CITY & ANGEL MAY 2015 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

CITY & ANGEL MAY 2015 / £3.95

POLITICAL THEATRE

DAME JUDI DENCH’S ELECTION NIGHT PLANS

FONDANT FANCIES

PRETTY IN PASTEL HUES

INSIDE SCOOP

ROBERT ANGELL’S HILTON HIGH

EXPRESS YOURSELF

IDEAL ACCESSORIES FOR SPRING STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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we’ve set up shop in

SPITALFIELDS ANTHROPOLOGIE SPITALFIELDS 18-28 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AN

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contents May 2015

68 8

ART & CULTURE

22 HE ALTH & BE AUT Y

WHAT’S ON

34 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING LIKE A DAME

39 FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL

Diary dates for May

Dame Judi Dench talks The Second Best Marigold Hotel and The Vote

FASHION

STYLE CONFIDENTIAL

This month's hottest trends and products

22 PRETTY IN PASTEL

Cool hues just in time for the Spring sunshine

May’s best beauty buys and reviews

Top classes and products from Movers and Shapers, Well Aware and Ombar

FOOD & DRINK

43 TABLE TALK

London Coffee Festival, boutique chocolates and the new Printworks Café

44 IN GOOD TASTE

Recipes from Hackney local Anna Barnett to suit every day (and mood) of the week

49 FOOD REVIEW

Elizabeth Hutton at The Wright Brothers

KIDS & EDUCATION

55 SLOW LEARNER COVERS City & Angel – Dress: Etro, Shoes: Erdem East – Top, shorts and belt: Emilio Pucci, Shoes: Roger Vivier NXNW – Dress: Dolce & Gabbana, Shoes: Gianvito Rossi All clothes available from my theresa.com

Amanda Constance on why school takes time

TRAVEL

58 MOUNTAIN HIGH

Gemma Billinton discovers the wonders of Gstaad in summertime

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44 INTERIORS

64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Library chic, Clerkenwell Design Week and Pure Colour by Jane Cumberbatch

68 INSIDE STORY

East London designer Robert Angell on his renovation of the Islington Hilton

82 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

MAY 2015

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OSKA

71 Heath street Hampstead NW3 6UG T-020 7433 1482 hampstead@oska.com 20 Montpelier Vale Blackheath Village SE3 0TA T-020 8852 9774 blackheath@oska.com

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EDITOR CATHERINE HALES SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT STEPHANIE KING CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIORS EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS EDITORIAL INTERNS JASMINE WARD EMILY BELFIORE GENESIS MONTALVO ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER KRISTIAN BRUMBY MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EXECUTIVE JENNI RAWSTHORNE PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN FINANCIAL CONTROLLER AYSHA HABIBI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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EDITOR’S letter

have a theory that if London was sunny year-round, so many people would move here that Britain would be in danger of sinking. Walking through the city in the sunshine is like seeing it through fresh eyes and both East and North London boast some of the best bits of all. Whether it’s diving into the Hampstead Heath ponds or London Fields lido, taking a stroll around Spitalfields or Clerkenwell or sprawling on a picnic blanket in Regent’s or Victoria Park, in this issue we seek to inspire you to embrace the capital in springtime with off the beaten track events, scrumptious seasonal recipes and fetching spring fashion. Speaking of fashion, we have two whole pages of lust-inducing bag edits put together by our splendid fashion contributor Charlotte Adsett on page 29 to have you planning your spring wardrobe as well as our near-edible fashion shoot featuring stunning pastel pieces on page 2.

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Want an excuse to head to Broadway Market for some fresh fruit and veg? Look no further than page 44 where Hackney local, Anna Barnett has shared some of her most mouth-watering recipes from her new book Eat the Week. Our interviewee this month needs no introduction; Dame Judi Dench, fresh from starring in the endlessly charming The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, shares her excitement over new political play The Vote and the reason she still worries about landing the part sixty years on. Turn incredulously to page 12. As beautiful as London is in the sun, Gstaad gives it a run for its money and proves that it is more than just skiing and snow on page 58. I hope you enjoy the issue and, with any luck, the weather. À bientôt! u

Catherine Hales Editor

MAY 2015

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> WHAT'S ON

p. 14

NOTHING LIKE A DAME

p. 16

SUMMER SOUNDS

p. 20

PHOTO LONDON As London’s first international photography fair, Photo London aims to harness the passionate, growing audience for photography in the city. What will you find? 21-24 May, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R photolondon.org

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CIRCOLOMBIA

Un ti l 3 May Ro u ndho u s e After a much deplored three year absence, Circolombia are back with their world-class, gravity-defying “street circus” show. The fiesty mix of dance, music and acrobatics will get your blood pumping and your hands clapping. It’s a must-see show for all ages. ◆ Chalk Farm Road, NW1; roundhouse.org.uk

SAFARI IN THE CITY

Riviera Style From May 22 Fa shion a nd Textile Museum

Celebrating over 100 years of Riviera style, the Fashion and Textile Museum invite you to jump on in and see their fun, flirty and fabulous beachwear collection. With swimsuits, Bretons and burkinis among that on show, you’ll be shocked at how much our social norms have changed; from modest Edwardian bathing dresses to 00’s barely there Lycra. 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1

ftmlondon.org

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2 0 May Z F L L o ndo n Z o o Throwing open its gates for an after-dark gala, the ZFL are raising money to help protect the last 400 Asiatic Lions left in the world. The evening of adventure, food and entertainment will also fund the ZFL’s new breeding facility. This is a visit to the zoo that you won’t forget. ◆ Regents Park, NW1; zsl.org

ANTI-AGEING HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW 16 -17 May O ly m p i a L o ndo n wealth of insider A knowledge is available at the UK’s only anti-ageing health and beauty show, with stylists, medical experts and celebrity speakers helping both men and women to look incredible no matter what their age. ◆ Hammersmith Road, W14; london.anti-ageingshow.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

R.I.O.T.

2 7 May T he Pl a c e comic book comes to life in this exhilarating A theatre production. Using only four performers, audience members are taken on an epic journey as the ultimate battle between good and evil takes place. All told through exciting choreography and projected illustrations, this dynamic performance is a guaranteed treat. ◆ 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H; theplace.org.uk

must see

London Coffee Festival Un t i l 3 May Old T r u m an Bre we r y

VILLAGERS

Calling all culture and caffine junkies: the London Coffee Festival is back with over 250 of London’s finest artisan coffee and gourmet food vendors. More of a tea person? Don’t miss out on the insane amount of delicious street food and music. We’re all buzzing in anticipation.

1 May B arb ican Hall erforming tracks from his P latest indie-folk album, Darling Arithmetic, the two-time Mercury award nominated Connor O’Brien will be wowing his audience with emotive lyrics and soulful sounds. Telling stories of romance, desire and loneliness to a backing of swirling instrumentation, O'Brien’s sound is one-of-a-kind and will leave you in wonder. u Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

15 Hanbury Street, E16; londoncoffeefestival.com

EVENT OF THE MONTH 1 -3 May, B u si ne ss D e s i gn C e ntre

BE:FIT LONDON e:Fit London is a 3-day fitness festival that will equip you with everything you need to optimize your health for good. Come and listen to revered nutritionists, workout with master trainers and meet Olympic athletes, including Victoria Pendleton and Becky Adlington. Talks from famous food bloggers include that by Madeline Shaw and VOGUE’s Calgary Avansino while fitness

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classes are being held by Barry’s Bootcamp and BOOM Cycle. With live cooking demos, bespoke exercise classes, deep tissue massages and nutritional assessments, this is the event you need to learn how fuel, scuplt and restore your body. You’ll be fitter, healthier and happier in no time at all.. ◆ 52 Upper Street, N1; befitlondon.com

MAY 2015

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20% off furniture and Siemens appliances during May

Crouch End 128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY Telephone 020 8341 2020

Islington 42 Cross Street London N1 2BA Telephone 020 7359 4041

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS BOOK REVIEW

FASHION VISIONARIES

must see

THEATRE REVIEW

B y L i n d a wa t s o n Laurence King, £24.95

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Adapted by mike kenny D i re c t e d b y Da m i a n c r u d e n

any adults still remember E. Nesbitt’s entrancing stories: The Phoenix and the Carpet, Five Children and It and, of course, The Railway Children. Rather than ageing and becoming dated, these stories have captured the imagination of generation after generation of children. Any danger that they would be lost with the waning popularity of books and the age of the iPad has been further allayed by The Railway Children’s brilliant transition into theatre that will hopefully prompt many more adaptations. The ingenious show has extended its run until September in its clever purpose-built Kings Cross space. With the foyer themed convincingly as an Edwardian train station, complete with signage, the stage area is designed as a moving train platform and train tracks in place of an actual stage. The audience sits on either side (tickets are marked Platform 1 or Platform 2) and before the show, actors in Edwardian costume mill around welcoming us and waving. Straight off it’s a striking retelling, narrated by a cast shifting seamlessly between talking to the audience and staying in character. Despite this, it’s very like the 1974 film, only with even better

costumes, if that’s possible. It’s all long dresses with Edwardian ruffles, buttonup ankle boots, berets pinned to the back of the head, pinnys and plot-enhancing red petticoats. The actors, though older than the characters, give convincingly childlike performances. Bobbie – played brilliantly and very likeably by Serena Manteghi – is a mass of enthusiasm and energy with a strong sense of justice and decency while Phil, the middle child who ‘means well’ is comical and endearing. We are made to wait until the interval before the actual train finally rolls in, in a flurry of dry ice and anticipation. All the children in the audience are spellbound, without exception, as are the adults. And then it’s dry ice again for the final scene, the ‘daddy’ one, with not a dry eye in the house. It’s a fantastic show for ages five and up. We can only hope that next it will be the Psammead’s turn to appear on stage, or perhaps the Phoenix with its magical carpet, ensuring E. Nesbitt’s wonderful stories are given a new breath of life (and a new audience) once again. uBy Pendle Harte

● King’s Cross Theatre King’s Cross, N1C; atgtickets.com

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coffee table book not to be overlooked this summer, Fashion Visionaries is Linda Watson’s in-depth look at 75 of the world’s most legendary designers – not only through examining their work but also by taking into account their personal histories and the events that shaped their iconic contributions to the field of fashion. The chronological tome includes the likes of Thomas Burberry, Jeanne Lanvin, Guccio Gucci, Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Madame Grès, Christian Dior, Ottavio & Rosita Missoni, Hubert de Givenchy, Sonia Rykiel, Oscar De La Renta, Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Barbara Hulanicki, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, Donna Karan, Miuccia Prada, Franco Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana and many more. A comprehensive and well written insight into the ever-fascinating world of fashion. u By Catherine Hales

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Nothing like a

DAME The epitome of ageless cool, Judi Dench appears in a ground-breaking play broadcast live on election night… Judi for PM? Wo r d s A l i s o n H a m n e r

ame Judi Dench loves a challenge. Recently turned 80, she continues to take on starring roles and new ideas. She’s currently gracing the sequel to the surprise movie hit, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, as the love interest of the equally cool Bill Nighy. And this month she’s treading the boards at the Donmar Warehouse in The Vote, a play set in a fictional polling station, to be broadcast live on TV on the evening of May 7. It’s the next step in a career remarkable for its longevity and successs. One of the country’s biggest stars of the stage and screen, Judi has been an actress for 60 years including four decades on the British stage for the National Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic.

Judi’s numerous films include 10 Baftawinning performances plus seven Oscar nominations and a win for a hilarious eight-minute performance as Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love. Not one to be typecast, she has owned numerous roles from her wickedly nuanced performance as the vengeful lesbian in Notes on a Scandal to her heartbreaking portrayal of crumbling dementia in Iris. And of course her recruitment as M in 1995’s Bond blockbuster, Goldeneye, added new fans to her audience for her convincing role as 007’s superior, sadly succumbing to a fatal end in last instalment, Skyfall. Judi’s latest film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, centres on an eclectic gathering of retirees, eager for a last sip of the summer wine amongst the colourful commotion of India’s

I’ve always

been AFRAID THE NEXT ROLE isn’t going to come

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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ARTS & CULTURE / FEATURE

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GIFTS

•

CLOTHING

•

CARDS

Sublime is a fashion and lifestyle boutique, a haven of delectable delights and everywhere you look there are gorgeous treats and gifts. We source our products from all around the world and because we’re finding new things all the time, with each visit you never know what you might find.

www.sublimeshop.co.uk 225 Victoria Park Road, London E9 7HD 020 8986 7243 & 126 St. John Street, London EC1V 4JS 020 7253 1112

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ARTS & CULTURE / FEATURE You don’t have to worry about MAKING

A FOOL OF YOURSELF in front of RICHARD GERE or MAGGIE SMITH because they’ve seen you MAKING A FOOL OF YOURSELF

EVERETT COLLECTION / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

for 50 years or so

Jaipur. Having appeared in the first episode, Dench was obviously considered essential for the second. ‘One moment I was at home, the next, on a plane back to Rajasthan,’ she laughs. ‘I don’t even remember anyone asking me. But I was so grateful to go back.’ Why does she think Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was such an unexpectedly big hit? ‘I think probably it was quite refreshing to have something that was about people our age who are all struggling and trying to not fit into a slot and not be taken for granted. To do something daring and defy what’s happening to them.’ As one who defies her age over and over again, she might have something, there. Judi also enjoyed working with much of the original cast, including fellow Dame of the British Empire, Maggie Smith and American silver fox, Richard Gere. ‘You don’t have to worry about making a fool of yourself in front of them because they’ve seen you making a fool of yourself for 50 years or so,’ she says.

The location of the film affected her profoundly, too. ‘The whole experience of India changed me,’ she says. ‘The one thing I didn’t have to act about Evelyn was her passion for the country and the people. I just was bewitched by it.’ Best Exotic Marigold Hotel director John Madden has called Judi “box office gold”. But famously, she doesn’t take her success for granted. ‘I’ve always been afraid the next role isn’t going to come,’ she says. ‘Trevor Nunn once came to wish me luck and said, “why are you always in tears on a first night?” I said, “it’s because I never think I’m going to be employed again.” ‘And although it’s been

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quite a jokey, light-hearted thing to say, in the depths of me, I still have that fear and perhaps it’s very healthy to be like that. Perhaps I don’t want it to change.’ What Judi doesn’t like is being offered parts that are just like the ones she’s just played, which happens all the time. “I don’t want to play somebody like the last person I’ve played – I want to play a person who’s as different as possible.” she says. The many roles she has taken are testament to her love of trying something new. Judi’s life has revolved around acting and she met her late husband, Michael when she was playing Portia in The Merchant of Venice in 1971. Their 42 -year-old daughter Finty will be joining Judi, playing her daughter in James Graham’s new play The Vote at Donmar Warehouse on election night. Judi’s last appearance at the Donmar was in the 1970s. The play has a huge ensemble cast of about 50 actors, including Mark Gatiss, Catherine Tate and Timothy West. It’s set in a fictional London polling station in the last hour-and-a-half before polls close and will be screened on More 4 at that exact time on election day itself, from 20:30 to 22:00. Judi will play a voter who arrives at the polling station with her daughter to join the the ‘diverse, diligent and often hilarious individuals’ who turn out to vote. No doubt Judi will be as convincing as ever – no part is too difficult for this Dame. u

MAY 2015

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SCOTTISH CASHMERE

BEAUTIFUL CLOTHING

N E W L O O K S TO R E N OW O P E N 1 8 6 U P P E R S T R E E T, I S L I N G T O N , N 1 1 R Q TEL: 020 7354 4246

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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 18

FLOWER POWER

p. 21

PRETTY IN PASTEL

p. 22

IN THE BAG

p. 29

DRESS YOU UP This season sees Madonna return as the face of Versace for the fourth time. The iconic singer was shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott and models body sculpting statement pieces from the summer collection. versace.com

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MAY 2015

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st y l e C e n t r a l

Tennis dresses, animal print and disco shoes are at the top of our must-have list this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

ANTHROPOLOGIE ARRIVES Wo r d s e v e h e r b e r t

f you are one of the (many) people who have lost hours wandering around the proverbial cave of wonders that is every Anthropologie shop in London, rejoice! The eclectic and elegant chain is opening its doors in idyllic Spitalfields Market in early May, just in time for East Londoners to get their fix of ravishing fashion and positively addictive homewares for spring. The opening has been a long time coming for fans of the boutique and shoppers will note the carefully curated collections on offer have been selected to harmonise with the shop’s unique position and aesthetic in the historical Spitalfields Market. Anthropologie has always championed creativity and in this spirit they have organised a series of events for May in conjunction with Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design. Students from the college have collaborated with the boutique to design the window display that will adorn the shop for six weeks and will lend a hand with the pop-up ‘Art School’ hosted there on 9 and 10 of May. The two events are: Saturday 9 May, 2-4 pm, Spitalfields Walk and Draw with Sian Zheng; Sunday 10 May, 2-4 pm, Large Scale Embroidery Workshop with Rachael Matthews. u

●ANTHROPOLOGIE 18-28 Brushfield Street, E1 anthropologie.eu

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Tailor Made MAX&Co.

Fashion darling Olivia Palermo has signed up as the style ambassador for Italian fashion label Max&Co and stars in their latest summer campaign. Olivia models the collection which comprises of modern tailored ‘foundation pieces’ such as midi skirts, silk blouses and a classic trench which all fit into Olivia’s own timeless style aesthetic. For Olivia’s video style tips on creating the perfect workwear wardrobe, go to: maxandco.com

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FASHION / NOTES

GOLD STANDARD Sweetpea Jeweller y

Handmade jewellery pros, Sweetpea specialise in creating unusual and unique pieces with the highest quality materials sourced from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for the perfect bridal accessory or a bespoke item for a special someone, Sweetpea has the answer. 77 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1; sweetpeajewellery.com

of the best

LEOPARD PRINT The print that’s always in vogue

ONE TO WATCH Alice Archer

Continuing with their ethos of championing new fashion design talent, cult Mayfair boutique Browns have discovered Royal College of Art graduate Alice Archer and produced her debut capsule collection. Alice’s trademark style is the most exquisite embroidery that creates a 3-D effect. Our stand out piece is the ‘Becca’ silk maxi skirt. £2,000; brownsfashion.com

OPEN SEASON Brora

Scottish institution Brora have opened their doors in Islington once again. The sustainable UK brand, famous for their cashmere, also produces stunning summer dresses, floaty skirts and graphic print swimwear. One of our personal favourites is their Diamond Linen Tennis Dress [pictured] – no actual tennis required. Dress, £149; 186 Upper Street, N1, 020 7354 4246 brora.co.uk

DISCO PLATFORMS Saint Laurent

Nothing quite sums up the Seventies Disco super-trend like these metallic ‘Candy’ platforms by Saint Laurent. These are show-stopping shoes to party like it’s 1979 in; team yours with sheer opaque tights and a mini dress on the dance floor. Platforms, £885; harrods.com

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01. ANNA-KARIN KARLSSON Sunglasses, £365; annakarinkarlsson.com 02. MARC CAIN Backpack, £315; marc-cain.com 03. SOPHIA WEBSTER Shoes, £300; brownsfashion.com 04. MAWI Clutch bag, £525; mawi.co.uk 05. SHRIMPS Faux fur jacket, £395; matchesfashion.com 06. CHRISTOPHER KANE Shopper bag, £750; matchesfashion.com 07. HOUSE OF HACKNEY Dress, £235; houseofhackney.com 08. CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA ‘Kitty' flats, £525; charlotteolympia.com

MAY 2015

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blossomingbranch.co.uk

Blossoming branchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful nature inspired jewellery is made in sterling silver, 18ct gold plate with precious and semi precious gemstones. Each piece is hand made in their East London shop Branch on the Park. Order online www.blossomingbranch.co.uk and receive your jewellery in 2-5 working days Lola leaf earrings with chrysoprase, garnet and black spinel

Phoebe leaf earrings

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FASHION / TRENDS CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA

Wedges, £795; charlotteolympia.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Dress, £1,775; harrods.com

P.A.R.O.S.H Skirt, £414; farfetch.com

SHOUROCK

Necklace, £460; brownsfashion.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS, Bag, £245; harveynichols.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

FRENCH SOLE

Ballet Pumps, £120; frenchsole.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA SS15

ERDEM,

Skirt, £545; brownsfashion.com

Dress, £1,200; net-a-porter.com

PETAL POWER

ETRO

Trousers, £345; mytheresa.com

Bold botanical prints are blooming this season B y charlot te adset t

SIMONE ROCHA

Bag, £300; brownsfashion.com

PIERRE HARDY Sandals, £712; thecorner.com

PIERS ATKINSON Headband, £570; piersatkinson.com

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Chiffon pleated dress, £660 Tibi at Net-a-porter.com Earrings worn throughout, £550 Shaun Leane ‘Albina’ shoes, £535 Bionda Castana Locket necklace, £950 and Dice bangle, £350 both Annina Vogel at Selfridges ‘Hana Hollow’ ring, £120 & ‘Divan’ ring, £320 both LeiVanKash

PRETTY IN

Strike a sweet note in this summer's sorbet shades that look good enough to eat Fashion Editor charlot te adset t P h o t o g ra p h y h e l e n mCca r d l e

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Lace shirt, £430 A.W.A.K.E. at Browns Silk midi skirt, £815 Roksanda at Net-a-Porter.com ‘Atlanta’ bow mules, £475, Bionda Castana Gemstone ring, £450 and horseshoe ring, £2,850 both Annina Vogel at Selfridges

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Knitted jumper, £360 Vintage Céline at Celestine Eleven Chiffon maxi skirt, £345 Alice + Olivia at Harrods Patent 'Lottie' box bag, £750 Charlotte Aluna ‘Leandra’ heels, £475 Bionda Castana Locket necklace, £850 Annina Vogel at Selfridges

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Fashion Editor: Charlotte Adsett Photographer: Helen McCardle Model: Alisa at Profile Models Make-up: Camila Fernandez using Mac Cosmetics

Crepe top, £420 Alexander Lewis Lace skirt, £785 Giambattista Valli at Browns Faux fur clutch, £335 Shrimps at Start Boutique Locket necklace £850, dice bangle £350, rings, from £550 each, all Annina Vogel at Selfridges

Nails: Jessica Thompson using OPAT polish Hair: Leigh Keats at Premier Hair and Makeup using Baptiste Fashion assistants: Hannah Sargeant and Emily Belfiore Photographer's assistant: Luke Johnson Retouching: The Invisible Touch Shot in JJ Loft space in East London With thanks to JJ Locations www.jjlocations.com 020 7749 0500

STOCKISTS alexanderlewis.eu andy-wolf.com anninavogel.co.uk biondacastana.com brownsfashion.com celestineeleven.com charlottealuna.com harrods.com jimmychoo.com jonathanaston.com leivankash.com net-a-porter.com shaunleane.com start-london.com

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FASHION / TRENDS

MARY KATRANTZOU £980; harveynichols.com

SOPHIE HULME

£345; matchesfashion.com

S H OU L D E R B AG S

VALENTINO

£1,125; brownsfashion.com

PIERRE HARDY

£715; net-a-porter.com

CHLOE

£1,090; mytheresa.com

GIVENCHY

£1,125; brownsfashion.com

IN THE BAG SS15's hottest arm accessories edited

B y charlot te adset t

2 1

3 1 B A C K PA C K S

BUC K ET B AG S

4 1. TODS £1,126; mytheresa.com 2. SOPHIE HULME £1,495; matchesfashion.com 3. LOEFFLER RANDALL £315; harveynichols.com 4. LIBERTY £495; liberty.co.uk 5. LOEWE £1,395; brownsfashion.com 6. NEWBARK £780; net-a-porter.com

1. STELLA MACCARTNEY £865; brownsfashion.com 2. SOPHIA WEBSTER £395; net-a-porter.com 3. ALEXANDER WANG £870; harveynichols.com 4. PROENZA SCHOULER £1,150; harrods.com 5. SEE BY CHLOE £430; matchesfashion.com 6. JEROME DREYFUSS £820; harveynichols.com

29 BEST BAGS.indd 29

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:12

FASHION / WARDROBE PIERRE HARDY

£1,187; matchesfashion.com

LAUNER

£1,450; brownsfashion.com

CHARLOTTE ALUNA

£700; charlottealuna.com

PAULA CADEMARTORI

£965; paulacademartori.com

TOP HANDLE MIU MIU

£2,600; mytheresa.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

£1,250; matchesfashion.com

3 1

3 2 TOTES

CLUTCHES

4 4 5

6 1. STELLA MACCARTNEY £830; harveynichols.com 2. ANYA HINDMARCH £1,895; anyahindmarch.com 3. PHILLIP LIM £728; thecorner.com 4. GIVENCHY £1,250; harrods.com 5. FENDI £1,353; mythersa.com 6. SAINT LAURENT £1,945; mytheresa.com

1. OLYMPIA LE-TAN £1,105; avenue32.com 2. LULU GUINESS £350; luluguiness.com 3. CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, £985; charlotteolympia.com 4. EDIE PARKER £1,285; net-a-porter.com 5. YAZBUKEY £550; avenue32.com 6. LES PETITS JOUEURS £460; thecorner.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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30 15/04/2015 11:14

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09/01/2015 15:56

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL: MUKU SALON REVIEW

p. 34

FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL

p. 39

SCARLET WOMAN Chanel favourite, Keira Knightley has now taken on a further role at the French fashion house as the face of their Coco Rouge lipstick line. Great news for fans of the dramatic lip. chanel.com

33 Chiswick_May15_Beauty_Opener.indd 33

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 10:55

Sa lo n r e v i e w

Primer, bronzing gel and the smell of spring; all to keep you looking fresh this May W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

MUKU HAIR Shoreditch High Street, E1 Wo r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

t’s summer and as appealing as the idea of long flowing locks gleaming in the sun is, the reality often tends to be a tangled mess, sticking to the back of your neck in the heat. Bearing this in mind, I decided to make the change and go in for the chop, following in the footsteps of the likes of Emma Stone and Beyoncé who have braved the scissors opting for blunt bobs or lobs (long bobs) this season. Muku seemed like the obvious choice; a trendy, understated salon on Shoreditch High Street with a pared back, Japanese aesthetic, and no shortage of experience providing customers of both sexes with cutting edge styles (pardon the pun). I had come in for a cut and colour and five minutes in, my lovely stylist Giuseppe emboldened me to go even shorter than I had originally intended – a decision that I did not regret. First up was the bleach to restore my roots to an ashy, platinum blonde. As I sat back and sipped my water (which was later replaced by a welcome beer) I watched the rest of the youthful and exuberant staff laugh and joke with their clients and experiment on each other’s hair. I only hoped mine would come out looking as good. Giuseppe then rinsed the dye, toned it to get rid of any brassy notes and gave me a delightful head massage. After that, it was time for the cut. As the long hanks of hair fell away, my head felt instantly lighter and by the end I was swinging my it to and fro in excitement, feeling my locks skim my shoulders. The end result was sleek and elegant with just that little bit of edge the separates a good haircut from a great one. Top marks. ◆

Lip Service Burberry

Behind the scenes of the famous Burberry beauty campaign, here's Jourdan Dunn slicking on a beautiful nude pink lipstick. We’re sold. burberry.com

● MUKU HAIR SALON 109 Shoreditch High Street, E1; mukuhair.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_May15_Beauty_Notes_v2.indd 34

34 15/04/2015 10:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

8 of the best

ROSE GARDEN Acqua di Parma

SERUMS

Fragrance maestros, Acqua di Parma have succeeded in bottling the smell of spring with their new scent for women, Nobile Rosa. Notes of Damask and Centifolia rose dominate, but is softened with hints for amber and musk. From £87 for 125ml; acquadiparma.com

best

BUY

editor’s

PICK BRONZED BEAUTY

Laura Mercier

Decided to take a spring break, but want to enhance your tan into the summer? This bronzing gel from Laura Mercier glides on and can be built up at the same time as your natural tan. £26; harrods.com

PRIME TIME YSL

Prime your face with the new Touche Éclat blur primer from YSL beauté. Working to smooth and refine the skin’s surface for easy make up application, the light reflecting pigments mean that you could wear just this and look as radiant as ever. £29.50; yslbeauty.co.uk

ROCK THE AGES Jo Malone

This limited edition collection of scents for women from beauty giants, Jo Malone, is ideal for those who flit between fragrances. Buy them all, at only £42 a pop, and choose from smells such as Tudor Rose and Amber or Birch and Black Pepper. jomalone.co.uk

35 CHIS_May15_Beauty_Notes_v2.indd 35

04 07 1. ELEMIS, Absolute Eye Serum, £30; timetospa.co.uk 2. GIVENCHY, Hydra Sparkling Serum, £45; houseoffraser.co.uk 3. NATURE BISSÉ, The Cure Pure Serum, £206; net-a-porter.com 4. SUNDAY RILEY, Bionic Anti-Aging Cream, £175; cultbeauty.co.uk 5. NUXE, Nuxellence® Detox, £47; uk.nuxe.com 6. TOM FORD, Intensive Infusion Treatment Essence, £82; harrods.com 7. CODAGE, Sérum N° 03 Radiance and Energy, £73; selfridges.com 8. VERSO, Super Facial Serum 4, £95; net-a-porter.com

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 10:54

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15/04/2015 10:05

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PROMOTION

I was asked to AMPUTATE A TOE so the foot would fit into

DESIGNER SHOES!

Doctor Who? Absolutely talks to the man behind many a face, Dr Khan I n t e r v i e w A B S O L U T E LY ABSOLUTELY: How did the Harley Street Clinic come about? DR KHAN: My wife was working in medically-based skincare and had a room in Harley Street where she saw celebrity and media clients. She suggested I start working with her one day a week to supply the demand for botox and dermal fillers. Within six months we had a full time clinic and have gone from strength to strength. AM: What is the philosophy of the clinic? DK: A light touch is our philosophy. We want you to look your best. We offer everything from a facial to a full facelift, give honest advice and never let you overdo it! AM: How do you differentiate between cases when considering surgical or nonsurgical procedures? DK: There are lots of factors to consider, including your lifestyle, health and what you want to achieve. For instance, if you have a young child to look after, full on laser resurfacing that makes you look scary for

a week is unacceptable. We spend time during your consultation talking about your expectations and how we can achieve them. AM: Are there different benefits to both? DK: Sometimes only surgery will achieve the result you want, but some people do not want surgery, or their health may not permit it. There are always ways of improving the skin’s tone, texture and quality, and that can be as valuable as full on surgery. Ultimately, it’s the assessment that’s vital to a happy ending. AM: What is the longest surgery you’ve ever performed? DK: Fat removal and body sculpting can be take up to four hours or more. AM: If someone is determined to get a procedure, but in your expert opinion it’s not necessary, how do you deal with it? DK: We don’t do it and explain why. Unfortunately, someone somewhere may perform the procedure.

37 Chiswick_May15_Helena Coggan.indd 37

AM: In you opinion, what public figure has used surgery well? And, what about a celebrity who has taken things to far…? DK: There are many examples of good and bad surgery; Sharon Osborne for instance has openly admitted to having surgery and has looked amazing, however she may have gone a little far now. People who have had great surgery often do not admit to it. Gillian Taylforth is an example of good and appropriate procedures, she has returned to EastEnders looking younger than the son she is supposed to have given birth to 45 years ago. Gillian has had Silhouette Soft Sutures and regular facials with us. AM: What is the most common request you get? DK: To lift jowls and reduce forehead lines and crows feet. AM: What exciting innovations and techniques are you excited about? DK: Silhouette Soft Sutures have revolutionised minimally-invasive facelifting. AM: How do you stay discreet posttreatment? DK: There may be some bruising and swelling, so plan your treatments in advance so that you can keep out of sight if you want to. AM: What’s the most bizarre request you’ve ever had for surgery? DK: Toe amputation to make the foot fit into designer shoes – totally inappropriate! u The Anti-Ageing Show London takes place on the 16th and 17th of May at Olympia. Hammersmith Road, W14; london.anti-ageingshow.com

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:08

HIGHGATE PRIVATE HOSPITAL

HIGHGATE HOSPITAL_APRIL_OL.indd 1

13/04/2015 15:02

to p T i p s

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

MOVERS & SHAPERS Personalised Training Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

want anyone who thinks that 30 minutes of exercise isn’t long enough to try a class at Movers and Shapers. This boutique-style gym runs on the high-intensity interval training philosophy; the belief that quick results come from working hard and fast for a short amount of time. With small group classes, the sessions provide you with the support of a personal trainer and the challenge of a competition. I went to try out their Circuit640 class which is designed to burn the most amount of calories by targeting the majority of the 640 muscles in your body. Made up of nine different stations, we performed an array of moves, from TRX pull ups to Kettlebell swings, for a total of 40 seconds. Feeling challenged, the next round of 30 second reps were faster and more enjoyable – my competitive streak had been ignited and I wanted to be better than the other people in my class. With absolutely nowhere to hide, our trainer pushed us each individually so that we were all hot and sweaty by the end of the session. The best thing about such a short and sweet workout? It’s over before long. So push past that mental barrier and give it all you’ve got, then let the results speak for themselves on the beach this summer. ◆

Fitness

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the top fitness trends, tips and gear Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

HELPING HAND

We l l A w a r e ntroducing London’s I first and only health and wellbeing concierge service, Well Aware. Booking you into the best exercise classes, spas and healthy restaurants in the city, Well Aware are in the know so you don’t have to be. The easiest way to stay fit in style. wellawareuk.com

COCO MYLK Ombar

he main problem with not being able to eat dairy is the fact that you’re not allowed to have any milk chocolate. Ombar solve this by using creamy coconut milk instead of cow’s. Delicious, cute and, at just 149 calories a bag, completely guilt-free: we’re obsessed. ombar.co.uk

STEADY BEAT ● M OV E R S & S H A P E R S Locations in Queen’s Park, West Hampstead and Muswell Hill; moversandshapers.co.uk

Highgate Private Hospital Dr. Rick Shakes-Braithwaite, of the Highgate Private Hospital, has issued his top blood pressure reducing tips and, with 20 years of experience, we’ll be doing exactly what he says – starting with eating an array of colourful food, exercising for 140 minutes a week, limiting our alcohol intake and giving up cigarettes.

17-19 View Road, Highgate, N6; highgatehospital.co.uk

39 C&A_MAY15_Health.indd 39

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 12:18

Tastes

to be enjoyed

INDULGE YOUR SENSES AT THE CAMBRIDGE CITY HOTEL

Whether you wish to enjoy one of our specialty coffees, freshly prepared lunchtime bar snacks or delicious afternoon teas, our newly refurbished Book Room Bar & Lounge are warm and welcoming places to relax. In the inviting comfort of our newly designed Book Room Restaurant, we use fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Through a combination of skill, flair and imagination, we promise our chefs will always treat you to a meal youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll remember. cambridgecityhotel.co.uk

CCH.indd CCH Tastes1ad full page.indd 1

11/03/2015 10/03/2015 09:45 17:34

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p. 43

EAT THE WEEK RECIPES

p.44

REVIEW: THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

p. 49

SOUL FOOD Wisconsin-born, London-based chef Tim Anderson won MasterChef in 2011 because of his ability to temper bold ingredients. Now he’s written up 100 of his most soulful Japanese recipes into his inaugral cookbook, Nanban, and we love it. £25; waterstones.com

41 Chiswick_May15_Food_Opener.indd 41

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:36

A new cocktail bar and grill serving freshly prepared grill favourites, micro brewed beers and specially crafted cocktails. To receive two complimentary signature cocktails with any purchase please quote code QK68 to your server. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am - 11pm Sunday 9am - 10pm The Queensbury Kitchen 68 Walm Lane, Willesden Green, London NW2 4RA | 0208 451 3332 thequeensburykitchen.com

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ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

15/04/2015 10:06

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL 30 April - 3 May

Old Truman Brewery Wo r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

eople are passionate about coffee; they blog about it, rant about it, some even dream about it. This April, those aficionados will get the opportunity to satisfy their cravings at the official London Coffee Festival, an event that attracts over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, worldclass baristas and an expected 22,000 visitors over four days. Some of the other attractions on offer include interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, live music, DJs, art exhibitions as well as much, much more and will officially launch UK Coffee Week™. In addition to all this, 2015’s festival will allow ticket-holders access to Milk & Sugar, a showcase of original and inspirational brands that span design, art, lifestyle and well-being. Pop into the vintage Monkey 47 Gin Parlour or refined Four Roses Bourbon Bar for some of the strong stuff and head back to the main event for an after-drinks cup of mud brewed by one of the best baristas in the world, decorated with intricate latte art and made with the finest beans from the most prestigious artisan brands. ◆

TABLE TALK Café openings, designer chocolates and the London Coffee Festival DESIGN CAFÉ

CHILL OUT

Printworks Kitchen rand new Clerkenwell eatery B Printworks Kitchen is a family café that promotes high-quality, locally-sourced produce and freshly-roasted, fair-trade coffee. The design-led interiors and brilliant menus make this a destination not to be missed. 20 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R;

Tom D ixon hatever the weather, a chilled E glass of champagne in the evening (or prosecco if you’re that way inclined) tends to hit the spot, so keep it at the perfect temperature with this chic Tom Dixon Hex Champagne Bucket in copper. £185;

printworkskitchen.co.uk

tomdixon.net

LIKE A FOX Pierre Marcolini

Maison Pierre Marcolini have teamed up with Japanese brand Kitsuné to create a box of delights that looks almost too good to eat. Almost. The bento style boxes are filled to bursting point with scrumptious macaroons or equally yummy chocolates. From £29.90; marcolini.com

● C O F F E E F E S T I VA L Old Truman Brewery, E1; londoncoffeefestival.com

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH u

Heartsease Farm present a range of scrummy fruit drinks for spring and our pick of the bunch is the Elderflower Pressé. Add gin for a refeshing cocktail. £1.29; ocado.com

43 C&A_Apr15_Food_Notes.indd 43

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:33

BUTTERMILK CHICKEN TACOS

With Onion & Radish Salsa Preparation time: 30 minutes Marinating time: 1 hour–overnight Cooking time: 30 minutes Feeds: 4 (or 2 with leftovers)

magine moist, succulent chicken in a seriously crispy batter, and that’s what you’ve got with this dish. Get involved.

INGREDIENTS • 450 g (1 lb) chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size chunks • 300 g (10½ oz/2 cups) soy flour or plain (all-purpose) flour • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • finely grated zest of ½ lemon • vegetable oil for deep-frying • 4 soft flour tortillas • ½ red cabbage, very finely shredded • ½ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped • 1 red chill, thinly sliced Buttermilk Marinade: • 150 ml (5 fl oz) buttermilk • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 2 tablespoons maple syrup Onion & Radish Salsa: • 1 large red onion, very thinly sliced • 5 radi shes, very thinly sliced • 2.5 cm (1 in) knob of ginger, thinly sliced • ¼ red chilli, thinly sliced • 3 large glugs of red wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon caster (superfine) sugar

TRY AT HOME

IN GOOD TASTE

London Fields personality and self-confessed ‘feeder’ Anna Barnett presents Eat the Week, stylish recipes for every mood Wo r d s a n n a b a r n e t t

C&A_MAY15_Recipes_v2.indd 44

METHOD

01 Make the marinade by combining the buttermilk with the spices and maple syrup in a glass or ceramic bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add the chicken and mix well. Cover and leave in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour or as long as your patience allows. 02 To make the onion and radish salsa, combine all the ingredients and set aside in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. 03 For the paprika mayo, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season to taste. 04 When you’re ready to cook the chicken, combine the flour with the cayenne and lemon zest in a shallow bowl, then season generously with salt and pepper. 05 Pour the vegetable oil into a deep-fryer or large heavy-based saucepan and heat to 190°C (375°F). No thermometer? Test the

Photography Alan Benson

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Paprika Mayo: • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • glug of chilli sauce or Tabasco sauce • squeeze of lemon juice

44 15/04/2015 11:54

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES temperature by adding a cube of bread: it should sizzle and turn golden brown in 10 seconds. Working in small batches, remove the chicken from the marinade, trying to keep as much marinade clinging to the meat as possible, then put it straight into the flour mixture, coating it well on all sides. Carefully add to the hot oil and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towel.

SHAKSHUKA STYLE

To assemble the tacos, place the shredded red cabbage in the middle of a tortilla, followed by the paprika mayo and the crispy fried buttermilk chicken. Top with the pickled onion and radish salsa, before garnishing with coriander and chilli. 07

With Dippy Eggs & Garlic Croutons

Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Feeds: 6 (with leftovers)

love this dish. It’s simple and hard to get wrong, which means it’s perfect as a brunch, lunch or dinner dish. The spices, combined with runny-yolked eggs, feta and fresh herbs work a treat. This is also great as a sharing dish, so don’t save it just for lazy Tuesdays.

INGREDIENTS • glug of olive oil • 1 red onion, roughly choppe • 3 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced • small handful of oregano leaves, thinly sliced • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins of cherry tomatoes • 4–6 free-range eggs –one per person • 150 g (5½ oz) feta, crumbled • handful of roughly chopped coriander (cilantro) • handful of roughly chopped parsley For the Garlic croutons: • 1 fresh crusty loaf • glug of olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthways • small handful of roughly chopped parsley METHOD

01 Start by pouring a glug of oil into a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, chilli, oregano, paprika and cumin. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until the onion softens, then add the tinned cherry tomatoes. Once the sauce starts to bubble, lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavours deepen. 02 Crack in the eggs, spacing them out evenly. Turn the heat up to high, cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for 3–4 minutes or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. 03 While the shakshuka cooks, chop or tear your loaf into roughly 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) hunks. Heat a frying pan over medium–high heat and add a glug of oil, followed by the bread. Fry the croutons until golden brown all over, shaking the pan every now and then. When you’re happy with the level of crunch, drain the croutons on paper towel, then rub all over with the cut side of the garlic cloves and sprinkle with parsley. 04 Serve the shakshuka topped with a generous sprinkle of feta, coriander and parsley and a grinding of black pepper. Scatter over the garlic croutons, then place in the middle of the table and let people help themselves.

45 C&A_MAY15_Recipes_v2.indd 45

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:54

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27/01/2015 16:32

15/04/2015 10:06

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

STICKY TOFFEE CRÈME BRÛLÉES Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Feeds: 6 (with leftovers)

METHOD 01

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F/gas mark 5).

02 In a bowl, combine all the sticky toffee sponge ingredients, then pour into a deep greased or non-stick rectangular baking tin (about 30 x 20 cm/12 x 8 in). For the sticky toffee sauce, scatter the sugar over the sponge mixture, along with the cubes of butter, then pour over the boiling water. Cook in the oven for around 40–50 minutes. You’ll be left with a gooey, sweet and sticky toffee pudding. Let this cool and it’s ready to use as the surprise centre of your crème brûlée. 03 Reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F/gas mark 2) and place six small ramekins in a roasting tin. 04 For the crème brûlée, pour the cream into a small, heavy-based pan and add the vanilla pod and seeds. Bring to the boil over a medium–low heat – as soon as it starts to bubble, take it off the heat and remove the vanilla pod. In a heatproof bowl or jug, mix the egg yolks and caster sugar until just combined then pour in the cream, stirring well to mix 05 Divide the sticky toffee pudding between the ramekins: aim for a generous teaspoonful, along with a bit of the sauce, then pour in the cream and egg yolk mixture until it completely covers the sticky toffee pudding. Place the ramekins in a roasting tin or baking dish tin, then pour in enough cold water to come twothirds of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for about 40 minutes until the custard has set – it should only wobble a little when given a gentle shake. Allow to cool, then chill until ready to eat. 06 Before serving, sprinkle the tops of the cold crème brûlées with demerara sugar and caramelise the tops with a kitchen blowtorch or under a hot grill (broiler).

his dessert is a combination of my two all-time favourites. What’s great about this recipe is that you can make it well in advance if you’re having friends round – and it makes plenty of sticky toffee pudding, so there’s always loads left over to get you through the next week!

• 50 g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted • 300 g (10½ oz) dates, roughly chopped

INGREDIENTS Sticky Toffee Pudding: • 100 g (3½ oz) dark muscovado (brown) sugar • 165 g (5¾ oz) selfraising (self-rising) flour • 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) whole milk • 1 large egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crème Brûlée: • 900 ml (32 fl oz) double (thick) cream • 1 vanilla pod (bean), split and seeds scraped • 9 egg yolks • 45 g (1¾ oz) caster (superfine) sugar • 3 tablespoons demerara (brown) sugar

Sticky Toffee Sauce: • 200 g (7 oz) dark muscovado (brown) sugar • 25 g (1 oz) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes • 500 ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) boiling water

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Eat the Week by Anna Barnett Murdoch Books; £17.99 Photography: Alan Benson

MAY 2015

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FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW

TheWright Stuff Brunch done properly in Spitalfields Market Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

t’s taken some time, but we are now almost as big on brunch as the New Yorkers, not far off Melburnian’s love for the mid-morning meal. Where we used to drink ourselves into a stupor on a Friday night, we’re now far more inclined to save ourselves for a Saturday morning tipple or two. If you’re looking for a slow start to your weekend with great food and drinks to match, then it doesn’t get much better than the newly introduced brunch at The Wright Brothers Oyster House in Spitalfields Market. With a menu that includes all of the usual brunch suspects – the eggs benedict is spot on – and, more importantly, a plethora of clever creations, be sure not to play it safe.

Why not mix things up with a crispy duck’s egg ‘Kedgeree’ or a B.O.L.T (bacon, oyster, lettuce and tomato) sandwich? My friend and I began our brunch quite extravagantly and ordered a platter of oysters, because, after all, that’s what the

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boys are famous for and washed them down with a spicy Bloody Mary. We took recommendations from the well-versed waitress and ate our way through some of the UK’s finest native oysters, some of which were sourced from The Wright Brothers’ very own oyster farm, Duchy of Cornwall. Each bivalve came seasoned, but our favourite, the Jersey rocks, were topped with Madagascan pepper and white wine vinegar. These had a kick, but were more subtle on the palette than the saline, metallic tasting Duchy Native. Next up, our mains; moving away from the classics, I plumped for the crab omelette with shellfish bisque. Crammed full of white and brown crab meat and doused in a tomato, brandy and saffron seafood bisque, the dish was delicate in flavour and well seasoned. Top marks. Meanwhile, my friend chose the flat iron steak with fried egg and triple-cooked chips. While it was never going to be the oyster house’s most memorable dish it was very good nevertheless. Rounding things off with an incredibly decadent chocolate pot, we left London’s favourite oyster house impressed with how adaptable The Wright Brothers have become. This is an unconventional brunch you need to try. u

● T H E W R I GH T BROTHERS

Old Spitalfields Markt, 8a Lamb Street, E1; thewrightbrothers.co.uk

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:37

THE

ITALIANS ARE

COMING

DELICATESSEN, RESTAURANT, CAFFÈ, WINE & GIFTS

31 SHAD THAMES, LONDON SE1 2YR

OP ENI NG MAY 2 0 1 5 For more information, please email us at towerbridge@valentinafinefoods.com or call 020 7036 6028

VALENTINA.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

ABS: Your new opening in Tower Bridge will be your biggest restaurant and deli yet. Tell us a little bit more. BZ: We’re extremely excited about our new branch; it’s in the Shad Thames complex and will be our flagship store. With over 100 seating covers, 200 wines and 1,500 products, all selected by us, it’s been an incredible million pound project. It’s in a brilliant location, close to the river, and we think it will be very popular with the locals. Our executive chef Massimo Grippa is from Naples and trained in some of the leading hotels in the Amalfi coast. It really is going to be amazing.

Valent ina

FINE FOODS “There are two types of people in the world; Italians and those who want to be Italian.” Interview Elizabeth Hutton

ABSOLUTELY: How was your restaurant Valentina born? BRUNO ZOCCOLA: We started out as a small deli in East Sheen. We quickly picked up a reputation as the Aladdin’s cave of Italian goodies. People would come in and want to sit down and sample the food and wine so it naturally progressed into a restaurant. We rebranded and our new deli-cum-caffé-cumrestaurant concept was so popular that we opened more. We’re now opening our 8th branch in Tower Bridge in May. ABS: How do you differentiate yourself from other Italian restaurant chains? BZ: We’re authentic. What does that mean to you? It means we’re real. For real Italian

food made with the love and passion of an Italian, you have to come to Valentina. We’re family-owned and work hard to make sure that each restaurant is just right before we open another. Each one needs to be as good as, if not better, than the one before it. ABS: What are you most proud of? BZ: We’re Italian, we’re family. My nephew Fabio, a certified sommelier, is a partner in the business. He works on the procurement of our wine selection. He also looks after operations with my daughter Gabriella. We’re all a part of the same thing. We know that anyone can make a bowl of pasta but we do it properly, we don’t cut corners. All of our produce comes from Italy and is cooked and loved by Italians.

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ABS: What do you think Valentina will bring to the area? BZ: Well apart from the obviously great coffee, food and wine, we’ll be offering a home and office delivery service for local residents and businesses. This will give locals the opportunity to fill their pantry with an array of items from our deli, including fresh hams, salami and cheese as well as store cupboard essentials such as olive oil and pasta. We’ll also have a catering service for private and corporate events. ABS: For anyone coming to Valentina for the first time, what dish must they try? BZ: Well, I know that from looking at me you think I’m going to tell you to eat the pasta but my favourite is the antipasto board. The meat is cut fresh from the deli so that, with a glass of Italian red wine, is delicious. ◆ Bruno Zoccola

● Va l entina F in e Fo o ds

Cardamom Building, 31 Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, SE1; valentinafinefoods.com

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 10:50

The Lyceum is a unique independent school for children ages 3 - 11, located near Old Street in central London. We focus on giving the children in our care, high-level skills both academically and within the arts, creative and performing, which are achieved through innovative organisation and high-quality teaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The caring secure environment, in which smiles and laughter are a significant part of school life, provides a fully supported backdrop to promote learningâ&#x20AC;? - ISI Oct 2014 Inspection

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E: admin@lyceumschool.co.uk 14/04/2015 14:42

> SLOW LEARNER: AMANDA CONSTANCE ON WHY A GOOD EDUCATION TAKES TIME

p. 55

FLASH BACK Kids clothing brand Marie-Chantal have gone gaga for Fifties styling this season. Pieces from the collection include this piped dress, available in a gorgeous bright coral or citrus colour in both kids and baby sizes. mariechantal.co.uk

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MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:49

SHORT COURSES CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS Art Design Fashion Performance Summer 1-week courses in London for 16 to 18 Year Olds CSM 2-week Summer residential courses in Ipswich for 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 Year Olds www.arts.ac.uk

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13/04/2015 17:52

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

ASK THE EXPERT david wel l esl ey w esl ey Fo u nd e r, I n de pe nd ent School s Show

Advice for students and parents on picking the best kind of holiday tuition before exam season starts

he epithet of last month’s column focusing on the T need for balance in the build up to stressful public exams, should not be lost in their aftermath. Post exam leave and the long summer break should absolutely provide respite from arduous hours in the library. Of course steam must be let off and of course heady summer nights will be at the forefront of most teenagers’ priorities. And rightly so – they have worked incredibly hard (we hope) and should be rewarded for their efforts. I still vividly remember the post-GCSE holiday that my friends and I were let loose on… it was almost considered a rite of passage. Eleven weeks, give or take, is a considerable chunk of free time. Having spent so much time focusing on academics, it should be used as valuable period to align interests and skills. Encourage your child to balance their socialising with time to be productive and achieving – whether undertaking work experience, attending a sports camp, visiting a language school or perhaps becoming involved in local voluntary work. By broadening their horizons in this way, teenagers will not only learn the hugely valuable skill of balancing work and play, but with their achievements their confidence will flourish and they will relish the parties even more. u

Slow Learner

A new movement that says a real education can’t be rushed is gaining ground W o r d s A M a n d a C o n s ta n c e

emember the slow food movement? A reaction against mass-produced, air-freighted food led to a minor revolution. Well, now we have slow education. One of its promoters is Mike Grenier, an English teacher and housemaster at Eton who cofounded the movement. Grenier says: “It struck me that the model of processing people through exams with narrow ideas about teaching, was mimicking the worst aspects of a McDonald’s production line.” He became interested in creating a model for education that makes time for creative teaching and learning. It is less about teaching to the test and more about allowing children to think independently. It advocates long-term projects to allow children to experiment – and sometimes to fail as they learn. Matthew Moss High School, a mixed comprehensive in Rochdale, signed up to the movement 18 months ago and so far, it’s a great success. Three lessons a week have been freed up in years 7

55 Chiswick_May15_Education.indd 55

and 8 to give students time to develop projects they are really interested in. At the end, a viva examination explores their knowledge and understanding. The school has also developed a scheme whereby younger students volunteer to attend classes given by sixth-form pupils. The topics they teach aren’t connected to the exam syllabus; they are just of personal interest to the student teacher. Some critics query whether such ‘project-based learning’ is a return to the bad old days of the 1970s when children were left with gaping holes in their factual knowledge. But Grenier robustly refutes this, saying that slow education is avowedly not anti-academic. “We’re not progressive,” says Grenier. “The academic is fundamental. We also believe in teaching people how to do stuff. It is about producing self-reliant children and adults. In fact, it could be seen as highly academic, since it values learning for its own sake rather than for where it could lead.” u sloweducation.co.uk

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:10

North Bridge House Canonbury Senior School & Sixth Form

Nurturing confidence and academic success in the heart of Islington Text ‘Tour’ to 81025 for more info on private tours and open days

Scholarships available

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northbridgehouse.com/canonbury

13/03/2015 12:29

> MOUNTAIN HIGH: GEMMA BILLINGTON DISCOVERS GSTAAD IN THE SUMMER SEASON p. 58

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE We find out what Julie Andrewsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favourite place has to offer in summertime, as Gemma Billington goes on an Alpine adventure to Gstaad. Glacier walks, chocolate factories and remote cabins are just the beginning...

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MAY 2015

15/04/2015 12:07

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DISCOVER

Mountain

HIGH The Alps may peak in popularity over winter but, during the summer months, the hills are alive with beauty Wo r d s G e M M a B i l l i n g t o n

hy would you go to Gstaad in the summer? I had been posed this question before setting off on my mid-July sojourn to the idyllic Alpine village, and during the train journey from Bern airport through the picturesque Swiss landscape, I had time to ponder. True, it was a few degrees cooler here than the London I’d left behind (typical) and the chalets did seem to have something amiss without their snow-covered roofs and icicles, but Gstaad outside of ski season is certainly not without its charms. For one thing, Switzerland is visually stunning in summer. The mountain peaks are still dusted in snow but the land flourishes with spring flowers. Everything is a lush shade of green, and great plumes of cloud seem to tumble down the hills towards the ground. The two

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hour train journey simply flew by, with the glorious views providing ample distraction. Gstaad’s motto is: ‘Come up, slow down’ - alluding to its leisurely pace and high altitude. Actress Julie Andrews, who owns a holiday home in Gstaad, describes it as the ‘last paradise in a crazy world’. Along with Andrews, a plethora of celebrities have chosen Gstaad as their holiday getaway, and looming over town stands their retreat of choice: the famous Gstaad Palace hotel. Chugging into Gstaad’s quaint train station, a chauffeur in immaculate uniform doffs his peaked cap and imperceptibly takes my cases from me. A lift to the hotel is welcome but somewhat superfluous; the Palace is mere minutes away and is visible from practically every angle in town with its castle-like structure and extravagant towers. The Palace may look imposing on the outside, but once inside it’s as cosy and intimate as any alpine chalet. The

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST interior decor is a tasteful, typically Swiss palette of subtle check, muted colours and traditional wooden furniture. A small balcony jutting off my spacious bedroom provides views across the village and a personal sanctuary in which to sit back, take in the sublime surroundings and relax. Gstaad Palace opened in December 1913 and, following a hugely successful inaugural skiing season, the building was extended the following year. The hotel has survived two world wars and ensuing economic turmoil, and has been managed by the Scherz family for nearly 80 years. After the Second World War, international music stars such as Édith Piaf and Louis Armstrong held exclusive concerts at the Palace, and the hotel has attracted Hollywood stars and royalty throughout its history, welcoming everyone from Paul McCartney to Princess Diana. A famous story is that Michael Jackson, friend of Gstaad regular Liz Taylor, enquired about purchasing the Palace, simply because he ‘liked the castle’. The hotel is still synonymous with celebrity clientele

and there’s a distinct air of glamour to it, particularly inside the retro Greengo night club, which opened in the 1970s. But the Palace embodies a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and it’s this, plus an unrivalled personal service, that keeps guests - celebrity or otherwise - coming back year after year. But what is Gstaad’s appeal outside of skiing season? Well, for starters, summer may be the only time you’re able to stay in the Palace unless you’re willing to wait a while; its winter season sells out months in advance. However, another attraction is that, unlike other Alpine resorts, Gstaad is very much open over summer, and there’s plenty of cultural and sporting activity on offer. Most

The Palace embodies a RELAXED, intimate ATMOSPHERE that keeps GUESTS COMING BACK year after year famous is the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open tennis tournament, which takes place in late July and this year celebrates its centenary. The Palace hosts a kid’s summer tennis tournament and offers family-friendly packages throughout the season, including a delightful Willy Wonka-inspired excursion to legendary chocolate factory Maison Cailler. For active types who can distract themselves from the hotel’s restaurants, bar, pretty terrace area or award-winning spa, there’s an Olympic-sized outdoor heated pool, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, Pilates studio and gym. I’d highly recommend an outing to nearby Glacier 3000, which has even more high-altitude rambles and simply breathtaking views, plus the world’s highest toboggan run. For more high-octane activities, the Palace can organise paragliding, jeep safaris and even river rafting - taking place on the river Sarine from Gstaad to Château d’Oex. Another must-do is a visit to the Palace-owned Walig Hut, a traditional Swiss cabin located 1,700 metres above

61 Chiswick_May15_ TRAVEL.indd 61

the village of Gsteig, originally built in 1786. With little but the dulcet chimes of cowbells for company, Walig Hut makes a whimsical lunchtime or dinner excursion (traditional Swiss fondue is cooked by a private chef, followed by a shot of traditional, fiery Kirsch) or even a romantic overnight stay. Condé Nast Traveller awarded it Best Wilderness Hotel in 2013 and it’s easy to see why. For added romance (or a surefire hit with the kids), the Palace can organise a horse drawn carriage ride around Gstaad, tailor-made to your interests. My guide, Marianne, born and bred in Gstaad, was infectiously enthusiastic and thoroughly knowledgeable. As the afternoon began to give way to evening, we trotted through the pristine town centre, where cars are forbidden and the Chanel and Louis Vuitton boutiques are ensconced in pretty, traditional chalets. Outside of the centre, at the grassy feet of the mountains, Marianne told stories of growing up in Gstaad and pointed out her childhood home. In that moment of utter tranquillity, I deemed Gstaad the most romantic, idyllic and serene place I’d ever been to. So, why would you visit in summer? My answer is, why on earth would you not? ◆ Rates start from £348 (490CHF) in a Single Classic room (per room and night including half-board, all taxes and service) and from £525 (740CHF) for a Double Small Room. For further information and reservations call (+41) 33 748 50 00 or visit: palace.ch

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 12:05

Solid Wood Furniture Specialists since 1962

GROWN : DESIGNED : MADE London & M25 Showrooms 020 7253 3206

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for YOU

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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 64

COPPER BLUSH: OUR FAVOURITE METALLIC HUE

p. 67

INSIDE STORY

p. 68

CALIFORNIA CALLING Their first foray into interior design, Rodarte’s new collection for the The Rug Company marries high couture with an ethereal dose of West Coast cool. ‘Cobalt’, £1,535 per sq m, by Rodarte, for The Rug Company; therugcompany.com

63 CA_May15_Interior_Opener.indd 63

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:41

10 of the best

library looks

Heavenly tubs, library-inspired chic and Clerkenwell Design Week

ARTSANTI

Magellan Desktop Globe With Metal Frame, £54; artisanti.com

Wo r d s J e s s i c a k l i n g e l f u s s

KATE HUME

Pebbles Vase Smooth Lime, £360; conranshop.co.uk

AW15 TREND

From John Lewis’ new season collection; johnlewis.com

WHARFSIDE

Danish Retro Sideboard in Walnut, £4020; wharfside.co.uk

ASTELLAHRELA

Biblioteca Wallpaper Mural , £249; astellahrela.com

Tub Time Drummond’s

The splendid freestanding ‘Spittal’ is the ultimate statement piece for large bathrooms or bedrooms. Inspired by classic designs of the 1920s, it is built for today’s bathrooms. The solid brass frame is elegantly bright-plated in nickel or chrome and then handpolished.‘The Spittal Freestanding Shower’, From £20,340, excl. VAT; drummonds-uk.com

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64 15/04/2015 11:40

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES

ALEXANDER & PEARL

DESIGN WEEK

Junior Vintage Leather Brass Studded Armchair, £945; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Clerkenwell

From 19 - 21 May, Clerkenwell Design week will be back in evidence as showrooms, studios and galleries open their doors to the public to display the very best in architecture, interiors and innovative design. clerkenwelldesignweek.com

editor’s

PICK SPRING TO LIFE Habitat

Habitat’s new SS15 collection incorporates mixed mediums, handmade items and pared down geometrics to create a striking and textured style that works anywhere from the bedroom to the patio. We particularly love their woven pendant shades. habitat.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS

Copper Lampshade; johnlewis.com

must

HAVE

ANDREW CLANCY FOR DÉANTA

Strand Lamp Small Black, £450; conranshop.co.uk

BY THE BOOK Pure Colour

Jane Cumberbatch’s new book provides interiors inspiration for those who tend to shy away from colourful walls and furniture. Her useful tips and chic aesthetics will have converted in no time. £16; amazon.co.uk WHARFSIDE

Danish Serving Trolley, £1,500; wharfside.co.uk

OAK SO SIMPLE Touchstone B athrooms

For many, indulging in a bubble bath is the best way to escape from the world. Make sure your sanctuary is everything you want it to be with bespoke designs and gorgeous amenities from Touchstone Bathrooms. touchstonebathrooms.com

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CHARLES & RAY EAMES

Tall Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman Black Leather £6,815; conranshop.co.uk

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:40

Wardrobes & Kitchens

Neatsmith

Contemporary Fitted Wardrobes & Walk-In Dressing Rooms

www.neatsmith.co.uk Call 0800 1956 595 to arrange an appointment Finchley Road, Hampstead 158 Finchley Road, Hampstead, NW3 5HH

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Broad Street, Teddington 3 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8QZ

01/04/2015 15:29

HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS

TAI PING

ROSE UNIACKE

‘Elipse’ collection, from €1115 per sq m excl. tax; taiping.com

Pendant Light with Copper Shades, POA; roseuniacke.com

MUT DESIGN

‘Float’ collection, €23,843.64; mutdesign.com

KARTELL

Bourgie’ lamp, by Ferrucio Laviani, £322; amara.com

COCOLUX

‘Sol’ and ‘Luna’ fragrances, £55 for 350g; roullierwhite.com

HEAL’S

Blue Dot Real Good Chair, from £139; heals.co.uk

ROSE UNIACKE

MEIKE LANGER

‘Blanche’ valet, £365/€500; meikelanger.com

‘Copper Roll Top Bath’, £9,500; roseuniacke.com

TOM DIXON

3tomdixon.net

COPPER BLUSH

WINNIE LUI

‘Innermost Beads Octo Suspension Light’, £1,900; nest.co.uk

Add a splash of warm elegance with this eye-catching metallic hue By Jessica klingelfuss

LOBMEYR

‘Still’ collection, by Formafantasma, for Lobmeyr, prices vary; lobmeyr.at

TALISMAN

‘A Superb Lacquered Copper Coffee Table on Floating Plinth 1980s’, £4,200; talismanlondon.com

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MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:44

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In side

STORY With projects spanning from Britain to Baku, we talk to London’s hottest interior designer, Robert Angell Wo r d s G e o r g i e L a n e - G o d f r e y

hen Marcus Wareing chose to reinvent his eponymously named restaurant at The Berkeley, he didn’t just want a refit; he wanted a revolution. With a view to shaking off the stiff, formal reputation associated with haute cuisine, Wareing wanted his new restaurant to change the face of fine dining into something relaxed, convivial and inclusive. And to do this, he knew exactly which designer to call: Robert Angell.‘Chefs come at design from a slightly different angle,’ explains Angell. ‘Marcus was just so exact in how he wanted everything to be. He had a single vision of what we needed to establish, but he couldn’t articulate it so he needed me to interpret that for him.’ As for the aesthetics, Angell ripped out the dark, dated velvets to introduce something less serious and sombre. Traditional wood panelling and leather banquettes are balanced with soft duck egg leather chairs, mirrored borders and tactile shagreen walls. Most eye-catching of all are the modern pieces of art dotted around the room, injecting a playful burst of colour into the design. These pieces were all sourced by Wareing and Angell together from galleries around East London, where the designer currently resides. ‘I’ve lived in East End for the whole time that I’ve been in London,’ says Angell. ‘That’s 20 years now. You might say I’ve been there from the beginning. I just love the vibrancy – there’s a great creative crowd. It’s always been edgy, but it was probably a bit more dangerous back then, than it is now.’ On weekends, you’ll often find him at Shoreditch House or at Angela Hartnett’s ‘amazing’ restaurant, The Merchant’s

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68 15/04/2015 12:01

HOMES & INTERIORS / PROFILE ROBERT ANGELL DESIGN INTERNATIONAL LIME WOOD LODGES

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MAY 2015

15/04/2015 12:02

Michelin-star chef, Galton Blackiston, gives our kitchens a rave review. Contact us to discuss how we can design your perfect kitchen. 01953 601567 enquiries@bryanturnerkitchens.com

Proud to support

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HOMES & INTERIORS / PROFILE ROBERT ANGELL DESIGN INTERNATIONAL LIME WOOD LODGES

That sense of ‘Britishness’ is what really defines Angell’s style. Having grown up in rural Dorset, his earliest interiors project was rearranging brick walls at the farm he grew up on to give the calves more room. ‘I think I’m close to nature in terms of my understanding of the more rural industries around,’ says Angell. ‘For example, using cool pieces of crafted wood to create unusual interior details, like we did at Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest.’ Back in London however, that ‘Britishness’ translates into supporting local artisans and producers. ‘I’m very much an advocate for British design and craftsmanship – all the ROBERT ANGELL DESIGN INTERNATIONAL HILTON ISLINGTON LONDON

DESIGNERS IMPROVE and enhance peoples lives – THAT’S WHAT WE DO Tavern – two hotspots at the centre of what Angell describes as ‘London’s creative hub’. ‘People always follow the artists and designers, who in turn follow the cheap rents and move on when they begin to go up. It’s great for the evolution of cities – just look at how the V&A is opening here. But if you look back in time, in the 60s and 70s, Chelsea was the Shoreditch of today.’ After Angell worked his magic at the Hilton Islington, the hotel reported its best couple of yearstestament to the value of good design. ‘When they brought me on board, it was very much a tired City hotel that needed a new lease of life. I used the City as my inspiration, basing the design around the idea of slick suits, pinstripe tailoring, sharp neutrals, greys and blacks. You often notice City workers adding a bit of colour to their outfits through loud ties or scarves, so I thought we’d bring that out through piping and stitching details. I also wanted the materials to be classically British.

For example, a dogtooth carpet adds a bit of witticism into the design.’ It is this attention to detail which underpins Angell’s luxurious designs. He spent 15 years working for the late interiors guru David Collins, collaborating on some of London’s top hotels, including The Berkeley. ‘I think, having worked alongside someone like that, you do develop a definite style and a great understanding of what glamorous and luxurious design is,’ says Angell. ‘It’s something you instinctively get. As a result, I know what The Berkeley needs – a hotel which interacts with its setting in Knightsbridge and that evokes something classically British, but with an international flavour.’ ROBERT ANGELL DESIGN INTERNATIONAL LIME WOOD STUDY

robertangelldesigninternational.com

71 C&A_MAY15_ROBERT ANGELL.indd 71

furniture in the Hilton and Marcus was made in the UK, for example. I think it’s so important to our industry that we retain some of the great traditions that we have here for furniture-making.’ Angell believes that there’s also a certain style which you can only get from the capital. ‘The ‘London look’ is edgy and cool – it’s very sophisticated,’ he explains. ‘People know what they want here.’ So is this the look he tries to replicate in his projects abroad, or does that ‘Britishness’ just not translate? ‘I know that there is a trend for creating an ‘ultimate international style’,’ he admits, ‘but then everywhere starts to look the same. We like to come up with something unique and original for each space, because that’s what makes visiting it enjoyable, which is the end goal. Designers improve and enhance peoples lives – that’s what we do.’ ◆

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 12:02

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HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENING

GARDEN NOTES

Ka t e G ou l d’s

PLANT

Things are hotting up with tropical details and sensual summer scents RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

of t h e Mon t h

THE JUNGLE LOOK

Spring has well and truly sprung – making us pine for exotic summer shores. For those of us who can’t jet off quite yet, why not add a touch of tropical charm to your English garden with House of Hackney’s printed deckchairs? Paradise feels closer already. £215; houseofhackney.com

Summer blooms once again at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Meander through the famed flower show and see stunning gardens and impossibly beautiful colours while getting in some of the very best people-watching and celebrity-spotting. 19-23 May; rhs.org.uk

ROSA ‘SKYLARK’ ith its perfect pink globes of massed petals, the Rosa ‘Skylark’ is a classic variety of English rose that works well alongside bronze Fennel, Clematis recta and Veronicastrum ‘Fascination’. The beautiful colour fades from a deep pink at the beginning to a lilac with a bright white centre which is a truly stunning thing to see. kategouldgardens.com

The Scent of Summer etersham Horticultural Society will be sharing their how-to knowledge and advice to help you create a garden that not only looks great but smells amazing. An often-neglected sensual element, choosing flowers, herbs and shrubs for their scent can have a huge impact on how peaceful and relaxing your outside space is. 19 May; petershamnurseries.com

73 Chiswick_May15_Gardening.indd 73

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:38

PRIME LOCATION.indd V1 PL Zest 420x297 2014110 07.indd All Pages

02/04/2015 11:49

FIND

THE

HOME

YOU D E S E RVE

PRIME LOCATION.indd 2

02/04/2015 07/10/2014 11:49 11:16

Great Place to Live Great Investment Opportunities

House prices in Cambridge have risen more than any other British town or city over the past seven years. With a second train station coming and major developments underway across the city, it is an exciting time for properties in Cambridge. Bloomhall provides independent, impartial advice to owner occupiers, investors and corporate clients. With over twenty yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, our team offers leading local expertise and an unparalleled contact network. Whether you want the inside track on an advertised property or to secure an off-market deal to meet your needs, we are here to help.

info@bloomhall.com | www.bloomhall.com | +44 (0)1223 451022 Bloomhall, Wellington House, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1BH House price information from HomeTrack UK Cities House Price Index September 2014

BLOOMHALL.indd 2

17/03/2015 09:17

Property Absolutely

May 2 015

> PROPERTY NEWS p. 82 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 96 NIGEL LEWIS p. 102

PETHERTON ROAD Highbury, N5

ÂŁ925,000

magnificent two bedroom maisonette in an elegant Victorian terrace on a popular road in Highbury. This beautiful flat is extremely light and spacious and boasts an array of period features as well as its own entrance and sole use of the west facing garden. It has excellent transport links, being close to Canonbury station and is also within walking distance to Highbury & Islington station. u A

ISLINGTON

77 May_PROPERTY FRONT COVER.indd 77

020 7359 3636

kfh.co.uk

MAY 2015

15/04/2015 11:23

Florence Street, Islington N1 A fabulous four bedroom house for sale A superb four bedroom early Victorian family home with a lovely rear garden on this extremely popular residential street close to Upper Street. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 180 sq m (1,939 sq ft) Freehold

Guide price: £2,195,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3551 4459

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/ISL50070

KF.indd 1

Absolutely - May 15 18 Florence Street

14/04/2015 11:58

14/04/2015 09:55:57

Lonsdale Square, Islington N1 A large two bedroom apartment for sale A beautifully refurbished duplex apartment arranged over the lower two floors of this Grade II* listed early Victorian gothic house with direct access to the garden. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, guest WC. Approximately 121 sq m (1,304 sq ft) Share of freehold

Guide price: £1,600,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3551 4459

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/ISL140180

KF.indd 2

Absolutely - May 15 22A Lonsdale Sq

14/04/2015 11:42

14/04/2015 10:06:42

Studd Street, Islington N1 The heart of Angel A beautifully refurbished house close to the delights of Islington's Upper Street with its abundance of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, open plan kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, large rear garden and roof terrace. EPC: D. Approximately 100 sq m (1,077 sq ft). Available unfurnished

Guide price: £995 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/ISQ185125

KF.indd 3

Lettings Full Page Advert Absolutely C&A - May 2015 approved

14/04/2015 11:42

14/04/2015 10:09:01

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES TO RENT To find out how we can help you or to request you no obligation market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross kingscrosslettings@knightfrank.com 020 3764 8915

Guide price: £710 per week

St Pancras Chambers, King's Cross NW1 A one bedroom apartment located in this iconic development boasting a double bedroom, bathroom, large kitchen and seperate reception room. The apartment also benefits from a 24 hour concierge and the excellent transport links of King's Cross St Pancras. EPC: F. Available furnished. kingscrosslettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3764 8915

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,595 per week

North Mews, Bloomsbury WC1 A three bedroom penthouse. Master bedroom with en suite, 2 further double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen and open plan living area. The property also features underfloor heating, air conditioning and a large roof terrace. EPC: C. Available furnished. kingscrosslettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3764 8915

KF.indd 4

Property Page Absolutley May 2015

14/04/2015 14:02

14/04/2015 13:49:42

PROPERTY News

[HOUSE HUNTING]

NICK MOORE

Associate at Knight Frank, Islington 020 3657 7342; knightfrank.co.uk

[ AT A GLANCE]

ANDREW BRIDGES

Managing Director Stirling Ackroyd, stirlingackroyd.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

May_PROPERTY_News.indd 82

THE INSIDE SCOOP OF NEWS IN YOUR AREA

Most satisfying transaction I have recently moved someone into a great house overlooking the canal in central Angel. This particular buyer has had three false starts over the past 20 months and has finally moved into the house of his dreams. Most interesting property I’ve seen some fantastic houses over the years, however the most interesting property recently was a stunning house on Gerrard Road with a fabulous basement conversion. It sold for just shy of £3m.

lthough residential values have levelled off over the past six months, we are still experiencing high levels of demand and continued interest in our City fringe locations. Transactions are taking slightly longer to conclude and the record prices of last year are not being achieved but overall activity is extremely positive.

I never thought I’d see A buyer moving to Islington from Mayfair. After 16 years, I have just agreed my first sale to a buyer from Mayfair, it just shows how much the area has changed. Finest Property Showcase Lonsdale Square - A truly outstanding Grade II * listed, early Victorian Gothic house offering over 3,500 sq ft of beautifully presented accommodation in one of Islington’s most sought after locations. 

The commercial markets in our areas are going from strength to strength and both rents and capital values are continuing to rise at a fast pace. Uncertainty over the general election and the hardening of mortgage criteria have helped to create a more “normal” market place and we are confident that activity will accelerate for the second half of the year. 

82 15/04/2015 12:30

PROPERTY / ROUNDUP [ FEATURE] Edmund Cude have a new brand:

PORTICO

dmund Cude is one of the oldest names in the London property business – but it has now launched under its new name: Portico. It’s fresh, relevant and distinctive and will be deployed across the network of 11 central London offices alongside a new fleet of black Mercedes-Benz company cars. And with the new change comes an entirely new customer proposition.

[INTRODUCING]

LISA MASON Hurford Salvi Carr appoint Lisa Mason as new Sales Manager of their Clerkenwell and City Office 020 7490 1122; hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

Edmund Cude was entirely lettings focused until three years ago when the company acquired big-name Bushells, but the new brand will be known for both lettings and sales, and will offer both landlords and vendors a range of bespoke packages providing services they simply can’t get from other estate agents. In autumn last year, the company spoke to over 1,000 existing and potential customers to find out what they loved and hated about selling and renting property. Customers particularly liked the insightful approach that Edmund Cude took to helping landlords understand their obligations and vendors understand their local market dynamics. But landlords often expressed frustration at having to pay expensive contractors to resolve minor maintenance issues in their rental properties. So these values of approachability, insightful property knowledge and the creation of a team of 20 in-house tradesmen, became the cornerstones of Portico’s new proposition. Edmund Cude has served as the company’s moniker for nearly two centuries, and Bushells has been around for nearly 80 years, but in a crowded marketplace of companies typically bearing the owner’s surname, they wanted something fresh. 

urford Salvi Carr have appointed one of their top agents, Lisa Mason, as Sales Manager of their Clerkenwell and City office. Lisa’s appointment comes after 17 years of experience in residential property, most of it in the vicinity of Clerkenwell. Lisa began her career in property when she first joined Hurford Salvi Carr in 1998 as a sales coordinator in St John Street, Clerkenwell, just as it was becoming a fashionable place to live and work. Developers were flocking

to the area, converting industrial warehouses to luxurious loft apartments. ‘It was a really exciting time at Hurford Salvi Carr’ comments Lisa, ‘we were the only agents in Clerkenwell specialising in new homes, and very busy with all the newly available residential properties in the area. Over the years developers have continued to shape and change the area, but the people who live here have formed a real community, a village in central London, just a stroll away from the City’. 

[INTRODUCING]

EDWARD STRAKER

Lettings Negotiator Knight Frank, King’s Cross, 020 3764 8910 knightfrank.co.uk

am originally from Northumberland where I have spent most of my life. However, I decided to move south to London to work for Knight Frank. I joined the Hyde Park office last year and recently moved east to the newly opened King’s Cross office. My interest in property started at an early age as my father works as a property developer so naturally I wanted to follow in his footsteps. For me King’s Cross is one of the most exciting areas in London and I am looking forward to seeing the transformation of the site over the coming years. Prior to Knight Frank I spent four years working and travelling the world, which allowed me to interact with people from all different walks of life. I also completed various cycling challenges to raise money for charity, the largest being a 14,000 mile bike ride in South and North America for 10 months. 

SPOTLIGHT ON N4 Average Asking Price

£870,753

Average Property Value

£764,028

Average Asking Rents

£2,395 pcm Data provided by zoopla.co.uk

83 May_PROPERTY_News.indd 83

MAY 2014

15/04/2015 14:41

Completely at home in North 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 more than 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you. Our dedicated North London branches include • Belsize Park • Highgate • Islington

KFH.indd 05.15 KFH 1Absolutely City and Angel.indd 1

14/04/2015 11:01 10:57

Sotheby Road, Highbury, N5 £650,000 Islington 020 7226 2487 islington.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 05.15 KFH 2Absolutely City and Angel.indd 2

A two bedroom flat offering a well presented reception room, separate kitchen and high ceilings. The property is arranged over the first floor of a well maintained period building close to the amenities of Highbury Barn, the open spaces of Highbury Fields and transport links.

• • • • • • • •

Two bedrooms Well presented reception room Separate kitchen High ceilings First floor Sought after location Shared freehold EPC rating D

14/04/2015 10:58 10:33

Hornsey Lane Gardens, Highgate, N6 £999,950 Highgate 020 8341 6666 highgate.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 05.15 KFH 3Absolutely City and Angel.indd 3

A three bedroom garden flat that combines contemporary style with period character offering two bathrooms, stylish fitted kitchen, high ceilings and private garden. The property is situated close to both Highgate and Archway tube stations.

• • • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Open plan reception room Stylish fitted kitchen Utility room Private garden Shared freehold EPC rating E

14/04/2015 10:58 10:33

Buckland Crescent, Belsize Park, NW3 £4,745pcm Belsize Park 020 7586 9006 belsizepark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

A stunning three bedroom duplex flat with three bathrooms, eat in kitchen and private balcony. The property is set within a period conversion and located within walking distance to both Primrose Hill and Hampstead.

• • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Three bathrooms Eat in kitchen Private balcony Excellent transport links Part furnished EPC rating C

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

KFH.indd 05.15 KFH 4Absolutely City and Angel.indd 4

14/04/2015 31/03/2015 10:09 17:30

North Mews, Islington, WC1N £6,912pcm Islington 020 7226 2487 islington.lettings@kfh.co.uk

Three double bedroom penthouse apartment offering three bathrooms, large open plan reception/kitchen area and private roof terrace with views over the City. The property is located off Gray’s Inn Road moments from Holborn, King’s Cross and Clerkenwell.

• • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Three bathrooms Open plan reception/kitchen High specification throughout Solar panel heating Private roof terrace Excellent transport links Furnished

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

KFH.indd 05.15 KFH 5Absolutely City and Angel.indd 5

14/04/2015 10:58 10:35

PROPERTY / CLOSEUP

London’s