Absolutely City&East : North by North West August 2017 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY City & East North by Northwest

AUGUST 2017 / £3.95

HIGH LIFE Meet Sky Garden’s Dan Fletcher

Glam QUEEN STYLE TALK WITH JESS MORRIS

CITY KIDS Summer holiday entertainment

Floral

FANCY S TAT E M E N T STYLE FOR SUMMER

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BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM

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BATTERSEA

NOTTING HILL

NEW! SPITALFIELDS

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Aug ust 2017

56 c u lt u r e

10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we really want this month

14 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for August

fa s h i o n

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18 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trends and products

CITY & EAST

City & East AUGUST 2017 / £3.95

AUGU ST 2017

Meet Sky Garden’s Dan Fletcher

Glam QUEEN STYLE TALK WITH JESS MORRIS

ARTS & CULTURE • FASHION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOOD & DRINK • INTERIORS • KIDS & EDUCATION • TRAVEL • PROPERTY

CITY KIDS Summer holiday entertainment

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

The month's best beauty buys

ZEST.LONDON

S TAT E M E N T STYLE FOR SUMMER

Food & Drink

interiors

Tasty happenings from the local area

05/07/2017 17:28

50 SCHOOL'S OUT

Summer holiday happenings

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62 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the designers 68 FLORAL FEVER Discover the art of flower arranging

Kids

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEX BARRON-HOUGH HAIR: STIL SALON (T: 020 7243 1521 | W: STIL-SALON.COM) CREATIVE DIRECTION: CHRISTEL LUNDQVIST, STIL MAKEUP: ASHER COLEMAN STYLING: RHONA EZUMA

t r av e l

56 MONTENEGRO

Follow in the footsteps of the A List to Sveti Stefan

40 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Bronze products to get your glow on

42 HIGH LIFE Meet Sky Garden's Dan Fletcher

Floral

FANCY

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MADE IN BRAZIL

Sizzling swimwear from Adriana Degreas

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ABSOLUTELY HIGH LIFE

FESTIVAL FASHION

Grown-up style for the summer line-up

PROPERTY

90 LIVING THE DREAM

The most luxurious on the property market

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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITOR HELEN BROWN DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER JAMES FUSCHILLO GROUP SALES MANAGER CRAIG DAVIES COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR LEAH DAY-ABALOS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR TAMAR VANDERHOEK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JESS GEORGIOU-CROSS MARKETING MANAGER NEFELI KRITIKOU FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LETTER

ugust is the best month in London. Not everyone agrees, but for me the lack of traffic, the lack of people on the pavements and the noticably slower pace of life creates a holiday vibe right here at home. Also, August is by extension just slightly anarchic. Our magazine is featuring a wide variety of different things this month, maybe not anarchic but perhaps a touch random. We meet Jess Morris of Rockins to discuss her retro rock'n'roll look and head to the London Flower School to learn the tamer art of flower arranging. We also address the annual problem of what to do with the children during the summer holidays. We've found a few choice urban activities to entertain them, and you'll find these along with our usual mix of local events, fashion, beauty, travel and property in the following pages. We hope you enjoy the issue. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

helen brown Editor

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 14:56

BIMBA Y LOL A

Bimba Y Lola’s luxe separates have made the fashion industry sit up and take note. The SS17 collection effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. bimbaylola.com

Lighten Up

White trousers are this summer’s tricky-to-pull-off statement piece. Dip a toe into the trend with Rejina Pyo’s denim pair. With a high waist and wide leg, simplicity is key with these. £325; farfetch.com

PATISSERIE PLAY

The slogan tee gets a tasty twist with this croissant number from Moulin. Perfect paired with weekend denim and summer slides. £45; farfetch.com

Riviera Chic

Compiled by

H E L E N B R OW N

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Growing up in Oman, Sophie Anderson became fascinated by traditional craftsmanship and vibrant fabrics. Her ‘Ana’ bag is woven from raffia in Rivierainspired stripes for a touch of that coveted mediterranean chic. £190; net-a-porter.com

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES COS

COS creates fashion pieces that are made to last beyond the season. The SS17 collection is simple and structured. A minimalist flare sends a statement. cosstores.com

THE BOTANIST

Nine classic gin botanicals and 22 hand-foraged herbs and flowers come together to create this floral gin with an outstanding finish. £34.99; waitrose.com

EYE SPY

Tom Davies' London collection provides a modern twist to the classic aviator. With a delicate metal frame and multiple colourways they suit all face shapes and styles. POR; tdtomdavies.com

Celebrating Scent

To celebrate 50 years, Diptyque has created a special range blended with damp mosses, crumpled blackcurrant leaves and sun-dried fig. The intriguing scent perfectly encapsulates the brand’s rich heritage. £190; selfridges.com

STEP BACK

The 90s mule has made a comeback and with Mansur Gavriel’s walkable block heels and stylish crisscross straps, what's not to love? They add the perfect pop of colour to elevate mono-tonal looks. £325; net-a-porter.com

Colour Pop

Simplicity at it’s best, this minimal design from Cluse adds a trend-lend, playful detail to any outfit. The brand’s new summer '17 collection delivers interchangeable straps and a wideranging colour spectrum. £79; clusewatches.com

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 09:33

JOIN OUR CELEBRATION OF FOOD, DRINK & WELLBEING

Alexandra Palace 26, 27, 28 August

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King of Nowhere, Grayson Perry, 2015

> WHAT'S ON: LONDON HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

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THE MOST POPULAR ART EXHIBITION EVER This summer, Grayson Perry presents a groundbreaking exhibition of new work at the Serpentine Gallery. Aptly titled, The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever, this one is not-to-be-missed. 9 June-10 September. serpentinegalleries.org

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07/07/2017 09:36

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NAIJA IN THE PARK 5 Au g u s t Ro s e T he a tre Ki ngs to n iscover the colourful and diverse culture of Nigeria in this annual D summer-time festival. With cultural performances, workshops, arts, crafts, children’s funfair, Nigerian food and more, there is fun for all the family. u Wells Terrace, N4; naijainthepark.com

HOKUSAI: BEYOND THE GREAT WAVE Un ti l 13 Au g u s t T he B r i ti s h M u s e u m he sublime work of one of Japan’s greatest artists is brought to the T forefront at the British Museum. The exhibition leads you on an artistic journey through the last 30 years of Hokusai’s life - a time when he produced some of his most memorable masterpieces. u Great Russell Street, WC1B; britishmuseum.org

Grayson Perry On goin g Serpentine G aller ies

Grayson Perry presents this major exhibition of new work that touches on themes of popularity and art, masculinity and the current cultural landscape. Working in a variety of media such as ceramics, cast iron, bronze and tapestry, Perry is best known for his ability to combine delicately crafted objects with scenes of contemporary life. Ken sin gton G arden s, W2; serpen tin e galler ies.org

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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A LIFETIME OF STORIES O n go i n g V& A M u s e u m o f C hil dho o d ar Horse, Kensuke’s Kingdom, and The Butterfly Lion; undoubtedly W some of the best-loved books of British childhood. This new summer exhibition looks at author Michael Morpurgo’s life and writing process, as well as the lives he has created for some of his remarkable characters. u Cambridge Heath Road, E2; vam.ac.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

OLIVER TWIST

Un ti l 5 Au g u s t Re ge nt’s Pa rk O p e n Ai r T he a tre lease sir, can I have some more? P Take a riotous journey through the streets of London to discover the original story of Victorian London's most famous orphan. Directed by Caroline Byrne, Oliver Twist created for everyone aged six and over is fun for the whole family. Royal Court playwright Anya Reiss' adaptation brings Dickens' story to a whole new audience. It will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. u Inner Circle, NW1; openairtheatre.com

must see

LIONS & TIGERS From 23 August S am Wan am ake r Playh ou se

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Based on the true story of her great uncle and freedom fighter Dinesh Gupta, Lions and Tigers is Tanika Gupta's most personal play yet. Set against the backdrop of negotiations between the leaders of the Indian National Congress, it draws on details from her grandfather’s 500 page handwritten journal and from the 92 letters written by her great uncle from his prison cell.

O ngoi ng Ap ollo T he at re ienna Miller stars as Maggie S alongside Jack O’Connell as Brick in this poetic story of a family’s fight for survival. On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather at their cotton plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The summer heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out? u Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D; youngvicwestend.com

21 New Globe Walk, SE1; shakespearesglobe.com

SHOW OF THE MONTH

THE TEMPEST Un ti l 18 Au g u st T h e B arb i c an

n a distant island a man waits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man, and this no ordinary island. Simon Russell Beale plays Prospero in

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this ground-breaking production that uses today’s most advanced technology in a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s magical play. A truly unforgettable theatre experience. u Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 09:49

ABSOLUTELY london

www.absolutely.london

Your guide to inspirational London living From the team behind Absolutely Magazines

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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

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ROCK'N'ROLL STYLE WITH JESS MORRIS

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BLUE SKY THINKING Nothing says ‘holiday’ better than MARCH11’s richly embroidered blouses and dresses. Inspired by wanderlust and memories of travels past, the brand’s stunning pieces are inspired by local artisanal techniques. Buy now and love forever. march11.us

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 09:58

st y l e C e n t r a l

Alexa Chung’s long-awaited collection, kimono chic, white jeans and lace-ups Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y

B R A N D T O WAT C H

NADYA SHAH

hen it-girl Poppy Delevingne was papped wearing an intricately embroidered Aztec print cape, the fashion world sat up. The designer, it transpired, was the relatively unknown Nadya Shah. Covering dresses, tops, coats and capes, Nadya Shah’s designs are characterised by a contemporary spin on folkloric embroidery. Sourcing ethical, handwoven fabrics from her native Pakistan, the designer is passionate about championing sustainable fashion. Her label provides long term employment opportunities for artisans in her hometown. “From architecture to flocked wallpaper, old Cecil Beaton books to vintage ornaments, I’m constantly inspired by the old and the new”, Shah explains. “Although my creative process has evolved over the years, I’ve always worked very visually. Starting with sketching ideas and creating mood boards, my research has developed onto the treatment of materials and constructions of silhouettes. I love experimenting with techniques and embroidery, constantly challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of what can be done.” Spotted on a number of famous faces, Shah’s designs act as a pièce de résistance to any ensemble. Make like Poppy and pair the Dhalia Cape with dressed-down denim and a billowing blouse for festival-ready style. Or, for a cool alternative to a summer cocktail dress, try the Lina Fuchsia Nomad Jacket. The chinoiserie embellishment gives a nod to this season’s oriental trend - all it needs is an crisp shirt, culottes and heeled sandals. ◆ nadyashah.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Brit Girl Alexa Chung

After months of anticipation, Alexa Chung’s eponymous fashion label has officially launched into the fashion sphere. Described as a combination of “Parisian chic with a New York edge”, plus a “very British sense of humour”, there’s no doubt that Chung’s transatlantic collection packs as much charm and character as the woman herself. alexachung.com

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FASHION / NOTES editor’s

PICK ROBED IN STYLE Zara

This season Hillier Bartley and Attico have both embraced the decorative charm of the kimono. The SS17 look is all about fusing the traditional Japanese silhouette with the aristocratic eccentricity of a silk dressing gown. Zara’s stunning blue iteration will look a million dollars with tasseled, shoulder-grazing earrings and kitten heels; £59.99. zara.com

of the best

LACE-UP BUYS & OTHER STORIES

Cotton Lace-up Dress £65; stories.com

SCANDI COOL Arket

From the people that brought you H&M comes Arket, the new lifestyle label that everyone's talking about. Meaning ‘a sheet of paper’ in Swedish, the brand will focus on sustainability, durability and quality in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion and homeware. The brand’s Instagram page reveals shots of chic yet simple separates – but all we can say is, watch this space. arket.com

EQUIPMENT

Knox Lace-Up Striped Cotton Shirt £230; lyst.com

MARQUES' ALMEIDA

Asymmetric Lace-Up Cotton-Jersey Top £240; net-a-porter.com

ARTHOUSE Pe o p l e T r e e x V& A

Ethical fashion brand People Tree have joined forces with the V&A to create an eight-piece capsule collection that celebrates the beauty of the museum’s eclectic archives. Inspired by 1930s style, the limited edition line will be made from printed organic cotton and features a number of timeless and elegantly grown-up pieces; from £75. peopletree.co.uk

TOPSHOP

Moto Lace-Up Cropped Wide Leg Jeans £46; topshop.com

WHITE OUT DL 1961

Forget sloaney skinnies and school run mums, because white jeans have been given a cool-girl makeover this season. They key is to stick to rigid denim and wide leg, high-waisted silhouettes to avoid any Liz Hurley connotations. DL 1961’s white Hepburn jeans tick all the boxes. Style with a retro, colour-match tee, heeled mules and sculptural earrings; £180. asos.com

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SEA

Lace-Up Stretch-Canvas Midi Skirt - Blush £1,320; shopstyle.co.uk

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:01

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ROCK ROLL QUEEN Absolutely meets Jess Morris, one half of the design duo behind fashion brand Rockins Wo r d s b y j oy m o n t g o m e r y

the neighbouring brands; a fashion microcosm that transports us to a world of glam rock, groupies and 1970s Bohemia. In non-stretch denim, white tee and skinny scarf, Morris is a pure personification of the brand. ‘We were going to do vinyl for next season’, she muses, spotting my high shine vinyl trousers. ‘About six months ago Julia Hobbs from Vogue told me “do vinyl and do it quick!” I just didn’t do it quick enough’, she adds with a throaty laugh. This casual name-dropping of the stylish and the starstudded turns out to be a recurring theme throughout our conversation, littering her memories and offering a glimpse into the impressive social network of this fashion PR-turned-designer.

f you thought rock and roll was dead then clearly you haven’t met Jess Morris and Tim Rockins. Both tousle-haired and denim-clad, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d just stepped off the Glastonbury stage. In fact, this inimitable couple are the brains behind fashion brand Rockins. Eat your heart out Kooples, because these guys are the real deal. I meet Jess Morris, one half of the design duo, in the sartorial melting pot that is a fashion PR’s headquarters. We pass rail upon rail of high-end wares before finding Morris standing sentinel beside a line-up of Rockins’ latest designs. Even in such neutral surroundings both designer and collection stand out against

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FASHION / INTERVIEW

Jess Morris

The Rockins love affair began after Tim and Jess met in Notting Hill, working as an illustrator/DJ and fashion PR, respectively. Fast forward a few years and they find themselves at home with two kids wondering what to do next. Describing themselves as ‘very Good Life’, the creative pair were known for their homemade Christmas presents - everything from Monopoly boards to bespoke vinyl music covers - and one year they created a small run of 1920s inspired silk scarves. Little did they know that Rockins had just been born. 'The scarves were our entry point into the fashion industry’, Morris explains. ‘Tim and I were always looking for those old 1920s scarves that people wore in the 1970s - it’s the aesthetic we love and what our rock and roll heroes were always wearing - but they just weren’t available. Within two to three seasons our scarves were in so many stores. We caught the wave’. It’s worth noting that among the group of friends who received the first Rockins scarf were fashion royalty Kate Moss, Jamie Hince and Katie England. As a result Rockins appeared in high profile fashion editorials and even around the neck of Mossy herself. Now that’s what you call promotional gold dust.

The collection is a visual MASH-UP of morris’ love of VINTAGE FASHION and her HUSBAND'S URBAN AESTHETIC

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Following the success of the scarves, in 2016 Rockins moved into ready-to-wear, selling everything from printed tees and silk shirts to waistcoats and non-stretch denim. Irreverent yet stylish, luxe yet laid-back, the collection is a visual mashup of Morris’ love of vintage fashion and her husband’s urban aesthetic. ‘We’re heavily influenced by music, it inspires everything we do’, Jess explains. ‘Tim is an ‘80s kid and brings a street vibe to the brand, while I’m stuck in the ‘70s'. This love for all things retro can be traced back to Morris’ childhood,

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:06

INSPIRATION & DESIGN

40 Oï¬&#x20AC;ord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk TILE BOX NOV_V3.indd 1

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FASHION / INTERVIEW spending Saturdays working at her Mum’s vintage store. ‘I always loved going to jumble sales - you would put your hand in and come out with all these 1950s fabrics and Victorian lace’, she recalls. ‘This was the 1970s and everyone looked fantastic because they were wearing second-hand clothes. It was like an amazing dressing up box’. It’s clear that this immersion in the world of time-worn objects has become embedded in the brand’s DNA. How does Jess reconcile this nostalgia with the fast pace of the modern fashion industry? ‘Originally we said we’d only do two collections a year, all our denim would be well worn in and we’d spend time on customisation’, she says with a wry smile. ‘But it’s tricky when you have an agent constantly asking “what’s next?” and stores wanting newness every month. There’s an impatience and demand in the fashion world that is unavoidable. We’re just trying to keep our charm in a commercial world without selling out’. Navigating the demands of a contemporary fashion brand might be tricky, but Jess and Tim have fought to hold onto their ‘charm’. From the packaging, which sees scarves folded into cassette boxes and 7-inch vinyls, to the ‘brandzine’, a print magazine inspired by

old music fanzines, you can’t help but be impressed by their dedication. Rockins husband, Rockins home and even Rockins kids - yup, check out the brand’s Instagram page - Jess Morris is certainly living the Rockins life. ‘I had dinner with Vivienne [Westwood] on Monday night in Paris and she couldn't believe I was doing my own clothes line’, she says with unwavering casualness. Yet, despite her obvious successes, Jess still suffers from that all-too-familiar feeling of imposter syndrome. ‘Sometimes I feel like a fraud because I didn’t go to St Martins or train as a designer’, she explains. With such distinctive style, intuitive design skill and impressive contacts to boot, something tells us she’s going to be just fine. u rockins.co.uk

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:05

FASHION / TREND ZARA Brown Suede Jacket, £179; zara.com

CHLOE Hudson Small Leather Shoulder Bag, £1,315; chloe.com

MANGO Printed Cotton T-Shirt, £15.99; shop.mango.com

TOPSHOP Montana Western Ankle Boots, £55; topshop.com

MIH JEANS Halsy Raw Denim MidRise Shorts, £145; matchesfashion.com

SAINT LAURENT Striped Breton Top, £408; farfetch.com

HUNTER Mini Top Clip Backpack, £225; hunterboots.com

& OTHER STORIES Rik Rak Top, £45; stories.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY Rowan Denim Shirt, £454; matchesfashion.com

ROCKINS SS17

TOPSHOP Feminist Sweatshirt, £24; topshop.com

ROCKINS Guns ‘N’ Rockins-Print Super-Skinny Scarf, £117; matchesfashion.com

ROCK N’ ROLL QUEEN MADEWORN The Rolling Stones Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £140; net-a-porter.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Camp in style with Absolutely’s grown-up festival fashion edit

HUNTER Garden Party Womens Original Tall Wellington Boots, £90; hunterboots.com

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:34

DESIGN & FUNCTION

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk CONCEPT KITCHENS NOV.indd 1

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Made in

BRAZIL Waft around in Adriana Degreasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tropical swimwear and floaty cover-ups adrianadegre as.com P h o t o g r a p h e r R a f a e l P ava r o t t i

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S E RVIN G

U P A N AC E At Hotel du Vin Wimbledon

Top service, live action, afternoon tea, strawberries and cream, it can only be the Wimbledon fortnight, and you can experience it all in the height of luxury at Hotel du Vin. Experience the excitement and the action from the All England Tennis Club at Hotel du Vin Wimbledon during tennis fortnight. The atmosphere will be buzzing as customers watch live screenings whilst sipping Champagne and experiencing our culinary delights. The hotel can provide the perfect backdrop for private events including barbecues. Or simply enjoy lunch or dinner in the Bistro or Orangery, or sip a glass of Champagne on the terrace.

Visit our website for more details: HOTELDUVIN.COM HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO WIMBLEDON 03300 240 706

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> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

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BRONZE AMBITION p.36

GOOD TO GLOW For her first cruise collection Lucia Pica has created a make-up line which encapsulates the beauty and warmth of summer. A tribute to the brand’s inimitable founder, Les Indispensables de L’ete is composed of glowing face, lip, eye and nail products inspired by the earthy tones of sun-baked landscapes. chanel.com

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:19

t r e atm e n t R e v i e w

Quirky girl fragrance, Nars Orgasm, brow perfection and redness eliminators... W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

PSYCLE LONDON Whitby Street Wo r d s J oy m o n t g o m e r y

pinners rejoice: for summer 2017 Psycle London, London’s leading indoor cycling and wellbeing concept, will open its third studio since the brand’s inception in 2014. Situated on Whitby Street in trendy Shoreditch, the 4500 sq ft space will be home to a 44bike spin studio. Not only this, but the new site will come with an exciting expansion on Psycle’s core studio offering. Packing all the music-pumping, highenergy action of its sister studios in Canary Wharf and Mortimer Street, Psycle’s new venue will also offer a set of new concept classes, including a signature barre method, HIIT class and yoga sequence. “Psycle’s goal has always been to inspire people to lead vibrant, happy and energetic lives.” Explains CEO Rhian Stephenson. “Our ride program is about so much more than the workout - it’s about feeling good, challenging yourself, connecting with a community, and living with energy and passion.” With over 120 classes between their two studios, Psycle currently sees a whopping 6,000 riders taking their seats every week. The new studio classes are an evolution from the brand’s iconic ride class which has taken London by storm and builds upon their 360-degree approach to health and fitness. Watch this space. ◆ W H I T BY S T R E E T, S H O R E D I TC H

psyclelondon.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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MoveYourBody Whistles

Sport meets style for Whistles’ new activewear collection. Made of lightweight, performance stretch fabrics, the 17-piece collection is designed to blend seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe. From striped co-ords and Aztec detail bra tops, to dance sweats and easy all-in-ones, exercise never looked so appealing. whistles.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

editor's

BLOOMIN’ LOVELY

PICK

Gucci Bloom

of the best

Alessandro Michele, Gucci Creative Director and king of quirky girl chic, has released his first fragrance. ‘Bloom’ contains notes of tuberose and jasmine, offering a complex, woody finish. This chic, millennial pink bottle is one to display on the dressing table; £72. gucci.com

REDNESS NEUTRALISERS

SKIN SCIENCE Nior London

Founded by Anika Patel, Nior London is the under-the-radar brand that has won our hearts with its beautiful packaging and results-driven skincare. Each product addresses a specific concern and the Radiate SPF20 antiageing cream is our hero buy with its light, nourishing formula. nior.london

SMASHBOX, Photo Finish Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Primer, £28; smashbox.co.uk

YVES SAINT LAURENT, Touche Éclat Neutralizer, £25.50; yslbeauty.co.uk

URBAN DECAY, Naked Skin Colour Correcting Fluid, £19; urbandecay.co.uk

BLUSHING BEAUTY Nars Orgasm

Introducing Nars’ new Orgasm Liquid Blush. Inspired by the brand’s cult powder blusher, the silky formula is ideal for layering to create a perfectly natural flush. Infused with Monoi and Tamanu oils, this will stay on as long as you stay out; £23. narscosmetics.co.uk

HIGH BROW Beauty Edit Mayfair

Formulated to deliver effortlessly defined brows, this 10-piece collection uses pure pigmented shades to neutralise brassiness. The result? Game-changing products that work in harmony with our natural colouring. nailsandbrows.me

35 C&A_Aug17_Beauty notes.indd 35

6 5

BECCA, Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector, £21; cultbeauty.co.uk

NYX, rofessional Makeup High Definition Finishing Powder, £9; boots.com

DIOR 2-in-1 Prime & Colour Correct, £23.50; dior.com

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:27

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS BUTTER LONDON

TAN-LUXE

BronzerClutch Palette in True to Form, £28; lookfantastic.com

The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops, £35; tan-luxe.com

JAMES READ

Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face, £25; feelunique.com

NARS

Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer in Laguna, £29; narscosmetics.co.uk

ZOEVA

Nude Spectrum Blush Palette, £15; selfridges.com

TAN-LUXE

The Butter, £20; qvcuk.com

ELIZABETH ARDEN

Sunset Bronze Prismatic Lip Gloss, £18; elizabetharden.co.uk

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask, £38; charlottetilbury.com

CHANTECAILLE

Chrome Luxe Eye Duo in Monte Carlo, £48; spacenk.com

PIXI

Quick Fix Bronzer Velvet Bronze, £18; lookfantastic.com

Golden Girls

LAURA MERCIER

Sunset Bronzing Crayon, £25; spacenk.com

Get your glow on with the best bronzer buys B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VITA LIBERATA

BENEFIT

Trystal Minerals Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals in Sunkissed, £35; vitaliberata.co.uk

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Hula Bronzing Powder, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.com

36 07/07/2017 10:40

38 Oï¬&#x20AC;ord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk BATH SORTS NOV.indd 1

17/10/2016 12:21

www.leonidas.com

LEONIDAS.indd 1

07/07/2017 17:00

> 5 OF THE BEST NEW BARS TO VISIT

p.41

LONDON LOVE-IN Featuring gastronomical delights and signature dishes from the city’s best restaurants, coffee houses, cocktail lounges and hole-in-the-wall gems, The London Cookbook packs in recipes from The River Café, Moro, Tom’s Kitchen, The Ivy, Ottolenghi, Smoking Goat and many, many, more. The London Cookbook by Aleksandra Crapanzano, Sphere, £20, littlebrown.co.uk

39 CHIS_Aug17_Food_Opener.indd 39

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:51

What to drink

GRAPE NEWS

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL

Wine recommendations for the month

London’s food news and delicious things to see you through August

By B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D

Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

2015 BERRY BROS. & RUDD COTES DU RHONE ROUGE £11.45 The Perrins have added their not inconsiderable skill to the already outstanding 2015 Rhone vintage and have crafted a delicious wine which is a rich, spicy and indulgent. This versatile foody wine will work with most red and white meats, cheese, and it's perfect for a BBQ. ◆

2016 DOMAINE LYRARAKIS, ASSYRTIKO £11.95 Clear varietal character with mouth-watering freshness. On the nose, there’s a subtle stone-fruit character – more like the skin of a peach than the flesh – as well as aromas of ripe lime and melon. A fitting accompaniment to fillet of sole. ◆

2016 ETNA ROSATO, GRACI, PASSOPISCIARO, SICILY £18.25 A vibrant, balanced wine with plenty of zest and mineral freshness. Its citrus and floral aromas, like all good Italian wines, work perfectly with a range of dishes, from antipasti, to light creamy pasta dishes. ◆

STOKEY STALWART Dandy

B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D

Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's. bbr.com

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Dandy, from Australian duo Daniel Wilson and Andrew Leitch, has moved from its hugely popular shipping container pop-up in Hackney to Newington Green. The relaxed all-day dining space focuses on seasonal UK produce worked into unusual dishes - think Shawarma-spiced lamb belly with baba ganoush and cauliflower. 20 Newington Green, N16 dandycafe.co.uk

40 07/07/2017 10:55

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

ALL THINGS SPICE R o l a Wa l a

Street Feast alumni Rola Wala have opened a permanent site in Spitalfields serving 'Indian food you can eat every day'. Highlights of the menu are fresh hand made naan rolls and rice bowls, filled with things like spicy Nagaland Lamb or beetroot Red Dal. Each dish is only 500 calories and is great value - rolls and bowls start at £5.95. 36 Brushfield Street, E1 rolawala.com

TO P 5

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS Humble Grape Islington

With a collection of over 400 wines directly imported from small, familyowned vineyards, the latest Humble Grape site is bound to shake up Islington. Its founder and team provide quality wines, that are single vineyard, largely organic, biodynamic and sustainably sourced. 11 Theberton Street, N10 humblegrape.co.uk

ITALIAN BREAKFAST

The best places to sip cocktails around London this month... Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N

01 JAILHOUSE BAR

Set within the five-star Courthouse Hotel, the Jailhouse Bar puts this Grade II listed building’s prison cells to use. Live DJs and an innovative cocktail menu make this one of London's latest and greatest nights out. courthouse-hotel.com

02 THE BOTHY

The Bothy is the latest addition to the renowned Drake & Morgan bar group, springing up in bustling busy Canary Wharf. The place promises a medley of seasonal dishes and quirky cocktails, with mixology classes on offer and an alfresco area to enjoy drakeandmorgan.co.uk

Wo l f I I

With a Head Chef that’s previously worked at Polpo and The Ivy, Wolf II is an amazing spot to stop off for an Italian breakfast. Hungry and rushed passers-by will be able to enjoy an Italian twist on take-away dishes like the superfood pot with quinoa, avocado, Sicilian cherry tomatoes, poached free range egg and Amalfi lemon dressing or the delicious ‘porko dio’. Finsbury Square Avenue, EC2M wolf-restaurant.com

03 SUPER LYAN

Ever ahead of the trend, Ryan Chetiyawardana and Iain Griffiths created ripples throughout London’s bar scene when they opened White Lyan in 2013. Now, this groundbreaking Hoxton bar has had a transformation with the launch of Super Lyan serving a collection of “Bitchin’ Classics”. superlyan.com

editor’s

PICK

NEW BRUNCH The Vincent

Nothing beats a meal at the pub on the weekend and The Vincent, a new neighbourhood restaurant in Hackney, is just the place to do it. Choose from signature house salads including hoisin crispy duck with peach and pomegranate and buns such as fried chicken with aioli. There’s also a brunch menu of homesmoked meats and baked eggs. 2 Atkins Square, E8 thevincent-e8.com

41 C&A_August17_Foodnotes.indd 41

NEW BARS

04 DEAD RABBIT

Irish founders, Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, describe the Dead Rabbit as ‘an Irish bar for the 21st Century’. It combines a neighbourhood taproom serving craft beer, punch and Irish whiskey, with a super refined cocktail parlour. claridges.co.uk

05 THE PRINCE OF PECKHAM

Prince Of Peckham is a pub for the people, featuring bottomless jerk wings, bottomless brunch and specially designed jerk roast by White Men Can't Jerk. Set to be a local favourite... princeofpeckham.co.uk

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:55

High

LIFE Meet Dan Fletcher, the Yorkshire born culinary talent behind Sky Garden’s Fenchurch Restaurant w o r d s A n n i e M ay B y r n e - N o o n a n

oung, vibrant chef Dan Fletcher may not be the typical custodian of an establishment such as Fenchurch, the high-end eatery that sits at the apex of the Walkie Talkie Building. Yet he is exactly the ambassador its glassy counterparts such as the Shard and Heron tower need at the helm of their restaurants. “It isn’t really about competing with our high-rise peers as we’re all offering such different things. I’m focusing on making Fenchurch the absolute best it can be, rather than worrying too much about what the others are up to!” Nor should he worry. After a successful stint at The Square in Mayfair, the Yorkshire born chef is keeping things fresh some thirty-seven floors up. Fenchurch sits within the impressive expanse of views, jurassic style foliage, and cocktail bars that make up Sky Garden. Yet Fletcher’s rural upbringing is the channel that runs through the menu and grounds its dishes. Described as British-European in influence, Fletcher uses the best of British produce as the foundation for his recipes. “Growing up in Yorkshire opened my eyes to what amazing ingredients grow across the UK

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all year round. I have great memories of picking crab apples, strawberries, raspberries and elderflower as a child. Now they go straight on the menu at Fenchurch as soon as they are in season.” His culinary style is influenced in part by his time spent with Edinburgh chef Tom Kitchin who uses Scottish produce as the basis for his French inspired dishes. “My time with Tom Kitchin in Edinburgh was incredibly monumental for me. I learnt so much, from the physical skill required for cheffing, to understanding the unbelievable dedication needed to run a successful kitchen. It’s really stuck with me.” Like many successful chefs, his love affair with

food began at a early age. Whilst working at a local kitchen, his eureka moment arrived when things got a little hectic backstage. “I still remember the moment the chef said ‘Dan - grab a knife, we need some beans topping and tailing!' I jumped at the chance to get out of the dish room and I’ve never looked back.” Fletcher’s homegrown approach is the perfect contradiction for a restaurant with views that make London look like a toy town. “Ultimately, we’re showing off the great produce Britain has to offer. This captures everything from our fantastic scallops and langoustines to artisanal cheese made by small producers up and down the country. The fact that we’re bringing these guys to such a global audience is something I’m very proud of.” What is striking about Sky Garden is its lack of pretence despite its almost galactic surroundings. “There are events

42 07/07/2017 10:58

FOOD & DRINK / INTERVIEW

on every day and they are so incredibly varied, too - from morning yoga classes to celebrating the music industry’s grassroot talents, there’s always something going on.” This relaxed approach is also happily present in the restaurant’s clientele. “One of my favourite things about Fenchurch is the diverse range of guests who visit. We have businessmen, couples on dates, foodies, families and tourists. It’s a real pleasure to be able to cook for visitors from all walks of life, and see their reactions to all the dishes we produce.” Coupled with a vista that makes you feel you are standing at the helm of a futuristic titanic, there is no doubt that Sky Garden is an impressive date venue. “With that view, live music, great cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better option”. So does Dan have any recommendations for that

tricky first date? “I would start with a cocktail at the Sky Pod Bar and then go for the tasting menu at Fenchurch – it removes that awkward moment where you both stare at the menu, and I think a tasting menu says ‘I’m serious’.” Fletcher’s roots in the Yorkshire countryside have irrevocably influenced his dishes, bringing Fenchurch restaurant down to earth. When I ask him if he thinks this is the case, he responds in reference to Yorkshire chefs generally: “Do you know what, I’m surprised by

43 C&A_AUG_SKYGARDEN 2.indd 43

how many Yorkshire-born chefs I’ve met in London! I'm not sure what it is; maybe it’s something in the water up there. They're always so friendly, hardworking and honest- another thing that makes me really proud!” As our meeting comes to a close, and as we are sky high, it seems entirely appropriate to ask the resident chef what his last meal on earth would be. “As important as food is to me, what would matter most is who’d be there with me. I’d have all my friends and family around me, enjoying a huge feast of monumental proportions with lots of wine, laughter and music.” In that case, make my last meal at Fenchurch, but only if Dan is there.

● ●SKY GARDEN

1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF skygarden.london | 020 7337 2344

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 10:59

Grey Chevrons

Silver and Dark Flow Chevrons

Silver Flow

MADE TO MATCH An Exciting New slate porcelain with different sizes and shapes prices starting from £35.00m² + VAT

Grey Chevrons

London Showroom

Hertfordshire Showroom

Arch 2, St James Lane Muswell Hill London N10 3QX Tel: 020 8365 2084

Devonshire Business Centre Cranborne Road Potters Bar EN6 3JR Tel: 01707 649 932

Hertfordshire showroom - 5 mins from junction 24 - M25 Free Parking Available at both Showrooms

www.bibliotheque.co.uk BIBLIOTHEQUE V6.indd 1

11/05/2017 10:02

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS

M O R I TO Hackney Road

Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

or busy Hackney locals, Morito’s new mezze lunch menu is a dream come true. Ideal for business meetings as well as lazy lunches with friends or colleagues, it offers a smorgasbord of seasonal delights from the Spanish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influenced restaurant, all for the bargain price of £12. Moro and Morito chef proprietors, Sam and Sam Clark, along with Head Chef Marianna Leivaditaki, have crafted a short but sweet menu that’s served Tuesday to Friday, the idea being that not only are you in with more of a chance of snapping up a table at Morito (one of the most popular restaurants in Hackney), you’ll also have the opportunity to try a selection of its favorite dishes. Take your pick from either a meat, fish or vegetarian mezze. They all pack in four hot or cold dishes handpicked from Morito’s regularly changing menu - think the likes of grilled skate and melt-in-the-mouth lamb, mixed tomato salad, Cretan rusks and crispy capers, seasoned yoghurt and heady spiced bread to mop it all up. Wash it down with a pomegranate juice or homemade lemonade and you’ve got the perfect lunch. Just don’t blame us if you end up there every day...

COYA Angel Court This new Peruvian brings Latin America to the heart of the City Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s

ight, healthy dishes hailing from Peru continue to delight Londoners, and COYA’s latest opening - this time in Angel Court - is just the place to indulge your taste buds. As soon as you step over the threshold, Peruvian trinkets and handcrafted furniture transport you to Latin America. Chefs entertain as food is prepared in one of two open kitchens; the Ceviche bar and the open charcoal grill & central kitchen - which come festooned with hanging planters and greenery - while the buzzing bar is ideal for a pre-dinner drink or late-night cocktails. We recommend the tropical infusion pisco sours, but it’s also fun to work your way through the menu map of cocktails to discover Latin American flavours.

Chefs ENTERTAIN from THE TWO open kitchens Once you reach your table dine on signature dishes like lobster ceviche with gazpacho and aji limo; cuttlefish ceviche with ginger, yuzu, and squid ink; and a whole leg of lamb, served with chifa vegetables. With The Ned and Coya in such close proximity, this is just another reason to party in the City of London.  COYA A N G E L CO U RT 31 Throgmorton Street, EC2N; coyarestaurant.com

45 C&A_AUG17_Food_Review.indd 45

M O R I TO H AC K N E Y R OA D 195 Hackney Road, E2 moritohackneyroad.co.uk

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:09

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The Absolutely Mama app, updated bi-monthly with each issue of the magazine, offers the freedom to seamlessly glide between articles and features from parenting experts, top influencers and some truly inspirational mamas. Download the app to discover, learn and share the latest MAMA trends and news

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03/03/2017 09:54

> SMALL TALK

p49

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

p.50

EDUCATION

p.53

LOOK SHARP Stella Mccartney's SS17 collection for tots is all colourful sunglasses, clashing prints and quirky looks. Perfect for stylish urban tots. stellamccartney.com

47 Chis_July17_Kids Opener 2.indd 47

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:13

LA S W U 16 N MM th AR E JU RIVR N ES

27th JULY

T N E V TE Y S R I F JUL h t 27

10th AUGUST

ANGIE MACK

DAN MAGNESS

www.boogiestorm.co.uk www.facebook.com/boogiestormofficial www.freshdjs.co.uk

SEE CHASE & MARSHALL at intervals on

24th August

BALLOONATICS

THE BUBBLEMAN

COME AND ENJOY LUNCHTIMES ON OUR LAWN

For full details of these events please visit our website.

SEE CHASE & MARSHALL 27th JULY

17th AUGUST

3rd AUGUST

24th AUGUST

10 th AUGUST

31st AUGUST

BOOGIE STORM

SHOPPING | DINING | ENTERTAINMENT

angelcentral.co.uk

N1.indd 1

ANGIE MACK DAN MAGNESS

THE BUBBLEMAN PAW PATROL BALLOONATICS

06/07/2017 17:10

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

BOOK REVIEW

CAPED CRUSADERS

These limited edition capes are bound to be dressing up box staples forever. As an added bonus £10 from every piece goes to charity TOMMY's. £60 • thefmlystore.com

TILLY AND THE TIME MACHINE Adrian Edmondson’s first children’s book

SMALL TALK Essential glittery capes, unicorns, monsters and time travel...

GO GLOBAL

Outside the Lines Making beautifully tailored clothes for girls affordable, we adore the latest Outside The Lines summer offerings. Inspired by global nomads, they're fresh out of the box for holiday season. ◆ outside-the-lines.co.uk

drian Edmondson – comedian, actor, musician, national treasure – has published his first children's book and it's a sweet, funny and clever story with a courageous young heroine. Tilly's mother is dead and her father spends his time in the shed tinkering with his time machine, having been 'let go' by his job (to Tilly's great bafflement) while Tilly is left to fend for herself. One day the time machine actually starts to work, though it functions unpredictably and a long journey ensues, taking in the Battle of Trafalgar and Queen Victoria's parlour as well as the streets of Victorian London. It's an excellent debut, marking Edmondson out as a children's writer with great promise. ◆ £6.99; Puffin Books

NO MYTH

SCARY BINGO

Mini Rodini ¢ With the inexplicable unicorn craze showing no signs of abating (and in the wake of an official unicorn leggings shortage) Mini Rodini's unicorn collection is very welcome. We love this vibrant red print with its oversized unicorns. ◆ £35; alexandalexa.com

Laurence King ¢ Everybody loves a game of bingo, especially a scary one. This brilliantly illustrated game involves marking off a variety of bizarre, comical and terrifying monsters from your card before calling 'bingo'. ◆ £14.99; laurenceking.com

49 Chis_Aug17_Kids_Notes.indd 49

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:38

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

School’s Out How to entertain children (and their parents) in the city this summer Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

gangsta granny

Garrick Theatre

his is the most popular of all David Walliams' stories for children and the Birmingham Stage Company's production is set to be a highlight of the summer. The story takes in cabbage soup, jewellery theft and a beautiful inter-generational relationship, with lashings of action, comedy and character. This award-winning production comes from the company behind the excellent Horrible Histories Live on Stage and has received lots of encoragement from Walliams himself, so it's set to be a good one.  26 July-3 September; nimaxtheatres.com

go ape

Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park and other locations

ost children are fearless – at least while they're putting their harnesses on. Send them half way up a tree to complete an assault course of ropes, swings and moving platforms, however, and they quickly lose their bravado. Go Ape offers a real adventure, requiring courage, strength and confidence, and once you've got over the initial shock of being much higher up than you thought, it's really fun – and the bravest ten-year-olds can join the even more challenging grown-up ropes if they like, while adults can join the juniors too.  Ages four and up; goape.co.uk

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50 07/07/2017 11:53

KIDS & EDUCATION / HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES OUT OF TOWN

OPEN AIR THEATRE Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens will be playing host to fairies, Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad this summer as part of a series of enchanting live, outdoor theatrical performances. The Australian Shakespeare Company is visiting with two energetic shows: The Wind in The Willows and The Dream Fairies – Adventure through Bubble Land, designed for children of all ages. 22 July - 29 August ;

theatreonkew.co.uk

bowood house Calne, Wiltshire

The house and grounds at Bowood are full of attractions, not least the marvellous adventure playground with its vast slides. There's also a children's farm and a programme of trails. bowood.org

jaguar first Allianz Park

hought you had to wait until you were 17 to learn to drive? No longer. Jaguar First is offering driving experiences for children aged 11 plus, where they will spend a minimum of half an hour having an actual lesson in a real Jag. Watch their confidence increase as they gain skills super quickly – and then break the news gently that they actually can't take their test yet. They can however come back for more lessons and fill a log book with their skills. jaguarfirst.com

f o r e s t h o l i d ay s Blackwood Forest , Hampshire

Check into a wooden cabin inside the forest for a weekend and enjoy den-building, walking and cycling before returning to your private hot tub. Fun for parents too. forestholidays.co.uk

gorilla circus

Regent's Park, Kensington Gardens

ou might think that trapeze isn't for amateurs. But put your trust in Gorilla Circus because after a two-hour session you'll be swinging, hands-free, from a trapeze, back flipping onto a safety mat and even grabbing a partner's hands in the air. Children's small bodies and fearless approach make them ideal candidates for this, though our session included a 75-year old as well as several primary school tots. This is the only professional trapeze school and their summer park pop-ups are unmissable.  Ages eight plus; gorillacircus.com

p o r t e l i o t f e s t i va l Cornwall

Bohemian fun for all the family at this relaxed, arty festival includes treasure hunts, craft workshops and wildlife drawings as well as music, performance and food. 27-30 July; porteliotfestival.com

51 C&A_April17_EASTER ACTIVITIES.indd 51

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:53

THE APP ALL PARENTS NEED Download the Absolutely Education app to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best schools

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ABS ED PRINT.indd 1

07/07/2017 14:48

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

High Fives The public school game of Fives is branching out into the state sector Wo r d s A M A N D A C O N S TA N C E

estway Sports Centre in North Kensington is possibly the last place you would expect to find a sport mainly played at our most elite public schools. Hunkered beneath the A40 flyover, its location growls of grimy, urban inner city – and that was before the sports centre became the focal point for the relief effort for neighbouring Grenfall Tower. But here, amid the scrawling graffiti and hum of traffic, the historic sport of Eton Fives is played by local children as young as ten. Ryan Perrie ended up first playing Fives at Westway simply because he was late for his tennis lesson. Fast forward a Often described as squash decade and Perrie is one of the UK’s top with gloved hands ten players and he’s made his career out of the sport, teaching it at Berkhamsted prep school. The Westway Sports Centre has the only public Eton Fives courts in England. Until now the sport has been mainly confined to the public schools that have built courts, where old boys and new boys (and recently girls) are able to play. “It is a source of enormous frustration to us that the vast majority of our courts are in schools so we can’t open them to the public,” says Gareth Hoskins, Secretary of the Eton Fives Association. But this is set to change as the Fives community looks to expand its sport beyond the public school walls. Winchester and Eton. Pupils at these schools The EFA have just launched the Five Star have played for hundreds of years, but the Project, a seven-year strategy to create new rules were formalised in the late 19th century centres for Eton Fives across the country. “We and the first match was between Eton and are looking to produce a huge increase in the Harrow in February 1885, with Eton emerging number of courts and players through clubs, as victors. schools and universities,” says Hoskins. Rugby and Winchester Fives, with their So what exactly is Fives? There are three simpler, more straightforward court shape, forms of the Fives game in this country, each place more of a premium on power and named after their originating schools: Rugby, fitness. Eton Fives has a little more subtlety

The fives community is EXPANDING ITS SPORT beyond the public SCHOOL WALLS

53 Chis_August17_EDUCATION.indd 53

and nuance; its distinctive buttress is derived from the side of the chapel at Eton College where boys first played. “It’s strategically quite different,” says Hoskins. Fives’ great plus points is that it’s easy to play and accessible to anyone aged 8 -80. In recent years the sport has seen enormous growth in the girl’s game. “Eton Fives is a fantastic game for girls,” says Hoskins, “as it places emphasis on skill and placement rather than brute force.” Teamwork is also very important in Eton Fives: “It’s to do with the geography of the court,” says Hoskins, “you simply can’t win on your own.” The major stumbling block to widening the Fives game is the cost of the courts. But John Reynolds, 11 times Kinnaird Cup winner (the national trophy) thinks he might have found the answer to this problem. He is developing a ‘flatpack’ Eton Fives court with the help of a German company who make squash courts. They are adapting the pre-fab technology to create Eton Fives and Rugby Fives courts that can arrive on the back of a lorry. Because they are made in a factory, they can go up in a week so it slashes the costs. This is the “Holy Grail” says Reynolds, “getting the cost down so people don’t gulp and swallow at the price”. As a ballpark figure, three traditionally built concrete Eton Fives courts will cost around £250,000. Reynolds says he’s “hoping to halve that”. Reynolds’ first ‘flat pack’ courts are soon to go up at Skinners Academy in Manor House, Hackney. He hopes they will just be the first of many courts for state schools. “It’s too good a game to keep to the private sector," he says. ◆ Eton Fives Association: etonfives.com Rugby Fives Association: rugbyfivesassociation.net JPR Courts: jprcourts.com | 07980 844906

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:56

A World of Sophisticated Beauty Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stay with Armaniâ&#x20AC;? philosophy delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually. www.armanihoteldubai.com

ARMANI HOTEL.indd 1

13/10/2016 11:10

> ISLAND LIFE IN MONTENEGRO

p56

MEANDER FROM THE MAINLAND We follow the international jet set to Sveti Stefan, possibly Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most glamorous islet.

55 Chis_Aug17_Travel_Opener.indd 55

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 11:59

AN ICONIC WILDERNESS ISLET

DINE BEACHSIDE AT NIHIWATU

T h e Ed ge of

Exploring cultural hubs and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best hotel on this beguiling string of islands Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_August17_Montenegro.indd 56

07/07/2017 12:03

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

Follow in the footsteps of the A-list at Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s

SVETI STEFAN, OFF THE COAST OF MONTENEGRO

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here are many holiday destinations that you associate with A-list appeal - Cannes in France, Mykonos in Greece, Gstaad in Switzerland - but the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro has managed to maintain an aura of hushhush exclusivity despite having hosted the world’s biggest names. Hollywood starlets like Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren were frequent visitors in the 1960s and 1980s, as were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in the noughties, and tennis player Novak Djokovic got married there - hiring out the entire island for his wedding party. Attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus, the island lies across the bay from Villa Milocer – once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karadordevic – and together these two historic sites now comprise Aman Sveti Stefan. Originally a fortified village dating back to the 15th century, the island has a uniquely atmospheric setting of cobbled lanes, quaint courtyards and remarkable sea views. Pretty much untouched since it was built, walking through the village is like walking back in time, while the interiors have been beautifully and respectfully modernised by the Aman hotel group, who took it on in 2007. Guests can choose to stay at Villa Milocer for slick, contemporary rooms and easy access to the famous Queen’s Beach, but for a truly original break, you have to stay on Sveti Stefan itself. As soon as we step into one of the Deluxe Cottages on the island you feel yourself decompress. It is utterly quiet, save for the sound of the waves lapping the rocks below, and the colour palette of creams, greys and browns is utterly soothing. As well as a living area and bedroom (complete with king-size bed) there’s also a huge bathroom with a free-standing tub, shower, seating area and twin sinks.

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 12:04

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03/03/2017 15:01

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

THE ISLAND LIES ACROSS FROM VILLA MILOCER

REJEUVENATE AT AMAN'S LUXURY SPA AND POOL

Montenegro is a HIDDEN GEM in the Mediterranean.

THE IDEAL SETTING FOR AFTERNOON DRINKS

Every room is totally unique, with a vibe that’s modern and comfortable but also has the historic air and ambience of the island. Furniture was designed specially for it and much of the detailing, from the latches to the doors and windows, is based on what would have been on the island originally. Covering 12,400 square metres, you’re given a map to navigate the warren of streets and stairs that make up the island. It’s fun to find your way around, stopping off to take photographs of the view and the two old churches that sit at its pinnacle. Crossing the causeway at night, with the resort majestically lit up, I can well imagine Sveti being the perfect setting for a Bond film. Breakfast is served in the Piazza - an open-air square with shady trees where local delicacies are also cooked up at lunch. This being a luxury resort, there’s no breakfast buffet, but a variety of courses including pastries and honey & ricotta pancakes that are served to you at your table. Come evening, you can dine on red wine risottos, black cod with beans and pistachio slices at the signature Aman Restaurant as the sun sets over the ocean. Based on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the island’s Cliff Pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with sun loungers and tables and chairs for casual dining during the day.

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If you can bear to leave Sveti, take the hotel shuttle car to the Aman Spa, one of the best we’ve ever encountered. Tucked behind pine trees, there are treatment rooms with rose-filled bathtubs, steam rooms and saunas, as well as an indoor pool and state-of-the-art gym. We indulge in a body scrub followed by a massage and emerge feeling utterly blissed-out. Luckily the pink sands of yet another hotel beach are only a short stumble away, and we spend the rest of the day falling in and out of sleep on sun loungers in perfect tanning conditions (27°C with a cooling breeze) as we enjoy strawberry and banana frappes and roasted vegetables paninis. Aside from the hotel, don’t miss a visit to nearby Budva, a picturesque town of narrow lanes and quaint squares lined with unique shops and restaurants. Grab a spot on the beach area of the Hotel Astoria and sip some Aperol Spritz in the sun. If you have time it’s also worth exploring the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visiting the beautifully-preserved baroque city of Perast. There are a number of vineyards within a two-hour’s drive, including the family-run wineries of Milovic in Ulcinj and Masanovic in Crmnica. Montenegro could well be called the hidden gem of the Mediterranean. With a rare feeling of still being ‘undiscovered’, beautiful surroundings and a fascinating history, it’s not surprising its considered one of the Adriatic’s most alluring destinations. And with some of the most iconic images associated with the country being the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan, it’s simply the best place to experience it. u AMAN SVETI STEFAN The price for a room starts from 849 Euros per night including breakfast, tax and fees. amansvetistefan.com

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 12:04

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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

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LONDON FLOWER SHOW

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WICKER MEN Graham and Green’s lovely rattan pieces might look too lovely to expose to the elements, but they’re a summery addition to any room. grahamandgreen.co.uk

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 12:06

10 of the best

GARDEN pieces

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

JOHN LEWIS

Havan sofa, £200 johnlewis.com

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

ANNABEL JAMES

William Morris enamel mug, £9.95 annabeljames.co.uk

TOLLY MCRAE

Lemon curd picnic rug and leather strap, £119 tollymcrae.co.uk

SCP

Tornaux chair by Henrik Pedersen, £920 scp.co.uk

Hanging Around STUDIO WAWA

Folding rocking chair, £298 wawa.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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M u r a l s Wa l l p a p e r It's not just tents and marquees at the Raj Tent Club, though they have those too. The new range of garden furniture includes lots of beautiful pieces in rattan and wrought iron with a colonical feel. We are coveting this delightful dangling chair in rattan. Fill it with cushions and just - literally - hang. You could spend an entire summer that way. £250,

rajtentclub.com

62 07/07/2017 13:59

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES

BLUE MONDAY

Habitat There’s a lot of monochrome around in Habitat’s simple shapes and sleek pieces, so why not paint a wall in a striking colour to show it all off? Bright blue is set to be the new navy. You red it here first. habitat.co.uk

MY ADELE Garden vases, from £28 myadele.de

PIZZA AL FRESCO Delivita

Outdoor cooking doesn't have to involve a barbeque. Delvita's new pizza ovens are small enough and stylish enough to fit even the smallest balcony, while heating up hot enough to cook a mean wood-fired pizza in literally seconds. The ovens come with dough recipes and lots of information to help you perfect your pizza-making skills. £950, delvita.co.uk

MIAFLEUR

Parisienne garden bench, £158 miafleur.com

BERRY RED Butterfly jug and cups, from £25 berryred.co.uk

must

HAVE

editor’s

PICK STAND UP

Sweetpea & Willow This stunning black and gold planter mixes contemporary style with elegant glamour. Raised from the ground by a set of black painted legs, it puts your planr on a pedestal. sweetpeaandwillow.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS Sunnylife ice cream tumblers, £10 johnlewis.com

INDIAN SUMMER

East L ondon Parasol Co These are parasols to celebrate under, hand-made in colourful Indian fabrics using traditional techniques. Make an occasion out of a patch of shade. From £295, eastlondonparasols.com

63 Chis_Aug17_Interiors_NotesUSE.indd 63

LAGOON

South American blue and violet double hammock, £149.90 vivalagoon.com

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 13:59

Art of GLASS

Curiousa & Curiousa’s colourful glass orb lamps have captured the zeitgeist. Absolutely meets their innovative designer, Esther Patterson Interview pendle harte

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Prime_July17_CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA.indd 64

here is something slightly magical about them that you can’t quite describe,’ says Esther Patterson. We are in her Islington shop, surrounded by the jewel-like glass domes that make up her lighting collection. It’s hard to take your eyes off these pieces – they’re so perfectly formed, the colours so vivid, the quality of the glass so shiny that they’re almost otherworldly. Single pendants, clusters and chandeliers dangle from the ceiling creating an ethereal world of mesmerising colour. Patterson’s pieces are all hand-blown in the UK and her success story is astounding. ‘I think I hit on a niche that was about to explode,' she tells me. ‘Until a few years ago, coloured glass lighting was mostly very intricate and detailed, mostly from Murano, and I think people were ready for something else. My pieces show the beauty of glass but pared back, in more modern shapes that keep the elegance of the vintage ones.’

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HOMES & INTERIORS / FOCUS

Britain may not be known for its glass-blowing tradition and the craft has dwindled over the years, but there are scatterings of glass blowers all over the country, and a new interest in it is emerging. Curiousa’s pieces are all made in Derbyshire by a glass blower with 40 years experience, because learning these techniques is something that takes a lot of time. They're simple, with none of the fussiness that often characterises blown glass, and they feel very contemporary. Patterson herself is friendly and open, with a Northern lack of pretension. The first thing she tells me is that she didn’t start out with glass. Her background is in designing and making things in lots of other materials – and she started a career in graphic design. But a need to make things meant that ‘there was always something missing’ so she kept taking classes in 'things like pottery and printing' until eventually she enrolled in a course in Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent. ‘For me it was bliss, because the course covered everything. I had three years’ immersive experience with printing, paper, metal wood, ceramic and glass.’ Veering towards fabric and wallpaper design, she kept an interest in ceramics and was working on bone china lighting in simple shapes when her eureka moment came. ‘We spent a day with a glass blower and were invited to design something for him to blow. I thought it was incredible when a lamp that had taken me eight months to make in bone china was blown in glass in an afternoon. I loved the colour and the shapes and knew I wanted to incorporate glass into my products.’ When designing for glass blowing, Patterson sketches in a notebook then finalizes drawings in

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 14:17

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HOMES & INTERIORS / FOCUS It was at design festival Tent in 2010 that Patterson’s work was spotted by Elle Decoration and Liberty, and her business took off. She had created a roomset featuring her fabrics, wallpaper and glass lamps – and it was the lamps that caught on. Initially she would sell them from her workshop in Derbyshire, and she still does, but a presence in London is what she calls ‘the icing on the cake, really’ and her Amwell Street neighbours include Timorous Beasties and Wallace and Sewell. ‘We thought it would be interesting to see what happened if we had a space in London and it’s a lovely location.’ Though she’s enormously modest and downto-earth about it, her story is a huge success. To graduate and have your first collection stocked at Liberty, and to be running successful business with a shop in Clerkenwell within a few years is not the typical design path. ‘It was instinctive really,’ she insists. ‘And also partly luck. If I hadn’t met the glassblower I’d probably have done something but it probably wouldn’t have been so successful.’

Illustrator as 2d shapes with dimensions – but as she explains: ‘the beauty of them being free-blown is that you get slight variations with each one, and I see that as a positive. Every one is individual.’ Which brings us back to the skill involved. Is she tempted to learn? ‘No. I’ve tried – but I like to be good at everything I do, unfortunately, so I’d probably have to be blowing glass for 20 years first. I’ve got my skills.’ To make a similar dome or orb-shaped piece in china, several steps are involved. ‘Before you do slipcasting in bone china you make a mould, before that you make a model. Then you fire it and it might wilt in the kiln. So it takes much longer. And you can tell when things are moulded, they’re all the same.’ Free-blown glass is faster, and results are less uniform.

My pieces show the

BEAUTY OF GLASS IN MODERN SHAPES that

keep the elegance of the VINTAGE ONES

●● curiousa & curiousa

curiousa.co.uk

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Curiousa and Curiousa’s beautiful glass pieces are hand-blown to order, so people can specify their exact colours, shapes and sizes – and choose from a range of light fittings and flex too. Patterson’s interest in combining materials has led to a variety of collaborations that bring wood, tassles and Swarovski crystals to the pieces – and this is something that she’s keen to expand on. Expect to see more of her. u

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 14:17

Flower Power Flower arranging is therapeutic, satisfying and a source of beauty. We should all be doing more of it, as Absolutely discovers W o r d s P E A R L B OY D

Wagner Kreusch Founder of the London Flower School

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_FLOWERSCHOOL.indd 68

nstagram can be blamed for a lot of things. Flower arranging is one. A whole new interest in the art and craft of floristry can be traced to a glut of envyinspiring images of beautiful arrangements that look at once effortless and perfect. A new school dedicated to flowers is offering courses for those looking to make a career in flowers as well as anyone with a more domestic interest. Founded by Wagner Kreusch, former Head Tutor at McQueens Flower School, and Helen Dyson, an experienced teacher and florist, the London Flower School will teach students the art and business of floristry. This stylish new outpost in Kings Cross takes a freehand approach. Kreusch says: ‘Arranging flowers is a therapeutic exercise and we at the London Flower School believe that to arrange beautiful flowers you need more than rules. You require a respect for nature and a desire to express yourself. Therefore, instead of floristry golden rules, we would like to encourage you

Beautiful

ARRANGEMENTS that look at ONCE EFFORTLESS and

perfect

to think differently when approaching flowers for your home.’ Demonstrating how to create a mixed arrangement that looks casually asymmetrical while remaining fully contrived, Kreusch uses a clever yet simple method invented by Constance Spry that simply involves a ball of chicken wire placed into a vase. This holds the stems in place. Don’t be afraid of them, he says – bend them, cut them and move them around until your work looks right to you. Interspersing flowers with greenery adds body and creates the sense of a luxurious, bold bouquet. Good luck. u

68 07/07/2017 14:23

INTERIORS / FOCUS

03 Trust your intuition. We all have our own way of looking at beauty. By trusting your taste and exploring your creativity, you will feel more connected to what you are doing; the result of this will surprise you.

THE ‘ANTI-RULES’ OF FLORISTRY

Find your own voice. The many styles of floristry that you see on Instagram right now prove that there is no right or wrong when it comes to arranging your flowers. Allow yourself to experiment and you will understand the power of this art form. londonflowerschool.com

01 Look around you. Nature is a constant inspiration for our team. A walk in the park or a visit to a garden can really help you get inspired. Mix that with a visit to an art gallery, The National Gallery for example, has an amazing collection of Dutch 17th Century paintings of flowers that are incredibly inspiring.

02 Technique as a tool. As a flower school, we believe that technique can help you to put your ideas in to practice. Look for a floristry course that can really help you gain confidence.

69 C&A_FLOWERSCHOOL.indd 69

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 14:23

tiles etc. tiles etc.

Here comes the sun

Window shopping

SALE NOW ON

Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

www.ayrtonbespoke.com

020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com

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07/07/2017 15:02

HOME & INTERIORS / FOCUS The Woolroom is dedicated to promoting the benefits of wool for sleep. Their experts say: “Wool is a natural insulator to keep you warm in winter and naturally breathable to keep you cool in summer. Wool fibre helps to keep your body at the optimal temperature zone for comfort and rest. When used in blankets, synthetic fibres, down and even cotton fibres do not breathe as well as wool, and are more likely to trap heat in your bed. Wool buffers the extreme cold or hot air on the outside, keeping your body in the ideal comfort zone.” Additionally, wool is naturally absorbent and can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp. Its ability to repel moisture also protects it from mildew and enables it to resist dust and dirt. ◆

FLEECE FACTS TH E DUVET

herdysleep.com

WHY WOOL? Sleep quality is heavily affected by the fabrics surrounding you. Absolutely is converted to the power of wool Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

aving a beautiful bedroom is all very well but will it actually help you sleep? Because ultimately, a good night’s sleep is the single most important thing a bedroom can offer you. And though colour schemes and aesthetics will go a long way towards creating a relaxed and conducive environment, what you really want to think about is fabric.

Everyone knows that natural fabrics are breathable and comfortable. Cotton and linen duvet covers combined with down duvets are a popular combination, but one material that is often overlooked is wool. Though it’s enormously versatile and probably the best allround performer, it’s commonly – and mistakenly – held to be an exclusively winter thing. Not so. Wool is a fantastic material for duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and even entire mattresses.

71 Chis_Aug17_Wool.indd 71

Handmade in their Devon workshops and something of a change from traditional plump duvets, Natural Mat’s quilted wool duvets have a much lower profile and are brilliant at regulating temperature. They are also something of a treat for those who crave simple, sleek bedding. We say: warm enough but never too warm and super cosy, wool is a good alternative to down. naturalmat.co.uk

TH E MATTRES S

Herdysleep is the first mattress of its kind to combine the luxury of craftsmanship with the compact convenience of a bed-in-a-box. Traditionally tufted and finished by hand, each mattress contains an industry leading number of pocket springs of up to 6,000, topped with a cloud-like blend of cotton, cashmere and wool from local Herdwick sheep. We say: firm, breathable and comfortable, this mattress is luxurious with just the right amount of bounce. herdysleep.com

TH E TOPPER

The Woolroom’s deluxe wool mattress topper claims to be the UK’s most comfortable and hypoallergenic topper, suitable for year-round use. We say: it adds a layer of softness and comfort, transforming our mattress. Toasty in winter and cool in summer, it has vastly improved our sleep quality. thewoolroom.com

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 14:21

What are they going to see from down there, really?

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ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

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FAMOUS PLACES

p.84

RIVINGTON STREET EC2A

Â£1,795,000

LIVING THE DREAM

NIGEL LEWIS: RIVIERA

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his spectacular newly converted duplex penthouse measures approximately 1,400 square feet and boasts a sizeable roof terrace. The property comprises two bedrooms, a bright living/ entertaining area with large floor to ceiling windows that allow for a wealth of natural light, and an open plan bespoke kitchen/diner completes this wonderful social space. u

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 16:02

BlakeStanley BROADWAY MARKET

Beck Road, E8

020 7254 7554

£1,300,000 Darwen Place, E2

Excellently presented 1500sqft three bedroom, three bathroom terraced house located on a unique street in London Fields. Recently refurbished to excellent standard the house is moments away from numerous amenities whilst an array of transport links put the City in easy reach.

A spacious top floor one bedroom flat with balcony set within a popular canal-side development. The property is well-presented and compromises a generously proportioned reception, a semi open-plan kitchen, a double bedroom with built-in wardrobes and a modern bathroom.

Freehold

Greenwood Road, E8

Leasehold

£475 per week King Edward's Road, E9

A fantastic opportunity to rent this stunning, recently renovated two bedroom split level maisonette within this gorgeous Victorian house. The property is situated on a tree lined street close to London Fields and Broadway Market.

Unfurnished

£475,000

£445 per week

A fantastic opportunity to rent this large one bedroom apartment with an extra mezzanine area, in this popular factory conversion located close to Victoria Park.

Furnished

*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.

info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE STANLEY.indd 1

11-13a Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4PH 02/06/2017 14:50

blakestanley.co.uk

CHATSWORTH ROAD

Powerscroft Road, E5

020 8986 2743

£1,500,000 Blurton Road, E5

Located on this popular tree lined street in Lower Clapton, BlakeStanley have the pleasure in offering to the market this six bedroom double fronted grand Victorian house arranged over three floors

BlakeStanley have the pleasure in offering to the market this sublime end of terraced three bedroom Victorian house presenting stylish decor and Victorian charm throughout.

Freehold

Glyn Road, E5

Freehold

£625 per week Chatsworth Road, E5

Set just moments from Chatsworth Road and Homerton Station BlakeStanley is pleased to introduce this lovely three bedroom Victorian house located on Glyn Road.

Part Furnished

£1,100,000

£550 per week

Set within the top two floors of this period conversion is a three double bedroom split levelled flat located on the ever popular Chatsworth Road, a short walk to the open green spaces of Millfields and within walking distance along the canal to Victoria Park & London Fields.

Part Furnished

info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE STANLEY.indd 2

57 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH 02/06/2017 14:50

PROPERTY / FEATURE Where Vicky’s been C o o k i n g l i k e M u m m yj i by N I G E L L E W I S

Vicky Bhogal on her path to success, getting on the property ladder and her move to France

icky Bhogal found overnight fame during the early noughties when her debut Indian cookbook became a surprise best seller. But it was her ability to make her own luck that helped her turn the book into a food empire. Called Cooking Like Mummyji, it tapped into what was then a growing trend for ‘real’ Indian food rather than the anglicised version most Tandoori restaurants cook up. Published in 2003 when Vicky was just 24 years old, the book won several gongs including ones from the Guild of Food Writers and the Glenfiddich Awards. It also won praise from leading foodies including Nigella Lawson, who said she was “mad about this book” while writer India Knight and actress Meera Syal also went on record in praise of her recipes. Vicky says the idea for the book came to her when she was working in advertising in London and many people, including fellow British Asians, would constantly ask her for advice and recipes to make home-cooked Indian food. After the success of the first book, a follow-up Mummyji book was published in 2004 while her third book, A Fair Feast, is said to have graced the kitchen of Elton John. It was written as a fundraiser and pulled in £100,000 for The Fairtrade Foundation and Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign. All this also opened doors within big business. After the success of Cooking

Like Mummyji, Vicky wrote a letter to then Tesco CEO Terry Leahy and suggested that the supermarket should sell real homecooked style Indian food. “My agent was furious with me because I had written a letter direct rather than go through them, but I was soon proved right; I got an email back from one of the Tesco product team asking to meet,” she says. The resulting deal created a new line of products for Tesco, which helped Vicky eventually build up a business worth several

million pounds. The flourishing business also helped Vicky get her foot on the property ladder. She bought a two-bedroom apartment on the Finchley Road in Hampstead within a converted Victorian house. She also persuaded the vendor to knock £30,000 off the asking, because otherwise it was beyond her maximum budget and she couldn’t afford it. Vicky then set about doing up the flat. This included the kitchen where she has done all her recipe research for many of her subsequent books, and more recently also for the updated version of Cooking with Mummyji, published last year by Grub Street. It includes some 100 Punjabi recipes “as cooked in British Asian homes”. But she is now taking a different culinary path. Her Hampstead flat is on the market at £850,000 and she and her partner have bought a run-down farm in Burgundy, France, which after it’s been renovated will be used to host cooking courses – and be somewhere quieter for Vicky to do her recipe research for future books. “When my parents arrived in the UK they plunged headlong into a completely foreign country where they had to learn a new language, and me moving to France fells like a similar story – so I’m taking French classes like they did English ones,” she says. “I have a completely different life now – last week I was driving a tractor up and down a field instead of battling the tube.” Vicky’s flat has a lounge, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom as well as a garden at the back. It’s about 10 minutes on foot from Finchley Road Station for the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines. ◆ More information from mgmfrenchproperties.com/property

“Vicky has bought a run-down farm in Burgundy, France, which will be used to host cooking courses” ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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407-409 Holloway Road, London N7 6HP

020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk

SALES

Yerbury Road, Tufnell Park, N19 | ÂŁ1,600,000 Sought after 5/6 bedroom Victorian period home within this highly desirable Conservation area and also within the catchment area for Yerbury School. The freehold property offers two connecting reception rooms, kitchen and a breakfast room or day room. Front and rear (south-west facing) gardens | Gas central heating | Close to Whittington Park | Freehold | EPC Rating Band: D

Camden Road, London, N7 | ÂŁ625,000 Highly desirable ground floor garden flat comprising 2 double bedrooms, reception room, large kitchen/diner with Hardwood units and features a beautiful contemporary shower room/WC. The flat is offered in good order and features reclaimed parquet flooring and gas central heating. Own Front & Rear Gardens + Communal | Own Off-street Car Parking Space | Hillmarton Conservation Area | Share of Freehold | EPC Rating Band: D

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LETTINGS

Axminster Road, Holloway, N7 | ÂŁ415.00 per week Situated on the third floor in the heart of Islington is this amazing two double bedroom apartment with wooden floors throughout. Benefits include: wonderful reception room with balcony, sleek modern kitchen, tiled bathroom with bath and shower attachment, wooden flooring throughout and double glazing. Two Double Bedroom | Modern Fitted Kitchen | Wooden Flooring | Good Transport Links | EPC Rating:TBC

Queensland Road, Islington, N7 | ÂŁ403.00 per week Newly built apartment on the tenth floor of the landmark Queensland Terrace development in the heart of Islington. Benefits of the apartment includes; open plan kitchen-reception room, tiled bathroom with bath and overhead shower attachment, double bedroom, wooden flooring, dishwasher and wine cooler. One Bedroom | Modern Fitted Kitchen | Close to Local Amenities | Outdoor Tennis & Netball Courts | EPC Rating: Band B

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10/07/2017 16:08

SHEPHERDESS WALK, N1

£1,795,000 Set within a modern eco-development, this three bed, two bath, home with garden has been meticulously designed to create an exciting space of the highest quality FREEHOLD Shoreditch Office 020 7749 3838

LANSDOWNE DRIVE, E8

£825,000 A stunning loft apartment in a former Victorian school building with two beds and two baths. Includes double height ceilings, exposed brick work and oversized bay windows LEASEHOLD Hackney Office 020 7749 3807

PEAR TREE STREET, EC1V

£985,000 A luxurious two double bedroom apartment situated in the Orchard development. Fully fitted open-plan kitchen and spacious reception room with dining area, Eastfacing balcony LEASEHOLD Clerkenwell Office 020 7549 0606

Stirling Ackroyd Residential and Commercial Agents in East London and City Fringes for over 30 years. For Commercial enquiries call 020 7729 7763. www.stirlingackroyd.com

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07/07/2017 16:22

GREENWOOD ROAD, LONDON, E8

£2,500,000 An astounding freehold home on this highly coveted tree-lined residential street is just a stone’s throw from the open spaces of London Fields. This impressive house spans approx. 2400 sq ft of beautifully presented space and is set over four floors. It has been architecturally designed and meticulously refurbished by the current owner to an exceptional standard.

Freehold • 2416 Sq Ft • EPC= C • Architecturally designed • Period features

• Four storey • Three double bedrooms

Stirling Ackroyd Hackney 020 7749 3807 331 Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1HY

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07/07/2017 16:23

PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE

PRIMROSE HILL £7.5M

FA M O U S P L AC E S by N I G E L L E W I S

London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market

RENT A HOME WITH BANKSY OUTSIDE

PORTOBELLO ROAD £2.3 MILLION

THIS STUDIO APARTMENT IS BONKERS

f you want to know where Mercury-prize winning Dizzee Rascal bangs out his hits then look no further than this ordinarylooking back street in Forest Hill. Famed for a string of chart toppers such as Bonkers and Dance wiv me, Dizzee Rascal has based his

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here was a time when no one wanted graffiti daubed outside their home, but now it’s a selling point for one development just off the Portobello Road. Enstar Capital is refurbishing a property there into luxury flats, which for several years have had a Banksy on its exterior side wall. Call ed‘The Artist’ the graffiti remains, albeit framed behind bulletproof glass, on Acklam Road. It’s a 7ft by 14ft piece that is said to be worth £2.3 million, which is now the centrepiece of a Enstar Capital’s £6.5 million upgrade of the threestorey building. Properties within Sartoria House – which also used to be home to fashion designer Ozwal Boateng – are not for sale but instead will be rented out at £1,000 a week. More information at enstarcapital.com

recording studio and business here for several years. One of the artist’s homes next door to Dizzee has come up for sale. It’s the studio and home of Turner Prize nominated David Mach, who is most famous for his 1989 installation of tumbling red telephone boxes in Kingston upon Thames. His home and workshop is for sale at £2.7 million. More information: themodernhouse.co.uk (0207 581 5234).

"Famed for a string of hits such as Bonkers, Dizzee Rascal has based his recording studio and here for several years."

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PROPERTY / STAR HOMES

PALATIAL MANSION £2,000 PW

WHERE MARTIN HIT THE MONEY

uthor Martin Amis is famous for his 1980s novels Money and London Fields and in 2008 was named as one of the UK’s 50 greatest writers since 1945. But the 67-year-old author and intellectual also likes stirring up controversy. He recently described Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as lacking education, humour and a grasp of the British national character, which set social media alight as Corbynistas rallied to his support. Amis witnessed a different sort of blaze earlier this year when his New York home caught fire. But despite the inferno, Amis decided to stick with New York, even though he could have returned to England and bought his old home, which is now for sale at £7.5m. It’s in Primrose Hill and has five bedrooms, three reception rooms, four bathrooms and a self-contained studio apartment. More information from yopa.co.uk

CLAPHAM COMMON £835K

WHERE A GREENE AFFAIR NEARLY ENDED

IT’S A KNOCKOUT ADDRESS

or fans of Graham Greene there are plenty of properties to visit where the Brighton Rock author left his mark. But his best-known former home is a Queen Anne house at 14 Clapham Common Northside which he rented for his family for five years during the war. Many of the local landmarks near the property, which has a Blue Plaque, were included in his book The End of the Affaire, including nearby St Mary’s Church and The Windmill pub. The house was bombed in 1940 but luckily Greene’s family had already evacuated to Sussex and he was out that night with his lover in central London. No. 14 Clapham Common Northside, which was rebuilt after the war, was subsequently split into apartments. Its top-floor two-bedroom flat – where Greene wrote many of his most famous novels – has just sold for £835,000 via website onthemarket.com

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oxing fans around the world were on the edge of their seats recently for the sensational WBA heavyweight title fight between Brit Anthony Joshua and Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko. The match at Wembley Stadium ended in the 11th round when Joshua knocked out his opponent with a left hook. After the match Joshua returned to his mother’s home in North London, and was also soon back in the ring training for his next bouts. But before his Klitschko fight, Joshua holed up in a palatial rented mansion to escape the world’s media and to prepare for the fight with his sevenstrong management team. The house, which has seven bedrooms, a huge private back garden and a cinema, indoor swimming pool, gym and steam room, was rented by the boxer for £20,000 a week. More information from Knight Frank (020 7483 8353)

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 16:04

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07/06/2017 15:48

THE LARGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT EVENT FOR EMERGING MARKETS GLOBALLY

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06/07/2017 11:06

Moore House, Millfields Road, E5

Development by

A selection of 1, 2 and 3 bed magnificent apartments enviably located adjacent the leafy green spaces of Clapton Pond and a host of vibrant local restaurants, pubs, café’s and amenities thriving off the community ambience. Each apartment is bathed in natural light with extensive glazing, sleek modern Asselle kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances, stylish bathrooms, well-proportioned bedrooms and glorious living/entertaining spaces and their own private terrace. Prices from £495,000

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To arrange a viewing, contact our New Homes team: 020 7650 5167 newhomes@keatons.com

27/06/2017 10:29

LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

ACACIA ROAD

N W 8 , £ 5 ,9 5 0,0 0 0

DALSTON LANE E 8, £1,0 0 0,0 00

ituated on a desirable residential road, this simply magnificent six-bedroom house is beautifully arranged over four floors and boasts stunning interiors, a gorgeous garden and a terrace. The home is finished to an exceptionally high specification throughout with two stunning reception rooms and superb kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances. Acacia Road is located moments from St John's Wood. u

resented to the market in excellent decorative order is this generously proportioned 1,400 square foot Grade II listed Victorian house. The property offers flexible living space and boasts three/four bedrooms and one/two reception rooms as well as three bathrooms. The spacious kitchen/diner leads into the main reception and onto a south-facing garden. At the front is a second private garden. u

FOXTONS St John’s Wood, 020 7449 6000; foxtons.co.uk

BLAKE STANLEY Broadway Market, 020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

EXCHANGE BUILDING E 1 , £ 76 0,0 0 0

N 1 9, £ 1 , 2 5 0,0 0 0

SAVILLS Shoreditch, 020 7578 6200; savills.com

PRICKETT & ELLIS Crouch End, 020 8340 8900; prickettandellis.com

his exceptionally presented onebedroom apartment set on the second floor of this portered development is located on Commercial Street in the heart of Spitalfields. Situated at the rear of the building, the property has been refurbished by its current owner and now offers a contemporary, open plan kitchen and reception room with doors out to a private balcony. u

ECLIPSE BUILDING

SHAFTESBURY ROAD substantial five-bedroom Victorian house, this property set over four floors has been sympathetically restored and finished to a high modern standard. The property features a large open plan living space and kitchen with underfloor heating and bi-fold doors leading onto a spacious south-facing garden with a large sunken patio area. u

N 1 , £ 1 , 8 5 0,0 0 0

ecently refurbished by the current owner and designed by acclaimed architect Tom Tasou, this property features over 1,600 square feet of luxuriously appointed accommodation spread over two floors. Features include an impressive double height galleried reception space, a stunning fully-fitted open plan kitchen, and two private granitepaved terraces at ground level. u

KNIGHT FRANK Islington, 020 3811 2438; knightfrank.co.uk

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absolutely.london

07/07/2017 16:01

THE HOME OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Cityscape Korea is East Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier event for real estate investment and development. Featuring a large scale exhibition, the pioneering East Asia Real Estate Summit and interactive networking events, Cityscape Korea brings together key decision makers from local and regional public and private sectors while supporting development, bringing transparency and encouraging collaboration. Cityscape Korea is set to be the central meeting place for real estate developers, private and institutional investors, government leaders and urban planners, architects, consultants and other real estate professionals to network and do business. As a visitor you will have the opportunity to network and do business with regional and international real estate investors and financiers, developers across all asset classes, architects and urban planners, consultants, representatives from investment and economic agencies and cities.

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25/04/2017 14:13

Boutique Parkside Living

Wake up to Parkside Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross. A collection of new apartments designed with flair, set amongst manicured parks and gardens. Just a few minutes walk to the most well connected train stations in London. Prices from ÂŁ1,425,000*.

Marketing suite now open Register to learn more: 020 7205 4268 fenmanhouse.co.uk

*Price correct at the time of going to press

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MARBELLA, SPAIN £6.68 MILLION

Riviera Rooms with a view by N I G E L L E W I S

Luxury property in Europe's glitzy seaside resorts

f you haven’t watched the current Sky Atlantic series Riviera then you’ll probably have seen the flurry of posters for it plastered all over London. It follows the gilded life of art dealer Georgina Clios played by Julia Stiles, whose life begins to unravel when her rich husband is killed in mysterious circumstances. Panned by some critics despite being written by The Crying Game’s Neil Jordan, Riviera is nevertheless a feast for the eye. It’s set in the heart of the shimmering Cote d’Azur in France, a fitting façade for the dark world of organised crime Georgina

finds herself immersed in. In the real world, if you ignore the bling and the traffic jams, the French Riviera is an astonishingly beautiful place. In many places, on a bright summer’s day, the land slips coyly into an azure sea. The centrepiece of the TV show is Georgiana’s home, called Villa Carmella. It’s actually Chateau Diter, a recently-built mansion that’s the home to a French businessman who rents it out for filming and upmarket weddings. The property is near the small town of Grasse, in the hills above Cannes and is an extraordinary little micro-market of large villas, most of which have rolling views over the

GRASSE, FRANCE €3.9 MILLION

Ignore the bling and the traffic jams, the French Riviera is an astonishingly beautiful place

Mediterranean below. “The Riviera is hugely varied in terms of landscape, attitude, cuisine and people. I think some people have pre-conceptions of the Riviera being brash and glitzy when actually this really isn’t the case at all,” says agent Tim Swannie of Home Hunts. “We work with clients from all over the world and from a huge array of backgrounds, from retired couples to celebrities, and even the odd royal, but the majority of our clients are families or couples who are looking for a holiday home in the sunshine with easy access to restaurants and culture.

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PROPERTY / FEATURE

PALMA, MALLORCA £2.63 MILLION

Here are three more luxury properties in the hills of some of Europe’s other glitzier seaside resorts. Lagos, Portugal £1.76 MILLION A six-bedroom villa with two guest cottages in a hectare of grounds with views over Meia Praia, the best beach in Lagos, to the east of the port town. More information from Knight Frank on 020 7861 1109. 1

LAGOS, PORTUGAL £1.76 MILLION

Marbella, Spain £6.68 MILLION A four-bedroom hilltop mansion overlooking Marbella in Andalucía, Spain in a peaceful neighbourhood not too far from the fast lane of central Marbella. It comes with a separate snooker room, a beautiful terrace with amazing views over the coast, and a swimming pool. More information from Mark Harvey (07825 732032). 2

Tim says the market for property in the area where Riviera was filmed has been flat for the past three years, but now prices are starting to rise once more. And while wealthy buyers with a taste for modernist edifices graduates towards Cannes, Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer, inland areas such as Grasse and Valbonne, are where those who yearn for a traditional, stone-built property go. A good example of such a home is this 18th century stone bastide with six bedrooms overlooking the coast, around the corner from

Chateau Diter. It’s for sale at €3.9 million with Home Hunts (+33 970 446643) and comes with a terraced garden and a swimming pool below the property. Should you have the deep pockets to buy the property, then you’ll be in starry company. Tim says he’s sold properties locally to both celebrities and the “occasional minor royal” so popping down to the shops for milk should be interesting. But the French Riviera is not for everyone, and there are plenty of competing resorts around Europe that offer similar levels of luxury and sea views.

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Palma, Mallorca £2.63 MILLION An extraordinary mountain-top villa overlooking the heart of road cycling country in Mallorca and its capital, Pollensa – where Bradley Wiggins hangs out and trains. Visit Tolos, a local restaurant =where his bike and signed shirts can be enjoyed over a glass of local wine and seafood. The property has six bedrooms and a panoramic terrace. More information from Engel & Volkers (+34 971 532050). ◆ 3

absolutely.london

07/07/2017 16:08

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To all Spitalfieldians... This perfect three bedroom London sancturary, nestled on Spitafields most

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*Prices are based on a 45% of a 1 bedroom apartment with a full market value of £345,000. Minimum household income from £49,000. Prices are indicative only and may change before launch.

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27/06/2017 10:04

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations GOLD

silver

london lettings agency

london estate agency

2016

me dium agency

MALDEN ROAD, KENTISH TOWN, NW5

2016

d i u m a g en c y

£775,000 LEASEHOLD

A duplex conversion occupying the top two floors of this period house, situated between South End Green and Camden. THE OWNERS LOVE

WE’VE NOTICED

“The proximity to Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill for lots of lovely green open spaces”

There is a park around the corner with a play area for children.

“The 24 bus which takes you into town all day and all night” “Being in our garden, it’s a little oasis and you can only hear the birds”

Camden Town is very close and the market is a great place to visit for shopping and food. • 2 Double bedrooms • West facing reception room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Private section of garden • Duplex period conversion • Close to shops & transport links • Close to Hampstead Heath & Camden Town • EPC Rating - D

Contact Mark Newton at our Kentish Town office on 020 7267 37378 MG_NXNW_DPS_AUGUST.indd 1

www.martyngerrard.co.uk 04/07/2017 09:34

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations GOLD

silver

london lettings agency

london estate agency

2016

me dium agency

CONISTON ROAD, MUSWELL HILL, N10

2016

d i u m a g en c y

£1,700,000 FREEHOLD

A five bedroom family home with a contemporary interior mixed with original features, located near Muswell Hill Broadway. THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“Impressive room dimensions, including high ceilings and beautiful windows”

The house is situated near Fortismere and Alexandra Park Secondary schools

“The open plan kitchen diner is perfect for entertaining with patio doors opening on to the garden and patio area”

Muswell Hill Broadway, Alexandra Palace and numerous public transport options are all within easy reach.

“Enjoy our self-contained multi-purpose basement annex which the grandparents, children and guests have had many memorable overnight stays”

• 5 Bedrooms • 3 Reception rooms • Self-contained studio flat • Three bathrooms and downstairs WC • Built in speakers to living areas • Rear garden with lighting • EPC Rating - D

Contact Rowland Slinn at our Muswell Hill office on 020 8448 3388

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04/07/2017 09:34

Faster. Sell or Let with Knight Frank. Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price properties accurately. So whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to buy or sell, let or rent; you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 3657 7340 @islington_N1 islington@knightfrank.com

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13/03/2017 13/09/2016 17:41 12:05