ABSOLUTELY
JANUARY 2014 £3.95
THE HEALTH SPECIAL
LET’S GET PHYSICAL NEW YEAR BODY MOTS
DOWN IN MEXICO
IN SEARCH OF SUN ON THE MAYAN COAST
BRIGHT YOUNG THING
Rise and shine in 2014
S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY FOR ISSUE.indd 2 2 JAN_COVERSb.indd
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ABSOLUTELY
CONTENTS JAN UARY
2014
04 EDITOR’S LETTER 06 WHAT’S ON
LOCAL
10 CULTURAL CALENDAR What to look forward to in 2014
14 ANNIE GETS HER TUNE Radio 1 favourite Annie Mac
STYLE
21 SQUARE PANTS
When checks ruled the runway
22 THE INBETWEENER Transitional fashion for January
31 MARK MAKER
Sharmadean Reid on building her nail empire
FOOD
53 PUB GRUB
Ten of the cosiest pubs in the area
54 DETOX IN A BOX
Lily Simpson, the brains behind The Detox Kitchen
INTERIORS 59 SPA TOWN
Bespoke bathrooms to covet
67 ANIMAL MAGIC
Absolutely’s favourite animal cushions
Find us online @zest-media.com
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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL INTERNS PROPERTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR ART DIRECTOR
HELEN BARON CATHERINE HALES ELLIE RICHARDS HUGO HUNTER GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY RAY SEARLE
PRODUCTION MANAGER
STEWART HYDE
EDITORIAL DESIGNER
ANDREW MAVIN
MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER
GEMMA ISTEED
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
TAHIR KAPUCU
ART WORKER
EKREM YILMAZ
JUNIOR DESIGNER
EDWARD TAYLOR REBECCA NOONAN
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER PHOTOGRAPHERS
EDITOR’S let ter
W
JANUARY 2014
hen you think of the Good Life, what springs to mind (the lovable seventies sitcom with Richard Briers aside)? Is the Good Life a high standard of living with plenty of creature comforts? Or do you take the Socratic view that material advantages are superfluous when one knows and appreciates true beauty, true justice and true friendship? Broadly speaking, the two views seem to me to represent the realistic and the idealistic – so which to aim for? If there is a realm where these two viewpoints overlap, it may be in our awareness and enjoyment of our mental and physical wellbeing. And so, in this issue, the first of 2014, we take a look at some of the ways in which to make meaningful changes to our lifestyles, perhaps even breaking bad habits or undesirable cycles. Our Body Talk feature takes stock of some of the health checks you might want to investigate in a bid to ensuring a fitter, happier year ahead. Of course, the Good Life is as much about the process as the end result, and in the words of writer Cormac McCarthy, ‘There is no such joy within the tavern as upon the road thereto’. With that in mind, many of the ideas and services featured are about helping you to find sustainable ways in which to stay well amid the pressures of modern city life. Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll also find plenty of ideas and inspiration about everything from interiors and fashion to cultural goings-on, so you can make it an enlightened New Year as well as a happy, healthy one. Enjoy January.
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12/12/2013 15:08
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WHAT’S ON DON’T MISS RICHARD II
UNTIL 25 JANUARY Everyone’s favourite Dr Who, David Tennant, takes on the role of a lifetime in Shakespeare’s epic history, as the monarch who started his reign with everything to lose and finished it by doing just that. Slowly dragged down from his seat of power by a combination of hubris and bad decisions, Richard comes to the stickiest of ends. An excellent opportunity to catch a masterpiece in the comfort of your local cinema. Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk
TELLING TALES
THROUGHOUT JANUARY This group exhibition features a mix of UK and international artists, all of whom incorporate words and language into their work. Using media ranging from neon and found metal to the pages of religious texts, artists including Sally Fuerst, David Buckingham and Meg Hitchcock explore the role played in art by narrative and typography ever since the heyday of cave paintings and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Scream Gallery, Eastcastle House, 27-28 Eastcastle Street, W1; screamlondon.com
HANNAH HÖCH FROM 15 JANUARY
A member of the Dadaist movement in twenties Berlin, Hannah Höch was a pioneer in the development of the 20th century collage, splicing together images from fashion magazines and illustrated journals to provide a fascinating commentary on a time of sweeping social change. This exhibition – the first major Höch show in UK history – brings together over 100 works from major international collections. Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1; whitechapel.org
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J A N U A R Y
THE BOOK THIEF 31ST JANUARY
Based on the bestselling book of the same name, The Book Thief is set in Germany in 1939 and tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl who is sent to live with foster parents after her father leaves and her mother is forced to give her up. As in the novel, the film is narrated by Death, who first spots Liesel at the funeral of her brother stealing a copy of The Gravedigger’s Handbook in spite of the fact that she cannot read. Although initially suspicious of her new foster parents she and Hans forge a strong bond, though the diminutive thief remains wary of Rosa. The personal and public storylines intertwine as Liesel learns to read with the help of local boy Rudy Steiner and becomes increasingly aware of the changes happening in Germany. This awareness is compounded by the arrival of Jewish Max Vandenburg, whom Hans and Rosa conceal in their basement to protect him from discovery by the Nazis. A heart wrenching portrayal of the devastation wreaked by the Second World War and Hitler’s rise to power on a small German community, rich and poor, men and women, Jews and Christians alike.
SLAVA’S SNOW SHOW UNTIL 5 JANUARY
Slava’s Snow Show has met with incredible success all around the world and returns to London this winter for an unprecedented third season; this is your last chance to catch it in action. Set in a magical, dreamlike world in which ‘a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a heart-stopping blizzard of snow’, it’s suitable for children aged eight and upwards – a spectacular production that should see all the family smiling.
Directed by Brian Percival Starring Sophie Nelissé, Geoffey Rush
AVIEMORE SLED DOG RALLY 25 - 26 JAN
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk
OUT OF TOWN
You might think that you’d have to jet off to Lapland or the North Pole to watch sled dog racing, but you’d be wrong. The furthest North you have to go is bonny Scotland, to the forests round Aviemore, and you’ll be able to watch the 230 teams whipping round the banks of Loch Morlich. The hasty huskies reach speeds of 20mph and it takes some teams little more than fifteen minutes to complete the four mile course. Five breeds of sled dog are eligible to enter: Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Huskies and Canadian Eskimo Dogs. So, if you were planning on entering your highly trained team of Pomeranians, you will be disappointed.
Loch Morlich, Cairngorms, Scotland; siberianhuskyclub.com
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J A N U A R Y
BOOK REVIEW PRISCILLA
BY NICHOLAS SHAKESPEARE The most unbelievable stories are often the true ones. Author Nicholas Shakespeare never imagined that when he discovered a box of documents belonging to his late aunt they would contain the story of a glamorous and morally ambiguous young woman surviving in occupied France during the Second World War. Love, espionage, daring escapes and double crosses – it reads like the synopsis of an outrageous thriller but is actually the true story of a young woman called Priscilla.
HOLLYWOOD UNSEEN
BY DANCE ROBERT
MUST READ
SHUNGA: SEX AND PLEASURE IN JAPANESE ART
EDITED BY TIMOTHY CLARK, ANDREW GERSTLE, AKI ISHIGAMI & AKIKO YANO Until the 19th century, Japan (which practiced the Shinto religion) was essentially cut off from Europe. Unlike Christianity, which shamed the human body, Shinto venerated sexual enjoyment. Taboo in westerned Japan for much of the 20th century, these exquisitely detailed prints and paintings inspired artists Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Aubrey Beardsley. With the spread of woodblock printing, in the 17th century, Shunga became more freely available and a huge number were produced and circulated. For 300 years even renowned Japanese artists, including Hokusai, experimented with this erotic art form and it continues to inspire contemporary Japanese artists. Frequently tender and witty, Shunga celebrates erotic pleasure in all its forms in colourful prints and paintings. This catalogue accompanies the exhibition of Shunga art showing at the British Museum, until 5th January 2014. Parents should note that Shunga are not suitable for children under 16.
British Museum Press, £50, by Alice Coke
With our culture of nip slips and Perez Hilton, we see more of celebrities private lives than one ever could have thought possible. Such was not always the case; Dance Robert’s book reveals the carefully controlled exposure by the great Hollywood studios of their biggest stars. The book showcases several never before seen images of stars from Rita Hayworth to Humphrey Bogart showing a glimpse into their ordinary lives – which were actually just as staged as any pictures used to promote their movies.
AN OFFICER AND A SPY
BY ROBERT HARRIS Set in Paris in 1895 Harris’s new novel tells the story of two people whose lives diverge and spiral off in opposite directions. Picquart, the officer, is given a promotion making him the youngest colonel in the French army whereas Dreyfus, the spy, ends up imprisoned on Devil’s Island and sentenced to a life of solitary confinement. As time passes Picquart slowly beings to realise that all is not as it seems as his efforts to make a fuller investigation are rebuffed and eventually lead to his own undoing. Suspenseful and insightful, Harris’s examination of the famous resonates with the modern reader.getting too fragmented.
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20/09/2013 14:52
2014 THE BEST IS YET TO COME
JANUARY QUIDAM
Tempted to dump the new year diet already? Us too. A trip to Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam should have us merrily back on the wagon though. You might not come out looking like an acrobat, but you’ll be inspired to try. 4 Jan - 9 Feb; Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com
I, THE SYRIAN
Diaries at the ready, Absolutely has prepared a round-up that’ll keep you busy for the next twelve months… enjoy! In his first UK solo exhibition, artist Tammam Azzam explores creativity, destruction and the fragility of a war-torn Syria. A powerful statement from an artist who fled the country seven months after the start of the revolution.
Finishes 30 Jan; Ayyama Gallery, 143 New Bond Street, 1st Floor, W1; ayyamgallery.com
FEBRUARY BAILEY’S STARDUST
Life is never more glamorous than in a David Bailey photograph – and if you don’t believe us, go and check out this landmark exhibition. All images have been picked and printed by the man himself.
6 Feb - 1 Jun; National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H; npg.org.uk
HOLBORN DINING ROOM
MICK JAGGER BY DAVID BAILEY, 1964 © DAVID BAILEY
Valentine’s Day dinner can be a bit of a drag at double the price and half the space. Take your paramour to the Holborn
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ABSOLUTELY ARTS & CULTURE
MAY RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
MARCH THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FILM FESTIVAL
You know that spring has officially sprung when the Chelsea Flower Show comes round again. Glorious gardens abound.
A festival dedicated to engendering discussion and inciting action as well as telling the stories of those who are too often overlooked. Thought-provoking and often deeply moving. 20 – 29 Mar; Alternating between: The Barbican, Silk Street, EC2; The Ritzy Picturehouse, Coldharbour Lane, SW2; The Curzon, 99 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1; ff.hrw.org
20 - 24 May; Royal Hospital Gardens, Royal Hospital Road, SW3; rhs.org.uk
CITY SOCIAL
Dining Room, part of the newly opened (and very swanky) Rosewood London, for some guaranteed glamour.
252 High Holborn, WC1; rosewoodhotels.com
PANCAKE DAY
The best thing about Lent? The stuffing your face bit before. Absolutely’s three favourite pancake joints…
La Petite Bretagne 5-7 Beadon Road, W6; lapetitebretagne.co.uk
8 Feb – 9 Mar; Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens, TW9; kew.org
MARCH FATAL ATTRACTION
We’ll be snapping up tickets to this gripping thriller, adapted for the stage by James Dearden (who also wrote the original 1987 film) if only to find out whether in this version, the bunny makes it. 8 Mar – 21 Jun; Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, SW1; trh.co.uk
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Expect an avant garde production of Arthur Miller’s great American tragedy from Belgian director Ivo van Hove. Book soon, tickets will sell fast.
ORCHIDS AT KEW: A PLANT-HUNTER’S PARADISE
It seems as if summer is still light years away, except at Kew Gardens, where the sun’s always shining (kind of). Take in some beautiful blooms and feel refreshed.
APRIL
The Blues Kitchen, 111 Camden High Street, NW1; theblueskitchen.com
4 Apr – 24 May; The Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1; youngvic.org
Date TBC. No address released yet, but word on the street is that it’ll be housed in Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, EC2
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT
THE GLAMOUR OF ITALIAN FASHION 1945 - 2014
Tracing the rise of Italy as a world fashion centre. Beautiful gowns and photography help to illustrate this truly iconic story.
5 Apr - 27 Jul 2014, The V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk
EASTER
The Breakfast Club 2-4 Rufus Street, N1; thebreakfastclubcafes.com
Pollen Street Social made fine dining fun; now Jason Atherton is expanding the Social circle to include an outpost in the City. We’re really rather excited. Go for the kind of food you’d sell your Nan for.
Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to some truly outstanding chocolates this Easter. Our pick would be one of the gloriously decadent boxes from Artisan du Chocolat (hint hint).
20 Apr; artisanduchocolat.com
Visit galleries and museums after hours and get a different perspective on your favourite London spaces. The exhibits probably won’t come to life, but we can hope... 15 May - 17 May; for full programme and venue info see culture24.org.uk
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JUNE JUNE FESTIVALS
JULY PRIMROSE: RUSSIAN COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Tracing the development of colour photography as well as presenting a beautiful portrait of life in Russia from 1850 onwards. Festival season is in full swing, and you don’t even have to leave London to make the most of it. Here are three of our favourites…
Field Day, 7 - 8 Jun; fielddayfestivals.com Crystal Palace Overground Festival, 27 - 30 Jun; crystalpalacefestival.org Polo in the Park, 6 - 8 Jun; polointheparklondon.com
24 Jul - 28 Sep; The Photographers’ Gallery, 16 - 18 Ramillies St, W1; thephotographersgallery.org.uk
THE MINIATURIST
Amsterdam, 17th century, Nella has been married off to wealthy merchant Johannes. Living in a household full of secrets, she becomes obsessed with the idea that a local miniaturist can tell her fate. A book so compelling it caused a six-way bidding war among publishers. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, published 3 Jul; picador.co.uk
OUTDOOR CINEMA
Ah summer, the perfect time to watch a film outdoors. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and a picnic and pray for clear skies.
Cinema Under the Stars, Dulwich Park, College Road, SE21; southwark.gov.uk
SEPTEMBER HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL
AUGUST A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Gillian Anderson as Blanche DuBois? Yes please. Tennessee Williams’ classic gets the Young Vic treatment. Dates TBC; The Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1; youngvic.org
Word on the street has it that Henley is the Glasto of the book world. Past speakers have included Jojo Moyes, Irvine Welsh and Lisa Jewell as well as Giles Coren, Rachel Johnson and Emma Freud. See you at the front.
COLOUR HILAIRE-GERMAIN-EDGAR DEGAS (1834 – 1917) COMBING THE HAIR (‘LA COIFFURE’), ABOUT 1896 © THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON
29 Sep - 5 Oct; for full programme and venue info see henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
The first of its kind in the UK, the National Gallery will dedicate each room of this exhibition to a different colour of the spectrum (plus a room for gold and silver). You’ll be able to trace the history of each colour from the early Renaissance to the Impressionist movement.
18 Jun – 7 Sep; The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2; nationalgallery.org.uk
WIMBLEDON
RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW
AUGUST NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
Can Murray do it again? Will the weather be as glorious as last year? We’ll see you in the queue for Centre Court...
23 Jun - 6 Jul; Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19; wimbledon.com
Is there any better way to spend a summer’s day than at Hampton Court Palace? We doubt it... unless you have hay-fever.
8 - 13 Jul; East Molesey, KT8; rhs.org.uk
There’s dancing, there’s singing and there’s some killer jerk chicken. We’re already excited for London’s biggest party.
24 - 25 Aug; thenottinghillcarnival.com
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ABSOLUTELY ARTS & CULTURE
HENRI MATISSE: THE CUT-OUTS
Matisse really knew how to throw shapes. Catch this vibrant and dramatic exhibition before it finishes! Ending 7 Sep; Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk
OCTOBER REMBRANDT: THE FINAL YEARS
A unique chance to see the work of a master from one of the most creative and expressive periods of his life.
15 Oct – 18 Jan 2015; The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N; nationalgallery.org.uk
FRIEZE
SEPTEMBER
OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND
Take a peek behind the closed doors of some of London’s great landmarks. With over 800 buildings, walks and tours available just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. 20-21 Sep, various locations; londonopenhouse.org
THE EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL Luminaries from the art world converge on London for this annual fair. Talks, exhibitions and pop-up projects make it a good day out for us neophytes as well.
DECEMBER CHRISTOPHER KANE
NOVEMBER
An exploration of the life and work of Canadian modernist painter Emily Carr. Largely overlooked in her lifetime, the exhibition brings together over 100 of Carr’s paintings and sketches and highlights the influence of Indigenous art on her work. 1 Nov – 22 Feb 2015; Dulwich Picture Gallery, College Road, SE21; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
ICE SKATING
Date TBC; interstellar-movie.com
16–19 Oct; Regent’s Park, NW1; for full programme and venue info see friezelondon.com
PAINTING CANADA 2: EMILY CARR AND THE INDIGENOUS ART OF THE NORTHWEST COAST
Knight Rises. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.
Live improvised music at venues across London. If jazz is an acquired taste, now is the best time to acquire it.
14 - 23 Nov; for full programme and venue info see londonjazzfestival.org.uk
INTERSTELLAR
Christopher Nolan co-writes and directs this outer-space epic about a group of explorers who use wormholes to travel through the galaxy. The excitement is already building for Nolan’s first film since The Dark
A ripple went round the fashion pond when it was announced that feted Scottish designer Christopher Kane would be opening his first flagship store in London. At the time of going to press, details of the opening were still sparse; what we do know is that it’ll be some time around the end of the year – keep your eyes peeled! Date TBC, net-a-porter.com
Slippidy slide into 2015. Wrap up warm and look back on a year well spent!
Dates TBC; Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7; nhm.ac.uk
WINTER WONDERLAND
Enough beer, mulled wine and rides to bring some cheer to any would-be Scrooge. Also enough beer, mulled wine and rides to bring up your supper – you have been warned.
Throughout December; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
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ANNIE
GETS HER TUNE First, I want to ask if there was some kind of big break moment on your road to becoming a DJ? I suppose the biggest moment for me was getting my Radio 1 show. That afforded me the profile to go out and DJ. I used to DJ before then, in a Saturday night club in Camden – I got paid £70 for doing two hours. But it wasn’t until I got a Radio 1 show that I was getting booked to play gigs. Has life at the BBC changed since you first started working there? When I started we were in this slightly
ramshackle building called Yalding House; it was just Radio 1 that lived there and 1Xtra when that started, so it felt like we were our own little thing away from the rest of the BBC. It was old and lived-in – a bit messy – but it was charismatic and there was lots of history there. Then earlier this year we moved to the brand new, refurbished Broadcasting House. We’re in the penthouse there and it feels like Radio 1 is this glossy, international radio station that means business. In the old place you’d worry about these massive stars coming in because the toilets would smell and the vending machine
NORTH LONDONER AND RADIO 1 FAVOURITE ANNIE MAC ON A CAREER IN MUSIC AND BECOMING A MOTHER would be broken and it was all a bit shabby. Now it looks like somewhere you can be proud of. Radio 1 is sometimes accused of pandering to a younger and perhaps less discerning market. Do you think there’s any truth in that? Well, it has to, that’s its remit! With the BBC every station has a remit; you pay your licence fee to be served by the BBC and the BBC has to serve everyone in that bracket. Hopefully there’s a station to cater for everyone. Radio 1’s target market is 15-24 year-olds, but what it tries to do is cater for people younger than that, so that
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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE
they can grow into Radio 1 and not just start liking it when they’re 20 and grow out of it four years later.
FAVOURITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME?
It’s between Lauryn Hill’s The Mis-education of Lauryn Hill and Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks.
FAVOURITE BAND OR ACT THIS YEAR? I really like Miguel, I think he’s incredible.
FAVOURITE DJ?
My favourite DJ of all time would be DJ Mehdi, a French DJ who passed away a few years ago. He was the most incredible DJ and he always played with a massive smile on his face.
FAVOURITE GIG VENUE IN LONDON?
I know it’s pretty specific… KOKO in Camden, that’s probably the best; every second month I do a gig at KOKO and we have real fun times there. My favourite line-up there was The Streets, Joker feat. Jessie Ware, Disclosure and me.
There’s a lot that Radio 1 does that other stations in the BBC don’t do, in terms of their commitment to breaking new talent – do you think that there’s a balance struck between inspiring and entertaining? That’s what the BBC offers above and beyond commercial radio stations. In the evenings after seven o’clock we have this weird and wonderful time of specialist DJs and documentaries and a talk-show about music. Every corner of alternative music is represented by experts and if you like new music we’ve got every angle covered. Then during the day we play more mainstream music – though if you put a BBC playlist next to, say, a Galaxy playlist or even a Capital playlist, it’s still really alternative compared to those commercial stations. We really do champion new acts. You recently curated a 200-strong record collection for W Hotels. Could you give a brief overview of the project and how you got involved? I really liked the idea – which is that you can call down to reception and order up vinyl and a record player from a booklet. I liked the idea of providing musical moments for
people in hotel rooms. I spend loads of time in hotels when I’m on tour and it’s quite lonely sometimes, so it’s nice to provide a little bit of musical solace, I suppose. It was a nice trip down memory lane for me, because I got to go through all my old vinyl and pick out my favourite records and think about the vinyl I didn’t have that I wanted [laughs]. What kind of music did you include – I read that the collection comprises over 200 albums? We went through all my CDs , sent the list to The W and they let us know what of the ones we had sent were available on vinyl, what they could source. And then there were a couple more, maybe twenty, thirty that we had to fi nd. I was very conscious of trying to incorporate really classic records. We thought for a bit about putting loads of new stuff in there, and we did put some in that I thought was relevant and interesting, but I really wanted to put a lot of timeless tracks on there. Also, I wanted to put on more long runners than EPs and singles; mostly its albums or long EPs so it will last while you'r in the bath! W asked me for a reason so I went with what I want to do and hope its alright. You also released an Annie Mac Presents record earlier this year – what was the thinking behind that? The comps are a way to get something out there that represents me and everything I’m about,
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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE
something people can get their hands on. Radio shows are lovely but they’re transient, it’s nice to have something that people can keep and own. It’s also about saying ‘this is what I think are the greatest songs of this year’, or the songs of this year that will stand the test of time. Do you think the digital revolution is a good or bad thing for artists? Well, of course it’s a bad thing for artists because it costs money to make music and they’re not getting back the money they are spending making it, I suppose. But it’s weird, I feel like it’s undeniable what’s happening. I don’t feel that the music industry has caught up. I mean, they’re obviously doing their best and things like Spotify are genius. But I just think you can’t
fight it. You have to find a way to work with it, which is why I really admire Spotify and also the BBC’s new tool, Playlister [which allows users to export custom playlists of songs heard on any BBC radio or television show to Spotify or Youtube]. Stuff like that is a good example of the BBC learning to work with a new generation of music consumers. What has been the craziest or most fun party you’ve ever played? There was a night in Miami two years ago at the Ultra Music Festival; I had my own stage and by the end of the set everyone I knew at the festival was on stage with me. We all ended up at a party at P Diddy’s house. It was one of the most epic, fun nights. I did four gigs in seven hours and then watched the sun coming up over P Diddy’s swimming pool.
Has everything calmed down a bit since you had your baby? I haven’t really got back into the swing of proper touring since the baby. I’ve done bits and pieces, but it’s weird that you mention it because today I’ve been thinking about how my American tour next year will be possible as a mother. I’m really lucky in that both me and my partner have really enthusiastic parents who are happy to look after our kid, so there’ll be periods where I’ll be away for a week or so and he’ll be looked after really well. The Vinyl Collection curated by Annie Mac is the world's first vinyl record collection available via room service delivery to guests at W London - Leicester Square; wlondon.co.uk You can listen to Annie’s show on BBC Radio 1 every Friday from 7pm and Sundays from 10pm
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TWEEDY PIE
Marks and Spencer has well and truly won us over with their Best of British range. Take this suit for example. Classic, fashionable and warm, importantly. The neo-boy look is officially a winner. Westfield Stratford City, E20; marksandspencer.com
FASHION NOTES
MONCLER FLORAL COATS
These amazing floral coats from the Moncler x Mary Katrantzou AW13 collection are proof that you can look as good on the slopes as off. Don one if you dare; the piste is your runway. £1,250; selfridges.com
STYLE TIP
JUMP UP
The fact that it’s January is not an excuse to slack off in the style stakes. It doesn’t get more statement than this Ingenue Mena jumpsuit. The print is muted, so it’s as sophisticated as it is loud. £120; ingenuelondon.com
CLUTCH CONTROL THE WHITE SHIRT
will never grow old. How can something so simple look SO GOOD? Even pared down, a crisp cotton shirt teamed with denim and chic accessories (such as oversize sunglasses or a petite clutch) is the business. Comes in handy in Winter too, worn under a woolly cardi or jumper.
Radley have proven their style credentials yet again by teaming up with British design talent Holly Fulton. The capsule collection showcases Fulton’s magpie eye for bold, graphic pattern and Radley’s own commitment to well-crafted leather. The trouble is in the choosing... Stocked at House of Fraser, 68 King William Street, EC4; radley.co.uk
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ABSOLUTELY LONDON
S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY
ABSOLUTELY
JANUARY 2014 £3.95
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THE HEALTH ISSUE
THE PERFECT YEAR CULTURAL
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2014
RADIO DAYS
IN BED WITH ANNIE MAC
Winter
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CELINE
8 9 1 6 3 4 SQUARE PANTS 2 7 5 WHO KNEW THAT LAUNDRY-BAG SQUARES WOULD END UP RULING ON THE RUNWAY? PLAID, HOUNDSTOOTH AND CLASSIC TARTAN? CHECK. GET READY FOR SOME SERIOUS GRID REVERENCE.
1. Vivienne Westwood Red Label Tartan Trousers, £375; matchesfashion.com 2. Eric Bompard Cashmere Jumper, £245; eric-bompard.com 3. Elizabeth and James Plaid Silk Shirt, £265; matchesfashion.com 4. Sophia Webster Penelope Tartan and Patent Leather Pumps, £450; brownsfashion.com 5. Charles Philip Shanghai Tasselled Tartan Slippers, £115; net-a-porter.com 6. Eric Bompard Tartan Scarf, £95; eric-bompard.com 7. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Red Tartan Bo Biker Jacket, £1,360; avenue32.com 8. No. 21 Plaid Mini-skirt, £275; matchesfashion.com 9. Peter Som Emerald Plaid Silk Trousers, £565; avenue32.com
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Inbetweener The
Revisit the '50s and '60s with the best in transitional fashion
PHOTOGRAPHY: OLGAC BOZALP STYLING: CLEMENTINE KING
JAN SHOOT.indd 44
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Long satin blue dress, with silk chiffon panel, ÂŁ1,820, Missoni, www.missoni.com
JAN SHOOT.indd 45
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Green enamel and diamond earrings, £1,300, Jessie Western, 82b Portobello Road W2 6QA, 02072292544 Pink glasses, £279, Transitions for Face-a-Face, www.transitions.com Silk embroidered red drees, £797, Shanghai Tang, www.shanghaitang.com
JAN SHOOT.indd 46
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Silk embroidered red drees, £797, Shanghai Tang, www.shanghaitang.com White tights, £10.95, Oroblu, www.oroblu.com White shoes, with chunky black heel, £132, Hobbs, 08453133130
JAN SHOOT.indd 47
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Faux fur deep red coat, £499, Antipodium, www.antipodium.com Black dress with leather front panel, £598, Shanghai Tang, www.shanghaitang.com Pink faux bag with green leather panels and shoulder strap, £605, LAAEL, www.laael.com Sheer black tights, £8.95, Oroblu, www.oroblu.com
JAN SHOOT.indd 48
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Blue sheepskin waistcoat, £395, Daisy Darche, www.dasiydarche.com Grey top with pleats, £115, Toast, www.toast.co.uk Green tartan trousers, £125, Toast, www.toast.co.uk White Valentino glasses, £185, MARCHON, 0800722020, www.marchon.com Red faux fur bag with pink shoulder strap, £445, LAAEL, www.laael.com Blue ostrich skin slip on shoes, £970, Dorraj, www.dorraj.com
JAN SHOOT.indd 49
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Faux fur deep red coat, ÂŁ499, Antipodium, www.antipodium.com White patent top, ÂŁ160, Antipodium, www.antipodium.com
Stylist - Clementine King Hair and Make-up - Alice Howlett Photographer's assistant - Bugra Ergil Stylist's assistants - Daisy Aziz Location - Goode and Wright, 271 Portobello Road W11 1LR
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MITCH CLOTHING SIZE 16 - 30 0207 586 0030 | WWW.MITCHCLOTHING.CO.UK | 14 ENGLAND’S LANE, LONDON NW3 4TG
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ABSOLUTELY LOCAL
MARK MAKER CURATOR OF COOL AND FOUNDER OF WAH ON NAILING IT WITH HER MINI-EMPIRE
Tell us about the business; when you started out, did you have any idea how big the company would get?
I started WAH Nails because there was nowhere for girls like me to get their nails done by technicians who were in-the-know. I knew it would be big but although it was in my original business plan to change nail culture, I didn’t think it would be this huge. What nail trends can we look out for this year? Will you be at LFW again?
I only really do LFW for my friends Ashley Williams and Nasir Mazhar. I’m not so fussed about it and there are session nail technicians who have been doing shows forever and who are amazing at it. It’s not a gap I need to fi ll. As for nail trends... I really love graphic, painterly and pointillist nails. Art is my biggest inspiration. How did the Eastpak collaboration come about?
Eastpak contacted me to work with them on the DAA [Designers Against AIDs] project. I was really excited to put our classic nail print onto a bag. How did you come up with the design, and how is your own personality reflected in the end result?
I love lilac, pink and blue so this was always going to be the base. Leopard is what made us famous in the nail world so it was only appropriate that I did that.
It’s basically what founded the business. I’ve always been a blogger, documenter,
Your business has expanded quickly - you’ve published books, you model, style and consult on fashion shoots… what advice would you give to other young women wanting to start their own business? Is there anything else you want to do?
Just get on with it, don’t talk about it. Even now I find myself hesitant to explore new ideas, which is not in my nature but it comes with age and experience. The younger you are
WAH Nails Book of Downtown Nails is a step up from our first book (the WAH Nails Book of Nail Art), with more intricate designs – it encourages everyone to reach their full nail art potential! 420 Kingsland Road, E8; wah-nails.com
IE GR ANT
You also edit the WAH website. How important is the online element of the business?
Alex came into the salon one day and she was sweet and cool and got talking to me about her dreams of having her own salon. We had way too much space so I offered her the back of the shop. She said yes and Bleach was born!
Lastly, tell us about your new book...
HED BY HA RD
Definitely. I am keen on doing more philanthropic endeavours, particularly for women and children.
How did you start working with the Bleach salon girls?
the more naive you are and you have the balls to just do it!
IS £11.9 9, PUBL
Is it important to you to use your success to support causes such as this?
story-teller. I’d already built an online following for the WAH crew via my old blog, wahappenings.blogspot.com, so the basis was there. Instagram took it to the next level.
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ABSOLUTELY LOCAL
MY STYLE
INTERIOR DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF MATRUSHKA, JOANNA BERRYMAN SHARES HER INSPIRATIONS
FAVOURITE PERIOD IN DESIGN: In the midst of a seventies moment with forties baroque accents; the contrast between utilitarian and decadent design is the most striking for me.
FAVOURITE HOTEL:
The Bowery Hotel in New York for the polenta fries at Gemma’s and the home away from Home Ambience.
FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER
Just ordered some divine pieces from Pavane’s SS14 collection. For staples I love Carven or Acne, accessorised with a bold necklace and a pair of architectural shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood for statement or Robert Clergerie creepers for comfort.
STYLE ICON
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Matrushka HQ, 4 Willoughby Road, NW3; matrushka.co.uk
A fox miniature painted by my friend Alice Instone, she’s a talisman and resides at The Folly, my retreat in the Cotswolds.
Udaipur and Jaipur in Rajahstan; the landscape here takes on an almost mythical quality. I find the faded beauty of the forgotten forts and palaces so inspiring.
MOST INSPIRING EXPERIENCE
Birth of my daughter nico (7), she’s grown into quite a character and is currently obsessed with comedy. She goes to comedy school once a week. I marvel at her ability to craft and deliver jokes, her comic timing is genius. Watch this space.
Iris apfel: it’s important society breaks away from the cult of youth, iris represents everything i aspire to be style wise: authentic, colourful, brazen and feminine.
FRANCO VOGT PHOTOGRAPHY
PAVANE
MOST TREASURED POSSESSION
FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART
Feather Boat by Nancy Fouts. It’s such a charming creation housed within a glass box. Nancy’s bonkers and original thinking really tickles me.
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FOR HIM EMBRACE THE WINTER WEATHER WITH JANUARY’S BEST CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
ABSOLUTELY FASHION
TINKER, TAILOR
Founded in Amsterdam in 2000, Suitsupply wasted no time getting its wares to the rest of the world, with branches popping up as far afield as Chicago and Shanghai. Specialising in superb tailoring at very reasonable prices, the current collection includes some sharp overcoats as well as heritage-style bodywarmers and chunky knits – all of which help to make the English winter feel a lot less bitter… suitsupply.com
AGENT ORANGE
US brand Penfield know a thing or two about life in a cold climate. The Bowerbridge Puffa, available in a range of subtler shades as well as this rather excellent bright orange, boasts a ‘power down’ filling and water- and windresistant shell – and pretty much guarantees you won’t get lost halfway up a mountain. £180 from Present, 140 Shoreditch High Street, E1; present-london.com
GOOD YARN
It’s not too late to make the most of a nifty knit, and this Fair Isle specimen from US titan J Crew – who recently debuted a trio of London stores - is just the ticket. £128, 38 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1; jcrew.com
THE TATTOO COLOURING BOOK
Brighton-based artist Megamunden recently published this clever colouring book through Old Street’s Laurence King. Featuring loads of amazing original illustrations just begging to be turned into body art, it’s the perfect addition to any coffee table - and a treasure trove of ink ideas for anyone looking to show some skin when the season turns... £9.95 from laurenceking.com
CHECK MATE
Nine times out of ten, winter headwear is either dull or infantile. Thankfully, Japanese brand Neighborhood have bucked both trends with this ‘ear buff ’ cap, which will keep your lugs toasty while plugging you in to the enduring craze for classic Americana. £96 from the Goodhood Store, 41 Coronet Street, N1; goodhoodstore.com
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ABSOLUTELY KIDS
ABSOLUTELY
KIDS HOW TO KEEP LITTLE ONES AMUSED
HUG A PUG
The Steiff version is oh-so-cute and looks like the real thing. At least this one can go everywhere your little one does… and doesn’t need a walk. £159.95; harrods.com
AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES
Taschen’s latest compilation of The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen comes with a selection of beautiful artwork from the 1840s to the 1980s, which parents will love just as much as the kids. £24.99; taschen.com
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Wolf & Rita specialise in quality shirts for kids, of which each is produced in the traditional way and in limited number. The debut winter collection is inspired by the great American photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis. Kids can embrace their own free spirit with the addition of some bows and feathers.Wolf & Rita at Bubble London 26-27 January, feathers. Business Design Centre, N1; bubblelondon.com
BUNNY LOVE
Emma Bridgewater does Beatrix Potter? We’re as smitten as Tom Kitten. Emma Bridgewater, 81a Marylebone High Street, W1; emmabridgewater.co.uk
BARBIE GIRL
Kitsch reaches iconic new heights with the release of this Audrey Hepburn Barbie, dolled up in the same gown and black stiletto heels worn by Hepburn’s character Sabrina in the 1954 film of the same name. An elegant departure for the world’s most famous blonde bombshell – and a light-hearted homage to Hepburn herself. What a doll. £84; pixmania.com
PEDAL PUSHER
Frog bikes launched last year as an antidote to to hideous and heavy children’s bikes in sparkly pink or superhero blue. These sleek aluminium cycles are super lightweight, with high quality components, and come in lovely, shiny unisex colours. With sizes ranging from toddler balance bikes to teenage, the range is set to become the last word in kids’ bikes. Available at Stoke Newington’s Two Wheels Good, priced £100-£280; frogbikes.com
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all colour services inc cut & finish receive
all ladies cut & finish services receive
£20 OFF
£10 OFF
all men’s cut & finish services receive
all beauty services spend over £20 receive
£5 OFF
£5 OFF
Opening Times: Beat the January blues with a stylish start to the New Year... www.loungehairbeauty.co.uk Monday 9:30am ....... 6:30pm Tues-Fri 9:30am ....... 8:00pm Saturday 9:00am ...... 6:00pm Sunday 10:00am .... 4:00pm
FREE CAR PARKING Behind the salon exclusively for clients Scan on code to see our beauty price list
Lounge Hair Salon.indd 1
020 7237 2624
* THESE OFFERS INCLUDE ALL LEVELS OF STYLISTS. * OFFER VALID UNTIL 31 JANUARY 2014. * MONDAY TO THURSDAY ONLY. * NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS.
200 Jamaica Road, London, SE16 4RT
(Close to Bermondsey tube station)
ind us on facebook loungehairsalon, Bermondsey, London
452.pf_AngelAd6.1_col_1:452.pf_AngelAd2_col_1
12/12/2013 14:27
15/2/08
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YOU’RE AS YOUNG AS YOUR SPINE IS FLEXIBLE “If, at the age of 30, you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If, at 60, you are supple and strong, then you are young.” Joseph Pilates Get a stronger back, a flatter stomach and a suppler, younger body at our stunning studio
020 7288 8080
islington@pilatescentral.co.uk www.pilatescentral.co.uk 10-12 Gaskin St (off Upper St) London N1 2RY
Superb teachers. Superb facilities. Superb location.
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ABSOLUTELY HEALTH
THE MOLE SCAN THE DEAL? The Mole Clinic offers a full-body check-up, taking in every mole from the freckle-sized to those hidden under hair or between the toes. Applying the ABCD rule (asymmetry, border, colour and diameter), the nurse checks for signs of melanoma; if you are in the melanoma risk group, mole-mapping may be required, whereby pictures are taken so any change or growth can be flagged in an annual check-up.
BODY TALK TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WELLBEING THIS YEAR WITH THE LATEST CHECKS AND TREATMENTS, WORDS: HELEN BARON
THE RESULT: The check-up is a quick and efficient way to get peace of mind, especially if you’ve experienced sunburn, used a solarium or not used SPF because cloudy London gives you a false sense of security. Assessing your skin type, the nurse will advise on ways to be sunsmart – and once you’ve been given the full once-over, you can opt for the TELEDerm service, which involves photographing any moles presenting two or more of the ABCD symptoms and sending the pics to a lab for further investigation. Your nurse will also follow up on your appointment with a phone call detailing the results – and provide a referral to a dermatologist if required.
THE DETAILS Infusions cost between £110 and £450; if it’s your first time, you can also book a preinfusion health-check for £150. Bell 5, 19 Devonshire Street, W1; theinfusionclinic.co.uk
THE NUTRITIONAL APPRAISAL
THE RESULT: After your consultation, you’ll receive a personalised report via email. This rundown is full of tailored nutritional advice based on your personal requirements as well as a professional appraisal of the balance of nutrients in your current diet. Possible food intolerances are discussed and nutritional myths dispelled - helping you to make future decisions free from the distorting influence of rumour and hearsay. THE DETAILS A standard consultation lasts half an hour and costs £50. For those who can’t get to Harley Street, it’s also possible to book a visit from a Food Doctor specialist. 13 Harley Street, W1; thefoodoctor.com
THE DEAL? The Infusion Clinic by Nosh Detox is the only place in London that replicates Las Vegas’ much talked-about Hangover Heaven, a high-end service that boosts wellbeing and combats alcohol-induced torpor with a potent, intravenously-delivered blend of vitamins, minerals and other vivifying substances. The idea is to increase the body’s uptake of detoxifying nutrients by administering them directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract and all its potential inefficacies. The Infusion Clinic offers a range of targeted treatments designed to invigorate the complexion, aid weight loss and reduce the effects of aging. Of course, it’s the anti-hangover infusion that intrigues most of all... THE RESULT: A standard drip multi-vit infusion takes about 45 minutes and gives your system an instant boost. The hectic schedule and irregular sleep patterns of the typical urbanite can be draining, but the infusion adds a dose of energy and vitality that lasts well beyond the treatment itself. In fact, the real benefits seem to kick in a few days later, when energy levels seem noticeably higher - even post-hangover (a real win).
THE DETAILS Mole checks start at £115, while TELEDerm costs £45 for the first mole diagnosis and £30 for each subsequent one. 9 Argyll Street, W1; themoleclinic.co.uk
THE DEAL? The Food Doctor isn’t just a range of super healthy snacks; in fact, the fast-growing food line is one happy by-product of a Harley Street clinic specialising in the science of nutrition. Consultations entail discussing your diet with an expert who can help you to pinpoint your nutritional goals and recalibrate your eating habits to ensure you achieve them. Whether you’re looking to enhance your general health and vitality or target something specific like problem skin, hormonal imbalance or a lack of energy, the Food Doctor can suggest an effective approach.
THE VITAMIN INFUSION
HYGIENIST
ACUPUNCTURIST THE DEAL? The traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture - the insertion of tiny needles into the skin at strategic points around the body - has been around for thousands of years. The idea is that the body is home to a network of ‘meridians’, invisible lines or channels by which ‘qi’ travels from the inner organs to the muscles and skin. Acupuncture tries to regulate this flow and clear blockages that may occur due to disease or stress. THE RESULT: Zen Clinic offers a range of Chinese herbal remedies and massage treatments as well as experienced acupuncturists. On arrival, you’ll discuss any existing health issues or concerns with a traditional doctor (and a translator, if necessary) before being advised on the best course of treatment. The acupuncture sessions can target anything from general problems with the immune system to skin issues and tiredness. Whatever is ailing you, here you’ll find a sympathetic ear and some practical ideas on how to get yourself back to top form. THE DETAILS Acupuncture sessions last from 30-60 minutes and cost between £40-85. 1 White’s Row, E1; zencliniclondon.co.uk
THE DEAL? Voted one of the best dentists in London at last year’s Dentistry Awards, Elleven is also Emma Watson’s practice of choice – and offers something different from the usual dental experience. The practice itself is little short of luxurious, with resident specialists on hand to advise on dental care, perform high-level cleaning and spot issues like plaque build-up and gum disease before they become serious problems. Treatments use the latest, state-of-the-art technology and include discreet lingual braces, Invisalign teeth-straightening and a range of other orthodontic and aesthetic services. THE RESULT: Air-Flow represents the latest development in dental hygiene technology. It’s a polishing technique that uses highpressure air and water and a speciallyformulated powder to remove staining and restore the natural whiteness of teeth. For those of us partial to coffee/red wine/ the odd cigarette, it’s a powerfully effective route to an improved smile. THE DETAILS The Air-Flow treatment takes about an hour and costs £94. 11 Devonshire Place, W1G; ellevendental.com
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Bringing Harley Street to Shoreditch
B
oudoir Medical is based at Boudoir Beauty Parlour. The clinic takes a holistic approach in a friendly, family setting. We take pride in treating every person individually, according to their needs and expectations. It is a one stop shop for all your beauty and medical aesthetic needs, to make you look and feel gorgeous and fabulous. You can have eyelash extensions to body contouring all under the same roof.
The TriLipo™MED from Pollogen is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment, with no down time. The TriLipo™MED with a unique offering treats a wide variety of conditions including;
cellulite stretch marks mummy tummy acne scarring body shaping skin tightening facial rejuvenation skin resurfacing
BEFORE
AFTER
1A Turville Street, E2 7HX - 020 7739 5462
www.boudoirmedical.com
Boudior beauty.indd 2
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ABSOLUTELY HEALTH
HEALTH NOTES WISE WORDS STUDIO REVIEW
SĀDHAKA YOGA CENTRE
This brand new studio in Camden provides a serious cure for the winter blues. Previously known (and well-loved) as Alchemy, the new venture has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, experienced yogis Mollie and Simon Morris have created a space that embodies perfectly their holistic approach. With over 50 classes a week catering for different levels and styles of yoga, plus numerous workshops and meditation classes, this is the kind of place to while away an entire Saturday. I opted for a taster in Kundalini and ended up on a cosmic journey which took in a series of ‘kyrias’ (dynamic and static poses) combined with shouting mantras and loud music – the aim being to unite the cosmic and individual consciousness. I followed this with a treatment; the studio offers everything from acupuncture and homeopathy to massages and… spiritual hairdressing. Yes, you read that right: a professional cut that involves healing and letting go of old energy. That has to be a first. I topped it all off with a smoothie from the on-site Soul Café. It’s always nice when a studio has the forethought to include a space for socialising and replenishing your energy stores; this one serves organic food (as you’d expect) and a selection of ultra-healthy superfood juices. Be sure to try the signature Yogi Bhajan Chai too, incredibly warming and caffeine-free. So much better than wishing winter away from the sofa…
BY TANIA ODELL
We all know that Omega-3 is good for us and that we should have it every day, but how many of us actually do? If you can’t stomach regular meals of oily fish and find that supplements taste a little, well, fishy, then look out for the new VeryWise range of super-absorbable Omega-3 supplements. There are six to choose from, each with their own unique benefits. Feel like you have the attention span of a gnat? Try tropical-flavoured Brainwise – which is also packed with 100% of your RDA of essential vitamins. Best of all, it tastes delicious – just like a syrupy pineapple yoghurt. You can take it as a 5ml shot or add it to smoothies. For prices see verywisenutrition.co.uk
A KINETTIP FROM IC PILA TES
Exercising little and often is a great way to get back to former fitness after a long break. Pilates is also ideal for easing back in, especially post-injury or post-training recovery; as little as ten minutes a day would be a great place to start over a week-long period. Stretch daily, focusing on your hamstrings, hip flexors and calf muscles, and do some gentle corestrengthening exercises to ease the pressure on your back and joints. This will help to avoid injury and recall your body’s muscle memory. 4 Ossian Mews, N4; kineticpilates.com
Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1; sadhakayogacentre.com
3 PRODUCTS FOR BETTER SLEEP
1. BetterYou Magnesium Oil Goodnight Spray, £12.20 for 100ml; betteryou.uk.com 2. Remedies to Roll – Relaxation, £6.25 for 9ml, available at Neal’s Yard, 295 Upper Street, N1; nealsyardremedies.com 3. Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil, £39; aromatherapyassociates.co.uk
MUSCLES FROM BRUSSELS
Before you wrinkle your nose in dismissal of 2014’s emergent juice craze – brussel sprouts – listen to these wise words from Juice Club… ‘Lately, brussels sprouts have garnered a cult following rivalling that of the mighty kale, due largely to their being packed with vitamins A and C as well as the fact that they’re high in fibre but low in carbs and calories. Some festive combos with pears, cinnamon and spice or cranberries were on trial last month, but keep things lean and green in the New Year by adding spinach and kale.’ Maltby Street Market, SE1; juice-club.co.uk
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WE CAN
WORK IT OUT DAVID LLOYD LEISURE’S EXPERT TRAINER JOHN WILLIAMS TELLS ABSOLUTELY HOW TO STAY FOCUSED ON FITNESS
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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION
BY JOHN WILLIAMS, DAVID LLOYD LEISURE’S EXPERTISE COACH
A
lthough any time is a good time to embark on a fitness regime, without a doubt January is the most popular month to do so. We are all aware of the cynicism that surrounds New Year’s resolutions; however, most of us aren’t aware that the success rate of anyone embarking on a radical change – at any time of the year – is low. Very low, in fact. Typically, there are a couple of fundamental reasons people choose to make a change to their fitness – pain and pleasure. It just so happens that after plenty of festive indulgence, many people are left feeling the ‘pain’: increases in weight and body fat and poor energy levels are just a few examples. This pain often leads to action – and action often takes the form of New Year’s resolutions. So is there a way to improve your chances of sticking to them? Before you start, there are three key things you need to be clear about when embarking on a new fitness routine:
You should define clear outcomes and think about how achieving them will benefit you. In other words, ask ‘what do I want and why?’ This is the ‘pleasure’ motivator, and if it’s powerful enough, it will keep you going long after you lose touch with the ‘pain’ which got you started in the first place. You need to be sufficiently dissatisfied with what you currently have. Most importantly, you need to be crystal-clear on what you need to do to achieve your fitnessrelated goals from your current standpoint. This includes being aware of potential challenges and preparing solutions to them your own action plan. Write down all your goals in a positive way and as though you have already achieved them. For example: ‘I am X weight, I exercise four times per week’ rather than ‘I will lose’ or ‘I will do’. Consult with a fitness professional who can discuss with you the best ways of exercising and eating to achieve your goals. Commit long-term: it shows belief in yourself
and is absolutely essential to your fitness goals. Imagine your commitment as an endurance event: be cautious of coming out of the blocks sprinting, as true fitness can’t be achieved in two or three hard weeks. In fact, throwing everything at it early in the New Year is one of the surest ways to end up burnt-out, de-motivated or even injured. Work out with others. If you like working out in groups, sign up to a group programme, go to group exercise classes with a friend or even make some new ones at the classes. Research has shown that those who get fit as part of a group stick to their programmes more than those who try to do it alone. Even if you don’t like groups, try to get a workout partner. Most gyms now do taster sessions or group personal training, where you can get expert guidance while meeting new people. Be open-minded: make enjoyment a focus and try new things that you think might be fun. You never know, you may find a fitness class that moves you from being someone who goes to the gym because they feel they have to, to someone who goes because they love it!
EASY TIPS FOR STICKING TO YOUR FITNESS GOALS
MOTIVATION
NUTRITION
1. Darker days and low temperatures can have a hibernating effect, particularly on those sensitive to light. Prior to working out, wrap up warm to increase your body temperature and spend some time in good light; this will increase energy and make it easier for you to get down to the gym. 2. Put your workouts in your diary – this is a tip that holds all year round. Those that commit in writing are up to six times more likely to get to the gym and get that workout done. ‘Hoping you will get time’ and ‘doing it when you feel like it’ aren’t going to work when you’re busy!
1. Hydration is one of the most important things to get right for health and energy. Try to achieve an intake of 0.033ml of water per kilo of body weight, per day. For example, a 70kg person should aim to drink 70 x 0.033ml per day: 2.3 litres. 2. Time your indulgences. Okay, so there is never a great time to indulge in chocolates, but a better time might be 30 minutes pre-workout, as this can top up the tank to give you energy for your workout. And within 60 minutes of completing a tough workout your ideal meal should include some protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. This is also a time when your body is restocking its muscle glycogen, so a little extra carbs are likely to impact you less.
We’ve teamed up with David Lloyd Leisure to offer readers a chance to win ten free Orangetheory group training sessions at the new David Lloyd Studio in Islington. Bringing David Lloyd Leisure’s expertise to the high street with no membership fee required, David Lloyd Studio, Islington is the first location in the UK to offer Orangetheory, a fitness programme that uses heart-rate monitored training and which has taken the US by storm. A fun and effective workout suitable for all ages and abilities, each unique 60-minute session can accommodate up to 24 adults and features treadmills, rowing machines and weight-training blocks. Participants undertake intervals of cardio and strength training, burning up to an average of 900 calories per session. The result is the Orange Effect – more energy, visible toning and extra calorie burn. Plus there’s ten per cent off all Orangetheory bookings for every reader during January and February! Call 020 7226 6744 and quote ABSOLUTELY10. To enter the free prize draw, simply email info.islington@davidlloyd.co.uk with your name, phone number and address by 1 February 2014 when the offer ends. David Lloyd Studio, 240 Upper Street, N1, 020 7226 6744; davidlloyd.co.uk/Islington
EXERCISE 1. If your energy levels are low due to overindulging, be open and try something new such as swimming. The swimming pool is a great place for interval training: swim hard for two lengths, rest and repeat. The water is stimulating, so will no doubt help boost energy. Other alternatives might be a body balance or yoga class – they are not your usual lung-busting cardio sessions, but they still burn calories and increase energy. 2. Use TV time to stretch or foam roll. Rather than slouching on the couch, get down on the floor and have a thorough stretch while watching your favourite shows. This will not only improve your flexibility but will go some way to lift your energy levels. 3. If you are around children, come up with a game that will get you moving. This is not only an extra calorie burner for you but a good opportunity to wear the children out. And when they sleep well, it means more peace and quiet for you!
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FRIENDS WITH BEAUTY BENEFITS
TRIED & TESTED: THE BEAUTY CENTRE
T
WORDS: HELEN BARON he Beauty Centre is not so much a salon as a members’ club with benefits. Here’s the deal: you pay either £199 a month for Gold membership, £269 for Platinum or £349 for Black. Gold entitles you to unlimited standard manicures and pedicures, waxing, eyebrow-shaping, eyelash and eyebrow-tinting and spray-tans. Yes, you heard that right: unlimited. You also get 10% off all products in-store plus another ‘bonus’ treatment from a menu including (but not limited to) express facials, Caci facials, electrolysis and deep tissue massage. In fact, one of the major advantages of the membership plan is that you can try a different treatment each month or discover the benefits of returning to one treatment on an ongoing basis. Platinum membership earns you three extra treatments a month rather than one, while Black membership sees you entitled to unlimited use of all available treatments – and all memberships come with a clutch of exclusive discounts at other local stores. And for those afraid of committing to membership, yet more good news: the Beauty Centre offers a loyalty card. Grab nine treatments and your 10th is free. Owner Alice goes above and beyond the call of duty, lavishing clients with a maternal dose of TLC; she clearly values customer service and works hard to foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among her understandably devoted client base. Repeat custom is key to the Beauty Centre’s success. I’m in for a deluxe manicure, which means that my hands are doused in paraffin wax while I’m treated to a facial. My nails are serviced with finesse and an ingenious top-coat is applied that not only adds extra shine but means the work is touch-dry in moments – shaving crucial minutes off my waiting time (always the worst aspect of self-maintenance). My Dermalogica Facial Mapping is performed by therapist Roberta, a fountain of knowledge with radiant skin. She asks questions to assess my skin type and we identify my main problem as being large pores, which often run tandem with oily skin – when the skin overproduces sebum, it combines with dirt and make-up, congesting pores which then oxidise and cause blackheads. Sexy stuff. Roberta reassures me that it is very rare to come across someone who doesn’t suffer from such things. Facials like this are especially good at fighting pasty, winter-ravaged skin and evening out skin tone. Roberta shows me a Dermalogica Barrier Repair Cream which helps to fortify the dermis. It’s best used after toning, which should be an important step in any beauty regime as it helps to minimise those pores after cleansing (I promise her that I will tone assiduously from now on); the ultra-calming complex it contains interrupts environmental and external triggers that cause skin stress. As it’s so light, moisturiser can then be applied over it. Within the hour, my skin looks plump, my eyes less puffy. Dermalogica is widely used on blemish-prone skin, so you won’t suffer a break-out for the sake of a day’s dewy complexion, either – reassuring for those of us prone to sensitive skin. By the end of my visit, I can’t help but wonder how the Beauty Centre’s membership scheme can be the first of its kind in London – it’s surprising no one thought of it before. For those in the habit of making a couple of salon trips (or more) each month, this is a fun, nicely indulgent and incredibly economical way to enjoy a professional beauty regime. In other words, a complete no-brainer.
130 Allitsen Road, NW8; thevipbeautyclub.com
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The VIP Beauty Club The Beauty Centre brings you a brand new concept in beauty! Very simply: Unlimited usage of salon treatments* for a fixed monthly fee Available in 3 affordable grooming packages for the true beauty aficionado. Discover luxury treatments at their finest at The VIP Beauty Club. £99 club joining fee has been waived for the first 20 applicants This offer won’t be around for long! So! First come, first served! For more information, contact the salon The Beauty Centre, 130 Allitsen Road, St John;s Wood, London NW8 7AU 020 7722 6603 or 020 7586 1513 VIPClub@the-beautycentre.com www.thevipbeautyclub.com www.twiiter.com/VIPClubNW8 *UNLIMITED USAGE APPLIES TO SELECTED SALON TREATMENTS AND IS BASED ON MEMEBERSHIP LEVEL. TERMS & CONDITIONS AND A FAIR USAGE POLICY APPLIES
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ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY
BEAUTY
EDIT HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING IN THE AREA
GOOD FOUNDATIONS
Is the cold weather catching up with you? Help tired skin with MAC’s Prep + Prime Beauty BB Palm Compact SPF 30, which enhances facial contours and adds light to shadowed areas. Available in both cream and compact forms, this naturallooking, illuminating foundation comes highly recommended. £23, 103a Commercial Street, E1; maccosmetics.co.uk
SALON REVIEW JONES & PAYNE AT ST MARTIN’S LANE
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OF THE BEST SPF MOISTURISERS
1. Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF 15, £35; clarins.com 2. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50, £31; kiehls.co.uk 3. Balance Me BB Natural Perfection with SPF, £26; balanceme.co.uk
HAND OVER Liz Earle’s new superskin hand serum might well be the ultimate perfect hand cream. It’s lightweight and non-sticky while softening even the driest skin. With its fresh scent and high antioxidant content, it’s a potent formula that makes your winter hands feel fabulous. £17.50; uk.lizearle.com
Hair gurus Ricky Lee Jones and Stewart Payne have done what trendy salon owners do when they’re doing well – that’s to say, add to their original (Shoreditch) salon with a new outpost in equally creative Soho. Jones & Payne has seriously trendsavvy credentials – the founding duo have a accrued a pile-up of awards, including their current London Lifestyle Award for London Hairdressing Salon of the Year, while Jones has worked on high-end fashion shows in Paris and London for design houses Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood, Chloe and John Rocha. You get the picture: they’re a bit of a big deal when it comes to hair. It makes sense, then, that their Soho outpost has bedded down at the St Martin’s Lane Hotel, long a destination of the international jet-set and an official party hotspot (remember the obsession with Bungalow 8?). I rock up at the salon to get my ends lightened; not only does my colourist, Becky, perform a winning job (even adding a toner to combat an emergent reddish tone with a more ashen shade), but stylist Andi (an artist with a hairdryer) knocks me up a great style, giving me a tousled, desirably messy look with GHD’d waves. By Helen
Baron
St Martin’s Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin’s Lane, WC2; jonesandpayne.com
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JOIN THE UK HEALTH CLUB OF THE YEAR NO ANNUAL CONTRACT
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WINNER OF THE NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD 2012 MILL HILL HALL LANE NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300 MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000
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See in your New Year’s Resolutions with Style at the N1 Centre, Islington Keep your New Year’s resolutions this January with the help of the N1 Centre. With a great range of shopping, eating and entertainment choices, the N1 Centre’s got everything you need to help keep you on track to a fabulous 2014.
1. Stick to that diet Itsu offers a delicious range of low calorie dishes. Try the new Chicken Soup with crystal noodles for £3.79 AND it’s less than 220 calories, too!
2. Cut down on your TV viewing Why not catch a live band instead? With alternative folk quartets such as Future Folk, Welsh rockers The Blackout and leading tribute acts such as The Smyths, O2 Academy Islington is the place to be this January.
4. Catch up with old friends Meeting up with friends doesn’t need to cost the earth. The N1 Centre hosts some of the UK’s best-loved eateries including GBK and wagamama or catch the latest movies at Vue Cinema Islington.
3. Be on trend with the latest fashions Beat those bad weather blues with Accessorize’s gorgeous leather gloves with faux fur cuffs. Revitalising your wardrobe is easy with the latest Spring/ Summer collections releasing this month at French Connection, H&M, GAP and more.
5. Clear out your clutter From stylish wall cabinets to funky shelving units, Butlers at the N1 Centre will help you get organised and, more importantly, stay organised this year.
For further information visit www.n1islington.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ n1shoppingcentreislington or tweet with us @n1centre.
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ABSOLUTELY TRIED & TESTED BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO PUT YOU THROUGH YOUR PACES GET FIT BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
Entrance is on 163 Euston Rd, NW1; barrysbootcamp.com
THE PURE PACKAGE
Barry’s Bootcamp. Words to strike fear into faint hearts. Hell, there are times they strike fear even into those who love a hardcore workout. I first heard tell of the mysterious Barry when I was living for a short time in LA, spiritual home of the exercise-honed hottie, where the bootcamp had fast become the default destination of A-listers and health freaks. Fans include Jessica Biel (Mrs Timberlake, no less) and the Kardashian (sooo LA). Barry’s full name is Barry Jay, and he co-founded the company with the aim of providing ‘the best workout in the world’. His regime, it was claimed, burned a whopping 1,000 calories a go – and people were so hooked, they went every day (these were LA people, mind). Despite my own best intentions, I never made it to Barry’s. My British reserve kicked in and I stuck to what I knew – a gentle yoga class – while my intrigue smouldered on the back-burner. So it was with much excitement (and trepidation) that I discovered Barry’s was coming to London, thanks to the efforts of brothers and trainers Sandy and James Macaskill. The move seemed a sure sign of London’s ever-increasing commitment to health and fitness, and suddenly made Hollywood-style buns of steel seem within the realms of possibility. The studio is spacious enough to accommodate up to 45 devotees. Inside, dimmed red lights and mirrors work flattering magic on your reflection, so you’re happy to sweat it out to the club music. It’s a nightclub-like environment, which turns out to be very good for motivation. I’m here for a ‘legs and butts’ session, and we’re put through our paces on super advanced Woodway treadmills and special work-stations designed to facilitate squats, burpees, planks and weight-training. This sort of interval training is great for surprising the body and burning up fat - and it also makes the class go faster, though towards the end the treadmill starts to become oppressive. But it’s those sharp sprints and uphill bursts that take you into the optimum fat-burning zone... Of course, none of this is rocket science. In fact, it’s not too dissimilar to workouts I’ve done elsewhere – but the quick turnover of sets make it seem more streamlined and American; trainers even wear those Britney-style headsets to bark friendly orders. Yes, you could do this workout yourself, but there’s a good chance you’d slack off, especially towards the end. When you’re done, the rewards are plentiful. There are Malin + Goetz smellies in the shower, cotton pads, hair-straighteners and even a little jar of hairbands and bobby pins (someone always forgets). The facilities are luxe, unlike some more mercenary gyms I could mention, for whom showers and toilets seem to be just a dismaying after-thought. At Barry’s, it’s all about the complete experience – which is a winning approach, especially if home is not just around the corner. You can even grab a protein shake on your way out; having just burned 1,000 calories, why not?
HEALTHY EATING THE PURE PACKAGE A ‘gourmet’ food delivery company, the Pure Package is for those who don’t/can’t/won’t do diets – with a focus on health rather than losing weight. Vitamin-packed, tasty meals are boxed up and delivered at the crack of dawn in a delightful freezer-bag with a convenient print-out of what you’ve got to look forward to. For the time-poor, it’s a doddle and portions are generous with plenty of snacks. In fact, snacks are so plentiful you might want to order the delivery to work, to save on a package-laden commute. I ordered the three-day Japanese Body Boost. I love Japanese food (the fact that it’s low in calories is merely a bonus), so it’s just like having a healthy takeaway thrice daily. Day one is a cinch. Breakfast always consists of miso soup and edamame beans, which go down surprisingly well in the morning. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their antiviral and immune system-enhancing properties, so already you’re off to a good start. A typical day might run as follows: a morning snack of bamboo and mushroom crystal rolls with pickled cucumber, sesame soy dip and a mixed sea vegetable salad; a salmon sushi box for lunch (packing in fatty acids and Omega-3,
it’s fresher than the fare from your average Japanese restaurant or anything you might find in a chain sandwich store). Next up is your afternoon snack – something like papaya, kiwi and pumpkin salad with a stem ginger and black sesame seed marinade (plus more edamame beans if you’re still hungry; papaya is packed with antioxidants and protein-digesting enzymes, so again the benefits go beyond flavour) – and dinner, which might take the form of teriyaki prawns with brown rice and stir fried Japanese vegetables. By day three, it’s going well. I feel light and healthy - though I am craving something hot (not miso soup), and something with texture (not slimy). The idea of a simple slice of granary toast with peanut butter is threatening to throw me off-course, but no matter: I’ve still tripled my nutrient intake, lost two pounds and have radiant skin at a time of year when my dermis is usually in need of a good sloughing. Famous fans of the Pure Package include models Lily Cole and Erin O’Connor – and we’re happy to join their number. A practical no-brainer. purepackage.com
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ABSOLUTELY FOOD
A FOODIE GUIDE TO EAST LONDON
WE HEART IT
BY MICHAEL
MORALES, OWNER OF ANDINA IN SHOREDITCH
“
Every January when I was a child, my grandmother used to send us a hamper full of quinoa, meats, cheeses, eggs and sweet cakes. Mamita Naty, as we called her, lived in Santiago de Chuco: a village 18 hours from the nearest town in the Andes of Peru. The ingredients she sent us, the dishes we made with her recipes have all influenced my cooking today, and breakfast was when we savoured most of these. Living in London is a far cry from Santiago, but I’m excited to find all kinds of quinoa in many colours and types: maca root, amaranth and other Peruvian super-foods. Quinoa is just fantastic: a super-food seed and complete protein; gluten-free, lactose-free, rich in magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamins C, B and E. The quinoa we use at my restaurants is Peruvian and ethically sourced by a company called Quinola, co-run by a Peruvian school-friend of mine. We make quinoa porridge, croquettes, brownies, burgers and even liquid quinoa-based meals in a cup. On Kingsland Road in Shoreditch, near to our new restaurant Andina, is the Grocery. I get my fix of choc chip and quinoa biscuits from there (they come from Doves Farm), as well as loveberry superfruit bites by a raw food company called Inspiral. If I’m not drinking a Green Vayeho at Andina (an avocado, pear, mint and spinach smoothie), I love drinking muña tea, an Andean herbal tea that’s good for the digestion, which I get from a company called Eco Inca. Dried fruits are essential in any diet and I particularly like goldenberries, either fresh in juice form or dried. They are a super-food native to Peru containing beta carotene, iron, calcium and all eight essential amino acids. They’re also high in vitamin C, D, E and A; you can get them at Wholefoods or Planet Organic. If I’m rushing I like a quick coffee. We have created a new blend from Peruvian, Costa Rican and Tanzanian coffee beans. Perfecto. If she was still alive, I think Mamita Naty would approve of my choices.” Redchurch Street, E1; facebook.com/andinalondon
Angela’s Hartnett’s upscale restaurant in the New Forest has set tongues wagging. The latest addition to the five-star Limewood Hotel, Hartnett, Holder & Co whips up locally-sourced, classic English dishes with a seasonal, sometimes Italian twist. Shoreditch-based chef Angela will be making sure to reflect the restaurant’s prime forest location in the menu, bringing high-end home-cooked food to some of England’s most beautiful countryside. limewoodhotel.co.uk
FOODIE NEWS
R EC I P E Spicy Cold Zapper Have a sniffle? Feeling blue? A sip of this may cure you.
IT’LL FEED One person
INGREDIENTS
Th ree carrots One to two centimetre piece of fresh ginger Two oranges or blood oranges A dash of ground cinnamon
STEP BY STEP
Juice the carrots with a bit of ginger. Top up with juiced oranges and a pinch of cinnamon. abelandcole.co.uk
NIGHT SESSIONS
For an evening of jazzy glitz and Gatsby-style glamour, head to the Thursday Night Sessions at the Bloomsbury Hotel, with live music from a cherrypicked selection of up-and-coming jazz, swing and blues acts. Set in the opulent environs of a Sir Edwin Lutyen-designed architectural gem, you’ll take in the vintage vibe amid bespoke art pieces and handblown Waterford crystal chandeliers. Sharing platters are also on offer while you soak up the music. 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1; the doylecollection.com
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PUB GRUB
FANCY A WINTER WARMER? BETH EVANS SELECTS THE TEN BEST LOCAL PUBS FOR GRUB AND GOOD TIMES BEST FOR: CHOICE AND SERVICE MARQUESS TAVERN
A pub can’t be cosy without warm service, something the Marquess Tavern provides in spades. Add to that relaxing armchairs, a toasty fire and a menu with enough options to please even the fussiest diner, and you’re on to a winner. The likelihood of leaving room for pud is slim to none, but try and you won’t regret the double chocolate stout brownies (until you’re rolled out of the door, anyway). And don’t leave without trying the Scotch eggs. 32 Canonbury Street, N1; youngs.co.uk/pubs/ marquess-tavern
BEST FOR: CLASSIC PUB NOSH THE EAGLE
MARQUESS TAVERN
Far from buying into the hurly burly of Shoreditch’s gentrification, this Hoxton stalwart has been standing the test of time since way before your mother’s mother’s mother tripped the light fantastic over the threshold. This is the Great British pub at its best, so grab yourself a Bloody Mary, order that sausage roll for starters and cancel all plans for the rest of the day. A boozer to be proud of. 2 Shepherdess Walk, N1; theeaglehoxton.co.uk
in this intimate eatery just off Great Eastern Street. Simple food; clean, stylish and classic décor and no sign of a chip on the hipster shoulders you’ll find here in abundance: there are good times aplenty to be had. Always jam-packed, this is clearly the real people’s Princess, so book a table to avoid disappointment. 76-78 Paul Street, EC2; theprincessofshoreditch.com
BEST FOR: MEAT, OBVIOUSLY THE PIG AND BUTCHER
This is the place for anyone seeking high-end gastronomy without undue pomp and ceremony. Grilled, smoked, dressed or potted, there are more seasonal meat dishes than you can throw a Gaviscon at. With a ‘sitting in your front room reading the papers’ atmosphere, you might be tempted to wear your old pajamas for your next visit. Don’t, though: there are standards. 44 Barnsbury Street, N1; thedrapersarms.com
With a name like The Pig and Butcher, it comes as no surprise that the team behind this stylish North London boozer are meat connoisseurs. It’s a case of go meat or go home, basically – and with a menu that includes salted ox tongue and pig’s head on toast, committed carnivores are sure to leave their coats squarely on the pegs. Packed with warm, wooden farm tables and an even friendlier atmosphere, you won’t be going anywhere for some time. 80 Liverpool Road, N1; thepigandbutcher.co.uk
BEST FOR: OLD-SCHOOL DISHES WITH FLAIR THE DRAPERS ARMS
THE DRAPERS ARMS
BEST FOR: GUILT-FREE DINING THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE
For those who like their food award-winning and their beer organic (with a healthy dollop of ethical farming thrown in for good measure), this is a one-stop shop. Topping the food-lovers’ charts year after year, the locally-sourced produce and delicious, varied menu mean your conscience will be clear along with your plate. Grab a (recycled) paper, order that pudding and pat yourself on the back: you’ve earned it. 30 St Peter’s Street, N1; sloeberry.co.uk
BEST FOR: A BIRTHDAY BASH THE PRINCESS IN SHOREDITCH
Like all good royalty, the Princess of Shoreditch don’t ‘alf scrub up nice. But if crisp white linen and her Madge’s finest tableware isn’t your style, fear not, because there’s something for everyone
Hunter S is more than just a local. Our tip? For a snack, get the cheeseboard. 194 Southgate Rd, N1; thehunter-s.co.uk
BEST FOR: A CANDLELIT WEEKNIGHT RENDEZVOUS THE ROYAL OAK
When you want a massive dash of lively with your shot of cosy, get yourself down to Columbia Road’s Royal Oak, where the hipsters return more frequently than a dieter to a ‘fridge. This is not just a place to eat, drink and be merry – it’s an institution. Get yourself down earlier in the week you risk getting caught up with the exuberant weekenders. There’s also the Sunday café from 9am to 2pm for the flower enthusiast. 73 Columbia Road, E2; royaloaklondon.com
BEST FOR: A HANGOVER SESSION EDINBORO CASTLE
A summer favourite due to its celebrated beer garden, this Camden haunt is also the perfect spot for a winter Sunday roast, a good game of Scrabble and a sup from the extensive wine list with fifty of your closest friends. Check in early doors at weekends because despite its size, this venue gets rammed. 57 Mornington Crescent, NW1; edinborocastlepub.co.uk
BEST FOR: GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK THE ALBION BEST FOR: A GROWN-UP, BOOZY AFTERNOON THE HUNTERS
Not for the faint-hearted since its conversion into a taxidermist’s paradise a couple of years ago, the Hunter S has embraced all the quirky and idiosyncratic qualities of its gonzo namesake, from the stuffed animals to the pictures of ‘an adult nature’ on the bathroom walls. Whether you’re looking for a slap-up meal, a quickie after work or a bloody big session, the
A heartbeat away from the thrum of Upper Street is this delightful and quaint pub with all the home comforts of Georgian country retreat. A wisteria-filled garden might make you long for a sunny summer day, but once inside the roaring fire and readily available sticky toffee pudding will more than make up for the winter weather. To go the whole hog, you can even advanced order a whole roast suckling pig with all the trimmings for a mere £350. 10 Thornhill Road, N1; the-albion.co.uk
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FOUNDER OF THE DETOX KITCHEN, LILY SIMPSON TALKS DELIVERY DIETS TO GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY 54
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tend to avoid ‘detox bunnies’. You know who I mean: those bright-eyed, bushytailed individuals who eat only the very healthiest of meals, exercise every day and are perkier than a Colombian coffee in the morning (read Gwyneth Paltrow). I find their company terribly depressing, holding up a mirror to my own inadequacies and making me vow to eat better/ exercise more/get more sleep/only drink green tea/take up yoga etc. Until I end up with more ridiculous resolutions than a crack addict at New Year. So it’s no surprise that I wasn’t particularly looking forward to interviewing Lily Simpson, founder of high-end diet delivery service the Detox Kitchen. As she walks in, all clear pale skin, big dark eyes and glossy brown mane, I can’t help thinking that Lily wouldn’t seem amiss playing Snow White in a pantomime. She also makes a great poster girl for the detox lifestyle. It doesn’t take long for her to launch into an explanation of the company – a food delivery service based on the three guiding principles of gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free food. Subscribers receive three fresh meals a day along with two snacks, all of which is delivered to the doorstep every morning before 7am. At 1500 calories a day, it’s not too strenuous and it shifts the weight too, with most clients losing between 3-6lbs in the average five-day programme. ‘Naturally you start eating healthier and your palette is cleansed so it stays off,’ Lily explains. ‘It’s all about clean food. I hate to sound snobby when it comes to food but if I eat sugary food or if I have anything very oily or fried, it affects me so badly. My eyes feel like they’re popping out of my head – horrible. It’s just about having a clean system.’ It would seem that there are many who would agree: Elle Macpherson, Pixie Geldof, Henry Holland, Jasmine Guiness and, of course, Gwyneth Paltrow are all tried-andtested fans of the service. Indeed, such was the
success of the brand that it now has an outpost in Harvey Nichols – a salad and juice bar serving the same sugar-, gluten- and dairy-free dishes – and next on the agenda is a DIY home detox kit, complete with recipe card and quality ingredients so that clients can continue the regime at a more affordable price. So far, so Gwynnie. But surely it can’t be that much fun never eating sugar? Or gluten? ‘Well, I mostly eat my own food but I am obsessed with chocolate so I still eat that,’ Lily concedes. The pressure to be healthy must be tough, I suggest, when you’re running a business like the Detox Kitchen. ‘Yes!’ she bursts out, unexpectedly, ‘there’s so much pressure. It’s horrible!’ I point out that she looks pretty good considering, but she just shakes her head. ‘When I first started I ran myself into the ground. I looked awful, with big bags under my eyes and I’d lost so much weight because I’d been running around like a complete maniac. So I’d turn up to meetings as this really skinny, pop-eyed, spotty, tired girl. People were like, “Really? You run THIS company?!”’Not that it got any easier after things slowed down; Lily suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome, which often affects her skin. ‘I’m a very emotional person,’ she confides, ‘so my skin tends to flare up when I have an important meeting. I have to tell them, “It’s not my diet, it’s the ovaries!”’ she laughs. Having learned to control symptoms with her diet, Lily is now helping others do the same – a project which has inspired her latest adventure: trekking across the Alps to help raise money for Trekstock, a charity which supports young people with cancer. ‘They’re amazing,’ she tells me, ‘because they offer support in a really interactive, interesting way. They also help people with their diets, which is something we do too.’ So how is the training going, I ask? ‘It’s so hot, I think I might actually die!’ Lily wails. ‘On the kit list it says “trekking boots, best worn-in over three years”. Try three days! But tonight I’m going to walk from Battersea to North London, where I live.’
R EC I P E Wheat and Dairy-free Soba Noodle Carbonara INGREDIENTS 200g x Soba noodles 2 x egg yolks ½ x onion 1 x garlic clove ½ cooked chicken breast 1 x handful of kale 1 x handful of flat leaf parsley Cracked black pepper Maldon salt TO MAKE Bring a pan of water to the boil and drop the soba noodles in for 2 minutes, then drain - but keep 1 tblsp of the starchy water.Meanwhile, dice the onion and crush the garlic. Sweat down the onion until it is slightly caramelised, for around 6 minutes, then add the garlic and cook out for 5 minutes. Now add the diced chicken and cook for 10 minutes, adding a splash of the starchy water that you saved from the noodles. Next, add the kale and cooked noodles, heat for 1 minute and take off the heat. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and season with salt and pepper. Tip the noodle and onion mixture into the bowl with eggs and beat (this will cook the eggs and is all done off the heat). Finish with chopped parsley.Check delivery areas at detoxkitchen.co.uk
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Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms
3,200 Square feet of contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms from Italy and Germany. Mark Nicholas Design one stop shopping for the finest home interiors on display in London. Why not call today to arrange a consultation to find out what we can do for you.
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17/04/2013 13:49 14:08 01/06/2012
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BLUE JASMINE We love Farrow & Ball's current collection of nine beautiful colours.
Our pick is St Giles Blue, a gorgeous, earthy hue named after the Renaissance stylings inside the ancestral home of the Earl of Shaftesbury in Wimborne, St Giles. But don’t worry, you needn’t own a home of palatial proportions to incorporate this rich and regal palette. As far as we’re concerned, it goes with any home. Farrow and Ball, 58A Rosslyn Hill, NW3; farrow-ball.com
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ARCHITECTURAL
Living in Space is the home of innovative interior design, build and architecture. Our interior designers are committed to creating a home environment tailored to suit your individual needs. Whether you are looking to furnish your new home, remodel a bathroom, or a whole house refurbishment we will guide you through the process with creative ideas and a skilled design team.
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020 7722 3131
INTERIORS
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SPA DETOXING THIS MONTH? WEST ONE BATHROOMS SHOWS YOU HOW TO BRING THE SPA EXPERIENCE HOME
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W
ith New Year come, once again, those New Year’s resolutions: drink less, exercise more, take better care of yourself. Spa trips are the order of the day, yet it seems a waste to spend money indulging in a treatment only for it to wear off as soon as you’re back home in your normal bathroom. However, West One Bathrooms have the answer – bring the spa experience home with one of their luxurious bathrooms. From mood-inspired waterfalls in the shower to atmosphere-enhancing lighting in the bath, West One has everything you need for a truly decadent room.
Showcasing more than just Scandi style, this Nordicinspired bathroom is filled with all the latest pieces for complete home pampering. For instance, the shower’s Ambience Tuning Technique regulates water volume and temperature to create a bespoke spray to suit your needs. Choose between three scenarios – balancing, energising and de-stressing – all designed to control the water pressure in such a way that the shower adapts to suit your mood demands. Use on a regular basis and you’ll find that these scenarios become part of a personal ritual, creating a truly exceptional shower. What’s more, it can also transform into your very own Hammam thanks to Effegibi’s ‘Touch and Steam’ technology – a glass panel fitted to the wall which enables
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STEAM UP YOUR SHOWER INTO A HIGH-TECH TURKISH BATH TO ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
you to steam up your shower into a high-tech Turkish bath complete with different coloured light and heat options to enhance your experience. Neatly efficient, this space-saving option is perfect for London homes. Meanwhile, TOTO’s Luminist bath and basin come with integrated LED lighting, designed to illuminate your bathroom subtly whilst creating a calmingly sophisticated setting. Even the toilets here are high-end; a mixture of haute design and top-of-the-range technology. The Giovannoni Washlet is a collaboration between TOTO and Italian designer Stefano Giovannoni, and includes a heated seat, deodoriser and warm water jet to gently cleanse. Alternatively, the Geberit Aquaclean 8000 Plus is ergonomically designed to provide an oscillating shower
with adjustable temperature and pressure settings. It also boasts a warm air dryer and odour extractor to ensure a pleasant and comfortable cleansing experience. The annual sale is now on, with upto 40% off leading brands. Visit exdisplay bargains online or pop in to visualise your future bathroom and speak to one of West One's experts.
West One Bathrooms, 020 7720 9333; westonebathrooms.com
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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk
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INTERIOR
INSPIRATIONS
Winter Whites
1. Decorative Medicine Bottles, £20; houseoffraser.co.uk
SITTING PRETTY
Sofa Workshop’s vintage-inspired Petite Reader chair is handmade to order in their British workshop. What more could you want for curling up on to read a literary classic? Austen, here we come… From £999; sofaworkshop.com
THANK YOU
Penreath and Hall produce a delightful range of stationery, from vintage-style paperweights to illustrated greetings cards and old-fashioned cartes postales. We love Mary Sumner’s artsy Chiming Tree design, and what better way to say thank you for all your Christmas gifts than with a handwritten note. £2.50; 17 Rugby Street, WC1; penreath-hall.com
2. Shabby Chic Mercury Perfume Bottle, £20; houseoffraser.co.uk
3. Betty Jackson Cushion, £38; debenhams.com
IN DA TUB
Looking for a January bargain? Look further than West One Bathrooms Ltd, currently holding their annual sale, with massive reductions on well-known brands. At 40% off, its not to be missed if you're looking to realise your dream bathroom in the new year. 44-48 Clerkenwell Road, EC1, 020 7324 0780; westonebathrooms.com 4. Lee Broom Decanter Lights, from £230; leebroom.com
SHOP OF THE MONTH
Brought to you by the same friendly bunch of aficionados behind the acclaimed East London Design Show, Hackney’s East London Design Store is stuffed with all things fascinating and fun. The staff ’s curatorial expertise is secondto-none, and everyone – from kids and cooks to style-hounds and interiors obsessives – is sure to discover something here to inspire, entertain or just downright improve their life. A must-visit in 2014 – which is shaping up to be a very good year for design. 6a Ada Street, E8; eastlondondesignstore.com
5. Penreath & Hall Bridie Hall Pavilion Candle, £50; penreath-hall.com
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Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design
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1. habitat.co.uk 2. Kas Honalu Who’s a Pretty Boy Cushion, £45; heals.co.uk 3. Timorous Beasties Bell Moth Cushion, £138; occa-home.co.uk 4. Hare Wildlife Cushion, £20; hunkydoryhome.co.uk 5. Linea Embroidered Bird Cushion in Red, £25; houseoffraser.co.uk 6. Amara Brasilia Snake Cushion by Jonathan Adler, £110; amara.com 7. Kristjana Williams Twin Stags Cushion, £120; heals.co.uk 8. Elsie Multi-Coloured Embroidered Cushion, £35; habitat.co.uk 9. Jean Paul Gaultier Fideles Printemps Cushion, £58.50; occa-home.co.uk 10. Otter Wildlife Cushion, £20; hunkydoryhome.co.uk
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Empire
IN THE SUN Helen Baron tunes into the hippie chic of the Mayan Riviera
T
he first time I visited Mexico, I steered clear of Cancun. The Caribbean coastal resort had become, so I was told, a playground for certain kinds of tourist, and it’s fair to say that booze-addled American spring breakers and package holiday hordes were an off-putting prospect. In fact, Cancun’s chequered reputation almost saw me dismiss the Yucatán Peninsula completely – until a couple of years ago, when I was based in LA and the flight over suddenly didn’t seem like such a big deal. Of course, by then I had heard whispers about the Riviera Maya – a name coined by the region’s tourist board in the 1970s – and had investigated what lay further south along the coast. I jetted off for a few days among the Mayan ruins and tropical rainforests of Tulum, a fleeting visit enjoyable enough to have me pledging to
return. After a second visit, I’m hooked. The Caribbean coast – in particular that part which forms Mexico’s eastern fringe – is an inviting alternative for the discerning traveller, especially in the face of the mounting cost of European trips. Originally a hippie-leaning hang-out for backpackers and the eternally laidback, Tulum (or more precisely the boutique and eco-hotels that line the Boca Piala Road just north of Tulum itself) offers a more natural, exotic experience, uninterrupted by the garish or sterile hotels that cluster within Cancun’s city limits. Rooftop yoga decks are dotted liberally along the roadside, sharing space with boho restaurants, small stalls selling trinkets, jewellery and patterned textiles and a few upmarket boutiques brimming with bikinis and Bretonstriped maxi-dresses. The impossibly cute beach bars, decked out in palm fronds and riotously colourful wood furnishings, complete the picture, while palapas (opensided shelters thatched with palm leaves) abound. It all
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and a view that could move you to tears if, like us, you arrived at dusk to a chilled bottle of wine. Water has to be delivered to the area by truck, so you’re advised to use it sparingly, but this is all part of the experience: feeling closer to nature. In fact, Jashita makes you wonder why all hotels aren’t like this, because the monstrously huge resorts elsewhere are nothing but a blot on the landscape we all come to see.
THE RESTAURANT
ROOM WIT A SEA VIEW
makes for a cheerful, unforced, unhurried scene, with none of the urban glitz or corporate tack of the northern resorts. In Tulum, it’s like everything was magically washed up on the shore and decided to stick around. Having already spent a few days in Playa del Carmen, the Mayan Riviera’s answer to Ibiza, this sense of sun-bleached, rustic simplicity was most welcome.
JASHITA
We were staying at the upscale Jashita, a boutique hotel about ten minutes by car from Tulum, perched alone in a secluded stretch of Soliman Bay. Possibly the best spot we could have chosen, the hotel is all neutral chic, bougainvilleas and barefoot luxury. All beaches south of Cancun benefit from the same turquoise-tinted, clear, calm waters, but here in Tulum, unlike in Playa del Carmen, the sand itself is unbelievably pristine. Days at Jashita are blissful. We wake naturally with the sun, alert and joyful, and eat a beautifully prepared breakfast of tropical fruit and huevos Mexicanos under a muslin canopy (a hole in the middle of which accommodates a large palm tree staking its peaceful claim). The pool looks irresistible, like something from the pages of a magazine.
Jashita’s Sahara Cafe is exemplary, and just what’s needed on a holiday like this – plenty of fresh vegetables, vibrant salads and pasta dishes. We were happy enough to eat both lunch and dinner there most days, while Tommaso, Jashita’s cool-asa-cucumber Italian owner, who is by all accounts ‘living the dream’, flits in and out, chatting with guests before darting outside to play in the sea with his small daughter. He tells us to try a local fish shack, pointing to a red roof half a mile up the beach. He recommends the ceviche, which we order and wash down with a can of cold Sol. One thing to bear in mind when staying at Jashita is that you aren’t on the main drag where most of Tulum’s bars and restaurants are located. Your reward for comparative seclusion, however, is tranquility, and it’s well worth it. Besides, there’s still plenty to do and most of the area’s delights are only a short cab ride away. We explored the ancient Mayan ruins and snorkelled with turtles at Akumel Beach – following a guide, we were able to get very close, a youngster popping up for air right beside me. We also explored the underground cave system at Rio Secreto, where the earth caved in long ago and natural groundwater swelled up into the resulting pits. The Yucatán Peninsula is home to over 6,000 natural sinkholes, or cenotes, in which you can swim or even canoe. For the traveller with more time on their
THE RESTAUARNT FIRE DECK
DON’T MISS TOMMASO MARCHIORELLO OF JASHITA RECOMMENDS...
HARTWOOD RESTAURANT A Mexican farmhouse restaurant run by ex New-Yorkers (and with a New York-style reservation list). You might have to wait for a table but it’s totally worth it. MEZZANINE - The Friday night beach party at this restaurant sees international DJs spin the decks. Be leisurely, though - things don’t get going until around midnight.
THE BEACH
At Jashita, you can luxuriate in the privacy of the hotel’s own private cove. A leisurely dip in the sea and a swim to the floating day-bed, 400m out, is exercise enough, then it’s back to shore. Hammock time is important here, and we snooze to the lulling sound of palms in the breeze. We feel the sand between our toes, the soles of our feet miraculously smooth from being shoeless for most of each day. Our room is spacious, a sanctuary with its own plunge pool
hands, Tulum is also a great base from which to journey across the border into Belize and Guatemala, while many backpackers circle back to Cancun via the cities of Campache and Tabasco. Closer to the Jashita, we avoided the tourist-trap water parks – put off by the crude dolphinariums and their unhappy inmates - but soaked up every last bit of wild natural beauty we could find. Our pursuit of a zen state meant we saved the zip-line adventures of Xplor for another trip, but that was fine with us. Tulum is, after all, a place to revisit, and a destination that only reveals itself fully with a little time and exploration. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return almost as soon as you’ve left... just don’t tell everyone about it.
PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT - Check the website for the hotel’s monthly full moon parties, which draw hip young things from all over the region.
REEF VIEW
Standard rooms start at 180USD per night in low season; beachfront suites start at 390USD per night in low season. To book, visit jashitahotel.com
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POLE
POSITION
ABSOLUTELY MEETS THE TEENAGE ADVENTURER TESTING THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ENDURANCE
P
arker Liautaud is not your average nineteen year-old. While his peers at university may struggle to get out of bed each morning, Liautaud sets himself somewhat greater challenges. Twice since he was 15 he’s skied to the North Pole; now the Yale geology student has turned his attention to the southern hemisphere. On December 3, Liautaud will depart the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica and embark on a mammoth 640km trek from the coast of the continent to the South Pole. What’s more, he aims to collect valuable scientific data along the way - data that could help to further our understanding of climate change. Londoners were treated to a small taste of what lies ahead for US citizen-turnedLondon resident Liautaud when he set up a ‘pop-up base camp’ in the shadow of Tower Bridge recently. Sleeping overnight in a tent inside a special chamber that mimicked the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica, it was an inspired way to spark public interest in the Willis Expedition, which is named for the risk assessment and insurance firm providing the bulk of the funding. So what’s the inside info on Liautaud’s latest adventure?
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WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
Liautaud and companion Doug Stoup will begin with a 1,900 mile truck journey to Leverett Glacier, stopping regularly en route to collect snow samples and perform a range of scientific tests. And that’s the easy part. From Leverett Glacier, the pair will switch to skis and attempt to reach the South Pole in 22 days, enduring 24-hour daylight, temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and mountainous terrain ascending to almost 15,000 feet. If they achieve their objective - which will entail skiing an average 30km a day while each pulling a pulk laden with supplies - Liautaud will become the youngest male ever to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.
THE SCIENCE
Liautaud’s expedition has three main scientific aims: to better our understanding of Antarctic climate trends by sampling the composition of never-before-tested tracts of surface snow; to increase our understanding of the global water cycle by measuring tritium deposits in the ice, and to test the ColdFacts 3000BX Weather Station, a new lightweight gizmo designed to make taking field readings easier and more accurate. The ultimate goal? To furnish scientists back home with new insights into climate change.
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
Liautaud and Stoup have been preparing for the expedition with long hours in the gym and a high protein diet. When they reach Leverett Glacier and start to ski, they’ll need to consume upwards of 6000 calories a day just to keep their bodies moving. Strength and plentiful reserves of body fat are one thing, but the expedition would soon falter without some technical help. To that end, both the explorers will be kitted out in high tech skiwear that maximises body temperature and prevents build-up of moisture. Polarised goggles will protect them from sun-blindness and special mitts will keep their hands warmer than gloves can. They’ll also be taking their pulk sleds plus a tent, sleeping bags, crevasse rescue kits and the Suunto Ambit 2 _ a biometric wrist device that measures and records body function. willisresilience.com
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PAR ADISE FOUND
M
Beth Fryer discovers a tropical paradise at Mauritius’s Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches Resort and Spa
auritius is one of those places which grows on you slowly. Don’t get me wrong, I was delighted to be stepping off the plane, but it wasn’t the desert island of honeymooners that I had been expecting. Efficiently organised, Mauritius seemed almost disappointingly developed and the spring-time climate here in the south of the island wasn’t exactly welcoming. This impression, of course, changed as soon as we headed north to Grand Baie and our home for the duration of our stay – the Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches Hotel & Spa.
Here, the postcard-perfect images make sense. We’re greeted with smiles and a refreshing cocktail in the reception overlooking an expanse of infinity pools, all perfectly framed by a background of palm trees and a beautiful blue sea – a picturesque indicator of the days to come. Once checked in, we’re driven on a golf buggy to our tropical suite. The room is set within the hotel’s 35 hectares of lush tropical gardens and is one of 333 suites and villas, which have been organised cleverly so it still retains an element of privacy and seclusion. Our room is one of a group that looks into a central garden with a pool lying serenely in the middle – other rooms benefit from their own private pools. We also have our own outdoor tropical shower which, alongside the rain shower and bath indoors,
creates a sense that you really are tucked away in your own tropical escape. These tropical gardens are what make this hotel truly special. When I decide to head out and explore, I’m greeted by an abundance of colour and flora and fauna to which the gardens are home. It feels uncannily like paradise. Wandering out of my beautiful tropical surroundings, I emerge onto the beach – a pristine expanse of white sand and blue sea just shy of 2km in length. It’s also blissfully peaceful, only interrupted by the rattle of the Toy Storyesque golf buggy, which drives back and forth, niftily serving refreshments from the vending machine on board. Of course, as beautiful as the gardens are, there is always the niggling worry with a hotel like this that there won’t be enough here to keep you entertained, especially
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‘When I decide to head out and explore, I’m greeted by an abundance of colour and flora and fauna’
if, like me, you’re not the type of person who can easily just kick back and relax on a sun lounger for days on end. We needn’t have worried – the range of activities here far surpassed our expectations. Head down to the boathouse and you’ll find a wealth of water sports, many of which are complimentary. I decide to try water-skiing to feed my action satisfaction, which is great fun, but I’m shown up by a lady who is twice my age and has twice the skill. The windsurfing lessons prove less successful (for which we have to take full responsibility) so we instead resign ourselves to a sedate pedalo cruise around the calm, sheltered waters of the bay. But you’re not by any means confined to the hotel, and the friendly staff are more than happy to organise day trips for you. We went on a snorkelling trip to explore the nearby coral –a mini aquarium, just ten minutes by speed boat out of the bay. Here, expect to see the cast of Finding Nemo, thankfully minus the sharks! My other half also tried his hand at a spot of deep sea fishing whilst I headed to the Spa by Clarins
(I feel sea sick when presented with too many speed bumps let alone an actual ocean!). Here I indulged in an excellent facial at the hands of beautician Wendy. As she talks me through the treatment, it proves so very relaxing that by the time I emerge to meet my boyfriend I feel as good as my now glowing skin looks. With trips to see the local marine life and tropical gardens on hand, Trou Aux Biches is an obvious choice for nature lovers. But it also happens to be perfectly situated for day trips to visit the National Botanical Gardens in nearby Pamplemousses. Amongst the miraculous nature here the gargantuan water lilies are the sight to see, making us stop to gaze in wonder as we strolled around the beautiful grounds. Hire a guide – not only will their expertise put the incredible plants you are seeing into context, but their multi-lingual wit will catch you off guard. However, the highlight of our trip had to be when we were swimming just around the bay at Trou Aux Biches. To our delight, a pod of dolphins appeared in the waters and came up to say hello. It was one of those experiences which you expect only to see in brochures and not in real life, and yet it was totally unorchestrated, a moment of pure serendipitous magic which summed up our time here in Mauritius perfectly. That night, we dined at Le Deck, one of the six restaurants at Trou Aux Biches, looking out to the sparkling sea. After dinner, we slipped off our shoes and walked along the soft sand by moonlight – the perfect end to a truly enchanting day. Seven nights at Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa in a Junior Suite on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, including Economy Class flights with Air Mauritius and private hotel transfers, from £1795 pp sharing. Call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 685 or visit beachcombertours.co.uk
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Latin Odyssey Exquisitely Tailored Travel To South & Central America
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THE SPA
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renched in natural light, the Bailiffscourt Spa is an airy space with big windows providing views over green fields and the sea beyond. Treatments by Temple Spa are perfect after a dose of the Sussex sea air – we recommend a rejuvenating full body massage. If you can manage the dash outside, a swim in the (heated) outdoor pool is particularly atmospheric.
THE HOTEL
W
alking into Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa is like stepping back in time to the 1920s, when it was built as a home for the Guinness family. Constructed from medieval timber and stone collected from derelict 13th century buildings nearby, it still feels like a private family home with its cosy nooks and roaring fires, four-poster beds and oak beams, all set within 30 acres of parkland. Even better, the pebbled beach at Climping is just a short stroll away.
THE RESTAURANT
A
fter a glass of merlot by the fire in one of the cosy lounges, the Tapestry Restaurant beckons. Medieval architecture, dark wood, mullioned windows and candlelight set an intimate atmosphere by night, matched by a menu of reimagined British classics with fresh, local produce. We ooh-ed over perfectly poached duck egg, rump of lamb and a tart-yet-sweet caramelised apple crème brulée. We were equally pleased with the wood pigeon, roasted monkfish and chocolate and praline delice, all the right side of indulgent for a winter getaway.
THE ROOM
T
he thirty-nine rooms and suites are set across different buildings connected by oak-panelled passageways and sat around a rose-filled courtyard. We love the Baylies Suite, the hotel’s signature room and the definition of a romantic retreat – think vaulted ceilings, rich tapestries, antique furniture and a palatial bathroom with deep his ‘n’ hers roll-top baths.
THE DAMAGE
Rooms at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa start at £210 per room per night, based on two sharing on a B&B basis – including use of spa and VAT. A three-course dinner at the Tapestry Restaurant is £49.50 pp. To book: 01444 416 111 or reservations@bailiffscourt.com; hshotels.co.uk
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Smart picks from over a million properties.
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JANUARY 2014
ABSOLUTELY
PROPERTY
Pan Peninsula Square, E14 A beautiful thirty-sixth floor two bedroom (plus study), two bathroom premier apartment measuring 1580 sq ft internally. Features include: an excellent internal finish, three balconies, valet parking for one car, excellent on-site facilities & a South & East-facing aspect.
ÂŁ1,350,000 Chesterton Humberts, Canary Wharf / 020 7510 8300; chestertonhumberts.com
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Completely at home in London With 50 branches across the Capital and over 35 years’ London property experience, we are perfectly placed to help with all your property needs. So, if you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting visit kfh.co.uk today.
Our services Sales and Lettings Financial Services Chartered Surveyors Block Management Commercial Property
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01.1
Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, EC4A £850,000 Leasehold London Bridge 020 3465 9230 Email sbo@kfh.co.uk
09:32
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Immaculate one bedroom apartment in this contemporary Galliard Homes development, set in a highly sought after location. This property is currently let to corporate tenants.
• • • • • • • • • •
One bedroom Reception room Open plan kitchen Shower room 509 sq ft Furniture included Second floor Lift Currently let EPC rating B
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IN THEIR OWN
WORDS JACK GIBSON
Sales Manager: Stirling Ackroyd, Bankside Photography: Rebecca Noonan
B
eing Sales Manager for Stirling Ackroyd’s Bankside office suits me perfectly. I have never lived north of the river as I love the culture, the green spaces and the history down here, and living in such close proximity to the Thames really makes you feel like you’re in the heart of London. Even though I probably had dreams of being a world famous footballer or musician when I was little, my wardrobe seemed to dictate my career for me; when I was five and my mother said she would buy me something special for my birthday. It would seem that instead of the normal options of Lego, robots or dinosaurs, all this five year old asked for was a suit! Whilst it might have been strange seeing one five year old boy amongst his group of friends in a fully tailored number, it was thankfully a little more acceptable when I first started working in an estate agents’ office eleven years later. A friend had managed to find me some work experience in an independent agency in Plumstead, and I convinced them to offer me a probation, subject to me passing my driving test. I took to it straight away and was top negotiator within a year. I then joined a corporate, before joining the Stirling Ackroyd team five and a half years ago. Although I worked for a while for sales in the Shoreditch office, I was ecstatic to move south of the river once again to be Sales Manager in Bankside. Being one of the
oldest parts of London means that you really get a sense in Bankside of how the area is steeped in history, and it’s reflected in the culture and the buildings here. The vibrancy of the bars and restaurants here really rival the rest of London, especially Bermondsey Street with its boutique shops and community squares. Borough Market is London’s food mecca, but it isn’t just the market stalls - the surrounding restaurants such as Roast and Brindisa are just absolutely outstanding examples of what you can make with quality produce. We find that the applicants looking here are primarily interested in the proximity to the City only a short walk over the river, but they soon fall in love with the fantastic buzz and community. The mixture of new developments and warehouse conversions also offers buyers an array of options, and the quirky features such as large floor to ceiling windows are a real attraction. It’s unsurprising how rapidly demand for property here is increasing, demonstrable by the 21% price rise here in the last year. When you look around Southwark you can also see huge areas for improvement so it is likely to be the real champion of the next decade for investors, as well as for the local community here, with SE1 firmly cementing itself as a postcode to rival its West London counterparts. 020 7940 3888; stirlingackroyd.com
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ABSOLUTELY Property
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Docklands & Canary Wharf 020 7537 9859
£749,995
Woodstock Terrace, E14 Three Bedroom house
Freehold
Three bedrooms Two bathrooms
Period terraced house
£2100 pcm
Luralda Wharf, E14 Three bedroom Flat Two bathrooms
Rear garden
£485 pw Large reception
Balcony
Gated development
Properties for Sale
Considering selling or letting your property? Call 020 72
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South East London 020 7237 6767
£445,000
Jelico Point, SE16 Three bedroom flat Three bedrooms
Leasehold Two bathrooms
Modern development Close to river
£1500 pcm
Baltic Quay, SE16 Two bedroom flat Two bedrooms
£350 pw Stunning views
U/ground parking
Third floor Properties to Let
20 7232 5780 to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation.
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PROPERTY
ROUND UP PROPERTY OF THE
MONTH
Mark Wellington Manager, Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings’ City, Canary Wharf and Greenwich offices
EAST LONDON LOWDOWN Rental demand hit new highs throughout Docklands, both in Canary Wharf and on the fringes in areas like Bow, Poplar, Greenwich, Lewisham and Deptford. Rents in these fringes are lower than in the heart of Docklands, although unprecedented demand is pushing up prices quickly. One and two bed apartments tend to be most sought-after but we’re seeing increasing numbers of professional sharers opting for three bedroom apartments in a move to reduce costs. There was a last minute rush in December, from tenants keen to be settled in their new homes before Christmas. Our new Greenwich office is experiencing exceptionally high demand and the area’s many new developments such as New Capital Quay, Prime Place and Marine Wharf are letting very quickly. Again, lower rents but great connectivity are attractions for many but we’re also finding that tenants like the lifestyle in Greenwich – it’s full of character and has great amenities . 020 7213 9700; brlets.co.uk
SCOTTS SUFFERANCE WHARF, MILL STREET, SE1 £525 Per Week A bright, spacious and well-presented two double bedroom apartment. With over 950 square feet, this well-presented home offers a large open plan living room with plenty of natural light, two good sized double bedrooms and an ensuite and master bathroom, both of which are modern and very stylish. Only moments away from Tower Bridge. Martin & Co, London Bridge 0207 378 1795; martinco.com/lettings-agents/london-bridge
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ABSOLUTELY Property MAIDSTONE BUILDINGS MEWS, SE1
£3,142 Per Month (Plus £156 tenancy agreement fee. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees)
A stunning three double bedroom warehouse conversion, located in a small gated mews development minutes from London Bridge. Also offering two bathrooms, a spacious and bright kitchen reception room with excellent transport links. KFH, London Bridge Lettings 020 3284 8846; kfh.co.uk
JACKSONS JACKPOT SPOTLIGHT ON:
E16
Average asking price: £315,648 Average asking rents: £1,516 pcm Average price paid: £294,372 Data provided by property website
T
o celebrate the opening of Jacksons new office in East Dulwich they offered a cash prize of £5,000 to one lucky winner who put their house on the market with them to sell. This person along with everyone else who instructed Jacksons between 1st September 2013 and 31st November 2013 got to sell their house through them for 0% and also go in to the draw to win £5,000. Numbers were restricted to the first 50 sales instructions, thus giving any one person a 1 in 50 chance of becoming £5,000 better off. The office then held a draw on 9th November, where they invited one Vendor to come along with their children to pull the lucky winners names from a basket. The winner was a Mr Joe Rowntree from Kitto Road and the East Dulwich Manager Edward Ogden took great pleasure in telephoning Mr Rowntree and announcing the good news. An extremely surprised but very delighted Mr Rowntree then made his way down to the East Dulwich office to collect his winning cheque.
020 8875 7999; jacksonsestateagents.
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ABSOLUTELY Property
Property Development GREENLAND PLACE, SE8 Greenland Place is the latest residential development to launch in Deptford through Barratt London. Comprised of 562 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments spread over five low-rise buildings, as well as a 19-storey and a 22-storey tower, residents will benefit from a fitness suite, 24 hour concierge and cycle parking. Most apartments have balconies and all have access to landscaped courtyards with water features. Designed by RMA Architects, Greenland Place is a series of perimeter blocks, mews, courtyards and squares. The development includes 6,500 sq m of commercial space, including a new business centre. Prices starting from ÂŁ435,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. The first phase launched in September 2013. Barratt Homes 084 4811 4334; barratthomes.co.uk/ London
PARKSIDE QUARTER, E14 Parkside Quarter is the latest residential development to launch through Telford Homes on Stebondale Street, E14 3DF, Isle of Dogs. The development comprises of three buildings, offering 64 studio, one, two and three-bedroom private apartments with many featuring park views. Each apartment includes modern interiors with a contemporary kitchen by renowned London Designer Urban Myth with integrated appliances, fitted wardrobes, video entry phone systems and under-floor heating. Prices start from ÂŁ270,000 for a studio apartment with completions expected from Spring 2015. Telford Homes 020 7531 5219; telfordhomes. plc.uk/parksidequarter
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A home in one of London’s trendiest postcodes
Dalston Curve, Kingsland High Street, Dalston, London E8 2NS • A mixture of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Dalston town centre
• Superb location offering an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues
Register your interest to find out more:
• 106 new Lifetime Homes in a sustainable and sensitive scheme
• Excellent travel connections with Dalston Kingsland station situated close by
taylorwimpey.co.uk/eastlondon
0203 697 3925
* Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Photography used shows a view of the City of London and does not show the exact location of the development advertised. Development plans are subject to planning permission and may be changed. Speak to a Sales Executive for more information. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. September 2013.
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Stirling Ackroyd All around the City EC1V
E1 £525,000
£1,275,000
SHOREDITCH SALES – STRYPE STREET A well-presented 2 bedroom apartment set within a well maintained Victorian mansion block ideally located for Liverpool Street station. EPC E
CLERKENWELL SALES – DALLINGTON STREET A beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment in a small development in Clerkenwell offering 1,238 sq ft. EPC pending
SE1
WC1R
£725,000
£865,000
BANKSIDE SALES – TANGERINE HOUSE A superb 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment located on the 3rd floor of this striking modern development near Bermondsey Street. EPC E
WEST END SALES – RED LION STREET A 2 bedroom duplex apartment with own front door at street level, in close proximity to Holborn station. EPC C
SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838
CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606
HACKNEY 020 7749 3807
WEST END 020 7256 3244
IBIZA 0034 971 326 788
ISTANBUL +90 (0)444 4493
BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888
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EC2A
EC1
£900 pw
£650 pw
SHOREDITCH LETTINGS – NEW INN YARD A 1,450 sq ft loft apartment with a large open plan living space, floor to ceiling warehouse windows & beautifully designed interiors. EPC pending
CLERKENWELL LETTINGS – SAFFRON HILL A superb 2 double bedroom duplex apartment with large reception room & private balcony in close proximity to Farringdon Station. EPC C
SE1
EC4A
£475 pw
BANKSIDE LETTINGS – NEW GLOBE WALK An outstanding 1 bedroom apartment offering over 800 sq ft of space on the 4th floor of a converted warehouse in the heart of Bankside. EPC B
£620 pw
WEST END LETTINGS – RED LION COURT An impressive lower ground floor apartment situated in a brand new residential development close to Fleet Street. EPC B
LETTINGS PRICES EXCLUDE ADDITIONAL FEES. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
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After the umpteenth year, the self-made man rested.
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the
BOATYARD LIMEHOUSE L O ND O N E 1 4
PENTHOUSES LAUNCHING FROM 10 T H JANUARY You'll have to move fast to secure a stylish apartment at The Boatyard! A collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes on the edge of Bartlett Park and The Limehouse Cut, many with fantastic views, just minutes from Canary Wharf and The City. D ROA VE
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SALES & MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN: Cotall Street, London, E14 6JL Open Daily: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm Contact us to make your priority appointment: 020
3538 2341
www.theboatyardapartments.co.uk Map not to scale. Computer generated images of the development. Typical kitchen style shown.
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