CHELSEA DECEMBER 2014 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

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CHELSEA

DECEMBER 2014 / £3.95

THE ARTFUL THINKER GAVIN TURK ON UNTITLED WORK

GETTING TO THE CORE THE HEART OF THE BIG APPLE

THE MICHELL STAR

EXECUTIVE CHEF ON SEXISM IN THE KITCHEN

ICE QUEEN THE

CHRISTMAS ISSUE

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Cheyne Court, SW3

A warm and inviting flat which has been designed and refurbished by interior designer April Russell. Situated on the second floor (with lift), the flat benefits from a large elegant drawing room with French doors onto a balcony.

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Asking price ÂŁ2,950,000 Share of Freehold

Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com

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Old Brompton Road, SW5

A striking raised ground floor flat which offers uncompromised space and grandeur, all with the added benefit of views and access to the pretty communal gardens.

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Asking price ÂŁ2,750,000 Share of Freehold

West Chelsea 020 7373 1010 westchelsea@struttandparker.com

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Brompton

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McCarron & Co.

Showrooms WILTSHIRE CHESHIRE HARROGATE WARWICK SCOTLAND JERSEY

NEW SHOWROOM: 84 Fulham Road Chelsea LONDON SW3 6HR T: 020 7584 5736

Innovative furniture of uncompromising quality www.mccarronandco.com

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McCarron & Co. Limited, T: 01380 859299 E: enq@mccarronandco.com

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting to think about all things bright and Belle as the winter months turn towards Christmas. Come and visit the Design Store for a beautiful selection of curated furniture, lighting and accessories, including the bronze Belle pendant lights by Staffan TollgĂĽrd for Contardi.

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contents

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Dece mbe r 2014

78 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES Absolutely’s top picks this month

ART & CULTURE TALKING TOPICS

Diary dates for December

20 UNTITLED [TURK IS DELIGHT]

Young British Artist Gavin Turk on Andy Warhol, conceptual art and artworks without names

27 THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Presents for her, presents for him, presents for everybody!

67 FASHION 42 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

Jolly Christmas sweaters and the ideal party dress, we’ve got the festive season covered

BEAUTY 56 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

The perfect manicure and a five-point plan to that flawless face, thanks to Charlotte Tilbury

FOOD & DRINK 62 MY PLACE IS IN THE KITCHEN

Pont St’s executive chef Sophie Michell on cooking for Leonardo DiCaprio

67 TABLE TALK

The ultimate hamper and a scrumptious mince pie recipe

73 SALMONTINI LE RESTO

Harry Harland takes on the salmoninspired new restaurant. Will it live up to his great expectations?

TRAVEL 78 A TALE OF TWO CITIES Cover image lickerish

Edwina Langley journeys stateside in search of the real New York

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41 INTERIORS 86 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS Beata Heuman discovers colourful and creative homeware

89 GET THE LOOK

Design your own Art Deco dining room with Hill House Interiors

PROPERT Y 1O6 LIVING THE DREAM

Take a look at the most luxurious properties on the market now

DECEMBER 2014

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N U -L I N E K I T C H E N

S T U D I O

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N u -L i ne Ki t c h e n S tu d io : 12- 14 Malto n rd L o n d o n W10 5U P 0 2 0 8206 5170 w w w.nu - lin e.n et

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◆ EDITOR EDWINA LANGLEY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON FASHION FEATURES EDITOR VIOLET NAYLOR-LEYLAND INTERIORS EDITOR BEATA HEUMAN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CAMILLA NORTON LIFESTYLE ADVERTISING MANAGER NICOLA OWENS ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE HOLLIE LIDDINGTON PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANNA HUTTON-POTTS PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS FREELANCE DESIGNER PIO BLANCO DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, TAHIR KAPUCU ANDREW MAVIN ARTWORKER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CHRISTINE MANN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN

◆ For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

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

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EDITOR’S letter

ormer editor of Absolutely Dulwich Alexandra Jones recently Instagrammed a picture of a festive bag of Kettle Chips, under which was the caption: ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Crispmas’. I almost exploded. Whilst I don’t have the most sophisticated sense of humour, I know a good pun when I see one. And that, dear reader, was good. Laughing is something I do often. I have fits of giggles at my desk on a daily basis and have been known to dissolve into tears at things that I’ve found really, uproariously funny. Christmas is about many things – family, love, religion – but for me, it’s also about laughter. In my editor’s letter last year, for instance, I wrote: ‘Christmas would be pretty miserable without presents’. Then when it got to the 25th, I discovered I only had two. But I actually found this hysterical. Thinking about Christmas and laughter, it’s rather appropriate that this month’s lead feature is with someone who has an excellent sense of humour. In fact, I have never laughed so much in an interview as I did talking to Young

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British Artist Gavin Turk. He chats to me on p.20 about taking part in the ‘Here Today…’ exhibition, marking 50 years of The IUCN Red List. The show itself isn’t funny – but the title of his piece for it is. Christmas shopping isn’t funny either, it’s serious business. But we want it to be funny (or rather, fun) so we’ve compiled an excellent gift guide of everything worth buying so you don’t have to get serious thinking about it. Also in this issue, we interview the delightful executive chef at Pont St, Sophie Michell, about sexism in the kitchen (not funny either), and we travel stateside to discover that the fairy tale New York we thought didn’t exist, actually does (sort of funny). Wherever you spend it, I truly hope your Christmas is filled with love and with laughter. Have a cracker [sorry]. u

Edwina Langley Editor

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10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY

CHRISTKINDL

The beautifully illustrated story of two Bavarian children by Viola M. Jones has been made into the perfect clutch for Christmas Eve shenanigans by Olympia Le-Tan. £1,010; theoutnet.com

PERFECT PLIAGE

Longchamps’ iconic Pliage bag turned 20 this year and to celebrate, Alexa Chung returns to front the campaign for a second season. Personalise your very own Pliage with numerous options online – a great gift idea. longchamp.com

TWINKLE TOES MOËT, T, THE ONLY WAY

It’s the season to sparkle, so slip on these Glitter Kitties and dance the night away. £425; charlotteolympia.com

How anyone could make it through the festivities without a bottle of Moët & Chandon we’ve no idea. Get yours from the great 31Dover. £30; 31dover.com

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES

SILKEN DREAMS

Inspired by the lounging pajamas worn by Coco Chanel and her contemporaries in the 1920s, these gorgeous sets are what we’ll be waking up in on Christmas day. £330; oliviavonhalle.com

GOLDEN FLAME

Capturing the musky aroma of the Chinese herbal market, this Eclectic cinnamon-infused scented candle is encased in a hand-spun brass mould – the perfect gift for the house-proud gent. £55; tomdixon.net

ON BOARD

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a board game. This year, play in style with this crystal and crocodile backgammon set. £7,900; lalique.com

FESTIVE SPARKLE

Reworking vintage pieces into bold, statement accessories, Iosselliani are an Italian power-duo worth keeping an eye on. This Christmas, we’re after the gorgeous Full Metal necklace. £393; farfetch.com

TIME PLEASE

This glittering and feminine Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch in rhodium-finished white gold and diamonds is what we’re hoping to find in our Christmas stockings. £108,000; cartier.co.uk

LOV’EDU

Handmade in the Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa, this beautiful wooden chair is all about the detail, with a carved crocodile on its back, £550; lovedu.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2014

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Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters by leading artists

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous winter sports, travel resorts across the globe and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms.

Priced at £395 each.

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

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SOCIALS

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UNTITLED [TURK IS DELIGHT]

p. 20

> WHAT’S ON

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XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

1 1 D ecem b er S t Pau l’s Ch u rc h ing along to your favourite carols and enjoy a stunning performance by the S award-winning choir Vox Cordis at the 25th annual ‘Carols by Candlelight’ concert, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Mulled wine and delicious mince pies will be served after the show – it’s truly too good to miss. ◆ 32A Wilton Place, SW1X; macmillan.org.uk

A VICTORIAN OBSESSION

The Road to Elysium

T h ro u gh o u t D ecem b er L e i gh to n Ho u s e M u s e u m eld in Leighton House, this exhibition includes four of Frederic Leighton’s H own masterpieces. Combining the beauty of the house with that of the paintings makes this an unmissable exhibition. A one-off aesthetic experience for anyone who appreciates the art and design of the 19th century. ◆ 12 Holland Park Road, W14; 020 7602 3316; rbkc.gov.uk

The pictures on show at Heist this month tell of stories conjured from the imagination of a post-apocalyptic world in the distant future. Sound bizarre? It is. Each piece depicts an Arcadian tale through beautifully dreamy fairy tale sets and arresting visions. Mystical, artistic and inspiring. 41-43 Linden Gardens, W2; 020 7460 3266 heist-online.com

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Un til 12 Jan uary Hei st G aller y

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

SANTA’S GROTTO

Un t i l 22 D e c e m b e r D u ke of York S q u are anta Claus is comin’ to town and setting up his idyllic little wooden grotto in the centre of Duke of York Square. Be sure to take the little ones to visit the man himself, who will be reading magical stories about his reindeer and life in the North Pole. Elves will be on hand to take lots of pictures too. ◆ Duke of York Square, SW3; 020 7823 5577; dukeofyorksquare.com

must see

Festive Shop Un t i l 1 2 D e c e m b e r C h e l s e a P h ys ic G a rd e n

For a truly relaxing shopping experience, head to the Chelsea Physic Garden to find the perfect gift for gardeners and also those not so green-fingered. Be inspired by a wide range of books and gifts designed exclusively for the Garden, before taking a wellearned break in the Tangerine Café where many delicious festive treats, hot and cold, will be served.

PENSIONERS CAROL CONCERT

16 D ec em b er Ho ly T r inity S l oa ne S q u a re he Thomas Choral Society’s Carol Concert includes a T spine-tingling performance of Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. Delight in the beautiful arrangement before joining in to sing-along to the traditional carols we all know and love. Rounding up the festivities with a hot mince pie and a mug of steaming mulled wine, this will be a most heartwarming event. ◆ Sloane Street, SW1X thomasschoralsociety.com

66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3; 020 7352 5646; chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Award-winning Art Consultant Nicholas Campbell chooses December’s work

YI DAI am so pleased to have found South Korean artist Yi Dai. Yi graduated from Central St Martins a couple of years ago and, having won the Louis Vuitton Young Arts Project back in 2012, has since been making these wonderfully complex and fragile works. This stunning piece has been meticulously crafted by placing layer upon layer of manipulated paper fragments, which have been distressed by fire and water, and then

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attached to a mirror. The result is this exquisite, almost floral arrangement, which has a wonderful sculptural element to it. Fitting perfectly into any surrounding, I have had the pleasure of placing many of these works throughout some of the most stylish and elegant houses in London. ◆

For more information contact Nicholas Campbell, Head Consultant and Director of Narcissus Arts; nick@narcissusarts.com

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must see

THEATRE REVIEW

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Adapted by LEE HALL Directed by Declan Donnellan

epending on your viewpoint, Shakespeare in Love was either a film that should have been left untouched or one that was so ripe for stage adaptation, it should have happened years ago. Despite this, Lee Hall’s production is a timely triumph that not only echoes the success of the film but also manages to be a joyous and entertaining piece of theatre in its own right. The curtains open on a young William Shakespeare, suffering from writer’s block and repeating ad nauseam ‘Shall I compare thee to… to...’ (many English GCSE students will wish he had never finished that comparison). Although commissioned by two separate theatres, the young playwright is short of inspiration until, during his desperate attempts to pen the latest hit (working title: Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter), he claps eyes on Viola de Lesseps. Viola is a noblewoman with a passion for theatre who is simultaneously disguising herself as a boy to act in Shakespeare’s own troupe. As their love story unfolds it is mirrored in Shakespeare’s own writing, turning from burgeoning romance to doomed passion, culminating in an eventful performance of Romeo and Juliet. Tom Bateman’s Shakespeare perfectly

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PRINCESS LOUISE:

Queen Victoria’s Rebellious Daughter B y L u c i n d a H aw k s l e y Chatto & Windus, £25

captures the Romeo-esque flightiness and hopelessly romantic nature of the young writer, while Lucy Briggs-Owen is mesmerising and effortlessly funny as the spirited Viola. Although buoyed by this strong leading couple, the rest of the cast elevate the performance from charming to truly excellent. David Oakes’s suave Kit Marlowe steals every scene he walks into, and Ferdy Roberts as the ruthless moneyman Fennyman shows perfectly how the theatre can get under the skin of even the most brutish and uncultured. More than anything else, Shakespeare in Love is an affectionate send-up of theatre itself, crammed with puns and laughs at the expense of the actors, but also a real homage to the camaraderie and importance of the stage. The clever set takes the audience backstage to witness the mayhem, the excitement and the vibrancy of that world and manages to pull off what, in this humble reviewer’s opinion, is set to be one of the best plays of the year. How did they manage it? In the words of Philip Henslowe, ‘I don’t know, it’s a mystery.’ u By Catherine Hales

● Noël Coward Theatre St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk

very December, local author Lucinda Dickens Hawksley re-reads A Christmas Carol, written by her great, great, great grandfather, Charles Dickens. ‘His books have never been out of print,’ says Lucinda. Having written 20 books, she has obviously inherited Dickens’s extraordinary restless energy and journalistic talent. Her racy new biography of Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s sixth child, is full of juicy royal gossip. A feisty, determined and headstrong princess, Louise made the conscious effort to rebel against society’s expectations and did so by befriending artists, having turbulent love affairs and choosing to marry a commoner. Attracted to a more unstructured life, Louise sought out other unconventional women, including Josephine Butler and George Eliot, campaigned for education, health reform and women’s rights. 75 years after her death, Princess Louise still remains, largely, a mystery. Lucinda paints a vivid portrait that would surely fascinate Charles Dickens. He would have been proud. u By Alice Coke

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS BOOK PICKS VOGUE: THE GOWN Condé Na st P ublication s

C o n ra n O cto pu s L td , £ 75 Celebrating the work of British Vogue, this is a stunning volume, filled with world class photography and some truly magical creations. Documenting a century of fashion and imagination from the people who know all about it, this is a must-have for those who know their Donna Karan from their Versace. ◆

PLANT With CLEMMIE HAMBRO

POINSETTIAS have never really thought much of them myself. Sad, stumpy, last minute, supermarket purchases with all that depressing gold paper wrapped around the pot. That was until two things happened. Firstly, I learned that they are in fact a type of euphorbia – a genus of plant that I find steadfastly brilliant in the garden. Secondly, I saw them growing wild in Mexico. In their native habitat the poinsettia is a majestically tall, bushy and extravagant shrub. It was rather a revelation and jolly Christmassy to boot, so I have forgiven it everything, except the gold paper, as that is not its fault. u

PETER AND THE WOLF 22 D ec em b er Ca d ogan Ha l l his Christmas the legendary Jack Dee T will narrate Prokofiev’s imaginative and colourful score, Peter and the Wolf. This lovely children’s story follows Young Pioneer Peter as he tries to rescue a duck (that he was meant to be looking after) from inside a greedy wolf. Accompanied by one of London’s finest orchestras, the Mozart Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra this will be a truly mesmerising show. ◆ 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X; 020 7730 4500, cadoganhall.com

THE GARDENER’S GARDEN Madi son Cox

must read

P h a i d o n P ress L td , £ 4 9.9 5 A definitive tome for both amateurs and professionals, this book contains over a thousand stunning photographs – a coffee table book that is as lavish in design as many of the landscaped wonders it catalogues. It may not be several acres of architectural mastery, but it is the closest a lot of us will get. ◆

THE INFORMATION CAPITAL James Cheshire

Pa r ti cu la r Bo o k s, £ 2 5 Like all truly good books, you will lose yourself in its pages. The best thing about this is that while you’ll lose yourself, you’ll come back out into the world with 10 times more knowledge. This London-centric volume achieves the impossible: presenting an old city we all like to think we know, in a new and captivating way. ◆

DISCOVERING SCARFOLK Richard Littler

E b u r y P ress, £ 1 2.9 9 Scarfolk is a town forever trapped in a repeated loop of the 1970s, rife with surveillance, gripped with paranoia, and festering with unease, this deeply dark and deliriously funny archive lays bare the town and of its mysteries. A perfect pastiche, the genius of which is in the eye-watering detail. ◆

CATHY John Carder Bu sh

S ph ere, £ 4 0 Following the near-hysteria prompted by Kate Bush’s return to pop earlier this year, John Carder Bush is re-releasing his highly sought after photography collection of his younger sister. Beautifully designed to match its original edition, of which only 500 were ever printed, this book features previously unpublished material. For true fans.

By Andy Barr, Belgravia Books, 59 Ebury Street, SW1, 020 7259 9336; belgraviabooks.com

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DECEMBER 2014

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ABSOLUTELY / SOCIALS ATTEND IT, LIKE BECKHAM ver 500 of London’s most stylish fashionistas descended onto Burberry’s Regent Street store last month for the launch of the brand’s festive campaign, and the unveiling of Christopher Bailey’s film From London with Love. Starring Romeo Beckham – who arrived looking dapper with mum and dad, Victoria and David (know them?) – the film was preceded by a magical performance from Ed Harcourt (who also provided the film’s music score). Champagne was gulped, munchies munched, and altogether guests – like Hannah Dodds, Anders Hayward and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – had [Bur]berry merry time. ◆

Jingles & Bells Burberry & the Beckham’s. It’s all about style this month

HOOKED ON HOOKER

uests sipped Martini and gin cocktails, and feasted on mini beef and Yorkshire puddings, at antiques shop Guinevere, for the launch of Katherine Hooker’s AW14 collection. Recently engaged Natalie Coyle and Zafar Rushdie kept themselves busy searching for trinkets for their new home, whilst Davina Harbord chatted to Tatiana Von Stein about her exquisite Hooker coat. By hooker by crook [sic], we’re off to get one just like it. ◆

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DECEMBER 2014

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PROFILE

UNTITLED [Turk is Delight] Celebrated Young British Artist Gavin Turk on Andy Warhol, failing his degree and art without a name Wo r d s e d w i n a l a n g l e y

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GAVIN TURK AND ‘PANDY WARHOL’

cepticism is a common response to conceptual art, usually born from this critique: ‘I don’t geddit and therefore I don’t like it’. In his Art Review essay ‘Art Bollocks’ (1999), Brian Ashbee argues it is a valid criticism; that the ‘experience’ of works such as installation art and conceptual art are often meaningless ‘without… critical text to support it’. I, for one, have spent many an afternoon staring dumfounded at inexplicable creations entitled ‘Untitled’, so it’s hard for me not to find affiliation with this. I realise this is rather a negative introduction to give the conceptual artist, Gavin Turk. But I feel it’s important to acknowledge this reservation in order to properly emphasise how extensively Turk bucks the trend. Yes, he was part of the notorious Young British Artists movement, and creates conceptual artworks that benefit from verbal explanations. But Turk’s work is supposed to be understood – he doesn’t pander to experts or critics, Gavin Turk panders to you, the audience. ‘A huge percentage of art is the audience,’ he explains at the very start of our

conversation. ‘Obviously you need something there... but ultimately the thing comes to life through the audience.’ Is it sheepish to admit the sceptic in me is instantly won over? Though on some level I already knew he valued his ‘everyman’ audience. And that is because his work appeals to me – and I know nothing about art. Take, for instance, his piece currently on display as part of the ‘Here Today…’ exhibition in Holborn. Marking the 50th Anniversary of The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened

and Endangered Species, the exhibition highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the IUCN. Like much of his work, Turk’s offering nods to Warhol, and here, to Warhol’s Endangered series (also exhibited) through Turk’s depiction of a panda. Instead of black and white colouring however, Turk’s print is red – to highlight the panda’s presence on the Red List. You don’t have to know that to get something from it though. You only have to read the title: ‘Pandy Warhol’. When I read it, I laughed out loud. Was that the right response? ‘I tried to make it as humorous as I could,’ Gavin explains. ‘I thought that we could [make] wallpaper, [and make] an environment. And then I thought, Maybe I can make one with the panda, which is still on the [IUCN] list. Pandas are showstoppers. If you have a panda in a zoo, for instance, that’s sort of national news – if it gets pregnant. So I ended up with the panda, and then because I really wanted to make sure everybody was aware of the Warhol connection, I just thought we should call it: ‘Pandy Warhol’.’ Gavin Turk was born in Guilford in 1967, the son of a successful jeweller. Whilst he admits he loved art as a child

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

Untitled (Rubbing) 2013 Rubbing on paper H910 x W750 mm

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Oeuvre (Goose) 2010 Painted fibreglass H1700 x W1700 x D2500 mm

– ‘if I had friends over, I’d say: “Let’s go upstairs and do some drawings!” – he was more focused on science. ‘My daughter asked me when she was little: “At what point did you realise that you wanted to be an artist?” And my response was: “I drifted into it.” I didn’t actively pursue it. ‘I never really thought of it as a career as something you would do… Sometimes I felt like I was a commentator. I was not ‘an artist’. I was standing on the edge and looking into [it]. I was always quite uncomfortable calling myself an artist. I didn’t think it was an appropriate title.’ These observational skills arguably explain why conceptual art is his forte. His work is clever because he is clever. Indeed, Turk’s intellectual credentials are often lauded: ‘Part-wit, part-philosopher’, quoted the Financial Times. But when I echo such praise back at him, he brushes it off. ‘Don’t worry about that. Don’t worry about what other people say. I’m just a nice guy – although, no one wants to be ‘nice’...’ When Turk left school he enrolled in the Chelsea School of Art, which in the 80s, was just off the King’s Road. ‘It was very fashion-based and it was great to be studying there, because you could enjoy the King’s Road and not really be part of it.’ He graduated on to the Royal College of Art to get an MA, but as has been

well documented, he never succeeded. Why? Because, instead of displaying a final show of work (like everyone else), he whitewashed his allocated space and displayed at the end of it a Heritagestyle blue plaque with the words: ‘Gavin Turk/ Sculptor/ worked here/ 1989-1991’. Uproar arose from the ‘stunt’ and he subsequently failed his degree; it even made the newspapers.

YOU MIGHT have found an error IN MY WORK! Talking to Turk now, however, I just can’t understand where this ‘arrogance’ came from. Was he surprised that he failed? ‘Yeah, I thought it was really unfair,’ he says earnestly. ‘I wanted to get my degree, I wasn’t trying to do anything really different. I think the main complication was that Jocelyn Stevens had been offered the job as the head of English Heritage, but he hadn’t told people at the Royal College he was going to leave. At the English Heritage, his job was to award these blue plaques. I think

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he thought I was making a comment about him.’ So actually, it was Stevens being arrogant? ‘He thought it was arrogant of me!’ Turk counters. ‘In terms of art and in terms of the Royal College, which is based in Kensington and Chelsea, it was about souvenirs, memorabilia, memory, nostalgia, the English culture. It was about Ruskin, William Morris, the ceramic plaque... It was about being and not being.’ Now that he’s explained it, of course it makes sense. And what a clever idea it is too. But its title, ‘Cave’, illustrates none of the above. Perhaps the scepticism of the ‘I don’t geddit’ crowd was justified. That said, at least he gave it a name. In fact, Turk gives all his works names, something I discovered when examining his artwork in preparation for our conversation. I found particular pleasure in ‘Chewing Gum Earrings’ and his various (and numerous) egg-focused creations (the symbolic properties of the egg appear in much of his work). This was, however, until I came across a piece which really put my back up. It was a rubbing on some paper, and it was called, infuriatingly, ‘Untitled [Rubbing]’. Oh, how the mighty fall! How typically ‘YBA’ not to bother even giving it a name... ‘I don’t know what that is!’ he replies in surprise, when I demand an explanation.

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW ‘It’s really rare that I have pieces called ‘Untitled’.’ He laughs awkwardly and I tell him it surprised me too. I know he likes his audience to think about his work, and I did think about it, but it totally duped me nonetheless. Turk finds all this very amusing. ‘I don’t know what this work is, I might have to look it up. It might be a terrible mistake – you might have found an error in my work!’ He goes quiet down the telephone and I assume he is looking it up. ‘You may have found something here... What it was… I made a white Transit van into a cube. That square is literally a rubbing off the top, like taking a print off the cube of a compacted van. If it was [meant to be] called ‘Untitled [Rubbing]’, obviously I quite liked the idea that ‘Untitled’ was a rhetorical title. From the Fifties onwards, through museums and galleries, a title had to be attributed to an artwork. And some artists refused to deal with it, so the work would get called ‘Untitled’. Then artists themselves just started calling their work ‘Untitled’. And some artists have whole [series] just called ‘Untitled’.’ A total cop out, I interrupt. ‘I agree,’ he replies. ‘… and I like the idea that you [noticed]. I like to think that I worked with titles to the point where when you learnt something was called ‘Untitled’ you thought about it.’ He cracks up and I try not to find it funny but am secretly thrilled to play guinea pig to his particular brand of conceptualism. I tell him I now think it should stay as ‘Untitled’. ‘Oh, alright,’ he concedes, ‘you’re just causing trouble.’

IN ART there is a history which IS [ITS] CONTEXT Ironically, it was the furore around Turk’s MA which arguably launched his career. His work caught the attention of art collector Charles Saatchi, who bought the first piece Turk ever sold. This led to Turk’s absorption into the Young British Artists movement (alongside Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas) and his ‘Pop’ waxwork (of himself as Sid Vicious in the pose of Andy Warhol’s ‘Elvis Presley’) featured in Saatchi’s ‘Sensation’ exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1997. But for someone with such strong ideas of his own, I wonder why Turk continues to find inspiration in Warhol. ‘Andy Warhol is a really difficult act to follow,’ he replies. ‘His work changed the

Pop 1993 Waxwork in vitrine H2790 x W1150 x D1150 mm

way that art works... It almost became the cliché of modern art… Like the fabric which artists today have to move through. And I think I got caught in the net.’ He ponders this for a second. ‘It’s something to do with standing on the back of giants.’ I’d argue that Turk is fast becoming a ‘giant’ himself, having enjoyed monumental successes, with solo exhibitions all over the world. He says he can only accept he’s an artist now because: ‘I haven’t really done anything else with my life’. And whilst the married father of three refers to himself as ‘middle aged’ (he’s 47), obviously he’ll forever be a ‘Young’ British Artist. ‘I know!’ he exclaims. ‘I can’t tell, is that a good thing?’ Would he rather be ‘Old’ British Artist? ‘I’ve got a huge great big beard at the moment so I not only feel middle aged, but I also look like I’m from another age – sort of Victorian.’ I think Turk probably is from the Victorian age – I can imagine him as an Arnold, Ruskin or Morris. This leads

25 CH_DEC_GAVIN TURK.indd 25

neatly to the topic of history, which is most important to Turk. ‘In art, there is a history, which is [its] context,’ he says. ‘[It’s] part of the process of coming into an understanding of art. When the audience is looking at something that is ‘new’, they use the tools and the experience and the knowledge that they already have of art to look at it... [So] when we look at a new piece of art, it’s always going to be understood through a reading and understanding of art.’ Through the work of Gavin Turk, I have come a small way towards reading and understanding conceptual art. I am now no longer a sceptic. That said, I’ll never accept the ‘Untitled’ – unless it’s that Transit van rubbing, of course. It takes Turk’s type of thought for a title, to entitle the use of ‘Untitled’. u ‘Here Today…’ is curated by Susie Allen, Laura Culpan and Dea Vanagan of Artwise. The Old Sorting Office, 21-33 New Oxford Street, WC1; heretoday.org

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 13:03

Mitko Stefanov ROCK CRYSTAL

ANTIQUE CHANDELIERS & RESTORATION

mitkostefanov.com 07713 285 936 | mitko.stefanov17@gmail.com K5 Cooper House, 2 Michael Road, Fulham, London SW6 2AD

MITKO STEFANOV.indd 1

23/09/2014 13:22

THE ULTIMATE

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

All you want for Christmas – and more… 27 Xmas Guide Opener.indd 27

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:04

LOST MARCH

No 3 Perfume Set, £160; conranshop.co.uk

BALENCIAGA

HOLISTIC SILK

Leather and Suede Long Gloves, £345; matchesfashion.com

Single Monogrammed Eye Mask, £46; holisticsilk.com

ALEXANDER WANG

Gabi Leather Ankle Boots, £533; matchesfashion.com

MISSONI

Jasmine Long Umbrella, £75; matchesfashion.com

DIPTYQUE

Essence Insensee Mimosa Eau de Parfum, £100; uk.spacenk.com

RIFLE PAPER CO

CARAN D’ACHE

Ecridor Mademoiselle, £180; stonemarketing.com

Rorschach Metallic Notebook Set, £11.75; ifeelsmug.com

B & O PLAY

H6 Leather Over-Ear Headphones, £329.99; selfridges.com

CADENZZA

St Kilda for Cadenzza Ring, £47; cadenzza.co.uk

GIFTS FOR HER What every woman wants for Christmas…

ALICE + OLIVIA

Pacey Metallic Brocade Dress, £380; harveynichols.com

WILBUR & GUSSIE

Lily Evening Bag in Black Velvet, £285; wilburandgussie.com

MARNI

Leather Bag Key Ring, £260; matchesfashion.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Dec_Her_Gift_Guide_DPS.indd 28

28 24/11/2014 10:57

FASHION / GIFT GUIDE

RUBY RUFUS

PATRICK MAVROS

Grey Sweater, £105; rubyrufus.com

Sea Urchin Starfish Rings in Sterling Silver and 18CT Gold with Diamonds and Coloured Stones, From £155-£2,400; patrickmavros.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

V-neck Tulip-Jaquard Dress, £1,520; matchesfashion.com

ASSOULINE

The Big Book Of Chic by Miles Redd, £47; assouline.com

ETRO

Floral Paisley Pashmina, £330; harrods.com

SAINT LAURENT

Gold Glittered Leather Sandals, £625; harveynichols.com

CHARLOTTE ALUNA

Black Patent Lottie Vanity Case, £750; charlottealuna.com

DEAR FRANCES

CLARINS

Form Trainer in Black, £380; dearfrances.com

Christmas Crackers, £39; clarins.com

GLOBETROTTER

Ivory Blanket and Holder, £390; Globetrotter London

SONIC EDITIONS

Audrey Hepburn on the set of Sabrina, £75; soniceditions.com

TOM FORD

Luxury Trousseau, £920; tomford.com

29 Dec_Her_Gift_Guide_DPS.indd 29

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:59

Haks

Oscar

King’s Grooming Lounge T: 020 7751 4394 www.haksoscar.co.uk info@haksoscar.co.uk Opening Times Mon - Tue: 9am – 7pm Wed - Fri: 9am – 8pm Sat: 8.30am – 6.30pm Sun: 10am – 6pm 319 Kings Road Chelsea London SW3 5EP

We can write pages and pages of what we do but we believe actions speak louder than words. So we are here for you to experience the difference in the hands of our Master Barbers and let it speak for itself. HAKS OSCAR.indd 1

21/11/2014 09:41

FASHION / GIFT GUIDE LEICA

V-Lux 4 Digital Camera, £629; selfridges.com

ROLEX

Cellini Date Watch; POA rolex.com

MONTBLANC

Meisterstück Solitaire Geometric Dimension Fountain Pen, £1,075; montblanc.com

ALFORD AND HOFF

The Fragrance, £95; alfordandhoff.com

ULTRASONE

Edition 10 Over-Ear Headphones, £1,699; selfridges.com

DOLCE & GABBANA, Black Reversible Quilted Bomber Jacket, £1,320; harveynichols.com

THE MERCHANT FOX

Fox Mask Sterling Silver Cufflinks, £135; themerchantfox.co.uk

MORTLACH

25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £600; selfridges.com

LONDON UNDERCOVER

Oxford City Gent Umbrella, £125; londonundercover.co.uk

IMAGE (C) BUGATTI 2014

TOM FORD

Beard Oil, £31; Beard Comb, £22; tomford.com

TOM FORD

Buckley Suede Flat Trapeze Briefcase, £1,964; tomford.com

GIFTS FOR HIM

TED BAKER

ASPINAL

Football, £39.95; houseoffraser.co.uk

iPad Mini Sleeve, £75; aspinaloflondon.com

Our edit of the smartest Christmas gifts for men GOOGLE GLASS Google Glass Bold Frame, £1,120; mrporter.com

VISIONAIRE,

Where Hermès Limited Edition Travel Pouch with Postcards, £2,270.83; mrporter.com

EDWIN JAGGER

Black 3 Piece Shaving Set, £89; theinsideman.co.uk

31 Dec_Mens_Gift_Guide.indd 31

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:43

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

CMY

LP.indd 1

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KIDS / GIFT GUIDE GIGI BROOKS

Rocket Beanbag, £140; gigibrooks.com

VILAC

Ride-On Racing Car, £80.19; en.smallable.com

STEIFF

Snoopy and Woodstock on Roof, £179; steiff.com

THE FOLIO SOCIETY The Hobbit, £29.95; foliosociety.com

HARRY POTTER

Daily Prophet Escape From Azkaban Front Page Print, £349; harrods.com

TONNER

Moonlit Romance Doll, £299; harrods.com

XXXXXX MOULIN ROTY

Puppet Theatre, £209.79; en.smallable.com

SKOOT

Mickey Mouse, £150; DOLCE steiff .com & GABBANA, Flower and Key Print Dress, £330; harrods.com

Ride-On Suitcase,£57.95; harrods.com

WEDGEWOOD

Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail 2 Piece Nursery Set, £22.50; johnlewis.com

WILD & WOLF

Gruffalo Cutlery Set, £11.95; wildandwolf.com

IMAGE (C) LA COQUETA AW14

GIGI BROOKS

Army Grey Shark Attack 3D Bike, £650; gigibrooks.com

GIFTS FOR KIDS

FIELD CANDY

Hold Your Horses Tent, £145; fieldcandy.com

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA,

Incy Bisoux Flate, £195; harrods.com

Showstoppers for your little ones MARKS & SPENCER Santa Dress, £14; marksandspencer.com

HEDGEHOG,

Horned Woven Seat Sledge, £98; hedgehogshop.co.uk

BRITISH LIBRARY

London in a Bag, £12.50; shop.bl.uk

33 C&A_Dec_Kids_Gifts.indd 33

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:41

NATASHA COOTE

SHOPPING IN STYLE

“

Thank you Natasha for styling me so brilliantly over the past four seasons. Thank you also for giving me the confidence to try new things. I am delighted with the end result and could not have done it without you. I feel like the coolest mum at the school gates!

”

Siobhan B.

Fashion get together During this festive period we are hosting personalised fashion events for you and your friends. Choose in between Fashion Breakfast, Tea Party or Girls Night in with drinks. Get fashion advice from our stylist and make sure you look your absolute best this Christmas Season! The Natasha Coote Boutique is run by a team of passionate, creative, and knowledgeable stylists who offer personal styling consultations in a warm atmosphere designed to assist women in expressing their own individual style. NC boutique is widely known for well-priced quality and an eclectic mix of labels from Europe’s up-and-coming designers.

EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF AVAILABLE ON THE DAY. To host your own fashion party at the boutique contact us on boutique@natashacoote.com

BOOK YOUR STYLING CONSULTATION www.natashacoote.com | 173 New King’s Road SW6 4SW | 020 73717526 | boutique@natashacoote.com

Natasha Cootes.indd 2

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FOOD & DRINK / GIFT GUIDE

CULINARY CONCEPTS Côtes de Provence Butter Dish with Glass Insert, £52; johnlewis.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Farmer's Cabinet Cheese Knives, £38; anthropologie.eu

ALESSI

Ossidiana Espresso Coffee Maker by Mario Trimarchi, from £35; alessi.com

VANQUISH

Cognac Delemain Voyage Carafe, £5,150; gift-library.com

MAKERS & MERCHANTS

Very Merry Christmas Bauble Chocolates, £4; heals.co.uk

THE LEXINGTON COMPANY

Hampton Bayside Apron, £85; lexingtoncompany.com

WHITTARD

The Luxury Hot Chocolate Hamper, £15; whittard.co.uk

HARRODS

Moving Train Cake, £150; harrods.com

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

100 Points by James Suckling Leather Briefcase for Lalique, Black Edition, £5,900; lalique.com

HARRODS

Daylesford Complete Christmas Hamper, £500; harrods.com

GIFTS FOR FOODIES

GLEN GRANT

The Glen Grant 50 Year Old, £3.500; thewhiskyexchange.com

CARLUCCIO’S

Albero di Natale, £2.95; carluccios.com

GÜ

Limited Edition Luxury Bauble Collection, £85; gupuds.com

Our edit of the best gifts for bon viveurs ROCOCO

Nutcracker Chocolate, £42; conranshop.co.uk

WILLIAM CURLEY

The Wuyi Collection, £25; williamcurley.com

THE FOOD MINISTRY Cake in a Can, £4.99; yumbles.com

35 C&A_Food_Gift_Guide.indd 35

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:17

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

DING DONG Absolutely presents the very best of what the New King’s Road has to offer this Yuletide

HOLLY’S HOUSE Holly’s House showcases modern, designer furniture pieces alongside vintage one-offs and smaller items which are ideal for original gifts. Each item in the shop has been handpicked from different designers and artists around the globe. They are certain you will love them as much as they do! 83 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7736 2222; hollys-house.com

KYRA LOVES An inspirational lifestyle store, Kyra Loves in Parsons Green offers unique and beautiful collections aimed at inspiring customers to develop their own sense of style – whether they are looking for fashion, accessories, gifts or home décor. Great Christmas gift ideas and fresh and seasonal flowers now instore too. 86 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7371 8597; kyraloves.co.uk

TIENDA TIENDA is a Spanish deli, where you can have a coffee with a stevia homemade cake or glass of cava with any hot or cold tapas dish, at any time of the day, to eat in or to take away. We can create any paella of your choice (with 30 minutes notice) for you to collect, or even deliver with Deliveroo! Join us for New Year’s Eve to celebrate in Spanish style! 197 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 5425, tiendareservations@gmail.com; tiendalondon.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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36 24/11/2014 09:39

ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXXX//PROMOTION XXXXXXXX

GRAFTON AND KOCH Grafton & Koch Gentlemen’s Grooming Club offers a masculine, atmospheric and relaxing club-like haven of luxurious tailored services. From our superior cuts, luxurious shaves and blissful MB treatments, we tailor our services to each client’s individuality, working with them to achieve the ‘perfect package’. 94 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7736 9759 graftonandkoch.co.uk

WIMSEY’S ‘British is Best’ is the motto of Wimsey’s, recently opened in Parson’s Green. If you hanker after Wood Pidgeon with Poached Damson followed by Dingley Dell Pig’s Cheeks or Wild Trout Fillets, finishing with British desserts and cheeses this Christmas season, Wimsey’s is well worth a visit. Friendly and relaxed. Wimsey’s Restaurant 177 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 8326; wimseys.co.uk

LISA NORRIS GALLERY

NATASHA COOTE At the Natasha Coote boutique you’ll find a team of highly qualified stylists offering you the best options to suit your personality, lifestyle and budget. To try a complementary styling session, personal wardrobe appointment or Skype styling, give them a call... 173 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 3771 7526; natashacoote.com

Lisa Norris Gallery exhibit paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures by international contemporary artists. With an exciting exhibition programme, Lisa also provides a consultancy service for both private and corporate clients. 281 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 8835; lisanorrisgallery.com

MANUKA Manuka luxury fitness brand creates beautifully crafted yoga-inspired apparel and accessories. Manuka are renowned for their elegant, feminine silhouettes and luxurious fabrics – blending comfort and style, perfect for yoga, Pilates, performance and luxe lounge. All of their clothing and accessories are tried and tested by leading wellbeing experts. 275 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7371 7878; manukalife.com

37 CH_DEC_NEW_KINGS_ROAD_FEATURE.indd 37

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 09:39

DO YOU WANT TO

GET THE MOST

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To ﬁnd out exactly how Sloan could help you, visit www.sloansw.com. Contact her on 07462 611411 or email sloan@chelsealifecoach.co.uk. Skype consultations are also available. As seen in

SLOAN SW.indd 1

20/11/2014 17:54

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PIANOS

ST CLEMENTS CAFE This new cafe in Parsons Green, serves fresh seasonal food and fantastic coffee. All dishes are handmade in our kitchens and we use wonderful suppliers with outstandingly fresh ingredients. Open from breakfast to afternoon tea, you can even enjoy a glass of wine on our terrace. Come to one of our monthly supper clubs or hire our café for your party or event. 201 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7998 8919 stclementscafe.co.uk

Knightsbridge pianos is a well established family run business in Parsons Green, boasting an excellent selection of uprights, grand pianos and digital keyboards. We also offer a rental scheme at highly competitive rates. 293 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 77318 010; knightsbridgepianos.com

SOTIRA GEORGIO Indulge yourself at Sotira Georgio's hair and beauty salon where the highly trained stylists and master colourists offer a friendly and personal approach to cutting, colouring and styling. With personal touches, and imaginative innovation, treatments to repair and restore moisture last for up to 10 washes for ONLY £16. MKbeauty is located within Sotira Georgio, Specialising in Guinot and Jessica products. 54 New King's Road, SW6; 020 7371 7071/5193

EMILIA’S DELICATESSEN Having been in the area for over 10 years, Emilia’s Delicatessen has built up an established reputation and loyal clientele. Its exquisite food is a blend of Italian and traditional homecooking, which includes pastas, cakes, cheeses, and wine. Thanks to Joseph and his wife, Fulham has a little piece of Italy on it’s doorstep. 88 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7751 0189

KOZU New Japanese restaurant, Kozu, is a joint concept of Nobuhisha Takahashi (former Nobu head sushi chef in both London and Cape Town) and Mark Barnett proprietor of Mao Tai for 29 years. Our menu is simple fresh and contemporary using the best seasonal and local ingredients. Sushi and sashimi are prepared at our beautiful sushi bar, grills from our robata grill and delicious cocktails. 58 New King’s Road, SW6, 020 7731 2520; kozu.co

39 CH_DEC_NEW_KINGS_ROAD_FEATURE.indd 39

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 09:40

311 Brompton Road, London SW3 2DY 020 7225 0584 | www.renecaovilla.com Follow us on

Happy Holidays RENE CAOVILLA_V3.indd 1

18/11/2014 14:43

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 42

THAT’S A WRAP

p. 46

TALK OF THE GOWN What do we want for Christmas? It’s quite simple really. This Tulle and Silk Organza Bustier Evening Gown by Burberry. £10,000, 121 Regent Street, W1B, 020 7806 8904; uk.burberry.com

41 C&A_Dec_Fashion_Opener.indd 41

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:13

st y l e C e n t r a l

FASHION Off The Beaten Track

What should be in your closets this Christmas (or shortly after it)…

Wo r d s v i o l e t N ay l o r - l e y l a n d

leepily lifting off the teapot lid to check your English Breakfast leaves have brewed this frosty December morning, what should appear in the steam but a figure in blue smoke wearing flashing bauble earrings? Surprised? Bemused? Let me explain. It’s your Christmas Genie – here to grant you three fashion wishes, and tell you (rather condescendingly, but being Christmas Genie I’m allowed to be a bit bossy) that any fool can spend money, but you’ve three chances, so spend wisely. Luckily though, this genie also happens to be your fashion features editor so hot tips come free of charge. Firstly, I’d head to London’s finest couturiers, Bruce Oldfield on Beauchamp Place, to commission an exquisite, timeless, magical gown, made from some of the most beautiful fabrics in existence (and about as close to perfection as fashion gets). Christmas cashmere is essential; so head next to World’s End Scottish cashmere haven Brora, and invest in a chunky Aran-Knit Polo, some luxuriously cosy cashmere trousers and don’t forget to whack on the genie-visa, a dozen beautiful vintage-style Pointelle Gloves with matching cashmere lace beanies. For your final wish, and because Genie’s paying, treat yourself to something entirely extravagant and on-trend from Harvey Nichols, like Chloe’s Ecru Turkey Down and Brown Spotted Silk Coat. Puff! Dream Crimbo list done. Back to my cuppa. u

words scarlet crewdson

Handy Bags Kurt Geiger

● V I O L E T N AY L O R - L E Y L A N D Stylist and owner of fancy dress boutique Violet’s Box;

violetsbox.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_Dec_Fashion_Notes copy.indd 42

Yes they’re known for shoes, but we’re rather enamoured with Kurt Geiger’s Saffiano red bags. The London Tote (£199) and Bowling Bag (£199) feature elbow handles and detachable over-the-shoulder straps, whilst the Tote (£180) has just the large handles for that more casual day-look. All with gold branded hardware, and made in red leather, these are by far the most glamorous ‘sacks’ for ‘Santa’ we have ever seen. 33D King’s Road, SW3, 020 7901 9041; kurtgeiger.com

42 24/11/2014 10:12

FASHION / NOTES

HEY BIG SUSPENDER Agent Provocateur

None of us can deny we feel a teensy bit more confident when we know we’re wearing some pretty darn sexy underwear. This Molly bra (£125), brief (£110) and suspender (£125) set, in emerald-washed silk satin, is so Christmassy you might not want to wear anything else… 16 Pont Street, SW1X, 020 7235 0229; agentprovocateur.com

of the best

CHRISTMAS JUMPERS

HAPPY BLUE YEAR Mar y Katrantzou

This year we have had a love affair with Mary, so we had to feature her in our final issue of 2014. This Olympia Blue Silk Blend Dress says ‘icily sexy’ and when teamed with killer heels, would make a knockout outfit. £2,535, Available from Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X, 020 7235 5000; marykatrantzou.com

PARTY PUMPS

Gianvito Rossi

Looking for party shoes? These are party shoes. Milan’s Gianvito Rossi’s Metallic Perspex Pump in vibrant violet will add a splash of colour to an LBD. Easy to slip on (and off ) the 4.5 inch heel gives the perfect lift for that Christmas kiss under the mistletoe. £460. Available from Harvey Nichols. gianvitorossi.com

HOG THE HEDGE Boucheron

Absolutely are hedgehog-obsessed and this Boucheron ‘Hans The Hedgehog’ Ring in pink gold, including two round ruby eyes, and an adorable black round diamond nose, is top of our list. £3,530, Available from Harrods Fine Jewellery, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X, 020 7730 1234; boucheron.com

43 CH_Dec_Fashion_Notes copy.indd 43

01. TOPSHOP, Bell Motif Sweater, £42; topshop.com 02. M&S COLLECTION, Christmas Sequin Embellished Bow Jumper, £25; marksandspencer.com 03. DICKINS & JONES, Knit Pudding Intarsia Jumper, £39; houseoffraser.co.uk 04. JOHN LEWIS, Collection WEEKEND, Monty & Mabel Kissing Penguins Jumper, £49; johnlewis.com 05. ASOS, Curve Christmas Jumper With Rudolph Winter Scene, £30; asos.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:12

S PA R e v i e w

CLARINS SPA Peter Jones, Sloane Square

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

An alternative red jacket to the one Santa wears and exploring the male facial is what we’re about this Christmas

s a young man my knowledge of constituted a ‘facial’ was A what slightly lacking. I was rather embarrassingly made aware of this fact when I initially approached the Clarins make-up counter in Peter Jones to announce my arrival for the Skin-Blitz Facial treatment. ‘I think it’s the spa you might be looking for,’ said the perplexed attendant, pointing to a different part of the store. Aside from the initial embarrassment, I was naturally relieved that I wouldn’t be having my facial in front of a busy department store. My therapist for the hour-long treatment was the lovely Jenny, and as I followed her towards the treatment room, I was still convinced my facial would involve sitting in a chair, like at the barbers, flanked by two elderly gents talking across me. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when I was ushered into my very own treatment room, asked to DISROBE, and made to lie down on a bed! I politely informed Jenny that I was only here for a facial, to which she politely informed me that this was a facial. What followed was the most surprising hour of perfect relaxation – cream after cleansing cream were applied, and then face masks and moisturisers too. And that was not all; a facial also constitutes a shoulder and hand massage! Having previously scoffed at the idea a man might enjoy a facial, I now think about the subject with the zeal of a recent convert. I unhesitatingly recommend the experience of a male facial, and Clarins Spa is certainly the place to get it. u

Wo r d s b e r t i e M c G i n n i s

Think Pink Thomas Pink

● C L A R I N S S PA Men’s Skin-Blitz Facial, £48, Sloane Square, SW1W, 020 7259 9546; clarins.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_Dec_Mens_Notes.indd 44

Where to go to look sharp this Yuletide? Thomas Pink is where. And what to wear? The cotton jacquard Ashfield Dot Shirt (£145, pictured) available in hot pink will set you apart from the rest of party, and when teamed with the Falconer Jacket – single-breasted in black velvet (£595, pictured) – there’ll be kisses a-plenty under the mistletoe. 162b Sloane Street, SW1X, 020 7245 0202; thomaspink.co.uk

44 24/11/2014 10:31

MENS / NOTES TOBIAS CLOTHING,

BRING ON BUGATTI

Malabar Peach Linen Shirt, £80; tobiasclothing.com

Bugatti

Stop the Press! Bugatti have opened their first lifestyle boutique in our very own district. Yes, the successful launch of the French super sports car brand’s lifestyle collection last year has led to a luxury store. Form an orderly queue – behind us! Croc Bag, £31,500, 24-6 Brompton Road, SW1X, bugatti.com

MOSCHINO,

Printed Cotton Sweatshirt. £185; harveynichols.com

WRAP UP RED Polo Ralph Lauren

Whilst some of you may find yourselves dressed as Father Christmas this month, for those who don’t, don’t miss out on some red action. This Faux Fur Trimmed Parka, containing a down and feather filling, is ideal for those wintery outings. Move over Santa suit, Daddy’s wearing this. £506, 105-109 Fulham Road, 020 7590 7990; global.ralphlauren.com

NUDIE JEANS,

Tight Long John Midnight Skinny Jeans, £110; harveynichols.com

GANT,

Lambswool Striped Fairisle Crew, £135; houseoffraser.co.uk

WHAT’S THE CHIME? Jaeger-LeCoultre

Ever wondered how Jaeger-LeCoultre make their fine Minute Repeaters? Visit the Fine Watch Room at Harrods to find out. Don’t miss the 1895 Grande Complication pocket watch; one of the first repeater pocket watches ever made. 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X, 020 7730 1234; harrods.com

LUTWYCHE,

Brown Check Wool and Cashmere-Blend Blazer, £2,600; mrporter.com

HOLLAND & HOLLAND,

editor’s

Medieval Hunting Scarf, £350; hollandandholland.com

PICK LINKED IN Trianon

Some might say these Trianon Gold, Lapis and Shell Cufflinks are rather extravagant for a stocking filler. We aren’t one of those people. £1,995; mrporter.co.uk

MR. HARE,

Sonny Black Suede Ankle Boots, £585; harveynichols.com

45 CH_Dec_Mens_Notes.indd 45

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:32

Oatmeal Wool Cable Knit Sweater, £165, by Duffy White Silk and Lace Gown, £600, by Myla Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 46

24/11/2014 10:15

THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A

WRAP Wool blend, cotton and leather are keeping us cosy this Christmas Photography Louise Samuelsen Styling Charlie Moore

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 47

24/11/2014 10:15

Black Roll Neck Body Suit, £119, by Wolford Black Lace Pencil Skirt, £645, by La Perla Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 48

24/11/2014 10:15

Cream Cotton Trench Coat, £795, by Pavane at Fenwick Lace Bra (just seen), £110, by Myla Stockings, £6.25, by Charnos at House of Fraser Diamond Earrings, £120, by Carat London

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 49

24/11/2014 10:15

Cream Wool Coat, £695, by Issa Black Roll Neck Body Suit, £119, by Wolford Suede Black Boots, £1,150, by Jimmy Choo Grey Leather Clutch, £450, by Anya Hindmarch Diamond Earrings, £142, by Carat London Leather Gloves, £260, by Corlette

Stockists amandawakely.com anyahindmarch.com aquazzura.com caratlondon.com corlette.co.uk Photographer - Louise Samuelsen at ONE Represents Stylist - Charlie Moore Hair and Make-up - Wendy Turner at Stella Creative Artists using Bumble & Bumble and Cosmetics a la Carte Model - Darya at Premier

damaris.co.uk Dior Sunglasses 0800 7234 5600 duffyny.com fenwick.co.uk houseoffraser.co.uk jimmychoo.com matchesfashion.com

Photographers Assistant - Sam Jackson

myla.com

With thanks to the Savoy . Strand, Savoy Way, WC2R, 020 7836 4343; fairmont.com/savoy-london

net-a-porter.com

Dec_FashionShoot.indd 50

Wolford 020 7494 4343

24/11/2014 10:16

ALLISON RODGER COUTURE - NOW MADE IN CHELSEA Welcome to our new boutique: 17 Elystan Street, Chelsea Green SW3 3NT 020 7821 7000 | allisonrodger.co.uk | allisonrodger.co.uk/wordpress

ALLISON RODGER.indd 1

21/11/2014 15:56

BY APPOINTMENT — FROM OUR EXCLUSIVE BELGRAVIA ATELIER AND WORKSHOP, JUST MOMENTS FROM SLOANE SQUARE, WE CREATE UNFOGETTABLE EXPERIENCES FOR OUR DISCERNING CLIENTS.

NIQUESA ATELIER 19 West Eaton Place, Belgravia London SW1X 8LT Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10am -5.00pm

NIQUESA.indd 1

www.niquesafinejewellery.com

14/11/2014 15:05

ABSOLUTELY / JEWELLERY

Tis the Season to be Generous 1

1. CARTIER, PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER COLLECTION NECKLACE IN YELLOW GOLD, BLACK LACQUER AND DIAMONDS, £17,200; cartier.co.uk 2. GRAFF, BRIOLETTE 44.23CT AQUAMARINE AND 3.01CT DIAMOND EARRINGS, POA; graffdiamonds.com 3. CHOPARD, LIMITED EDITION SPARKLING TIMEPIECE FROM THE GREEN CARPET COLLECTION IN 18CT WHITE ‘FAIRMINED’ GOLD, WITH MARQUISE CUT 7.35CT DIAMONDS, POA; chopard.com 4. BULGARI, MVSA RING IN 18CT PINK GOLD WITH BLUE TOPAZ AND PAVÉ DIAMONDS, POA; bulgari.com 5. TESSA PACKARD, SMILING BUDDHA EARRINGS IN 18CT YELLOW GOLD, CITRINE AND CARVED YELLOW JADE, £9,200; tessapackard.com 6. BOODLES, LIZ EARLE ROSE PELARGONIUM NECKLACE IN ETHICALLY SOURCED PINK SAPPHIRES, ROSE AND WHITE GOLD, £1,600; boodles.com 7. CASSANDRA GOAD, SAN LUCA CROSS IN 9CT YELLOW GOLD, £315; cassandragoad.com 8. TIFFANY & CO. SCHLUMBERGER®, FIVE LEAVES CLIP IN 18CT GOLD WITH ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMONDS IN PLATINUM, £17,900; tiffany.co.uk

53 CH_Dec_JEWELLERY.indd 53

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:10

ENDS 26.12.14

This December

26.12.14

NOTTING HILL

strip december.indd 2

CHELSEA

SOHO

CITY

BRISTOL

TOPSHOP

18/11/2014 16:42

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL: THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS MAKEOVER p. 56

CHERRY CHRISTMAS If you like the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir fragrance, you’ll love its new Limited Edition Bottle. Nothing says ‘get RED-y for Christmas’ like a frost-embellished glass bottle and a cherry-red cap. £86 for 100ml, Exclusive to Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A, 0800 123 400; jomalone.com

55 C&A_Dec_Beauty_Opener.indd 55

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:33

M a k e- u p H o w T o

FACE IT

Get the knockout look, with Charlotte Tilbury… Wo r d s M a r i n a G o u l d

A Charlotte Tilbury makeover plus a perfect manicure equals party time!

W o r d s AT H E N A KO S T O P O U L O S

First up, a ‘Pro-Collagen Wonder Workout’ with the Magic Cream. Push it in an upward outward motion on your cheeks, across the cheek bones, jaw line and neck as well. Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Treat & Transform Moisturiser SPF15, £70

2 Next, mascara. Apply from the inner corner out. Make sure you zigzag the brush upwards from root to tip, pulling the brush up slowly over the lashes. Full Fat Lashes, 5-Star Mascara: CurlSeparation-Length-Volume-Drama, £22

3 Third step, lips. Outline your lips by drawing over the outer edge of your natural lip line. The Lip Cheat pencil is perfect for this. Lip Cheat, Kiss ‘n’ Tell, Re-shape & Re-Size Lip Liner, £16

4 Then, apply some lippy. This Red Carpet Red shade is guaranteed to secure that showstopper party entrance. Apply confidently. Matte Revolution, Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick in Red Carpet Red, £23

5 Finish with the Filmstar bronzer, brushing Bronze onto the parts you want to sculpt (cheek hollows) and finishing with Glow on top of cheek bones. Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Face Sculpt & Highlight, £49

2 3

1 4

Read my Lips Guerlain

French beauty giants Guerlain have the Christmas party season covered with their sultry new winter make-up collection, modelled here by the brand’s venerable ambassador, Natalia Vodianova. guerlain.com

All Charlotte Tilbury products are available from Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A, 020 7318 3824; charlottetilbury.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CH_Dec_Beauty_Notes.indd 56

56 24/11/2014 09:51

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

Mobile Beauty

DIAL ‘M’ FOR MAKE-UP

Wo r d s E d w i n a L a n g l e y

Rodial

What do we want this festive season? A bit of make-up sculpting? Yes, please! This Sculpting Make-Up Collection includes a yellow-toned Instaglam Highlighter pen to lift those darker tones, and Glamolash Mascara XXL to give those lashes a real party boost. From £22-52, Available from Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X, 020 7235 5000; rodial.co.uk

sa lo n R e v i e w

PERFECT 10

SISLEY UP Sisley

For an alternative beauty treat this month, we recommend the founder of Sisley, Hubert d’Ornano’s book, La Beauté en Partage (Boundless Beauty). The fascinating story of the 1970s family business, now a science, nature and well-being-inspired global brand. £24; sisley-paris.com

LIGHT UP Tor y Burch

We love it when fashion meets beauty! ‘Petite Presents’ by Tory Burch includes a Bath Soap Set and White Tile-Print Candle, to light up bathtimes with Burch-style brightness. £18-38, Available from Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X, 020 7730 1234; toryburch.co.uk

editor’s

PICK

CHRISTMAS LOUBOUTIN Christian Louboutin

Christmas is about red – from head to toe – and this includes nails. What a relief, therefore, that Loubi Under, a felt-tip pen-like applicator or ‘nail tool’, has recently launched just in time for the festive season. £33, Available from Harrods. eu.christianlouboutin.com

57 CH_Dec_Beauty_Notes.indd 57

e are all busy, extremely busy, so that none of us have time to W busy do anything. I mean, take Christmas… do we even have time to have it?! Because we all have so much to do, many of the things we’d like to get done – like our nails – get neglected. Who has time to dash out in the middle of the day to get that extra lick of varnish to cover up that chip? Certainly not me! It was for this reason that when Perfect 10 were brought to my attention, I really paid attention. A mobile beauty salon offering all manner of services, Perfect 10 come straight to your door. Literally. Don’t fancy giving yourself that Brazilian?! Perfect 10 can administer. In fact they do all manner of waxes, and facials, and massages, and detox plans, and eyebrow threading… you get my drift, they do a lot. When they came to the Absolutely offices, however, they didn’t have to do all that much; only supply a mini-manicure to me because, in all honesty, I didn’t even have time to leave the office for a salon review this month. In 10 minutes flat, my nails were filed, buffed and polished, I’d had a good old natter with beautician Charlotte, and a well-earned (albeit brief) break from my computer. By the time I arrived back at my desk, with my glistening ‘new’ nails, I was raring to go – resolute in my opinion that when it comes to convenience beautification, Perfect 10 have got it nailed. u ● PERFECT 10 File and Paint, £15 for 15 mins, 020 3086 7833; perfect10mobilebeauty.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 09:51

Teeth as white as

SNOW

Everyone deserves a beautiful smile no matter how young - or young at heart you are. Treating yourself to a brand new smile doesn’t have to involve discomfort or hard work. In fact all you have to do is visit the professionals at the stylish clinic rooms of Metamorphosis Orthodontics.

We now also offer the following treatments: Protecting Clean

(available to patients in braces)

The Classic

Available to patients in braces. Our caring dental therapist will restore your oral hygiene as she uses a fine tipped sonic scaler to clean away plaque and hard deposit and advise you how to keep your braces and teeth clean between visits.

(clean & polish)

Metamorphosis Orthodontics Classic teeth cleaning treatment combines a clean and polish with oral hygiene advice and a gum health check. It’s the regular treatment to help maintain sweet breath and a dazzling smile.

ZOOM WHITENING

promotional price £295.00

The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The dentist or dental assistant applies the whitening gel, which works together with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. Leaving you with a dazzling smile fit for any Christmas party.

www.metamorphosisorthodontics.com Metamorphosis Orthodontics.DEC.indd 2

20/11/2014 11:39

020 773 11077 / 109 New Kings Road, London SW6 4SJ E: smile@metamorphosisorthodontics.com

Metamorphosis Orthodontics.DEC.indd 3

20/11/2014 11:39

CHRISTMAS AT THE IMPERIAL Here at The Imperial we are open to all types of parties and events. From casual drinks parties with your own bar, more formal drinks and canapés for corporate events or sit down lunch or dinner. All areas of our venue are available to hire. We have the bar, restaurant, garden and our new private dining room on the 1st ﬂoor. It accommodates 50 people sit down or drinks and canapés party for 80 people. We are also happy to hire the entire venue. Our events team will work within your budget and around your needs to ensure your event goes smoothly and all guests have a wonderful experience. We will create menus, drinks lists and room layouts to suit you.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week. We also specialise in private parties and outside catering. Opening times: Mon – Tues 9am – 11pm | Wed – Sat 9am – 12am | Sun 10am – 11pm

the-imperial.co.uk 577 Kings Rd SW6 | reservations@the-imperial.co.uk | 020 7736 6081

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> MY PLACE IS IN THE KITCHEN

p. 62

RESTAURANT REVIEW

p. 73

TURKEY TIME This isn’t just a turkey. This is an M&S turkey. Pembrokeshire Bronze Free Range Turkeys are reared slowly in clover-rich pastures for ultimate flavor and succulence. Order by 15th December. From £55; christmasfood.marksandspencer.com

61 C&A_Dec_Food_Opener.indd 61

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:22

INTERIORS / PROFILE

INTERVIEW

My Place is in

THE KITCHEN Cooking for Leonardo DiCaprio, sexism in the industry and power cuts during service, Pont St’s executive chef, Sophie Michell, stops at nothing Wo r d s e d w i n a l a n g l e y

EL: What is the ethos of Pont St? Healthy cooking is what you’re known for. SM: Well, Pont St isn’t about healthy cooking as such. We got some dishes on there which are healthy by default – the superfood salads, quinoa and pomegranate – but we also have killer truffle burgers and truffle fries, sliders and pork belly. I’m passionate about healthy eating, but this is a hotel and I want to cater for everyone.

EDWINA LANGLEY: So, from the beginning, you left school before your GCSEs? SOPHIE MICHELL: Yeah, when I was just 15 actually. In Somerset there’s some law, which means you can leave school early. EL: That was brave! SM: I had ME and lost lots of time at school so I didn’t want to go back. Also I was still quite ill, so it was half due to bad reasons, which went on to become good reasons! EL: So you then went into catering school? SM: I went straight into restaurants, actually. I worked for a local gastropubtype place. Then I worked in a couple of restaurants and did part-time training at college. Then, when I was 17, I moved to Dublin and cooked in restaurants for six months. Then I [came] back to London and did my NVQ Level 2 and 3 at chef’s school, whilst working at the Lanesborough. So, that was my first experience of London. EL: Then you worked as a private chef for Claudia Schiffer and Leonardo DiCaprio? SM: Yeah, that was a bit later on – when I was about 21. I started working for Claudia full-time, and worked for her for a couple of years. It was great. EL: And Leo? LEO?! SM: Leo was much later and that wasn’t for a huge length of time. It was more on location but he was amazing.

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EL: You do a lot of writing too – how do you find the time? SM: I haven’t done much recently but I’ve done two books this year. I took a week’s holiday in June to do that. EL: You took a holiday?! Is that allowed?! SM: The ‘holiday’ was working on the book!

EL: Were you nervous? SM: You’re always nervous whenever it’s a new job. When you’re cooking for celebrities you end up serving recognisable faces, which seems quite weird. EL: How did you get to your restaurant, Pont St? You are the youngest female executive chef… SM: Yeah, almost by chance. I came in here for drinks at a networking event and said I was looking for my own site. I desperately wanted to get back into the kitchen properly. It just went from there really – I did a trial run and got the job. I’m very lucky. I love it here.

EL: Phew, for a second I thought you might have been relaxing… SM: It was a semi-holiday. EL: And on top of that you’ve just opened the healthy eating restaurant, Gorgeous Kitchen in Heathrow! How often do you get to cook there? SM: We go a few times a month. There are four [female chefs], so we divide our time – I think there’s quite a high presence for executive chefs in somewhere like an airport! EL: The Gorgeous Kitchen is a really great idea, not least since it was started by four great women chefs. Chef Tom Kerridge’s recent comments about women not having the ‘fire’ needed to make it in the kitchen

62 24/11/2014 10:00

FOOD & DRINK / CHEF Q&A

63 CH_Dec_Angela_Haenett.indd 63

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:00

HAIR & BEAUTY

RYS is home to some of the most talented and well-respected hair, beauty and holistic experts in London offering the very latest in styling, colour and treatment technologies. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, RYS Hair & Beauty is spread over two ﬂoors with a unique and beautiful extended outdoor Styling Garden where cocktails and fresh juices are made to order.

Brazilian Blow Dry Extensions Massage Threading Waxing Facials Manicures Pedicures Thermal Scissor Cutting Reflexology Concierge

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RYS Hair and Beauty 176 Walton Street, Knightsbridge SW3 2JL // 020 7100 0724 // info@ryshairandbeauty.com // ryshairandbeauty.com

ABSOLUTELY CHELSEA

DECEMBER 2014 / £3.95

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LONDON

THE ARTFUL THINKER

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

GAVIN TURK ON UNTITLED WORK

GETTING TO THE CORE THE HEART OF THE BIG APPLE

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CHRISTMAS ISSUE

The Best of Local Luxury

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20/11/2014 17:22

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

21/11/2014 16:22

FOOD & DRINK / CHEF Q&A – that he’s not sure ‘it’s the industry for them’ – argh, maddening! You wrote something in The Metro about that. How have you found being in the kitchen? SM: I think it affects me in the way that, as we are more and more aware of, every industry is sexist. I think yesterday was International Equal Pay Day – [the day of acknowledgement that] because we are paid so much less than our male counterparts, most women could stop work yesterday [4th November] and not get paid for the rest of the year. That’s how much less we get paid. Does that make sense to you? EL: Yes. SM: We’re working for free. And I think every industry is quite sexist. Is the cooking industry more sexist? It’s just sexist because there’s such a high percentage of men, so women are always in the minority. It is an environment that is very intense and very hot – you have to be quite strong physically. So I can see why it is why it is. But equally, I don’t want women to think they can’t be executive chefs. That it’s such a rare entity that there is a female executive chef is what gets to me. EL: I completely agree. We should champion more female chefs because not only are they just as good but just as tough too. SM: We should try and push the industry, publicly, as being a very good place to work. I’m [currently] trying to employ staff and I’m seeing the inconsistency, the inequality. It’s brought it home to me recently. I do get asked about it a helluva lot as well. EL: I can imagine. But it’s good that people are talking about it. SM: I think so. I adore Tom Kerridge. I think he’s an absolutely brilliant chef and I never wanted that article to be anything against him. It’s just that we all have to be really aware of what we’re saying and how we’re coming across as an industry. EL: I think that’s a very sensible way of looking at it. On a lighter note – your favourite three ingredients are…?

I DON’T want women to THINK THEY CAN’T BE executive CHEFS SM: Oh goodness… umm… olive oil… chilli and garlic! I always use those little combos. EL: What would be your last supper? SM: [pauses] Oh... what’s my current obsession? I just love seafood platters, where you can spend hours eating with a nice glass of wine. But then I suppose if you’re on death row you’d want comfort food, and my comfort food would definitely be roast chicken.

EL: How stressful! Especially with novice celebrity cooks to look after… SM: Yeah, it was challenging. But it’s fine. Essentially things like that happen all the time in a kitchen – there’s always something, be it equipment or chefs or food. Food’s a very unpredictable industry, you can’t ever guarantee anything.

EL: Favourite drink? SM: Coconut water.

EL: What are you doing for Christmas? SM: I don’t know yet! My family live in Greece so I expect I’ll go back and see them really. Christmas in Greece is lovely – snow on the mountains and stuff. [Though] I am starting to miss English Christmases – the roast turkey…

EL: If you were going to eat out in London where would you go? SM: I really want to try Claire Smyth [at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay] on the Royal Hospital Road.

EL: What will you have instead? SM: We’ve had lamb recently. But ideally on Christmas Day: oysters to start, a proper classic roast turkey and something like a nice Mont Blanc. That’s my ideal.

EL: Celebrity MasterChef was filmed in your kitchen earlier this year and during filming the hotel lost power. That must have been a nightmare...

EL: I hope you get it! u

65 CH_Dec_Angela_Haenett.indd 65

SM: It was! We have a gas system and if someone presses a fire alarm on the top floor of the hotel, then it will switch down all our gas. On this particular occasion, we couldn’t get it back on. We literally had 60/70 people in the restaurant waiting for their food.

20 Chesham Place, SW1X, 020 3189 4850; pontst.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:01

COMING SOON WWW.ZINNIA-RESTAURANT.CO.UK 86 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, SW3 6HR HELLO@ZINNIA-RESTAURANT.CO.UK

THE M A LT H O U S E

GASTRO PUB WITH ROOMS

CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT THE MALT HOUSE Canapé Packages from £12 3 Course Set Menu £29.50 Available for partial or total hire up to 100 people ★ Stylish bar and spacious dining ★ Secret starry beer garden ★ 6 Luxurious bedrooms ★ Located 2 min walk from Fulham Broadway tube ★ Bespoke functions available

LONDON SHOWROOM The Plaza, 535 Kings Road, London SW10 0SZ 0207 3511955

Email: reservations@malthousefulham.co.uk Tel: 020 7084 6888 www.malthousefulham.co.uk twitter.com/MalthouseFulham

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www.obc-uk.net

9/24/2014 4:07:24 PM

21/11/2014 16:25

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES RECIPE

LANHYDROCK MINCE PIES Makes 50 Serves: 8 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients • 850g (1lb, 14oz) plain ﬂour • 425g (15oz) caster sugar • 850g (1lb, 4oz) margarine • 3 eggs • 425g (15oz) ground almonds • 6 drops almond essence • small pinch salt • 2 jars of good quality mince meat

TABLE TALK Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat… and so are we! LOVE LUNCH Method

01 Rub together the flour and margarine, until they resemble breadcrumbs. 02 Add caster sugar, salt, ground almonds and essence. 03 Add eggs and mix together until it resembles dough. 04 Divide dough in two: half for pastry cases, half for lids. 05 Roll out half of the dough and cut 50 circles using 7cm fluted cutter (for base). 06 Grease a bun tin, add pastry circles and press down. Repeat until all pastry is used. 07 Roll out remaining dough and cut out 50 circles using a 6cm fluted cutter (for lid). 08 Add one heaped teaspoon of mince meat to each pie. 09 Egg wash around the edge of each base, place lid on top and carefully press down. 10 Egg wash the lids of each pie and sprinkle with caster sugar. Pierce a hole in each one. 11 Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/ 325°F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Visit Lanhydrock, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30, 01208 265 950; nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock National Trust Annual Membership, £58; nationaltrust.org.uk/membership

Want somewhere fun and festive for that office Christmas lunch? For just £40 per head, The Thomas Cubitt, The Orange and The Pantechnicon Rooms are offering scrumptiously seasonal dishes, including Pan Roasted Pigeon Breast, Smoked Bacon Wrapped Free Range Bronze Turkey and Spiced Orange Crème Caramel. What’s not to love? cubitthouse.co.uk

For some delightful afternoon Christmassy treats, head to GAIL’s Artisan Bakery. Their Vanilla Biscuits, Almond and Pecan Thins, and Mini Christmas Cakes, satisfy all post-turkey hunger pangs. 341 Fulham Road, SW10, 020 7352 8842; gailsbread.co.uk

Ultimate Hamper ith Marc De Champagne Christmas Pudding, White Truffle Mayonnaise, six bottles of Fine Champagne, Two Panettones and a partridge in a pear tree (not really), no wonder our hamper pick is Harvey Nichols’ ‘Ultimate Indulgence’. £2,000, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X, 020 7235 5000; harveynichols.com

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH It’s all about the Reggie Robin Christmas Vanilla Sponge Cake from Waitrose. £13, 196 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 2775; waitrose.com

67 CH_Dec_Food Notes.indd 67

TAKING THE BISCUIT

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:20

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

IT’S

CHRISTMAS! Looking for that alternative gift? Planning to propose?! Look no further than our local, brilliant businesses

PETIT BATEAU Get set for Christmas with Petit Bateau’s collection of cosy and festive knitwear. Girls will love the wool knit cardigan decorated with a snowflake motif with silvery touches as well as the sailboat embroidery and the cute ribbon detailing. Petit Bateau, the luxury French fashion brand has been making stylish, high-quality clothing for the whole family for 121 years. 106-108 King's Rd, London, SW3 4TZ, 020 7838 0818 petit-bateau.co.uk

MU DU Mu Du hats stand head and shoulders above the rest. The designs are sculptural and minimal, for the confident in mind – each Mu Du hat demands to be noticed. With bold silhouettes and clean lines (popular in both the fashion and design industries currently) Mu Du hats are a Christmas wishlist must. 281 Portobello Road W10, 07985 428 671 mudu.co.uk

CHELSEA CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR Do all your Christmas shopping in one go at the 2nd annual Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair at Old Town Hall on King’s Road. Quality fashion, jewellery, artisan food, childrenswear and homeware. Over 70 exhibitors selling unique gifts for the whole family. Don’t miss out! From Friday 12th-Sunday 14th December. Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, SW3 chelseachristmasgiftfair.com

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ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXXX//PROMOTION XXXXXXXX

SIMON WRIGHT Simon Wright offers a complete bespoke service, including a sit-down design session to personally making your jewellery using the finest diamonds and gemstones. His latest offering is Perfect Proposal – propose with a diamond and a personalised invitation to design the perfect engagement ring together. 020 7490 0665; sw-jewellery.com/perfect-proposal

ECLIPSE CHELSEA

BRORA

Eclipse Chelsea is once again bringing the party to Walton Street with their infamous NYE Party. The bar is being transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland glowing under the UV moon light! Tickets are £30 and include a complimentary cocktail of your choice. We would recommend the Watermelon Martini! 111-113 Walton Street, SW3, 020 7581 0123; eclipsebars.com

Brora is one of Britain’s best-loved and most successful modern cashmere brands. Since its foundation in 1993, Brora has steadily grown into a fully-fledged fashion label with its own distinctive identity: wearable, subtle, mainly British-made clothes. Including only the finest fabrics Brora remains true to its vintageinspired self, whilst moving with the season. 6-8 Symons Street, SW3, 020 7730 2665; brora.co.uk

IMPERIAL Here at The Imperial we are open to parties and events. From casual drinks with your own bar, to a more formal event with canapés and sit-down lunches and dinners. All areas of our venue are available to hire including the bar, restaurant, garden and our new private dining room, which accommodates 50 for a sit-down or a drinks party for 80. Our events team work within your budget and ensure everything runs smoothly. 577 King’s Road, SW6, 020 7736 6081; the-imperial.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 09:42

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FOOD & DRINK / RESTAURANT REVIEW a process made necessary by the menu’s sparse descriptions. For example, my main of Roasted Salmon with Herb Sauce did a major disservice to the delightfully well-presented fish and refined vegetables that accompanied it. My starter of Salmon, Beetroot and Orange Gravadlax was delicious, although matched all the way by my date’s choice of Spicy Crispy Salmon Salad – the delicate presentation and Asian flavours of which, were a treat to all the senses. At the next step though, I found myself peering across the table through green-lensed eyes. My date’s Herbencrusted Rack of Lamb with Lamb Croquettes was a fantastic dish, served perfectly pink, and accompanied by

THE DÉCOR is a tasteful MIX OF TRADITIONAL and TRENDY

Salmontini le Resto

The Middle East comes to Pont Street with a brand new salmon-inspired restaurant. Will it sink or swim? Wo r d s H a r r y H a r l a n d

hen you think of the restaurant scene in the Middle East, beyond the realms of ‘traditional’ cuisine, you can’t escape the vision of imported ideas and even restaurants – like those of Nobu, Rhodes and Ramsay. It was therefore refreshing to attend the recently-opened London branch of Salmontini Le Resto, a concept originally established in Lebanon, before expanding

into Saudi Arabia and Dubai. A bold move, to bring it to London, not only because of the quantum leap in culinary standards our capital has experienced in the last 20-odd years, but also because Salmontini’s weapon of choice is that most British of fish, the salmon. On entering the Pont Street premises, the first thing to note is the immediate feeling of warmth and welcome. The décor is a tasteful mix of traditional and trendy, creating a slick vibe but without a trace of pretence. Once seated, our waiter began to explain our options to us,

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inventively presented ratatouille in a courgette cannelloni. A dish that made my aforementioned salmon seem rather ordinary, strange for a restaurant founded seemingly on its pink-fleshed fish. Any shortfall in wow-factor that I had experienced was short-lived, as I was subsequently blown away by the theatrics (and taste) of my pudding. A dome of intensely rich dark chocolate, filled with fondant and ice cream, which melted away with the application of its accompanying hot chocolate sauce. The perfectly good Tiramisu on the other side of the table didn’t stand a chance – the course was mine! If you were being picky, you could say that Salmontini lacks a bit of identity. With an extensive sushi list also adorning the menu, coupled with the name, you might think it was a fish restaurant. But their lamb was considerably better than the salmon, suggesting a kitchen at odds with the name. However, this is nit-picking. For now, it is nice to enjoy an unpretentious restaurant with attentive staff and some showpiece dishes. A further example of the rise of Middle Eastern cuisine. The oil price might be falling, but their culinary stock has never been higher. u 1 Pont Street, SW1X, 020 7118 1999; salmontini.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:17

Laurent Perrier RosĂŠ Champagne Birdcage Edition comes in a pretty pink birdcage that acts as a carrying case. It also comes with a matching stopper to preserve the Champagne once opened. ÂŁ69.95

magine a single website where you can do all your Christmas shopping at once. Where a few clicks can cater for your mum, your friends and your clients, and you'll be sure to keep them all happy. Shopping for alcohol is something that lends itself brilliantly to the web and new site 31dover.com is revolutionising the way that Londoners buy drinks, whether it's a single bottle, enough for a wedding party or even a mass corporate gifting initiative. Styling itself as the net-a-porter of the alcohol world, 31dover.com offers not only a wide range of products but also a very reliable next-day delivery service and a price match guarantee. Besides making drinks buying easier, 31dover.com will help buyers make informed choices. Want to try something unusual? Browse the range of spirits and you'll find a rare Guatemalan rum, a Roberto Cavalli vodka and over 40 types of whisky, all of them personally recommended by the team of experts. You'll find cocktail suggestions and lots of Champagne, plus wine, beer and mixers too. Whether it's a Christmas party, a beautifully presented gift or a regular cocktail cabinet refill, 31dover.com is the site to visit. u

Liquid

GIFTS 31dover.com is the perfect place to order gifts for everybody, from family members to corporate contacts. Absolutely takes a sip

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gift boxes

stylishly presented bottle works as the ultimate gift for all occasions. Whether it's a colleague, a client or a family member, a bottle of their favourite tipple, arriving in a beautiful matte black box, is sure to create an impression. From trusted favourites to obscure brands, there's a drink for everyone at 31dover.com. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

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ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

GREY GOOSE

WANT TO TRY something UNUSUAL or find that special gift FOR CHRISTMAS?

rey Goose's Le Fizz is an elegant and refreshing combination of Grey Goose vodka, fresh lime juice and elderflower, served in a flute topped with chilled soda. This gift pack provides the recipe, the vodka and the flutes, in a stylish cool blue box. £54.95 ◆

Dalmore

roduced deep in the Scottish Highlands, this 12 year old single malt is initially matured for 9 years in ex-bourbon casks before being carefully divided to continue its maturation in 30 year old sherry casks.The result is a complex, yet balanced Whisky with chocolate and aromatic spice aromas, as well as flavours of sherry and dark chocolate orange on the palate. £34.50 ◆

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE

his limited edition Crystal Glass Pack is a very classy presentation box for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It comes with two highly desirable Glencairn crystal glasses and of course a bottle of the world's most famous ultrapremium blended Scotch Whisky. Look out for the taste of honey and fruit as well as the unmistakable aroma of smoke which makes this one of Johnnie Walker's very best. £194.95 ◆

WILLIAMS CHASE ELEGANT GIN nlike most other gins, where a neutral grain spirit is simply redistilled, this Elegant Gin is created by first pressing cider apples, fermenting the juice into cider, then distilling into Naked Chase Apple Vodka with 11 carefully considered wild botanicals, including juniper, angelica, orange and lemon peel, hops and elderflower. £37.50 ◆

DOM PÉRIGNON 2004 METAMORPHOSIS by Iris Van Herpen Limited Edition

nspired by the way Dom Pérignon champagne transforms over time, fashion designer Iris van Herpen has created this incredible limited edition bottle with signed gift boxes.“Metamorphosis represents continued creation, energy and transformation,” said Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon's Cellar Manager. £120 ◆

CRYSTAL HEAD

wo Crystal Head shot glasses are included in this collector's presentation box. Not considering quadruple-distilled Vodka to be pure enough, founders Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander decided they needed to filter it through 500-million-year-old crystals known as Herkimer diamonds to add the finishing touch. They then went and topped it all by housing their Vodka in this spectacular skull. This isn't just a prop, it's serious Vodka. £52.95 ◆

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● 31dover.com promises next day delivery, whether it's one bottle or 100 –and free next day delivery when you spend over £100. For top rated service, a great selection and the best prices online, visit 31dover.com DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:32

SKI BOOT LAB

www.profeet.co.uk/skiing

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04/09/2014 09:23

> TALE OF TWO CITIES: DISCOVERING THE REAL NEW YORK

p. 78

NEW YORK, NEW YORK Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like New York in winter; the city we know and love. But for a fresh new look at The Big Apple, read Tale of Two Cities on p.78.

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DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:59

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX CITY GUIDE

A Tale Of Two Cities The backdrop for so many Hollywood blockbusters, everyone knows New York... or do they? Our reporter travels across the pond to discover the real Big Apple Wo r d s E d w i n a L a n g l e y

n my mind, there are two types of New York: the factual and the fictional. The latter is the one I first heard of. It’s Sinatra’s city that ‘doesn’t sleep’; it’s where I would go to eat breakfast at Tiffany’s, to shop on Madison Avenue like Carrie Bradshaw, to discover Tom Hanks (or similar) on top of the Empire State Building. Then I actually went to New York, and discovered that Tiffany’s is closed for breakfast, that I could afford no more than a pretzel on Madison Avenue and that all I discovered on top of the Empire State Building was that I have vertigo. Having come to terms with the fact that fictional New York is a myth, I made a return visit to the Big Apple with my eyes open. No rushing round the city, telling myself I’ve come to make it as a writer, like Jo March from Little Women, and absolutely no ‘I [HEART] New York’ t-shirts. I was there to see New York, and New York proper. And nothing was going to get in the way of that... So, having flopped my jetlagged body onto an enormous bed at the Loews Regency Hotel, and woken up to discover my room overlooked the bustling Park Avenue, I felt none of the exhilaration that, say, Annie might have felt in her

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Central Park

I was there to see NEW YORK, and NEW YORK proper eponymous film, when she woke up at Daddy Warbucks’ mansion on Fifth. None at all. I merely noted, nonchalantly, that in addition to the gigantic bed, and spacious cupboards, the en-suite bathroom featured a TV built into the mirror so I could watch Food Network as I showered. Yes, and?

Having recently undergone a $100million renovation, Loews Regency New York is undoubtedly one of the smartest hotels Midtown has to offer. An ornate entrance lobby greets you and leads into a bar and restaurant discretely to the left. Famous for its cuisine, food at the Loews Regency is some of the finest you’ll eat in the city, and the ‘Power Breakfast’ is what they’re best known for. Running from 7-10am on weekdays, you have to book well in advance to get a table. When you finally do, it’s obvious why it took you so long. Because as Wall Street hot shots chat numbers on nearby tables, you too find yourself number-crunching: ‘how many eggs can I fit in in one sitting?’ And then ‘do I have the Three-Egg Omelette, the Eggs Benedict, the Eggs Florentine or the Smoked Salmon Benedict?’ It’s a very taxing decision first thing in the morning. Upstairs, the 379 guest rooms include 58 suites, all designed in muted colours, classic and chic, and each boasting dramatic views of the city. On the first floor you’ll find the magical Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, which includes a well-equipped fitness centre and a salon with 32 cutting stations. I went in for the ‘Power Hour’ – three services in 60 minutes – and I tell you, my body has never seen so much pampering. In just

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TRAVEL / CITY GUIDE

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DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:58

Multi-award winning interior architect and design studio with lifestyle showroom in Chelsea. Fabulous gifts and free wrapping service

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21/11/2014 13:56

TRAVEL / CITY GUIDE over an hour, my hair had been blowdried so expertly it actually ‘swooshed’, my nails had been polished so well they practically blinded me, and I underwent an extreme MAC makeover. I looked really quite Hollywood – had it been 7am, I could have ordered Tiffany’s for breakfast. Probably. But it wasn’t 7am, it was 7pm, and since I was dolled up, I needed somewhere to go. Tourists (and fantasists) would take on Broadway, but since I was there to discover the real New York, I did as real New Yorkers would do: went ‘off-Broadway’. Queen of the Night by Randy Weiner (directed by Christine Jones) is an ‘immersive theatre experience’. Set in the Paramount Hotel, it’s a bit like London’s The Box in Soho – a sort of weird and wonderful nightmare (if such a thing exists) made-up of daredevil acrobatics, kinky dance acts and circus tricks. For a Premium Reservation ticket at $190, you enjoy an all-you-can-drink bar tab and an excessively gluttonous dinner (think: towers of hot lobsters served in cages and suckling pigs on platters). Neither the show, nor the dinner, were for the faint hearted. If suggestive codpiece rubbing, or being led backstage to be stroked, don’t float your boat, steer clear. As a closeted extrovert, and after a decanter of wine, I was more than up for both. In fact, I’ve still got the note given to me by my backstage stroker [sic]. Written on a Guest Check receipt, it cryptically reads: ‘Pass your kiss to a stranger that gives you pause’. When you’re not out kissing strangers like real New Yorkers (apparently) do, perhaps you might consider learning a bit about the city itself. I’m not suggesting a day-long schlep through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but a morning spent in the city’s finest living museum, Central Park. A tour with the park’s Conservancy Historian and Photographer, Sara Cedar

Grand Central Terminal

Loews Regency

Miller, is the way to do it. Why? Because there’s no traipsing round miles of parkland involved (though, in truth, I’d have also loved that). All it entails is a leisurely drive to various park locations, where you get out to learn about them, and the park’s history in general. Did you know, for example, that Central Park was originally a rocky swampland, chosen as the park’s location because it was cheap to buy? That there is an ‘adopt a bench’ programme where you can adopt one of the park’s 3,000 benches (for $7,500) to support the park’s conservation? That chipmunks have finally returned, and that I got to see one? Sara’s intelligent guide was enchanting; you knew you were in the presence of a passionate pro. Alternatively, if it’s an indoors activity you’re after, you won’t regret the hardto-book (but totally worth it) ‘secret’ tour round Grand Central Station with Daniel Brucker. The first thing you’ll learn on the tour though, is that the title ‘Grand Central Station’ is entirely wrong. Its real name is Grand Central Terminal. The world’s largest for trains, with over 750,000 people pass through it each day. In his comically loud delivery (guaranteed to shock you out of your Queen of the Night-induced stupor) Daniel divulges all sorts of nuggets of information. Such as: the most expensive artefact in the Main Concourse is the clock (with its four oval opal faces, it’s been valued at between $10-20 million). And that the lagoon-coloured zodiac on the ceiling is actually one big mistake

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(it was painted backwards). And that there’s a rather large hole in the ceiling too, made from the Redstone rocket displayed there in the late Fifties to counter the Space Race media advantage gained by the Soviet Union following Sputnik’s launch in 1957. Behind the scenes, you scuttle through underground tunnels before climbing to the highest point of the terminal, to view the Main Concourse via the half-moontopped glass windows. Not ideal for me and my vertigo, but luckily I kept the fear at bay just long enough to realise this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In fact, my entire trip was a once-in-alifetime experience. And I mean that to sound like a cliché, because it ties-in with the fictional New York I had described earlier; the one I thought didn’t exist. Now I know it does exist. It is possible to explore the factual, actual New York, and still experience an almost too-goodto-be-true, worthy-of-Hollywood, side to it as well. That was probably the most surprising element of my return trip to the metropolis; that and the realisation that (like the mug I bought in Departures at Newark Airport) I really do [HEART] New York. ◆  For reservations or more information about Loews Regency, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit loewshotels.com/Regency-Hotel  For flights from London to New York, book via Delta Air Lines; delta.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:58

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Back in the

SADDLE A horse allergy sufferer since childhood, find out what happened when our novice rider visited Hyde Park Stables for her first ride in over two decades… Wo r d s e d w i n a l a n g l e y

n my earliest years I used to ride every weekend at a local riding school in Suffolk. I remember the excitement each Saturday morning brought – rushing round the tack room trying to find the right hat to squash my little head into prior to my morning’s hack. I came to believe that Thistle and Duffy, the ponies I rode, were actually mine, and I loved them like they were part of my family. One Saturday, when I was seven-yearsold, I hurried to the tack room as usual. But this time, something went very wrong. My throat suddenly constricted and my eyes started stinging like they’d been doused in vinegar. Within minutes, a rash raged like fire across my body and I couldn’t breathe. It was all I could do not to scratch my face off. An emergency visit to the doctor followed and my funny spell, diagnosed: I was totally, utterly and completely allergic to horses. I couldn’t believe it; it was the worst news I had ever heard. I cried for a month afterwards. In the years that followed, every time I so much as looked at a horse the allergy flared-up. ‘You’ll grow out of it,’ the doctor promised, ‘by the time you’re 18…’ But on the day of my 18th birthday, I was still as allergic as ever. A decade and a half later, however, the opportunity arose for me to ride at Hyde

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Park Stables. I’d been near a horse in my mid-twenties and noticed my symptoms had mellowed, but I’d never seriously considered riding again. Hyde Park Stables is located in Bathurst Mews near Lancaster Gate, to the north of Hyde Park. Run for the last 20 years by the delightful Basia Briggs and her husband Richard, the stables are the last privately owned in London. Boasting a legion of celebrity fans – Courtney Love, Tom Selleck, Jodie Kidd – Hyde Park Stables not only offer group lessons and one-on-one tutoring, but half day camps and intensive courses too. Catering to the very experienced, the not-so experienced, and the totally unexperienced, it is possibly the best place to start if you are considering a return visit to the stirrups. And so it was that one wet afternoon in October I found myself shuffling my way into Bathurst Mews. There was something rather antiquated about the fact that, here at least, horses still live in a cobbled mews. It felt like stepping back in time, which of course I was a bit – back to a time when I could hop on a horse without a care in the world. Shortly after arrival I was kitted out with a helmet, waterproofs and some riding boots, and tentatively led towards my horse for the afternoon, Murphy. I must

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ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

I HAD waited a lifetime FOR THIS, and it was INCOMPARABLE confess I felt rather nervous at this point (and frightened too). As I stared at the dark brown gelding I began to wonder whether this might actually be a terrible idea... However. Having mounted the wonderfully sedate ‘Murphs’, mastered

the reigns (so much easier than I remembered) and on finding myself plodding round Hyde Park – ALLERGY FREE – it all came flooding back: the twitch of the horse’s ears when bothered by pesky flies; the familiar smell of comforting, dusty horsey-coats; the ruddy cheeks acquired from riding through wet weather; the love you feel instantly for the animal charged with your transport, and the trust you instinctively place in them… Just five minutes-in and I was attempting a rising trot with gusto and confidence; my technique was amateur, but the moment was magic. I had waited a lifetime for this, and it was incomparable.

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I will never forget my afternoon at Hyde Park Stables. And as the friend I took with me confirmed, of course you don’t need to have had an allergy to find riding there unforgettable. Just being on a horse in the middle of London is extraordinary. Treat your loved ones to a Gift Voucher this Christmas – for group, semi-private or private lessons, it’s the ideal outdoor activity; I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. u

● Hyde Park Stables

63 Bathurst Mews, W2, 020 7723 2813; hydeparkstables.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 09:36

NEW KITCHENS @ SHOREDITCH

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Showrooms 020 7760 7558 WHARFESIDE.indd 1 Wharfeside.indd 1 absolutely-ad10.indd 1

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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 86

GET THE LOOK

p. 89

WHITE COMPANY CHRISTMAS If it doesn’t snow outside on Christmas Eve, it can still be all white on the night, with the White Company’s decorative table displays, baubles, wreaths and more. 4 Symons Street, SW3, 020 8166 0199; thewhitecompany.com

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DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:07

Interior

Beata’s

top 10 picks SOANE BRITAIN

The Shell Wall Light, £1,050; soane.co.uk

INSPIRATIONS Deck the halls this December with creative and colourful homeware w o r d s b e ata H e u M a n

ROBERTO CAVALLI HOME

Floreale Throw, £1,250; harrods.com

ANDREW WEBB & GEOFF COLLIER

St Barnabas Knocker, £455; collierwebb.com 03

GUNTA STÖLZI Conf 675 Rug, £1,080;

christopherfarr.com

California Sunburst Corona Chandelier Remains Lighting Remains Lighting has a large collection of pieces inspired by the legendary Hollywood set designer Tony Duquette. Get stuck into the movies of the Golden Age and marvel! £6,084, 402 Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour, SW10, 020 3056 6548; remains.com

BIRGIT ISRAEL

Vintage Spanish Faience Table Decoration from 1950s, £350; birgitisrael.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS / PORTFOLIO HABITAT

Set of 3 Robot Glass Tree Decorations, £15; habitat.co.uk

WALNUT WINDSOR ROCKER K a t i e Wa l k e r

An underestimated classic, I predict a strong comeback for the rocking chair in 2015 – for children and adults alike. £2,325, Available from Heals, 234 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7896 7451; heals.co.uk

06 07

PEACOCK BACKGAMMON SET Alexandra Llewellyn

Alexandra meticulously designs her boards from the finest materials and offers a bespoke service too. £3,600, Available from the Conran Shop, 81 Fulham Road, SW3, 020 7589 7401; alexandralldesign.com

REGENCY SHORT WAVE CABINET (COLOURIST)

DALE ROGERS

Pyrite Cubes in Matrix, £1,200; dalerogersammonite.com

NICKY HASLAM FOR OKA The Harvest Cushion Cover, £38; okadirect.com

Julian Chichester

Deliciously red and impossible to resist! The wavy design makes the most of the reflective finish. £2,425, Queens Elm Parade, SW3, 020 7622 2928; julianchichester.com

EDWARD BULMER POTS OF PAINT

editor’s

Navy Blue, Red Ochre, Turquoise, Brimstone and Chocolate, From £38 for 2.5l; potsofpaint.com

PICK BESPOKE POISON BOTTLE & SILVER SKULL BOTTLE STOPPER

T h e o Fe n n e l l

For a bit of Christmas naughtiness, go for these quirky skull bottle stoppers. POA, 169 Fulham Road, SW3; theofennell.com For further ideas, visit interior designer Beata Heuman; beataheuman.com

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KIKI VAN EIJK

Soft Candle Holder, £450; mintshop.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:04

HISCOX.indd 1

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HOMES & INTERIORS / HOME HELP 6

Get The Look

5 1

Hill House Interiors reveal how to create an Art Deco-influenced modern dining room

WELLESLEY WING CHAIR These handcrafted chairs feature intricate embroidery and add elegance to any dining room. £720 2

BAOBAB CANDLE RANGE These luxurious candles are the perfect lighting accessories. From £65-£189

editor’s

CARLISLE BAR CHAIR

PICK

Available in a range of finishes, the Carlisle brings height and style to a home cocktail bar. £840 4

STRAND LAMP TABLE Redolent of the glamorous Art Deco age. £950 5

EGLIZA MIRRORED LACE VASE This stunning 30cm white lace vase is lined with gold leaf detailing. £295

LOVING ARMS CHANDELIER Striking metalwork ensures this chandelier will be the room’s centerpiece. £1,886.50

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All products available from Hill House Interiors, 11 Elystan Street, SW3, 020 7580 5911; hillhouseinteriors.com

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:37

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.

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17/04/2014 11:08

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

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17/04/2014 11:08

Interior Design | Arts | Craftsmanship

MAYFAIR | BELGRAVIA | KENSINGTON | CHELSEA

www.warretjullion.co.uk interiors@warretjullion.co.uk | 0203 036 0083 | Warret & Jullion, 15 Stratton Street, London W1J 8LQ

Grate Expectations Ltd. Ltd The Fireplace Specialists

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20/11/2014 15:40

> EDUCATION: GRAB A GRANNY

p.95

SMALL TALK

p. 97

TIME FOR CARAMEL Made of 60% angora, Caramel Baby & Child’s Laurel Hat (£61, pictured) and Tilia Gloves (£58, pictured) are guaranteed to keep heads and hands toasty warm. And as for the Hazel Skirt (£80, pictured)… no excuse needed! 291 Brompton Road, SW3, 020 7589 7001; caramel-shop.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:22

Call us today and treat yourself! Pre-Christmas installs still available Custom installs available, hidden wires, listed buildings, conservation areas and flats Arabic and European language satellites supplied and fitted

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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Grab a Granny

Can’t pay the school fees? Then find yourself a wealthy grandparent who can. Absolutely learns how the older generation are lending a helping hand Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

‘Y

ou should see them at the school gates,’ says a teacher at a desirable west London prep. ‘They are amazing, dressed head-totoe in expensive clothes. They come swanning in to the playground like it’s a catwalk.’ She’s not talking about the mothers, but the glamorous grannies who are becoming a more familiar sight in London’s smartest playgrounds. And more often than not, these turbo-charged septuagenarians are not just doing the school run but often paying the school fees too. With exorbitant school fees, maxed out mortgages, rising living costs and salary increases in the deep freeze, many parents are struggling to manage. Their own parents, on the other hand, are rolling in it. Due to the property boom, many over-60s are sitting pretty on a pile of dosh – either because of sizeable equity in their home or because they realised good returns when downsizing. A spokesman at the Independent Schools Fees Advice service says: ‘We are increasingly finding grandparents assisting in the funding of their grandchildren’s school fees. Some independent schools are even holding open days just for grandparents.’ And their help is much needed. Figures from the Independent Schools Council last year showed that where three children between the ages of eight and 18 are at an independent school simultaneously, the average cost can reach more than £60,000 in one year alone. Another survey found a quarter of parents who send their children to private schools could only do so with

SOME INDEPENDENT

schools are holding OPEN DAYS just for

GRANDPARENTS

the help of their parents. And one in ten of those questioned admitted to using retirement savings to cover the cost of spiralling school fees. Richard Boyd of Duncan Lawrie Private Bank, which commissioned the poll, says: ‘While many children may be lucky enough to benefit from scholarships and bursaries, there are still many parents who are having to find significant amounts of money to keep their children in private school.’ For many parents, it is a constant – and private – struggle. A mother with children at a well-known south-west London prep says, ‘You’d actually be amazed at how many parents aren’t paying the fees, more often than not it’s their own parents, but you wouldn’t know it in the playground.’

95 Chiswick_Dec_Education.indd 95

Another mother, whose children are at a smart north London prep, is less charitable. ‘You can just tell the ones who aren’t paying by the way they look,’ she says, witheringly. Aside from the warm glow they achieve by funding their grandchildren’s education, drip-feeding those school fees has other advantages for grandparents. The real bonus is the efficient use of inheritance tax (IHT) allowances that come as a result of setting up discretionary trusts for school fees. Grandparents can hollow out their equity or pass on savings to the tune of £325,000 – the threshold for the nil-rate tax band – in the form of discretionary trusts without incurring any taxation – provided they survive for seven years after making the contribution. If they survive for this period the gift falls outside their estate under IHT rules. There are also potential income tax advantages, too, as a grandchild – as a nontax payer - can often reclaim significant income tax (most often at 50%) already paid by the grandparents on the funds. A study done last December has suggested that grandparents supplementing school fees was one of the reasons that pupil numbers at independent schools did not fall with the recession. The study by mtm consulting questioned 6,200 parents with children at fee-paying schools. It found that 25% of London parents admitted to receiving financial help with their fees. One London parent says, ‘It’s the ultimate shame... Not being able to manage the school fees.’ But another sums up what many of us probably feel: ‘If my parents could afford to pay for my children to go to private school, I’d be bloody thrilled.’ u

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 10:09

RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN Charmaine Hast chast@wedlakebell.com

FINANCIAL CERTAINTY In a world where relationship breakdown and financial certainty are aspects of life that everybody wants to avoid or achieve, our extensive knowledge and sensitive handling of these matters make us a number one choice of our clients.

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Our Family Team can provide advice on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, civil partnerships, divorce and separation, issues involving children and we can help with a number of alternatives to a court-based process, such as mediation, collaborative law and arbitration. Our internationally experienced solicitors can assist with foriegn jurusdictions and shariah law.

wedlakebell.com | 020 7406 1642

Trisha Siddique tsiddique@wedlakebell.com

The Kindergartens are delighted to announce that they are opening two new nursery schools in Holland Park, W14 and Aubrey Walk, W8. These will be sister nurseries to their highly successful Pooh Corner Kindergarten in SW7. The new kindergartens will offer a very exciting and unrivalled education. Morning places are available now.

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KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

WEAR

Ralph Lauren Kids

Skiing over Christmas and the New Year? Deck your kids (not the halls) in the vibrant colours of Ralph Lauren – like the Long-Sleeved Plaid Shirt for girls (£65, pictured) and the Snowflake Cotton Sweater for boys (£150). 139-141 Fulham Road, 020 7761 0310; global.ralphlauren.com

SHELF LIFE

HANSEL AND GRETEL

SMALL TALK It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and at last, it’s here!

BUY

D r a g o n s o f Wa l t o n S t r e e t

There is no finer present than this aweinspiring Dragons Doll’s Townhouse; an investment to last generations. £1,995, 23 Walton Street, SW3, 020 7589 3795; dragonsofwaltonstreet.com

Review by A n dy B a r r

here is only one word for this: T beautiful. The classic Grimm tale of two abandoned children and a fearsome witch is rendered exquisitely, using lasercuts and translucent pages to add some real and literal depth. While for some it may border on being too arty, if there is ever an example of the beauty and engagement a book can provide, this is it. The perfect present from a godparent – or the man with a big white beard and a very big red coat. u

E AT

WEAR

Want to write a letter to Father Christmas – and then get to eat it? We do! Thank you Waitrose for your DIY Santa Letter Biscuit. £2, 196 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7351 2775; waitrose.com

Let’s face it, there are very few angels who wouldn’t want to wear one of these Tutu Pettiskirts. Go on, make their Christmas! In a range of colours, from £35-65; angels-face.co.uk

Wa i t r o s e

A n g e l ’s Fa c e

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by Sybille Schenker £19.99, Michael Neugebauer Edition

DECEMBER 2014

24/11/2014 11:12

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FIND

THE

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A.J.Bell’s West London Premier Gun Service

Gun StoraGe • Gun SaleS Gun Maintenance • acceSSorieS AUCTION SERVICES & GUN FINDER 104 Stephendale road, Fulham, london SW6 2PH 020 7731 2074 • 07703 601 093 www.ajbells.co.uk • archie@ajbells.co.uk

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Property Absolutely

December 2 014

> PROPERTY NEWS p. 120 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 128 LIVING THE DREAM p. 106 PRIME PURCHASE p. 126

Cornwall Gardens, SW7

POA Share of Freehold

A fabulous five bedroom triplex apartment occupying the third, fourth, and fifth floors (with lift) of this handsome part stuccofronted building which faces south over the garden square.

020 7373 1010

westchelsea@struttandparker.com

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ÂŁ7,500,000 Freehold 20/11/2014 14:13

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Opening doors in London since 1856 From the moment you walk through one of our doors, you’ll only deal with someone who lives and breathes your local property market. Someone who knows exactly which buttons to press to sell or let your home. And someone who understands that determination and integrity will open more doors for you than any other approach. So why not visit one of our 22 London offices? As we’ve been saying since 1856, our door’s always open...

marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results. Askew Road

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Marylebone & Mayfair

Richmond

Balham

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Camden

East Sheen

Kensington

Notting Hill

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Ennismore Gardens SW7 ÂŁ2,250,000 This stunning two-bedroom apartment is located in the much sought after Knightsbridge garden square, Ennismore Gardens. The apartment beneďŹ ts from a private street entrance and secluded private patio garden. The accommodation offers a bright and spacious reception room with separate dining area, a contemporary kitchen and two fantastic bedroom suites both with en suite bathrooms and fabulous built-in wardrobes. Leasehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

SOUTH KENSINGTON: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk

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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

Musgrave Crescent SW6 £2,350,000 This impressive mid-terrace house overlooks Eel Brook Common and offers huge potential to extend (subject to planning consent). The accommodation is arranged over three ﬂoors comprising a beautiful double reception room, eat-in kitchen leading out to a private rear garden, a master bedroom complete with balcony and stunning views over the Common, three further double bedrooms (one currently being used as an ofﬁce) and two family bathrooms. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents.

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

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Living the Dream The MOST LUXURIOUSLY appointed PROPERTIES on the market

Mies Van Der Rohe Style Penthouse At Marathon House Modernist Interiors & Stunning West End Views This stunning duplex penthouse is located on the top two floors of the 164 ft high Marathon House residential tower at 200 Marylebone Road. With 4,079 sq ft of living space over two floors, the four bedroom penthouse provides classic modernist interiors and outstanding panoramic views over Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. With its floor to ceiling windows, open interiors, sleek lines and polished floors, the interior architecture of the penthouse is the epitome of the modernist style.

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ÂŁ10,000,000

The duplex is arranged to provide all the benefits of a house, with entertaining and living areas on one floor, and luxurious bedroom suites on the other. The fourteenth floor consists of a vast open plan triple aspect space providing a double living area, a 16 seater dining area and a TV/media room. The separate kitchen / breakfast room continues the modernist style with floor to ceiling windows, fully fitted designer kitchen with stone worktops, high gloss units and integrated appliances. Beauchamp Estates 020 7722 9793; beauchamp.co.uk

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PROPERTY | IDEAL HOMES

Distillery Wharf, W6 £2,330,000 Leasehold

A three bedroom fifth floor apartment located within this new riverside development offering far reaching views. Residents will enjoy exclusive use of the 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, wine cellar. Lockett Estates 020 7381 4998; lockettestates.co.uk

Eccleston Square, SW1, £2,500,000

Fulham Road, SW6, £950,000

A rarely seen lateral three bedroom apartment of superb proportions on the prestigious Eccleston Square. The fourth floor apartment comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bright reception room with views over the square, fitted kitchen, dining room and store room. Eccleston Square garden is an award winning private garden with resident tennis court. The flat is accessed via a lift and has a caretaker in residence.

This beautifully presented and spacious two double bedroom maisonette profits from a private roof terrace which looks down Radipole Road and is set over two floors. The property includes a large eat-in kitchen, beautifully bright and spacious south facing reception, two double bedrooms, recently refurbished bathroom and a private roof terrace. Benefiting from having all of the amenities along Fulham Road and Eel Brook Common.

Winkworth, Pimlico: 020 7828 1786; winkworth.co.uk

Bushells, Fulham: 020 7731 9680; bushells.com

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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.

BENSON BEARD MRICS A S S O C I AT E D I R E C T O R

Benson has two decades of property experience in Chelsea as a Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent bringing a true wealth and breadth of expertise and experience to all his dealings. Married in Chelsea Old Church, playing regular cricket matches at Burton Court, negotiating lease extensions and selling some of Chelsea’s finest homes, makes Benson a true local and he has cemented his position as one of the area’s most knowledgeable and credible property professionals.

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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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

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20/10/2014 09:40 14:02 24/07/2014

New Release FAU L KNE R

HO U SE

The new collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses at London’s most prestigious riverside location, Fulham Reach. Each apartment features a private balcony or terrace, elegant interiors and residents will also benefit from an exclusive private members’ club featuring a beautiful spa, gymnasium, swimming pool, wine cellar, virtual golf and a cinema screening room.

Apartments and Penthouses available from £769,950 - £3,799,950* Fulham Reach Riverside Show Apartments and Marketing Suite, Distillery Road, London W6 9RU +44 (0) 207 870 9500 | enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk www.fulhamreach.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of Companies

Computer generated images for illustrative purposes only. *Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

BUCKINGHAM GATE, SW1E

1,450,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

A fantastic two bedroom mansion block flat arranged over the first floor situated just off Buckingham Gate. The apartment offers excellent access to the amenities of Victoria Street and the transport links of St James', Westminster or Victoria. In good order with well presented and evenly balanced accommodation throughout. First Floor Flat, Red Brick Mansion Block, Excellent Location, Two Bedrooms, Close to St James' Park, Range of Transport Links Nearby, Well Presented

PIMLICO & WESTMINSTER | 020 7828 1786 pimlico@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/pimlico-westminster

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

19/11/2014 10:28

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

CAUSTON STREET, SW1P 1,900,000 LEASEHOLD A superb two/three bedroom, two bathroom duplex apartment forming part of an attractive red brick mansion block. The open plan kitchen and dining area look out into the fantastic garden of generous proportions and the apartment is tastefully decorated and well presented throughout. St George's Mansions are well placed for access to the transport links of Pimlico, Victoria and Vauxhall just over the bridge, whilst a wide range of amenities can be found nearby along Warwick Way, Wilton Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road. Mansion Block Apartment, Close to Transport, Fantastic 69.22 sq m Private Garden, Two/Three Bedrooms and Two Bathrooms, Well Presented, Long Lease

PIMLICO & WESTMINSTER | 020 7828 1786 pimlico@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/pimlico-westminster

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

19/11/2014 10:28

PROPERTY | NEWS

CASH RICH BUT TIME POOR? WE HAVE THE BUYING SOLUTION JONATHAN MOUNT

Partner at The Buying Solution, London 020 7591 2640; thebuyingsolution.co.uk

The Buying Solution As the independent buying consultancy of Knight Frank, The Buying Solution finds and secures exceptional properties in prime central London and throughout the UK quickly, efficiently and at the best possible price for our retained clients. As a retained client, our dedicated buying agents will take the time to understand your exact property requirements so that they can introduce you to unparalleled properties, often before they come to the open market. What is the best thing about your job? The relationships I build with my clients. I love the diversity of people that I have been able to work for, it is always very enjoyable learning about what makes them tick and ultimately finding them a home. The role of a buying agent is about people first and foremost, property just happens to be the commodity we deal in.

The London Management Company provides both property and related lifestyle services to both private and corporate clients. From finding the perfect home, investment or office through to managing a pied a terre, rental property or building we offer the services and advice required to extract the maximum value out of our clients property investment.

If you could live anywhere in prime central London, where would it be? I count myself as very lucky to work in prime central London and there are a lot of areas that I love. If push came to shove I would probably go with Notting Hill. There is something for everyone there; you have the hustle and bustle of the Portobello Road juxtaposed with the up-market boutiques and cafes of Westbourne Grove. It is also home to some of my favourite properties which back onto the wonderful communal gardens of the Ladbroke Estate.

You breathe, we do the rest.

How is the property market? Turbulent(!) but not without opportunity. I have witnessed a marked change in the market over the past few months following a bumper start to the year. There is currently a lot of property on the market, and for the first time in years instead of it being a sellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market, the pendulum has swung in favour of the buyer. Uncertainty will be rife until after the General Election next May, particularly as talk of a mansion tax festers. For those brave enough to dip their toe in the market, the next six months could be the best opportunity to buy property since 2009.

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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

CHIPSTEAD STREET, SW6

£2,995 pw

A stunning seven bedroom house which has been fully extended and renovated to a very high standard throughout offering great light and a contemporary feel. SEVEN BEDROOMS, FIVE BATHROOMS, DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM, KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM, FAMILY/MEDIA ROOM, SOUTH WEST FACING GARDEN, EPC C

020 7381 4998

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sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

FULHAM ROAD SW6

£650,000 L/H

CROOKHAM ROAD SW6

£649,950 SOFH

An immaculately presented two double bedroom apartment offering 5 5 sq ft of well proportioned living and entertaining space. • First Floor • Kitchen • 2 Bedrooms • Energy Efficiency: Band • Bathroom • Reception Room

his open plan top floor flat found in this ictorian building is flooded with light it has been completely refurbished to a high standard. • Great ransport in s • En suite Bathroom • Double Bedroom • Energy Efficiency: Band E • pen lan Kitchen • 2 Balconies

Fulham Parsons Green Sales: 020 7751 8899

WARDO AVENUE SW6

£1,500,000 F/H

KENYON STREET SW6

£1,999,999 F/H

An immaculately presented bedroom period terraced house with outh facing dec ed patio garden. • Rear Garden • Dining Room • Bedrooms • Energy Efficiency: Band E • 2 Bathrooms • Reception Room

A wider than average newly refurbished and extended period end of terrace house offering approaching 2200 sq ft of space. • Garden • Kitchen/Family Room • 5 Bedrooms • Energy Efficiency: Band D • Family Bathroom • Reception Room

Fulham Bishops Park Sales: 020 7731 3333

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

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£2,250 PW*/£9,750 PCM*

RAINSBOROUGH SQUARE SW6 A sensational bedroom townhouse within this brand new exclusive gated development benefitting from off street parking.

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898

•

ouble Bedrooms

• arden

• Open Plan Kitchen

• arage

• 3 Bathrooms 2 En Suite

• Allocated Parking Space

• nderfloor eating

• Energy Efficiency: Band B

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

£2,500 PW*/£10,833 PCM*

STEVENAGE ROAD SW6 A stunning and fully refurbished and extended six bedroom semi detached period house with off street parking.

Fulham Parsons Green Lettings: 020 7751 8898

• 6 Bedrooms

• 2 Shower Rooms

• 2 Reception Rooms

• Off Street Parking

• Kitchen/Family Room

• Views over Bishops Park

• 3 Bathrooms

• Energy Efficiency: Band E

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

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

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Chelsea

£775 pw Furn/Unfurnished

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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

£425 pw Furnished

Imperial Wharf

£600 pw Furnished

Knightsbridge

Chelsea

£650 pw Furnished

£2,300 pw Unfurnished

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

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Property News Harrods Estates, Chelsea proudly support Battersea Dogs And Cats Home with a festive carol service

The Knightsbridge, SW7

HOUSE HUNTING

with... LISA-JANE STRATTON

Manager at Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings,Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112; brlets.co.uk Property I’d most like on my books and why... One of the large townhouses in Glebe Place, Chelsea SW3, the architecture is exquisite.

Best place to invest? Anywhere in Zone 1 won’t let you down long term. Applicants want to be in the centre of the world’s most exciting and culturally rich capital because of the sophisticated lifestyle. The most interesting property I have been involved in is... A family residence – Holdernesse House in Mayfair. This exquisite 7 Bedroom property is hidden behind the London Hilton Hotel and boasts a beautiful courtyard around which the house overlooks. Finest property showcase... A four bedroom luxury apartment at The Knightsbridge with an opulent welcoming lobby, 24 Concierge, High Security, Valet Parking, Luxury Health Club & Pool and over 2000 sq feet of impressive accommodation.

arrods Estates' Chelsea Office is proud to be headline sponsor at this year's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home festive carol service. Commencing at 7pm on Monday 8th December, attendees will enjoy a festive evening at St Lukes Church, Sydney Street with a dog Guard of Honour and Christmas carols. Mulled wine and mince pies will also be served. Shirley Humphrey, Director at Harrods Estates commented: “We are proud to be headline sponsor at this years Battersea Dogs and Cats Home festive Carol evening. All proceeds raised will go towards the charity which helps thousands of animals each year back to health or find a safe place to live.” Harrods Estates' Chelsea Office is part of the luxury real estate arm of the Harrods Group, specialising in the sale, let and acquisition of property within the borough of Chelsea and Kensington. Tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children. To book please go online to battersea.org.uk/carolconcert Harrods Estates, Chelsea office 020 7225 6700; harrodsestates.com

Chelsea Green Carols: Tuesday 16th December

ohn D Wood & Co.’s Chelsea office is once again organising Carols in Chelsea Green on Tuesday 16th December at 6.30pm. The choir from St Luke’s Church will lead the carols supported by a brass band. ‘Chelsea Green’ will be lit up with festive lights and an illumined Christmas tree. This event has been held over the last 25 years arranged by John D Wood & Co. Mulled wine, mince pies and hot sausages will be provided by the tradesman on the ‘Green’. A raffle will be drawn and also a collection will be taken

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in aid of West London Churches Homeless Concern. Andy Buchanan, Director of John D Wood & Co. comments: “The annual carol service on ‘Chelsea Green’ is a highlight of the year which attracts a huge turnout and gathers local residents and puts everybody in the Christmas mood. All the businesses around the Green are involved; printing the song sheets, cooking the sausages, and mulling the wine. John D Wood & Co., Chelsea 020 7717 5116; johndwood.co.uk

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PROPERTY | ROUND UP

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area Looking forward to the new year

Breath a sigh of relief as normal market conditions return for 2015

ALEX LYLE

South West Area Sales Director Marsh & Parsons 020 7736 9822; marshandparsons.co.uk

he increase in properties available and reduction of new buyers entering the market makes this an excellent opportunity for those serious about purchasing a property. For the first time in a long while, Fulham offers far greater choice for those looking, with some properties offering exceptional value. There are fantastic mortgage deals available, and with interest rates unlikely to go up any time soon, our advice to those who are serious is buy now – we expect to see the competition return in the New Year, so make the most of the next few weeks before Christmas...

Sold as seen?

have been fortunate over recent months to have spoken to a number of large developers keen to investigate how my company might be able to provide their buyers with an after-sales service worthy of their projects and in line with the prices that they hope to achieve. Sadly however, not all are quite as insightful as this. It is not my intention to paint a valuable section of the property industry with the same brush. Instead, I wish to highlight and challenge what is a curious phenomenon in the London market; whereby purchasers spending millions of pounds are provided with an after-sales service more akin to that of a

PETER SHAW

Fulham Group Director at Featherstone Leigh, Fulham 020 7610 9755 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

uyers and sellers might sigh with relief as we see some normality return to a market that has been somewhat uncertain recently. The ‘froth’ may have dissipated since the summer, but we are seeing solid activity on property that delivers quality at a reasonable price. We are looking forward to 2015 with confidence, as we expect a more traditional market of lower but more sustainable growth and one where sellers will benefit more from the local knowledge, energy and experience of the independent agent, who is less target-driven and more focused on achieving the best results for their clients. In addition of course, England are hosting the Rugby World Cup, which will put South West London back into the spotlight and the home team will surely raise the winner’s trophy!

second-hand car dealer rather than that of a high-end luxury retailer. Developers for the most part are in it to make a margin, and rightly so. However their reputation is quite literally built on the quality of the product they deliver. More and more of London’s top developers are realising that they’re no longer selling the sum of the parts, but a product, a product that’s representative of a lifestyle. Nonetheless it is surprising how many developers are still happy, to wash their hands of responsibility post completion and rely upon the old adage of "sold as seen". Brand and reputation are important when trading in this competitive market and both are built upon time and relationships, not single transactions. Would it then not make sense for developers who produce million pound products to fix problems within their

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The Landau – a boutique development in the heart of Fulham

ituated on the former site of one London’s largest horse drawn carriage depots which used to store the elegant landau carriages – the coach of choice for the British Monarchy - the scheme’s architectural style is a contemporary interpretation of the site’s Victorian heritage. Each apartment enjoys its own private outside space, floor-toceiling windows and bespoke fixtures and fittings. There’s also a 24 hour concierge, private residents’ lounge, gym and securing underground parking. The Landau, created by Mount Anvil & Affinity Sutton, enjoys an outstanding location close by to some of the most outstanding schools in London, the green spaces of Fulham Palace and Brompton Park, and buzzing Fulham Village. Prices start from £900,000 Strutt & Parker, Fulham 020 7731 7100; struttandparker.com

properties and do it promptly with a smile, rather than dragging their heels and muttering "Caveat Emptor". Perhaps then developers might add even more value to their properties, as buyers and agents alike will be able transact confident in the fact that any issues with the newly refurbished unit they’re selling or buying will be fixed post haste.

RUPERT COLLINGWOOD

Founder & Managing Director at The London Management Company 020 7193 5580;

thelondonmanagementcompany.com

DECEMBER 2014

20/11/2014 16:16

Smart doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t settle for less than the best price. Make sure your agent is on Zoopla.

ZOOPLA.indd 1 297x210_2014 10 21.indd 1 V1 ZOOPLA Press

28/10/2014 15:03 10:23 21/10/2014

Brand new show home now open at Moore House, Chelsea. An exclusive opportunity to own the last contemporary new apartment at Moore House, set within the award-winning Grosvenor Waterside. Available immediately, the apartment is located in a prime SW1 location and just a short walk from Sloane Square. Residents can enjoy a superb specification including underfloor heating, comfort cooling and Siemens appliances as well as extensive on-site facilities with a luxurious Health and Fitness Spa, private crèche and 24-hour concierge service.

1 bed apartment at £795,000 To make an appointment to view the apartment call

020 3411 5286

sales@moorehouselondon.co.uk To discover more visit www.moorehouselondon.co.uk or email

Sales and Marketing Suite Bramah House, 7a Gatliff Road, London, SW1W 8DE 10am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Parking available to purchase. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Photography of show apartment at Grosvenor Waterside.

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Offices throughout London

Dawes Road, SW6

£999,995

Philbeach Gardens, SW5

£549,000

This spacious 3 bed, 2 bath maisonette with its own private entrance comes equipped with a large kitchen, separate dining area and a further living area which leads onto a large private roof terrace. Included also is an off street parking spot and loft room which has potential to extend into STPP. Freehold. EPC: D

This spacious studio, with garden, set within a newly refurbished white stucco fronted period build is presented in stunning condition. Located on a beautiful residential crescent, close to Earls Court tube station and will benefit from the investment in the area. Leasehold. EPC: C

Fulham | 020 7731 9680 | fulham@bushells.com

Philbeach Gardens, SW5

£499,000

Fulham Park Gardens, SW6

£525,000

This spacious studio set within a newly refurbished white stucco fronted period build is presented in stunning condition. The apartment is only a quick stroll away from Earls Court tube station and will benefit from the ongoing and substantial investment in the area. Leasehold. EPC: C

Offering bright and spacious accommodation, this excellent one bedroomed flat situated within a 'Lion House' on one of Fulham's most desirable streets. High ceilings and in beautiful condition the property is ideally located to the local amenities and transport links. SoF. EPC: D

Fulham | 020 7731 9680 | fulham@bushells.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead BUSHELLS.indd 1

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bushells.com

Fulham Road, SW6

£899,995

Moments from Parsons Green Underground station, this spacious two double bedroom maisonette also profits from a private roof terrace. The property includes a large eat-in kitchen, large reception, 2 bedrooms, refurbished bathroom and roof terrace. Share of Freehold. EPC: E

Fulham | 020 7731 9680 | fulham@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead BUSHELLS.indd 2

19/11/2014 17:01

PROPERTY | NEW TO THE MARKET

Prime Purchase VENDOR ADVICE

How has the demographic of buyer changed in Chelsea in recent years?

raditionally, the area of Chelsea has been popular with English upper middle class families who, throughout the sixties, were often attracted to the area due to the strong arts and fashion scene. However, over the past five years or so this demographic has shifted to include wealthy Europeans, particularly French and Italians who are drawn in by the “village” setting and boutique delicatessens, organic shops and quintessential English feel, as well as the fantastic international schools. Furthermore, many professionals choose Chelsea because they have links to finance and The City and they want a home with good transport connections but is also close to their friends and the quality of lifestyle that Chelsea offers.

An awe inspiring top floor maisonette finished to an extremely high standard using outstanding colours and modern lighting throughout.

he hallway opens onto a large open plan reception and kitchen/dining room which has a magnificent feature wall and original sash windows at the front, with a Juliet balcony to the rear. At the rear of

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the first floor is an en-suite bedroom with built in storage and bright decor. The bathroom has a free standing bath, his and her sinks and a separate shower with a balcony through double doors. On the second floor there is vast master suite with a free standing bath in the eaves and a cosy alcove providing ample opportunity to relax and unwind. There is a further spacious double bedroom, a separate family shower room and a WC on the first floor.

ANDREW GUNN FORBES

Edenvale Street, SW6 £1,100,000 Aspire, Fulham South 020 7736 6110; Aspire.co.uk

020 7225 6700; harrodsestates.com

Sales manager of Harrods Estates

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iper ri e, SW Two Bedroom £6 0 pw

" m ressi e two bedroom a artment situated on the si th floor of the sought after attersea Reach de elo ment".

awe Road, SW6 Si Bedroom £ , , 0

e ea , SW Two Bedroom £ ,

"Very well resented two bedroom flat ideally located for access to both utney eath and utney igh treet".

Lillie Road, SW6 Two Bedroom £400 pw

" stunning and s acious si bedroom house, wal ing distance to Fulham roadway nderground station".

"Very stunning two bedroom flat located on Lillie Road, Fulham".

Tel: 0208 563 0202 | 404-406 North End Road, Fulham, London SW6 1LU

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Claire Hughes

Lettings Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Fulham

Photography: rebecca noonan

rowing up, I certainly didn’t expect to pursue a career in property, but I surprised even myself when I started spending time scouring the weekly property pages in search of my favourite houses. When the time came for me to choose a degree at university, I decided to study Business, which at the time I thought would be the most practical. My keen interest in property, however, prompted me to transfer to a degree in Auctioneering, Valuation and Estate Agency at university. I loved every minute of my degree, however I could not have accounted for the market crash in 2007, which seemed to affect just about everyone and everything. I began my journey in property working at a small independent agency in an upmarket suburb of Dublin. My director there, who had weathered the storm of the property crash in the 80s, gave me invaluable training in the industry, helping to equip me for the challenging market conditions ahead. After working for some time in finance and property respectively in a recession stricken Dublin, my fiancé and I made the decision to relocate to London for career progression. On moving to the capital, I began working at a large firm in Marylebone and from that first day I loved the buzz and fast pace of the London property market. In April this year I joined Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Fulham branch as the Lettings Manager.

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Fulham has that hustle and bustle setting about it that all village areas require and is centred around a village green, bordering other traditionally desirable areas such as Kensington and Chelsea. There is a good mix of local restaurants, shops and bars available such as The White Horse on Parsons Green and popular deli’s like Bayley and Sage on New Kings Road and the Whole Foods Market. Capital growth in Fulham has surpassed all expectations in recent years, and it’s easy to see why when you take into account all of the amenities and the village atmosphere that it offers along with easy transport links to the City and West End. Because of this, it has become a sought after location among Buy-to-Let investors. Young professionals and families make up the main demographic of our tenants hoping to benefit from all that the area has to offer. This year we have seen a rise in demand for one and two bedroom properties, ideal for professional sharers and couples who make up about 60% of our registered tenants. Properties located near to transport links can typically expect to achieve a premium as opposed to those located ten to fifteen minutes’ walk away. One bedroom properties begin in price from around £1,400 per month, while a spacious, fully modernised two bedroom property with outside space usually costs around £2,400 per month. 020 7736 6737; kfh.co.uk

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PROPERTY | PROFILE

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DECEMBER 2014

20/11/2014 14:22

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

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

20/11/2014 12:42

PROPERTY | NEW TO THE MARKET

Luxurious Lettings

A very impressive apartment, beautifully designed and plush to the smallest detail

oasting an integrated sound system, under floor heating, private balcony and access to two acres of communal gardens. The property has been exquisitely furnished throughout with bespoke pieces of the highest specification and further benefits

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include a 24 hour porter. Set in the heart of Knightsbridge, this fantastic flat offers a truly luxurious lifestyle. Kingston House South, SW7, ÂŁ2,850 Per Week Bective Leslie Marsh, Chelsea 020 7589 6677; bective.co.uk

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THE WORLD.indd 338-0241 TheWorld 2Spread 420x297.indd 1

07/08/2014 15:46

The sea is our home. Imagine the ultimate lifestyle that comes with combining both a private yacht and a luxury vacation home. A home that takes you all around the globe, allowing you to wake up to new scenery outside your private balcony every few days.

That is what life is like aboard The World, the largest private yacht on the planet.

Ownership of an apartment on The World affords you the freedom, adventure, and personal detail of living aboard a luxury yacht without all the challenges that usually accompany it.

Owners & Guests enjoy extensive time in each destination, expert guides and lecturers, and in-depth Expeditions unlike anything you could experience elsewhere.

Apartments aboard The World are extremely limited. If you would like to learn more about the Ship or ownership opportunities, please contact your Residential Advisor at ResidentialAdvisor@aboardtheworld.com or +1 954 573 2583.

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PONT STREET, Knightsbridge London SW1X A fabulous two bedroom apartment on the ground floor of this period building in the heart of Knightsbridge.The accommodation of approximately 1190 sq. ft. includes elegant reception room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. The apartment also benefits from wooden floors throughout, high ceilings and a caretaker. Pont Street is conveniently located for the amenities of Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. Available now for long term let on furnished basis. EPC Rating D. Price per week: £1,350 Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin & £180 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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PAULTONS STREET, Chelsea SW3 A fantastic four bedroom family house (approx. 1,626 sq. ft.) set on a pretty residential street in Chelsea. The accommodation comprises a double reception room, a separate kitchen, dining room leading to a south-facing garden, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Paultons Street is well located just off the King’s Road and within close proximity to the many shops and restaurants of Chelsea and South Kensington. EPC rating D. Freehold Guide price: £3,250,000 +44(0)20 7225 5911 andrew.gunnforbes@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM

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