ranges on display

Freelands Tiles 124 - 126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks,Tn13 2UT

Tel: 01732

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459 765 Open 7 days a week


Gerald Moore Gallery

T

New installation from leading contemporary artist

his Autumn, contemporary artist Laurence Kavanagh presents a brand new artwork April commissioned by Gerald Moore Gallery in Mottingham.

April is a development of Kavanagh’s ongoing engagement with the seminal nouveau roman cinenovel ‘La Jalousie’ (Jealousy, 1957) by Alain Robbe-Grillet. Evoking the geometry of the novel’s structure and its recurring themes, April is an installation made from white steel and cast components that has transformed the ground floor gallery. The installation explores the psychology of domestic architecture, the objects contained within it and the potential for these elements to reflect/project internal states of mind. April uses everyday domestic items such as a table, chairs, picture frame, wash basin and soap as devices to project a ‘shadow mirror’ onto the wall of the gallery. This ‘shadow mirror’ draws a relationship between object, image and viewer.

Kavanagh also conceived and created the artwork for a collaborative choreographic dance work Jealousy at the Print Room Theatre (February 2012). To complement this show at Gerald Moore Gallery, a display of Miró lithographs is also being shown in the upstairs gallery. April is open every Saturday from 12 to 4pm until 1 December 2012 with FREE ENTRY. APRIL by Laurence Kavanagh

April is part of a series of twelve works, and to date Kavanagh has exhibited three of them as part of the show ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ in Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, earlier this year. As artist and director,

E L T H A M

Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, Mottingham, SE9 4QF 020 8857 0448  info@geraldmooregallery.org www.geraldmooregallery.org

C O L LEGE

LARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

LARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

Junior School Open Morning at Eltham College Sat 17th November 10.00am – 12.30pm Boys 7-11 Eltham College Junior School, Mottingham Lane, Mottingham, London SE9 4RW Telephone 020 8857 3457 www.eltham-college.org.uk/Junior

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Vintage

MATTHEWS the JEWELLERS

Furniture - Gifts - Antiques Over twenty individual traders selling glassware, china, jewellery, antiques, collectables, Roman/Saxon coins, furniture and garden ornaments. We also stock new silver jewellery, gifts and French style furniture.

WE BUY GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM Call in for a free appraisal.

The perfect place for your Christmas gifts. Rental space available.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5.00 • Sat 9.30 - 5.30

115 Queensway, Petts Wood, Bromley, BR5 1DG Tel: 01689 835194

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020 8777 1347 22-24 High Street, West Wickham, BR4 0NJ


SCENE the

GLADES

GlaM rock

InspIred

trends

M ilitary InspIred Coats InsIde:

Men’S FAShion:

Keep it casual this Winter With our great mensWear

uniForMed Style: Wrap up Warm With our selection of military coats

chriStMAS GiFtS:

great gift ideas for all the family this christmas

Winter

Fashion File Aldo M&S French connection river iSlAnd hobbS debenhAMS new look ZArA kurt GeiGer h&M bootS t.M lewin Superdry phASe eiGht kAren Millen

SCENE  29


Welcome...

the shelves of the shops are filled With the latest Winter 2012 trends, Whether it’s fashion, gift ideas or just every day items; you Will find it all at the glades!

Happy BirtHday to tHe Glades

The Glades first opened its doors to the Bromley locals on 22nd October 1991. Celebrate The Glades birthday in style with cake, treats and much more and help us say a big Happy Birthday to Bromley’s number 1 shopping destination.

It’s all happenIng at the glades

apple store now open Come to the Apple Store, the Glades, and bring your curiosity. It’s the best place to purchase and learn all about iPhone, Mac, iPad and iPod

and even get advice for your business. They will set up your new Apple product so it’s ready to use when you leave the store.

More new openinGs Toys R Us - Situated on the upper mall opposite Superdry and Esquires Coffee House. Phase Eight - A bigger brighter store opened early September on the upper mall near the Customer Service Desk. SoleTrader - Branded footwear specialists, find them on the lower mall opposite Mango.

all aBout art White Crescent Art offer an unparalleled selection of paintings, fine arts and limited editions as well as sculptures and decorative features. If you are looking for something different to give as a gift or want to add a new feature to your home, you will definitely find it here. Find them on the upper mall opposite Lush 30  SCENE

Learning through pLay Gymboree at the Glades is for families who want to give their children the best start in life and have great fun whilst doing so! At Gymboree, you and your child will build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships. Gymboree classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play. A new Christmas childcare service is offered from Monday 22 November until Thursday 20 December. Call direct for details on 020 8313 3921


tweet all aBout it... SoMETIMES A LITTLE TWEET IS ALL yoU NEED, WHy NoT FoLLoW US AND GET ALL THE LATEST GLADES FASHIoN GoSSIP, oFFERS AND EVENTS NEWS IN jUST 140 CHARACTERS @GLADESSHoPPING

experience tHe Glades online

rocket returns

£3.50 Single child £2.00 Single adult £12.00 Group ticket For 3D Theatre/Grotto opening hourse visit www.theglades.uk.com

Returning by public demand in a movie that is sure to delight all the family, Rocket the Reindeer and friends are back in the Glades 3D Theatre with a new film called ‘The Missing Antler’. Set in a three storey Toy Palace featuring teddy bears, is only one element of the colourful Christmas decorations that will adorn the Glades. The 3D Theatre includes a stereoscopic film, a visit to Father Christmas and a gift voucher for under twelve year olds (entry fee applies). Why not book online to save time www.wish4ticket.com

facebook.com/GladesBromley www.theglades.uk.com Cover image: phase eight Grecian embellished Dress £250.00

deceMBer sHoppinG Hours Sat 1st Dec 9am - 7pm Sun 2nd Dec 10am - 5pm* Mon 3rd Dec Fri 7th Dec 9am – 9pm Sat 8th Dec 9am – 7pm Sun 9th Dec 10am – 5pm* *Larger stores may open at 11.00am

Mon 10th Dec -Fri 14th Dec 9am - 9pm Sat 15th Dec 9am - 8pm Sun 16th Dec 10am - 5pm* Mon 17th Dec Fri 21st Dec 9am - 9pm Sat 22nd Dec 9am - 8pm Sun 23rd Dec 10am - 5pm*

Christmas & N ew Year shopping hour s

Mon 24th Dec Tue 25th Dec Wed 26th Dec Thu 27th Dec Fri 28th Dec Sat 29th Dec Sun 30th Dec

Mon 31st Dec Tue 1st Jan

9am – 5pm CLOSED 10am – 6pm* 9am – 9pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 11am – 5pm

9am – 5pm 10am – 5pm*

* Selected stor es only

Glades tV Look out for the launch of the Glades brand new online fashion tv show, GladesTV. Featuring the latest tips and trends for women. Featuring clothing and accessories from Republic, Zara, M&S, French Connection, Hobbs, New Look, Accessorize, and many more. View the show on screens around the Glades and make sure you check out the Glades website to view the show online. Visit facebook, twitter, the Glades and youtube for more information and to stay updated. facebook.com/GladesBromley Twitter: @gladesshopping SCENE  31


Get The Glam Rock Look

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1. Karen Millen Sparkly fabric mix top £99.00 2. hobbs black pu faux fur collar biker jacket £55.00 3. Zara Shopper with chains £109.00 4. accessorize Wrap around studded bracelet £8.00 5. Dune Paddington stud trim chelsea boot £90.00 6. republic Miso stone and spike earrings £4.00 7. river island Black double studded leggings £20.00

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3

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Winter trends

At the GlAdes 1

Blue & Black

Save

Spoi

Spend

This winter’s key trends are military, glam rock and black & blue. To help you keep up with the latest fashions we have put together some of the hottest items for this winter.

l

Dresses from Left to right Spend. French Connection V neck panelled dress £110 Spoil. French Connection Lori lace jersey dress £72.00 Save. Debenhams Quiz navy and black peplum dress £24.99

2

1. new Look Blue contrast trim blazer £27.99 2. Karen Millen Stretch tailored skirt £110.00 3. Kurt geiger jemima statement necklace £40.00 4. Zara Rigid bowling bag £89.99 5. aldo Gyal £80.00 32  SCENE

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All pricing and details were correct when printed. Please check prices before making any purchase


As sCENE At

the Glades you cAn’t MiSS A trick thiS AutuMn. we hAve put toGether the trendieSt iteMS For thiS SeASon AS well AS the beSt beAuty to help you look your beSt thiS AutuMn.

Bright Eyes

Max Factor Eye Brightening Tonal Black Mascara, offers three individually designed shades one for each eye colour. Each Boots mascara makes Max factor eye brigh their glamour tening mascara £7.99 statement by brightening your natural eye colour whether you have brown, blue or green eyes. The formula contains light reflective particles to add a subtle brightening effect. The mascara also gives your lashes up to 300% more volume making sure your eyes have beautiful stand out.

Winter warmers for him Staying warm and looking cool is sometimes tough to pull off, but thankfully it’s a breeze with these winter hoodies. Don’t worry about the breeze, as these quality hooded sweatshirts will keep

republic Fabric fairisle hoody £20.00 the elements off you and keep you snug and warm throughout the colder months. river island Navy quilted hoodie £38.00

essence

Hollywood Whether its Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn, it is fair to say their style is timeless. The Hollywood trend will never go out of fashion. From peep toe heels to flattering fitted dresses, Hollywood is the place to be.

Essence are high heeled court shoes from KG by Kurt Geiger. High heeled is almost an understatement, in fact, as Essence’s stilettos are 14cm high. To soften the impact on the wearer’s feet, they feature generous platform soles. available from Kurt geiger, £140.00

Meet Lana Del rey for h&M!

The sultry singer is the new face and voice of the brand for their fall 2012 campaign.

Coco Dress

This super chic monochrome dress is a must-have piece for the season. Available in black jersey it features a contrasting detachable white collar and detachable cuffs, long sleeves and pleat detailing. available from hobbs, £189.00

the Glades Style Advisor offers a Free two-hour style service for all ages and budgets. book your free service today by calling 0208 313 9292

All pricing and details were correct when printed. Please check prices before making any purchase

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The PerfecT GenTleman keep it cASuAl thiS winter with our GreAt Selection oF MenSweAr.

river island Dark grey waffle cardigan £35.00

French Connection Nappa leather mod jacket £375.00

in t.M Lew grey r e g in Gra l ne casua herringbo 98.00 jacket £3

M&S Leather square buckle belt £25.00

M&S Blue harbour pure cotton variegated striped polo shirt £27.50

Zara Bowling bag with buckle £49.00 French Connection Decking stripe scarf £30.00

river island Dark green smart jacket £85.00

republic and Jack & Jones Clark jeans £60.00 y SuperDr rebel y tr n Cou 74.99 jacket £1 34  SCENE

aldo Pennie £110.00

All pricing and details were correct when printed. Please check prices before making any purchase


STand To Attention THE MILITARy TREND IS HERE AND IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN THE yEAR BEFoRE. TRENCH CoATS, KHAKI TRoUSERS, CHUNKy BooTS, jUST To NAME A FEW ARE HUGE THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER. THE MILITARy STyLE CoAT HoWEVER IS THE HEART oF THIS TREND, WHETHER yoU WANT To DRESS UP oR DoWN THE CoAT IS THE KEy ITEM To START WITH. WE HAVE SELECTED A FEW oF THE BEST MILITARy STyLE CoATS ARoUND To HELP SET yoU oFF WITH THIS HoT AUTUMN TREND.

Zara Velveton Military Coat £99.99

new Look Black Gold Button Military jacket £34.99

Zara Woollen Military Coat £99.99

phase eight jaxx Military Coat £189.00

Karen Millen Military Coat £295.00

river island Light Brown Pu Sleeve Trench Coat £85.00

M&S Single Breasted th Mid Leng a Milit ry Coat £59.00

Karen Millen Glamorous Military Coat £325.00

hobbs Marion Coat £349.00

M&S open Neck Collar Military jacket, £49.50 All pricing and details were correct when printed. Please check prices before making any purchase

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tAke the StreSS out oF chriStMAS ShoppinG thiS yeAr. the GlAdeS hAS A FAntAStic Selection oF GiFtS to Suit All the FAMily.

ChriStmaS giFtS From the Glades

For him... James Bond 007 eDt 50ml A masculine fragrance with notes of fresh apples, cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, lavender, coumarin and moss. Available from The Perfume Shop, £24.50 Mini table air hockey A scaled down Air Hockey Table family game. Fits nicely on a table or floor Available from MenKind, £19.99

Mens gunmetal Cut out Corner Square Cufflinks These stylish cufflinks from our range of mens accessories will add some genuine flair to any outfit. Available from Tie Rack, £24.99 36  SCENE

For her... thoMaS SaBo reBeL at heart Sport LaDy SiLVer WatCh This watch acquires its special chic as a result of its rotating bezel with set stones on the minute markers. A cool must-have this Christmas. Available from Swag, £249.99

especially for her gift Set A delicate collection to treat the woman in your life. Wth a mesmerising melange of four distinctive roses, this fresh, floral and delicate gift set contains: 75ml Eau des 4 Reines Eau de Toilette, 250ml Rose Shower Gel and a 250ml Rose Body Lotion. Available from L’Occitane En Provence, £66.50

ayurveda gift Set A wonderful gift for spoiling yourself or someone else. Set contains shower foam, body scrub, foot scrub, shampoo, bath foam & body cream. Available from Rituals, £32.50

For the kids... Curly teddy Hug this teddy bear once and you’ll never want to let go! Its soft curly fur, plump belly and velvety paw pads make it irresistible. Take it home today and let the hugging begin! Available from Build A Bear Workshop, £13.50

Moshi Monsters Super Moshi hQ Start your Super Moshi missions with the Moshi Monsters Super Moshi HQ playset. Built into the volcano found outside Monstro City, the Super Moshi HQ is where Super Moshis plan their missions. Available from The Entertainer, £25.00

Brave Queen elinor Doll With transformation accessory This set reveals the enchantment of Disney Pixar film, Brave. The posable Queen Elinor doll features superb satin dress and hair ribbon detailing, and fits inside the plastic bear case to show her transformation. Available from Disney Store, £20.00

All pricing and details were correct when printed. Please check prices before making any purchase


Thornburrows & Ercol

supplying quality furniture since 1946 & Designing and manufacturing quality furniture since 1920

B

oth Thornburrows and Ercol are still family run businesses, Thornburrows in Orpington and Ercol in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. The Ercol brand is synonymous with great design combined with excellent functionality. Designs are predominantly created by its skilled in-house team, and Ercol also continues to champion British design and continues to collaborate with British designers such as Matthew Hilton, Terence Conran and Russell Pinch. Ercol is much celebrated for its 1950’s and 60’s furniture and today’s Originals range still boasts iconic pieces that were first launched in this era. In addition, Ercol continues to introduce new collections that suit the demand for modern day homes. A recent success is the Bosco Dining Collection. Solid modern lines are balanced with crafted traditional fine finger joint detailing. Oak finished with a matt lacquer, showing off the beauty of the timber, results in a richly textured and natural feel. The range includes a large extendable dining table or medium and large fixed topped tables, a slatted back or fully upholstered seat, a small or large sideboard, a coffee table, a lamp table, a narrow display cabinet and adjustable shelving, designed to suit varying room sizes. Ercol can offer the Bosco Dining Table in

bespoke sizes varying from 90cm to 240cm in length. During the month of November if you purchase any Bosco Dining Table and 6 chairs from Thornburrows you will only pay for the table and 4 chairs, a saving of £460 off the Manufacturers Recommended Price. Thornburrows offer a free local delivery service, and free disposal of ‘like for like’ furniture. Thornburrows are well APRIL by Laurence Kavanagh known in the Orpington and surrounding areas, having a reputation for quality furniture and excellent customer service. This year they were winners of Orpington’s Favourite Retailer. They have recently opened a new Carpet Department with designs and colours which complement the Ercol range of furniture, as well as a fantastic range of home interior accessories, including Sandringham Fine Art pictures and mirrors. Come to Thornburrows to see the Ercol range of furniture. Thornburrows, 257-259 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0NY 01689 830898

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We are now taking bookings for Christmas No restriction or set price Order from the normal menu Deposit required New Year’s Eve party night, live DJ from 9 pm ‘Dinner & Dance’ till 2.30.am A la carte menu with a £12 cover charge per person full normal menu available all throughout holiday period Set menu by arrangement, if requested @sanmigueltapas San Miguel Restaurant 18 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, SE10 9BJ 020 8305 1720 • www.sanmiguelgreenwich.co.uk

christmas celebration menu (starts 1st - 23rd December 2012) lunch & Dinner 2-course £14.95 3-course £16.95 Dinner (Friday & saturday) £21.95 live music at weekenDs

Sea Salt Sea Food Restaurant & Brasserie

chRistmas buFFet £11.00 per person In our upstairs function  room also taking bookings for christmas Day £49 per person boxing Day £21.95 per person Traditional Sunday Roast  £16.95 new Year’s eve Dinner, Dance & DJ - £59.95

2 Southend Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1SD ReseRvations: 020 8663 0994 www.seasaltbeckenham.com  •  seasaltbeckenham@hotmail.co.uk Function Room available FoR pRivate paRties - no hiRe chaRge

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Annabel’s Tea Room Treats Apple Crumble Cake flour. Mix until well combined. 5.  Add the vanilla extract followed by the baking powder. 6.  Pour into the cake tin ensuring it is level.

This cake is a great winter warmer and can be eaten cold, or served hot with custard! Ingredients For the sponge: • • • • • • •

225g/8oz butter 225g/8oz caster sugar 4 large eggs 225g/8oz self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp whole milk

For the topping 7.  Arrange the apples on top of the cake mixture. 8.  Put the butter and flour into a bowl, and rub with fingertips until it becomes sandy in texture, mix in the sugar. 9.  Pour the crumble topping on top of the apples and bake in the oven for 50-60mins, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. 10.  Leave to cool before removing from the tin.

For the crumble topping: • • • •

2-3 apples peeled, cored and sliced. 100g/3.5oz plain flour 60g/2oz butter cut into cubes 100g/3.5oz brown sugar

To make the sponge: 1.  Preheat the oven to 170c. 2.  Grease and flour a 9inch loose bottomed cake tin. 3.  Cream together the butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. 4.  Add the eggs one at a time alternating with the

V.I.P Shopping Evening Annabel’s will be hosting a VIP Shopping Evening in both Annabel’s stores at the beginning of December! The VIP Shopping Evening will include a range of exclusive discounts for customers and will play host to ‘Annabel’s Christmas Wish List’ event! For more information, please see in store.

Annabel’s, 3 Royal Parade, Chislehurst, BR7 6NR 07714 189 674 Annabel’s II, 15 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB 07733 014 565 www.annabelsluxuryenglishgifts.com SCENE  39


BRASSERIE & RESTAURANT The Finest in Mediterranean Cuisine offering Greek & Italian Favourites

g in as be tm w is no n r h C ngs ake ki t oo B

The Stuffed Olive Try our Mid Week Set Menu 3 Courses for only for £14.95 Valid Monday – Thursday, excluding December Great Choices, Great Value! Relax and enjoy our traditional Sunday Lunch from £9.95 Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and 12pm till 3pm on Sunday for traditional Sunday lunch. Stylish and Modern offering delicious food, excellent service and value. Ideal for celebratory meals and can cater for parties of up to 45 people. Children’s menu available. BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVE MENUS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

7 Market Parade, High Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6EP

020 8300 5353

www.thestuffedoliverestaurant.com

OSTERIA

Da Fabrizio

WHY NOT LET OSTERIA DA FABRIZIO ADD EVEN MORE ENJOYMENT TO YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR 12 Noon 5pm (last orders) £19.95 Per person for three courses

CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU

Your Christmas lunch begins with a glass of bucks fizz & marinated olives. Followed by a typical Osteria lunch menu ANTIPASTI

Potato & lentil soup King tiger prawn cocktail Grilled marinated roasted peppers served on a warm Smoked scamorza cheese dressed with a parsley garlic olive oil dressing Bruschetta of pan fried porcini mushrooms with a hint of chili & parsley topped with warm gorgonzola

12 Noon – 6pm (last orders) £60.00 Per person for four courses

CHRISTMAS DAY MENU

Christmas day begins with a glass of fruit punch canapes and stuzzichini. Followed by a typical Osteria lunch menu ANTIPASTI

Potato & lentil soup with garlic croutons Platter of smoked salmon, king prawns, marinated mussels and avocado. Served with rocket leaves and lemon wedges Marinated roasted duck with a red wine, cherry & roasted chestnut reduction Filo pastry basket filled with caramelised shallots topped with grilled goats cheese v Rabbit pâté & foie gras pâté with a chestnut & apple con pot served with fig crackers

PrImI PIATTI

SECONDI PIATTI

Homemade ravioli pasta filled with porcini mushroom & mascarpone served with Gorganzola Sauce v Linguine Alla Fabrizio With Fresh Tomato White Wine & King Prawn, Halibut & Lobster

DESSErTS

Oven roasted pork belly with roasted potatoes, roasted baby carrots, steamed savoy cabbage, with an apple & sultana compote Marinated spit roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, roasted baby carrots, brussel sprouts, roast potatoes, chipolatas, gravy and cranberry sauce Oven roast rack of lamb accompanied by green beans and roast potatoes with a red wine, rosemary and garlic jus Poached halibut with a prawn & champagne lobster sauce with boiled potatoes and sautéed spinach

Marinated spit roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing & roasted baby carrots brussel sprouts roasted potatoes and homemade gravy Spit roast traditional loin of pork filled with a chicken and sage stuffing served with roasted new potatoes Braised Savoy Cabbage & Roasted Butter Nut Squash Roasted Rainbow Trout Steamed Potato Roasted vine tomatoes White wine Garlic and Flat Leaf Parsley Crème Caramel • Tirimisu • Christmas Pudding Custard / Cream • Mince Pies / Coffee

SECONDI PIATTI

DESSErTS

Crème Caramel • Tirimisu • Christmas Pudding Custard / Cream • Mince Pies / Coffee

“Uno non puo pensare bene, amare bene, dormire bene, se non ha mangiato bene” (One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one hasn’t eaten well) Opening hours: Monday 8.30am – 6pm Tuesday 8.30am – 10pm Weds – Sat 8.30am – 11pm Sunday 10am – 10pm 254 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0LZ Tel: 01689 874488 info@osteriadafabrizio.co.uk

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Everest Inn

Nepalese & Indian Cuisine

T

he Everest Inn Group of Restaurants started in Hythe, Kent in 2004, with the strong philosophy ‘to provide quality food, exceptional service and outstanding value with modern, comfortable and relaxed surroundings’. Due to the success of their first branch, a second branch was opened in Blackheath in 2005 and a third branch in Grantham, Lincolnshire in the same year and more recently Ashford, Kent. Everest Inn’s Ashford branch is one of the newest additions to the company. The restaurant is great for indoor and outdoor dining and also caters for weddings, receptions, business functions and more. Everest Inn Ashford provides an excellent location for a great afternoon or evening dining experience.

Actress and Ghurkha Campaigner Joanna Lumley OBE said “I love the Nepalese cuisine which is so exquisitely prepared and served by The Everest Inn staff. Now they are introducing all the beautiful goods from Nepal to the South East at the new ‘Everest Connection’s shop’ in Ashford! That’s just marvellous!” Joanna was first introduced to ‘Pashupati’ and his family during her campaigning for Ghurkha’s rights in 2008. With Christmas coming why not visit our website and view our Christmas Menu and enjoy Everest Inn’s dining experience!

All our restaurants offers fine, upmarket Nepalese and Indian Cuisine set in comfortable, fresh and modern surroundings with soft lighting and a warm ambiance. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes from an extensive mouth watering menu (including huge selections of fresh fish). Food is cooked fresh on the premises using the finest, fresh ingredients and spices offering diners a balanced, flavoursome, and delicious taste to remember. The Everest Inn Group has gone from strength to strength. Their chefs are highly qualified in the art of creating the most flavoursome dishes. The chefs prepare all of the spices in each premises to ensure the highest quality is preserved and each dish has its own special blend of spices and herbs providing a unique taste every time.

NEPALESE & INDIAN CUISINE

Everest Inn Ashford, 113 Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PJ 01233 643643 Everest Inn Blackheath, 41 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London, SE3 0TJ 020 8852 7872 Everest Inn Hythe, 32-34 High Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5AT 01303 269898 SCENE  41


Champion Wines

“Wine By the Glass” with cheese platters CHAMPION WINES in Chislehurst are now serving up “Wine By the Glass” with cheese platters. Champion Wines has a superb range of wines on their Wine List, which changes every week, giving you the opportunity to try wines by the glass. Or you could pick any bottle off the shelf to have in the shop with a small corkage. There is a fabulous range of Artisan cheeses, everything from Comte Bock, Taleggio, Valencay, Lagres, Keens Cheddar, Lancashire Black Bombs and many more to go with the new deli items. Whether you are a wine novice or connoisseur, we promise to remain focused as ever on quality wines, interesting styles, down to earth advice and friendly helpful service. The “Wine By the Glass” is open 7 days a week through to Sundays, so come in and have a taste or a chat. We’d be delighted to see you at Champion Wines. CHAMPION WINES, 17 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB Tel: 020 3581 9935 Email:pc@championwines.co.uk

CHAMPION WINES Independent Wine Merchants

Mon to Wed –11.00am to 7.00pm Thurs to Fri - 11.00am to 8.00pm Saturday - 10.30am to 7.00pm Sunday - 11.00am to 3.00pm

• • • •

Fine Wines Artisan Cheeses Glassware Gift vouchers

• • • •

Free local delivery Tutored tastings Deli Items Quality Spirits

We now offer ‘Wine by the Glass’ and fine cheese platters

A

n Independent Wine Merchant with top quality wines by premium producers from around the world. We stock artisan cheeses from Britain, Italy and France, along with our new range of deli items. We have wonderful gift ideas from Glassware, Gift Boxes, Sommelier Openers and even lovely chocolate.

OPENING TIMES MONDAY - WEDNESDAY THURSDAY & FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

11.00am - 7.00pm 11.00am - 8.00pm 10.30am - 7.00pm 11.00am - 3.00pm

17 High Street | Chislehurst BR7 5AB | Tel: 020 3581 9935 | Email: pc@championwines.co.uk | Web: www.championwines.co.uk 42  SCENE


Wine & Dine Recipe of the month & Wines of the month PAN FRIED WILD HALIBUT STEAK WITH NEW POTATOES, ASPARAGUS, SAFFRON, LEMON FISH CREAM Ingredients: •  2 Boneless halibut steak •  10 Asparagus tips •  10 New peeled potatoes •  Double cream •  Butter •  Saffron •  Lemon Method: Peel the new potatoes and boiled them till soft, drain the water and add some butter, salt and pepper to taste. Season the halibut steak with some Malden sea salt and ground pepper, blanch asparagus for a minute to get the bitterness out. Preheat a griddle pan and bring to high temperature, place the halibut steaks and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. In a saucepan melt 50gms of unsalted butter, add 200 ml of double cream and slowly bring to head by adding halve a lemon juice, add few strands of saffron and turn down the heat till it is a nice creamy sauce, add salt and white pepper to taste. Serving : place the potatoes on a plate, add the fish on top with the asparagus and drizzle the saffron, lemon, fish cream on top, serve with wedge of fresh lemon. By Nick Constantine - Plaza Mediterranean Bar And Grill, Locksbottom

Wines of the month

Its seems for a time many people threw up their hands in horror at the idea of matching red wine with fish. However, we are becoming more adventurous with wine & food matching and realise how often you can pair the two. When the fish is meaty. If that doesn’t sound a contradiction in terms! Tuna is an obvious example, Swordfish, Monkfish or Swordfish fall into the category and can take a light to medium weight wine. If you wanted to try a red wine why not try a bottle of cru Beaujolais like a Fleurie slightly chilled before serving to go with the Halibut recipe! DOMAINE ROCHE FLEURIE 2010 - £14.99 Attractive, youthful purple-edged ruby colour with impactful aromas of strawberry crumble, boysenberry, blueberry pie and pipe tobacco. Dry, youthfully fruity with a bright acidity bringing refreshment, and lovely late-palate balance. If red wine were not to your fancy then a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region would do the trick TINPOT HUT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 £11.99 The Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2011 has lifted aromas of lemon grass and thyme with passion fruit notes. A complex, gob smacking palate that shines through with underlying ripe fruit and mineral notes. A pleasingly powerful wine with well-balanced acidity and a long lingering finish that will compliment the panfried Halibut lemon fish cream sauce. by Champion Wines

Plaza, 386 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN 01689 859 000 www.plazalocksbottom.co.uk

17 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AB 020 3581 9935 pc@championwines.co.uk www.championwines.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS MENU 2012 STARTERS

Smoked Haddock & Avocado Rillettes with Horseradish Cream. Tarte Tatin of Goat’s Cheese, Red Onion Marmalade & Rocket.V Curried Parsnips & Apple Soup V Turkey & Sage Risotto with Parmesan.

MAINS

Book now for Christmas

Roasted Pheasant in a Game Sauce with Braised Spicy Red Cabbage, Game Chips & Bread Sauce. Slow Braised Lamb Shank with Confit Winter Vegetables & Mash. Salmon in a White Port Sauce with Shrimps on a Bed of Spinach & New Potatoes. Mushrooms Stroganoff with Poached Egg & Chives Rosti.V

DESSERT

Duo of White & Dark Chocolate Terrine with a Mint Sauce. Almond & Pear Tart Baileys Bread & Butter Pudding Xmas Mess with Cranberry Sauce

63 High Street, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1AW 0208 650 2291 www.larascasse.com

s ing es k i o bo Part g in as tak istm w r No Ch for

Lunch, £19.50 per Person • Dinner, £25.00 per Person

A £10.00 deposit, per person, is required to secure your booking. 6 people minimum • A 10% gratuity will be added to the bill

See our reviews and book a table at toptable.co.uk “It is one of the best restaurants in the area and far better than most of the more expensive places in the village itself. If you want content over style, this is the place to go!” - Top Table “Excellent food, friendly, attentive staff. A delightful experience.” - Top Table

121 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9DS 020 8318 2116 villamoura@hotmail.co.uk www.villamoura.com 44  SCENE


S A W M O T N EN IS S R G AK H IN T C K G O O IN B BE

Groups of 6 or more get a Bottle of Wine FREE - Sunday to Thursday (lunchtimes and evenings).

At TY-8 we offer a great choice of fusion food, from Japanese sushi and sashimi to mouth-watering Chinese stir fry and your favourite Thai curries. There is something to suit everyone’s palate, whether you like it hot and spicy or aromatic and full of flavour. With our extraordinary and enticing menu you can trawl through the Far East, exploring its many delights

MODERN CHINESE & JAPANESE CUISINE 67 HIGH STREET, CHISLEHURST, BR7 5AG 020 8295 1818 FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE WWW.TY-8.CO.UK

restaurant Festive month prices and timetable

INDIAN    •    CHINESE    •    THAI    •    MEXICAN    •    ITALIAN The restaurant Buddha Belly, taking its inspiration

starters, main course dishes, desserts, and customised

unitesethe i n buffet d i a(12:00-3:30) n • c h i n efrom stheeregal•foodst ofhAsiaaandi beyond, • m x i c adishes n by•Chinese, i tMexican a l ianda Italian n live stations; lunch where you choose your ingredients and our chefs rich cultures of Asia and Europe to bring the diner Mon-Fri: £9.95 Under 10: £6.95 Saturday: £10.95 Times and prices Under 10: £7.95

cook your dish. In total there are more than 100 a unique concept. We produce all of our dishes in varieties of dishes. The bar also provides a range the house using the finest ingredients available and Seating for 140 • Multi-cuisine • A variety of 80 dishes of drinks inspired by Buddha Belly - travels around freshly cooked before your very eyes which is pretty from various countries to choose from • live kitchen using the world. Spirits, Cocktails, Mock tails, Beers, Finest unique for a buffet. lunch buffeT (mon-fri) 12 noon - 3.30pm your choice food of ingredients prepared by our dinner Wines, Soft drinks etc.chef the way its homemade like salads, adults £7.95buffet children under 10Buddha £4.95Belly provides Mon-Thur: £16.95 (5:00pm-10:30pm) you want it • 100 of the finest cocktails, spirits, mocktails, lunchUnder buffeT (saT) 12 noon - 3.30pm 10: £8.95 www.buddhabelly.co.uk beers, wines, soft drinks etc adults £9.95 children under 10 £5.95 Fri-Sat: £17.95 (5:00pm-11:00pm) 020 8460 6425 020 8460 6448 Under 10: £ 9.95 dinner buffeT (mon-Thurs) 5pm - 10.30pm 45-54 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3BD sunday buffet(12:00pm-9:30pm) adults Adult: £13.95 children under 10 £6.95 All reservations must be made at least 12 hours before for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. £14.95 £8.95 (fri-saT) 5pm - 11pm dinnerUnder: buffeT christmas day£14.95 buffet (12:00pm-9:00pm) adults children under 10 £7.95 bottle of house Adult: £19.95 birthday bonanza wine for 4 paying sunday buffeT Under 10: £10.95 12 noon - 9.30pm (free meal, drink and discount on food guests in the new year eve (5:00pm-11:00pm) adults £11.95 children under 10 £6.95 homemade cake) minimum evening Adult: £24.95 of 6 paying guests children under 5 eat free Terms & Conditions apply. Only one Under 10: £11.95 offer can be used at a time. Not valid

15%

Friday and Saturday time slots& are:saturday 5pm-7pm, 7pm-9pm & 9pm-10pm for friday nights the

on Friday, Saturday and bank holiday. following Please bring this voucher along

christmas bookings now being taken. time slots apply: 5-7pm; 7-9pm; 9-11pm

with you.

Online reservations must be made at least 12 prior to booking. for friday, saturday &hours sunday all reservations

must be made at least 12 hours in advance

Terms & Conditions apply. Only one offer can be used at a time. Not valid on Friday, Saturday and bank

Terms & Conditions apply. Only one offer can be used at a time. Not valid on Friday,

Saturday and bank holiday. Please bring this holiday.Widmore Please bring this voucher along•with you. 45-54 Road Bromley BR1 3BD voucher along with you. 020 8460 6452 • 020 8460 6448 www.buddhabelly.co.uk

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British Inspired Engineering Wiesmann Roadster and GT MF4 Anyone who claims that beauty is in the aesthetics and is based on subjective perception has obviously never seen the Wiesmann MF4. Once you’ve had a glimpse of the MF4, you’ll have to rethink the concept of objective beauty. The power of design is seldom seen as powerfully as it is in this roadster. It is an amalgamation of vintage and modern lines. Its philosophy unites power with pure comfort. If you’ve been searching for design and driving pleasure in one perfect car, look no further than the Wiesmann MF4.

P

references are open to dispute. The Wiesmann GT MF4 isn’t. This thoroughbred Gran Tourismo is the most perfect example of power and design for discerning drivers on the roads today. Its stylish exterior gives an indication of the exclusive driving enjoyment that awaits the driver. The car’s eye-catching silhouette and lines are both classic and modern. This hand-crafted sports car exudes the timeless beauty of a classic two-seater from every perspective. The GT MF4 is a deserving recipient of the red dot design award. The exclusive front end with its large chrome radiator grille and circular xenon headlights, the infinitely long bonnet, the impressive sweep of the wings and a

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rear end with taut curves - all in all, perfectly styled proportions. The car’s cockpit is just as noble as the exterior. The prestigious interior trim features exclusive circular instruments and leather throughout, plus painstakingly hand-crafted details that are incorporated according to the customer’s individual preferences. This breathtaking sports car puts the powerful V8 engine in a new context. The GT MF4 features more than just impressive design. It also has stylish, exclusive and incredibly athletic appeal as a result of its perfectly tuned transmission concept, which reliably and expertly transmits the car’s enormous engine power to the road. The GT MF4 has an outstandingly athletic design. It is based on the


Wiesmann Racing GT, it has been tested under the toughest of conditions, such as the 24 hour race on Nuerburgring, and is driven by the sheer power of a BMW V8 engine. The result is a technical innovation that has been incorporated in all the Wiesmann models which followed the GT MF4: the GT’s aluminium chassis. It’s a groundbreaking development in sports car construction which provides the coupé with incredible driving dynamics despite a low overall weight of 1280 kilograms. Thanks to this low weight, the responsive BMW V8 engine with 367 hp (270 kW) delivers absolutely incredible acceleration of zero to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds. At a maximum speed of 290 km/h, the road becomes its arena. Not enough? Wiesmann has actually surpassed this with a new engine variant that is even more dynamic and will be available as of 2010. It’s a high-revving 4 litre V8 engine with 420 hp (309 kW). The Wiesmann GT MF4-S is available with manual or double-clutch transmission and can accelerate from zero to its maximum speed of 300 km/h in an impressive 4.4 seconds. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 kg/hp and 3.1 kg/hp respectively, the GT MF4 and GT MF4-S coupés are among the top-ranking highperformance sports cars. Externally the brand new GT MF4-S differs in some design details from the GT MF-4. The rear shows a speed dependent slide out wing and the front part standard bi-xenon headlamps. The Wiesmann GT MF4 isn’t just a pleasure to drive on the race track, it’s also uncompromising, purist and extraordinary powerful on the road. It is equipped with a dual stage driver and passenger airbag and is available in a left and right-hand drive version. Every detail of the car’s visual appearance, engine power and driving dynamics are synthesised with breathtaking effect. The car’s exterior and interior are equally prestigious and beholders often disagree on what is more fascinating - the design or the power behind it. However, they do agree on one thing: it’s a genuine Wiesmann. SCENE  47


The Gas Fireplace Company

are exclusively offering SCENE Magazine readers,

ÂŁ50 off

on fire and fireplaces collections. 48  SCENE

Offer valid until 5th December 2012. Terms & Conditions apply. One voucher per customer.


SCENE

Star SCENE is brought to you by International Clairvoyant Jenny Ayers. For a more in depth reading or to arrange a sitting contact Jenny below. Jenny Ayers  Tel: 01892 662 856 jandm.ayers@hotmail.co.UK www.spiritualist-guidance.org

Scorpio

Taurus

23 Oct-21 Nov To look fate in the eye and know you are going to be alright inspite of the deluge of problems that surround you, is a marvellous thing. There are still many changes to occur and challenges to meet. This is all meant to be so that you can remain on a safe footing and be given the chance to excel. Start to make plans for your future.

20 Apr-20 May Your own career, which you thought would never get off the ground, is now circumventing and it is at an ideal time for you. No more the doubts that clouded your vision of expertise, your full worth recognised by the masses, who adore all that you do and say. Look to the future not with bated breath, but with hope and optimism. It’s your destiny.

Sagittarius

Gemini

22 Nov-21 Dec The window of opportunity is not quite there yet; that does not mean you have to panic. The way forward has to be made perfect, so for that your transition to the next level of expertise you are ready and can receive it. The time has come for those necessary changes which put the power back into your life and the necessary safeguards which were missing before.

21 May-20 Jun The change has come. This is a significant time in your life to administer new ideas, which you have held up for so long. It enables you to perform at the highest level and to be appreciated for your knowledge of doing the right thing at the right time. No more will you be over looked, but acclaimed for the magnificent work that you do.

Capricorn

Cancer

22 Dec-19 Jan Stand straight and tall; you are somebody and this will be reflected in how you operate on a very high level. See the public look at you differently. You enter now the higher spheres of expertise, now in a commanding position and can command a generous rate for your expertise. It is high time you saw yourself as different and therefore cannot deny yourself any longer.

21 Jun-22 Jul Take life a little slower. You are working yourself to the bone and with nothing to show for it. The time has come to make a stand and demand the highest accolade for your past and present work. You are worthy of far more, yet still remain in the pits of despair. Take that leap of faith. It is all out there if only you knew it.

Aquarius

Leo

20 Jan-18 Feb The mark of a good employee is to become the employer. The tricks of the trade and the delicacies one has to perform are not always so strait forward. A better understanding of what is necessary for your evolvement within the work force is given to you. You are now able to master situations, which before were incomprehensible for you. You have come a long way.

23 Jul-22 Aug A whiff of fame, but not as you know it. The powers that be have seen your diligent work and are in full admiration. The time has come for you to do something more worthwhile and in keeping with your expertise and the numerous gifts you now possess. It’s quite extraordinary that you have not been discovered before. You won’t be surprise that you are now.

Pisces

Virgo

19 Feb-20 Mar To come from nowhere and to be hailed great for all time is a dream that has never crossed your mind. The planetary configuration, which now exposes you to all things great and magnificent has been the true calling you have had since birth. The setup is a masterstroke of genius, which cannot be denied and so it appears from nowhere, but becomes the norm.

23 Aug-22 Sep Make way for a new offer to be made to you. The list that was not perfect did not allow for you to come to the top. With the new version you do and so can stand tall and be appreciated for who you are. The change of circumstances will be seen by you as a gift from the Almighty and you won’t be far wrong.

Aries

Libra

21 Mar-19 Apr Make way for an impossible event to come to you. What you thought of as dead and buried will re-emerge into a magnificent display of amazing introductions, which will turn your life around completely. It has come in at a strange time in your life, but necessary so that you can enact full freedom to do as you please and benefit in many ways – a true calling.

23 Sep-22 Oct Making ends meet is no longer necessary, as the new influx of revenue opens the way for more improved possibilities coming into your life. The difficult times really are over for good. The new path, which shows itself for you to enjoy and to excel in ways not thought possible before. Be happy and excited and embrace all that comes to you. You won’t be disappointed.

SCENE  49


My Scene Aaron Koch This month, SCENE catches up with Aaron Koch, owner of Villa Moura SO AARON, PLEASE TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND. Like many restaurateurs I grew up in the catering trade. My family has always been in the business and from a young age I would help my father, taking orders at tables, making tea and coffee. I studied Law at University and worked as a senior business manager for the civil service for a number of years. Although I enjoyed the position that I held there, there was something very strong drawing me back to the catering trade. I love the social aspect of it, the drama, the theatre. Restaurants are in my blood. I can’t imagine enjoying anything else this much. HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED VILLA MOURA? I have been here for 2 years. WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS & ARE THEY ALL FAIRLY LOCAL? The majority of our clients are from the local area and we are known by many as a “neighbourhood gem”. We care about our clients and although we serve hundreds of guests every week, we endeavour to develop a relationship with everyone that comes though our door. We see the same people come back year after year and we feel privileged to be part of their anniversaries and birthday celebrations. This being said, people are prepared to travel long distances for good seafood, and when they come to us, they find it! Not many other restaurants do what we do. WHAT BOUGHT YOU TO BLACKHEATH? I’ve lived and worked in the Borough for a number of years and Blackheath has always been a favourite place of mine to socialise. But the main reason for coming to the area was Villa Moura! I was looking for a business and heard that the restaurant was up for sale. When I first walked in it really was love at first sight. There was such a great ambiance that I hadn’t seen in any other restaurant that I had visited. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHEF? Our chef has been cooking at Villa Moura for around 20 years, when the restaurant was first conceived. He has seen the restaurant change from a traditional Portuguese restaurant to the Mediterranean seafood restaurant it is today. His dishes have a vitality, freshness and simplicity about them that you won’t find

50  SCENE

in more modern restaurants. His creativity and classic technique have been instrumental in seeing the restaurant evolve into the success that it is today. WHAT’S THE BUSINESS LIKE TODAY? It’s buzzing! There’s a regular influx of guests during the week, but we’re always packed on Fridays and Saturdays and the atmosphere is phenomenal. Although the restaurant has its roots in Portuguese cuisine, nowadays seafood is the star and our clients enjoy the fact that our menu has influences from around the Med. In true Mediterranean style, we’re not a restaurant that you come to have a quick bite to eat. It’s all about taking your time, having a loud, animated chat with whoever you are dining with, the staff and other diners! We’re a great place to have parties and to celebrate special occasions. This is due in large part to my great front of house team. They really get on well with each other and genuinely enjoy working here. As a result, they enjoy looking after our guests, ensuring that everyone has a great night. WHERE DO YOUR IDEAS AND INSPIRATION COME FROM? I have been fortunate to travel extensively so a lot of my inspiration comes from my overseas adventures. I have always enjoyed getting off the beaten track, finding those restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are hidden in back streets, down alley ways and in basements. Sometimes you are fortunate to find a place with real soul, creativity and individuality about it that you just don’t find in mainstream establishments or chain restaurants. London is a great place for this and many of my eureka moments have come from wandering around central London at night, some jazz in my headphones, taking in the atmosphere and allowing myself to get lost... WITH SUCH A BUSY AND SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I play guitar and find that it is a great way to unwind and focus the mind away from business. I also like to keep active by going rock climbing at The Reach climbing wall in Woolwich. I also run a lot and enjoy raising money for charity. My favourite way to relax is actually to cook! I don’t spend much time at home, but when I get a chance I love to cook a nice gutsy meal, have a few friends over and enjoy a night of food, wine and banter.

Villa Moura, 121 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9DS 020 8318 2116   villamoura@hotmail.co.uk    www.villamoura.com


CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT SHAMPAN

Bromley & Welling

Book Your Seasonal Party For Family, Friends Or Colleagues

DON’T MISS OUT CALL NOW!

CALL 020 8460 7169 TO BOOK SHAMPAN 2 AT BROMLEY

CALL 020 8304 9569 TO BOOK SHAMPAN 3 AT WELLING

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR AT SHAMPAN 2 & 3! Join The Party Atmosphere With Champagne To Welcome You To 2013

SHAMPAN 2

SHAMPAN 3

38 Chatterton Road, Chatterton Village, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9QN

8 Falconwood Parade, The Green, Welling, Kent, DA16 2PL

www.shampangroup.com

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