EAST
JANUARY 2017 / £3.95
LET’S MAKE GREAT ART
GET CREATIVE A NEW SKILL FOR THE NEW YEAR
IN THE STUDIO WITH MARION DEUCHARS
FRESH-FACED REVIVE YOUR WINTER SKIN
FLORAL FANCY A NEW LOOK FOR WINTER STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT C&A_COVER_Jan17.indd 3
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contents Januar y 2017
55
28 WINTER FLORALS This month’s hottest trends and products
c u lt u r e
8
WHAT’S ON
Diary dates for January
10 MARION DEUCHARS Absolutely chats to the quirky designer
20 H E A LT H & B E AU T Y
32 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL The month's best beauty buys
35 FRESH FACE FORWARD Skin-loving beauty buys
fa s h i o n
20 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trends and products
22 THE SHOOT Eclectic print for your winter wardrobe
Food & Drink
42 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings from the local area
45 FOOD REVIEWS Discovering The Common and The Lighterman k i d s & e d u c at i o n
CITY & ANGEL
JANUARY 2017 / £3.95
LET’S MAKE GREAT ART
GET CREATIVE A NEW SKILL FOR THE NEW YEAR
IN THE STUDIO WITH MARION DEUCHARS
FRESH-FACED REVIVE YOUR WINTER SKIN
51 KIDS NOTES Stylish shopping for tots t r av e l
FLORAL FANCY C&A_COVER_Jan17.indd 1
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C o ve r J.C R EW AW16 coll e cti o n a vail abl e a t j c r e w.c o m
56 PORTUGAL Mixing grown-up pleasures with childish ones 61 UK GETAWAY Inner-city relaxation on the West side
3 C&A_Jan17_Contents.indd 3
interiors
64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
A NEW LOOK FOR WINTER STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT
41
The latest style, news and trends for your home
PROPERTY
82 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area
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EDITOR PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE KIDS' EDITOR HELEN BARON FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY ARTS & CULTURE WRITER HELEN BROWN ADVERTISING MANAGER RENEE ASHKETTLE SALES DIRECTOR ROLLO DENNISON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR LEAH DAY-ABALOS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR TAMAR VANDERHOEK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER NEFELI KRITIKOU FINANCIAL CONTROLLER AYSHA HABIB CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscription@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.
First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 w w w. z e s t . l o n d o n Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
w w w. a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n
Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r, In s t a g ra m a n d Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS
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Editor’s LETTER
V
ery few people will have been sorry to say goodbye to 2016. Even leaving global politics aside, it wasn't the best year for London. So hopes for 2017 are higher than ever and we are all fully expecting things to be better than ever in this new year. In these pages, we're focusing on beating post-festive blues by immersing ourselves in London's cultural offerings. We look at Queen's, the Capital's newest go-to entertainment venue and we take inspiration from quirky illustrator, Marion Deuchars, while enjoying a scented candle or two from the comfort of our sofas. Personally, I'm keen on calligraphy, though you might prefer food styling, candle making or origami. We round up some ideas for a bit of armchair browsing this month. Meanwhile, we are very proud of our growing website absolutely.london – sign up for our weekly newsletter to be kept informed of all developments. And a happy new year to all our readers. ◆
pendle harte Editor
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INSPIRATION & DESIGN
40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk TILE BOX NOV_V3.indd 1
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p.8
MARION DEUCHARS
p. 10
CREATIVE CLASSES
p. 16
Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes, Sadler's Wells Theatre, until 29 January sadlerswells.com
> WHAT'S ON
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LONDON BOAT SHOW
6 - 1 5 Ja n u a r y Ex C el L o ndo n his annual boating spectacular returns T to showcase the best of the marine world. Exhibitors will demonstrate the latest sailing trends and most sought-after nautical products, alongside live music, fashion shows and expert talks.u Royal Victoria Dock, E16 londonboatshow.com
WIZARD OF OZ
8 Ja n u a r y T rox y his year marks 90 years since Laurel & T Hardy teamed up to make their first silent picture. Troxy are celebrating the great comedy duo with a screening of cult-classic, “The Wizard of Oz” directed and starring Larry Semon.u 490 Commercial Rd, E1; troxy.co.uk
Here Lies Shakespeare 1 1 - 1 5 Ja nu a r y Ja ck son s L a n e
Freely adapted from Is Shakespeare Dead? by Mark Twain, Here Lies Shakespeare is a comic tragedy comprising prologue, three short satirical stories, and an epilogue, based on themes surrounding the continually raging Shakespeare authorship debate. With a cast made up of taxidermied animals in Elizabethan attire, this is one not to be missed. 269a Archway Road, N5; jacksonslane.org.uk
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NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE 1 Ja n u a r y Va r i o u s L o ndo n l o c a ti o ns rap up and head out to join Pearly W Kings, acrobats and West End performers as they celebrate London’s 31st Parade. Watch as they float, twirl march and drum a 2.2 mile route around London's iconic landmarks. .u Starts at the Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, W1J; lnydp.com
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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS
MARY STUART
Un ti l 2 1 Ja n u a r y T he Al m e i da T he a tre wo queens. One in power. One T in prison. It's all in the execution. Schiller's political tragedy takes us behind the scenes of some of British history's most crucial days. Mary Stuart depicts the last days of the Queen of Scots, as her cousin Elizabeth I agonises over her fate. Juliet Stephenson and Lia Williams will play the leads, tossing a coin nightly to determine who plays who.u Almeida Street, N1; almeida.co.uk
must see
Amaluna From 12 January
R oyal Alb e rt Ha l l
AUSTEN COMEDY
After last year's runaway success, Cirque du Soleil is bringing their ground-breaking show back to the Royal Albert Hall in a dazzling display of acrobatic excellence. From Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus, this awe-inspiring production is a celebration of love and a tribute to the work and voice of women.
Throughout Janu a r y L e icester S q ua re T h e a t re mprov gets a bad rep in this country, but anyone who I dismisses the genre clearly hasn't seen Austentatious. This hilarious and entirely improvised comedy brings you period drama like you’ve never seen before. Join an all-star cast as they create a riotously funny new Jane Austen-esque literary masterpiece, based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience. u 6 Leicester Place, WC2H leicestersquaretheatre.com
Kensington Gore, SW7 royalalberthall.com
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
LONDON ART FAIR 18 - 2 2 Ja n u a r y B u s i n e s s D e s i g n Ce n t re
he UK’s premier fair for Modern British and contemporary art, returns to the Business Design Centre with a showcase of the very best contemporary and modern art from the UK and around the
T
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world. For its 29th edition, there is an exhibition from The Ingram Collection titled Ten Years: A Century of Art, a unique exhibition in the pavilion at the entrance to London Art Fair
52 Upper St, N1; londonartfair.co.uk
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STRAIGHT TO THE
art
Illustrator Marion Deuchars’ portfolio includes countless commercial projects as well as activity books for children. Absolutely meets her Interview Pendle Harte
A
rtist Marion Deuchars' CV spans everything from stamps to window displays, menu designs, food illustrations and book covers. In 2011 she published her first art activity book for children, Let's Make Some Great Art and its instant success led to two more. Her covers for Penguin's George Orwell novels won the V&A's book illustration award and her long-standing collaboration with Carluccios has made her work familiar to many. Born in Scotland, she studied at the Royal College of Art and now works from her studio in north London.
PENDLE HARTE: You have provided illustrations for everything from stamps to menus, via newspapers and book covers. How do you tailor your style to different needs? MARION DEUCHARS: A new commission is always an interesting challenge for me to make some new artwork. I like that I don’t always know what it will look like, that it will be a surprise in some ways. I have to think beforehand; should it be type-led? colourful?, serious? I try to produce artwork that I think suits the subject best rather than have a one-style-fits-all approach. I start all projects by playing with different materials as a way of coming up with ideas and direction.
I think the
PROCESS OF MAKING and DOING is as IMPORTANT as the END RESULT
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PH: Your art books for children have so much character and enthusiasm. How did they come about? Tell us about the new one. MD: The books have all grown from my first book Let’s Make Some Great Art. It was like art school in a book, so the subsequent ones are the result of doing the many exercises in the book. My latest
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ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE Marion Deuchars in her studio
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XXXXXX ARTS & CULTURE / XXXXXXX/ PROFILE Art books for children
endless source of inspiration. At the same time, I’m always looking at contemporary art and Illustration. There have also been some great contemporary exhibitions recently, Ai Weiwei and Carsten Holler to name a few. I try to get to as many exhibitions as I can. PH: What is your typical working day like? Walk the dog, walk the kids to train station, pilates class, walk to work. I
It's like
ART SCHOOL IN a book
one, Art Play, is the most accessible of all my books. It’s based on how I approach all of my work, which is first and foremost to play. I think the process of making and doing is as important as the end result and this book tries to celebrate that. It’s a book for the very young and old. PH: How would you describe your style? MD: I use a lot of hand lettering, but I also love to draw and paint. I use mainly conventional materials like paper, pencil, paints, and scissors… It's always hard describing your own style, but I receive many comments about my 'effortless' feel – I work hard at that. PH: How did you come to be an illustrator? When did it start? I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee. The first year was about trying everything
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Spreads from Art Play
from ceramics to photography to painting. By the end of the year we had to decide what to specialise in and I chose the Illustration and Printmaking department as it seemed to be where my work was heading. PH: What is your favourite kind of commission? MD: One that takes me to a place I don’t know. Milton Glaser says that ‘we should work towards the unknown’ and I completely agree. PH: What other artists and illustrators do you like? MD: I love seeing the greats. London has had so many fantastic exhibitions recently, from Matisse to Hockney. I also love looking at ancient art like Aztec. The British Museum is an
average a 25 hour working week, which is never long enough but it’s all I can do if I want to achieve a nice work/family life balance. I work in a shared open plan studio with 24 other creatives. It used to be a Victorian shoe factory. It’s a nice place to go every day. I have lots of space and can make a mess. It’s nice to have lunch at a table that’s not my desk, it’s good to ask for advice when I need it. PH: What are you working on next? MD: I’m working on another picture book for Laurence King as a follow up to Bob the Artist, which will be released next autumn. We also have plans to make a number of Bob the Artist toys and gifts including Bob Dominos.
Art Play by Marion Deuchars (Laurence King Publishing) is out now.
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DESIGN & FUNCTION
40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk CONCEPT KITCHENS NOV.indd 1
17/10/2016 12:27
Magnificent royal palaces, for your prestigious events hrp.org.uk/hireavenue 0844 482 8394 Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Tower of London • Hampton Court Palace • Banqueting House • Kensington Palace • Kew Palace • Hillsborough Castle
HRP.indd HRP Cross 1Palace conference - Absolutely City&Angel Jan 2017 issue.indd 1
16:19 12/12/2016 13:39
ARTS & CULTURE / NEWS
Skate, Dine, Bowl Queens in West London has had a facelift to become a one-stop shop for all your night out needs Wo r d s H e l e n B r o w n
D
ecember saw Queens: Skate-Dine-Bowl celebrate an exciting new chapter in its 85 year history. As London’s only all-yearround skating rink, West Londoners have been gliding across its icy surface on Queensway since it originally opened in 1930. It’s been used as a venue for televised skating on the BBC and – over the best part of a century – has played host to elite athletes and high society partygoers, among 25 million other guests. As well as restoring the ice, this facelift stripped-back decades of old plasterwork to reveal original period roof beams, now festooned with climbing plants and new lighting. The thinking behind the renovation is that Queens is now an all-encompassing leisure destination and has expanded into an exciting new domain; with plans for exclusive events, as well as availability for corporate bookings and private hire. It
Set to become LONDON'S go-to
ENTERTAINMENT VENUE certainly looks set to become West London’s go-to entertainment venue. After a spin on the ice, visitors can chill-out under a cosy blanket and warm their cockles with a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Craft beer from the world’s best brewers, a choice of well considered wines, soft drinks and cocktails are available from the venues two new, buzzing bars, designed in an industrial, British-retro style. The fun doesn’t stop there however. Nostalgic games will feature at Queens with old retro favourites such as Pac- Man, Asteroids, Point Blank and even the very first video phenomenon Space Invaders, to take you back to the good old days. Additionally, the venue now boasts 12 competition-standard lanes, with state-of-
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the-art equipment and iconic lane artwork from London’s legendary Graffiti Kings. All that activity is bound to build up appetites, so a special Lanes Menu can be served direct to your team table from none-other than Jimmy Garcia. Recently crowned London’s ‘pop-up king,’ Garcia has been blowing critics away with his fresh concepts, bold flavours and unique locations for over five years. Jimmy’s Diner at Queens is his first permanent central London location and serves moreish, meaty classics with a retro British twist, including parliamentary pulled pork, build-your-own burgers, sticky bangers, hot ribs and gooey mac’n’cheese. Ben Bourne, MD of Bourne Capital, says “Our renewed site will offer a unique leisure and dining experience to families, friends and corporates alike. We offer the best in class for each activity available at Queens.” It’s the perfect hang-out in the heart of swinging London and basically a one stop shop for all your night out needs. u Open Mon - Thurs and Sun, 10am-11pm and Fri - Sat, 10am - Midnight. More information can be found at queensiceandbowl.co.uk
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Get Crafty
January is a time for new beginnings, so why not take up a new hobby? We round up some tempting evening classes... Wo r d s J u l i a K r u p s k a
Food Styling
I
n the age of Instagram foodies, taste buds have taken a backseat and it’s never been more favoured to photograph and upload an aesthetically pleasing dish. With the help of food writer and stylist Jennifer Joyce, and former deputy food editor of BBC Good Food magazine, Sarah Cook you certainly won’t need to invest in a five-star dining experience to do so. Their six-week evening course will teach you all tricks of the trade, kit essentials, tips on food photography and prop styling. leiths.com
Calligraphy
Food styling
Calligraphy
C
ounting Burberry, Nike and Jimmy Choo among their client archive, Lamplighter London also offers intimate calligraphy workshops for the public. You can develop beautiful techniques with founder and author of Nib + Ink, Chiara Perano, and receive a personalised selection of stationery treats to take away too. lamplighterlondon.com
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ARTS & CULTURE / CLASSES Candle-making
Candle-making
T
ucked away in the heart of Belgravia is Rachel Vosper's luxurious candlemaking boutique. Create your own bespoke candles in etched glass containers, along with a selection of fragranced decorations while you sip champagne – this is a truly enjoyable experience. ◆ rachelvosper.com
L u x u r y C h o c o l at e Workshop
T
hese indulgent chocolate workshops in Hackney kick off with blending a devilish chocolate vodka martini. You'll discover how to infuse chocolate with essential oils and create a giant chocolate button from delicious Belgium chocolate. During the session you'll taste a selection of amazing chocolates from around the globe then pipe, dip and decorate tasty cream truffles, while enjoying a glass of champagne too. ◆ redletterdays.co.uk
Screen-printing
Screen Printing Print Club London
I
Origami
f you’re a dab hand at Photoshop and looking to create an arty one-off wonder, Print Club London are hosting two-day deluxe workshops offering the chance to create your very own bespoke screen print. With the help of an expert tutor, you’ll digitally create your design - coat, expose and wash screens before delving into the magic of mixing inks and curating layers. ◆ printclublondon.com
Origami
E
ver longed for the secret to the perfect flapping bird? Wonder no more, thanks to Britain’s leading origami artist Sam Tsang and his private, champagne-included, workshops. Gather a group of friends, split the price and indulge in a totally customisable workshop tailored entirely to your preferences - a choice of mindful, collaborative or educational themes make for a pleasurably nostalgic folding experience. ◆ rulyexperiences.com
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 10:58
HAMPSTEAD
NEW YEAR
OFFER
£50 from
• Cut & Blow Dry • Hair Treatment • Complimentary Trevor Sorbie Hair Product • 20% off Colour and KeraStraight Service
To book call 020 7112 1712
trevorsorbie.com
42 High Street Hampstead London NW3 1QE Download our App
@trevorsorbie
/trevorsorbie
*Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability. With selected stylists/technicians only. Discount on colour/KeraStraight services only valid if booked on day of appointment. Complimentary Trevor Sorbie hair product to be chosen by stylist. Appointment must be booked by 31st January 2017, and attended before 28th February 2017.
‘January’ offer must be mentioned at time of booking for offer to apply. TREVOR SORBIE.indd 1
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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
p. 20
THE SHOOT: ECLECTIC PRINT
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TREND: WINTER FLORALS
p. 28
TRÈS TRÈS CHIC Meet Uterqüe: the impossibly cool fashion brand loved by those in the know. For AW16 we’ll be investing in their classic polos, crisp poplin shirts and perfectly proportioned cashmere knits, which will carry us right through to spring. uterque.com
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st y l e C e n t r a l
Embrace camo luxe trousers, military cool and the new 'it' bag this January Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y
4 OF THE BEST
ACTIVEWEAR BRANDS Kick-start your new year workout with cool new kit 01
BEST FOR BASICS • Lululemon This Canadian sportswear label has gone from strength to strength, offering gym bunnies a wide range of high quality workout gear and accessories in classic fits and flattering hues.
lululemon.co.uk ◆
02
NEW BRAND TO KNOW • Michi If you're looking for a lesser-known name then head over to Michi, the high-end workout brand that offers a sexy twist on gym basics. We love their mesh panelled leggings which hug in all the right places with miraculous leg-sculpting results.
michiny.com ◆
03
MOST STYLISH • Varley For those wanting workout wear that can be worn from desk to gym to supermarket, Varley is the name to know. Inspired by California’s costal culture and London’s eclectic style, this brand uses unique and eye-catching prints to deliver Instagram-worthy looks.
04
Social Star
gap.com
Madga Butrym’s label was founded in 2014 yet has already graced many a star-studded Instagram feed. Combining modern design with traditional craftsmanship, Butrym offers an avant garde yet accessible aesthetic. For AW16 she has cleverly married feminine accents with an anarchic glamour, securing her a place in the fashion big leagues. magdabutrym.com
varley.com ◆
HIGH STREET HERO • GapFit It might not be the first brand that springs to mind when you think of sportswear, but Gap is every gym bunny's affordable gem. From yoga and studio-wear, to barre and running kit, their wide-range of high quality separates come in a plethora of trend-led cuts and high-tech fabrics.
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Magda Butrym
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FASHION / NOTES
7
CAMO LUXE Elizabeth & James
of the best
We love discovering new hero pieces, and for AW16 Elizabeth & James has seriously delivered. These luxe quilted trousers tick both the military and athleisure trends, and can be glammed up for drinks or dressed down with layered knits for weekend casual. Win win. £265; net-a-porter.com
MILITARY COATS Stand to attention this season
01 02
editor’s
PICK
BODY SCULPTURES Jessie Harris London
If you haven’t heard of Jessie Harris, then you will soon. Graduating from Chelsea College of Art in 2010, Harris has already graced the covers of countless glossy magazines. Handcrafted in her east London home, the brand offers sculptural, high-end silhouettes at truly affordable prices. jessieharris.co.uk
03
04
05
THE NEW ‘IT’ BAG J .W. A n d e r s o n
It's official: the ‘it’ bag is back. Step aside Chloe Faye, because J.W.Anderson’s pierce bag is the look to love this season. Rendered in soft lamb leather, this septum piercinginspired bag has, fittingly, been spotted on the arms of countless ‘it’ girls, and will add the perfect punk edge to any outfit. £1,965; j-w-anderson.com
06
FEMME FATALE A m e l i e s Fo l l i e s
Underwear drawer in need of a spring clean? Use the New Year as an excuse to treat yourself to new lingerie from Amelies Follies. The boutique offers a plethora of chic underwear and swimwear designs, alongside a fitting service - from A to J cup - to ensure you find the perfect set. ameliesfollies.co.uk
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07
1. MAJE, Long military-style coat, £479; maje.com 2. ZARA, Jacket with toggles, £89.99; zara.com 3. BURBERRY, Cape-back wool and cashmere-blend coat, £2,495; net-a-porter.com 4. PINKY LAING, Navy velvet military jacket, £ 700; avenue32.com 5. TOMAS MAIER, Double-breasted wool-blend pea coat, £645; net-a-porter.com 6. ROBERTO CAVALLI. Cropped embellished velvet jacket, £1,445; net-a-porter.com 7. SACAI, Military coat, £1,410; farfetch.com
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SEA BREEZE Reinvigorate your wardrobe with ecletic colours and textures b i m b ay l o l a .c o m
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FASHION / TREND MARC JACOBS, Floral-Flocked Gingham Blouse, £305; matchesfashion.com GUCCI, Princetown Fur-Lined Floral-Brocade Loafers, £515; matchesfashion.com
GLAMOROUS, Floral Brocade Bomber Jacket, £55; glamorous.com
ERDEM AW16
CHRISTOPHER KANE, Floral Embroidered Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt, £395; net-a-porter.com
MARNI, Flower Print Asymmetric Dress, £1,660; farfetch.com
JONATHAN SAUNDERS, Alex Embroidered Floral Shirt, £575; farfetch.com
SELF-PORTRAIT
Antoinette Blouse, £200; selfridges.com
WALL FLOWER WHISTLES, Gwyneth Jacquard Dress, £195; whistles.com
Embrace the brooding beauty of the English garden
RED VALENTINO, Sequinned Flower Tote, £755; farfetch.com
GUCCI, Appliquéd Silk-Blend Organza Gown, £2,740; net-a-porter.com
B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
LAURENCE DACADE, Pete Embroidered Velvet Ankle Boots, £615; net-a-porter.com
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38 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk BATH SORTS NOV.indd 1
17/10/2016 12:21
SHINING A LIGHT ON LASER LONDONS NO.1 HAIR REMOVAL SPECIALISTS
With the latest in laser technology our highly trained therapists can now offer solutions for skin rejuvenation, unsightly veins and pigmentation, as well as our leading laser hair removal treatments. Visit us at Strip Chelsea, Notting Hill or Islington for your complimentary consultation. Reader Offer: Receive 30% off single treatments or 10% off courses when you mention Absolutely North.
WWW.STRIPWAXBAR.COM
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> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
p. 32
SKIN LOVING BEAUTY BUYS
p. 35
CIAO BELLA She’s one half of the Hadid modelling duo whose film noir beauty has captured the heart of a generation. This year Bella Hadid hit the jackpot after being announced as the new face of Dior beauty. Will this millenial launch the historic fashion house into a social media age? Watch this space. dior.com
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15/12/2016 11:11
FItNESS C o l u m n
Start your year the right way with the latest beauty & wellness trends W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
5 OF THE BEST
GYMS From holistic and luxury to trendy and budget 01 • DESIGN
The Third Space, Tower Bridge With sister clubs in Soho, Marylebone and Canary Wharf, Third Space Tower Bridge is the latest in a line of beautifully designed workout spaces. With muted interiors, modern art and naked lightbulbs aplenty, this is the go-to gym for design-lovers.
thirdspace.london
02 • TRENDY
1Rebel, Broadgate From the son of Fitness First owner comes 1Rebel, the hipster exercise joint that brands itself as the 'anti-gym'. Their sites offer industrial chic interiors that are divided into two rooms: one for spinning and one for ‘reshape’. Expect coolerthan-thou 20-somethings. ◆
1rebel.co.uk
03 • FAMILY-FRIENDLY The Park Club, Acton
This Acton-based family-friendly health club is set on 27 acres of land and hosts a plethora of sports activities and events for kids. Tired parents can also enjoy pampering at the on-site Medispa or a child-free dinner at the Terrace Restaurant.
theparkclub.co.uk
04 • BUDGET
The Gym, Vauxhall If you're looking to save the pennies, or simply prefer a more functional gym experience, then check out The Gym. This contract-free, 24-hour access gym offers an extensive range of equipment and classes in a no-frills space.
thegymgroup.com
05 • HOLISTIC
Grace Belgravia Launched in 2014, Grace Belgravia is the womensonly members club leading the way in wellness. Led by a host of experts, the venue houses a gym, spa, restaurant and wellbeing clinic, offering a truly multi-disciplinary approach to health.
gracebelgravia.com
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Seasonal Escapism Guerlain
From Guerlain’s iconic fragrance comes a holiday make-up collaboration with supermodel Natalia Vodianova. Inspired by the romantic legend of Shalimar, this three-piece edit comprises of illuminating pearls, shimmer mist and an intense rogue lipstick. A portion of the profits will go to Vodianova’s charity, the Naked Heart Foundation, so you’ll do good while looking good. guerlain.com
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HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES
8
POSH BEAUTY Victoria Beckham x E s t ée L a u d e r
She's the girl power pop star turned fashion designer who has turned her hand to beauty. Continuing to smash expectations, Victoria Beckham has delivered a show-stopping collaboration with Estée Lauder. Hero buys include a double-ended eye pencil and the perfect red lipstick. Is there anything she can't do? from £22; esteelauder.co.uk
SCARLET WOMAN Lancôme
To celebrate its 25th birthday, iconic Lancôme lipstick L’Absolu Rogue has had a chic reinvention. Make-up artist to the stars Lisa Eldridge has partnered with the brand to create 14 new shades, from nude pinks to extroverted reds, all in a variety of textures. We’ll have one in every shade please. £25.50; lancome.co.uk
of the best
NAIL STRENGTHENING POLISHES
1 3
editor's
PICK
EXTRAORDINARY The Ordinary
It's rare that we come across premium skincare for under £10, but The Ordinary is breaking the luxury mould. The no-frills range of 10 serums focuses on simple, active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and retinol. 30,000 were sold within two weeks of launching and its virtues extolled by countless beauty editors. Get it before it goes. £4; ordinaries.com
DRINK UP Aveda
January is a tough time for our skin. Indulgent feasting, boozy New Years and lack of vitamin D mean our skin is in need of a boost. The beauty gods have offered us respite in the form of Aveda Botanical's new Kinetics Hydrating Treatment Lotion. Based on Asian skincare routines, this intensely hydrating treatment is made from Algae extract and will offer your skin that enviable dewy glow. £34; aveda.co.uk
7
4 6
8
1. BUTTER LONDON, SHEER WISDOM NAIL TINTED MOISTURISER, £15; lookfantastic.com 2. DEBORAH LIPPMANN, TURN BACK TIME ANTI-AGEING BASE COAT, £18; harrods.com 3. ELEGANT TOUCH, NAIL APOTHECARY, GOLD RIDGE FILLER 03, £8.95; boots.com 4. MAVALA, FORTIFYING AND PROTECTIVE BASE COAT FOR NAILS, £16; allbeauty.com 5. SECHE, SECHE REBUILD, £11.95; lookfantastic.com 6. JESSICA, RESTORATION BASE COAT, £18.95; feelunique.com 7. IBX, NATURAL NAIL STRENGTHENER, £10; louellabelle.co.uk 8. NAILSINC, NAILKALE COLOUR, £14; nailsinc.com
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5
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:13
Designed and made in Denmark
Best Wishes for The New Year
CrossEyes Camden 68 Chalk Farm Road London NW1 8AN, 0207 284 2781
CrossEyes Clerkenwell 14 Goswell Road London EC1M 7AA 0207 251 1268
CrossEyes Marylebone 67A York St London W1H 1QB 0207 258 0159
crosseyes.co.uk crosseyesuk crosseyesuk
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TH E N EW A P P FOR A NEW BRE E D OF MAMAS
Mama IN E TH E M AG AZ
MU MS FO R ST YL ISH
ISSUE FIVE | £
NOVEMBER /
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The cut knits for littles
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AS TM HRISAW C AYS IN STYLISH GET
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antal Meet Marie-Chqu een
Talking to the hion of kids' fas
Absolutely Mama is the exciting new parenting title for stylish, active, ambitious mums
Loud & Proud
blogging At home withLou d Girl superstar Live
Packed full of news, views and on-trend lifestyle content, Absolutely Mama is firmly focused on what mums really think, feel, want and need. The magazine covers everything from the latest fashion and beauty to nutrition, technology and travel for families, and features contributions from some of Britain’s foremost parenting experts and baby brands - not to mention some truly inspirational mamas.
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Absolutely Mama Magazine
1
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HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS SHISEIDO,
Shimmering Cream Eye Colour, £22; harrods.com
NUXE,
Huile Prodigieuse Or, £19; spacenk.com
MAC,
Strobe Cream, £24.50; maccosmetics.co.uk
BENEFIT,
Benetint, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.com
BOBBI BROWN,
Intensive Skin Serum Foundation, £40; bobbibrown.co.uk
LAURA MERCIER
Lip Balm SPF 15, £17.50; spacenk.com
PERRICONE MD,
No Foundation Foundation Serum, £45; perriconemd.co.uk
HOURGLASS,
CHARLOTTE TILBURY,
Veil Mineral Primer, £46; net-a-porter.com
THE BODY SHOP,
Brow & Lash Gel, £10; thebodyshop.com
Mini Miracle Eye Wand, £29; charlottetilbury.com
FRESH AS A DAISY Press re-set with the best skin-loving beauty buys B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
URBAN DECAY,
Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette, £38.50; urbandecay.co.uk
7. ESTEE LAUDER,
Perfectionist Serum Compact Makeup SPF15, £43; esteelauder.co.uk
NARS,
Illuminating Multiple, £29; narscosmetics.co.uk
BARE MINERALS,
SPF 25 Mineral Veil, £21; bareminerals.co.uk
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:12
ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION I felt like I was in CONTROL THROUGHOUT the whole PROCESS
NEW YEAR NEW YOU Cosmetic surgery with a difference
C
osmetic surgery is a big decision - whatever your age or life stage - so choosing a good surgery is vital to achieving the results you want. Whether you’re mildly curious about a procedure or you’ve already made your mind up, MyAesthetics’ personalised approach to surgery guides you every step of the way. In fact, MyAesthetics believe that the consultation is almost as paramount as the cosmetic surgery itself. The MyAesthetics Group are proud owners of the award winning, five-star cosmetic surgery company MyBreast, a unique hub of 15 accredited surgeons – all industry leaders in their specific field of cosmetic surgery. Each of our highly qualified surgeons are members of the British Association
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and/or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), so patients have complete peace of mind that their specialist cosmetic surgeon has experience and professional accreditation behind them. MyAesthetics provide bespoke guidance from an elite surgeon at every single step of surgery, from first consultation through to aftercare. Whether it’s a dramatic change or subtle tweak, MyAesthetics’ unique approach to surgery makes the journey to the new you, a smooth one. “My interaction with the consultant was amazing. He was there every step of the way to help,” Explains Nikki, 28, who recently had her breasts reduced and lifted with MyAesthetics. “He asked valid questions about the motivations behind my
surgery – nothing is done lightly. After the consultation, I had a real sense of relief. It felt like I was in control throughout the whole process.” Begin your transformation armed with one-on-one expert guidance throughout and the assurance you’re in the hands of the UK’s top tier of surgeons. The end goal? Your face or body expectations realised. So what can patients expect? Unlike rival clinics, MyAesthetics doesn’t have a sales department so there’s no hard sell; just unrivalled, customised advice. Bespoke guidance from an elite surgeon is a given at every single step of surgery. Patients will only ever meet the same surgeon on their transformational journey, giving them an assured sense of familiarity, trust and confidence. Patients can expect the same premium service at each handpicked, reputable MyAesthetics location throughout the UK. The MyAesthetics set-up is inviting and comfortable rather than clinical and intimidating, so patients feel at ease both before and after their cosmetic procedure. MyAesthetics prides itself on their comprehensive aftercare service provided to patients and your dedicated surgeon will be on hand for all appointments or check-ups. MyAesthetics are proud to highlight that in a saturated market, they continue to score 5 stars on Trust Pilot. But it’s not just their patients who champion the outstanding care on review platforms; this year MyBreast was awarded The 2016 Diamond Award given in recognition of their dedication and excellence to safety in the Beauty & Aesthetics Industry. u
mybreast.org
36 15/12/2016 11:15
YOUR HAIR. OUR CONCERN
HAIR • BEAUTY • LASER
Tel 020 7936 4005
STUDIO M.A_V2indd.indd 1
34 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AY
www.studio-ma.co.uk
15/11/2016 16:37
BEAUTY BITES Hot picks for January
TREVOR SORBIE Trevor Sorbie Hampstead is a boutique hair salon located on the heart of the high street. Visit trevorsorbie.com or call 020 7112 1712 to find out more about our special New Year package. Starting from just £50, you can treat yourself to a cut and blow dry, hair treatment, complimentary product and 20% off colour services or their KeraStraight Style Solution!
The Chapel This spellbinding scent lives in the hour between sunset and darkness, where a whispered caress of clove and crimson fruit weaves around delicate incense from distant groves of oudh wood. 320g Scented Noctula candle encased in ceramic white pot with 80 hours burning time available from The Chapel salons and online. £65.00 394-396 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ thechapel.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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GINA CONWAY Gina Conway salons and spas embrace the alchemy of plants and people, using award-winning stylists and therapists to promote beauty and holistic wellness with Aveda products. This Christmas there's an array of gifts all customised with beautiful handmade paper. Perfect presents range from haircare to Christmas candles infused with Ginger Lily... bliss in a box! ginaconway.co.uk
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ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION
CROSS EYES
RESTED
CrossEyes is a Danish concept in eyewear and optometry which has recently arrived in the UK. These frames are unique, they are all limited edition and are particularly popular due to the materials such as bamboo and clear acetate. Prices are transparent and start at £145 for Single Vision (all inclusive) Find out more about CrossEyes here: crosseyes.co.uk
100% Pure Essential Oil blends created by Japanese scent masters @aroma. Improve your wellbeing and transform your living spaces with a luxury natural aromatherapy range derived from finest botanicals. Designed to augment mood and ambience, oils are gently emitted by the magical Squair diffuser utilising Piezo technology. The Piezo diffuser and 100ml oil selection costs £150, exclusively at Rested. rested.com.
BARRETONED Start the new year off right and get those legs fit for the upcoming ski season with BARREtoned’s New Year’s Resolution Pack. This includes six weeks of unlimited classes for £150, plus a pair of free BARREtoned socks, chapstick and a week of online classes. Contact the studio to purchase. 12 Chepstow Road, W2 5BD; 020 7229 8668; contact@BARREtoned.com; BARREtoned.com
USPAAH
ZIG ZAG TEA
Let USPAAH, your personal spa concierge, take away your stress and make you sparkle this season. Via their app you can request a variety of treatments in seconds and have them delivered to your door in as little as one hour. Simply tap the app, sit back and relax. uspaah.com
Zigzag tea is a modern independent tea company based in East London. Founder Lucy Dolan was inspired to start a tea business after experiencing traditional tea ceremonies in Asia. Her three tea collections, Pure, Plant and Fusion, offer ancient pure classic teas as well as innovative modern infusions. Catch her at Canopy Market in King's Cross this winter or online at zigzagteas.com
BALANCE ME Bring in the New Year with Balance Me. Balance Me invites you to bust January blues with the Pocket Perfection Duo gift containing Super Moisturising Hand Cream, Lip Quench Balm and Bahia Band at £7 suitable for all skin types. The Rose Otto Rescue Set with Rose Otto Hand Cream, Body Oil, Body Wash and Bahia Band starts at £10. balanceme.co.uk
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:17
An elegant Knightsbridge escape tucked away in a terrace of townhouses Boasting striking views over Egerton Gardens, an Italian fine dining restaurant and a Martini & Champagne bar, it’s the perfect mix of impeccable service and the feel of a private home, with Italian-influenced design.
24 Egerton Gardens, London, SW3 2DB +44 (0)20 7584 5533 www.thefranklinlondon.com
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> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL: HEALTHY DRINKS
p. 42
REVIEWS
p. 45
HOW TO HYGGE Kick-start January with the Danish appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. Brontë Aurell’s new book ScandiKitchen: Fika & Hygge celebrates cosy days with friends, slowing down and taking the time to enjoy homemade treats. £16.99, Ryland Peters & Small; rylandpeters.com
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:23
What to drink
kitchen
CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and delicious things to see you through January Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S
GRAPE NEWS
Wine recommendations for January B y k e v i n l at o u f
S PA R K L I N G
Casa Ciste Piane Prosecco An organic Prosecco made the same way as Champagne from a tiny vineyard in the heart of Prosecco land. It's clean, fresh and sparkling with so much character and flavour. It's only 11% alcohol so works as the perfect aperitif and only 30,000 bottles are made, so it's pretty exclusive.
WHITE
Vermentino, Antonio Camillo Located in the south of Tuscany, Antonio makes wines that showcase the exact place they are grown. This vermentino is a great alternative to Chardonnay and is packed with flavour but still remains dry and crisp. The perfect winter white.
RED
Casa di Si, Chiquitin Casa di Si’s mission is to hand-craft organic wines expressive of the vineyard and their specific region. The high altitude of the vineyard – 700-1000m – helps keep the wines fresh and extremely drinkable. Chiquitin is 100% handpicked Garnacha – no naughty machines here.
thewinebutler.com
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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Pizza Perfection Radio Alice Pizzeria
Named after a radio station set up in Bologna in the 1970s, Radio Alice in Hoxton Square takes an alternative stance on pizza making - cooking the base first, cutting it into eight slices and adding organic, seasonal toppings afterwards. The result is Berbere - a delectable dish made for sharing, especially with a few negronis, and best enjoyed on their shabby-chic outdoor terrace. 16 Hoxton Square, N1 radioalicepizzeria.co.uk
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FOOD & DRINK / NOTES editor’s
PICK
ETHICAL TIPPLES Fa i r S p i r i t s
Eschew the usual bottle of bubbly in favour of the world’s first quinoa vodka. Created by ethical spirit brand FAIR, the drink is made from organic quinoa seeds grown in Belize and has notes of almond milk and spices. Filtered to perfection, the resulting spirit is as clean as your conscience will be. fairspirits.com
TO P 5
‘HEALTHY’ COCKTAILS UNDERGROUND DINING Basement Galley
For an alternative food event, look no further than the Underground Supper Club. They'll be hosting ‘Chefs on the Tube’ – four-course dinners hosted by London’s best culinary talent, in their vintage tube carriage. Starting on the 19th of the month, expect convivial dining and global flavours. basementgalley.com
CLASSICS MADE MODERN
01
FARMACY • Notting Hill Farmacy’s emphasis on clean indulgence carries into their bar, where the likes of flaxseed oil, cayenne pepper and even cannabis oil are stirred into juices and cocktails.
farmacylondon.com
02
FIRST AID BOX • Herne Hill At the Shrub & Shutter’s little brother bar in Herne Hill cocktails are ‘prescribed’ in intravenous fluid bags, as liquids in syringes or in botanical infusions. Check out the (nearly) holierthan-thou quinoa vodka cocktail…
firstaidbox2015.com
Perilladining
Loved Perilla’s acclaimed residences at Palm 2 and Platform 1? Then you’ll be pleased to hear the pop-up is now a permanent spot in Newington Green. The menu includes seaweed bread brushed with roasted lamb fat and cuttlefish bolognese, served up in relaxed, unpretentious surroundings. We’re sold. 1-3 Green Lanes, N16 perilladining.co.uk
03
THE LIDO CAFÉ • Herne Hill Brockwell Park’s The Lido Café is the perfect place to hole up on a cold January day, virtuous cocktail in hand. We recommend the Green Goddess, made from a base of Kamm & Sons.
thelidocafe.co.uk
04
REDEMPTION BAR • Shoreditch Seek a little redemption from booze at this aptlynamed, alcohol-free bar. Our favourite sin-free tipple has to be the Beet-O-Tini: beetroot and orange juice, lime and coconut water.
BRUNCH DATE S ampa Cafe
London meets Sao Paulo at Sampa Cafe, a buzzing coffee shop recently redesigned on Leather Lane. Tuck into eclectic dishes like a Spanish breakfast of jamon and tomatoes on toast or Danish Batada – rye bread topped with potatoes – and stop off downstairs to check out beautiful artwork from local artists. 75 Leather Lane, EC1; sampacoffee.co.uk
43 C&A_Jan17_Food_Notes.indd 43
Bars are stirring superfoods and botanicals into drinks that are more forgiving on our waistlines. Here are five of our favourites...
redemptionbar.co.uk
05
TREDWELL’S • Covent Garden Tredwell’s caters to the health crowd with coldpressed cocktails, created with Bob’s Juicery. Try the strength-giving Gimlet with gin, ginger, pineapple and wheatgrass and the Hail Mary – a more virtuous take on the classic.
tredwells.com
And for healthy cocktails at home…Try Rocktails detox-friendly drinks with low sugar, less than 90 calories per serving and botanical ingredients.
rocktails.co.uk
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:27
NOW OPEN
Queens is sure to give you the ultimate bowling and skating experience for a very special night out with fantastic Diner food from one of London’s top chefs. The perfect venue to host any occassion. From birthdays to team building events, we have got it covered. 020 7229 0172 • info@queensiceandbowl.co.uk www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk /queensiceandbowl
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@queens_ice_bowl
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FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS
THE LIGHTERMAN N1 Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
his standalone glass box in Granary Square epitomizes the new Kings Cross with its canal views and angular aesthetic. Overlooking the square with its colourfully lit water fountains, it’s a busy, shiny space with a spanking new feel. And the food is impressive. We sit upstairs, where dining is prioritized, and the menu is interesting and varied. To start, it’s salt-baked beets with burrata, chestnuts and truffle dressing, which is a huge success – crispy, colourful beets with silky, luxurious cheese and a kick of truffle; my friend has a very prettily arranged beetroot-cured trout with crème fraiche and fennel salad, not because we, or the restaurant, are obsessed with beetroots, but because neither of us is willing to budge on our choices. My main course of roast cod with mussels, spinach and chive cream is a success, though it could have done with a touch of carbohydrate, while a filo tart with squash, feta and toasted almonds has a good crunch and lots of flavor. For pudding, a cheesecake is heavenly. This is a high class venue with an excellent kitchen; for January, their brunch looks promising too, so we’ll return for that. u
T
The Common NW10
Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
W
hen a derelict office block takes on a new lease of life, who could fail to be delighted? This lone canalside building is now a slick residential unit housing several hundred people in small self-contained units under the mantra ‘collective living’. Promising to redefine the ‘way people choose to live’ it’s somewhere between a hotel and a hall of residence, and despite its slightly offgrid location, takeup for rooms at The Collective is strong. The Common has a large canalside terrace complete with an outdoor pizza kitchen. Inside, the feel is friendly and community-focused, with décor along the usual urban industrial lines, all reclaimed tiles, filament light bulbs and concrete. The menu is crowd-
pleasing and safe, the collective living ethos reflected in a focus on sharing plates and discounts for groups. On our visit, we sit in an intimate booth and enjoy a large plate of tortilla chips and dips, then a burger (top marks) and a whole halibut from the day’s specials, which was tasty but easily confused with a sharing plate on account of its vast size. There’s a good children’s menu and an attractive (though possibly a bit pricey) wine list – and the wood-fired pizzas brought in from outside (slightly concerned for the lonely chef outside in the chill) are delicious; we note that there’s a two-for-one deal on Tuesdays. The Common is a welcome addition.
Crispy, COLOURFUL BEETS with silky BURRATA
The feel is FRIENDLY & community-
FOCUSED
T H E C O M M O N O L D OA K Old Oak Lane, NW10; 020 3845 642; thecommonoldoak.co.uk
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THE LIGHTERMAN 3 Granary Square, N1; 020 3846 3400; thelighterman.co.uk
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:31
R E S TA U R A N T & B A R D E D I C AT E D TO T H E R E G I O N A L C U I S I N E O F P U G L I A
Q U E E N ’ S PA R K 43-45 LONSDALE ROAD, LONDON NW6 6RA H I G H G AT E 1 HAMPSTEAD LANE, LONDON N6 4RS
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26/07/2016 14:10
020 7624 8035 O S T U N I R E S T A U R A N T. C O . U K
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ABSOLUTELY london
www.absolutely.london is now live
Your guide to inspirational London living From the team behind Absolutely Magazines
FOLLOW US AT @AbsolutelyMagazines @absolutely_mags
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> SMALL TALK - BEDLINEN, TENTS AND BOOTIES
p. 51
EDUCATION - GET POLITICAL p. 53
CARNIVAL COOL Singapore-based label Gardner & The Gang has opted for a carnival theme for winter, making for a collection of wearable pieces in fun, harlequinesque patterns and colours. harrods.com
49 Chis_Jan17_KIDS OPENER.indd 49
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:33
HEY BABY! THE BABY JOURNAL EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT! Contemporary, quirky & fun baby journals for all the milestones and memories of pregnancy and that precious first year. Take 10% off with code MAMA10.
SEE MORE AT ILLLUSTRIES.COM
SHARE LIFE’S BEST MOMENTS
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Ann’s Designer Cakes Artisan Cakes for all Occasions
020 8644 8523 | www.annsdesignercakes.com
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KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES
B R A N D FO C U S
DREAM TEAM Wo l f & R i t a x J C d e C a s t e l b a j a c Spring style for littles doesn’t come cuter than this – a collaborative capsule of contemporary pieces featuring arty prints and a fun bohemian aesthetic. Très chic. Available at Scandimini.co.uk
JACADI Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N
N
SMALL TALK The launch of Little Loafers and a play-tent of one’s own
SLUMBER PARTY Sleepy Doe Snuggle alert: this new label makes beautiful sleepwear and bedlinen for little ones and their mamas. Choose from a range of tasteful, print-based designs. From £24; sleepydoe.com
Fleece Booties, £29; jacadi.com
PEAK CONDITION
PLAYING HOUSE
Loaf ¢ Loaf’s new Little Loafers home furnishings and accessories collection offers lots of Scandi-style quirk and character – we love this mountain-themed bedroom in all its pioneering glory. Prices vary. u
Djeco ¢ This easy-to-assemble play-tent from Djeco is ideal for indoor camp-outs, with a bright harlequin design and roll-up door. Littles will love having a den of their own. u £49.99; crafts4kids.co.uk
loaf.com
51 CHIS_Jan17_KIDS NOTES.indd 51
o one does classic like Jacadi does classic. Founded in 1976, such was the demand for the French brand’s children’s clothing that within two decades it had expanded as far west as Los Angeles and as far east as Taiwan. The secret formula? High-end garments designed with timelessness and traditional charm. Simply put, Jacadi makes the kind of clothing that crosses the boundaries of intergenerational taste, eliciting sighs of delight and approval from great-grandmas and trend-conscious first-time mamas alike. Highlights from the AW16 collections include schoolwearinspired day dresses in blue gingham check, cute workshirts in steely blue for little boys and a range of nautical sweaters emblazoned with fun insignia. Our pick for babies is a pair of white, fleece-lined newborn booties (pictured), which are sure to keep little toes toasty. ◆
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:34
THE FINEST TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS
NEW INSTALLATIONS, UPGRADES, AND REPAIRS SASH WINDOW.indd 1
01344 868 668
www.sashwindow.com 14/12/2016 12:03
KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK
Playground Politics It’s more important than ever to engage young people in politics. And where better to start than parliament itself? Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e
P
ost-Brexit and Trump it has never been more important to engage young people in politics and to make them feel that they have a stake in their future. As Vivienne Durham, former super-head and director of the school’s advisory service at Enjoy Education says: “Today’s children will be the voters and politicians of tomorrow and they can already see the mistakes being made by the adult generation. Most teenagers are naturally politically responsive – they question and expect more from the society they see around them.” But how do you engage young people? For parents and teachers alike, Parliament itself is a good place to start. The Parliament Education Service organises school visits, outreach services and has a wide range of online resources. Last November it launched its first ever Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with Future Learn. ‘An introduction to the UK parliament’ involves two hours study per week for three weeks and is open to all to learn more about how laws are made, the differences between Parliament and Government and the work of Government itself. The Education Service website has a huge array of films, games and multi-media resources, catering for all Key Stages. These range from ‘Parliament, laws and you’ aimed at KS1 to ‘Lawmaking in the House of Lords, the journey of a bill’ for KS3-5. There are films on ‘What is the House of Commons?’ and ‘What is the House of Lords?’, plus an Election Toolkit and research tools such as a World War I source pack or information on the suffragettes. You can even play ‘MP for a week’, an interactive game where the
MP for a week is
AN INTERACTIVE game WHERE THE PLAYER must make DAILY DECISIONS
player must make the daily decisions and choices of an MP. Schools can also arrange visits to Parliament. There is a new education centre at Westminster, complete with 360˚ virtual reality upper and lower chambers. Visitors will also tour the House of Commons, Lords and Westminster Abbey and have a workshop. If your local MP is available, they will also come and see you. If you can’t get to Parliament, why not get Parliament to come to you? A team of outreach officers visits primary and senior
53 Chis_Jan17_Education.indd 53
schools to inspire youngsters and you can even book member of the Lords and Commons to pay your school a visit. The ‘Peers in Schools’ programme for 14 to 18 year-olds started in 2007, and since then peers have talked about their work to more than 50,000 children. Or you can Skype the Speaker of the House. In a new initiative, it’s now possible for your school to have a live Q&A session with the RT Hon Jon Bercow MP. Young people who really want to get involved can take part in the UK Youth Parliament. This offers 11-18 year-olds the opportunity to make their voices heard. Its 369 members are elected from all regions in the country. They organise campaigns and events in a bid to influence decision-makers around the issues that matter to people of their age. Every year in November, during Parliament Week, the MYPs (members of youth parliament) hold a debate in the House of Commons chamber on issues that concern them. Political experience doesn’t get more real than that. A great way to get children enthused in politics and public speaking is to set up a debating society at school or to hold mock elections. Vivienne Durham said: “The enthusiasm and political interest which students invested in a school mock election on the day of the General Election had to be seen to be believed - it’s great!” ◆
For more information visit parliament.uk/education or email educationoutreach@parliament.uk Bookings for summer term 2017 visits open on 13 January 2017 at 8:30am on 020 7219 4496. For information on the UK Youth Parliament ukyouthparliament.org.uk
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:35
A World of Sophisticated Beauty Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the “Stay with Armani� philosophy delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually. www.armanihoteldubai.com
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13/10/2016 11:10
> PORTUGUAL – A BEACH HOLIDAY AND CITY BREAK COMBINED p. 56
HILL STATION A tram ride through Lisbon is probably the most fun you can have on public transport. If you can get on one, that is.
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:36
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX Cascais
Atlantic City Can’t decide between a beach holiday and a city break? This Portuguese family holiday takes in both Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e
P
ortugal is having a moment. Portuguese tiles are on every interiors wish list, parties serve miniature pasteis de nata and vinho verde is an increasing presence on wine lists. And as a tourist destination, Portugal has been having more than just a moment for quite some time. Since the invention of the budget airline, Lisbon has been the European city of choice for visitors from all over the world, drawn to its manageable size, unspoilt stylish tiled exteriors and coastal location. No wonder that in 2016 it won several awards, including Best Short Break Destination in the Travel Media Awards, and Lonely Planet lists it as one of the world’s Top Ten Cities for Travel. We are here with two children, who though relatively well-travelled, are still less keen on wandering the streets of a new city than they are on jumping into a pool. And getting out and jumping in again. Again and again until dinner time.
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
C&A_Jan17_Portugal.indd 56
Martinhal, Cascais
Lisbon COUNTS as one of the world’s TOP TEN CITIES for travel
So our trip is designed to take in both – to visit Lisbon, and to go to the beach and the pool too. We’re aware that our girls – aged seven and ten – are interested in new places and that as a family we’re ready to move on from purely pool-based holidays. This realization is laced with nostalgia, because nowhere is the passing of time more visible than on holidays, which, recurring at regular intervals, always remind us of their predecessors. What was last year’s favourite paddling pool is this year’s babyish reject. So we are heading first to the pool, to Martinhal in Cascais, a family hotel and younger sibling to the established Martinhal in the Algarve, which is known as a haven for parents for its attention to every detail. One of the first things we see on arriving is a bulbous mound emerging from the grass, like a strange crater, or half a huge ball. What is it? The children run towards it, kick off their sandals and take a leap. It’s a trampoline, of course, a landscaped one, raised and visibly bouncier than any other trampoline. It’s
56 15/12/2016 11:37
TRAVEL / WANDERLUST
Lisbon
an unusual looking hotel, a low rise main building in the suburbs of Cascais, set in lush surroundings. It’s small and intimate, though also spread out and uncrowded. Facilities for families – trampoline aside –include indoor and outdoor pools as well as kids’ clubs for all ages, well-thought out accommodation that includes a row of small, modernist houses with doubleheight living areas and sunny terraces as well as standard interconnecting hotel rooms with lavish bathrooms. There’s even a menu of mushy dishes for babies. Cascais itself is a beach town about half an hour’s drive from Lisbon. It’s
57 C&A_Jan17_Portugal.indd 57
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:37
ABBEY ROAD
FRAMING
Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts
020 7328 6915
67 Abbey Road St John’s Wood London NW8 0AE
ABBEY ROAD FRAMING.CO.UK ABBEY ROAD FRAMING NXNW.indd 1 AbsolutelyNorthByNorthWest-1612-AbbeyRoadFraming.indd 1
13/12/2016 14:13 07/12/2016 16:01
GRATE EXPECTATIONS.indd 1
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_C&A_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3
15/12/2016 10:25
TRAVEL / WANDERLUST
rival a summer weekend in Amsterdam. Immediately we feel for anyone who uses the 28 for actual transport. The tuk-tuks, we discover, began a few years ago in response to this overcrowding, because they’re the only vehicles that can rival trams in negotiating the steep and winding landscape. Abandoning our tram ambition, we take a tuk-tuk ride that becomes a rollercoaster of excitement, a whistlestop tour of Lisbon’s highlights including the fantastic market. But ultimately the effect of tourism on this city's transport infrastructure leaves us feeling slightly uneasy. We are staying at the Four Seasons, which not only has a rooftop running track that offers amazing views over Lisbon and its sunset, but also has a warm welcome for children. Of our two interconnecting rooms, one has been specially prepared with Disney duvet covers, welcome cookies and miniature dressing gowns and slippers (these create enormous excitement). There’s also a treasure hunt that takes kids through the hotel searching for clues. This Portuguese trip does that rare thing of combining grown up pleasures with childish ones, keeping everyone happy. u
Above & right: Four Seasons Lisbon
a beautiful spot, a small town with a busy tourist trade and lots of sweeping beaches. Martinhal runs a regular taxi shuttle into town, so we fall into a lazy routine of heading to the town’s beaches after mornings by the pool. This satisfies everyone’s requirements in terms of relaxation and entertainment and after a few days we are ready to move on. Lisbon is completely transformed since my last visit, which I remember clearly – the late 90s, the early days of budget airlines. Back then, we couldn’t have forseen what effect cheap flights and, later, Airbnb could have on a small city. Then, we got on a passing tram and toured the city’s famed seven hills, some of their impossibly steep winding streets
Cascais is a SMALL TOWN with a BUSY TOURIST trade and lots of SWEEPING BEACHES
inaccessible by car and narrow enough for washing to be strung overhead. Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are stylish and clattery, the older ones dating back to the early 20th century, and an actual ride on one is what our children are looking forward to most. But trying to recreate this tram journey today is no joke. Route 28 is reputed to take in the steepest hills but whenever one passes, it’s so crowded (with tourists) that there’s no chance of getting on. We head for the beginning of the line but quickly it dawns on us that we’re not the only ones. A swarm of tuktuks signposts what turns out to be the stop we’re after, only it is surrounded by hoards of tourists, more than enough to
59 C&A_Jan17_Portugal.indd 59
Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel Low season: from 178€ per night in a double room, with breakfast included. High Season: from 248€ per night in a double room, with breakfast included. Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Resort Hotel, R. do Clube Casa 36, Quinta Da Marinha, 2750-002 Cascais Portugal +351 211 149 900 info@martinhal.com martinhal.com/cascais Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, Lisboa, 1099-039, Portugal fourseasons.com/lisbon
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:38
U SH R B O EA W U R T TO O O I F U IN M L N SP IS EW IR NO 3 E YO W FL U OP OO EN R
O
CLARITY BEGINS AT HOME
Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms
3,200 Square feet of contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms from Italy and Germany. Mark Nicholas Design one stop shopping for the finest home interiors on display in London. Why not call today to arrange a consultation to find out what we can do for you.
48 Penton Street, Islington, 32-34 Penton Street, Islington,London LondonN1 N1 Tel: 020 7278 7573
MARKNICHOLAS.indd NICHOLAS.indd 11 MARK
Fax: 020 7833 2273
Email: enquiries@marknicholasdesign.com
www.marknicholasdesign.com
16/05/2016 15/09/2014 17:37 16:32
TRAVEL / STAYCATION THE HOTEL
S
earching for a sophisticated stayaction right here in the city? Those looking for an elegant bolthole in the middle of one of London’s best postcodes need look no further than the Marriott Hotel Park Lane. A prime spot for business travellers, families and couples alike, it also makes the perfect mid-week treat for a Londoner living on the edge of Zone 2. But it's more than just a good location: the hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts its own indoor swimming pool and high tech gym, too. The interiors are sumptuous and subtle with pops of colour giving them a modern edge and the marble floors give it a proper Park Lane finish. u
MARRIOTT HOTEL PARK LANE London
W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e
THE SPA
L
ike many overworked Londoners, there are few things I enjoy more than a really good spa treatment; I decide to book into the The Club (the Mariott’s own spa) for The Absolute Facial and am excited to learn that all the treatments offered at The Club use products from luxury skincare brand AromaWorks. When I arrive I am greeted by my therapist who carries out a brief consultation which includes choosing my essential oil (I opt for Serenity, a wonderful mix of geranium and lemongrass). What follows is 55 minutes of bliss; after cleansing and exfoliating my face and décolletage, my therapist massages in the essential oil and applies the super hydrating Absolute Face Serum before administering a heavenly hand massage. I leave relaxed with my skin glowing. u
THE RESTAURANT
W
hile Mayfair and Soho are known for their food, it's also worth staying in for dinner at the hotel's own eaterie, Lanes of London. The restaurant is a modern British eatery offering a seasonal menu, using locally sourced British rare-breed and wild food produce. On recommendation, we start with the beef carpaccio and then move on to the grill menu (which has fillet, rib eye, sirloin or a wagyu burger just under beef). There are fish and veggie options too, and the homemade fish and chips is a real winner. The wine list is comprehensive and the sommelier is informed and eager to help. A delightful meal and dining experience. u
THE DAMAGE London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, 140 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 7AA +44 (0)20 7493 7000 londonmarriottparklane.co.uk
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absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:39
Exclusively made for You Established in 1962. Wharfside is the world-leading supplier of European Furniture. From dining to living, office, kitchen & bedrooms - all is made to your chosen specifications, woods and sizes.
EST. 1962
Shoreditch & Leatherhead 020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810
www.wharfside.co.uk WHARFSIDE JAN.indd 1 Absolutely Magazine December 2016.indd 1
29/11/2016 10:28 10:13
> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
p. 64
WINTER CANDLES
p. 67
JOIN THE CACTUS CLUB
p. 68
PAPER PATTERN Harlequin's Cranes in Flight wallpaper comes in a deep green as well as this calming peach –we round up ten favourite wallpapers on page 64. harlequin.uk.com
63 Chis_Jan17_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 63
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:40
10 of the best
WA L L PA P E R S ALICIA DE COSTA
Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home
Toucan Wallpaper, £125 graduatecollection.co.uk
Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
PIERRE FREY Pampa, £POA pierrefrey.com
COLE & SON
New Contemporary Woods, £POA cole-and-son.com
MURALS WALLPAPER
Marbelised papers, £25 per sq m muralswallpaper.com
DESIGNERS GUILD
Delahaye, £59 designersguild.com
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
CHIS_Dec16_Interiors_Notes.indd 64
Warm Up Castrads Castrads, the cast iron radiator experts, have opened their second London showroom in Chelsea. It located handily next to Farrow and Ball, who supply contemporary colours and signature finishes to completment the radiators' stylish shapes. 247 Fulham Road, SW3; castrads.com
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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES FERM LIVING
MOOMIN MANIA
Forest wallpaper, £65 nunido.co.uk
Adventures in Moominland The UK's first major exhibition dedicated to the Moomins continues at the Southbank Centre until April – and best of all, it brings a pop-up Moomins shop to the Festival Hall. Here you'll find all Iittala's lovely ceramics featuring Tove Jansson's iconic illustrations. shop.southbankcentre.co.uk
must
HAVE editor’s
PICK WORLD ORDER
Future Maps The Future Mapping Company has been re-defining wall map design for over a decade. Combining a modern aesthetic with age-old printing processes each map is made to the highest quality, celebrating the beauty in map data. They look stylish in any space. futuremaps.com
OSBORNE & LITTLE Pavilion Garden, £POA osborneandlittle.com
HARLEQUIN
Cranes in flight, £POA harlequin.uk.com
FARROW & BALL Arcade, £POA farrow-ball.com
GREENER CLEANER
Tincture New British brand Tincture creates all-natural cleaning products for the home. Using active botanical ingredients and essential oils, these beautifully packaged products look stylish and smell herby fresh while delivering impressive results. tincturelondon.com
COLOUR CODE
V& A Pa i n t The V&A has launched its new Classic Paint Collection, developed in close collaboration between Master Paintmakers and the V&A. The range features unique shades, using the finest pigments to achieve the highest quality paint product available in its category. vandapaint.com
65 CHIS_Dec16_Interiors_Notes.indd 65
FIRED EARTH
Alhambra Palace, £50 firedearth.com
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:41
Sale starts
January
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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HEALTH AND BEAUTY / PRODUCTS ROCOCO
Chocolate scented candle, £37.50; rococochocolates.com
DIPTYQUE
Gingerbread Candle, £48; spacenk.com
JO LOVES
Shot Candle, £80; joloves.com
THE PERFUMER'S STORY
Black Moss Candle, £49 theperfumersstory.com
LOLA JAMES HARPER
The Red Garden candle, £34; selfridges.com
BYREDO
Bibliotheque Candle, £50; byredo.co.uk
100 ACRES
Signature Three-wick Candle, £48 100acres.co.uk
JONATHAN ADLER Muse d'Or Ceramic Candle, £88; jonathanadler.com
JONATHAN ADLER
ETERNAL FLAME
Hashish ceramic candle, £68; jonathanadler.com
12 of the chicest candles to cosy up to this January By pendle harte
Celebration candle, £55; wilneliaforsyth.com
ECOYA
Mini Madison Gift Set, £39; johnlewis.com
ACQUA DA PARMA
LALIQUE
Fruit and Berries Candle, £90; selfridhes.com
Chili candle; €65 lalique.com
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WILNELIA FORSYTH
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:43
Game of Thorns Cacti are everywhere. Home meets Meg Sangster, whose newly formed Club Cactus is spreading the love by sending plants to subscribers every month Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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68 15/12/2016 11:44
HOME & INTERIORS / INTERVIEW succulent or house plant and, depending on your plan choice, botanical accessories. No matter what plan you choose though, there are always little surprise extras! PH: Your brand’s illustrations and aesthetics are lovely. Can you tell us about them? MS: Before moving on to floristry, I studied fine art at uni and my boyfriend, Alex, is an illustrator, so we worked on this part of Club Cactus together. We live in a really creative environment where we’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other. We had a clear vision in mind of how we wanted everything to look and I’m so pleased me’ve managed to achieve that.
They’re the ultimate LOW
MAINTENANCE
house plant
PENDLE HARTE: What is the appeal of the cactus and why do you think they are having such a moment? MEG SANGSTER: I think people like cactuses for a few reasons - for me, they’re a nice way to bring a bit of life and greenery into your home, plus they’re the ultimate low maintenance house plant. They’re great for busy people or even people who haven’t had much luck with plants in the past. Not to mention they look really cool!
PH: What have you learnt about plants through setting up the club? MS: Since setting up the club I’ve learnt more about plant care and things like which plants like to live in which rooms. I’ve also had to try to work out ways to post plants successfully without upsetting them. PH: Packaging a cactus must be tricky! How does that work? MS: It’s definitely not the easiest thing I’ve done! I’ve learnt now I just have to be firm with the plants, grab a pair of gardening gloves and just do it, wrap it up and then wrap it up again for good measure! We also use little card disks around the tops of the pots to help keep the soil firmly in place.
PH: But your club isn’t exclusively about cacti is it? MS: We’re offering all sorts of botanical themed goodies from house plants, cactuses and succulents to plant accessories. PH: What made you think of a delivery box subscription? Is your background in plants? MS: I’m a trained florist and have always liked plants, and my mum has always been a keen gardener - so from an early age I’ve loved gardening and flowers and have always been around plants. I also love giving and receiving beautifully packaged presents and our service sort of feels like getting gifts through the post!
PH: What’s next for Club Cactus? MS: In addition to the subscription boxes, we’re currently working on an online shop, where you’ll be able to buy a larger selection of houseplants, plus lots of botanical themed goodies. So if there was something you really loved from your box one month you’ll be able to re-purchase it individually. We’ve also had lots of interest from the US and Canada, where we unfortunately can’t post plants, but everything else from the web shop will be available to them. ◆
PH: What will be in the boxes? MS: Well the specifics are a surprise! It will vary from month to month, but you can expect a potted plant - be it a cactus,
clubcactus.co.uk
69 Chis_Jan17_cactus.indd 69
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 11:45
“It’s fine.
The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.
PL.indd 1
11/07/2016 15:20
We’ll shop
online.”
PL.indd 2
11/07/2016 15:19
Le
t Us
M ake
Yo u r Ho me
! e l k Spar
020 8802 4040 islington@myhome.co.uk
MY HOME ISLINGTON.indd 1
13/12/2016 12:33
PROPERTY NEWS
p.78
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
KENSINGTON APARTMENTS E1
£1,150,000
NIGEL LEWIS: FAMOUS PLACES
p.92
his stunning two-bedroom lateral apartment has a modern, generous layout consisting of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en suite) and an enormous open plan kitchen/ living room, off which is a large private roof terrace, with views across the City taking in the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie and other famous landmarks. u
T
SHOREDITCH 020 76132746; marshandparsons.co.uk
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p.84
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 12:56
BlakeStanley BROADWAY MARKET
Alvington Crescent, E8
020 7254 7554
£1,250,000 Pritchard's Road, E2
Located on a quiet tree-lined street and presented to the market in excellent decorative order is this 1500sqft (138sqm) three bedroom midterrace house located close to the vibrant life of Dalston, Hackney & Stoke Newington as well as the open space of Hackney Downs & London Fields.
Set within a privately owned & managed 1930s purpose built development is this generously proportioned two bedroom split-level apartment. Spread across the top two floors & presented in excellent order the property comprises a spacious living room & a separate kitchen/diner.
Freehold
Darnley Road, E9
Share of Freehold
£425 PW* St Thomas Place, E9
A two bedroom apartment within this lovingly restored Victorian Conversion. The property has completed full renovation and is finished to the highest quality. There is an open plan lounge kitchen with solid wood flooring and exposed brickwork, two double bedrooms and shower room.
Unfurnished
£525,000
£675 PW*
A beautiful three bedroom period property that comprises a double reception with bay window and two original fireplaces, a fitted kitchen with large breakfast area, two large double bedrooms and one smaller double bedroom, a large bathroom with bath and separate shower
Unfurnished
*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.
info@blakestanley.co.uk ARGENT.indd 1
11-13a Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4PH 14/12/2016 18:56
blakestanley.co.uk
CHATSWORTH ROAD
Chatsworth Road, E5
020 8986 2743
£1,125,000 Chippendale Street, E5
BlakeStanley have the pleasure in offering to the market this three storey four bedroom Victorian house located on the ever changing Chatsworth Road moments from the open green spaces of Millfields Park.
Arranged over the top two floors of a Victorian conversion BlakeStanley have the pleasure in offering to the market this three bedroom flat which has recently been refurbished presenting a blend of both modern and period features. Located close to amenities and transport links.
Freehold
Powerscroft Road, E5
Share of Freehold
£675 PW* Mildenhall Road, E5
A spacious four double bedroom house located on Powerscroft Road. The house consists a large bright double reception, newly fitted kitchen diner with doors leading onto a south facing garden, upstairs leads to a utility room, four double bedroom and a family bathroom with walk in shower.
Unfurnished
£635,000
£600 PW*
A beautifully decorated three double bedroom split level apartment set within a Victorian house and comprises a bright and spacious open plan reception with feature fire place, fitted kitchen with breakfast bar, three double bedrooms, a bathroom and separate walk in shower
Unfurnished
*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.
info@blakestanley.co.uk ARGENT.indd 2
57 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH 14/12/2016 18:56
Come and speak to us and let us help you make your move in 2017.
BlakeStanley An independent estate agents established in Hackney since 2003, offering a personal service from a dedicated team. OďŹƒces Broadway Market 11-13a Broadway Market Hackney London, E8 4PH 020 7254 7554
Chatsworth Road 57 Chatsworth Road Clapton London, E5 0LH 020 8986 2743
www.blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE STANLEY CORP.indd 1
15/12/2016 09:15
A unique collection of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and duplexes for the discerning city-dweller. Beautifully designed inside and out, set in the ideal location to embrace and appreciate the finest in urban living. Prices from ÂŁ730,000
ENQUIRE NOW THEFEATHERSTONE–EC1.CO.UK 0203 151 9656 Prices are correct at time of going to print. Computer generated image is indicative only.
SAVILLS.indd 1 FS_Absolutely_City_&_Angel_297x210_221116.indd 1
14/11/2016 16:18 17:10 10/11/2016
Property ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area
HOUSE HUNTING
MOST SATISFYING TRANSACTION
I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE
We were instructed to sell a beautiful 2 bed 2 bath apartment in the desirable Exchange Building on Commercial Street. From offer to completion including a mortgage and remortgage it took just 13 days!
It become normal practice to sell properties in and around the Shoreditch area in excess of £1000 per square foot.
MOST INTERESTING PROPERTY
RORY WILLMOTT
SHOREDITCH AREA IN EXCESS OF £1000 PER SQUARE FOOT
A house that was split into a 1 bed flat and a 3 bed split level apartment overlooking the canal opposite Victoria Park, we sold them both to the same buyer!
FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE
The Storehouse, Hackney, E2. Built on top of a warehouse conversion is this rare to market four bedroom three bathroom contemporary apartment spanning nearly 1,250sqf. ◆
Winkworth
Sales Manager
Shoreditch, 020 7749 7650
Winkworth, Shoreditch
winkworth.co.uk
AG E N T O N D E S I G N
BRUNE STREET • E1 •
£1,750,000 Unusual Conversions
These are still at the height of their popularity and this converted soup
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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kitchen building is certainly no exception. The increased interest comes from stylistic aspects, such as large windows, unusual exterior, spacious and open planned interiors and the trendy industrial finish, amongst many others, but the history of the place also plays an important part. Overall an unusual conversion presents a unique home that is very desirable in todays's competitive market.
Feature staircase
A staircase is a focal point of any property; presented in an unusual style, it can add a lot to the appeal of a home. In this property, the staircase demonstrates the industrial look consistent with the rest of the apartment, which makes a perfect addition to its unique interiors. ◆
Foxtons Shoreditch, 020 7033 1414;
foxtons.co.uk
78 15/12/2016 12:57
PROPERTY / NEWS E X P E RT A DV I C E
MEET THE TEAM
FOXTONS CLERKENWELL
Josh Walsh S a l es M a n a ge r :
I fell into this profession quite by accident. I had just moved to London after finishing university and needed a job. It seemed like a great way to get to know the city! Negotiations are the best part of working in sales for me. The satisfaction that comes from taking two parties from different positions and getting them to a position where agreement is reached is a great feeling.
Tim Standing L e tt i n gs M a n a ge r :
I have always had a love for property and meeting new people, so it was a natural choice for me to become an estate agent. I like spending most of the day out of the office, meeting people and seeing such a wide array of properties. You never know what each day will bring!
NEW BUILD
BOULCOTT STREET • E1 •
£400,000 stunning newly finished residential development by the Guildmore Group, of just 21 private apartment's comprising 8 one bedroom and 12 two bedroom apartments all with their own outside space.White gloss
A
R a re S a l es Ne go t i a t o r : I became an estate agent because I wanted a job which wouldn’t involve sitting behind a desk all day and I wanted to be able to meet a wide range of people and see interesting properties on a daily basis. I feel privilaged to be a part of finding a new home for someone - it's a significant step in life for everyone!
Foxtons Clerkenwell, 020 7871 9800 foxtons.co.uk
Hu r for d S a lvi C a r r New Homes, 020 7250 4950; hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk
F E AT U R E P R O P E R T Y
ALVINGTON CRESCENT • E8 •
Josh Olive
Head of Canary Wharf Residential Savills
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he city’s eastern boroughs form a major cluster of new developments and present opportunities for buyers. Home to one of Europe’s major business and finance districts, Canary Wharf has been an epicentre for new development in London, with strong sales rates throughout 2015. Canary Wharf boasts a vibrant tech and startup scene, with Level39, Europe’s largest technology accelerator, paving the way for new fintech innovators. There are currently 17 sites under construction with a total of over 6,800 private
Canary Wharf has been an epicentre for new development in London
£1,250,000 ocated on a quiet tree-lined street and presented to the market in excellent decorative order is this 1500sqft two/three bedroom mid-terrace house. Spread across three floors, the lower ground floor comprises a spacious open-plan kitchen/ diner which leads, via a separate utility room, to a south facing garden with patio. On the raised ground floor is a light and airy reception room with sash bay window, a second
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Toby Culham
fitted kitchens are complemented by quartz worktops, Bosch oven, gas hob and porcelain floor tiles. Hot water and heating is supplied by individual gas boilers and radiators. With wood laminate floors, oak internal doors and views complete these apartments. A communal roof terrace is located on the 6th floor, perfect for enjoying the evening sun. ◆
spacious reception room or third bedroom and a three piece bathroom suite. The first floor offers two double bedrooms and a second three piece bathroom suite. The property boasts a wealth of period features including high ceilings, wooden floors and sash windows. u
homes. This includes Wood Wharf and Maine Tower. Despite a strong pipeline, it is possible developers may decide to delay launches or construction starts in light of uncertainty around the Referendum vote. Developers and house builders could also add supply to the rental and serviced accommodation markets, as an option to diversify and de-risk their exit routes across their delivery pipelines. u
Blake Stanley
Savill s
Broadway Market, 020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk
020 7531 2500; Canary Wharf Residential savills.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT ON EAST PROPERTIES LET BY PROPERTY TYPE
1 BEDROOM FLAT
2 BEDROOM FLAT
3+ BEDROOM FLAT
HOUSE
41% 40% 17% 3%
Data provided by LonRes
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Completely at home in London.
Our services Sales and Lettings Land and New Homes Block and Estate Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk
With 40 years’ experience and 60 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you. Our local branches include • Clerkenwell • Highgate • Islington For all our branch locations across London visit kfh.co.uk/branches
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14/12/2016 11:19 18:59 14/11/2016
Milton Avenue, Highgate, N6 £1,100,000 Highgate 020 8341 6666 highgate.sales@kfh.co.uk
KSHCA.indd 01.17 KFH City2 & Angel.indd 2
A delightful three bedroom duplex garden flat providing generous living space, a contemporary kitchen diner, a private landscaped garden and a stylish décor combining modern design and period features. Situated in a popular location close to Highgate underground station, local amenities and offering great access to the Parkland Walk and Queens Wood. This property is also within walking distance to Highgate Village and Crouch End Broadway.
• • • • • • • • • •
Three double bedrooms Two connecting receptions Stylish kitchen⁄diner Luxury bathroom and WC En suite wet room Private garden Period features Excellent transport links Share of freehold EPC rating D
18:59 14/12/2016 11:10
Tapestry Apartments, King's Cross N1C 3 bedroom townhouse with private internal courtyard and 2 terraces. Situated on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the stunning Tapestry Apartments is this beautifully appointed 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse with 2 private balconies and secure parking. The property measures more than 1750 square feet. Tapestry benefits from a 24 hour concierge service, a members only gym and a private dining area. EPC:B Leasehold: approximately 250 years
KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross kingscrosssales@knightfrank.com 020 8033 9667
Guide price: £2,195,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
The internal photographs are for indicative purposes only and the apartments within the development may vary in appearance.
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Absolutely City & Angel - December 16 (Sales)
13/12/2016 11:34
05/12/2016 17:37:28
Faster. Sell or let with Knight Frank. Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price properties accurately. So whether you’re looking to buy or sell, let or rent; you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 3657 7340 islington@knightfrank.com
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13/12/2016 12/12/2016 11:34 12:42
IN THEIR OWN
WORDS
Danica Maynerd L E T T I N G S C O N S U LTA N T BlakeStanley
REBECCA NOONAN
L
ooking back perhaps my interest in property stemmed from when I was growing up as we moved home seven times and lived in many different places, including villas in Spain. I loved living in Spain as it enabled me to learn the language while at school there and has proved very useful in my role to date. It all started when I was twenty having decided to move to London and I was determined to live in Camden, but it was so expensive that the only property I could afford to rent was a tiny bedsit in Mornington Crescent. My father (who also has an avid interest in property) was keen for me to buy a property and persuaded me to checkout another area. At first I dug in my heals because I only wanted to live in Camden and wasn’t open to looking anywhere else, but my father insisted. So I went along with a face like thunder, convinced we wouldn’t see anything I liked. The first one was a studio flat in Marylebone, which I did not like so we quickly moved on to view a flat on
I was working in Central London as a chef, before making a complete career change
Holloway Road. The communal areas were not the best and I was giving my father signals all the way up the stairs to let him know I wasn’t impressed. That was until we got to the front door and went inside, I was pleasantly surprised with the bright south facing open plan living area and the bedroom overlooking gardens at the back. It was miles apart from my tiny bedsit on the crazy Camden High Street, so instantly I had a huge change of heart and I had to admit that my father had been right all along. We made an offer the next day and three months later I had bought my first flat in Archway and got myself on the property ladder. I lived in the flat for fifteen years, ten of which I was working
in Central London as a chef, before making a complete career change to become an estate agent. The change was prompted by my sister who had recently got herself a job at BlakeStanley as a lettings negotiator, she loved it and kept saying how great it was. She was always full of news about the current lettings market and her job sounded fun and exciting to me. So after some thought I decided to give it a go myself. I worked at two agencies over the space of two years to gain experience, but soon realised that BlakeStanley seemed like a bit of a one off and other agencies weren’t quite living up to the high standards my sister talked about. So when a job came up at BlakeStanley I snapped it up and have never looked back. I have now worked at BlakeStanley for five years and absolutely love every aspect, I am very proud to have been part of BlakeStanley’s growth as I believe the company is a very honest estate agents. My sister is still here and works alongside her husband, so you could say it is now a family affair!
BROADWAY MARKET / 020 7254 7554 / bl a k e st a n l e y. c o .u k
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PROPERTY / PROFILE
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ARE YOU GETTING THE CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU DESERVE? The ESTAS is the largest independent customer service awards scheme for estate agents, mortgage brokers and conveyancers in the UK property industry. Companies who sign up to The ESTAS are committed to giving YOU the best possible service they can. So if you’re searching for an estate or letting agent, conveyancer or mortgage broker look out for the official ESTAS logo to give you peace of mind and the service you deserve. Whatever your experience, you’ll have the chance to give your feedback, helping us recognise firms that provide excellent customer service throughout the home moving process. To find out more visit our website
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02/11/2016 12:42 10:35 19/10/2016
WATE R S I DE H OME S FASH I ON E D FOR C I T Y LIF E C A N A L S I D E CO L L E C TI O N N OW L AU N C H E D Become neighbours with Central Saint Martins, Louis Vuitton, Everyman Cinema and the new Thomas Heatherwick designed shopping destination, Coal Drops Yard. Be part of London’s best connected neighbourhood. Studio apartments from £810,000.*
* Price correc t at time of going to press .
Brilliant exteriors, breathtaking interiors.
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Register your interest at gasholderslondon .co.uk or book an appointment +4 4 (0)20 7205 4166 to v i ew o u r s a l e s g a l l e r y a n d s h ow a p a r tm e n t o n G o o d s Way, K i n g ’s C ro s s N 1 C 4 U R
13/12/2016 12:08
NIGEL LEWIS
OFFICE POLITICS
The need for more homes in London plus more relaxed planning laws are spurring on developers to turn more and more offices into homes, reports Nigel Lewis
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few months ago I walked past an office block in Clerkenwell where I’d worked during the 1990s and to my surprise it had a Savills’ residential For Sale sign hanging outside it. It turns out that the care-worn Art Deco offices I once toiled in are now a set of top-notch apartments which, since my walk-by, have all sold for between £2m and £4.5m. This is happening all over London. Recent government house building figures show an 11% jump in the number of new homes, an increase that the figures show was down to the number of former industrial and office workplaces being in turned into apartments. The largest one-off conversion in London is Delta Point in Croydon town centre, which has turned 29,000 sq m of former office space into 348 new homes. Similarly large schemes have also been given the go-ahead in eleven other London borough including, most notably, Richmond, Barnet, Islington, Camden and Lambeth. This deluge of office conversion is largely down to planning changes which in 2013 temporarily relaxed ‘permitted development rights’ (or PDR) regulations for offices being turned into residential. These rules have just been made permanent, it was revealed recently, so the surge in office conversions is likely to continue with thousands of new homes be built within former offices next year. It’s a trend that politicians are desperate to
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encourage as they try to solve the housing crisis. “We promised to turbo-charge housebuilding so more people can have the security of their own home, and that is exactly what we are doing with the biggest increase in the number of new homes in many years,” said Housing Minister Gavin Barwell recently. But the huge increase in office to residential conversions does not come without controversy. Jane Duncan, president of the Royal Institute of British architects says she is “concerned that office-toresidential conversion is occurring without proper oversight by local authorities, and that as a result homes are being delivered at a
“It’s a trend that politicians are desperate to encourage as they try to solve the housing crisis” standard which would otherwise be deemed totally unacceptable”. Developers, as you might imagine, disagree and are getting stuck in to this emerging new sector. “The impact of the revision of permitted development in England is already being felt,” says Jean Liggett, MD of Properties of the World. “Developers are using their imaginations about how to transform some of the country’s beautiful but neglected buildings into stylish, modern apartments, breathing new life into them while preserving their original architectural appeal.” Hossein Abedinzadeh, founder of developer MHA London, is currently busy converting a former Brutalist office block on Old Street into flats and says office spaces can make good, affordable housing. “We had an opportunity here to take a tired, run-down office block and turn it into a trophy building to demonstrate our capability to construct and deliver something extraordinary,” he says. The building, formerly called Barbican House and until 2010 let to accountants Franks LLP for
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PROPERTY /FEATURE
£164,000 a year, was a five-storey block that has been essentially refaced with a modern skin that will render it almost unrecognisable. 30 Old Street will have shops on the ground floor but also contain eight two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments starting at £1.255 million. A more unusual example of an office conversion can be found in Westbourne Grove in Maida Vale. It’s a large Grade II listed police station built in 1911 that’s being converted into 25 apartments by developer Redrow. It’s famous because the station is where Russell Brand was taken after being arrested during the 2001 May Day riots in central London. But more typical of the office
redevelopments you find in central London is Beau House on Jermyn Street in St James’s. It’s named after Beau Brummell, the 18th century fashion icon whose statue stands on the street. The former offices at the property, will soon contain eight apartments from developer Dukelease which has partnered with interior designer Oliver Burns for the project. But all this conversion activity has also been blamed on a reduced supply of office space in London. Ask anyone who has recently tried to find an office in London and you’ll soon hear tales of months spent searching for available space, and sky-high rents. Nicky Gavron, chair of the London Assembly Planning Committee says:
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“Employment space is vulnerable to developers looking to make a quick buck by converting it to housing. “It’s not as though London doesn’t have plenty of space for houses – it doesn’t need to sacrifice employment space. Doing so threatens the businesses and jobs London needs to grow.” But the desperate need for homes in London is spurring on office conversions regardless of these concerns. London Councils, the organisation which presents the capital’s 32 boroughs and the City of London, says that over the past three years at least 830,000 sq m of office floor space has been converted into 16,600 homes in 2,639 developments. And my old office was probably one of them. u
absolutely.london
15/12/2016 13:00
407-409 Holloway Road, London N7 6HP
020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk
SALES
Tavistock Terrace, London, N19 | ÂŁ1,575,000 This is one of only a handful of larger, four-storey, end-terraced period houses in this delightful, sought after, backwater street.The house is in need of modernisation/ refurbishment and offers up numerous possibilities to either retain as a single dwelling or convert into multiple units. 4/5 Bed Freehold Period Property | Yerbury School Catchment | South Facing Rear Garden | Yerbury Conservation Area | EPC Rating: Band G
Moriatry Close,Tufnell Park, N7 | ÂŁ385,000 This apartment has been recently redecorated and comprises a good sized reception room with arch to dining area, spacious kitchen, double bedroom with fitted wardrobe and entrance hallway with storage cupboard. Moriatry Close is located off Parkhurst Road with shops and buses virtually on the doorstep. One Bedroom Top Floor Flat | Gated Development | Long Lease of 973Years | Allocated Parking Space | Close to Tube, Buses and Shops | EPC Rating: Band C
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LETTINGS T& D LE AGE AN M
The Nags Head, Holloway Road, N7 | ÂŁ340.00 Per Week Part of a selection of 12 brand new one bedroom apartments, is this incredible one bedroom second floor apartment, which offers a truly unique living experience with massive windows and high ceilings. Property benefits from; underfloor heating, modern fitted kitchen and reception room with wood flooring. One Double Bedroom | New Build | Modern Fitted Kitchen | Underfloor Heating | EPC Rating: Band C
T LE
Beaux Art's Building, Holloway, N7 | ÂŁ460.00 per week Situated on the fourth floor of this iconic building is this two double bedroom apartment. Benefits include: two double bedrooms, beautiful fully tiled bathroom with bath and shower attachment, fitted kitchen, spacious reception room, south facing windows throughout with incredible views of the iconic London skyline. Two Bedroom | Fitted Kicthen | Gymnasium | Good Transport Links | EPC Rating:TBC
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STING’S FORMER MATERIAL WORLD
NIGEL LEWIS
FAMOUS PLACES London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market
MCQUEEN’S FORMER FASHIONABLE ADDRESS
he late Alexander McQueen is best known for his five-year stint heading up Givenchy as well as his celebrity friends including Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and even Prince Charles. Before his suicide in 2010 such starry connections and his prestigious talents earned him substantial wealth and in 2009 he bought a large part of a townhouse in Dunraven Road, Mayfair for £2.52 million which, at the time of his death, he was doing up while he lived around the corner in a rented flat. Six years on and the top storeys have finally been finished. The three-bedroom duplex flat by interior designer Paul Davies is on the market for £8.5 million with joint agents Wetherell (020 7529 5566) and Knight Frank (020 74899 1012). The property comes with portraits of both McQueen and his friend Esabella Blow as well as fashion shots of McQueen’s clothing plus there are references to his favourite skull motif all over the duplex including within several wall mounted mirrors. u
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his death in 1965. The road was and remains a fashionable place to live and is a short walk from both the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. And the Churchills are not the only famous residents to have enjoyed its brownstone mansion blocks and Victorian villas. The founder of the Scouts, Lord Baden Powell lived on the street as did writer Virginia Woolf and more recently broadcaster Nigella Lawson. The Churchills former home at No.28 is now for sale through agent Strutt & Parker (020 7313 8408) for £23 million and comes with seven bedrooms, a 55ft back garden, four reception rooms, a wine cellar and three bathrooms. u
ost people in relationships can recollect where they first met their partner and for Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, it was a stucco-fronted square in Bayswater. The pair lived there during the late 1970s in separate apartments on Leinster Square but it wasn’t until a hot summer’s day in 1977 that Trudi spotted him walking down the street. Sting was then already married with a small boy, had green hair and The Police had only just formed – but just four years later they were an item. Leinster Square is a shadow of its former self. Once a hangout for struggling musicians and actors, nowadays only City professionals can afford it. Next door to Sting’s old basement flat developer Alchemi Group is restoring five properties at 13-19 Leinster Square, a large portion of the street. The development will include 15 lateral and triplex apartments with either three or four bedrooms and they are now available to buy off-plan. Prices start at £5.995m. Leinster Square, like many private squares of its kind in the capital, also has a residentsonly garden at its centre. This is currently also being renovated by Alchemi Group and designed in collaboration with architects TateHindle. u For more details call 020 7499 3881 or visit alchemigroup.com.
M
£8.5 Million
WHERE CHURCHILL WENT AFTER THE WAR
hen Winston Churchill was ejected from power following the 1945 General Election he and his wife Clementine needed a home after five years spent at No.10 while he was wartime Prime Minister. He bought this home on Hyde Park Gate in London which, except for his four-year return to power in 1950, they called home until
W
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PROPERTY / STAR HOMES Prices start at
£5.9
£23
Million
Million
The Churchills are not the only famous residents to have enjoyed its mansion blocks PUB’S STARRING ROLE IN MANY MOVIES
s locations go this former pub in Notting Hill has proved unusually popular with movie and TV drama producers. It was converted into flats and offices during the late 1980s but during its beer serving days the boozer feature in 1951 film The Lavender Mob starring Alec Guiness, 1970s TV series The Sweeney, the 1977 film The Squeeze starring Stacy Keach and the 1986 Sex Pistols movie Sid and Nancy. But the pub is best
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known for its appearance in the defining movie of the 1970s, Quadrophenia starring Leslie Ash, Sting, Raymond Winstone, Toya Wilcox, Michael Elphick and Timothy Spall. In a famous scene, mod Spider played by Gary Shail is attacked by rockers when his scooter breaks down outside the pub. The area is a bit more genteel now. A fourbedroom, three-bathroom apartment within the building is for sale at £1.4 million through agent Dexters (020 7243 4500) featuring a huge reception room, dining room, open plan kitchen and a roof terrace. u
Million
GINGER ALE, ANYONE? C
hris Evan’s short tenure at Top Gear this year ended despite his efforts to give it
£1.15 Million
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£1.4
his ‘best shot’ although the ever-ebullient Evans is unlikely to crying into his beer. He’s got famous friends to commiserate with including Gary Barlow, Tom Jones and Paloma Faith, all of whom drink with the Radio 2 DJ at his local pub in Surrey, The Mulberry. He owns it jointly with manager Camilla Hensen after the pair bought it in the village of Chiddingfold ten years ago. But Evans has clearly tired of being a landlord. The freehold is now for sale for £1.15 million through agent Fleurets.com and comes with a restaurant, lounge bar, large patio, verandas on three sides, three en-suite B&B rooms and a four-bedroom home for the landlord or lady to live in. At the height of his fame Evans used the millions he pocketed from the sale of Virgin Radio to buy up several pubs, including The Mulberry. Then in 2007 he bought the Lickhold Inn near Midhurst in West Sussex for £1 million and, in the same year, the Newbridge Inn at Tredunnock, near Usk in Wales, for £900,000. u
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D AV E Y S OF SPITALFIELDS
£799* REGULAR
£1,499* PREMIIUM
1%*
PLATINUM
*terms and conditions apply, prices include VAT.
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New marketing suite launching November 3rd
Homes with Heritage in the Heart of Islington Homes: new homes combining Edwardian heritage with contemporary living Space: 10 ft high ceiling and abundant lateral living space Leisure: retail and leisure including the Third Space Health Club and luxury cinema The Lounge, by Odeon Discover: visit our marketing suite to experience Islington Square for yourself — 127 Upper Street, London, N1 1QP
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Phase 2, just launched, includes suites, 1 and 2 bedroomhomes and family maisonettes. Call now to reserve your place: 020 3411 2634 Or register your interest: sales@islingtonsquare.com www.islingtonsquare.com
17/10/2016 15:13
NIGEL LEWIS
THE STAR-CITECT
Y
Zac Monro, TV’s no-nonsense architect talks conversions, sustaibability and Grand Designs.
ou’ll find architect Zac Monro at his Brixton office most days quietly employing the skills he’s been sought after for decades – designing Londoners’ dream homes. But his fame is now national. Zac recently began appearing on TV alongside his hero, Kevin McCloud, in Channel 4’s House of the Year while also presenting his own show, Inside Out Homes. Nigel Lewis caught up him to grapple with some of the current big architectural trends.
ZAC MONRO: You could say that but I prefer to say that our projects are properly designed. Architecture isn’t about elitism; TV programmes like Grand Designs have raised the bar of what people expect from their homes. It’s about better lifestyles. And we’re just lucky that in the UK a lot of people own their homes and therefore there’s a growing market for good design. NL: I hear you’ve been on TV ZM: I was picked up by Channel 4 for a TV series called Inside Out Homes that looks at people’s existing properties and tries to do what Californians have been doing for years – mixing up what’s ‘interior’ and ‘exterior’. It’s about how you deal with the relationships between the exterior and the
NIGEL LEWIS: Isn’t using an architect just for the wealthy?
A UNIQUE SELECTION OF 1, 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS Prices from £405,000
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Available for reservation now
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PROPERTY / INTERVIEW interior. Hence why it’s called Inside Out Homes. The show is unusual because it’s not ‘presented’ but rather the person doing the work to the property is the person talking. It’s them saying ‘I’m in trouble’ rather than the presenter. I’ve also got involved with the 2015 and 2016 House of The Year show also on Channel 4. I’m filmed wandering around several of the buildings talking about them. NL: What’s it like working with Kevin? ZM: What’s lovely about Kevin is that I think we really needed a champion for architecture on primetime TV and more and more that’s him. Many people might think Grand Designs is just about posh houses, but he makes it clear that stuff that happens at the top of the market will filter down to the rest of us. He’s made people believe in doing the impossible when they build a new home for themselves. NL: Why are conversions getting more fashionable? ZM: It’s rare to find new build plots in
Don’t get wrapped up in the romance of old buildings if you want modern standards. London rather than developer-built homes so my clients tend to buy existing properties to convert. What I say to people who want to buy a home to convert is that they should find the worst, dishevelled and decrepit house you can, because you’re going to gut it anyway so it doesn’t matter what it’s like. In my opinion Victorian houses don’t function well as modern homes, so I say that you’ll have to do a lot to make them work as somewhere to live, bring in normal levels of light and have them properly heated. Don’t get wrapped up in the romance of old buildings if you want modern standards. NL: What are you views on building sustainability? ZM: The fashion for recycling buildings is driven by the law which is very tight on sustainability these days and it means - for example – that a Victorian house is completely unsustainable these days. They are coming to the end of their lifespans as they were designed to last 100 years. People tend to think of sustainable homes
Generously proportioned and effortlessly elegant, Dalston Lane Terrace is a new collection of apartments combining Georgian style with contemporary interiors. Within a 4 minute walk to Dalston Junction station, the development is ideally located in one of the capital’s most exciting and vibrant settings. Distances taken from Google Maps. Prices correct at time of going to print. Computer generated images of Dalston Lane Terrace.
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as experimental kind of wattle and daub affairs and that they only want bricks and mortar, but this attitude is changing. You can see it in the trend for the ‘recycling aesthetic’. We did a project recently where the client stuck all her old floorboards from the original house up on the wall of the new one. I think people are starting to accept that ‘recycling’ when done properly and carefully can look great. It’s all about the detailing. NL: Has one of your own projects been on Grand Designs? ZM: Yes, a conversion I worked on overlooking Brockwell Park in South London that was featured in a 2013 programme. It’s between the church and the park’s boundary at the northern end and the clients still live there. We took an existing property and started from scratch as much as we could. And it’s clad in wood. u More information from: www.z-m-a.co.uk
Register your interest with us today
020 3320 8220 dalstonlaneterrace@savills.com
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15/12/2016 13:02
NOW LAUNCHED CONTACT CONTACT US US TO TO BOOK BOOK AN AN APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT WITH WITH THE THE SALES SALES TEAM TEAM
A An n e e xc xc ll u u ss ive ive c c ol ol ll e ec c tt ii on on of of ss u u it it e e ss ,, o o ne ne ,, tt wo wo ,, tt h h re re e e & & ff o ou u rr b b ed ed ro ro o om m ap ap aa rr tt m m ent ent ss ,, d u pl e xe s an d l u x u r y pe nt h o u s e s w it h o u t st a nd i ng s p e c i f i c at i o n . d u pl e xe s an d l u x u r y pe nt h o u s e s w it h o u t st a nd i ng s p e c i f i c at i o n .
Prices Prices from from £450,000 £450,000 Set Set to to become become a a landmark landmark destination destination for for north north London London with with cinema, fitness centre, supermarket, eateries and shops* cinema, fitness centre, supermarket, eateries and shops*
Set Set across across four four sleek sleek and and stylish stylish buildings buildings including two spectacular towers including two spectacular towers
11 minute minute walk walk to to the the new new western western entrance entrance of of Finsbury Finsbury Park Park station station for Victoria and Piccadilly tube links and National Rail connections for Victoria and Piccadilly tube links and National Rail connections
Panoramic Panoramic views views overlooking overlooking the the beautiful beautiful 110 110 acre Finsbury Park and across the acre Finsbury Park and across the capital capital
Connections Connections to to King’s King’s Cross Cross (4 (4 mins), mins), the the West West End End (9 (9 mins), mins), Holborn (11 mins) and Moorgate (13 mins) Holborn (11 mins) and Moorgate (13 mins)
Access Access to to The The Pavilion, Pavilion, a a communal communal roof roof garden garden featuring exclusive residents’ Wi-Fi featuring exclusive residents’ Wi-Fi Lounge Lounge
24 24 hour hour concierge concierge service service & & further further private private gardens gardens
Completions Completions from from Summer Summer 2019 2019 -- Spring Spring 2020 2020
Finsbury Park station Finsbury Park station 1 minute walk 1 minute walk
Kings Cross Kings Cross 4 mins 4 mins
Oxford Circus Oxford Circus 9 minutes 9 minutes
Holborn Holborn 11 minutes 11 minutes
Moorgate Moorgate 13 minutes 13 minutes
Victoria Victoria 13 minutes 13 minutes
Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus 15 minutes 15 minutes
The City The City 16 minutes 16 minutes
Joint Selling Agents: Joint Selling Agents:
Computer generated images of City North. *Subject to lease. Prices correct at time of going to press. Times from Finsbury Park station courtesy of www.tfl.gov.uk. Computer generated images of City North. *Subject to lease. Prices correct at time of going to press. Times from Finsbury Park station courtesy of www.tfl.gov.uk.
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CALL CALL NOW NOW TO TO BOOK BOOK YOUR YOUR APPOINTMENT: APPOINTMENT:
A joint venture between: A joint venture between:
020 3620 8001 www.citynorthlondon.com www.citynorthlondon.com TCN.indd 2
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W E ST E R N E U R O P E’ S TA L L E ST R E S I D E N T I A L TOW E R PRI CES FROM £595,0 0 0*
N O W AVA I L A B L E Luxurious Suites, One, Two and Three bedroom apartments and Penthouses. Just 3 minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf Crossrail, connecting to the West End in 11 minutes. 35th floor five-star spa, cinema, club bar, pool and gym. W W W. S P I R E LO N D O N .C O M 020 3504 4606
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Residential selling agents
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