CITY & ANGEL FEBRUARY 2014

ABSOLUTELY

FEBRUARY 2014 £3.95

STYLECATION Holiday Wardrobe Inspiration

Rio Grand The beauty

Through the Wire Dalston’s Idris Elba on the road to playing Mandela

of Brazil

Have Love, Will Travel The Valentine’s Issue S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY FEB_COVERS.indd 1

14/01/2014 16:46

FULL PAGE.indd 2

08/03/2013 17:09

ABSOLUTELY

CONTENTS FE BRUARY

2014

05 EDITOR’S LETTER 06 WHAT’S ON

LOCAL

08 DALSTON SUPERSTAR Idris Elba: Being Mandela

12 LOVE INN

Where to eat, stat and love this Valentine’s Day

STYLE

18 UNDERCOVER LOVER Lacy, racy boudoir belle

25 HAPPY FEET

Rachael Laine on the virtues of Salt Water Sandals

27 HOLIDAY WISHLISTS Insider vacation essentials

FOOD

45 HOT TABLES

Top ten dinner destinations

46 WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

Recipes from the cocktail king, Tristan Stephenson

TRAVEL

58 HOME FROM HOME

Alex Jones on why she’d move to Bermuda

60 THE BEAUTY SPOT

Edwina Langley falls under Rio’s spell

Find us online @zest-media.com

CONTENTS.indd 3

13/01/2014 11:35

HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?

Trade in your old TV and save up to

£1,300*

LUXURIOUSLY SIMPLE WITH BEOVISION 11 Bang & Olufsen of Islington 272 Upper Street London N1 2UQ 020 7226 3322 * Offer valid until 16th Feb 2014, includes BeoVision 11-40, 46” and 55”.

Trade-in value depending on the size of BeoVision 11 purchased. Up to £850 for BeoVision 11-40 or up to £1,300 for BeoVision 11-46 and 55”.

BeoVision 11 RRP from £5,250. At participating stores only. E&OE

BANG&OLUF_C&A.indd 2

islington@bang-olufsen.co.uk

Bang & Olufsen of Islington - BeoVision 11 Trade In Offer (Produced 07 Nov 2013) - Place at 100% (210 x 297mm + 3mm Bleed)

10/01/2014 14:14

ABSOLUTELY EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL INTERNS PROPERTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR ART DIRECTOR

HELEN BARON CATHERINE HALES ELLIE RICHARDS HUGO HUNTER GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY RAY SEARLE

PRODUCTION MANAGER

STEWART HYDE

EDITORIAL DESIGNER

ANDREW MAVIN

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER

GEMMA ISTEED

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

TAHIR KAPUCU

ARTWORKER

EKREM YILMAZ

JUNIOR DESIGNER

EDWARD TAYLOR REBECCA NOONAN

PRODUCTION CONTROLLER PHOTOGRAPHERS NORTH & CENTRAL ADVERTISING MANAGER ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR

CHRISTINE MANN GEORGE RAMSAY KRISTIAN LIBETTA TOLGA SAYLAN ALEXANDRA HUNTER

PROPERTY DIRECTOR

ANDY ELMER

PROPERTY MANAGER

EMILY SAUNDERSON

FINANCE MANAGER

MARIANNE MCFADDEN

FINANCE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HVID

MARKETING MANAGER DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

LEAH DAY GREG HUGHES SHERIF SHALTOUT

For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

Subscriptions are available simply by emailing clarissa@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.

ZEST MEDIA LONDON 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London 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 London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. www.zest-media.com

FLANNEL_PANEL.indd 4

EDITOR’S let ter

B

FEBRUARY 2014

y the time February rolls around, I’ve usually had it. It’s likely been a long winter (and this year, a seeming eternity since last year’s long-awaited ‘summer of sun’).

Sick of the freezing winds and perennial grey skies, and with the cosier, Christmassy part of winter long since stamped out, February’s only redeeming feature seems to be its length… and even then, 28 days seems way too long.

It can’t be all doom and gloom though, and to that end we’re prescribing a winter sun escape – a shot of vitamin D to the system and some warm rays to thaw those stiff and achy bones. Luckily for you, this issue celebrates travel, as Edwina Langley heads off to Rio – contender for coolest city in the world – while Alexandra Jones lifts the lid on Bermuda, tropical tax haven and home to the world’s most famous triangle. Not your average holiday destinations, then.

Of course, this month also means Valentine’s Day – though whether that tempers or exacerbates the February blues may depend on your situation. At any rate, we’ve compiled a guide to our current favourite hotel/restaurant combos in case you’re looking to take a luxury staycation. And if you’re simply looking for a table that will impress a hot date (gents, take note), we’ve dispatched our roving reporter Beth Evans to round up the ten best, most buzzing restaurants to try ASAP... before another ten pop up and the list of must-visit local hotspots grows even longer.

Have a great month.

Helen Baron, Editor

TWEET ME @absolutelyedhel Email: helen.baron@zest-media.com Follow us on Twitter @Absolutely_Mags Facebook ‘Absolutely Magazines’

ON THE COVERS:

City & Angel, East & Borough & Docklands: Stella Jean; stellajean.it

13/01/2014 14:52

WHAT’S ON

DON’T MISS



PRIVATE LIVES

HOLLOWAY ODEON 2 FEBRUARY

One of the most famous plays in Noel Coward’s canon, Private Lives tells the story of two people with a lot in common: wealth, recklessness and a hearty disliking for each other. Divorcees Elyot and Amanda have been separated for five years until the are reunited by chance on the balconies of their adjoining hotel rooms on the Riviera whilst honeymooning with their new spouses - as one can imagine, chaos ensues. This acclaimed production of Coward’s classic stars Anna Chancellor and Toby Stephens and is now showing at your local cinema.

CITY OF LONDON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL THE TOWER HOTEL 2 FEBRUARY

Returning after an immensely popular inaugural event last year, the Dollshouse Festival unites some of the world’s finest craftsmen dedicated to creating period and contemporary furniture, glassware, china, silverware and ceramics all in miniature as well as dolls, pets, lighting and appliances.

Notable exhibitors will include Dateman Books, Lucy Askew, Anglia Dolls Houses and Carol Cook.

St Katherine’s Way, E1; dollshousefestival.co.uk

419-427 Holloway Road, N7; odeon.co.uk

ANNA CALVI THE TROXY 8 FEBRUARY

One of music’s worst kept secrets, Anna Calvi garnered critical acclaim with her Mercury and Brit nominated album Anna Calvi and shows no sign of slowing down. One Breath, Calvi’s newest release, promises to be a more intimate record than its predecessor with the singer herself describing it as ‘the moment before you’ve got to open yourself up, and it’s about how terrifying that is. It’s scary and it’s thrilling. It’s also full of hope, because whatever has to happen hasn’t happened yet.’ Catch the sultry songstress at Whitechapel venue The Troxy.

490 Commercial Road, E1; eatyourownears.com

THE DUCHESS OF MALFI SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE UNTIL 16 FEBRUARY

The Globe’s new production of Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi sees rising star of the silver screen Gemma Arterton in the title role, returning to the theatre where she made her professional stage debut in 2007. Described as the ‘most intimate’ of Jacobean tragedies, the play tells the story of a widowed duchess who longs to marry her lover, the steward Antonio, against the wishes of her scheming brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal. When a spy discovers that the duchess is carrying the lowly Antonio’s child, the ruthless pair move swiftly to exact a shocking revenge...

21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1; shakespearesglobe.com

6

WHAT'S_ON.C&A.2.indd 8

13/01/2014 16:17

F E B R U A R Y

BOOK REVIEW

REVIEW

THE NEWS: A USER’S MANUAL

by ALAIN DE BOTTON

The scandal of the ongoing Leveson Inquiry forced us all to evaluate and question the sometimes underhand methods of journalists, and reaffirmed the cliche that not everything we read should be taken as gospel. Despite this, the social importance and authority of the news in contemporary society is ever prevalent. It is this topic that influential writer, philosopher and founder of the School of Life Alain de Botton has explored in his new book, The News: A User’s Manual – an eye-opening and intriguing illustrated guide to the precautions we should take when we read the news.

Published 6 February, £18.99; Penguin

THE COAT ROUTE

by MEG LUKENS NOONAN

EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES

NATIONAL THEATRE A German children’s novella set in 1930s Berlin may not be an obvious choice for the National Theatre’s newest family show, but Emil and the Detectives works better on stage than you would ever imagine. It’s a small story that takes in a number of elements that lend themselves perfectly to theatre: a classic villain, an innocent young boy, a big group of children and pre-war Berlin. And in the vast space of the Olivier it’s an impressive performance, memorable for its choreography and sheer visual impact.

In many ways it’s the city that’s the real star of the show, evoked through a minimalist, angular set and a series of expressionist, Metropolis-style projections plus a choreography of lampposts, umbrellas and men in suits. There’s a clever sewer scene, an

impressive tram ride and a buzzing newsroom, all generating the aesthetic of a busy capital that appears threatening to newlyarrived, 10 year-old Emil, who has been robbed of his precious 140 marks on the train from provincial Neustadt. The child actors put on a fantastic performance, particularly Izzy Lee as Emil’s tomboyish cousin Pony the Hat, whose culottes and bicycle ensemble is as stylish as anything, and Ethan Hammer as the brave and loyal Emil, while the team of 50 detectives (recruited from local schools through a series of spring workshops) fill the stage with character as they chase the villainous Mr Snow to justice in project Password Emil.

Emil and the Detectives runs until 19 March; nationaltheatre.org.uk

Shoppers are often torn between stocking up on cheap, disposable trends from high street chains or spending more on quality, investment pieces - often opting for the former. But even the biggest of big spenders would balk at the idea of spending $50,000 on a coat. When journalist and travel writer Meg Lukens Noonan learned of this eye-wateringly expensive creation, she impulsively set off on a quest to find out how it was made. This unique journey into artisan production took her from a fourth-generation tailor in Sydney, to rare fleece from Peru, exquisite Italian silk to a quaint English button factory. This is the story of one very special coat and a testament to item of lasting value in an increasingly disposable society.

Published 14 February, £8.99; Scribe Publications

THE DEEPEST SECRET

by CARLA BUCKLEY Tyler Lattimore is an ordinary teenage boy living under extraordinary circumstances: he suffers from a rare medical condition that renders him fatally sensitive to light. This means that everyday life for Tyler and his protective mother Eve is conducted behind closed doors and heavy curtains – only venturing outside under the safety of nightfall. As Tyler grows ever more restless under his stifling conditions, a tragedy rocks the quiet cul-de-sac and Eve will be forced to protect her family from secrets that not even love can conceal. An engaging and riveting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Published 4 February, £20; Bantam Dell Publishing Group

7

WHAT'S_ON.C&A.2.indd 9

13/01/2014 13:03

8

Idris Elba_v2.indd 47

13/01/2014 14:35

ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

Dalston

SUPERSTAR From Stringer Bell in The Wire to Nelson Mandela in Mandela:Long Walk to Freedom, Shaun Curran talks to Idris Elba, the Dalston-born actor fast becoming a legend in his own right t’s been a challenging few months for Idris Elba – the Dalstonborn actor having juggled the weight of considerable global expectation with the passing of someone who made a significant impact on both him and his career. The 41 year-old had become close to the family of Nelson Mandela following his portrayal of the former South Africa President in Mandela:Long Walk to Freedom, and the timing of the great man’s passing, on the eve of the film’s world premiere, was as perfectly fitting as it was profoundly sad.

It’s all a long way from the Ford motor factory and nightclubs of East London where Elba won his first meaningful employment. A challenging upbringing around the rough and ready environs of Dalston appeared to have mapped out a much more ordinary life for the actor.

‘That was the plan,’ he laughs. ‘And

I

that might have been the case, but something in me wanted more. You look at Mandela and it’s the same thing, the same stimulus. It’s about looking at what you’ve got, looking at the world around you, and deciding you want more… perhaps that you deserve more. For me, it was about maximising the potential I was sure I had inside. Sure, I love East London, I love Dalston and Hackney and the people there, and I love going back to spend time there. I would never detach myself from where I grew up because I am so proud of the area and the people. But none of that has ever been a reason for anyone to feel they have to settle for what they have.’

Having broken away from his roots and achieved a bevy of bit-part roles, the actor got his first major break in 2002, when he won the role of Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in HBO crime drama The Wire.

‘What it came down to was having

48 9

Idris Elba_v2.indd 48

13/01/2014 14:36

ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

respect for myself and wanting to prove my talent,’ he says. ‘I have always had to fight for what I’ve had in life – it’s not like we grew up in poverty, but you always strive for more, no matter what you do, and earning something the right way, doing it for myself, was always really important for me.

The Wire was really the start of that being realised.’

Of course, achievement is that much more achievable when everything about you exudes confidence, as is certainly the case with Elba. You sense that, even when working night-shifts sorting car parts, he was the kind of guy other people would see as epitomising ‘cool’. Would he agree?

‘Growing up, wanting to look good was what it was all about within my group of mates,’ he admits. ‘I wouldn’t say there was competition, but it was always good to be seen out looking smart and playing the part, y’know? I think, with guys, it’s important not to be seen to be trying too hard. I don’t wear anything outlandish – it’s just

IT’S ABOUT LOOKING AT WHAT YOU’VE GOT, LOOKING AT THE WORLD AROUND YOU, AND DECIDING YOU WANT MORE… PERHAPS THAT YOU DESERVE MORE. FOR ME, IT WAS ABOUT MAXIMISING THE POTENTIAL I WAS SURE I HAD INSIDE

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is out now at selected cinemas.

a case of knowing what works for me and sticking with it. And I’ve always said it’s more about who you are than what you wear – but if clothes give you confidence and energy, then you’re a better person for them.’

Of course, looking good wasn’t a prerequisite for the Nelson Mandela role, which demanded instead humility, respect and absolute dedication to arguably the most keenly observed film role of recent memory.

‘I’m so proud to have been given the role,’ Elba says. ‘Words cannot express

what the whole thing has meant to me – it’s by far the biggest thing I have done; perhaps the biggest thing I will ever do. I so wanted to do it justice and I hope people believe I have done. Nelson Mandela was such an inspirational figure – a true global giant in a sometimes cheapened world of celebrity culture. It makes you realise how truly important his contribution was. I’ve always felt, and I still feel, that there were other actors out there who could have at least matched me on this. But unless I believed I was good enough for this I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance of doing it justice. And when you get an email from Zindzi, Mandela’s daughter, saying how thrilled the family is that you’re doing the role... well, that kind of cements it.’

Elba is now the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, but refuses to be drawn on the speculation, choosing to remain grounded about fame and its fickle promises.

‘No matter what happens in future, it’s got to be about how you view things as a person. I guess the respect is what you do it for, but the knowledge that deep inside you have succeeded will always outweigh praise from others or the assorted trappings that go with this industry.’

10

Idris Elba_v2.indd 49

13/01/2014 14:36

Concept Kitchens

Bath Sorts

38 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk

The Tile box Bathsorts 2013.indd 1

40 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk

40 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk

20/09/2013 14:52

EAT STAY LOVE

A DINNER DATE IS ALL WELL AND GOOD, BUT WHAT BETTER WAY TO FOLLOW THE FEASTING THAN WITH AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN ONE OF THE AREA’S MOST TALKED-ABOUT DESIGN HOTELS? ABSOLUTELY PICKS THREE OF LONDON’S MOST IMPRESSIVE VALENTINE’S DESTINATIONS. THE BOUNDARY

MODERN DICKENSIAN SUITE BY POLLY DICKENS

the aesthetic, is one of urbane contemporary sophistication. Rooms are cleverly arranged to maximise space and provide a host of practical luxuries without letting things get complicated or overwrought. Each has been individually designed by truly top-level talent, including one split-level suite by Sir Terence Conran himself, and the shelves are lined with fascinating books and vintage objets. The furnishings have been sourced from the world’s best suppliers or made bespoke: the Conran Suite’s Karouselli chair, designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro, was our favourite; it feels like sitting on a cloud. The bathrooms, meanwhile, are amply stocked with Aesop bath products – an inspired touch.

CONRAN SUITE

op hoteliers Prescott and Conran know the difference between great design and mere ostentation, and the Boundary in Shoreditch is testament to their refined good taste and judgement. The 17-room hotel is discreetly minimal in frontage and layout; once inside, every aspect of both service and accommodation caters in elegant, forward-thinking fashion to your comfort and pleasure. The atmosphere, like

T

MODERN DICKENSIAN BATHROOM

THE BOUNDARY ROOFTOP GRILL

It doesn’t get much better than this. The Boundary features three distinct dining options: the exquisite Art Deco indulgence of the basement Boundary restaurant (which has been raved about in these pages more than once), the breezy cafe vibe of the Albion and the more informal Rooftop bar and grill. The latter is a bit of a hidden gem – it used to be open to the elements, and was often closed as a result, but the recent addition of an enclosed seating area now makes it possible to enjoy the varied menu (which includes a great range of fresh seafood) even when the weather won’t play ball. On our visit we plumped for the dishes suggested by our brilliant server, Sorin, sampling a colourful array of expertly prepared Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres, light and fluffy seared cod, a succulent artichoke, aubergine and mozzarella tart and some sublimely bittersweet cocktails. Desserts were incredible, especially the tart and delicious plum tatin. Truly one of the capital’s best dining options, and pretty much guaranteed not to disappoint.

2-4 Boundary Street, E2; theboundary.co.uk

12

EAT,STAY,LOVE.2.indd 42

13/01/2014 10:29

ABSOLUTELY SPOTLIGHT

CATCH CHAMPAGNE BAR & LOUNGE he most recent addition to the assortment of dining options at the Andaz Hotel, Catch Champagne Bar & Lounge is a high-end way to start or finish an evening in the City or Shoreditch.

Street access to the lounge means you’re free to wander in for an aperitif or a nightcap, and the bar boasts an impressive wine list of more than 70 champagnes plus wine to match every bite from the food menu. There’s also a long list of spirits, including 23 whiskeys to choose from.

For a cool but casual atmosphere, the lounge is an ideal setting to sit and take in the chic interior while grazing your way through the menu.

It’s hard to surpass a Veuve Clicquot NV with Maldon smoked salmon, blinis and caviar to share – although if you prefer more simple bar fare, the beef sliders and salt and pepper squid are just as appetising. Dessert is a no-brainer, with sticky toffee pudding cake pops and an Orange Muscat providing a mouth-watering final flourish.

40 Liverpool Street, EC2; andaz.hyatt.com

T

features of the Victorian edifice, and succeeds in infusing a historic building with an exhilaratingly modern sense of style. Period details include double-width corridors in guest areas, once necessary to accommodate the gigantic bustles of Victorian ladies’ dresses, and handsomely appointed, retro-inspired boutique rooms that use bespoke fittings and clever design to echo the interiors of classic railway carriages. There’s a cosmopolitan buzz everywhere inside the building, as befits the hotel’s setting and status on the doorstep of some of the busiest transport termini in the world. The result is an exciting and romantic ambience: it’s something like stepping into the world of a favourite storybook – but one containing every contemporary indulgence.

GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL verlooking the newly unveiled King’s Cross Square and sandwiched between two of London’s grandest old stations, the Great Northern is nothing if not superbly located. Billed as ‘the world’s first great railway hotel’ (which it was, when it first opened in 1854), its recent renovation and relaunch has retained many of the original

O

PLUM + SPILT MILK

If the Great Northern were an oyster, Plum + Spilt Milk would be the pearl at its heart. An intimatelysized, radiant space named for the livery colours of the first engine ever to leave King’s Cross, the restaurant is the brainchild of Mark Sargeant, a chef so gifted it’s probably about time we stopped referring to him as a former protégé of Gordon Ramsay. A brilliantly balanced menu reimagines classic British dishes and makes the most of seasonal ingredients. Cocktails are exemplary and the wine list is very well-judged – and if you’re after something similarly tasty but a little less formal, there’s also a new seafood menu in the hotel’s ground-floor bar.

King’s Cross St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, N1; gnhlondon.com

13

EAT,STAY,LOVE.2.indd 43

13/01/2014 10:29

TEN PILATES.indd 2

02/01/2014 09:59

ABSOLUTELY FASHION

FULL STEAM AHEAD

The current Ted Baker collection is elegant with a retro 40s/50s feel, featuring nipped in waists and clean lines. We can also confirm that standing next to a steam train will make you look at least 80% more chic whilst wearing them. Unit 5 Canada Place, E14; tedbaker.com

WRAP UP

We’ve found a winter warmer worth cooing over. This cuddly oversize coat –from purveyors of French chic –Sandro, nails the shearling trend so your cool credentials will remain intact while you layer up. Moelleux Coat, €395; fr.sandro-paris.com

E STYILP T

FASHION NOTES

GET SHIRTY

ABSOLUTELY SPANGLED

Ribbons aren’t just for little girls. A loose, messy plait held in place with a chunky black ribbon adds an effortless touch of girlish charm at minimal cost.

Image: ASOS

Forget diamonds for Valentine’s Day; these crystallised earrings from Wolf and Moon are spangly, dangly and a hundred times more fun (and therefore much more likely to get you hot-stepping on the dancefloor). £40; wolf-and-moon.com

Denim is back with a vengeance for SS14. Designers found ways to integrate the fabric into their collections as well as completely reworking it in dresses, skirts and jumpsuits. There were even some all-over denim looks for the more confident fashionista; for the rest of us, there’s this lovely smock-style shirt from eco-label Beaumont Organic. £176; beaumontorganic.com

15

FASHION NOTES.indd 39

13/01/2014 10:35

ABSOLUTELY FASHION

PHILIP TREACY LEONARD TRILBY IN PRINTED SINAMAY WITH FEATHER AND FANTASY TRIM £750; philiptreacy.co.uk

ISSA AW13

AGENT PROVOCATEUR MATINÉE BLACK KIMONO £475; agentprovocateur.com

TORY BURCH SHERRY CRYSTAL EMBELLISHED BOUCLÉ COAT £940; harveynichols.com

JOIE DARYN SNAKE-PRINT SILK TOP £240; harveynichols.com

ONE VINTAGE NOELLA MAXI DRESS £3,950; net-a-porter.com

S OR’ T I ED

K PIC

TOPSHOP LACE FRINGE KIMONO £60; topshop.com

PATTERN PALETTE

BROWN, BEIGE, BLACK: WORK THE TREND FOR FEBRUARY KURT GEIGER EARL BOOTS £495; kurtgeiger.com

JASON WU LEATHER AND LACE-TRIMMED STRETCHPONTE DRESS £1,630; net-a-porter.com

16

FASHION PRODUCTS_FEB.indd 26

13/01/2014 10:38

Decorium.indd 2

12/12/2013 14:33

LOVER Racy lacy looks for Valentine’s Day Photography Steve Wallington Alex Longmore

FEB SHOOT.indd 24

13/01/2014 10:40

Black plain bra, £42 and black plain pants £21

by Studio La Perla, laperla.com, or at houseoffraser.co.uk 08456 021 03 Lace bunny ears, £7, urbanoutfitters.co.uk

FEB SHOOT.indd 25

13/01/2014 10:40

Black baby doll, halter neck negligee £425, myla.com, 08448736111 Black pants £18 by Sexy Pants and Naughty Knickers, pomlampson.com, 020 7376 5336 Heart and arrow necklace £208, daisyknights. com, 01608811889

FEB SHOOT.indd 26

13/01/2014 10:41

Black body with lace, £376, by Chantal Thomas at petitsbisous.com 020 73527044 Black velvet strappy heels, £570, Gina Gold heart ring, £180

by Daisy Knights, as before

FEB SHOOT.indd 27

13/01/2014 10:41

FEB SHOOT.indd 28

13/01/2014 10:41

Nude and black lace body, ÂŁ385, Sarrieri, http:// www.sarrieri.com Black stones knuckleduster ring ÂŁ316 by ESHVI. co.uk 02033999303

Photography: Steve Wallington Styling: Alex Longmore Assisted by: Beatrice Trodden Hair & Make Up: Aly Hazelwood using Rococo Nail Apparel Model: Tyler @ FM With thanks to The Portobello Hotel 22 Stanley Gardens, W11 2NG 020 7727 2777

FEB SHOOT.indd 29

13/01/2014 10:41

Tom.indd 2

17/09/2013 10:11

ABSOLUTELY LOCAL

HAPPY FEET NORTH LONDONER RACHAEL LAINE ON THE US FOOTWEAR STAPLE THAT’S FAST BECOMING A UK FASHION MUST-HAVE

Tell us about Craftymothers?

Craftymothers looks to launch and build brands that don’t exist in the UK and European markets. I only concentrate on what I can get truthfully passionate about: this means all the brands I approach are focused on family lifestyle and they must have a unique selling point. After having my kids I realised how much stuff is sold as ‘essential’ but just clutters our lives needlessly.

What is so unique about the original Salt Water Sandal and why did you want to work with them?

I noticed Salt Water Sandals appearing on American ‘mommy blogs’ when I was on maternity leave with my second child. I was drawn to them because they were so simple, classic and plain. I hated all the glittery embellished squeaky-heeled offerings in the shops – I just wanted a plain summer shoe that wasn’t trying to be a toy; plus I wasn’t keen on moulded Birkenstocks for my young daughter’s soft feet and Crocs had no support. When I discovered Salt Waters could also get wet, the love affair got serious! They’re great for the UK’s pebble beaches too.

MY MOTTO SO FAR HAS BEEN, ‘WALK SLOWLY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, DON’T RUN TOO FAST IN THE WRONG ONE’.

Why are Salt Water Sandals a holiday must-have?

The fact that they come in 14 colours and go with every outfit (be it cut-off denims or a glam maxi dress) makes them the best chameleon accessory. They pack completely flat and if you take one classic colour and one special (metallic or patent), you are pretty much set for any occasion. They are also super comfortable and don’t dry up and crack after washing or getting wet. In fact, we advise you to get them wet at least once as they relax to your foot’s shape.

Why has it taken so long for the product to cross the pond?

I guess I was lucky enough to ask them first and then didn’t give up until they agreed!

Because Salt-Waters are such a summer staple in the USA, there are no big advertising campaigns – you just go down to your local shoe store at the start of the summer and pick

out a new pair. They were originally only a kids range of sandals but since up-scaling them to adult sizes, those grown-up kids started wearing them alongside their children. It certainly helped that celebs like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller are big fans.

How long have you been in the fashion industry? Did you always want to strike out on your own?

This is only my second foray into fashion. It was more the story and design of Salt-Water as a product that got me super excited as a marketeer.

You just couldn’t go wrong with an unknown launch product that has the magic triptych of an

authentic history, classic design and truthful USP. After having kids, you do evaluate the hours you work and I knew that if I was going to continue at director level I at least wanted to be doing it for myself and for something I really cared about. My career path has been creative, rich and varied (TV producer, florist, events director and even writing a few kids books), but it has stood me in good stead for the many hats I have to wear in one working day. My motto so far has been, ‘Walk slowly in the right direction, don’t run too fast in the wrong one’. I just need to be reminded of it every now and then! sunsansandals.co.uk

25

FASHION Q&A.indd 3

13/01/2014 10:42

MITCH CLOTHING SIZE 16 - 30 0207 586 0030 | WWW.MITCHCLOTHING.CO.UK | 14 ENGLAND’S LANE, LONDON NW3 4TG

MITCH CLOTHING_NXNW_OCT.indd 2

13/01/2014 16:35

ABSOLUTELY FASHION

Holiday

EDIE PARKER CLUTCH

I’ll be packing Edie Parker’s trophy clutches, inspired by the showgirls and socialites of the ’50s and ’60s. £1,040

W ISH LIST A CLUTCH OF STYLE AND HEALTH INDUSTRY INSIDERS SHARE THEIR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS.

MARNI FLATS

Flat sandals are must- haves for SS14. Seen everywhere from Marc Jacobs to Givenchy, my favourites are Marni’s metallic leather sandals, which feature a moulded insole for extra all-day comfort. £370

ALL CLOTHES AVAILABLE FROM

Our Wandering Minds,120 Islington High Street, N1;

STRIPED SKATER SKIRT

OURWANDERINGMINDS.COM

For a cute and easy beach look £44

SASHA SAROKIN

JOSEPH OXFORD WHITE SHIRT

You can’t go wrong with a classic white shirt like this Joseph Oxford version, exclusive to Net a Porter. It can add a luxe touch to a casual outfit and looks great worn over swimwear paired with a statement necklace. £160

BUYING MANAGER NET-A-PORTER

ALL AVAILABLE FROM NET-A-PORTER.COM

DESTINATION Greece. The perfect blend of sun, fun and tranquility.

ELISA EMERY

FOUNDER OF OUR WANDERING MINDS DESTINATION Miami. The food, beaches and architecture are incredible.

BOOK Any over-the-top fantastical novel by Danielle Steel to read on the beach.

BEAUTY La Roche-Posay sunscreen with SPF 50; I prefer tanning slowly and gradually. £16.50, available at Boots

FLORAL BLAZER For a relaxed yet stand-out daytime look that immediately adds a twist to any simple outfit. £56

BEAUTY

Natura Bisse’s Cure Sheer Cream is amazing! It’s tinted so it’s great for evening out imperfections. £135

BOOK Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead

GOLD JEWELLERY

One of my current favourite brands is Arme De L’Amour. The finger bracelets and arm cuffs are designed to be stacked for an edgy finish to your holiday look. £280

ANFRAY & ANFRAY INSEPARABLE RING

This twists and is also practical, I never take it off. £1,700; wolfandbadger.com BEAUTY

Bobbi Brown lipsticks.

I love experimenting with more daring shades on holiday. £18 & £19; bobbibrown.co.uk

LILY SIMPSON FOUNDER OF THE DETOX KITCHEN DETOXKITCHEN.CO.UK

DESTINATION India – I recently went to Munnar Tea Plantation to do a three day cooking course, then on to Kerala.

BOOK The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton; it won the Booker Prize but is 800 pages long so it’s the perfect holiday read.

NICHOLAS THORN MENSWEAR BUYER AT QUESTION AIR

GOLD NECKLACE

‘I Love a Lassie’ Cobweb lace necklace – I love gold and this necklace is the perfect for holiday; it looks great on bronzed skin. £135; ilovealassie.uk.com

BEAUTY

I love Murdock for men’s shaving toiletries and the new Napier 1903 cologne is my absolute holiday essential – just remember to pack it in your hold luggage! £90; murdocklondon.com

ORLEBAR BROWN POLO SHIRT PANTHER MESSENGER BAG

My ultimate travel companion.

PantherAviator Messenger Bag, £327; opumo.com

Conveniently made of terry towelling, this is ideal poolside wear. £95

AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

I like to stick to simple aviators; new for the season are this Sheriff and Cherry Pair. £125

DANE SWIMMING TRUNKS

The slate grey shade adds a dash of sophisitication. £129

DESTINATION Mustique; the most perfect winter sun location I can think of.

BOOK Lord of the Rings – its great for long plane journeys.

PAUL SMITH HOLDALL BAG

For weekend jaunts, I recommend this navy holdall.

I’ll be taking it everywhere for SS14. £165

ALL AVAILABLE FROM

Question Air, 28 Rosslyn Hill, NW3;

QUESTION-AIR.COM

27

HOLIDAY WISHLIST.indd 39

13/01/2014 12:21

THE WORLD’S

LARGEST

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARCHIVE

ED

CENSOR

What will you uncover on a tour of the What will you uncover on a tour of the Museum of London’s Archaeological Archive?

Museum of London’s Archaeological Archive?

SHOREDITCH’S SAUCY SIDE

Sat 1 & Fri 7 Feb, 11am – 12.30pm & 2-3.30pm Tour the art of erotica in preparation for Valentine’s Day. SHAKESPEARE’S LONDON

Sat 1 & Fri 7 Mar, 11am – 12.30pm & 2-3.30pm Delve into the theatre, plays and people of the 16th century.

IN TUNE WITH ARCHAEOLOGY

Fri 4 & Sat 5 Apr, 11am – 12.30pm & 2-3.30pm Handle a bird bone flute or a medieval tuning peg!

Book now

museumoflondon.org.uk/tours 020 7001 9844 London Musuem.indd 2

10/01/2014 14:18

FOR HIM

ABSOLUTELY FASHION

STYLE SKI

Designed for performance, RLX’s collection is lightweight, comfortable and breathable. Oh, and did we mention it’s warm and it looks good too? Water-repellent jackets, fleece pullovers and nylon pants all feature in a variety of jazzy colours – like this printed waterproof jacket (pictured). Team it with jeans, boots and YES, a polo-neck for après ski, and this seasons’ skiwear.

Prices vary; ralphlauren.com

STAY ON-TREND OFF-PISTE, WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE SEASON’S BEST SKIWEAR AND ACCESSORIES BOOT CAMP

Power, precision and efficient energy transmission – what more could you want from a ski boot?

If the answer’s a flamboyant colour scheme and excellent onand off-piste performance, the Rossignol Alltrack Pro 130 is the only boot you’ll ever need. £295.06 from snowinn.com

CATCH SOME AIR

The ABS Vario L Silver Steel is no ordinary backpack – it features an avalanche safety system to save your skin should the slopes suddenly give way.

Alongside the usual pockets and pouches, this clever bit of kit contains two airbags that can be inflated to provide a vital air pocket in the event of an avalanche. With a 97% survival rate, it sounds like a wise investment. £499 from snowsafe.co.uk

ICECAPADES

Goggles still reduce glare and protect your eyes, but in 2014 they’re capable of so much more. Oakley’s Airwave 1.5 peepers feature smartphone pairing and GPS tracking as well as a host of sporty tech functions, so you can measure stuff like speed and the length of jumps. £520, available at Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, 6 Cheapside Passage, One New Change, EC2; ellis-brigham.com

RARE EARTH

The Rare Earth project sees extreme sports giant Quiksilver team up with progressive brand Isaora to produce a capsule range of high performance snowboarding kit. The line is inspired by the intersection of nature and technology, and features some super stylish boardwear as well as goggles, backpack and a matching board. isaora.com

29

MENS PAGE.indd 39

13/01/2014 10:54

Flamenco Festival LONDON

“Sadler’s Wells has struck gold with its annual season of flamenco” THE INDEPENDENT

1 - 15 March

Quarter page.indd 1

10/01/2014 12:01

EP 1

ST . erfect card Find the p d laughs to rte ea From light-h essages, at romantic m to find , you’re sure Paperchase ge to impress your sa the right mes your secret crush. r soul mate o m just £1.75…

Available fro er to seal just rememb . with a kiss

STEP 2

Avoid cliché gifts. w Sho her how much you love uty gift. her with a pampering bea er range, L’Occitane’s new Shea Butt s Oil including the 100ml Fabulou a satin, with hair and skin ing leav (£29), from ose cho , him For h. non-oily finis ries at the range of on-trend accesso rves H&M including stylish sca from just £6.99 and leather belts from £12.99.

N 1 C E NTR E ’ S G UID E TO...

THE PE RF E CT STEP 3 . to Impress

Dress the Stand out in lack gorgeous b m ss (£65) fro Broderie Dre h of glamour a touc Oasis.. Add ze’s Cabouchon ri with Accesso Earrings (£10).

Chandelier k out GAP’’ss Guys - chec r collection ea stylish mensw son’s latest a se is th r fo d shirts and sophisticate jackets. nd tre no

n1 centre.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

VAL E N T IN E ’ S DAY n1islington.com

n1shoppingcentreislington

And finally, don’t forget to prepare for that romantic kiss with H&M’s fabulous range of lipsticks, available from £3.99 For further information visit n1islington.com, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/n1shoppingcentreislington or tweet with us @n1centre.

n1centre

STEP 4

date.

Plan your te-night like ne a d ys sa g to Nothin . Dine out a ie ov m s a dinner and tre’s popular restaurant en C 1 .

N K B of the mama to G g a meal from waga s is offerin rk o W ss k for la Plus, The G ing a dessert and drin ter us ud b cl ck in lo o b tw st r fo late en catch the inema just £20. Th tt Johannson at Vue C ary rle starring Sca er’, released on Febru Islington. ‘H inal love story from 14 is an orig ated filmmaker, in Oscar-nom Jonze.

Spike

13/01/2014 14:56

13/01/2014 16:24

ABSOLUTELY KIDS

IGLOO

If you want your children to stay warm this winter, look to this Netherlands label. Barts’ exceedingly cosy kiddies garb, like the 1646 Fenny Beanie Kids hat and 1650 Wildy Hood (both pictured) will protect little ears from chilly winds while looking rather sweet too.

Available at Igloo Kids, 300 Upper Street, N1; iglookids.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY

KIDS HOW TO KEEP LITTLE ONES AMUSED RED FIRE ENGINE

£220; hedgehogshop.co.uk

R’S EDITO

PICK

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

For a shot of fuzzy, felt-tinged nostalgia (teeny animals wearing braces), you can’t get better than Sylvanian Families. They were popular then (back when the Absolutely team were nippers) and, hearteningly, they’re just as popular now. We won’t be satisfied until our kids have collected them all – starting with this candy-floss serving lamb.

Sylvanian Families Store, 68 Mountgrove Road, N5; sylvanianfamilies.com

LEFT FIELD

Field Candy’s range of children’s play tents are designed for indoors and outdoors, based on the classic teepee shape and decorated with bright murals. We love this fairground horse tent with its nostalgic imagery. £195, fieldcandy.com

YOUNG SOLES

This luxury children’s footwear brand launched at Bubble London last month.

Using traditional methods and tooling, the debut collection features classic British heritage designs with reworked T-Bar and Mary Janes for girls and brogues, creepers and monkey boots for boys. youngsoles.co.uk

31

KIDS_v2.indd 39

13/01/2014 11:00

BEAUTY NOTES LIFE IN COLOUR

Colour up for winter with Bleach Salon’s new DIY kits. The salon gets so overbooked these days, the team decided to make their popular dyes more readily available – so you can now get rainbow results at home. The full kit includes a bleach and a toner, and you can even buy Silver Shampoo (which takes out reddish tones) and washing-out liquid (in case you don’t like the effect). £7 a bottle, 420 Kingsland Road, E8; bleachlondon.co.uk

WE LOVE

IN HEALTH f your nearest yoga studio seems too daunting, too crowded or just too far away, Yoga Team delivers experienced instructors to your home or work. Adept at running one-to-one classes as well as sessions for groups up to fifteen-strong, this ingenious company also offer a bespoke planning service for team-building events, conferences, product launches and private parties. Family and kid-friendly sessions are available, too, and the beauty of it is that any energy you would have used up getting to the studio can be saved for your class. yoga-team.co.uk

I

32

BEAUTY NOTES.indd 2

13/01/2014 11:02

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY

IN TREATMENT CHEEKY PARLOUR f you’ve ever been cheesed off attending the kind of stressful/ super busy/cheap-but-certainlynot-cheerful salons that tend to cater for those in desperate need of a last-minute mani/pedi or blow-dry... you’ll ruddy love this. The mother of all beauty hang-outs, it takes up residence atop Jack Wills (nice), across the road from sister company the Cowshed Spa (double nice, especially if you’re checking in for a longer treatment), and luxuriates in 1000 square feet of ‘pampering parlour’, complete with all the boutique fittings you’d expect from the Soho House Group: shabby chic furniture, champagne cocktails on the go, big rustic sharing tables where you can get your nails

I

done while you natter. Choose a blow-dry or plait from the hair menu (and maybe an artisan cake or homemade organic salad from the food menu?) or just show up with a pic of a hairstyle you’d like and the whizzes at the blow-bar will whip it up. There’s even a ‘professional photography studio’, so you can upload a cheeky selfie once you’re all fi xed up… sooo 2014. It’s perfect for hen parties or a girly day out – or just getting your nails done without feeling like you’ve left the comfortable environs of home. It’s officially my new favourite place. HB 1st Floor, 64-66 Redchurch Street, E2; urcheeky.com

THREE

OF THE BEST BATH OILS

KISS IT BETTER

This month, Lulu Guinness and Clinique have teamed up to create a Limited Edition Coin Purse filled with Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry. What’s more, buying one really does mean that you can ‘kiss it better’, as the full retail price is being donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Lovely. £55, available exclusively at clinique.co.uk

Penhaligons Bluebell Bath Oil, £39, 112 Islington High Street, N1; penhaligons.com

Chanel No. 5 Intense Bath Oil, £65; boots.com

Burt’s Bees Lemon & Vitamin E, £9.99; burtsbees.co.uk

33

BEAUTY NOTES.indd 39

13/01/2014 11:03

bloom.indd 2

17/09/2013 15:18

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY

DARLING VALENTINE GET READY FOR DATE NIGHT WITH THESE FUN FLIRTY PRODUCTS

Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Beguile,

£16.50; illamasqua.com

NARS Eye Paint in Black Valley,

£18.50; uk.spacenk.com

Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Old Hollywood,

£22; bobbibrown.co.uk Colour By Benefit Longwear Powder Shadow in Blingo, £15.50;

benefitcosmetics.co.uk

EDITO R’S

PICK

Burberry Velvet Foundation,

£35; burberry.com OPI Nail Varnish in All I Want for Christmas,

£11.50; opiuk.com Benefit They’re Real Mascara,

£19.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Perseid,

£14.50; illamasqua.com

Bobbi Brown Ink Liner in Blackest Black,

18. Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Eye Palette,

MAC Divine Night Mineralize Blush in Talk Of The Town,

£22; maccosmetics.co.uk

£20; bobbibrown.co.uk

£59; bobbibrown.co.uk

35

PARTY MAKE UP v2.indd 35

13/01/2014 11:04

The VIP Beauty Club The Beauty Centre brings you a brand new concept in beauty!

Very simply: Unlimited usage of salon treatments* for a fixed monthly fee Available in 3 affordable grooming packages for the true beauty aficionado.

Discover luxury treatments at their finest at The VIP Beauty Club. £99 club joining fee has been waived for the first 20 applicants This offer won’t be around for long! So! First come, first served!

For more information, contact the salon The Beauty Centre, 130 Allitsen Road, St John;s Wood, London NW8 7AU 020 7722 6603 or 020 7586 1513 VIPClub@the-beautycentre.com www.thevipbeautyclub.com www.twiiter.com/VIPClubNW8 *UNLIMITED USAGE APPLIES TO SELECTED SALON TREATMENTS AND IS BASED ON MEMEBERSHIP LEVEL. TERMS & CONDITIONS AND A FAIR USAGE POLICY APPLIES

Conditions treated: Chiropractic can help with a variety of conditions including: • Back pain • Neck pain • Neck related headaches • Prevention of migraines • Frozen shoulder • Tennis elbow • Hip and knee pain • General joints aches & pains

We offer: • Chiropractic • Acupunture • Massage Therapies • Chiropody Podiatry • Homeopathy • Nutrition • Psychotherapy Other therapies available at the clinic can help with a wide range of health conditions including: Nutritional imbalances and digestive disorders, Foot health such as ingrowing toe nails, fungal conditions, corns, verrucas & flat feet. Stresses of modern living including anxiety, depression, addictions and self-esteem issues.

Clerkenwell Clinic 178 Goswell Road Clerkenwell EC1V 7DT Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm Sat 9am-1pm-Sun 10am-2pm Islington Clinic 15 Prebend Street, Islington N1 8PQ Mon-Fri 8am to 7pm-Sat 9am -1pm

020 7490 4042

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.clerkenwellislingtonclinics.co.uk

IslingtonChiro.indd 1 ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 4

13/01/2014 15:19 13/01/2014 16:26

ABSOLUTELY FASHION DIOR SS14

JASON WU SS14

MAKE UP

INSIDER Arabella Preston on the universal flatterer – gold

G

old is the universal flatterer, adding warmth and sparkle to all skin tones. A hint of molten gold swept over an eyelid or fingernail is the perfect nighttime accessory and, as it is best kept simple, easy to execute.

The paler your skin, the paler you should keep your gold. This Aerin eyeliner in a soft gilt is startlingly effective dotted around the tear duct and swept under the lower waterline. It brightens and sparkles in the light and disguises redness and darkness brilliantly. For a slightly more dramatic look, try one of MAC’s limited edition pigments. They can be used loose and dry for a soft, blended look, or with a wet brush for a slick of intense colour. Restricted to your eyelids, they stay grown-up yet modern. It’s on the nails where golds and metallics really come into their own. Not only do they become miniature accessories in their own right, but metallic formulas tend to bind to the nail more than other colours, making them long-lasting and able to survive the ravages of the party season.

Nail-doyenne and Chanel ambassador Marian Newman advises: 'For a party look that transitions from day to night, start with a gorgeous shimmering shade, such as Chanel Alchimie, then cover with a quick slick of a gold glitter to transform your nails into ten little jewelled accessories.'

6

5

2

3 1

4

7

1. Aerin Cool Gel Eyeliner in Gilt, £24; harrods.com 2. Chanel Nail Polish in Alchimie, £18; harrods.com 3. Melvita L’Or Bio Huile Lumiere, £29; melvita.co.uk 4. MAC Nocturnals Mini Pigment set, £25.50; maccosmetics.co.uk 5. Aerin Lipstick in Sequin, £24; harrods.com 6. Burberry Limited Edition Nail Polish in Light Gold, £15; uk.burberry.com 7. Estée Lauder Metallic Trio Eye Palette in Gilded, £27; esteelauder.co.uk

37 73

MAKE UP INSIDER.indd 73

13/01/2014 11:57

JOIN THE UK HEALTH CLUB OF THE YEAR NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

FULL PAGE.indd 2

15/03/2013 10:44

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD 2012 MILL HILL HALL LANE NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300 MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000

LABSPA.CO.UK

FULL PAGE.indd 3

15/03/2013 10:45

spitalfields.indd 2

13/01/2014 15:47

ABSOLUTELY FOOD

THE

FOOD OF LOVE

Gooey or crumbly, sweet or spicy, no food is as sensuous and versatile as chocolate.Get your bake on this Valentine’s Day with our special recipe from Molly Bakes’ new book, Chocolate.

69

FOOD OPENER.indd 69

13/01/2014 11:09

FOOD NOTES WE LOVE TAKE A TRIP

Turkish food just got a chic upgrade thanks to Selin Kiazim, former Head Chef at Peter Gordon’s Kopapa restaurant. Launching in East London (naturally) within a converted Haggerston railway arch, Trip Kitchen serves up traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. Housed in a heritage building with original brickwork, raw wood cladding and stunning lighting, the menu features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours aplenty with dishes such as brown shrimp kaygana and toasted sandwiches with Selin’s lauded Medjool date butter. Sounds Turkish delightful.

TripSpace Projects, Arch 339-340, Acton Mews, E8; tripspace.co.uk

MOTHER GOOSE

If the way to your man’s heart is through his stomach, reserve a spot at the Grey Goose Le Fizz Breakfast this Valentine’s Day. Taking place at Gordon Ramsay’s acclaimed Bread Street Kitchen, the special menu includes Grey Goose Le Fizz cocktails, bread made from the same wheat used to create Grey Goose vodka, Grey Goose-infused jams and a selection of pastries, croissants and coffee. A tasty way to start the day.

Bread Street Kitchen, One New Change, 10 Bread Street, EC4; gordonramsay.com/bread-street

42

FOODIE NOTES_v3.indd 2

FUN

BUY

CHOC-O-LOT

A perfect product for those who enjoy the results of baking but aren’t too hot on the actual process behind it, this easy-to-make mix from Montezuma’s comes in two scrumptious flavours: dark chocolate and salted peanut brownie or milk chocolate and hazelnut cookie. Throw those weary resolutions to the wind and get stuck in. £9.99; montezumas.co.uk

45

13/01/2014 11:13

ABSOLUTELY FOOD

MOLLY BAKES...

RASPBERRY RIPPLE WHITE CHOCOLATE SLAB Lovers of white chocolate will be delighted with this elegant treat. The fresh raspberry ripple gives the chocolate slab a tart edge and an amazingly vibrant colour.

BAKE THIS

INGREDIENTS 120g fresh raspberries 2 tbsp golden caster sugar  Dash of lemon juice  900g white chocolate, chopped, or callets  1 shallow baking tin measuring 32 x 22cm 







Fine mesh strainer Cling fi lm

Makes one large slab approx.

32 x 22cm

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Line the base and sides of the baking tin with cling fi lm.

2. Press the raspberries through a mesh strainer set over a bowl to remove the seeds. Stir in the sugar and add a dash of lemon juice to taste.

cooled, but not completely set, use a spoon to drizzle the raspberry juice over the surface of the chocolate. Then, using a knife or skewer, swirl the raspberry juice through the chocolate to create a rippled effect.

3. Melt and temper the chocolate.

4. Leave to set before removing from the tin.

4. Pour the tempered chocolate into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly.

Leave to cool and set a little. Once the chocolate has

Recipe extracted from Chocolate by Molly Bakes, published

by Square Peg. Photography © Georgia Glynn Smith

FINEST FIZZ

Give someone a personalised bottle of the finest fizz for Valentine’s Day. Newly launched champagne company Finest Fizz offers some of the best premier cru and grand cru independent champagnes from France. Sourced from several small artisan producers across the Champagne region, the team behind Finest Fizz has selected some of the most scrumptious bubbly around, available exclusively from them at extremely reasonable prices. And they’ll even personalise bottles with messages or images, ensuring you deliver the most thoughtful of gifts. finestfizz.biz

WINTER WARMERS

Stave off the cold this month with some of the wonderful warming recipes from GBBO’s Winter Kitchen cookbook. Filled with simple, seasonal recipes, we recommend trying your hand at the Spiced Tarte Tartin.The Great British Bake Off: Winter Kitchen, (£20, BBC Books), available from Clapham Books, 120 Clapham High Street, SW4, 020 7627 2797; claphambooks.com

45 43

FOODIE NOTES_v3.indd 3

13/01/2014 11:13

There’s a whole lot of lovin’ going on at The Highbury Barn this Valentine’s Day...

Reserve your table, book online or telephone 0207 226 2383 The Highbury Barn 26 Highbury Park - London - N5 2AB

find us on Facebook - search for ‘The Highbury Barn Pub’

twitter.com/highburybarnpub

HIGHBURYBARN.indd 1

10/01/2014 11:53

ABSOLUTELY FEBRUARY 2014 £3.95

RIO GRAND THE BEAUTY

LONDON

LONDON

STYLECATION HOLIDAY WARDROBE INSPIRATION

ABSOLUTELY S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T . E L E G A N T . A B S O L U T E LY

THROUGH THE WIRE

DALSTON’S IDRIS ELBA ON THE ROAD TO PLAYING MANDELA

DOWNLOAD

OF BRAZIL

THE NEW

i PA D A P P

HAVE LOVE, WILL TRAVEL The Valentine’s Issue S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY 09/01/2014 10:38

SEARCH FOR

‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES LONDON’

iTUNES, NEWSSTAND OR APP STORE

The Best of Local Luxury

ABSOLUTELY A BSOLUTEL BSOLUTELY Chelsea Fulham

RICHMOND

FEB_COVERS.indd 1

T O D AY

Richmond

MARCH 2013 £3.95

CHILD'S PLAY

NOTTING HILL

SUGAR

KENSINGTON

SUGAR CITY & ANGEL Putney & Wandsworth

ALEX AND ALEXA'S DESIGNER PICKS

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

BEST AFTERNOON TEAS IN TOWN

Battersea & Clapham

MARCH 2013

FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

CREATIVE MINDS

TOP ART HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

DAVID NASH MAKING SHAPES IN KEW GARDENS

T: 020 7704 0588 / F: 020 7900 3020 WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

SS TT Y Y LLII SS H H .. II N N TT E ELL LL II G GE EN NT. T. E ELLE EG GA AN NT. T. A AB BSS O O LLU U TTE ELY LY

13/01/2014 16:29

ABSOLUTELY FOOD

HOT TABLES

BETH EVANS TAKES A TASTING TOUR OF THE AREA’S MOST EXCITING DINING OPTIONS BEST FOR: FASHION-FORWARD PEOPLE-WATCHING A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY

Restaurants don’t come much hipper than this.

Don’t be put off by the old-school wooden chairs and tables, relaxed service and total lack of signage (you’ll wander past at least three times trying to find it), this is no slap-dash café. With an eclectic, classy menu to satisfy the pickiest palate and a never-ending deluge of cool young things to gawp at, it’s worth the inevitable wait for a table.

464 Kingsland Road, E8; alittlebitofwhatyoufancy.info

BEST FOR: MEETING FRIENDS FROM OUT OF TOWN THE GILBERT SCOTT

One of the crowning glories of Kings Cross’ regeneration, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel has had not just a facelift but a total body-and-mind overhaul, resulting in the creation of this amazing restaurant. Serving traditional British classics with a touch of French pomp, it’s the sumptuous surroundings as much as the menu that bid a final adieu to the rank old Kings Cross of yesteryear. And given the romantic grandeur of the hotel itself, you’ll probably want to spend the night, too.

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1; thegilbertscott.co.uk

BEST FOR: MEAT FANS WITH NO FEAR OF CHOLESTEROL FOXLOW

THE GILBERT SCOTT

BEST FOR: REBELLING AGAINST DRY JANUARY CASA NEGRA

Christmas is over but fear not, at Casa Negra in Shoreditch you’ll find a non-stop carnival that will banish any January blues. Get your fiesta started with frozen margaritas, braised beef cheek and frijoles charros (made with pinto beans, bacon, tomato and chipotle) before getting your dance on in the Casa Playroom club downstairs. Arriba!

54-56 Great Eastern Street, EC2; casanegra.co.uk

BEST FOR: LAZY SUNDAY VIBES VILLAGE EAST

The new recipient of an impressive revamp, Village East brings its own inimitable brand of style to Bermondsey. Reminiscent of the plushness of Shoreditch House, everything about this modern British brasserie is designed with comfort and class in mind. Go for brunch and a Bloody Mary.

171-173 Bermondsey Street, SE1; villageeast.co.uk

As you’d expect from a sibling of the Hawksmoor, Foxlow is wall-to-wall meat with a side order of fish for luck. Being a carnivore was never so grownup, but with mains like the ten-hour beef shortrib with kimchi at £16, this supposed ‘neighbourhood restaurant’ may still leave you with change in your pocket. Don’t go helping yourself at the salad bar – it’s not Pizza Hut, dear.

69-73 St John Street, EC1; foxlow.co.uk

BEST FOR: ANYONE SUFFERING FROM MEAT FATIGUE GRAIN STORE

If you’re starting to feel a bit meaty after one too many winter roasts, get yourself down to Grain Store.

Another highlight of the newly gentrified Kings Cross, this restaurant is one big celebration of all things veggie and grainy. Not exactly vegetarian, Grain Store shows that non-meat dishes don’t have to be a bland after-thought; the decor is a treat too, combining the visually quirky with clean, practical style. Try the cheeseboard, served from an upcycled pram – there’s a phrase you never thought you’d hear.

Granary Square, 1-3 Stable Street, N1; grainstore.com

VILLAGE EAST

BEST FOR: RAINY DAYS AND INTIMATE EVENINGS ODETTE’S Ah, Primrose Hill, home to that view, those Nineties parties and, since 1978, to Odette’s, the fine dining institution that makes top-notch restaurants feel like greasy spoon cafes. Using seasonal and UK-sourced ingredients, chef and owner Bryn Williams ensures each and every morsel is a delight. If you have a tendency toward food envy, the tasting menu is for you.

130 Regents Park Road, NW1; odettesprimrosehill.com

BEST FOR: BAGGING YOURSELF A BANKER STEAM AND RYE

For some, a table is made hot by a Michelin star; for others, it’s a chalkboard packed with inventive dishes. For others still, it’s a chance to see Kelly Brook pulling pints. Steam and Rye patrons may well be of the latter ilk, as this fun food/bar/club venture is part owned by the Celebrity Juice star. Food is no nonsense: lobster and burgers, easy on the greens, the kind of fare you’d expect in a Connecticut lobster shack. Squeeze past the City slickers queuing up to sing Rocky-oke and you too can sample a Five Dollar Shake – a cocktail featuring whipped cream, hundreds and thousands and topped off with a Fab lolly. What’s not to love?

147 Leadenhall Street, EC3; steamandrye.com

BEST FOR: CULINARY ADVENTURES CORNER ROOM

Some superior chef stuff goes on here, and no mistake. The restaurant may reside in Bethnal Green’s former town hall, but it’s out with the old and in with the indigestion where Corner Room is concerned. Like everything else on the menu, the Iberico pork with bitter leaves and winter relish is vastly understated in print.

Being unable to book after 7pm means that it’s first come, first served, so you may just have to while away the time with a fruity little Pinot at the bar. Life is tough sometimes.

Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, E2; townhallhotel.com

BEST FOR: A SPECIAL OCCASION TRULLO

Poor Robert De Niro, he’ll no longer be your favourite Italian once Trullo has taken your number one spot. And it will, especially after you’ve sampled the ravioli of pumpkin, cinnamon and ricotta sage butter followed by caramel panacotta. It won’t matter that you’ve had to wait weeks for a table, or that you’re missing your best friend’s birthday as a result.

It’s all worth it.

300-302 St Paul’s Road, N1; trullorestaurant.com

45

FOOD ROUND UP.indd 3

13/01/2014 11:15

WE’LL DRINK TO THAT...

Tristan Stephenson, owner of critically acclaimed cocktail joints Purl and The Worship Street Whistling Shop, picks the top tipples guaranteed to impress this Valentine’s Day

ROB ROY INGREDIENTS • 50ml Scotch whisky • 25ml Martini rosso vermouth • 2 dashes (2ml) of orange bitters • a twist of orange zest, to garnish tir all the ingredients together with cubed ice for around 90 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a small twist of orange zest. You might like to add a touch of sugar syrup if you have a sweet tooth, or depending on what Scotch you use.

S

46

COCKTAILS.2.indd 56

13/01/2014 11:17

ABSOLUTELY FOOD comes straight from the man himself, so who am I to argue? If you want it a little drier, try taking 5ml sugar syrup out and adding 5ml extra lemon juice. ne of the best drinks to emerge from the cocktail car crash that was the 1980s is the Bramble. The drink was invented by legendary London-based liquid guru Dick Bradsell. At the time, Dick was working in Fred’s Club in Soho, a venue that schooled many of the future stars of the London bar scene. Dick based the drink on a Singapore Sling recipe, replacing the Bénédictine and cherry brandy with crème de mure. But of course it’s not a mere rehash. There has to be something special about a cocktail that is so renowned and yet relies on such a simple formula: a gin sour with a dash of blackberry liqueur. Why not strawberry liqueur, or coffee liqueur? Well, I personally think that something special is down to a clever combination of ingredients and a name that ingeniously describes it. It’s simple when you think about it.

A bramble is a typically British prickly shrub, just as gin is a traditionally British product.

Blackberry is the base of crème de mure, but wild blackberries don’t just smell of blackberries, they also take in the smells of all the natural surroundings of the countryside – the earthiness of dried tree bark, the spice of a fallen pine cone or the sweet freshness of wild honeysuckle. These wonderfully nostalgic aromas are present in a lot of gins too: while juniper provides earthiness and pine-like flavours, coriander gives a citrusy spice and angelica introduces the deep, resinous woody notes. The combination of gin and crème de mure is genius; couple that with a name that no other word in the English language could better describe, and you have a winning drink.

O

BRAMBLE INGREDIENTS • 40ml/11⁄3 oz. tanqueray gin • 20ml/ 2⁄3 oz. fresh lemon juice • 10ml/1⁄3 oz. sugar syrup (see below) • 15ml/1⁄2 oz.

• creme de mure • blackberries (or raspberries), to garnish METHOD Build the first three ingredients over crushed ice in a chilled rocks glass, then pour the crème de mure over the top so that it ‘bleeds’ down through the ice. Garnish with two blackberries and a slice of lemon.

NB: For my personal tastes, this recipe is a touch on the sweet side, but it

CHAMPAGNE GIN FIZZ

ESPRESSO MARTINI

FOR THE LEMON & LIME GOMME • 50g lemon zest • 40g lime zest • 270ml water • 600g sugar • 30ml vodka • 3g citric acid • 2g malic acid

INGREDIENTS • 50ml/2 oz. belvedere vodka • 20ml/2⁄3 oz. espresso • 10ml/1⁄3 oz. sugar syrup (see below)

ous vide the lemon and lime zest with the water at 60ºC/140ºF for 2 hours.

Filter the liquid through muslin cheesecloth, then transfer it to a saucepan. Add the sugar and heat until the sugar has dissolved, then add the vodka and acids. Bottle and refrigerate until required.

METHOD Shake the ingredients together with cubed ice and single strain into a chilled martini glass.

S

FOR THE CHAMPAGNE GIN FIZZ Makes 6 servings • 400ml water • 10g Lalvin EC-1118 champagne yeast brand • 170ml Tanqueray London dry gin • 90ml ‘Lemon & Lime Gomme’ • orange flower water, to serve

eat 100ml of the water to 35ºC/95ºF. Add the yeast, stir fast, then set aside for five minutes. Mix the gin, Lemon & Lime Gomme and remaining water in a large mixing bowl. Pour the yeast into the bowl and whisk vigorously to fully aerate the drink. Once fully mixed, transfer the mixture to a sterilised champagne bottle and apply the cork and cage.

Store at around 30ºC/86ºF for nine days, then put in the fridge, standing up, for a further two days. To serve, spray chilled champagne flutes with orange flower water and fill to the brim!

H

ack when I first cut my teeth as a cocktail bartender, when bigger cocktail lists were better and flaming an orange twist was regarded as innovative, the Espresso Martini was the height of cool. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar. Everything the body needs for a good night out, and all held together by our 1980s superhero, the martini glass. The Espresso Martini is based on a drink created by the UK’s crown prince of cocktails, Dick Bradsell, again while he was working at the Soho Brasserie. The story goes (and it does vary depending on who you ask) that an attractive female model approached the bar where Dick was working and asked him for a drink that would ‘pick me up, then f*ck me up’ – if only all drink requests came with such exact requirements. Dick eyed the bar’s shiny new espresso machine and promptly mixed vodka, espresso and sugar together, then served it in a martini glass. The

B

Espresso Martini was born.

The growing popularity of espresso coffee in the 1980s and 90s made the Espresso Martini an inevitability.

The espresso in the drink achieves three things at once: first, it masks the alcohol in the vodka; second, it gives a caffeine kick to the receiver; and third, it turns the drink a stunning opaque brown. Also, if you use a good-quality coffee and extract the espresso correctly, you’ll be rewarded with a pale foamy head, produced by the CO² bubbles dissolved in brewed coffee. Serve an Espresso Martini in a half-pint glass and it really does look like a Guinness!

SUGAR SYRUP Sugar syrup (2:1 ratio). To make about one of litre sugar syrup, gently heat 660g caster sugar (you can also use soft brown/muscovado sugar) with 300ml water and 30g vodka in a saucepan. Once all the sugar has dissolved, bottle it and pop it in the fridge for up to six months.

The Curious Bartender: The Artistry and Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail by Tristan Stephenson with photography by Addie Chinn. £16.99, Ryland Peters & Small.

47

COCKTAILS.2.indd 57

13/01/2014 11:17

Let Us Make

Your Home Sparkle! ✔ Residential cleaning has been providing domestic cleaning services for over ten years, which is why we understand you have very exacting standards and why we offer a residential cleaning service that is customised to suit your individual requirements.

Your home sparkling from top to toe... ✔ At

residential cleaning we not only specialise in weekly cleaning, our fully trained professional cleaners work as a team to do one-day blitz cleaning. Ideal for ‘Spring’ cleaning as well as after party emergencies, before guests, during house moves or after builders. Plus it’s fantastic value!

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE - CALL TODAY ON

020 7923 2266

islington@myhome.co.uk • www.myhome.co.uk

MYHOME.indd 1

18/07/2013 10:04

ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

GLOSS WHITE, NATURAL OAK AND DARK OAK FROM £2,300 AT THE BOLD LOOK OF KOHLER @West One Bathrooms, 44-48 Clerkenwell Road, EC1; westonebathrooms.com Tel: 020 7324 0780

ST I L L

WA T E R THE STILLNESS COLLECTION DRAWS ON THE VAST AND VARIED DESIGN EXPERTISE OF KOHLER, USING SUPERIOR CERAMICS AND SOLID WOODS FOR A FEEL THAT’S MORE LUXURY SPA THAN FAMILY BATHROOM. WE LOVE.

INTERIORS OPENER.indd 61

13/01/2014 11:18

K

I

T

C

H

E

N

S

S

I

N

C

E

1

9

8

1

120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1LX Telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

FULL PAGE.indd 2 Halcyon ad_210x297mm.indd 1

21/03/2013 11/03/2013 10:39 11:21

5

ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

SCENTED CANDLES

INTERIOR

INSPIRATIONS SURFACE VIEW

Wallpaper-lovers, there’s a new name in town: prepare to be inspired by the quirky-but-cool bespoke graphics of Surface View. The brand’s collections use imagery from the British Library, P&O Heritage, the Royal Opera House and Trunk Archive as well as work by up-and-coming designers. A world of amazing prints is waiting for you – let’s hope you’ve got the wall space. surfaceview.co.uk

1. CRABTREE & EVELYN ROSEWATER POURED Candle, £22; crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

2. FEU DE BEAUMONT GOLDEN PORRINGER £395; feudebeaumont.com

3. CLINIQUE AROMATICS ELIXIR CANDLE, £35; clinique.co.uk

4. DIPTYQUE LIMITED EDITION VALENTINE’S Rosa Mundi, £42; diptyqueparis.co.uk

COSY UP

A new range of homewares from Jack Wills includes this delightful woollen pheasant cushion alongside some very soft blankets, all in characteristic urban-rustic style and stocked at the Islington branch.

359 Upper Street, N1; jackwills.com

5. JO MALONE INCENSE AND EMBERS CANDLE, £39; jomalone.co.uk

EDITO R’S

PICK

ETERNAL FLAME

These delicate, hand-blown glass candlesticks, unusual in their spherical design, create an elegant cluster of varying shapes for a sophisticated and unique table centrepiece. Large candlestick £12, small £10, 22 Marylebone High Street, W1; brissi.com

GREY SKIES

Inspired by the extreme weather, the stormclouds in Abigail Edwards’s hand-drawn Grey Sky wallpaper are at once calming and forbidding, with flashes of metallic copper enlivening the design. We also love the Stoke Newington resident’s idiosyncratic seascapes and Owls of the British Isles prints. £75 per 10m roll; abigailedwards.com

PIE MAN

This Le Creuset stoneware pie dish will stand you in good stead for harsh winter nights, when all kinds of baked goodies begin to prove their worth. Look up your heartiest, cockle-warming recipe and get stuck in; the only trouble is choosing which colour you like best. £27; available at Gill wing, 182 Upper Street, N1; lecreuset.co.uk

51

INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS_v2.indd 61

13/01/2014 16:16

DOUBLE VISION

DESIGN DUO CARDEN CUNIETTI ON NEARLY TWENTY YEARS IN PARTNERSHIP AT THE FOREFRONT OF INTERIOR DESIGN

How did you meet and create a business together?

We met through ex-boyfriends who were in a band together in the early ‘90s. We drifted apart once the band broke up (and we broke up with the boyfriends!) but then met at antique and other trade fairs as we were both working as interior designers. We worked together on a project and creatively synced immediately – from there we decided to open the shop and forge a partnership.

Have you both always had an eye for design?

Eleanora: My grandmother was a fashion couturier and when I read interviews with her now it could be me – a really strong-willed woman passionate about her work! Both Audrey and I liked rearranging our bedrooms as kids – that’s the surest sign of being an interior designer. But no matter what, you need to learn skills: drawing, colour and business knowledge are really important.

How do you approach a project?

Does each elicit a different response?

Are the guiding principles the same?

We try to get inside the client’s head to figure out what they want. We work to a brief to achieve the best result.

Tell us about your recent Highgate client. What was the brief?

Audrey: The client was a family who I had worked for briefly when they lived in Highgate. The house was beautiful, ‘great bones’ as they say, but they wanted to personalise it. They are quite informal, so they wanted the reception room to be a place to

relax and be welcoming. We designed a curved sofa as the fireplace was such a focal point in the room, then had the classic Eames recliner covered in green leather to keep the colours soft.

We worked with the height of the room to create the library corner and the space was perfect for their large-format art.

52

INTERIOR SPREAD.indd 42

13/01/2014 11:25

ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

throw in a proper antique (i.e. something over a hundred years old) or something Asian, as that is always a nice juxtaposition with modern pieces.

or old stock for a giant sale and we give all the proceeds to charity.

Did you source any items from local suppliers?

An amazing house in Poland, a large house in Regents Park, a country house in Gloucestershire and a house in Little Venice. We are both glad to be working in the UK for the last few months as we have been travelling like crazy for the last few years.

We try to use as much UK-sourced product as possible as we get much better service from the UK and, obviously, it is more ecologically friendly. That being said, we do look at every option and try to find the best thing for a project.

How involved were the property owners?

What do you love most about working with interiors?

The owners were involved and in fact the colour of the hallway was entirely their choosing.

The console is the most glamorous children’s shoe cupboard in an olive green shagreen! And this colour worked its way through the whole ground floor.

Being able to work with beautiful things, the creativity involved in mixing it all together and admiring it on completion.

Are there design periods that you each favour?

We both like 20th century – sometimes we’ll

What other projects are you working on?

carden-cunietti.com

Tell us about Spring Clean?

Audrey came up with the idea last year and we immediately started working on it. The concept is a one- or two-day sale where our entire industry gets involved – interior designers, furniture and fabric companies donate their leftovers from projects

53

INTERIOR SPREAD.indd 43

13/01/2014 11:25

Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

TIM MOSS.indd 2

12/02/2013 17:51

TIM MOSS.indd 3

12/02/2013 17:51

WANDSWORTH SASH WINDOWS Traditional Timber Double Glazed Draught Proofing Bespoke French Doors

Quote ‘Absolutely magazine’ for an immediate

Acoustic Glass Sliding Sash Windows

10% discount

125 LAVENDER HILL

020 7924 7303

wandsworthsashwindows.com

Sash windows HALF HORIZONAL.indd 1

SO6828_Absoloutely_LongIsland_A.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3

18/10/2013 11:37

05/12/2013 12:50

13/01/2014 16:33

ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

2

3 1 4

e t th pu tle keton

8

of the b

teapoestt s

5

7

8 6

01. OKA, KRAAK TEAPOT, £59; okadirect.com 02. WEDGEWOOD, CUCKOO TEAPOT, £70; johnlewis.com 03. JOANNA WOOD, KING’S ROAD TEAPOT, £34; joannawood.co.uk 04. HABITAT, LAPSANG GLASS TEAPOT, £18; habitat.co.uk 05. ALEX CLARK, ROOSTER TEAPOT, £25; johnlewis.com 06. EMMA BRIDGEWATER, EGG AND FEATHER FOUR-CUP TEAPOT, £54:95; emmabridgewater.co.uk 07. OIGEN, PINK ZUNDO TEAPOT, £160; harrods.com 08. ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST, GREAT EXHIBITION TEAPOT, £75; harrods.com

57

INTERIOR PRODUCTS.indd 55

13/01/2014 11:27

HOME from HOME Alexandra Jones really dislikes travelling, so what was it about Bermuda that made her never want to leave?

ery rarely do I get the sense that I’d rather not leave a place. I will forever be that ghastly thing that no person with even vague pretentions towards adventure would want to be called – a homebody. For me, home is heavenly. My one rather doomed foray into backpacking, for example, ended with me on an early plane back, sick to the stomach (literally and metaphorically) of South America and strange beds and my own stilted Spanish. What, then, to make of Bermuda?

On the last day, having spent an afternoon in the sun, hopping from one heart-breakingly beautiful beach to another, I experienced something like an epiphany: a brilliant, completely mad idea that maybe I should just stay. A month, or six, would be about enough.

I turned to our taxi-driver-cum-tourguide (many taxi drivers in Bermuda are also

V

experienced tour guides and can offer tips and potted histories of the island as they ferry you around): ‘You know Larry, maybe I should stay for a while.’ He nodded a little, ‘I guess you enjoyed the Rum Swizzles, then.’

At Sharky’s Bar, a shanty sort of set-up, built around a split in the cliff and facing out onto a crystalline bay, you could get any drink you wanted as long as it was rum. On that last afternoon, Sharky had played Smooth Operator

by Sade and expounded on the glories of the island; I think the spirit of Mark Twain, who first visited Bermuda in 1867, was hovering around whispering in my ear that I could go to heaven, but he was staying in Bermuda. And I thought to myself, you’ve got it right there, Mark, clouds and divinity pale in comparison to pink sand beaches and deadly cocktails. The question is this: was it, as Larry had wryly

surmised, the rum talking? After all, I did get on the plane. But in London, far from feeling that familiar relief (a gentle sigh like a cork unstopping, ‘ah, home’), I was still wrangling with the crazy thought that maybe I should have stayed. So, what to chalk this up to?

Settled in the 17th century by a shipwrecked Admiral George Somers and his 150 or so crew, the uninhabited island had been overlooked for over a century by Spanish sailors, who had used it as a stop-gap on journeys to the new world but never claimed it. Thought to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Bermuda has had a reputation for being a paradise for over four hundred years.

Its natural charms are unquestionable; the beaches around the island are some of the best in the world, with achingly lovely blue-green waters and excellent marine life for snorkelling

58

BERMUDA_C&A.indd 68

13/01/2014 11:28

ABSOLUTELY TRAVEL

Dockyard, though geared towards mass-tourism, is a fascinating hub of shops (be sure to get some cake from the Bermuda Rum Cake Company) and museums (the National Museum of Bermuda is housed in the sprawling fortress).

For their part, the islanders take the paradisiacal reputation seriously. This means two things: firstly, service in hotels, bars and restaurants is in the American mode – quick, quiet, effusive – while locals are almost unfailingly helpful and friendly. Secondly it means that Bermuda is extremely safe. As Larry put it, ‘In the Caribbean you’re told to stay inside your resorts, in Bermuda the whole island is your resort.’

Be that as it may, as befits a paradise, the hotels cater to a luxury market and can be hard to leave.

I stayed in the Fairmont Southampton, a sweeping coral-pink building set atop a hill on the south side of the island. Classically furnished throughout, with grand staircases and dark wooden beams, it has a solid, American Deep South charm. I would recommend that you go for a Fairmont Gold stay. Each ‘Gold’ floor has a lounge where breakfast is served in the mornings and where an almost constant flow of canapés, cream teas and cocktails will have you wondering whether to bother with dinner. Not bothering, though, would be a mistake. The food in Bermuda is often a delight. From the very top end – the Blu Bar & Grill in Warwick Parish is cool and plush with heavy white tablecloths and a comprehensive sushi selection – to the unpretentious localfavourite with a killer Bermuda Fish Chowder – the Swizzle Inn at Baileys Bay, you’d be hardpressed not to find some really wonderful seafood.

My particular favourite was Mad Hatters in Hamilton, where the list of specials was longer than the menu and took our waiter ten minutes to reel off. If I ate nothing other than the reef and beef – steak topped with Guinea chick, a type of Bermudian lobster – for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly content. And I’m not even a big fan of red meat.

Just like I’m not a big fan of travelling.

Perhaps Bermuda, then, is a haven for us homebodies. It is suffused with a particular charm: no nasty surprises, no dodgy characters.

There is history: beautiful, engaging, protected pockets of history that spark the imagination. There is food: traditional or nouveau, whatever your tastes, it’s all well cooked and well presented.

There are trails to explore: the disused railway forms an 18 mile circuit of Bermuda that will have you rounding corner after corner of dazzling island vistas. It can be walked, cycled or taken on horseback. And there is the knowledge that you won’t feel at all guilty if all you want to do is lay on the beach and drink some rum and listen to Sade.

Prestige Holidays (01425 480 400; prestigeholidays.co.uk) is offering 7 nights departing in April staying at the Fairmont Southampton in a Moderate room on roomonly basis flying from Gatwick with British Airways including private transfers. Prices start at £1589 per person and include two free nights, saving £416 per couple, for travel until end of April 2014. Based on two adults sharing.

For more information about Bermuda, visit gotobermuda.co.uk

or diving. A subtropical climate means that temperatures are mild to hot and that more often than not it is gloriously sunny. The island proper (all 21 miles by 1 mile of it) abounds in lush green vegetation and fresh, wild-growing fruits. It is, quite simply, a beautiful place.

Divided into ‘parishes’, houses are often painted in candy-sweet pastels and the church is still considered the heart of the community.

The town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site has changed little since it was founded and built in the late 17th century, and offers a picturesque glimpse into life on the island way back when. For me, it was enough to walk around and absorb the history, but for those who are looking for more of a story, St. Peter’s Chapel, the oldest Anglican Church outside of the British Isles, is largely unaltered since its completion in 1612. Meanwhile the Royal Naval

59

BERMUDA_C&A.indd 69

13/01/2014 11:28

ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

THE

BEAUTY SP O T BUMS & BEACHES, BUNS AND BOND, EDWINA LANGLEY FINDS IT ALL IN BRAZIL

60

BRAZIL FEB.indd 66

13/01/2014 11:30

ABSOLUTELY TRAVEL

f you Google the word ‘Brazilian’, this is what the search engine suggests you might be looking for: ‘wax,’ ‘blow dry’, ‘butt lift’.

Apparently, when the world searches for Brazil, it’s beauty they’re after. That might seem a little contrived, but in the days leading up to my trip it was generally beautiful things I thought about – Astrud Gilberto’s ‘tall and tan and young and lovely’ girl from Ipanema, the colour explosion of Carnival, Gisele Bündchen…

The day before I touched down in Rio de Janeiro, British beauty Cara Delevingne had flown in for a Vogue Brazil shoot and as I pulled up outside my hotel, the notorious Copacabana Palace, I was told past guests included Madonna, Marilyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales. Yes, Brazil plays host to the beautiful people, both local and otherwise.

Copacabana Palace is indeed palatial, and sits overlooking the bay of Copacabana Beach, a glistening white tooth in the curved smile of a beautiful Amazonian. Built in 1923, the hotel is a landmark in its own right and in 2011 underwent a $20 million refurbishment, which saw the lobby extend by 90%, its 145 rooms redesigned and the introduction of two new boutiques. In spite of its facelift, however, there is something very traditional about the place. The rooms

I

IF I WERE YOU, I’D SPEND MOST OF MY TIME SWIMMING IN THE BAY OR CANOEING (RATHER, CAPSIZING)

are elegant and understated – ornate bathrooms in muted colours and a small sitting room overlooking the Atlantic. To swim in the outside pool at night, as Fly Me To The Moon floats along on the breeze and waiters plump sun bed cushions nearby, is to feel you’ve been transported back to the 1950s. Cocktail hour will commence after you’ve beehived your hair, when the feijoada (stewed beef with beans) will be served up piping hot and the pão de queijo (cheese flavoured buns) will be fresh from the oven, looking, of course, beautiful.

What’s also beautiful is the view from the top of Corcovado Mountain by the foot of Christ the Redeemer. The 98 foot reinforced concrete and soapstone statue stands with arms outstretched, guarding the swell of Rio below.

Mighty in size, you can’t help but feel humbled by it, not least since the winds there are so strong you get treated to a rather different type of Brazilian blow-dry – whether you’re after one or not. The view backwards, from Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) mountain overlooking the city, with Cristo as the backdrop, is no less beautiful, or dramatic, plus you have the added thrill of imagining yourself in a real drama.

The 1979 Bond flick Moonraker was filmed there, most famously the hair-raising 007 vs.

Jaws battle of the cable car.

For those visiting Rio for the World Cup (this June) or the Olympics in 2016, there are many more beautiful things to absorb.

61

BRAZIL FEB.indd 67

13/01/2014 11:31

ABSOLUTELY TRAVEL

APPARENTLY, WHEN THE WORLD SEARCHES FOR BRAZIL, IT’S BEAUTY THEY’RE AFTER

The Santa Teresa District comprises cobbled winding streets with higgledy-piggledy houses dressed in murals, while the tiled steps of Escadaria Selaron, designed by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón mirror the bohemian feel of the wider area. But for boho-meets-music, there’s only one place to go: Rio Scenarium restaurant and nightclub in Lapa. If its décor were to have a theme, it would be ‘fi lm set vintage’. Old televisions, telephones and artwork hang from the walls, the windows are guarded by 1950s-style shutters, fans whirr from the ceiling and people chatter while eating dinner downstairs. That’s until the music starts. At around midnight the building erupts, live bands play, bums wiggle and hips sway as the rhythm takes over; you lose yourself entirely in the music.

If Rio is the place to lose yourself, then Ponta dos Ganchos is most definitely the place to find yourself again. Just a twohour fl ight from Rio to Florianopolis and a 50-minute drive from there, you’ll find you’ve arrived in heaven. Literal heaven. Somewhere so beautiful that only the most beautiful people would visit. Like Beyoncé and Jay Z, for example.

This privately owned peninsula lies peacefully near the waters of the Emerald Coast. Discrete but luxurious bungalows (just 25 in total) sit hidden in sunspots on the hillside. Designed strictly for adults, this resort is a no children zone, which means everything really is as peaceful as you would hope. With a modest but perfectly usable

fitness centre and a heated swimming pool, you can work off any Rio-induced stress with vigour. But you don’t really want to stay indoors because Ponta dos Ganchos is all about the outside. While each bungalow boasts an open fire, double showers, double lavatories, double wardrobes (no arguments allowed), a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a massive telly, each also features an outdoor hammock overlooking the coast, an infinity-edged plunge pool and an open-air shower. I mean, what more could a human want?

Away from bungalow heaven, there are nature trails (as an avid walker I would say they are more ‘strolls’ than ‘treks’) which lead you to castaway white-sanded beaches. If I were you though, I’d spend most of my time swimming in the bay or canoeing (rather, capsizing) around the mini-island. And after all that exercise, there is a sweet little restaurant on site to stock up on those lost calories, serving up my favourite food: octopus. I must have had it about three times in a row, it was that good. They also make the most delicious baked bread which, although not ideal if you’re hoping to acquire a beach body, is simply too good not to scoff (well, you are on holiday after all).

So no, it’s no surprise I didn’t come back from Brazil a more beautiful person.

What I did come back with was a tan, a plastic gold necklace of Christ the Redeemer and newfound love for shaking my posterior. Perhaps that’s what Google means by ‘Brazilian butt lift’.

COPACABANA PALACE

From £485 per room, per night, including taxes, based on two sharing a Superior City View Room with breakfast. Call Orient-Express Hotels UK reservations on 0845 077 2222; copacabanapalace.com

PONTA DOS GANCHOS

From BRL 1410 (approx. £364) per bungalow per night, based on two sharing, call +55 48 39537000; pontadosganchos.com

FLIGHTS

Return fl ights to Florianópolis via São Paulo from London Heathrow with TAM Airlines start from £864 per person and depart daily. TAM Airlines is part of LATAM Airlines Group and fl ies to over 50 destinations across South America. For three or more flights within Brazil and across South America, get up to 60% off with LATAM Airlines Group’s South American Airpass; tam.com.br

62

BRAZIL FEB.indd 68

13/01/2014 11:31

COMING BACK TO LONDON Starting 4 January, 2014 At the Royal Albert Hall

MAKE THE NIGHT VIP ROUGE. PRESENTED BY

TAKE YOUR SHOW EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH 5-STAR SERVICE, DELECTABLE FOOD & WINES, AND MANY OTHER EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGES. MORE DETAILS AT CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM/VIPROUGE

(00) 800 15 48 0000 viprouge@cirquedusoleil.com OFFICIAL SPONSORS

CAPTIVE MINDS_CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.indd 2

17/10/2013 09:22

Smart explores the local area.

ZOOPLA_FEB.indd Zest print Ads.indd 42

09/01/2014 24/09/2013 10:49 10:01

FEBRUARY 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

St Pauls Mews, N1 A stunning modern townhouse making up part of this discreetly located, cobbled, gated mews. This three bedroom house was recently refurbished by the present owner who has transformed the house into a unique and outstanding living space with a bespoke cinema room and 40ft rear garden.

ÂŁ1,250,000 Freehold Hotblack Desiato, Islington / 020 7226 0160 / hotblackdesiato.co.uk 2

PFC_C&A_FEB.indd 2

13/01/2014 17:04

RESIDENTIAL

cluttons.com

innabar Wharf London E1W reception room I 3 bedrooms I 3 bathrooms I kitchen break ast room | 2 parking spaces 24hr concierge | appro 2 67 s t rap around terrace I EPC rating C One of London’s most spectacular river fronted penthouse apartments offering unrestricted views of the River Thames, Tower Bridge and the city skyline

Guide price ÂŁ6,500,000 leasehold Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 2

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:13

RESIDENTIAL

cluttons.com

Great Jubilee Wharf London E1W reception room | dining room I 2 bedrooms I 2 bathrooms I kitchen | guest cloakroom secure parking | concierge | EPC rating C A delightful apartment in this landmark warehouse conversion offering warehouse features throughout and picturesque views of the River Thames

Guide price ÂŁ1,650,000 share of freehold Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 3

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:14

cluttons.com

ruso s Island London E1W reception room with open-plan kitchen l 3 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms study | utility room | parking | concierge | EPC rating C A stunning penthouse apartment in this sought after warehouse conversion in the heart of Wapping

Guide price ÂŁ , 00,000 share of freehold

arns ur Road London N1 sound proof recording room | open-plan office | kitchen | shower room residential use sub ect to planning | EPC rating A unique opportunity to purchase a state of the art recording studio and office space in the heart of Barnsbury

Guide price ÂŁ 00,000 share of freehold Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 4

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:14

cluttons.com

Wenlock Road London N1 reception room | bedroom | bathroom | kitchen | study | concierge EPC rating B A well presented loft apartment with a superb balcony overlooking the Wenlock Basin, ideally located for the City, Old Street, fashionable Hoxton and Shoreditch

Guide price ÂŁ565,000 share of freehold

Southgate Road London N1 reception room with open-plan kitchen l bedroom l bathroom | parking concierge | communal gardens | gym facilities | EPC rating C A contemporary apartment with secure private parking, concierge services and gym ideally located for transport links to the City and West End

Guide price ÂŁ365,000 leasehold Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 5

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:14

cluttons.com

Leigh Street London WC1H

Westbourne Road London N7

reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms | utilit room | garden | EPC rating C

reception room with open-plan kitchen I 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms | conser ator | patio garden | EPC rating D

Newly refurbished garden maisonette finished to an exacting standard in a splendid Bloomsbury location

This lovingly restored double fronted detached Georgian home finished to an exacting standard, offers exceptional living space.

Unfurnished £725 per week

Furnished £675 per week

Almorah Road London N1

St John's Square London EC1V

reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms bathroom | garden | EPC rating D

reception room with open-plan kitchen I 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms | balcon | EPC rating C

Refurbished garden maisonette arranged over ground and lower ground floors of this attractive Victorian building

A bright third floor apartment in a fantastic location off Clerkenwell Road close to Farringdon

Unfurnished £575 per week

Furnished £495 per week Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 6

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:14

cluttons.com

Dove Road London N1

Highbury Grove London N5

reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms | communal roof terrace | EPC rating C

reception room I 2 bedrooms I bathroom | kitchen lift access | EPC rating C

Modern apartment within a respected development located within easy reach of the shops and restaurants on Upper Street

Beautifully presented apartment located within a popular mansion block close to Highbury & Islington station

Furnished/unfurnished £450 per week

Furnished £400 per week

Bromfield Street London N1

Upper Street London N1

reception room | bedroom I bathroom | kitchen communal garden | EPC rating D

reception room I bedroom I bathroom | kitchen EPC rating D

Spacious garden apartment within an attractive period building in a prime Islington location moments from Angel

A recently refurbished apartment in a fantastic location on Upper Street close to transport links into the City

Furnished £360 per week

Furnished £360 per week Islington office

islington@cluttons.com CLUTTONS_C&A_FEB.indd 7

020 7354 6666

09/01/2014 17:14

PROPERTY

ROUND UP PROPERTY OF THE

MONTH

ALEX HENSLEY

West End Sales Manager 020 7256 3244 stirlingackroyd.com

RECORD PRICES FOR THE WEST END

S

tirling Ackroyd have just completed the sale of two apartments in WC1 achieving £1500 per sq ft and setting a record price of over £1700 per sq ft respectively. This reflects the current market in the West End where record prices are being achieved with an extraordinary frequency, as London retains its desirable position for property investment purchases. The stunning apartments in Queen Square are representative of the style of penthouses and apartments available within the West End. The luxury property available is naturally one of the factors in the market changes, but shortage of stock for all types of properties is the most significant, creating strong competition when property becomes available. For 2014 we expect the demand to be sustained, with Cross Rail and the redevelopment of Kings Cross increasing demand slightly outside the West End epicentre.

PISSARO HOUSE, AUGUSTAS LANE, N1 Guide Price £1,100,000 Ideally located in the popular Barnsbury Park development is this stunning split level penthouse apartment forming part of a secure gated Edwardian school conversion. The accommodation is accessed on the second floor and comprises a 34’ reception room with contemporary open plan kitchen and a tucked away office/snug area, master bedroom with en suite, second double bedroom, family bathroom, excellent storage space, all set around a central roof terrace. The property is beautifully presented and flooded with natural light.

Faron Sutaria, Islington 020 7354 9737; faronsutaria.co.uk

72

PROPERTY ROUND UP.indd 72

13/01/2014 17:06

ABSOLUTELY Property

STUDD STREET, N1 Guide Price: £1050 Per Week

7

This 3 bedroom house is in the heart of Angel. The property has been refurbished to a beautiful standard and benefits from a private garden and a large roof terrace. The house comprises a large kitchen with dining room, reception room with access to the garden, two double bedrooms, one single bedroom and family bathroom, dining room bathroom and second WC superb location private garden and roof terrace EPC rating TBC available unfurnished. Studd Street is a small residential street situated moments from the lively Upper Street and a 5 minute walk to Angel Underground Station.

Knight Frank, Islington 020 3657 7360; knightfrank.co.uk

VALERIO MEWS, N1 Price Upon Application

This quirky two bedroom apartment benefits from original brickwork, high ceilings and factory windows, offering generous light and space throughout. The property offers fantastic entertaining space with a large reception room that opens onto a modern kitchen area, with character features including reinforced steel bank-style doors at the lobby entrance, imported 17th century French Chateaux doors, and wooden floors throughout.

The contemporary design is replicated in the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, the second bedroom and main bathroom, all accessible either side of the main reception room.

Valerio Mews is a prestigious development in Canonbury, Islington, comprising five luxurious, new build homes and eight apartments. Aside from a premier location in the heart of North London, these properties boast a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. The architecture has been carefully considered with a style that is modern, sustainable and sympathetic to its historic surroundings.

The interior design and layout of both the houses and the apartments reflect the development’s contemporary style. The kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures and fittings are selected to compliment the home, whilst offering functional design solutions and a seamless aesthetic finish.

Stirling Ackroyd, Bankside 020 7940 3888; stirlingackroyd.com

Alwyne Estates, Islington 020 7359 3191; alwyne.co.uk

WOODS PLACE, SE1 £1,525,000

73

PROPERTY ROUND UP.indd 73

13/01/2014 17:07

Completely at home in London With 50 branches across the Capital and over 35 years’ London property experience, we are perfectly placed to help with all your property needs.

So, if you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting visit kfh.co.uk today.

Our services Sales and Lettings Financial Services Chartered Surveyors Block Management Commercial Property

KFH_FEB.indd 2 KFH_Brand_Adverts_January 2014 TEMP.indd 1

07/01/2014 09:32 16:14 09/12/2013

02.1

Nelson Terrace, Islington, N1 £1,350,000 Freehold Islington 020 7226 2487 Email sis@kfh.co.uk

09:32

KFH_FEB.indd 02.14 KFH City &3Angel.indd 2

A charming three bedroom Grade II listed terraced house arranged over four floors of this delightful Georgian property situated within an easy walk of Angel underground station.

• • • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Lovely period detail Large kitchen/diner Bathroom and shower room Secluded garden Two parking spaces Quiet position Excellent location EPC rating D

07/01/2014 10:10 16:14 03/01/2014

Winchester Road, Belsize Park, NW3 £2,167 pcm Unfurnished

An exceptionally spacious one bedroom raised ground floor flat in an impressive period property.

Situated in a sought after Belsize Park location close to Swiss Cottage underground station.

• • • • • •

One bedroom High ceilings Period features Private entrance High specification EPC rating D

Belsize Park 020 7586 9006 Email lbz@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

KFH_FEB.indd 02.14 KFH City &4Angel.indd 3

16:14 07/01/2014 11:10

Lexington Apartments, City Road EC1Y – Leasehold - £950,000 A stunning 2 bedroom City flat with roof terrace and parking. EPC: C Hamptons City & West End Sales: 020 7717 5435

Gough House, Bolt Court EC4A – Leasehold - £1,695,000 A spectacular 3 bedroom City apartment in a listed building. EPC: D Hamptons City & West End Sales: 020 7717 5435

Creechurch Lane EC3, £440 per week (charges apply)* A stylish one bedroom apartment in this period building. EPC: C Hamptons City Lettings 020 7717 5437

Wormwood Street EC2, £625 per week (charges apply)* A bright two bedroom apartment in this centrally located block. EPC: C Hamptons City Lettings 020 7717 5437

Eden Grove, N7 - £395 per week – Long Let (charges apply)* Fantastic character filled apartment within a school conversion. EPC:D Islington Lettings: 020 7717 5455

Spencer Place, N1 - £695 per week – Long Let (charges apply)* A spacious two bedroom apartment in the heart of Islington. EPC:C Islington Lettings 020 7717 5455

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS_FEB.indd 1

*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

09/01/2014 15:36

DE BEAUVOIR ROAD, ISLINGTON, N1 - ÂŁ1,295 PER WEEK A beautiful must-see family home offered in superb condition and boasting a host of period features including high ceilings, ornate cornicing, fireplaces, bay and sash windows and wooden floors. four bedrooms | three bathrooms | garden

NOEL ROAD, ISLINGTON, N1 - ÂŁ2,000,000 A splendid Georgian townhouse on a sought after tree lined street in central Islington. This exceptional south facing four storey house offers four bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining room, three receptions, three bathrooms and a paved garden. four bedrooms | three bathrooms | resident parking

winkworth.co.uk/islington | 020 7354 2480 islington@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/highbury | 020 7989 7000 highbury@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/shoreditch | 020 7749 7650 shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

Winkworth_FEB.indd 1

See things differently.

13/01/2014 17:03

HAREMARSH, SHOREDITCH, E2 - ÂŁ575 PER WEEK A luxury two bedroom apartment in this stylish new development 300m from Shoreditch High Street Station. Comprising hard wood floors, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, large open plan lounge with a lovely outlook, and a stylish fitted kitchen. flat | two bedrooms | two bathrooms

CLEVELAND ROAD, ISLINGTON, N1 - ÂŁ925,000 FREEHOLD This large maisonette is set over the top three floors of a converted Victorian house, with its own private entrance. Spanning around 1345 sq ft, the property has been beautifully decorated, with wood floors and period features throughout. three bedrooms | garden | resident parking

winkworth.co.uk/islington | 020 7354 2480 islington@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/highbury | 020 7989 7000 highbury@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/shoreditch | 020 7749 7650 shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

Winkworth_FEB.indd 2

See things differently.

13/01/2014 17:03

SUNLIGHT SQUARE, BETHNAL GREEN, E2 - £500 PER WEEK The perfect loft style apartment in this private gated development less than 100m from Bethnal Green Tube. This property comprises of large open plan living space, wood floors, dining area, designer kitchen and two large double bedrooms, and main bathroom. two bedrooms | one bathroom | furnished

HERTSMERE ROAD, DOCKLANDS, E14 - £860,000 LEASEHOLD A stunning 1436 Sq Ft property within the Port East Apartments - The Manhattan Loft Corporation›s conversion of a historic Grade I listed docklands warehouse. The apartment comprises of a large open-plan living room/kitchen, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. three bedrooms | two bathrooms | period

winkworth.co.uk/islington | 020 7354 2480 islington@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/highbury | 020 7989 7000 highbury@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/shoreditch | 020 7749 7650 shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

Winkworth_FEB.indd 3

See things differently.

13/01/2014 17:03

BLAIR CLOSE, ISLINGTON, N1 - ÂŁ350 PER WEEK

A beautiful one bedroom apartment situated in a quiet residential close in the Canonbury area. The property boasts a bright & spacious reception room, separate kitchen, double bedroom with built in wardrobes and a recently fitted bathroom. one bedroom | purpose built | furnished

BETHNAL GREEN ROAD, BETHNAL GREEN, E2 - ÂŁ799,950

A rare opportunity to purchase a three bedroom property on Bethnal Green Road. This Grade II listed building offer bundles of original features and character including parquet flooring in the lounge with a working period fire place, exposed brick work and beams. three bedrooms | two bathrooms | roof terrace

winkworth.co.uk/islington | 020 7354 2480 islington@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/highbury | 020 7989 7000 highbury@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/shoreditch | 020 7749 7650 shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

Winkworth_FEB.indd 4

See things differently.

13/01/2014 17:03

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Experts

Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

HEMA ANAND � 020 7354 3000 / colmancoyle.com

From Colman Coyle gives her expert advice on all your legal property questions

Chris Morris

Lettings Manager at Cluttons, Islington

Q. I have a missing Landlord and want to extend the lease of my flat. What should I do?

� 020 7354 6666, cluttons.com

A. You do not say on what basis the Q. Best buy-to-let investments A. A good buy-to-let investment is one that has both the potential for strong capital growth in the medium to long term and also a favourable rental yield. This is perhaps not as straightforward as it sounds. With property values surging by around 15% over the last 12 months, rental yields have taken a battering. However, there are still good opportunities out there - it just means looking a bit harder. Consider locations where there are early signs of regeneration and gentrification. It’s a cliché but new coffee shops opening and betting shops closing can be a bit of a giveaway, also look out for plans to develop transport links in the area. If speculating in this way sounds a little too risky then you can’t go too far wrong investing in a 1-2 bedroom flat within a small radius around Angel station or Highbury & Islington station. The strong popularity of the area means a liquid rental market and short void periods between Tenancies. Choose a property that is free from a fundamental problem that cannot be addressed and above all, if you like the property and would be happy to live there then there is a very good chance that a Tenant would too.

Daniel Omell Partner and Head of Sales at Knight Frank, Islington � 020 3657 7340; knightfrank.co.uk

Q. Why hasn’t my property sold?

A. There is no straightforward answer but here are a few pointers which I believe are vital to success: 1. Show off the key selling features, remember if you’ve got it, make use of it.

2. Is the property welcoming? The first 30 seconds are vital, so fix anything that needs fixing and encourage that emotional attachment on entry to the property.

3. Use the best possible marketing. You are trying to encourage buyers to view the house, not find a reason not to. Using good photography that shows the best features of the property will draw people to look at your property instead of others.

4. Be flexible. Buyers can often turn up and want to see a property straightaway, therefore try to be as accommodating as possible.

5. Compromise. Buying and selling is tricky with surveys, solicitor’s enquiries and valuations.

Don’t surrender your soul, but be prepared for some negotiation.

Landlord is said to be missing or cannot be found. Assuming you meet the qualifying criterion set out in the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, you may be able to extend your lease.

You will need to show that you have made reasonable efforts to locate the Landlord, which may include placing adverts in newspapers in the vicinity of the last known address of the Landlord and your fl at, making enquiries of the Land Registry or Companies House, as the case may be, possibly employing a search agent and so forth. I am assuming that the Landlord is alive.

On the basis therefore that you have established that the Landlord cannot be found or is missing, an application is made to the County Court to assess whether or not you are entitled to a lease term extension and must be satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to locate the Landlord. If so, the County Court will refer the matter to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) who shall essentially be responsible for deciding how much should be paid for the lease term extension. The matter is then referred back to the County Court who shall execute the paperwork and accept the payment on behalf of the Landlord.

ASK THE EXPERTS Contact property partner Hema Anand with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email hema.anand@colmancoyle.com  www.colmancoyle.com 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

6. Price. Make sure that your property has been priced realistically. If you research similar sold properties in the area it will give you a good idea of the market, and it can be as simple as that.

SPOTLIGHT ON: N16 Average asking price - £443,685 | Average asking rents - £1,653 pcm | Average property value - £497,675 Data provided by property website 82

Ask the expert chelsea sales_FINAL.indd 82

13/01/2014 17:02

Spotlight on ISLINGTON THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

Associate Director at Savills, Islington � 020 7226 1313; savills.co.uk

Gainsborough Studios, Poole Street, N5 Guide £2,500,000

7 Reception Room

7

T

JOANNE NEIGHBOUR

his contemporary development, designed by Munkenbeck & Marshall, is located next to the Regents Canal and was built on the site of the former Gainsborough Film studios, synonymous with Alfred Hitchcock, Ivor Novello and Gracie Fields. The building is on Poole Street, within easy walking distance of the lively restaurants and bars of Hoxton, Islington and the City.

A huge open plan living area with amazing 270 degree views across the Capital, including the Olympic Stadium to the East, St. Paul’s Cathedral in the City Battersea Power Station to the West.

7

7 Bedroom

Both bedrooms benefit from full height windows, built-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms, along with air conditioning systems and built in surround sound.

7

7 Terraces

There are six private terraces, directly accessed from the apartment, with the top floor terrace encompassing 500 sq ft of space with 360 degree views of London and a hot tub!

BEST SCHOOL

RAINY DAY

FUN FOR FREE

SPORTS

The Gower School is a local school in Barnsbury with brilliant results, offering both nursery and primary education.

Visit the Estorick Collection in Canonbury Square – it is free and has a lovely collection of Italian art and sculptures.

The live music at the Kings Head is just fantastic - a brilliant opportunity to boogie the night away!

Highbury Fields is a lovely place for a run (or walk!) but also offers a swimming pool and gym. A great place for summer rounders!

83

SPOTLIGHT_FEB.indd 83

13/01/2014 17:09

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

AUGUSTAS LANE, N1 A superb split-level penthouse apartment ideally located in the popular Barnsbury Park development forming part of a secure gated Edwardian school conversion. Energy Rating: E. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, study, terrace. £1,100,000 Leasehold 020 7293 0648 islington@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

FARON SATUARIA.indd Abs City&Angel Feb14.indd2 1

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU 07/01/2014 07/01/2014 16:31 10:42

Abs

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

SHEPPERTON ROAD, N1 A beautiful Grade II Listed period house offering high quality accommodation arranged over 3 floors and further enhanced by an unusually generous, south facing, landscaped garden.

Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden. £1,125,000 Freehold 020 7293 0648 islington@faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES • LETTINGS • AUCTIONS • PROPERTY FINANCE • SURVEYS • CONVEYANCING

10:42

FARON SATUARIA.indd Abs City&Angel Feb14.indd3 2

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU 07/01/2014 07/01/2014 16:31 10:43

all on 020 7354 3000 for a FREE quote Commercial & Residential Property Corporate & Commercial Disputes Employment Insolvency Wills & Probate

HELP WITH THE LEGAL DETAIL WHEN YOU WANT TO EXTEND YOUR LEASE OR BUY YOUR FREEHOLD

Hema

Partner, Enfranchisement and Commercial Property

"Efficient, thorough, and always a pleasure to tal to. Hema was particularly good at providing reassurance and clarity."

"I always felt that with Hema we were in really safe hands."

PROPERTY LAW SERVICE

Buying or Selling Commercial Property Enfranchisement Landlord & Tenant Lease Extensions Property Disputes

pper treet, Islington, ondon 020 7354 3000 property@colmancoyle.com

www.colmancoyle.com

forward thin ing straight tal ing FULL PAGE.indd 2

1984 - 2014

anniversary

Celebrating 30 YEARS in business | 1984 - 2014

07/01/2014 17:43

ABSOLUTELY Property

PROPERTY

DEVELOPMENT ARTHOUSE, KINGS CROSS, N1C ARTHOUSE is located in the brand new N1C postcode and is the fi rst completed phase of the 62 acre regeneration of King’s Cross. Granary Square, the focal point of the area, will soon be thriving with eclectic boutiques alongside well-known stores, markets, cafes and restaurants. Arthouse offers a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments in an excellent location with superb transport links servicing the whole of London, UK and International destinations. The Arthouse offers sophisticated London living with a 24-hour concierge service, bright and elegant interiors, a generous feeling of space, with carefully selected materials and well crafted fi nishes.

KNIGHT FRANK, ISLINGTON 020 3657 7360; KNIGHTFRANK.CO.UK/ISLINGTON

Th n n o han n our ana n a ent e dent al ana e ent Co er al ana e ent lo ana e ent ur ded ated tea o ro ana er a ed on er ro de a roa t e ro e er e n all a e t o ro ana e ent

ert treet onal ert

To find out what Currell ana e ent an do or ou lea e all hael aul on or e a l aul urrell o

Currell Management

87

SPOTLIGHT_FEB.indd 87

13/01/2014 17:12

SALES

Alexander Road, Upper Holloway, N19 | ÂŁ485,000 Leasehold This spacious 2 bed flat is arranged over the upper floors of a converted Victorian mid terrace 3 storey house, pleasantly located on a residential street in Upper Holloway. Presented in good decorative order , the flat is offered chain free with easy access to local shops, transport and amenities.

Period conversion | 2 bedrooms | Reception | Kitchen/diner | Rear garden | EPC Rating: Band C

Axminster Road, Holloway, N7 | ÂŁ899,950 Freehold A 3 storey mid terraced Victorian house situated on a popular residential street in central Holloway. The property offers spacious accomodation and is within walking distance of local schools, shops and excellent shopping facilities.

Reception room | Fitted kitchen | 3 double bedrooms | Double glazed | Gas central heatinge | EPC Rating: Band C

Drivers and Norris_C&A_FEB.indd 2

13/01/2014 17:29

SALES

Cornwallis Road, Upper Holloway, N19 | ÂŁ569,000 Leasehold A gorgeous masionette arranged over the upper floors of a converted end of terrace Victorian House on a leafy residential street in Upper Holloway.

Presented in good decorative order, benefits include secure off street parking, gas central heating, and ample stroage throughout including loft space.

Period conversion | 3 bedrooms | Reception | Open plan kitchen | Terrace | EPC Rating: Band D

Freegrove Road, Hilmarton Conservation Area, N7 | ÂŁ950,000 Leasehold Nestled in the heart of Hilmarton Conservation Area, a unique 3 bed house added to an existing terrace of imposing Victorian 3 storey houses. Presented in immaculate decorative order, this superb property is offered chain free and with its close proximity to local shops and transport links.

End Terrace house | 3 bedroom | Reception | Kitchen/diner | Front and rear gardens | EPC Rating: Band D

407-409 Holloway Road London N7 6HP t: 020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk Drivers and Norris_C&A_FEB.indd 3

13/01/2014 17:29

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS JAMES THORNETT

Regional Lettings Director: Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Photography: Rebecca Noonan

I

slington is very close to my heart as it was the first place I moved to when I came to London. I lived and worked there for many years and had an absolutely fantastic time enjoying the many pubs and bars in the area. These days I’m happily married with my two wonderful young sons, who prompted a recent move out to Surrey. However, as a family, we still love to visit the area, my sister happens to live locally as well and you’ve only got to look at the quality of the shopping on Upper Street, or try one of the many independent shops and eateries that are on offer, to realise why London’s tenants are flocking to the area as much as ever.

Converted warehouses, beautiful Georgian terraces and brand new developments, we’re always around admiring the beautiful and characterful architecture. There are many historic properties which survived the blitz bombings during World War ll, they include flatfronted Georgian and early Victorian terraces.

Colebrook Row is one of the most picturesque Georgian rows and consequently one of the most sought after addresses in London.

Property really excites me, which wasn’t the case from the get go, back when I was just coming out of school, my main focus was getting a degree in Law. I always assumed I would earn a living as an upstanding, legal professional, perhaps a solicitor or heaven forbid a barrister. However, after three years with my nose in the books, and some pretty stuffy work experience placements, it dawned on me that law just might not be for

me. Or perhaps it was the other way round. In any case, after graduating, I had a wonderful spell spending my non-existent savings travelling around Australia. I then returned to the UK and applied for a job in estate agency.

It was the first job I applied for, and to be honest I hadn’t really thought about being an estate agent before. The firm I joined was a well-known London-based company, famed for their ‘work hard, play hard’ culture, and I really enjoyed my first taste of the business.

That was 13 years ago now, and while I may be a lot older and slightly wiser, I still retain something that was drilled into me from day one “that this is probably the biggest transaction that your prospective tenant will have made to date, and you owe it to them, and your client (who let’s not forget is paying your fee), to do a damn good job.” I genuinely still get a buzz out of a job well done, and the thrill of finding our landlords a good quality tenant before any of our competitors, it can’t be beat. It must be the competitive part in me!

The lettings market is very strong in Islington and surrounding areas, we’ve seen another year of growth in rental prices between 5 and 12%. There are a number of new builds in the Angel and Islington area with more new developments currently under construction, increasing the surge in popularity, this has in turn increased stock levels, giving tenants a greater choice.

020 8739 2000; kfh.co.uk

90

C&A_ITOW_FEB.indd 90

13/01/2014 17:03

ABSOLUTELY Property

91

C&A_ITOW_FEB.indd 91

13/01/2014 17:04

The spoils of the hardy workplace warrior.

PL_NOV.indd 2 ZOO1205 PL DPS_Zest_420x297.indd 5-6

09/01/2014 10:53

PL_NOV.indd 3

09/01/2014 05/08/2013 10:53 14:20

Offices throughout London

Macklin Street, WC2B

£465,000

Hillsborough Court, NW6

£285,000

A spacious and light fifth floor apartment situated just moments from Covent garden tube station. The property provides wood flooring throughout, a lift to all floors, a security entry and residents parking is available. Leasehold. EPC = D

A magnificent Grade II listed mansion block, this 2 bedroom lower ground floor apartment comprises two bedrooms, a modern, sleek kitchen & re-fitted bathroom, lift and communal gardens. Leasehold. EPC = D

Bloomsbury Office 020 7291 0655Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Bloomsbury Office 020 7291 0655Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Cliff Road, NW1

Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X

£199,950

£2,500,000

A fantastic, bright raised ground floor studio apartment benefiting from a modern kitchen area and shower room. Located within ½ mile of Caledonian Road & Kentish Town stations the block provides parking and a security entry system. Leasehold. EPC = D

A unique chance to purchase this stunning investment opportunity, this property is located in the heart of mid-town close to Chancery Lane and Kings Cross station. The development is current arranged as four apartments set over five floors with three one bedroom flats and a two bedroom basement flat. Freehold. EPC = C

Bloomsbury Office 020 7291 0655Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Bloomsbury Office 020 7291 0655Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

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

EDMUND_CUDE_FEB.indd 2

13/01/2014 09:50

m

Frederick Street, WC1X

£2,900,000

A beautifully appointed period townhouse positioned just moments from Kings Cross St Pancras station, the property is within striking distance of the vibrant bars and restaurants of Upper Street, with the West End within walking distance. Internally the property has been fully refurbished comprising a sleek high spec kitchen, luxury bathrooms and real wood flooring, there are a wealth of original features too including full length sash windows and ornate coving giving a perfect balance of modern open plan living with classic architecture. Freehold. EPC = F Bloomsbury Office 020 7291 0655Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

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

EDMUND_CUDE_FEB.indd 3

13/01/2014 09:50

£2,500,000 Freehold Mylne Street, EC1R

• Four Bedrooms

• Three Reception Rooms • Patio Garden • EPC E

£1,250,000 Leasehold Rosebery Avenue, EC1R • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • South facing terrace • EPC C

020 7253 2533 clerkenwell@currell.com

CURRELLS_C&A_JAN.indd 1

www.currell.com

14/01/2014 09:55

CurrellResidential

£1,100,000 Freehold Southgate Road, N1 • Three Bedrooms • Three split level storeys • Victorian family house • Private rear garden • EPC E

£649,950 Leasehold Mountgrove Road, N5

•Two bedrooms, two bathrooms • Private terrace • Excellent transport links • EPC Pending

020 7226 4200 islington@currell.com

CURRELLS_C&A_JAN.indd 2

www.currell.com

13/01/2014 10:18

Stirling Ackroyd All around the City EC1V

E2 £600,000

£1,275,000

SHOREDITCH SALES – CHESHIRE STREET A fantastic split level 2 bed conversion offering fantastic entertaining space in close proximity to Brick Lane. EPC - C

CLERKENWELL SALES – DALLINGTON STREET A beautifully presented 2 bed apartment within this well maintained development on a quiet street in Central Clerkenwell. EPC - B

SE1

WC2B

£1,525,000

£2,750,000

BANKSIDE SALES – WOODS PLACE A 2 bed apartment in a converted printing factory benefiting from original brickwork, high ceilings & factory windows. EPC - D

WEST END SALES - KINGSWAY A duplex penthouse with private roof terrace in fantastic central location.

Use of hotel facilities incl. in service charge.

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606

HACKNEY 020 7749 3807

WEST END 020 7256 3244

IBIZA 0034 971 326 788

ISTANBUL +90 (0)444 4493

BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888

StirlingAckroyd.com STIRLING ACKROYD_FEB.indd 1

10/01/2014 14:48

N1

EC4

£595 pw

£620 pw

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS – WELLESLEY TERRACE A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment featuring 880 sq ft of contemporary living space, with communal roof terrace. EPC - B

CLERKENWELL LETTINGS - RED LION COURT A 2 bedroom apartment finished to an impeccable standard & situated near Fleet Street. EPC - B

SE1

WC1B

£795 pw

BANKSIDE LETTINGS – JAM FACTORY A stunning 2 bed penthouse apartment with spectacular roof terrace situated in this highly regarded development near Tower Bridge. EPC – C

£725 pw

WEST END LETTINGS – RUSSELL SQUARE A recently refurbished 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in this mansion bock in the heart of Bloomsbury. EPC – B

LETTINGS PRICES EXCLUDE ADDITIONAL FEES. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

STIRLING ACKROYD_FEB.indd 2

10/01/2014 14:47

From Angel to Highbury

KNIGHT FRANK KNOWS Islington Islington addresses are as renowned Daniel Omell, head of our Islington office and his team are renowned for their years of experience and their property expertise. They specialise in selling a range of properties from new builds and Period conversions, to large Georgian houses and loft style apartments.

Their in depth knowledge of the local market, combined with an extensive network of offices in the UK and around the world, mean that it is possible to match property to the best possible buyer or tenant.

To find out more about how Knight Frank can help with your property requirements, call Knight Frank Islington on

020 3641 6138 KnightFrank.co.uk/Islington

As the local Knight Frank Team

KNIGHT FRANK_FEB.indd 2 308191_WhyKF_AC&A_FEB14.indd 1

09/01/2014 09/01/2014 15:35 14:55