Absolutely East December

ABSOLUTELY

DECEMBER 2012 £3.95

EAST

OLIVER'S ARMY

Jamie’s Fifteen turns ten

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Local roasts with the most

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

Panoramic dining at Duck and Waffle

URBAN RETREAT

Best hotels in town

Love in a cold climate Striking looks for winter S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY EAST COVER DEC 12.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents December 2012

05 EDITOR’S LETTER 06 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

Food

Arts

42 ROASTS WITH THE MOST

63 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

50 RESTAURANT REVIEWS

64 ALL THE GLITTERS

Travel

Property

Jamie Oliver on his ever-expanding brand The best Sunday lunches in town

09 DIARY

What’s on this month

High living at Duck and Waffle

13 CURTAIN CALL

Backstage with director David Wood

Fashion

19 STYLE FINDER

40 JAMIE’S KITCHEN

52 ONE FINE STAY

Top local townhouse hotels

Interiors

61 DECK THE HALLS

Get festive with Absolutely’s favourite baubles The best trends, designers and local gems At home with Graham and Green

80 PROPERTY NOTES

News and views from the property world

The latest news, trends and products

56 IT’S A GOA

84 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The smartest in British attire

58 TRAVEL NOTES

90 NEW DEVELOPMENTS

20 FOR HIM

A heavenly hideaway in India

News from around the world

Nick Moore and Chris Morris from Cluttons Lime Wharf and Goodman’s Fields

FIND US ONLINE @ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT PROPERTY EDITOR FEATURE WRITERS

HARRIET COMPSTON HELEN BARON SOPHIE THROWER LUCIE PEARCE DANIEL AGNEW GARETH FITZGERALD

ART DIRECTOR

RAY SEARLE

SENIOR DESIGNER

STEWART HYDE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

GEMMA ISTEED

DESIGNERS

ANDREW MAVIN MATHEW JOHN ANA OSPINA

PRODUCTION CONTROLLER PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS

CHRISTINE MANN LAUREN GILES GEORGE RAMSAY RICHARD CLARK

ADVERTISING MANAGER

ANDY ELMER

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

TOLGA SAYLAN

FINANCE DIRECTOR MARKETING MANAGER

For more than 100 years in Italy, Marinella has been the place to buy ties, scarves, bow-ties, knitwear, shoes and all the accessories a gentleman could desire.

DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

Visit its new boutique in the heart of Mayfair for the perfect gift for ladies and gentlemen any time. Browse its collection of handcrafted ties, or choose from a wide range of accessories including leather goods.

DAVID ALLARD

PROPERTY DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HVID JESSICA BATTEN GREG HUGHES SHERIF SHALTOUT

For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscriptions@zest-media.com. You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, ÂŁ30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Zest Media London 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London 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 London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

54 Maddox street W1S 1AY, London / t: 02074934210 e: marinella@marinellanapoli.co.uk / www.marinellanapoli.it

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Editor’s Letter Party people

“T

he age of luxury was ended and that of comfort had begun.” The sentimental reflections of wallflower Fanny in Nancy Mitford’s Love in a Cold Climate are especially apposite these days, as more and more of us hark back to a golden age of character and decadence. Entrepreneurial Londoners’ revivalist tendencies have lately seen a surge in all kinds of opulent leisure pursuits, from speakeasy-styled cocktail bars and Jazz Age supper clubs to Blitz nights, Titanic parties and the retro burlesque renaissance. And with Christmas just ahead, it’s the best time to let the love of luxury and good old-fashioned romance take over.

Our attentions this month are thus turned to the merrimaking ahead – and how to make it more merry than ever. For a start, there’s no shortage of festive fun occurring in our neck of the woods – see page 9 for our round-up of the hottest tickets in town. But indulgence means one thing more than any other, and that’s food. One needn’t go underfed in order to squeeze into that all-important party frock, though our focus (as always) is on superb quality rather than quantity.

As a result, we talk to celeb chef and all-round good guy Jamie Oliver about local institution Fifteen (p40), the restaurant that kick-started his ever-growing empire while giving expert training to a clutch of disadvantaged youngsters. The charitable mission Oliver launched back then shows no signs of abating, with the apprentice scheme still going strong and the charitable of the enterprise donating profits to the Better Food Foundation.

It’s a great reason (as if you needed one!) to go down and check out the restaurant’s supper clubs, which were introduced to celebrate its tenth anniversary this year.

This issue is Christmassy to say the least. From what to wear and where to stay over the holidays to festive food news and ingenious gift ideas, we’ve got yuletide all sewn up. Comfort need not mean the end of luxury, despite what Miss Mitford says; the two go very well together.

Wishing you all an absolutely wonderful Christmas and New Year.

On the cover City & Angel: Elizabeth Gibson East: Chris Cowan Helen Baron, Editor

EMAIL: HELEN.BARON@ZEST-MEDIA.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

#Gladrags Christmas is the ideal time to invest in a statement dress. It’s hardly ever appropriate to wear a full-length gown so I’d go for one with massive wowfactor, like this Gucci green leopard-print number. Its full sleeves mean I won’t need to cover my shoulders, while the gold clutch by Yves Saint Laurent adds some high shine glitz. I’ll need shoes to top it all off, of course... lest I look too matchy-matchy, I’ve chosen these classic black sandals by Jerome C. Rousseau – they’ll go with anything but definitely benefit from the dash of gold elsewhere in my outfit. And there we have it, the ultimate party get-up.

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’s

Editor

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UNDER COVER

‘Tis the season for Belle Epoque lingerie – and Lucile and Co is the place to get it. Established in 1890 by Lady Duff Gordon, the brand has dressed many a starlet and royal wife in its long history, including Queen Mary and the Queen of Spain. Nowadays, the couture lingerie label is known as the home of sumptuous fabrics, vivid colours and delicate drapery – and with party season on the horizon, it’s good to know we’ll be decadently dressed right down to our smalls. lucileandco.com

10 things we

Absolutely LOVE

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Simultaneously brilliant and exasperating, The Grown Up Chocolate Company knows just how to beckon us from our LBD diets by channeling our childhood nostalgia. Using only the finest ingredients, it has concocted sophisticated versions of favourite treats from our youth, such as ‘Fruit and Nut Hunky Dory’ and ‘Glorious Coconut Hocus Pocus’. Hmph. From £2.50 per bar; thegrownupchocolatecompany.com

KNITTY GRITTY WELL-HEELED

It’s red carpet red, it’s made of velvet – what more could we want to whet our appetites for the impending party season? Our brains are suddenly in festive overdrive. £365; gina.com

Just chilling in your woollies need never be boring again thanks to East End designer Amy Hall, whose knitwear is at the forefront of fashion. We’re championing her lattice-knit crop tops, super sexy lingerie, loungewear and figure-hugging dresses. Out with dowdy jumpers; in with a bit of Christmas sparkle. amy-hall.co.uk

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Absolutely

LOVES

BEA’S KNEES

Mince pies, ahoy! Churning out delicious cakes and pastries on Theobalds Road (and also in St. Paul’s), Bea’s of Bloomsbury is an afternoon tea hotspot and it does Christmas... well... to a tee. It’s so cosy inside, we can’t help but imagine ourselves cradling a hot chocolate behind steamy windows. Ooh, we’re coming over all Dickensian.

83 Watling Street, EC4; beasofbloomsbury.com

A VIEW TO A KILL

The name’s Bond... James Bond. We highly approve of these new gift vouchers from Everyman Cinemas.

Launched to mark 50 years of the world’s favourite secret agent, vouchers can be used to purchase film tickets, food and drink at Everyman venues. A great way to spend your money... penny. Ahem.

83 Upper Street, N1; everymancinema.com

PICTURE PERFECT

Fashion photographer Mario Testino’s latest book, Private View – launched to celebrate his inaugural Chinese exhibition – brings together an exciting selection of his best studio work, including some of his most glamorous and candid shots. Iconic celebrity portraits as well as the famous studies of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her sons are all present and correct, while Testino’s recent advertising and fashion work rounds off the selection. A must-have collector’s item for any art or fashion lover’s library. £44.99; taschen.com

SHINE ON

WREATH ENCOUNTER HEAVEN SCENT

Lokum Istanbul has been a favourite since it launched earlier this year (something about the ultra elegant packaging and the divine scent coupled with authentic Turkish Delight). We’re loving its new gift sets of the Myndos Breeze fragrance, which not only smells amazing, but also references Herodotus preparing a lesson in Helicarnassus… Deep. lokumistanbul.co.uk

Moyses Stevens know how to do Christmas, from show-stopping trees and unique decorations to beautiful, welcoming wreaths.

The proud holders of a royal warrant, the heritage florist specialises in installing decorations and trees and creating stunning winter displays using seasonal flowers, foliage and festive fragrance. We love this glorious wreath, dripping with Christmas colour.

788a Finchley Road, NW11; moysesflowers.co.uk

Aswad once sang, ‘shine into the future’ – and we’ve found the perfect blazer to help you do just that. Made by cult French label The Kooples, the jacket embraces the metallic trend to help you blaze a trail through to the New Year. The laméeffect thread gives it more than a sprinkling of festive wow factor. £355; Westfield Stratford City; thekooples.co.uk 7

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IS

| E V I T FE S | D N A S T A E TR | S E I T I V I T C A

s r e e d n i e r s ’ Visit Santa ecember Friday 21st D Celebrate the magic of Christmas this year at the N1 Shopping Centre with an array of festive treats and activities starting on the 23rd November, these include: beauty treatments, carol services and a personal gift wrapping service.

On Friday 21st December, between 11am – 3pm Santa’s reindeers will be making a guest appearance. Make your last minute wish and sprinkle some authentic North Pole magic dust, to ensure all those Christmas wishes come true.

Visit the N1 website for our full calendar of activities: www.n1islington.com

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What’s on December 2012

Bad Santa TROXY 15 December Troxy is hosting the ultimate Christmas party, as the very best of cinema, music and nightlife collide under one roof. Enjoy a classic Christmas film screening from 8:30pm, then whip out your most glittery gladrags for an explosive night of singing, dancing, fancy dress, live performances and possibly a drink or two! Complete with a Bad Santa Grotto, acrobatic dancers and a photo booth, this hedonistic night promises to be one to remember.

Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1; troxy.co.uk 9

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The Snowman SADLER’S WELLS Until 6 January Get swept away with the theatrical magic of your favourite Christmas tale as the Birmingham Repertory Theatre brings Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman to life. Join the characters on the night before Christmas, as they set off on a spellbinding adventure, escaping the malice of Jack Frost and encountering penguins, reindeer and Father Christmas.

An epic evening of magical childhood fun.

Peacock Theatre, WC2; sadlerswells.com

Stories From An Invisible Town BARBICAN Until 8 December Upon returning home to Llangedni, huddled away in a remote corner of Wales, Hugh Hughes finds himself entangled in a web of childhood memories. This captivating production recounts the extraordinary emergence of his reminiscences, drawing the audience into his capricious history. Get a sneak-peek by delving into Hugh’s website, where his sea of nostalgia is manifested in short films, photographs and poems.

The Barbican, Silk Street, EC2; invisibletownstories.co.uk

East London Design Show SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL 6-9 December Satisfy your designer thirst with the East London Design Show, home to over 100 designers and crammed full of festive treats. Featuring a colossal range of creative goodies, from fashion and jewellery to print and interiors, the show is crawling with unique treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Shoreditch Town Hall, EC1; eastlondondesignshow.co.uk

Playful Promises BOXPARK 6 December Playful Promises are rather generously hosting a series of late night shopping events, tantalising our feminine side with a whole host of luxurious lingerie treats. Take your pick from seductive black silk, fiery red, sultry lace or retro satin prints, and bag a little something special to spice up your winter wardrobe. Oh and with an extra 20 per cent off, it really is irresistible.

6-9 pm, Playful Promises Boxpark Boutique, Unit 14, Boxpark, 2-4 Bethnal Green Road, E1; playfulpromises.com

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Absolutely

Solid Air TRANSITION GALLERY 1-23 December Escape the clutches of the barren British winter with the Solid Air exhibition at The Transition Gallery, as three painters capture the melancholic beauty of the Norwegian landscape.

Join Lars Korff Lofthus, Hanneline Visnes and Marianne Morild, as they explore their preoccupation with nature, spirituality and the essence of belonging, subtly captured in their bold and stirring works.

The Transition Gallery, Unit 25a Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road, E8; transitiongallery.co.uk

Christmas Tree Sessions UNION CHAPEL 14 December Join Lauren Laverne at Union Chapel’s Christmas Tree Sessions for a fun-filled night in aid of Save The Children.

With performances from Fyfe Dangerfield, Kodaline and Band of Skulls alongside festive stories and comedy performances, there’s a little bit of everything to raise your festive spirits.

Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, N1; unionchapel.org.uk

NSPCC Charity Gala Dinner ISLINGTON TOWN HALL 8 December A champagne reception, dinner and dance followed by a live and silent auction are to be held at the town hall, with all proceeds going to the local branch of the children’s charity. There will also be a performance by the Niall Kelly blues band. Dress code is strictly black tie.

Tickets £100 for tables of 8-10, Islington Town Hall, 64 Charlotte Road, EC2, email alison@samuel-family.co.uk; hoxtonartgallery.co.uk Reindeers and Santa N1 CENTRE 21 December The shopping centre is putting on a whole host of festive treats to get us in the Christmas mood; think beauty treatments, carol services and personal gift-wrapping. Swing by on 21 December when Santa’s reindeers will make a guest appearance between 11am and 3pm.

N1 Centre, 21 Parkfield Street, N1; n1islington.com

Christmas Shopping Evening VICTORIA PARK VILLAGE 8 December Victoria Park Trader’s Association will come together between 2pm and 9pm for an evening of Christmas shopping. Clues to a riddle are hidden in the form of letters in the local shops. If unscrambled correctly, answers will be entered into the annual Treasure Hunt raffle to win the very festive-looking village hamper, made up of contributions from The Empress, The Lauriston and Jonathan Norris Fishmongers among many others. There will be stalls, carol singers, mulled wine – and Santa may drop by too. victoriaparkvillage.com

ARTS

Yuletide Tease PROUD CABARET Over Christmas Step back in time as Proud Cabaret City transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland, dolled-up with more than a sprinkling of festive decorations. Complete with a scrumptious Christmas menu and a pianist adding his own jazzy twist to popular tunes, Proud Cabaret are successfully whipping us up into quite the festive frenzy.

Prices start at £64 for a three-course dinner and private booth, Proud Cabaret City, 1 Mark Lane, EC3; proudcabaretcity.com 11

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Brighten up your Christmas day Exclusive gifts and souvenirs at London Transport Museum shop, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2 Shop opens daily or buy online

ltmuseumshop.co.uk

Background poster image: Brightest London is best reached by Underground

By Horace Taylor, 1924

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Absolutely

ARTS

You have five children’s shows playing this Christmas: how have you found the time for it all?

They’re not all new shows thankfully! I’m only directing one myself, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, which is running in Norwich and Leicester.

How did you get into writing for the theatre?

I started as an actor, having wanted to work in the theatre ever since I was about eight.

In my teens I did magic at children’s parties.

When I was in rep in Worcester, I ran Saturday morning children’s entertainments – then I was asked to write the Christmas play. That was in 1967. Since then I have written over 70 more.

Goodnight Mr. Tom is running in the West End with Oliver Ford Davies playing the eponymous character – are you excited to be working with him?

Oliver was my first choice to play Mister Tom. I’m thrilled he agreed to play the role. I have admired him for many years – we overlapped as students at Oxford University. Since then I have seen him many times at the National and the RSC. And his King Lear is amongst the very best I have ever seen – and I collect Lears!

How did you decide which stories you wanted to dramatise?

I look for a certain theatricality, a certain larger than life quality that will translate effectively from page to stage. And, in a play for children, a strong story that will enthral them and make them care and eager to know what comes next.

We bore them at our peril!

How do you approach adapting the original text?

I read the book many, many times, then try to retell the story dramatically, staying faithful to the spirit of the story. Sometimes things have to change a bit, or be reordered, but the qualities that made me want to adapt it should remain.

Tell us about Tom’s Midnight Garden. Have you worked with the Bloomsbury before?

How do you like the area?

I adapted Tom’s Midnight Garden a few years ago and was delighted to get to know Philippa Pearce, who wrote the brilliant and haunting novel. The play has, I’m proud to say, won several awards. The fantasy seems so real when young, lonely, Tom magically finds he can regularly return to Victorian times, where he meets an unhappy girl called Hatty.

Together they help each other through their friendship, and there is a wonderful twist at the end that leaves adults and children alike moved and joyful. I have had many of my plays at the Bloomsbury since the early seventies, when it was called the Collegiate.

The Owl and the Pussycat Went to Sea...

The Gingerbread Man with Blue Peter’s

Curtain Call Absolutely meets David Wood, the acclaimed dramatist bringing some of our favourite children’s stories to the stage Peter Duncan, The Twits, Danny the Champion of the World, George’s Marvellous Medicine, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea have all played successful seasons at the Bloomsbury, which has the perfect auditorium for children. The theatre isn’t far from my publishers, Samuel French Ltd, so I often visit.

The Tiger Who Came For Tea was nominated for an Olivier award and you received an OBE in 2004 for services to literature and drama.What do accolades like this mean to your career?

The Olivier nomination was very special, because it was the first time ever that a show

for the under-fives had been nominated. And my OBE was a feather in the cap for all those of us who work in the children’s arts sector, which is often undervalued!

I am Chair of Action for Children’s Arts, a charity that works hard to improve the status and profile of children’s arts.

Tom’s Midnight Gardens will run at The Bloomsbury Theatre over the following dates: 11-22 December, 27-29 December, 7-19 January; thebloomsbury.com Goodnight Mister Tom will run at the Phoenix Theatre until 26 Jan 2013; goodnightmistertom.co.uk 13

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Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms

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Fax: 020 7833 2273

Email: enquiries@marknicholasdesign.com

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01/06/2012 13:49

The Cuban Brothers The Cuban Brothers presented The CB’s – Yo Bonita at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, performing new material from their much-anticipated debut album featuring Miguel Mantovani, Archerio, Kengo Sana and The CBs.

Socials Absolutely

Mark Ronson

Sushisamba launch party The long-awaited official opening of this hot new restaurant (which fuses Japanese and Brazilian cuisine) saw a steady stream of hipsters mingle to catch a performance

by Pixie Geldof’s band, Violet.

Mark Heynes and Donna Air

Swishing The first ever Ecover swishing event took place at Shoreditch House, where a select gathering of competition winners, journalists and fashion bloggers rubbed shoulders with celebrities including Jade Guinness, Donna Air and Laura Whitmore. Guests sipped champagne and nibbled on canapés as they swapped their unwanted and pre-loved garments.

Letitia Herod, Jasmine Guinness and Olivia Godfrey

Waris Ahluwalia

Jasmine Guinness

Pixie Geldof and friends

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Absolutely

FASHION

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From Russia with love Rich winter opulence, Anna Karenina style

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1. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Victoria fox fur trim coat, £899; harrods.com 2. SERMONETA Ladies’ gloves with scallop trim, £79.95; sermonetagloves.co.uk 3. TOMASSA 18ct white gold 13.56ct tanzanite and diamond ring, £11,000; tomassa.com 4. SOPHIE GITTINS Gold mirror leather city mary janes, £345; sophiegittins.com 5. LANVIN Draped lamé gown, £3,770; net-a-porter.com 6.

ZARA Embroidered velvet box handbag, £39.99; zara.com 7. BUNDLE MACLAREN Kitty hat, £88; bundlemaclaren.co.uk 8. KABIRI Checks moonstone opal ring, £1,336; kabiri.co.uk 9. ROGER VIVIER Satin ribbon woven bow sandals, £704.97; luisaviaroma.com 10.

ALICE BY TEMPERLEY Vanessa embroidered silk-chiffon shirt, £325; net-a-porter.com 17

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Absolutely

FASHION

BAG IT UP It would be heinous not to be

suitably well-turned out for the festive season. Rejoice then for Tusting, purveyors of fine, handcrafted English bags in delicious wintry hues of scarlet, burnt orange, Brunswick green and tan. Handily, they also make beautiful travel holdalls if you’re going away over Christmas. tusting.com

Style Finder The latest news, trends and products...

All things fashion, filtered SILKY SMOOTH MAC AND ME

NOT JUST A PHASE

Phase Eight have released a glittering collection of limited edition evening dresses featuring exquisite beading. All are on the glamorous side – ideal for cocktails and cavorting; party season seems even more inviting now we know where to get our posh frocks. All our Christmases have come at once!

211 - 212 Upper St, N1; phase-eight.co.uk

Victoria Murdoch is blazing a silken trail with her hand-drawn illustrated scarves and cushions. Cutesy and kitsch but contemporary too, the intricate ink techniques make them original, otherworldly and altogether wonderful accessories – as well as great gifts (nudge nudge, wink wink).

Select pieces at Liberty, Westfield Stratford City; silkenfavours.com

One of London’s most prolific designers, Paul Smith, has collaborated with British heritage kings Barbour to produce an exclusive autumn/winter collection. The range includes 12 pieces for men and eight for women, modelled by suitably melancholic models on a typically lugubrious winter’s day.

113 Commercial Street, E1; barbour.com

PLAYFUL PROMISES

This lingerie label have some saucy gifts in store for Christmas, including frilly knickers for stocking fillers. Part of the Beauty Queen Pin Up Collection, you can collect all twelve months for the complete set. We’re rather taken with the True Love undies – and if your man isn’t confident choosing by himself, you can always ask him to snaffle some gift vouchers...

Unit 14, Box Park, Bethnal Green Road, E1; playfulpromises.com 19

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Absolutely

PHOTOGRAPHY: EDDIE JACOB

FASHION

COLD COMFORT

Tucked away at the edge of Spitalfields Market, D.S. Dundee doesn’t blow its own trumpet.

Let lesser brands blare: this quintessentially British menswear label has spent the past few years quietly building a devoted global fanbase.

Now a firm favourite with everyone from the heritage set to the fashion-forward, check out the sterling AW12 range for top quality suiting perfect for the holiday season.

18 Lamb Street, E1; dsdundee.com

FOR HIM

Show some love for dear old Blighty this Christmas, with our guide to the smartest in Great British attire

ALL WRAPPED UP

Christmas gifts and grown men don’t always mesh, as evidenced by the many awful articles each December advising wives and girlfriends to buy their gents silly gadgets, exotic beers or (horror of horrors) novelty neckwear.

So do yourself a favour: nudge your loved one in the direction of Drake’s, makers of the finest accessories England has to offer. No man of taste would turn his nose up at one of their cashmere scarves – this one’s a snip at £175.

3 Clifford Street, W1; drakes-london.com

WRIST ACTION

Any modern gent knows that where cufflinks are concerned, there’s one choice: English field sports specialist Holland & Holland. Solid silver boars, sculpted leopard heads or even the brand’s own logo in silver and vintage walnut – priced from £295, they’re elegant but not ostentatious. 33 Bruton Street, W1; hollandandholland.com

V FOR VICTORY

The latest addition to Lambs Conduit Street is Private White V.C. Manchester-based maker of superb menswear. Named for the company’s founder (and grandfather of the current owner), who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service in the Great War, the brand does Great British outerwear better than just about anyone.

Check out this Twin Track Jacket in charcoal. £495, 55 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1; privatewhitevc.com

SLIPPERY SLOPE

The slipper craze shows no signs of abating, but one thing’s for certain: if you’re enough of a dandy to wear your house-shoes out of doors, they’d better be sufficiently swish to stand up to the inevitable attention. Thanks be, then, to Church’s: their slipper is a shapely triumph that wears its prestigious pedigree lightly – and it’s available in four rich colours priced at £110.

28 Royal Exchange, EC3; church-footwear.com

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The UK’s largest private beauty school, educating since 1995, has moved to a new, custom-built home – an urban style, seven story building right in the heart of The City, London EC1

International Experts MAKE-UP EDUCATION Training by top international freelance make-up artists to those who wish to make a professional career in the world of high-fashion make-up. Traning ranging from basic to creative, photographic, TV, catwalk and film.

BEAUTY EDUCATION Premium learning facilities and excellent surroundings for the students, also a professional salon open to the public. The school presents a fully comprehensive timetable of full and part-time courses leading to the most prestigious international qualifications.

SALON AND SPA Fully operational beauty salon with spa facilities are open to the public. This enables students to put their newly acquired skills into practice in a realistic working environment, equipping them to start their careers with confidence.

RECRUITMENT The school offers excellent career opportunities through our close connections within the industry on cruise ships, spas, health clubs, prestigious stores and hotels.

18-19 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PL Tel. 020 7776 9767 www.beauty-school.co.uk

Hair and make-up by Jay Pinxie Turnbull guest lecturer on our high-fashion make-up courses

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High Buttoned up and British: contemporary tweeds for the new gentry Photography by Catherine Harbour Styling by Claudia Behnke

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Red hamish jacket, £595, and red hamish skirt, £395, both by Caroline Charles; khaki shirt, £233, by Winter Kate; broach, £280, by Carole Tanenbaum; burgundy felt hat, £39, by Radley

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Plaid blazer, £310, by Danilo Gabrieli; cream-coloured shirt, £130, by Danilo; plaid skirt, £150, by Danilo Gabrieli; broach, £350, by Carole Tanenbaum

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Blue checked coat, £495, by Beautiful Soul; printed dress, £550, by Beulah; clutch, £198, by House of Harlow 1960; black fur stole, £140, by Danilo Gabrieli

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Tweed jacket, £2,750, by Roubi L’Roubi; salmon-coloured silk satin blouse underneath, £690, by Roubi L’Roubi; jodhpurs, £1,290, by Roubi L’Roubi; Tan leather wedges, £225, by Gérard Darel

CREDITS

MAKE UP: LAN NGUYEN-GREALIS USING MAC HAIR: LAN NGUYEN-GREALIS USING LABEL M PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANCE: SHEREE PORTER STYLING ASSISTANCE: LUISA CLARKE MODEL: MARKETA@LENI’S MODEL MANAGEMENT

STOCKISTS

BASHARATYAN V: BASHARATYANV.COM/ BEAUTIFUL SOUL: BEAUTIFUL-SOUL.CO.UK BEULAH AVAILABLE AT HARVEY NICHOLS CAROLE TANENBAUM VINTAGE COLLECTION FROM KABIRI CAROLINE CHARLES: CAROLINECHARLES.CO.UK/ CLARKS: CLARKS.CO.UK DAKS: DAKS.COM DANILO GABRIELI: DANILOGABRIELLI.COM/ GERARD DAREL: GERARDDAREL.COM HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 - OXYGEN BOUTIQUE LOOKBOOKSHOP: LOOKBOOKSHOP.COM PRET A PORTOBELLO: PRETAPORTOBELLO.COM WINTER KATE: ZALANDO.CO.UK RADLEY: RADLEY.CO.UK ROUBI L’ROUBI: ROUBI.EU

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26/11/2012 17:02

ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Winter Wonderland Our annual guide to inspire you with ideas for gifts, going out, sprucing up and getting down over the festive period BLOOM PERFUMERY SPITALFIELDS

Bloom is a concept scent store offering the best of modern niche perfumes and luxury candles. What a grand gift the smell of Christmas would be, clementines, mulled wine, crisp frosty mornings and green Christmas trees! At Bloom perfumery we’ve got Christmas bottled and jarred, so visit us for cozy candles, luscious bath salts and exquisite perfume. Have a Fragrant Christmas!

4 Hanbury St, E1 6QR; 020 724 6148; bloomperfume.co.uk

LADYBIRD BOHEMIA ROAD

Give something unique this Christmas with a trip to Bohemia Road, where a wide choice of vintage fashion, hats, scarves, handbags and - of course jewellery awaits. There’s also Cocorose London’s folding ballet shoes complete with zip case and, for him, a selection of vintage designer silk ties. If you really can’t decide, they also do gift vouchers!

21 Canonbury Lane, N1; 020 3441 7731; bohemiaroad.co.uk

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Ladybird is a speakeasy, cocktail bar and late night music venue offering an extensive range of cocktails and have introduced DJs playing a mix of classic tracks, replayed, remixed and re-edited… soul, disco, house and Balearic beats…

Ladybird presents: Abattoir NYE Special 31.12.12, Theme : Love, 8pm until 6am, Limited £5 early bird tickets on sale now, Otherwise £10 before 12pm and £12 thereafter.

To Book a table and pre-order your bubbly please contact Bookings@ ladybirdbar.co.uk or 07812390482 70 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1; www.ladybirdbar.co.uk. Please note, Door policy does apply and guests are advised to book a table over the weekend.Bookings: 07812390482

26/11/2012 19:13

BRANCH ON THE PARK

Loved by many, Victoria Park’s jewellery store is a treasure trove packed full with all that glistens and sparkles. Jewellery is mainly made by owner and goldsmith Julia Cook alongside a small selection of local designers. You can also commission Julia for that very special piece!

227 Victoria Park Road , E9 ; 020 8533 7977; julia@branchonthepark.co.uk; branchonthepark.co.uk

WONDERLAND CERAMICS

This new ceramic studio-cumcafé near Victoria Park offers a wide choice of Italian tableware bisque (unpainted ceramics) for you to paint with your own personal design (think teapots, cake stands, espresso sets etc...) Your masterpiece will be fired in the on-site kiln and ready to collect within a few days.

Wonderland Ceramics can also set your baby or toddler’s handprints or footprints onto Christmas baubles - and hosts memorably creative birthday parties for all ages.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and out-of-hours for groups of more than ten people - and don’t miss the special Christmas Thursday evenings, featuring bring-your-own wine and festive treats (booking required).

237 Victoria Park Road, E9; 020 8985 1214; info@wonderlandceramics.com; wonderlandceramics.com

THE DELI DOWNSTAIRS

An award-winning, family-run gem in Victoria Park Village, this deli stocks British and continental cheeses, artisan hams and charcuterie plus fresh, seasonal and organic fruit and veg. Also on offer are organic eggs and dairy products, locally roasted coffee, locally brewed beer and a wine bottle refill scheme, as well as salads, tarts, pastries and cakes prepared on-site daily, plus jams, chutneys, mustards, spices, oils, rare global ingredients and general groceries. The deli’s seasonal stock is now in and they are taking orders for Christmas and New Year hampers and gift vouchers.

211 Victoria Park Road, E9; 020 8533 500; thedelidownstairs.co.uk

JELLY LANE CLOTHING

Exclusive and original: think vibrant prints with retro chic vintage styling that harks back to happy heydays.

British childrenswear label Jelly Lane Originals put the fun back into Christmas with this party dress (£84). Featuring fine detailing and an eyecatching cowgirl print, it’s top of our list - and it’s lovingly made right here in Britain with gorgeous limited edition pure cotton fabric. Adorable; and if you enter code ‘CITYANGEL’ at checkout, you’ll get free postage and packing! jellylaneclothing.com 29

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

PANACHE CASA

Panache Casa has just announced the addition of the 110 square foot Calligaris Gallery to their Islington showroom. Customers can view new UK product lines as well as exclusive ranges in the gallery; combined with the firm’s existing range of designer furniture from the world’s leading brands, the newlook showroom is set to offer an unparalleled collection of contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories right on our doorstep.

85 Canonbury Road, N1; 020 7226 1006; sales.uk@panachecasa.com panachecasa.com

LONDON TRANSPORT

Travel in style with this luxurious holdall crafted

by Matt Fothergill and featuring the Midland Red Coach moquette with red and brown leather trim. The Midland Red was one of Britain’s largest bus companies, founded in 1904, based in Birmingham and serving 15 counties. Like London Transport, Midland Red built many of its own buses and coaches and created its own very distinctive design style.

For 1959, a leopard print fabric for the coach seat covers was revolutionary, daring and so very fashionable; London Transport has now recreated the fabric as a testament to this fashion classic, and is making it available as beautiful bags, accessories and made-to-order furniture.

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster, WC2E 7BB 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.uk

SHINE

The Shine team delivers a diverse and exclusive range of services and treatments in a professional and stylish environment. Inspired by the philosophy that if you look good, feeling good will follow, Shine offers an unrivaled combination of holistic health care and a creative, forwardthinking approach to beauty. Shine’s expert staff are well-equipped to deal with all your party season requests - whether you’re looking to glam up for Christmas or be pampered by the beauty team, the salon consistently delivers top class customer care and is open seven days a week.

Shine Holistic, 52 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16; 020 7241 5033 Shine on the Green, 20 Newington Green, N16; 020 7241 2065 www.shineholistic.co.uk

ROYAL INDIA

Why not celebrate the festive season with Royal India?

Whether you’re after an intimate dinner for two or a party for 60, their flavoursome classic Indian cuisine and airy bar (with a large range of fine wines and champagnes) will ensure your festive season is marked with an unforgettable - and truly Royal - experience.

47 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16; 020 7249 7094: royaln16.co.uk

KOBKUN THAI THERAPY

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a loved one - or even yourself after a hard-working and exhausting year - then a relaxing massage is the best giftyou can give. At Kobkun Thai Therapy there’s a special seasonal offer available right now: buy five treatment sessions and get an hour completely free! Check the website for more info - though it’s worth noting that the Esher and Kingston branches are exempt from the promotion.

Kobkun Queensway has moved to 28A Queensway W2 3RS Only fews minutes away!

93 Upper Street, N1; 020 7288 8702; kobkun.net

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flawless for the festive

season

Get your skin party perfect with Waterhouse Young Our luxury skin care clinic specialises in non-surgical treatments to achieve healthy, younger looking skin.

All treatments are performed by the capital’s top aesthetic doctors who take an holistic approach to skin. Waterhouse Young was recently described by Tatler as “the perfect not-quite-ready-to-gounder-the-knife” clinic.

Complimentary consultation Absolutely readers will receive an in-depth consultation including a detailed skin analysis.

Treatments include HydraFacial, Botox, Dermal Fillers, Intraceuticals Infusion

Call: 020

7486 3849

for a complimentary consultation

www.waterhouseyoung.com21 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PBinfo@waterhouseyoung.com@Waterhouseyoung WHY.FINAL.2.indd 2

26/11/2012 18:59

Heartcore Fitness offers small group classes in Dynamic Pilates, Kettlebells, TRX, Cycling and Ballet Barre.Fitness Book your class for classes free at in www.heartcore.co.uk - simply choose a time and Heartcore offersfirst small group Dynamic Pilates, Kettlebells, TRX, Cycling class that works and we’ll do the rest you with a challenging and fun workout that and will Book your first class for– providing free at www.heartcore.co.uk - simply choose a time Ballet Barre.

Heartcore Fitness offers small group classes in Dynamic Pilates, Kettlebells, TRX, Cycling and give you Visitwe’ll us at class thatresults! works and dowww.heartcore.co.uk the rest – providing you with a challenging and fun workout that will Book your first class for free at www.heartcore.co.uk - simply choose a time and Ballet Barre. give you results! Visit us at www.heartcore.co.uk class that works and we’ll do the rest – providing you with a challenging and fun workout that will give you results! Visit us at www.heartcore.co.uk

Come here if you want results!

Come here if you want results!

Come here if you want results!

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PHONE 020 7435 5078

CHELSEA HAMPSTEAD KENSINGTON NOTTING HILL

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PHONE 020 7435 5078

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Absolutely

BEAUTY

1

2

3 4

Beauty Flash TOP TEN

10

8

7

5

6

9 1. BOBBI BROWN BEACH FRAGRANCE, £38; bobbibrown.co.uk 2. DSQUARED POTION FOR WOMEN EAU DE PARFUM, £55; debenhams.com 3. YVES SAINT LAURENT MANIFESTO EAU DE PARFUM, £44; selfridges.com 4. SISLEY EAU DE SISLEY 1, £61; uk.spacenk.com 5. BULGARI MON JASMIN NOIR, £58.65; escentual.com 6. STELLA MCCARTNEY PRINT COLLECTION 3, £38; houseoffraser.co.uk 7. GIVENCHY DALHIA NOIR EAU DE PARFUM, £61; boots.com 8. DIPTYQUE VOLUTES, £50; diptyqueparis. co.uk 9. VERSACE VANITAS EAU DE TOILETTE, £30; johnlewis.com 10. LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE, £39; lancôme.co.uk

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Dental and Aesthetic Medicine treatments available.

- Dental Implants - Lumineers - Clear braces - Laser teeth whitening

- Wrinkle relaxant therapy - Dermal fillers - Laser Skin rejuvenation - Laser Skin resurfacing - Laser Hair removal - Zerona laser fat loss treatment

Call to book your free consultation.

State of the art equipment and latest technology's available. Free Parking 943 Finchley Road, London, NW11 7PE T: 0208 2018080info@lotusclinic.co.ukwww.lotusclinic.co.uk

LOT US CLINIC.2.indd 1

22/10/2012 17:31

ruliete • unwanted hair o m o n ll e c s • le k wrin

aesthetic centres non-invasive treatment

Gift vouchers

tika biothecesatére

available

Teeth whitening now available

ift

G cher ty ou V Give the gift of beau

hair orlluelite • unwanted nrionkm les • ce w

fcroneseultation ISLINGTON (London)

www.biothecareestetika.com

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3

222, Essex road, Islington, London, N1 3AP Ph. No. 07725 836017

islington@biothecareestetika.com

e world Around th

26/11/2012 21:11

Absolutely

BEAUTY lengthy issue Who wants to waste time growing a

lengthy mane? Who, that is, when you can simply nip down to Great Lengths, secret of many an A-list barnet. Using root-to-tip human hair, the salon has over 55 hues, with 17 shades of blonde.

And, even better, using ultrasonic technology, it only takes an hour.

That’s Christmas party hair in the bag. greatlengthshair.co.uk

the

NAIL INK The beauty diary is now full… with a daily dose

of delectable mini nail treats from Ciaté. Behind each door lies a colourful surprise, deliciously packaged with 17 of Ciaté’s bestselling mini Paint Pots, four mini Caviar blends, and three exclusive Paint Pot glitter shades, to keep your tips looking top for party season. £38; ciate.co.uk

Beauty Edit The fine art of staying beautiful...

SIXTH SENSE If you need to de-stress this Christmas, the spa

at Canary Wharf’s Pan Peninsula is the ultimate in relaxation luxury. As well as the usual massages, it offers enticing treatments such as Slow Life Seaweed Leaf Wrap and Peppermint Sugar Glow. There’s an urban twist on the traditional hammam, the Six Senses signature journeys, facials and beauty treatments and a state-of-the-art hyrdrotherapy whirlpool. All our Christmasses have come at once.

2 Pan Peninsula Square, E14; sixsenses.com

Editor’s

Pick Skinceuticals Daily Moisture Big pores can be a complexion nightmare;

this lightweight moisturiser for normal or oily skin hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size with an exclusive combination of natural extracts.

High levels of pure vitamin E heal and protect while Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals to the skin. It contains burnet, cinnamon, and ginger and is non-greasy. £58; skinceuticals.co.uk

INRoxyTREATMENT Beauty is not only a stylish salon, it has the facilities to pamper you from top to toe. The small

but dynamic team have been established for just under a year, building a desirable reputation in those few short months. Offering everything from superb hair design to select beauty treatments, I headed down for some pre-party pampering; a blow-dry and Shellac manicure. One of their biggest accolades is that, whilst they remain an independent salon, they also stock Aveda products exclusively, ensuring that every guest leaves feeling like a million dollars. LD 473 Finchley Road, NW3; 0207 431 0555; roxybeauty.co.uk 35 35

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Christmas EnjoyYour

Wish... all I want for

· ‘Long, thick, flowing hair’….

Strand by Strand or Weave Brazilian Hair.

No damage or stress to your hair - high quality, amazing results From £500

Christmas...

· ‘Never to wax or shave again’ Pain Free Laser Hair Removal with The Soprano XL Blue. Permanently removes unwanted hair from anywhere on the body, it really is pain FREE! From £55 a session *Body areas vary in price · ‘The perfect Pout’ A smile is everything. Whether it is to add lost volume or to redefine the lip contours you will be left with impressive instant results. From £200 · ‘The Party Look’ Be instantly ready for the party season with a long lasting Geleration Manicure, wash and blow dry and glass of champagne. Only £49

Make everyone’s wishes come true this

Christmas

Gift Vouchers available on all treatments and services

Make sure you visit - www.smoothyou.co.uk daily for an Exclusive Smooth You Advent Calendar with daily special offers! www.smoothyou.co.uk for full treatment listing, book on 02077041955 or E: info@smoothyou.co.uk 70 Essex Road, N1 8LT, www.facebook.com/smoothyou or Twitter @Smooth_u SMOOTH CLINIC.DEC.2.indd 1

21/11/2012 18:20

Absolutely

BEAUTY

WE CAN WORK IT OUT We absolutely love Work Out Life, a transeasonal range of activewear that’s more on-trend than conventional sports gear. We bet the styles on offer will actually motivate you to exercise – because you look so good in them! Begone, slouchy tracky b’s! workoutlife.com

PIC: TIA LITTLE

Feeling good The latest health and fitness trends

SLEEP BETTER

LEADER OF THE SIX PACK The team at SWEAT will make you do just

that... from every last pore. Whether you want to run a marathon, boost body confidence, bulk up or slim down, the SWEAT personal trainers know just the tricks to supercharge your workout. Train one-on-one, with a friend in a group or with the entire office, in various venues around London. There’s still time to squeeze in a last-minute tone-up so you can fit into that all-important LBD for Christmas. sweat-london.com

BetterYou Magnesium Oil Goodnight Spray is 100 per cent natural and delivers the essential mineral directly into the skin tissue, entering cells immediately and efficiently replacing magnesium lost through modern diet and pressured lifestyles. The spray combines magnesium with essential oils to calm and harmonise, aiding a relaxing sleep (a godsend, in our opinion).

Ten sprays deliver 150mg (50 per cent of your RDA) of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium. £12.20 for 100ml; betteryou.uk.com

UP IN THE AIR Calling all yogis... aerial yoga may well be the future.

Originally designed for athletes and gymnasts, it combines components from dance, Pilates and Calisthenics with movements that ‘relieve the body of the compression of gravity’. Participants develop overall agility while having fun creating graceful, stretching poses. With a little bit of meditation, you’ll be well on your way to floating yogic goodness.

97 Aldersgate Street, EC1; virginactive.co.uk

All Smiles Pure Periodontics is the only specialist periodontics practice in Central London to have invested in

Waterlase MD Turbo technology. Widely used by specialists in the US, it offers a minimally invasive removal of inflamed tissue and therefore causes less swelling and less post-op sensitivity for those suffering from gum-related disease. The team offer the best in periodontic care using cutting-edge dentistry – so why not head down and put your best smile forward this Christmas!

7 St John Street, EC1; pureperio.com 37

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26/11/2012 18:06

Highgate Contemporary Art

-

art, ceramics and sculpture for Christmas

Come an visit us for the Highgate Village shopping evenings on 5th and 12th December, 6.30 to 9.00pm Tim Kitchener-Smith from Premier Wines & Events, will also be hosting an informal tasting of fine wines

26 Highgate High Street, London N6 5JG usual opening hours:

020 8 340 7564

info@highgateart.com

www.highgateart.com

Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 am - 6.00pm

SHINE HOLISTIC

SHINE ON THE GREEN

OPENING HOURS

52 Stoke Newington Church Street London N16 0NB T 020 7241 5033 T 020 7249 9671

20 Newington Green, London N16 9PU T 020 7241 2065 T 020 7812 9306

Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday

10am - 9pm 10am - 6pm 11am - 5pm

For Christmas promotions visit - www.shineholistic.co.uk ShineAd_CityandAngel_13_08.indd 1 SHINE-DEC.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 7

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26/11/2012 21:12

Absolutely

BEAUTY

Top to toe

Three beauty treatments on Absolutely’s radar this month Ask for The dermaroller treatment Where? Karidis, The Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth, Third Floor, 60 Grove End Road, NW8 The lowdown I’m a massive wimp, but all the same: this treatment hurts. For a moment or two my inner voice was screaming, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’

But maybe the dermaroller is like childbirth: the end result makes you so happy, you forget what you went through to achieve it.

A topical anaesthetic is used and tiny microneedles rolled along the skin, encouraging collagen and new skin cells to form along with new blood supplies. It can take up to six weeks for regeneration to show visibly (so this isn’t a flash in the pan solution) but the revitalising process continues over the following months. Some bits were easier than others – the nose and cheeks, for example – though of course they’re the areas that need it least. My therapist went hard at the forehead and laughter lines (the procedure is excellent for eradicating smoker’s wrinkles) but fortunately the whole thing didn’t take long. At the end, a cooling mask is applied to soothe the skin before you head home. Almost as painful as the roller, however, was the tube journey that followed (and the crook in the neck I earned by trying to keep my face down). Two teenage boys spent the entire ride trying to sneak a peek at my red face, so I’d advise taking a cab! That said, the last laugh was on me... a few hours later the redness had subsided and my lines seemed somewhat diminished.

Plus points This treatment is super effective: a face-lift without the face-lift. My skin is as good as new – and you know how it works... no pain, no gain! HB From £350, two sessions recommended, 020 7432 8754; karidis.co.uk

HERSHESON’S BLOW DRY BAR

Face lift

Mane attraction

Ask for Waterfall waves with a bit of bounce.

These stylists really know their stuff, so tell them what you want (or don’t want) and you’ll be sure to walk out perfectly primped and ready to party.

Where? Hershesons Blow Dry Bar, One New Change, EC4 The lowdown The Hershesons brand has expanded fast since its debut in the early nineties, making a name for itself among models and celebs. Ever-evolving and seeking new boundaries to push, the salon has secured a reputation as one of the most innovative and creative hair-styling brands around, combining technical wizardry and creative vision to create seemingly effortless hairdos. There is, at least for me, a little stigma surrounding the blow-dry – I admit I was afraid of ending up with a topheavy ‘Wag’ barnet, à la Cheryl Cole. But one trip to Hershesons and I was officially converted. A former blow-dry-phobe, I walked out of the salon with my head held high and killer hair to boot.

Plus points Hair says a lot about someone, so never be flat! Treat yourself to a glam blow-dry – it’s worth it for the sky-high confidence that follows. RvdB From £25, 020 7248 6225; hershesons.com

Peel appeal

Ask for The Blue Obagi Peel Where? Destination Skin, 5-7 Folgate Street, E1 The lowdown Skin peels seek to improve texture and smoothness by applying highly effective ingredients tailored to your specific requirements. By removing dull, dead cells from the skin surface, large pores, blemishes and fine lines can all be immediately reduced – and I was so thrilled not to be undergoing anything painful that this treatment was a breeze.

I opted for the Blue Obagi Peel for oilier skin – it contains that magic substance, salicylic acid, the only plant acid that can penetrate oil and follicles, encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells and cleansing the pores of cellular debris. It may sound a bit science-y, but it basically means that you feel super clean afterwards – in a way that home-cleansing can’t achieve.

Plus points The clinic also stocks Agera and Dermaquest ranges. You can buy salicylic cleansers to carry on some of the benefits of the peel at home, but it’s important not to max out on too many salicylic products, as this will dry out the skin and can cause it to overcompensate - making it oilier. HB Call for prices, 0844 576 8309; destinationskin.com 39

DEC_TRIED & TESTED.indd 39

26/11/2012 16:59

Jamie’s Kitchen Jamie Oliver is a busy man; as Fifteen restaurant turns ten, Absolutely catches up with the super chef behind the pioneering apprentice program to talk about his ever-expanding brand...

You’ve had a huge influence on the way that the public think about food, from school dinners to encouraging people to cook from scratch – what has been the proudest moment of your career thus far?

I think getting half a billion quid out of the British Government for school food back in 2005/6 was a high point, but I am worried about all that hard work being undone at the moment with the coalition government not making sure that Academies follow the nutritional standards – which we all fought for. To be honest, there are so many proud moments; when Fifteen restaurant opened in 2002, that was another one that stands

out – it was incredible and the fact that we’re still training young people ten years later is so inspiring. Every time I go to one of the graduation days, either in London, Cornwall or Amsterdam (where we also have restaurants), it’s always an emotional time. But I’ve got loads still to do and so I hope there are more memorable moments to come.

Do you have any culinary heroes?

So many! To start, Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers, of course; also Gennaro Contaldo, the Italian Stallion and my mentor; Alice Walters; And Keith Floyd – for me, he embodied everything that’s exciting about cooking.

Three ingredients you couldn’t survive without?

I’m a chilli freak so I couldn’t live without a bit of heat, and then probably some good quality extra virgin olive oil and definitely lemon.

Having a family and being so busy yourself, who does the cooking at home? And whose food do the children prefer?

I do the cooking when I’m there, which is usually the weekends, although I am also trying to have as many Fridays off as I can this year. During the week Jools is the cook and she’s become really good over the years.

I couldn’t say whose food the kids prefer, I’d get in trouble!

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26/11/2012 16:37

Absolutely

FOOD Do you have a guilty food pleasure?

Green and Black’s Chocolate, although it is an occasional treat.

Can you tell us about your biggest kitchen disaster?

That would have to be the well-documented Valentine’s Day mishap many years ago when I tried to cook naked for my wife and ended up scalding myself with hot steam in a delicate area.

Has any one meal changed your life?

Probably the one I was preparing at the River Café back in 1998 when I got filmed by the documentary TV crew. When the show ended up on TV, I started getting phone calls from TV producers wanting to make a series with just me and – to cut a long story short – the naked chef was born.

What is your earliest food memory?

The smell of mum’s roast chicken on a Sunday.

15 Westland Place, N1; fifteen.net

HOW IT STARTED...

In late 2002, Jamie Oliver opened Fifteen London and recruited 15 young apprentices to train alongside a team of 25 professional chefs and mentors. He also set up a charity – The Better Food Foundation – that would receive all the profits from the restaurant to help fund the scheme. Fundraising events, such as The Big Feastival with Alex James and The Big Night Out take place throughout the year in order to raise awareness and inspire people to reconnect with food. jamieoliver.com/foundation/

the remainder of the marinade.

Stir in the coconut milk, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked. NOTE – please check your chicken by removing a small piece and cutting it in half to check it is cooked through. Season to taste. The flavour should have a kick but be reasonably mellow – very fresh and fragrant.

Put some rice into the base of your bowl, add in the chicken curry – ensure you add in the liquid. Top with chopped pistachio nuts, toasted coconut flakes and fresh coriander.

Sprinkle with poppadoms for an added crunch.

RECIPE:

FRAGRANT GREEN THAI CURRY

CHUNKY COCONUT, TOMATO, CUCUMBER & LIME RELISH This is a really nice fresh salad/relish and is very simple to make. It goes especially well with fragrant green chicken curry.

(Serves 4)

4 chicken breasts without bone and skin, each cut into five large pieces (or substitute for vegetables of your choice) 2 x 400ml tins of coconut milk 1 handful of pistachio nuts Green curry paste: 6 spring onions, washed and trimmed 4 - 6 medium green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, pounded or crushed ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper Maldon sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Half a handful of lime leaves, torn

1 teaspoon soy sauce 3 drops of fish sauce 2 lemongrass stalks, trimmed back & finely chopped 2 good handfuls of fresh basil on the stalk 3 food handfuls of fresh coriander on the stalk 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Zest and juice of 3 - 4 limes, to tast Put all the green curry paste ingredients in a pestle and mortar or food processor and mash/whizz to a smooth green paste.

Marinate the chicken or vegetables in a little of the paste for 30 minutes, then add a little oil and the chicken pieces to a hot casseroletype pan or wok. Fry for 4 minutes, then add

16 cherry tomatoes, quartered or roughly chopped ½ fresh coconut, grated or shaved 1 small handful of basil or coriander, roughly chopped 15cm/6 inches of cucumber, skinned, seeds removed and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Juice of 1 - 2 limes 1 thinly sliced red chilli (optional) Put the tomatoes, coconut, basil, cucumber and chilli (if using) into a bowl and toss. Just before serving, toss in the olive oil, salt, pepper and lime juice to taste.

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26/11/2012 18:09

Roasts with the Most

‘Tis the season to be jolly - and indulge in many a festive feast. Romy van den Broeke uncovers the area’s finest roast dinners with all the trimmings

The Drapers Arms This Barnsbury treasure has remained an

Absolutely Sunday favourite for many years – and it seems that tons of our fellow Londoners feel the same, with many travelling far and wide for a taste of the pub’s famous Sunday lunch.

We love the interior so much we once did a fashion shoot there, but it’s their sharing roasts – which come piled high with more than enough for several helpings per person – that keep us coming back. Choose from a beef and oyster suet pudding, a fore rib chop or a ‘label Anglais’ chicken (a favourite fowl of Gordon Ramsay, apparently), all served alongside the essential trimmings (including enormous Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, seasonal veg and a jug of fresh gravy).

There are other, single plate options that are just as tasty, of course, but we have to say the sharing plates steal the show – they’re what Sundays are all about.

44 Barnsbury Street, N1; the drapersarms.com 42

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26/11/2012 16:19

Absolutely

FOOD

The Wells

Looking for a London eatery with the charm of a country pub? Then look no further – the next stop on our tour of the best local Sunday lunches has character in spades.

The Wells Tavern is situated in a traditional Georgian villa in picturesque Hampstead. The pub is split into two distinct dining areas: downstairs is more lively and pub-like while upstairs offers a more formal and elegant dining experience.

On our visit, the team were knowledgeable and attentive to our needs, catering for a fussy wine drinker and a vegetarian and helping us to choose a marvellous Chablis as well as a veggie option that could hold its own on a table full of meaty roasts.

When it arrived, the slab of pumpkin, aubergine and courgette bake was confirmed as a winning choice.

The Wells’ classic Sunday roasts offer a choice between corn-fed chicken or roast Charolais fore rib of beef, each served with perfectly prepared trimmings and extra gravy to boot. For dessert our group shared a trio of sorbets (raspberry, lemon and peach and champagne), a melt-in-the-middle chocolate fondant and a sticky toffee pudding. The food was beyond delicious, and the cosy atmosphere made for an ideal (and indulgent) Sunday afternoon. A great way to warm the spirit on a cold, wintry day.

30 Well Walk, NW3; thewellshampstead.co.uk

The Albion

Cosy, traditional and blooming with pretty rustic touches, the Albion is thought by many to be Angel’s best pub, and it certainly offers everything you could ask for in a Sunday afternoon – from first-class grub and obliging staff to a welcoming atmosphere and comfy seating.

The impressive Sunday lunch line-up has something for all, with beef, pork, poussin, sea bass, gnocchi and more on the menu, and you’re welcome to share with friends if you wish. In addition to this, there are specials scribbled on the blackboards. On our visit the meat du jour was Chateaubriand, a pleasure-packing dead cert for hungry carnivores; extravagant hunks of beef served pink, lean and sliced to perfection – and accompanied by all the necessary trimmings doused in a rich, meaty gravy.

One word of warning for those hoping not to max out their daily calorie intake: the sticky toffee pudding is too heavenly to miss.

10 Thornhill Road, N1; the-albion.co.uk

And one for veggies...

The Cat and Mutton

Who knew The Cat did such a superb veggie roast? Well... we did, but it’s a fact you might miss if you’ve only ever plumped for meat and two veg. When we last visited, the veggie option was a sumptuously savoury nut-roast Wellington, though, of course, die-hard meat-freaks will find much to please their palate too. We advise booking your table early: Sundays at the Cat are always packed to the rafters as the hangover crowd rush to get their food fix. Still, if you reserve in time, this is the perfect local pub in which to warm your cockles. 76 Broadway Market, E8; catandmutton.com 43

DEC_FOOD_DPS_ROASTS.indd 43

26/11/2012 18:12

NOËL & NYE CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON IN SPLENDOUR

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON INVITES YOU TO ITS...

INTIMATE DINNERS Friends & family celebrations Corporate Christmas parties Elaborate cocktail receptions Book a private area in the restaurant or bar

PRIVATE PARTIES Hire The Champagne Lounge for up to 300 Champagne & cocktail canapé Receptions for up to 175

DINNER

LOUNGE

4 course set menu £85 Includes a glass of Champagne

Bar & lounge entry £25 Tables for 10 Min. spend £500

3 course Christmas dinner menu £49.50 (including glass of Cava) 3 course Christmas lunch menu £35.50

THEME: ROARING 20’S! ~ DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE & COCKTAIL DRESSES PARTY IN THE BAR WITH SPECIAL GUEST DJS

Christmas canapés & platters also available Open for lunch & dinner throughout December

RESERVATION & PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED TO MAKE YOUR PARTY RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT SADIE@BEACHBLANKET.CO.UK

closed on the 24th, 25th & 26th December

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE OF

reservations@beachblanket.co.uk ~~ reservations@beachblanket.co.uk

020 7749 020 77493540 3540

~~

www.beachblanket.co.uk www.beachblanket.co.uk

Beach Blanket Babylon 19 - 23 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON 19 - 23 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA BB.DEC_NEW.2.indd 1

26/11/2012 20:26

Absolutely

FOOD

1776 Soren Jessen’s latest food venture, 1776

at 1 Lombard street, is a new restaurant offering simple, elegant dishes. His idea is to appeal to local customers – City folk – with innovative reworks of classic dishes.

Head chef Juri Ravagli has worked with Jessen to update well-loved staples such as steak tartare, oysters and fillet of cod – and in keeping with this approach, the drinks menu will be accessed via iPads at each table. Futuristic fun.

Mansion House Place, EC3; 1lombardstreet.com/soren-jessen

XOXO’s Christmas Cocktail Hazelnut & White Chocolate Martini

Bite Sized Romy van den Broeke finds out all the food news – one bite at a time

Angela Hartnett for Whitechapel Gallery The Full Effect, Smart Hospitality and Whitechapel Gallery are 30ml Frangelico 30ml Baileys 30ml Mozart Chocolate Cream White 30ml Mozart Chocolate Pure 87 Black Cinnamon Powder ••••••

Pour the Frangelico and Baileys in a glass, then add the white and black chocolate liquors.

Top up the glass with ice cubes and shake using a cocktail shaker. Strain it into a Martini glass then sprinkle cinnamon powder on top xoxolondon.co

offering the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive Christmas party in the Grade II-listed gallery. Smart’s Creative Director and renowned chef Angela Hartnett has designed a three-course Christmas menu for anyone who fancies dining surrounded by Giuseppe Penone’s Bloomberg Commission artwork, Spazio di Luce (Space of Light).

The menu includes delicious roast partridge, braised venison shoulder and chestnut risotto, and will be topped off with rich desserts and selected wines. Sounds like a work of art in itself.

77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1; whitechapelgallery.org

Christmas at Melrose and Morgan Melrose and Morgan, the award-winning North London kitchen and grocer, have us feeling festive.

They’ve been slaving away creating Christmas delights for the season, from pear and ginger trifles to mince pies; you can also purchase their speciality hamper, ‘Christmas in a Box’, which is stuffed full of festive goodies including a Bronze turkey, stuffing, bread sauce, cranberry and orange sauce, gravy, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, some heavenly veg, festive desserts, a cheese selection and fine wines hand-picked to suit each course.

42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1; melroseandmorgan.com

Get in my pop up The foodie pop-up of the year is set to take place over three nights from 6 to 8 December at a secret venue in

Dalston. A three-course meal will be followed by ‘cheese from cows and goats’ and ‘Nan’s mince pies’ – if you can handle more grub by that point. Choose from mains of all-day long-roast pork belly, boozy beef stew or nutroast of sweet potato and date Wellington. Bread will be provided by thelazybaker.co.uk.

To make a reservation or pre-order, email popup@getinmygob.co.uk; getinmygob.blogspot.co.uk

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FOOD

Restaurants YUM YUM THAI RESTAURANT 3183-187 Stoke Newington High Street N16 0LH 020 7254 6751 OISHII 67 Stoke Newington Church Street N16 0AR 020 7254 3488

DOLLAR GRILLS & MARTINIS 2 Exmouth Market EC1R 4PX 020 7278 0077

Top Tables A bite-sized guide to this month’s foodie destinations

Dirty Burger

79 Highgate Road, NW5; 020 3310 2010; eatdirtyburger.com Mantra Keeping it real (as opposed to dirty).

What’s the deal? Much revered purveyors of top-quality beef-on-a-bun, this Soho House offering is shacked up around the back of Pizza East Highgate, upstairs from the Chicken Shop, forming an incestuous triangle of food love.

Why should you go? The food is outstanding and the burgers have a higher than usual meat content with only 15% fat. You order from the counter so it’s better for a more informal lunchtime munch.

FORMANS Stour Road, Fish Island E3 2NT 020 8525 2365

BUNDU KHAN 43 Commercial Street E1 6BD 020 7375 2595

DISHOOM 77 Boundary Street E2 7JE 020 7420 9324

HARRY MORGANS 29-31 St John’s Wood High Street NW8 7NH 020 7722 1869 MEAT PEOPLE 4-6 Essex Road N1 8LN 020 7359 5361

3 more meaty destinations...

MEM & LAZ 8 Therberton Street N1 8LN 020 7704 9089

Chooks

Tommi’s Burger Joint

Beard to Tail

The Crunch A new restaurant in Muswell Hill whose chooks are all reared and freshly delivered from a Suffolk farm. The sides sound amazing – dirty rice, coleslaw, mac ‘n’ cheese – classics made all the more mouth-watering when accompanying buttermilk chicken. The dinner tray comes with mash and gravy, onion rings and baked beans. Pull up on the birch bench and tuck in.

The Crunch Jumping aboard the burger trend is this cute little place on Marylebone Lane. The brainchild of Icelandic Tomas ‘Tommi’ Tómasson, who owns a chain of burger joints in his native country, this is the first London premises. A patty mix of rump, rib-eye and filet with their signature Béarnaise sauce is flipping good.

The Crunch The owners of Callooh Callay have made this sell-out pop-up permanent.

As the name suggests, it serves meat from the whole of the animal, making the most of the one-ingredient trend. There’s a gargantuan range of US whiskies and ryes plus the BBQ Bourbon ribs, a sweet-success mix of the restaurant’s main pulling points.

43 Broadway, N10; chooks.me

58 Marylebone Lane, W1; burgerjoint.co.uk

77 Curtain Road, EC2A; beardtotail.co.uk

SU SAZZAGONI 136 Lauriston Road E9 7LH 020 8985 8448

THE ROTISSERIE 87 Allitsen Road NW8 7AS 020 7722 7444

LA COLLINA 17 Princess Road NW1 8JR 020 7483 0192

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26/11/2012 16:18

This

NEW YEAR’S EVE 3 COURSE DINNER, SHOW &

will you be…

EXPERIENTIAL 3 COURSE DINNER, SHOW, DANCING & CLUB ENTRY UNTIL 4AM

MASQUERADE BALL

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE AT JUST

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE AT JUST

£79 pp EARLY BIRD SHOW ONLY TICKETS £40

£69 pp Proud Cabaret Camden London, NW1 8AH

Proud Cabaret City London, EC3R 7AH 0207 283 1940 Cabaretreservations @proud.co.uk

0207 482 3867 Camdenreservations @proud.co.uk

SOPHISTICATED or MISCHIEVOUS

CABARET & BU RLESQU E SHOW

BAR

DANCI NG

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Y Y O O J J N N E YE O J N ENJOY E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y O J N ENJOY E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y JO N ENJO E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N EN E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E Y O J N ENJOY E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O O J J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y O J N ENJOY E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J N ENJO E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O O J N ENJ E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N N E E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J EN N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y O J ENJOY N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J ENJO N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y Y O J O J N E N E Y ENJO ENJOY

ENJ Y

FIND US...

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-5am

WWW.WOKTOWALK.COM

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 4

4 Brewer St, / 020 7287 8464 / Piccadilly Circus 21 Cranbourne St,WC2H 7AA / 020 7240 5797 / Leicester Square

26/11/2012 21:17

A NE Wprivate family club for parents and children under 5 Only opening just a minute away from St. John’s Wood High Street!

What

3 Hoouffseers

Club

cafe with a healthy, organic and * Childfriendly delicious menu for kids and parents, soft play

* Pilates, yoga and other fitness opportunities

*

* Beauty and massage days for parents. * Weekly popup shop from independent online

area and outdoor playground, place for buggies.

Our classes are inspired by child development specialists all around the world including Reggio Emilia School and Glenn Doman’s of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential

* Activities for babies, toddlers and preschool children that are not only fun, but also advance their curiosity, confidence, coordination, communication andconcentration.

* Workshops expert presentations and moderated

discussions groups on parenting, health, career and other relevant topics.

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for parents.

boutiques for parents and small kids.

* WiFi internet access and a Quiet Zone to catch up on your emails, work or reading while your baby is having a nap or your toddler is having a class.

* Crèche, so you actually can take advantage of what we are offering.

* Great venue and entertainment for birthday parties for children.

22/10/2012 13:58 26/11/2012 21:25

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FOOD

Bars/Pubs BABBLE JAR 176 Stoke Newington High Street N16 7JL 020 7254 7666 69 COLEBROOKE ROW 69 Colebrooke Row N1 8AA 07540 528 593

THE NORTHGATE 113 Southgate Road N1 3JS 020 7359 7392

Reserved The tippler’s guide to this month’s buzzing bars

Barrio East

141-143 Shoreditch High Street, EC1; 020 7688 2882 (Barrio North); welovebarrio.com

Mantra Cocktails, cantina, club.

What’s the deal? A clash of Latin cities, cultures and quarters with a neighbourhood vibe, the Barrio collective (or ‘ghetto archipelago’) prides itself on fresh cooking and its appreciation of world music with monthly parties and guest DJ sets.

Why should you go? If the weather is getting you down, head to Barrio East (or Barrio North on Essex Road) for a shot of South American sunshine vibes.

THE HIGHBURY BARN 26 Highbury Park N5 2AB 020 7226 2383

JOHN SALT 131 Upper Street N1 1QP 0207 359 7501

XOXO 74 Upper Street N1 0NY 020 7226 6799

FIFTY FIVE BAR & LOUNGE 31 Jamestown Road NW1 7DB, 020 7424 9054

PROUD CAMDEN The Horse Hospital NW1 8AH 0207 482 3867

3 more bars with a difference...

THE LORD’S TAVERN Lord’s Cricket Ground NW8 8NQ 020 7266 5980

Town Hall Hotel Bar

House of Wolf

Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

The Vibe Blink and you’d miss it, but housed within the old Bethnal Green Town Hall, this splendid bar is well worth a visit.

With seasonal concoctions that combine muddled herbs and flower-infused spirits, it’s nothing short of elegant, in keeping with the Art Deco grandeur of the wider building. Jazz age music plays to complete the retro (though never kitsch) experience.

The Vibe A self-professed ‘multi-functional, multi-sensory, experimental pleasure palace’.

With more than a nod to lavish, turn-of-the-century drinking dens, the mixologists here distil their potions, making their own botanicals and syrups in the aptly-named Apothecary Bar. Head here for a vibrant Victorian-tinged thrill.

The Vibe An underground speakeasy, the entrance is through... drum-roll please... a Smeg fridge. Capacity is low, but the ‘insider’ feel only adds to the fun (just like the ‘smallest disco in the world’ sign on the toilet door). Within the bar, dim lighting reveals a sort of lumberjack cabin peppered with moose heads. Just ask to see the mayor.

Patriot Square, E2; townhallhotel.com

181 Upper Street, N1; houseofwolf.co.uk

12-16 Artillery Lane, E1; thebreakfastclubcafes.com

THE WELLS 30 Well Walk NW3 1BX 020 7794 3785

THE YARD Queens Yard Hackney Wick E9 5EN

OFF BROADWAY 63-65 Broadway Market E8 4PH 020 7241 2786

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FOOD

Oliver’s Twist Romy van den Broeke reviews Fifteen as it celebrates the close of its tenth year in the business

What’s Up, Duck?

A Helen Baron goes in search of next level food at Heron Tower’s Duck and Waffle

ll aboard, I thought, climbing into a great glass elevator as it prepared to scale the dizzy heights of the City’s Heron Tower.

Moments later my companion and I were zooming upwards at lightning speed, central London crowding into view below. Our destination was the restaurant perched on the building’s 40th floor: Duck and Waffle. It had been on our hit-list since it opened two months ago, and everything we’d heard about it suggested a (literally) next level experience.

It’s actually a brilliant idea to build a restaurant at the top of something. Whether you’re dining amid treetops, rooftops or – as we did – at the summit of a sparkling tower, the panoramic views create a sense of sheer excitement from the outset. Looking out across soaring skyscrapers, looming cranes, the impressive new Shard building and, further off still, the Olympic stadium and BT Tower, we saw the City spread before our eyes, all its iconic landmarks seemingly close enough to reach out and touch. Of course, such reveries are all the more enjoyable when experienced with a cocktail in hand: we chose the cinnamon smoke-doused Manhattan, in keeping with the skyline theme of the evening. The bar at Duck and Waffle is just as impressive as the view, stationed in the centre of the restaurant with a glittering array of coloured bottles reflecting the sunlight. Even the smoking area boasts

something a little different, with its painted tree and open fire-pit.

To the food, then. My companion and I ordered three sharing dishes, each quite sizeable. We eschewed the signature, eponymous dish (a leg of crispy duck over maple syrup-doused waffles, topped with a fried egg) and plumped instead for a slightly healthier-sounding duck egg en cocotte (though with glorious amounts of truffle, gruyère and house bread I’m not sure how much healthier it was). In addition, we ordered a helping of roasted Essex beetroot with goat curd and honeycomb (which also turned up in our dessert of warm brownie and peanut butter ice-cream). The food was delicious and hearty; even the artichoke broth had a wholesome way of being filling, and there’s definitely no need to go overboard on the small plates – portions are generous and the chef is clearly keen to flex his flavour-combining muscles, interlocking sweet and savoury ingredients like nobody’s business (think bacon and caramel, that kind of thing).

We were spot on in our orders and ate the perfect amount, sharing a dessert so as not to spend the rest of the afternoon in a snoozy sugar-coma. What’s more, Duck and Waffle is open 24 hours, American diner-style, so it’s the perfect pitstop for hungover City boys in need of a salt fix.

A

s possibly the last person in Britain never to have visited a Jamie Oliver restaurant, I was eager to head down to his Hoxton flagship – now with ten years under its belt – to see what all the fuss is about.

Fifteen serves up large portions of honest Italian grub, but it’s not just the food that sets the restaurant apart from its contemporaries. Oliver famously established Fifteen to combine his love of cuisine and his enthusiasm for the underdog, initiating the Fifteen apprenticeship programme – which still runs today. The programme targets young people who struggle to get work because of a lack of skills or education, training them up to become top chefs. A worthy cause, you might think, and you’d be right – but one still worthier when you recall that all profits from the restaurants go to the Better Food Foundation charity. Two reasons to book a table, and we’re yet to taste a thing.

Sipping our pre-dinner prosecco, we browsed the large menu and, with the help of the in-house sommelier, chose a crisp Riesling to accompany the feast. A selection of starters including octopus, beef carpaccio, dressed crab and focaccia also helped to set us on our way. The octopus was undoubtedly the highlight; cooked in a tomato and black olive sauce, it was zesty and fresh. The carpaccio and Devonshire crab with fennel and anchovy aioli were also a delight.

For our mains, my companion and I selected the oxtail ragu, served with small, dense radiatori pasta.

The ragu was perfect, though perhaps better suited to a more ribbony pasta to ensure a more ample coating of the sauce. For desserts we ordered sticky toffee pudding and a classic chocolate brownie; the former was soaked in a divine sweet toffee sauce, while the brownie was served cold – a novel approach and, while we did miss the irreplaceable texture and aroma of hot melted chocolate, the allimportant flavour was still there. Great atmosphere, good food and all for a brilliant cause: we left feeling very impressed indeed.

Heron Tower 110 Bishopsgate, EC2; duckandwaffle.com

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A truly Royal experience

Bring in the New Year with hugs and kisses at BAR AND RESTAURANT



4 course Pan-Asian meal with a bellini

Come dine and party the rest of the year away with our guest DJs at our not-to-be missed

1/2 Price Drinks to Celebrate Our 10 Year Anniversary

New Years Eve Party!

Why not come and celebrate the festive season with Royal India

royaln16.com 020 7249 7025 020 7249 7094 47 Stoke Newington Church Street London N16 0NX info@royaln16.com

74 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NY

Terms & Conditions: 1/2 Price on first round of drinks only. Dining In customers only. Valid throughout December 2012. Monday - Thursday Only. Maximum of 6 diners per voucher. Voucher must be present to qualify for the offer. Promotion can be withdrawn at anytime without notice.

reservations @ xoxolondon.com

ROYAL INDIA.3.indd 1 ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

26/11/2012 10:27 XOXO.DEC.FINAL.indd 1

0207 226 6799

26/11/2012 16:03 26/11/2012 21:26

Townhouse Hotels in London 3 of the best

Need a smart, stylish place to stay or somewhere to accommodate relatives over Christmas?

Absolutely picks the best bolt-holes in the area...

Zetter Townhouse

T

his is surely in the running for the best boutique hotel in London. Elegant and unassuming, its 13 rooms are spread across two beautiful Georgian townhouses – and from the moment you cross the threshold, you’ll be won over completely. The conjoined bar, lounge and breakfast area is an eccentric riff on Alice in Wonderland or Great Expectations (minus Miss Havisham’s cobwebs): a quirky, esoteric and essentially British fracas of velvety textures, rich colour and exotic taxidermy which includes a cat in crinoline and a boxing kangaroo.

The owners have clearly let their imagination run wild with this venture, having originally opened the more demure Zetter Hotel across the road. And where the latter hotel aims for clean, contemporary design, the townhouse furnishes a more

intimate and fantastical collection of individually designed rooms. Ours was compact but delightful, centring on a sturdy oak four-poster draped in a Union Jack flag and classic British bunting – but it’s not just about bold beds. The hotel is also incredibly well-serviced, with free Wi-fi and amazing

food options (charcuterie and snacks from the bar, or a hop across the cobbles to Bruno Loubet’s bistro for something more formal).

We ordered room service and remained ensconced in our cosy den, but a drink at the bar comes highly recommended – the menu being a collaborative effort with local cocktail kings, Colebrooke Row. The concoctions at the Zetter are apparently inspired by the area’s Dickensian history – and that’s the final flourish: Clerkenwell is a great place to stay, whether you’re local and looking for a special treat or an out-of-towner after something central but not stupidly priced. In fact, the Zetter Townhouse is practically perfect in every way.

From £246 a night, 49-50 St John’s Square, EC1V; zettertownhouse.com

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TRAVEL

Rough Luxe Occupying a townhouse on Birkenhead Street, almost directly opposite King’s Cross station, Rough Luxe is a sleep-stop for those tired of identikit lodgings, or anyone who likes their accommodation to have real character.

The hotel is at the forefront of the regeneration of King’s Cross, refusing to operate by the area’s old standards and doing everything in its power to up the ante for the next generation. It succeeds admirably: on

the night we stayed, the hotel – which offers bed and breakfast – was fully booked, and our fellow guests included everyone from Japanese fashion students to a Brit businessman whose luggage looked to be worth more than most people’s homes. The hotel’s diverse fanbase love its location (forty seconds from one of London’s busiest and best-connected transport hubs), great value and excellent online reputation.

Oh: and its incredible individuality. Rough Luxe

eschews both generic corporate interiors and those other weary tropes of hotel design – polished minimalism, pickled Victoriana etc – opting instead for something much more unique: a camp and contemporary spin on the kind of old-school British lodgings that may once have occupied this very spot.

What that means is ten individually designed rooms that combine nods to traditional luxury – rich burgundy carpet, sleekly exquisite bathroom with copper bath and vast day-bed – with rough edges deliberately designed to offset and enhance the indulgences.

A mix of Orwellian imaginings, bare walls and floorboards and vintage TV sets casts the mind back to a Britain of bohemian bedsits and artists’ garrets. The little luxuries (like fluffy white towels and decadent murals) were much appreciated – but the sense of experiencing something raw, humorous and historically aware was truly refreshing.

From £199, 1 Birkenhead Street, WC1; roughluxe.co.uk

The York and Albany The York and Albany is definitely a worthy competitor... Located in a prime spot between Camden and Regent’s Park in the picturesque heart of North London, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the immediate vicinity – if you can bring yourself to leave the hotel, that is.

The first thing to mention is the building, which was originally designed by John Nash (of Regent’s Park and Buckingham Palace fame).

Inside are nine beautiful bedrooms individually designed by Russell Sage and brimming with grand mahogany furniture, sumptuous antiques and works of art. An aura of understated elegance pervades the entire place, from the opulent fourposter standing proud in each bedroom to the crisp linens spread across the mattresses like icing on particularly inviting cakes.

Downstairs are a stylish, pewter-topped bar, a formal dining room, a laid-back pizzeria and even ‘Nonna’s Deli’, providing a wealth of foodie options under one roof – no surprise, really, when you consider that Gordon Ramsay is the York and Albany’s culinary captain.

The restaurant here is a stunning reminder of

Ramsay’s talent for all things tasty, and a series of faultless gastronomic encounters – among them scallops, perfectly prepared sea bass, a lethal sticky toffee pudding and magnificent mushrooms on toast – added immeasurably to the hotel’s (already significant) appeal.

The sense of heritage standards and old-school

refinement is present in the service, too – the concierge slipped a handwritten note under our door with the next day’s weather scribbled on it.

A townhouse hotel with a truly personal touch.

From £140 a night, 127-129 Parkway, NW1; gordonramsay.com/yorkandalbany 53

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Absolutely

TRAVEL THE HOTEL

The Scarlet is ultra-modern, smart, luxurious and eco-friendly. There are surprises in every corner, epitomised by the modern Ayurvedic spa which sits on a ridge just above the splendid Mawgan Porth. Details are key here; instead of a reception desk, friendly staff welcome guests with pots of tea and biscuits, and the hotel’s dog is available to take for walks on the beautiful beach below (guests’ dogs are welcome too). Split over four floors, the soothing aromas emanating from the spa waft through the hotel, including the restaurant, library and the ultra-relaxing retreat upstairs.

Mawgan Porth awaits below with its host of walkers, kite-flying children and daredevils who do battle with the waves.

UK TRAVEL

The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall THE SPA THE BEDROOM

With a door-less, curtain-less shower carved out from the sandstone bedroom wall and its equally-pleasing and spacious freestanding bath lying just at the end of an oversized bed, a room at The Scarlet Hotel immediately impresses with its original flair. The rooms are all different, but they share inviting on-trend individuality. Our bath looked out onto a decked and roomy courtyard, while a modern staircase beside the open shower, led up to a lighthouse-like turret, from which splendid views of the vast beach below could be enjoyed from the padded cushions in the lounge area.

The sustainability theme continues into the bedrooms at The Scarlet, where hot water is warmed by a biomass boiler fuelled on wood chips, while all the products are natural and smell as fresh as the environment that plentifully surrounds the hotel.

A floor down from The Scarlet’s restaurant is the Scarlet Spa. A whole host of treatments (all carried out with the Scarlet’s own range of Ayurvedic products, of course) await the newcomer: from facials administered with wildcrafted herbs and hot steamed poultices to a two-person rhassoul (a steam and mud-like hammam) so there’s no shortage of indulgences on the list. To spoil you further, there are yoga, meditation and mother and baby classes, including the chance to use both the spa’s un-chlorinated indoor swimming pool and reed-filtered natural clifftop outdoor pool, whose nearby hot tubs provide the perfect spot from which to storm-and-cloud-gaze.

THE RESTAURANTS

Before one’s even tasted the freshly-caught, elegantlypresented Cornish grub served up at The Scarlet’s restaurant, it’s hard not to fall for the views outside the tall glass windows overlooking Mawgan Porth. Chef Tom Hunter goes by the seasons, meaning that while fish is constantly on the menu (as well as a range of delicious cuts of meat and vegetarian options), all side-dishes, salads and components of the restaurant’s main meals are characterised by the freshest and most recently-picked natural wonders growing all around.

Expect puddings laced with fresh berries in the summer and hearty grouse and red cabbage in the autumn.

THE BATHROOM

Be sure to request a bedroom with a private bathroom if that’s what you prefer, as many at The Scarlet are designed for those who don’t embarrass easily.

But whatever you opt for, the mosaiclined showers and capacious baths, fit for the most indulgent of bubble baths (with in-built televisions, of course), are rewardingly soothing.

GET THERE

A regular service runs between London Paddington and Bodmin Parkway on First Great Western Trains, after which The Scarlet is a 25 minute drive. There is also the ‘Night Riviera’ sleeper train available for overnight journeys to the South West coast from London. firstgreatwestern.co.uk

PRICE TAG

From £190 per room. To book, call 01637 861800 or visit scarlethotel.co.uk

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26/11/2012 17:04

Not just This Morning... but every morning

Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner at Stowe Family Law and resident family law expert on ITV’s This Morning.

Leading the UK’s largest dedicated family law firm, she has more than 30 years’ experience handling divorce cases and family law proceedings.

· One of the first solicitors to qualify as a family law arbitrator through the newly-formed Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA).

· The first Chief Assessor and Chief Examiner of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.

· A Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers: a global association of lawyers recognised for expertise in their respective countries.

Located in WC1, Stowe Family Law specialises in family law issues and covers a wide range of cases.

From divorce to cohabitees’ rights, with dedicated international and children’s teams.

The team also offers mediation, arbitration and collaborative approaches and benefits from a specialist in-house forensic accountancy department that tracks down hidden assets and can provide immediate financial advice.

If you need family law advice, early support can be essential.

Stowe Family Law can help.

Contact 0207 7421 3300 or email chiefexecutive@stowefamilylaw.co.uk 8 Fulwood Place, Gray’s Inn, London WC1V 6HG www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk www.marilynstowe.co.uk

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12/11/2012 12:12

Absolutely

TRAVEL

It’s a Goa Jess Batten discovers a heavenly hideaway on India’s west coast

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TRAVEL pool is dazzling beneath the whispering palms, the rooms kitted out with iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. The open-air living rooms add a novel twist to the retreat, and allow guests to delight all the more in the area’s invigorating tropical sunshine.

A series of wellbeing packages complete the Coco Shambhala experience, and we took advantage of both full body massage and private yoga sessions during our stay. The treatments aim to return the mind and body back to a healthy state of balance, and the option to enjoy them in the comfort of our tranquil villa lifted the entire experience onto another plane of relaxation.

Situated in the charming fishing and farming village of Nerul, on the southern tip of the Bardez district of north Goa (a 10-15 minute walk from Coco Beach and a few miles drive from Candolim), there’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. Taking in the old town and the Portugese-influenced architecture is a must – think vividly coloured colonial mansions and red roof-tiles. And the perfect way to follow a morning’s ambling?

Stretching out on the stunning beaches of Arambol and Palolem – which should ensure you’re sufficiently rested to take advantage of the buzzing nightlife of Calangute and Baga.

Goa is a good introduction for any newcomers to India or the wider subcontinent; a still point in a restless world, a tropical paradise more languid and laidback than the teeming country around it. Lying in one of Coco Shambhala’s beautiful, peaceful villas, you would hardly believe you were in one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

I

had heard Goa described as ‘the Thailand of India’, and it’s long been true that its reputation as a party hang-out has made it a gathering place for hippies, backpackers, tourists and Indian revellers looking to make the most of the relatively liberal atmosphere of the smallest Indian state.

In the end, however, my trip was mercifully free of dreadlocked ravers and gap-year adventurers; staying at Coco Shambhala, you see another side of Goa: seriously upscale.

The hotel goes above and beyond to provide the personal touch. As we snaked along winding roads and dense forest to reach our destination, the departure of our worries felt almost tangible – a sense only furthered by the manager’s warm greeting, a delicious welcome tipple and an introductory tour that ensured we were comfortably settled in no time at all. When in need of anything, we were informed, we could contact a member of staff via the provided mobile phone; though there wasn’t much call to do so, as someone checked in with us each day to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and to offer pearls of local wisdom. We were even given our very own personal driver, on hand 24 hours a day!

At Coco Shambhala, breakfast and lunch are included in the rates; dinner can be arranged upon request, but residents are

Rates start at £3,294 for a week in peak season; cocoshambhala.com

encouraged to eat out and support the wonderful local restaurants. Responsible tourism is a running theme, with each villa designed to exist in harmony with the natural environment, combining cooler ground floor bedrooms with open-walled living areas upstairs. The hotel is also keen to recycle and donates five per cent of its annual profit to a local charity.

Set in the quiet backwater and lush environs of flower-scented tropical gardens, Coco Shambhala’s English owner, Giles Knapton, put four years of hard graft into the design of the place – and it shows. The 57

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Absolutely

TRAVEL

INTO THE WILDERNESS Wilderness Safaris has announced that it is to open

a new camp at Hoanib Skeleton Coast in Namibia.

Ninety kilometres south-east of its previous camp, it is positioned in the Palmwag area, one of the most remote parts of the Kaokoveld. Expect rugged scenery, mountains, vast plains, plus sightings of giraffe, antelope, black rhino, leopards and cheetahs. Explore by foot, vehicle or by air, and learn about the wildlife and history of this barely touched landscape. wilderness-safaris.com

Travel Notes UNDER AFRICAN SKIES Bamboo bike riding, plunging into ‘the devil’s pool’ on Livingstone Island, white water rafting… Zambian Horizons offers the intrepid a myriad of high octane pursuits. But while it’s all go at Stanley Safari Lodge, the tour operator also arranges plenty of opportunities for getting back to nature.

We’re loving the sound of Chongwe River Camp’s canoe trails down the Zambezi River. zambianhorizons.com

MOUNTAIN HAUTE Chefs – both of the Michelin-garlanded and ungarlanded variety

– are set to descend upon the Dolomites from 20-26 January for the Chef’s Cup, in which they vie to outdo one another both on the slopes and in the kitchen. Norbert Niederkofler (who is also the man behind the two-Michelin starred St Hubertus at Relais & Chateaux Rosa Alpina) hosts on the Gran Risa ski slopes, while guests checking in can expect the culinary gamut, from ‘slope food’ and picnics to ‘gourmet safaris’ and biodynamic wine tastings. Rosa Alpina offers six nights B&B for the Chef’s Cup 2013 from 20 to 26 January from €2015 (£1,614) per person based on 2 adults sharing.

WINTER WARMERS We do so love the Berkeley. If the clever chaps there aren’t knocking up high fashion teas or holding

synchronised swimming lessons, they are – as it turns out – beavering away to bring us a dose of lovely winter schmaltz. For the festive period, the hotel’s health club roof terrace temporarily transforms into a pine-filled forest cinema, which is scheduled to show Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and Love Actually. And if that isn’t enough to warm the cockles, there’ll be Moncler blankets, Berkeley mince pies, heating lamps and hot water bottles. Free for guests; £55 for non-guests, including cinema tickets, mince pies and hot chocolates (available to non-guests on weekdays only). the-berkeley.co.uk 58

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winter sale

www.panachecasa.com Contemporary Furniture, Lighting & Accessories London Showroom 85 Canonbury Road, N1 2DG Open 7 days a week Free customer parking T: 020 7226 1006 E: sales.uk@panachecasa.com

FULL PAGE.indd 2

70 UP TO

% OFF

“selected products, excludes sale items, offer expires 01/02/2013”

23/11/2012 10:57

Sale starts January

Crouch End 128 Crouch Hill, London N8 Telephone 020 8341 2020

Islington 42 Cross Street, London N1 Telephone 020 7359 4041

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

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22/11/2012 11:16

Absolutely

INTERIORS

1

Deck the halls

2

Spice up your Christmas tree with our pick of the best baubles on the market

9

6

3

8 5 4

1. Harlequin Faceted Bauble, £4.50; johnlewis.com 2. Santa on a Scooter Decoration, £10; berryred.co.uk 3. Glass Heart Decorations, £6; paperchase.co.uk 4. Woodland Bauble, £18; foundhomestore.co.uk 5. Wooden Bauble, multi, £3.50; johnlewis.com

7

6. Cartoon Christmas Bauble, £56; alessi.co.uk 7. Faun Bauble, £8; berryred.co.uk 8. Black & Gold Beaded Striped Bauble, £2; johnlewis.com 9. Sequin Bird Decorations, £3; johnlewis.com

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26/11/2012 16:36

Christmas

SALE 20%

discount

on furniture

residential cleaning

German Kitchens & Bathrooms t: 0208 0900 699 www.mconcept.co.uk

32 Broadway Parade, Crouch End N8 9DB London

Get your carpets and upholstery deep down clean using our UNIQUE 14 STEP PROCESS

MYHOME CARPET & FABRIC CLEANING REVOLUTIONARY PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING PROCESS...

Myhome Carpet & Fabric Cleaning has developed, since 1972, a carpet cleaning process that blows its competitors away.Your carpet will not only get that fresh smell, soft feel and clean look you’d expect from professional carpet cleaning, but it will also receive a new deep fourteen step cleaning process that ensures your carpet: • • • •

WHAT ELSE CAN WE CLEAN? Myhome Carpet & Fabric Cleaning doesn’t just clean your carpets.You can also have your rugs, mattresses, chairs, sofas, leather and curtains cleaned. And in keeping with our five star service, we will always go the “extra mile”.

For example, there is no need to take down and put your curtains back up because we can clean them in situ, still on the hooks.

my home_AUG.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 6

lasts much longer stays cleaner longer filters harmful air pollutants rids your carpet of allergy-inflaming proteins

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO WE OFFER? • • • •

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BEST RESULT GUARA S NTEED

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE!

26/07/2012 12:25

26/11/2012 21:28

Absolutely

INTERIORS FLAT-PACK FUN

Want the Ikea price tag without the bland, uniform flat-pack look? Welcome to the world of Mykea, an ingenious initiative set up by a group of friends who wanted to add a touch of personality to their budget furniture. We love the fun, colourful illustrations and the fact that it works as a great platform for up-and-coming designers, who can submit their portfolio. thisismykea.com

Interior Inspirations Gemma Billington rounds up the best trends, designers and local gems ANIMAL COLLECTIVE

Juliet Thornback and Delia Peel met in 2003 and decided to put their considerable creative talents together to produce beautiful, intricate screen-printed homeware. Their style is inspired by the natural world and Victorian curiosities, and they’ve assembled the best range of non-cutesy Christmas cards on the market.

Mixed Box of Christmas cards, 7 Rugby Street, WC1; thornbackandpeel.co.uk

CARTOON NETWORK

ECO-CHIC

It’s time to dust off the baubles and decorate the tree once again. If you’re fed up with the traditional reindeers and Santa Clauses, these cartoonish creations from Italian kitchen giants, Alessi, will be a real talking point. £56, available at Haus, 39 Morpeth Road, E9; alessi.com

Of all the innovative exhibits at this year’s 100% Norway at Tent London, it was these charming wooden birds that really struck a chord. The fact that nature-loving designer Lars Fjetland Bellers makes them from 100% recycled furniture only makes them more special. beller.no

SHOWROOM OF THE MONTH: ONEDEKO OLD SPITALFIELDS

Spitalfields is London’s Aladdin’s cave of vintage jewellery, collectables, curiosities and clothing. If you’re not in the mood to trawl through stalls for one-off buys, however, there’s also a host of inspiring shops and boutiques.

The sleek OneDeko showroom is our pick of the month; being the home of contemporary lounge and dining furniture. Sunday Times Style Guide writer Pip McCormack commented that he ‘wanted to buy everything in the shop.’ Well, if it’s good enough for him... Old Spitalfields Market, 7 Horner Square, E1; onedeko.co.uk 63

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All that Glitters Deck the halls with the best in contemporary interiors, thanks to the good folk at Graham & Green PHOTOGRAPHY: MEL YATES

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26/11/2012 16:37

Absolutely

INTERIORS

Can you outline your philosophy and tell us why you decided to open a store?

It was mum who opened up the shops back in 1974. She was inspired by interior design, and her love of travelling the globe in search of the unique and the stylish inspired her to share her finds with the bohemian residents of 1970s Notting Hill.

After graduating from Kingston University with a furniture degree, I immersed myself and decided to launch the online/mail order side of the business.

Tell us about the villa in Goa. Mum and I bought the house a few years ago, at the end of a Graham & Green buying trip.

We thought we would treat ourselves to a couple of days in Goa after the shows. We came across this delightfully run-down Portuguese colonial villa that was crying out for some love.

The three-bedroom house, which we rent out, has been lovingly restored and is furnished in true Graham & Green style with plenty of bone inlay and embossed white metal furniture mixed with Indian antiques and modern lighting. It’s the ideal stylish retreat and is not far from beaches and the famous Mapusa market. The only downside is I don’t have many opportunities to enjoy it!

What’s your background? What do you think are the main tenets of good design?

Having always been interested in furniture and product design, the natural path for me was to gain a degree in it. I don’t like to follow rules so try to avoid the mainstream. My mother taught me to trust my ‘third eye’ and encouraged my vision of Graham & Green.

What is your best-selling product?

There are so many staples that have been bestsellers for years now. Our bone inlay collections, Moroccan pouffes, stag heads and our Jamie Dream upholstery range are but a few!

Where do you find inspiration for the kind of products you like to stock, and for the catalogues?

Do you put together mood boards?

I’m continually inspired by the vibrancy and possibilities when working in India and I’m a total shopaholic, so trade fairs are second nature to me.

Having my family close by and going on buying trips – and to flea markets in far-flung parts of the world – make my job lovably hectic and inspiring.

Are there certain looks and styles that you favour?

I’m a huge fan of mid-century design, the Art Deco era and the vibrancy of Asian interiors.

How do you source your products?

I am always on the lookout for new products and ideas. Whether I am flicking through a magazine, travelling, wandering around a trade show or antiques market, I’m constantly scouring and taking in things around me.

I photograph everything!

And what’s your favourite new product?

My favourite new product has to be the Yogi Bear lamp base, which was inspired by an antique find one Sunday morning!

Why did you decide to open in Primrose Hill?

Because the area has a great village vibe but still remains fairly central and close to Camden and Regent’s Park. The customers appreciate unusual design and are brave with their interiors.

We bet Christmas is fun at Graham & Green; is it your busiest time of year?

Christmas is fun but extremely hectic. It starts in summer, when we finalise stock, and culminates in the ‘grand finale’ of December which sees over 500 orders being posted every day up until the 20 December. I feel like Father Christmas when I visit the warehouse and see our packers (or elves) getting lots of lovely Christmas presents out of the doors for our customers!

What plans do Graham & Green have for the festive period?

We have a few surprises up our sleeve for the customers, with online competitions, offers and a Twitter ‘gift clinic’. On a personal note, we have just finished renovating our house – so we are looking forward to spending our first Christmas in our lovely new home with friends and family.

164 Regents Park Road, NW1; grahamaandgreen.co.uk

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10/08/2012 14:29

ABSOLUTELY Property December 2012

Shoreditch High Street, E1 £595,000 – Leasehold Currell’s Victoria Park branch is pleased to present a strikingly restored warehouse flat in the vibrant ‘Shoreditch Triangle’. The property offers original period features including; exposed brickwork, an open fire and wooden flooring throughout. With high ceilings, floods of natural light and views over the square mile sky line this flat has a great feeling of space and splendour.

Currell (Victoria Park) 81 Lauriston Road, E9 020 3222 5555, currell.com

East Property Front Cover DEC 12.indd 77

26/11/2012 20:56

Currell Residential Lansdowne Drive, E8 £895,000 Freehold

• Three bedrooms • Prime London Fields positioning

• Large garden • Victorian Freehold

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

Benyon Wharf, E8 £465,000 Leasehold

• Two bedrooms • Live/Work lease

• Private parking • Balcony

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

Visit us online

www.currell.com FULL PAGE.indd 2

22/11/2012 11:37

Hackney

Quebec Wharf 311-313 Kingsland Road Hackney, London E8 4DL

Lenthall Road, E8 £850 Per Week

• Four bedrooms • Three receptions

• Two bathrooms • Private rear garden

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

Mortimer Road, N1 £385 Per Week

• Two bedrooms • Good order

• Outside space • Good location

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

Telephone

020 7241 4111 FULL PAGE.indd 2

22/11/2012 11:38

Currell Residential Lith Hall, E9 OIEO £4,000,000 Freehold

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Six double bedroom suites • Arranged in excess of 6,500 sq/ft

• High end technology throughout • Views over Victoria Park

Sutton Place, E9 £1,299,950 Freehold

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Six bedrooms • Grade II listed property

• Adjoining duplex studio • Abundance of original features

Visit us online

www.currell.com HEARTCORE.indd 2

26/11/2012 17:43

Victoria Park 81 Lauriston Road Victoria Park, London E9 7HJ

Balcorne Street, E9 £525 Per Week

• Three bedrooms • Period features throughout

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Quiet residential street • Outside space

Meynell Road, E9 £440 Per Week

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Two bedrooms • Spacious living area

• Separate eat in kitchen • Feature fire place Telephone

020 3222 5555 HEARTCORE.indd 2

26/11/2012 17:44

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22/11/2012 11:35

OLD FORD ROAD This simply splendid two double bedroom Victorian conversion will undoubtedly wow any prospective buyer, set over two floors, with a spacious reception, separate kitchen, bathroom and views over the canal from the second bedroom. £470,000 Share of Freehold Sovereign House 213 Victoria Park Road, E9 020 8985 5800; sovereign-house.com

Property Notes MAYOLA ROAD, E5 This stunning split level period conversion benefits from its own private 50ft garden.

Situated on one of Lower Clapton’s most popular streets the property has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and is packed with period character throughout. Offered to the market chain free the property would also be perfect for families looking to benefit from the excellent schooling on offer in the surrounding area.

Guide Price £460,000-£500,000 Felicity J Lord 310 Mare Street, E8 0208 986 2698 fjlord.co.uk

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Absolutely

PROPERTY

Absolutely

E8

Nicholas Blake, Director of Blake Stanley Favourite Restaurant The Market Café (bar & dining room) couples a fantastic continental menu with a strong Italian accent, with what is without a doubt one of the funkiest restaurant environments in Hackney.

FOREST ROAD, E8 Enviably located in one of London Fields most sought after tree lined turnings is this Stunning one bedroom raised ground floor converted garden flat.

Bright and spacious accommodation throughout including a fantastic extended reception room offering generous living space as well as dining area.

Large double bedroom with double glazed bay sash window and original folding shutters. Enjoys direct access to a secluded and well maintained 40ft own section of the rear garden. Much sought after location just moments from London Fields Park and Lido and just a short away from the ever popular Broadway Market.

Guide Price £350,000 Shared Freehold Bennett Walden 121 Richmond Road, E8 020 7275 7177 bennettwalden.co.uk

Best kept secret The Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a haven of tranquillity in the centre of Dalston. It’s a great spot to bring kids, have a cup of tea, relax, have a meeting or even take up pottery.

Finest Cocktail The Unexpected Georgie at Off Broadway is quite special and there is a relaxed ambience on the ground floor. The basement also has late music and a late license on a Saturday.

Stylish Shop The Dog & Wardrobe are purveyor of Vintage British design heritage. Even though the shop is open on Saturdays only, it is well worth a visit.

A lost hour As a keen swimmer I love London Fields Lido – an Olympic size outdoor heated pool, which I find is best in the winter when steam rises off the pool and it’s generally empty (even better when it snows!)

WEYMOUTH TERRACE, LONDON, E2 A mammoth three bedroom split-level flat on Weymouth Terrace.

This immaculate duplex flat is perfectly situated between Shoreditch and Broadway Market and a stones throw away from the City. £575,000 Share of Freehold Davey Stone 10 Broadway Market, E8 020 7275 7505 daveystone.com

An exceptional property Located just north of London Fields a short walk from the East London Line in Dalston, a spacious double fronted and detached early Victorian house.

Blake Stanley, 020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk 75

Property Notes DPS.indd 75

26/11/2012 21:01

BlakeStanley

Forest Road, E8

ÂŁ895 pw

A unique opportunity to rent this stunning five bedroom, double fronted, Victorian family house. The property consists of a large reception room, leading to a large garden, there is a fully fitted kitchen and also a lovely dining room. The property is available 1st January. Nearest Station is Dalston Junction then London Fields.

Unfurnished

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

11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 23/11/2012 16:02

www.blakestanley.co.uk

Wharf Place, E2

020 7254 7554

£400,000

Offered to the market is this first floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartment making up part of a popular canal side warehouse conversion. The property offers canal views from the reception, double height ceilings, wood flooring throughout and secure underground parking. Moments from the vibrant life of Broadway Market, London Fields and close to numerous transport links.

Leasehold

Middleton Road, E8

info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE STANLEY.DEC.indd 3

£289,950

Due for completion December 2012 is this newly refurbished one bedroom apartment. Located on the top floor of a period conversion the property is well proportioned and offers a double bedroom, open-plan reception / kitchen, three piece bathroom suite and plenty of storage. Close to Broadway Market and walking distance to Bethnal Green Underground.

Leasehold

£725 pw

A fantastic opportunity to rent this stunning three bedroom Victorian house with a beautiful garden. The property consists of a large double reception room, downstairs is a fully fitted kitchen, and a large dining area, There is also an outhouse with electric so can be used as an office. Available now.

Nearest station is Haggerston.

Furnished

Hackney Road, E2

Eleanor Road, E8

£695 pw

A lovely Victorian three bedroom house to rent on this quiet road, just a moment from London Fields. The property is arranged over three floor and has a newly fitted kitchen and dining room/lounge, which leads onto a large garden, there are two bathrooms. The property has great views of London Fields. Available 1st December. Nearest station London fields.

Part Furnished

11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 23/11/2012 16:03

IN THEIR OWN WORDS PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMAND HOUGH, IAMFOTOGRAFIE.COM

Simon Stone, Director of Davey Stone

I ‘‘

don’t know if you’ve heard, but the property market isn’t really what it used to be. Despite differing reports in the press - prices up, prices down, sellers are confident, buyers aren’t – the fact is the number of property sales today is way down from its peak. That is how it is, and it’s very understandable how estate agents have cut back, downsized and generally embraced austerity.

Amid this soberness, I deftly convinced plenty of people that I’d gone stark raving mad. I announced that Davey Stone was expanding. We had two offices back then, and we’d decided to open two more: one on Brick Lane, and a new joint-venture sister company, IDM Estates, in Islington. Feeling that perhaps a few of my friends still thought me sane, I announced the launch of our new magazine as well, hoping to persuade the rest of them that my marbles were well and truly lost. It did the trick.

My motivation came, in part, from a conversation a while ago, when I was dealing with some problem or other. Someone said to me: “Treat it as an opportunity”. Those words have thankfully stuck.

One result of The Economic Downturn is the fall in prices of commercial property. This gave us an opportunity of new premises for much less money. Having a network of offices makes Davey Stone more noticeable, helps us get more property on the market, and makes it easier to sell or let. Buyers in Shoreditch will often consider Islington; Broadway Market tenants will happily take Brick Lane. Two years ago, sitting in our Shoreditch office and contemplating the prospect of downsizing, I’d never have imagined writing this from a sparkly new office on The Regent’s Canal. But here I am.

The magazine, FEAST, is a blast. It’s far from a cost-cutting exercise – printing, an editor, copies to be delivered – and we learn with every issue, but I am wildly proud of it. We wanted to find our future customers before they went online, to have them hear our voice ahead of actually talking to us. How could we make them check out Davey Stone before The Other Guy, or Rightmove?

For me, I love reading words on paper. “Print is dead” just doesn’t ring true, and I know I’m not alone. We had a sneaky feeling the offline world was very much alive, and somewhere we should be seen. Luckily, we were right.

The point of all this is to say that standing still, while understandable, just wasn’t very exciting. Neither for me, nor the people I work with, and not for our clients. To survive, indeed to thrive, we had to reach more people first, and to show them we were doing something. We had to do the things conventional wisdom told us were crazy. We had to be brave.

Did it work? Yes! And it taught us that doing what you should, is way less fun than doing what you could.

Give it a go.

60 Charlotte Road, EC2A; 020 7729 2476; daveystone.com

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26/11/2012 21:05

Absolutely

PROPERTY

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more properties available to view on-line at daveystone.com

> 01

> 02

> 04

> 03 > 01 Chisenhale Road, E3 - Classic 2 bed house £425pw > 02 Mare Street, E8 - Contmeporary & central £440pw > 03 Mortimer Road, N1 - All about location £450pw > 04 Wentworth Street, E1 - Split level 1 bed £495pw

65 brick lane, e1 6ql

10 broadway market, e8 4qj

60 charlotte road, ec2a 3qt

t. 020 7247 2440

t. 020 7275 7505

t. 020 7729 2476

bricklane@daveystone.com

broadwaymarket@daveystone.com

shoreditch@daveystone.com

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22/11/2012 11:39

Absolutely

PROPERTY LIME WHARF

Lime Wharf is a new collection of 28 cool and contemporary one, two and three-bedroom apartments on the banks of the historic Regent’s Canal in the heart of Hackney, N1. Designed by award-winning architects Stephen Davy Peter Smith, the scheme blends East London style with the calm of waterside living. Every apartment has its own balcony, terrace or roof garden, many with relaxing canal-side views.

Price on application Please call Currell New Homes on 020 7226 6611 or visit www.lime-wharf.com

New

Development Notes

E-PAD APARTMENTS

E-pad is in a prime residential location in close proximity to Canary Wharf and the development also has the benefit of expected high rental demand and projected returns, with the impact of the Olympics and World class transport infrastructure.

Each of the eighteen apartments are finished to Telford Homes’ exceptionally high standards and quality, with a communal roof terrace for all residents to share on the 5th floor, in addition every apartment will benefit from either a paved terrace/patio on the ground floor or

balcony/terrace on the upper levels.

Currently under construction and ready for occupation from March 2013.

Prices for one bedroom apartments start from £214,995.

01992 809 800; telfordhomes.plc.uk/epad 81

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26/11/2012 21:03

Stirling Ackroyd All around East London E9

N16

£300 pw

£550 pw

HACKNEY LETTINGS Matchmakers Wharf - Fantastic 1 bed apartment fully furnished to a v. high standard comprising a large open plan kitchen lounge, underfloor heating & a delightful balcony off the lounge.

HACKNEY LETTINGS Lordship Park - Part of a newly converted period property this 3 bed boasts a large modern open plan living space with stylish skylights allowing ample amounts of natural light.

E1

E1

£1,450 pw

£450 pw

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS Wilkes Street - Grade II listed French Huguenot period House over 5 floors this 4 bedroom properties fully restored & refurbished throughout retaining a perfect blend of original features.

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS Sandy’s Row - 2 double bedroom split level apartment with its own front door entrance, large reception, separate kitchen/diner.

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606

BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888

BLOOMSBURY 020 7256 3244

HACKNEY 020 7749 3807

HAMPSTEAD/ST JOHN’S WOOD 020 7748 5224

IBIZA 0034 971 326 788

ISTANBUL +90 (0)212 322 7171

StirlingAckroyd.com STIRLING ACKROYD_EAST_DEC.indd 1

22/11/2012 10:31

E8

N15

£945,000

£1,200,000

HACKNEY SALES Queensbridge Road - Charming 3 bed property oozing character enjoying a host of grand classic features, a good sized kitchen/dining area & a secluded rear garden.

HACKNEY SALES Vartry Road - Stunning 2,500 sq ft 5 bedroom house with an impressive triangular terrazzo floored entrance hall, grand staircase, dining area, a decked patio & mature south facing garden.

E2

EC2A

£320,000

£2,550,000

SHOREDITCH SALES Kingsland Road - Great 1 bedroom period conversion within former hospital building featuring high ceilings, old ‘school style’ cast iron radiators & sash windows.

SHOREDITCH SALES Charlotte Road - Wonderful 3153 sq ft penthouse within beautiful Victorian warehouse conversion, fully refurbished throughout with an abundance of original warehouse features & charm.

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30%

* Maximum ceiling height in main rooms only. Not all apartments.

OF FACTORY CONVERSION NOW RESERVED

4 METRES*

STYLISH & UNIQUE WAREHOUSE LOFT APARTMENTS IN LONDON, E9

2 BEDROOMS PRICES FROM £325,000 SHOW FLAT AVAILABLE TO VIEW CALL TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FULL PAGE.indd 2 Untitled-2 2

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