BROMLEY & CHISLEHURST MARCH 2016

BROMLEY & CHISLEHURST MARCH 2016 / £3.95

MARK OF CAINE

MICHAEL TALKS TAKING ON THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME

RIDING HIGH

STYLISH CYCLE GEAR

OUT OF AFRICA

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF MARRAKECH’S MEDINA

ENDLESS APPEAL SHEER STYLES FOR SPRING STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT SE_March_COVERS.indd 4

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Bromley & Kent’s Leading Estate Agency.

Now with six branches across the Bromley Borough.

Call your local office for a free sales or lettings valuation.

Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

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March 2016

48 c u lt u r e

10 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for March

14

MICHAEL CAINE

The quintessential Londoner on Youth and his estimable acting career

fa s h i o n

22 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trends and products

24 SHEER ROMANCE

Get hearts pumping with pretty peek-a-boo lace

31

STREET STYLE

The brands you need to hit the cycle paths in style

22 H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

34 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

The latest beauty news, product releases and treatment reviews

37 EYE KNOW

This month it’s all about the strong eye with enhanced lashes and brows

39 MOTHER KNOWS BEST

Fragrance expert Laurence Roullier White says a lavender note is anything but old fashioned

Food & Drink

42 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings from the local area

45 RESTAURANT REVIEWS

We review The Swan at The Globe Theatre and Jones Family Project

t r av e l

48 OUT OF AFRICA

We marvel at the vitality and vibrance of Morocco, Marrakech

Covers:

SHANGHAI TANG SS16 shanghaitang.com

interiors

58 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS Bring concrete into your home

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45 61

BRIGHT IDEAS

Light up your life with our favourite lamps

kids

67 KIDS NOTES

The latest fashion and education news

PROPERTY

82 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

MARCH 2016

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EDITOR CATHERINE HALES EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL INTERN HELEN BROWN EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS JEROME MONAHAN LAWRENCE ROULLIER WHITE AMANDA CONSTANCE CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS KIDS' EDITOR HELEN BARON SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER YVETTE MARSHALL KEY ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR ELYSIA AGNEW ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MID WEIGHT DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN FINANCIAL CONTROLLER AYSHA HABIB CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN For editorial enquiries please email: catherine@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.

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1 1JN 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.

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

EDITOR’S letter

A

lthough spring may not quite have sprung, we here at Absolutely, we have decided to fake it until the unreliable English weather makes it. So, our March fashion inspiration on page 22 showcases the powder blue trend that is proving to be big in current resort collections, while our exclusive fashion shoot puts sheer fabrics at the forefront of spring style on page 24.

Outdoor pursuits are also on our minds as we discover the brands that are making cycling stylish on page 31: think less lycra and neon, more sophisticated tweed and Chelsea boots. If you prefer something less strenuous than jumping into the saddle you may be interested in joining the BloomBox Club, a delivery service that combines concepts of mindfulness

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and gardening to help you create your own urban oasis. See page 63 for how to get started.

Turn to page 14 to read about quintessential Londoner Michael Caine discussing Youth (both the film and the state) and how he almost lost out on his breakout role in Alfie to Terence Stamp.

Morocco and Dorset make up our travel section starting on page 47 and all this is in addition to our monthly food reviews, kids' content and roundup of what’s on in London this month.

I hope you enjoy the issue. Ciao! ◆

Catherine Hales Editor

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 15:12

BROMLEY STORE Our sofas are handmade in London by us and our teak is 100% reclaimed.

020 8208 7175 52 High Street, Bromley, London, BR1 1EG bromley@raftfurniture.co.uk www.raftfurniture.co.uk RAFT.indd 1 Harrogate-sale.indd 4

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES

PRINTED

Missoni wouldn’t be Missoni without an eccentric print or two. The SS16 collection didn’t disappoint with a winning amalgamation of the iconic zig-zag with a hallucinogenic tribal design.

The ultimate warm weather wear. missoni.com

5 T h i n g s We

ABSOLUTELY KITTY CAT

Light up this cute candle and release the animal within – quite literally, as when the wax melts a grinning metallic skeleton is revealed. Both sweet and sinister.

Pyropet, £27.99, firebox.com

GIRL ONLINE

Diesel’s latest campaign attempts to decode digital language. Inspired by the way the smiley faces describe real-life scenarios, the video online shows the gang imitate different emojis. diesel.com

Compiled By

ELIZABETH H U T TO N

PARTY BAG

Inspired by the iridescent shades of the sea, Paula Cadematori is having fun this season with bright colours and shiny geometric patterns. paulacademartori.com

WATCHED UP

Do you get bored easily? If so, you need a Shore watch. Designed so that the strap can be switched on a daily basis, you can keep mixing things up. shoreprojects.com

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MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 15:21

Beautiful and creative flooring for every space Blackheath Branch Brigade St, Blackheath Village London SE3 0TW next to C么te Restaurant

020 8852 8109 Dulwich Branch 129-131 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich SE22 8HU

020 8693 8728 www.lordshipflooring.com

As featured in BEST FLOORING SHOPS IN LONDON

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p.10

INTERVIEW: MICHAEL CAINE

p. 14

COVER GIRL

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PIERS GOLDEN (UK) TINDARI MONASTERY, PATTI, SICILY, ITALY; BLUE NUN. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

> WHAT’S ON

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MARCH 2016

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CRAFT: FELTED LAMBS AND FABERGE EGGS

© MASAHISA FUKASE ARCHIVES

1 9 Ma rc h S ta g a nd B o w et into the spirit of Easter with a felt G shaping workshop. First, you’ll be taught how to felt a pile of merino wool into an egg shape, then you’ll learn how to shape and decorate little lambs, decorating with embriodery thread. Very sweet. ◆ 8 Dartmouth Road, SE23; stagandbow.com

THE HIDDEN FORTRESS

PERFORMING for the CAMERA Throughout March Ta te Modern

When people know that they are being captured on film they change; they begin to perform. It has always been this way. But why? Bringing together over 500 images from the past three centuries, this photography exhibition seeks to explore the relationship between photography and performance from Victorian stills to the modern day selfie.

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WOMEN OF THE WORLD 8 -13 Ma rc h S o u thb a nk C e ntre hrough a series of inspirational T talks, debates, performances and workshops, Southbank’s Women of the World Festival will be acknowledging the obstacles women face every day. This year’s festival invites speeches from the likes of Caitlin Moran, Annie Lenox and Gemma Cairney. Sure to provide the inspiration and tools needed to make real change. ◆ Belvedere Road, SE1;

southbankcentre.co.uk

Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

17 Ma rc h E a s t D u l wi c h Ta ve r n his month, The Bigger Picture film club T will be screening The Hidden Fortress.

Wildly recognised as the inspiration behind Star Wars, the movie is a panoramic odyssey in Japan that follows a general, a princess and a pair of bumbling peasants as they fight their way home through enemy lines. ◆ 1 Lordship Lane, SE22; thebiggerpic.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

THE CHRISTIANS

1 1 Ma rc h G re a t Ha ll aving had a good run of hits H back in the late 80s and early 90s, Liverpudlian musical ensemble, The Christians, are known for their gritty songs and sugary vocals. Indeed, BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans described the band’s recent set on air as “the best gig i’ve ever been to”. Playing hits both old and new, you can expect to hear the band’s infectios melodies and warm harmonies you already know and love. ◆ 23 Lee Road, SE3; trinitylaban.ac.uk

X by ALISTAIR McDOWALL F ro m 30 Marc h R oyal C ou r t T he a t re

must see

ART TEXTILES

In a universe where Mars is full of blonde Americans creating their own master race and other planets are full of the British saving taxpayers’ money, a crew on Pluto lose contact with Earth.

Unearthing our dark humanity, this hilarious play watches on as the characters fend for themselves, suspect the worse, and turn on one another in order to survive.

From 11 March Fashion and Textil e Muse um his new retrospective of art T textiles brings together some of the most luxurious silks, velvets, cottons and wools printed by the internationally acclaimed designer Marian Clayden. Celebrating the beauty and success of her psychedelic tie-dyed fabrics, this show will take a look at the shibori dyeing techniques used by Clayden with the aim of revealing how simple methods can often be the best. ◆ 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1; ftmlondon.org

Sloane Square, SW1; royalcourttheatre.com

SHOW OF THE MONTH

THREE GENERATIONS o f Wo m e n

1 - 5 Ma rch G re e n w i c h T h e at re eet Elsie, a Yorshire-born woman who has lived in the same village since her birth in 1936. Having known no other way of life, her views on life differ dramatically from her daughter, Gilly, who was the first woman in her family to go to university. Meanwhile, Gilly’s

M

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daughter, Frankie, has learnt everything she possibly can about sex from Judy Blume. Each with such different life experiences, this play cleverly exposes the huge gap that a generation can be. ◆  Crooms Hill, SE10; greenwichtheatre.org.uk

MARCH 2016

02/03/2016 11:51

Fine Art Auction

featuring Decorative Arts & Modern Design

22 & 23 March 11.30am

Spring time events Make something lovely for Mum Saturday 5 March Gift and card making workshops.

Easter Eggstravaganza Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March Chocolate Easter egg decorating and card making.

Park It in the Market Thursday 31 March from 7pm Award-winning vintage car and bike event. Family fun with food and music.

Jean Cocteau Ceramics from a private collection of 9 plates

Open Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am – 5.30pm.

Many shops open 7 days a week.

To view catalogue and for information about viewing times see the website Roseberys offer a free valuation service on weekdays 9.30am - 5.00pm and selected Saturdays. Next date 12 March 10.00 am - 2.00pm

“At any time of the year, Greenwich boasts one of London’s favourite markets.” Time Out greenwichmarketlondon.com

70/76 Knights Hill, London, SE27 0JD +44 (0) 20 8671 2522 For further details visit

www.roseberys.co.uk

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Supporting the Royal Navy since 1694

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LO C A L ro u n d u p

ARTS & CULTURE / LOCAL COLOUR

LOCAL COLOUR Community news, business openings & culture Wo r d s R O S E N O E L

FLIPPING MARVEL

G re e n w ich Ma rk e t Pa n ca k e R a ces hat fun we had! Racers young and old turned out to flip a few pancakes, have a W few laughs and raise funds for The Sick Children’s Trust. Delicious Pancakes were served all day by Planet Pancakes and a total of £99.36 was raised from the bucket collection which will provide four families with a night’s stay in one of The Sick Children’s Trust ‘Homes from Home’ where the whole family can be together. ◆  sickchildrenstrust.org

GRAND OPENING

Herne Hill S ch ool ove, care and excellence were all pervasive at the school’s inauguration L event for its new Oak building in February. About 100 guests and staff helped thank all involved in the construction of the new building and celebrate the substantial benefits it brings to the children through a state-of-the-art multifunction hall in the basement for sports, drama, assemblies and healthy hot lunches. ◆  hernehillschool.co.uk

SEW GORGEOUS

Fanc y Moon t last, south east London has a one-stop-shop for super-stylish fabric, A yarn and haberdashery.

Fancy Moon also runs a great programme of evening and weekend classes with guest teachers from The Great British Sewing Bee covering, dressmaking, pattern-cutting, knitting, quilting, and crochet. When the classroom’s not in use, you can even bring your project in and hire a sewing machine workstation. ◆  85 Church Road, SE19 fancymoon.com

THE GREAT ESCAPE Faunart by Daniel Byrne produces exceptional art for the home

D

aniel Byrne has a range of work crafting unique paper art pieces using insects and animals as his subject matter, with butterflies as his main event.

Byrne's artwork transforms the familiar uniformity of the butterfly specimen box or Victorian bell jar into a scene that has come alive.

In 'The Great Escape' (pictured, above) he has renovated a Victorian sash window which provides a touch of plausibility to the display. Byrne injects life and a frenzied movement into what

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are usually static displays.

The effect is one of a mass of butterflies making a chaotic attempt to escape the confines of their frame.

He has a collection of off-the-shelf artwork or can create commissioned pieces.

All crafted by hand, out of paper. Faunart will be at PULSE LONDON as one of their Launch Pad exhibitors from the 15 to 17 of May at Olympia. Daniel’s works can be purchased at his Etsy site or, for commissions, see the email address below.   daniel@faunart.co.uk etsyfaunart.com

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 15:33

Caine and very able London boy Sir Michael Caine reveals why his performance in Italian film Youth may be his best yet Wo r d s K a r e n A n n e O v e r t o n

I

t takes an awfully long time to achieve legendary status and while audiences have been admiring the magnificent Sir Michael Caine for some time, the 82-year-old admits that his role as ageing composer Fred Ballinger in Paolo Sorrentino’s comedy-drama Youth may be his best performance yet.

“It’s very different from when I was a big movie star and I got the girl and everyone knew it was me in the movie,” Caine says. “In this movie you don’t see me, you don’t see the acting, you only see the person I’m playing. It’s probably the best thing I've ever done.”

And as he admitted to the Express recently, he even surprised himself a little: “This film stretched me. I have not lost the thrill of finding myself in these situations when I still think of myself as a working class kid from London.”

Youth is director Sorrentino’s first film

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since the dazzling La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) which won the Oscar for best foreign language film at the 86th Academy Awards. Set in a luxury Swiss spa it is a tender, immersive and sometimes heart-breaking reflection of life and finding joy in the twilight years.

Alongside double Oscar-winner Caine is an impressive cast including Harvey Keitel as Fred’s best friend and Jane Fonda as an ageing diva, combining the might of several cinema titans. Clearly unfazed by his exceptional cast, Sorrentino used unusual methods to get the very best from his actors.

“Paolo [Sorrentino] likes to keep surprising his actors,” Caine explains.

“He didn’t tell us anything about what was going to happen in a scene except that a pretty girl is going to get into the pool. Then he told us to ‘just get in the pool, there’s no dialogue. So Harvey and I get into the pool and we’re waiting

I STILL think of myself AS THIS WORKING CLASS kid from LONDON

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MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 15:36

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW and suddenly Paolo yells ‘action!’ and Madalina [Ghenea] gets in the pool and she’s completely naked! Harvey and I both expected her to be wearing a bathing suit and that stunned look on our faces is really great acting because we didn’t have to do any acting at all. You can’t get any better than that! It was absolute reality.”

A true national treasure who has worked consistently since his breakout role in epic war film Zulu in 1964, Caine has already reached the status that most actors will only ever dream of. But his path to superstardom was far from

Youth (2016)

with Harvey Keitel in Youth (2016)

straightforward and the actor had already been grafting for an entire decade before landing the role of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. In fact, even after the success of Zulu few imagined he would become the icon he is today. Ultimately it was his working class charm that set him apart.

“I was very fortunate to have a distinctive voice and look that was very different from the great actors of the 40s and 50s where everyone in Hollywood was so handsome,” admits Caine. “I never thought I was going to be a star because I was this Cockney guy from Elephant and Castle. I was very far from the typical image of a movie star. But my generation changed the way actors look and spoke and behaved.”

His role in Alfie made Caine a household name, and set him on a path of playing cheeky but loveable cads. Caine admits that when it came to playing the serial womaniser, he “couldn’t have found an easier role to do” but admits he almost didn’t get the part. “I was sharing a flat with Terence Stamp at the time

and he was offered the part ahead of me and I actually tried to convince him to do the role but he wasn't interested,” he recalls. “But that was the role that made me a movie star and it changed everything.”

Unlike his most famous alter ego, Caine has been happily married to his wife Shakira Baksh for 43 years. He recently said that before he met her he was drinking too much and smoking several packs of cigarettes a day and that she “calmed him down”. “She’s not the little wife,” he told Radio Times. “She runs the whole business side of my life. She’s my right-hand man, my confidante. I was famous when I met her but I could not have got this far without her.”

There is a great gulf, therefore, between the real Michael Caine and his character Fred in Youth, who despite great success is prone to brooding, an aspect Caine found challenging. “The hardest thing was playing a man who has a deeply troubled soul and that’s never been part of who I am,” he smiles. “I’m very happy. I’ve had a happy marriage, I have wonderful children and grandchildren, and I don’t brood about anything. Embracing that sadness and regret was the biggest test for me.”

It’s not surprising Caine found his role in Youth as a curmudgeonly old man so trying when his outlook remains so utterly joyous. In fact, apart from his somewhat healthier lifestyle, Caine isn’t a million miles away from the Cockney charmer the world fell in love with all those years ago.

He still resides for the most part in the UK and, having hinted at retirement several times in the past, he chooses his film roles wisely, saying he will only film on location if his wife can accompany him.

“I’m still enjoying my life as much as ever,” he grins. “I’ve said this before, but it’s true: growing old may not be that pleasant, but given the alternative it’s fabulous.” ◆ l Youth is on general release

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HARVEY and I both EXPECTED HER to be WEARING A BATHING SUIT

MARCH 2016

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COVER GIRL

Dulwich-based designer Coralie Bickford-Smith’s beautiful books pay homage to Victorian bindings and are full of illustrative detail. Absolutely meets her Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

W

e all know the rule about judging a book by its cover, but still everybody does it anyway. What else is a cover for? A good cover becomes an instant signifier for a book; a bad cover will damage sales.

When Coralie Bickford Smith’s stylish and quirky book The Fox and The Star became Waterstones’ Book of the Year 2015, it beat literary heavyweights including Harper Lee and Hanya Yanagihara. It’s a beautiful, simple children’s story in a large clothbound edition, full of mood and atmosphere

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created by its beautiful illustrations and careful colour palate. Heavily influenced by pattern and referencing William Blake and William Morris, the book’s weighty feel, thick paper, patterned fabric cover and bright inks contribute as much to its character as the actual words of the story.

Bickford-Smith is definitely not a show-off. On hearing that she’d won the Watersones title, she was ‘absolutely shocked and delighted. I never expected that. Who would expect that?’ The book is her first, though she has worked at Penguin for the past 14 years in the more anonymous capacity of an in-house designer. This makes her part of a great legacy; over the 81 years of its existence,

the house has produced some of the industry’s most stylish and influential covers, many of them as deeply embedded in the collective consciousness as the books themselves. Who can think about A Clockwork Orange without picturing David Pelham’s memorable one-eyed and bowler-hatted Cog-eyed Droog illustration from 1985, when Pelham was Penguin’s art director? Or RD Laing without Germano Facetti’s 1971 interconnecting circles, which reappeared on reissues too? Or Lady Chatterly’s Lover, unexpurgated for the first time in 1960, as an orange Penguin adored with Stephen Russ’s phoenix?

Bickford-Smith carries the weight of all of this. ‘I found a website with all the

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ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE

HG Wells covers when I first started and it made me scared. I was so daunted, I thought this has been done hundreds of times, how can I bring anything new to cover design?’ So how does she? ‘Well I just read the text and think of a new way.’

She’s very modest and quiet about it all. ‘I just do what I do. At first it’s really painful when you’re trying to come up with the idea but once you’ve got something and it’s fresh, you just feel so happy.’

Though she works across the board on Penguin's various imprints, fiction and non-fiction, Bickford-Smith has become known for her clothbound classics, a collection that started with an anniversary issue of Hans Christian Andersen and the brief to create something beautiful. ‘I thought it would be lovely to create a book to be passed down through generations, and in the climate of ebooks, it was a great opportunity to make people fall back in love with the physical book and create books for posterity. I went back to look at beautiful Victorian bindings and thought to spread a bit of that magic.’ From there, an entire set of clothbound classics developed, with titles spanning Madame Bovary, Bleak House, Mansfield Park, Gulliver's Travels and more. ‘I’ve done 55 now. I love that it makes me read so many

In the CLIMATE OF E-BOOKS , it’s a great opportunity to make people FALL BACK IN LOVE with the physical book books,’ she says. ‘We’re not artists creating our own work – we’re there to serve the book and respond to it.’ Her personal favourite? ‘Definitely the Scott Fitzgeralds.

The patterns, there’s a great marrying of design and production materials.’

Though Bickford-Smith had always wanted to do a children’s book – ‘I was one of those kids always in my room drawing,’ she says – it wasn’t until one of her editors at Penguin asked if she had anything they could publish that the The Fox and The Star came about. ‘She took me for coffee and said she wanted to publish me, so I didn’t really have to pitch it.’ Coralie was given a six-month sabbatical, most of which she spent torturing herself about getting the colours right. ‘I knew I wanted pantone spot colours for the vivid brightness but they drove me insane. I wanted to keep it to a minimal colour palate and I tried so many different combinations.’ The story itself came before the illustrations, maybe surprisingly. ‘It had to have good bones,’ she explains.

‘I just love what I do,’ she says – and this includes side projects as diverse as a recent textile design for a shoe company and a stained glass window for a church in Bethnal Green. ‘I’m just happy doing what I do; when I’ve got my teeth into a project I’m in my own little world.’ With a name like hers, you might expect someone more flamboyant and extrovert. ‘I met somebody last week who said they’d expected me to be really posh,’ she says when I comment on it. ‘I said: well, sorry.’

Can we expect another book? ‘Yeah,’ is all she’ll say about that. u cb-smith.com

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MARCH 2016

01/03/2016 10:51

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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 22

SHEER ROMANCE

p. 24

STREET STYLE

p. 31

PIECES OF EIGHT Dior's Spring Summer ’16 campaign showcases Raf Simons’ final ready-to-wear collection for the fashion house. Shot by Patrick Demarchelier, the models wear metal ‘8’ pendants which pay homage to the first Dior catwalk show in 1947. dior.com

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MARCH 2016

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st y l e C e n t r a l

Mirrored sunglasses, bespoke handbags and gold loafers are must-buys this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

ELLIOT RHODES Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

W

hy is it, thought Justin Rhodes in 2004, that you see people in expensive clothes wearing cheap belts? And why is it common to have 30 pairs of shoes but only one belt? All this seemed entirely wrong to the economics graduate-turned fashion designer. Belts are an integral part of an outfit; spoiling a good look with a substandard belt is unforgivable.

This became the founding principle of Elliot Rhodes, a store dedicated entirely to the belt. Rhodes found that belts were at best underrepresented in stores and at worst completely missing. ‘At Selfridges there were hardly any belts. Even Hermes only had a tiny selection, and they were £500,’ he remembers. ‘When I wanted to find a colourful belt to match my shoes, there was nothing at all.’ So with his fashion knowledge and love for flamboyance, he set out to develop a belt business. And now, 12 years later, he has three shops in London and one in Japan.

Belts, he insists, are not a replacement product. We should wear different belts for different occasions. A big part of the Elliot Rhodes experience is the mixand-match belt and buckle idea, where interchangeable buckles can be fixed to different straps to create an almost infinite number of potential belts. In the shop, straps are arranged by width and by colour; there are shades ranging from classic browns and blacks to bright whites, oranges and metallics, all in countless kinds of high quality leather.

Who could resist? Go on, belt up. ◆ ● elliotrhodes.com

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Supermodel Snaps Equipment

Daria Werbowy reprises her ongoing role as photographer, creative director and model for Equipment’s Spring ’16 campaign, but this time around she has a co-star; Kate Moss. The supermodel duo flew to Mustique minus the usual make-up and styling team, to shoot the French label’s new collection of shirts in a series of intimate holiday snaps. equipmentfr.com

22 29/02/2016 16:01

FASHION / NOTES

8 of the best

DESIGNER OF THE MONTH Rosie Assoulin

POWDER BLUE

Fashion’s label du jour is New York designer Rosie Assoulin, who combines a love of bold colour with sweeping silhouettes. An apprentice from fashion greats such as Oscar de la Renta and Alber Elbaz, Rosie has developed a coveteable brand of chic day to eveningwear.

‘She’s Come Undone’ trousers £1,640 & ‘Robert Morris’ top £735 matchesfashion.com

Look forward to blue skies this spring

02

01

editor’s

03

PICK BESPOKE BAGS Ethan K

Luxury exotic skin handbag designer Ethan K is the go-to for the woman who wants to design her own unique tote. Bespoke bags can be decorated with precious stones and crystal studded clasps. The exclusive client list include royalty.

‘Alla’ bespoke crocodile handbag; ethan-k.com

05

04

JEAN GENIES Q uestion Air

07

Leading London independent fashion retailer Question Air has now opened on Lordship Lane.

Stocking designer denim and contemporary labels, for women and men, including J Brand, Paige, Rag & Bone and Helmut Lang, the new boutique is a real destination for South East London’s style set.

3 Lordship Lane, SE22 8EW; question-air.com

06

GOING FOR GOLD 08

Gucci

The fashion pack are clamouring for these metallic leather loafer style ‘trophy shoes' as seen at the Gucci Resort ’16 presentation, which encapsulate the current 70’s vintage mood. We’ll be teaming ours with midi skirts and fine knit sweaters.

Metallic leather loafer pumps £495; mytheresa.com

23 CH_MAR16_Fashion_Confidential.indd 23

01. ANDY WOLF Acetate sunglasses £265; andy-wolf.com 02. ROSIE ASSOULIN ‘Morning after’ maxi skirt £905; matchesfashion.com 03. ADAM LIPPES ‘Flounce sleeve’ cotton shirt £606; brownsfashion.com 04. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Wool mini dress £1,685; brownsfashion.com 05. VALENTINO ‘Rockstud’ medium leather tote £1,285; mytheresa.com 06. PLEATS PLEASE BY ISSEY MIYAKE Pleated cullotes £315; farfetch.com 07. BALENCIAGA ‘Caban’ wool blend coat £1,415; matchesfashion.com 08. JIL SANDER Leather trainers £275; thecorner.com

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:06

White lace blouse, £795, Zimmermann Bodysuit (worn underneath), £117, La Perla Pleated chiffon maxi skirt, £1,310, Ermanno Scervino ‘Byzantine 75’ embellished pumps, £725, Aquazzura Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

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29/02/2016 16:09

Sheer ROMANCE Set hearts aflutter this spring with chiffon, lace and ruffles Photography Ja mes Lucas Stylist Charlotte Adsett

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 5pp.indd 25

29/02/2016 16:09

Lace midi dress, ÂŁ285, Self Portrait

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 5pp.indd 26

29/02/2016 16:10

Chiffon ombre mini dress, £430, Halston Heritage at net-a-porter.com Embellished Moroccan slippers, £930, Ermanno Scervino Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 5pp.indd 27

29/02/2016 16:10

‘Alberta’ silk devore dress, £1,394, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Body suit (worn beneath), £117, La Perla Black suede ‘Mini blade’ pumps, £700, Casadei Rings from a selection starting from £225, Alexia Jordan

PHOTOGRAPHER: James Lucas FASHION EDITOR: Charlotte Adsett MODEL: Bibi Sharipova at M+P HAIR & MAKE-UP: Alice Oliver using Tom Ford Beauty and Aveda haircare FASHION ASSITANTS: Chalisa Guerrero & Helen Brown PRODUCTION: Beauty & Pro Productions MANY THANKS TO: Joel & Son Fabrics for providing the tulle material used throughout

STOCKISTS: alexiajordanjewellery.com aquazzura.com avenue32.com brownsfashion.com casedei.com ermannoscervino.it jonathansimkhai.com laperla.com net-a-porter.com preenbythorntonbregazzi.com rosksanda.com self-portrait-studio.com selfridges.com sophiawebster.com zimmermannwear.com

MARCH2016_FashionShoot 5pp.indd 28

29/02/2016 16:11

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture SINCE 1990

TheDovetailJoint creativedesignandcraftsmanship

FOREST HILL | 020 8291 5578 | WWW.THEDOVETAILJOINT.CO.UK

Dovetail Joint_Feb.indd 2

26/01/2015 09:55

PORT LYMPHE.indd 1

11/12/2015 09:45

FASHION / FOCUS 5 of the best

CYCLE CHIC

MEAME MAIA REFLECTIVE TWEED BLAZER, £295, meame.co.uk

STREET STYLE Would more of us get on our bikes if we knew what to wear? Here we find some stylish options

RAPHA LIBERTY PRINT MERINO SWEATSHIRT, £100, rapha.cc

By PENDLE HARTE

W

ith Boris Johnson’s plans to create multiple cycle superhighways across London, two wheels are increasingly replacing four on our streets. There are more people on bicycles than ever before; and some of them look significantly more stylish than others. Because sartorially, cycling is a challenge. There is a wide variety of technical cycle clothing available, but most of it looks like cycle clothing. And garish lycra won’t get everyone through their day. What about people who don’t want to look sporty? Can’t practical clothing be pretty?

Meame is the brainchild of Islingtonbased couple Megan Aylott and Steven

Azancot. He’s a keen cyclist and she has a background in fashion. When Megan first started cycling, she couldn’t find anything to wear. ‘I don’t want to wear high viz,’ she explains.

‘I noticed that a lot of women weren’t wearing appropriate clothing, because despite being conscious of safety, most cycling clothes are not very attractive.

So I wanted to design something that people wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear.’ Her first collection under the name Meame came out at the end of last year and the pieces focus not only on safety and functionality but also heavily on style. For example, she has designed a blazer that looks like a smart, fitted, tweedy piece and would easily pass as non-cycling wear but which has several key functions

31 YES C&A_MARCH16_FASHION Q&A.indd 31

TRACEY NEULS GEORGE REFLECTIVE CHELSEA BOOT IN DIAMOND, £205, traceyneuls.com

that set it apart from a regular jacket. For one, it glows in the dark – though you’d never know it in daylight. Megan’s degree in textiles led her to develop a unique fabric which incorporates a subtle reflective thread that illuminates like a cateye when a light source hits it, but remains invisible otherwise.

‘I wanted to focus on it not being garish,’ she says. So not only is it safe, but it’s also comfortable thanks to clever pleats at the back like a classic shooting jacket and a brilliant elastic mechanism that allows you to stretch forward and pulls the jacket back into shape, keeping the smart look. It’s breathable, warm, and has an invisible water-repellent coating.

It’s so clever that it’s hard to believe nobody has invented it before.

For people who want to ride to work and not get changed when they get there, don’t want to turn up to a meeting in fluorescent orange (but still need a jacket that’s warm enough while remaining streamlined and breathable) Meame’s range is genius.

In 2010, the launch of the Boris Bike raised the profile of cycling in London; figures from Transport for London show that more people cycled in London in 2015 than ever before. And there has never been so much choice when it comes to performance fashion. ◆

VULPINE WOMAN’S ULTRALIGHT QUILTED THERMAL GILET, £118, vulpine.cc

MEAME.CO.UK

MEAME.CO.UK

OTTO LONDON RAIN CAPE, £88, ottolondon.com

IT GLOWS IN THE dark – though YOU’D NEVER know it in DAYLIGHT

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:32

LUXURY NAIL LOUNGE 02034417172

www.queenb.london

LUXURY NAIL LOUNGE | SOUTH CROYDON

Queen B will be coming to South Croydon March 2016 Luxury manicures and pedicures for men & women Follow us across all social channels for updates @queenbinlondon

Queen B Luxury Nail Lounge 292 Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 6AG 0203 441 7172 | www.QueenB.london

QUEEN B.indd 1

29/02/2016 14:04

LASH LOUNGE LONDON

The Lash Lounge London is your one-stop shop for all things beauty - whether you want a beautiful set of eyelash extensions, fierce brows or a flawless wax.

Enjoying the convenience of these all these services under one roof = #loungelife

www.lashloungelondon.co.uk OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm / Sunday (Lashes Only) 11am - 5pm

VISIT US 22 Church Road, Crystal Palace SE19 2ET

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LASH LOUNGE.03.indd 1

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

0203 601 2430

01/03/2016 09:49 01/03/2016 09:50

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p 34

MAKE UP: EYE OPENERS

p. 37

SKIN DEEP Those in search of the perfect base coat, look no further. Chanel has launched Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. Available in the UK in nine shades, this light fluid with built-in SPF 25 is made for summer. ÂŁ36; chanel.co.uk

33 CHIS_March16_Beauty_Opener.indd 33

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:37

B E AU T Y R e v i e w

Our pick of the best shampoo and conditioner sets for Spring 2016 W o r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

DR MAYONI Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

I

have a significant birthday approaching and after much research I thought it was time to take the plunge into the world of botox. I found Dr Mayoni through Absolutely magazine and her website looked professional and informative. I was petrified of looking overly surprised or frozen but I have to say though I had nothing to worry about. All of her qualifications are reassuring and of course the fact that she is a surgeon meant I knew I would be in safe hands.

She was professional, well informed and the actual procedure was relatively painless.

It was all over within a couple of minutes.

She explained that even a single treatment with Botox would not only help soften my existing lines, it would also help my new skin actually grow back smoother. I love her sentiment of ‘less is more’ which is why my face now looks so subtley refreshed.

I’ve not told anyone about it but I’m enjoying the compliments I’m getting. I look like I’ve had lots of sleep or a really good facial. Most importantly, I don’t look tired or angry which has really lifted my mood. I feel so much more positive about myself and this is something my family and friends have definitely noticed.◆

She was

PROFESSIONAL, WELL INFORMED and the

actual procedure was RELATIVELY PAINLESS

● D R M AYO N I 07956 517021, clinic@drmayoni.co.uk; drmayoni.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

YES CHIS_Mar16_Beauty_Notes.indd 34

Caffeine Fix Frank Body

Coffee in the shower may sound like a bad idea but Australian brand Frank Body beg to differ. Their Original Coffee Scrub has gained a cult following for its invigorating properties and intoxicating smell. Our advice: prepare to get messy. £11.95; frankbody.com

34 29/02/2016 16:44

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

7 of the best

NEW ARRIVAL

SHAMPOOS & CONDITIONERS

Glossier

Launched by Into the Gloss founder Emily Weis, Glossier has become a beauty sensation in the US. Fortunately, fans of the brand based in the UK can now purchase their bestselling Balm Dotcom from online retailer Net-A-Porter. £25; net-a-porter.com

02 01

editor's

PICK

BED OF ROSES Trilogy

The world’s first rosehip oil range, New Zealand brand Trilogy is organic and favoured by the likes of Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Their Antioxidant+ Rosehip Oil in particular has become an essential part of our morning beauty routine.

30ml for £26.50; trilogyproducts.com

03

04

05

GENTLEMEN ONLY ZV²

This revolutionary serum, designed specifically for men, is an entire grooming regimen in one slickly designed bottle. From the innovative atomiser application to the hydrating, energising formula, this is the single product every man needs in his wash bag. £72; zv2.co.uk

06

06

best

HANDS ON

BUY

Ay u t h a r a p y

Relax in the comfort of your home with the luxurious services of Neha, a local mobile therapist. Using ancient Ayurvedic methods this massage relieves ailments such as muscle tension, sciatica and lower and upper back pain. Prices start from £40 Ayutherapist@gmail.com

35 YES CHIS_Mar16_Beauty_Notes.indd 35

07

1. AESOP NUTURING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £19 EACH; aesop.com 2. AVEDA INVATI THICKENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £22 & £24; aveda.co.uk 3. ORIGINAL MINERAL DETOX SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £24 & £25; selfridges.com 4. COWSHED HORNY COW HIGH SHINE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £16 & £18; cowshedonline.com 5. MARIA NILA PURE VOLUME SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, £23 EACH; marianila.com 6. SUSANNE KAUFMANN SHAMPOO FOAMER VOLUME & CONDITIONER VOLUME, £30 & £25; net-a-porter.com 7. ILUXE ORGANICS ABONDANCE SHAMPOO & DETENTE CONDITIONER, £28 & £34; net-a-porter.com

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:46

IRONING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

J&B IMPRESS CO LTD Established in your area for over 18 years Our customers trust us, so can you!

Professional ironing service only £1.20 per item We also collect and return your laundry the next day (2.50 per kilo) (min order £15)

New customers will receive 10% off min order £15.00 We only use the finest industrial ironing equipment We also iron duvets, sheets and table cloths FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY (Mon-Fri eve only 7-10pm) Covering SE4 • SE6 • SE13 • SE14 • SE15 • SE19 SE21 • SE22 • SE23 • SE24 • SE26 • SE27

DRY CLEANING SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 0207 640 2272 OR TEXT YOUR ORDER TO 07903 208 025

www.jbimpress.com 52 East Dulwich Road SE22 9AX Opening times: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm Closed Sunday JB IMPRESS.indd 1

17/12/2015 15:35

WANT TO GET FIT FOR 2016?

CHOOSE

RAFF-FITNESS

Improve General Fitness • Gain Muscle • Tone Up Weight Loss • Cardio Exercise • Core Strength

RAFF-FITNESS CLASSES

Thursday 19:30 - 20:30 Circuit Training Saturday 10:30 - 11:30 Boxfit Saturday 11:30 - 12:30 HIIT Sunday 11:30 - 12:30 BodyPump

Don’t like classes?

Try RAFF-FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINING

Charter Studio, Charter School, SE24 9JH

All Classes £8 Bring a friend for £14 collectively

Call Raff 07463 772 443 Book through www. raff-fitness.co.uk Boost Confidence • 1:1 Training • Couples Training Nutritional Advice • Great Prices For 10+ Session SE LONDON

RAFF FITTNESS JAN.indd 1

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17/12/2015 14:36

01/03/2016 09:16

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS CHANTECAILLE

Brow Definer, £32; spacenk.com

CHANEL

Sublime de Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara, £25; chanel.co.uk

HIGH DEFINITION Browtec, £16; hdbrows.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Full Fat Lashes, £22; charlottetilbury.com

BOBBI BROWN

No Smudge Mascara, £20; bobbibrown.co.uk

TOM FORD

NARS FOR MICHAEL COSTELLO SS16

Extreme Mascara, £35; selfridges.com

NARS

Audacious Mascara, £21; narscosmetics.co.uk

YSL

Babydoll Mascara, £25; boots.com

BENEFIT

EYE OPENERS

Brow Zings, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

DIOR

Diorshow Iconic Mascara, £25; houseoffraser.co.uk

Redefine your lash and brow game with the best products for Spring 2016 B y C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

CLINIQUE

Instant Lift for Brows, £16; clinique.co.uk

MAC

Brow Set, £14; maccosmetics.co.uk

REVLON

Mascara Set, £9.99 each; boots.com

37 Chis_Mar16_Beauty_Products_v2.indd 37

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:48

Trusted and effective anti-wrinkling & filler treatments Call to arrange a free consultation Dr. Mayoni Gooneratne MBBS, BSc, MRCS

m: +447956 517021 e: clinic@drmayoni.co.uk w. drmayoni.co.uk

DR MAYONI.indd 1 v1.indd 2 Absolutely 90x134mm

CARE OUTLOOK.indd 1

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26/08/2015 11:25 11:12

27/10/2015 12:10

01/03/2016 09:17

HEALTH & BEAUTY / COLUMN

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

6

The resurgence of lavender, a much maligned floral scent W o r d s L aw r e n c e R o u l l i e r W h i t e

W

hilst thinking about scents for Mother’s Day I thought of how, strangely, ‘mumsy’ is often a word used in terms of perfumes. Often when asked what she likes, a woman will respond; ‘nothing too mumsy’. I always find this odd, as a thirtysomething year old mother will have grown up around some of history’s most groundbreaking fragrances. Eau d’Issey from 1992 is rightly credited with being a genredefining scent, a departure from heavy florals and one that opened the door to the new wave of fresh ‘watery’ fragrances, soon followed by Calvin Klein’s unisex CK One, one of the best selling scents of all time.

What this adjective is meant to describe is the old fashioned notes of lavender talcum powder, drawer liners and bath cubes.

However, despite its use in perfumery for millennia lavender should not be written off as old-fashioned; in fact, as fashion moves away from obviously synthesised scents and 1

2

LAVENDER should NOT BE written off as OLD FASHIONED there is a resurgence of interest in more natural smelling notes, the relatively humble herb is back. The lasting legacy of the fresh fragrances of the 1990s is the desire for clean smelling scents, and what better than lavender, the plant that got its name from the Latin verb lavare – ‘to wash’?

If anyone is in any doubt about the new found fashion for lavender one need look no further than the collection of the king of cool himself; Tom Ford. The brand’s Lavender Palm [1] is a bright and sparkling scent that is both modern and wearable. Similarly, Lavender on the Rocks [2] by Atkinson’s 1799 is a double distillation of lavender, which has a steely, icy core. It might seem unlikely that a fragrance made by monks in Wales would be name-checked by Luca Turin, one of the world’s most famous perfumer writers – and yet, in his book Perfumes: The Guide, he describes Cadley

39 DUL_March16_Perfume.indd 39

Island Lavender Water as “simply the best lavender soliflore on Earth”. Lavandula [4] by Penhaligon’s is another unisex scent enhances the spicy accords of lavender with top notes of cinnamon and pepper.

Encens et Lavande [5] by Serge Lutens is a sophisticated blend of lavender and smoky incense, a combination that one would expect to appear more in perfumery.

One of the perennial problems with this plant and its oil is longevity; Chris Bartlett has achieved the unusual with his brand’s Pell Wall’s Lasting Lavender. Bolstered by a base of ambergris, complex musks and sensuous wood accords, lavender is augmented by crushed violet leaves and a little rosemary.

Those at the forefront of bringing Lavender ‘back’ are, however, the Micthells. Foxbury Farm in Kent has been in their family for five generations.

Currently run by Jod and his father Ian, the pair planted lavender and the quality of the crop inspired them to produce their own product line. Their signature scent is delightful and is Britishness at its best.

Those you think they do not like lavender should try Mitchell & Peach [6], fresh bright and sunny and just a tiny bit fruity.

It is modern and wearable and not at all ‘mumsy’. Whatever ‘mumsy’ means.  3

4

5

● R ou lli er W h ite roullierwhite.com

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:49

10 O % N O YO F UR F F FI OO RS D T & BO D O RIN KI K NG *

“THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT, THE ROOM WAS BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED AND THE SERVICE WAS VERY ATTENTIVE” TRIPADVISOR, DECEMBER 2015 “IDEAL FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION” TRIPADVISOR, DECEMBER 2015

* EXPIRES JUNE 2016, CANNOT BE USED WITH EXISTING BOOKINGS

LOCALE.indd 1

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> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p. 42

REVIEWS: THE SWAN & THE JONES FAMILY PROJECT

p. 45

EASY AS PIE The River Cottage series has had a freefrom makeover. River Cottage Gluten Free offers up 120 ingenious recipes to make sure no one misses out and everyone gets a piece of the pie. ÂŁ15; waterstones.com

41 Chis_MAR16_Food_Opener.indd 41

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:51

kitchen

8 of the best

e a s t e r t r e at s

CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and Easter treats to see you through March

01

Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D 03

02

05

04

06

07

Bella Italia

08

Il Cudega 1. CHARBONNEL ET WALKER Easter Fine Dark and Milk Chocolate Selection Box, £32; charbonnel.co.uk 2. HARRODS Cocoa Dusted Almond Easter Egg, £24.95; harrods.com 3. BISCUITEERS Beatrix Potter Easter Collection, £39.50; biscuiteers.com 4. ROCOCO Seasalt Organic Milk Artisan Egg, £24; rococochocolates.com 5. HOTEL CHOCOLAT Classic Ostrich Egg, £75; hotelchocolat.com 6. PAUL Sucette Chocolat Poussin, £1.50; paul-uk.com 7. PRESTAT Dark Chocolate Easter Egg, £16; prestat.co.uk 8. MAISON PIERRE MARCOLINI, Easter in Wonderland, from £13.90 to £105; uk.marcolini.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_MARCH15_foodNotes.indd 42

Deli, restaurant and wine bar all rolled into one, Il Cudega is a gastronomic oasis in the heart of Hackney. As well as offering first class and often unique produce direct from Lombardy in Northern Italy, the London Fields foodie destination has an exceptional wine selection boasting delicious prosecco, vino rosso and bianco.

The perfect Saturday afternoon spot.

Railway Arch 358, Westgate Street, E8; ilcudega.com

42 29/02/2016 16:53

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES MARCH cocktail

NUT CASE

Created by hendricks gin

Carlo Rotta

West London-based Italian chocolatier Carlo Rotta’s range of hazelnut-based chocolates includes the impossibly delicious Gianduiotti, small boat-shaped pieces of cocoa and hazelnut mix, and the classic gianduja paste, of which Nutella is a cheap copy. The range is available at Selfridges and Harrods. carlorotta.it

GOLDEN EARS Gail's

The star of Gail’s Easter spread is the hot cross bun: perfected by baker Roy Levy, the spiced sweet buns are loaded with fruit and glazed with spiced syrup for an extra sticky top. But don’t forget these Bunny cupcakes, topped with pink-iced speculoos bunny ears.

91 Dulwich Village, SE21; gailsbread.co.uk

Campari Negroni INGREDIENTS

3 cl. Campari • 4 cl. Gin • 3 cl. red vermouth 1 date • 5 rose petals • 1 cl. of peach liqueur ◆

METHOD :

Put all the ingredients in a mixing glass, and then crush them with a muddler. • Use a cocktail strainer to pour the contents into a glass and add ice cubes.• Mix everything with a cocktail spoon.

editor’s

PICK

ORDER UP

The Vintage Fish

of the month

There are few things as delicious as a really good fish and chips. Luckily, Vintage Fish sell only fresh fish delivered direct from Billingsgate Market and close with the Market on Sundays and Mondays. For those looking for a free-from option, pop down on Tuesdays for gluten-free meal. 120 Lee Road, SE3; vintagefish.co.uk

W o r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

t is rare to find a spirit whose bottle so thoroughly captures the Angel’s liquid within. Angel Tears comes in a stunning frosted glass you’ll keep cask that you long after the contents are gone. Speaking of which, the vodka (which should be served ice cold) is smooth, velvety and made from the finest ingredients direct from Georgia. Beautiful, memorable and, above all, delicious. ◆ I

WAITING FOR GODO

Godo Eating well at the office is always a challenge. Don’t surrender to the usual lunchtime sandwich; instead, choose from one of new delivery company Godo’s scrumptious Italian dishes, delivered direct to your office.

The pasta with beef ragu will keep you full and contented until dinner. mygodo.com

43 Chis_MARCH15_foodNotes.indd 43

SPIRIT

Angel’s Tears, £90, buy at amazon.co.uk angelstearsvodka.co.uk

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 16:53

Green Cuisine Cookshop

cook • bake • dine

DAYTIME GELATERIA CAFFÈ Champagne

Wusthof knives are just one of a huge range of top quality cookware brands available in store

EVENING EVENTS LOUNGE Canapés & Cocktails

7 Lordship Lane SE22 8EW • 0208 693 7781 www.greencuisinecookshop.com www.icefires.london •

facebook /icefires •

@fabicefires

GREEN CUISINE FEB.indd 1 16/12/2015 09:34

ICE FIRES.indd 1

27/01/2016 11:37

ST The BE ouse y r r h local cu th East in Sou n Londo

C

- Add a little spice to your night Our emphasis is on providing delicious cuisine using the highest quality ingredients which are both pure and natural.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual night out, Chandni Restaurant is the perfect place to be with our tranquil atmosphere and some of the best chefs from the Indian sub-continent who guarantee the food tastes as exquisite as it looks.

Best place for small family parties like birthdays and engagements...etc. We also provide catering services 134a Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich, London SE21 8HN 020 8761 9738 | 020 8670 1770 YOU CAN ORDER TAKEAWAY AND FREE DELIVERY SUN - THURS 18:00 - 23:30

CHANDI_MAR.indd 1

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FRI - SAT 18:00 - MIDNIGHT

www.chandnirestaurant.co.uk

26/02/2016 14:18

01/03/2016 09:17

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS

JONES FAMILY PROJECT Shoreditch's latest steak restaurant and bar he Jones Family Project has a cosy, welcoming feel. The lime green chairs dotted around the tartan carpet and over-stuffed red vinyl booths are almost full as we are led to a secluded corner of the restaurant. We eagerly examine the menu which boasts a comprehensive ‘Land, Sea and Field’ selection and a dedicated steak menu. My starter of spiced crispy squid is tender with a fabulous crunch and the chili mango sauce adds a hearty tang. The Cornish crab is light and delicate and is scooped up on the crispy crostini all too quickly. Unable to resist, I choose the dry-aged 250g fillet steak which comes with triple cooked fries. The quality of the meat is excellent and the steak is cooked to a satisfying and juicy medium rare. I devour every morsel and am soon looking enviously at my companion’s tottering tower of Chuck burger topped with slow cooked oxtail which she had paired with a side of creamy mash. The real hero of the meal, however is the pudding: Dulce de Leche mousse with crispy almonds, raspberries and pistachio sauce.

Sweet but not overly so, with the delicate amaretto flavour of almonds it is gone in seconds. Good atmosphere, great food. ◆

T

Centre Stage

The Globe Theatre’s famed restaurant The Swan has had an interior and menu makeover Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

U

sually, a trip to the Globe Theatre is all about a show rather than dinner. But all this is about to change.

Freshly refurbished and with a brand new menu, The Swan has much to offer even the non-theatregoing crowd. The style is modern and bright with industrial accents and a lot of wood – perhaps to remind you of the actors treading the boards next door.

My friend and I are seated at one of the tables by the windows that look out over the Thames. We take our time with the menu, nibbling on delightfully crunchy crackling with apple sauce and Nocellara olives. On offer are British staples including Dorset mussels, ham hock and ox cheek but it is the Jerusalem artichoke soup and the fried Braddock white duck egg which win us over. The soup is creamy and warming

and the artichoke flavour is brought out by the hazelnut and spinach pesto swirled on top. My egg is fried to perfection and beautifully presented, ringed with velvety wild mushrooms and foraged herbs.

My main of braised salt marsh lamb neck falls away from the bone and has the characteristic tang of well-cooked lamb – the highlight, however, is the sweetbreads, which are packed with flavour and are gone too soon. My friend chooses the special: a succulent pigeon breast served with creamy mashed potato and kale.

For pudding we are unable to resist the Bramley apple pie which does not disappoint; sweet, piquant and light, the star of the show. A fabulous evening next to the theatre. ◆

● The swa n

21 New Globe Walk, SE1 swanlondon.co.uk

45 Dulwich_MAR16_RestaurantReview.indd 45

● jones family project

78 Great Eastern Street, EC2A jonesfamilyproject.co.uk

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:59

O w n yo u r o w n h o l i d ay h o m e at

Camber Sands h o l i d ay pa r k

Great reasons to Own at Camber Sands: • 12 month season for Owners¢ • Dedicated Owners Team available for your every need • Regular Owners Events • Friendly Owners Community • Local attractions and family fun days out nearby • Choice of 4 heated indoor pools plus flume† • Fun packed entertainment in the Showbar • Great food in The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant • Adventure playground and all-weather sports court • Sauna, solarium and spa bath

Caravan holiday homes

from £12,995* Luxury Lodges

from £99,995 including decking*

Finance Option Available^

Call us on 01797 330 429 or visit us online:

www.park-resorts.com/own-cam

New Lydd Road, Camber, Near Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7RT * Prices vary between models and Park Resorts parks. Subject to availability. Selected models will include decking. Images are for illustration purposes. All prices include VAT. ^ Finance is subject to status and deposit criteria, written details upon request. ¢ Please Note: Owners can Holiday as often as they like within their specified Holiday season and pitch agreement. Park Resorts Holiday Parks are not Residential Parks and Holiday Homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence. Facilities and entertainment will be available from time to time at the discretion of Park Resorts and is usually indicated in the current Park Resorts Holiday brochure. † Facilities vary by Park and time of year. Access within the Park opening dates as notified each year. Facilities on some parks may carry a charge.

PARK RESORTS.indd GA1297 Camber Sands 1- FP - 25.02.16.indd 1

26/02/2016 25/02/2016 14:08 16:54

> GETTING THE BEST OUT OF MARRAKECH

p. 48

UK GETAWAY: DURDLE DOOR, DORSET

p. 55

OUT OF AFRICA Eschew Europe in favour of somewhere a little more exotic this spring; Marrakech balances the upbeat tempo of city life with the leisure and luxury of a desert resort, all under a hot sun on page 48.

47 CHIS_MARCH16_Travel_Opener.indd 47

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:00

MARKET TOWN

Experience the vibrancy and vitality of Morocco and the luxury and tranquility of the Royal Palm Marrakech in equal measure Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

T

he very word Marrakech has the exotic, mysterious ring of a faraway place. Yet what makes it a perfect holiday destination is its proximity. From London, the flight takes a paltry three hours and 40 minutes, from miserable, rainy Gatwick to sunny, exotic Morocco, from black and white into colour – and no time difference, so no jet lag. However, as soon as you step off the plane, it’s a different world. The intense heat and hazy, dusty landscape immediately reminds you that you are in fact in Africa. Ideal for those longing to escape spring or autumn in England, March and September are the best times for almost certain sun but no excessive heat.

So, taking all these positives into consideration, why would anyone hesitate? There seems to be a notion

that Marrakech is not a relaxing place to go on holiday. The depiction in popular culture of the old Medina in particular is one of tourists being assailed on all sides by carpet vendors and snake charmers whilst mopeds roar past, donkeys bray and chickens are violently expelled into your path. And while this is accurate up to a point, it’s certainly not the whole picture. The key is to choose the right hotel, where they have the experience to help you navigate the markets – a real retreat, a port in this sometimes stormy city. That’s where the Royal Palm Marrakech comes in, a short 20 minute drive from the centre, so guests have great access to the sights and sounds of the markets, but can return to an oasis of calm. This contrast is one of the things the Royal Palm excels in. The stunning grounds with their ancient olive trees, as well as the titular palms, the undulating grassy knolls of the golf

THE MEDINA is A PLACE TO FIND

one of-a-kind

TREASURES

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 48

48 29/02/2016 17:02

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

49 CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 49

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:03

Enjoy the taste of tradition

120 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9DE | 0208 297 0888 vintagefish.co.uk thevintagefish

VINTAGE FISH.indd 1

vintagefishuk

28/01/2016 16:52

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

SEVEN HOURS fly by in a BLUR

Al Aïn, the all female restaurant in the Royal Palm

course and expanses of water give it a lush feel, while the best view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains can be had leaning over the side of the main pool.

Elements of Moroccan culture and style are subtly incorporated throughout the interior, with bright mosaic tiles adorning the walls, twinkling lanterns dangling from the ceilings and exquisite carpets covering the marble floors. Of its three restaurants, Al Aïn is the prettiest and boasts an authentic Moroccan menu, with sheep’s brains for the bold and flavorsome tagines for the less so. Al Aïn also has a unique selling point: the entire restaurant is run by women, from the head chef, Meryam Diane, to the servers bringing out the dishes. When you can bear to leave your gorgeous room and venture out into the main hotel, you are greeted with smiles and warmth by the

staff and other guests, many of whom are on their sixth or seventh stay.

Children are also catered for with a charming and thoughtfully designed kids' club that has its own pool and outdoor cinema, not to mention a flock of shaggy wooden sheep dotted around that wouldn’t look out of place in an upmarket London interiors shop.

Tear yourself away from the pool or the fabulous, white-walled spa and the souks are a must-visit. A far cry from the UK’s homogenised high street, or the same old international chains in every capital city, the Medina really is a place to find one-of-a kind-treasures and yes, bargains. Carpets are a nobrainer and most reputable sellers are

¢ Royal Palm Marrakech Three nights in a Junior Suite on a B&B basis, Economy Class flights and private hotel transfers from £856 per person sharing.

Call Beachcomber on 01483 445685 or visit beachcombertours.co.uk

51 CHIS_March16_Marrakech.indd 51

able to ship the bulky rolls to save you lugging them around all day or adding extra kilos to your baggage allowance. It is a shopping experience like no other, sipping mint tea while enthusiastic vendors gabble in a mixture of French and English and unfurl countless rugs of all hues and sizes. Two other items that are worth the haggling are leather bags and Berber silver, but to find the real gems you have to truly surrender to the souks and go deep into the winding maze of shopfronts and stalls. Every so often you may find yourself walking in Carrie Bradshaw’s stilettos as you meander down the alleyways they filmed for Sex and the City 2. Those looking for refreshment can find it on the terrace of Café Arabe, which looks out over the rooftops of the Medina and is one of the few places in that quarter to serve alcoholic drinks. Seven hours fly by in a blur but it can be as exhausting as it is exhilarating. At the end of the day, the best feeling is knowing you can wash off the dust and dirt in your giant bathtub before heading to the bar for a cocktail, taking it out onto the terrace and listening to the strains of a live band floating through the air. A perfect ride on the Marrakech Express. ◆

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:03

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION CHEWTON GLEN.indd 2

09/11/2015 13:08

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION

WIN a 5 star two night stay at Chewton Glen Absolutely are offering readers a two night mini break in one of the UK’s finest hotels, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, courtesy of luxury hotel group Relais & Chateaux.

To win a break in the luxury Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa on the edge of the historic New Forest National Park, Hampshire, go to

www.absolutely.london and fill out the short readership survey.

Terms and conditions apply.

ABSOLUTELY COMPETITION CHEWTON GLEN.indd 3

09/11/2015 13:08

Light up your world We offer consultation for planning the perfect setting throughout your home with light!

Crystal | Traditional | Bathroom | Kitchen, Contemporary & Outdoor Lighting

63 Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 6EA Tel. 01322 555 306 info@exclusivelighting.co.uk

www.ExclusiveLighting.co.uk

EX LIGHTING.MARCH.indd 1

26/02/2016 11:53

The Rug Shop from Greenwich Market is back

Kilim Shop

Rug Cleaning & Repairs GIVE US A CALL! Freephone 0330 66 000 56 Unit 18, New Lydenburg Street, London SE7 8NF KILIM SHOP NOV.02.indd 1

_DUL_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 7

www.kilimshop.co.uk 29/10/2015 09:35

01/03/2016 09:17

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE HOUSE

T

hese original farm buildings have been converted into six beautiful holiday cottages, named after their original functions. So we are in the Cart Shed, a spacious twobedroom conversion with a rustic luxe feel. With lots of wood and exposed brick, it retains something of its barn roots while adding all the comforts you could ask for – a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable outsize sofas, a huge television and excellent showers and beds. Best of all, there’s a heated outdoor swimming pool shared by the six cottages, located in a suntrap of a spot accessed from the back door. Everything is comfortable, stylish and well considered. ◆

THE SITE

DURDLE DOOR HOLIDAY COTTAGES L u lwo r t h , D o r s e t

A

rrive at night and open the curtains in the morning for surprise views of the sea, just visible across a rolling landscape. This is the Jurassic coast, one of the UK’s most beautiful spots and a World Heritage site. Durdle Door itself is a much-photographed natural limestone arch, worth the fairly steep descent to the beach. The coastal path is a few minutes’ walk from the cottage – follow it all the way to Lulworth Cove and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the coastline. ◆

Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

WHAT TO DO

T

he six cottages share a private outdoor pool that’s a delight on a sunny day. There’s also a communal games room for guests, though unless you’re here in deepest winter there’s really no need. With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on your doorstep, there’s no shortage of activities. Walk the path (admiring the views) to Lulworth where there’s a Heritage Centre focusing on local wildlife and geology. Or drive to Lulworth Castle and Park, a partly ruined early 17th century estate that offers fantastic views from its towers and lots of games on the lawn for children. ◆

WHERE TO EAT

B

uy your own fish from Lulworth’s Cove Fish shop, or visit the Weld Arms pub near the castle for local scallops and home-smoked cod. The Lulworth Cove Inn has good fish and chips and a lovely garden. ◆

THE DAMAGE Three-night weekends in the Cart Shed (two bedrooms; sleeps five) start at £386 in low season, rising to £988 in high season.

Durdle Door Holiday Cottages, Lulworth, Dorset durdledoorholidaycottages.com

55 C&A_FEB15_UK_Getaway.indd 55

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:06

DINING LIVING OFFICE

London & Surrey

KITCHENS

020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810

BEDROOMS

www.wharfside.co.uk

WHARFSIDE MARCH.indd 1 Absolutely Magazine March 2016.indd 1

27/01/2016 26/01/2016 15:26 16:37

‘DREER’S LARGE FLOWERING’ CHROMOLITHOGRAPH FROM DREER’S GARDEN BOOK, SEVENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL EDTION, 1912

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS: CONCRETE IN THE HOME

p. 58

BRIGHT IDEAS

p. 61

FLOWER POWER Spring has sprung with this blossoming collaboration between Surface View and the New York Botanical Garden. The new collection of bold botanicals brings to life horticultural artworks from the Rare Book Collections of the iconic living museum’s Mertz Library.

Mural from £60 per square metre; surfaceview.co.uk

57 Chis_MAR16_interior_Opener.indd 57

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:08

10 of the best:

the coNcrete edition

Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

SCP

Shaving Soap in Concrete Cup; £48.95, scp.co.uk

HOLLY’S HOUSE

Porthos Concrete Vase; £22, hollys-house.com

editor’s

PICK IITTALA

Leimu Lamp; from £495, cloudberryliving.co.uk

Spring Refresh

COPENHAGEN

Loudspeaker in Pebble, £549; dosouthshop.com

PLANT AND MOSS

Akita Tape Dispenser; £120, plantandmoss.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_MAR_16_Interior_Insp_.indd 58

Keep Interior D esign If you feel your home needs updating but can't quite bring yourself to say goodbye to your favourite chair or sofa why not reupholster?

This room was totally transformed by Keep Interior Design giving the client a totally bespoke look by refreshing existing pieces. keepinteriordesign.co.uk

58 29/02/2016 17:10

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES editor’s

PICK

MENU

Concrete Pendant Lamp, menu.as

LIGHT MY FIRE Install My Fireplace Are you thinking about installing a new fireplace or stove? Perhaps you are looking to bring some new life to your current fireplace or stove? Our specialists are at hand to walk you through a wide range of options offering you a end to end solution.

0800 211 8627, 07447 925519; installmyfireplace.co.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Do South With designer accessories, one-off finds and beautifully restored vintage items, The Do South Shop is our first port of call this Mother’s Day. This blush pink Helsinki loudspeaker (£299) in particular is at the top of our list!

2 Westow Street, SE19 3AH dosouthshop.com

URBI ET ORBI

Globus 280 Pendant Lamp; From £160; clippings.com

FUTURE AND FOUND Willmann Vase, £70; futureandfound.com

DIY JOY

must

D o i t Yo u r s e l f

by Thomas Bärnthaler This new book seeks to redefine DIY for the flat-pack generation.

With the intention to inspire, the clear instructions and handdrawn step-by-step illustrations make it wonderfully easy to assemble items like this Flying Shelf by Matteo Thun. £19.95, uk.phaidon.com

HAVE

PASINGA

Dodecahedron Tillandsia Planter, From £15.99, pasinga.com

INSIDE STORY

Ogle Combining their wealth of experience and talent Richard Olley and James King bring Ogle's stunning kitchens, bathrooms and stonework to the world as they open their first design-led retail showroom. Already multiple award finalists, their first retail showroom is located in New Eltham.

737 Sidcup Road, SE9 3SA 020 8850 1188; ogle.co.uk

59 CHIS_MAR_16_Interior_Insp_.indd 59

MENU

JWDA Concrete Lamp, £120, goodhoodstore.com

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:10

THE SASH GUY www.thesashguy.co.uk

Complete box sashes double or single glazed made and fitted Sash replacements Draughtproofing and renovations Conversions - UPVC back to wood Locally recommended - references available

Beautiful functional outside spaces designed for use all year round. Call for a consultancy.

Small repairs undertaken

Quote Absolutely for a 10% discount on the design fee.

Competitive pricing www.tabithatarling.co.uk

Call 07701 095 993 for a free quote.

07811 169 636 tabithagarden@gmail.com

TABITHA TARLING.indd 1

25/02/2016 10:30 SASH GUY.indd 1

26/01/2016 16:20

www.keepinteriordesign.co.uk ď ˇ info@keepinteriordesign.co.uk

KEEP INTERIOR.indd 1

_DUL_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 8

16/02/2016 14:22

01/03/2016 09:18

HOMES & INTERIORS / INSPIRATION HERMÈS

‘Lampe de travail’, £6,010; hermes.com

HABITAT

GIORGIO ZANELLATO

HECTOR FINCH

‘Sira’ rattan oversized shade, £70; habitat.co.uk

‘Mirage’ lights, POA; gallerialuisdellepiane.it

‘Giacomo Amber Glass Table Lamp’, £1049.40; hectorfinch.com

HOLLY HUNT

‘Compass floor lamp’ with silk shade, £7,050; hollyhunt.com

INES COLE

‘Z1 Light’, £325; inescole.com

POOL

‘Calée’ lamps, from €289; poolhouse.eu

SABINE MARCELIS

‘Voie’ light series, prices vary; sabinemarcelis.com

FOSCARINI

‘Binic’ table lamp, £117 each, by Ionna Vautrin; aram.co.uk

BUSTER + PUNCH

busterandpunch.com

BRIGHT IDEAS

THE LIGHTING STORE

‘Laser Light’, £145; thelightingstore.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE LIGHTING

Adeline Chandelier, £265; exclusivelighting.co.uk

We’re carrying a torch for these shining lights

ROLL & HILL

By jessica klingelfuss

CHRISTOPHER JENNER ‘The Light House’ crystal table lamp, £2,000; mintshop.co.uk

THE APARTMENT

‘Gino Sarfatti Wall Light’, €1,270; theapartment.dk

61 CHIS_March16_IntProdV3.indd 61

‘Agnes Cascade Chandelier – 20 light’, £16,800, by Lindsey Adelman; scp.co.uk

MARCH 2016

02/03/2016 11:43

RG_MAR.indd 1

22/02/2016 14:53

HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENS

Box Fresh Gardening is full of health benefits and Katie Gilbert is on a mission to get urbanites interested Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

E

veryone knows that gardening is good for you. The benefits of nurturing plants and getting your hands dirty range from boosting your immune system and fitness levels to improving your relationships, your mental health and your general mood.

But many Londoners, even those with outside space, are lacking in basic plant literacy. You might want to look out of your window at an attractive space full of greenery but how to achieve it?

Londoner Katie Gilbert’s doctorate in psychology and interest in the positive power of gardening have led her to launch BloomBox Club, a scheme designed to kickstart gardening habits in the uninitiated. The idea incorporates a delivery service along the lines of a vegetable box but with plants, alongside a series of gardening workshops infused with the idea of mindfulness. Sign up to the club and you’ll receive a delivery

of seasonal plants – the bloom box – containing shrubs, bedding, bulbs and soil along with comprehensive instructions on how to maintain them in the form of well-designed plant care cards, an informative website and even a dedicated app. The boxes promise to bring instant beauty to their surroundings and inspire a new interest. ‘At BloomBox we know that gardening is good for the soul. We take great pride in raising awareness of the health benefits, both physical and emotional, that gardening can have on our wellbeing,’ says Gilbert.

Because really it is wellbeing that is at the heart of the scheme. Gilbert has devised a schedule of Mindful Gardening workshops to take place at St Mary’s Secret Garden in Hackney, where she leads participants in introductory

GARDENING is good for THE SOUL. WE TAKE GREAT pride in raising awareness OF THE BENEFITS that GARDENING can have on our WELLBEING

meditation sessions and a discussion of mindfulness concepts before taking an exercise in getting your hands dirty and creating a Japanese moss ball Kokedama. ‘Being outside, undertaking manual work and being present with the environment around you is a gentle, peaceful and self-giving exercise,’ explains Gilbert.

Bloombox delivers four plant boxes a year to those who sign up to the Four Seasons Package as well as one-off gift boxes, edible boxes and individual seasons boxes. All plants are grown by a dedicated Royal Horticultural Society grower and designed to look good together, while each selection will build on the previous one to build a whole garden in time. Tempted? There’s still time to order the Mother’s Day gift box as a taster. ◆ bloomboxclub.com

63 C&A_MARCH16_BLOOMBOX.indd 63

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:22

Open Day Sat 12 Mar 10am - 12.30pm Friday tours twice a month 9.30am - 11am book with school office

Children learning piano perform better academically in school

“..there is much outstanding teaching which results in enthusiastic learning and high standards”

We want to help you give your child the advantage

Great pianos, great deals, great service

CALL JULIAN ON 020 3645 3930 FOR MORE INFORMATION JULIAN@PIANOLOBBY.CO.UK

SIS Inspection 2014

WWW.PIANOLOBBY.CO.UK

PIANO LOBBY SEPT.02.indd 1

Kindergarten, Lower & Middle School Woodlands,90 Mycenae Road Blackheath London, SE3 7SE tel: 020 8858 4404 email: admin@greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk www.greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk

27/08/2015 16:57

BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE

To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Harrison: admissions@theprep.org.uk • 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13

CHALLENGE • CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY

_DUL_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 9

01/03/2016 09:18

> SMALL TALK

p. 67

AMANDA CONSTANCE: INTO THE WOODS

p.69

MA CHÉRIE Jacadi returns with an SS16 collection to covet. Classic designs have been given a contemporary twist and are inspired by the brand’s heritage archive as well as the ‘French holiday’. Perfect for summer occasions and weddings. jacadi.co.uk

65 CHIS_MARCH16_Kids_Opener.indd 65

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:17

zest ad Feb 2016:Layout 1

20/2/16

15:37

Page 1

Independent co-ed pre-prep & pre-school 3–7 years . Founded 1976 . Member ISA Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Inquisitive, for life

Inspiring Brilliant Futures

Open Mornings Tuesday 8th March 9.30 - 11.00 Tuesday 14th June 9.30 - 11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

ROSEMEAD PREP.indd 1

22/02/2016 09:47

What makes us different is the difference we make

School bus service from the Dulwich/Herne Hill & Streatham/ Clapham areas

Parents considering September 2016 Kindergarten or Pre-Reception admission should register as soon as possible. Tours available by appointment.

Open Events for 2017 entry

Main entry at 2+, 3+ and 4+.

Thursday 10 March 9.30 - 11am Wednesday 29 June 6.30pm - 8pm (including D’Art exhibition)

Pre-Prep & Prep

Wednesday 16 March 9.30 - 11am

Senior & Sixth Form

We look forward to meeting you!

W www.hernehillschool.co.uk.

E enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk T 020 7274 6336

_DUL_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 10

The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London SE24 9LY

Please see our website for details of further Open Events and Taster Sessions.

15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

SYDENHAM.indd 1

020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net

10/02/2016 09:45 01/03/2016 09:19

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

Shelf LIFE

ANIMAL INSTINCT

The Animals Observatory The new fashion brand from design talent Laia Aguilar (formerly of Bobo Choses) and entrepreneur Jan Andreu has launched. Channelling the ‘animal world’ as seen through a child’s eyes, the debut collection is inspired by the films of Jacques Tati and Aguilar’s own illustrations. en.smallable.com

PICK YOUR POISON Au t h o r L AUREN CHILD

SMALL TALK

Cute tights, illustrated animals and local education news & reviews by Jerome Monahan

MUSICAL MAYHEM

B onus Pastor Catholic College

There was a tale of deadly rivalry and the ruthless pursuit of power at one Lewisham School this week, as remorceless gang-leaders engaged in turf wars coating anyone in their way with foam. For two nights the main school hall was packed with parents and pupils enjoying the school’s production of Bugsy Malone. Splurge-tastic!

Pick Your Poison Harper Collins, £12.99; harpercollins.co.uk

TIGHTS PLEASE

TECHNO SAVY

Braveling  Specialising in imaginative threads for happy legs, Braveling’s new Cheeky Grin tights have got us weak at the knees. Designed in London and manufactured in Europe, they are ideal for mischief-makers (who, me?

It couldn’t be!) and gifting and come beautifully packaged. ◆ £16; tippytoeskids.co.uk

Sydenham School  The school has recently been unveiled as one of only 20 Microsoft Showcase Schools in the UK. It joins the list of just 600 schools worldwide to have been afforded this impressive accolade, which reflects Sydenham’s ambitious and innovative use of technology. ◆

67 CHIS_Mar16_Kids_Notes_.indd 67

F

ans of Lauren Child’s 13-year-old spy will greet this new outing for their hero with mixed emotions. There’ll be joy at this her latest adventure, full of characteristic twists and turns, and packed with codes to crack, but there may be some dismay too given this is officially the penultimate outing for Ruby in the six-book series.

The opening pages describing Ruby’s encounter as a child with a rattlesnake is thrilling and the pace does not let up as she tackles a colourful assortment of baddies, with the threat of betrayal ever-present. ◆

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 17:15

PUTTING GIRLS FIRST Open Morning 8 March and ‘Into Senior School’ Taster Events in June Check website for full details

INSPIRATION, CURIOSITY, DISTINCTION

Junior School: info@blj.gdst.net 020 8852 1537

BLACKHEATH HIGH.indd 1 Blackheath_297hx210w.indd 1 MARCH 2016 issue Absolutely

Senior School: info@bla.gdst.net 020 8853 2929

@blackheathhigh blackheathhighschool www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

26/02/2016 09:22 09:13

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Into the woods Nurseries with forest schools are becoming popular with London parents who want their children to go wild in the country Wo r d s A M a n d a C o n s ta n c e

W

hat do you do when it’s pouring with rain? I ask Leanna Barrett, the founder of London’s first full time outdoor nursery for 2-5year olds. “We put our hoods up,” she replies. “The children love to play in the water when it rains.” Welcome to forest schooling – a Scandinavian import that has become increasingly popular in primary and nursery schools across the UK – and now catching on in London.

The ethos behind forest schooling is to get children outside, in all weathers, ideally in woodland, where they can learn and gain confidence through hands-on experience, interacting with nature in an ever-changing environment.

The first UK forest school was set up in 1993 by a team from Bridgewater College in Somerset. Inspired by a field trip to some Danish nurseries, they employed the principles of an outdoor focused, child-centered and play-based approach in their own school and were stunned by the way in which the children blossomed in confidence and creativity.

Carol Evelegh, founder of The Kindergartens, a group of London nursery schools for two to five year-olds, says forest schooling has amazing benefits for children’s confidence and self-belief. “It’s fascinating to watch the slightly more cautious kids – you get them out there and they are so much more confident,” she says.

Every child in her nurseries goes to Wimbledon Common at least once a fortnight for a morning of forest school.

Lessons are planned, just as they would be indoors, but it’s a “very broad plan,” says Evelegh. Once on the common, “we follow the children,” says Evelegh.

“It’s very open-ended, we could be

THE CHILDREN

are outside, in WATERPROOFS, from 9am to 4pm

whittling magic story wands or making mud pies in the stream."

Evelegh says the natural environment has a marked effect on children. “It brings a natural calm to them”, she says. “They discuss new things, they problem solve, they work in teams and they are free to take risks.” Boisterous boys, in particular, “are very different” outside the formal boundaries of the classroom, she says.

“They enter a magical, changing world and their focus is amazing.”

Evelegh says some parents were worried at first, that their darling would be too cold or too wet, but on witnessing the change in their children, their enthusiasm and sense of pride in their achievements, they are now as hooked on the idea as their children are.

Leanna Barrett grew up in Wales, rock-climbing in the Brecon Beacons.

69 CHIS_MAR16_Education.indd 69

Her husband James is Australian. They met when they both worked at the luxury wilderness safari lodge, Jack’s Camp, in Botswana. They are outdoors folk, to put it mildly, so when they had their first child, Ella, four years ago, Leanna and James felt so strongly about her being able to run freely outdoors that they started a full-time forest nursery for her.

Little Forest Folk opened on Wimbledon Common with ten children in January last year. There are now 129 children who come for up to five days a week at the nursery (there’s a maximum number of 30 per day). The children are outside, on a three and a half hectare site, warm and dry in special waterproofs from Sweden, from 9am till 4pm and inside a geodesic dome (think the Eden project) at either ends of the day to help parents with pick-ups. The nursery has been so popular that Barrett and her husband James are opening two more nurseries in Wandsworth and Chiswick in April this year.

Leanna is adamant that the children have “total freedom” on the secure site.

Specially trained teachers follow even the youngers ones at a distance, “it’s amazing how quickly they learn how to risk assess for themselves,” she says. “We don’t teach them, we help them to learn,” she says.

Children are encouraged to explore and get muddy and learning is “by accident”, says Leanna, “the key to good teaching”.

Forest schooling has obviously struck a chord with London parents. Why? “Because it gives them the childhood they deserve,” says Leanna. “The children can play freely with nature. It helps with their confidence and resilience.

They are happy; we see it every day.

It is how they should be.” ◆ littleforestfolk.com thekindergartens.com

MARCH 2016

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PROPERTY NEWS p.80 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p.86 DREAM DEVELOPMENTS p.92

BERRYFIELD CLOSE BR1

£1,750,000

uilt in 1985 is this superb and spacious five bedroom, five en suite detached house situated behind electric gates in a quiet cul de sac.

This well designed family home is located within Bullers Wood catchment and equidistance to both Chislehurst and Bickley stations. This spacious family home is bright and airy and boasts a stunning kitchen/ diner and five en-suite bathrooms. B

CHISLEHURST

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020 3792 4488

kfh.co.uk

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 18:46

Completely at home in South East London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block and Estate Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience and more than 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated South East London branches include • Chislehurst • Blackheath • Lee • Bromley • West Wickham • Catford

KFH B/G.indd 1 adverts.indd 1 03 March 16 Brand

24/02/2016 17:01 14:55 16/02/2016

Yester Road, Chislehurst BR7 OIEO £1,250,000 Chislehurst 020 8285 9900 chislehurst.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH B/G.indd 2

Set behind gates, this large family house is stunning throughout and provides over 2,200 sq ft of living space. This home offers four bedrooms and two large reception rooms, as well as an exceptionally large private rear garden.

Ideally situated within easy reach of Elmstead Woods station and Chislehurst High Street.

• • • • • • • •

Four large bedrooms Family bathroom plus one en suite Stoneham’s kitchen Two large reception rooms Electric gates and CCTV 120 ft garden Freehold EPC rating F

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Winn Road, Lee, SE12 Guide price £800,000 Lee 020 8857 9494 lee.sales@kfh.co.uk

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This beautiful four bedroom semi detached house offers four good sized bedrooms, a large well equipped kitchen and a stunning landscaped garden.

Boasting an in/out driveway for four cars, as well as a private garage, this property is located half a mile from Lee mainline station, providing access to London in 12 minutes.

• • • • • •

Four bedrooms Two bathrooms Driveway and garage Large landscaped garden Freehold EPC rating E

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Copse Avenue, West Wickham, BR4 £795,000

A beautiful three double bedroom detached house offering two reception rooms, large kitchen, a garden in excess of 100 ft and a double length garage.

• • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Two reception rooms Large kitchen Conservatory Double length garage Freehold EPC rating E

West Wickham 020 8777 2381 westwickham.sales@kfh.co.uk

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Thyme Close, Blackheath, SE3 £1,300 pcm

A ground floor two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, separate kitchen and neutral décor throughout. This property is situated within a modern development, close to transport links.

• • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Spacious reception Separate kitchen Off street parking Furnished

Blackheath 020 8297 0181 blackheath.lettings@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Ashfield Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 £3,800 pcm Bromley 020 8464 5353 bromley.lettings@kfh.co.uk

Stunning three storey detached home with attractive terrace and private rear garden. Offering six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two reception rooms, as well as a study and utility room, this home offers an abundance of space. This property is situated close to Chislehurst ponds and the High Street.

• • • • • • • •

Six bedrooms Six bathrooms Utility room Study Dressing room Garage and driveway parking Garden and two terraces Unfurnished

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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New homes and developments.

Using our network of more than 50 branches across the Capital, our specialist teams can find the right new build property for you. To see all our new homes and developments for sale visit kfh.co.uk/new-homes-properties

Albemarle Place, Beckenham, BR3 Prices from ÂŁ480,000 A high class development of just nine spacious two bedroom, top quality apartments by a local bespoke builder. Situated within a mile of Beckenham town centre, the local area is well served by numerous parks, leisure centres and golf courses. Two reserved off plan already. Leasehold.

Land and New Homes 020 3486 2250 newhomesse@kfh.co.uk

(Computer generated image)

Meridian Mews, Hither Green, SE13 Guide price from ÂŁ725,000 An exclusive gated collection of seven townhouses located near Hither Green station. The development is well served by reputable schools, local shops, supermarkets, three parks and nearby Blackheath. Launching off plan now for Spring 2016 completion. Freehold.

Land and New Homes 020 3486 2250 newhomesse@kfh.co.uk

(Computer generated image)

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PROPERTY ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area

GLENLUCE ROAD, SE3 £1,275,000

HOUSE HUNTING

MOST SATISFYING TRANSACTION

FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Every transaction is equally satisfying, but the most satisfying of all is when first time buyers collect the keys for their first home. Seeing their excitement never fails to put a smile on my face and it is incredibly rewarding.

Glenluce Road SE3, £1,275,000. A stunning Victorian semi-detached four bedroom house offering ample space for a family looking to live on a fantastic tree-lined residential street.

This will be an ideal forever home for anyone looking to put down their roots in the area, and wanting to benefit from the many outstanding nearby schools such as Invicta Primary and Halstow School. ◆

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTY

The most interesting property has to be a cottage on Shooters Hill. It was built c.

1850 and was the former dispensary for the Brook hospital, it's locally listed and has been converted in to a three bedroom dwelling.

MATTHEW WRIGHT

Branch Manager

John Payne Blackheath Standard, 020 8858 6101

johnpayne.com

John Payne

room and four reception rooms. Set behind gates with garaging and parking, this lovely home is also located just under a mile from Petts Wood Station Square and close to several excellent schools. ◆

F E AT U R E P R O P E R T Y

THE BEACON BR5

£1,6 95,000 he Beacon is a fine example of a detached family home built by the renowned builder, Noel Rees in the early 1930s. Occupying a

T

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THE MOST SATISFYING OF ALL IS WHEN FIRST TIME BUYERS COLLECT THE KEYS FOR THEIR FIRST HOME

generous corner plot of just under an acre that affords much privacy, the stylish accommodation includes five bedrooms with three bathrooms, a large kitchen/breakfast

Lang ford Russell Chislehurst, 020 8295 4900; langfordrussell.co.uk

80 29/02/2016 18:59

PROPERTY / NEWS NEWS NEWS

NEW OFFICE: EAST GREENWICH John Payne have opened a brand new office in East Greenwich

ESTAS

J

Absolutely sponsor unique agenc y awards, the ESTAS

ohn Payne Estate Agents, part of The Acorn Group, have opened a brand new office in East Greenwich, complementing existing offices in West Greenwich, Blackheath Village, Blackheath Standard and Lee. Sue Denny, Branch Manager of the new office said: “We’ve always served the residents of East Greenwich from our West Greenwich office so we already know the area inside out. The launch of this new office not only means we will be better able to serve the needs of local sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, but also those further afield who will benefit from the shared cross-brand marketing within the group.

"The new office isn’t just a result of increased residential growth in Greenwich, it’s also one of the biggest offices in the group because we’re also making it the new home of our John Payne property management team.”

To celebrate its opening, John Payne have also published an exciting publication called 'Best Kept Secrets', highlighting some of the best reasons to live and work in the area. Pop into the new office at 11-15 Woolwich Road to pick up a free copy. 

AG E N T O N D E S I G N

What can we expect from The Estas Awards this April? The Estas are now firmly established as one of the biggest awards in the UK residential property industry.

This April the awards will be held for the first time at the Grosvenor House Hotel. The country favourite TV property presenter Phil Spencer will once again host the ceremony in front of 1,000+ of the UK’s top property professionals.

What makes a strong candidate in the competition? No agency is going to enter The Estas unless excellent customer service is already ingrained as part of their business philosophy, so the awards really see the best agents for customer service in the UK. Winners are decided purely on ratings provided by customers when completing an online survey, so it’s a level playing field.

Any agency large or small can be successful. ◆

ANY AGENCY LARGE OR SMALL CAN BE SUCCESSFUL To find out more about The ESTAS and how your firm can get involved go to theestas.com

CHEVENING ROAD SE10

£1,050,000 his property, located in the Halstow school catchment area, has been beautifully presented in readiness for the market. It has been recently redecorated, including a full garden refurbishment. The current owners attention to detail is evident in every room, with sympathetic

enhancement of the period features, whilst still embracing the modern touches which are sought after by today’s buyer. The accommodation on offer is generous on every level. 

T

Graham Lawes

Director at JLL Blackheath and Greenwich, 020 8712

6596; jll.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

CHESTERTONS GREENWICH

NIMISH PATEL

• c h e st e r t o n s . c o m

LLOYD COLIN

ALEX BRITEZ

RICHARD SEWREY

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SALES

SENIOR NEGOTIATOR, SALES

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, LETTINGS

~ 0 20 8104 7500 ~

~ 0 20 8104 7500 ~

~ 0 20 8104 7510 ~

SENIOR NEGOTIATOR, LETTINGS ~ 0 20 8104 7510 ~

I have worked in the industry for 14 years and at Chestertons for eight. It has been an exciting project opening our newest office in Greenwich and Blackheath. Away from work you can usually see me cycling in the park with my family. ◆

I have a passion for property, people and cooking, which is quite a good combination in this job I would say; well perhaps not the cooking part, but it does help me to appreciate a good kitchen when I see one. ◆

Having done work experience in Estate Agency at an early age, my destiny was set in stone and after graduation I went straight into Agency and haven’t looked back since. Away from work, I often travel Europe on my motorbike. ◆

With over ten years experience in the property market, ranging from Edinburgh to London, I am currently enjoying bringing my experience to establishing the Chestertons brand in the Greenwich and Blackheath Lettings team. ◆

John Payne East Greenwich, 020 3846 1414; johnpayne.com

SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH EAST LONDON Average sales price

AVERAGE PRICES AND RENTAL VALUES BY PROPERTY TYPE – 2015

FLAT

Average rental value achieved - £ per week HOUSE

£348,256 £557,303

FLAT

£346

HOUSE

53.9% Data provided by LonRes

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MARCH 2016

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Eton Grove, London SE13 Price £1,350,000 Freehold A stunning end of terrace, four bedroom Victorian townhouse. Fully refurbished and beautifully presented throughout, the property also boasts an attractive rear garden.

› Four bedrooms › Three receptions › One bathrooms › EPC rating: D

Contact Blackheath Office on 020 8318 1311

Best Kept Secrets

Best Kept Secrets

Greenwich & Blackheath Edition

Get your free copy of our new magazine at johnpayne.com/bks or collect one from our new office at 11-15 Woolwich Road, SE10 0RA

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Maidenstone Hill, West Greenwich SE10 Price £1,000,000 Freehold Built c. 1840, this beautifully presented spacious Grade II listed family home has undergone full refurbishment by the current owners and is located a short walk from the Royal Park.

› Three bedrooms › Two receptions › Two bathrooms › EPC rating: E West Greenwich Office on 020 8858 9911

The Plaza, Vanbrugh Hill SE10 Guide £499,500 Leasehold

› Two bedrooms › One reception › One bathroom › EPC rating: E

A superb two double bedroom apartment with exceptional ceiling height, located in an impressive 1930s converted Cinema.

The Royal Park and historic Greenwich are nearby.

East Greenwich Office on 020 3846 1414

johnpayne.com

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Blackheath Village Blackheath Standard Greenwich (West) Greenwich (East) Lee

020 8318 1311 020 8858 6101 020 8858 9911 020 3846 1414 020 8852 8633

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Chelsfield Park BR6

£1,595,000 F/H

The Poplars is a substantial five double bedroom detached family residence set behind electric gates, enjoying privacy and seclusion within a two acre plot. The property is located close to the pretty village of Keston benefiting from beautiful lakes and local amenities.

Contact Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Bromley BR2

£1,225,000 F/H

Located just 0.5 miles from Bromley South Station is this stunning five double bedroom, double fronted period home.

• •

Five Double Bedrooms Close to Excellent Schools

Contact Bromley 020 8315 5544

• •

Carriage Driveway Energy Efficiency Rating E

• • • •

Five Double Bedrooms Two Acre Plot Electric Gates Energy Efficiency Rating C

Beckenham BR3

£1,295,000 F/H

Beautiful six bedroom three storey Victorian villa with many original features.

The property boasts a 128ft secluded rear garden and off-street parking.

• •

Six Bedrooms Three Bathrooms

• •

Original Period Features Energy Efficiency Rating E

Contact Beckenham 020 8663 4433

The Acorn Group, incorporating:

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Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

A member of

Petts Wood BR5

£1,695,000 F/H

A fine example of a detached family home built by the renowned builder Noel Rees in the early 1930s.

Situated just 1 mile from Petts Wood Station, the property comprises five double bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, and a large kitchen/breakfast room. ½ acre plot with space for extension.

Contact Chislehurst 020 8295 4900

West Wickham BR4

£1,550,000 F/H

The Old Rectory is without doubt one of the area’s finest Grade II listed homes. Built in the 17th Century with an abundance of original features.

• •

Six Double Bedrooms Four Reception Rooms

• •

Detached House Energy Efficiency Rating F

Contact West Wickham 020 8432 7373

• • • •

Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Orpington 01689 661 400 West Wickham 020 8432 7373

Five Double Bedrooms Four Reception Rooms 1/2 Acre Corner Plot Energy Efficiency Rating D

Orpington BR6

£835,000 F/H

Occupying one of Orpington’s most sought after locations is this elegant detached residence. A spacious family home boasting character and charm.

• •

Four Bedrooms Three Reception Rooms

• •

Contemporary Fitted Kitchen Energy Efficiency Rating E

Contact Orpington 01689 661 400

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS

LUKE BISHOP Director Wooster & Stock Photography

R E B ECCA N O O N A N

I

have always been interested in sales; my career began with selling, but not selling property.

Originally I was a Quantity Surveyor for London Underground who moved on to selling commercial print presses. It was here, on a sales call to Wooster & Stock where Mr Wooster noticed my skills in sales and encouraged me to move into property. I couldn’t turn down such a great opportunity, but I had never previously considered a career in estate agency. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. Fast forward ten years, and I’m now a Director of Wooster & Stock, lead valuer across the board and a qualified Building Surveyor.

Visiting stunning architecture and properties on a daily basis sparked an interest I didn’t realise I had and inspired me to pursue a degree as a Surveyor alongside estate agency.

Working with Wooster & Stock has really helped me to find my feet and carve out my career

PECKHAM AND CAMBERWELL HAVE THEIR OWN DISTINCT LOCAL FLAVOUR THAT RESIDENTS HAVE LOVED FOR YEARS

path. I am particularly partial to the Peckham, Camberwell and Nunhead areas, which used to be scoffed at, so it’s great to see popular local restaurants and hordes of trendy youths queuing to get into the Bussey Building on a Saturday night. It’s easy to christen it 'the new Shoreditch', but Peckham and Camberwell have their own distinct local flavour that residents have loved for years. You will also find some of the finest period property in London here, along with many a famous face; Erin O’Connor, Sir Ian McKellan, Peter O’Toole and Terry Jones to name a few.

Over the years, the company has grown at a steady rate. We

now have three offices covering the majority of south London.

Our Brixton office is well placed to catch both the Brixton and Clapham crowd, while our office in SE26 caters to families based across Sydenham, Forest Hill and Crystal Palace. We take pride of place in the old Woodman, one of the most iconic pubs in Sydenham - it’s filled with beautiful antiques which raise a few eyebrows from our visitors. Sydenham and Forest Hill are leafy areas attracting many families who are flocking to the area for the fantastic schools many of which have ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.

Myself and the team love working and living in south London – it’s rare to be an estate agent in such a thriving and diverse area. The area is awash with wonderful new restaurants and bistros too. After a busy day at the office, there’s nothing myself and my colleagues enjoy more than a pint in the Old Nun’s Head and down to Silk Road on Camberwell Green for a Chinese – if you know, you know. 

WOOSTER & STOCK / 020 7952 0595 / woosterstock.co.uk

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PROPERTY / PROFILE

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MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 18:43

Demand from Hamptons’ corporate tenants is changing.

You may be surprised to learn that, last year, 65% of all Hamptons’ corporate applicants rented 1 and 2 bedroom properties rather than large family homes.

This demand has come via our Corporate & Relocation Services Team, which works with an array of blue chip companies and top relocation agents to attract the very highest calibre tenants from across the globe.

The profile of these corporate tenants is changing, however, and growing demand for 1 and 2 bedroom properties has led to longer tenancy terms in 2015 (typically 18 months) in flats and houses of this size.

So, if you are thinking of letting a property which could satisfy this continuing demand, or acquiring a property locally for investment purposes, contact us today.

Hamptons Blackheath

46 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0BD Lettings. 020 3302 5508 blackheathlettings@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons Greenwich

191 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, London SE10 8JA Lettings. 020 3302 0718 greenwichlettings@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk Please dial in full. If you have already appointed another agent, you may be subject to a restrictive contract.

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Scawen St Josephs Road, Vale, SE8 SE3 £875,000 £800,000 Freehold Freehold A beautifully modern, semi-detached presented 4/5family bedroom townhouse.

VictorianEPC: house.

C EPC: D BlackheathSales Sales020 0203092 33055899 6488 Greenwich

Maidenstone Blackheath Village, Hill, SE10 SE3£825,000 £925,000Freehold Leasehold A Three beautifully bedroom presented apartment twoinbedroom the heartVictorian of Blackheath house.Village.

EPC: E EPC: C

Maze Heathfield Hill, SE10 House, 2,600,000 SE3 £2,000,000 FreeholdShare of Freehold A stunning simply stunning, five bedroom four bedroom detachedGeorgian house with conversion parking flat. and garden.

EPC: E EPC: D BlackheathSales Sales020 0203092 3305 5899 6488 Greenwich

Kidbrooke Cavatina Point, Gardens, SE8 £410,000 SE3 £1,695,000 Leasehold Freehold A stunning spacious one andbedroom unique five apartment bedroomwith family parking home.and EPC: balcony.

C EPC: B Greenwich Sales 020 6488 3092 5899 Blackheath 020 3305

Ashburnham Grove, SE10 £1,380,000 Lee Road, SE3 £1,150,000 Freehold Freehold A spaciousthree and characterful fourhouse. bedroom West Delightful bedroom coach EPC: E Greenwich house. EPC: D

King George Street, Vanbrugh Park, SE3 SE10 OIEO £1,250,000 £1,500,000 Freehold Share of Freehold beautifully presented four bedroom house withhouse. parking.

EPC: A rarely available five bedroom, three bathroom EPC: D C Greenwich Sales 020 6488 3092 5899 Blackheath 020 3305

Greenwich Sales 020 6488 3092 5899 Blackheath 020 3305

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

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BlackheathSales Sales020 0203092 3305 5899 6488 Greenwich

*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

24/02/2016 16:46

Thinking of moving out of London? We’re bringing the best properties to you.

THE

Roadshow

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH | 11AM - 3PM Join us for a comprehensive insight into where to move outside the capital.

Regional experts offering one to one advice | A wealth of locations and properties to peruse Entertainment for the children | Refreshments Battersea & Wandsworth 98-100 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW | Blackheath 46 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0BD Chiswick 48 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP | Earlsfield & Southfields 350 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ES Muswell Hill 256 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3SH For more details about the event or for a free market appraisal, please contact your local Hamptons branch or call 020 7265 6595

www.hamptons.co.uk Please dial in full. If you have already appointed another agent, you may be subject to a restrictive contract.

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SPONSORED BY

ARE YOU GETTING THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE? The ESTAS is a national customer service award scheme for estate & letting agents, mortgage brokers & conveyancers.

The ESTAS are unique because shortlisted and winning firms are selected purely on ratings from clients.

Companies registered with The ESTAS are committed to giving you the best possible service they can and whatever your experience, you’ll have the chance to complete a survey providing valuable feedback.

To find out more visit our website

theestas.com

SPONSORED BY

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PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

DREAM Developments

GREENWICH PENINSULA SE10

£450,000 Starting Price eople dream of living in a place where they P can create their own lifestyle. Greenwich Peninsula is a unique place in London where you can do just that.

The rebirth of this distinctive loop in the Thames is an island of possibility ripe for the 15,000 new homes that are planned in a neighbourhoods that brings together great architecture with light, space and a creative community.

The latest edition of apartments to launch is in the Upper Riverside district, a collection of 800 homes in five glass prisms overlooking the Thames. Designed by SOM, world leaders in highrise architecture, including the World Trade Centre and Burj Khalifa, the towers have distinctive stepped geometric exteriors. There are cascading roof terraces facing the Thames and glorious panoramic river views, capturing the sun rise in the east and the sun setting in the west. Interiors are defined by a light palette of natural oak timber, leathered stone, honed marble and pale lacquered cabinetry, or richer shades of grey timber flooring, slate and granite. ◆  Knight Dragon 020 3713 6153; greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

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SOUTH QUAY PLAZA  E14

£599,950

Starting Price erkeley Homes has launched the first B phase of South Quay Plaza, the UK’s tallest residential scheme, in the historical London Docklands. South Quay Plaza will bring a vibrant and sustainable waterside development to E14, creating London’s youngest landmark. The development is set to change the London skyline - the Foster + Partners designed landmark will include a 68 storey tower and a smaller 36 storey tower.

The development will total more than a million square feet

and deliver 888 residential properties, including 188 affordable homes, together with cafes, shops and restaurants. In keeping with its commitment to place making at South Quay Plaza, Berkeley Homes will generate over 1.6 acres of public space, including a new dockside promenade. The scheme will offer a selection of light and

spacious, studio, one, two, three bedroom apartments and penthouses. Each property has been carefully considered and meticulously designed to reflect the needs and requirements of modern urban living.   JLL South Quay Plaza Marketing Suite 020 3675 4400; jll.co.uk

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An impressive new release of contemporary 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments at London’s favourite village.

Prices from £420,000 - £900,000 AND we can make them even more affordable, thanks to the new London Help to Buy*

020 8305 2712 www.gmv.gb.com

Marketing Suite and Show Homes open every day 10am-5pm

*Subject to terms and conditions, please ask a Sales Consultant for more details.

STYLISH NEW HOMES IN GREENWICH

Greenwich Millennium Village is a joint venture between Countryside Properties and Taylor Wimpey in association with the Mayor of London.

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24/02/2016 23/02/2016 14:40 16:51

INTRODUCING THE CADOGAN A luxuriously classic lifestyle awaits you at London Square Hayes, BR2. In a gated, fully landscaped setting, fifteen elegant houses offer a choice of 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms.

The Cadogan is a stunning 5 bedroom detached family home with views across the landscaped gardens.

Featuring a large open plan kitchen/dining/family room at its heart, with bi-fold doors, which lead to the private garden, this home is perfect for entertaining. The Cadogan has been designed to a high specification throughout and benefits from a stunning feature fireplace and underfloor heating. Close to excellent local shops and amenities, and a choice of fast transport links to the City and beyond, this could be your perfect place to live.

THE CADOGAN PRICED AT ÂŁ1,350,000 THE LONDON SQUARE SALES SUITE AND SHOW HOMES OPEN DAILY 116 WEST COMMON ROAD, BR2 7AU

To arrange your exclusive appointment call 0333 666 2636

londonsquare.co.uk

Exterior photography depicts The Berkeley. Internal photography depicts The Fitzroy Show Home. Details and prices correct at time of going to press, March 2016.

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PROPERTY / PRICE COMPARISON £

NIGEL LEWIS

£1.35

PRICE BANDS

Million

What price to be near ‘outstanding’ secondary schools?

£780,000

RICHMOND

and buy a home, how much does it cost? We’ve cast around London to find four educational hotspots where some of the best secondary schools are to be found.

T

CHISWICK

£ 9 9 2 ,0 0 0 a ve r a ge he area has ten extremely good secondary schools including the much lauded Chiswick Community School, London Oratory and West London Free School, famously set up by writer Toby Young. And while Chiswick is a much sought-after property market, it’s secondary schools greatly increase its appeal.

Prices in the area are, consequently, high. On average detached house prices go for £1.8 million, semis for £1.7 million and terraces for £1.1 million. Don’t expect to see much change out of £550,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

T

I

t’s no wonder that many Londoners move out to the country when their children reach secondary school age.

The capital may be awash with decent state primary schools, but if you want a good education for your children in their later years then you’ve got a postcode battle on your hands. So it’s either pay for them to attend a private school or try and move into a catchment area of a decent secondary school.

Subterfuge is the third way.

Many agents report a brisk trade in rented accommodation as many parents try and secure an address within a catchment area. But many schools are getting wise to this and requiring multiple and much more robust proof of address. But if you’d prefer to take the legitimate route

01 A TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE BETWEEN MORTLAKE AND RICHMOND, £780,000. MARSH AND PARSONS, 020 8939 1770.

02 TWO BEDROOM FLAT WITHIN A NEW-BUILD DEVELOPMENT NEAR EAST FINCHLEY TUBE STATION. £1.35M. SAVILLS, 020 7472 5018.

03 FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHISWICK, £995,000 WITH FOXTONS, 020 8996 6000

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB

£ 1 . 3 9 m i l li o n a ve r a ge ampstead Garden Suburb has five state secondary schools (if you include one free school in East Finchley) but the undisputed star is The Henrietta Barnett School, which was judged to be the second best selective secondary school in the country last year by The Sunday Times, and was recently picked out by a Tatler survey too.

If you want to join this merry throng of education excellence, then you’re going to need to pay for the privilege. Hampstead Garden Suburb demands £2.4 million on average for a detached house, £1.22 million for a semi or terrace and £780,000 for a flat. ◆

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£995,000

RICHMOND SHOULD BE KNOWN AS A CENTRE FOR INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCELLENCE

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£ 78 8 ,0 0 0 a ve r a ge he borough has ten secondary schools with another in the pipeline. But in fact, Richmond should be known as a centre for independent secondary school excellence nationally with three in the top 100 (St Paul’s School, The Lady Eleanor Holles School and Hampton School).

The best state secondary schools are Grey Court School, Sir Richard Reynolds High Catholic and Waldegrave School, all of which have an Ofsted ‘outstanding’.

House prices in Richmond are noticeably more affordable than prime central London’s, but only just. Detached houses go for £1.2m on average followed by semis at £814,000 and terraces at £658,000.

Two bedroom flats go for £370,000.

MARCH 2016

29/02/2016 18:54

BENNETT PARK, BLACKHEATH SE3 ● ● ● ●

2 Bedrooms Period apartment Mezzanine study / bedroom En-suite bathroom

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Secure allocated parking Village location Approx. 0.1 mile to BR station Available immediately

£1,950 per calendar month Unfurnished For more information, call Sarah Kyriakides 020 3813 4879 or email sarah.kyriakides@eu.jll.com

8 Montpelier Vale Blackheath SE3 0TA

jll.co.uk/residential

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

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KIDBROOKE GROVE, BLACKHEATH SE3 ● ● ● ●

2 Double bedrooms Stunning period apartment Communal rear garden Modern fitted kitchen

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Great storage Village location Excellent transport links Available immediately

£2,600 per calendar month Unfurnished For more information, call Yasmin Forrester 020 3813 4879 or email yasmin.forrester@eu.jll.com

22 College Approach Greenwich SE10 9HY

jll.co.uk/residential

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

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ROAN STREET, GREENWICH SE10 ● ● ● ●

4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 3 Reception rooms Grade II listed house

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Off - street parking Beautifully presented Rear garden Approx. 0.4 mile to BR station

Guide price £1,700,000 Freehold For more information, call Graham Lawes 020 3733 7402 or email graham.lawes@eu.jll.com

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22 College Approach Greenwich SE10 9HY

jll.co.uk/residential

24/02/2016 14:49

GREENWICH SOUTH STREET, GREENWICH SE10 ● ● ● ●

3 Bedrooms 2 Reception rooms 2 Bathrooms Period house

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Through lounge Kitchen / diner Rear garden Approx. 0.2 mile to BR station

Guide price £1,200,000 Freehold For more information, call Graham Lawes 020 3733 7402 or email graham.lawes@eu.jll.com

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22 College Approach Greenwich SE10 9HY

jll.co.uk/residential

24/02/2016 14:49

A HOME WITH A VIEW...

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The Lodge

The Beckett

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S RE Regia House

Edgar House

Show home available to view by appointment A collection of 4 & 5 bedroom luxury homes set within a private gated development in Kemsing, Sevenoaks.

Phase 1 prices from ÂŁ999,995

purelake.co.uk

To book an appointment to view, please call:

01689 882 988 or visit acornnewhomes.co.uk

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Sat Nav Ref: TN15 6NN

24/02/2016 16:38