CHELSEA APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY CHELSEA

APRIL 2014 ÂŁ3.95

feast yo u r e y e s on the easter food special

Holland & Holland And the Maharajas of India

AA Gill success is critical

Valentine Warner the natural chef

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Godfrey Street, SW3

An exceptional newly refurbished two double bedroom maisonette in an attractive double fronted building in this quiet backwater at the heart of Chelsea.

£1,550 per week* Furnished or Unfurnished

1,201 sq ft / 111.57 sq m EPC Rating D Reception room | Kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite | Two further bedrooms | Bathroom | Study | Patio garden

Chelsea Lettings 020 7589 9966 chelsea.lettings@struttandparker.com

*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

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Royal Avenue, SW3

An extensive and immaculate refurbishment of this five bedroom Grade II listed Freehold house in this prime location.

ÂŁ7,500,000 Freehold

3,005 sq ft (279.2 sq m) EPC Rating D First floor drawing room | Dining room open plan to sitting room | Study | Family Room | Kitchen/Breakfast room | Five bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Cloakroom | Two terraces | Courtyard

Chelsea 020 7225 3866

Chelsea@struttandparker.com JSA Hamptons 020 7591 7333

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ABSOLUTELY CHELSEA

EDITOR EDWINA LANGLEY CHIEF EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES FASHION FEATURES EDITOR VIOLET NAYLOR-LEYLAND INTERIORS EDITOR BEATA HEUMAN TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY CONTRIBUTING EDITORS TARA CRAIG, CAMILLA NORTON & EMMA STOREY ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER NICOLA OWENS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANNA HUTTON-POTTS • property editor HUGO HUNTER CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE • Senior deSigner PHIL COUZENS DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, TAHIR KAPUCU, ANDREW MAVIN • ArtWorKer EKREM YILMAZ • junior deSigner EDWARD TAYLOR PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE • production ASSiStAnt CHRISTINE MANN • FinAnce director ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR MARIANNE MCFADDEN

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APRIL / 2014

CONTENTS 9 11

ABSOLUTELY LOVES

Absolutely’s top picks this month

TALKING TOPICS

What’s on and buzzing in Chelsea

STYLE 23 FASHION NOTES

We go cuckoo for candy stripes and bonkers for bikinis (and belts)

24 DOLLY MIXTURE

Skirts, sweaters and flowers theme this month’s fashion shoot

31 JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Holland & Holland’s creative director Niels Van Rooyen and designer Umang Hutheesing on their Indian-inspired collaboration

EDITOR’S letter

I

drool when I think about the following: sinking my teeth into a crunchy, crusty, sourdough loaf.

Showering fat chips with a downpour of salt before drowning them in a sea of ketchup. Tearing leftover slices of roast beef with my fingers and shoving them into my gob like a ravenous Fred Flintstone. Chewing the legs off shell-on prawns. Orkney herrings. My father’s sunshineyellow scrambled eggs.

These are the things that make me happy. And for our annual Food Issue, who better to interview than people who take equal pleasure in the joys of eating?

AA Gill needs little introduction.

Think restaurants, think Gill.

Think critics, think Gill. Think The Sunday Times and you’ll probably think of Gill. Find out what I think of Gill when he tells me why he is

35 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

How to properly relax, and some anti-sugar instruction from Louise Parker

F E AT U R E S 18 LOVE BEHIND THE PAIN

Catherine Hales feasts her eyes on London’s best bread at Elizabeth Street’s Poilâne

a good critic and that his opinions are worth more than mine, in this month’s lead feature.

Someone else who enjoys eating is TV chef Valentine Warner. And he cares a lot about what he eats – where it’s from, how it’s cooked, where he eats it. He quite rightly laments the pitfalls of the ‘food revolution’ and chastises me for admitting I buy low fat products. If I turn into a porker tomorrow, it’s his fault.

We also bring you 2014’s Restaurant Awards – a round-up of all our favourite local eateries and why we love them.

In short, there is so much food in this issue, I feel hungry just looking at it. I hope you enjoy devouring it as much as we have enjoyed the devouring we’ve done for it, in order to put it together for you.

Massive belch (whoopsies) – and Happy Easter.

36 THE GOOD CRITIC

Notorious critic AA Gill tells Edwina Langley exactly why he’s ‘good’ and what the worst thing he’s ever eaten is

41 FOOD AWARDS

It’s back! Our annual selection of top restaurants and cafés in the area.

Is yours on the list?

INTERIORS 57 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS Absolutely’s new interiors editor, Beata Heuman, provides dining room ideas

F O O D &T R AV E L 59 RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Chelsea Quarter Café vs. The Imperial

60 BACK TO NATURE

TV chef Valentine Warner on food, nature, funnels and fire

66 ABU DHABI? DO!

Gemma Billington changes gear to experience a fast-paced, modern capital

PROPERTY 88 PRIME PURCHASE

A Parsons Green family house, on a tree-lined street, caught our eye

104 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

Edwina Langley

Editor

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FLORAL WEAR

Absolutely

Petal patterns are back in vogue so give the trend a twist by pairing different floral designs. We particularly love this sweater from McQ combined with Untold’s gorgeous print prom dress.

All available from House of Fraser, 101 Victoria Street, SW1, 0844 800 3762; houseoffraser.co.uk

EDG CUFFLINKS The luxury designer collection of British-made cufflinks by new brand EDG, is absolutely unique.

With eye-catchingly vibrant colours and great craftsmanship, Chelsea dwellers may wish to opt for their ‘Chelsea Cufflink’. £105; edgcufflinks.com

If you're planning an Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones (or bigger ones; love of chocolate knows no age-limit) you can pick up brightly coloured baskets and luminous rabbits from Peter Jones to add to the festivities and sugar highs. Sloane Square, SW1, 020 7730 3434; johnlewis.com

The Golden Goblet

Indulge your unapologetically decadent side with this 22ct candle holder from purveyors of heavenly scents, Feu de Beaumont. Choose from any of their delicious smelling candles, adding a tassel in a colour of your choice, for the full bespoke package. £189; feudebeaumont.com

French Connection Watch pring is the perfect excuse to buy a new wardrobe (or, if we’re being realistic, one or two choice items) so if you’ve fallen out of love with your current timepiece, we highly recommend this nifty burgundy number to restore that loving feeling. £85, 140 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7225 3302; frenchconnection.com

S

L O V E S

EASTER TREATS from john lewis

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ART&CULTURE don’t miss

APRIL

Talking TOPICS

Book Review

1913; The year before the storm

by Florian Illies Published by Melville Books £14.99

Review by Alice Coke

he year 1913 promised unlimited possibilities. It was the year that Charlie Chaplin signed his first movie contract and Coco Chanel and Prada opened their first dress shops. It was also the year of torrid affairs; Kafka nearly went mad with love in Prague and D.H. Lawrence and Frieda von Richthofen eloped.

Illies, a German journalist and writer, brings together diverse snapshots of 1913, recorded month by month, and fashioned into a diary of Europe. He believes that Vienna was the European capital of ideas in 1913 – with Freud, Schnitzler, Zweig, Wittgenstein, Klimt and Kokoschka all swopping ideas and often muses, in the city’s hundreds of cafes.

Also in Vienna, 23-year-old Adolf Hitler, rejected from art school, spent his days painting quaint watercolours and wandering around the city’s parks. Illies speculates that Hitler may have tipped his hat to future Russian tyrant, Stalin, who also liked to wander the parks.

Yet many have nightmares of ruin. The composer Arnold Schoenberg, born on 13th September, was so superstitious about the number 13 that he went to great lengths to avoid it, but ended up dying on Friday 13th.

Already a surprise international bestseller, this is one of the most fascinating historical books I’ve come across.

T

FILM review

PIONEER D I R EC T E D BY E R I K S K J O L D B JÆ R G

I

n the early 1980s, vast oil and gas deposits were discovered off the coast of Norway. In pursuit of bringing the natural resources ashore, the Norwegian government failed to ensure that divers were fully informed about the dangers of deep-sea diving. Many sustained physical and psychological injuries.

Pioneer is loosely based on these real events, but this gripping conspiracy thriller is not a true story, as much as its creators like to hint it is. Brothers Petter (Aksel Hennie) and Knut (André Eriksen) are fearless commercial deepsea divers, no less driven by greed than their bosses, who may have cut corners in the race to secure a petroleum pipeline on the bottom of the North Sea. During an exploratory dive, deep down to the cold and murky sea bed,

Knut is unexpectedly killed. When no one accepts responsibility for Knut’s death, Petter turns detective. Spurred by grief, guilt, or a toxic cocktail of the two, Petter becomes increasingly paranoid. Truths are covered up and the machinations of government and commerce prove predictably shadowy.

Director Erik Skjoldbjærg keeps us at the edge of our seats throughout the film and the unrelenting tension is exhausting. Yet, this is a compelling film which certainly gives the viewer food for thought. Whatever the reality, the film leaves us with a sense of the futility of Petter’s ‘David and Goliath fight’ in the murky world of oil exploration and exploitation.

by Camilla Norton CINEMAS NATIONWIDE FROM 11TH APRIL

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Book Picks THE GIRL WHO SAVED THE KING OF SWEDEN

LET’S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS

Jonas Jonasson £8.99 Fourth Estate Ltd The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared was undeniably the sleeper hit of 2012. The charming tale of the potty-mouthed pensioner and his wilful adventures made a refreshing change when bookshelves and e-readers were awash with smut. While it may look like more of the same (which is surely no bad thing) a story featuring nuclear missiles, a potato car and a pair of identical twins has all the makings of another must-have summer read.

David Sedaris £8.99 Abacus A cracking new collection of narrative essays from the ever popular, ever amusing, ever honest and ever asked for David Sedaris. His round the world tour, touching on the dangers of French dentistry, the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra and the primitive toilet conditions in Beijing, picks apart the absurdities of modern life and laced with a healthy dose of the bizarre. The essay ‘Health-Care Freedom and Why I Want My Country Back’ in particular promises Sedaris’s signature satire in spades.

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STUFF MATTERS

THE BLACK EYED BLONDE

Mark Miodownik £9.99 Penguin Books A ludicrously captivating exploration of some of the things that underpin modern life which we never really pay attention to. Learn why concrete is criminally underrated, why you do not taste your cutlery, why glass is transparent and the best way to eat chocolate. A book that is all too interesting, written by someone with a real skill for animating the inanimate, and packed with genuine wonder.

Benjamin Black £16.99 Mantle Benjamin Black – otherwise known as Booker Prize winning author John Banville – picks up the reins of Raymond Chandler’s immortal Philip Marlowe, the wisecracking private investigator neck deep in all the seediness Los Angeles has to offer. Jaded, cynical, always fixating on the wrong woman, and capped off with the obligatory head-coshing episode, this is a perfect addition to Chandler’s legacy.

THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER

LITTLE LONDON

Pascal Garnier £7.99 Gallic Books Fabien is stunned when his wife dies in a car crash, and doubly so, when he learns her lover died with her. Consumed by revenge, his unsavoury inveigling into the life of the lover’s widow, Martine, takes a shocking turn as he tries desperately to get to her. This short but powerful subversion of noir was translated by Jane Aitken.

Kate Hodges & Sunshine Jackson £12.99 Virgin Books Two hundred and one hand-picked activities to occupy the little ones about town; days out and fun things to do that are affordable, if not free, that take in the breadth of what London has to offer as well as tips and tricks and can only be a highly useful resource for the not-so-little ones accompanying them.

Supplied by Belgravia Books, 59 Ebury Street, SW1, 020 7259 9336; belgraviabooks.com

must see

ALONE IN BERLIN 8~12 April, Kinnerton Street his exhibition from artist Hester Finch is her first in partnership with T Jessica Carlisle and ‘is an on-going investigation into the psychological potential of painting.’ Finch’s style utilises traditional genres and subverts them in order to explore themes of loss, identity, death and judgement.

This juxtaposition, in turn, highlights the tension between tradition and rebellion as well as outward appearance and inner reality.

83 Kinnerton Street, SW1, 07970 969 215; jessicacarlisle.com

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ART&CULTURE

THE GLAMOUR OF I TA L I A N FA S H I O N 1945 ~ 2014 5 Apr~27 July, V&A From the tatters of the Second World War to the luxury of the Florentine catwalks in the 1950s, all the way up to present day designers, this exhibition will showcase incredible Italian garments from the past 70 years. Over a hundred outfits by leading Italian fashion houses will be on display including Valentino and Gucci. Cromwell Road, SW7, 020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Art consultant, Nicholas Campbell, chooses April’s top talent

OLIVER MARSDEN

pring has sprung and to coincide with this our choice this month is the mesmerisingly and colourful work by Oliver Marsden. If you have spent time at various art fairs, you will have undoubtedly seen his hypnotic images adorning various gallery walls, which are increasingly popular amongst collectors. Marsden, who got an MFA and BA from Edinburgh School of Art, is interested in producing work that changes mentally and physically, depending on how one interacts with it. Oliver has a new show opening at Vigo Gallery from the 9th May – stick it in your diary. In the meantime this fantastic work is available for c. £5,000.

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©GIANPAOLOBARBIERI

THE ENGLISH HOME 30 April, Christie’s restigious auctioneers Christie’s will be holding a special sale entitled ‘The English Home’, featuring P items from the hallowed homes of Robert Kime, David Bedale, Piers von Westenholz and Christopher Gibbs, designed to celebrate ‘the enduring appeal of the English interior’. Those looking to make a purchase can expect pieces of English furniture, works of art, sculpture, Indian and Islamic textiles, Chinese porcelain, carpets, Modern British and Old Masters. 85 Old Brompton Road, SW7, 020 7930 6074; christies.com

Nicholas is Head Consultant and Director of Narcissus Arts; narcissusarts.com

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This is not a TV. This is a new era. mirror screen Your home, Your Style

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Contemporary Choose any colour from Farrow & Ball range

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Battersea showroom: 83 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL Phone 020 7978 6262

29/10/2013 09:30

ART&CULTURE CHELSEA Country Diary

chesterton humberts polo 6~8 June, Hurlingham Park

AROUND WINCHESTER 1-5 April

t’s Winchester fashion week this month and a programme of fun and stylish events are set to run, including a catwalk show in Winchester Guildhall. But where to stay when visiting?

The Greyhound on the Test is a delightful hotel, packed full of character, with charming, light and airy rooms, a dining menu to die for and even space for four-legged creatures to stay as well. A weekend away has never been so good, for food, family and furry friends.

The Greyhound on the Test, 31 High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EY, 01264 810833; thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk

I

HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW

Regional Agricultural Centre 24-27 April arrogate Flower Show was first established in 1910 as an H opportunity for northern horticulturists to participate, unimpeded by distance, in large, prestigious flower shows.

Harrogate has much to offer anyone even remotely green-fingered with their large

scale ‘Spring Show’ gardens designed to provide inspiration. This year, themes range from a tropical courtyard with the call of the Caribbean, to a coastal retreat complete with driftwood decking.

Landmark events like the Tour de France will also be represented in showpiece garden form. Regional Agricultural Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 8NZ, 01423 546 158; flowershow.org.uk

The newly titled Chesterton Humberts Polo in the Park 2014 (formerly MINT Polo in the Park) returns to the glorious, leafy surroundings of Hurlingham Park in Fulham, to kickstart London’s summer social season in style.

Combining a quintessentially British Summer Party with high octane, thrilling polo, this is one of the unmissable events of the summer.

For tickets and information visit: polointheparklondon.com

THE BNY MELLON BOAT RACE

Between Putney & Mortlake, 6 April xford. Cambridge. A river.

Rowers. Yes, it’s back, the 160th O contest between the two rival universities. Head down to Putney and follow the teams as they battle it out to become this year’s winner. It all started in 1829, when old school friends challenged each other to race in Henley on Thames.

Now it is one of Britain’s best loved annual sporting events. Cambridge lead the series with 81 victories to Oxford’s 77 (with a dead heat in 1877), but Oxford won last year so they’re catching up fast. Not to be missed. theboatrace.org

sleeping beauty in the wood 14~15 Apr, Royal Albert Hall

PLANT OF THE MONTH with CLEMMIE HAMBRO

CHAENOMALES SPECIOSA

‘GEISHA GIRL’

have a curious passion for flowers that appear on bare twigs, followed by a passion for plants that do more than one ‘thing’, like go from flowers to fruit to foliage. Chaenomeles, or flowering quince, does all these things and I look tenderly upon it as it pops open its exotic, almost waxy-looking blooms, first on bare wood then slowly bushing with dark green foliage. Perched up against a wall that gets lots of sun, it will be terribly cheering. C. speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ has the chicest of peach flowers.

I

A twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this production tells the story of a King and Queen desperate for a child. Driven to seek mystical aid, they call upon a fairy who grants their wish but also whisks the child Briar Rose into the woods plunging them into a world of fairies, ogres and princes. A combination of puppetry, video projections, automata and live music weave together to create an irresistible and magical world open to children of three years and older. Kensington Gore, SW7, 020 7589 8212; royalalberthall.com

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‘THE BEST OUTDOOR EVENT IN LONDON’ www.polointheparklondon.com For General Admission: 0844 248 5069

FULL Kensington PAGE.indd & 2Chelsea Review A4.indd 1 PITP

For VIP & Hospitality Tickets oliver@cityevents.uk.com

15:21 24/03/2014 14:43

absolutely / SOCIAL BARRE CHICK Summer’s coming and it’s time to get in shape. So naturally Fulham’s fi nest were thrilled to hear of the launch of hot new studio, Paola’s Bodybarre – the brainchild of Paola Di Lanzo and Tracy Ramsay. Offering Pilates, Yoga and intriguing things like Body Barre (pilates and ballet barre), guests were taken through some taster classes, before being treated to some tasty nibbles. Healthy workout, healthy pig out. Just how we like it.

CORBETT-WINDERS & THE WILLOW

wild time Nicky Haslam, Mark Shand and Nancy Dell’Olio headed to Chelsea last month for Basia Briggs’ (owner of Hyde Park Stables) drinks in aid of Elephant Family – the charity that protects Asian elephants and their habitat. A jolly night it was and no one got in the least bit trunk… apparently.

If you’re going to take advice about ‘how to live with nature’, it would have to be from someone who is utterly natural themselves.

Enter Willow Crossley: the natural beauty with her naturally beautiful new book Inspire: The Art of Living with Nature. A host of friends (Alice NaylorLeyland, Ellie Shepherd) and family (CorbettWinders aplenty) arrived at Anthropologie on the King’s Road, for a napkin ring-making workshop.

This, followed by sparkling Rosé Frizzante and Daylesford nibbles, ensured a fun, yum time was had by all, naturally.

LOOK WHO’S TALKING Bodybarre, books & drinks with Basia Briggs 17

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THE LOVE BEHIND THE PAIN Catherine Hales DISCOVERS THE BEST FRENCH BREAD IN LONDON AT Poilâne PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA NOONAN

Y

ears ago, I decided to attempt the dreaded Atkins diet, which is (for those lucky enough to be unseasoned dieters) a low-carb diet. I didn’t last long. My downfall?

Bread. It was just something I couldn’t seem to live without and despite warnings of gluten intolerances and wheat allergies, I still eat it almost everyday. It was with barely contained excitement, therefore, that I accepted an

invitation to visit the renowned French bakery Poilâne to learn about their history and see where and how their bread is made.

Poilâne was originally opened on Rue du Cherche-Midi in the Saint Germain des Prés district of Paris, in 1932, but since 2002, now calls London’s own Elizabeth Street it’s other home.

The intoxicating smell is the first thing I notice as I walk in, followed by an urge to sweep everything off the shelves into my bag and make a dash for it. I restrain myself and am

introduced to Zak El Rhzari, the sales manager at Poilâne. He leads me into the back room of the shop where row upon row of ‘P’ stamped loaves are arranged in racks.

Zak begins my tour by giving me a brief history of the now world-famous bakery. Pierre Poilâne came to Paris in the 1930s and set up a boulangerie at 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi. He baked traditional sourdough loaves, the bread that had sustained Europe since 15th century, and which was made simply from stone-ground flour, water and Guérande salt, baked in woodburning ovens. After the hardships and deprivations of the First World War, however, tastes changed and white bread became synonymous with wealth and prosperity and the darker sourdough loaf fell out of favour.

Despite this volte-face, Pierre maintained that sourdough was the superior bread as it lasted longer and could be easily cut into large slices.

Bit by bit, Pairs caught up with him, though out of the six bakeries that had lined the Rue de Cherche-Midi, only Poilâne remains.

Zak also informs me that the idea of the beret-wearing French cyclist in the Breton stripes with the white baguettes protruding from his basket, is a fallacy, a PR campaign. In actual fact, he says,

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BEHIND THE SCENES the sourdough loaf has always been the national bread of France. It was with the second generation, Lionel Poilâne, Pierre’s son, that Poilâne became a worldwide export. It was also due to him that each loaf is etched with a ‘P’, marking it out as both by Poilâne, and handcrafted by a single baker – nothing is mass produced. Lionel introduced an idea that he called ‘retro-innovation’, taking the high quality, traditional ingredients and techniques, and incorporating the best of the new techniques. His legacy is continued by his daughter Apollonia, who now runs the business.

As Zak relays this impressive history, I can see that he has a real passion for it. When I ask him why that is, he replies, that it’s down to the Poilâne family. Lionel in particular was known for helping out his employees, giving them loans, handling visas, and Apollonia is the same – taking a responsibility for those she employs, beyond that of an ordinary employer.

I enquire if the product itself has anything to do with the devotion Poilâne clearly inspires (Alain, who I would meet shortly, has been working there for 30 years). The answer comes swiftly: yes. Bread is something that is inextricably woven into the human experience. Zak explains that Lionel very much saw the philosophical importance of bread as something which sustains us, keeps us together, is broken by families and crops up time and again, not least religiously.

After my history lesson, Zak introduces me to the head baker, Alain Palumbo, who speaks no English and as my French can only be described as deplorable, our conversation is limited.

Words, however, are unnecessary as we are lead downstairs and into the room where the bread is baked. The brick oven takes up the whole back wall and when fully-stocked, can hold 70 sourdough loaves, although only Alain can fit this many. Nicholas, a young baker, who is a relatively new addition

The beret-wearing French CYCLIST with the white baguette IS A FALLACY, A PR CAMPAIGN

to Poilâne’s staff, holds a record of 60.

The heat is intense and as Zak points out various features of the room, Alain begins to work. ‘He is not supposed to be baking as he has back problems now,’ Zak tells me, ‘but that will not stop a baker. He worked a double shift yesterday. That’s one of the things that makes a good baker: stubbornness.’

The process is mesmerising. A stack of baskets called bannetons hold the dough and are positioned on one side of the oven’s open door. Alain tips two of these out onto a paddle-like implement called a peel, he then autographs them with the signature ‘P’ using a tool of his own invention. These are then

slid, using the peel, into the oven and the baskets stacked on the other side.

The apparent ease with which Alain manoeuvres the bread is impressive, each movement is perfect and there is no hesitation. It’s easy to see why Alain is considered a Poilâne master.

Poilâne has a cafe/restaurant in Cadogan Gardens that I am shown around by Zak after my Elizabeth Street adventure. This final leg of my tour only serves to confirm what I had already suspected. Besides the sheer and undeniable quality of the bread they produce, Poilâne, whose Elizabeth Street bakery produces up to 700 hundred loaves a day (that go to every London stockist and whose oven is manned by bakers 24 hours a day) is special. Much like the bread they bake, there is a philosophy behind this company that inspires loyalty and attracts an incredibly high standard of employee. I walk away confident that I will never eat another white baguette again – well, hopefully never.

Vive le pain!

poilâne 46 Elizabeth Street, SW1, 020 7808 4910; poilane.com

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17/03/2014 16:44

STYLE TOPSHOP

HOT CHICK

BROIDERY CHUCK ON DRESS, £34; topshop.com

DRESS UP cute for EASTER this April

©SS14 ORLA KIELY

GUCCI

PARASOL-PRINT SILK CREPE DE CHINE SHORTS, £410; net-a-porter.com

ALICE + OLIVIA KIDMAN JACKET, £335; austique.co.uk

ACCESSORIZE

PLAIN WOOL BERET, £12; uk.accessorize.com

PETIT BATEAU

WOMEN’S LIGHT JERSEY T-SHIRT WITH SAILBOAT PRINT, £49; petit-bateau.co.uk

CARVELA

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ZARA

PRINTED SWEATSHIRT, £25.99; zara.com

CURRENT/ELLIOTT

THE EASY PAISLEY-PRINT DENIM MINI SKIRT, £165; net-a-porter.com

21

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24/03/2014 13:06

X U TA the cloth co.

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STYLE

FASHION

NOTES CANDY STRIPES & the colour PINK catch our eye THIS MONTH B E LT U P We all have those outfits we put on, stare at and then say of it: ‘Humph, it’s missing something.’ Well, you’re welcome, because now we’ve found it. This delicious Vivienne Westwood Baia Belt is inspired by Indian culture and made from Italian leather, studded with Swarovski Crystals. Guaranteed to brighten up any plain coloured getup, this bejewelled accessory will pay for itself in compliments alone. £515, 44 Conduit Street, W1, 020 7439 1109;

PRETTY IN PINK

lkbennett.com

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CABBAGES & ROSES

ALMOST ANYTHING LK BENNETT IS ALRIGHT BY US, but this candy striped Denver Silk Print Dress (£275) and Bess Colour Block Sandals (£195) are more than alright. Perfect attire for a garden party, something a bit different for a wedding, and even works as a night out-on-the-town ensemble too. 166 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 9659;

PA L M S P R E E Team this limited edition Palm Print Blouse by Marks & Spencer with some skinny jeans and a pair of killer heels and you, lady, are ready to go. We especially love that the print alludes to the tropical islands we are shortly to visit on our summer holidays. £35, 85-95 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7376 5634;

marksandspencer.com

COMING UP ROSES

We’ve always loved the elegant Britishness of Cabbages & Roses and we love them even more now, for they’ve just opened a new store (fashion and home) on our very doorstep. Take a lesiurely English stroll towards it.

121-3 Sydney Street, SW3, 020 3696 1310; cabbagesandroses.com

must have

+

ahoy! e’re probably a tad ahead of ourselves talking bikinis in spring, but we can’t help it. Continuing with our pink and candy striped theme, look at the Frankie bikini by Pistol Panties. High wasted bottoms, underwired balconette top – we’re so impressed we might just wear this as our everyday lingerie.

W

£159, Available from Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1, 0800 123 400; pistolpanties.com Violet Naylor-Leyland is away

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24/03/2014 16:06 Violet is a stylist, journalist and owner of fancy dress and vintage boutique, Violet’s Box; violetsbox.com

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24/03/2014 13:12

Grey cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué resin flowers, £379, MSGM at Fenwick Diamond tennis bracelet, £782, rings, £460 for set and studs, £141, Carat

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24/03/2014 13:12

Pale blue cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué detail, £180, Carven at net-a-porter.com Green and blue silk skirt, £365, Ostwald Helgason at my-wardrobe.com Diamanté drop earrings, £300, atelier-mayer.com Crystal necklace, £280, Butler & Wilson Diamond ring, £460 for set, Carat

CH_April_Fashion_Shoot.indd 26

24/03/2014 13:12

Cotton jersey sweater dress, £283, by Emma Cook at net-a-porter.com Crystal bolster necklace, £405, Atelier Swarovski by Christopher Kane Gunmetal ring, £85, Vita Fede at my-wardrobe.com Black fishnet tights, £6, Charnos at House of Fraser

CH_April_Fashion_Shoot.indd 27

24/03/2014 13:12

Spotty cotton and cashmere blend sweatshirt, £395, Mulberry at net-a-porter.com Ivory tulle and lace dress (worn underneath), £830, Katya Katya Shehurina Crystal flower ring, £68, Butler & Wilson Black fishnet tights, £5.65, Jonathan Aston Black leather strappy sandals, £670, Casadei

STOCKISTS Photographer: Helen McArdle at ERA Management Stylist: Charlie Moore Model: Iris at Milk Management Make up artist: John Christopher at Lovely Management using M.A.C Hair stylist: Aaron Carlo at Frank Nail artist: Asher Coleman using Sally Hansen Shot on location at Belair House, 1 Gallery Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AB; belairhouse.co.uk Belair House is available for hire for weddings and private functions.

CH_April_Fashion_Shoot.indd 28

Atelier Mayer; atelier-mayer.com Atelier Swarovski; atelierswarovski.com Butler & Wilson, 020 7409 2955 Carat, 020 7379 5320 Casadei; casadei.com Fenwick; fenwick.co.uk House of Fraser; houseoffraser.co.uk Jonathan Aston; jonathanaston.com Katya Katya Shehurina; shehurina.com La Parla, 020 7245 0527 my-wardrobe.com net-a-porter.com

24/03/2014 13:12

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

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SPOSE DI GIO.indd 2

21/02/2014 17:27

STYLE

JEWEL in the CROWN

GUN MAKERS AND FASHION BRAND, HOLLAND & HOLLAND’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Niels Van Rooyen, & DESIGNER Umang Hutheesing, TALK MAHARAJAS AND THEIR SS14 COLLABORATION TO Absolutely

ABSOLUTELY The Maharajas of India inspired your SS14 Collaborative Collection.

How did this come about?

NIELS VAN ROOYEN Holland & Holland was a major supplier of sporting guns to the Maharajas of India and I wanted to revive the excellent craftsmanship that went into our gun engraving from the era, and transfer it to our clothes collection. I was astounded

and intrigued by the intricate embroidery techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation.

The revival was focussed on craftsmanship to support their skill and keep the artistry alive. A very dear friend from Belgium, Griet Dupont, introduced me to Umang. The project took us three years to create. This involved a couple of trips to India to understand

the spirit of the place and look at Umang’s designs for the collaboration. Umang’s studio was also used to do the photoshoot for the catalogue to reflect the spirit of India.

ABS Tell us about the craftsmanship of it. How were the pieces made – and where?

NVR The pieces are individually handcrafted using skills that have been passed on

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STYLE

through generations.

This embroidery is done without patterns and relies on the sheer skill of the embroidery. All of the pieces were made in Ahmedabad, which is the centre of textiles in India. Umang’s design studios are based at Hutheesing Haveli. They are made using gold thread and are adorned with precious stones, like pure rubies and pure emeralds.

You do not find them like this anywhere in the world.

UMANG HUTHEESING Yes, even the metallic clips and threads are handmade by master craftsmen who once produced for the Royal Indian family and are now part of the Hutheesing Design Company.

ABS Do either of you have a favourite piece in the collection?

NVR It is very hard for me to select just one as they all have unique qualities. My favourite piece is the black velvet coat, which is embellished with gold.

It is very classy and traditional.

UH The Bandi Silk Waistcoats as they offer so much variety and can be worn on many occasions.

ABS Umang, can you explain how you got into designing – I believe you started in banking?!

UH My family have been involved with design for several centuries, so I have grown up

which gives me the opportunity to create magnificent collections using the elements in a creative way, including fauna and flora, the animal kingdom and artistry in the craftsmanship of our guns.

ABS Many people consider H&H solely for country pursuits. How are you trying to change that?

NVR As Creative Director I design three different wardrobes: what you wear before the shoot, during the shoot, and the technical (what you wear afterwards). There are definite dress codes when you are invited to a shoot on an estate. To be commercial, we are concentrating on what you wear before and after, so our customers can wear our pieces in the city as easily as they can in the country.

ABS You are now stocked in Harrods. Why is there such good synergy between the two brands?

NVR Harrods has always been recognised as a place to go to see the finer things in life. This, of course, reflects exactly what Holland & Holland stands for.

with it. I studied Finance & Marketing in Boston USA but even at that time, was involved with design. In June 1999, I was creative director for American Vogue, working with Grace Coddington, for a 22-page India story, and in 2010, with Pierre Bergen in Paris.

ABS In 1881, your ancestor, Magganbhai Hutheesing, set up the Hutheesing Design Company to provide employment for artisans and to promote Indian design. What is your role there?

UH I am the president.

ABS What was your involvement in this collection – I gather you designed the waistcoats?

UH I designed the prints of the peacock, elephant, tiger and monkey, which have been made into various garments for the H&H Spring 2014 Collection. I also designed and manufactured the embellished embroidered waistcoats, coats, jackets and shawls.

ABS What’s next for you in 2014?

NVR Preparing for various international events – we are very active in the summer events calendar – and also expanding our wholesale business in America.

UH Making and creating exquisite costumes for the Global Communities and Patrons of Crafts. I have a show coming up in Venice and another in South Korea.

ABS Niels, was it you who thought up the ‘Maharajas of India’ concept?

NVR Yes, every collection I create always starts with a theme. There has to be a story behind everything we do.

ABS When did you take on the role of Creative Director for Holland & Holland?

NVR 2007.

ABS What do you like about the brand in particular?

NVR I love being part of its very focussed, exclusive world.

The brand is in a niche market,

Umang Hutheesing & Niels Van Rooyen Holland & Holland SS14 Collection, Available from Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1, 020 7730 1234; hollandandholland.com

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

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WAT C H I T S W E E T I E Weight loss expert Louis Parker on new sugar guidelines Recently there has been a lot of talk and buzz about sugar intake. The World Health Organisation drafted new guidelines that recommend people should consume less than 5% of their daily calories from sugar, down from 10% according to current guidelines.

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t h e

GOOD c r i t i c

AA Gill HAS THE RECIPE TO CRITICAL SUCCESS & ISN’T AFRAID TO SAY SO, FINDS Edwina Langley

‘Everyone thinks being a critic is having an opinion. Everyone thinks ‘oh, I’ve got an opinion – we’ve all got one’. But it’s not true, because not everyone has an opinion that’s worth hearing.

Some people do and some people don’t. But I do. I can be a critic, and I am a good critic, because my opinions are worth more than yours.’

I am chatting to AA Gill – journalist, author, notorious restaurant critic – and he is answering the question as to why he’s good at critiquing.

I am thrilled by this, mainly because I didn’t ask him that question. That he chose to answer it anyway, reveals to me that he is exactly as I imagined: unapologetically confident.

False modesty is all very noble, but it doesn’t half make for dull reading. And if there is one person in the journalistic field you could never accuse of being dull, or falsely modest, it’s Mr Gill.

What I had actually asked was whether he gets over the backlash that comes with offending people because – in his mind – he is just being

honest. ‘You’ve sort of answered the question,’ he’d retorted. ‘I think on a larger, slightly more pompous level journalism is only about honesty – otherwise it’s not journalism. We, as journalists, have an absolute obligation to be scrupulously honest. And that doesn’t just mean ‘the facts’. It means telling the truth. And the truth is more than just the facts.’

I imagine him on the other end of the phone, delivering this part from a rostrum. ‘It’s a combination of things that make a good critic, and I know it when I read other people’s criticism. There are journalists who churn out articles and then there are people who write proper criticism. Whatever you come across – a painting, a restaurant, a TV show – it’s not enough to just enjoy it or not enjoy it. You have to know why you enjoy it. You want to understand what it is that made it good or stopped it working.

So you’re constantly drilling off the back of culture to see how the cogs work. It doesn’t make you enjoy it a jot more, but

there are some people, and I’m one of them, who always, always need to know why – and that’s why I’m a good critic.’

Anthony Adrian Gill was born in Edinburgh in 1954 to television director Michael Gill and Yvonne Gilan, an actress.

Suffering from a stammer and dreadful dyslexia, Gill was sent to St Christopher’s in Hertfordshire, a progressive independent school, which he loathed. Art school followed – Central Saint Martins and The Slade – but having entered into the grizzly grips of alcoholism, his career as an artist amounted to little. His early marriage to authoress Cressida Connelly crumbled and he struggled to stay on top of his addiction. But April Fools’ Day 1984 changed everything.

Gill packed himself off to the detox clinic, Clouds, and has been sober ever since.

He’s talked about his addiction in various interviews over the years and, not wanting to go over old ground, I wasn’t intent on mentioning it.

Surprisingly, though perhaps

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FOOD&TRAVEL

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FOOD&TRAVEL EVERYBODY WORRIES THEY’LL RUN OUT OF WORDS,

BUT YOU MUSTN’T. IT’S A BIT LIKE THAT 15-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WORRIES HE’LL RUN OUT OF SPERM

not for self-assured Gill, he alludes to it freely anyway. ‘Chelsea feels like home,’ he confides, ‘because the definition of ‘home’ is somewhere where they have to take you in when you turn up drunk.’

On the wagon and over thirty, a friend suggested he write an art review.

The results piqued the interest of (the then) Tatler editor, Jane Procter, who commissioned him to write about Clouds.

His piece was so touching, she hired him as Tatler’s cookery columnist. By this point, Gill had married again, to venture capitalist Amber Rudd (with whom he had two children, Flora and Alistair). In 1993 he was snapped up by The Sunday Times where he still remains: their most revered restaurant and telly critic, paid one of the highest salaries in print journalism. Reportedly.

‘A critic is an odd thing to be,’ Gill ponders. ‘Essentially I’m a cultural traffic warden. And who wants to be a traffic warden?’ He has a point – not me. It must be difficult, however, to apply the same standards of acute (and amusing) scrutiny to each and every review. I tell him I worry I’ll run out of words one day and wonder whether he does too. ‘Everybody does, but

you mustn’t. It’s a bit like that 15-year-old boy who worries he’ll run out of sperm.

Maybe I’m just about to run out myself. But with writing, the more you write the more you are capable of writing. I give classes on journalism and the only piece of advice I ever give is to write as much as possible.’

We chat about Chelsea, where he shares a home with his current partner Nicola Formby – the ‘blonde’ in his columns – and their twin children, Edith and Isaac.

He agrees to talk about the area on the premise I don’t ask him for restaurant recommendations. This instantly makes me laugh because it implies I think of him as some sort of gourmet tourist officer I’d rung up on his day off. ‘I’ve lived in Chelsea and Kensington basically since I was 12 and I always end up coming back here.’

He’s often said he feels like an outsider in England, but perhaps he feels accepted by Chelsea? ‘One of things about London,’ he replies, obscurely, ‘is that London isn’t really England. It’s a city of choice rather than birth. Most people come here because they want to be here and they want something from here. I like the fact that it’s probably now the most happening multicultural city

in the world. I’ve been to an awful lot of cities and places, but I love coming back here.’ I suppose, therefore, the answer is yes.

No chat with Gill would be complete without reference to food; interestingly, it’s well-documented he doesn’t eat much at all. ‘I don’t know why that is, but no, I don’t eat vast amounts.’ Does he cook with his children? ‘No. I use other ingredients.’ And what’s the most disgusting thing he’s ever put in his mouth? – ‘That wasn’t alive?’ (just too good) – ‘In Scandinavia, they eat rotten fish. During hard times, they preserve their food by burying it. Buried shark tastes

exactly the way Turkish holiday lavatories smell. But that’s not the most disgusting thing I’ve eaten. The most disgusting thing I’ve eaten is drive-thru McDonalds.’

I trust him on that. For someone who has eaten and indeed travelled (he is a prolific travel writer) so abundantly, there can’t be much he hasn’t seen – or eaten. ‘When I’m lying in the hospital and my children are begging the doctor to flick the switch, telling me to go towards the light, and they ask me if I have any regrets... well, John Betjeman said, ‘not enough sex.’ I don’t expect I’ll say ‘not enough sex’ (I’d like to say, ‘not enough cassoulet’) but what I will almost certainly say is, ‘f*ck it, I never got to see Timbuktu’.

It’s the places I haven’t been to that I regret the most. I think we are probably only passing through [this earth] once, and not to go and visit as much of it as possible, is a fantastic waste of an incredible opportunity.’

Gill has a real zest for life, it seems. And one would think, looking at the year ahead, he’d have all sorts of plans in the pipeline – quirky adventures, a library of books.

But when I ask, he rather endearingly answers, ‘hopefully to be still employed.’

He continues, ‘I am ever grateful that people want to read me and pay me to have opinions. And that, after a rocky start, I landed a job that involves watching television, eating in restaurants and travelling. It’s not a bad life.’

No, I wouldn’t say it was. AA Gill: the ‘good critic’ with the ‘not bad life’, who is, in fact, not half bad himself.

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julia boston antiques

www.juliaboston.com HALF 2014.indd HORIZONTAL.indd 1 April_ 1

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13/03/2014 16:36 09:44 11/03/2014

30/01/2014 10:32 24/03/2014 18:15

FOOD&TRAVEL

Eat Me

Congratulations to the winners of our local 2014 Food Awards!

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01

Breakfast

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Megan’s

12

WHY It’s taken a while for locals to

wake up and smell the French Toast with Bacon and Maple Syrup at this café, which launched in 2002. But now we have, we can’t get enough of it.

WHERE 571 King’s Road, SW6, 020 7371 7837; megansrestaurant.com 02

Brunch

The Brown Cow WHY Wooden tables? Tick. Homely

hangover atmosphere? Tick. Banana bread. Munch. Eggs Benedict?

Splurge. Saturday brunch is sorted.

WHERE 676 Fulham Road, SW6, 020 7384 9559; thebrowncowpub.co.uk

For a lively supper with your favourite godparent, a third date with your beau/beauty or dinner with muckers, this is the place to go. Feast on Steak Tartare or (and!) Macaroni Cheese (with truffles). A trip to the bar is a prerequisite.

12

spain

13

france

WHERE 27 Cale Street, SW3, 020 7349 0202; tomskitchen.co.uk 06

Dinner

Zuma

WHY Cheap it ain’t, tasteful it is.

03

There’s a reason Zuma maintains its reputation as the best that contemporary Japanese cuisine has to offer and that’s because it is, indeed, the best. Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Chilli Dressing, and Spicy Beef Tenderloin with Sesame, are the two standout dishes.

Lunch

Grumbles

WHY Tucked away in this side street

in Pimlico is a secret lunch gem. The Grumbles Fish Pie is a firm favourite and the Panfried Black Pudding starter is rather scrumptious also.

Friendly and fun; great for a catch up.

WHERE 5 Raphael Street, SW7, 020 7584 1010; zumarestaurant.com

WHERE 35 Churton Street, SW1, 020 7834 0149; grumblesrestaurant.co.uk 04

Coffee

Moosh

WHY This natural fruit and smoothie

bar’s juices are reason enough to visit – hot raspberry hibiscus, peachy bum special – but it’s their coffee menu that’s caught our panel’s attention.

White mocha? Ristretto? O là latte.

WHERE 17 Jerdan Place, SW6, 020 7386 8688; mooshfruit.com

07

Entertainment

Finborough Arms

WHY Renowned for its legendary

11

theatre (recommended by Time Out) for a glass of ale and some culture – in a cosy, intimate space which hosts exciting talent, like Rachael Stirling – the newly refurbished Finborough is worth getting into a drama about.

WHERE 118 Finborough Road, SW10, 020 7244 7439; finboroughtheatre.co.uk 08

Music

Troubadour WHY Founded in 1954, The

05

Supper

Tom’s Kitchen WHY With three Tom’s Kitchens now

open across the capital, Tom Aiken's chain needs no introduction.

Troubadour was the location for Bob Dylan’s first London performance.

It has also hosted: Sammy Davis Jnr, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin and, more recently, Laura Marling and Ed Sheeran. Quite simply, it's a rite

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FOOD&TRAVEL especially good) plus an un-stuffy posh café environment, equals an excellent setting for a gossip.

WHERE 9 Park Walk, SW10, 020 7352 7040; thehenryroot.com 10

For Dates

Evans & Peel

WHY Because you have to invent

a criminal case for them to solve before you’re even allowed in.

Because they have a ‘no standing policy’ which means everyone gets a seat. Because their cocktails are epic, the lights are low, and their snacks, substantial. We’d pucker up for the location alone.

15

japan

WHERE 310c Earl's Court Road, SW5, 020 7373 3573; evansandpeel.com 11

For Ma & Pa

02

Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pasta with wild boar) is ridiculously good, but our all-out favourite has to be Calamari e Seppie in Salsa Nera con Spinaci (squid and cuttlefish ink sauce with spinach). Salivation station.

WHERE 7 Langton Street, SW10, 020 7351 0761; lafamiglia.co.uk

Medlar

WHY Not that we think Michelin

of passage for young musicians – in fact, all musicians – and new-music lovers alike.

WHERE 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5, 020 7370 1434; troubadour.co.uk 09

For Friends

13

stars are all that important, but it’s clear why Medlar has retained its. The Duck Egg Tart remains a winner, whilst Loin and Faggot of Red Deer is very popular too. Good for a chat with Ma and Pa, this discrete eatery gets our vote for sensible conversations with grown up food.

Like Tortilla de Patata? Like Calamares a la Andaluz?

Love Tendido Cero.

WHERE 174 Old Brompton Road, SW5, 020 7370 3685; cambiodetercio.co.uk

WHERE 438 King’s Road, SW10, 020 7349 1900; medlarrestaurant.co.uk

ITALY/SARDINIA Olivo WHY All of Olivo restaurants are

Henry Root

WHY Read up online about the

real Henry Root and – ting – your interest’s piqued. Bistro food (the Fragrant Beef Broth and the Alsacian Choucroute, Pork Belly, Ham Hock and Morteau Sausage platter are

12

Best of Europe

SPAIN Tendido Cero WHY Like Jamon de Bellota?

worth talking about, but Olivo with its Chargrilled Calves Liver and Black Tagliatelle with Cuttlefish is the one we’re talking about the most.

For Children

La Famiglia

WHY The food here is so good, the

staff so wonderful, there is frankly nowhere else to go with your brood.

20

WHERE 21 Eccleston Street, SW1, 020 7730 2505; olivorestaurants.com

FRANCE La Poule au Pot WHY It’s so well-known as a French

lovespot it’s almost (sadly) a cliché.

But that doesn’t stop it being BONbastic. Nous aimons!

WHERE 231 Ebury Street, SW1, 020 7730 7763; pouleaupot.co.uk 14

India

Cinnamon Club WHY Because who doesn’t want to

be a member of the club? Smoked Saddle of Romney Marsh Lamb with Chettinad Curry Sauce, leaves us smacking our lips, whilst the

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All aspects of home refurbishment kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms

ďƒź Full design team in-house

ďƒź Over 20 years experience

E sales@bellainteriors.co.uk T 020 8332 9898 | F 020 8332 9777 137 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PN

www.bellainteriors.co.uk

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FOOD&TRAVEL 16

America

Honky Tonk

WHY Big burgers, hot wings, sticky

ribs, bourbon and beer. Hell, yeah.

WHY A very tough category,

WHERE 6 Hollywood Road, SW10, 020 7351 6611; honkytonkchelsea.com

but The Atlas in Fulham and The Thomas Cubitt in Belgravia tied first place to win best pub because they’re both splendid.

TC’s relaxed interiors, bistro grub and space for smokers outdoors, keep customers coming thick and fast, whilst The Atlas’ Italian menu (Crespelle with Ricotta) satisfies hungry Fulham-ites in need of some down time after work.

17

Pop Up

WHY The Pork Belly in Steamed

Buns gained it such a reputation amidst foodies, this King’s Road PopUp is shortly to land – for good – in Marble Arch. Visit it quick before it heads up there.

WHERE 251 King’s Road, SW3; kurobuta-london.com

17

pop up 18

WHERE 30-32 Great Smith Street, SW1, 020 7222 2555; cinnamonclub.com 15

Take Away

Basilico

WHY Yes Dominoes is synonymous

with a hangover, but nothing beats a gourmet Porcini Tartufata 13” Basilico pizza, all for you (none of this ‘sharing’ business).

Orient

JAPAN Nozomi WHY Whilst the crowd at Nozomi

WHERE 690 Fulham Road, SW6, 020 7384 2633; basilico.co.uk

are quite intimidating, if you’re after tip-top Japanese, it’s worth enduring.

We’d recommend Black Cod (yes, 18 yawn, but it’s SO good) and Seared Scallops with Japanese Plums (and a raspberry shot by the bar before you leave).

19

Bar

Janet’s Bar WHY Janet is a legend, as is her

WHERE 14-15 Beauchamp Place, SW3, 0207 838 1500; nozomi.co.uk

bar. Befriend bar staff and they’ll offer you free popcorn. With walls adorned with photographers of past visitors, this little corner of South Ken is worth dropping into for a cocktail – if only to fall out of it afterwards.

CHINA Hunan WHY This well-kept Chinese secret is

WHERE 30 Old Brompton Road, SW7, 020 7581 3160; It’s too cool for a website

mostly known for its menu, which is also a secret. Or a surprise. Go in, say what you don’t like (and how hot you can handle it) and await tapas-size taste bud-busting plates of joy.

WHERE 51 Pimlico Road, SW1, 020 7730 5712; hunanlondon.com

Pub(s)

The Atlas The Thomas Cubitt

Kurobuta

Tandoori Wild Spencer Gulf King Prawns has us drooling into our napkins. Spenny but worth it.

20

WHERE The Atlas, 16 Seagrave Road, SW6, 020 7385 9129; theatlaspub.co.uk The Thomas Cubitt, 44 Elizabeth Street, SW1, 020 7730 6060; thethomascubitt.co.uk special Mention

Burger Haché

WHY These burgers appear to be

the only burgers IN THE WORLD that are allowed to be served RARE. Reason alone to visit.

WHERE 329-331 Fulham Road, SW10, 020 7823 3515; hacheburgers.com

Pudding

Koffmann’s Soufflé Aux Pistaches WHY A pistachio and chocolate

cloud of fluffy heaven for your mouth.

WHERE Koffmanns at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1, 020 7107 8844; the-berkeley.co.uk

20

04

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24/03/2014 16:01

BOUTIQUE DESIGN ABSOLUTELY CATCHES UP WITH Sebastian Mann OF DESIGN AGENCY Minale + Mann

In a nutshell, how would you describe Minale & Mann?

We are an award-winning boutique design agency, housing a unique blend of architects, interior designers, product and furniture designers, and bespoke construction teams. Positioned alongside our London design studio we have a workshop, where we fabricate handmade furniture and design products.

Born out of a desire to create beautiful architecture and interiors in a streamlined fashion, we turned our back on traditional design methods and rewrote the rules, becoming the first architecture and construction company in London. Our forte is creating unique high-end residential and boutique commercial spaces in London, Stockholm and New York, for a discerning clientele.

Minale & Mann provide quite a variety of services, would you say it is quite niche? What makes you different to your competitors?

Yes. We are the first and only company doing what we do in London. We are able to offer a unique set of services all under one roof, taking a project from inception to

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

completion, delivering a premier design product, be it architecture, interior design or a design.

What would you say is your design ethos?

Out style is an eclectic mix of rough and smooth, a ‘refined industrial’ look with a handmade feel, set within an urban backdrop. When it comes to design, we are anti-trends and feel more comfortable going against the grain.

Did you always want to set up your own business?

Yes. When you run your own company, there is no ceiling to what you can achieve.

WE TURNED OUR BACK ON TRADITIONAL DESIGN METHODS AND REWROTE THE RULES

What kind of clients do you work with? Would you say it is quite an equal mix of residential and commercial?

Our clients are from all over the globe: from high-flying movie producers to young families, to boutique businesses, clubs and bars.

I would say that we are more well known for our residential work in London, as it is easier to get a name for yourself within that market.

Outside of London, we have an equal mix of commercial, hospitality and residential projects.

Which London-based businesses/ suppliers do you use regularly?

Many. To name a few: Buster + Punch, Nelly Duff, James Ltd, Davey Lighting, Inspired Dwellings, Miles & Wilde, Little Green.

London has a wealth of famous architecture. Do you have a personal favourite building?

Definitely Battersea Power Station.

What are the current trends in the architecture/design industry?

There are always trends, and of

course we refer to them, but we rather fashion ourselves than follow any particular fad, or trend.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

There are a few, but I will mention our most recent: we have been appointed to deliver a fabulous and exclusive residential project in St John’s Wood, where we will be fusing bronze and dark aesthetics, carving clean lines and running a ‘light touch’ industrial vibe throughout.

There will be a range of bespoke architectural and interior design features, feature lighting, and we will be creating a large basement with light wells that spring out of the ground into an elegant landscaped pavilion garden. minaleandmann.com

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

PI C TU R E

PERFECT CROOKED TEETH GETTING YOU DOWN? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN METAMORPHOSIS

ou’re sure to flash a winning smile after a visit to west London’s most hi-tech, stylish and family-friendly orthodontic clinic, Metamorphosis. With the combined vision of award-winning orthodontist Dr Neil Counihan and Dr Runa Mowla-Copley, Metamorphosis’s mission is to transform the way you look and feel about teeth. If you find yourself grinning through closed lips every time a camera appears, it’s time to sort out your smile. Start with a visit to the expert team at Metamorphosis orthodontics.

A firm favourite amongst London school children and parents alike, the expert team at the clinic are highly skilled in fitting a range of modern cosmetic braces. This includes Damon braces, a new generation of fast, fixed, ‘self-ligating’ braces, Invisalign clear braces (which are removable) and lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, making them a popular choice for those in the public eye. Whichever type of brace you choose, rest assured you’ll be left with a brand spanking-new smile and a more confident outlook. Book your free consultation now.*

Y

BENEFITS OF BRACES

Aside from the obvious cosmetic value, straight teeth also come with serious health benefits. If you’re an adult or young adult, on the fence about whether to get Damon braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign, the below may help make that decision.

BETTER BRUSHING

Overlapping or crowded teeth can cause problems brushing. Food gets caught in crevices and encourages bacteria growth.

EASIER CHEWING

Crooked teeth can compromise chewing your food thoroughly and efficiently. This can lead to digestive problems as well as choking hazards.

FEWER BROKEN TEETH

Protruding teeth are more prone to chipping and breakages. Straight teeth are properly aligned to your mouth shape so that they neither rub against each other harshly, nor protrude.

FEWER HEADACHES

Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? Your teeth might be to blame.

Crowded teeth cause uneven pressure on your jaw, resulting in painful headaches.

BETTER OVERALL HEALTH

Straighter teeth means better oral health, which in turn, has a direct impact on the rest of your health. Poor oral hygiene including tooth decay and gum disease, are linked to heart disease. Straight teeth help prevent this.

TESTIMONIALS

‘i love my new teeth! the whole experience has been so professional and friendly. a quicker transformation than predicted.’

• Clarissa • ‘i am absolutely delighted with the result… i still can’t believe they are my teeth. i can honestly say that it has been an ‘enjoyable’ experience, mainly due to the wonderful staff.’

• Julie • 109 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 1077; metamorphosisorthodontics.com

*SPECIAL OFFER TO ALL ABSOLUTELY READERS: FREE ORTHODONTICS CONSULTATION WORTH £125

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STYLE

MEN ONLY

st mu v e a h

TO BOOT

There is only one Timberland. There is only one boot: Men’s 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boot. £160, 98 King’s Road, SW2, 020 7225 3054; timberland.com

Spa Review

STRUT YOUR CUFF We like to be unique in our cufflink choice but it’s often difficult to find a pair that neither Tom, Dick nor Harry will own.

Fulham-based Julia LloydGeorge designs elegant and sophisticated sets, perfect for workwear and smartwear alike. Inspired by nature and colour, Julia’s creations jolly up any plain white shirt, and this silver set with turquoise and red enamel bordering caught our eye in particular. £255, 020 7373 5093; julialloydgeorge.com

La Dolce Vita Look at this guy. Who doesn’t want to be him? Whilst we can’t guarantee we can get you his thick head of hair or chiseled cheekbones, what we can direct you towards are his clothes. Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 14 Collection takes ‘suave’ and ‘cool’ to another level. The Sicily Casual Tuxedo Blazer (£1,700) is an excellent alternative to the smoking jacket, whilst their wool/silk three-piece martini suit with peaks lapels (£1,525) would suit any sort of spring black tie do. Do we like this collection? Yes. We do.

Dolce & Gabbana, 6 Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7201 0140; dolcegabbana.com

BAG IT UP

Manbags usually spell ‘barf’ but these Chapman bags (designed

by John Chapman Ltd in collaboration with the Brompton Bicycle) are an exception.

The Game Bag fits neatly on a Brompton bike and is modelled on the Gamekeeper bag, so it’s sort of ‘country’. Not smart enough for the office, but its waterproof cotton canvas and English bridle leather fittings make it a defi nite weekender contender. £320; brompton.com

U S H VA N I rue relaxation, there’s precious little of it about.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is entirely possible to forget what it feels like to be totally relaxed. Against this backdrop of bad posture and sports injuries, of long working hours and cramped tube journeys, I arrived at the luxurious Ushvani early one evening for my ‘Signature Massage’.

The spa, resplendent in a mixture of Malaysian and Georgian English décor, has a variety of rooms for men, women and couples. A member of their charming staff showed me into one of the former. Once showered, I was enveloped in a dreamy combination of Malay and Balinese massage techniques, skilfully applied by my masseuse and scented with an infusion of spices.

Every inch of stress was expunged from my body, from shoulders to feet, and as I sipped their delicious hibiscus tea afterwards, I wondered when I had ever felt so relaxed. I’m still wondering now.

By Harry Harland

T

1 Cadogan Gardens, SW3, 020 7730 2888; ushvani.com

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020 8993 5545

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

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

STONE CERAMICS.indd 1

15/10/2012 10:42

“Sapori Sardi was simple yet fantastico!”

Fulham Hammersmith Chronicle

2013 WinneR

MONDAY STEAK NIGHT

Steak and complimentary glass of wine only £17.50pp Terms and conditions apply

Loosely translated as ‘Sardinian flavours’, this cosy family-run newcomer on Fulham Road nails its regional colours to the mast with a menu that highlights the island’s rustic specialities and native produce.

We stock an extensive selection of Italian and Sardinian wines including Vermentino and Cannonau.

sapori sardi 786 Fulham Road, SW6 5SL 020 7731 0755 www.saporisardi.co.uk

ISS BONAS MACFARLANE.indd 1

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24/03/2014 15:35 24/03/2014 18:15

STYLE JOIN Mini Harrods Members Club.

Membership entails offers, competitions and invites to events. At the Cowboys & Indians day, mini guests make their own headdresses.

Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1, 020 7730 1234; harrods.com

PAINT

Eggs. And what better to hold them in after they’ve had a good splosh with the paint than these Magpie Birdy Egg Cups? £12.80, Available from House of Fraser, 101 Victoria Street, SW1, 0844 800 3762; houseoffraser.co.uk

EAT

Waitrose Woodland Friends.

Whilst it’s a shame to have to sink your teeth into Spike the Hedgehog, Ollie the Owl and Hop the Frog, I’m sure (come Easter) the kids won’t mind. £5/200g, 196 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 2775; waitrose.com

Kids NOTES

What to eat, buy & do with the little ones

EDITOR’S

PICK

BUY

A hen. This stuffed, crackingly realistic, soft toy has really ruffled our feathers. Just as fun for adults as children, it’s a great Easter house warming gift. Hansa Hen, £45.99, Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1, 020 7730 3434; johnlewis.com

WEAR elted Prospect Shorts.

In a range of colours, these chino shorts are suitable for smart Sunday lunches as the weather warms up. £50, Ralph Lauren Children, 139-141 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7761 0310; ralphlauren.co.uk

B

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w w w. n u - l i n e . n e t

NU-LINE.APRIL.01.indd 2

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N U -L I N E LIGHTING SHOWROOM

Lighting Showroom 311 Westbourne Park Rd, London W11 1EF 020 7727 7748 lighting @ nu-line.net

NU-LINE.APRIL.01.indd 3

11/03/2014 17:09

The fine art of carpets

From the design to the manufacture and lastly the fitting of only the highest quality fabrics, Blenheim Carpets specialise in beautiful, bespoke rugs and carpets.

A service like no other.

Visit Blenheim Carpets to see their outstanding collection of 100% wool, hand loomed, wilton woven and flatweave carpets and stair runners, all made to the highest standard with only the best materials.

FULL PAGE.indd 2

21/03/2014 10:36

WOBURN, SANDJET

WINDSOR, YELLOW/GREY

LONGLEAT, BEIGE/RED

41 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE Telephone: 020 7823 6333 2/18 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London SW10 0XE Telephone: 020 7823 3040

www.blenheim-carpets.com FULL PAGE.indd 3

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© Morgan Sendall

ROCA LONDON GALLERY THE INSPIRATION THAT FLOWS FROM WATER. The Roca London Gallery is a resource centre for anyone working on a bathroom project: homeowners, interior designers and architects.

The state-of-the-art showroom is the perfect destination for bathroom inspiration, showcasing a wide range of products and accessories. Visitors can explore the 1,100m2 space, browse the many design books available and a dedicated team is always on hand to help.

The Gallery also hosts an active calendar of social and cultural events, exhibitions and installations focused around Roca’s values: design, innovation, wellness and sustainability.

Station Court, Townmead Road, London, SW6 2PY, UK Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7610 9503 • info.londongallery@roca.net Opening times: Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5:30pm • Saturdays from 11am to 5pm Admission Free www.rocalondongallery.com – Follow us

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INTERIORS

interior

i n s p i r at i o n s

LAPICIDA DINING TABLE The distinctive zig-zag top of the herringbone table is both sophisticated and fun – the perfect centre point for every meal, inside or out. Designed by Bethan Gray, British Designer of the Year 2013 in limited edition of 10. Herringbone Table in Black and White Marble with Brass Legs. £30,000, 535 King’s Road, SW6, 020 3012 1000; lapicida.com

Summer may be many weeks away, but you can still create a feeling of al fresco dining – even if you are sitting indoors – discovers Absolutely’s new Interiors Editor, Beata Heuman

1

SOANE DINING CHAIR The simple lines of the Opera chair make it a timeless classic. You will treasure it for years to come. Available in nickel, bronze or gilt from £3,000, 50-52 Pimlico Road, SW1, 020 7730 6400; soane.co.uk

MANY HIGH STREET BRANDS NOW SELL

WONDERFUL TABLEWARE AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE. IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BE CREATIVE AND VENTURE INTO NEW TERRITORY, WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

2 CONRAN SHOP AKARI 75A PENDANT LIGHT I love the irreverence of a rice paper pendant light and this is a particularly nice one; the scale of it makes for an interesting feature. Its shape and the soft, warm glow it omits, means it hangs over the table like a summer full moon. £705, Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7589 7401; conranshop.co.uk

4 3

5

01 ANTHROPOLOGIE, LASCARI DINNER PLATE, £10-£22, 131-141 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7349 3110; anthropologie.eu 02 OKA, ASQUITH WIDE DECANTER, £39, 155-167 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7581 2574; okadirect.com 03 ZARA HOME, CARAFE AND GLASS, Leaf Tumbler, £9.99, and Leaf Jug, £29.99, 65 Duke of York Square, SW3, 020 7901 8700; zarahome.co.uk 04 ANTHROPOLOGIE, ATELIER CUTLERY, WITH BLACK OR WHITE TIPS, £98 for 5 pieces - 2 Forks, 1 Knife, 1 Tablespoon and 1 Teaspoon; anthropologie.eu 05 OKA, HAND EMBROIDERED FERN NAPKINS, £44 for set of 4; okadirect.com

For further ideas, visit interior designer Beata Heuman; beataheuman.com

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03/02/2014 15:57

FOOD&TRAVEL Restaurant Review

Camilla Norton discovers Europe in The Chelsea Quarter Café whilst Edwina Langley has a right royal experience at The Imperial

The Chelsea Quarter Café

F ruined because K insisted it be cooked to death. AA would not have approved. When it initially arrived, sweetly blushing, it looked sensational. My Szechuan Duck Breast and Heart (intrepid) with Red Quinoa was as vibrant as the spring pond the duck once swam on, and the textural marriage of grainy quinoa and tender meat is one I’d go to church for.

Pudding. My word. The creamy, crunchy Cheese Cake and comforting, crumbly Crumble were worth the (no doubt) colossal calories. All this washed down with a bottle of La Mora Morellino di Scansano, Cecchi and I was resolute: The Imperial is fit for emperors. Visit to eat like one.

by Edwina Langley

or a road which was the endless stomping ground of my youth, I am always amazed that there are not more affordable places for lunch. Finally, on the King’s Road, up has popped the Quarter Group’s Chelsea outpost. This light and welcoming café buzzes with families, twenty-something Europeans and elderly couples.

The smartly dressed staff were polite and efficient, so much so that I was transported to continental Europe, apt for the increasingly cosmopolitan Royal borough.

We went for Saturday brunch, a good time to go as the Chelsea Quarter Café has a fantastic all day breakfast menu. My Eggs Florentine was faultless: copious fresh spinach, just enough hollandaise, perfectly cooked eggs atop soft toasted bread and my husband chose the barbecue chicken sandwich, which was lovely and succulent.

The Chelsea Quarter does “café” well: from the fresh smoothies and healthy salads to the smooth and richly delicious cakes. I am sure this will become a stalwart, more than adequately filling the space that my old favourite, Blushes, left behind.

by Camilla Norton

d d d

d d d

The Imperial W ith AA Gill’s critical advice ringing in my ears, I shall try my best to explain precisely why dinner at The Imperial is something all locals must do. Here goes.

My delectable friend K’s Goat’s Cheese, Beetroot and Apple Risotto arrived like a resplendent ruby – a richly pink oval resting underneath a tableau of dancing fennel shoots.

We just wanted to stare at. But we didn’t – well, not for long anyway.

Every ingredient harmonised with every other ingredient – seriously, it did – and exploded with flavour, like this: BOOM. My Mussels with Chilli and Spring Onion tasted like an oriental ocean, and the accompanying slices of grilled, deliciously greasy toast sucked up the soup like a sponge.

K’s Herb Crusted Lamb Rump (with Spring Veg, Pearl Barley and Lavender Jus) was entirely

577 King’s Road, SW6 020 7736 6081 the-imperial.co.uk

219 King’s Road, SW3 020 7352 3844 chelseaquartercafe.com

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b a c k t o

N AT U R E TV CHEF Valentine Warner TELLS Edwina Langley HOW TO BUILD FIRES, WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ‘Food Revolution’ & WHY SHE’S WRONG TO LIKE ‘HALF FAT’ LABELS

EDWINA LANGLEY: So, tell me about your new cookbook.

VALENTINE WARNER: My publicist asked me to write a ‘fast’ cookbook and from somewhere came the working title ‘Speedy Greedy’. But I very quickly realised that’s not the kind of cooking I’d ever really do.

EL Besides it’s already been done.

VW It’s just not the way that I cook. After bit, we came up with What To Eat Next. I think it’s my most mainstream book so far. When it came down to the time-issue, my publisher asked, ‘What is an appropriate piece of time to cook something?’

And I said, ‘I never want to wait longer than an hour.’

EL I agree. Now...the book cover.

It’s quite seductive. You know, fingers in your mouth. Did the photographer encourage this, for the female market?

VW [laughs] No! I eat all the time, and I was sitting outside

after the end of the shoot, eating. I hate the fact that when a lot of shoots finish, the food is thrown away. So I was eating on the fire escape, and they took some pictures.

EL That’s nice.

VW For whatever reason my publisher chose to publish it, however, I really don’t know...

EL Is there a telly series to accompany it?

VW No, I’ve made a lot of TV recently.

EL Valentine Warner’s Scandanvia was brilliant.

VW I loved it, absolutely loved it. Then I travelled around Europe with a chef called Nathan Outlaw for Hook It, Cook It [forthcoming]. When I got back, I packed my bags again for Canada, where I travelled and cooked whatever I could find from fishermen. No kitchen, here we are…

EL Let’s talk about cooking outside because whenever I do it, it’s a disaster. Do you truly expect un-cheffy people like me to be able to do the same?

VW There are people in many places around the world who cook and eat outside. All you need is a fire.

EL If you can have one! How do you make an outdoor fire?

VW Lay the sticks, light away.

We live in this cooking-obsessed nation, but if you put a group of people all on an island with lots of things to eat, that are roaming around or growing out of the ground, plenty of them would starve.

EL How can one live like that in London though?

VW What you’re saying represents something that’s really gone wrong. We are in the middle of a ‘food revolution’, but at the same time we don’t know how to do very basic things.

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EL Let’s talk about your childhood.

You ate well as a child, I gather?

VW Yes, I ate very well. I grew up in a place where I walked across the fields with my little milk churn, to milk the cow. Dad was very adamant that whatever we [hunted], we cooked. And so I very quickly learned to value ingredients.

EL It’s served you well. I love your shows, they’re very funny.

VW Good. Hook It Cook It with Nathan was really fun. Whilst travelling we got rung up a lot by our commissioner saying we weren’t being nasty enough to each other: ‘This is not how you cook in a competition. Can you both like each other less?’ I totally fell in love with Nathan. He’s a very talented cook in spite of his enormous stature.

The thing that came out of last year, travelling to rural places and eating with rural people, is: don’t take more than you need. You come back to this country and realise all the comfort there is.

CHAMPAGNE GIVES YOU THE

WORST HANGOVER BREATH IN THE WORLD IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE WORST HANGOVER

EL A what?

VW I’ve got a really cool funnel. I love it – it goes flat and pops up.

EL You don’t like Marmite either…

VW I love Marmite but it gives me instant asthma. Bovril, I love.

EL What do you use that for?

VW Everything, it’s brilliant.

Sorry I can’t come up with something more…

EL YUK. Why? VW It’s meaty.

EL No that’s OK, it’s original.

Store cupboard essentials?

VW Anchovies, walnut oil and lots of types vinegar – except balsamic, which I hate. It gets splashed on everything. It should be banned.

EL Vegemite?

VW What’s the point?

EL No to Champagne too, yes?

VW Yes, actually most men don’t like it. I think it gives you the worst hangover breath in the world – and also the worst hangover.

EL But if you live in London you’ve got to go to ‘comfortable’ supermarkets because other markets are few and far between and don’t stay open late.

VW The main problem, and it goes back to what you initially said, is we don’t understand about food.

Because we no longer have a link with nature. If you take something out of the fridge and see it’s passed its sell by date, most people chuck it.

Sell by dates are there for a reason, but they’re wrong.

EL On the plus side, people are becoming slightly more aware.

VW It’s all about the story. I mean cookbooks are great, but increasingly they’re like loo reading.

People read them in the bath but don’t [cook with them].

EL Would you ever open a restaurant incorporating these ideas?

VW If I ever had a restaurant, on an obscene scale, it would be a restaurant made of wood, in a wood.

That would be a bit of a problem, wouldn’t it? Probably cause a massive forest fire.

EL A couple of love/hate questions.

Would your last dinner still be ham with parsley sauce?

VW Yes, and cider.

EL Favourite utensil?

VW I’ve got a funnel.

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FOOD&TRAVEL EL [laughs] VW Cider I would fight to the ends of the earth for. There’s nothing like it.

Dunkertons Black Fox is the finest.

EL You cook a lot with fish, so without harming the environment, what fish can we eat now?

VW I think you have to watch out because the minute you turn your attention to something, then…

EL There’s a rush on it, I know. Well, what fish do you eat?

VW Mackerel. I eat cod too, because you can enjoy cod. I eat far too much shellfish, it’s probably very high in cholesterol.

EL They says it’s rather bad for you.

VW I don’t know how much stuff is really bad for you. I think a lot of the guidelines we have are utterly wrong.

The half fat stuff I’ve got a massive problem with.

recipe

Mackerel with passion fruit salsa

EL But you’re not like us girls who have to worry about that sort of thing.

VW Yes, but the extraordinary processes they have to go through, to take those things out, are unnatural.

EL How do you stay so trim in that case?

VW Nervous energy. And in London I walk everywhere.

EL What restaurants do you like in the Chelsea area?

VW Racine, for [Head Chef] Henry Harris. Where would you suggest?

EL [put on the spot] I dunno, err…

VW [mimics] ‘Err’…

EL Many places! Do you cook every day?

VW Yes. I have a really dim view of starting the day with a bowl of cereal so I mainly cook in the morning. I love fish. If I’m at home for lunch I make a salad. Most people think salads are boring but they’re not.

y friend Joe came across this after filming in Brazil. He told me the story of a man in a battered hat behind his stall on a coastal road, leaning over a tiny barbecue as he knocked up this salsa in seconds to then pour it over a charred and sizzling piece of fish. I went home and cooked it immediately, knowing it would be delicious – and it was! I can imagine that the sauce would also work well with thin slices of raw fish, marinated like a ceviche.

If you cook the fish over charcoal, make sure it is wiped totally dry first and heavily scattered with some good, flaked sea salt, as this should prevent it sticking.

Ideally a barbecue would be better than a grill, as charcoal smoke is a magic ingredient.

1

Preheat the grill to high.

2

Slash the mackerel 3 times down each side, and season well with a good amount of sea salt, probably more than you would normally be inclined to use.

3

Lay the fish on the grill and place them not too far from the element. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is blistered and browned, taking care not to rip the delicious skin when turning them over. The mackerel should be cooked, but ever so reluctant to pull from the bone without a bit of prompting. If the flesh is just cooked but with a red blood line running along the spine, you have done it perfectly.

4

While the fish blisters, make the passion fruit salsa.

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and season well with sea salt, tasting a few times.

5

Remove the fish to 2 plates and spoon over the salsa.

6

Serve with lime wedges and eat accompanied by cold beer drunk from the bottle, not a glass.

M

WHAT TO EAT NEXT

by Valentine Warner is published by Mitchell Beazley Photographs

by Chris Terry

S e rv e s 2

• 2 medium mackerel, gutted & wiped as dry as possible

• flaked sea salt (approx. 1/2 teaspoon for each fish)

EL Do people get nervous having you round for dinner?

VW No. Urgh, that’s a really annoying question.

EL Thanks.

VW [laughs] Because it’s likely to be with my friends. You’re there to hang out with people. They all know that only if they’re about to do something really stupid will I step in.

• lime wedges, to serve pa s s i o n f ru i t s a l s a

• 1/2 hot green chilli, such as jalapeño or

serrano, seeds scooped out, finely diced

• 3 fat and full passion fruit, flesh & seeds scooped out

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • juice of 1/2 small juicy lime • 2 tablespoons very finely chopped fresh coriander, stalks & all

EL Do you have lots of dinner parties?

VW I haven’t had any recently. I do miss them.

• 2 tablespoons very finely diced red onion

• flaked sea salt

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Satisfy your appetite with these tantalising restaurant and cuisine ideas

THE IMPERIAL

TIENDA

The food was excellent and the staff were welcoming.’ noted a Top Table diner.

Recently refurbishment, The Imperial not only serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (beautifully presented, healthy dishes focusing on local produce) but boasts a weekday deli too, for fresh take away salads and sandwiches. The new spring menu is so appetising, a dinner in the peaceful garden is a must.

o you like Spanish cuisine? We do!

Tienda is a Spanish cafe, tapas bar and delicatessen shop in Parsons Green, specialising in food and wine imported directly from producers in Spain. Shop for authentic produce, dine in or takeaway our delicious paellas and tapas. Alternatively, if you’ve got a dinner party you don’t feel like cooking for, order the food from us – we won’t tell!

The Imperial, 577 King’s Road, SW6, 020 7736 6081;

Tienda 197 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 5425;

the-imperial.co.uk

tiendalondon.co.uk

MY CHEF

YASHIN OCEAN HOUSE

‘

D

ove to entertain, but don’t want to cook?

My Chef is a stress-free private dining L service, for those who love wellprepared, beautifully presented food. The latest service from Greycoat Lumleys, hiring a private chef has never been easier. Experience high-end dining, executed by a professional chef – be it a Personal Chef, Family Cook or a trained Graduate – in the comfort of your home.

pened in late 2013, on Old Brompton Road, Yashin Ocean House has introduced a new concept in Japanese dining: ‘head to tail’ eating. This means all parts of the fish are used, nothing is wasted. Its sister restaurant, Yashi Sushi (on High Street Kensington) was awarded 'Best Japanese Restaurant in London, 2013' by Zagat, and Yashin Ocean House is sure to follow.

From this month onwards, sushi is also available.

MY CHEF

Yashin Ocean House

020 7976 6000;

117-119 Old Brompton Road, SW7, 020 7373 3990;

info@mychefonline.co.uk mychefonline.co.uk

O

yashinocean.com

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FOOD&TRAVEL

Recipe

William Curley’s

DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

WALLOW IN MALLOW Marshmallows come in horrible packets from the corner shop, right? Wrong!

Mallow & Marsh’s are beautifully packaged and 100% natural too. Local founder Harriot PleydellBouverie calls them a ‘guilt-free alternative to chocolate’ (great for those currently in the drudgery of non-choc Lent) and with just 55 calories a serving, we could eat them all day.

From £2.50, Available from Bayley & Sage, New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7736 2826; mallowandmarsh.com

LIGHT

• 325g dark chocolate (Toscano 70) • 275g whipping cream • 25g glucose • 50g unsalted butter (room temperature) • 400g melted chocolate • 100g cocoa powder

b i te s

method 1

Chop the dark chocolate finely.

2

Boil the whipping cream and glucose together.

viva VERMOUTH

3

Pour over the chopped chocolate.

Mix well to emulsify.

t’s back! Fortified wine ‘vermouth’ is considered one of the most versatile cocktail ingredients on the market and due to the resurgence of classic cocktails, it’s on our radar again. Why not try three flavours this Easter: Seccco (£25) Bianco Ambrato (£26.50) and Rosso Amaranto (£26.50)?

Or else, go for the Limited Edition Vecchio (£150) – the first barrel-aged sweet vermouth, rested in an Italian oak barrel for over a year. Get yours now.

Available from Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7235 5000; harveynichols.com

4

Add softened butter and mix until the butter is evenly combined.

Pour into a tray and allow to set.

5

Pipe bulbs of the chocolate ganache onto a baking sheet and allow to firm. This will take at least one hour.

6

Temper the 400g of dark chocolate.

7

Dip the piped ganache into the tempered chocolate.

8

Roll in the cocoa powder.

Allow the truffle to set.

William Curley, 198 Ebury Street, SW1, 020 7730 5522; williamcurley.com

I

It’s feaster!

It’s nearly here, the time to bathe in chocolate – and Harrods shall provide. The Exclusive Boon Faberge Egg (£500) comes with its own edible chocolate stand, whilst the Godiva Easter Egg Treasure (£67, pictured) is 145g of choco-liciousness.

We’ve not yet laid eyes on the 1m-wide Harrods signature Handcrafted Belgium Chocolate Egg (£1,149) but we’re certain we’ll like it.

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1, 020 7730 1234; harrods.com

DID YOU KNOW…

Watercress HAS MORE vitamin C THAN ORANGES, MORE CALCIUM THAN MILK, MORE IRON THAN SPINACH AND MORE folate THAN BANANAS 65

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A BU DH A BI? DO! Adrenaline junkies, BUSINESSMEN, SUNSEEKERS & TOURISTS; Abu Dhabi HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Gemma Billington EXPLORES THE UAE’S FAST-PACED, EVER-CHANGING CAPITAL

D

escending bleary-eyed into Abu Dhabi international airport at 1am, the pilot, in a typically jovial manner, informed us of our punctual arrival and that the weather outside was an eyebrow raising 31°C. Had I misheard? From the spectacular luxury of Etihad Airline’s pod-like seats in Pearl Business Class, everything was plush, cool and perfectly tranquil. As we swiftly made our way from the baggage reclaim area to a fleet of white taxis awaiting us, however, it transpired that the pilot had not, in fact, been exaggerating.

When one thinks of the UAE, the mind tends to automatically picture the ostentatious glamour of Dubai, but Abu Dhabi (which is actually the capital Emirate) is hot on its glittering neighbour’s heels.

Unlike the colourful, exotic souks and bazaars depicted in the second Sex and the City movie, which was set in Abu Dhabi but filmed entirely in Morocco (though I suppose this particular gaffe is the least of the film’s concerns) - the city is an amalgamation of clean, highly modern structures and barren desert. Absolutely everything is pristine; from the expansive roads to the architecture, the impeccablydressed residents and their cars – which seem to only be available in white, silver or black. Even the sky itself is permanently devoid of unsightly clouds.

We stayed at the glamorous Rotana hotels and our first stop-off was at the man-made Yas Island, home to the famous Formula One racing circuit. There are plenty of uniquely UAE excursions to enjoy:

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FOOD&TRAVEL

shopping in enormous malls, eating out at world-class restaurants, dune buggy experiences, watersports, desert safaris.

There’s also a blossoming culture scene, with the intriguing (and controversial) Louvre Abu Dhabi – dubbed ‘the desert Louvre’ – due to open next year on nearby Saadiyat Island, along with the world’s largest Guggenheim and a performing arts centre designed by Zaha Hadid.

However, our first taste of Abu Dhabi was of its slightly less cultural attractions.

After a speedy visit (and dip) in the newlycompleted Yas Waterworld waterpark, we popped into Ferrari World, an enormous museum-cum-theme park which is conveniently (for adrenaline junkies) situated next door to the Formula One racing circuit. The sweeping, tent-like roof in trademark Ferrari red is practically a landmark of Yas Island, and car lovers will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. If you feel so inclined you can take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster here – the Formula Rossa – which reaches speeds of 120mph in just six seconds.

For less high-octane experiences though, I can’t recommend the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enough. One of the world’s largest and most expensive mosques (they do nothing by halves here) the building is a breathtaking feat of architecture; imposing, snow white and, as with the rest of Abu Dhabi, immaculate.

Cloaked beneath a billowing abaya (as a woman, you are transformed into a concealed, floating phantom) whilst you have to abide by the mosque’s strict dress code, it is a warm and welcoming environment. This reflects the current attitude of Abu Dhabi; one of underlying and unwavering tradition, but with a thoroughly modern perspective that embraces Western interests.

This is partly due to the fact that the UAE is a booming business epicentre, with a bourgeoning media hub and an influx of expats. The ‘locals’ that I encountered

Everything is Pristine; FROM THE EXPANSIVE ROADS...

TO THE ImpeccablyDressed RESIDENTS & THEIR CARS

The extreme contrasts between old and new is rarely more apparent than when witnessing them as a passenger. Huge, modern buildings give way to acres of desert, and I never did grow tired of the sight of wild camels.

We were put up in another Rotana hotel, the five star Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa. With sandy beaches, inviting pools at every turn, colonial style rooms, cocktail bars and that intense, wonderful heat, it’s no surprise that cultural excursions are low on the agenda here. Another attraction of Fujairah is its unique location as it borders the Indian Ocean instead of the Arabian Gulf, making it a haven for divers. We took a short boat trip to Snoopy Island (named after the Peanuts character as it resembles the lazy canine’s reclining silhouette) and went for a snorkel under the guidance of Frank, a mellow, nomadic diving instructor from Germany, who provided us with beers and sodas straight from the cool box after our dip.

All holidays have one lasting crystalline moment that you take home with you.

As I watched the sun begin its descent behind the looming Hajar mountains, the call to prayer suddenly began, like an ethereal choir formed from the mountains themselves. Cold drink in hand, refreshed from the swim with that beautiful sound reverberating through the air I had a moment of clarity: it was this moment.

THE LOW DOWN were all from various backgrounds – India, Egypt, Algeria, Britain – and all described life in Abu Dhabi as a completely unique experience.

Nightlife is increasingly popular in Abu Dhabi though kept relatively low-key and tucked away inside hotel bars and clubs.

After a stunning Indian feast at Rangoli restaurant in Yas Island Rotana, we were whisked into town to a sister hotel to experience Abu Dhabi’s only Bavarian bar. Bustling and smoke-filled, I ordered a Mojito (I’m no beer fan, much to the group’s dismay) and marvelled at the scenario. After all, there I sat quaffing a Spanish cocktail in a German-themed bar in the heart of the UAE. How’s that for multiculturalism?

No sooner had we settled back into Abu Dhabi than we were packed away into the white taxis again and driven bright and early to Fujairah – roughly a three hour drive to the east.

Thomas Cook Signature – 5 nights in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from £870 pp.

Staying 2 nights at the 5 star Yas Island Rotana on Yas Island and 3 nights at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in Fujairah on room and breakfast; thomascooksignature.com.

Based on 2 adults sharing, and a June 2014 departure date, including coach transfers, the twin-centre option includes transfers between the two hotels.

Etihad Airways runs a triple daily service from London Heathrow and a double daily service from Manchester to Abu Dhabi from where guests can fly to a choice of 84w worldwide destinations.

Call 0845 608 1225 or visit: etihadairways.com

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FOOD&TRAVEL

TR AV E L

Back in time udor Farmhouse Hotel caught our attention T because it looked adorable. Set in the idyllic village of Clearwell in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, this is British holidaying at its finest. Built in circa 13th century, the hotel comprises 23 rooms (a double room, a cottage suite) and boasts a double AA Rosette restaurant too. A trip to England’s green and pleasant land has never been more tempting nor more lovely.

01594 833046; tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk

NOTES

Under the sea ave you dived amongst eagle rays, sea turtles and double-headed parrotfish? No? Want to?

Tanjong Jara Resort in Malaysia, overlooking the South China Sea, is the place to go if so. This resort boasts the Tenggol Divers’ Delight Experience – two dives daily, for two days, around Tenggol Island, with romantic barbeque lunches on the beach, breakfasts and dinners included too. Go on, you know you want to – dig deep.

Until 28th October 2014, £300pp p/n, +603 2783 1000; tanjongjararesort.com

H

East is easter f you want to put the ‘east’ into ‘Easter’ (but not the ‘mile’ in ‘mileage’) we suggest a trip to Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa on… the Med! On the Spanish slopes of the Sierra Cortina, enjoy the Family Easter Escape Package for al fresco breakfasts and access to the Kids Club.

From £3,244, for a family of 3, 6 nights in a Family Deluxe Room (inc flights), 020 8944 1973; chiclocations.com

I

M U S T S E E AMALFI Rooms with a view don’t get much better than that from the new Lucio Dalla Apartment at The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy. Named after Lucio Dalla (the Italian singer/songwriter) the apartment includes two suites with two balconies and a terrace. We are sure even E. M. Forster would agree this is a must.

From €1,175p/n, sleeps 4, +39 081 877 7871; exvitt.it

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Smart picks from over a million properties.

Garage New build >VVK Ă…VVYZ

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17/03/2014 08/01/2014 16:28 09:34

APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

ENNISMORE GARDENS, SW7 Ivar is delighted to present this exquisite second floor apartment in Knightsbridge. Extensive use of bespoke joinery and craftsmanship is evident throughout. The apartment enjoys bright westerly views extending to Ennismore and Trinity Brompton Gardens from the drawing room and bright easterly views towards Harrods from the bedroom. Energy rating C JSA Hamptons Knightsbridge 020 7717 5134

P.O.A Share of Freehold Maskells Estate Agents | 020 7581 2216 | sales@maskells.co.uk | www.maskells.co.uk

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RESIDENTIAL AGENTS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH AND SW1 SINCE 1965

Pont Street Mews, SW1X • Mews House • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Study/Bedroom 3 • Reception Room

• Media Room • Kitchen • 1591 sq ft • Private Parking • Energy Rating C

Price £2,950 pw (£12,783.33 pcm) *

An impeccably refurbished period mews house that has undergone complete modernisation to include all the very highest quality fixtures and fittings. The property is located in a private and gated Knightsbridge mews, only moments from Harrods. *All potential tenants should be advised that administration fees may be applicable when renting a property. Please contact us for more details of these charges.

020 7581 2216

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RESIDENTIAL AGENTS IN THE ROYAL BOROUGH AND SW1 SINCE 1965

Grosvenor Crescent Mews, SW1X • Mews House • 4 Bedrooms • 4 Bathrooms • Reception Room • Media Room

• Kitchen/ Dining Room

• 3025 sq ft • Garage • Off-Street Parking

In association with Celadon Consulting Ltd.

Price £5,500 pw (£23,833.33 pcm)*

An immaculate 4 bedroom house located in a highly sought after area of Belgravia. The house has been refurbished to the highest standard and comes with a garage and further secure off-street parking.

The property is situated within walking distance of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. Energy Rating C *All potential tenants should be advised that administration fees may be applicable when renting a property. Please contact us for more details of these charges.

020 7581 2216

M A S K E L L S E S TAT E A G E N T S W W W. M A S K E L L S . C O . U K

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24/03/2014 09:20

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Follow us on Twitter: @marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

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

SALES

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

First Street SW3 ÂŁ3,950,000 First Street is a highly sought after Chelsea address just off Walton Street on the Chelsea and Knightsbridge border. This wonderful freehold family house, boasts over 1,550 sqft of accommodation including extensive reception space, a large eat-in kitchen with space for dining, a patio garden, a master suite with balcony, two further double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Freehold. EPC=C. Sole Agents.

CHELSEA: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results.

Our offices:

Barnes

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Cheryls Close SW6 £1,275,000 This superb house is beautifully presented throughout providing generous accommodation over three floors. The well balanced living space includes a stunning ground floor kitchen dining room leading out to a private decked garden, a bright first floor reception room with balcony, three good sized double bedrooms, a shower room and a family bathroom. Additionally, the house benefits from a ground floor cloakroom, under floor heating and e cellent storage throughout. reehold. . Sole Agents.

FULHAM: 020 7736 9822 sales.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

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LETTINGS

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

Watermans Way SW6 £695 per week This stunning and truly unique two-bedroom property is set within a popular portered development. The flat is finished to an incredibly high standard throughout and offers breath-taking views over the river from a large private terrace. The accommodation comprises a fantastic open plan kitchen reception room, which flows from the entrance all the way to the fantastic private balcony, a well equipped kitchen with a large island, two large doubles bedrooms (one en suite) and a further bathroom.

FULHAM: 020 7736 9822 lets.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS ROSIE DODD & JAMIE HOPE Sales Negotiator and Director of Sales at Maskells Photography: Rebecca Noonan

ROSIE DODD

M

y father worked in commercial property so since I was little the industry has always been something that I have been aware of. The inaugural ‘take your daughters to work day’, which my school actively encouraged, gave me my first taste for the fast moving sector of bricks and mortar.

I quickly discovered that, being a people’s person, residential rather than commercial property was the right path for me and I much prefer the emotional attachment residential property brings compared to that of the commercial kind. There is nothing more satisfying than getting to know your client, understanding their property and finding the perfect buyer for it. It is amazing how many good friendships you can also gain as a result.

Saying all this, I don’t think this would be possible in any location, the Royal Borough is certainly the pinnacle of this type of experience and I just love the atmosphere, charm and heritage it has to offer. Having grown up spending a lot of time in the area whether it be shopping, or enjoying the museums, restaurants and nightlife in K&C, I still love getting the opportunity to actually go through doors I must have walked past a million times and discovering the treasures behind them. That’s where Maskells has allowed this to happen. We are the oldest independent estate agency in Chelsea and the knowledge that the office holds on the properties in the area is unrivalled.

I am lucky that I work with such a friendly and professional team too, unusually we aren’t on individual commission, which means we work together very closely as a team with our clients at the forefront, which for me, always leads to a happier outcome on all sides. Even better than that, we have a terrace at the office which is popular with clients (and other agents!) for drinks in the summer…! You know where we are!

JAMIE HOPE

‘‘

M

y PA will be in touch” the buyer said to me whilst walking out of an early morning viewing. Having spent no more than 4 minutes in the house, this gentleman was whisked off to the airport and bound for New York.

An hour later, my phone rang and his PA submitted an offer well in excess of the £5m asking price. We exchanged contracts before his plane landed in New York. Life is not always as exciting as this in central London Estate Agency, but it can be edge of the seat stuff.

Having spent a number of years as an Estate Agent in this area, I have learned that the market here is intricate; a successful agent must be dynamic and able to think outside of the box in order to find solutions for clients and buyers alike. The market and demographic are evolving and we must evolve also in order to be able to offer the best possible service for our clients.

Building and maintaining trusting relationships are a cornerstone of this industry and this is something that is extremely important to me. Every client is different and every property is different, which means that we must be able to adapt the service we offer to meet a client’s needs. Something that is not often spoken about is the relationship between the vast majority of Estate Agents in this area – we all get on very well. I work hard at getting to know other agents well, as this a great asset when looking for property for buyers, especially as quite often, the best properties never reach the open market.

I could not imagine working in a more interesting and dynamic part of London with such a rich history.

We pride ourselves in doing things slightly differently at Maskells so if you would like to know a little more, our door is always open, as is our roof terrace on a sunny day. .� 020 7581 2216; maskells.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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CRANLEY PLACE, South Kensington, SW7 A generously proportioned three bedroom maisonette in a stucco-fronted period building in prime South Kensington. n the ground floor the apartment benefits from an impressive 22 ft. reception room, a second reception room, cloakroom and a large kitchen/ dining area with French doors leading onto the private patio garden. On the lower-ground floor is the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, utility room and internal courtyard. Cranley Place is ideally located for the shops and restaurants of South Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge and has excellent transport links around London. EPC rating C. Share of Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ4,750,000 +44(0)20 7225 6700 andrew.gunnforbes@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700

HARRODSESTATES.COM

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TITE STREET, Chelsea, SW3 A distinctive one bedroom apartment on the third floor (with lift and porter) of a beautiful red-brick building in old Chelsea. The property is incredibly spacious and benefits from wooden floors throughout, having been renovated to a very high standard. Previously an artist’s studio with large west-facing windows with river views, the accommodation of 1057 sq. ft. (approx.) comprises an eat-in kitchen, reception room, study, double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and his-and-her dressing rooms. Tite Street is a stone’s throw from the affluent King’s Road with local shopping and restaurants moments away, and Sloane Square Underground being the nearest station (Circle and District lines). Available immediately for long term lets on a furnished basis.

EPC rating D. Asking price: £900pw Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £135 Checkout.

References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants/ +44(0)20 7225 5881 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700

HARRODSESTATES.COM

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P H OTO G R A P H S BY T I M CO L E W W W.TI M - CO LE .CO M

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Bect

You may know us from walking your dog, local charity events or simply recognise a familiar face.

Because many of our agents live where they work, they really understand what matters to buyers and sellers there. And because people know us, time and again we are able to sell and let properties more quickly and at a better price than anyone else.

S O P H I E M U R R AY RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS

Sophie has been a “Chelsea Girl” all her working life and is one of a rare breed of letting agents that combines old fashioned client service with a modern, can do attitude. Sophie loves the history and provenance of this most famous part of London and has been a pivotal player in its constantly developing housing market.

C H E L S E A 0 2 0 7 5 8 9 6 67 7 — K E N S I N G T O N 0 2 0 7 7 9 5 42 8 8 N O T T I N G H I L L 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 4 8 0 5 — L A D B R O K E G R O V E 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 3 3 0 — B R O O K G R E E N 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1 L A N D & N E W H O M E S 0 2 0 7 3 1 3 7 7 1 1 — P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 0 9 9 — C O M M E R C I A L 0 2 0 7 9 8 5 07 1 5 W W W. B EC TIVE .CO.U K FIND US ON

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First Floor Volume D R AY C O T T P L A C E C H E L S E A S W 3

An elegant, well proportioned and exceptionally bright first floor flat, with very high ceilings, original features and excellent storage space. The property has magnificent south facing views down Blacklands Terrace to the Duke of York Square. Draycott Place is a sought after street tucked away behind the King’s Road, home to many of London’s fashionable shops, bars and restaurants.

B E D R O O M , B AT H R O O M , 2 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S , K I TC H E N , LO F T S TO R AG E .

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LEASEHOLD £1,650,000 ANDREW EVERILL AE@BECTIVE.CO.UK CHELSEA OFFICE 020 7589 6 67 7

6 9 S Q M / 74 2 S Q F T A P P R O X E N E R GY R AT I N G E

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

L ADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 BROOK GREEN

FIND US ON

0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Classic Mansion Flat CADOGAN COURT CHELSEA SW3

A spacious and well proportioned lateral flat in a popular period mansion building. Located on the fourth floor, it offers high ceilings and generous west facing entertaining space. The flat is in good condition, however it has the scope for a full refurbishment. The building benefits from a lift and porter.

Draycott Avenue is a quiet street in the heart of Chelsea just north of the Kings Road.

4 B E D RO O M S , 2 B ATH RO O M S ( 1 E N S U IT E ) , R E C E P TI O N RO O M , D I N I N G RO O M , K ITC H E N , C LOA K RO O M , E N T R A N C E H A L L , B A L C O N Y, L I F T , P O R T E R .

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SHARE OF FREEHOLD ÂŁ4,850,000 ANDREW EVERILL AE@BECTIVE.CO.UK CHELSEA OFFICE 020 7589 6 67 7

1 74 S Q M / 1 , 8 7 3 S Q F T A P P R O X E N E R GY R AT I N G E JSA KNIGHT FRANK 020 7591 8600

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FIND US ON

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Bect

CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 BROOK GREEN

FIND US ON

0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Country Living in the Heart of Chelsea TITE STREET CHELSEA SW3

A magnificent semi-detached double fronted house in the heart of Chelsea. This accommodation offers generously proportioned rooms, plenty of light and an elegant approach to large scale entertaining, with direct access to a beautiful secluded garden. The outstanding property has a classical country feel with all the original features and fabulous views of the River Thames and over Royal Hospital Gardens.

7 BEDROOMS , 6 BATHROOMS (5 EN SUITE), 5 RECEP TION ROOMS , KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM , WINE CELL AR , PRIVATE GARDEN , 2 TERR ACES , GYM , STEAM ROOM , GAR AGE .

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FURNISHED/UNFURN £15,0 0 0 PW S O P H I E M U R R AY SSM@BECTIVE.CO.UK CHELSEA OFFICE 020 7589 6 67 7 6 0 0 SQ M / 6 ,456 SQ FT APPROX E N E R GY R AT I N G D

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Prime Purchase Vendor

Advice Peter Shaw Director at Featherstone Leigh, Fulham

� 020 7610 9755; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

How long does it take to market a property?

F

rom the moment we receive an enquiry for a property valuation, whether it is sales or lettings, we endeavour to visit the property on the same day. Our managers and directors have excellent local knowledge, and once they have viewed a property, they are happy to provide an immediate thorough market appraisal. Upon instruction, all 13 of our West London offices are alerted, and the experienced and highly incentivised sales teams will contact all suitable buyers on our extensive company database. We do this in four ways - telephoning, texting, emailing and posting details out. Photos and floor plans are produced immediately, and details are uploaded to all the major internet portals and displayed in office windows.

�

An excellent five bedroom family house on the favoured side of this highly sought after tree-lined street in Parsons Green.

T

he house is very well laid out and offers a wonderfully spacious ground floor. It also has the advantage of a front and rear mansard extension and benefits from an excellent west facing garden and roof terrace.

Details

St Maur Road, SW6 £2,300,000 Freehold

St Maur Road is located just off the Fulham Road and therefore benefits from the transport and shopping facilities of the local area, including Parsons Green. The open spaces of Hurlingham Park, Bishops Park and Eel Brook Common are all nearby.

Contact

Strutt & Parker, Fulham 020 7731 7100; struttandparker.com

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‘Lawson & Daughters will get you moving’

Tel: 0208 563 0202 404-406 North End Road, Fulham, London SW6 1LU w w w. l a w s o n sa n d d a u g h t e r s. co m Lawsons & Daugthers_Final.indd 2

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Living the Dream The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market.

Narborough Street, SW6 Located on the much sought after Narborough Street, which forms part of the ‘Toast Rack’ adjacent to South Park, is this beautiful five bedroom family home arranged over three floors. Full planning permission has been granted for a rear extension and basement.

The home comprises wonderful entertaining space including a large, double reception room, an extremely spacious open plan kitchen with dining area which has already been extended to the side of the house, large master bedroom with built in wardrobe, and a stylish, contemporary bathroom/wet room.

£1,795,000 020 7736 6110; aspire.co.uk

Beaufort Gardens, SW3

West Eaton Place, SW1

A first floor conversion situated in the heart of Knightsbridge.

Combining classical elegance with contemporary living, this three bedroom apartment comprises a spacious and light reception/dining area with high ceilings, feature fireplace, balcony and fitted kitchen with. The three double bedrooms are flooded with light and are served by three bathrooms. There is also lift access.

A beautiful, stucco fronted Belgravia townhouse situated near Sloane Square. The house has been exquisitely interior designed

by Francis Sultana. Arranged over six floors, with a lift serving the primary accommodation and master bedroom, the property benefits from impressive views directly down Eaton Terrace. Flooded with light, the first floor reception room opens onto a small balcony.

£1,450 Per Week

£9,500,000 Freehold

020 7581 2112; brlets.co.uk

020 7499 7722; beauchamp.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Tynemouth Street, SW6 A stunning fully extended and beautifully finished two bedroom garden flat in this ever popular location within moments of the excellent shopping leisure and transport facilities of Sands End and Imperial Wharf.

This wonderfully bright and luxurious flat has been stylishly finished and provides spacious living accommodation comprising two double bedrooms, bathroom with shower and 17 ft open plan kitchen reception room with bi-fold doors leading onto a 15 ft decked garden.

£725,000 Share of Freehold 020 7610 9966; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Kingfisher House, Battersea Reach, SW18 An impressive two bedroom apartment situated on the sixth floor of the sought after Battersea Reach development Kingfisher House, boasting beautiful views of the River Thames. This spacious property offers over 900 square feet of modern living space with wooden flooring throughout and is arranged as two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and an openplan kitchen. The reception room has the benefit of floor to ceiling windows, allowing an abundance of natural light, and leads onto a fantastic private balcony.

£620 Per Week

020 8563 0202; lawsonsanddaughters.com

Bishops Mansions, Bishops Park Road, SW6 A very well presented three bedroom ground floor flat in this popular and prestigious mansion block, benefiting from having direct access to the wonderfully large communal gardens. From the front the apartment overlooks Bishops Park tennis courts. Within walking distance you have the recreational facilities on offer at Bishops Park, the shopping and transport amenities of both Fulham Road and Fulham Palace Road and Putney Bridge underground station close by.

£950,000

020 7381 4998; lockettestates.co.uk

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sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

STEVENAGE ROAD SW6

£5,000,000 F/H

A sensational fully refurbished and extended house with approaching 4,000 sq ft of space and delightful views over Bishops Park towards the Thames.

• 2 reception rooms

• 5 bathrooms

• Kitchen/family room

• Garden

• Media room

• Off street parking

• 6 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band C

HARBORD STREET SW6

£2,100,000 F/H

A fabulous immaculately refurbished house, offering almost 1,900 sq ft of excellent internal living accommodation.

Fulham Bishops Park Sales: 020 7731 3333

• Reception room

• Conservatory

• Kitchen/dining room

• South-facing garden

• 4 bedrooms

• Immaculate finish

• 2 bathrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band E

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

Fulham Bishops Park Sales: 020 7731 3333

Part of a network of 9 offices in London and a further 19 across the country

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BOVINGDON ROAD SW6

£2,400 per week*/ £10,400 per month*

A stunning family “Lion House” refurbished to the highest standard ideally located on this residential road and close to Fulham Broadway.

• Double reception room

• Utility/kitchen room

• Kitchen/breakfast room

• Patio garden

• 5 bedrooms

• Energy efficiency: Band D

• 4 bathrooms

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898

DERE CLOSE SW6

£900 per week*/ £3,900 per month*

A stunning house available in this brand new gated development situated in the heart of Munster Village.

• Reception room

• Patio garden

• Open-plan kitchen

• Off street parking

• 4 bedrooms, 2 en suite • Energy efficiency: Band B • Family bathroom

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898 *Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact your local office for further information.

Full online details including the EPC are available by scanning this code using any QR code scanner

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

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Luxurious Lettings Lowdown

For Landlords Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

B

y law, home sellers and landlords are required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) prior to legally marketing a home for sale or rent to the public. It is an asset rating which tells you how energy efficient a building is and its impact on the environment. A rating is given from A-G with A being the most energy efficient. The certificate will also include recommendations on how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Evolving from European green legislation, it is the sole responsibility of the house owner.

Although estate agents usually arrange this on their behalf. There is a penalty of £200 (repeatable for each day) if the home seller or landlord cannot provide an EPC or at least confirm that one has been ordered.

From a tenant’s perspective it remains useful to compare the likely cost of energy bills across different properties and may incentivise a landlord to see where improvements can be made.

Sophie Murray Residential Lettings, Bective Leslie Marsh, Chelsea

�

An absolutley beautiful duplex apartment located moments away from Kensington High Street.

A

bright and airy duplex apartment in this new development situated on the summit of the prestigious Phillimore Estate, and ideally positioned for the excellent facilities found in both Kensington High Street, Notting Hill Gate and the open spaces of Holland Park. The accommodation of approximately 2270 sq ft comprises reception / dining room, kitchen, master

Details

Academy Gardens, W8 £3700 Per Week

bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom, two further double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and guest cloakroom. A tenant will also have access to the landscaped communal gardens, 24 hour concierge service as well as a communal gym and swimming pool and secure underground parking space. Available immediately for long term lets on an unfurnished basis.

EPC rating – E.

Contact

Harrods Estates 020 7225 5881; harrodsestates.com

� 020 7589 6677; bective.co.uk

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NOW OVER 60% SOLD

THE WEST COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE AT LONDON SQUARE FULHAM Situated in the heart of Fulham, The West Collection is set behind a grand gated arch overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden square. The townhouses benefit from private gardens, secure underground parking for two cars and an outstanding level of specification.

4 & 5 B E DROOM TOWN HOUS ES ÂŁ3,9 0 0,0 0 0

CALL NOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

0333 666 2737

www.londonsquare.co.uk

Computer generated image of London Square Fulham. Details and price correct at time of going to press.

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Completely at home in West London.

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

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

Local branches include • Fulham • Holland Park

KFH_APR.indd 2 adverts.indd 7 KFH MASTER brand

14/03/2014 14:06 10:38 10/03/2014

04.1

Rostrevor Road, Parsons Green, SW6 £1,200,000 Leasehold Fulham 020 7731 0051 Email sfb@kfh.co.uk

14:06

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A well presented split level Victorian conversion apartment situated within the highly desirable Parsons Green area of Fulham. Ideally located for the shopping amenities on the Fulham Road.

• • • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Spacious reception room Open plan kitchen En suite bathroom Separate shower room First and second floors 1,060 sq ft of accommodation Balcony to front EPC rating E

14/03/2014 14:07 10:38 10/03/2014

Draycott Place, Chelsea, SW3 £10,500,000 Freehold Holland Park 020 3542 2111 Email shp@kfh.co.uk

KFH_APR.indd 4 and Chelsea.indd 3 04.14 KFH Fulham

An impressive freehold period building in Chelsea currently arranged as three high quality apartments with beautifully proportioned rooms, lift access and a roof terrace.

Draycott Place is a fashionable Chelsea address moments from the shops, restaurants and transport facilities of Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

• • • • • • • •

Freehold Three apartments Ten double bedrooms Ten bathrooms Lift access Roof terrace Close to Kings Road EPC rating D

14/03/2014 14:07 10:38 10/03/2014

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Lettings Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

1. Why should I use a property management agent?

PROPERTY management can be an essential service for landlords, particularly landlords living over-seas and those with large property portfolios. Choosing the right agent is essential, and making sure they are a member of a registered body such as ARLA is important.

There is a lot of legislation that a landlord must comply with, and a good managing agent will help guide you through this. There are also many practical benefits of having a designated property agent, such as tenant services set up for emergencies out of office hours.

2. Short-term or long-term tenants?

SHORT LETS are a popular alternative to hotels for visitors to Chelsea and Knightsbridge and can be a good option for landlords, potentially generating a higher income.

But long lets have the advantage of ensuring continuity of income, minimising void periods and avoiding dips in the rental market. Fees for long lets are less than for short lets (which average 21% + vat) while utilities and services are down to the tenant, simplifying matters for landlords.

While rates for short lets are around 40% higher, you must factor in extra costs including furnishings, utilities, TV, telephone and maybe daily cleaning. It’s a matter of choice.

3. Rental yield vs. capital growth?

CAPITAL GROWTH increases much faster in more expensive Prime Central London areas than in outlying areas and in the rest of the county, but landlords should be aware that their investment will not go as far - there

will not be as much rental yield from a one bedroom property in Chelsea as there will be from a two bedroom property outside London.

Harrods Estates tend to deal with the premier developments in Chelsea, such as Henry Moore Court, which unfortunately doesn’t achieve high yields, but they do have the biggest capital appreciation.

4. Best buy-to-let investments?

THE Prime Central London lettings market has seen an increase in the number of properties available to rent over the last few months and prospective applicants have become aware of this greater choice. Investors must take into account the prevailing market conditions, local knowledge and sound advice is key.

Purchasing one ‘trophy’ asset restricts your market significantly, whereas a more granular mixed portfolio, whilst still maintaining quality and position, releases it to a larger and faster moving market. Investors should focus on good addresses close to transport links, maximise the interior style and quality of the property so it stands out from the crowd, and avoid properties on a high floor without a lift and lower ground floor apartments.

5. Furnished vs. unfurnished?

AS a general rule, I would say that one and two bedroom properties let best when they are furnished and homes with three bedrooms or more let better unfurnished - but of course this is not set in stone.

The reasoning behind it is that the larger three plus bedroom properties often tend to be for families who prefer a longer term tenancy with their own furniture and belongings.

One and two bedroom properties tend to be for individuals or couples who perhaps will only be doing a one year tenancy and therefore don’t want to go to the effort of moving furniture each time. It is important, however, that furniture is seen as an investment by landlords; furnishing a beautiful Chelsea property with cheap, mismatched furniture will not help you find a tenant!

1. Clova Robertson Lettings Manager, Jackson-Stops & Staff � 020 7581 8431; jackson-stops.co.uk

2. Lisa-Jane Stratton Manager, Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings � 020 7518 2112; brlets.co.uk

3. Karen Boland Lettings Director, Harrods Estates � 020 7225 6602 • harrodsestates.com

4 Peter Herman-Taylor Managing Director, Maskells � 020 7581 2216 • maskells.co.uk

5. Alice Umfreville Head of Lettings, Strutt & Parker � 020 7589 9966• struttandparker.com

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Knightsbridge

ÂŁ875 pw + Fees Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms Garden | Parking | 24hr Concierge | EPC - C Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

Eleven offices open six days a week Monday - Saturday Beaufort Park | Canary Wharf | City | Ealing | Greenwich | Hampstead Highgate | Hyde Park | Imperial Wharf | Kensington | Knightsbridge

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London’s Letting Agency

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

020 7319 9783

Imperial Wharf

£400 pw + Fees Furnished

Battersea

£475 pw + Fees Furnished

Manhattan Apartment | 1 Bathroom 24hr Concierge | Parking | Near Tube | EPC - B Imperial Wharf 020 3503 0015 iw@brlets.co.uk

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom Communal Garden | Lift | 24hr Porter | EPC - D Knightsbridge 020 3302 7174 knight@brlets.co.uk

Imperial Wharf

Imperial Wharf

£675 pw + Fees Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms River Views | Parking | Balcony | EPC - B Imperial Wharf 020 3503 0015

iw@brlets.co.uk

£1,950 pw + Fees Furnished

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms Roof Terrace | Parking | Tube Nearby | EPC - D Imperial Wharf 020 3503 0015 iw@brlets.co.uk

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property News 31 Cadogan Place

Fine & Country’s brand new office on Wandsworth Bridge Road ESTATE agents constantly claim they do things a little differently than the rest, but for once this is reality, a ‘virtual Reality’. Check out Fine & Country’s brand new showrooms in Wandsworth Bridge Road. We are embracing technology like no estate agency before us, with the latest in what is cool - Virtual View.

Download the Virtual View App and watch the virtual world become a reality - before your very eyes! The team at Fine & Country Fulham are as dynamic as the technology they use, and haven’t forgotten that a personal service is still a priceless commodity. Fine & Country Fulham - Our Focus is your finer future.

Charles Eddlestone Sales & Lettings Manager at Fine & Country, Fulham 020 7731 0031; fineandcountry.co.uk

Supply VS Demand FULHAM continues to be faced with a serious imbalance of supply versus demand and at this present moment the winner is supply.

With no signs of interest rates rising we can only see the next few months being as strong as the last quarter. We continue to see a large amount of cash transactions through our offices, with many buyers willing to go quite a bit beyond the asking price. Our best advice to all our buyers is, if it’s the one for you, don’t hesitate, offer strong and motivate your position as a buyer in the market place.

HOUSE Hunting Property I’d most like on my books and why?

A property on Cadogan Gardens; I love the buzz of Sloane Square, which is just a short walk away, yet the gardens provide a very tranquil and beautiful setting.

The best place to invest?

The development of Lots Road Power Station will inevitably push prices up at the western end of the Kings Road, as it becomes even more attractive to buyers and tenants.

The most interesting property I have been involved in is...

At the end of last year, I sold 1 Richard’s Place, which was a beautiful cottage arranged over two floors; but had only 560 square foot (the average

Leo Florees

David Hill Sales Manager at Marsh & Parsons, Chelsea � 020 7591 5570; marshandparsons.co.uk

size of a one-bedroom flat!). The property was unlike anything else in the area and we achieved a price of £1.35m, which is nearly £2,500 per square foot for a freehold property.

The toughest sale and why?

The buyer of a Chelsea Cloisters apartment was based abroad and used a foreign bank so there were delays with arranging the finance. It was hard work to get the property through to exchange, but our persistence and relationship with a great mortgage broker meant we completed the transaction in good time.

Finest property showcase...

31 Cadogan Place (see above) – one of the finest gardens squares in London! £3,950,000.

Head of Sales at Sullivan Thomas, Parsons Green 020 7751 8899; sullivanthomas.co.uk

Bushells report 10% price rise in Fulham BUYER registration in Fulham has increased hugely over the last six months and interest rates remain at a record low, so it is not surprising that transaction levels are at their highest in 5 years.

More and more people are being priced out of Zone 1 and the usual safe haven of Prime Central London has seen a minimal increase over the past year, whilst Fulham has seen over a 10% rise in prices. So it’s safe to say that Fulham is a very safe investment and a great place to live.

Mark Davidson

Sales Director at Bushells, Fulham 020 7731 9680; bushells.com

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OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south 020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

Narborough Street, SW6

£1,795,000

Located on the much sought after Narborough Street, which forms part of the ‘Toast Rack’ adjacent to South Park, is this beautiful family home arranged over three floors. The property has capacity for further extensions if desired; full planning has been granted by the council for a rear extension and basement.

• A feature, gas fireplace • A contemporary bathroom and a wet room • Pod extension • Five double bedrooms

aspire fulham south 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south

tooting

020 7381 7381

020 7736 6110

furzedown 020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

Inglethorpe Street, SW6

£925,000

Located within the prestigious ‘Alphabet Streets’ in West Fulham is this fantastic, top floor three bedroom property offering over 1000 sq ft. The property also boasts access to a private roof terrace and the shared grass garden on the ground floor – a rarity for most top floor properties.

• Master en-suite • Separate eat-in kitchen • Located within the prestigious Alphabet Streets • Close to Bishops Park

aspire fulham central 020 7381 7381 c.fulham@aspire.co.uk

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Dymock Street, SW6

£675pw

A pretty, three double bedroom family house set on a quiet street at the foot of South Park. Accommodation comprises a large double reception room, a separate kitchen with further living space before heading out into the private South facing garden, three double bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate WC. • Vast living space • Three double bedrooms • Close to South Park • Pretty period house

aspire fulham south 020 7736 6110 fulham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property Notes Century 21 launch Chelsea office

Onslow Square, SW7

TO CELEBRATE the launch of our new office, we would like to invite local residents, businesses and fellow property professionals for champagne and nibbles at our welcome party in the office on Saturday 5th April 2014.

As an introduction to our new office on Cale Street, Chelsea, we will be offering a special introductory fee rate of just 0.75% for the first twenty clients that utilise our sales service during the first month of inception.

Here is one of our finest property showcases.

This beautifully presented one bedroom flat on Onslow Square offers excellent accommodation and is situated amongst the finest eateries in South Kensington. £725 per week.

Justine Greeson Lettings Manager at Century 21, Chelsea � 0870 2111 399; century21uk.com

5

minutes with...

the residential market in and around Hammersmith and Fulham. We have achieved record prices in the last year for our clients and a recent client survey carried out by The Property Ombudsman shows we would be 100% recommended.

What is your company ethos?

To provide exceptional service to all of our clients, a service that we would expect for ourselves.

What can we expect for the market in the Spring & Summer?

Geoffrey Price Director at Lockett Estates

� 020 7381 4998 • lockettestates.co.uk

What makes Lockett Estates the go-to-agent in the area?

Our reputation! We are a small privately owned independent agent and provide an efficient, friendly and reliable service. We specialise in

We expect an extremely buoyant market.

Hammersmith & Fulham continue to be desirable areas.

As long as the shortage in supply of quality properties available remains, we could see house prices in London rise in excess of 10% over the year. The spring market has started well with many record prices being achieved, and we expect this to continue through to the summer.

Lettings stock on the rise!

Rory Wallace Lettings Manager at Home House Estates, Earls Court With an increasing volume of Lettings stock currently on the market, it is important to ensure properties are priced correctly. If the property is put on at a bullish price it can price the property out of the current market, which can lead to the property sitting idle and leaving investors out of pocket unnecessarily. Obtaining two or three valuations prior to marketing would be advisable in the current climate giving the investor a broader idea of where the property should be placed price wise. � 020 3747 4997; homehouseestates.co.uk

Ed Mead’s D&G Diary Residents of Chelsea seem happy to sit and not sell, so if you want to live in Chelsea you have to settle for near it. Supply has been short for some time, but it does seem as if the rush of buyers may be abating here too, even if prices aren’t. Living in Fulham or Battersea Park now feels rather like Chelsea did 6 years ago; £1k psf the norm and foreign languages abounding. Winkling out a seller in Chelsea is always a big ask, but it does seem as if we’ll be waiting till May 2015 to see if buyers or sellers will take the lead next.

Ed Mead Executive Director at Douglas & Gordon � 020 7963 4600; douglasandgordon.com

Spotlight on SW1 Average asking price - £4,037,609Average asking rents - £6,918 pcmAverage property value - £1,480,784

Data provided by 108

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BOUTIQUE LIVING IN THE HEART OF W6 ASHLAR COURT Ravenscourt Gardens, London, W6 0TU

2 Bedroom apartments from £750,000

• A collection of 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments • Beautiful Grade II listed building • Many original features being retained • Secure underground parking • Lovingly restored communal gardens • Excellent transport links

For more information

0844 644 1576 lindenhomes.co.uk/ashlarcourt

Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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Offices throughout London

Greyhound Road, W6

£699,950 Leasehold

New Kings Road, SW6

£650,000 Leasehold

This exceptional two double bedroom garden flat is located in the extremely sought after Greyhound Road. This excellent sized property comprises of a lovely family kitchen, superb wooden flooring, two double bedrooms and a great size garden. Located close to Fulham Palace Road and Hammersmith Broadway. EPC=C

A lovely two bedroom lion house period conversion on the extremely sought after New Kings Road. Property comprises of two bedrooms, bathroom, Shared garden and good condition.

Perfect location with a wide selection of boutique shops and pavement cafes of the picturesque Parsons Green. EPC=D

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

Watermans Quay, SW6

Lillie Road, SW6

£750,000 Leasehold

£575,000 Leasehold

An attractive two bed apartment in an extremely sought after location. This apartment offers stunning views over the River Thames and convenient access to local amenities of Wandsworth Bridge Road and just a short walk from Imperial Wharf. Situated on the first floor of a popular riverside development. EPC=B

This superb two bedroomed split level maisonette is presented in excellent condition, boasting airy and spacious living accommodation throughout with a delightful balcony. The flat comprises a lovely open plan kitchen with two well-proportioned double bedrooms. Very sought after location in Fulham EPC=D

Fulham Office 020 7731 9680| fulham@bushells.com

Fulham Office  020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

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

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bushells.com

Munster Road, SW6

£835,000 Share of Freehold

A brilliant two double bedroom garden flat on the ever so popular Munster road. The flat comprises of a great sized kitchen, high ceilings throughout, two double bedrooms, bathroom and a lovely private garden. Located in the mix of Munster village with easy access to local amenities bars and restaurants. EPC=E

Fulham Office 020 7731 9680 fulham@bushells.com

PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Sales Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

REDECORATING can make the difference between a quick transaction and a property sitting on the market for an extended period of time. Having said this, redecorating doesn’t need to cost the earth; two things that I would advise would be a fresh coat of paint, ideally in a neutral colour, and a steam cleaned carpet.

The smell alone from the fresh paint and the clean carpet can leave a great first impression with applicants viewing the property.

“

2. Why hasn’t my property sold?

IT could be for a number of reasons, but the main one will be because it is overpriced. With instructions short on the ground, some agents will overvalue to get the instruction, probably along with a reduced fee. With the instruction in the bag they will badger you for a price reduction to bring it in line with other properties after a couple of weeks.

When asking agents to value your home ask them to back up their conclusions or you could see your house on the market for some time to come.

3. Where should I invest?

RESIDENTIAL property has generally proven to be a sound investment and can offer the potential for income and capital growth. The UK residential property market remains strong with no immediate signs of this waning, with the greatest gains being in the south east and, in particular, London.

In London prime central residential areas, such as Mayfair, Marylebone, Knightsbridge, Regents Park remain strong, with interest from overseas and domestic buyers alike. There is always strong demand in these prime areas due to their central and prestigious location, making them sound investments.

When asking agents to value your home ask them to back up their conclusions or you could see your house on the market for some time to come.

“

1. Should I redecorate pre-sale?

4. What common mistakes do sellers make?

OFTEN sellers don’t realise that the best buyers and offers are seen in the first two weeks of marketing. They therefore assume it will be easy to get the same offer again, which often isn’t the case.

In a seller’s market such as this, the buyers are prepped by the agents and are ready to pounce as soon as the right property comes along, so they make decisions quickly. Sellers need to be prepared to make decisions about an offer as soon as they come to the market, even if the property carries on being marketed for the next two weeks.

5. How do open house viewings work?

THERE are both advantages and disadvantages to holding an open house viewing, a selling technique that seems to be on the increase.

It’s a great way of introducing a property to the market, and is popular amongst vendors as it means they only have to dress the house once.

You get instant feedback on everything, including the price. However, an open house means that the property is only seeing a snap shot of potential buyers who are available that day and does not always result in a bid being made.

1. Kyle Best Senior Negotiator, Home House Estates � 020 3747 4997 • homehouseestates.co.uk

2. Benson Beard Associate Director, Bective Leslie Marsh � 020 7589 6677 • bective.co.uk

3. Paul Finch Sales Manager, Beauchamp Estates � 020 7499 7722 • beauchamp.co.uk

4. Emma Stead Associate Director, Douglas & Gordon � 020 7731 4791 • douglasandgordon.com

5. Peter Shaw Director, Featherstone Leigh � 020 7610 9755 • featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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020 7381 4998 • 190 Fulham Palace Road London W6 9PA sales@lockettestates.co.uk • lettings@lockettestates.co.uk • www.lockettestates.co.uk

Bishops Mansions, Bishops Park Road, SW6 A very well presented three bedroom ground floor flat in this popular and prestigious mansion block, benefiting from having direct access to the wonderfully large communal gardens. EPC E Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception Room, Kitchen, Utility Area, Communal Gardens, Outside Storage Unit, Onsite Porter

£950,000

020 7381 4998

Distillery Wharf, Fulham Reach, W6

Fulham Palace Road, SW6

A selection of two and three bedroom apartments located within this new riverside development, offering far reaching views. Due for completion Summer 2014. Residents will enjoy exclusive use of a Private Members Club featuring a host of facilities from a private screening room, spa, steam room, lounge area, gymnasium, swimming pool, snooker room, virtual golf simulator and wine cellar.

An end of terrace extremely spacious, light, well presented ground floor flat, benefiting from a wonderfully large 40’ garden. There is potential to extend STPP. EPC E Three Double Bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception Room, Kitchen, 40’ Garden

£1,363,877.00 -£2,470,000

£975,000

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020 7381 4998

020 7381 4998

18/03/2014 09:28

ABSOLUTELY ABSOLUTELYProperty Property

Spencer Park INTRODUCING

Designed by Chassey & Last Architects, these four magnificent homes redefine exclusive living, each a masterpiece of classical and contemporary elegance.

E

ach house offers over 4,600 sq ft of brilliantly proportioned living space with generous ceiling heights and finishes specified by international interior design consultants The London Furnishing Co. The bespoke specification and home technology are exacting and implemented to reflect the aspirations of the most discerning home owner, family and guests. Each house has a master suite, four family bedrooms and an en-suite guest bedroom. The master suite occupies the entire second floor level, providing around 740 sq ft of refined luxury, extensive dressing area and spa bathroom with free standing bath and walk in shower. Outside each house are several off-street parking spaces - inside the properties provide outstanding living, reception and entertaining spaces and beautifully appointed kitchen/dining rooms all with access to a terrace and the substantial garden beyond. Each of the gardens has private gated access into the beautiful Spencer Park - a tranquil haven of almost four acres, exclusively for residents use and providing a safe sanctuary in which children can play. It has its own tennis court, playground and rose gardens, and also provides an ideal retreat for residents’ private yearly celebrations.

Asquith Villas are very well placed for travel across central London & beyond from nearby Clapham Junction which is within half a mile, while Clapham South provides Northern Line connections to the Capital’s entire tube network. The houses also enjoy close proximity and easy access to some of the Capital’s finest primary and secondary schools. Austin Thorogood, Director of John Thorogood, comments: ‘Spencer Park is a special privilege afforded to very few and is one of the finest and most closely guarded green spaces south of The River. These magnificent homes therefore represent an incredibly rare opportunity for a radically changed lifestyle without leaving London.”

Asquith, Spencer Park, SW18 Villas 1 & 3 - £4.95m • Villa 2 - Sale Agreed Villa 4 - Not Yet Released

Joint Sole Agents

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

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Ultimate elegant city living

Set in the desirable neighbourhood of Fulham, Hurlingham Gate presents a superb collection of just 13 four bedroom classic townhouses, all benefiting from private terraces, secluded gardens and gated off-street parking.

Prices from ÂŁ2,250,000 * For more information call 020 8246 4199

Traditional vernaculars and beautiful interiors by Martin Goddard showcase exceptional quality and award-winning design from St James.

*Prices correct at time of going to press.

CGI’s are indicative only.

Classic luxury townhouses in Fulham SW6

Visit Hamptons International 193-195 Kings Road, London SW6 4SS Open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm

St James is proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

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www.hurlinghamgate.co.uk

20/03/2014 06/12/2013 14:06 15:52

ABSOLUTELY Property

Property Round Up The director of Lockett Estates is running four half marathons & climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Age Concern in Hammersmith GEOFFREY PRICE, a Director of Lockett Estates in Hammersmith, is running four half marathons during March and September as well as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2014 to raise money for a very local charity – Age Concern, in Greyhound Road, Hammersmith.

Lockett Estates are the local Estate Agent for the Hammersmith area and want to ensure they look after the local residents. When Lockett Estates found out that Age Concern had their minibus stolen, this appeared to be the obvious choice of charity for Geoffrey to raise funds for.

The replacement vehicle they are seeking

needs to be wheelchair accessible and LEZ compliant. To buy another bus they still need to raise £5,100. This will provide a 16 seater ex-local authority (2006) Mercedes Sprinter for £19,500.

However, they do have applications in place and should they all be successful it would enable them to buy a more up to date vehicle - a brand new vehicle costs in the region of £35,000.

Geoffrey has said that climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is a once in a life-time experience. To climb Kilimanjaro for charity is one of the most

rewarding ways to achieve your dream and there is no better motivation to keep going and reach the top summit than when you know a good cause will benefit.

Please donate to the JustGiving page: justgiving.com/Lockett-Estates

Opening the leasehold box: How the law of flats works James Brenan � 020 7831 0101; cubismlaw.com

THIS IS the first in a series of articles aimed to map out the law about flats for the benefit of the readers of ‘Absolutely’, written by James Brenan of Cubism Law. Each article will address important questions affecting owners of flats.

When a flat has been sold or let for a term of 21 years or more this is called ‘a lease’.

Change is the only certainty in life, as we all know. And this is especially true in the lifetime of a typical lease.

What types of change are possible to leases or to a lease scheme - i.e. a set of leases for a whole building - and how do these changes work?

First, of course, a lease can simply run out of time. If the rental value of the property is £100,000

per annum or less, the owner of the lease can become an assured tenant and therefore be able to carry on living in the flat. Otherwise, the flat has to be given back in an orderly state once the term ends.

Second, how can the lease owner physically enlarge the flat? A lease owner can reach an

agreement with the landlord for adding more space – upwards, downwards or lateral. A supplemental lease or a license to alter will be needed as the document in this type of deal.

In the next article aspects of changes to lease wording and lengthening the lease term will be discussed.

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Stockenchurch Street, Fulham SW6

£2,475,000 Freehold

A beautifully presented 6 bedroom Lion house in the centre of New Kings Road and Parsons Green. Through lounge-dining room, kitchen breakfast room, with French doors opening to secluded garden, three bathrooms, close to Eel Brook Common, sole agents, viewing recommended.

Rigault Road, Fulham, SW6

£1,750,000 Freehold

A period four bedroom house within minutes of Fulham High Street offering access to transport and New Kings Road. Accommodation through lounge dining room, large kitchen breakfast room with island, French doors opening to secluded garden, three double bedrooms with family bathrooms and a master en-suite on the top-floor. Highly recommend a viewing.

T: 020 7736 2810  963 Fulham Road, Fulham, London, SW6 5JJ  www.allanfuller.co.uk E: info@alanfuller.co.uk ALLAN FULLER_CHELS_APR.indd 2

25/03/2014 10:20

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Blake Gardens Fulham, SW6

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WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME

£2,300,000 Freehold

A delightful period home that has been cherished by the same family since 1908. The interior comprises of original features, bright sunny rooms with stripped pine flooring. Two elegant reception rooms, a kitchen opens to secluded south facing garden, and first and top floor provides four excellent size bedrooms and two bathrooms. Walking distance to Eel Brook Common and Fulham Broadway station.

Putney Bridge Road, SW15

£1,300,000 Freehold

An extremely large five bedroom Victorian House, a stones throw away from Putney High Street. Drawing and Dining room both with marble fire places and stripped pine floors. 20 foot kitchen breakfast room, French doors leading to rear garden, stairs to first floor leading to a master bedroom, dressing area, and large ensuite. Additional four bedrooms, three of them double, family bathroom and balcony over-looking garden.

T: 020 7736 2810  963 Fulham Road, Fulham, London, SW6 5JJ  www.allanfuller.co.uk E: info@alanfuller.co.uk ALLAN FULLER_CHELS_APR.indd 3

25/03/2014 10:20

ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase A truly stunning home located close to Parsons Green.

A wonderfully bright and airy three bedroom apartment with the potential to extend.

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ituated within the highly desirable Parsons Green area of Fulham and ideally located for shopping amenities on the Fulham Road, is this well-presented Victorian split level conversion apartment. Offering three double bedrooms, a spacious reception room, an open plan kitchen and balcony to the front, this property further benefits from the potential to create a pod room or roof terrace subject to ownership, licence and planning permission.

Details

Rostrevor Road, SW6 ÂŁ1,200,000 Leasehold

Contact

KFH, Fulham 020 7731 0051; kfh.co.uk

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Join Savoy’s exceptional Sales & Lettings team.

75 Up to

%

commission

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Please email to set up a confidential interview Sales & Lhome@savoyrealty.co.uk ettings Associates Required?

Join Savoy’s Exceptional Sales & Lettings Team?

24/03/2014 15:26

After the umpteenth year, the self-made man rested.

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17/03/2014 05/08/2013 16:27 14:20

jackson-stops.co.uk

Addisland Court, Holland Park, W14 A lateral flat located in a popular Holland Park building. This Art Deco property offers three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, open-plan sitting room/kitchen and benefits from the use of a lift, porter and private garage, which is accessed from within the building. EPC = D

ÂŁ2,300,000 Share of Freehold

AB55260

People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices JSS_CHELS_APR.indd 1

Holland Park

020 7727 5111

holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

19/03/2014 09:42

Sherborne Court, Cromwell Road, SW5 A fifth floor one bedroom flat in this purpose built block situated on Marloes Road. Newly modernised throughout, with open plan reception room / kitchen, underground parking, two lifts, 24 hour porter, 63 years approx. EPC = C JSA MountgrangeHeritage 020 7937 9976.

£535,000 Leasehold

AB55883

People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices JSS_CHELS_APR.indd 2

Chelsea

020 7581 5881 chelsea@jackson-stops.co.uk

19/03/2014 09:42

Sales

ÂŁ2,995,000 Share of Freehold Warwick Square SW1V

The Penthouse is a rarely available three bedroom lateral apartment of circa 1,637 sq.ft. overlooking the beautiful gardens of Warwick Square.

Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Roof terrace, Private garden with tennis court, EPC: D.

A beautifully presented three bedroom flat with a south-easterly facing garden. This property has fantastic living and entertaining space.

Master bedroom, 2 further bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen, 2 vaults, Garden, EPC: D.

Pimlico & Westminster Sales 020 7931 8200 | pimlicosales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ1,990,000 Share of Freehold Lexham Gardens W8 Kensington Gate Sales 020 7581 1152 | kengatesales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,550,000 Leasehold Chapter Street SW1P

A wonderful period property set over three floors offering over 1,500 sq.ft. of prime living accommodation.

4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Study, EPC: D.

An incredibly unique four bedroom property offering 1,205 sq.ft. of immaculately presented living space in the heart of Parsons Green.

Master bedroom, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Patio, Garden, EPC: C.

Pimlico & Westminster Sales 020 7931 8200 | pimlicosales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ1,200,000 Share of Freehold Beaconsfield Walk SW6 Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

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Sales

ÂŁ850,000 Leasehold Gironde Road SW6

A delightful two bedroom, two bathroom maisonette offering 887 sq.ft. of living space on a lovely street in the heart of Fulham.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Roof terrace, EPC: D.

A fantastic split-level one bedroom flat, offering 452 sq.ft. of excellent living and entertaining space in the heart of Parsons Green.

Double bedroom, En-suite bathroom, Reception room with open-plan kitchen, EPC: E.

Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ550,000 Share of Freehold Whittingstall Road SW6 Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

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Lettings

douglasandgordon.com

£1,950 per week Unfurnished Dovehouse Street SW3

A spacious four bedroom house benefitting from a double reception room with wooden floors and offstreet parking. The property is situated in a quiet courtyard close to the Kings Road.

4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Double reception room, Kitchen, Utility room, Store room, Cloakroom, Balcony, Off-street parking, EPC: E.

This stunning interior designed family house. which has been beautifully refurbished throughout, is ideally located in the 'Villes'.

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Balcony, Garden, EPC: C.

Chelsea Lettings 020 7581 6666 | chelsealets@dng.co.uk

£1,000 per week Unfurnished Brookville Road SW6 Fulham Lettings 020 7731 4791 | fulhamlets@dng.co.uk

Douglas & Gordon will charge an initial one off tenancy agreement fee of £240 per tenancy and an individual tenant reference fee of £45 per tenant. For further details please go to www.dng.co.uk/fees

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Lettings

ÂŁ795 per week Unfurnished Queen's Gate Gardens SW7

A stunning two bedroom flat located on the fourth floor of this period conversion benefitting from unspoiled views of the communal gardens.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Cloakroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Communal gardens, EPC: C.

Overlooking communal gardens this newly repainted two bedroom, two bathroom second floor flat has been finished to a high standard and is presented in immaculate condition.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, EPC: C.

Kensington Gate Lettings 020 7589 5252 | kengatelets@dng.co.uk

ÂŁ595 per week Furnished/Unfurnished St. George's Square SW1V Pimlico & Westminster Lettings 020 7931 8300 | pimlicolets@dng.co.uk

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Douglas & Gordon Fully equipped for all your property needs

Find out more about our comprehensive range of services by contacting your local office. douglasandgordon.com

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