EAST JUNE 2014

ABSOLUTELY

JUNE 2014 £3.95

DELI-CIOUS TEN DELIS WE LOVE

THE DAILY GRIND

HOW TO MASTER LATTE ART

THE EAT GENERATION

• DOMINIC COOLS-LARTIGUE • ANNA BARNETT • TOM ADAMS

GARDEN STATE IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONS FOR INDOOR PLANTING

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CONTENTS JUNE 2014 07

EDITOR’S LETTER

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WHAT’S ON

LOCA L 11

ART ATTACK Catherine Hales practices her print-making at Print Club London

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THE EAT GENERATION The young, foodie upstarts revolutionising how we eat

FA S H I O N 22

GILDING THE LILY Fashion meets florals

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FORGET ME NOT More power to the flower with this month’s botanical pick of the bunch

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BEAUTY NOTES The best beauty buys for summer

FOOD 44

WHOLE LATTE LOVE Clementine Lyon attempts to master latte art

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FOOD REVIEWS Rita’s Bar & Dining & Topolski

INTERIORS 61

THE HOUSE GARDENER Isabelle Palmer’s indoor gardening secrets

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GET THE LOOK A peak inside Emerald Faerie’s stylish tower block flat

PROPERTY 83

SPOTLIGHT ON Clerkenwell

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS Matt Cobb, Director of Hatton Real Estate

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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

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June 2014

EDITOR’S letter

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realised recently that I live where I do largely because of the food.

Okay, the parks are a big draw too, especially for we dog-owners.

Victoria Park is on the doorstep, while Springfield Park in Clapton is close by and Highbury Fields and Hampstead Heath are both easy to reach.

The layout of the area and its proximity to town are also blessings – but essentially I’m there to eat and drink my way through as many new openings as my dog can shake his stick at. The family meal has been replaced by the communal cook-up.

So who to thank for the area’s new food pedigree? The answer is a bunch of foodie upstarts. Artisan butchers, bakers and coffee-makers have revolutionised the industry. Caravan is king of the coffeeroasting scene (alongside peers including Hackney’s Climpson and Sons, Shoreditchbased Allpress and Clerkenwell’s Workshop); we sent Clementine Lyon off for a little barista training, to see if she could master Latte Art. The fact that the food and drink at even the smallest neighbourhood coffee shop are now routinely prepared by artisans is not one to take for granted, and the end result is that everyone in the culinary field has raised their game. We review two of the area’s most talked-about new openings, Topolski and Rita’s Bar & Dining, later in the issue – the latter being just one of a slew of great new places currently serving to rejuvenate the southerly end of Mare Street. And we’ve also thrown in a recipe from Thomasina Miers’ new cookbook because it’s just so lush and summery.

This June, get eating, cooking, gardening, or whichever part of the chain makes you happiest. The important thing is to enjoy your food, from field to fork.

ABSOLUTELY EDITOR HELEN BARON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES EDITORIAL INTERN DEMI MILLARD PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, ANDREW MAVIN PRODUCTION DESIGNER TAHIR KAPUCU ARTWORKER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER EDWARD TAYLOR, REBECCA NOONAN PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN NORTH & CENTRAL ADVERTISING MANAGER KRISTIAN LIBETTA ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER TOLGA SAYLAN GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY MANAGER EMILY SAUNDERSON FINANCE MANAGER MARIANNE MCFADDEN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR GREG HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com. You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

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 errorss. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

Helen Baron Editor TWEET ME @absolutelyedhel Email: helen.baron@zest-media.com Follow us on Twitter @Absolutely_Mags Facebook ‘Absolutely Magazines’

On the cover

City & Angel: Antoni & Alison, antoniandalison.co.uk East & Borough & Docklands: House of Hackney, houseofhackney.com

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SEPTEMBER

AgENDA

/ JUNE don’t miss

Giulio Paolini

To Be Or Not To Be Until_17 September Whitechapel Gallery

talian artist Giulio Paolini’s (b.1940) installations are deeply rooted in art history from the Renaissance to today – with plaster casts of classical sculptures to reproductions of iconic paintings by Chardin, Lotto and Velázquez. The Whitechapel Gallery presents the first major UK exhibition of his work since 1980, including key works from the 1960s to the present day and a new installation created specially for the show.

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

GIULIO PAOLINI

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in the cinema

Grace of Monaco

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he film, starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Olivier Dahan, tells the story of actress turned princess Grace Kelly during a turbulent time in both her marriage and career. Having seemingly renounced acting after her marriage to Prince Ranier of Monaco, she is offered a part in Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie. Sorely tempted to accept, her decision is complicated by the sudden threat of invasion by Charles de Gaulle of France and the subsequent political crisis that ensues. Plagued by controversy and delayed release dates, the film itself has mirrored the confusion of its subject and is now finally due to be screened at Cannes. Fans of Nicole Kidman, and indeed Grace Kelly, can only hope that Grace of Monaco is not a repeat of the Naomi Watts/Dianagate debacle of 2013.

In Cinemas 6 June

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BER ABSOLUTELY ART& CULTURE

Workshop of the month

14_16 July Sir John Cass Faculty of Art he perfect class for who’s ever fancied making their own clothes, this workshop will teach participants how to make their own skirt. Students will be guided through the steps of creating a simple garment using their own choice of fabric from a recommended list, creating samples and a technical log and will emerge on the other side with a brand new skirt.

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31 Jewry Street, EC3N; thecass.com

London Festival of Architecture

16_18 May Throughout London The London Festival of Architecture consists of a programme delivered by leading cultural and academic institutions, alongside associated projects and open studios by architects, engineers, designers, artists, and curators. This year’s theme is ‘Capital’, exploring its various manifestations in London.

londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

Field Day

THE BOOK

My Salinger Year

by Joanna Rakoff

I A Small Family Business

Until_27 August National Theatre Jack McCracken: a man of principle in a corrupt world. But not for long.

Moments after taking over his fatherin-law’s business he’s approached by a private detective armed with some compromising information. Jack’s integrity fades away as he discovers his extended family to be thieves and adulterers, looting the business from their suburban homes. Rampant selfinterest takes over and comic hysteria builds up to a macabre climax.

t’s 1996. Joanna Rakoff takes a job – her first – at one of New York’s oldest literary agencies.

On her first day, her boss – a commanding woman in her sixties who has been there for three decades – gives her a stern talk about someone named ‘Jerry’.

She is never to give out Jerry’s address or phone number, or talk to reporters about Jerry, or to call him with questions. It is only then she notices an entire wall of books containing myriad editions of the works of J. D. Salinger that she realises it’s that Jerry. This is a compelling coming-of-age story as well as an insight into a lost world of publishing . Available from 5 June, £16.99, published by Bloomsbury.

Waterstones Leadenhall, 1-3 Whittington Avenue, EC3; waterstones.com

7_8 June Victoria Park East London’s favourite festival is back for the summer and, due to popular demand, now spans two whole days. Saturday’s proceedings will be headlined by four-piece electronic outfit Metronomy while Sunday will be presided over by music veterans The Pixies. Other acts to look forward to include Childhood, Future Islands, Arthur Beatrice, All We Are and Blood Orange. Finally, food and drink will be provided by Street Feast, Venn Street Market and London Brewer’s Market, making this a completely unmissable event. Grove Road, E9;

fielddayfestivals.com

Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1; nationaltheatre.org

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ABSOLUTELY CULTURE

SCREEN

P L AY

Catherine Hales tries her hand at screenprinting at Dalston studio Print Club London

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n my adult life, my forays into the artworld have mainly consisted of biro doodles and some rather hamfisted attempts at homemade cards; despite this, I have always held the conviction that, if once possessed of the technical know-how, I would be a truly great artist. It was with some trepidation therefore, that I accepted an invitation to attend a day long Beginner Workshop at Print Club London – what if all my artistic potential turned out to be nothing more than empty selfcongratulation?

Swallowing my fear, I arrive, as per instruction, with a black and white A4 image in correct form saved onto a USB. I had chosen a quite a busy photograph and slightly regret my choice when I spy some of my fellow workshoppers images, one of which is a particularly beautiful illustration of an anatomical heart with labels written in loopy calligraphy.

The atmosphere at the Dalstonbased studio is relaxed; anyone can apply to become a member and use the facilities and as a result a steady stream of ink-specked people wander in and out, greeting each other warmly or sit toiling industriously at a workstation throughout our visit. After a cup of tea, our tutors begin by taking us through the preliminary steps of preparing a digital image for screenprinting; this is interspersed with a mini history of the practice and a quick guide to the techniques used by the artists who operate out of the studio.

We are told that by the end of the day we will have used a squeegee and produced a series of prints of our artwork in a single colour ink, a goal that seems eminently achievable until we are ushered into the ominous dark room.

LEFT JOE WILSON

We are each assigned screens, reusable woven mesh stretched tightly across a wooden frame, and huddle around our tutor who is about to demonstrate how to cover the screen with emulsion. My fear begins to slowly resurface; up until that point everything we’d done (printing our artwork, drinking tea, introducing ourselves) I’d taken in my stride - this, however had the potential to go very wrong. Our tutor props the screen against the wall, fills what looks like a small trough with goopy liquid and holds it level against the bottom screen. In

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Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design

Short Courses at The Cass Digital Design Dress Making Fashion and Textiles Finishing Furnishing Furniture Making Graphic Design Jewellery and Silversmithing Musical Instrument Making Photography Restoration and Conservation RIBA CPD Courses Software Upholstery

The Cass is situated on the East London City fringe, a vibrant area recognised as a centre of excellence for art, architecture and design.

We are pleased to offer Absolutely Magazine readers 10% off our summer courses. Please quote ‘Absolutely!’ when contacting us to book a discounted place.

Central House: 59 - 63 Whitechapel High Street London, E1 7PF Commercial Road: 41-71 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LA

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FROM LEFT HATTIE STEWART, ROSE STALLARD, JOE WILSON

one swift motion he tilts the trough forward so the emulsion meets the screen and pulls upward, leaving a thin, even coat of liquid on its surface. This is all well and good for someone who’s done it countless times before but in my amateurish hands, which were grasping the trough all too soon, there seemed to be almost an infinite amount of things that could go wrong. Amazingly, they didn’t and I was able to proudly place my screen in the drying cupboard next to those of my fellow pupils. In order for the screenprint to work, the emulsion has to dry for a while, making this the perfect opportunity to break for lunch.

We retrieve our screens and are introduced to Big Bertha – Print Club London’s professional exposure unit, which allows them to transfer the image onto the screen in a matter of seconds. Luckily, we as laymen are not required to operate this hefty piece of machinery and instead we watch as our artwork is laid on the screen and then covered while a flash of intense light transfers the negative of the image onto the screen. We wash the emulsion off the screens with a highly pressurised hose and then are divided into two groups.

A slight hint of competitive spirit enters proceedings; this is, what one might call, the moment of truth when we finally get to learn just exactly what a squeegee is. As it turns out, a squeegee is a piece of wood with a flexible rubber bottom that is used to spread the ink over the screen and then force it through onto the paper creating the print. We are shown how to lightly draw the ink across the screen in order to ‘flood’

RIGHT REBECCA NOONAN, SAM BALDWIN

it and then once again draw the squeegee across the screen with more force, pushing the ink through the screen into the negative space and sluicing the excess off. It takes us each a couple of practice tries to nail the technique but to my delight, and profound relief, I turn out to be reasonably good at it, allowing my delusions of artistic glory to remain somewhat intact.

An ideal course for anyone with absolutely no experience, the patient tutors really do take you through the process step by step leaving no man behind and for anyone who really catches the bug, membership to the Print Club is available after the session. Whether or not you decide to keep on printing, it is a wonderfully novel and entertaining way to spend a day and you leave with the fruits of your labour, which you can keep forever.

 Workshop times: Thursdays, Saturdays and/or Sundays throughout the year, beginning at 10.45am.

A Beginner Workshops costs £50. Unit 3, 10-28 Millers Avenue, E8; printclublondon.com

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EAT the

generation

London’s once-staid dining map has been redrawn, and we have a new generation of local culinary adventurers to thank for it. Say hello to three local rising stars set to take their place in the foodie firmament Anna Barnett

he lady behind Get in My Gog first got foodies talking when she turned her private dinner parties into a string of successful pop-up events. Years of catering for dozens of friends at a time gave rise to a fresh, inventive approach to cooking, where flavour and fun are all-important and sharing with mates (not to mention getting rather drunk) is always the order of the day.

Barnett’s online presence includes her popular blog, and The Reluctant Vegetarian, a weekly recipe column for the Independent that’s regularly ranked among the newspaper’s most viewed. Follow on her Instagram (@getinmygob) and you’ll catch glimpses of her celeb pals (by day she’s a member of the team at House of Holland) as well as Ted, a Kerry blue terrier who seems to spend half his life stretched out on her bed.

And if you can’t wait for the next of her Get in My Pop-up shindigs?

Head down to Mare & Beck, the Hackney coffee shop-cum-cocktail den she recently opened with friends, where a concise but sweetly indulgent menu of artisanal treats awaits.

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WORK AS HARD AS YOUR BODY ALLOWS, LEARN FROM MISTAKES, PLAY A LITTLE TOO, AND WORK WITH GOOD PEOPLE

so people know when to come back for the new stuff. And if you can, it's always great to maximise the amount of press you get – tell as many people as you can and get as many friends, family and locals involved in your project. That way they can help spread the word. getinmygob.co.uk

Tom Adams

he story of Pitt Cue Co is neatly emblematic of some of the most striking recent trends in London’s foodie culture. Starting life in the back of a van, the outfit was a major hit on the emergent street food scene before ploughing its hard-earned cash into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Soho; they’ve since published a Pitt Cue Co. cookbook and helped to found a specialist farm breeding rare Mangalitza pigs. The driving force behind the young company’s stunning rise? Hard work and some pretty irresistible barbecued pork.

Pitt Cue Co co-founder and chef Tom Adams may be in his twenties, but he’s a long-time barbecue enthusiast and a bit of a guru on matters porkrelated. A Hackney resident, his skills

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WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BREAK INTO THE FOOD INDUSTRY? Start feeding those closest to you and, if they're into it, widen the net. Pop-ups are a great way for you to spread the word.

Everyone's always looking to try something new and pop-ups are the perfect way to serve up exactly what you want. Figure out what your niche is and go for it.

I started out cooking for friends and just blogged all the food I was making; people love to be inspired by new dishes or things that look doable, so make everything you do as easily accessible as possible. If you're blogging, it's good to get into a routine

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

and obvious enthusiasm saw him work for a time at the Ledbury before striking out on his own and driving punters gaga for his assortment of sticky, sauce-laden barbecue specials.

Now feted by the likes of Jay Rayner, hipsters flock to his Newburgh Street outpost in droves.

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR MARK IN THE BUSINESS? It's difficult to look upon a mark being made as I don't really think I've made one as yet. We opened the trailer by chance, [with] hard work and a lot of luck, so I truly feel there wasn't a single specific thing that defined that moment. I know I've worked as hard as I can to make a go of things, so I guess that has helped.

If I hadn't put in the hours then I can't imagine I'd have a restaurant right

now. Many of these hours were spent winging it, without much planning or structure, so that's been another defining feature – you have to do the best with what you’ve got. We cooked in the back of a friend’s deli in Vauxhall through the early hours to make it happen. I think if you stick to what you enjoy doing and believe in it, whether it be eating, cooking or drinking and you believe it's a good thing then you can't go too far wrong. I still feel like I'm getting started in the business, so the same thing still applies – work as hard as your body allows, learn from mistakes, play a little too, and work with good people. Definitely work in some good places before going solo – I wouldn't have made as many mistakes if I’d had more experience before the trailer opened. pittcue.co.uk

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WHILST THE FOOD INDUSTRY IS INCREDIBLY FASHIONABLE RIGHT NOW, DON’T GO INTO IT WITH ROSE-TINTED SPECS ON

Dominic Cools-Lartigue o some extent, Dominic Cools-Lartigue’s success comes from spotting what no one else did and doing something about it. With street food in the ascendant and city festivals outstripping regular pubs and nightclubs in popularity (thanks, no doubt, to the mini heatwave of 2013), Cools-Lartigue decided to create a hybrid of the two.

Street Feast was born in a disused works yard in Haggerston, at a previously overlooked point halfway between Dalston and Shoreditch.

At first it was a local hit, but pretty soon its reputation began to spread and this organised gathering of street food traders (soundtracked by DJs and enlivened by special oneoff competitions and events) was welcoming 3000 people every Friday night. Queues formed, tweets were tweeted and a mini-empire began to form. Now Cools-Lartigue’s ‘food rave’ pops up at various locations around East London, with plans for more.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO BREAK INTO THE FOOD BUSINESS? Anyone launching a food business should make themselves aware of how diverse the industry is right now, even if they think they know what they want to do. When I was launching Street Feast I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do, but I also completely immersed myself in everything else that was going on, going to every market, supper club, and food event I could. That helped to get a real feel for the scene, the people involved, and also an honest sense of what I could bring to the table.

It’s also really important to be aware of what responsibilities you will delegate out as soon as you have the resources. At the beginning you’ll most likely be doing everything while you keep wages down, which is no bad thing because it’s important to have a working understanding of all areas of your business. However, none of us can do everything to a very high standard, so having a clear human resources plan is imperative. It’s your business, so make sure you’re working on the bits that excite you, be honest about your weaknesses and surround yourself with hungry, talented people.

Whilst the food industry is incredibly fashionable right now, don’t go into it with rose-tinted specs on. The blogs are full of the latest pop-ups, but rarely do you hear about the numerous businesses which fail every week. One of the biggest causes of failure is people getting their margins wrong. Despite how many likes or followers you’ve got, if you’re not focused on buying and selling at the right price, you’ll be in trouble very quickly. Having a good understanding of the wider market will help you judge your appropriate price points. It may not be sexy but it’s more interesting than going bust! streetfeastlondon.com, fairgroundlondon.com

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BATH SORTS

BATHROOM DESIGN SPECIALISTS

38 Offord Road, Islington N1 1DL 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

FOR HIM

OCCASIONWEAR needn’t be STUFFY. Take proceedings al fresco as casual but energetic pieces take CENTRE STAGE.

TED BAKER KAWEWAI WOOL WAISTCOAT, £120;

KURT GEIGER LEDLEY NAVY LACE-UP SHOES,

tedbaker.com

£110; kurtgeiger.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ALFRED DUNHILL DAMIEN BLAZER,

£1,095; dunhill.co.uk

The Inspiration…

THE GARDEN PARTY

STRIPED SUIT TROUSERS,

£190; mrporter.com

DRAKE’S KNITTED COTTON TIE, £95; mrporter.com

TED BAKER STRIPED FLORAL SHIRT, £85; tedbaker.com

COMMON PROJECTS LEATHER SLIP-ON SNEAKERS, £290; mrporter.com

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120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1LX Telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

FASHION NOTES HELLO SAILOR Tatty Devine have created an exciting capsule collection in celebration of the current Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at The Barbican.

Pieces play homage to the risqué and quirky fashions of Gaultier, so we can’t help but get on board. From £25; available both through the Barbican gift shop and the Tatty Devine website; tattydevine.com

PRETTY IN PINK Almost anything LK Bennett is alright by us, but this candy striped Denver silk print dress (£275) with Bess Colour Block Sandals (£195) is more than alright. Perfect attire for a garden party, something a bit different for a wedding, and even works as a night-on-the-town ensemble too. Unit 31, Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, E14; lkbennett.com

COLOUR UP Bright pastels and bold patterns dominate Ted Baker’s SS14 collection, which also features nipped-in waists and tulip skirts.

The sports luxe trend is given a nod with zipped bombers and slinky shorts. Ted Baker, Unit 5 Canada Place, E14; tedbaker.com

PALM SPREE Team this limited edition Palm Print Blouse by Marks & Spencer with some skinny jeans and a pair of killer heels and lady, you’re ready to go. We especially love that the print alludes to tropical islands we are surely soon to visit on our summer holidays. Aren’t we? £35, Unit 31, Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, E14; marksandspencer.com

style tip POOL SLIDES ARE THE LOGICAL TREND-SUCCESSOR TO BIRKENSTOCKS. Taking ugly shoes to the next level, at first glance they’re more ‘Eighties leisure centre/worn by your dad’ than Miami Beach. But once you see that Rita Ora and the Olsen twins have been sporting them (and that you needn’t have the legs of a gazelle to pull them off) they suddenly seem more appealing. If you can get away with them, they’re damn comfy, especially as they’re worn with socks, but we’re willing to let that slide. Ahem.

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Gilding the lily

Add an edge to this season's florals with voluminous shapes and metallic finishes

Photography: JAMES LUCAS Styling: EMMA SAVILL

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Emma Vivian top, £250 Topshop Unique skirt, £42 Vintage braclets, stylist's own

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M&S floral shirt, £35 Beulah Iris trousers, £250 Emma Vivian leather jacket, £680 Topshop earrings, £8.50

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Topshop jumper, £70 Emma Vivian skirt, £280 Zara leather bag, £80 & Other Stories shoes, £45 Topshop socks, £3.50

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Beulah bisque rose gold oil print dress, poa Zara wedges, £70 H&M jacket, £39.99

STOCKISTS Beulah; beulahlondon.com Emma Savill London; emmasavill.com Emma Vivian; emma.vivian@outlook.com H&M; hm.com M&S; marksandspencer.com Nike; nike.com Orelia; orelia.co.uk Topshop; topshop.com Zara; zara.com/uk & Other Stories; stories.com

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Photographer: James Lucas Styling: Emma Savill Model: Lidiia at Leni’s Model Management Makeup & Hair Stylist: Alice Oliver using Bobbi Brown and Bumble and Bumble Production: BeautyandPro.com

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The Tile Box

40 Offord Road, Islington N1 1EB 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk

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timeless

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

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

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

Forget-Me-Not TED BAKER MONNY SKIRT £129; tedbaker.com

SS14 FLORALS ARE BOLDER AND SASSIER THAN EVER. MORE POWER TO THE FLOWER.

PAUL AND JOE SS14

DEBUT AT DEBENHAMS £100; debenhams.com

SOPHIA WEBSTER NINA SHOES, £540; sophiawebster.co.uk

DOLCE & GABBANA GLAM FLORAL BROCADE CROSS-BODY BAG £475; matchesfashion.com

ERDEM VALA FLORAL-PRINT SILK-SATIN JUMPSUIT, £1,120; mytheresa.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY PINK FLORAL COAT £1,195; selfridges.com

MOTHER OF PEARL, JUNO FLORAL PRINT TOP, £246; matchesfashion.com SOPHIA WEBSTER NINA SHOES, £540; sophiawebster.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY KIDS

Better than SLICED BREAD!

KIDS NOTES

Ok, we have to admit, this one’s for us as well as the kids.

Sourced in Japan (of course), this sandwich mould goes under the grill for a light toasting. A gooey, chocolatey filling is our recommendation. £12; petraboase.com

CARTOON COOKIES We love the new tin from icing aficionados Biscuiteers, which includes all the classic Mr. Men characters, from Mr Tickle to Mr Bump. Buy one to be your kids’ Mr Cool – there’s even a separate Little Miss Collection for little misses, too... The Mr. Men Little Miss Biscuit Collection, £30; biscuiteers.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BOHO BABES

Vintage-inspired brand Their Nibs’ latest collection is a captivating fairytale mix of old-fashioned innocence and whimsical prints. No surprises then that Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Sadie Frost and Thandie Newton are all reported to be fans.

theirnibs.com

DESIGN FOR LIFE

here’s a new Italian children’s designer being stocked at Nubie, here to streamline chaotic and unruly dens. Clever storage design, integrated wardrobe units and high sleeper beds are some of the solutions. As well as being super stylish, they use ecological panels made from reclaimed wood, thus contributing to the fight for a more sustainable future. Woody Hug Children’s Bed, £,1350; nubie.co.uk

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SEEING DOUBLE

hat could be cuter than dressing your little’un in this gorgeous gingham dress? Dressing her doll to match, of course. Gingham baby dress with

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knickers, £18, and Matilda Ragdoll, £15, JoJo Maman Bébé, 1259 Finchley Road, NW11; jojomamanbebe.co.uk

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MY AREA

ABSOLUTELY LOCAL

JACK LOXTON, currently starring as Albert Narracott in the National Theatre’s production of War Horse, lets us in on his local secrets...

4. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I’m an avid football fan. So I keep up to date with anything going on with my team (the mighty West Brom). I try to go and see as much theatre as possible in and around town as well as seeing the latest films at the cinema. I’m currently contemplating getting a bicycle.

Most of my friends from drama school are still living nearby

5. WHERE DO YOU GO TO GET THE BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST? A friend took me to Papa’s Café on the Finchley Road a couple of years back and I’m yet to find a better English breakfast in Northwest London.

6...AND THE PERFECT PINT?

The Holly Bush in Hampstead for sure.

7. WHAT TV SHOWS ARE YOU CURRENTLY ENJOYING?

I’ve been catching up with Peaky Blinders recently. It’s set in Birmingham and, as I’m originally from there, I’ve been critiquing Cillian Murphy’s Brummie accent. It is an amazing TV series and I cannot wait for the next season.

8. WHAT 'S PLAYING ON YOUR IPOD AT THE MOMENT? Metronomy’s Love Letters.

9. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? 1. WHERE IS HOME FOR YOU?

Just in between Golders Green and Hendon. I’ve been living here for four years now.

As I’m currently in War Horse in the West End, I’ve been reading some Michael Morpurgo books, including Private Peacefu Peaceful at the moment.

2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?

10. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND.

I’m not far from Golders Hill Park, which is an awesome place to have a kick around. And I’m quite partial to the mini zoo they’ve got going there. Hampstead is just up the road as well and there are some really cool pubs and coffee shops around there.

3. DO MANY OF YOUR ACTOR FRIENDS LIVE NEARBY?

Most of my friends from drama school are all still living nearby; we went to Central in Swiss Cottage so we’ve stayed pretty close together since we left.

A decent-sized bacon sandwich with red sauce and no butter. Then off to watch the football either at the ground or in a good pub with a few mates. Followed by dinner at a friend’s house and then probably on to a bar in Shoreditch.

 War Horse is playing at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane, WC2 Tickets are available from warhorselondon.com

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B E AU T Y / n o t e s

GARDEN STATE o Malone London believe that gardens are good for the soul, which is why they established the Urban Community Garden Project, which supports communities to build and maintain scented gardens.

Ever the philanthropists, proceeds from the sales of the divine new Limited Edition Silk Blossom home candle will go directly to this very worthy cause. £42, 24 Royal Exchange Buildings, EC3; jomalone.co.uk

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THE COLOUR & THE SHAPE ontouring may be the beauty buzzword of 2014, but the experts at NARS Cosmetics have been in the know for years. NARS’ cult contouring collection welcomes two new matte blushers in celebration of the brand’s 20th anniversary. It’s time to shape up. Available at Space NK, 299 Upper Street, N1; narscosmetics.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

HEAR HER ROAR SL's cult concealer Touche Eclat has hit the counters in a new edition. Inspired by the brand's celebrated leopard pattern, the wild edition pays tribute to the Saint Laurent woman's ‘animal instinct’. Phwoar. £25; yslbeauty.co.uk

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RAW TRUTH Lush have capitalised on their high quality, organic and ethically sourced ingredients with a brand new kitchen concept. The ‘fresh from the kitchen’ line will be made daily and available to purchase online, while customers can view real-time updates from the kitchen and expert Q&A sessions streamed live through the website. Fans of the brand will get an insight into just how the cosmetic chefs make Lush products (by hand). Check the site or search under # WhatsInsideCounts, lush.co.uk

TRIED & TESTED

ROXY BEAUTY

erched on the hill, just up the road from Finchley Road station, Roxy Beauty offers an oasis away from the stress of everyday life. On arrival I was greeted by Roxy herself, who introduced me to my hairstylist Olya, both of whom were incredibly friendly and immediately put me at my ease.

My experience began with a ritual unique to AVEDA salons, which involved rubbing oil on my hands and inhaling the vapor. This practice aims to fully relax the client before their treatment and help them adjust to the serene vibe of the salon. Olya and I then discussed what I was looking for and we settled on a Botanical Damage Remedy to help with my split ends and repair some of the damage done by colouring my hair. A trim and touching up of my roots were also agreed upon and with that we got down to business.

During my wait for the dye to set I was treated to a hand massage by Mihaela, the salon's resident beautician, which made my wait far more pleasant and left my hands and forearms lovely and soft. Olya then rinsed out the dye and administered an incredibly relaxing head massage before applying the damage remedy. The cut was efficient and deftly carried out and was, most importantly, exactly what I'd asked for. The AVEDA mask left my hair replenished, bouncy and shiny and those results have lasted well.

One expert blow dry later and I surveyed the final results. The cut was excellent and my slightly flat hair looked healthy and revitalised. The combination of brilliant service, treatments and a really good stylist all make a trip to Roxy Beauty incredibly worthwhile. CH

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NAIL IT ant a subtle nod to the season’s floral trends? We love Ciaté’s flower manicure kit in Strike A Posy – a sugary pink polish accompanied with pops of blue, yellow and cream dried pressed flowers and tweezers for precision placement. Pretty cool. £18; selfridges.com

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SOME LIKE IT HOT he famed inflatable pod housing Hackney's favourite hot yoga sessions has taken up a semipermanent residency at The Trampery, where the hour-long classes pop up at evenings and weekends. Go on, you'll be hooked. hotpodyoga.com

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3 OF THE BEST

ORANGE LIPSTICKS

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2 3

1. Wild about Beauty Nutrilips Lipstick in Betty, £15; wildaboutbeauty.com 2. Deborah Lippmann Lip Colour in Call Me Maybe, £18; lookfantastic.com 3. By Terry Rouge Terrybly Lipstick in 400 21 VD, £33; uk.spacenk.com

 473 Finchley Road, NW3, 020 7431 0555; roxybeauty.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

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NARS Contour Blush in Olympia, £30; narscosmetics.co.uk

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bareMinerals Warmth All Over Face Cover, £19; bareminerals.co.uk

2

Benefit Sun Beam Golden Bronze Complexion Highlighter, £19.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

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Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème, £34; uk.spacenk.com

Shady

LADY

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Estee Lauder Contour Shadow Brush 30, £19; esteelauder.co.uk

8 OF THE BEST CONTOURING PRODUCTS

EDITOR’S PICK

7 MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork, £15; maccosmetics.co.uk

5

Clinique Air Brush Concealer, £18; clinique.co.uk

6

Illamasqua Sculpting Duo, £26; illamasqua.com

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THE

CEN T R E IS . . .

EXCITIN G E V ENIN GS A N D TO P E N T E RTA I N M E N T With two live music venues, a ten screen cinema and a range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, explore the best of Islington’s nightlife at The N1 Centre this summer.

Experience a night out at O2 Academy Islington with themed club events, big-name DJs and the latest up-and-coming music artists. Whether you want an epic night out or a few drinks and a film with friends, choose The N1 Centre as your one-stop destination for after-hours entertainment.

Check out www.n1islington.com for the latest event listings.

n1islington.com

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This robot clock (£12.00), tribal blue hip flask (£10.00), tartan passport holder (£7.50), ‘All Change’ iphone case (£12.00) and stylish nautical leather journal (£15.00) are just some of the gifts on offer at Paperchase.

13/05/2014 09:33

OneSh

If dinner and a movie is more his thing, check out the latest releases at Vue Cinema Islington for the hottest action and sci-fi films including Edge of Tomorrow and Godzilla.

When followed by the new Hunger Conqueror menu from GBK with any original burger, small fries and soft drink for just £9.95, it’s sure to be an easy win this Father’s Day.

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AT THE N1 CENTR E n1islington.com

Brighten up his wardrobe with socks from French Connection or kit him out with a leather belt from H&M. If your father’s a touch on the fussy side, pick out a gift card from one of our retailers or restaurants and let him choose his own treat this year.

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Whether you’re treating him to lunch, a new gadget or a tasteful accessory, The N1 Centre has just what you need to make your dad feel special this Father’s Day.

Surprise him with a cuppa in a fun novelty mug (£3.99) courtesy of Butlers, or raise a glass with their Manhattan Lounge cocktail shaker (£12.90) and celebrate in style.

Don’t forget the card! From humorous to heart-felt, Paperchase has a card to suit every dad.

13/05/2014 09:34

15/05/2014 14:43

ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

MAKE-UP INSIDER

1

Don’t fear orange, says ARABELLA PRESTON

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MAC COSMETICS

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ops of bright orange were all over the Spring Summer 14 catwalks. Although it appears dangerously bold, it is in fact one of the most versatile and flattering shades. Easier to wear than pink, or even certain reds, orange balances greyness (which is why you might find your under-eye concealer has a slight apricot hue). There’s no reason not to apply this theory to the rest of the face, banishing tired and dry skin with bright flashes of orange.

The aim is skin that looks fresh, dewy and strokably youthful. Start by massaging Decleor’s Mandarine Serum into your face, focusing on highlight areas such as the tops of cheekbones, temples and the bridge of your nose. For light coverage, YSL’s BB cream is my go-to ‘natural glow’ product. Use the tips of your fingers to blend quickly into your skin.

The Prabal Gurung show (pictured) gave a wonderful demonstration of the uplifting power of an orange lip.

Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury lined the lips in MAC’s lip pencil What a Blast! then filled in with the zingy Morange. As MAC Senior Artist Cher Web says: 'the advantage of wearing a bright lip is that you can keep your other make-up minimal. Pair it up with lashings of mascara for a perfectly balanced combo.'

If you need to lift your complexion a little, then an orange or coral blusher is the way to go. Pink will confuse the look.

The Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Hibiscus is a blendable and buildable cream blush that can also be used on the lips for a more toned-down orange pout.

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8

9

4

5

1 YSL Le Orange Lipstick,

£25, yslbeauty.co.uk 2 MAC Lip Pencil in What a Blast!,

£14.50,maccosmetics.co.uk

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3 Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Hibiscus,

£19, bobbibrown.co.uk 4 Clarins HydraQuench Lip Balm,

£19, clarins.com 5 Topshop Lip Cream in Pout,

£7, topshop.com 6 Bobbi Brown Nail Polish in Nectar,

£11, bobbibrown.co.uk 7 YSL All-In-One BB Cream,

£38, yslbeauty.co.uk 8 MAC Lipstick in Morange,

 For more make-up tips from Arabella follow her on Instagram @arabellabeauty

£15, maccosmetics.co.uk 9 Decleor Aromessence Mandarine Serum, 7

£49.50, decleor.co.uk

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GOURMET SMALL-BATCH ROASTERY We source the world’s finest specialty coffee beans, to produce exceptional espresso and filter coffees, roasted on our lovingly restored and tweaked vintage roasters. Delivered with first class barista training and support.

WWW.VOLCANOCOFFEEWORKS.COM Unit D016, Parkhall Trading Estate, 62 Tritton Rd, London, SE21 8DE, UK. roastery@volcanocoffeeworks.com +44 (0)20 8761 8415

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

Cold Comfort well-known lover of spice,

A Thomasina Miers is back

with metabolism (and temperature-raising) new recipes to make simple meals sensational. From weekday ideas to weekend spreads, her homecooked family dishes take an exotic twist and always, always champion the chilli.

Photography: Tara Fisher

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fo o d

news

{ My LOCAL LARDER { PASCAL AUSSIGNAC of Smithfields’ Club Gascon s a Frenchman living in London since 1997, I have always been on the search for great food places near my home in Smithfield, next to Club Gascon. Being next to the market (and knowing a few suppliers) is a great advantage for finding food, especially for those summer BBQs – my only problem is waking up so early.

For me, Smithfields is the best place in town for suckling pigs, fresh ham or côte de boeuf – some of the best suppliers are Andrade (for lamb), Gordon Meats (for beef and veal) and Keevil & Keevil (for game).

Clerkenwell is also home to some fantastic pubs, including The Fox & Anchor.

For fish, one of the first places that springs to mind is Steve Hatt on Essex Road. It’s always been tricky to find vegetables locally, however there is in fact a hidden gem of a veg stall in front of Chancery Lane station – here the fruit and veg are always (naturally) ready to eat, and it’s nice for me to buy something with no packaging!

While we import a lot of our own cheese at Club Gascon, I think that La Fromagerie in Marylebone and Androuet in Spitalfields are among the best options in London.

For something French, I am lucky to have my deli/bistro, Comptoir Gascon, where you can order duck, cassoulet, confits and piperade.

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 Club Gascon, 57 W Smithfield, EC1; clubgascon.com; @club_gascon  Taste of London returns to Regent's Park from 18-22 June. For more information or to book tickets visit london.tastefestivals.com

G R E AT B R I T I S H M E N U ompas & Parr’s new project, The British Menu Archive, collates a spectacular range of British menus in celebration of the ever-changing landscape of British culinary culture and history – and it’s all part of the Andaz Hotel’s Cultural Insider programme. Following a grand banquet of favourites in Andaz’s 1901 Wine Bar last month, the archive will be on display until the end of this month, so guests can see what people ate and drank on Concorde or what the dish of the day was at an official royal banquet.

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 Andaz Liverpool Street, 40 Liverpool Street, EC2; london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.com

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

MAKE THIS

r e c i p e of the month  2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes  500ml water or fish stock  600g new potatoes, cut into 2-3cm chunks  900g line-caught cod, cut into large 2-inch chunks FOR THE ALMONDS

EAST LONDON LIQUOR Set to bring spirit production back to the East End (once the heart of England’s spirit trade), East London Liquor has opened the first and only distillery producing gin, whisky and vodka in the local area for over a century. Housed within an old glue factory in Bow Wharf, the distillery specialises in quality handcrafted spirits, artisanal gins and on-site aged whiskeys which are served up at their very own cocktail bar – from which, yes, you can see all the distillery gear in action.

221 Grove Road, E3; eastlondonliquorcompany.com

MUST TRY

 100g blanched almonds  1 tsp sweet smoked paprika  1 tsp sea salt  Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.  Heat a large casserole dish over a high heat and when hot add the olive oil. Turn the heat down to medium before adding the onions, fennel, garlic, fennel seeds, chilli and saffron, and seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Sweat the vegetables in the olive oil for 10 minutes before adding the garlic and cooking for another five minutes. Add the tomatoes,

A SIMPLE SPANISH FISH STEW WITH AN ALMOND CRUMB S E RV E S F O U R

ish stew is one of those failsafe dishes that I cook often. It always reminds me of a weekend in Spain when we went out with some local fishermen and caught enough to feed 40; we then cooked in an old beaten-up tin barrel. I have added a crumb to this version, as it lifts the stew from a cosy old supper dish into something altogether more glamorous. Make it your own by using your favourite type of fish and, if you like, add shellfish for more body.

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MARE & BECK New to London Fields is this dinky coffee shop and cafe, serving up artisan toasties and slow-cooked tacos to the creative communities of neighbouring Beck Road and Netil House. The coffee is a dark, smoky delight, the music is marvellous and the free wi-fi is FAST, while the decor somehow channels both Brooklyn brunch-stops and fin de siècle bohemian boltholes. It’s already a preferred pit-stop for those en route to or from Broadway Market – and the basement cocktail den is perfect for private parties. 69 Mare Street, E8; mareandbeck.co.uk

breaking them up with a wooden spoon, then pour in the water or stock and the new potatoes. Check for seasoning.  Simmer the stew for about 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes offer up no resistance when you push a sharp knife through: they should be completely cooked. In the meantime, put the almonds on a baking tray and pop in the oven for 5–10 minutes until a pale golden colour. Roughly chop with a large chopping knife to make fairly coarse breadcrumbs and stir in the paprika and salt.  Add the fish to the stew once the potatoes are cooked and simmer for a further five minutes until the fish turns from translucent to opaque. Spoon into hot bowls.

 4 tbsp olive oil  2 medium onions, finely chopped  1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped  4 garlic cloves, sliced  2 tsp fennel seeds, roughly ground  1 chile de árbol  2 good pinches of saffron strands  3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

 ©Thomasina Miers. Recipe taken from Chilli Notes by Thomasina Miers (Hodder & Stoughton, £25)

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WHOLE LATTE

The coffee revolution shows no sign of slowing, and Caravan in King’s Cross is home to one of the nation’s best baristas – as well as a series of coffee-making masterclasses. But can Estelle Bright teach Clementine Lyon the secrets of latte art?

here are worse ways to spend a sunny Spring morning than ambling through the regenerated King’s Cross towards Caravan, one of the area’s best and most buzzing restaurants and a highly regarded coffee roastery to boot. Yet I am everso-slightly nervous. I’m not here for the food; I’m about to take a lesson in the dark arts of the barista, and I don’t have a clue what to expect.

I love good coffee as much as the next person, but frothing milk and grinding beans has never been my forte. I worked in a branch of Starbucks once, for about two weeks more than a decade ago, but I’m fairly certain my vague memories of those syrupy, gigantic, automated

concoctions might be more harm than help in this new era of coffee purism. I have visions of myself standing coated in exploded milk suds in the middle of a busy restaurant as shocked brunchers gape in horror, morsels of egg trembling forgotten on their raised forks.

Luckily, my tutor for the next two hours is Estelle Bright, UK Barista Championship finalist and longtime overseer of Caravan’s busy coffee station. Bright is a tattooed pixie whose easygoing approach and matter-of-fact confidence soon puts my worried mind at rest. My fellow students seem similarly won over, as Bright explains the basics of coffee production and the various factors that can affect the finished product, from the quality of the milk (Caravan use only unhomogenised milk in their coffee) to the machines used to brew the

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

CONTEMPORARY COFFEE:

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE he first thing to know is, the Antipodeans are the experts. Most of London’s current coffee culture stems from the efforts of a few inspired Aussies and Kiwis to reinvigorate what was for many years a dying art. Still, sometimes it can be difficult even to know what to order, so check out our rundown of the key caffeine fixes.

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Espresso

The milk plunges beneath the espresso’s surface ‘crema’ only to pool at the surface towards the end of the pour

espresso (handmade Italian beauties worth many, many thousands). Even the humidity of the air is important, we’re told, as it affects the way the beans are ground. It seems a lot to worry about, but it’s second nature to Bright. She’s been doing this for over a decade and is a master of the art. And art is the operative word, because the focus of this particular class – one of several held each week in the restaurant – is latte art, or the practice of squiggling pretty, symmetrical patterns in the surface of milky coffees.

Bright believes in learning by doing, so after watching her run through the three main patterns (a heart, a rosette and a tulip), we’re set to work. The key, it seems, lies in the steaming (not frothing) of the milk. What you’re after is milk of a thick, creamy consistency without bubbles or foam - the buzzword here is ‘microfoam’. Latte art is performed on lattes (naturally) and flat whites (a smaller, stronger variety of latte), not cappuccinos, which are a bit old hat anyway. The trick is to steam the milk to about 60-70 degrees Celsius (any hotter and the tasty sugars begin to

burn) then add it to the drink in exactly the right way, so that the milk plunges beneath the espresso’s surface ‘crema’ only to pool at the surface towards the end of the pour. At this moment, a few deft wrist movements can produce sinuous pale patterns in the rich coffee – but needless to say, this takes practice.

I’m not the most hopeless in the class – that award goes to my partner – but neither am I what you’d call ‘a natural’.

One of the fellow trainees does better.

He’s about to open a coffee-and-cocktails establishment in South London, and by the end of the session his rudimentary blobs are becoming more recognisably heart-shaped. My attempts to fashion a flower don’t progress as quickly, but fun has been had and some kind of seed has been sown; after twenty or more attempts, I’m keen to give it another stab as soon as I get the chance. Until then, I’ll content myself with appreciating the largely unsung talents of London’s baristas – long may they pour.

The base of all the other coffees on this list, an espresso is basically a small amount of water that has been forced through ground coffee beans at a predetermined rate, temperature and level of pressure. Beloved of Italians and a classic pick-me-up.

Long Black A black Americano in reverse; with this baby, the espresso is added to the hot water rather than the other way around. This preserves the coffee’s delicate surface layer, or crema.

Cappuccino The iconic Italian drink that almost became a cliche thanks to years of lazy pouring. A good cappuccino adds one-third steamed milk and one-third foamed milk to an espresso base, with the frothy white foam sitting on top. Chocolate or cinnamon sprinkles optional.

Flat White The killer weapon of the Antipodean revolutionaries, a flat white is, quite simply, an espresso with steamed milk. What differentiates it from a latte? Size, mainly: a flat white should never be served in a large cup. This makes it a stronger, tighter drink – and beyond that, it has a nice name.

Latte As above, but bigger – a latte is less a coffee with milk and more a milk with coffee.

Macchiato Forget Starbucks and all their caramel flavoured gubbins; a real macchiato is simply an espresso shot with a dash of steamed milk – like a flat white in miniature.

 Reserve a spot on one of Caravan’s coffee workshops by calling 020 7101 7661; caravankingscross.co.uk

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16/05/2014 09:33

DELI belly Foodie heaven is within reach… Beth Evans on ten of the best local delicatessens BEST FOR Showing off your foodie knowledge

MELROSE & MORGAN The last ten years have seen Melrose and Morgan grow from small fry into a burgeoning empire, with two stores and a string of fancy product lines to their name – but there’s no danger this local gem will lose its personal touch. This may be deli culture all grown-up and ready for business, but it still has a customer-focused, neighbourhood feel.

42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1; melroseandmorgan.com BEST FOR

People-watching

L’EAU A LA BOUCHE A forerunner of Hackney’s current culinary excellence, this ever-popular deli-cumcafé has been London Fields’ number one foodie hub since it opened in 2004. Run by a Frenchman with a strong focus on British and European delights, Broadway Market would be lost without it. You’ll struggle to get a seat inside no matter when you visit, but it’s well worth donning an extra jumper, braving the elements and enjoying your americano and croissant while watching the beards and bikes go by.

35-37 Broadway Market, E8; labouche.co.uk

BEST FOR

Treats to take home

FOOD LAB The name is misleading: rather than Petri dishes and molecular experiments, the Food Lab specialises in rustic Italian grub, where the food is matched by exceptionally warm service. Chatting to owner Liliana about her adventures in sourcing ingredients is a revelation, as is the Monday night buffet-style free for all.

And when you’re done talking?

Snaffle some of Liliana’s beautiful home-made sauces and preserves to pep up your own cooking. Try everything, stay for hours, go back often.

56 Essex Road, N1; foodlablondon.com

BEST FOR

Healthy, happy lunches

OTTOLENGHI Yotam Ottolenghi sure does love food, and unlike certain other well-known chefs (who trade on gimmicks and shall remain nameless), he’s not forgotten what made him become a foodie in the first place. Which is why Upper

Street’s Ottolenghi (the largest of the four branches) provides the consistency and range of a chain while retaining the charm and quality of a real community eatery. With influences and ingredients from all over the world, spectacular salads and cakes and a focus on freshlyprepared products, it’s hard not to be a fan.

287 Upper Street, N1; ottolenghi.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

MUST TRY BEST FOR

A south-of-the-river sandwich

B STREET DELI

FOOD LAB BEST FOR

Pizzas!

STORY DELI Story Deli has reached legendary status, and not just because they’ve moved location so many times you assume they’re trying to shake off the bailiffs. Pizzas are Story Deli’s ‘thing’, and since their surprise win at last year’s Chowtzer Awards, they’ve clearly got it nailed. It’s all about the toppings (and the Scout Hut venue – only in East London), and while it’s more pizzeria than classic deli, it calls itself a deli... so we bent the rules.

123 Bethnal Green Road, E2; storydeli.com

B Street Deli is the latest addition to the gentrified hub that is Bermondsey Street.

Offering fine charcuterie from France and Spain, artisan cheeses and Italian antipasti as well as Volcano coffee and London Honey Co honeycombs, produce is selected by the deli’s expert ‘food hunters.’

Add to the venerable vittles an on-site cafe with brunch, cakes and an evening menu and it’s no surprise that the deli already looms large in the hearts (and bellies) of its customers.

88 Bermondsey Street, SE1; bstreetdeli.co.uk

THE GINGER PIG

BEST FOR Saturday nights & Sunday mornings

BEST FOR

BEST FOR

The suited-&-booted

Gorging on wine & cheese

CAFÉ ROUTE

GIANT ROBOT

L’EPICERIE

Dalston, formerly known as the home of the mullet, has received a ray of hope in the form of Café Route. Strongly influenced by its TurkishKurdish owner’s heritage as well as the locals’ penchant for British and Asian fare, this is a vegetarian foodie’s paradise – and great for fish-lovers too.

Open late seven days a week, you can now get pan-fried seabass fillets and peccadillo peppers whenever the mood takes you. Unit A Gaumont Tower, Dalston Square, E8; caferoute.co.uk

No, it’s not a bad Vin Diesel film, it’s a Clerkenwell-based bar-café-deli-diner. ItalianAmerican cuisine prepared with passion and flair, plus the famous Rotary Burger, meatballs AND cocktails too.

What else is going to get you through the afternoon?

Certainly not that Ryvita cracker in your desk drawer.

45 Clerkenwell Road, EC1; gntrbt.com

With its proximity to Stoke Newington, Clapton has long threatened to up-and-come and the storming success of this French-style deli certainly won’t be harming house prices.

There’s cheese, wine and Macbooks galore. All together now: ‘je t’aime’.

56 Chatsworth Road, E5; lepicerie56.com

BEST FOR

THE GINGER PIG Tell any taxi driver to take you to ‘Victoria Park Village’ and he’ll laugh in your face, but The Ginger Pig is the meaty proof in this gentrified pudding. It may have become a mini-chain, with six shops of varying sizes all over London, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of the local area in this small and very famous butcher-come-deli.

99 Lauriston Road, E9; thegingerpig.co.uk

L’EAU A LA BOUCHE

MELROSE & MORGAN

OTTOLENGHI

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

FOOD REVIEW THERE’S A STRONG AMERICAN BENT TO THE DESIGN AND DECOR, WITH PINK AND WHITE BANQUETTE SEATING REMINISCENT OF GREASE

RITA’S BAR & DINING HELEN BARON has a night bite on Mare Street

t was only a matter of time before we reviewed Rita’s. A standout member of a burgeoning posse of new foodie businesses taking up residence at the southern end of Mare Street, it had already picked up a cult following during a residency at Dalston music venue Birthdays.

Now lodged in the markedly less chaotic (if no less hip) London Fields, wedged between a launderette and a fried chicken shop, it’s permanently packed and keeps cropping up in local conversation. I never got around to eating at the original Rita’s, so once the folks behind it decided they have bigger fish to fry (quite literally, I suppose), I thought it time to pay a visit. After all, Rita’s 2.0 is two minutes from my house: I want to see what they’ve done with the place.

The short answer is, they’ve done well. Very well, in fact, when you consider the awkward layout of the premises, which are

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narrow and long. There’s a strong American bent to the design and decor, with pink and white banquette seating reminiscent of Grease and diner-style fonts on the menus. The food heads in the same direction while adding some much-needed artistry to the current craze for ‘posh junk’. Forget the overload of Vietnamese, Turkish or pizza-

related options elsewhere in E8; Rita’s is all about applying the inventiveness and imagination of fine dining to relaxed, youthful favourites. Yes, there’s buttermilk chicken on the menu (as there seems to be everywhere in London right now), but this comes doused in warm honey and sausage gravy; even the mac and cheese is enlivened by homemade

guacamole and glowering green chillis. The chefs at Rita’s may be tattooed and beardy and the staff may wear Vans, but this is hipster London at its most grown-up – and the response from customers seems to have been unequivocal.

A few months after opening, it’s ruddy hard to bag a table.

Small wonder, with Sour Cherry Bourbons like these.

In fact, all the cocktails are Instagram-worthy, and as inviting an accompaniment at brunch as they are at dinner (I’ve done both). Is there a phrase in the English language more mouth-frothingly exciting than ‘Blood Orange Americano’?

Another favourite from my visits was the miso grilled aubergine and mushroom toban, which felt healthy, tasty, fragrant and moreish all at once, and which was served alongside supremely crispy fried and crushed potatoes. I finished my evening meal in true diner style, with a slice of pie, but there are enticing desserts aplenty to lure me back – not least the peanut butter ice cream and dulche de leche beignets (doughnuts to you and I).

The service was spritely and attentive in all the right ways, and somehow this most busy, buzzing of restaurants seems like the perfect place for both a special occasion and a casual hook-up with friends: a difficult balance to achieve but one Rita’s strikes with confidence and charm. All in all, a flag-bearer for Hackney’s ongoing food revolution. I like what they’ve done with the place.

 175 Mare Street, E8; ritasbaranddining.com

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The Highbury Barn

T- 020 7226 2383 www.thehighburybarnpub.co.uk

Offering diners a new destination point for eating out, yet still maintaining the unique, iconic feel that makes the pub so well-loved.

With a theatre-style kitchen, a la carte menu and a whole new interior decor including our new coffee shop, the Highbury Barn makes good food worth going out for.

Fine ales, great beers and quality wines - you can still expect nothing less from Highbury’s favourite pub and restaurant.

26 Highbury Park, Islington, London N5 2AB Find us

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FOOD REVIEW MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS IS EASTERN EUROPE

BY WAY OF EAST LONDON – BUT THE FLAVOURS ARE STRONG AND SMOKY

TOPOLSKI BAR & CAFÉ

the tapas-style dishes, though my friend griped that he was getting much too drunk much too quickly. On the menu, a well thought-out selection of meats, cheeses and deliciously piquant pickles sits alongside small plates including saltbaked beetroot with beetroot tops and goat’s curd, and smouldered bacon with heritage potatoes and poached Black Mountain egg. The cob chicken and roasted garlic terrine with apple and grape salad is a particular success, as is the

ALEXANDRA JONES does Eastern European tapas in SE1

pened at the end of last year, the Topolski Bar & Café occupies what used to be the Topolski Century art bunker. It’s likely that if you’ve ever had any dealings around Waterloo, you’ll know the one-time studio space of 20th Century expressionist artist Feliks Topolski well, though may have never been inside. It’s certainly worth going now. Furnished with mid-mod, exposed-metal tables and chairs that allow the artist’s works to take centre stage, the feel is pared-back industrialism (though happily, it doesn’t labour the point, as sometimes happens in more self-conscious places).

I took a friend in the evening and as you might expect from somewhere that positions itself as a ‘bar and café’, the atmosphere is dark and buzzy.

Lots of plates clattering, glasses clinking and music turned a little too high. The crowd

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is young, fun and animated (probably by one too many infused vodkas) which is a testament to the fact that this is a ‘good time’ place. You can come, have a drink, have a bite and enjoy a friend’s company safe in the knowledge that if your voice gets a little too loud, you won’t be any more disruptive to your fellow diners than the crowds at the bar.

The food also caters to a busy, buzzy crowd with a menu centred on sharing platters and small plates. How much you’ll enjoy it, though, depends on two things: firstly, do you like Eastern European food (or at least food with pretentions towards Eastern Europe)? Secondly, do you like to share? Luckily I adore both so I wasn’t disappointed with

goulash, with its hearty deep beef flavour and the satisfying hunk of bread that comes with it. Make no mistake, this is Eastern Europe by way of East London but the flavours are strong and smoky.

Having said all of this, in the main Topolski is a social space. Somewhere to sit with friends and have a few infused vodkas (my favourite was the horseradish one, safer flavours are available) and as such the drinks menu is the star, small but interesting. Perfect postwork fare.  150-152 Hungerford Arches, Concert Hall Approach, SE1; bartopolski.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Left 121 Creatives - Good Engine Taken from a famous football pundit quote based on the superior stamina of a football player for the duration of 90 minutes, by 121 Creatives Right London By Night By Fiona Watson

Artists are at the heart of what we do

East End Print Meet the acclaimed independent art publisher with designs on your wallspace ife doesn’t stop moving around you. especially in the city. Blink and another coffee shop has popped up, babies learn to walk and your to-do-list just keeps on growing. Stay one step ahead of the trends with the help of East End Prints.

East End Prints is an online print shop with a stall at Spitalfields Market. The company supports emerging graphic artists and creates affordable art such as Fiona Watson’s nocturnal dreamscape London at Night, which features figures leaping across the city. Artwork like this is a great way to embrace London life – and allows your interiors to reflect your evolving tastes. With East End Prints’ affordable pieces, available glass-framed and delivered direct to your door, your walls can stay as visually vibrant and dynamic as the world around you.

East End Prints founder, Helen Edwards balances life and work from her Shoreditch home and office, nurturing her young son George whilst discovering new illustrators.

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Finding the best and freshest artists to work with takes time, and Helen’s young team help her to keep her finger on the pulse. East End Prints delve into some interesting archives such as the Hemingway Design Team recently hand-picked an amazing selection of typographical ephemera specially for East End Prints.

‘I go for artists who are aware of trends but aren’t influenced by them,’ says Helen.

‘I set up East End Prints as I found myself searching for a certain aesthetic in poster art. You have to know what’s gone before to make sense of what’s coming, and to be able to work out the leaps that will move trends on. Having curated group exhibitions around Shoreditch 10 years ago, East End Prints hit on the graphic/type trend before the explosion we’re seeing today.’

With a relaunched website showcasing the latest additions and brand new artist announcements in the pipeline, it’s never been easier to bring your walls up to date – and ensure your environment says something about you.

READER OFFER

£5 off prints! Come to the Spitalfields Art Market stall on the dates below and claim £5 off any East End Prints. Please bring the magazine with this code to claim your discount.

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Find us every month at Spitalfields Art Market, which runs Thursday to Sunday once or twice a month from March and weekly from November through to Christmas.

‘We’re excited to be able to support a new generation of talent,’ she says. ‘Artists are always at the centre of what we do – we’re nothing without them. 121 Creatives – a design duo named after the number of miles between their homes in London and Bristol – are the latest artists to sign up with East End Prints. They’ve created a timely set of prints focusing on football, which will undoubtedly take over all our lives in the next month.’

5-8 June • 12-15 June • 3-6th July 31 July 3 August • 4-7 September • 9-12 October 6-9 November • 13-16 November • 20-23 November • 27_30 November • 4-7 December 11-14 December • 18-21 December

Prints start from just £19.95 unframed. All of our prints are available in A3, A2 and A1 on 210gsm acid free archival paper.

eastendprints.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

CHANGE A LIFE Make a difference and support a young child through foster care

slington currently has 300 children in care. Foster carers play a vital role by looking after children in their own home and turn lives around with their love and support. With just 138 carers based in Islington, it’s clear that more families are desperately needed.

Foster Care Fortnight (May 12 – May 25) is the annual national awareness campaign organised by the Fostering Network charity. It raises the profile of fostering through media engagement and celebrity support, highlighting the desperate need for more carers. The Fostering Network estimates that over 8,000 extra foster carers are required to look after young people in England with over 1000 extra families needed within London alone.

Being a foster carer is a challenging role but brings great rewards. Foster carers can really make a difference and play a huge role in shaping the lives of the young people they care for.

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Myths hold many people back from becoming a foster carer Children of all ages and backgrounds come into care in Islington, sadly sometimes because of neglect in the family home from issues around drug and alcohol abuse or mental health problems.

Some children enter foster care for a short time due to family illness or quickly move on to independent living, while babies may be moved on to adoption.

However all children need love and support to keep them healthy and safe.

Myths hold many people back from becoming a foster carer; some people think that you need to own your own

home or have a partner, which are not true. Islington accepts applicants from all cultural backgrounds as well as those in the LGBT community. You just need a spare bedroom and to be able to provide a secure, safe and loving home.

There are different types of fostering alongside the mainstream care where children are placed for varying lengths of time. We offer respite care for children with disabilities, supportive lodgings for 16-21 year olds preparing for independent living, specialist fostering for teenagers with challenging needs and a remand scheme for those pending sentencing in a court.

Fostering is now being seen as a career choice with a wide selection of quality training programs to widen skills and competitive allowances. There is strong support from fostering social workers and other child-care professionals, a 24 duty and peer support through the Islington Foster Carers Association.

If you live in or around North London and think you could really make the difference to a young local life why not come along to one of our information sessions? The fostering team holds regular information sessions throughout the year every fortnight at Islington Town Hall.

Contact the team today on 0800 073 0428 or at fostering@islington.gov.uk to find out our next dates. Alternatively look on www.islington.gov.uk/fostering for more information.

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

Laid Back

minimalist design needn’t mean skimping on luxurious comfort. These solid wood beds from Wharfside are built with traditional slot-in joinery, are entirely metal-free and fit perfectly within a laidback contemporary scheme or industrial space. Matching wardrobe systems (some incorporating glass) are available, as are a selection of luxury orthopaedic mattresses for a much-coveted good night’s sleep.

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Au Naturel

Far less responsibility than a window box (and more unusual), we love these terrariums from Chive UK. £15.95; chiveuk.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Mean Machine

This Lean Man console is just so NEAT. There’s not a lot of storage, but it adds colour and works its magic as an interesting design feature – while the shallow depth works well in small spaces, especially corridors and hallways. £275;

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Pot Luck

This month we’re admiring the small beauties that make up Jane Sarre’s ceramic collection. Her striking but elegant tableware is handmade in Hackney and you can find her on Broadway Market on Saturdays. From coffee pots to gravy jugs, the pieces exude sylvan charm. Our absolute favourite is the delightful Japanese style vase – perfect for displaying flowering buds or pussy willow. janesarre.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

THE HOUSE

GA RDENER

Ever wondered how best to cultivate a healthy cactus indoors? West Hampstead horticulturalist Isabelle Palmer shows us how...

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sabelle Palmer is the founder of innovative online company The Balcony Gardener, which specialises in product ranges for small urban outdoor spaces – balconies, patios, containers, and roof terraces.

Palmer grew up in Worcestershire, before moving to London to study at Chelsea College of Art and Design.

She then embarked on a degree in economics before working in PR. Always a keen gardener, she wanted to create a little green oasis on the two small balconies of her West Hampstead apartment – her company stemmed from the belief that others might want to do the same. Her first book, The Balcony Gardener, was published by CICO Books in 2012. thebalconygardener.com

Cacti and Succulents he word succulent is a descriptive term given to those plants that store water in their leaves or stems. Cacti belong to a large family of plants that are all succulents. There are also other types of succulent besides cacti; as a rule, remember that all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The word cactus is derived, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek κάκτος (kaktos), a name that was originally used to describe a spiny plant whose identity is now uncertain.

Succulents are found in many countries all over the world and have been a feature of the horticultural field for hundreds of years. They have always held an attraction for gardeners because of their curious and exotic appearance.

T

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

During the 15th century, the famous Portuguese explorers Bartholomeu Dias (1451–1500) and Vasco da Gama (1460– 1524) collected succulents such as Aloe, Haworthia, Stapelia and many others from Africa. They also discovered Caralluma and Euphorbia (spurge) in India during exploratory trips to find new trade routes.

The Dutch East India Company (which was established in 1602) was responsible for collecting many succulent species for the Dutch government. Many of these succulents also found their way to the world famous Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, in London.

Desert Hearth f you’re lucky enough to have an original fireplace but don’t have time to light a regular fire, this handsome selection of cacti is for you. Of course, you don’t need a fireplace to enjoy this display since an empty corner or perhaps an otherwise unnoticed spot by the stairs would work equally well. This display sits in a selection of beautiful copper lanterns. Rather helpfully, the cacti and succulents are all easy to care for and very low maintenance: they live well regardless of being in the shade and receiving just a little water – making them perfect plants for a novice or a lazy gardener!

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The striking Echinocactus grusonii (golden barrel cactus) in the smaller black lantern is armed with stout, golden-yellow spines arranged carefully in rows on ribbed stems; it is quite the attention-seeker.

It’s sometimes known as the golden ball or, rather cheekily, as mother-in-law’s cushion. I think of it as one of the most distinctive of all cacti, and it is often used in architectural gardening due to its spherical shape.

Cacti can often be quite severe plants, but I find that Mammillaria crinita (rose pin-cushion cactus), seen in the larger dark lantern, is absolutely lovely. It’s another spherical cactus and covered in regularly arranged yellow and brown spines. There are numerous reddish-purple flowers which form a dense ring at the top. Also featured in this display is an Aloe haworthioides sitting tightly in a clay pot. This perennial succulent has lush, glossy leaves and small, rosette-like flowers. I also used gravel and reindeer moss in the display, as well as vintage medicine bottles.

SUCCULENTS HAVE ALWAYS HELD ATTRACTION FOR GARDENERS BECAUSE OF THEIR CURIOUS AND EXOTIC APPEARANCE

 The House Gardener

by Isabelle Palmer is published in hardback by CICO Books, priced £25, and is available at all good bookshops. To purchase a copy at the special price of £18 (including free postage and packaging), call 01256-302699 quoting GLR9OA; cicobooks.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

GET THE LOOK

Photography: Darren Cheung

Absolutely shows you how to recreate Fiona Gall’s urban-decadent tower block apartment

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3. TUB ARMCHAIR

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1. TRIFFID LAMP

Deploy Gall’s eye for the unique and magical with one of her very own Emerald Faerie ‘Triffid’ lamps, which will soon be available to buy in her online shop. Fiona’s passion for all things upcycled is evident here – reusing interesting decorative elements, each lamp is as striking as it is unique. From £1,200; emeraldfaerie.com

2. FIREPLACE

The ingenious thing about this fireplace is that there’s no fire. Keeping the frame creates instant charm and a focal point for the room. Fiona advises overlaying an old net curtain and spray paint to add a textured pattern, jazzing up a tired frame. If you’re on a budget, you might be able to find a secondhand or antique one (Fiona found hers in a junk-shop); if you want to splash out, Jamb Limited’s original and repro 18th century fireplaces are renowned for their exquisite detailing.

POA, 159 x 210cm, George III carved pine and gesso chimneypiece; jamblimited.com

If you’re not lucky enough to have an antique chair passed down to you (Fiona’s green one came from her grandmother and she had it reupholstered), Oliver Bonas make a range of coloured velvet replicas. When there’s an eclectic mix of furnishings, pieces need not match as long as they’re at the same sitting height. £445, Oliver Bonas, 147-148 Upper Street, N1; oliverbonas.com

4. WALLPAPER

Why not try a panel of wallpaper, rather than a whole wall? Fiona has used this print from Deborah Bowness to produce a reflective effect of her actual floor lamp. Choose from the artist’s picture walls (from genuine ‘fake’ books to the cheekily-named ‘Illusions of Grandeur’) to recreate something similar. Prices from £185 per drop; deborahbowness.com

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5. CELESTE WALL LIGHT

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The Celeste lighting collection is described as heavenly, celestial and otherworldly. If those are three adjectives with which you’d like to imbue your bedroom, invest in one of these stunning upcycled chandelier pieces. Not only do they create atmospheric pools or columns of light, they add more than a dash of Art Deco glitz.

Bespoke special order from emeraldfaerie.com

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Window shopping Beautiful new timber windows

www.ayrtonbespoke.com Telephone 020 8877 8920 Email enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD

0203 302 0794 dominicmckenzie.co.uk

dominic mckenzie.indd 1 ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 5

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS

2

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Acanthus Leaf Bookends, £35; marquisanddawe.co.uk

Michael Angave for Jo Malone Limited Edition Blackberry & Bay Scented Candle, £42; jomalone.com

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Handmade Homeware In The Garden Teapot, £20; handmade-homeware.com

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Printed Wallpaper V&A Collection, £60 per sqm; surfaceview.co.uk

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Marks & Spencer Bee Embroidered Cushion, £19.50; marksandspencer.com

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Graham and Green Horse Chestnut Wall Chart, £95; grahamandgreen.co.uk

MUST HAVE

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Anthopologie Garden Buzz Dessert Plates, £10 each; anthropologie.eu

8 OF THE BEST INTERIORS INSPIRED BY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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Kew Gardens Tea Towels, £8.99 each; creative-tops.com

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ABSOLUTELY TR AVEL

THE COTTAGE

UK

g e t a w a y

Water Meadow Cottage Blenheim Palace Estate WORDS: GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY

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THE LOCATION

erched on the banks of the River Evenlode at the end of a quiet tree-lined country lane, Water Meadow Cottage’s location could not be more idyllic. A picturesque former hunting lodge dating back to the 18th-century, the cottage sits guarding the gates to the historic Blenheim Palace Estate – home to the Duke of Marlborough, birthplace to Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s most spectacular stately homes. A visit to this World Heritage Site is a must, even if it’s just for a stroll along the river in the beautiful grounds. Further afield, the ‘city of dreaming spires’ that is Oxford lies just 15 minutes to the south, as does the designer outlet centre Bicester Village, providing high end retail therapy. Personal shoppers and chauffeur-driven transfers available on request, naturally.

It might be a quintessential Cotswolds cottage from the outside, but push open the heavy oak door of the traditional stone portico and you’ll find more of a boutique London hotel than a cosy country pad. The sitting room’s plush Victoriana-inspired interiors are decadently off-beat – think twinkling chandeliers in rusted birdcages – while the dining room’s huge wooden table is perfect for long brunches with the Sunday papers. Upstairs, you’ll find a beam-ceiling bathroom, complete with cast iron roll top bath, and two boudoir-style bedrooms decked out in elegant chinoiserie wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and sumptuous monogrammed linens – the kind of rooms that were made for luxuriant lie-ins.

THE EXT RAS Those not so keen on self-catering needn’t worry – Water Meadow Cottage has its own impressive seasonal menu from which gourmet dishes can be selected and delivered fresh to your door. They also provide guests with all the basic essentials upon arrival and there’s an extensive honesty larder for everything else, so you’re spared the usual trek to the shops after you’ve unpacked. Meanwhile, those looking for some R&R will love the massages available on demand in the stylish summerhouse – the lovely Daniel will commute down from London to soothe away your stress with a relaxing holistic massage; all you need do is commute across the pretty cottage garden.

Dinner reservations, local recommendations – everything really is taken care of, making this cottage the perfect country retreat for those still wanting the comforts and conveniences of urban life.

£ THE DAMAGE From £425 per night (2 night minimum), or £2,525 per week. Peak rates and 3 night minimum stay apply over high season. 5 night rates available. £25 surcharge per night for 1 large or 2 small dogs. Water Meadow Cottage, Hanborough, Witney, OX29; watermeadowcottage.co.uk

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Fun in the South Beach sun

meet me in

MIAMI Playful, pristine and picture-perfect: Clementine Lyon finds out why after fifty years, Miami’s South Beach is still America’s playground 70

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ABSOLUTELY TR AVEL

nce upon a time there was a spit of land that lay all but forgotten at the foot of a great continent. It was a swampy green parcel laced with bayous and surrounded by ocean, abundant in wildlife but not held in especially high regard by the people who had swarmed so readily across the rest of the land. The spit was home to scattered farming communities and a few hardy pioneers, who called it Florida after the Spanish word for ‘flowering’. And on the southernmost flank of this peninsula sat an even more overlooked stretch of sandy beach and tropical wetland, which went by the old Indian name of Miami.

The idea of Miami as anything other than a vivacious modern metropolis is tough to compute.

Many of us made our first acquaintance with the city through its iconic screen appearances, from the tropic cheese of Miami Vice to the jubilant campery of Mike Nichols’ 1996 farce The Birdcage. Miami means bright lights, cabaret and half-naked rollerbladers in day-glo bikinis; it means Lamborghini Diablos pulling up outside glitzy nightclubs and spilling super rich cargo onto sidewalks strewn with paparazzi.

It means cagey club owners making shady harbourside deals with the Mob – and, thanks to the largest Cuban community in North America, it means a healthy dash of Latin spirit. What it doesn’t mean is quiet.

And yet quiet is what Miami was until almost the middle of the 20th century, when the Second World War saw half a million military personnel bussed into the city as part of the USA’s ‘Gulf Sea Frontier’. Impressed by their temporary home, many of these servicemen and women flocked

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Pool envy at National Hotel

...FROM THE TROPIC CHEESE OF MIAMI VICE TO THE JUBILANT CAMPERY OF MIKE NICHOLS’ 1996 FARCE THE BIRDCAGE... back to the area after the war, taking up permanent residence along the shore of Biscayne Bay and among the Art Deco edifices of Miami Beach. Suddenly, Miami was a thriving urban centre and a bona fide tourist destination.

Sixty-five years later, the nowprosperous city seems to luxuriate in it's second skin. The taxi ride from the airport winds along a swift freeway above orderly suburbs, out towards the bay and the MacArthur Causeway, one of several long, slender bridges that link the mainland to the city’s tourist hubs: South Beach and Miami Beach.

Miami has a metropolitan area of nearly 100 square kilometres and is (by some measures, at least) the richest city in the US; in short, there’s more to the city than sun, sand and sea. But I’m here strictly for the beaches, and for a week of

hotel-hopping around South Beach.

Miami has never been cheap, but it is blessed with that most American of advantages: choice. The number and variety of accommodation options in South Beach alone (an area with a permanent population of just 40,000) can seem endless but here are my favourites for each budget.

LUXURY NATIONAL HOTEL National Hotel, another of the Collins Avenue behemoths, is situated right next door to the world-famous Delano. Recently renovated in fine retro style, National is home to one of the city’s longest swimming pools and rooms decked out in inspired Art Deco style. We’re lodged in a spacious eleventh-floor suite with his-andhers bathrooms and a view that’s

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ABSOLUTELY TR AVEL

TO BE SURE, THIS IS AMERICA: EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, SOMEONE IS SELLING YOU SOMETHING AND FLASHY TRUMPS SUBTLE MUCH OF THE TIME.

little short of hypnotic. Watching gigantic cruise liners make their way across the far horizon, I feel most at home. Perhaps it’s my age: the National combines old-school elegance with a relaxed vibe, perfect for anyone who has outgrown raw hedonism but retains a sense of style. The well-heeled clientele reflect the hotel’s grown-up charm.

As hometime beckons, I imagine myself clinging to the underside of a sunbed or hiding behind a towering palm to escape my flight. For all its advantages, London just can’t compete.  Rooms from $220 per night, based on two people sharing; nationalhotel.com

MID-RANGE THE RITZ-CARLTON The Ritz-Carlton is a venerable establishment built on a far more stupendous scale. Situated among the magnificent monoliths north of 16th Street, the Ritz-Carlton is one of those South Beach hotels you can’t fail to notice, a towering Art Deco landmark overlooking the Atlantic. The style inside is jazzy and demure, and even if some of the communal spaces look a little dated, the rooms themselves are well-appointed and the service impeccable. The pool is vast – perfect for parents with kids – and leads directly onto a beach arrayed with the hotel’s own private loungers. These are free for guest use (unless you want a mammoth day-bed or umbrella), which represents a big saving for committed beach bums; renting a lounger elsewhere can easily set you back $60-90 plus tips per day.

Another plus: the beach itself is heavenly – not deserted but long, beautifully-maintained and facing an awe-inspiring expanse of ocean.  Rooms from $299 per night based on two people sharing; ritzcarlton.com

BUDGET SBH SOUTH BEACH HOTEL The brand new SBH South Beach Hotel is a low-lying Art Deco establishment at the northern tip of South Beach’s dazzling oceanside avenues, Collins and Washington.

The hotel has been refurbished with a view to attracting the youthful and fun-loving, with contemporary Pop Art on the walls and good-sized rooms in tasteful shades of grey. The pool is in the neighbouring Boulan Hotel, a rooftop sun-trap with great views, striking graffiti murals and enough enticing day-beds to go around. The effect is Ibiza meets urban LA, and the hotel seems to be a favourite spot of the young, trendy and upwardly mobile.  Rooms from $165 per night for two people sharing; southbeachhotel.com

We ❤ SoBe here may be more to Miami than the beach – not least a burgeoning art scene and the mainland’s diverse districts, from Little Havana to the skyscraping developments of Downtown – but still a week spent sauntering around SoBe doesn’t seem enough.

To be sure, this is America: everywhere you look, someone is selling you something and flashy trumps subtle much of the time.

But there’s also a sense of easy informality and good humour that more than makes up for any shortcomings – as does the glorious sunshine. There’s a holiday here to suit anyone, from the young and party-minded to romantic honeymooners and families in search of fun things to do. All the amenities and razzle-dazzle of the good old USA are present and correct – and if you do tire of city life, the Everglades National Park is less than an hour away. But with these beaches? Don’t bet on it.

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ABSOLUTELY TR AVEL FUNDU LAGOON

H E AV E N SPENT Thinking of a safari holiday for 2014? Henry Morley of Better Late Luxury rounds up his favourite African lodges for discerning travellers wanting luxury for less

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Fundu Lagoon PEMBA ISLAND s remote as it is beautiful, Pemba Island forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago, lying to the north of its larger, better known sister island, Unguja.

Fundu Lagoon itself sits on one of Pemba’s stunning, unspoilt beaches and is only accessible via boat. It’s all ridiculously romantic, providing barefoot luxury in the truest sense – this is a place where you most definitely do not need shoes. Each of the 18 rooms here – canvas tents set under makuti (thatch) roofs on wooden decks – offers panoramic views of the Indian

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PEMBA ISLAND

Ocean, meaning that you fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the waves caressing the beach. Follow the wooden walkways and jungle pathways through indigenous forest to the main hotel and you’ll find the stunning infinity hillside swimming pool overlooking the lagoon, a hidden oasis among the groves. The marine wildlife here is not to be missed, and you can both dive and snorkel to get a closer look at the reef fish found around the small barrier islands. Sound like too much hard work? Try a sunset cruises aboard a traditional wooden dhow, watching the dazzling sunset with a sundowner cocktail in your hand – the closest you can get to paradise on earth.

Stay seven nights and pay for five, saving between £1078 and £1858 per room. Valid until April 2015 (excluding 21 December – 5 January)

Henry Morley is the Managing Director of Better Late Luxury, an exclusive travel platform offering luxurious holidays at discounts of up to 55%.

To book any of the deals described in this feature call 020 3137 1247, email enquiries@betterlateluxury.com or visit betterlateluxury.com

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Mahali Mzuri MAASAI MARA, KENYA his is no ordinary luxury safari camp. This is Sir Richard Branson’s safari camp and trust us, it doesn’t disappoint. Sat in the most pristine part of the African bush, Mahali Mzuri’s 12 tents perch on a ridge overlooking the awe-inspiring landscape of Kenya’s Motorogi Conservancy. It also happens to be in the path of the world-famous annual Great Migration, meaning that there really is no where better for a quintessential ‘Big Five’ safari. We recommend a trip hot air ballooning over the plains for an all-encompassing bird’s eye view of the Maasai Mara during the day, followed by a spot of stargazing at night using the camps telescope.

Make sure you bring all the family too as Mahali Mzuri is super child-friendly – the camp is full of children’s books, games, and kites,

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GREYSTOKE

Greystoke Mahale TANZANIA ne of the few African lodges that offers a truly unique experience, Greystoke Mahale is an extraordinary camp in remote western Tanzania where the main aim is to get up close and personal with the local stars – the chimps. Here you’ll find not only a storybook tropical forest full of chimpanzees, but also the second deepest lake in the world – Lake Tanganyika – all yours to explore by boat or kayak from the sustainable beachside camp. Completely isolated from human civilisation, the camp offers daily treks into the misty mountains to discover the waterfalls, wildlife and wondrous birds and butterflies hidden under the treetops. A great one for children, the trek tracks the chimps so that you get to watch them in their natural habitat, interacting with each other in their uncannily human way. Keep your eyes peeled as you might just spot the odd leopard along the way, too. In the evenings, it’s time to relish the sense of seclusion Greystoke Mahale provides and curl up with a good book and a glass of wine whilst the sun sets across the lake.

WE ALSO LOVE...

LEOBO OBSERVATORY SOUTH AFRICA

✈ One of only a handful of

sole-use private reserves in South Africa, Leobo Private Reserve is a 12,000 acre estate encompassing rugged rocks, bushveld savannah, natural streams and an abundance of wildlife. 35,000 ZAR (£2199) per night or 175,000 ZAR (£10995) for the week.

O

Secret Season Special. Stay at Greystoke between 1 and 30 June 2014 and pay £267 per person per night, 54% less than the high season nightly rate of £663 per person per night.

LUWI BUSH CAMP ZAMBIA

✈ Nestled in the shade of

huge mahogany trees, Luwi Bush Camp’s remote location by a permanent hippo and crocodile filled lagoon makes it perfect for walking safaris.

plus a TV, DVD player and games console for extra entertainment.

Friendly staff are also able to organise tailored activities to further educate younger guests on their African surroundings and the local wildlife (so top marks back in the biology classroom, then).

Meanwhile, older guests will love the spa rooms where treatments use the Africology range of products which are wonderfully natural and eco-friendly, and the 12-metre infinity pool – perfect for early morning swims and refreshing dips after game drives.

Stay for four nights, pay for three. This offer is available for new bookings staying before 30 June 2014, saving 25% per person. Normal nightly rates in mid-season start at £549 per person per night.

Price for the week from: $2,990 per person (£1844) as part of their ‘Week on the Wildside’ package, saving you 22% overall. Valid May – October 2014.

VAMIZI ISLAND LODGE MOZAMBIQUE

✈ Defining castaway chic,

Vamizi Island Lodge is made up of romantic timber villas dotted along a beautiful beaches on it’s own exclusive island. From $1085 per person per night (£669). Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5. Valid 6-24 January, 1 March – 20 April, 21 June-14t July, 13-20 December.

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all on 020 7354 3000 for a FREE quote Commercial & Residential Property Corporate & Commercial Disputes Employment Insolvency Wills & Probate

HELP WITH THE LEGAL DETAIL WHEN YOU WANT TO EXTEND YOUR LEASE OR BUY YOUR FREEHOLD

Hema

Partner, Enfranchisement and Commercial Property

"Efficient, thorough, and always a pleasure to tal to. Hema was particularly good at providing reassurance and clarity."

"I always felt that with Hema we were in really safe hands."

PROPERTY LAW SERVICE

Buying or Selling Commercial Property Enfranchisement Landlord & Tenant Lease Extensions Property Disputes

pper treet, Islington, ondon 020 7354 3000 property@colmancoyle.com

www.colmancoyle.com

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1984 - 2014

anniversary

Celebrating 30 YEARS in business | 1984 - 2014

10/03/2014 11:44

JUNE 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Chapel Ford Lofts, Ruston Street, E3 A stunning three bedroom, two bathroom garden apartment in the stylish ‘Chapel Ford Lofts’. This spacious property is situated on the ground floor and not only benefits from its own garden but also has direct access to a communal central courtyard.

£565 Per Week (Fees Apply) Stephen James Estates, Bow | 020 8821 2888 | stephenjamesestates.com

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currell.com

£550 per week Banbury Road, E9 • Three double bedrooms • Garden • Large reception • Victoria Park Village • EPC rating - D

£1,150,000 Freehold Poole Road, E9 • Four bedrooms • Freehold house • West facing garden • Beautiful condition • EPC rating - C

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Currell £500,000 Leasehold Bramshaw Road, E9 • One bedroom • Victorian school conversion • Mezzanine floor • Spacious one bedroom flat • EPC rating - D

£775,000 Share of Freehold Victoria Park Road, E9 • Spacious split-level maisonette • Two large double bedrooms • 45’ garden • External studio/workspace • EPC rating - D *tenancy fees will apply. For more details on our fees please visit our website www.currell.com/knowledge-base/our-letting-fees

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currell.com

£795,000 Freehold Acer Road, E8 • Three bedrooms • Two bathrooms • South facing garden • Popular location • EPC rating – B

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Currell

£575,000 Leasehold Cyntra Place, E8 • Live/work • One bedroom • Popular location • Gated mews • EPC rating - E

*tenancy fees will apply. For more details on our fees please visit our website www.currell.com/knowledge-base/our-letting-fees

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hackney@currell.com 14/05/2014 09:38

Property Round up £850 Per Week

Avant Garde, Sclater Street, E1

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stunning eighteenth floor two bed, two bath apartment with floor to ceiling windows, wooden floors, granite work tops, high spec kitchen and luxury bathrooms, private balconies, communal gym, residents lounge and roof terrace. This exceptional property is offered furnished/unfurnished.

020 7749 7650; winkworth.co.uk

Amin Mirza Century21, Hackney 020 3696 1840; century21uk.com

Average property price in Hackney reaches £500k

H

ackney and surrounding areas are vibrant and great to live and invest in – prices have risen by 17% in the last year and the average price in Hackney tops £500k.

London prices continue to rise further in 2014

and the number of prospective purchasers on our books has grown rapidly recently.

There is huge demand for all types of properties, especially in areas like Hackney, Hoxton, Shoreditch and Bethnal Green.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

£425 Per Week

Simon Boulton Sales Director at Stirling Ackroyd 020 7549 0612; stirlingackroyd.com

Developments transforming the East

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Bethnal Green Road, E2

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well designed and bright two bedroom split level apartment, with a gorgeous south facing balcony. The property has a large lounge with fitted sofa and shelving with surround sound built in, there is a separate kitchen. Upstairs leads to two good

sized bedrooms, plenty of storage and a bathroom. Well located for the shops and buses of Bethnal Green Road, Columbia Road flower Market and Bethnal Green Tube central line. Available now, part furnished.

side from a shortage of stock, things couldn’t be better with the Shoreditch housing market. The popularity of the area is phenomenal, whilst the development and regeneration continues in earnest. Although Shoreditch is famous for old warehouse conversions we are now seeing many buyers interested in the new build developments which have opened the area up to a much wider target audience. This has increased £per square foot prices way beyond anything we have seen previously, with demand here seemingly never ending.

020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk

£750 Per Week

Daniel Bourne Manager, Douglas Allen, Dalston 020 7923 1919; douglasallen.co.uk

Sale by tender

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Avant Garde, E1

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ocated on the twelfth floor of this striking new development, the apartment has a breathtaking reception room with floor to ceiling windows allowing fantastic views over London. There are two generous double bedrooms (master en suite), both with fitted 020 7354 6666; cluttons.com

cupboards and luxurious wool carpets.

The apartment has two balconies with outstanding views. The development has a grand foyer, landscaped garden, resident’s roof garden, resident’s lounge, gym, bike storage and 24hr concierge.

he local property market is crazy, with demand so outstripping supply that properties of all types are flying off the shelves. That’s great – but with recent selling prices almost instantly out of date, it makes valuing properties in the traditional way almost impossible.

This is where different sales techniques, such as “sale by tender” really scores. By giving a property maximum market exposure and encouraging buyers to submit their very highest bid by a set date, this effectively guarantees the best possible price for your home.

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BlakeStanley

Kingsland Road, E8

ÂŁ545,000

Blake Stanley are delighted to offer this two bedroom live/work apartment set within a development on Kingsland Road. The Soda Studios feature spacious living areas, bamboo flooring throughout, fully integrated kitchens and modern bathrooms. The development is situated just a short walk away from the bars & restaurants of Shoreditch and the City. An array of transport links are on your doorstep, with the buses of Kingsland Road and Haggerston station within walking distance.

Leasehold

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11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 13/05/2014 15:32

www.blakestanley.co.uk

Richmond Road, E8

020 7254 7554

£525,000

Located north of London Fields is this two bedroom garden flat set within a period conversion The property offers two double bedrooms, open plan kitchen reception with doors onto a south facing patio garden and a utility cupboard with good storage. It also benefits from being close to the green space of London Fields offering the Lido and is a short walk to Regents Canal & the vibrant life of Broadway Market offering its cafe’s bars, restaurants and Saturday market.

Share of Freehold

London Wharf, E2

info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE STANLEY_EAST.indd 3

£385,000

BlakeStanley are pleased to offer to the market this split level, three bedroom flat set over the second and third floors of a popular low rise ex local authority block. The property offers a kitchen/diner, private balcony, double glazing throughout and plenty of storage. Within walking distance of Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market and London Fields, it is also a short walk from Haggerston Station and the numerous buses of Hackney Road.

Leasehold

£425pw

A fantastic opportunity to rent a bright, large, top floor, two bedroom apartment in this desirable warehouse conversion. The property comprises of a large lounge and kitchen which overlooks the canal, bathroom, two double bedrooms one with en-suite bathroom. The property benefits from having off street parking and is minutes from Broadway Market and London Fields. Available 4th June.

Part Furnished

Pownall Road, E8

Alexander Wharf

£450pw

A spacious two bedroom apartment to rent on the top floor of a modern, canal side development. The property comprises a large open plan kitchen and lounge with wood effect flooring and a good sized balcony overlooking the canal, two double bedrooms and a bathroom with shower over bath. Available 24th May, fully furnished. Minutes from Broadway Market and London Fields. Car park space included.

Furnished

11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 13/05/2014 15:32

020 8348 5515

crouch.end@castles-estateagents.co.uk

www.castles-estateagents.co.uk

Hackney Sales & Lettings

Powerscroft Road, E5

Mount Pleasant, E5

£850,000 FREEHOLD

£480,000 LEASEHOLD

· Lower level conversion · Recently refurbished · 3 double bedrooms · Private garden

S RE IMI QU LA IR R ED

· Traditional family home · 3 Double bedrooms · Large kitchen / breakfast room · Close to Chatsworth Road

Daubeney Road, E5

Fletching Road, E5

£380,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

SOLD

· Stylish Period Conversion · Recently refurbished · 1 bedroom · Rear garden & Workshop

· Beautiful Family Home · 3 Double bedrooms · Loft space and cellar · Private rear garden

44 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0RN CASTLES_EAST_JUNE.indd 2

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS MATT COBB

Director of Hatton Real Estate Photography: Rebecca Noonan

rowing up in North London, I had no idea what I would be when I was older.

Coming from a very musical family, I grew up playing the trumpet, which led me to studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Two years into my degree course, I decided that a career in music wasn’t for me and, without intending to, pursued a property path. Luckily for me it paid off.

For six years, I worked for a major London property developer in their sales and land departments, which gave me an amazing insight into the property industry. It was this experience that made me want to focus on establishing my career in agency. Having gone on to work for a family run estate agent in Islington and then to a corporate West End agency, I joined Hatton Real Estate in November 2013. My role as a director was to specifically set up a new residential department, which launched in April 2014.

Over the 10 years I’ve been in property, much of that time has been spent working in the eastern fringe patch. For me it’s the diversity of the area that I love.

It has such an eclectic interesting mix of buildings ranging from period traditional architecture to quirky and contemporary buildings. Personal favourites of mine include LSO St Luke’s on Old Street and Derwent London’s Angel Building in Islington. I am fascinated by the abundance of energy and how the area constantly evolves. Even in the past two years, the change has been remarkable - not only is it a great place to work, it offers such a varied social scene; in my opinion it offers the perfect lifestyle. By day there are plenty of foodie haunts and meeting places, and a diverse nightlife in Hoxton and Shoreditch, plus plenty of street and Sunday markets. There’s

G

something of an independent retail smorgasboard to choose from across Clerkenwell, Islington and Shoreditch, which are simply getting better and better, and the chosen showcase for many a creative, artist, interior and fashion designer.

Hatton Real Estate is a niche property agency specialising in the eastern City fringes of London and up until the residential side launched, had been operating successfully as a commercial agent. As an ambitious, focused young team, we are fortunate to be working on some really exciting new build developments. Hatton is determined to draw on our passion and knowledge of good design to work with developers in a collaborative way to bring about new build developments that will appeal to buyers in the marketplace who value creative vision.

The current market in eastern City fringe is the strongest it has ever been and I predict that it will only get stronger. The impact of Crossrail, particularly to areas such as Farringdon and Whitechapel is massive, with analysts forecasting up to 32% increase in residential values between now and 2018 for property within a 10 minute walk of these two stations.

Old Street is another extremely exciting area where we see huge growth and potential. The Old Street roundabout regeneration is already underway and includes retail pop-up shops, approximately 1,000,000 sq ft in the new B1 development around the roundabout, plus the new residential developments along City Road. All of this activity will help create a genuine sense of place and a new identity. The ongoing improvements to infrastructure, and the retail and restaurant line up, really means that the eastern City fringe is becoming the best place to work, live and play in London.

020 7101 2020; hattonrealestate.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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If only moving home was always this simple

Until it is, you can rest assured we’ll keep things on an even keel, even when it isn’t plain sailing.

Come and talk to us about your move at our new Bow office, right in the middle of the market on Roman Road.

Whether you’re selling or letting, you can take advantage of our special introductory fees* of 0.5% for sales, and 5% for lettings including free rent protection.

Welcome on board.

•Until 30th June 2014. (Excluding VAT) Some terms and conditions apply.

STEPHEN JAMES v3.indd 2

610b Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 2RW t 020 8821 2888

stephenjamesestates.com 13/05/2014 10:36

ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase £575,000

Cyntra Place, E8

A

rarely available, spacious duplex live/work space unit set within this converted Victorian factory, located in a private gated mews development just off Mare Street. Well presented, the property offers plenty of space and many features such as bare brick walls, original windows and hardwood flooring. There is also the possibility of turning the upper bedroom into two rooms due to its size.

Contact

Currell, Hackney 020 7241 4111; currell.com

suggests:

W

e all know that moving home can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. But preparation is key.

Begin by clearing the approach to your home, as this is where first impressions are made – and before anyone has stepped through the front door. By tapping into the good weather and using the additional daylight hours to work on tidying up the front garden, you can bring some sunshine into your home and maximize your selling potential.

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Smart searches whilst on the move.

Find nearby properties for sale & to rent

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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

Ben Hobart

Assistant Manager at Currell, Hackney � 020 7241 4111; currell.com

How has the market changed in recent years?

W

e have seen a very big Eastern shift over the past few years, with many purchasers being priced out of Islington and other desirable Northern suburbs. This has brought vast new wealth to the Borough of Hackney, which is creating visible gentrification with vast improvements to transport, amenities and quality of new developments clearly evident.

Hackney is no longer a secondary borough that people move to as they simply could not live in their “first option” – it has grown over the past few years into its own established area that can certainly now fight its corner against its previously dominant neighbours.

Poppy Maynerd MARLA Lettings Manager, BlakeStanley

� 020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk

What’s the market like for lettings and what makes a successful buy-to-let investment?

T

he lettings market is slightly slower than this time last year, due to the crazy sales market. When sales is up, lettings is usually down and vice versa.

But we have been spoilt a bit over the years, renting properties within 24 hours was the norm, but now it’s more like an average of 2 weeks, which is not to be sniffed at!

What I have noticed is that because there are slightly more properties on the market, landlords are having to try a little harder to make their property more appealing.

So my advice to any investment landlord is try to find a property that ticks all the boxes, good sized bedrooms, bit of outdoor space, no carpets, good quality of finish. What you will find is that a property that ticks all the boxes rents very quickly, whereas ones that don’t will hang around.

The only downside to buying to let in this market is that the yield is not very good. Sales prices are at an all time high and lettings has levelled out, which means that yields are around 4%.

HEMA ANAND � 020 7354 3000 / colmancoyle.com

From Colman Coyle gives her expert advice on all your legal property questions

Q

I am buying a flat with a lease that has 75 years left to run and would like to better understand my options for extending the lease.

Generally, there are two ways in which to acquire a lease term extension from your landlord. The first is to negotiate with the landlord to see whether they will agree to extend the lease. Subject to meeting certain criteria under the Leasehold Reform, Housing & Urban Development Act 1993 (as amended) (“1993 Act”), the alternative is to force the landlord to grant a lease term extension.

In your scenario, request the seller prior to acquiring the property or wait until you have acquired the property to commence and agree terms for a lease term extension with the landlord.

However, there is generally nothing binding upon the landlord to grant a lease term extension.

Alternatively, if the seller has owned the property for at least 2 years and subject to meeting other criteria referred to in the 1993 Act, the seller can serve formal notice upon the landlord and commence the process for a lease term extension. The benefit of such notice can be assigned to you so that you are not required to have owned the property for the requisite 2 years before you are in a position to acquire a lease term extension.

In all of the above scenarios, you will require valuation advice and to consider your lender’s requirements, as well.

A

ASK THE EXPERTS Contact property partner Hema Anand with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email hema.anand@colmancoyle.com  www.colmancoyle.com

Spotlight on E5

80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

Average asking price: £575,280  Average asking rents: £1,568 pcm Average property value: £400,392 Data provided by

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Stirling Ackroyd All around East London E8

E9

£850,000

£500,000

HACKNEY SALES - INDEPENDENT PLACE Set in a peaceful, beautifully maintained gated warehouse development in the heart of Dalston. EPC - E

HACKNEY SALES – LOFTS ON THE PARK A simply stunning 1 bedroom duplex apartment occupying part of this Grade II listed former Victorian school building. EPC - D

E2

E1

£650,000

£575,000

SHOREDITCH SALES - COLUMBIA ROAD A fantastic freehold house, situated in the Jesus Green Conservation area, on the corner of Columbia Road Market. EPC - E

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606

HACKNEY 020 7749 3807

WEST END 020 7256 3244

IBIZA 0034 971 326 788

ISTANBUL +90 (0)444 4493

SHOREDITCH SALES - KEMPTON COURT A very spacious 2/3 bedroom apartment set within a desirable gated development, in close proximity to Whitechapel. EPC - C

BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888

StirlingAckroyd.com STIRLING ACKROYD_IBCDPS_EAST.indd 1

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N16 £800 pw

E8 £450 pw

HACKNEY LETTINGS- LORDSHIP ROAD A brand new split level period conversion comprising 3 double bedrooms, in close proximity to Church Street. EPC - C

HACKNEY LETTINGS - DALSTON LANE Forming part of a stunning school conversion on Dalston Lane is this charming 2 bedroom 850 sq ft mezzanine apartment. EPC - D

N1

E1

£430 pw

£995 pw

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS - PROVOST STREET A 1 bedroom apartment enviably located within a desirable architect designed building moments from Old Street station. EPC - B

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS - HANBURY STREET A fantastic 1st floor 1,750 sq ft 1 bedroom loft apartment boasting strip wood flooring, exposed brickwork & original warehouse windows. EPC - E

LETTINGS PRICES EXCLUDE ADDITIONAL FEES. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

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the

Welcome to The Clubhouse

B OAT YA R D LIMEHOUSE LONDON E14

The last phase at the successful Boatyard development

THE CLUBHOUSE APARTMENTS LAST PHASE SELLING FAST

The Clubhouse is a collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a parkside location adjacent to Bartlett Park and close to the historic waterside frontage of the Limehouse Cut, just minutes from Canary Wharf and The City.

Prices from £310,000 *

BROMLEY -BY-BOW

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LANGDON PARK

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SHADWELL LIMEHOUSE

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BOW BOW CHURCH ROAD

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LIMEHOUSE BASIN AD R RO LTE SA

CANARY WHARF

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LONDON BRIDGE A O

SALES & MARKETING SUITE: Cotall Street, London, E14 6JL Open Daily: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm Contact us now: 020

3538 2341

www.theboatyardapartments.co.uk Map not to scale. Computer generated image of the development. *Price correct at time of going to press.

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