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EVENTS

MANDELA The Official Exhibition Mandela: The Official Exhibition is the major new global touring exhibition that takes visitors on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader. Now a major new exhibition, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, celebrating his life and legacy makes its World Premiere at 26 Leake Street Gallery at Waterloo’s historic Leake Street Graffiti Tunnels - the perfect home for this one-of-a-kind exhibition from February 8th 2019.

An immersive and interactive experience covering 750 square metres, the exhibition features previously unseen film, photos and the display of over 150 historical artefacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.

Through a series of immersive zones - each one a dramatically different experience - the narrative takes you on a journey through a remarkable life.

You will learn more about Madiba’s beginnings in the rural Transkei, steeped in Xhosa tradition, experience the turbulent struggle against apartheid - and why it had to be defeated and celebrate his liberation and historic term as South Africa’s first black president, ‘Father of South Africa’, and a globally loved

and respected figure. There is also reflection on his passing after a lifetime of service to others.

This unprecedented exhibition provides fresh insight into the people, places and events that formed his character and the challenges he faced. Discover Nelson Mandela as you have never known him.

Top: Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition 4 - Head dress © Peter Morey (www.petermoreyphotographic.co.za). The King of Xhosa people, King Xolilzwe Sigcawu, awarded Nelson Mandela the ancient tribal warrior honor of the Isithwalandwe Sesizwe, for the first time in two centuries. | Above Right: Nelson Mandela - Trench Coat © Lily Franey/Gamma-Rapho/via Getty Images: Of particular importance to Mandela, this photograph shows him wearing his beige trench coat and walking with Joe Slovo after Slovo’s return to South Africa after a 12-year exile in London. | Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Friday 8 February - Sunday 2 June | 26 Leake Street, South Bank, London SE1 7NN Booking Line: 0844 453 9094 | ticketmaster.co.uk | mandelaexhibition.com

your MediaLondon Publisher Paul Gregory Group Editor Emma Tompkins Editorial Director Lyndon Ford Sales Director Jennifer Tompkins Commercial Director Jason Plom Circulation and Production Kevin Rowden Accounts Manager Beverley Hearn

+44(0)20 3150 2555 info@yourmedialondon.com yourmedialondon.com Your Media London, Cascades, 2 Westferry Road, London E14 8JN

CONTENTS 6

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams An exhibition delving into the history of the iconic fashion house.

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NOMOS Goes Dark The Glashuette watchmakers unveil a new timepiece featuring ruthenium.

11 Gyrotourbillon

Jaeger-LeCoultre unveil the incredible Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel.

13 The Nutcracker

New manual wound 33-piece limited edition timepiece from Greubel Forsey.

16 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

A selection of gifts for that special person in your life from chocolates to jewellery.

©Digital Media London Limited. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any language without the written permission of Digital Media London Limited is strictly prohibited. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no liability for omissions and errors. Terms of acceptance can be viewed online.

18 Resort Ready

It might still be cold here in the UK, but there are plenty of places to enjoy the sun with a new wardrobe.

26 Beauty Buys

This months selection of beauty purchases to help you through February.

32 Travel - BLESS Hotel Madrid

Located in the heart of Madrid’s luxurious Salamanca district sits this new five star hideaway.

34 Travel - Mauritius

LUX* Resorts offer up the ideal spot to indulge in a romantic escape to this island paradise.

40 Travel - Pennyhill Park

Secluded Surrey break with one of the most impressive spa and restaurant combinations in the country.

48 Chinese New Year

Some of the best Chinese New Year menus available across London.

46 Perfect For Your Palate

Healthy lunches and the return of the House of Peroni with a side of Cirque Du Soleil.

53 Review - Baptist at L’Oscar

Fine dining in the original home of the Baptist Church at Holborn.

54 Rose Champagne

Why it’s time to try rose champagne with some top tips from Francoise.

56 Review - Beaufort Bar

The Savoy plays host to music, magic and drama with a few fine cocktails thrown in for good measure.

60 Lexus - LC500h

Concept meets real life in the striking coupe from the Japanese marque.

68 Savills - Unique Architecture

Get your hands on a piece of one-off architecture and you might have just found yourself a famous home.

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“There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture.

I even love English cooking.”

Christian Dior

Écarlate afternoon dress, Autumn-Winter 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Photo © Laziz Hamani Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, 2 February - 14 July 2019, The Sainsbury Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum

EVENTS Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior London, 11th November 1958. © Popperfoto, Getty Images

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams supported by Swarovski

This month, the V&A opens the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior - the museum’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in 2015. From 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, supported by Swarovski, traces the history and impact of one of the 20th Century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him, to explore the enduring influence of the fashion house.

Based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition is reimagined for the V&A showcasing couture gowns worn by Princess Margaret, Margot Fonteyn and Jennifer Lawrence.

As part of the new UK exhibition, a brand-new section explores, for the first time, the designer’s fascination with British culture.

Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British-designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary. He also had a preference for Savile Row suits. His first UK fashion show took place at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in 1952 he established Christian Dior London.

The exhibition investigates Dior’s creative collaborations with British manufacturers, including Dents (gloves), Rayne (shoes) Lyle & Scott (knitwear) and Mitchel Maer (costume jewellery). It also focuses on his most notable early British clients, from author Nancy Mitford to ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn.

Drawn from the extensive Dior Archives, the exhibition presents over 500 objects, with over 200 rare Haute Couture garments, as well as accessories and fragrances. A highlight will be the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday celebrations, generously on loan from the Museum of London following conservation work.

The exhibition also brings to life Dior’s spectacular fashion shows staged in the UK’s most luxurious stately homes, including Blenheim Palace in 1954, of which several ensembles are now in the V&A’s collection.

From horticulture to global travel and 18th-century decorative arts, the show reveals the sources of inspiration that defined the House of Dior’s aesthetic. From the daring designs of Yves Saint Laurent to the rational style of Marc Bohan, the flamboyance of Gianfranco Ferré, the exuberance of John Galliano, the minimalism of Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s feminist vision of fashion, the exhibition shows how each successive artistic director has stayed true to Dior’s vision of Haute Couture, while bringing their own creative sensibilities to the House.

Oriole Cullen, Fashion and Textiles Curator at the V&A, said: “In 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion with his New Look, which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorated the post-War Parisian fashion industry. The V&A recognised Dior’s important contribution to design history early-on in his career, acquiring his sketches and garments from the 1950s onwards. The influence of Christian Dior’s design was all-pervasive and helped to define an era. In their own individual ways, each of the House’s successive artistic directors have referenced and reinterpreted Dior’s own designs and continued the legacy of the founder, ensuring that the House of Christian Dior is at the forefront of fashion today. More than seventy years after its founding, the V&A’s exhibition celebrates the enduring influence of the House of Dior and reveals Dior’s relationship with Britain.”

The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams runs from 2 February - 14 July 2019. Tickets from £20. All concessions £15.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL | vam.ac.uk | #DiorDesignerofDreams

WATCHES

NOMOS Goes Dark

Christopher Ward pays homage to the 1960’s Following the sell-out success of the hand wound C65 Trident Diver, British brand Christopher Ward has launched the C65 Trident Automatic.

Launched this month, the C65 Trident Diver Automatic is the latest addition to the successful C65 Trident Collection.

The self-winding timepiece has been created using the same 1960s-inspired design language as the wider collection but with a modified bezel and a bold new dial.

Using the same sleek 41mm case as its hand-wound predecessor, the impressive timepiece maintains a height of 11.55mm despite its larger Sellita SW 200-3 movement.

Crucially though, Christopher Ward has ensured that the new C65 Trident Automatic will be available at the same price as the hand-wound, £695, offering incredible value.

Underneath a glassbox sapphire crystal, the C65 Trident Automatic’s matte finish dial, which is available in either black or blue, features raised dots and indexes that are filled with Old Radium SuperLuminova®. On the dial, Christopher Ward has also used the same baton shaped hands that were used on the original hand wound C65 as well as the iconic Trident counterbalance, with the main logo at 9 o’clock and the twin flag motif debossed at 12 o’clock. The watch face is then accompanied by a pared-down version of the C65 Trident Diver’s narrow bezel to complement the more complex dial design.

The new C65 Trident Diver Automatic is priced at £695 and is available to purchase now. christopherward.co.uk

Following an outstanding end to 2018, NOMOS Glashütte have presented a new version of its successful Tangente neomatik 41 Update model, featuring a dial refined with ruthenium, turning it elegantly dark. The innovative caliber technology and reengineered date display of this model recently won over the jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the most important award in the watchmaking world.

The dashing new dial is enhanced with ruthenium, a member of the platinum group and a very rare element. Depending on the light conditions, the color shifts between dark gray and golden brown—with unwavering elegance. The date ring that circumscribes the dial bears two contrasting red markings that frame the current date, a design that is exclusive to NOMOS Glashütte.

“The date shows what this caliber can do,” says NOMOS designer Michael Paul, 44, who gave the Tangente model its Update: “It gives you a sense of the immense watchmaking expertise that went into its construction.” With DUW 6101, the second neomatik movement from NOMOS Glashütte, the watchmaking company has set a groundbreaking new standard. And a very thin one at that, since the caliber measures just 3.6 mm in height. The quick-change date function can be easily set with a slight turn of the crown in either direction.

With a diameter of 41 millimeters, Tangente Update is a large watch, and particularly masculine in its new dial color. This impression is enhanced by a robust stainless-steel case and a sapphire crystal back, which displays the richly decorated caliber at work within.

Tangente neomatik 41 Update ruthenium is available at select retailers from spring 2019. nomos-glashuette.com

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

Master Ultra Thin The remarkable Master Ultra Thin line from Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches its collection with three new models featuring complications among the most emblematic of watchmaking expertise - moon phases, tourbillon, date, and perpetual calendar. A testament to precision and sophistication, these three new limited editions in white gold and midnight blue enamel perfectly complement the Master collection.

Limited to just 50 pieces, the new Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Enamel features a new tourbillon movement and a new-look date counter. In an elegant case from the Master Ultra Thin collection, the famous Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 978 has been reconceived both technically and aesthetically. In terms of finishes, the sunray-effect really stands out, as does the light and graceful gold oscillating weight. As always, one’s gaze is captured by the endlessly fascinating spectacle of the tourbillon, fittingly placed in an aperture at six o’clock.

With an almost tangible quality under its transparent sapphire crystal, the tourbillon showcases its acrobatic dexterity with rare precision on a blue and white gold backdrop, revealing the details of its exceptional finishes. In an eternal dance, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s emblematic tourbillon marks out the time in a way that is both precise and precious.

For the artists and artisans of the Manufacture’s Rare Handcrafts (“Métiers Rares®”), the Master Ultra Thin line remains an endless source of inspiration. This new model will win over anyone who loves precision, as every detail is heightened in a pure expression of sophistication.

Like the hand-guilloché dial that blends in with a beautiful blue enamel background. Or the perfectly proportioned white gold case, with its 40 mm diameter. Or the slender hour markers, specially redesigned for this limited edition, like a natural extension of timeless and understated Dauphine hands. jaeger-lecoultre.com

WATCHES

Gyrotourbillon

Westminster Perpétuel Jaeger-LeCoultre was founded in 1833 in the Vallée de Joux and has since relentlessly pursued innovation in aid of precision timekeeping.

The industry defining brand has created more than 1,200 watch calibres to date, counts 180 different watchmaking and watch-related skills as part of its in-house expertise, has over 400 registered patents and has revived ageold decorative techniques such as guillochage and grand feu enamelling in its inhouse Métiers Rares atelier. The 2019 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie saw La Grande Maison present the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel, the first multi-axis tourbillon with a constant-force mechanism, Westminster chime and perpetual calendar.

The fifth multi-axis tourbillon from Jaeger-LeCoultre, with a size reduction in the redesigned tourbillon component to create a more wearable watch, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel Incorporates a one-minute constant-force mechanism to provide consistent energy to the sensitive tourbillon, resulting in a precisely jumping minute hand and a more precise minute repeater mechanism.

It also features a Westminster carillon minute repeater that replicates the chime of the famed Big Ben clock tower, with a silence-reduction mechanism to optimise melody cadence.

Following the 2004 Master Gyrotourbillon 1, the 2008 Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2, the 2013 Master GrandeTradition Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee and the 2016 Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon, the sleek aesthetic of the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel also features the one horological function with the greatest everyday relevance and pragmatic value - the perpetual calendar.

As the name suggests, the perpetual calendar is designed to work in perpetuity. It automatically displays the correct date without the need for manual adjustment between months of different lengths. It even takes into account the extra day at the end of February during leap years. The most common configuration of the perpetual calendar mechanism can only be adjusted in one direction, but the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel emphasises the experience and convenience of the user, and its date can be adjusted forwards or backwards without harming the movement.

The Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel is the result of 186 years of fine watchmaking expertise and a spirit of innovation that continues to this day. Reflecting the blend of patrimony and modernity is the design of the watch, which emphasises the round profile of the Master Grande Tradition case. A retractable minute repeater pusher, first seen in the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon, preserves the smooth lines of the case. Hand guillochage, fine hammering (martelage) and grand feu enamel are part of the canon of fine watchmaking finish and have been practiced at Jaeger-LeCoultre throughout its history - most outstandingly in the dazzling Hybris Artistica collection. In the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel, however, these finishes are expressed in a subtle and contemporary way, culminating in the openworked dial produced either in a striking deep-blue grand feu enamel or in a more classic silver-grained version - showcasing the mesmerising multi-axis tourbillon.

These age-old techniques are skilfully practised by master artisans from the in-house Metiers Rares atelier of Jaeger-LeCoultre, where haut-degamme traditional finish is also applied to the movement by hand. jaeger-lecoultre.com

WATCHES

SKELETON X More than a means, exploring has become Ulysse Nardin’s motivation. Skeleton X is the perfect showcase of this new X-ray vision of watchmaking. Blurring the frontiers between our inner and the outer worlds, X-rays allow us to connect with the invisible, with the hidden. To see through things, to explore the in-betweens of the reality, to transgress the rules of the material world. The new Skeleton X plays off the transparency of its powerful movement by intricately cutting away as much material as possible, without jeopardizing tolerances or shock resistance, to reveal the stunning beauty of the threedimensional heart beating inside.

The Skeleton X case, reshaped and very small, a mere 42mm, is perfectly on-trend: more angular, more masculine, less round. Its shape-within-shape-withinshape geometry - an X formed by four of the indexes is framed in a rectangle, in turn inside a circle - delights the eye. Inside and clearly visible beats one of the star innovations of the watch’s antecedent, the Freak Vision: a super-light balance wheel in silicium, extra-wide, with nickel flyweights and stabilizing micro-blades.

The new Manufacture movement, the UN-371 caliber, is based on the UN-171 movement, but ulysse-nardin.com

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet is the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families. Devoted to the preservation and transmission of its passion, savoir-faire and avant-garde spirit, Audemars Piguet continues to infuse its timepieces with enduring values of artistic excellence and technical mastery.

With the emergence of the digital age, Audemars Piguet has kept following its own path, using transformative technologies to create ground-breaking timepieces. audemarspiguet.com

completely redesigned. The 96-hour power reserve can be read through the back by means of windows, like those in the barrel. The Skeleton X exists in four different satin-finish versions: satin-finish titanium blue, satin-finish titanium black, satin-finish rose gold or matte-finish Carbonium ® gold.

Painstakingly cut and exposed, elaborately finished, hand-polished to a shimmering gleam, it bespeaks the artisan’s touch, and watchmaker’s experience and savoir-faire.

The most spectacular iteration of the Skeleton X collection is undoubtedly the Carbonium ® gold version. The aeronautic-grade Carbonium ® is a new, super-light and sustainable material used in the production of the latest-generation airplanes’ fuselage and wings. In short, the most vital and essential components in today’s modern airplanes. The production of Carbonium ® has 40% less environmental impact than other carbon composites as it uses offcuts from aeronautical pieces.

With complex process requiring high pressures and temperatures, Carbonium ® is a high-performance material that brings out the core beauty of the organic pattern created by the 7μm diameter carbon fibres. Carbonium® Gold is a “fusion” of carbon and gold, giving to the Skeleton X watch case shimmery and flowing black and gold waves.

Constructed from next-generation carbon composites - among the most robust and resilient materials ever devised by science - it is as audaciously disruptive as it is technically and technologically transcendent.

Ulysse Nardin is the first to use this next-generation material in a watch. Its resistance-to-lightness ratio is unparalleled, and its stunning marbling effect never repeats, making each watch case absolutely unique.

WATCHES “With 13 different models, including four complications in one go, Code 11.59

by Audemars Piguet represents one of the most important and comprehensive launches in the Manufacture’s history.

For the first time, we are also presenting a collection consciously designed for both men and women, with an arched ergonomic case comfortable for all to wear. These models reach out to the people who choose it all and look beyond the obvious.” Sébastian Vivas, Heritage and Museum Director.

This model houses selfwinding Manufacture calibre 5134 optimised with the collection’s signature openworked weight in 22-carat gold. A perpetual calendar automatically adjusts short months and adds a day to February each leap year. If worn permanently, it will require an adjustment in 2100 only. This adjustment will consist in setting the date manually from February 29th to March 1st.

An astronomical watch par excellence, this perpetual calendar model features a dark blue aventurine dial and subdials recalling a star-lit sky.

Aventurine glass was created in the 17th century thanks to a chance manipulation (“all’avventura”) in a Murano glass factory when copper filings were dropped into cooling molten glass, creating a constellation of sparkling particles. Today, this glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt that give the blue colour to the glass. The pink gold case, hands and applied hour-markers enrich the deep blue sparkling constellation of the aventurine dial.

The dial’s starry particles resonate with the moon indication at 6 o’clock.

A photographic image of the moon is reproduced through laser engraving and applied on an aventurine disc that subtly matches the design of the dial. The astronomical moon serves to diminish the daily display error. Thanks to this function, adjustment is required once every 122 years and 108 days.

In addition to providing the astronomical moon indication at 6 o’clock, the perpetual calendar indicates the day number and week day at 3 and 9 o’clock respectively, the month at 12 o’clock, the week numbers on the lacquered blue inner bezel, as well as the hours and minutes.

Balancier Contemporain Inventor Watchmakers Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have made their mark on watchmaking history through a number of mechanical creations, notably the Double Tourbillon 30°, the Quadruple Tourbillon, the GMT, the QP à Équation with its Mechanical Computer, along with the Différentiel d’Égalité and the Grande Sonnerie. Artists at heart, they set the scene for these Fundamental Inventions through timepieces featuring unprecedented aesthetics, mastering asymmetry and balance to provide fresh momentum and playing with depth and volume in exploring all three dimensions. Each of these unique architectural accomplishments is crafted with extreme attention to detail with a particularly consummate skill applied to hand finishing. The result is a unique universe perfectly embodied in the new Balancier Contemporain.

This highly original creation, a white gold 33-piece limited edition, is distinguished by its 39.6 mm diameter, a first from Greubel Forsey which generally builds larger timepieces. The challenge here was not only to house the large balance wheel within a limited space, but above all to achieve optimal proportions and an attractive three-dimensional construction, as well as safeguarding the emblematic aesthetic codes of the timepieces built within the Atelier. A daunting endeavour that required several years of development in order to create an appealing and unmistakably Greubel Forsey creation.

With the Balancier Contemporain, Greubel Forsey is offering an entirely new movement within the compact 39.6 mm-diameter, 12.21 mm-high case. An original and engaging display of three-dimensional architecture, this timepiece is suited to all wrists and asserts itself as a new creation in its own right. While maintaining the emblematic large balance wheel, the Inventor Watchmakers entirely rethought this new movement construction so as to trim the dimensions without compromising performance in any way. The manual-winding calibre comprises 255 components, all crafted and finished in the Greubel Forsey spirit of the finest workmanship. It is endowed with a 72-hour power reserve ensuring chronometric performance by means of two series-coupled fast-rotating barrels - one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension. The movement is also equipped with a crown-activated ‘stop balance’ system enabling timesetting to the nearest second. The white gold case flows into three-dimensional lugs formed from geometry - a subtle and elegant expression of creative skill.

These original volumes are accentuated by alternating finishes - polished bezel and lugs, satin-brushed caseband and caseback - creating a play on contrasts that has become a signature of Greubel Forsey timepieces. greubelforsey.com

IWC

Ceratanium

®

Since the 1980s, IWC has developed a unique specialisation in the processing of innovative case materials. The manufacturer is also using high tech materials in its new Top Gun line Ceratanium® as well as black and sand-coloured ceramic.

In 1980, IWC launched the IWC Porsche Design Titanchronograph, the first wristwatch with a case made from titanium. This was followed in 1986 by the Da Vinci Perpetual

Calendar, the first watch in the world to have a case made from black zirconium oxide ceramic. These feats of engineering marked IWC’s first steps into developing its own innovative case materials.

Each material has specific properties and different advantages.

Stainless steel, for instance, is rustproof and easy to process.

Titanium is lightweight and unbreakable but difficult to process.

Ceramic is not susceptible to wear and is so hard that it can only be scratched with a diamond. The search for a material that satisfies both the functional and aesthetic requirements of a watch is a key component of the engineering approach at IWC. The Schaffhausen-based manufacturer is now taking its material innovations one step further: Ceratanium® (ceramized titanium) is a material developed by IWC that combines the outstanding advantages of titanium and ceramic in a groundbreaking new material. The base material, a special titanium alloy, is as lightweight and unbreakable as titanium. Its treated surface, however, is just as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic.

The starting material for Ceratanium® is a special titanium alloy. The manufacturing process for this alloy involves multiple stages and is extremely complex, as the raw material must have an extremely high degree of purity. The blank is initially machined to give the various case components their final shape.

This is followed by a furnace process. During this process, oxygen diffuses into the material, a phase transformation takes place and the surface of the metal becomes ceramic.

With this special surface finish, the material not only takes on the typical properties of ceramic such as extreme hardness and scratch resistance, but also develops a striking, matte black colour. In contrast to conventional coating procedures used today such as DLC, which can separate from the carrier or flake off, the ceramic surface of Ceratanium® adheres permanently to the material. It therefore does not separate, even if the watch is somehow knocked.

As well as its optimum material properties, what characterises Ceratanium® is its matte black colour. For the first time, Ceratanium® will be used for a pilot’s watch in the new Top Gun collection and it will also be the first time IWC has used this material for an unlimited watch.

In the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium, all case components, including accessories such as the chronograph push-buttons or the pin buckle, are made from Ceratanium® giving the watch a sleek jet-black design. iwc.com

Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph The Montblanc Star Legacy product line takes its inspiration from Minerva’s heritage and the company’s pocket watches that were made during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

These timepieces were the height of innovation for the time as they featured a patented crown system, leading the company to an early and immediate global success.

In the spirit of formal elegance, the Montblanc Star Legacy timepieces showcase classic design codes such as round, pebble shaped cases; horns with steps on the side; onion-shaped crowns with the recognisable Montblanc emblem, and eye-catching dials featuring the iconic exploding star guilloché pattern.

Following on from the launch of the Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph in stainless steel with a silvery-white dial that was unveiled last year, Montblanc is presenting two new versions one is a combination of a red gold and anthracite aesthetic, while the other one comes in stainless-steel with an anthracite dial. Both are equipped with matching anthracite Sfumato alligator straps coming from the Maison’s leather workshop in Florence, Italy.

These timepieces pay tribute to the French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec who invented the first inking chronograph that was patented in 1821 and has marked the history of fine watchmaking.

The Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronographs

incorporate the very recognisable two rotating, horizontallyaligned, discs on the watch’s dial - one for the chronograph’s 60-second counter and the other for the 30-minute counter - which turn below a fixed double index, like on the original device.

Both the counters and the off-centred hours and minutes ring are domed to give an eye-catching three-dimensional effect.

Other design details on the dial include slim Arabic numerals that are surrounded by a precise railway minute track, leaf-shaped hands, azuré finishing in the centre of the dial and a “filet sauté” guilloché decoration that runs around the dial. A ring with the Nicolas Rieussec inscription has also been applied on the outer part of the dial, further paying tribute to the chronograph’s famous inventor.

The timepieces are powered by the iconic calibre MB R200 Manufacture monopusher chronograph movement with automatic winding and column wheel mechanism that can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.

The movement has two barrels which store enough energy for 72 hours of power reserve.

For utmost precision, the Montblanc Star Legacy Chronograph Nicolas Rieussec is water resistant to 30 metres and is certified by the Montblanc Laboratory Test 500.

montblanc.com

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White Chocolate Strawberry Punnet, 110g £9.95 from Choc on Choc at Harvey Nichols | 2. Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum Spray, 100ml £113.00 from Chanel. chanel.com Reve d’Infini Eau de Parfum, 100ml £100.00 from Lalique. lalique.com and harrods.com | 4. Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, 105g £43.00 from Elemis. elemis.com Sacred Hearts Flowering Tea Bulbs £19.95 from Choi Time at Harvey Nichols | 6. Damascena Scented Candle, 190g £53.00 from Diptyque. Available at Selfridges. selfridges.com Tequila 1530 Rosa £65.50 from Código Tequila at Harvey Nichols | 8. Beoplay E8 2.0 with Wireless Charging Case £300.00 from Bang & Olufsen. bang-olufsen.com 9. Charbonnel Et Walker Kir Royale Chocolate Truffles £14.50 from Charbonnel et Walker at Harvey Nichols

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Escape to the Sun

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Helsinki Binding Racer Back One Piece ÂŁ220.00

heidiklein.com

Beauty Buys New to Sisley’s Sisleÿa L’Integral Serum range, the brand has created the new Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Wrinkle Concentrated Serum. Targeting behavioural ageing and negative lifestyle factors such as smoking and pollution, the powerful new concentrated serum reawakens collagen production at its very source and regenerates the Extra-Cellular Matrix to combat the signs of ageing better than ever before, leaving skin smoother, youthful and radiant.

Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Wrinkle Concentrated Serum £350.00 from Sisley.

Available nationwide. sisley-paris.com

Sisley launches into new Space NK locations Sisley has launched into Space NK Westbourne Grove, Primrose Hill and Hampstead and to celebrate customers are invited to visit the stores and enjoy a mini treatment protocol, using a combination of skincare products, including the anti-aging Sisleÿa range. The mini treatments will use specific massage strokes using metal massage pens to smooth, stimulate and offers pure relaxation in 15 minutes.

Throughout February the luxury brand is also offering a complimentary Coffret Fleur gift with purchase, including a selection of luxury sized samples, with the purchase of two or more skin care products. sisley-paris.com

Initially launched in April 2017 as a fragrance, By Kilian have worked their stunning Black Phantom into a Shower Gel & Body Lotion formula.

Available now, Black Phantom will join the existing line of Straight to Heaven, Good Girl Gone Bad, Moonlight in Heaven and Love & Intoxicated.

Black Phantom Shower Gel £90.00 and Lotion £105.00 from By Kilian. bykilian.co.uk The brand has also reworked their iconic Good Girl Gone Bad to create the new Good Girl Gone Bad Extreme. Now adorned with black and gold finishes, the new fragrance also comes with a new clutch design for users to enjoy.

Protect your delicate locks with SLIP’s skinny hair ties. Made using the highest-grade mulberry silk the clever ties have been designed to avoid hair kinks and creases while also being incredibly gentle on your hair.

Stylish and practical you can wear these both to work and at home. Combine with the brand’s award-winning anti-aging pure silk pillowcase and sleep eye mask for the ultimate luxury night in.

Black & White Leopard Skinnies £39.00 from SLIP. slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk; and Lovely Lashes Sleep Mask £45.00 from SLIP. Available at SpaceNK. spacenk.com

Good Girl Gone Bad Extreme Refillable Spray, 50ml £245.00 from By Kilian. bykilian.co.uk

Aptly named ‘Good in Bed’, GLAMGLOW’s latest innovation is a passionfruit-infused night treatment that works to leave skin super soft come the morning thanks to powerful, yet gentle skin exfoliating acids and skin plumping Hyaluronic Acid.

IT Cosmetics has launched a new one-stop eyeshadow and blush palette that delivers endless eye-opening looks and instantly awakens your complexion all in one universally flattering palette. Developed with leading dermatologists, the IT Girl Vol. 2 Eye & Cheek Palette features 12 long-wearing matte and radiant Naturally Pretty eyeshadows that effortlessly glide on, as well as a one-of-a-kind ombré Bye Bye Pores Blush Poreless Finish Airbrush Brightening Blush that blurs the look of your pores and provides your perfect flush of colour.

IT Girl Palette Vol. 2 £48.00 from IT Cosmetics. itcosmetics.co.uk

Good in Bed Passionfruit Softening Night Cream £42.00 GLAMGLOW. glamglow.co.uk

Goutal’s new hand care range leaves skin velvety soft and wonderfully scented all day long. With three unisex scents, from bright citrus to delectable blackberry and bramble the new washes and balms are a luxurious edition to your bathroom.

Travel in style with Jo Malone London’s new Vitamin E Travel Kit. Soothe, soften and replenish skin on the go with the nourishing benefits of Vitamin E Body Scrub, Body Balm, Hand Treatment and Gel. All encased in this sleek travel set.

Vitamin E Travel Kit £42.00 from Jo Malone London. jomalone.co.uk

Hand Cream, 40ml £25.00 and Liquid Soap, 300ml £31.00 from Goutal Paris. goutalparis.com

Providing a second skin finish and weightless coverage, Laura Mercier’s new Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation leaves skin glowing with 15 hours of hydration.

Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation £36.00 from Laura Mercier. Available nationwide. lauramercier.com

Beauty News Acqua di Parma’s New Barbiere Opens in London The historic Italian brand, Acqua di Parma has launched its first permanent, stand-alone Barbiere in Selfridges. The new ‘place to be’ in the UK for fans of Acqua di Parma and the authentic Italian ritual of shaving the new Barbiere is part of the Men’s Designer Street Fashion Department in Selfridges. For the very first time, Acqua di Parma will be exporting one of the best-loved features of its Boutiques - Barbiere - making it the focal point of an innovative retail concept. The Barbiere is the place where London’s sophisticated male population can not only experience the unique and authentic ritual of a traditional Italian shave but also discover the brand’s entire olfactory universe.

The Barbiere’s walls have been clad in Canaletto walnut alternate with dynamic, leather-finish vertical grooving and inserts in the brand’s signature radiant Parma yellow. The varied and comprehensive list of services is divided into three categories - Shave, Hair and Facials - carefully put together to offer deeply toning and invigorating experiences, ranging from the Traditional Italian Shave to the Prestige Shave for the most demanding clients, and the Express Shave for a quick, basic but always impeccable service. For bearded clients, Acqua di Parma also offers a range of beard grooming and care services. Other brand-new services for hair include neck and sideburn trims, haircut adjustments and luxury head shaves. Consumers aiming for an even more relaxed and fresh look can treat themselves to a wide range of services, including eyebrow shaping, face peeling and a revitalising treatment for the face and eyes. At last, London has a place where men can indulge in such a private and personal routine: Barbiere at Selfridges awaits all those consumers willing to join the time-honoured ritual of a traditional Italian shave. acquadiparma.com

Country Home Candle Perfumer Frédéric Malle has created two new candles to join the brand’s home fragrance collection. The wax has been created specifically to suit each fragrance oil and is hand-poured around a wick that burns with a clean and defined flame. Stylish and sleek in matte porcelain jars with a red interior, the carefully created candles emit a soft red glow that will transform your room into a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Country Home by Nicolas Beaulieu Candle £60.00 from Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. fredericmalle.co.uk

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property / family / art / motor / aviation / maritime / travel / antiques / wine

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The Great British Escape Stoke Park is a luxury 5 AA Red Star Hotel, Spa and Country Club set within 300 acres of beautiful parkland and offers world-class sporting and leisure facilities.

Facilities include: • • • •

• •

49 Bedrooms and Suites Award winning Spa 27 hole Championship Golf Course 3 Restaurants and Bars, including Humphry’s (3 AA Rosette, fine dining) 13 Tennis Courts (indoor, grass and artificial clay) Indoor Pool State of the art Gym with Fitness, Hot Yoga and Spinning Studios hosting up to 50 classes per week Crèche Games Room

•

Playground

• • •

35 minutes from London, 7 miles from Heathrow Airport and a short drive from Windsor makes Stoke Park an ideal location and perfect setting for stopovers and luxury breaks.

For more information or to book, please contact our Reservations Team on 01753 717172 or email reservations@stokepark.com

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LUX* Le Morne Mauritius

LUXurious Escape to Mauritius Travelling to an island paradise will always be idyllic, but you can still find an extra level of luxury by choosing the perfect place to stay. Fortunately, LUX* Resorts have everything in hand to deliver the ideal romantic escape on the stunning Le Morne Peninsula.

BLESS HOTEL MADRID

BLESSHotel Madrid Madrid boasts one of the most exclusive districts in Spain.

Salamanca, home to one of the most expensive streets in the country - Calle Serrano - and well known for being one of the wealthiest and expensive areas in Madrid is proud of the high living cost and one of the highest real estate prices in the city.

Just a stones throw from Calle Serrano rests the site of the new BLESS Hotel Madrid. Taking over the home of the Gran Hotel Velazquez, one of Madrid’s most iconic hotels, this reimagined hotel brings an extra touch of luxury to the Salamanca area with the concept of hedonism at the fore.

Built in 1946, the original hotel played host to Madrid’s high society and in its heyday was a heavily featured meeting point for the people of the city. Today, you are welcomed straight in to a bustling bar area which transforms from day to night with an energising atmosphere to help prepare you for the day ahead in the morning and a lively yet relaxed vibe in the evening perfect for unwinding after a day of activity in the city.

Everything about this hotel has been specifically crafted and curated to help its guests accomplish the hedonist values, taking all of the stress out of travel, leaving only the best parts for you to enjoy.

Venture past the bar and you will find gastronomic guru, Martin Berasategui’s ETXEKO, a culinary delight of Spanish flavours. Boasting a staggering ten Michelin Stars, Berasategui is the most decorated Spanish chef and joins the BLESS Hotel Madrid with a unique new offering that is set to wow guests and visitors to the hotel alike.

Taking diners on a journey north to the Basque region, home of Berasategui’s roots, the menu delivers traditional flavours in a new, distinctive style that truly brings the epicurean side of the hedonist ethos to light. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without an impressive drinks menu to match. Thankfully, everything from fine wine to unique spirits are available to enjoy with your meal or by itself at the bar. The design of the restaurant lends itself to both options perfectly with seating at the bar to while away the time.

BLESS Hotel Madrid, Calle De Velázquez, 62, 28001 Madrid | +34 971313811

TRAVEL Whether you choose to stay at BLESS for business or pleasure, you will find everything you need to enjoy your stay and if there is anything extra you might need or desire, the concierge team is on hand to accommodate. The idea of hedonism runs through every aspect of this hotel and continues through to the soon to be completed Velázquez 62,5 boulevard that will offer an additional space to indulge the hedonist in you with the ideal meeting place along with shops and space to enjoy a coffee.

Head to the top of the hotel and you can enjoy a different kind of drink at the Picos Pardos Sky Lounge, perfect for a drink outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid. Bringing a cocktail menu developed by the ‘Blessed Bartenders’ along with food from Nikkei cuisine to raw recipes. You will also find a rooftop pool to enjoy with your drinks.

Elsewhere in the hotel you will find a whole host of spaces to explore and enjoy including the relaxing Magness Soulful Spa complete with treatment menu, sauna, steam room, ice waterfall and jacuzzi alongside the FitNic Power Gym that features a unique, new way to keep fit. The virtual space called Sweat Box provides an interactive way for you to engage in a digital workout perfectly suited to your needs.

Head just around the corner and you will stumble across a hidden world reserved for the select few prepared to fully embrace the hedonist way. The Fetén Clandestine Bar delivers a secret underground area complete with two bars and two lane bowling alley, perfect for an evening of entertainment and indulgence. This is the ideal space for parties and events and the addition of the fully automated bowling alley brings an extra something to the hotel.

All of the rooms in the hotel have been beautifully finished with fine, tactile materials utilising a neutral colour palette giving a chic, clean aesthetic. An abundance of white adorns every room yet the hotel remains warm and welcoming thanks to clever use of natural colours and materials. Rooms range from the deluxe option through to a number of unique suites each with their own style including the ‘Bless Your Couture’, ‘Bless Your Instincts’ and ‘Bless Your Divinity’ suites, each offering distinctive spaces and unique views, some even come with a private hot tub.

To top off your luxurious stay, indulge in the hotel’s Bathology concept. Choose to experience absolute harmony, calm, energy or relaxation through a careful selection of soaps and mineral salts immersing you in a ritual of aromas and essential oils created to inspire you and bring you unique physical, mental and of course, spiritual benefits. All you have to do is get ready to relax and let the hotel staff do the rest.

Everything about this hotel is aimed at providing the ultimate experience whether that’s relaxation, indulgence or invigoration, and they are more than prepared to deliver each and every one.

Prices for BLESS Hotel Madrid start from £236 per room, based on a deluxe room on a room only basis. To book, please visit www.blesscollectionhotels.com reservations@blesscollectionhotels.com | blesscollectionhotels.com

LUX* LE MORNE

Escape to Paradise Located just off the southeast coast of Africa, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius is highly regarded worldwide as one of the today’s top luxury travel destinations.

The lure of the year-round tropical climate, with hot and humid summers taking place between December and April, crystal clear Indian Ocean waters and a melting pot of cultures make it very hard to resist this attractive island.

As a former French and then British colony, it comes as no surprise that the island bears strong European influences, as well as many Indian, African, Chinese and French citizens to add to the

cultural diversity that is not only shown in the warm hospitality of the people but also the huge array of cuisines.

Not just a beach location - although you will be hard pushed to find yourself wanting to leave the idyllic white sand - Mauritius offers an island experience with a difference thanks to the stunning natural beauty of the land itself. Discover the Black River Gorges by mountain bike or hike on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne. Other activities include trekking through the lush forests, shopping in the villages and markets of the capital Port Louis while also exploring the rich colonial history of the island.

LUX* Le Morne, Coastal Road, Le Morne, Mauritius

TRAVEL Sugar plays a huge part in the history of Mauritius and this can be seen in the many sugar cane fields around the island. As one of the world’s main sugar producers, the natural sweet is used to make everything from preserves to rum.

Mauritius truly is a place where you can have it all. From relaxing to world-class golfing, there’s plenty to do on land and off as the island is renowned for it’s impressive watersports such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and kite surfing.

Animal lovers should head to the nature reserves to spot some of the native endangered species, both in the ocean and inland. You could come for two weeks and still not have explored everything which further cements Mauritius’s place as a must visit and dare we say, much more exciting than it’s fellow Indian Ocean island neighbour, the Maldives.

With resorts and hotels all over the world from France to China, and plenty more to come, each LUX* experience enables guests to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

From freshly, locally roasted and ethically sourced coffee, free pancakes, beach cinemas, stunning spas and the magical tree of wishes, each property helps people to celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of luxury. Hospitality that is ‘Lighter.Brighter’.

At LUX*, every moment matters, and as a Mauritian company it comes as no surprise that they boast three of the best luxury beach resorts on the island. LUX* Belle Mare is located on the east coast of Mauritius, LUX* Le Morne is in the south west, and LUX* Grand Gaube is positioned in the north.

+230 401 4000 | reservation@luxresorts.com | luxresorts.com

MAURITIUS In prime position at the foot of the incredible Le Morne mountain, LUX* Le Morne is brimming with natural beauty and plenty of local wildlife.

The magical 5-star resort is set on one of Mauritius’ most attractive lagoon-facing locations and is renowned for its fantastic view of the island’s spectacular sunsets. The natural wilderness of the UNESCO-protected surrounds has inspired the tropical resort gardens and with only a few steps to the mesmerising waters and white sand, you will find it easy to disconnect from the rest of the world as soon as you step into the airy open plan reception.

The dramatic backdrop and palm fringed stretch of beach can make you feel like you are in a Bond film. The thatched tropical chalets and suites are nestled amongst the trees, with four pictureperfect pools spoiling guests for choice, allowing for a great deal of privacy should you wish. This is just one of the lovely features of the Le Morne location - at no point do you feel like you are at an overrun resort making this the perfect choice for honeymooners and adult travellers alike.

If that wasn’t enough, tucked behind on one of the winding pathways is a lush spa, where the trickling of water and colourful flowers set the tone at the beautiful relaxation pool, providing a tranquil haven post treatment.

The LUX* Me spa has a long list of treatments that covers every possible need and can be tailored to each individual, whether it be treatments, fitness, yoga or nutrition. Indulge in a scrub or a

traditional Balinese couple’s massage using specially developed essential oils before heading to the sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi to relax further. Vincent at the property’s LUX* Wellness Concierge runs daily yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the sea or on a paddle-board and is suitable for all levels of fitness and flexibility.

LUX* Le Morne also boasts tennis courts, guided mountain bike tours and walks, as well as a state-of-the-fitness suite where the Wellness Concierge are on hand to help you develop personalised programmes for you to do while you’re away and to continue at home. Great for working off some of that delicious food on offer!

LUX* Le Morne, Coastal Road, Le Morne, Mauritius

TRAVEL Speaking of food, the dining options at LUX* Le Morne are second to none with three restaurants and a host of bars and inroom dining options.

Mauritian cuisine is a fusion of culinary traditions from all over the world. The three restaurants at LUX* Le Morne reflect the diversity and variety of cultures that have helped to shape the island’s history. The Kitchen is at the heart of the resort and overlooks the calm waters of the lagoon offering a fantastic buffet

for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With varying open cooking stations and tailored themed evenings from tastes of Asia to European fare, the island Kitchen also serves classic Creole delights including the country’s famed street food. Desserts are spectacular and the quality of food is incredible from fresh fish and dim sum, to large roast joints and creamy French cheese.

Elsewhere, and perfect if you like pizza, The Beach is LUX* Le Morne’s scenic beachside restaurant that is literally on the sand.

Here you can enjoy an array of Mediterranean inspired dishes from fresh fish and salads to pasta and indulgent pizza.

EAST is the most magnificent of all and was named ‘Best Thai Restaurant’ in Africa at the 2016 World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Wonderfully elegant, booking ahead is a must to enjoy the delicate Thai flavours at this much-loved restaurant.

You’ll never go thirsty at LUX* Le Morne either with a great wine list that includes LUX*’s exclusive South African Scrucap wines, and even a swim up bar that offers whole coconuts, fresh juices and cocktails while you lounge around soaking up the sun. Café LUX* is on hand to sate your caffeine needs with a Signature Island Blend roasted on site, as well as cappuccinos, flat whites, Nitro and Cold Press blends. Make sure you take up the opportunity for a tasting during your stay.

+230 401 4000 | reservation@luxresorts.com | luxresorts.com

LUX* LE MORNE

Working up an appetite to enjoy all the decadent dining experiences on offer is not a problem thanks to the surrounds of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. With excellent snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and world-class kitesurfing, you really are spoilt for choice. If you do one thing though, make sure it is a dolphin-spotting trip on the hotel’s glass-bottomed boat.

Swimming with dolphins is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The warm waters around Le Morne Peninsula are home to pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins, as well as the occasional sperm whale, who gather in the bay to play and feed before heading out to hunt. These special guided boat rides take you out to their favourite spots to see these incredible marine animals in their natural habit and is certainly not something to be missed. Hire a Go-Pro from the hotel and make the most of the experience by jumping in and swimming alongside the magnificent creatures. After you can head to breakfast and lookback on your adventure.

Other special highlights of the resort, that emphasise and enhance the wonderfully welcoming and dedicated can-do attitude of the staff, include the retro London Phone Home phone box which guests are invited to use to call a loved one anywhere in the world for free; and the Junkart Studio where guests can learn how to transform waste into incredible sculpture and fully-functioning furniture.

With such a refreshing focus on wellness and a healthy attitude to life and the world around us, LUX* Resorts & Hotels have partnered with Tread Lightly, who develop technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions, and have their own in-house Sustainability Committee who ensure emissions are kept to a minimum. This dedication to sustainable tourism development sees the €1 per day voluntary contribution carbon offsetting fee

used to support various offsetting projects in developing countries within the regions where LUX* is operating.

LUX* Le Morne recently won first prize at the Innovation Challenge 2018 with their Zero Food Waste Initiative which aims to prevent food waste in the resort. It’s this drive and initiative that makes LUX* a very special brand, creating new experiences for guests to indulge in guilt free during their travels.

Be sure to keep an eye out for one of the many Message in a Bottle’s hidden around the resort for a chance to win daily prizes and even the opportunity to come back for free! After all, once you have stayed once you’ll never want to leave. A true paradise in every sense of the word.

Room rates at LUX* Le Morne start from €209 for a Superior Room on a room only basis in low season. For more information and booking, please visit www.luxresorts.com. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International is the only airport on the island and is around an 80-minute drive from the hotel. Fly direct from the UK and Europe.

LUX* Le Morne, Coastal Road, Le Morne, Mauritius | +230 401 4000 | reservation@luxresorts.com | luxresorts.com

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Pennyhill Park Spa breaks have become one of the most popular forms of domestic tourism in the UK, with countless properties up and down the country vying for a spot at the top of the list. However, few are able to support such claims for the top spot, with limited facilities or outdated offerings aplenty. Fortunately there is a place just a stones throw from London that has everything you could possibly need to put it at the top of your spa break list.

Its location is more than ideal, far enough from the capital that you get the sense of escape and seclusion yet close enough for easy access and reduced travel time to make the most of your stay. Pennyhill Park is the jewel in the UK spa crown, with one of the biggest dedicated spa’s in the country along with a whole host of extras that any five star establishment would be proud to boast.

Nestled in 123 acres of prime Surrey parkland, the impressive ivyclad country house is supported by numerous additional buildings including the detached three storey spa along with a tennis court and 9-hole golf course for good measure. Despite its beautiful surroundings, you will likely focus the majority of your time on the hotel’s indoor options.

Head over to the spa and you will be welcomed into the expansive reception area with on-site restaurant Themis - affording fresh, healthy and organic dishes from the gourmet salad bar to swordfish steak and tiger prawn noodles - and more spa facilities than you can shake a stick at.

Boasting 45,000 square feet of adult only relaxation, there is no chance of you leaving with a stressful bone in your body. From experience showers to schnapps steam rooms and the ice igloo, there is something for everybody regardless of your mental and physical state. You can quite literally spend days sampling every aspect of this incredible spa and still find more to explore. Once you’ve indulged on the inside offering of ballroom pool - with soft underwater music playing continuously - and warm sensory room, venture outside to enjoy the outdoor hydrotherapy pool with a range of experiences at the touch of a button or open air hot tub to relax in the fresh Surrey air.

Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5EU

01276 478300 | exclusive.co.uk

PENNYHILL PARK

There really is no end to the amount of time you could spend enjoying this gigantic spa and gives you good reason to return time and again. Lending itself to year round use thanks to the vast outdoor area complete with pool and bar, you can take a break from your busy schedule to relax and unwind at any time.

You can choose to enjoy the facilities for the day with one of the many spa day packages on offer, but to make the most of the trip, it is highly advised that you take advantage of the 120 plus individually designed rooms and suites. Offering a range of inroom facilities, no two are the same. You might find yourself with a luxurious feature bathroom with double bath or an indulgent lay flat experience shower, but regardless of the room features, you

can rest easy in the knowledge that you are just steps away from returning to the spa when you wake.

No spa would be complete without a treatment menu and Pennyhill Park is no exception. An extensive selection of treatments are on offer, from facials and massages to manicures and scrubs, the list is as long as the spa building itself. Opt for the indulgent 'Divine Duo' to experience the best of both facial and massage.

Begin with an aromatic muscle relaxing back massage to unwind before being enveloped by waves of luxurious facial treatments to cleanse, polish and hydrate your skin, delivering the perfect pick me up.

Once you are fully revived and refreshed, you can head to the tranquil relaxation space and enjoy a peaceful refreshment before returning to the main spa area to continue your journey of bliss. The multitude of warming rooms are perfect for some additional posttreatment relaxation, offering a range of seats, beds and contoured loungers to choose from.

Indulgent spa breaks don't always and shouldn't have to be solely about relaxing in a steam room or unwinding in a hydropool, and thankfully this spa hotel has the perfect option to help indulge your other senses. Matt Worswick at The Latymer brings Michelin Star dining to your luxurious spa experience allowing you to indulge both your body and mind with not only relaxation, but a plethora of unique and exciting flavours.

Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, the menu's inspiration moves with the seasons providing the perfect match for your spa retreat. And with an extensive wine

Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5EU

TRAVEL list and optional pairing menu to match, you can go all the way with your indulgence and soak up every last drop.

Delivering a 5 or 7-course tasting menu - with wine pairings available for each - you will be taken on a culinary journey that will awaken your palate and provide you with an epicurean experience unlike anything else. Dishes such as poached Colchester oyster with pickled apple, Attilus Oscietra caviar and marigold pair with service of the highest order in one of the most unique spaces in the hotel to create a dining experience to remember.

Dive into the beautifully presented roasted Goosnargh duck breast with seared duck liver, Waldorf salad and wholegrain mustard jus before taking on the mesmerising European artisan cheese trolley featuring dozens of speciality cheeses from across Europe that will ruin any plans you might have had of that detox spa weekend.

If you are looking to relax and unwind with the added benefit of a brief detoxifying session, this is not the restaurant for you. Rich, bold flavours and opulent indulgence is order of the day here - available Wednesday to Sunday - and there is no room for compromise. For those looking to indulge their bodies a little less, you can opt for lunch in the spa's Themis restaurant and a light snack in the evening or take one of the lighter options from The Brasserie's menu.

Boasting dishes such as beetroot carpaccio with orange marmalade, English feta and Bull’s Blood -

salad leaves in case you were wondering - and lemon sole with langoustine, courgette and mint butter sauce, The Brasserie offers a varied menu with something for everyone. Of course this includes a fine chargrilled 10oz rib eye steak with hand cut chips and bone marrow gratin for those less interested in focusing on the detox aspect.

This truly is the ideal spot for a relaxing weekend spa break thanks to its location and facilities and is perfect regardless of the time of year, just make sure you plan ahead if you're hoping to enjoy the sun as the Summer months can be unsurprisingly busy.

01276 478300 | exclusive.co.uk

Goodbye Dry January Bid farewell to sobriety as we move into February and head over to the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy in order to do it in considerable style. Delivering a new menu to entice your appetite, there is plenty to choose from and more than enough to bring you out of that New Year slump.

C h i n e s e New Yea r | Tea a t Tangs | RosĂŠ Champagne | Beaufort B a r

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

Cutter & Squidge opens in Royal Exchange Cutter & Squidge, the sister-owned all-natural Soho bakery behind the ‘Biskie’ and ‘The Potion Room’ afternoon tea experience, is launching its second boutique at The Royal Exchange in the heart of the City of London.

Throwing open its doors on 11th February 2019, just in time for Valentine’s Day, customers will be greeted with an exquisite selection of vibrantly decorated artisan bakes including freshly baked cakes, Biskies, brownies, macarons, cake truffles, cookies and more. All are made from natural ingredients with a ‘less is best’ approach to fat and sugar in classic Cutter & Squidge style.

Cutter & Squidge will be joining a prestigious line-up of luxury brands including Fortnum & Mason, Smythson and Jo Malone at The Royal Exchange in one of London’s most iconic buildings.

With online ordering and delivery service, the Royal Exchange boutique will launch featuring Cutter & Squidge’s 2019 Valentine’s Day range, including: Bee Hive Valentine Biskie; and the Valentine’s Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Cutter & Squidge, 23 The Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street | cutterandsquidge.com

The Ivy Kensington Brasserie celebrates the return of

Cirque Du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil has once again returned to the Royal Albert Hall with TOTEM, which traces the fascinating journey of the human species to its ultimate desire to fly. In order to pay homage to this latest spectacle, the Ivy Kensington Brasserie has added two bespoke drinks to its menu. Inspired by the acrobatic nature of this year’s performance, cocktails include the ‘Tropical Trapeze’ (priced at £9.00 and featuring Hendricks gin, cream de banana, lime juice, hibiscus syrup and peach bitters), and the ‘Drum Dance’ (priced at £9.50 and incorporating Havana Club 7yo rum, grenadine syrup, lime juice, clementine and cinnamon juice, Koko kanu, angostura bitters and a lime, cherry and mint garnish).

Both concoctions are available for those ordering from the set menu. Accompanying dishes include bang bang chicken (crispy chicken, peanut, cucumber, baby gem and radish salad, sweet chilli and peanut dressing), roast hake (with bean and leek cassoulet, pork lardons and baby onions), and strawberry ice cream (served with pistachios and a white chocolate sauce).

The Ivy Kensington Brasserie is ideally located on Kensington High Street, just a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall, providing the perfect setting for those looking for a spot of preperformance dining, cocktails or light bites.

Available until 26 February theivykensingtonbrasserie.com

20 Minute Healthy Lunch at CERU Starting the New Year with the best intentions is a noble and admirable act, and to help on your journey to a better and healthier existence, CERU are offering up the Express Lunch Platter.

The Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that celebrates the traditional flavours of the Levant region deliver numerous gluten and dairy free dishes along with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

Available weekdays between 12 and 3pm, the Express Lunch Platter allows guests to choose between the Street Platter and Market Platter dishes.

Pulled slow roasted lamb shoulder, fade dip, spiced cauliflower and the sultan salad or zucchini and feta fritters, houmous, roasted beetroot, grilled red pepper and roasted aubergine are both on offer. What's more, they are just £9.00 each and guaranteed within 20 minutes or it's free, so you can be kind to your wallet and your body.

CERU Soho, 11 D’Arblay Street, London W1F 8DT | 020 3195 3002 | soho@cerurestaurants.com

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PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

House of Peroni Launching in this month, just after London Fashion Week, The House of Peroni will be providing a platform for the next wave of emerging talent. Delving into the inspirations of eight emerging designers, following a nationwide search for the next big thing in fashion. The best new talent in the world of drinks will also be celebrated, with a bespoke cocktail menu created by the winner of a competition hosted by The House of Peroni at London Cocktail Week 2018.

Transporting guests into an effortlessly stylish world, with an immersive space in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, visitors to The House of Peroni will be invited to sip on a selection of cocktails, created by Manchester-based bartender Sam Taylor in collaboration with world renowned bartender and long-standing ambassador, Simone Caporale. Drinks will include exclusive Peroni Nastro Azzurro cocktails, inspired by each of the eight designers showcased at the house. Nodding to Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s Italian heritage, delicious Italian food will also be served at the new hub, providing guests with an exciting destination to eat, drink and discover.

Handpicked by a prestigious Creative Council of industry experts, led by Jonathan Saunders, the emerging designers are Hannah Wallace, Matthew Duffy, Joel Boyd, Kyle Lo Monaco, Daniel Crabtree, Pelin Isildak, Stacey Wall and Rose DanfordPhillips, who were selected for their unique style and pioneering talent. Over the course of their seven-month residency in a fullyequipped studio space provided by Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the talent received invaluable mentorship through talks and workshops from the Creative Council, outstanding media exposure and, most importantly, the space they needed to develop their own brand for a presentation at London Fashion Week 2019.

The House of Peroni, Unit 6, Covent Garden

D&D Live your Lunch Break Luxury restaurant group D&D have announced a year-long campaign for 2019 to raise awareness for the activities of a number of charities aimed at improving the quality of people’s lives. The group-wide initiative will see D&D partner with a selection of dedicated charities throughout 2019, working alongside them to provide customers with good value, delicious lunches and a curated line-up of inspiring speakers and lunch break activities.

In collaboration with selected charity partners, an eclectic monthly schedule of activity will be on offer, including ‘in-conversations with’ motivational and entrepreneurial experts, monthly book clubs with guest authors, and pop up fitness classes – providing opportunities to learn, keep fit and relax at lunch.

Live your Lunch Break kicks off by partnering with The Felix Project, an organization that saves surplus food from suppliers and redistributes to charities which provide healthy meals to the most vulnerable in our society. A line up of events for February focusses on sustainability and food waste, including Kids Allotment workshops with D&D chefs Simon Gregory and Francesco Mazzei, a Ready Steady Chef competition using leftover produce, and an Art Attack stunt to raise awareness for food waste with Bluebird White City and other Television Centre restaurants.

Subsequent charity partners will include Women’s Aid, with a line up including a fitness class with Alice Liveing and a Women in Wine series, as well as Rays of Sunshine and Pink Ribbon Foundation.

To help raise funds for the partners, Live Your Lunch Break will see D&D London adding a discretionary £1 donation on all lunch bills throughout the campaign. danddlondon.com

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PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

Chinese New Year at Ping Pong Ping Pong, the London based dim sum collection famed for their handcrafted dumplings and innovative cocktails, will be celebrating in style this Chinese New Year with an exclusive new menu to mark the start of 2019, The Year of the Pig. The bespoke menu offers a selection of traditional dishes such as the; ‘Saffron Money Bag’ - a delectable saffron pastry steamed dumpling, filled with chinese leaves, shitake mushroom, carrot, fuzhu pumpkin seeds and flavoured with yellow bean sauce and chinkiang vinegar. Other highlights include a number of traditional pork dishes such as the ‘Shanghai Xiaolongbao’ the traditional shanghai soup dumplings with pork, and spring onion in wheat pastry with chinkiang vinegar and ginger. Another pork special, to further celebrate The Year of the Pig, are the fantastic ‘Chorizo Firecracker Spring Rolls’, a classic spring roll filled with fiery chorizo, warmed with Cantonese spices. Additionally, dishes such as the ‘Chilli Taro Cake’ can be found on the new menu, a delicately sautéed taro cake served with spicy chilli mayo.

To coincide with Chinese New Year, Ping Pong have also launched their tantalising cocktail menu which showcases a unique twist on the famous classics. Highlights of the menu include the ‘Maple Old Fashion’, a warming classic with a maple bacon smokeyness, topped with a garnish of crisp, smoked maple bacon to honour The Year of the Pig - providing a fresh take on the classic. The Chinese New Year menu is available now until 1st April 2019 in all 8 London locations. pingpongdimsum.com

Celebrate at Royal China To celebrate Chinese New Year (Tuesday 5 February 2019) Royal China Restaurants across London will give each table a special red envelope with some containing special gifts.

Each “lei see”, as they are pronounced in Cantonese, will offer a fortune message; with some of the red envelopes containing a prize. The special prizes include a voucher for a complimentary meal up to the value of £100, a bottle of Champagne, and a complimentary glass of wine.

Red envelopes are usually presented at social events such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. The red colour of the envelope symbolises good luck and is said to ward off evil spirits.

The restaurants will also be offering a special Chinese New Year menu and will host Lion Dance performances to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Pig. Based in prime areas of London, the restaurants are centrally located on Baker Street, as well as in Bayswater, Fulham, Harrowon-the-Hill and Canary Wharf. royalchinagroup.co.uk

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Hutong

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

Xu Teahouse and Restaurant Xu will be serving a special Chinese New Year Menu from February 5th 28th. Offering a different style of cuisine to ‘traditional’ Chinese restaurants a stone’s throw away in Chinatown, Xu Teahouse and Restaurant has mastered the redefinition of Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. Created by the family team behind another cult-favourite, BAO (which popularised the Taiwanese streetfood classic Gua Bao), Xu takes its name from the Taiwanese grandfather of Co-Founder Erchen Chang and draws inspiration from her childhood in Taiwan, recreating her strongest memories and transferring them into a unique dining experience.

To mark the Chinese New Year celebrations, XU has also created two brand new permanent menu items - Seabass served in Fermented Pineapple Sauce and XU’s Master Stock Poached Goose served with Chinese Olive Greens and Burnt Spring Onion.

Other highlights of the menu include a selection of Xu classics such as the Sweet Potato & Miso Taro Dumpling, the spicy Fire Cracker Prawn Roll, Taiwanese 16 Spice Black Pork Ribs, and the star of the show - the Black Vinegar Cockles. To finish, indulge on the likes of Fried Peanut Mochi.

The XU Chinese New Year menu starts from £45/pp. Booking is recommended via xulondon.com

Throughout February 2019, award winning Northern Chinese restaurant Hutong will celebrate Chinese New Year with a bespoke menu created especially for the occasion.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Monday 4th February as a reunion dinner.

A reunion dinner takes place on the eve of Chinese New Year, and is often spent with family, especially for those with family members away from home. It is considered the most important get-together meal of the year. During the celebratory dinner, guests will be entertained by a traditional lion dance, a calligrapher to write good luck wishes, be given noise makers to ward of ‘nian’ or evil spirits and receive red pocket Chinese horoscopes for the Year of the Pig ahead.

Guests will see both familiar and less well-known Chinese dishes on the special menu, which will run throughout February, and this will be the only menu served for reunion dinner on Monday 4th February. The menu will include authentic ingredients and dishes that are traditionally eaten for Chinese New Year such as sweet and sour pork and glutinous rice cake, Chef Wang’s specialism in spicy Sichuan cooking will also be showcased throughout.

Highlights will include Chicken salad, sesame, soy and chilli; Scallop and prawn wonton, homemade chilli oil; Sweet and sour ribs; and Slow cooked lamb rack, cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, seaweed salad.

A selection of specials will be served alongside the Chinese New Year menu, running throughout the month, and will

include Spicy and sweet marinated pig tongue (served cold); Pork wonton in homemade chili sauce (dim sum); and Stir fried Pork belly with bitter melon dressing.

2019 will be the Year of the Pig, the 12th Zodiac animal which represents luck, fortune and wealth. Hutong will pay homage to the Year of the Pig by offering each table bespoke Hutong chocolate ‘piggy banks’ to break open at the table, revealing special Hutong chocolate coins to enjoy at the end of the meal. Every table will receive the pig complimentary during celebrations on the 4th of February and will feature on the dessert menu for £12 for the rest of the month.

The Hutong bar team will also be joining the celebrations, creating a special New Year cocktail inspired by the Year of the Pig. The Chinese New Year cocktail will be created with Roku gin, ginger syrup, Darjeeling tea, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, egg white, yuzu juice.

Served with Hutong’s home-made Chinese Five Spice pork crackling, the cocktail will provide a unique twist as guests toast to good luck in the new year.

020 3011 1257 | hutongreservations@aqua-london.com | hutong.co.uk

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REVIEW

‘Tea At Tangs’ Afternoon Tea Located within the spectacular Dorchester Hotel, China Tang is renowned for serving some of the best Cantonese food outside China and is the creation of late Hong Kong businessman and socialite Sir David Tang.

Launched last month, the 1930s styled art deco jewel in The Dorchester’s crown now offers diners ‘Tea At Tang’s’ – a brand new afternoon tea service that showcases the restaurant’s signature Cantonese style in savoury and sweet form.

Available Monday to Friday, and served in the intimate surrounds of The Bar, the new afternoon tea is a fantastic alternative to those looking for something a little different to the more traditional afternoon tea fare.

Highlights on the savoury selection include an assortment of steamed dim sum served in a traditional bamboo basket, with daily rotating fillings – from scallop and prawn to pork and vegetables - expertly prepared by Executive Chef Chong Choi Fong and the kitchen brigade. The delectable dim sum is served alongside juicy butterfly prawn toast, vegetarian spring rolls and gai lan cheung fan.

Moving onto the sweeter side, guests can expect traditional Hong Kong egg custard tarts, Mandarin cheesecake, Osmanthus jelly with wolfberry and gold leaf, fried sweet chui chow dim sum, and signature steamed chocolate dumplings.

The steamed chocolate dumplings in particular are delightfully

rich without being oversweet, making this tea the perfect option for those that find more traditional tea offerings a bit too sickly at times.

Complementing the food offering, China Tang boasts a carefully curated selection of teas from a menu devised by Jade Tea, ranging from Jasmine Supreme (a vibrant and lively green tea layered with fresh jasmine flowers) to Silver Needle (the champagne of white tea, with notes of sweet sap and honeydew melon) and Rare Orchid (oolong tea with notes of fig and elderflower).

Guests can also opt to enjoy the tea with a glass of Heidsieck champagne or one of the three Tea-based cocktails created specially to celebrate the launch of China Tang’s first ever afternoon tea.

The cocktails include the Tang Teapot (Rum, Chrysanthemum Tea, Yellow Chartreuse, Lychee & Rose Bitter), French Tea (Pothecary Gin, Champagne Syrup and Lavender Tea) or Cosmopot (Grey Goose Orange Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice, Pomegranate Syrup and Bergamot Tea).

‘Tea At Tangs’ is served Monday to Friday from 2.30pm-4.30pm (from £46) and can be accompanied with a glass of Champagne (from £17) or a cocktail (£16). For large groups, China Tang can also accommodate tea parties in their stunning Private Dining Rooms, Ping, Pang and Pong, which can be booked in advance.

chinatanglondon.co.uk

REVIEW

Enoteca Rabezzana If you are looking for an Italian with a difference, then look no further than Enoteca Rabezzana.

In prime position by Smithfield Market, the intimate Italian restaurant boasts a warm welcome and an even more impressive wine and food menu.

The authentic regional menu has been created by young head chef, Federico Casali who honed his skills in Rome’s three Michelin starred restaurant, La Pergola under chef Heinz Beck. A combination of signature Italian small plates alongside Italian classics and a daily changing dessert, the menu not only demonstrates Federico’s skill but also the proud heritage of great regional Italian cooking.

Begin the meal with a number of small plates and sharing boards. From a selection of cured meats and cheeses, including XXL Parma ham that is aged over 40 months, imported directly from their small suppliers in Italy to mixed Bruschetta served with burrata and Nduja sausage, there is plenty to choose from.

The slow cooked “Egg 63” served with parmigiano fondue and fresh truffle is particularly interesting if you want to try something different and is great moped up with freshly homemade baked bread.

Moving on, and as you would expect, there is a wide variety of pasta, as well as fish and meat courses. The generously portioned Paccheri con ragu’ di cinghiale e granella di parmigiano - Paccheri with wild boar ragu and parmiggiano Reggiano crumble is a real highlight; as is the Pici cacio and pepe and tartufo nero - Pici pasta with pecorino cheese sauce served with black pepper and fresh black truffle.

Those in the mood for something a little different to pasta can opt for the likes of Beef Rump Steak with bone marrow, black cabbage and roast potatoes; Lamb chops with gorgonzola; or Grilled sea bass with caponata.

Taking immense pride in their wine selection, Enoteca Rabezzana offers diners the opportunity to sample a number of more expensive wines by the glass. They serve a vast selection of wines with over 120 wines from small producers in every corner of Italy which are mostly sourced directly from the owners. Perfect for wine connoisseurs and novices alike. Guests can also find a deeper selection of wines from Piedmont, where Rabezzana Vini, one of the founders, has been making wines since 1876 and has relationship with some of the best producers from small vineyards in Langhe region.

Be sure to ask for suggestions and be prepared to find new and unexpected favourites that will have you returning to this friendly restaurant for a long time after.

Enoteca Rabezzana, 62-63 Long Ln, London EC1A 9EJ | rabezzana.co.uk

REVIEW

The Baptist Bar & Grill

by Tony Fleming at L’oscar Opened in the autumn of last year, The Baptist Bar & Grill by Tony Fleming is located within the luxury L’oscar hotel, Holborn.

Inspired by Oscar Wilde and the glamour of the Oscar ceremonies, the Grade II-listed building is the former headquarters of a Baptist church and has undergone a grand conversion into an indulgent 39-bedroom hotel, grill, café and bar, fantastically restored and reimagined in all its Baroque glory.

Overseeing the hotel’s food and drink offering is Executive Chef Tony Fleming, who was previously at Michelin-starred Angler in the City and has also worked in the kitchens of Richard Neat and Marco Pierre White.

The Baptist Grill is the jewel in L’oscar’s crown and a fantastic place to enjoy Fleming’s culinary creativity. Located on an impressive mezzanine level space within a stunning octagonal domed Edwardian chapel that was built in 1903, the unique restaurant is both sumptuous and romantic. Rich jewel tones and the use of velvet and leather reflect the decadent interiors of great English houses of the 19th century.

Eclectic touches such as crystal glass birds and beautiful hollow stemmed Champagne coupes add to the opulence.

The varied menu has been inspired by the British seasons, combining charcoal grill dishes with Fleming’s signature classic style. Expect twists

on classic dishes, with highlights from the starters including the velvety smooth Roast Artichoke Soup, truffle and Comté toast; Endives and Dandelion with red wine pear, candied walnuts and Colston Basset Stilton; and Duck and Shitake Ravioli with creamed cabbage and smoked red wine.

Moving on to mains and diners are spoilt for choice with Dover Sole and Curried Lamb Shepherd’s Pie, as well as an array of dishes from the charcoal grill such as English Veal T-bone, and 10oz dry aged, grass fed Cumbrian Ribeye served with snails, garlic and bordelaise. Side orders are not to be missed either with the likes of truffle and chive Potato Puree, and Steamed Spinach, raisins and pine nuts.

Standout desserts include Caramelised Apple Mille Feuille and Baked Majari Chocolate Mousse served with preserved cherries and blackberry sorbet. Complementing the menu is a full wine list and wide selection of cocktails from the lively Baptist Bar below.

Ideal for a pre or post theatre meal thanks to its location next to Theatreland, Soho and the West End, prices are very reasonable considering the quality and creativity on offer.

Fleming joined Angler in 2012, winning it a Michelin star less than a year after its opening, and the way the menu tastes and looks at The Baptist Grill, the future is certainly very bright here too.

L’oscar, 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA | loscar.com

CHAMPAGNE

The modern allure of rosé champagne and why you should drink it in 2019 Francoise Peretti, Director of the UK’s Champagne Bureau, busts the myths surrounding rosé champagne…

As is the way with Valentine’s Day, it seems to have caught us all by surprise and is just around the corner. 14 days to be exact, in case you hadn’t realised. Perhaps you are planning a romantic evening with your partner, or - just as likely - intending to host a raucous ‘Galentines’ style celebration of life with friends. But regardless of which, there can be no doubt you will certainly be in search of the perfect champagne to elevate those special moments of an evening spent with great company.

This February, I’m choosing to recommend rosé champagne.

Before you disregard this as a cliché, afford me the chance to tell you about the glorious re-invention of this beautiful style, debunk a couple of myths en-route and suggest why it’s a good choice for pairing this month.

Exports of rosé champagne are growing at an average of +5.4% per year worldwide, making it a continuing trend globally. The British can’t seem to get enough of rosé, with the UK being one of the leading markets for this style. Rosé made up approximately 10% of the champagne we bought in 2017, which equates to around 2,700,000 bottles. It could be argued that the rise of rosé is partly due to the gloriously ‘Instagrammable’ nature of pink bubbles dancing in a glass - so called “Millennial pink”. Another reason is its continuing cultural significance: from flapper girls swirling coupes to the current sensation that is Ariana Grande (thank u, next allegedly written while sipping pink champagne on a shopping spree in Tiffany’s) - rosé champagne now indisputably epitomises the air of the empowered and carefree woman.

However, first and foremost - and the most exciting reason - is that the quality of the product is higher than it has ever been, which leads us on to the points that must be dispelled or clarified.

Rosé synonymous of inferior quality? Certainly not! This is a hangover from past years during the reign of Louis XIV, when pink wines were considered a sign of inferior workmanship. Known as ‘tâché’ i.e. ‘stained’ by contact with black grape skins, creating an unintentional product. However, it’s now 2019 and pink has been ‘in’ for over two decades. Pioneered by champagne houses and

growers alike, rosé champagne has been cultivated to the highest of standards and is one of the most iconic styles of champagne.

Rosé is just red and white wine mixed together. Although it may sound concerning, this is often true, but only in Champagne and at no detriment to quality. Champagne is the only wine region in the world to legally be allowed to mix red and white wine to create rosé. Rosé champagne can be made by two methods. The first is to blend still red wine made of grapes from the Champagne region (usually Pinot Noir) with white champagne wine, usually at a quantity of about 15%. The second method, known as ‘saignée’, involves leaving the black grape skins to colour the juice during pressing. A pink sparkling wine is then made by fermenting the tinted juice.

Rosé champagne is sweet. This is untrue, as the majority of rosé champagne is brut i.e. dry. It can certainly be fruity due to its red berry flavours though. Look out for the aroma and taste of raspberries, strawberries and cherries.

On a more practical level, rosé champagne is an especially good choice for pairing with food. Some of the more full bodied styles pair particularly well with the richer types of food one might choose to eat on Valentine’s - for example, lobster, poultry and game birds, or chocolate desserts. A more complex vintage will pair well with rack of lamb, and lighter fruity rosés with notes of red berries pair well with goat or ewe’s cheese, or red berry desserts.

020 7244 1930 | info@champagne.co.uk | champagne.fr

COLUMN

Images © Jean Cazals

REVIEW

Music, Magic and Drama at The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar

Celebrating the magnificent theatrical history at the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, the new Music, Magic and Drama cocktail menu has been inspired by the three founders of The Savoy Theatre; dramatist WS Gilbert, composer Arthur Sullivan and hotelier Richard D’Oyly Carte.

A collaborative effort from Assistant Bars Manager, Joe Harper and the newly appointed Head Bartender Elon Soddu, as well as the whole Beaufort Bar team, the impressive menu combines the three main elements that make up the Beaufort Bar’s identity Music, Magic and Drama.

Taking inspiration from the memorable musical performances that have taken place at The Savoy, the Music section is perfect for early evening drinks with a celebratory, sociable feel that can often be felt at the beginning of a highly anticipated event.

Expect bubbly and light mixed drinks with highlights including The Composer with Vestal Vodka, Louis Roederer Champagne, Rhubarb cordial and Italicus Rosolio.

The Magic section uses interesting and imaginative techniques in the construction of its drinks, as well as liquids that have been manipulated on the way to the bottle through added botanicals,

fermentation or fortification. Focusing on gins, mezcals and tequilas, this part of the menu also features Port and sherry as well tonics and Eau De Vie. ‘Communicating Doors’ comprises of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Melon, Cream, Lemon, Lime and Soda to create a wonderfully smooth and creamy drink that is reminiscent of the old ice-cream float drinks.

The Drama section of the menu is all about dark, atmospheric drinks that take guests late into the evening. Theatrical and captivating, the main spirits featured in this section, whisky, Calvados, Armagnac, grappa and Cognac are potent, rich and impactful. ‘The Dramatist’ is ideal for those looking for an alternative to the Espresso Martini and is made up of Jack Daniel’s Savoy Single Barrel Whiskey, Vanilla Syrup, Artemis cold brewed coffee concentrate, Mr Black’s coffee amaro, and Louis Roederer Champagne.

A fascinating and truly magical menu to enjoy. Attentive staff are more than happy to delve further into the inspiration behind each serve and the lavish golden surrounds of the intimate Beaufort Bar make for the perfect evening out whether that be just for one, or late into the evening.

Beaufort Bar, The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ | 020 7836 4343 | thesavoylondon.com

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your

64

Lexus LC500h

The Real-Life Concept In recent years, Lexus has been pushing the boundaries of automotive design with numerous features across their product line that turn heads. The striking LC500h sits at the forefront of this aesthetic onslaught with shapes and angles that are more akin to the concept world than reality.

AUDI A8

The Sophisticated Executive Audi demonstrate their ability to craft exciting, high quality, intelligent cars for the executive market with the latest iteration of their A8.

Pushing boundaries has been the underlying theme of Audi’s design presence for some time, and the new A8 is no exception.

Delivering the ultimate executive experience in the premium market, this car offers so many features that you will spend most of your time exploring them all rather than indulging in its spacious and comfortable cabin.

Designed with both driver and passenger in mind - lending itself to the chauffeur market - the new A8 has received a meticulous overhaul in order to provide the ultimate experience for both those in the front and those in the back. The pinnacle of Audi's luxury offering, this car is not only synonymous with refinement and comfort, but stakes a claim on being the marque's most intelligent offering yet.

Complete with piloted driving functions, this car can see the road just as you do and is able to adapt to situations as the unfold infront of you. Adaptive Cruise Assist utilises sensors around the car along with vehicle data to not only keep you a safe distance from the car in front, but stop with the traffic and start again when the traffic begins to move as well as maintain a central position in the lane. Combine this with the ever enhancing quattro system which comes as standard on all A8 models - and you already have a substantial base on which to build a phenomenal car.

Sleek exterior design befitting a car of this calibre subtely hints at the power within with its large wide-spanning front grille and low profile, while the rear features a shallow and again subtle integrated exhaust and rear light setup that covers the width of the car. Not only does this add to the smooth lines of the car, but enhances the safety aspect when braking too.

Safety is and always has been at the forefront of Audi's technological development and this car simply stretches those boundaries even further. Every inch of its design has been influenced in some way by safety without compromising on style.

Optional HD Matrix LED headlights for example incorporate intelligent technology to keep you and other road users safe at night thanks to the ability to react by dipping individual LEDs to reduce the risk of dazzling other road users, while still fully illuminating the remainder of the road thanks to sensors and cameras. Where available, the Matrix LED technology will even use the vehicle’s navigation data to anticipate corners, adjusting LEDs as you negotiate the bend.

This car is automotive intelligence on a whole new scale, but the best part is that the German marque have managed to create it in its signature sleek style that we have all become accustomed to. Clean lines and a sharp interior complete the overall aesthetic audi.co.uk

YOUR DRIVE with driver and passenger comfort maintaining its position of importance.

Inside, there is vast amounts of space despite what seems like an entire cars worth of boot space being taken, offering comfort for both front and rear passengers, while optional features such as relaxation seats which include remote control, electrically retractable footrest in the backrest of the passenger seat with heated massage function and rear seat entertainment, you can create a car worthy of anyones time. Think spa day on the move and you will be getting close to the experience you can enjoy in the back of this car. Whether you have an important meeting that you need to try and relax for or simply have a long journey home after a tiresome week, you won't find a better place to unwind on the road.

One of the most impressive features on the new A8 which supports both its comfort and safety goals is the Audi Connect service which, when used with the 'myCarManager' app allows you to remotely control certain aspects of your car as well as locate it if you happen to misplace it. You can instantly see how much fuel you have left, check your current mileage or even lock and unlock your car should you need to give someone access or simply forgot

The list of features on this car - which come as standard - is so vast that it would be impossible to cover everything and give it justice. This car is so much more than the full package. Audi have taken a successful car with impressive performance figures and turned it into a mobile laboratory. Technology of this calibre is rarely found in everyday life, let alone in your car.

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro Engine 3.0-Litre V6 Transmission 8-speed Tiptronic Power (PS) 286 600 Torque (Nm) 0-62mph (secs) 5.9 Max Speed (mph) 155 Fuel Consumption (mpg) 47.9 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (g/km) 156 Price ÂŁ69,995

to lock it.

audi.co.uk

CHELSEA CARS

Pristine Pagoda

1966 Mercedes 230 SL Pagoda ÂŁPOA

Offered on the market for the first time in its 52 year life, this charming 1966 230SL Pagoda from Mercedes is a must see. It is presented in its stunning, original two-tone period Havana brown hard top over light beige coachwork with its original dark brown interior and dark brown soft top. It benefits from automatic transmission and power assisted steering.

The car was bought new in 1966 by Mr Ivor Frost as a gift for his wife and later handed down to their son who has owned it until now. It comes with a very extensive service file with all of its original books including the original service book stamped, MOTs and extensive invoices. The car has been meticulously maintained during its lifetime with cost no object and even has a letter from the

owner stating that the oil was changed every 1000 miles.

The car was subjected to a new Mercedes replacement engine just 12000 miles ago and has just been restored by marque specialists Hilton And Moss to the tune of ÂŁ20k with invoices to show works.

New front and rear chrome bumpers just fitted and recently serviced and checked over by marque specialist Steve Redfearn.

A rare opportunity to acquire a high end one family owned Mercedes 230 SL in its original colour combination which drives as a well sorted 230SL should, this is a find like no other and must been seen to be truly appreciated. Cars of this nature aren’t available on the market very often and should not be missed.

Chelsea Cars, 59-61 Armoury Way, London SW18 1JZ | 020 8870 9977 | sales@chelseacars.com | chelseacars.com

LEXUS LC 500H

LC 500h

The Concept Styled Coupé Lexus’ flagship coupe is not one for shying away, visually or audibly. Delivering such a distinctive design in this manner is something that only this Japanese marque can do and they have executed it very well indeed. Taking car design to new levels, the team at Lexus have carved out a unique position in the industry with the flagship LC500 coupé.

Small in stature, but very, very big in character, the LC 500h is immediately recognisable despite its unfathomable lines and is the perfect presentation of the brands design ethos. Sharp edges and striking lines combine with fluid elements to create a futuristic aesthetic that is otherwise unseen amongst its competitors. Pair with this a powertrain that offers not only impressive performance, but surprising efficiency thanks to a world first four-stage hybrid system and you have the basis for an incredibly intriguing car that will make you look and think twice about your next purchase.

Packing a more than sufficient 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine - the non-hybrid LC 500 boasts a whopping 5.0-litre V8 - the LC 500h backs up it’s visual impact with an equally unsubtle roar from the sleek, integrated exhaust system. Aggressive, but equally fluid and futuristic, the rear profile sits low and wide with cutting rear light clusters that seem to have been carved out of the body with a katana. The theme continues around the exterior, from the exaggerated wide-body rear to the sweeping long bonnet that cascades down through yet more angular features including the impressive front grille.

Amalgamating an almost organic aesthetic with the harsh appearance of metal, the front grille is a shape that has become synonymous with the brand and one that brings an extra level of drama to this car - not that it really needs any help in that department. lexus.co.uk

YOUR DRIVE Open the wide, heavy door and you are welcomed into a whole new world of contrast. Soft, plush seats upholstered in tactile fabrics including leather and alcantara invite you in with their wide stance and encompassing wings that not only aid the interior design, but have a very functional purpose too while the leather adorned dashboard maintains the sleek look across the cabin.

Unique switchgear features repeatedly throughout the interior, from the distinctive drive select toggle that sits behind the steering wheel abreast the dash enclosure to the almost ‘old school’ style switches that stretch across the centre console. One feature that immediately draws the attention is the protruding handle that extends out of the centre console on the passenger side, a not so subtle hint of this cars potential. Hopefully, your passenger won’t feel the need to hold on through fear but more for a little physical support, however there’s no reason why you can’t have a little fun in the knowledge they have something to hold on to.

This is a car full of surprises, none moreso than the fact that it is actually a 2+2, meaning there is the potential of enjoying your time in the car with three others - although it wouldn’t be advisable if you want your rear passengers to travel in any kind of comfort. The rear space is perfect for additional luggage storage of the transport of small children thanks to the bucket shaped seats that almost surround their occupant. Nonetheless you have the option should you choose or require it.

lexus.co.uk

Everything about the interior of this car is designed to support its passengers in luxurious comfort and it does the job exceptionally well. When cornering at speed, your body will attempt to shift in the seat but be immediately confronted with an extra supporting feature of the chair, perfectly crafted for the job in hand.

LEXUS LC 500H There is a slight compromise with the LC 500h in terms of its performance with relation to its fully combustion engined LC 500 counterpart, but the compromise is more than worth it when you consider the efficiency gains compared to the performance loses.

The difference of 0.3 seconds from zero to sixty - the LC 500h completes it in a swift 4.7 seconds compared to 4.4 for the V8 - is a compromise worth taking when you realise that the combined fuel consumption difference between the two comes in at a staggering 24.5 mpg. That’s right, the LC 500 boasts a consumption of 19 mpg while the ‘h’ variant will return an impressive 43.5 mpg - as long as you can resist testing the cars performance every time you get in.

Performance is at the heart of this cars design, from its incredibly wide stance - it sits almost as wide as it does long - to its sleek, low profile, perfectly poised for ideal aerodynamics. Pair this with its incredible powertrain with multi-stage hybrid system and you have a car that not only looks fast, but has the substance to back up its very bold claims.

Thanks to its rather substantial width and comparatively short wheelbase, the LC 500h is a lot of fun to drive. Cornering is sharp and immediate, whilst offering the opportunity to enjoy the rearwheel power should you so wish with some exciting play on the rear axle. This setup with stiffened suspension doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the most comfortable of rides, however Lexus have done a fantastic job of ensuring there is sufficient play in the suspension to allow for a more comfortable journey than you might expect from such a car. Of course, they were never going to take away from its ability to corner as it does and handle the power appropriately.

Lexus have managed to create a car that despite being specifically focused, is actually quite functional in the real world.

If you consider it a two-seater, it becomes a two-seater with substantial luggage space, equally, if you consider it a four-seater, it is a four-seater with considerable performance potential. Add to this it’s efficiency credentials and you have an almost all-round package in sports car guise - something that just does not happen.

Their impressive multi-stage hybrid system takes this car to a whole new level. Yes, the LC 500 is impressive in its own right, but the addition of the electric drive allows you to drive completely electric through town - not only saving your wallet, but aiding

YOUR DRIVE

Lexus LC 500h Engine 3.5-Litre V6 Power (hp) 295 348 Torque (Nm) Electric Motor Permanent Magnet synchronous machine Power (hp) 177 Torque (Nm) 300 Combined Hybrid System Total Power (hp) 354 0-60mph (secs) 4.7 Max Speed (mph) 155 Transmission Multi-Stage Hybrid Fuel Consumption (mpg) 43.5 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (g/km) 148 Price (from) £76,595.00

(Sport + as driven) £88,565.00

the fight against climate change - and then put down the power once you reach the wider world, whether that be motorway or country road and make full use of the 3.5-litre V6 which, when you consider the car’s size and weight is still more than enough to enjoy the ride.

Hybrid technology has improved no end since its introduction and provides the perfect balance between fully electric and fully

combustion options giving you the best of both worlds and few are able to deliver it in such a way. Pull up at the lights in complete silence and you will get some interested looks. Put your foot down when the lights turn green and you will get some very different looks, those of suprise and admiration. In a world where everything is so focused on improving the environment and reducing our impact, this is a great step towards achieving it in style.

LC CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT Three years on from the debut of the LC coupe, Lexus have taken this striking car to the next level with the LC Convertible Concept unveiled last month.

The open-top roadster takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and transforms it, blending everything good about its hard-top counterpart with the benefits and aesthetics that an open-air convertible delivers.

Fingers crossed, production won’t take too long to arrange and we can enjoy the thrill of the LC coupe with some added wind in our hair very soon.

lexus.co.uk

Me di aL on do n

Metro Village is a specialist property brokerage. We work with affluent UK based and international clients who are looking for someone to take away the time consuming aspect of their property dealings.

We provide total discretion, knowledge and high levels of customer service. Whether you are looking to sell your prized asset, looking to buy another property or if you are wanting to let your property, Metro Village can help. With Metro Village, there is no need to worry, we do all the worrying for you.

For a limited period we are also offering a complimentary Property Portfolio Performance Analysis.

Please get in touch if you would like our assistance.

0207 112 4972

info@metro-village.com www.metro-village.com

68

Individual Architecture

your One-of-a-Kind Design There is quite literally nothing else like a piece of individualised architecture. A piece of engineering achievement that could be recognised the world over thanks to its links to a famous name and you could be the proud resident that gets to show it off.

Troon House, Limehouse Towerside, Wapping E1WE1

Wine Close,West Wapping E1WE1W Burr Close, Wapping

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this ground and first floor 3 double bedroom ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this modern built 3rd floor studio apartment within maisonette. property benefits from a benefits fully fitted kitchen, lounge, 3 piece this riverside The development.

The apartment from open plan lounge and bathroom suite fitted and private glazing. bedroom area, kitchenrear andgarden.

3 pieceDouble bathroom suite. Laminate Laminate wood wood floor. floors.

Close Limehousesystem. stations and local busClose routes.

Video to entry-phone Parking space. to Wapping station and local bus routes.

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 2 storey freehold house in the heart of ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1980’s built 2 double bedroom 2nd and Wapping.

Set in apartment. a quiet residential location,benefits the property benefits from a large 3rd floor duplex The apartment from kitchen diner, reception and bright reception a separate and fully kitchen.

3 double leading to patio garden.and Bathroom with separate Wc.equipped Parking space.

Located close bedrooms, Piece bathroom suite. Private to Tower Hill 3Stations and St Katharine’s Dock. garden. Close to Wapping station, bus routes and local amenities.

£425,000

£799,995

£365,000

£624,995

Cape Yard, West Wapping E1W Capital Wharf, West Wapping E1W

Capital Wharf, West Wapping Spirit Quay, West Wapping E1WE1W

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1st floor 2 bedroom modern built apartment Spacious modern built 2 double bedroom apartment set within this popular within this popular West Wapping development. The apartment benefits from Riverside development. a separate fully fittedbedroom kitchen with lounge, fully fitted kitchen,Benefits en-suitefrom shower room to master andgranite family work surfaces, en-suite bathroom to master with additional bathroom.

Floorlounge, to ceiling windows.

Laminate wood bedroom floors. Video-entry phone family bathroom.

Laminate wood floor.

Outside space.

Secure underground system. Allocated parking space. On-site caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, parking. hourand security/porterage and a residents’ gymnasium. Ideally located Wapping24 station Tower Hill stations.

Share of Freehold. close to St Katharine Docks and Tower Hill station.

ea2 are pleased to offer this bright 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with ea2 are pleased to offer for Sale this Two Bedroom house (originally 3) situated stunning River views from the balcony on the second floor within this sought after fronting the ornamental canal of Westensuite Wapping.

Reception. development.

The master bedrooms comprises of aKitchen.

4 pieceBathroom. bathroom Garden. supermarket is nearby.

Close to Tower hillbedroom. and the City. suite. The‘Waitrose’ second bathroom is also an ensuite in the second Wooden

£675,000 £795,000

floors throughout and has a separate cloak room. 24 hour concierge and use of residents gym Secure underground parking. Close to transport links to canary wharf and the city.

| 35a Wapping High Street | Wapping | E1W 1NR t: 020 7702 3456 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com

£1,100,000 £775,000

Coopers Close, Bethnal The Tower, Wapping E1WGreen E1

Leeward Court, West Wapping The Highway, Wapping E1W E1W

ea2 are pleased pleased offer rent this twoapartment double to bedroom and 2nd floor ea2 are to to offer this to executive Studio rent within1st a luxurious landmark maisonette quite cul-de-sac. with laminate flooring, separate development. in This aSouth Facing apartmentLounge comprises of modern open plan fitted kitchen, contemporary fitted bathroom & Balcony, The flat totalsto382 Sq. ft. Residents of Wapping Lane kitchen, Bathroom and private parking.

Close Bethnal Green Tube Station.

ea2 this built 3rd recently Floor, 2 renovated double bedroom, ea2 are are pleased pleased to to offer showfor youletthis 2 modern double bedroom modern 2 bathroomwhich duplex apartment in this popular West Wapping development. apartment comprises of 2 bathrooms, this property benefits from a garden The benefitslinks. from a spacious Lounge, separate fitted kitchen, 2 and isapartment close to transport bathrooms and additional cloakroom. Large terrace with views over Wapping.

Secure parking space. Onsite caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, Waitrose, £425 Per Week Tower Hill station and the City of London.

have the benefit of 24hr concierge facilities, exclusive residents health club, gym and enjoy close proximity to DLR and underground stations.

£360 Per Week

£370 Per Week

£570 Per Week

DouthwaiteWaterside, Square, West Wapping E1W Hermitage West Wapping E1W

The Highway, Wapping E1W King Charles Terrace, Wapping E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this modern built 2 bedroom ground and first Immaculate 3 double bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3 storey townhouse within this floor duplex apartment. The apartment benefits from lounge, fitted kitchen, 3 piece popular West Wapping Benefits from a spacious openornamental plan fitted bathroom suite.

Double development. glazing. Laminate wood floors.

Views over kitchen and diner leading onto private withDock full and width bi-fold doors. canal. Allocated parking space.

Close to Stgarden Katharine’s Tower Hill stations.

Generous lounge with balcony and views over Hermitage Basin. En-suite shower room to master bedroom, family bathroom and additional cloakroom. Garage.

Close to Tower Hill station, St Katharine Docks and Waitrose supermarket.

ea2 are pleased to offer fantastic opportunitydevelopment. to rent this 2 Boasting double bedroom 2 bedroom apartment in athis new converted a large house which has been re furbished completely to a high standard throughout. selection of fully refurbished high quality apartments to rent in an exciting The property offers a reception with bi-folding full length doors leading to garden. and vibrant development. With 24-hour concierge and set around a beautiful Fully fitted kitchen. First floor bathroom. Utility room/ground floor cloakroom. Can be communal garden square.

FinishedClose to a high standard with wooden furnished orcourtyard unfurnished.

Garden with decking. to Tower Hill and within easy floors, and contemporary bathrooms and kitchens. Available accessunder to thefloor City heating & Canary Wharf. either on a furnished or unfurnished basis.

£425 Per Week £1,150 Per Week

£460 Per Week £430 Per Week

| 35a Wapping High Street | Wapping | E1W 1NR t: 020 7702 3456 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com

PONTOON REACH

New riverside homes launch in booming Royal Docks Nearly 300 new homes are launching in The Royal Docks, one of the most rapidly changing areas of the Capital. The former industrial heartland is being transformed into a vibrant new residential district and one of London’s most exciting places to live. Here, housebuilder Redrow and housing association Peabody are building Pontoon Reach, a collection of 295 new homes set within an elegant 13 storey building which will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and cycle paths. Many of the homes will boast stunning waterside vistas as the development is set just moments from the River Thames. Once the centre of London’s trade and commerce, the Royal Docks is now best known as one of London’s designated Enterprise Zone’s and is a hotspot for emerging new creative and technology businesses in the Capital. The area will also benefit from further inward investment and new infrastructure as a result of a £3.5 billion investment in Silvertown, which includes plans for new shops, bars, and restaurants, alongside workspace for start-up firms.

This fast evolving area is already home to London City Airport and the ExCel Centre and was also named an ‘opportunity’ area in the mayor’s London Plan with the capacity for 6,000 new jobs and 11,000 homes. £314 million has been earmarked for regeneration to take place throughout the Royal Docks over the next five years.

The first phase of Pontoon Reach, Thames Walk, will comprise 132 new homes - a mix of studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The interiors have been finished to the high specification Redrow and Peabody are recognised for, with underfloor heating throughout and fully integrated kitchens offering stylish worktops and luxury tiling. Each home features generous open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas and the bathrooms boast bespoke designed vanity units.

Each apartment enjoys a terrace or balcony, providing private outdoor space, and are just moments away from a riverfront promenade and Thames Barrier Park, one of the longest stretches of green space along the Thames.

Formally a gateway to the rest of the world, the new homes at the Royal Docks are ideally located to capitalise on excellent transport links. Nearby Pontoon Dock station, located on the

Docklands Light Railway (DLR), provides connections to Bank station for the City in 19-minutes, while Canary Wharf is just 12-minutes away. The area is also due to benefit from the arrival of Crossrail from Custom House station, which will connect to Bond Street in just 17-minutes. London City Airport which is a 15-minute walk from the development and provides direct flights to destinations throughout Europe is also currently undergoing a £344m investment to enable it to expand its offering.

James Holmear, sales director at Redrow East London, comments: “Inspired by the success of nearby Canary Wharf, the masterplan for the Royal Docks will create a third major finance district for London, which will be supported by a thriving residential neighbourhood and excellent connectivity to the City, west end and beyond.

“In recent years the area’s popularity has grown immensely among buyers and renters who have been attracted to living at a prime waterfront location, as well as investors who are attracted to the area due to the expected uplift in prices as a result of regeneration and the arrival of Crossrail.

“Although prices in the area have already risen by 35% since 2015¹, flats at Pontoon Reach are still 34% less than the average London home². Buyers should act now before the uplift takes hold.”

Debbie Coombs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Peabody said: “Pontoon Reach will bring much needed, high quality affordable homes to this exciting regeneration area. With attractive apartments finished to a high specification, and access to great open spaces, buyers will also benefit from excellent transport links via the DLR and a new Crossrail Station. The scheme will help a variety of Londoners looking to rent or buy in a modern, vibrant new neighbourhood, fast becoming an exciting place to live and work.

Prices at Pontoon Reach start at £315,000 for a studio apartment. For further information please visit www.pontoonreach.co.uk or call 0203 811 6211. The first homes are due to complete in autumn 2020.

¹Rightmove November 2018; ²ONS House Price Index, September 2018 | 020 3811 6211 | pontoonreach.co.uk

BETHNAL GREEN E1 ON THE FRINGE OF THE CITY • STUDIO, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments located around a central piazza • Priced from £415,000 to £860,000 • Buy with a 5% DEPOSIT from as little as £20,750* • STAMP DUTY & LEGAL FEES contribution* • Stratford, Canary Wharf and Tottenham Court Road all WITHIN 10 MINUTES of Crossrail 2019 • 7th floor COMMUNAL ROOF TERRACE with exceptional views • Occupations from MAY 2019

Help to Buy

020 8023 5288

WWW.WHITEGREENLONDON.COM * Terms and Conditions apply

reedsrains.co.uk

www.

Blue Bell Hill, Kent

Laurie Gray Avenue

Lordswood, Kent

£550,000

Six Bedroom, Two Bathroom Detached House

Four Bedroom, Two Bathroom Detached House

Angel, London

Lordswood, Kent

Lambourn Way

£550,000

Kirkdale Close

£580,000

Four Bedroom, Two Bathroom Detached House

Peacock Place

Guide Price

£600,000-650,000

Two Double Bedroom, Two Bathroom Apartment

Walderslade - Kent

01634 200279 walderslade@reedsrains.co.uk

Part of the

Group

Buy with as little as £26,500 deposit* PLUS STAMP DUTY & £1,000 LEGAL FEES PAID

Prices from

£530,000

0208 023 9663

A premium development of 35 one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and duplexes • Help to Buy and Part Exchange schemes available† • Haggerston station 10mins walk^

• Liverpool Street station 11mins cycle^ • Moments from Regent’s Canal and Shoreditch Park

The Omnium is part of Hackney Council’s not-for-profit programme to respond to London’s housing crisis - delivering thousands of Council homes for social rent and shared ownership, paid for by selling some homes outright. *Based on a 1 bedroom apartment priced at £530,000 with a 5% deposit, 40% Help to Buy equity loan and a mortgage of £291,500. †Terms and conditions apply. ^Cycling and walking times supplied by Google Maps.

higginshomes.co.uk

SAVILLS

One-of-a-Kind Architecture with Oliver Lurot, Head of Savills Notting Hill Architects are highly skilled and professionally trained to turn homeowners’ dreams into reality, applying impartial and creative thinking to projects large and small.

A ‘starchitect’ is a term used to describe architects whose celebrity and critical acclaim have transformed them into the idols of the architecture world and may even have given them some degree of fame among the general public.

The advantage of living in a house designed by a starchitect is that it is likely to be truly one of a kind. For example, Savills is currently marketing a property in Notting Hill with an incredible ceiling. This newly built detached house is truly one of distinction.

Pavilion is a once in a lifetime property, its unique architectural features are quite unlike anything I’ve seen before. The ceiling of the main reception room is incredible and is the absolute highlight of the design of the property in my opinion. The property’s great location means that its within easy reach of Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road. Designed by acclaimed architect Gianni Botsford, both the unique design and great location of this property make it one that should not be missed.

Although there are of course other factors to consider, the name of a famous architect can sometimes sway undecided potential buyers to make an offer.

Savills Notting Hill | 020 7727 5750 | savills.co.uk

COLUMN

Pavilion, Notting Hill Pavilion is a home of distinction from acclaimed architect, Gianna Botsford. It is reached through a narrow passage alongside an 1840s Notting Hill villa and was completed in autumn 2018.

3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Home Cinema Carrera marble swimming pool with Jacuzzi and underwater speakers

£5.95m

• The property is a one-of-a-kind freehold detached house. Notable features include the spectacular organic shaped copper roof with 6m high atrium reception, home cinema and latest technology throughout, a Carrera marble swimming pool with underwater speakers and Jacuzzi

with a sense of openness that ascends almost two storeys up through the glass apex of the roof • The interiors are defined by angular precision, linear contrasts and perfect joinery

• Copper recurs throughout the house - it’s used in kitchen surfaces as well as detailing in other rooms to add a tonal warmth to the interior. Three other key materials are used throughout; steel, wood and marble.

• There are two levels below the ground floor, taking in bedrooms and then a living / gallery area with a 10m swimming pool at the lowest level of the house. Lightwells and skylights are designed to optimise daylight

• Open-plan, the living room / kitchen dining space is completely glass-walled

• External landscaping is reminiscent of Japanese Zen gardens

Gianni Botsford Architects • Gianni Botsford Architects success is built on its individuality • The small private firm is based in London and is extremely flexible at being able to design and supervise construction anywhere in the world, from the prize-winning Light House in Notting Hill to the Lubetkin Prize winner for Case Kiké in Costa Rica as well as a whole village in the hills of Taiwan, a museum in Estonia and coming up with ingenious solutions for a New York skyscraper • The firm has won several RIBA awards as well as a Wallpaper Design Award. Additionally the practice has been shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival and was a finalist in the Grand Designs Best New Build House award

• Gianni Botsford, Director and Head of Design, set the firm up in 1996 having studied Interior Design at Kingston University before attending the Architectural Association, London • Botsford was appointed AA Research Fellow in 1997 and has taught at the AA and London Metropolitan University, as well as being a visit critic at the AA, Cambridge and Bath Universities. He is currently a member of the RIBA Awards Group and has lectured in the UK, India, the USA and Mexico on the work of his practice.

• His research work at the AA and subsequently with Arup into the optimisation of the control of natural light has been used throughout the projects the studio has built and developed.

February 2019

Is downsizing a good idea for residents of E14?

Number of properties

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

Imagine having fewer rooms to clean, cheaper bills to pay and spending less on your home each month.

There was a time when downsizing was the reserve of older people once their children had flown the nest.

However, today people do it for many reasons such as those related to personal finances, priorities and lifestyle choices.

But what does this mean in the context of E14?

Let's start off with the basics - how much cash could you free up?

In E14, the average two-bed costs £520,000 whilst three-beds cost £770,000.

In crude terms, this means that each room a homeowner sacrifices could free up around £250,000 - useful if you are thinking about retirement or if your circumstances change.

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Those deciding to downsize will need to find a place to put all their ‘stuff’.

The contents of a three-bedroom property will not fit into a one bedroom, so you will either need to sell a few items or put them into storage.

On the plus side, selling some of the things you have accumulated over the years provides the opportunity to declutter and make extra money.

Downsizing used to be synonymous with a reduction in homeowners' standard of living.

However, today it is seen as the opposite.

More people are deciding to downsize in order to have more money in the bank, whether that’s for holidays, cars or just having a bit extra for a rainy day.

If you would like to talk about the possibility of downsizing in E14, pop into my office for a friendly chat.

Spencer Fortag

spencer@lmlondon.com

When downsizing, each room you sacrifice could free up around £250,000.

Get a free and instant online valuation www.docklandspropertyblog.com

FEBRUARY 2019

Monthly Market Update - Docklands E14

Flat

Terrace

800

Sales over time split by type The property market fluctuates on a seasonal basis, and this is particularly the case for sales rates.

This chart shows how the market has changed over the course of the last few months.

The mix of property types doesn't present any great surprises, but it's interesting to see the month-on-month changes visualised.

400

200

Over the last twelve months we've seen pretty strong performance in the local market.

We wanted to see how the market has performed over time, so we indexed the values at the start of the period.

Property data updates quite slowly, so we've estimated the last 3 months.

18 Q

320

18

All property types 120

Index of prices (Q22017= 100)

Index of prices over time

Q

220

18 Q

120

17 Q

420

17

90

60

30

18 Q

4-

20

18 Q

4-

20

18 Q

3-

20

18 2Q

1Q

20

18

17 20 Q

4-

20 3Q

Q

2-

20

17

0

17

Q

320

17 Q

220

17 120 Q

Q

420

16

0

20

Sales

600

Profile of wealth

Wealthy

The profile of wealth is a fairly good gauge of the day-to-day reality of residents in terms of the local housing market.

The government has drawn attention to the large numbers of people in the country who are 'JAM's or 'just about managing'.

This chart shows the profile of our area based on their socio-demographic profile.

Comfortable

Less comfortable

00 ,0 24

00 ,0 18

12

,0

00

0 00 6,

0

Getting Started

Population

Source: ResiAnalytics, Office for National Statistics & Land Registry © Crown copyright 2018.

Dotted lines & outlined columns on charts indicate estimates based on historical trends.

For full terms of use, please visit resianalytics.com/docs/terms

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