BATTERSEA & CLAPHAM JANUARY 2015

ABSOLUTELY BATTERSEA & CLAPHAM

JANUARY 2015 / £3.95

HEMSLEY & HEMSLEY

MICHEL ROUX JR ON RUNNING

HEALTHY EATING DONE PROPERLY

AND RAGOUT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

LONDON’S BEST DETOX DIETS

Fresh Take SULTRY STYLE FOR THE NEW YEAR

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT B&C_Jan_COVER.indd 1

08/12/2014 10:09

IFDPS.indd 1

03/12/2014 10:17

Opening doors in London since 1856 From the moment you walk through one of our doors, you’ll only deal with someone who lives and breathes your local property market.

Someone who knows exactly which buttons to press to sell or let your home. And someone who understands that determination and integrity will open more doors for you than any other approach.

So why not visit one of our 22 London offices? As we’ve been saying since 1856, our door’s always open...

marshandparsons.co.uk

IFDPS.indd 2

03/12/2014 10:17

ONE FREE ENTRY WITH THIS AD

BATTERSEA PARK, LONDON

WINTER 20-25 JANUARY 2015

ANTIQUES AND 20TH CENTURY DESIGN FOR INTERIOR DECORATION

decorativefair.com The Decorative Fair

DECORATIVE FAIR.indd 2 1 DF_Absolutely_210x297.indd

Absolutely

@decorativefair

04/12/2014 14:08 12:50

XXXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXX

contents Januar y 2015

62 08 ABSOLUTELY LOVES Absolutely’s top picks this month

12 15

ARTS & CULTURE WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for January

NEW YEAR, NEW CULTURAL YOU

Your new cultural PA

16

ROUX AWAKENINGS

Michel Roux Jr on food and fitness

FASHION 22 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL Find out about the newest trends

HEALTH & BEAUTY 32 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL Our edit of the best beauty trends

38 35 STATEMENT POUT How to do a bright lip

36 FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL

All the coolest new kit to keep you motivated

38 THE DETOX DIARIES London's best detox deliveries

45 STRAIGHT TALKING Getting a Hollywood smile

47 GOING NUTS

We meet the girls from The Pressery and hear about their love of almond milk...

FOOD & DRINK 52 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Food news, trends, recipes for the New Year

55 BEST OF BRITISH

Absolutely review Ben's Canteen, Earlsfield

57 SISTER ACT

Healthy cookery duo, Hemsley & Hemsley show us the way to eating well

C o v e r I m a g e the chatelaine charm belt co.

TRAVEL 62 ALL CHANGE

Absolutely head to Morocco for mindful yoga

5 B&C_Dec_Contents.indd 5

22 67 UK GETAWAY

A weekend at the Four Seasons in Hampshire

HOMES & INTERIORS 70 INTERIOR INSPIRATION Our guide to metal furnishings

PROPERT Y 83 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 09:02

HISCOX BATTERSEA.indd 2

04/12/2014 10:39

EDITOR ROMY VAN DEN BROEKE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL INTERN WILL DUGDALE CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CARA CUMMINGS, ROBBIE HONEY, CHARLIE GILKES ADVERTISING MANAGER LUKE WEBB ACCOUNT MANAGER DEBRA TAYLOR PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANNA HUTTON-POTTS SOUTH PROPERTY EDITORS HUGO HUNTER, NIGEL LEWIS ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER TAHIR KAPUCU PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: romy@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Published by

ZEST MEDIA PUBLICATIONS LTD 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road W10 5JJ T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

I

EDITOR’S letter

love January. Not only is it a month of anticipation and good intentions, but it’s seemingly the only time one can actually make a relatively unprovoked lifestyle change. Maybe this year will be the year you go for that promotion, or the year you visit Rajasthan, or perhaps it’s the year you enrol on that weekend Italian language class. Whatever it is you plan to do, when all’s said and done, the year ahead is yours for the taking, and although external factors may form it, it’s the little extras that can make it.

This year, my only resolution is to visit either India or Sri Lanka.

The reason I’ve not made any more is quite simply because I never, ever stick to them. However for the more virtuous among you, I've chosen London’s best detox deliveries to help make healthy eating in January that little bit simpler (page 38). Not sold

7 B&C_Jan_EDS_LETTER.indd 7

on the ‘quick fi x’ detox? Then flick to page 57 and read our interview with nutritionists and good life pioneers, Hemsley & Hemsley, who give us advice on the art of eating well. We’ve also caught up with two-Michelin starred chef, Michel Roux Jr to ask him how he balances a life and love of food and a fondness for fitness. Read the interview on page 16.

Wishing you all a very happy new year.

Enjoy!

Romy. ◆

Romy van den Broeke Editor @ohnohereisro

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 09:54

SLICK SOUND

A cross between technology and jewellery, these headphones are designed with the colour of petrol oil in mind. Slick. £140; wearefrends.com

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY CITY CHIC

Representing individuality and a flair for fashion, the feminine, trendy silhouettes at Taifun are both casual and sophisticated.

Their latest collection is inspired

by New York City in the spring. gerryweber.com

DIARY DAYS

It wouldn’t be a new year without a new Smythson diary. We love this seasons' rich autumnal berry toned Panama Diary and Dove Grey Dukes Organiser. £70 and £425; smythson.com

PEACOCKING

Stand out from the winter crowd with this bright pink Peacock Plumes Print Scarf from Feather and Stone. £120; featherandstone.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_JAN_ABS LOVES.indd 8

8 04/12/2014 09:54

ABSOLUTELY / LOVES

UNDATEABLE

RUBY RED

Fornasetti say they 'don't believe in periods or dates'. That being said, they are inspired by the desire for people to put a label on time. The result?

A fascinating celebration plate. £189; fornasetti.com

Fascinated by the way jewels and stones make you feel, Vanessa Kandiyoti's pieces are designed to be worn as good luck charms. These Root Chakra rubies will help keep you grounded. From £1,296; vanessakandiyoti.com

SNAP!

Ultra-advanced, ultrawaterproof, this Q Camera also allows you to share you photos online instantly. Clever. £150; gift-library.com

JANUARY BLUES

Highly coveted, these bags by ItalianBrazillian Paula Cademartori’s are detailed in design. With tortoiseshell Pexiglas and woven edging, this is the handbag we’re dreaming of toting around in 2015. £855; matchesfashion.com

CHANEL TIME

PUSS IN BOOTS

For the first time in watchmaking history, diamonds and fine pearls have been embroidered together to create this stunning camellia flower.

Simple perfection. £27,000; chanel.com

We love these metallic peep-toe ankle boots from Burberry Prorsum. Their hand-painted floral design means we'll be wearing the little beauties through winter into sunny spring. £1,195; burberry.com

9 B&C_JAN_ABS LOVES.indd 9

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 09:54

Italian cuisine and Edible flowers have landed in Clapham High Street, London!

A very warm welcome to Lotus London, a unique Italian cuisine and cocktail bar with a dierence..

Living up to the Lotus originally meaning of creation and rebirth, Lotus London brings new twists, rebirthing the Classic girl about town cocktails and Italian dishes.

The experience within its self will have you coming back for more.

www.lotusbar.co.uk Phone: 020 7720 2516 - 07506 881041 | Email: info@lotusbar.co.uk | Address : 76 Clapham High Street London, SW4 7UL

LOTUS BAR.indd 2

04/12/2014 15:22

p. 12

NEW YEAR, NEW CULTURAL YOU

p. 15

ROUX AWAKENINGS

p. 16

ALLEN JONES

> WHAT'S ON

11 B&C_Jan_Culture_Open.indd 11

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 10:06

© NICK HEDGES

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

A LIFE WORTH LIVING Un t i l 18 Ja n u a ry S c i e nc e Mu s e u m aken by photographer Nick Hedges in the late 1960s, these images expose the appalling housing conditions for those living in poverty in the mid-20th century. Hedges’ written notes about his own feelings when witnessing the poverty are also on display, making this exhibition particularly hard-hitting. ◆ Exhibition Road, SW7; sciencemuseum.org.uk

CHARLES JOURDAN, SPRING 1979 © GUY BOURDIN

T

WANG AI: HIDDEN WISDOM From 21 January Hua G aller y

oet and artist Wang Ai creates delicate paintings made with rice paper, tea and Chinese ink. Characterised by harmony and balance, his works exude ethereal feelings. The use of tea adds varying transparent layers to the pieces generating a visually intriguing sense of texure. ◆ 8 Hester Road, SW11; hua-gallery.com

P

GUY BOURDIN Image Maker Th rough out Jan uary Somerset Hou se

Guy Bourdin’s images have always evoked a sense of desire. The scenes he photographed were meticulously staged so are consistently striking and seductive. Charting his 40 year career, this exhibition presents over 250 of his finest works including a series of never-before-seen sketches, paintings and notes. This large-scale retrospective gives a fascinating insight into the mind behind the camera.

Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_Whats_On_use.indd 12

VAVENGERS GALA BALL 21 Ja n u a ry Br u n sw i c k Hou s e

n evening of cocktails, comedy and music, the Vavengers Gala ball at Brunswick House promises to be a night full of fun.

Behind the giggles however lies a more serious matter: this event will be raising money for the UK’s first billboard campaign against FGM. ◆ 30 Wandsworth Road, SW8; lassco.co.uk

A

12 05/12/2014 11:16

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS BOOK PICKS

SWAN LAKE

2 5 Ja n u a r y R i t zy P i c t u re h o u s e creening the Bolshi ballet live from Moscow S to London via satellite, Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton are making sure that Londoners can still delight in the magical performances. We're looking forward to seeing our favourite ballet, Swan Lake, on the 25th.

Following the story of the Swan Princess Odette and the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart, this story never fails to move us. ◆ Brixton Oval, SW2 picturehouses.co.uk

Janu a r y’s Top T h re e He a l thy Recipe Books

THE ART OF EATING WELL Meli ssa a n d Jas mine He ms l e y Ebur y P ress, £25

Throw the rule book out of the window this January. The Hemsley girls offer alternatives to your vice foods meaning you'll lose weight, gain energy and feel better with little effort. This is our kind of detox.

ALLEN JONES RA

◆

CURIOUS WOMAN, 1965 © ALLEN JONES

Until 25 Janu ar y B urlingto n G a rd en s elebrating the work of a C man who was once expelled from the Royal College of Art, this exhibition showcases Allen Jones' playfully sexualised images. Forever controversial, Jones has defined contemporary art with creations inspired by popular culture. With a rebellious and fearless approach, Jones has secured his place among the greatest artists of the 21st century. ◆ 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S royalacademy.org.uk

DELICIOUSLY ELLA E lla Wo o dw ard

Yellow Kite, £13.60

From scrumptous raw desserts to colourful salads to go, Borough-based Ella's philosophy is all about eating the natural foods your body loves. Simple, easy and tasty this muchanticipated book features over 100 new sugarfree, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes.

◆ must read

must see

PETER PAN

T h ro u gh o u t Ja n u a r y Po l k a T h e at re his Janurary, refuse to T grow up and take a journey to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy and the Darling boys. Join Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys in their fight against the villainous pirate Captain Hook and his loyal crew, this classic is sure to make you feel young again. ◆ 240 The Broadway, SW19; polkatheatre.com

13 B&C_Jan_Whats_On_use.indd 13

PURE: JUICING FOR LIFE Ro o ts & Bu lb s: Sarah Cadj i Quadr ille P ubli shing, £13.49

Listen to your mother and eat your vegetables! This new book from those behind London juice bar Roots & Bulbs is full of recipes that will revitalise and replenish your system with the purist nutrient-rich sources available.

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 09:59

!

*

Opening Times: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sun 11am-5pm LATE NIGHT THURS 9AM-9PM

*

141 Northcote Road, London SW11 6PX | 020 7135 3577 | salon@allaboutthegirl.info

ALL ABOUT THE GIRL.indd 1 All about the girl.indd 1

04/12/2014 09/09/2013 14:16 19:41

ARTS & CULTURE / FEATURE

New Year, New Cultural You

Hands up whose New Year resolution is to do more in London? With over 180 theatres, 380 galleries and more restaurant openings than you can shake a stick at, London’s buzzing like never before Wo r d s c a r a c u M M i n g s

B

ut with so much on offer, how can anyone hope to catch the ‘must do’ before each disappears? Step forward Culture Whisper, the innovative new site that aims to be your cultural PA. With personalised suggestions based on your taste from a crack team of cultural experts, it aims to keep Londoners ‘in the know’ – and, more crucially, book advance tickets in advance.

Its founder, former BBC Editor Eleonore Dresch, talks to Absolutely about how “the sophisticated alternative to Time Out” can broaden your cultural horizons in 2015.

CM How does Culture Whisper work?

ED You can sign up with a quick questionnaire, then access your personalised page with suggestions chosen just for you. You can also browse and find out what’s opening, or closing in the days, weeks, month to come, according to different criteria, like type of events and editorial classification. You can pin what interests you and easily book from our pages.

CM What’s the criteria for a cultural event becoming a Culture Whisper recommendation?

ED Each week we meet up with our arts journalists and experts and decide on what will make the cut.

Quality is essential; we use our insider's knowledge to assess whether we’d personally recommend each event to our members. The whole of our database is curated.

CM Do you think there’s a lot of pressure on Londoners to see more, do more, experience more than ever?

ED So much is going on, it can be overwhelming.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand the relevance of a particular event. We always try to explain why a play, a concert, or an exhibition matters, without presuming obvious knowledge from our readers.

CM Why do you think London is such a buzzing cultural city?

ED London is unique in that it attracts culture from all around the world and is hugely diverse.

Contemporary art is exploding with lots of American galleries moving in, and theatre here is an enormous platform. It's also one of the more difficult cities to grasp in Europe, so there's something about experiencing culture that can really make you feel like you belong.

CM What are you favourite cultural destinations in South West London?

ED I love the Battersea Arts Centre. It’s like a beautiful version of the Barbican and has a lot of character with its high ceilings and cherub frescoes.

They have some very good shows - and a very nice bar too! Of course, the Polka Dot theatre in Wimbledon is absolutely lovely, too.

CM What inspired you to start the site?

ED I felt that I lived in a city where the best shows were put up daily yet I would miss out on most of them. I’d read 5 stars theatre reviews or articles about yummy pop up restaurants, only to realise that tickets had been sold out for ages. I thought, “How come I only hear about this when it’s too late?”

CM What are your top three must-catch cultural recommendations for early 2015?

ED Rubens is opening at the Royal Academy 24th January – that will be a very important exhibition!

For families, Punch drunk at National Maritime Museum and Twits at Royal Court. And keep an eye on the Donmar Theatre – they have some really exciting new seasons coming up and usually sell out in minutes. So be ready.... 

CM What makes Culture Whisper stand out from the crowd?

ED Culture Whisper is personalised and alerts you about things to do based on your interests. It also provides quality and independent journalism - instead of reviewing, we preview events months in advance which means our system is completely unlike traditional media.

15 B&C_Jan_Feature.indd 15

CM You’ve got 24 hours in London for pure cultural indulgence – where do you head to and what do you do?

ED First, if you haven't been to the Zwirner Gallery in Mayfair you must, it’s an amazing space. I’d go and eat at the Back in 5 Minutes Supper Club (which is like an excursion to Narnia amidst Brick Lane's curry houses and bagel shops!). I’d dance with the cast of Here Lies Love at the new Dorfman Theatre. And then I’d probably indulge in a private sale at Aimé in Notting Hill - I see fashion as an art form and therefore part of our Culture Whisper coverage.

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 10:04

INTERIORS / PROFILE

ROUX Awakening SPOTLIGHT

Absolutely catches up with Clapham resident Michel Roux Jr to find out how he balances his body and his business Wo r d s c e M t o p c a m

F

or a keen wine enthusiast, being surrounded by the finest food and drink all day might not be the ideal setting in which to keep fit and eat healthily, but Roux, who cuts a lithe figure at 54, reveals that his fitness has benefitted from the lively nature of his profession. “Obviously, being a chef you’re on your feet all day long. If you’re a very active chef, you burn the calories!” he laughs. The south west London resident added “I enjoy long distance running, so I run marathons and keep fit.”

When he is not supervising the kitchen at La Gavroche, Roux is a partner in the Cactus Kitchens cookery school, a converted chapel near Clapham Common, where you can learn to cook the Roux way. For £895, aspiring gourmets can undergo a whole day of tuition by the master chef himself. Just around the corner from the school, Roux can be found at the Victorian flat he has lived

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_MICHAEL ROUX.indd 16

in since 1990, having been in the area since 1984. He’s a big fan of Venn Street market, but he is understandably biased, because the produce is predominantly French. “The stalls sell everything from pâtés and saucisson to snails and you can smell the cheese from the Common. It’s great to hear the locals practising their French and enjoying life the way it’s done across the Channel,” he smiles.

Roux tangibly comes alive when quizzed on wine; one of his true passions.

“Wow, wine!” he enthuses. “I do enjoy a glass of wine but you know, life’s too short to drink bad wine. And I don’t mean that in a sort of snobbish way. You can find some very good value wines.” While he couldn’t possibly name a favourite brand he professed a love for his native France when revealing “it’s very difficult to pinpoint one type of wine, but I do have a favourite region in France and that would be the Rhone valley.”

It is a hobby that has extended into his career, and not just when it comes to the wine cellar in his restaurant La Gavroche.

16 05/12/2014 11:20

FOOD & DRINK / FEATURE

17 B&C_Jan_MICHAEL ROUX.indd 17

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:20

FOOD & DRINK / FEATURE

In 2008, Roux became a member of the Wine Committee to the Royal Household: “It’s an absolute honour,” he said of the position. “It involves tasting wines for grand receptions, so we have to be very careful in what we choose.”

His knowledge and love for wine is so extensive, that he is an anomaly among his fellow members. “I’m the only nonwine professional that has ever been on the board and as I say, it’s an absolute honour.” Roux recognises the gravity of his position, adding “I suppose it came about because of my love of wines and being a restaurateur. Every time I

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_MICHAEL ROUX.indd 18

YOU’RE ON YOUR FEET all day long. If you’re active, you BURN THE CALORIES attend I have to pinch myself because it’s unbelievable and something I don’t take lightly.”

His storied career has taken him around the globe, cooking for some very important people; most notably French presidents during his military service at the Elysees Palace in Paris with his cousin Alain. “It was brilliant. An absolutely amazing experience cooking for two presidents – Giscard d’Estaing and Francois Mitterrand – an honour and a privilege that will always stay with me.” Cooking then took him to the Orient, when he continued his development at the world famous Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong. “It was amazing,” Michel recalls.

“It still is. It’s an iconic venue. The time I spent there I worked in every food outlet from the coffee shop to the Chinese restaurant. It was a revelation; to work in a 5-star luxury hotel behind the scenes and see how it runs,” he says.

When it comes to fine wining and dining closer to home, Roux reveals his favourite eatery in Clapham. “For sure, one of my favourite local restaurants is The Dairy; it’s the place to go.” He credited the restaurant with having the complete package; “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s got a lovely little bar, it’s buzzy and the food is amazing.” He waxed lyrical about the food, saying “it’s

modern but firmly based in the classics.

The tasting menu, for example, is just an amazing array of beautiful food, beautifully presented. They also have a lovely little roof garden so they actually grow a lot of their own food. It’s just a great place.” Having the full package is something Roux is proud to say of La Gavroche. He speaks of there being more than just the menu to thank for its success: “The key to a good restaurant is actually more than just good food. The key to a good restaurant is the whole experience. So the front of house, the service and the buzz. The buzz is very important. A good atmosphere.” The most impalpable of these factors is arguably the most valuable for Roux: “You can’t buy buzz. It’s not an ingredient. You only get buzz from happy people dining in your restaurant.”

Roux took the reins at La Gavroche following the retirement of his iconic father, Albert, and admits it has been hard to break out from beneath his father’s shadow since taking over the business over 20 years ago. “I suppose I always am,” he muses. “He started the business with my uncle. I think I have made my own reputation now, but they will always be there and they will always have their legacy as well.” Food is in the blood of the Roux family, with Michel’s daughter Emily the latest to take to the kitchen, flying the flag for female chefs.

“She’s always wanted to be a chef,” he tells us. “I suppose it’s in the genes.” Roux is not concerned at a lack of females in his industry, stating “If you’re good enough you deserve your position. It doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, black or white.” He uses La Gavroche as an example of this: “In my kitchen, the head chef and the two sous chefs are female, and we’ve got another four females in the kitchen. I’ve never, ever been discriminatory in that way.”

While a disagreement over endorsements has seen Michel Roux Jr leave BBC’s MasterChef, he admits he has “a few projects” he’s working on for television next year, while the short respite from appearing on one of Britain’s best loved TV shows will provide a bit of that valued spare time for Roux. Whether he spends it running marathons or continuing to delight customers with his patented cheese soufflé at La Gavroche, he’s sure to be busy in 2015. u 43 Upper Brook Street,W1K, 0207 408 0881; le-gavroche.co.uk

18 05/12/2014 11:20

Sa

up le to no 40 w % o of n f

Battersea I Clerkenwell I Knightsbridge I Mayfair I Notting Hill I Wandsworth I Kent I Surrey @westonebathroom 0333 011 3333

WESTONE.indd 2

27/11/2014 15:02

PURE CASHMERE HAS ARRIVED AT N O R T H C OT E ROAD Wrap up in the world’s finest cashmere with your introductory offer, enjoy

25 % OF F our full collection

SHOP IN STORE

68 Northcote Road, SW11 6QL Offer code NCR25E

www.purecollection.com Offer available to new customers when signing up to our mailing list. Offer ends Sunday 11th January 2015.

more2brora.indd 2 PURE_UK_ZEST_MEDIA_AD.indd 1

04/12/2014 20:00 11:22 02/12/2014

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 22

GOONIGHT SWEETHEART

p. 24

ROLL UP Keep things chic this January in tailored classics by high street favourite, Cos. From ‘boyfriend’ coats to lime green roll necks, Cos have got the remaining cold months covered. cosstores.com

21 B&C_JAN15_Fashion_Opener.indd 21

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:21

st y l e C e n t r a l

Refresh your wardrobe with our favourite January finds Wo r d s h e l e n b a r o n

ALL ABOUT YVES STYLE B y R ox a n n e L o w i t

irst there was the biopic, now the book – a new portrait F there’s of Yves Saint Laurent, featuring backstage shots from legendary fashion photographer Roxanne Lowit with contributions from YSL muses such as Jerry Hall, Grace Jones and LouLou de la Falaise.

The pioneer who brought Piet Mondrian and ‘le Smoking’ to fashion prominence, Yves Saint Laurent was also one of the most subversive and controversial designers in postwar couture – and his talent made a lasting impression on the industry. Lowit’s pictures document her personal history with Saint Laurent from 1978 (the year they met) to the last show he gave, in 2002, affording readers a glimpse of the backstage experience and sharing a unique portrait of a fashion genius. ◆

Super Girl S u k i Wa t e r h o u s e fo r S u p e r g a

● Y V E S S A I N T L AU R E N T £29.95, out now; thamesandhudson.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

BATT_JAN_Fashion_Notes.indd 22

Model-of-the-moment and Chiswick resident, Suki Waterhouse, has turned her hand to fashion design, creating a Limited Edition range for Italian tennis shoe brand Superga. The collection of heartembellished ‘flatform’ trainers is available in three candy colours.

Catch them while you can... £65, available from myfashiontribu.com

22 04/12/2014 10:20

FASHION / NOTES Six of the best

PIECES OF GREAT

BLANKET COATS

Oscar de la Renta

A tad summery it may be, but we just couldn’t resist this parrotembroidered full-pleated skirt by the dear departed Oscar de la Renta. Influenced by Japanese artistry, this piece is silk-lined and fitted at the waist – perfect for al fresco lunches if you’re headed away for some winter sun. £1,725; harrods.com

GOODY TWO SHOES French Sole

Two-tone colour can be a difficult trend to pull off, but these gorgeous ‘Penelope’ pointed flats by French Sole in contrasting suede tick all the right sartorial boxes. Team with a blazer and cigarette pants for a timelessly elegant look. Penelope Navy and Purple Suede Leather Flats, £160; frenchsole.com

01

02

SNOW DAY Claudia Pierlot

Claudie Pierlot has managed a magnificent fashion feat by deftly combining fringing with none other than... a parka. And not just any old parka: a shiny, knee-length wonder with faux fur collar. The winter collection puts a decidedly urban spin on the brand’s usual contemporary classics. claudiepierlot.com

03

04

IN THE KNOMO Knomo

We're suckers for a good backpack and have fallen head over heels in love with this black Beauchamp backpack from new brand on the block, Knomo. It even has space for your MacBook Air. £129; knomo.com

23 BATT_JAN_Fashion_Notes.indd 23

05

06

1. PLUMO Blanket Cardigan, £149; plumo.com 2. JIGSAW Geo Wool Blanket Coat, £149; jigsaw-online.com 3. TOAST Tapestry Knit House Coat, £225; toa.st 4. AGNONA Cashmere Colourblocked Coat, £4,165; stylebop.com 5. MONSOON Chester Blanket Coat, £129; mytheresa.com 6. APRICOT Faux Fur Blue & Yellow Aztec Blanket Wrap, £29; apricotonline.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 10:20

Goo d ni ght

SWEET HEART Adorn yourself in sumptuous silk for slumber time this winter Photography Helen McArdle Styling Charlie Moore

FashionShoot_Jan_5pp.indd 24

04/12/2014 10:26

Tulle baby doll £345, by Agent Provocateur White cotton bodysuit (underneath), £130, by Simone Perele On right hand gold love bite ring, £85, by Maria Black, gold ring from a selection at Alex Monroe On left hand ring from a selection by Alex Monroe

FashionShoot_Jan_5pp.indd 25

04/12/2014 10:26

Cashmere Roll-Neck Sweater, £325, Issa

Cashmere sweater, £109, by Pure Collection Silk chiffon bra, £79 and matching knickers, £49, both by Made By Niki

FashionShoot_Jan_5pp.indd 26

04/12/2014 10:26

Gold lace chemise, £330, by Gilda & Pearl at Selfridges Nude silk bra, £57.50 and matching knickers £48 (underneath chemise), by Damaris On right hand - 14 carat gold plated star ring, £29, by Annie Haak 22 carat gold plate baroque ring, £132, by Alex Monroe On left hand - rings from a selection by Alex Monroe

FashionShoot_Jan_5pp.indd 27

04/12/2014 10:26

Silk Black and White Striped Pyjama Shirt, £330, as part of a set, by Olivia Von Halle at Fenwicks Left hand - Beige Gold and Diamond Coin Ring, £3,805, and Brushed Gold Ring (right hand), £1,630, and Gold and Diamond Loupe Pendent, £3,780, all by Dina Kamal at Dover Street Market

STOCKISTS

Photography Helen McArdle at Kayte Ellis Agency Styling: Charlie Moore Make up: Helen Asher at ERA Management using M.A.C Hair: Jason Crozier for No.74 Hair and Beauty London using Bumble & Bumble Model: Charlotte Pallister at Select With thanks to The Apartments by The Sloane Club, 52 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W, 020 7730 9131; sloaneclub.co.uk

FashionShoot_Jan_5pp.indd 28

winderlondon.com princessetamtam.co.uk sarrieri.com houseoffraser.co.uk purecollection.com madebyniki.co.uk selfridges.com anniehaak.com fenwick.co.uk doverstreetmarket.com alexmonroe.com maria-black.com damaris.co.uk winserlondon.com

05/12/2014 12:14

Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery

Hand Made with Love in Wimbledon create a memory or special moment, be inspired, work with us to see your idea evolve into a unique Bespoke piece of Jewellery

Specialist in re-design of dated or inherited jewels. Restoration work & valuations undertaken Professional friendly service. Visit website for full details

www.michaelplatt.co.uk Goldsmiths and Jewellers in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London SW19 5DW | 020 8947 4772

MICHAEL PLATT_JAN.indd 1

05/12/2014 09:33

O d rd R

nlea Rd

9 B22

d

rne R

u Calbo

Rave

4

A21

Wandsworth Common

Skin Care Centre 020 8696 1700

xfo We

oad

Join us for a new look to kick off the New Year and receive complimentary Tigi intense hair treatment.

WE ARE ON BELLEVUE ROAD, BETWEEN THE HOPE PUB AND JIGSAWJUST 3 MINUTES FROM WANDWORTH COMMON STATION R ity Trin

Hairdressing Salon 020 3475 6644

& FEEL G

O

7

O

K

B23

LO

D

•

•

T

BEN

UR

T CO E N

e Rd

id Ferns

erton

Gosb

Rd

llon Tanta

Rd nville

Hear

Rd

3 & 4 BENNET COURT 1 BELLEVUE ROAD LONDON, SW17 7EG

During January we are offering our Gel Nail polish application for only £10

Laban.indd 2

05/12/2014 10:08

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 32

THE DETOX DIARIES

31 Jan_Beauty_Opener.indd 31

p. 38

STRAIGHT TALKING

p. 45

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:23

SA LO N R e v i e w

GRO Putney

Wo r d s M o l l i e a d a m s o n - h o p e

A room full of roses, illuminating creams and make up to end all make up W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

ooking yourself in for a hair cut or colour has just got much B easier. Haircvt rounds up London's best salons, for the user to then refine by location, price and hair style. The latter is decided by choosing from short, medium and long, dark, blonde, redhead or grey, to straight, wavy, curly or afro. They even take the weight of your hair into account. Once you've ticked off all your preferences, the home page is covered with images of girls with hair that fits into what you might want. You can then click, select and get your hair done by the same stylist who did theirs. Genius. Anyway, I played on the site, and my salon of choice was GRO in Putney.

That is how I found Bee, my new and favourite hair stylist. She works in GRO Putney, which is a branch of the GRO brand who tame tresses all over South London.

The salon is cool, slightly cooler than Putney I might dare to say, with exposed brickwork, bulbs and a light, open Berlin kind of space.

My blonde locks rarely get a treat, but Bee put my mind at ease and worked her magic.

After a gentle lightening treatment, a trim and a quick flick of my hair, I looked fresh and healthy, rather than like I'd just joined a Guns N' Roses tribute band.

All praise Haircvt and GRO, you've restored my faith in getting my hair done, and all in time for the new year! u

FACE UP Charlotte Tilbury

â—?GRO PUTNEY 35 Putney High St, SW15, 020 8785 2777; grolondon.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_Beauty_Notes.indd 32

New Year, new you, this January is time for total revival of your make up bag, and there's nowhere better to get it all from than make up artist du jour, Charlotte Tilbury. charlottetilbury.com

32 05/12/2014 11:24

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES fresh scent A New Fragrance F o r A N e w Yo u

editor’s

PICK 01

WORLDLY WONDERS Jo Malone

02

Curated by Style Editor Charlotte Stockdale, the January launch of her My Wanderlust collection showcases stylishly packaged products inspired by her travels around the world. Prices Vary; jomalone.co.uk

FRESH THINKING D iptyque

03

For the freshest smelling room and to get you in the mood for spring, invest in Diptyque's Rosafolia scented candle, which contains notes of rose and ivy. £44; diptyqueparis.com 04

LIGHT IT UP Givenchy

06

Refresh your face with Givenchy's new Hydra Sparkling High Moisturizing Luminescence Sap-Serum. The serum contains commiphora sap, which has been created to target the skins many layers and give a triple plumping, tightening and restructuring effect.

Available on 20th January, £46; givenchy.com 05

07

LI P THERAPY A la Carte

Keeping your lips moisturised and nutrified this chilly January doesn't mean they can't look chic.

A la Carte's moisture rich 'Ace of Hearts' lipstick is the perfect way to keep your pout popping. £23; alacartelondon.com

33 B&C_Jan_Beauty_Notes.indd 33

1. JEAN PATOU, HERITAGE COLLECTION PART TWO, QUE SAIS-JE, £150; harrods.com 2. VERSACE, EROS, £64; selfridges.com 3. BYREDO PARFUMS, FLOWERHEAD, £130; byredo.com 4. CHLOE, LOVE STORY, £68; fruugo.co.uk 5. DIPTYQUE, EAU PLURIELLE, £55; diptyqueparis.com 6. SANTA EULALIA, OBSCURO, £98; liberty.co.uk 7. MAGNOLIA NOBILE, ACQUA DI PARMA, £98; houseoffraser.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:39

Clair Vision Boutique optician based in Balham

164 Balham High Road. London SW12 9BW | Tel: 020 8675 3368 clair@clairvision.co.uk

CLAIR VISION FULL.indd 2

04/12/2014 11:44

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS ILLAMASQUA

Wanderlust Intense Lipgloss, £16.50; illamasqua.com

CHANEL

Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer, £17.50; boots.com

CHANEL, Rouge TOM FORD,

Coco Sentiment, £23.70; nordstrom.com

Justin Lips & Boys, £37; tomford.com

KEVYN AUCOIN Bloodroses, £28; spacenk.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

LIPSTICK QUEEN Stella! Silver Screen, £35; spacenk.com

COURTESY OF MATT LEVER

Lost Cherry Matte Revolution, £23; charlottetilbury.com

BOBBI BROWN

Lip Balm SPF15, £16; bobbibrown.co.uk

M.A.C.

No Faux Pas Heirloom Mix, £17; mac-cosmetics.co.uk

STATEMENT POUT Make an impact this year with luminous lips BOBBI BROWN

CHANEL

Lip Pencil, £16; bobbibrown.co.uk

La Fascinante Rouge Allure Velvet, £26; debenhams.com

USLU AIRLINES

Fort de France Lamentin Lipstick, £18; usluairlines.com

35 B&C_Jan_BEAUTY PRODUCTS.indd 35

ILLAMASQUA

Lipstick Palette, £34; illamasqua.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 16:06

Fitness

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the top fitness trends, tips and gear Wo r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

BA R R E R O U N D U P Absolutely’s guide to the best barre classes in London Wo r d s E l i z a b e t h H u t t o n

PA O L A’ S B O DY B A R R E

aola is incredible. Sounds a little sycophantic but anyone who can make my legs shake while I giggle has earned their stripes. Extreme but not impossible, Paola’s ‘PBB Signature’ class isn’t cardio-based, so while you’re never out of breath you will find yourself feeling the burn. By my second class I was in control and by my third I felt stronger. I’d expect nothing less from the woman who counts models Amber le Bon and Millie Mackintosh among her fans. ◆ ● 70 Rosaline Road, SW6; paolasbodybarre.com P

BARRECORE

he day before I went to my first Barrecore session, supermodel and Victoria Secrets Angel Jourdan Dunn instagrammed a picture of herself in one of their classes. Pressure. I went to the large Wimbledon studio and with a relatively small number of students in my class couldn’t slack. The mix of strenuous ballet moves and pilates with resistance bands is the technique devised by Californian and ex-Tracey Anderson Method instructor, Niki Rein.

Truly American, truly effective. ◆ ● 49 High Street, SW19; barrecore.co.uk T

BARRE CONCEPT

aught by an instructor with a dance background, this class at Fitness Fusions in Clapham is guaranteed to get you the body you want. Jessica, who performed with a Mexican Theatre group for 10 years before teaching ballet for a further seven, has seamlessly fused together two separate exercise disciplines and the result is a hybrid pilates-ballet class. Improve balance, posture and coordination with demi-pilés and rond de jambes, while the pilates section will help with strength and flexibility. ◆ ● 122a Stonhouse Street, SW4; claphamhot.co.uk T

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_H&F_Notes.indd 36

HAUTE SPORT Adidas X Mar y Katrantzou

Clock up serious style points with the Mary Katrantzou collection created in collaboration with sportswear brand, Adidas. The collection ranges from show-stopping dresses and skirts to sweatshirts, and will take you straight from crosstrainer to curb. matchesfashion.com

36 04/12/2014 11:15

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

BAG IT UP

Wo r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

G y mTote

Go from work to gym with ease, using our new must-have, the GymTote.

Smart, stylish and designed to fit all of your workout gear in, its even got breathable and wipeable sections for your trainers and kit to prevent any unfresh odors from escaping when you're rummaging for you purse. £115, gymtote.co.uk

ver heard of Fervour? We hadn’t until a few months ago, but now we're a little obsessed. The brand, which launched in 2013, is comprised of a small group of experienced British designers, all of whom are active themselves. Combining their design and textile skills with their needs as fairly active consumers, they’ve managed to create a modest range of beautiful athletic tops for both men and women.

The range varies, from a selection of striking short to long sleeved running tops.

Each is futuristic and colourful in design and made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, which is worn fitted for optimum movement. There are also meshed inserts under the armpits to keep you cool, and flatlocked seams to keep you comfortable.

After 3 years of dedicated research and development Fervour are already exceeding the innovation of its more established competitors. It's committment to fusing physics with a unique and distinctive aesthetic has made exercise both easier and more attractive. Sourced from Italy, the fabrics are considered to be some of the most premium technical fabrics around.

Promising that “this is only the beginning,” there’s plenty more to expect from this innovative start up brand. We look forward to seeing what’s to come. ◆ E

RUN ALONG Every Second Counts

Look cool but keep warm this January with Every Second Counts. The athletic wear's stylish range of workout gear is now available on Matches... score! matchesfashion.com

brand f o c u s

FERVOUR

editor’s

PICK

HIDDEN GEM Kovert

New from Kovert Design, this may look like jewellery but is so much more. Bracelets, necklaces and rings come embedded with digital gadgets that can be programmed to alert you when chosen phone contacts get in touch. So step away from your mobile. kovertdesigns.com

SMOOTH OPERATOR Tribest

Kick start 2015 with this nifty blender. Ideal for whizzing up a variety of fruit and veg, the classic Tribest personal blender makes delicious smoothies in a matter of seconds. £79.95; tribest.co.uk

37 B&C_Jan_H&F_Notes.indd 37

● F E R VO U R fervour.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:15

REVIEW

theDETOX DELIVERIES

After Christmas, you’re probably feeling sluggish and lightly pickled. Get back on track with London’s top detox deliveries W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 38

I

’ve always been a bit sceptical by the idea of a ‘detox’. I think it may have come from my Dad, a Dutchman who, despite having flown as a pilot during a time when such a career was perhaps one of the most glamorous of them all, has maintained his frugal and disciplined 1940s attitude towards food. “It’s all about moderation,” a saying he has always lived by. Never will he have more than two sausages, too much pasta or a second helping.

Now, I am not saying I’m nearly as disciplined as my dad, but I do believe that moderation is the key to a healthy and happy life, so detoxes have always seemed like a bit of an unnecessary punishment. That said, sometimes it is hard to keep things in check, especially in my industry. Champagne is popped by 2pm on a Monday in July, as that is when ‘Christmas’ begins. This early introduction to the festive season gains full momentum

by September, and by the end of October, well, you are completely out of sorts.

38 04/12/2014 14:23

HEALTH & BEAUTY / DETOX Which is why, for the first time ever, I’ve decided to try a detox, to rid myself of all the delicious toxins I’ve filled my body with over the past few months and to give you the run down of London’s best detox packages, just in time for January.

FOR THOSE WITH GOOD INTENTIONS Who? Nosh Detox What? Body, Tone and Smooth osh Detox don’t do detoxes in half measures: there are only a few menus to choose from, to ensure you take it as seriously as they do.

Choose from a full juice or food programme, depending on how virtuous you’re feeling. From the food programme I chose the Body, Tone and Smooth menu, which promises to help shed pounds, smooth out cellulite and keep skin tight and youthful. After five days on the plan, I can tell you those three promises do not come easy. The food is delicious, but there’s not much of it. Two parts liquid, one part food; be prepared for a plethora of nutrient-packed juices, smoothies and soups that help replace vitamins and minerals your body probably didn’t even realise it was missing. The first day was hard: my breakfast smoothie was nice but not the bowl of Special K I’d grown accustomed to, and my spinach and chilli soup at lunchtime just didn’t fill a hole. But I powered through, and after two days of similarly tough grub, I actually felt pretty good: lighter on my feet, refreshed and sharper at work. The small portions meant it wasn’t ideal for cardio exercise (and I do a fair amount) but that didn’t matter because it gave my body a chance to rest and restore. The complete ban on wheat, dairy and sugar products sees Nosh Detox live up to its

N

‘purify and nutrify’ mantra, and my fresher face, smoother legs and newfound agility made it worth every hunger pang. £165 - £335; noshdetox.com

FOR THE LAZY DIETER Who? Pure Package What? Weight Loss A foodie on a detox can be a dangerous mix, so a detox that A declares to be the ‘diet for food lovers’ sounded like a safer bet. There are 10 menus to choose from, including Japanese Body Boost and one specifically crafted for Mum and Baby, but I went simple and selected the Weight Loss menu. Each portion is big, filling and full of flavour, so much so that you almost worry it may make you gain weight instead – but with celebrity fans including Florence Welch, Lily Cole and Zara Martin on their books, you know that couldn’t possibly be true. Each morning, a cool bag is waiting for you outside your house jam-packed with your food for the day. My first breakfast was a yoghurt and prune muesli, which is, in all honesty, my idea of hell. But that’s fine, Pure Package are ridiculously accommodating, so get in touch and personalise your deliveries by giving them simple preferences such as savoury breakfasts over sweet. The food seemed to just get better and better, think smoked chicken and artichoke terrine, open egg and cress sandwiches on rye bread, Nasi Goreng and mushroom stroganoff. By the end of my 5-day plan I

39 CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 39

didn't, as I expected to after the first delivery, feel fatter and full. I felt well-fed, nourished and energised, so much so that I went to three spin classes in a row that week. If this is detoxing, sign me up.

10-day full programme; purepackage.com

FOR THE NAUGHTY ONE Who? Detox Kitchen What? Green Package he Detox Kitchen founder, Lily Simpson, started the now famed company in 2012 with an army of chefs and nutritionists. Every day, Simpson and her team devise new, tasty menus to send out to their customers.

Each plan steers clear of toxins such as wheat, dairy and refined sugar, and is then tailored to suit different requirements and needs such as weight loss. Feeling pretty lethargic after a heavy week at work, the Green Package seemed to appeal the most as it is the ultimate cleansing programme. Expect plenty of wheatgrass and spirulina shots, smoothies and juices packed with celery, avocado and spinach, and tons of salads.

The menu doesn’t exceed 900 calories per day, and meals include cauliflower, goji berry and cashew nut salad and edamame, white cabbage and black sesame salad. With clientele like Elle Macpherson and so few calories consumed, we can only hope that after a few more of these we will have a body like hers. We can dream, can’t we? £32.99 per day; detoxkitchen.co.uk

T

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 14:23

HEALTH & BEAUTY / DETOX FOR THE FITNESS FANATIC Who? Soulmatefood What? Sport Kitchen ever did I think a detox could provoke such jealousy in the office, but then came my Soulmatefood delivery. With meals including seared steak salad and salmon and chive frittata, heads would turn and bellies would rumble as I took my meals out and placed them, rather smugly, into the microwave. With food as delicious as it is nutritious, Soulmate really have mastered the art of healthy eating. So much so that by day four of my diet plan I felt the need to get in touch with founder Christian Coates directly. I just couldn’t get my head around the fact that eating this amount of food could actually help me lose weight. Was he sure that this tasty, filling food came in at 1,200 calories? Coates assured me that I was on the weight loss plan, and as he was the man who fed the Team GB boxing team in the run up to 2012 Olympics – which saw them win Bronze – I took his word for it. For the active among us, Soulmate’s Sports Kitchen menu is the perfect antidote to Christmas indulgence.

Designed for athletes who wish to improve their overall performance by increasing their nutritional intake, the meals avoid using salt, sugar, butter and cream to add flavour. This is a detox in the modern sense of the word, a week of wholesome, healing food that doesn’t deny you what you want but fuels you toward real health.

By Elizabeth Hutton; From £150; soulmatefood.com

N

FOR THE VICE VICTIM Who? Honestly Healthy What? Ultimate Weight Loss ho wants a lovely Green Coconut Smoothie for breakfast? It’s not as yummy as it sounds. The gloopy texture and grassy aftertaste make it tough to swallow, but it feels so virtuous that I can’t actually knock it. The food from Honesty Healthy’s 6 day Ultimate Weight Loss plan is super-nutritious, but is sometimes just not what you fancy. This is the detox for those who need a real health reality check. There are highlights, including a very tasty Mexican bean salad with halloumi and guacamole, a well-flavoured pear and fennel soup, and a hearty millet and mushroom risotto, and the juices contain superfood supplements such as spirulina, flaxseed and chlorella. Honestly Healthy don’t try be anything other than what they are: a proper detox. It’s designed for those of us who vow not to drink this week,

W

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Jan_Detox.indd 40

but then can’t say no to a quick glass of wine, AKA the vice victims whose good intentions are crushed by their lack of willpower. They will whip you into shape and although it won’t be easy, it will most certainly be worth it.

By Elizabeth Hutton; 6 day plan, £220, honestlyhealthyfood.com

FOR A COMPLETE CLEANSE Who? Radiance What? Signature Juice Cleanse on’t believe anyone who tells you that juice cleansing is easy; it isn’t.

The first day is hard, but by day two you begin to feel a bizarre determination to keep going. Not chewing

D

food was hard to get my head around, as was reaching for a green juice to muffle my hunger pangs. The amount of liquid I was consuming was so ridiculous (5 x 500ml a day) that I soon found myself leaving half empty bottles of lemon, maple syrup, ginger and cayenne pepper in random places around the house. It was almost as if I was hiding it from myself. I looked forward to the middle of the day when I could have my cashew milk because it was thicker than the other juices. Come the last day, despite feeling a wave of relief, I did feel as if I could have continued with the juice cleanse.

That’s the most fascinating thing about it; it’s a very psychological thing to do.

While it is physically testing, you come out feeling much stronger mentally.

Weight-wise I lost a little, and everyone in the office complimented me on how healthy I looked, but the weight didn’t disappear for long, especially not after my post-detox celebratory glass of wine.

By Elizabeth Hutton; 3 day Signature Juice Cleanse, £215, radiancecleanse.com

40 05/12/2014 11:30

Give us 42 days to re-wire how you eat and re-shape your body. Once and for all.

At Louise Parker we’ll show you how eating beautifully and exercising intelligently hold the keys to looking incredible. THE INTENSIVE and the OPTIMUM WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME deliver fabulous, long-term results, wherever you are in the world.

Welcome to the new super normal.

2 E ATON GATE, BELGRAVIA, LONDON SW1W 9BJ | 0800 084 2828 | W W W.LOUISEPARKER.UK.COM

louiseparker_DEC.indd 2

06/11/2014 11:18

Get fit! - Tacx Trainers Better than Internet deals Save up to £300

Stay safe! - Proviz REFLECT360 “The world’s most advanced cycling jacket” back in stock for Christmas. Only £74.99

“Astonishingly visible” –

END OF SEASON CLEARANCE SALE 2014 GENESIS VOLARE 20 (56CM) WAS £2999 | NOW £1999 | SAVE £1000 2014 WILIER GTR ULTEGRA (XL) WAS £2199 | NOW £1499 | SAVE £700 2015 WILIER ZERO 9 CAMPAGNOLO CHORUS (M/XL) WAS £2999 | NOW £2699 | SAVE £300 AMERICAN CLASSIC CARBON 38 CLINCHER WHEELSET WAS £999 | NOW £799 | SAVE £200 DOZENS MORE CLEARANCE ITEMS IN SHOP & WWW.FLAGBIKES.COM/SALE

& café Opening Times: 9-6 Monday to Friday | 10-6 Saturday & Sunday 020 7738 9469 | flagbikes.com 324 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 3BX

FLAG BIKES.indd 1

04/12/2014 11:29

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

O

pening its doors for the first time in September 2014, Blossom Body Design have brought fat busting possibilities to Battersea. The studio sits on Battersea Park Road and houses six state of the art fat burning machines, each targeting different areas on the body for ultimate weight loss.

Catering for both sexes, and for people of all ages and fitness levels, Blossom Body Design use Hypoxi, TechnoShape and Vaccum therapy to attack areas of the body where blood circulation is poor and fat is stored. The most common areas for fat storage are around the stomach and back, or in the waist, bottom and thighs, but at Blossom Body Design they can help decrease the storage of fat in these areas. They do this by using high and low pressure to stimulate blood circulation into the desired areas, which then burns fat. The Vacuum Therapy also has incredible benefits such as skin firming and cellulite reduction.

The treatment ATTACK AREAS where FAT is stored

FEELTHE BURN

A new craze has hit Southwest London, courtesy of Blossom Body Design in Battersea, which is all about permanent fat reduction

43 B&C_JAN_BLOSSOM_adv.indd 43

The woman behind the treatment, Charlotte Hobbs, has been working with the technology for over eight years, and has seen many a success story from the treatments. Undergoing the treatment herself in 2003 after the birth of her son, Charlotte lots inches and gained confidence, “Vacuum Therapy enabled me to get my pre-baby body back, and feeling confident in a bikini was something I never thought possible, but with Vacuum Therapy I achieved it.”

Since opening, Blossom Body Design has helped clients loose more than 150 fat inches from their bodies. Clients are offered a free consultation to determine which machine best suits the client’s needs, and a free trial to ensure the treatment is right for them. So if you want to burn stubborn fat and feel better and ready for the year ahead, head to Blossom Body Design. u

● Bloss om Body Design

535 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11; 0207 585 3777; blossombodydesign.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 16:11

OH-SO SMOOTH THE SCIENCE OF PERFECT SKIN

CELLULITE TREATMENT

• Endermologie the only FDA approved technology for cellulite reduction & superficial body contouring

NON SURGICAL

• Facelifting, chemical peels • Line & wrinkle reduction • Hydropeptide facial • CACI facial

117 Wimbledon Park Road, London SW18 5TU



LASER & IPL HAIR REMOVAL

• Permanent FDA approved Hair reduction • Suitable for all skin types

020 8870 9882



LEG VEIN REMOVAL

• Effective - FDA approved • Non invasive • Suitable for all skin types

www.oh-so-smooth.com

OH SO SMOOTH_OCT.indd 1

07/10/2014 16:48

DAVID GATELY.indd 1

10/06/2013 10:00

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

05/12/2014 10:10

HEALTH & BEAUTY / REVIEW

Straight Talking Absolutely’s guide to getting a Hollywood smile, without going too far and resembling a character from TOWIE W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

A

t the tender age of 10 all I wanted were braces.

A peculiar wish, but one - after airing my childhood dream in the office - I seem to have shared with others.

So when the day came for me to get train tracks at the age of 14, I was, initially, delighted. But, after just one week of having a swollen tongue, uncontrollable drool and as many ulcers as I have teeth, oh and let's not forget my charming new lisp, I decided I didn’t actually want them anymore. For anyone who has had train tracks, you’ll know that even removal day isn’t the end. After the metal is hacked off, you are then expected to wear a retainer, which is even more drool inducing than the tracks. This is to keep your teeth from moving back to their

10 The Pavement, SW4, 0207 622 7610; tendental.com

3 of the best original position. Don't kid yourself that your teeth won't, because the stubborn little things do, quite simply, just want to shift back to where they began. That said, I don’t know anyone who actually wore the retainer afterwards, rather I know plenty of people with slightly wonky teeth who, like me, didn’t listen to their orthodontist.

So, at 25, and with a naughty protruding bottom tooth, I’ve decided to sort it out.

New Year, new me and all of that.

I booked myself in for a consultation at Ten Dental, who have got two branches conveniently located in Balham and Clapham. Highly recommended online, Ten Dental are a hub of dentistry. The surgery is probably one of the most welcoming I have ever been to; the staff are friendly and calming (they’ve clearly dealt with some nervous clients in their time). It started with a chat with the

45 B&C_JAN_Straight_Talking.indd 45

Principal Dentist, Dr Martin Wanendeya and Treatment Co-Ordinatior, Angelika Chycko, both of whom talked me through my various options, prices, and because of the aforementioned, subsequent payment plans. I was then handed over to Dr Ektor Grammatolpoulos, the rather charming orthodontist. He told me what he thought I needed, which was to leave the top untouched (a wave of pride ran over me, I'll admit), but to target that naughty bottom tooth and shove him back into the line up we had to make a little space by filing in between each of my lower teeth.

The treatment began with some whitening, I took home my kit, whitened for just over two weeks with the Enlighten Evolution whitening kit, before heading back into the surgery for one intense laser blast. First stage, and glistening teeth, done. Then began the fiddly stuff. My teeth were filed down and my Incognito Lingual braces were welded onto the back of 10 of my lower teeth. After some time in the dentist's chair, I was given a mirror and there was no brace to be seen, just a set of newly whitened teeth. I wish I'd got these braces when I was 14.

After 2 months, and around 7 left to go, I can tell you a few things: you still get ulcers, lots of them, and a speech impediment seems to be mandatory with a brace, but my teeth are already looking straighter and you wouldn't even know I had braces on. Magic. 

DENTIST TOOLS 01

02 03

1. REGENERATE, from £10; selfridges.com 2. BOCA, £29; boca.co.uk 3. BOGO BRUSH, £6.50; bogobrush.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:55

Now you can enjoy the freedom of laser vision correction but without fear.

• The only laser vision clinic in London that is 100% non-cutting • Owned and run by consultants from world-famous Moorfields Eye hospital

Call now to book your comprehensive initial assessment at our brand new premises, just two minutes from St George’s Hospital.

020 8772 4500 www.southlondonlaservision.com South London Laser.indd 1

04/12/2014 16:01

Try our new classes - transform your mind and body!

Benefits

Classes

• Weight loss • Detox/cleansing • Strength/core conditioning • Flexibility and balance • Injury recovery • De-stress/well-being • Sleep improvements

• Express 1 hour classes • Music relaxation • Candlelit meditation • After-class posture workshops • Beginners’ introduction sessions

NEW STUDENTS Enjoy 30 consecutive days for £35

UNLIMITED PASS

Includes all our classes and workshops

FREE BEGINNER Introduction and programme

020 8944 9771 • Bikramyogawimbledon.com Find our studio at 7 Elm Grove, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4HE. Directions: Short walk from Wimbledon Town; footpath from town centre; turning off Worple Rd between Wimbledon and Raynes Park. Bus routes 131 and 57; some car parking.

FOLLOW US ON

BIKRAM YOGA.indd 1

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

03/12/2014 17:12

05/12/2014 10:11

FOOD & DRINK / PROFILE NUNO MENDES uses our ALMOND MILK in a red PRAWN DISH

PHOTO: MICHAEL THOMAS JONES

EH What were you doing before this?

CHI I was working as a stylist. So when it came to branding and bottle design I knew that I wanted to keep things minimal. We believe that less is more and didn’t want to be a shouty product. We worked with a good friend of ours' Tim Jarvis of Profission to come up with the design Ω he does all of the branding for us. Another good friend George Butler Ω who is an incredible illustrator Ω drew the almonds you'll see on our website and branded tote bags.

Going Nuts FOOD SPOTLIGHT

Super-natural almond milk handmade in the city, we introduce you to The Pressery.

Wo r d s E L I Z A B E T H H U T T O N

T

he Pressery girls have created a lactose-free stir in the wellness industry as of late.

Making pure, raw and organic almond milk by hand in London, Chi-San Wan and Natali Stajcic count lifestyle expert and Contributing Editor of Vogue, Calgary Avansino, as one of their fans. In other words, you should probably take note. Intrigued by such a simple yet innovative idea, I met up with one half of the duo to find out a little more...

EH Where did the idea for handmade almond milk come from?

CHI Well, Natali and I have been friends for 8 years and we'd always had a love for food and drink. With an increasing interest in eating better but not wanting to compromise on taste, we started thinking about opening a cold-press juice bar (before they started springing up all over London). So we went to Paris and met up with the owner of a health bar over there. We spoke with him about our ideas, but he told us that we sounded more excited about the nut milk and should probably concentrate on that.

47 B&C_Jan_PRESSERY.indd 47

EH Do you make the milk yourselves?

CHI Yes! We soak our raw, organic Spanish almonds overnight for 12 hours before cold-pressing them in the morning. We use reverse osmosis water to make the almond milk and in every litre use about 165g of almonds. This works out at about 12% per bottle, which is considerably higher than the boxed kind which usually has around 1-3%. Plus, unlike the long-life shop-bought almond milk, we don't add anything to our drinks. No sugar, salt or preservatives. This is almond milk in its purest form.

EH People are using The Pressery as a cow's milk replacement. What's the weirdest, most unusual, recipe you’ve heard of yet?

CHI Nothing is too weird. We like people thinking outside the (cereal!) box. We have Nuno Mendes at Chiltern Firehouse using our almond milk in a red prawns dish. People make incredible cocktails with it. We love making White Russians!

We’ve also been known to use it in savoury porridge, gratins and curries also, as well as baking.

EH What's your dream flavoured milk?

CHI We like to challenge the consumers’ tastebuds, so our dream flavour probably still hasn’t even crossed our minds yet.

But we’ve already created Raw Cacao, Berry and Turmeric almond milk, which is so delicious! ◆ Find out more at thepressery.co.uk Stockists include Selfridges, Daylesford and hubbub.co.uk

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:33

xxxxxxxx / Xxxxxxxxx

NEW YEAR

new you January is a time to focus on you, so head to one of Wimbledon's best beauty or health hubs for a bit of R&R

1 to 4 Love the thought of a fitness retreat that is tailored to suit your needs?

1to4 Fitness Retreats offer bespoke all-inclusive fitness breaks based in Andalucia for individuals, pairs or groups up to four. Get away and get fitter, leaner and stronger. Our highly personalised approach to training ensures that noticeable results are achieved in just a short period of time.+34 687214718; 1to4fitnessretreat.com

Esente Hair January is not all about getting back in shape, it's also the perfect time to reveal a 'new you'. Head to Esente hair salon in Wimbledon for a complimentary consultation with hair experts, and transform your image for the New Year. 50% off first cut + ÂŁ20 off first colour.

18 Leopold Road, SW19; 020 8946 4875; esentehair.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_JAN_FITNESS _ FEATURE.indd 48

South London Laser Vision South London Laser Vision is the only 100% non-cutting laser eye surgery clinic in London. Owned and run by surgeons from Moorfields Eye Hospital, we offer premium quality laser vision correction from our brand new premises near St George's hospital. No cuts, no flaps, no fears. Just clear vision, in safe hands. 0208 772 4500; southlondonlaservision.com

48 04/12/2014 12:14

ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXXX//PROMOTION XXXXXXXX

WIMBLEDON LEISURE

BARRECORE Barrecore is an intelligent exercise in which you use your own body weight for resistance paired with isometric movements. These movements will elongate and lengthen the body, and draw in your waist. To help you stay fit and lose inches after the holiday season, Barrecore is offering a complimentary class at its Wimbledon studio.

Select the £28 class and type ABSOLUTELY into the promo box to register. Valid until 31st January 2015. 020 3151 5730; barrecore.co.uk

Wimbledon Leisure Centre has refurbished its whole gym and pool and has increased the amount of gym stations by over 20. There are new resistance, cardio, free weights and functional training facilities as well as more classes to choose from, or you can just relax in the beautiful new spa. 02085421330; better.org.uk/wimbledon

LU MA HEALTHY EATING CAFE Introduce Lu-Ma juice into your life this January, as it is the perfect way to detox and reboot your body. Sinking energy levels after an indulgent Christmas will increase on a juice diet and set you up for a productive January. Pick up a Juicing Detox Package for £165 for 7 days, £120 for 5 days or £75 for 3 days; each tailored to suit your needs. 07527 483062; lu-ma.co.uk

HOLISTIC FITNESS

ENHANCING HANDS

The Holistic Fitness Studio offers a varied range of quality training options to suit all ages in a welcoming, professional environment. Ideal for anyone looking to get strong and be able to protect themselves, the martial arts training classes will do all of the aforementioned as well as being a fun way of keeping fit! Broadway Ct, Wimbledon SW19; 020 8946 5255; holistic-fitness.net

The Enhancing Hands Clinics in Wimbledon and Merton specialise in semi-permanent makeup for eyebrows, eyeliner and lips and Medik8 Dermaroller treatments to reduce your fine lines and wrinkles. Give yourself a boost with the help of our highly trained technicians with a passion for perfection and face the New Year with confidence. 07961 962 374; enhancinghands.co.uk

CENTRAL LONDON GOLF CENTRE Tee off this spring, and learn to play golf in fun, friendly and relaxed surrounds. With a team of PGA golf professionals on hand to teach you about all things golf, you can either improve your game, learn tips or even attend beginners group lessons. Try for free at one of our weekly tasters. Burntwood Lane, SW17; 020 8871 2468 clgc.co.uk

49 B&C_JAN_FITNESS _ FEATURE.indd 49

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 09:50

THE MARKET MENU AT CANNIZARO HOUSE AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH OR DINNER MONDAY TO SATURDAY USING FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS. CHEF HAS PREPARED THE PERFECT MENU FOR A MID-WEEK NIGHT OFF COOKING OR FOR A LIGHT LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

TWO COURSES £24.50 THREE COURSES £29.50

BOOK A TABLE ONLINE OR CALL QUOTING ‘MARKET MENU’

020 8879 1464 www.CANNIZAROHOUSE.com

CANNIZARO HOUSE WEST SIDE WIMBLEDON COMMON LONDON SW19 4UE

cannizaro.indd 2

03/12/2014 09:57

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p. 52

SISTER ACT

p. 57

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Taken from the beautiful cookerycum-travel book by wanderlust, Sarah Cotterell, Mallah takes you on a journey through India by taste. Every recipe is vegan and as authentic as they come. thelittlecookingpot.co.uk

51 B&C_Jan_Food_Opener.indd 51

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:20

R EC I P E t o t r y a t h o m e

WHOLEMEAL LOAF G A I L’ S K I T C H E N

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings, new openings and using your loaf W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

Makes: 1 large loaf RECIPE  400ml cold water  560g stoneground wholemeal flour  15g fresh yeast  20g butter 2 tsp fine sea salt  handful of rolled oats  whole tray of ice cubes

METHOD 01 Place the water, flour, yeast and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and knead with the dough hook on a low speed for 10 minutes. Then add the salt and knead for another 5 minutes. 02 Take the bowl out of the mixer and cover with a clean, damp tea towel. Place away from draughts until doubled in bulk – about 1–2 hours. Lightly butter or oil a 24cm x 10cm loaf tin. When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and punch down with your fist. 03 Knead by hand, gradually forming it into a pillow shape as wide as the tin. Roll it into a bloomer. Place in the tin, seam side down. 04 Put the loaf inside a large plastic bag, inflated so that it won’t come into contact with the dough, and leave to rise, until doubled in size again – around 1–2 hours. Alternatively, to bake tomorrow, place the covered tin in the fridge and let it rest overnight.

05 Remove from the fridge at least 2 hours before you plan to bake and allow to come back to room temperature. 06 When proved, preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7 and put a small baking tin on the base of the oven to act as a water vessel. 07 Use a pastry brush to gently moisten the top of the loaf with water and sprinkle the oats on top.

08 Tip the ice into the baking tin and sit the loaf on the centre shelf. Bake in the oven for 30–40 minutes until well-risen with a dark brown top.

09 Remove from the oven and turn out of the tin immediately. Return to the oven for a further 10 minutes to dry out the crust. 10 Transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing. u

● GAIL’S KITCHEN 64 Northcote Rd, SW11

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Batt_Jan_Food_Notes.indd 52

Twist & Twirl Hemsley & Hemsley

If you haven't yet heard of courgetti, where have you been? Get on board with the newest healthy eating craze, and turn your courgettes (or butternut squash) into spaghetti for a healthy, and filling, alternative to the real stuff. £29.95; hemsleyandhemsley.com

52 05/12/2014 11:38

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES CHARLIE GILKES Cocktail of the month

Beet the cold

BALANCE BLEND PositiviTEA

It may look like pot purri, but this is actually the Chakra Blend from PositiviTEA, which is meant to help soothe a sore throat. Created by yogi, Ellie Wharton, PositiviTEA’s range can improve blood circulation, headaches and boost energy. iampositivitea.com

◆

editor’s

RECIPE

PICK

50ml of beetroot infused No 3 London Dry Gin 25ml of lime, 3 Bar spoons of honey 2 slice of ginger, Fill up with Aspall cider

◆

BODY BEAUTIFUL Plenish

A compendium of juice recipes and detox programmes put together by Kara Bosen (former employee of Condé Nast) and her team, Plenish is a preventative lifestyle book to live your January by. Do your detox DIY, its just as good. £12.99; plenishcleanse.com

METHOD

Infuse the warm cubes of beetroot in gin for a week, and then strain and use cubes as part of the garnish during the time of making the cocktail. Use a highball glass and then garnish with mini cubes of ginger and beetroot.

Barts, Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Avenue, SW3, 0207 581 3355; inception-group.com

MELON POWER Mello

If you thought melon juice tasted like melon flavoured water, you're right. But Mello, London's premium melon juice, makes the perfect refreshing après workout drink as it's naturally alkaline and rich in potassium. mellodrinks.co.uk

CA F E

of the month

Imperial Durbar Wo r d s W i l l D u g d a l e

ITALIAN EATING Massimo Bottura

A tribute to Bottura's twenty-five year culinary career at Osteria Francescana, the new book Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef features over 50 recipes, texts and images explaining the genius behind the restaurant (voted third best in the world this year) and the food. £39.95; uk.phaidon.com

53 Batt_Jan_Food_Notes.indd 53

D

espite only opening a few months ago, the

Imperial Durbar has already established itself as one of the most intriguing cafes in Tooting. The ethos is inspired by an eclectic mix of East Indian and colonial culture and the stylish rooms and authentic menus are testament to this. From artisan Indian coffee and naan bread paninis for breakfast, to Bloody Maharajahs and Madrasi Curry for dinner, the menu is enough to make you feel like an Emperor all day long. 14 Trinity Rd, SW17;  theimperialdurbar.com

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:38

INSPIRE | DESIGN | COMPLETE

FREE FREE UNDERFLOOR

HEATING FOR EACH BATHROOM SUPPLIED AND FITTED

INSTALLATION FOR EACH KITCHEN PURCHASED

If you’re looking for a designer kitchen (or bathroom) for your home, but don’t want to pay the high price tag that’s usually attached, then Ocean Home Designs is the studio for you. We use only the latest design software so that our experienced designers can turn your kitchen (and bathroom) dreams into a picture-perfect reality. We work hard for you managing the whole process to ensure a smoothly run project from start to fnish.

Call: 020 8543 5100

BOOK YOUR FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION WITH NO OBLIGATION Ocean Home Designs, 148-150 Penwith Road London, Greater London, SW18 4QB Follow us: @oceanhomedesign

OCEON HOME DESIGNS.indd 2

04/12/2014 11:31

FOOD & DRINK / RESTAURANT REVIEW

Best of British

Fun, friendly and just edgy enough – Earlsfield’s trendiest new offering

H

Wo r d s c a r a c u m m i n g s

ow often do you have dinner with your doppelganger? Eating out shouldn’t prompt an existential crisis; but when I arrive at Ben’s Canteen on an average Tuesday, head waiter Oliver is adamant that he’s already been serving me for an hour. Another Cara, it seems, beat me to it - and sure enough, there she is at the top table, giggling into a cocktail and whispering to her friend that she can’t believe how nice everyone’s being. Staff at Ben’s are so attentive, they served me twice.

As friendly and welcoming as the allday diner they work in, the team at Ben’s Canteen deserve every shout out going.

I can’t remember the last time I was so well looked after. Sure, we were there on a quiet night, but Oliver and his team went out of their way to treat us - and everyone else tucking into plates of Ben’s Americanthemed comfort food - like royalty.

Ben’s Canteen made its name in St. John’s Hill, where its original branch fast became famed as a go-to Battersea brunch spot. Expanding to Earlsfield, founder Ben Walton has stuck to his vision and created another ‘neighbourhood hangout’.

The vibe is just edgy enough to make

55 B&C_Jan_Food_Review.indd 55

this Earlsfield’s trendiest spot - exposed brickwork, canteen-style tables where diners can sit with strangers and get 10% off their bill, and even a ‘selfie mirror'.

We start with drinks. For a neighbourhood restaurant, Ben’s offers an impressive range of spirits. Cocktails are twists on established classics - Sangria, Martinis, Bloody Marys and the like - and the classic gin and tonic packed a weighty punch.

To food, and a slightly confusing menu of Small Plates, Canteen Specials, Burgers and Bigger Plates. We try the DIY Guacamole and ‘Ben’s Epic Scotch Egg’ - aptly named, given it’s the size of a baked potato - from the Canteen Specials.

Both are good value, and brave attempts at something different. It’s great, messy fun mashing your own guacamole at the table; but using macaroni cheese instead of sausage meat in a scotch egg results in too baffling a texture to get beyond a few bites.

Ben’s famous burgers arrive well-sized, served in warm brioche buns. The pulled pork is juicy, fragrant and surprisingly light for a large serving. Soft shell crab, however, is a little under seasoned. Deep fried pickles cut through with a solid tang, but deserve more than the whisper of batter they’re clad in. Ben’s sweet potato chips are a highlight - humongous, crispy on the outside and soft within.

A homemade chocolate and peanut butter brownie rounds things off and is brought to life by sumptuous Mascarpone ice cream.

All in all, Ben’s Canteen is a South London gem. Its food might not change the world, but is flavoursome, properly portioned comfort food at its best. While the ambience and service are just the cherry on the top of a very indulgent cake.

Oh, and there's a free Bloody Mary for anyone who Instagrams their meal...u ● B EN ' S CAN T EEN 422 Garratt Lane, SW18; 0208 944 0452; benscanteen.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:54

From 1990...

25 years exploring the diversity of Italian food and wine

E N O T E C A T U R I R E S T A U R A N T, 2 8 P U T N E Y H I G H S T R E E T, S W 1 5 TEL: 0208 785 4449 | ENOTECATURI.COM Enoteca.VERSION 4.indd 1

04/12/2014 16:47

Tandoori Kitchen

Now Open English

Winners WIMBLEDON CURRY

Now Open AWARDS 2013

Now Open

108 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1RH 020 8540 1112 www.khanage.com English

CURRY

English

AWARDS 2013

KHANNAGE.indd 1

108 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1RH 020 8540 1112 www.khanage.com

CURRY

AWARDS 2013

108 The The Broadway 108 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1RH Wimbledon SW19 1RH 020 8540 1112, www.khanage.com 020 8540 1112 www.khanage.com

CEDAR_.indd 1 _ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3

KHANNAGE.USE.indd 1 10/11/2014 16:43

05/12/2014 10:15 05/12/2014 10:16

FOOD & DRINK / INTERVIEW

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

SISTER ACT Absolutely meet the sibling duo behind healthy eating brand, Hemsley & Hemsley Wo r d s E L I Z A B E T H H U T T O N

M

elissa and Jasmine Hemsley are the type of girls who will reply to an email in which you complain about your winter cold with an antidotal recipe. As well as being the health industry’s hottest siblings, the best-selling authors, nutritionists and business women are actually refreshingly down to earth. And that’s not all Ω their reviving broccoli, ginger and white bean soup does work.

So with January now upon us, what do the Hemsley & Hemsley girls suggest we do to cleanse ourselves after our gluttonous Christmas exploits? Yet again they surprise me. “The body naturally detoxes itself so don’t feel guilty. Just do what you can, when you can.” In fact, the only rule they give me is to cut out reduced fat foods and go for full. “People don’t like full fat. They’ve had the fear of fat drilled into them throughout the 90s - no more than two eggs a week, no butter, 0% yogurt, and so on, but these foods are not only more satisfying, they also nourish and support the body’s natural detoxification system.”

57 B&C_Jan_HEMSELY & HEMSELY_02.indd 57

Still reeling from the fact that I’ve just been told, by two of Britain’s finest nutritional chefs, that it’s ok to eat full fat foods, I decide to rephrase my initial question and ask it again: what will you be eating this January to start the year as healthily as you can? Melissa takes the floor and responds as honestly as possible. ‘It really depends on what it is I’m restarting from. After the festive season, where we all like to indulge, I’ll be eating stuff that’s easily digestible, so cooked foods rather than anything raw.

Stews. Soups. Dahl. The key is to have lots of veg with a rich fat such as butter to

JANUARY 2015

05/12/2014 11:42

FOOD & DRINK / INTERVIEW help with the digestion of the vitamins. In fact, we’ve got the perfect meal for this - a squash dahl made with bone broth. All the ingredients for that are in a recipe box that we’ve created with Riverford Organics.”

The meal Melissa is referring to is their squash dahl with sesame cabbage slaw, which, when made using Riverford’s pesticide and additive free produce, is particularly detoxifying. “There’s no rubbish in Riverford’s food, so you’re not putting any extra strain on your body.

Your organs are free to work on cleaning themselves. We swear by our homemade bone broth, especially when we’re feeling crappy because it’s rich in both vitamins and nutrients. Used as the base for the dahl, this meal is super soothing but still just as delicious as ‘normal’ food. That’s what we love about our Riverford box; the dishes on the menu are wholesome, filling and satisfyingly tasty. You are not punishing yourself for overeating and drinking your way through December it’s not about going from feast to famine - it’s all about nourishing your body without depriving yourself. Then, because you don’t feel like you’re missing out, you won’t fall off the wagon halfway through a miserable January.”

But, as we know from our own past attempts, staying on the wagon isn’t always easy, regardless of how tasty the food is. The ritual of unwinding after a hard day’s work with a glass of wine often proves too tempting to resist and so, out comes a bottle, and with it an insatiable appetite for salty, fatty foods

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Jan_HEMSELY & HEMSELY_02.indd 58

IT’S NOT about going from FEAST TO FAMINE (last week’s double cheeseburger with a large side of chips is still sitting heavily on our conscience, and in our guts). So how do the Hemsleys’ avoid these basic human cravings? Perhaps the pressure of being the minds and, more importantly, the faces behind The Art of Eating Well, a recipe book full of healthy delights, is motivation enough for the Hemsleys’ to stay on the straight and narrow?

“Actually, we don’t feel pressure to look good from others but rather from ourselves. We want to eat well, sleep well and feel well. That’s instinctive to us. But of course, we are only human and sometimes life does get the better of us. We’ve learned how important it is to switch off at around 8 or 9 each night. Literally, switch off the laptop, stop working and get away from that blue lit screen. As much as we love working, we’ve come to realise that it’s far better to love yourself and put yourself first.

We take the time to meditate because it makes us more receptive. We like yoga YouTube videos because you can do them whenever, or wherever, you are. Taking the time to relax properly means that we don’t burn out so we can work better for

longer. It’s more consistent with a high level of productivity.”

“We also make sure that we get outside whenever we can for vitamin D. That is really important. We live in south London and love strolling around our local farmer’s market. Borough Market has some of our favourite food stalls, including Wild Beef, who produce the most exceptional rare-breed meat from their farm in Devon.

We actually went and helped herd the cows in the summer. That was hilarious.

We love going to eat at Brunswick House in Vauxhall. Not only is it a beautiful old Georgian building filled with interesting old antiques, but the food there is seasonal, local and delicious.” “It’s really one of my favourites” agreed Jasmine.

And that is why the popularity of the Hemsley & Hemsley brand is growing at such an unstoppable speed. Their way of living means you can still eat out and socialise as it’s all about understanding your produce and cooking with the freshest and most seasonal food available.

And, above all, eating in moderation. No, it’s not the quick January fix people seek this time of year, but it is an effective, and far more sustainable, way of living. Let me put it this way, there’s no wagon to fall off. And that in itself is enough to make me eat like the Hemsleys’. u Hemsley & Hemsley Limited Edition Riverford recipe box, £39.95; riverford.co.uk

58 05/12/2014 11:45

To truly appreciate our Kitchens, Bedrooms Studies and service please visit our showroom Monday to Friday 9-5.30 and Saturday 9-2

CHA MBEr f u r ni t ure

If you would like to discuss your project with a designer or to request our latest brochure please call 01959 532 553 or visit our website.

The Old Timber Yard, London Road, Halstead, Kent, TN14 7DZ t. 01959 532553 f. 01959 534053 w. chamberfurniture.co.uk

Absolutely.indd CHAMBERLAND1FURNITURE.indd 2

24/11/2014 25/11/2014 18:27 10:43

L OND O N O N T H E M O V E

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

LP.indd 1

20/11/2014 16:58

> R'N'R AT IN:SPA RETREAT, MOROCCO

p. 62

UK GETAWAY: FOUR SEASONS, HAMPSHIRE p. 67

RELAX & UNWIND Writer Alexandra Jones takes steps to a healthier and happier lifestyle for the New Year at the beautiful In:Spa Retreat just outside Marrakech, Morocco. See page 84 for a review of her life-changing experience.

61 Batt_Jan_Travel_Opener.indd 61

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 12:09

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX WELLNESS

ALL CHANGE If the festive season has left you with a muffin top and a perpetual hangover, an in:spa retreat is the perfect detox break Wo r d s A l e x a n d r a J o n e s

T

o give you a sense of what you’re dealing with, I’ll begin with a few admissions. Firstly, I never really ‘got’ yoga. It seemed to me a hobby that people who never exercise take up to make themselves feel better about not exercising. Secondly, sugar has been a ruling force in my life ever since I discovered the joys of the school vending machine; because really, what’s better than a 4pm snack of two Mars bars and a packet of Maltesers?

This appreciation - some would call it an addiction - has dogged me through my whole podgy-around-the-middle life. It was something that I had resigned myself to: I would always, always be the person who ate a second dessert and skipped spinning. It’s just how I was made.

The idea of in:spa, then, intrigued me.

The company offers week-long detox retreats. You go along to a luxury location (be it villa, hotel or riad) in a sunsoaked country and, with a group of strangers (between 10 and 20), are schooled by a nutritionist, personal trainers, a yoga instructor and a chef in the intricacies

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_JAN_ Morocco.indd 62

of health and wellbeing. There is a full timetable of exercises, including two hikes and two 5km runs and all meals are prepared by the chef who flies out with you. The retreat that I went to was in Morocco and while I’m not sure I learned anything groundbreaking about nutrition or exercise, I did learn a great deal about myself. In fact, if I were prone to hyperbole, I’d say this holiday changed my life.

The riad itself, a few miles outside Marrakech, was picture postcard perfect.

On the first night, the group of twelve nervously eyed one another across the main atrium and Mel – the nutritionist who had flown out with us from the UK - explained that we had as much opportunity to explore as we wanted.

‘Above all else, this is a holiday, none of the activities are compulsory,’ she assured us. Everyone, however, seemed game enough; the group was made up entirely of women, a doctor and an ambulance driver amongst them, barring one man, a burned out entrepreneur escaping too many hours in the office.

Each day we’d partake in a programme that included at least an hour of yoga and two to three hours of aerobic exercise

62 04/12/2014 11:58

TRAVEL / MOROCCO

63 CHIS_JAN_ Morocco.indd 63

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:58

ELYS.indd 2

02/12/2014 14:39

TRAVEL / MOROCCO THE feeling of ACHIEVEMENT was INCREDIBLE in the form of fitness classes run by a personal trainer. All of which would be supplemented with one-on-one tutoring in food and fitness. This, I quickly discovered, did not mean hardcore workouts at 5am.

There was no military style shouting and for real fitness fanatics in:spa probably isn’t the right way to go. The earliest you rise is 7am, for a 5km run which you can walk, if you like. I ran, it was the first time I’d run 5km in my life and the feeling of achievement was incredible. For those of middling ability (me) who go to the gym sporadically, but have a desire to go meal should be balanced (50% greens and vegetables, 25% carb, 25% protein) are dealt with in no nonsense, group sessions with the nutritionist. On the one hand these sessions don’t necessarily cover new territory, but they certainly hammer home the basic facts that you blithely ignore when you pick a packet of crisps over carrot sticks. There are also oneon-one sessions with the nutritionist that are designed to be as specific as possible to helping each individual achieve their goal. Very few people in the group seemed more, in:spa will work like a balm on your motivation levels. You’re not going to leave transformed but you will be inspired to try.

All meals are eaten en masse and (apart from dinner) in a buffet style where you help yourself. Food throughout the week is treated with a lot of positivity: the focus is very much on what you can have. For breakfast this means quite a lot: eggs, fruit, gluten-free buckwheat pancakes, vegan bircher muesli, all delicious. Ditto lunch, think chargrilled chicken, homemade hummus, carrot salad with raisins and tamarind dressing.

For both of these meals you’re invited to go for two helpings, three, if you really want. The only restrictions come around dinner time; dinner is two small courses with little flexibility in portion size. Of course you can request more, but then that’s sort of defeating the point. I can’t say that I was hungry, though those first few days without sugar certainly left me craving something sweet.

Things like portion control or how each

MARRAKECH PALMERIE

to be there to lose weight, and in:spa as a company certainly don’t make any claims to helping you shed pounds. Rather the approach is more holistic - each person’s needs are assessed before the meeting, then the nutritionist doles out advice on a case by case basis. Predictably, my addiction to sugar was the main topic under discussion.

‘If you can go without it for three weeks, your habit will be broken,’ explained

65 CHIS_JAN_ Morocco.indd 65

Mel. Three weeks to break the habit of a lifetime? I didn’t quite believe her, but after the first few days, when the cravings had subsided, I was willing to give it a try.

Nine months since the retreat there are things that, irrespective of how beneficial they were at the time, I haven’t been able to stick with. No alcohol, for example. In the most part though, I am sugar free and exercise more than I ever have done at any other time in my life.

The genius of in:spa is that everything on offer is absolutely top notch: advice from a wonderful team. Food from an exceptional chef. Accommodation in a beautiful setting. At the very least you’ll leave with the kind of deep sense of calm that only seven nights of blissful sleep will give you. And at most, you could end up like me, not wholly transformed, but certainly more believing in your own ability to change. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. u

Morocco u 7 nights available from £1,895 across a variety of in:spa programmes and locations in 2015 including Morocco, Spain and France.

Prices based on 2 sharing a small double room on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes all group physical activities, 1 nutrition consultation, 1 personal training session, 2 massages and airport transfers. Price excludes flights.

● in:spa retre ats

020 3235 0120; inspa-retreats.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:58

New Year, New You Get a fresh start to 2015 with a course at Merton Adult Education AAT Accounting ABE Business Management Beauty and Complementary Therapy Business and Administration CIPD Certificate in Human Resources Practice Cooking and Baking Dance Drawing Early Years ESOL Guitar Handknitting & Crochet Health and Social Care IT and Computing Languages Massage Media Make-Up Medical Administration Oil Painting Philosophy Pilates Photography Sculpture in Clay Tai Chi Teacher Training (Adults) Teaching Assistant Woodcarving Yoga ...plus all your favourites...

Book your place now by visiting our website or calling 020 8274 5222. www.maec.ac.uk Absolutely MAE Jan 2015.indd 1

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 4

01/12/2014 16:30:01

05/12/2014 10:19

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE SITE

B

uilt in 1727 as Dogmersfield House and subjected to several incarnations and a devastating fire before becoming a Four Seasons hotel ten years ago, this is a beautiful mansion house set in large, landscaped grounds. Legend has it that an early owner had the entire village moved and rebuilt, brick by brick, to allow him a view of the lake from his window. Now the sprawling grounds are home to an equestrian centre and a new highwire adventure course, while the hotel offers all the luxury expected from a Four Seasons outpost. You enter via discreet gates and approach the imposing building down a sweeping driveway, feeling like a movie star. 

FOUR SEASONS H A M PS H I R E

THE ROOMS

I

nterconnecting rooms are the perfect solution for families.

Ours were spacious and brilliantly equipped, with great attention to detail: vast beds, outsize televisions and enormous bathrooms. The children were welcomed with personalized plates of sweet treats and their names spelled out in bath toys as well as miniature bathrobes and delightful child-sized slippers. 

THE SPA

H

Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

ACTIVITIES

T

here’s no shortage of things to do here.

The new equestrian centre offers an ‘Own a Pony’ experience to children aged seven to 16, while riders of all ages can enroll in lessons or hacks. Also on-site there’s clay pigeon shooting, tennis and falconry as well as canal boating, fishing, croquet and

oused in a separate building, the spa is sprawling and offers lots of treatments as well as a large pool, surrounded by loungers and equipped with floats, goggles and even swim nappies for the truly forgetful. An outdoor hot tub connects to the indoor pool and the changing rooms score top marks for luxury – they’re spacious and stacked with everything you’ve forgotten – combs, moisturiser and an excess of towels among everything else. 

cycling (bikes are available to borrow). For children there’s a playground and a kids’ club, as well as the newest attraction, the Highwire Adventure, an exciting treetop challenge for adults and children that incorporates a 235 metre zipwire and a rope course through the forest (definitely not for the faint-hearted, but adults are allowed to opt for the lower children’s course, which suited us fine).

There’s no reason to leave the hotel at all. 

THE DAMAGE Quick escapes from £251 per night are available – book seven days in advance to receive 15% off the room rate.

Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hampshipre RG27 8TD; 01252 853 000 fourseasons.com/hampshire

67 NH_Dec_UK GETAWAY.indd 67

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:59

NEW KITCHENS @ SHOREDITCH

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Showrooms 020 7760 7558 WHARFESIDE.indd 1 absolutely-ad11.indd 1

absolutelywharfside.co.uk 18/11/2014 14:08 18/11/2014 11:47

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 70

SHADES OF GREY

p. 73

MELLOW YELLOW ‘Big Nature Small Me’ is a winter colour trend forecast by Dulux. Inspired by the great outdoors, the ‘rich colours... form a great escape from the streamlined, grey, hi-tech world we increasingly live in’ according to Dulux Interior Designer, Lisa Jennings. dulux.co.uk

69 Chis_Jan_Interior_Ins.indd 69

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:49

10 of the best

heavy metal accessories 01

This month we’re all about metal magic and upcycled chic Wo r d s G e m m a B i l l i n g t o n

TOM FORD

Scent London Diffuser, £35; occa-home.co.uk

ARTISANTI

Bardem 3 Drawer Metal Dresser, £502; artisanti.com 02 03

SKULTUNA

Brass Bottle Opener, £60; conranshop.co.uk

04

ALESSI

Chip Magnetic Paper Clip Holder, £33; design55online.co.uk 05

THE CAST IRON BATH COMPANY

Marseille Cyprium Copper Bateau Bath, £2,495; castironbath.co.uk

On a Wing O sborne & Little for Multiyork

The weather outside might still be frightful, but Multiyork’s new Osborne & Little fabrics are just delightful. The collaboration between two of Britain’s most established and revered interior brands includes this whimsical butterfly print, which would have to be our pick of the bunch. Murrayfield Chair in Osborne & Little Butterfly Gardens fabric, £1,439; multiyork.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Batt_Jan_Interior_Insp.indd 70

70 04/12/2014 11:48

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES ROWEN & WREN

Moscow Mule Copper Mugs, £18 each; rowenandwren.co.uk

TAKE A PEW Nigel Coates

Want to take a piece of maverick designer Nigel Coates home with you? Recently unveiled at Decorex, this striking Back to Back sofa is upholstered in Dedar fabric and is an updated version of the original, created in 2008 for Italian furniture makers Fratelli Boffi. Back to Back sofa

by Nigel Coates upholstered with Dedar fabrics £8,300, Cushions as shown £1,050;

06

nigelcoates.com 07

editor’s

PICK DOG DAYS

OLIVER BONAS

Double Trinket Dish, £18; oliverbonas.com

Occa Home

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but clearly no one told this dapper off-piste pooch. This quirky Autrement Dit cushion is one of three to collect from Occa Home. We’re a tiny bit obsessed with them. £54; occa-home.co.uk

08

09

JONATHAN ADLER

Large Brass Bird Bowl, £398; uk.jonathanadler.com

HOME SWEET HOME Decara

It's a new year, so how about refreshing your home in celebration.

Decara Home, a Battersea based interiors stalwart, has plenty of gorgeous interior design products and furnishings to turn your cluttered cottage into an oasis of chic.

BLOOMINGVALE

09

Black Table Lamp with Copper Shade, £206; debenhams.com

125 Queenstown Road, SW8;

decara-home.co.uk

LIVE BY THE RIVER Queen’s Wharf

Building won’t be complete until 2017, but the luxurious Queen’s Wharf development is already creating quite a stir. Encompassing the famous Riverside Studios and with interiors designed by WISH London, they’re certainly rooms with a view. queenswharf.co.uk

71 Batt_Jan_Interior_Insp.indd 71

SASSY HARDWICK FURNITURE

Copper Drinks Cabinet , POA; sassyhardwick.co.uk 10

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:48

Grate Expectations Ltd. Ltd The Fireplace Specialists

Gtitititi Etitititititititititi tititi titititi tititititititititititi tititi titititititititititititi tititititititi tititi titi tititititi tititi tititititititi ti titititititi tititititititititi Wfi fififi fififi fiK’fi fififififififf fifififififififi fifi fifififififi fififififififififi fififi fifififififi fifififififififififififififi fifi fifififi fifififififi fififififi fifififififi fififi fifififi fififififi fififififi fififi fifififififififi fififififififififififi fifififffififififi fifi Wfififififififififi fifi Wfifififififi fififi’fifi fifififffififf fififi fi fifififi fifititififi fifififififififi fifi fi fififififi fififi fifififififififififi fifififififififififififi fififififififi fffi fifffifi fififi fififi fififififififififi fifififififi ff fifififififififififi fifitifififififi fffififi fifififi fififf fififififi fifififififffi fififififffi fifififi fififi fififififififi fifififififf fi fifififififififififi Ftititi ctitititiltatitititi ti titititititititi titititititititititititititititititititititititi tititititititititititititititititititititititititi

tititititititititi 1-ti titititititi titititititititititi titititititititi tititititi tititititititititi titititititi titititi tititi tititititititititi tititi titititi titititi ti titititititititititititititititititititititititi ti tititititititititititititititititititititititititi Grate_Expectations.indd 1

30/04/2014 11:59

BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL BATHROOMS BY GLASSTRENDS

We are a local well established company offering exceptional service and traditional values, alongside a portfolio of well known high quality bathroom brands offered at competitive prices. Please feel free to call into our showroom for a chat about your bathroom and frameless shower enclosure requirements, where one of our experienced advisors will be happy to guide you through your desired bathroom design.

Visit our showroom at 163a St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TQ or CALL 020 7223 4017 to receive our brochure.

Alternatively visit www.glasstrends.co.uk

ASK ABOUT OUR PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE ON BESPOKE SHOWERS

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 5

05/12/2014 10:20

HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS ROBERTS

Revival RD60 DAB Digital Radio, Beach Huts, £200; selfridges.com

ARTHOUSE

Feather Charcoal Embroidered Cushion, £24.99; arthouse.com

IN SPACES

The Dogs Wallpaper Pale Grey, £78; in-spaces.com

WHITE MINT

Large Hexa Cool Grey Ceramic Vase, £32; whitemint.co.uk

DRIFT LIVING

Ceramic Owl Candle Holder, £6.99; driftliving.co.uk

ALEXANDER AND PEARL Mallard Grey Industrial Metal Pendant, £155; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

LAURA ASHLEY

Dove Grey Gallery Clock, £60; lauraashley.com

JOHN LEWIS,

Copenhagen Double Bed, Lars Bedlinen; johnlewis.com

SHADES OF GREY ORCHID FURNITURE

Typhoon Grey Lacquer Wedding Cabinet, £2,395; orchidfurniture.co.uk

Anything but drab, these muted tones and subtle hues add a touch of elegance to a room MADE

ALEXANDER AND PEARL

Area Grey & Copper Industrial Table Lamp, £195; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

73 Dulwich_NH_Interior_Products_Right.indd 73

SOPHIE ALLPORT

Dark Grey & Ivory Baby Alpaca Throw, £165; sophieallport.com

Menagerie Decorative Elephant Soft Grey Felt, £129; made.com

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:51

DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is

Open Days January 12th/21st (9.30am/7pm) January 30th (9.30am)

a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and

February 11th/25th (7pm/9.30am)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

March 23rd (9.30am)

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com

The new independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

KHS.indd 2

@kewhouseschool

04/12/2014 11:28

> KIDS NOTES

p. 77

PRINTS CHARMING Introduce some colour into your children's wardrobe and get them excited for spring, with Dolce & Gabbana's beautiful collection of floral printed dresses.

January never looked so cute. dolcegabbana.com

75 B&C_Jan_Kids_Opener.indd 75

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:52

The Falcons School for Girls Independent School for Girls aged 3-11 years

Achieve Academic Excellence ‘London’s Most Creative Preparatory School’

Come and visit us in our new home in Putney for our Open Day on Saturday 21st March 2015 from 10.30am – 12.30pm

www.falconsgirls.co.uk 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, SW15 6PY Telephone: 020 8992 5189 Email admin@falconsgirls.co.uk

ALPHA.indd 2

04/12/2014 13:47

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES MY GANG Wo o l a n d t h e G a n g

London knitwear brand Wool and the Gang have launched a new line of kids’ clothing for young children up to age 12 months. The adorable pieces are available ready-made or as part of Knit Your Own kits. woolandthegang.com

SHELF LIFE

LOVE FROM PADDINGTON £12.99 Harper Collins (Hardback)

SMALL TALK Anticipating postcards from Paddington

FASHIONISTA G i r l y S t y l e Wa r d r o b e

This beautiful Japanese sewing title contains 28 classic clothes to suit little girls. So pick out some fabric, with your daughter, and get out the sewing machine.

Her next pair of trousers, dress or smock is going to be handmade... £12; etsy.com

n case you haven't noticed, London and, I indeed, the whole planet has gone positively Paddington potty! On the back of his first ever live action film comes Love From Paddington, a new book from creator Michael Bond. The first Paddington book to be written from the beloved bear’s perspective, Love From Paddington is a collection of letters written to Aunt Lucy, who lives in the Home for Retired Bears in Peru. Like the old bear himself, this book is set to become a true family favourite. ◆

BUNNY STUFF

CHANGE UP

Petit Bateau has teamed up with ‘ItBunny’ and furry fashionista Fifi Lapin for a range of quirky limited edition t-shirts. Best of all, they come in grownup sizes too. From £18; petit-bateau.co.uk

Stay stylish even when faced with the most unglamorous of motherhood duties with this leather Ellie Tan changing bag, available from Babybeau and John Lewis. £199; baby-beau.com

Fif i L apin for Petit B ateau

Babybeau

77 Batt_Jan_Kids_Notes.indd 77

Au t h o r michael bond Illustrator p e g gy f o rt n u m & w. r a l l e y

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:51

www.theradiatorgallery.com sales@theradiatorgallery.com www.theradiatorgallery.com

Showroom: 140 Hermon Hill South Woodford London, E18 1QH Tel: 0208 530 7555

:Showroom 621 Garratt Lane Wandsworth London, SW18 4SX Tel: 0208 944 2001

STONE AND CERAMIC WAREHOUSE 51/55 STIRLING ROAD, CHISWICK W3 8DJ EXTENSIVE FREE PARKING

020 8993 5545

CALL FOR A COPY OF OUR NEW BROCHURE www.sacw.co.uk OPEN 7 DAYS

NWFC Advert_NWFC Advert - Half Pg Horizontal 03/04/2014 20:24 Page 1 RADIATOR GALLERY QTR_.indd 1

04/12/2014 16:07

STONE CERAMICS.indd 1

15/10/2012 10:42

BEAUTIFUL WOODEN FLOORING

FOR STYLISH LIVING MANUFACTURERS OF ENGINEERED, SOLID WOOD, PRE-FINISHED, PARQUET WOODBLOCKS & FLOORING ACCESSORIES.

One of the largest wood f looring manufacturers in Europe. Over 20,000 sq m of f looring in stock, covering 140 different designs.

FREE PARKING AT THE LONDON SHOWROOM The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way Wandsworth London SW18 1EG Telephone 020 8871 9771

Visit

www.naturalwoodf loor.co.uk to view the full f looring range

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 6

05/12/2014 10:28

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

PARENTAL GUIDANCE With teachers overrun at work, parents have to take an active role in the education of their children.

Here are some tips on finding the time

W

hen I was young a parent never went near a school. It wasn’t considered a parent’s business. It was the teacher’s job to teach and the child’s job to learn.

Education was left to the experts at school. Poor behaviour was considered a blight on the family. Things were very simple and everyone knew their role.

THINGS ARE LESS CLEAR

Today teaching is still the vital component of all teachers’ work, but their job now involves much more. Society demands that a teacher is responsible for social well-being, behaviour management, and even bike skills, to name but a few of their additional job expectations. This is before OFSTED requirements, exam preparation and league tables. And we haven't even got around to teaching the children.

We ask way a lot of our teachers, so in come mum and dad to help lighten

79 B&C_JAN_NUMBER_WORKS_adv.indd 79

the load. They help with the spelling list, fractions homework and the science project. But that begs the question, is the parent at fault if the child’s homework is not done?

It is true that a mum is a child's first teacher. Talking to your child while feeding is a vital to your child’s early development.

Here are a few ideas of how you might help your child learn better. The bonus of putting in the extra effort is that you will probably become closer to your child and strengthen your relationship. That’s surely what we all want, particularly as they go through the more difficult years.

Be positive about the value of education with your children as this will help them develop positive attitudes toward school and learning, andwill help them build confidence as students.

Encourage your child to read by reading yourself. You can read books together when they are young and when they get a little older you could read the same book and discuss it with them. This type of interaction has the power to build a real love for reading in your child.

Simply talking with a child about topics of interest can help them to do well at school. This is because talking and listening are major parts of learning and will help them to develop the language skills needed to succeed.

TIPS FOR THE TIRED PARENT

Get your child to read to you while cooking the dinner.

Sit down with a cup of tea and ask your child to read to you as it helps you relax.

Most children love helping their parents.

Read to your child during bath time.

Add treats to dinner for clever spelling or tables knowledge.

Ask your child to recount their day over dinner as this helps the child to structure their ideas and articulate clearly.

Encourage your child to think independently by asking their opinion. e.g.

What could we do for Granny this Christmas?

Involve your child in sporting groups.

Involve your child in musical activities.

Send your child to after school groups.

I believe the trick is to encourage and challenge, and is all about balance. Too much pressure and your child will lose confidence and a desire to learn; too little and your child will become lazy and lose the desire to learn. u Call NumberWorks’nWords Wimbledon for more information: 0208 543 7333

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 09:51

PL 1 V1 JAN.indd PL Zest 420x297 2014 10 07.indd All Pages

26/11/2014 17:05

FIND

THE

HOME

YOU D E S E RVE

PL JAN.indd 2

26/11/2014 07/10/2014 17:06 11:16

Posh Pet Parlour able in your aree!a!

New spaces avail . Get in touch to find out mor Due to popular demand

• Acres of private fenced fields • Constant supervision • Heated indoor areas • Swimming pools • Agility course • Socialisation • Dog

& Cat Grooming

• Creative

• Clipping

• Puppy

• Hand

0207 205 2230

Stripping

Dye Groom • Cats lion clips or combing through

020 8540 6333

www.brucesdoggydaycare.co.uk Liscensed & Insured

BRUCES'S DOGGY DAYCARE_Nov.indd 1

• Scissoring

• Bathing

Bushey Rd | Raynes Park SW20 8BP www.poshpetparlour.co.uk

QUARTER_.indd 1 04/12/2014 16:08

04/12/2014 11:32

MUSIC, DANCE AND MOVEMENT FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS (AGED 2+) Friday 10.15am - 11am (term time only) Call 020 8944 5794 or visit www.lanternarts.org

for further details: Lantern Arts Centre, Tolverne Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8RA

LAC.2.indd 1

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 7

10/09/2014 19:20

05/12/2014 10:29

Property Absolutely

January 2 0 1 5

> PROPERTY NEWS p. 114 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 102 PRIME PURCHASE p. 109 LIVING THE DREAM p.124

The Chapel, Clapham Common North Side, SW4 £1,500,000 Exquisitely presented throughout, this chapel conversion offers in excess of 1500 sq ft of open plan living and entertaining space.

The impact of the voluminous 20ft ceilings becomes even more evident from the galleried master suite, measuring over 350 sq ft, which is encompassed by solid oak panelling. Many of the chapel’s original features have been incorporated into the design.

Douglas & Gordon, Battersea douglasandgordon.com

020 7924 2000 83 PROPERTY FRONT COVER.indd 1

JANAURY 2015

04/12/2014 11:46

FARQUHAR ROAD, SW19 Having been thoroughly modernised, this house offers the great balance of the charm and character associated with its heritage. Approx. 2,301 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 3 reception rooms, cellar, front and rear gardens.

Freehold Guide Price £1,250,000

MELROSE AVENUE, SW19 A superbly modernised house situated in an enviable position close to Wimbledon Park. Approx. 1,625 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining/family room, cloakroom, front and rear gardens.

Freehold Guide Price £1,225,000 SOLD

Trentham Street, SW18

SOLD

Guide £975,000 Scott Avenue, SW15

SOLD

Guide £575,000 Astonville Street, SW18

SOUTHFIELDS 020 3151 6317 southfields@johndwood.co.uk

DNG.indd 1 Absolutely SW January15.indd 1

SOLD

Guide £735,000 Brookwood Road, SW18

Guide £720,000

johndwood.co.uk

04/12/2014 09:57 03/12/2014 11:36

ORBEL STREET, SW11 A most charming family house situated within “The Sisters”. The house enjoys well proportioned accommodation and a pretty west facing garden. Approx. 1,212 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £1,495,000

BATTERSEA PARK ROAD, SW11 Arranged over three floors, this substantial Victorian house provides an abundance of both living space and accommodation. Approx. 1,657 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £1,350,000 SOLD

Edna Street, SW11

SOLD

Guide £3,750,000 Prince of Wales Mansions, SW11

SOLD

Guide- £599,000 Warriner Gardens, SW11

BATTERSEA 020 7293 0347 battersea@johndwood.co.uk

DNG.indd 2 Absolutely SW January15.indd 2

SOLD

Guide £1,750,000 Shuttleworth Road, SW11

Guide £1,200,000

johndwood.co.uk

04/12/2014 09:57 03/12/2014 11:36

LYNETTE AVENUE, SW4 A beautifully proportioned conversion flat well laid out with a smart but characterful feel and neutrally decorated throughout. Approx. 961 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room.

Leasehold Guide Price £795,000

CAVENDISH ROAD, SW12

CHERITON SQUARE, SW17

An outstanding garden flat completely refurbished to an exacting standard. Approx. 833 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, open-plan reception room, cellar, garden.

A charming maisonette arranged over the top two floors of a Victorian terrace. Approx. 881 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 2 bedroom, bathroom, reception room, study, garden.

Freehold Share Guide Price £699,950

Leasehold Guide Price £695,000

SOLD

Englewood Road, SW12

SOLD

Guide £1,295,000 Ravenswood Road, SW12

SOLD

Guide £1,375,000 St James Terrace, SW12

CLAPHAM 020 3151 6240 clapham@johndwood.co.uk

DNG.indd 3 Absolutely SW January15.indd 3

SOLD

Guide £410,000 Telford Avenue, SW2

Guide £650,000

johndwood.co.uk

04/12/2014 09:57 03/12/2014 11:36

GERALDINE ROAD, SW18

ALLFARTHING LANE, SW18

A substantial family home with a sizeable private garden. Approx. 2,842 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, study, home office, cellar/utility, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,150,000

A beautifully presented Victorian family home. Approx. 2,497 sq ft.

Energy Rating: E. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, cellar/utility, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £1,600,000

HENDHAM ROAD, SW17

STONEMASONS YARD, SW18

A beautiful 1930’s house with an 85 ft garden. Approx. 1,626 sq ft.

Energy Rating: C. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception, snug room, kitchen/breakfast room, off-street parking, garage.

Freehold Guide Price £1,500,000

A beautifully designed and impeccably presented townhouse.

Approx. 1,850 sq ft. Energy Rating: B. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception, kitchen/breakfast room, reception, garden, off- street parking.

Freehold Guide Price £1,450,000

SOLD

Brocklebank Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £999,500 Ellerton Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £1,495,000 Bucharest Road, SW18

WANDSWORTH 020 3151 6344 wandsworth@johndwood.co.uk

DNG.indd 4 Absolutely SW January15.indd 4

SOLD

Guide £1,075,000 Nicosia Road, SW18

Guide £2,850,000

johndwood.co.uk

04/12/2014 09:58 03/12/2014 11:36

illier Road ÂŁ1, 95,000 Freehold superb five bedroom house situated on this sought after residential street between the commons. resented in excellent decorative order, this family house measures over 2,100 sq ft and retains a number of the original features. This stunning property has been extended on the ground floor into the side return and on the top floor into the loft space.

Five double bedrooms ouble reception room Kitchen breakfast room Kitchen breakfast room Two shower rooms ownstairs wc Cellar Tanked 28ft garden

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

Limburg Road ÂŁ1,795,000 Freehold Occupying a prominent corner position on an extremely convenient residential street is this impressive four storey town house. The property measures approximately 2278 square feet and retains lots of its original features and plenty of period character.The interior is presented in good decorative order and has an excellent sense of light and space. There is a cellar providing good storage and a cross over curb has been installed in order to provide off street parking on the rear part of the patio.

Four double bedrooms Two reception rooms Kitchen breakfast room Family bathroom Ensuite bathroom Loft room Separate wc Utility room Cellar Off street parking/ South facing garden n

n

n

n

n

RB.indd 1

n

n

n

n

n

02/12/2014 15:35

LONDON

ON WHITE

ON GREEN

RAMPTON BASELE Y

131 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6PS, T 020 7228 5111 E batterseal@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com Rampton and Baseley Ltd. Registered office as above. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg

Shelgate Road ÂŁ5 5 per week

RAMPTON BASELE Y

stunning two bedroom, ground floor flat which has been well maintained and is presented in e cellent order. Both bedrooms are good si es with built in wardrobes and the property is neutrally decorated throughout with beautiful wood flooring in the reception room. The eat in kitchen leads out to the large paved garden.

Two double bedrooms Eat in kitchen Reception room Bathroom Paved garden Unfurnished

n

n

n

n

n

n

Bramfield Road ÂŁ650 per week Positioned on this highly sought after residential street, this superb split level three bedroom garden flat is largely arranged over the ground floor of a converted Victorian house. The accommodation is presented in good decorative order with a feeling of light and space. Concertina doors lead from the reception room to an attractive south facing patio garden, which has the added benefit of rear pedestrian access to Rainham Close.

Two double bedrooms Kitchen/ reception room Bath/Shower room Ensuite shower room Study Store room Cellar South facing garden Unfurnished n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

RB.indd 2

02/12/2014 15:35

Living the Dream The MOST LUXURIOUSLY appointed PROPERTIES on the market

£1,750,000

Ritherdon Road, SW17 This strikingly wide ‘Heaver’ house has 2,691 sq ft of family accommodation with a great family garden.

Facing Manville Road, the house has a much longer vista to the front than normal allowing more natural light and a rare aspect on the road. The notably wide reception room sums up the traditional qualities throughout this house and enjoys three beautiful period windows along with elegant ceiling mouldings and leads directly to the dining room and subsequently the kitchen. Facing the garden, there is an

attractive kitchen with a range oven and granite work surfacing with the adjacent space versatile enough to be used for entertaining or relaxing. The six double bedrooms are all on the upper two floors with the master benefiting from an ensuite bathroom, there are also a further two bath/shower rooms. There is excellent storage in the basement room.

At 38 ft, the private walled garden has an area of patio adjacent to the kitchen and a lawned area to the rear.

Carter Jonas, Wandsworth 020 3603 3115; carterjonas.co.uk

Spotlight on SW8

Average asking price - £1,199,374 | Average asking rent - £2,537 pcm | Average property value - £703,799

Data provided by ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

LTD2.indd 2

90 04/12/2014 15:31

PROPERTY | IDEAL HOMES

Bromells Road, SW4,

Sugden Road, SW11,

Somerset Road, SW19,

Ideally located in the sought after Clapham Old Town, this two bedroom, two bathroom penthouse apartment has been finished to exacting standards to now provide an abundance of space and light throughout.

Formerly the market part of Clapham, the Old Town has recently been pedestrianised which further enhances its archetypal vintage charm.

A stylish two bedroom garden flat arranged over the ground floor of this handsome Victorian house situated moments from Clapham Common.

The property is presented in immaculate condition throughout and boasts a bright and spacious open plan living area with concertina doors that open onto a pretty patio garden.

Situated opposite the All England Lawn Tennis Club, a unique five bedroom detached period property with off-street parking and garage. The house includes excellent reception space and a wonderful mature garden that extends to over 90 ft with its own private tennis court. The reception room with fireplace, leads to the study with doors to the garden.

Knight Frank, Clapham 020 3667 6750; knightfrank.co.uk

KFH, Battersea 020 7228 2666; kfh.co.uk

Hamptons International, Wimbledon 020 8454 7249; hamptons.co.uk

Bennerley Road, SW11, £625,000

Battersea Park Road, SW11, £1,350,000

London Square, SW15,

This is a truly stunning one double bedroom period garden flat. The beautiful and spacious bedroom sits at the front of the property, benefitting from built in wardrobes and bespoke cabinets. The property boasts two reception rooms, the first has a feature fireplace and the second has views over the garden. The garden itself is nearly 30ft in length.

This substantial Victorian house provides an abundance of accommodation. The property is arranged over three floors and has been recently refurbished to offer contemporary living, with the ability to extend further. The wonderful south facing garden has two patios; one of which has a working fireplace. Nearby Clapham Junction provides fantastic transport links.

London Square Putney is a stylish collection of 113 one, two and three bedroom cuttingedge apartments. The development will incorporate a south-facing private garden for residents, as well as communal roof gardens. Other facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, underground car parking, CCTV surveillance systems, as well as a new public plaza.

Jacksons, Battersea 020 7924 2255; jacksonsestateagents.com

John D Wood & Co., Battersea 020 3151 5723; johndwood.co.uk

London Square, Putney 0333 666 2838; londonsquare.co.uk

£1,000,000

£675,000

91 LTD2.indd 3

£3,350,000

£575,000

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 15:31

K NIGHT F R A NK CL A PHA M

doors ve recently opened the We are delighted to ha ts en With a network of ag to our Clapham office! can Clapham to China, we around the world from nce. die au e ibl widest poss market your home to the m ha ap lling property in Cl And as we have been se u yo are best placed to offer for nearly 30 years, we expert advice. like your view to be, So whatever you would Call us now for a free Knight Frank can help.

72. t appraisal: 020 3551 96 sales or lettings marke at us view of Clapham with Or share your favourite @KFclapham

#claphamviews

on SW4 0JG 11 The Polygon, Lond lapham KnightFrank.co.uk/c

KF.indd 1 7984 KF Clapham Absolutely SW Ad 210x297 January 2014 AW.indd 1

02/12/2014 24/11/2014 15:03 14:33

KnightFrank.co.uk

Park Hill, Clapham SW4

Six bedroom house in Abbeville Village 6 bedroom semi-detached house of over 4,000 sq ft with a large garden and parking for several cars within the Abbeville village. Good transport links available at Clapham High Street over ground and Clapham Common underground stations. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, wine cellar, garden, off street

parking. Approximately 377 sq m ﴾4,058 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham clapham@knightfrank.com 020 3667 6750

Freehold Guide price: £3,850,000 ﴾WND140090﴿

KF.indd 2

Absolutely South West January 2014 Clapham

02/12/2014 15:03

02/12/2014 10:12:28

Local know-how. Better results.

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Marylebone & Mayfair

Richmond

Balham

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Camden

East Sheen

Kensington

Notting Hill

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

SALES

Askew Road

Tyneham Road SW4 ÂŁ999,950 This larger than average three-bedroom house is located on the Shaftesbury Estate and benefits from a large garden. The property has been completely opened up on the ground floor providing a large living space ideal for entertaining and an extended kitchen leading out to the garden. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with an en suite shower room, two spacious double bedrooms and a bathroom suite complete with bath and shower. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 sales.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

Mp.indd 1

04/12/2014 13:44

Follow us on Twitter: @marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

LETTINGS

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Nicosia Road SW12 £2,425 per week This rare five-bedroom, semi-detached Victorian house is located just off Wandsworth Common in the highly sought after ‘Toast Rack’ area. The house is presented in excellent condition and benefits from just under 3,000 sqft of space, comprising a large entrance hall, bright double reception room, fully extended kitchen/dining area with French doors leading out to a 50ft south facing lawned garden and summerhouse. The basement provides a guest cloakroom and a large utility room. EPC=F BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

Mp.indd 2

04/12/2014 13:44

Parma Crescent,

Battersea SW11

This impressive double fronted, 4 bedroom property boasts 1,800 sq ft of living & entertaining space & is beautifully presented throughout with high ceilings & both traditional & contemporary features. Located on a quiet crescent, this beautiful house enjoys large open plan reception rooms looking onto a courtyard garden & large roof terrace. This house is ideally located for easy access to Clapham Junction rail station & the open spaces of Clapham Common.

EPC rating D

chesterton.indd 1 CHN1172 Absolutely Battersea Jan 297x210 v4.indd 1

ÂŁ1,650,000 freehold

Battersea Rise

020 7924 4400 sales.battersearise@chestertons.com

03/12/2014 16:35 03/12/2014 22:00

Lavender Gardens

Battersea SW11

A beautifully presented 4 double bedroom, mid terraced Victorian house located in the heart of Battersea. Finished to a high standard & retaining most of the original features. Comprising reception room, 2nd reception room/dining room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, large loft, cellar & garden. Lavender Gardens is ideally located for Clapham Common, Clapham Junction mainline station & the shops, bars & restaurants of Battersea Rise & Northcote Road.

EPC rating E

ÂŁ1,445,000 freehold

Battersea Rise

020 7924 4400 sales.battersearise@chestertons.com

chestertons.com chesterton.indd 2 CHN1172 Absolutely Battersea Jan 297x210 v4.indd 2

03/12/2014 16:35 03/12/2014 22:00

Albany Mansions

£650 per week

Battersea SW11

A well presented 3 bedroom property. Benefitting from solid wood flooring throughout, a fully integrated modern kitchen & a spacious reception room with balcony overlooking Battersea Park.

EPC rating E Battersea Park

020 3040 8269 lettings.batterseapark@chestertons.com

Additional tenant charges apply. Administration: £222.

References per tenant/guarantor.

Inventory check (approx. £95 – £250 plus VAT. chestertons.com/property-to-rent/applicable-fees chesterton.indd 3 CHN1172 Absolutely Battersea Jan 297x210 v4.indd 3

chestertons.com 03/12/2014 16:35 03/12/2014 22:00

PROPERTY | STYLE BIBLE

300 YEARS of the Georgians Wo r d s N I G E L L E W I S

a celebration of georgian architecture

This year we’ve all been remembering those who died during the First World War, however 2014 is the anniversary of a less famous but happier event – the 300-year anniversary of London’s Georgian homes, which were built from 1714 until the 1790s.

It started with the arrival of George I, the first of four Georges, who heralded a period of architectural revolution as London embraced several generations of architects all obsessed with the order of Palladian architecture. This included familiar names including Wren, Hawksmoor, Vanbrugh, Nash, Soane, Holland and the Adam brothers – designers who all, along with many imitators, brought a new and distinctive look to London. Georgian, though, is not a precise term. Pure Georgian architecture began with a Palladian influenced style that ran from 1714 to 1760 but was then followed by the Adam period (named after Scottish brothers Robert and James Adam) until the 1790s, after which the Regency period began.

Symmetry

Order, symmetry and proportion frown down from the brick and stone of London’s Georgian properties as do their large sash windows (an innovation introduced by the

Georgians), railings and, if you’ve ventured inside one at any time in your life, their wood panelling and wide floorboards.

At the moment the most fashionable Georgian area of London is Spitalfields, whose Hugenot-era houses were saved from being demolished by a group of enthusiasts during the 1970s and which have now become highly desirable and often authentically restored properties.

But there’s plenty to choose from if you don’t want to live there. London experienced one of its most energetic bursts of expansion under the rule of the four Georges (helped by the availability of new build plots following the Great Fire of London in 1666) and by 1753 it had become larger than Constantinople, making it the biggest city in the world.

99 STYLE BIBLE.indd 162

Perhaps the prettiest and most intact Georgian gem north of the Thames is Bedford Square, between Tottenham Court Road and the British Museum; an undisturbed piece of Georgian construction dating from the late 1770s.

The most famous however is Canonbury Square in Islington; in large part because authors Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell once lived there. But while there’s history, owning a 300-year-old property comes with maintenance responsibilities.

Georgian properties are well known for needing regular refurbishments as wooden door and window lintels lead to sagging apertures, roof trusses crumble after several centuries of duty and chimney stacks wobble as masonry fails. Despite German bombing and the frequent threat of demolition (especially when out of fashion), huge swathes of Georgian buildings still stand and North of the river Georgian properties run from Hyde Park to the City and up as far as Islington, which is still one of the bastions of this period's homes, as well as Highgate (which is home to Little Green Street, a wholly intact street built during the 1780s). Georgian London had less impact south of the river but made it to Clapham Old Town, which is full of the period’s signature flat-fronted, parapet-topped terraced streets.

Despite the fact that we have lost a large amount of London’s Georgian property to demolition and destruction, what remains forms part of London’s history and character. On the 300th anniversary of London’s Georgian homes we can be confident that what is left is cherished and will be well looked after.

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:56

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk a

ELLERTON ROAD SW18 Stunning fi e bedroom famil house full extended upstairs and downstairs with a lo el kitchen/famil room.

Wandsworth Lettings 020 8682 3121

£1,100 PW/£4,766.66PCM* • bedrooms

• tilit room

• 2 bathrooms

• Garden

• Reception room

• EPC rating C

• Kitchen/famil room

*Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local office for further information.

a

CHANCERY MEWS SW17 Excellent 4 double bedroom house refurbished to a high spec in this quiet mews off Beechcroft Road therefore close to Wandsworth Common.

Wandsworth Lettings 020 8682 3121

£700 PW/£3,033.33PCM* • 4 double bedrooms

• Summer house

• 2 reception rooms

• Garden

• Kitchen/breakfast room

• Off-street parking

• 3 bathrooms

• EPC rating D

*Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local office for further information.

Part of a network of 11 offices in London and a further 19 across the country

STHOMAS.indd 1

01/12/2014 15:56

TILEHURST ROAD SW18

£1,100,000 F/H

In a highly popular street and close to the renowned Beatrix Potter Primary School, this extended family home offers an almost 45' garden, off street parking and five bedrooms.

Wandsworth Sales 020 8767 7711

• 5 bedrooms

• 2 bathrooms

• Reception room

• Utility room

• Sitting room

• 43'9 garden

• Kitchen/dining room

• EPC rating D

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

STHOMAS.indd 2

01/12/2014 15:56

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

James Castleman Sales Manager, Featherstone Leigh Battersea

I

Photography: rebecca noonan

love my job, but I didn’t always imagine myself working in property. Growing up, I was passionate about sport and I spent my childhood playing rugby and football for local teams in Oxshott, Surrey. I was lucky enough to be scouted playing football and was offered a place on the team at Leyton Orient FC, where I played for two and a half years. Unfortunately, breaking my foot during a match led to my release from the club. A short spell coaching for Chelsea and Surrey football centres followed, but I soon realised that sport wasn’t my future. I had always had an interest in property and, having seen how much my sister loved working as a letting agent in Richmond, I decided to pursue a career in the industry.

Starting as a junior sales negotiator for a large firm in Ewell Village, I found my feet quickly and was promoted within a year. One move and another promotion later and I was a senior negotiator in Reigate but I soon got itchy feet and wanted to work closer to the capital. I became top salesman at my next position in Barnes but after two years there I longed to manage an office. I love being presented with new challenges in the industry, so when I was offered the position of sales manager for Featherstone Leigh’s new West Kensington office, it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

ITOW.indd 2

Managing a newly opened branch was a learning curve - I learnt a great deal in such a short space of time and as the team grew, our presence in the area flourished.

Once the new office was successfully up and running, I was offered the chance to move to Featherstone Leigh’s well established and extremely busy Battersea office, as sales manager, where I have been for two years.

I absolutely love Battersea and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else now. We have a diverse range of properties on our books, which reflects the vibrant nature of the area.

Whether it’s a terraced house near Battersea Park, or an investment opportunity next to Clapham Junction station, there is plenty for potential buyers to get excited about, which makes my job a little easier!

The sales market still remains very strong and we are selling just as many properties, if not more, than this time last year, despite a sense of uncertainty hitting buyers and sellers after the busy summer activity began to slow. With all the development work happening in Battersea and Clapham, we expect the prices of properties to increase at a steady pace over the next year, and I am looking forward to a busy 2015.

020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

102 04/12/2014 11:35

PROPERTY | PROFILE

103 ITOW.indd 3

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:35

Balham

Battersea

Merton Park

Putney

Wimbledon

New Homes

020 8772 9373

020 7978 5800

020 8417 8054

020 8780 8780

020 8946 9468

020 8879 9099

balham@lauristons.com

battersea@lauristons.com

mertonpark@lauristons.com

putney@lauristons.com

wimbledon@lauristons.com

newhomes@lauristons.com

LEASEHOLD

Parkside St Peters, Plough Road, SW11

Prices from

ÂŁ440,000

A fantastic new development of 44 one, two and three bedroom apartments by renowned London developers, the Thornsett Group. Situated within 1/4 mile of Clapham Junction, Parkside St Peters is ideally located for experiencing all aspects of London life. All apartments will be finished to a very high specification with integrated appliances to the kitchens, contemporary bathroom suites and a 10 year building warranty with many also benefiting from a private balcony. Completion due Spring 2016.

New Homes: 020 8879 9099

www.lauristons.com LAURISTONS.indd 2

07/11/2014 10:47

LEASEHOLD

Carlton Gate, SW15

Prices from

ÂŁ885,000

A collection of stunning apartments by award winning London developers, Henley Homes. The development has 27 apartments and penthouses and is situated on Putney Hill, within 0.3 miles to East Putney District Line Tube Station and 0.2 miles from Putney Main Line Train Station. These spacious, high specification homes range from 925 sq ft to 1650 sq ft all benefiting from a private terrace or balcony and a 10 year building warranty. Completion due late 2015.

New Homes: 020 8879 9099

LAURISTONS.indd 3

07/11/2014 10:47

Balham

Battersea

Merton Park

Putney

Wimbledon

New Homes

020 8772 9373

020 7978 5800

020 8417 8054

020 8780 8780

020 8946 9468

020 8879 9099

balham@lauristons.com

battersea@lauristons.com

mertonpark@lauristons.com

putney@lauristons.com

wimbledon@lauristons.com

newhomes@lauristons.com

£2,695 pcm

Strachan Place, SW19

Set in the sought after location of Wimbledon Common, a charming three bedroom semi detached cottage, full of Victorian charm and set over three floors. The property comprises of wooden flooring, master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, two further double bedrooms, modern family bathroom, open plan reception/dining room, charming kitchen backing onto a country yard garden. The closest stations are Wimbledon (District Line, Tramlink and National Rail) and Raynes Park (National Rail). EPC EER F

Wimbledon Lettings: 020 8405 5340

Valleyfield Road, SW16

£3,000 pcm

Park Hill, SW4

£2,250 pcm

A stunning five bedroom 1930s house offering double reception room, conservatory/dining room, a modern fitted kitchen with utility and access to the rear garden. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with ensuite, a further four bedrooms and a family bathroom. EPC EER D

Stunning 800sq ft upper ground floor converted Georgian flat in the heart of Clapham. Tastefully decorated throughout offering a large open plan living room, lovely bay window, stripped wooden flooring and a modern fully fitted kitchen. EPC EER D

Balham Lettings: 020 8772 9373

Battersea Lettings: 020 7978 5800

www.lauristons.com LAURISTONS.indd 4

07/11/2014 10:47

FREEHOLD

Milton Road, SW19

£835,000

A simply stunning four double bedroom period terrace home located in this popular tree lined residential road in the desirable ‘Poets’ area of Wimbledon. Having been completely refurbished to the highest of standards this bright and spacious home enjoys a contemporary finish throughout, benefits from a stunning 22’ kitchen/ family room with under floor heating, a large island & solid oak bi-folding doors leading onto the South facing rear garden; the property further benefits from a down stairs WC and with the addition of three bathrooms. EPC EER C

Wimbledon Sales: 020 8946 9468

Schubert Road, Putney SW15

£2,550 pcm

A stunning three bedroom apartment located on the ever popular Schubert Road. Situated moments from local amenities and in a great catchment area for outstanding schools, the apartment is split over two floors offering a large reception with dining area, a spacious fully-fitted eat-in kitchen and a master bedroom with private ensuite. There are two further double bedrooms, an ad-hock storage/study room and a family bathroom. Additional benefits include ample storage throughout and the property is located within Wandsworth Council Tax. EPC EER C

Putney Lettings: 020 8780 8780

LAURISTONS.indd 5

07/11/2014 10:48

Balham

Battersea

Merton Park

020 8772 9373

020 7978 5800

020 8417 8054

balham@lauristons.com

battersea@lauristons.com

mertonpark@lauristons.com

Putney

Wimbledon

New Homes

020 8780 8780

020 8946 9468

020 8879 9099

putney@lauristons.com

wimbledon@lauristons.com

newhomes@lauristons.com

FREEHOLD

Haldon Road, SW18

ÂŁ1,250,000

A contemporary and beautifully presented four bedroom mid terrace house within 0.6 mile of East Putney underground station. The accommodation comprises of a spacious reception room, a stunning, well-proportioned kitchen breakfast room with a contemporary kitchen with bi-fold glass doors out to the rear garden. The first floor comprises a Master Suite with en-suite shower as well as a further double bedroom and contemporary bathroom. The top floor has two further double bedrooms and a large bathroom. EPC EER D

Putney Sales: 020 8780 8780

www.lauristons.com LAURISTONS.indd 6

07/11/2014 10:48

PROPERTY | NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime Purchase VENDOR ADVICE

Is the mansion tax threat affecting prices?

D

A larger than average and stunning three bedroom split level flat within a beautiful Grade II Listed Georgian Building

P

erfectly located in one of the most popular streets in Brixton.

Benefits include a large, bright reception room with lovely features, three double bedrooms, modern bathroom, newly fitted en-suite, lovely kitchen-diner, parking and a gorgeous patio garden. This property has been very well looked after by its current owner

and would make a great home. Acre Lane is a desirable location in the heart of Brixton, which is well served by surrounding amenities including Brixton Village and Ritzy Cinema.

Acre Lane, SW2, £799,950 Bushells, Clapham 020 7627 8084; bushells.com

109 PP.indd 149

espite what the media is telling us, the London market is in fact very robust but most effectively in the price range below £2,000,000 and where clients are offering their properties at the market accepted rate. Asking prices have fallen but in the main, agreed prices have not.

At the time of writing, many buyers are holding off until the spring when they expect there to be a larger stock available but they would do well to buy sooner rather than later. With the General Election looming and the implications that this brings with the threat of a Mansion Tax (as yet, not fully set out) and possible interest rate rises, buyers would be wise to consider locking into their new mortgage rate whilst the Libor rate remains low. It is highly likely that waiting until after the election will cost a great deal for the term of a mortgage. The mansion tax, should it be implemented, will not be immediate as there is likely to be a need for legislation, a valuation of properties and this will take time, perhaps years. Prices have already been affected by the threat of any mansion tax and therefore should it be implemented, there is likely to be little further effect on prices. However, should it not be implemented, then it is likely that houses around £2,000,000 to £4,000,000 will have an immediate price rise.

JASON CORBETT

Partner Residential Sales Sullivan Thomas with Carter Jonas

020 8767 7711; sullivanthomas.co.uk

JANAURY 2015

04/12/2014 11:44

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Eccles Road, Battersea

£705,000 A light and spacious two bedroom split level apartment set on the first floor of a period building. The property benefits from a roof terrace and is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC = D.

t: 020 7228 2278

Lumiere Apartments, Battersea

£2,816 pcm A stunning two bed, two bath penthouse with large south-facing roof terrace and superb views.

Available furnished from early January. EPC = B.

t: 020 7228 2378 TENANT FEES: • £48.00 (including VAT) per person for referencing

• £195.00 (including VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement

An independent estate agency with 13 offices working together throughout south-west London

FSL.indd 1

04/12/2014 13:42

Atkins Road, Balham

£999,950 A fantastic three bedroom link detached family home. The property further benefits from an over 100’ rear garden, a larger than average garage and off street parking.

EPC = E.

t: 020 7228 2278

Centurion Building, Battersea

£700,000 OIEO This third floor luxury apartment is located a moment from Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Park. 24/7 concierge, lift access and the possibility of secure parking (subject to additional charge). EPC = C.

t: 020 7228 2278

It’s our area...

FSL.indd 2

04/12/2014 13:42

Glenfield Road, SW12

ÂŁ725,000

Conveniently located within the popular Hyde Farm Estate and situated a short walk from Tooting Bec Common and Balham tube station is this superb property. The purpose built period maisonette is well presented throughout and boasts it's own front door, three double bedrooms, modern bathroom, a separate reception room, large kitchen family room with stairs leading down to a private garden. Also benefiting from loft storage and no onward chain. EPC = C Clapham Office | 020 7627 8084 | clapham@bushells.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

BUSHELLS.indd 1

05/12/2014 10:29

Gauden Road, SW4

ÂŁ499,950

A Victorian conversion situated on a popular road near Clapham North tube station and Clapham High Street. The well presented property briefly comprises; Good sized reception room leading through to a modern kitchen, fully tiled bathroom, two double bedrooms both with doors leading out to a pretty communal gardens, a heated communal swimming pool and no onward chain. EPC = D

Clapham Office | 020 7627 8084 | clapham@bushells.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

BUSHELLS.indd 2

05/12/2014 10:32

Property News

HOUSE HUNTING with...

ELLA COCKERTON

Manager at John D Wood & Co., Wandsworth 020 8940 1575; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NEWS.indd 146

Most satisfying transaction I’ve had: A gorgeous detached house on Streatham Common, the childhood home of a fascinating client who had travelled the world as a figure skater.

Most interesting property I’ve been involved with: An extra wide Victorian house with double gates concealing the entrance to what had originally been the local blacksmith, complete with looseboxes and a rather large garden!

The property I’d most like on our books is: One of the detached Victorian houses on Spencer Park, all of which have access to London’s best secret garden, nearly four

acres of private parkland.

Most unusual interior: A townhouse belonging to a couple who entertained on a grand scale, including butlers pantry, flower room and secret wine cellar.

I never thought I’d see: A 36 storey residential tower block being built by the River Wandle, as part of the re-development of the landmark Ram Brewery site.

Finest Property Showcase: I just love this grand family house on Allfarthing Lane, SW18 (£1,600,000 Freehold - pictured). It has glorious proportions, a wonderful galleried staircase, five bedrooms and a great garden.

114 04/12/2014 11:52

PROPERTY | ROUND UP

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area Sensible pricing will see a steady market in the New Year HANNAH WATKINS

Associate at Knight Frank, Clapham 020 3667 6750; knightfrank.co.uk

W

Aspire and Battersea Cross Traders Association improve area around Battersea Park Road MARK HOWELL

Director at Aspire, Battersea 020 7801 3400; aspire.co.uk

S

e’re preparing for an active sales market in the New Year. The uncertainty prior to the election will no doubt have an impact on the market above £2m. However, where properties are sensibly priced, there is a genuine appetite amongst buyers to commit and a willingness to pay guide prices. There has been a slight reduction of applicants registering in the final quarter of 2014 however the buyers that are looking are serious and making offers. Where vendors are realistic and flexible, a deal can be secured. We find that when houses are brought to market at the correct price, they will generate interest, offers and an energy and momentum that can lead to multiple bids.

et up by local business owners, the Battersea Cross Traders Association is about improving the area around Battersea Park Road and Latchmere Road. We have made real inroads with TFL and are delighted the resurfacing of parts of Battersea Park Road has been approved along with the removal of bollards. Other plans include the erection of bike racks in the side streets.

The Association has recently secured another key initiative with the introduction of Christmas lights and flower displays. We are thrilled to have secured agreement with TFL for the installation of Christmas lights and we have raised £3,000 towards the cost but further funds are needed – which we hope will come from local government. Of particular note is the seal of approval for a street festival in 2015 working with the local council and businesses.

Global economics and its impact on the local property market

Continued problems in the Eurozone, the withdrawal of quantitative easing in the United States and global economic growth slowing to a six month low, have prompted speculation that the base rate will still only be at 1% well into 2016. As a result of this improved outlook on low base rates, mortgage rates fell towards the end of 2014 as banks competed to hit their lending targets for the year. In fact, anecdotal evidence for November and December saw a marked increase in activity from savvy buyers who, buoyed by the longer term stability on interest rates, identified the short term pre-Christmas dip as a great time to secure a property when there was less competition from other buyers.

So despite the global economy still stalling, the London property market seems set to continue to thrive through 2015 and beyond.

PHIL AGIUS

Senior sales manager at Jacksons Estate Agents, Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077; jacksonsestateagents.com

T

he Bank of England has again pushed back its expectation of when the first base rate rise for many years will occur. Indeed the expectation is this won’t be until after the General Election which is due in May.

115 NEWS.indd 147

Douglas & Gordon in partnership with Kids Company, Christmas Decoration Project: Help us help them

T

his year the Douglas & Gordon and Kids Company partnership gets real with three D&G teams restoring three properties you simply wouldn’t believe could be home to children. It’s practical and we’d love you to help us help them.

Many inner-city children live in chronic deprivation due to their parents/carers being unable to sustain an appropriate standard of living. Kids Company has set up a housing intervention programme that aids families by creating a healthier and happier environment for these children by completely redecorating parts of their homes. This unique intervention improves a childs sense of dignity and wellbeing.

We will be deep-cleaning, decluttering, painting, hanging wallpaper, assembling flat-pack-furniture, doing household repairs and lots more. So we need your help! Look out for more information through your doors but in the meantime, to find out more, please pop into your local D&G office or visit our website. douglasandgordon.com/kidsco2014

PRIME LOCATION.COM

SUGGESTS

You can use our market-leading free smartphone and tablet apps on any device to search over a million properties instantly whilst on the move. So, no matter where you are or what device you're on, you can now access properties for sale and to rent and much more when you are out and about. Find out more here (www.primelocation.com/apps/)

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 11:52

PROPERTY | ROUND UP

Property News Sensible buyers should make their move before May 7th GEORGE FRANKS

Sales Director of Douglas & Gordon 020 7924 2000; douglasandgordon.com

M Outstanding success for Chantry Quarry, Guildford at International Property Awards

S

urrey-based Latchmere Properties Ltd has achieved outstanding success in the prestigious International Property Awards with its Chantry Quarry development in Guildford, where just four properties remain

unsold. Chantry Quarry was selected as the outright winner in the Best Architecture Multiple Residence category for the United Kingdom and was judged to be the Best Residential Development in Surrey.

Prices range from £1.495 million to £1.795 million, Latchmere Properties Ltd, Chantry Quarry 01306 876006; latchmere-properties.co.uk

Get help to buy a brand new apartment at Radius!

Osiers Road, Point Pleasant, Wandsworth, SW18 1NL, open daily from 11am to 6pm (Thursdays from midday to 7pm).

irst-time buyers hoping to step onto the property ladder in style can do just that with Help to Buy at Taylor Wimpey’s prestigious Radius development in Wandsworth.

Under Help to Buy, eligible first-time buyers and those with a property to sell can access a Government loan for 20% of their new home’s full price – so they only require a 75% loan-to-value mortgage and a 5% deposit! To find out more, visit the Sales Information Centre, located at 3-4

Prices start from just £445,000 Taylor Wimpey 0203 675 1403; taylorwimpey.com

F

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NEWS.indd 148

ost London estate agents are putting in their forecasts for next year, and there seems to be a resolute determination that the market will stall and not increase in 2015. My personal opinion is that they are being too negative, and I expect to see a rise in the London property market between 8-10% next year. Why am I being more optimistic than others?

I believe there are two ways of looking at London. The first is through international eyes, and the other way is through local eyes.

If you look at the city through international eyes, London still looks a safe place to park your money. No international buyers seem to be worried about capital gains tax, and many see a home in London as part of their investment portfolio. If you look at what is going on in the rest of the world, and the worries over Europe, then London seems a logical choice. Londoners however see the capital as expensive, as for five and a half years all we have seen is house price growth, and we constantly question how long this can go on for. I believe it’s still got a bit of a way to go, however whether this will happen next year is a completely different question.

I believe the growth in the property market in 2015 will be in the second half of the year. Therefore making the first half of the year, certainly before the election, the time to move. If you are looking to get onto the property ladder or move upmarket you’d be sensible to do it while the market is a little subdued, rather than when the market starts to move again after May 7th.

116 04/12/2014 11:53

Battersea reach Premium Riverside Living Fabulous collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom riverside apartments and penthouses at London’s most prestigious riverside location, Battersea Reach. This exclusive riverside development isn’t just fine living, residents can enjoy the convenience of river and cycling walks, onsite amenities and the beautiful award winning gardens.

Onsite amenities Include: Residents Only Gym, Young’s Waterfront Bar & Restaurant, Tesco Express, Fred Ferge Personal Training, Michaela Mitoi Hair & Beauty Salon, Cake Boy French Patisserie & Coffee Shop, Edible Foods Cafe, Business Centre, Riverside Nursery, Hairdressers, Doctors, Dentist, Pilates Studio & 24 Hour Concierge, Underground Parking. transport links: Wandsworth Town is 3 minutes to Clapham Junction, 9 minutes to Vauxhall, 13 minutes to Waterloo, 25 minutes to Victoria (Source. TFL, approximate times only).

apartments from:

1 Bedroom from £375 per week 2 Bedrooms from £450 per week 3 Bedrooms from £750 per week Most apartments include underground parking (inc bicycles) and the residents gym is free for tenants.

Martin & Co Riverside, Flotilla House, Battersea Reach, SW18 1FX 020 7585 0504, riverside@martinco.com / www.london-riverside.martinco.com

MARTIN&CO.2.indd 2

01/12/2014 09:06

PEDDER.indd 1 PDR047_ad_migration_AW.indd All Pages

04/11/2014 17:02

www.pedderproperty.com

Planning to upsize?

There are many reasons why you might want to increase your living space, but in SE London you will find more than just greater square footage. There are also exceptional nurseries, leading schools, expansive parks and a burgeoning café culture, not to mention direct transport links into central London. And all at a lower price than our more established neighbours.

So if you’re looking for more for less, we believe there’s no better people to talk to than the local experts.

Pedder. Nobody knows SE London like we know SE London.

Pedder. SE London’s premier agent PEDDER.indd 2

04/11/2014 16:50 17:02 03/10/2014

pedderproperty.com

Victor Road, Sydenham, SE20 OIEO ÂŁ425,000 These semi detached homes were built between 1866 and 1868 and form part of the Alexandra conservation area.

Internally the property has been well maintained and comprises of a lounge, dining room, kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom. There is also a pretty rear garden. EPC E

Please contact our Sydenham Office on 020 8659 0220

PEDDER SINGLE.indd 1

04/12/2014 15:30

PROPERTY | NIGEL LEWIS

London's MOST POPULAR

Nigel Lewis, Absolutely's resident property writer, takes a look at London's most viewed property: 22 Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead

T

here are 58,596 properties listed for sale in London at the moment and at the time of writing this was the most viewed online of any of them. It’s also the most expensive house for sale in the capital although it’s not the dearest property – an apartment within One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge is currently listed at £64.9 million which, I know, is a lot of money for a five bedroom flat. Better value is to be had if you buy 22 Lyndhurst Road in Hampstead (it has a garden, for starters) as well as an interesting history. Over the past four years it has been owned by a high profile Russian oligarch who in turn bought it off a London property magnate.

Both men have spent considerable sums doing the property up and the house now

features a very high standard of interior finish. Highlights include an Ionic columnlined indoor swimming pool and a smaller outdoor pool too plus one of the grandest entrance halls in London, according to selling agent Grant Alexson of Knight Frank, in which a huge ornate stone fireplace stands sentinel.

The property, which is on the market for £46.5 million, has been viewed on Zoopla by over 80,000 people since it came on the market in June this year. Such popularity would please the man who built this seven bedroom, six bathroom house in 1896 – Liberal Party MP and shipping millionaire Russell Rea, who twice made it into parliament representing both Gloucester and later South Shields.

What he probably wouldn’t recognise are its interiors, which are distinctly modern. This includes what Grant Alexson

121 MOST POPULAR.indd 162

describes as an opulently decorated ‘man cave’ cum office with wood panelling plus there’s a steam room, space for up to eight cars and a dining room that comfortably seats 18 people.

What most buyers might find astounding is that such a large, 14,700 sq ft property with a carriage drive and half acre back garden is to be found in the busy streets between Hampstead and Belsize Park tube stations, both of which are a short walk from the house.

But the area has, since it was first developed in the late 1860s, been a favoured spot for affluent Londoners looking for seclusion, civilisation and space away from the madness of central London. And anyone who thinks recent arrivals to the UK owning properties in this area is a new trend should remember that a wealthy Turkish diplomat once lived in nearby Rosslyn Lodge during the 1850s – a house that has sadly now been demolished.

And a nice link to this delightful diplomat is that Knight Frank reckons the property to be ‘ambassadorial’, which indeed it could be – although the children’s slide that runs down from the property’s rear sun terrace to the garden reveals a cheekier, less serious side.

JANUARY 2015

04/12/2014 15:33

Christopher Cady, Associate Director

Edwardian family home Period features Hendham Road, SW17 A delightful Edwardian family house with a refreshingly different layout, with two separate offset reception rooms running off the wider than average entrance. The rear reception room has a glazed extension leading onto the walled garden. The entire top floor has been converted to form the impressive master bedroom suite. On the first floor are four further bedrooms and another bathroom.

ÂŁ1,750,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

JACKSONS.indd 1

01/12/2014 16:04

Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Wimbledon 020 3750 9111

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Beautifully presented Excellent location

Leathwaite Road, SW11 This desirable four double bedroom home benefits from generous entertaining spaces and is set in a hugely sought after location in Battersea.

The accommodation comprises: a large and welcoming entrance hallway leading to the spacious double reception, an extended kitchen/breakfast room which leads directly to the pretty rear garden. On the first floor and second floors there are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms. ÂŁ1,495,000 Freehold

Battersea 020 7924 2255

JACKSONS.indd 2

01/12/2014 16:04

Sophia O’Carroll & Tilly, Sales Manager

Victorian maisonette 105ft South facing garden Bonneville Gardens, SW4 A double fronted Victorian maisonette with a 105ft South facing garden with all the space and feel of a house. The front garden, with large off street parking space leads to the private front door and into a long and spacious hallway with rooms leading off on both sides. Bonneville Gardens is directly adjacent to Abbeville Road, with its extensive array of excellent amenities.

ÂŁ1,450,000 Virtual Freehold

Clapham 020 8875 7995

JACKSONS.indd 3

01/12/2014 16:04

Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Wimbledon 020 3750 9111

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Hyde Farm location Four bedrooms

Scholars Road, SW12 A stylish four bedroom/two bathroom property set in the heart of the popular Hyde Farm Estate, comprising a stunning double reception room a guest cloakroom, and, towards the rear of the property you are welcomed by a modern kitchen breakfast room with doors leading to a private garden.

Scholars Road is a sought after residential road, moments from Henry Cavendish Primary School and Tooting Bec Common. ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

JACKSONS.indd 4

01/12/2014 16:05

your new local estate agency

sell your property for 0%* let your property for 5%* *terms and conditions apply

HW.indd 1

03/12/2014 14:54

now open in Nine Elms

call us now on 020 3696 5620 nineelms@henrywiltshire.com

61 Bondway, Nine Elms, London, Sw8 1SJ

HW.indd 2

03/12/2014 14:54

A substantial detached period family home with a carriage driveway and a tranquil south facing rear garden, positioned on a popular West Putney road.

Reception room | Family room | Dining room | Separate study | Cloakroom | Boot room & pantry | Bespoke kitchen/diner | Master suite | Five further double bedrooms | Three bathrooms (one en-suite) | 83 X 60 Ft South facing garden | Carriage driveway | EPC rating D

Chartfield Ave, SW15 ÂŁ3,500,000

An exceptionally spacious (2787 Sq Ft) and very well presented five bedroom, four bathroom, end-terrace house with private garden, off street parking and a garage, located in prime West Putney.

End-terrace Victorian house | 2787 Sq Ft | Off-street parking | 29 Ft double reception room | Kitchen/dinning room | Private east facing garden with very open aspect to the south | Utility room | Downstairs W.C. | Master Bedroom suite with dressing room luxury en-suite bathroom | Four further double bedrooms | Two further bathrooms | en-suite shower room | Cellar | Garage with side access from Howard's Lane | EPC rating E

Carmalt Gardens, SW15 ÂŁ1,975,000

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ WARREN.indd 1

02/12/2014 16:21

T: 020 8780 1100

Amerland Road, SW15

warrenputney.co.uk

£1,599,950

Hazlewell Road, SW15

£1,595,000

Freehold Victorian house | 27 Ft double reception room | Kitchen/breakfast room | 63 Ft South West facing garden | Five double bedrooms | Cellar | Family bathroom | Two modern shower rooms | Eaves storage | EPC rating D

Share of freehold | Conversion within imposing detached Edwardian house | 2102 Sq Ft | Allocated off street parking | Private south facing garden | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom with dressing room | Large double bedroom with ensuite bathroom | Cinema/media room | EPC rating C

Festing Road, SW15

Fanthorpe Street, SW15

£1,495,000

Victorian terraced freehold house | Prime West Putney river road | 41 Ft private rear garden | Double reception room | Kitchen dining room | Downstairs W.C. | Four double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Cellar | Eaves storage | Idyllic location | EPC rating D

£1,425,000

Victorian | 1,840 Sq Ft | Double reception | Kitchen/breakfast room | Downstairs W.C. | Cellar | 30 Ft private rear garden | Master bedroom | Four further double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | EPC rating E

Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk

WARREN.indd 2

02/12/2014 16:21

AG L R ET EE D

AG L R ET EE D

Hotham Road, SW15

£4,500 PCM

£4,000 PCM

Victorian end of terrace | Two reception rooms | Stunning kitchen/family room | Five bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Guest W.C. | Private walled garden | Cellar | Eaves storage | Off street parking | EPC rating D

AG L R ET EE D

AG L R ET EE D

Five/six bedroom Edwardian house | Drawing room | Sitting/ play room | Stunning kitchen/dining room | Master suite | Four further bedrooms | Study/bed 6 | Bathroom | Shower room | South facing garden | Cellar | Loft | EPC rating D

Lebanon Gardens, SW18

Howards Lane, SW15

£2,500 PCM

Terraced house | Reception room | Dining/playroom | Eat-in kitchen | Three bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower room | Private garden | Cellar | Prime location | EPC rating D

Lacy Road, SW15

£1,950 PCM

Two bedroom garden flat | Reception room | Open plan kitchen/dining | Two double bedrooms | Bathroom | En-suite shower | 50 Ft south facing garden | Prime location | EPC rating D

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk WARREN.indd 3

02/12/2014 16:21

ABSOLU TELY MUST SEE...

STUNNING APART MEN TS IN WANDSWORTH Radius is undoubtedly a ‘destination’ – a collection of stunning new 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, some with allocated parking, in one of London’s favourite places to live. Our show apartments are simply unmissable – come and see for yourself.

On selected homes, if you’re quick, Help to Buy is available,* or we could even pay your Stamp Duty.† Make sure you don’t miss out.

A DEST INAT ION DEV ELOPMEN T BY WA NDSWORT H R I V ER SIDE .

The Shard BT Tower

Canary Wharf The Gherkin

Big Ben

St Paul’s Cathedral

London Eye

O2 Arena

Royal Albert Hall

The Hurlingham Club

D I S TA NC E FRO M R A D I U S

BY C A R

BT Tower

9.1 miles

26 mins

46 mins

Royal Albert Hall

4.7 miles

17 mins

42 mins

Big Ben

6.4 miles

18 mins

39 mins 31 mins

‡

‡

BY T R A I N & TUBE ‡

London Eye

7.4 miles

22 mins

The Gherkin

9 miles

29 mins

57 mins

The Shard

8.2 miles

26 mins

38 mins

St Paul’s

8.2 miles

25 mins

48 mins

Canary Wharf

12 miles

34 mins

46 mins

O2 Arena

13.8 miles

41 mins

51 mins

R ADIUS

3-4 Osiers Road, Point Pleasant, Wandsworth SW18 1NL

T EL: 02036 75 1401 OR V ISI T TAY LORW IMPEY.CO.UK /R ADIUS 1 & 2 bedroom apartments from £445,000 Open by appointment only

*Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject to status and only available on selected properties under £600,000 in England only. It is not offered with any other promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. †Stamp Duty paid on selected plots only, for reservations before 23/12/14. Terms and conditions apply. ‡All distances and journey times approximate. Source: Google Maps. Price and details correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image shows typical Taylor Wimpey homes.

TW.indd 1

04/12/2014 09:32

SPENCER PARK, SW18 PRICES FROM £4,5M - £4.9M Four exceptional new homes that combine a ‘state of the art’ finish with a classical and contemporary exterior in one of the most exclusive locations south of the River. Each offers approximately 4,600 square feet of refined family living space, private gated parking, a large landscaped garden and direct access into glorious Spencer Park, (just under four acres of privately owned and managed parkland). 10 year NHBC guarantee.

SPENCER PARK.indd 2

20/11/2014 12:41

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Access to Spencer Park (3.8 acre private park) Gated Off-Street Parking Drawing Room Study Kitchen/Dining Room 800 Sq Ft Family/Media/Games Room Utility Room Master Suite and Dressing Room Gaggenau and Miele appliances 6 Double Bedrooms Guest Suite and Dressing Room 5 Bathrooms (4 En Suite) Large Garden 3 Terraces

SPENCER PARK.indd 3

John Thorogood 020 7228 7474; austin@john-thorogood.co.uk Savills 020 8877 1222; rchatwin@savills.com

20/11/2014 12:42

Smart knows where to be seen when selling.

Over 30 million visits per month

ZOOPLA JAN.indd 1 Zest Adverts_Jan2014.indd 3

26/11/2014 08/01/2014 17:04 09:34

“Proving that BIG isn’t always better...”

Stanbridge Road, SW15

£1,400 pcm

Upper Richmond Road, SW15

£1,700 pcm

A beautiful one bedroom conversion flat set within this ideal location in leafy West Putney. With being moments from both the tube and train stations, the River Thames and Putney Embankment, Putney Common and all the local trendy shops and restaurants, the property has an immense amount of charm with a contemporary finish.

A truly stunning one bedroom luxury apartment that has been interior designed and oozes style throughout. The property boasts state of the art appliances in the kitchen with a dishwasher, contemporary furnishings throughout including plasma television, an incredibly modern shower room and a bedroom with built in cupboards.

Egliston Road, SW15

Point Pleasant, SW18

£1,750 pcm

A beautifully presented two double bedroom converted first floor flat, located in sought after West Putney, within walking distance of both Putney and Barnes Train stations as well as Putney High Street for all shops and restaurants. The property further benefits from gas central heating, excellent storage throughout and a shared garden.

£2,700 pcm

A luxury split level penthouse apartment located in the sought after Point Pleasant area just moments from the river, Wandsworth Park and within walking distance of all transportation. Offering three double bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, three private balconies and a large open plan kitchen that’s perfect for entertaining.

www.chamberlandres.co.uk | 020 8704 1313 lettings@chamberlandres.co.uk | sales@chamberlandres.co.uk 212 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TD

CHAMBERLANDS.indd 2

03/12/2014 17:10

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Wimbledon Village, SW19

£12,000 pcm

A substantial period property, refurbished to the highest standard and beautifully presented throughout. Offering well-proportioned accommodation over four floors, this stunning house is perfect for family living and entertaining and has a separate coach house with media room, reception space and a garage, plus off street parking and a lovely landscaped garden. The location is perfect for the Village, the Common, excellent transport links and superb schools. EPC: D

• High Specification • 5 Bedrooms • 5 Bathrooms • Detached Coach House • Landscaped Garden • Garage & Off Street Parking

Hamptons Wimbledon Lettings. 020 8454 7629

HAMPTONS.indd 1

(charges apply)*

*Tenant Charges: Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

05/12/2014 09:57

Wimbledon Village, SW19 Handsome 5/6 bedroom family home positioned in a small cul-de-sac and offering good access to Wimbledon Village and Common. The period property features a spacious garden studio with plumbing. EPC: F

Guide Price £2,850,000 • Period Property • 5/6 bedrooms • Village Location • Garden Studio

Hamptons Wimbledon Sales. 020 8454 7249

HAMPTONS.indd 2

03/12/2014 14:41

Alfriston Road SW11 £1,950,000 Freehold Battersea Sales 020 7924 2000 | battsales@dng.co.uk

Erpingham Road SW15 £1,275,000 Share of Freehold West Putney Sales 020 8785 6666 | wputneysales@dng.co.uk North

DNG.indd 1

Chelsea

Fulham

With over 2,240 sq.ft. of living space, this mid terrace period, beautifully presented home boasts a large west-facing lawned garden. Located on this quiet road 'Between the Commons' this property is located perfectly for Clapham Common.

6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Drawing room, Kitchen/dining room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: E.

A 1,425 sq.ft. apartment, spread over the ground floor of this imposing semidetached house. The property is positioned in one of West Putney's most sought after-streets, close to both Putney and Barnes Commons.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (en-suite), Open-plan kitchen/reception room, Cellar, Courtyard, Off-street parking, West-facing garden, EPC: D.

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

02/12/2014 15:00

douglasandgordon.com

Putney High Street SW15 ÂŁ1,295 per week Fees apply Furnished/Unfurnished East Putney Lettings 020 8788 3333 | putneylets@dng.co.uk

Lurline Gardens SW11 ÂŁ700 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Battersea Park Lettings 020 7498 5243 | battpklets@dng.co.uk South

DNG.indd 2

Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

A quirky and uniquely designed apartment arranged over three floors.

The open-plan dining room has rearaspect folding doors which open on to the exquisite roof terrace.

3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), Reception room, Open-plan kitchen/dining room, Roof terrace, Balcony, EPC: D.

This split-level flat is immaculate throughout and located moments from Battersea Park. The master suite benefits from a private south-facing balcony with built in outdoor heaters.

3 double bedrooms, 2 large bathrooms, Large open-plan kitchen/reception room, South-facing roof terrace with outdoor heaters, EPC: D.

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

02/12/2014 15:01

There’s nothing average about London property prices.

London’s complex property market is performing very differently from area to area. If you’re thinking about selling or letting, make sure you talk to our experts first. douglasandgordon.com

Residential Sales & Lettings I Property Management I Corporate & Relocation Services I Professional Valuations I Asset Management

D&G_OBC.indd 1 C54018 D&G_Absolutly Batt_297x210 .indd 1

02/10/2014 02/10/2014 15:45 14:06