Abs East March 2013

ABSOLUTELY

MARCH 2013 £3.95

EAST

URBAN SCRAWL

FAMILY BUSINESS TALKS TATTOOS

LIVING RETRO

ANDREW WEAVING'S LIMEHOUSE LOFT CONVERSION

A FINE VINTAGE

Fashion Forward

5 BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUES

SS13 trend highlights

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY NORTH COVERS MAR 13.indd 3

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Now serving authentic Mexican BRUNCH on SUNDAYS BOHOMexica MEXICA.indd 2 Boho Sept12.indd 1

22/10/2012 18:39 14:26 23/08/2012

ABSOLUTELY

Contents March 2013

05 EDITOR’S LETTER 07 DIARY

Fashion

Local

23 TREND REPORT

60 GET THE LOOK

26 EASTERN GIRL

65 SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Beauty

Travel

20 STYLE FILE

All things fashion filtered

SS13 Highlights

19 LONDON INK

The Family Business Tattoos

Far out fashion

66 VINTAGE VESTURE The best local boutiques

Culture

38 THE EDIT Beauty news

10 HOT LIST

41 FEELING GOOD

Don’t miss this month

12 POWER DRESSING

Local fitness trends

Interiors

55 RETROSEXUAL Limehouse Loft Living

In the studio with Lu Flux

Absolutely’s favourite vases

69 KING OF THE CASTLE Devon’s ravishing resort

70 HER NAME IS RIO The world’s coolest city

Sarah Curran’s love affair with online

FIND US ONLINE @ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

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15/02/2013 16:59

It’s all about cake!

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

HARRIET COMPSTON HELEN BARON FLORA HUGHES-ONSLOW LUCIE PEARCE DANIEL AGNEW GARETH FITZGERALD

ART DIRECTOR

RAY SEARLE

SENIOR DESIGNER

STEWART HYDE

PRODUCTION DESIGNERS

GEMMA ISTEED TAHIR KAPUCU

DESIGNERS

ANDREW MAVIN EDWARD TAYLOR

JUNIOR DESIGNER PRODUCTION CONTROLLER

12-14 April 2013 ExCeL, London Opening times: 09.30-17.30 (Sun 17.00)

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS

PROPERTY DIRECTOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE FINANCE DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR s

MANAGING DIRECTOR

err y Mar y B wood y ll Paul HoWhaite John

CHRISTINE MANN LAUREN GILES GEORGE RAMSAY RICHARD CLARK

ADVERTISING MANAGER

MARKETING MANAGER

est Star Gu

REBECCA NOONAN

DAVID ALLARD ANDY ELMER TOLGA SAYLAN ALEXANDRA HVID JESSICA BATTEN GREG HUGHES SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

Inspirational Hands-On Mini Workshops A Chocolate Experience // International Guests Over 300 Competition Pieces on display Demonstration Theatres The Baker’s Dozen Live! // The Bakery Theatre Live Competitions // VIP Experience

Buy tickets on-line

www.cakeinternational.co.uk or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988 SUPPORTED BY

SAVE £2 OFF

EACH ADULT & SENIOR TICKET ORDERED BY 5PM MON 8 APRIL

Tickets: Adults £12 in advance, £14 on the door Seniors £11 in advance, £13 on the door

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15/02/2013 17:35

Editor’s Letter

A

nd so we march (if you’ll excuse the pun) into spring. It’s still cold, obviously, but soon the last shackles of winter will be thrown off and we’ll look forward to the thaw – in fashion as well as the weather. As SS13 looks hit the shops, I think you’ll enjoy our trend report from Ingenue’s very own Mena Ryan (page 23). It’s never too early to get yourself sartorially sorted for the new season.

Another woman who knows a thing or two about style is Sarah Curran, the founder of My-wardrobe, who this month hosts the inaugural Global Kids Fashion Week at Freemasons Hall.

Curran talks to us about launching her online clothing empire and staying on top of the game in an extremely competitive market (page 12). It’s something many of us have dreamed of – packing in our jobs and running a successful business of our own. Curran made her dream a reality, and now runs one of the world’s top online fashion destinations – a site which also happens to be my own personal favourite, pitched somewhere between Net-a-porter and Asos. In light of this, I’ve selected all my star buys this month from among designers stocked on the site.

If you’re not quite the convert to online shopping and still enjoy rummaging through the rails, head on over to page 66 for Nicole Dalamagas’ guide to the area’s best vintage boutiques. Successful bargainhunting in this city comes down to two things: determination and solitude. So if you want to nab an Ossie Clarke original or an old-school Burberry trench for a snip of the original RRP, you’d better leave shopping companions at the high street and defeatism at the door. One word of warning: be prepared to face down obsessive co-shoppers. And to spur you on on, our fashion shoot this month takes influence from highend vintage designs and cuts. Quite a lot to sink your teeth into; I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Helen Baron, Editor

On the cover City & Angel: Lickerish East: Lickerish/ Mireia Grau

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

A note on...

Haggerston Pool

Perhaps inspired by the rebirth of Ironmonger Row Baths, a group of local residents is campaigning to reopen Haggerston Pool.

Hackney Council drew up a feasibility study for Haggerston Pool as part of a healthy living centre, but plans were shaken by the recession and a drop in local government funding. The pool plan was mothballed, but the community won’t give up. An ‘ideas meeting’ was held in January to discuss ways to reignite the initiative, so watch this space...

’s

Editor

#My-wardrobeMostWanted

Right now I’m feeling rather inspired by the ‘sixties siren’, so up first is this coral-coloured shift dress from Scandi brand-to-watch, Bruuns Bazaar. An investment piece, it can be worn with loose layers, swapping for bare legs and flats in the summer. The Vintage Heirloom Gucci bag brings a touch of the old-fashioned to an otherwise more modern take on retro; I love the rich midnight hue and bamboo strap detailing. Finally, these Diane Von Furstenberg Rhoda heels were love at first sight - they hint at structuralism while still exuding casual cool. Overall, an easy-to-wear ensemble that is still totally on-trend.

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Pick

15/02/2013 15:47

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18/01/2013 14:29

What’s On

March 2013 Ben Levy: Obama NY

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15/02/2013 18:33

YOUNG MASTERS

Curious Duke Gallery OLD STREET

Until 7 March

Botticelli, Raphael, da Vinci – we’re all familiar with the work of the Old Masters, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that their days were done. A new exhibition at the Curious Duke Gallery begs to differ, showcasing incredible fresh talents who use traditional techniques while focusing on modern themes.

Young Masters is a celebration of unusual emerging artists, bridging the gap between street art and fine art with a strong element of experimentation.

207 Whitecross Street, EC1; curiousdukegallery.com Hannah Adamaszek & Kristen G Endsley: Pioneer

Kate Knight: Forlorn Falcon

THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST Oh What A Lovely War STRATFORD

Until 15 March

CRAFT CLERKENWELL Craft Central BARBICAN

11-15 March

This month, Craft Northern Ireland is set to bring some of its most talented artisans to London for the first time, for an event that will showcase their extraordinary talents. The pioneering non-profit is dedicated to supporting traditional crafts of all kinds, and the work on display will include everything from jewellery, sculpture and ceramics to glass-blowing and weaving. The show runs for five days only - so be sure not to miss out.

33-35 St John’s Square, EC1; craftcentral.org.uk, craftni.org

Returning to the theatre in which it premiered to widespread acclaim in 1963, Joan Littlewood’s hit musical Oh What a Lovely War is a superb satire on the First World War – and this new production, helmed by multi award-winning director and playwright Terry Johnston, marks the centenary of the start of that conflict. Hardhitting, humourous and packed with classic wartime songs like It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, it’s sure to be a highlight of the season.

Gerry Raffles Square, E15; stratfordeast.com

Drill Scene (Brian Murphy, Larry Dann, Victor Spinetti, Murray Melvin, Colin Kemball) in Oh What a Lovely War (Theatre Royal, 1963)

JOHN DAVIES - HIGHWAYS Museum Of London BARBICAN

Throughout March

Forgotten what London’s roads looked like before the congestion charge? Let acclaimed urban landscape photographer John Davies remind you. His new exhibition, Highways, features a selection of vast and intricate images that cast new light on our familiar thoroughfares. Commissioned and captured almost ten years ago from various lofty vantage points around town, the photographs were intended to document the multilayered character of metropolitan areas and to identify their particular character and uniqueness. The resulting pictures of London’s arterial road links stretch from Elephant and Castle to Hammersmith and back again to Bank (pictured); quite remarkable.

150 London Wall, EC2Y; museumoflondon.org

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Absolutely

CULTURE BEDTIME STORIES 40 WINKS STEPNEY GREEN

20-21 March

Luring guests away on a magical storytelling journey accompanied by talented musicians and performers has become something of a regular ritual at Stepney’s 40 Winks. Join David Carter this month to catch the Tootsie Rollers play a seductive slumber party. Guests should wear their very best nightwear – think silk and feathers rather than flannel – and be prepared to answer a riddle on arrival. Tickets are priced at £30 and include Hendricks Gin cocktails and nibbles. Expect prizes for the best-dressed!

FLAMENCO FESTIVAL LONDON Sadler’s Wells

109 Mile End Road, E1; reservations@40winks.org

ANGEL

15-25 March

Sadler’s Wells’ world-famous annual festival of the very best in flamenco returns with a spectacular programme of events. Visitors can expect to be held spellbound by a clutch of the planet’s greatest flamenco performers and musicians, including Spanish superstar singer Estrella Morente and the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucia, spread across nearly a dozen events in both the main theatre and Lilian Baylis studio.

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R; sadlerswells.com

WILLIAM MORRIS ANNIVERSARY

William Morris Gallery

WALTHAMSTOW CENTRAL

24 March

The gallery is set to mark the birthday of the great man himself with a birthday toast and traditional music from Walthamstow Folk. Also promised is a talk on the gallery’s world-renowned collection by the curators themselves.

Places are limited, so booking is very much advised. £6.50 (talk tickets), Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17; wmgallery.co.uk

21ST CENTURY FURNITURE IV: A SELLING EXHIBITION Millinery Works Gallery HAGGERSTON

Until 10 March

Catch a rare glimpse of the largest collection of contemporary fine furniture exhibited in London; a unique opportunity given the logistical difficulties of showcasing such a huge array of exemplary craftsmanship, including some of the latest design innovations. It’s also refreshing to see such a celebration of traditional and skilled creativity at a time when local industry is all but a fading concept.

The event is bound to attract a whole host of discerning, designsavvy individuals – so beat them to it. Get down early and snap up a piece for yourself.

85-87 Southgate Road, N1; millineryworks.co.uk

DON’T MISS NEXT MONTH...

Zoofari N1 Centre ANGEL

10-11 April

Kids can go wild this Easter at Zoofari, the uk’s largest mobile zoo, sets up camp in the n1 centre. From 11am-3pm each day, visiting families will be greeted by a whole host of furry friends from slender tailed meerkats to wallabies, African tortoises and even Chilean rose tarantulas. Hairy... n1islington.com 9

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15/02/2013 18:35

Absolutely

CULTURE SHOP

THEATRE

HOXTON

PETER AND ALICE

This month, we’re heading down to artist Rob Ryan’s shop on Columbia Road (though it’s only open on weekends).

Here you can find a library’s worth of his ubiquitous paper-cut and screen prints alongside cushions, t-shirts and even sticky tape bearing his intricate designs.

Check out Ryan’s blog for the latest news - we’re sure he’ll feature some irresistible Mother’s Day cards pretty soon.

Ryantown, 126 Columbia Road, E2; ryantownshop.blogspot.com

When Alice Liddell Hargreaves met Peter Llewelyn Davies at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in 1932, the original Alice in Wonderland came face to face with the original Peter Pan. In John Logan’s new play, enchantment and reality collide as this brief encounter lays bare the lives of these two extraordinary characters.

The indomitable Judi Dench plays Alice, while Dalston local Ben Whishaw takes on the role of Peter.

The play is Logan’s first since since Red, which won six Tony Awards. michaelgrandagecompany.com

HOT LIST

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS

FILM

If you haven’t yet seen Hitchcock, don’t hang about. Chronicling the relationship between the legendary filmmaker (and native East Ender) and his wife during the making of his classic Psycho, it’s been lauded in all quarters and features a truly stellar cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Toni Collette and Jessica Biel.

EXHIBITION

CAMBRIDGE HEATH

All eyes are on LimeWharf, the brand new canalside ‘futures gallery and cultural laboratory’, and its innovative inaugural project Kitchen Experiment 01: Eat the World. It aims to engage with the public through participatory and sensual exhibitions - and the first in the series is a biannual three-week season of salon-inspired, food-focused events. Expect much edible excitement alongside various special performances.

From 6 March, Vyner Street, E2; limewharf.org

MUSIC

The Strokes are back with a new direction. The band recently fired off an opening salvo from new album, Comedown Machine; One Way Trigger is available as a free download and though it bears some familiar Strokes hallmarks, the sound is much more electronic than before. Marking the end of a two-year hiatus since their last record, Angles, the new LP is said to be an answer to the band’s doubters. We can’t wait to hear the results. thestrokes.com 10

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15/02/2013 14:43

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15/02/2013 16:51

Wardrobe

envy El Bauman speaks to Sarah Curran, the entrepreneur whose online style empire, My-wardrobe.com, is steadily taking over the world

S

arah Curran is the very definition of the modern go-getter. In 2006, in her early thirties and with internet fashion still more or less in its infancy, she had a vision of a world in which online clothing retail wasn’t limited to Asos, eBay and Net-a-Porter – that is, to teenage streetwear, second-hand cast-offs and ultra luxe party frocks that cost the earth.

Curran thought she saw a huge potential market that was still largely uncatered for: women like her, with money to spend and a genuine interest in style, but also a savvy appreciation of quality, wearability and cost.

Living in France at the time, with a CV that included stints as a sub-editor at The Times and as owner of a popular Crouch End womenswear boutique, Powder, Curran began to lay the foundations for what would become one of the world’s leading online style destinations and the online home of ‘everyday luxury’: Mywardrobe.com.

Seven years later, the website that Curran built receives over 1.6 million visitors every month and has earned its founder a place among the fashion industry’s global elite. As well as overseeing her company’s extraordinary expansion (in the last year, My-wardrobe.com has taken Australia, Scandinavia and the Middle East by storm while making its first foray into the crazily competitive US retail environment), Curran has a son and two dogs to look after. Life must be hectic – what’s a typical day like?

‘I get up at 6.30, make my son Jake’s breakfast, do the school run,’ she tells me, seeming not at all harried. Rather, she’s upbeat and ebullient. ‘Then I come to the office for various meetings.’ Her work-life balance, she tells me, has improved of late, as she’s taken her first step back from the company and employed more staff. She exudes the determined manner of a consummate professional, unfazed by all the pressure. In fact, she’s the embodiment of her brand and its core customer – open, friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Is this the secret to the success of My-wardrobe.com, I wonder: the fact that its founder and leading light has such an intimate understanding of her target market?

‘I think you have to know who your customer is,’ she agrees, “and I think you have to work hard to create an experience and environment that is absolutely relevant and tailored to that customer. We have five profiles of customers we consider to be the core My-wardrobe shoppers and that helps us to identify what new brands to stock, who to partner with.

Every aspect of the online experience is very much targeted at our customers.”

Still, few businesses travel so far, so quickly as hers has done. Did she ever dream the site would become so huge?

‘The reason I didn’t call the online business, you know, Powder-fashion.com,’ she explains, ‘is because I wanted to create a global brand. I had complete confidence – blind faith – in the business, the concept. I didn’t realise how difficult it would be, quite how much work it would be... but it was that

I wanted to create a global brand.

I had complete confidence in the concept

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SEAL OF APPROVAL ‘For me it’s about dressing up and dressing down; I love glamming up a quite masculine look with crazy shoes and lots of accessories. Today I’m wearing quite a masculine jacket by Malene Birger, a black chiffon top

by Elizabeth and James and some oversized - almost MC Hammer-esque - trousers

by Theyskens Theory.’

I love masculine jackets and cuts, and Acne are just amazing for that kind of thing absolute, complete confidence and trust in the business that gave it the momentum it needed.’

I’m impressed: it can’t always be easy to maintain such confidence and self-belief while undertaking what must have been a risky venture - in the early days, Curran even sold her home to help finance the company.

But if she’s ever experienced a truly dark night of the soul, she doesn’t let it slip.

Instead we talk about what she loves most about her job - or more specifically, which designers we’d find in her wardrobe.

‘Acne,’ she says (or exclaims, to be precise - her enthusiasm is evident). “I love masculine jackets and cuts, and Acne are just amazing for that kind of thing.’

She’s also excited to talk about new designers set to debut on the site in the near future.

‘We’ve got Mary Katrantzou’s collaboration with Current/Elliott coming on-board,’ she says, ‘and Richard Nicoll, who I’ve wanted to get on the site for a long time. Jonathan Saunders’ mainline, too, and Bruuns Bazaar - a really cool Scandinavian brand - Dagmar, Mother of Pearl... We’ll keep bringing on great brands and making sure we’ve got great edits through the months ahead.’

Before that, though, Curran has other duties: for one thing, she’s involved with the inaugural Global Kids Fashion Week, which takes place in London this month and is the barinchild of online kids clothing company AlexandAlexa. The event aims to cast a spotlight on kids’ fashion while raising funds for charity partner Kids Company. As a mother herself, Curran is clearly looking forward to it.

‘I’ve always believed in buying quality for kids,” she says, ‘and for a long time in the UK, we’ve really struggled with that - especially on the high street. So it’s great to open it up to online with all these amazing designers. I think the great thing with Global Kids Fashion Week is that you’ve got all the AW13 stuff on display one day, then the next you have the SS13 stuff - clothes you can buy now. I think that’s great. And kids nowadays are so much more focused on their clothes; Jake, my son, is so excited – he’s like an ambassador for the event! And of course, it’s great that they’re working with Kids Company.’

Family fun, it seems, is something dear to Curran’s heart and it tells you something important about her: beyond the brain for business and the superhuman drive to succeed, this is a real woman – small wonder that she’s making the most of it.

GKFW runs March 19-20, Freemasons Hall, 60 Great Queen Street,WC2; alexandalexa.com, globalkidsfashionweek.com

HOLBORN

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24/10/2012 11:40

Absolutely

CULTURE

Skin Deep

Family Business London has been tastefully tattooing customers for ten years. Absolutely gets to grips with the tattoo enthusiast behind it all – Mo Coppoletta – to find out what draws him to the art of self-adornment...

Why did you decide to open a tattoo parlour? What is it about tattooing that you love?

The visual impact that tattoos have on a person’s appearance was the first thing that struck me when I started. I thought it was compelling, inspiring, cool. This passion turned into a long-term love and appreciation of the medium and its possibilities. As for the parlour... I wanted original decor and studio branding for The Family Business, so as to create an unimposing environment where both serious tattoo collectors and new tattoo fans could feel comfortable. This, combined with a strong emphasis on customer service, produces a tattoo experience that is unlike that of any other shop.

What’s your house style?

We encompass many different artists who work in quite varied styles; I wouldn’t say we have a particular house style. I personally enjoy listening to a customer’s needs and working with them to achieve a shared goal – a great tattoo that they will love and appreciate for life. I like to be open to ideas, as this keeps me busy with new exciting projects, rather than just pigeon-holing myself into a certain way of thinking or drawing.

I’d say the same for most of the other artists in the shop.

Do you enjoy the emotional interpretation that is involved with the artwork; how do you feel about working with a living canvas?

Tattooing requires a unique understanding of the customer’s needs. It demands a lot of patience and empathy from both parties in order to produce a fantastic result. The process of consultation and the exchange of opinion and ideas is something that I find fascinating and fulfilling.

professional I respect this. I tend not to talk about individual clients: ‘old timer’ stories are boring!

Tattooing is a job, not a cabaret. It’s a special understanding between between two strangers, and in its essence is a fine thing – not something that should be reduced to a brash story.

What recent trends have you noticed in tattoo design? Has the media – TV shows like London Ink for example – had an impact on the industry?

‘Trends’ don’t interest me. When a customer comes and asks me for a certain design, I will work on this with them until we achieve a great tattoo. Whether the tattoo is ‘trendy’ or not I don’t tend to care.

TV shows have certainly drawn the popular culture spotlight towards tattooing, and have increased interest, but the core tattoo fans remain unwavered, and the curious first-timers still come through the door whether they’ve seen a tattoo programme or not. So, in essence, TV hasn’t impacted the industry too much – and certainly won’t change it in the long term.

How much experience do your artists have to have?

As a shop we employ talented, unique individuals. As it happens, most of our tattoo artists are quite experienced, but I’d say this is more coincidence than a conscientious decision.

What’s the wildest tattoo you’ve ever done? And how do you talk a client out of something that is obviously ridiculous?

Every customer is important, each has a different reason to get tattooed, and as a

How did the book Tattooed come about?

I had worked with the publishers on a previous project. I had the idea while gazing at the stencils stuck up on the walls of the studio; it occurred to me that this way of presenting work could prove an interesting concept upon which to base a book.

What tattoos do you have?

I have two sleeves, some on my upper chest and back, and a few on my legs.

58 Exmouth Market, EC1; thefamilybusinesstattoo.com 19

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Absolutely

FASHION

ON TREND

PRINTS CHARMING

STRATFORD Uniqlo is to launch a SS13 collection with Celia Birtwell. The British designer, now 71-years-old, has teamed up with the Japanese label to create a range of her iconic colourful prints. Celia’s famous archive prints have been re-imagined, re-scaled, re-worked and re-coloured into T-shirts, tunic vests, shirts, jeggings, pyjama pants, culottes and tote bags.

Wardrobe essentials never looked so good.

Westfield, E20; uniqlo.com/uk

MOSCHINO SS13

Sixties Siren

Inspiration from Andy Warhol’s Factory Era Miu miu Crystal Pumps, £555; net-a-porter.com Marylyn Dress £190; my-wardrobe.com

Style File Absolutely Lov Locaels SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET Spring is (hopefully)only a short month away and to celebrate we’ve added these vernal beauties pictured, £52, from cute Shoreditch boutique Whistle and Thor, to our new season wishlist. 5A Club Row, E1; thorandwistle.com

Beige Sleeveless Shirt £55; COS, Westfield Stratford; cosstores.com

Nude Leather Wide Leg Trousers £290; COS, Westfield Stratford; cosstores.com

Linda Farrow Sunglasses £320; my-wardrobe.com

Pierre Hardy Colour Block Bag, £475; net-a-porter.com

FIORENTINI + BAKER

OLD STREET This quirky red-brick building, a former button factory, dates back to 1860 and was used as a recording studio and strip club before the arrival of Fiorentini + Baker. With a two-coloured rhombic pattern floor and vintage furnishings, the boutique serves as the perfect showroom for Deborah Baker’s classic Italian-style shoe designs. The brand already has stores in NYC’s SoHo and London’s Westbourne Grove, so it’s about time it showed some love to East London.

49 Rivington Street, EC2A; fiorentini-baker.com 20

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15/02/2013 18:10

Concept Kitchens

The Tile Box

40 Offord Road Islington N1 020 7700 1555

40 Offord Road, Islington N1 020 7700 1444

www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk

www.thetilebox.co.uk

Bath Sorts 38 Offord Road Islington N1 020 7700 1333

www.bathsorts.co.uk

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SPRING SALE ON NOW  Bathroom tiles  Kitchen tiles

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 Floor tiles  Wall tiles

 Mosaic tiles  Natural Stone

 Victorian tiles  Large format tiles

15/02/2013 10:21 15:32 29/06/2012

Absolutely

FASHION

Trend Report ‘13 Mena Ryan, founder of Spitalfieldsbased fashion label Ingenue picks her favourite SS13 trends

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CAROLINA HERRERA

ETRO

FLORAL AND ORIENTAL

TEMPERLEY

TEMPERLEY

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GOLD LABEL

ETRO

ETRO

MARC JACOBS MARY KATRANTZOU

Another classic trend embraced this season is monochrome, a concept that can so effortlessly appear crisp and sharp, especially when combined with the more mature, tailored look hitting the catwalks. To add a sense of summer frivolity to our collection we have featured a playful monochrome horse print, which looks especially charming yet striking on our full length Bridget dress.

PRABAL GURUNG

VIKTOR AND ROLF GIANFRANCO FERRE

MONOCHROME

TEMPERLEY

LACOSTE EMERSON

INGENUE

OSMAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

CAROLINA

Flowers dominated the catwalks this season, from sixties-styled daisies to show-stopping full-blown blooms. Our floral print is a heady combination with the oriental trend, fusing bright colours, emerald greens, fuschias, yellows, and floral art. The result is exquisite and wonderfully feminine.

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TEMPERLEY

ZOE JORDAN BELSTAFF

MARC JACOBS

PRABAL GURUNG

TEMPERLEY

ETRO VI VI EN NE WE

ST WOOD RE

D LA BEL

STRIPES

ZOE JORDAN

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GOLD

TEMPERLEY

MARY

VIKTOR AND ROLF

PRABAL GURUNG

Stripes always guarantee a fresh summer look. On the catwalks they were mainly thick and horizontal, but we chose to keep ours full of light, using coral and turquoise tones against a white base. It’s a classic design with a twist; coral and turquoise look great on everyone and the angles of the stripes are extremely flattering.

ZIG-ZAG AND GRAPHIC PRINTS

INGENUE

PRINTED TROUSERS

Continuing with the season’s love of prints, trousers in bright, bold patterns were my favourite way of wearing the trend. In my collection, I wanted to create something new and unique, so I pulled inspiration from a variety of sources. For that Italian Riviera look, snake print has won me over, with its ability to seem understated next to past season animal prints. We have fused our individual snake print with aqua, pink and orange hues, which looks particularly modern and sharp in our Cassidy trousers. With some neutral heels and a simple vest top, printed trousers are a great way to update your look for the season.

From floral to geometric, stripes to snakeskin prints dominated the catwalk.

Striking zig-zags and graphic prints were particularly popular and have been embraced this season at Ingenue. Great large graphic chains look clean and bold on our Lotte dress, which is perfect for power dressing at work, whilst our classic zig-zag prints in a range of blues and reds look especially fresh for spring/ summer on the Erin shirt dress.

ETRO

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PRINTED MAXISHIVAN AND NARRESH SWAROVSKI STUDDED MINI AUDIER- FLUKE DESIGN CO STERLING SILVER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD PLATED RINGEINA AHLUWALIA

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Eastern Girl

Aashni & Co provides a tantalising taste of the exotic. A kaleidoscope of the contemporary and conceptual, its showcase of designers balances the strengths and history of Indian tradition with a real sense of the fashion-forward, the experimental and the here and now PHOTOGRAPHER: Ian Harrison STYLIST: Lynda Bell

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ROZA DRESS PANKAJ AND NIDHI

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LONG PRINTED KAFTAN DRESS PRIA KATARIA PURI

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IVORY STRUCTURED DRESSAMIT AGGARWAL CUFF BY SUHANI PITTIE ALL AVAILABLE AT AASHNI & CO WWW.AASHNIANDCO.COM TEL: 020 7985 0155

PHOTOGRAPHER: IAN HARRISON STYLIST: LYNDA BELL, ASSISTED BY KIERA O’SULLIVAN MAKE UP: HARRIET HADFIELD USING LAURA MERCIER HAIR: HOLLIE ROSE CLARKE USING BUMBLE & BUMBLE AND LAURENSWAY

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spice london

SUMMER‘13 PRIMROSE HILL TEL: 02077222478 ISLINGTON TEL: 02077040043 WWW.SPICESHU.OO.UK

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MacCarthy London a new hair & beauty salon in the heart of Clerkenwell, an emporium for eclectic and innovative hair styling. We hope you’ll be inspired by our carefully selected beauty treatments and beautiful products.

We welcome you to use the attached 25% voucher and try one of our many treatments in our indulgent and utterly charming salon. Get lost in yourself at MacCarthy London. For pricing info, visit maccarthy-london.com

25% off discount will be offered upon presentation of this voucher

MacCarthy London 117 St. John Street London EC1V 4JA

(Quote Absolutely magazine)

+44 (0)20 7253 8188 www.maccarthy-london.com

Voucher can only be used once. Expires 30th April 2013

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COLMAN

COYLE Solicitors

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KIDS

JAPANEASY

Stoke Newington-based Takayo’s eponymous events company runs ‘kimono’ birthday parties for girls aged five and above. Children learn about the traditional robe while playing with fun props and accessories and creating their own photo frame using traditional Japanese Yuzen papers. The birthday girl is treated to a makeover and special kimono, and all the guests get to sample Japanese delicacies and sweets. Bring on the fun. takayo.co.uk

Absolutely

TINIES How to keep them amused

Mum’s the Word Tell us about WOWMUM? WOWMUM is a free map app designed for mums on the go. We provide the simplest way to find child-friendly places right down to the most meticulous details – such as highchair availability, children’s menus and bottle warming facilities.

Why did you feel the need to start WOWMUM? Neither of us are mums at the moment – so the credit for our idea really has to go to our dear friend’s little baby girl, Sophie. One day, looking after Sophie, we were stuck wandering aimlessly around the City searching for a buggy-friendly café with changing facilities. It took us 25 minutes to find one!

What are your top London child-friendly picks?

NORTH Pickled Pepper Books, 10 Middle Lane, N8; pickledpepperbooks.co.uk NORTHWEST The Bull & Last, 168 Highgate Road, NW5; thebullandlast.co.uk EAST Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2; hackneycityfarm.co.uk wowmum.co

Easter Activities

Museum of Childhood 29 March - 1 April BETHNAL GREEN

Kids can enjoy Easter bunny stories and solve clues to find out where he’s hidden his chocolate eggs. There will also be basket-making and other seasonal crafts. All activities are open to any age and are free; just drop by and enjoy!

Cambridge Heath Road, E2; museumofchildhood.org.uk

Firsts Festival

Little Angel Theatre 11-24 March ESSEX ROAD

Little Angel FIRSTS is a new festival showcasing puppetry by emerging companies. The festival aims to explore and research leading to scratch performances on the Little Angel stage.

Tickets £5, 14 Dagmar Terrace, N1; littleangletheatre.com

The Sagas of Noggin the Nog Jackson’s Lane 24 March HIGHGATE

Viking storytellers and a crew of hilarious puppets are set to recreate Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin’s Nordic hero for the stage. Head down to watch all the classic characters – including Noggin himself, the mighty Thor Nogson and the great green bird Graculus – as they forge ahead north on a journey of adventure and discovery.

269A Archway Rd, N6; jacksonslane.org.uk 35

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EXPERIENCE LIFE AT ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING DRAMA SCHOOLS // Two-week INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA SCHOOL courses for students aged 17+ give a grounding in the skills and techniques needed to succeed at drama school Courses: Audition Preparation for Musical Theatre | Acting Musical Theatre | TV & Film Acting 29 July – 9 August | £695 // One-week ENGAGE summer workshops for young people aged 12 to 16 develop acting, singing and dance skills through fun and dynamic workshops and performances

FOUNDATION COURSES WANT TO TAKE IT FURTHER? MOUNTVIEW OFFERS ONE-YEAR PERFORMANCE FOUNDATION COURSES IN ACTING (PART-TIME) AND MUSICAL THEATRE (FULL-TIME)

// Throughout the rest of the year, SATURDAY ENGAGE classes give 6 to 18-year-olds the chance to regularly attend Mountview and develop acting, singing and dancing talent

Courses: Street Dance | Acting | Musical Theatre | TV & Film 5 – 9 August & 12 – 16 August | £175

SUMMER DRAMA COURSES mountview.org.uk @MountviewLDN

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EDUCATION

STYLE ACADEMY North London-based Fashion

Enter are encouraging youngsters across the country to become apprentices with their new ‘We Can Do It’ campaign, which marks the launch of Creative Skillset’s new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles. Fashion is big business in the UK and Fashion Enter - who make clothes for retail giant Asos, among others - are at the forefront of efforts to get young people productively involved. Check out the Creative Skillset website for more info on the course. creativeskillset.org

Members of a working party, clad in waterproof capes and thigh-length waders, waiting for orders in the rain at St Pierre Divion. © IWM.

HACKNEY REMEMBERS Award-winning theatre company Fifth

Word’s ‘Hackney Remembers’ project will see pupils from Springfield School and St John & St James School investigate the effect of the Second World War on East London men and their families. Helping them with their detective work will be Hackney Archives, Hackney Museum, the Jewish Military Museum and the Imperial War Museum and it’s all been made possible by a £45,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. fifthword.co.uk

Education THE ALBERT SESSIONS Indie rock heroes Foals

led a workshop for music students from Islington and Haringey ahead of their two forthcoming gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. Even the band’s manager got involved, advising music management students on routes into the industry.

Foals play the venue on 28 March, to celebrate the release of new album Holy Fire. royalalberthall.com

NEW SCHOOL

OLD STREET

Pupils at Thomas Fairchild Community School in Hackney were joined by parents and the London Gospel Choir as they marked the opening of their new school, which was built after a fire devastated the original Victorian building. BAFTA-winning actor and director Adam Deacon, who grew up in Stoke Newington, took part in a special assembly and advised the children to make the most of their state-of-the-art new establishment.

Napier Grove, N1; thomasfairchild.hackney.sch.uk

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

STOKE NEWINGTON

Stoke Newington’s Local Food Kitchen believes everyone should have access to grow, cook and eat nutritious food that’s good for both people and planet. From their beautiful recycled kitchen nestled beneath non-profit health food shop Food For All, they offer courses and workshops in cookery techniques plus free training and competitive hire rates to local food start-ups.

3 Cazenove Road, N16; madeinhackney.org 37

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BEAUTY

Luscious Locks

Regular colouring, chemical processes and heat styling can result in weak, damaged hair that is prone to split ends, dryness, coarse texture and loss of shine. The brand new Caviar Repairx collection from Alterna Professional Haircare, fronted by Katie Holmes, is clinically proven to reduce hair breakage with instant improvements in strength, frizz control, softness and shine. The age control complex addresses natural, chemical and environmental ageing with caviar extract, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. alternahaircare.com

the

GOOD HAIR DAY

LONDON FIELDS

If you live in London Fields, Good Old Days is the only hair salon to consider.

High-end, independent and fielding an ultra-experienced, truly trend-savvy team (as you’d imagine, the salon being on Broadway Market), they stock the full range of Bumble & Bumble products, plus essentials like Moroccan Oil and Cire Trudon candles. Moreover, service comes complete with complimentary drinks and a rockin’ soundtrack.

74 Broadway Market, E8; goodolddayslondon.com

Beauty Edit The fine art of staying beautiful...

GREAT LENGTHS If you can’t be bothered to grow your mane, you

3

OF THE BEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS

1. MOLTON BROWN MAHINA This new fragrance contains top notes of ylang-ylang and fresh orange blossom. Exotic middle notes of Tahitian tiare, jasmine and frangipani make this a unique gift (if ever we smelled one). £60, moltonbrown.co.uk

can fake it instead. What’s more, Great Length’s range of crazy colours add instant cool factor to bangs or ends. You can even decorate your locks with Swarovski crystals, while strands come in three different sizes - straight or curly as you like.

Made to order hair at your fingertips; nothing not to love here ladies... greatlengthshair.co.uk 2. THIS WORKS CANDLE A luxurious, long-burning candle handpoured and blended with pure essential oils of lavender and Roman camomile to help yo’ mamma relax and unwind. £25, thisworks.com

3. AESOP MYSTRA This fragrance was inspired by the beautiful Peloponnese hillside town’s history of conquest and struggle, and as such is many-layered, with top notes of mastic, frankincense and labdanum. £53 for 50ml, 5 Redchurch Street, E2; aesop.com

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East Central Cycles

London's premier Salsa dealer 020 7837 0651 



www.eastcentralcycles.co.uk

18 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QE

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BEAUTY

GONE SURFING

HAMPSTEAD HIGHBURY & ISLINGTON

Catching some waves now sunnier days are on their way? Don’t be caught out in a grubby bather. Get proper kitted out for your best stroke in Sweaty Betty’s swim training get-up.

The high performance swimsuit (pictured) comes in quick-drying, fade-resistant, supportive fabric with an open racerback and a scuba inspired long zip. Hampstead Ponds, anyone?

35 Heath Street, NW3, 133 Upper Street, N1; sweatybetty.co.uk

Feeling good The latest health and fitness trends

HOT POD

BANK

Don’t sweat it (or do), Hot Pod is coming East and looks to be the future of hot yoga, bringing classes to large offices and other spaces via popup inflatable studios, or ‘pods’. You get the full hot yoga experience in the convenience of your workplace - classes have already popped up in Bank – see the online class schedule for details on future venues. hotpodyoga.com

YOGA BUNNY

DALSTON KINGSLAND Occupying an intimate space on the corner of Shacklewell Lane and containing an additional treatment room (and conveniently situated next to Mouse & De Lotz cafe – coffee hounds rejoice), the timetable favours dynamic yoga which is increasingly being practised as an alternative to Ashtanga and is suitable for enthusiasts of all levels of experience.

105 Shacklewell Lane, E8; yogaonthelane.com

BOUNTIFUL

Zico contains the five electrolytes needed to keep your body hydrated and help it perform at its best. Apparently, one Zico contains more potassium than a banana and 15 times more than most sports drinks – which helps to prevent cramping. We like those numbers; what’s more, Zico doesn’t taste...off... unlike some brands we could mention. zico.com

SPRING GREENS

Purveyors of top quality organic groceries delivered right to your doorstep, in these processed, pesticide-doused times, Abel & Cole are so integral to a healthy diet they’re almost a key food group. If you haven’t tried them before, spring is the perfect time to start: check out their fruit-and-veg boxes for some wholesome green goodness. abelandcole.co.uk 41

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Absolutely

BEAUTY HIGH BEAM LUMINESCENT COMPLEXION ENHANCER £19.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk

CIATE NAIL POLISH IN PEPPERMINTY £9; ciate.co.uk

DIORSKIN FOREVER FOUNDATION IN IVORY £31; houseoffraser.co.uk

MIU MIU RESORT COLLECTION 2013

Living Doll GEODE GEL LINER PENCIL BY CHANTECAILLE £28; uk.spacenk.com

Take some beauty inspiration from Miu Miu’s latest collection for a flawless, doll-like look

TOM FORD CHERRY LUSH LIP COLOUR £36; tomford.com ARTDECO DITA VON TEESE GOLDEN VINTAGE BLUSH IN ENRAVISH £25; debenhams.com

TERRYBLY OR ROSE BY TERRY £72; uk.spacenk.com

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW IN SHATTERED £14; houseoffraser.co.uk 43

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Moorish suppers A quick chat with Sam and Sam Clark, the husband-and-wife team behind local gem Moro

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FOOD

Moro is 15 years old now. To what do you attribute its success?

We’ve always been very hands-on and always said we only want one Moro. When we opened there were lots of TV chefs opening more and more restaurants and usually that was the beginning of the end. We believe in just being here and doing it. Every three weeks we change the menu totally, often about a third of it we’ve never done before, so we’re challenging ourselves. The food is always evolving and changing, and so it’s such a different place every five years it’s unrecognisable really.

We love being a part of it rather than being executive chefs on the periphery.

Is it exhausting? (The Clarks also have three children, ages 12, 10 and two).

Yes, it is very tiring, though we do less nights now. You can never quite get the balance right but we love it and it’s very rewarding, even if it is a juggling act in a slightly chaotic way.

Where do you eat out?

We love the local Turkish and Vietnamese on Kingsland Road. The choice and quality of what’s on offer is great. We’re always attracted to the ethnic restaurants and we both cooked at the River Café for a long time.

Has food improved during the years you’ve been in business?

Hugely, we’re spoilt for choice really now, and there’s more competition for everybody at every level – though the top level probably hasn’t improved that much. We’ve always wanted to be an everyday restaurant, we’ve never gone for Michelin stars and white tablecloths and we’ve

tried to be reasonably priced.

Wasn’t Exmouth Market a bit of a backwater when you arrived?

Yes, the restaurant was an old Spar supermarket.

It was quite rough, and lots of shops were empty.

Some friends of ours opened a coffeeshop. The Crowbar, opposite had told us that the landlord was great. It’s the Debenhams charitable trust, they wanted to regenerate the street and have a nice atmosphere. They’ve succeeded – there aren’t any chains on the street. We were the first to open in the evening. It was quite scary, a lot of locals said don’t do it, but we sold our flat and invested in it. Two years ago we opened Morito which is half the price and younger – it’s a bar really.

A lot of your inspiration comes from travel.

Where in particular?

We managed to get to Syria before the troubles started and we love Lebanon, Egypt, Spain, southern Turkey. It’s really important for us to learn about new things. All these countries are changing so much. In Turkey most bakers use wood-burning ovens, there are special varieties of lamb and goat, plus many weird and wonderful vegetables, and things are done by hand that you know are going to change in 10 years. All those places on the periphery of Europe are being modernised and changing so fast, we look at this as a golden time and it’s important to go. People are leaving the land and going to work in cities, the artisan way of doing things that we love won’t be the same for much longer. We’re desperate to go to Iran, Armenia and Georgia.

34-36 Exmouth Market, EC1; moro.co.uk

FARRINGDON

RECIPE: CHESTNUT AND CHORIZO SOUP (SERVES 4) • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 tablespoons olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, diced 1 medium carrot, diced 1 celery stick, thinly sliced 120g mild cooking chorizo, cut into 1cm cubes 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 ½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 small dried red chillies, crushed 2 tomatoes, fresh or tinned, roughly chopped 500g cooked peeled chestnuts (fresh or vacuum packed), roughly chopped 20 saffron threads, infused in 3-4 tablespoons boiling water 1 litre water Sea salt and black pepper

In a large saucepan heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, chorizo and a pinch of salt and fry for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything caramelises and turns quite brown. This gives the soup a wonderfully rich colour and taste. Now add the garlic, cumin, thyme and chilli and cook for 1 more minute, followed by the tomato and, after about 2 minutes, the chestnuts. Give everything a good stir, then add the saffron – infused liquid, and the water, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash by hand (with a potato masher) until almost sooth but still with a little bit of texture. Season with salt and pepper.

45

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Fresh, seasonal produce from British farmers and growers

Much more than just a veg box scheme: A wonderful mix of organic and free range British produce from meat, fish & diary to bakery and veg, that you simply can’t find in supermarkets.

No obligatory boxes, no commitments, no minimum order value: apply discount code ‘CITYANG’ for 20% off your first order.

Order online and collect from our Islington Depot or have it delivered direct to your door.

British Seasonal Fresh

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www.farm-direct.com 0845 519 2415

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FOOD

¡Olé!

HOLBORN

A charming little Argentinian café– bar and restaurant has opened in Holborn. Garufin is inspired by the South American nation’s relaxed neighbourhood restaurants and bars and specialises in regional food and wine, serving small plates and traditional dishes with a modern twist. The eaterie is split over two levels, with small plates served in the café-bar and more substantial portions (plus a selection from the grill) served in the main restaurant, which is reached via a bottlelined staircase.

Café-bar: 8b Lambs Conduit Passage, WC1; Restaurant: 5-27 Theobalds Road, WC1; garufin.co.uk

PAPER & CUP

MILE END

The success of this cute coffee shop in Shoreditch has led to a second outpost further east.

Located in the regeneration area between Canary Wharf and Mile End and run

by Poplar Harca, the shop is one of the Spitalfields Crypt Trust’s projects - a profitable business which strives to change people’s lives.

Recovering addicts are trained as baristas and the kitchen serves up delicious pastries and cakes alongside a menu of hot dishes.

83 St Paul’s Way, E3; paperandcup.co.uk

HURRY UP

SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET

Yet more Beirut street food in London, this Shoreditch High Street pop-up is set to remain until the summer.

Yalla Yalla went down a storm in Soho; the Brewer Street cafe is a lunchtime hotspot (it’s often difficult to get a seat) and after owner Jad Youssef opened another outpost off Oxford Street, it was only a matter of time before he set up in King’s Cross. Popular with savvy Soho foodies, it makes perfect sense that Yalla Yalla have tested easterly waters with a Shoreditch branch; watch this space to find out if it goes permanent.

186 Shoreditch High Street, E1; yalla-yalla.co.uk

Bite Sized Absolutely finds out all the food news – one bite at a time

BURGER & LOBSTER ST PAUL’S

CHRYSAN

SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET

This AA Gill favourite introduces the cuisine of Yoshihiro Murata, one of Japan’s most revered umami chefs, to our fair city.

Pursuing a culinary philosophy rooted in the traditions of seasonality, ceremony and aesthetics, we know where we’ll be taking our mums this Mother’s Day. 1 Snowden Street, EC2; chrysan.co.uk

This mini-chain is clearly on a roll (a lobster roll, to be precise). Hot on the heels of the Farringdon opening, they’re bringing their particular brand of surf ‘n’ turf to the City.

Sticking to what it does best, the menu has only burgers, lobster (including the popular lobster roll) and extras; something tells us we’ll be seeing a lot more of these guys in the months to come. Surf’s up...

1 Bread Street, EC4; burgerandlobster.com

COMO 3 CANTINA CHIC ANGEL

A new restaurant concept in Islington, combining the talents of ex Eight-Over-Eight and Langham Hotel chefs, the menu highlights the gastronomic specialties of traditional Spanish tapas alongside inventive pan-Asian cuisine. With decorative suggestions of both an initimate cantina (blackboard menus and jamon Iberico on display) and a contemporary noodle bar (sleek granite counters and Japanese-style furniture) it’s unusual but it works.

11-13 Theberton Street, N1; como3.com 47

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FOOD

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

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

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

The Factory House

10 Lime Street, EC3; thefactoryhouse.co.uk MONUMENT What’s the deal? A refuge for the modern-day industrialist, this new subterranean restaurant alludes to the great Victorian age of innovation and industry. An all-day dining, late-night drinking den featuring a helical staircase, free-standing glass shaft lift and a sweeping copper-faced bar, other highlights include the antique train station clocks, decorative gauges and exposed pipework.

When should you go? Perfect for cocktail hour, the restaurant serves up ‘colonial libations’, a selection of beverages inspired by the Great British colonies.

3 Pizza Parlours

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

BUNDU KHAN 43 Commercial Street E1 6BD 020 7375 2595

COMO 3 11-13 Theberton Street N1 0QY 020 7354 2341

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

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

Floyds

Italina

Voodoo Ray’s

DALSTON KINGSLAND The Crunch A newly appointed, sparsely decorated hipster hangout where pizza is the order of the day. Lavish combos with fancier ingredients (like cavolo nero and caramelised onions) sit alongside specials such as pan-fried lemon sole, herring or mackerel with salsa verde. Be warned, the pizzas are on the expensive side - but you get what you pay for; they’re truly top-notch.

BANK The Crunch A more traditional pizzeria that occupies an almost hidden space on Cambridge Heath Road. There are a few family-run Italian restaurants in the immediate locale (and one Sicilian); this one prides itself on the pizza and pasta. Reasonable and - as is the Italian way - the service actually does come with a smile.

DALSTON KINGSLAND The Crunch Kingsland Road seemed twinned with Williamsburg anyhow, and now there’s even an NYC-style gourmet parlour dishing out late-night 22inch pizzas. Using Caputo flour for the dough, Italian plum tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella, Voodoo Ray’s is leagues above the yuk ‘pizza’ we’ve all regretted grabbing in Leicester Square.

89 Shacklewell Lane, E8

385 Cambridge Heath Road, E2; italina.co.uk

117 Kingsland High Street, E8; dalstonsuperstore.com

SU SAZZAGONI 136 Lauriston Road E9 7LH 020 8985 8448

THE ROTISSERIE 87 Allitsen Road NW8 7AS 020 7722 7444

LA COLLINA 17 Princess Road NW1 8JR 020 7483 0192

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A4 feature FULL PAGE.indd 1 2

11/02/2013 17:50 12/02/2013 13:28

Flamenco’s finest dancers and musicians return

Flamenco Festival LONDON

10TH ANNIVERSARY

LIGHT

SPACE

STYLE

“Sadler’s Wells has struck gold with its annual season of flamenco” THE INDEPENDENT

H i g h Q u a l i t y Fo l d i n g S l i d i n g D o o r s  B r i t i s h , G e r m a n & B e l g i u m D e s i g n  A Fa n t a st i c Va r i e t y O f F i n i s h e s & Co l o u r s  Vi r t u a l l y m a i n te n a n ce f re e  S t a te - o f - t h e a r t s e c u r i t y fe a t u re s  F u l l f i t t i n g ava i l a b l e  F re e s u r vey & d e s i g n a d v i ce

Fri 15 Wed 27 March

U n i t 2 6/3 S i l i co n B u s i n e ss Ce n t re  2 6 Wa d swo r t h Ro a d P e r i va l e, G re e n fo rd M i d d l e s ex U B 6 7 J Z

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Starters Choux De Crab with Ginger, Chillies and Citrus Hollandaise Parsons Pastry, Smoked Chicken, Mushrooms, Crème Fraiche Baked Goat Cheese with Mixed Leaves, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tapenade Baked Mushrooms with Garlic & Thyme Filling and Red Pepper Relish Moules Mariniere with Shallots, Parsley, White Wine and Garlic Braised Pigs Cheeks with Sage Mash Potato and Port Wine Jus

Main Courses Herb-Crusted Cod Fillet with Chorizo and Cannellini Bean Stew Slow-Cooked Shoulder of Lamb with Roasted Vegetables and Celeriac Puree Braised Pork Belly with Savoy Cabbage, Black Pudding and Soya Honey Sauce Stuffed Roasted Red Pepper with Mange-Tout, Green Beans and Tomato Sauce Chicken Breast Stuffed with Lamb Mince with Green Beans and Port Wine Jus Confit Leg of Duck with Lentils, Leek Gratin and Ginger Sauce Vegetable Lasagne in Creamy Pecorino Sauce

Desserts

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15/02/2013 19:04

Absolutely

FOOD

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

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

THE NORTHGATE 113 Southgate Road N1 3JS 020 7359 7392 THE HIGHBURY BARN 26 Highbury Park N5 2AB 020 7226 2383

JOHN SALT 131 Upper Street N1 1QP 020 7359 7501

NEWMAN STREET TAVERN

XOXO 74 Upper Street N1 0NY 020 7226 6799

What’s the deal? Pubs are still plentiful in Fitzrovia, but the Newman Street Tavern caters for a more sophisticated clientele, with eclectic art on the walls and fine glassware.

Why should you go? Renowned for its cuisine – which is of a higher quality than the term ‘gastro’ may suggest – the best reason to prop up the bar is as a prelude to a meal in the adjoining restaurant. That said, the charming decor and grown-up ambience make it an equally suitable destination to meet friends for a drink.

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

48 Newman Street, W1, 020 3667 1445; newmanstreettavern.co.uk GOODGE STREET

PROUD CAMDEN The Horse Hospital NW1 8AH 0207 482 3867

3 Mezcal Masters

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

Mezcaleria Quiquiriqui 184 Hackney road, E2; quiquiriqui.co.uk

SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET

The Vibe Another hush-hush location, this time beneath the Golden Grill kebab shop; how very Hackney. Though you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Mexico City as you knock back artisan Mezcal in the first specialist, bar-only mezcaleria in London.

Mezcal Cantina

Wahaca

DALSTON KINGSLAND The Vibe Mezcal Cantina is flying the flag for authentic Mexican in Dalston. Though the main focus is food and its star ‘mole’ sauce made of chilli and chocolate, it also serves up mezcal as well as its close relative, tequila, dabbling in quirky-flavoured agaves and cocktails.

CANARY WHARF The Vibe Though its a shame that Wahaca is now another chain restaurant titan, if you happen to be Westfield Stratford or Canary Wharf-bound, the grub is still great. And if you’re brave enough for a lunchtime tipple, mezcal is very much on the menu - where it’s suggested you sip rather than shooting.

177 Kingsland High Street, E8; 020 7254 1177

40 Canada Square, E14; wahaca.co.uk

THE WELLS 30 Well Walk NW3 1BX 020 7794 3785

THE YARD Queens Yard Hackney Wick E9 5EN

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

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Food on the hill

Daniel Ivor heads to Primrose Hill’s popular Martini Bar

B Cock and bull story

Harriet Compston finds out if Tramshed is all its cracked up to be

W

ith a cow and a cockerel as dining companions, dinner at Mark Hix’s Tramshed was always going to be unique. OK, so not quite dining companions – but Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde-filled tank containing a preserved bullock and a rooster certainly dominates the space, hanging mid-air in this large, Grade II-listed former generating station for trams.

It’s all about simplicity here – and successful simplicity at that. In recognition of Hirst’s artwork, two ingredients are the order of the day: Royal Swainson House farm chicken and the Mighty Marbled sirloin steak. Both, despite their final destination, sing of a happy life. The free-range fowl comes from Wooley Park Farm in Wiltshire; beef is from traditional British cattle breeds and is aged in a ‘Himalayan salt chamber’ – a complicated process, apparently, but one that works, with the steak proving itself of unbeatable quality, delicious with barely any fat. The chicken was just as tasty but required full carving – a fun yet challenging affair.

Chips provided the final flourish – skinny and perfectly salted.

Both the prelude to the meat course and the finale that follows are of equally high quality.

Starters are tapas-style, involving the sharing of three sizeable yet light dishes: Yorkshire pudding with whipped cauliflower (an inspired alternative to bread), a colourful and cleverly combined beetroot and Cox’s apple salad with celery and walnuts, and a Red Sea prawn cocktail.

Puds range from an amazing fondant with rich chocolate sauce and homemade marshmallows (a definite highlight) to rhubarb pie, which was more like a tart - and accompanied to great effect by a sweet, light custard.

As if this wasn’t enough, the staff are quick and very friendly, the vibe’s as buzzy as can be and the impressive wine list confirms that this place is good – very good. Once again, Hix has pulled it off. His seventh restaurant in four years, with Tramshed he has truly proved his salt, cleverly navigating the tricky relationship between food and art, harvesting the fruits of a happy farmyard – and serving up a fun evening to boot.

eyond the reaches of a chilly night in lively Camden Town one has to aim for the relative quiescent Primrose Hill to discover Michael Nadra restaurant. Situated in the lower ground level of an impressive purpose built block alongside the canal, the table seating is situated within a conservatory and a darker grade II listed section with an original stone-floored horse tunnel running through. One has the good fortune to enter at the Martini bar.

A pre-starter of warm, smooth carrot and cumin veloute with watercress topping was welcoming. A good selection of starters included chicken liver parfait, potato gratin, Scottish salmon ceviche and butternut squash. We opted for black tiger prawns complemented by a delicious sauce and a soft shell crab tempura with daikon, black sesame ginger and the kick of sweet chilli dressing.

This was followed by a feather-light Asiatic dish of lemon thyme steamed sea bass with minty tabouli, heirloom tomatoes, deep-fried cauliflower and tahini dressing. My partner chose roasted cod with steamed mussels, brown shrimps, sea spaghetti, agata potatoes and bisque sauce. There were interesting pork, Scotch fillet steak, chicken, venison and seared tuna dishes on offer.

The comprehensive wine list is predominantly French but has good New World and European additions. A ½-bottle Sancerre sauvignon blanc was sufficient to accompany the fish dishes and it is nice to be able to choose a quality smaller volume. The desserts looked equally appetising and we were left to savour a treacle tart with gooseberry sorbet. The black fig tartin with salted caramel, chocolate fondant and homemade icecreams will, with regret, have to wait another day.

We appreciated the hospitality and restaurant tour by manager, Jason - always reassuring to know the high standards of a place before beginning a new dining experience. The restaurant is a welcome addition to a road that is not abundant in fine-dining offerings.

42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1; restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk/primrose CAMDEN TOWN

32 Rivington Street, EC2; chickenandsteak.co.uk

OLD STREET

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Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms

3,200 Square feet of contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms from Italy and Germany. Mark Nicholas Design one stop shopping for the finest home interiors on display in London. Why not call today to arrange a consultation to find out what we can do for you.

48 Penton Street, Islington, London N1 Tel: 020 7278 7573

mark nicholas.indd 1

Fax: 020 7833 2273

Email: enquiries@marknicholasdesign.com

www.marknicholasdesign.com

01/06/2012 13:49

ch 19080 Bibliotheque advert_1 13/02/2013 11:57 Page 1

SUPPLIERS OF FABRICATED STONE & WOOD, PORCELAIN & ECO GLASS MOSAICS

That’s a promise, not a leaf, tree or forest was harmed in the production of our beautiful, man made woods.

North London Showroom: 0208 365 2084 Hertfordshire Showroom: 01707 649932 Email: info@bibliotheque.co.uk

www.bibliotheque.co.uk To see this remarkable flooring for yourself visit our Boutique Showroom in Muswell Hill that has been newly refurbished with this product.

FULL PAGE.indd 2

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INTERIORS

LOFTY HEIGHTS In his new book Living Retro, Andrew Weaving’s Limehouse loft shows how an ex-industrial building can be turned into a paragon of modernist design Photography: Andrew Wood

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PREVIOUS PAGE: BRITISH MID-CENTURY DESIGN AND MODERN PIECES WORK WELL TOGETHER IN THIS AIRY LOFT SPACE. THE ROBIN DAY SECTIONAL SEATING, FROM THE PLUS GROUP, 1965, SITS ALONGSIDE ANOTHER DESIGN BY DAY – THE FESTIVAL HALL CHAIR. THE SPIDER TABLE IS PROBABLY

BY G PLAN. THE CUSHIONS ARE BY JONATHAN ADLER. ABOVE: GEORGE NELSON’S CSS STORAGE SYSTEM, DESIGNED FOR HERMAN MILLER IN 1959, COVERS ONE WALL OF THE MAIN LIVING AREA OF THE APARTMENT. PERFECT FOR STORAGE AND DISPLAY, THE UNIT IS HOME TO A COLLECTION OF WORKS BY LONDONBASED SCULPTOR BRIAN WILLSHER. EACH PIECE IS MADE FROM A SINGLE PIECE OF TIMBER CUT ON A BAN SAW WITH SOME PARTS REMOVED AND SOME PARTS EXTENDED. ON THE TABLE STANDS A CERAMIC VASE BY CONSTANCE SPRY FOR FULHAM POTTERY.

LEFT: THE BENT PLY ROBIN DAY CHAIR SITS ON A RUG EMBROIDERED BY THE NEW YORK-BASED TEXTILE DESIGNER JUDY ROSS.

M

y London home is situated in an old factory that once made dog biscuits; the studio spaces were carved out of the original space in the 1980s. The apartment is arranged on three levels and provides the perfect backdrop for a cross-section of fine British mid-century design. Original features are not too abundant, but there are exposed beams, painted brick walls, large windows and concrete floors. A thick brick wall runs the length of the space and divides it into two, which made for much easier decisions regarding the layout of the loft. The principle of one-space living is hugely appealing, but everyone needs somewhere to retreat and nest within their home, and in this case the wall has dictated the configuration of the living area in a way that has worked really well. An entrance hall, office and den area are ranged all along one side, while the kitchen, dining and lounge areas are situated on the other.

The floor of the hallway and kitchen and dining areas was slightly raised, to allow pipework to be laid on the existing concrete floor. The new raised floor is made from sheets of pale birch-faced plywood, which contributes to the clean, pared-down feel of the place, and works well with the retro furniture and furnishings. The remaining concrete floor has been painted a raw natural concrete colour – it was originally painted bright red and repainting it seemed an easier option than trying to painstakingly remove the previous coatings!

Upstairs, there is a room off the half-landing on the staircase, then two more rooms at the top of the stairs which are built into the roof space. A glass-floored area gives access to a

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INTERIORS

small outdoor space. All of the upstairs rooms were more like balconies overlooking the area below, so they were extended to make the rooms larger and create more privacy.

I have been buying, selling and collecting twentieth-century design for several years now, and moving from a Victorian terraced house to this space enabled me to fall in love all over again with items I had owned for years but had never been able to appreciate fully. The George Nelson CSS wall units, for instance, which run along a long wall in the sitting room with the high ceiling above, are such a great fit that they look as if they were designed expressly for this space.

Throughout the space, there is an eclectic mix of 20th century design that is only united by its retro flavour. On the lower floor, furniture by Robin Day, G Plan, John and Sylvia Reid, John Pawson and George Nelson sits side by side with accessories by Constance Spry for Fulham Pottery and Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal.

The wooden sculptures are mainly by Brian Willsher. Upstairs, most of the furniture is built-in, but there are additional pieces by the classic English furniture makers Ercol, and by Charles Eames.

I’d like to think that this is how the space will remain, but who knows what utterly irresistible piece is going to turn up next? One thing is for sure – the John Pawson sofa/desk in the living area will have to stay, as it was installed before the floor was raised in the hallway, and so has now become part of the loft.

After much thought and experimentation, I feel the loft space is now complete, with just the right balance of vintage and more recent items. Each and every accessory has been carefully chosen to add texture and detail to an otherwise simple interior scheme.

RIGHT: A SCULPTURE BY BRIAN WILLSHER. ABOVE RIGHT: IN THE DEN, A DESK/SOFA BY JOHN PAWSON IS ALL THAT’S REQUIRED. THE ROBIN DAY FESTIVAL HALL DINING CHAIR ACTS AS A DESK CHAIR. THE SCULPTURE IS ‘TOTEM’ – A 1960S PIECE BY DENNIS CUMMINGS. ABOVE LEFT: THE DINING AREA IS AT THE FAR END OF THE LOFT AND IS LIT FROM ABOVE

BY SKYLIGHTS. THE SIDEBOARD AND DINING CHAIRS ARE BY HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM JOHN AND SYLVIA REID FOR STAG FURNITURE IN THE 1950S. THE DINING TABLE

BY JASPER MORRISON DATES FROM THE 1990S. FULHAM POTTERY POTS

BY DEWITT ADORN THE SIDEBOARD, WHILE THE MIRROR WAS A FLEA MARKET FIND.

EXTRACT TAKEN FROM LIVING RETRO BY ANDREW WEAVING, PUBLISHED BY RYLAND, PETERS & SMALL. THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE TO ABSOLUTELY READERS FOR THE SPECIAL PRICE OF £17.99 INCLUDING POSTAGE AND PACKAGING (RRP £19.99) BY TELEPHONING MACMILLAN DIRECT ON 01256 302 699 AND QUOTING THE REFERENCE GLR 7ZG.

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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

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INTERIORS

Get the Look

Quirky designer Lu Flux lets Absolutely into her packedto the-gills studio, which doubles as her home

L

Photography: Lauren Giles

u Flux’s designs capture the best of ‘British eccentric’.

Complex pleating, handknits and patchworking are employed to produce luxurious but sustainable garments that celebrate romance and rarity. Flux started her label having learned the ropes assisting Bernhard Wilson in his Paris studio; now the Hackney resident keeps things close to home, recycling fabric from locally sourced cut-offs.

Blue Gate Studio, Bayford Mews, Bayford Street, E8; luflux.com

4

1

1. Cast Iron Gourmet Fondue Set, £99; lecrueset.co.uk

2

2. Izar Throws, £195 each; niki-jones.co.uk 3. Georg Jensen Oak Bowl, £90; skandium.com 4. Pineapple Trinket Pot, TBC, joythestore.co.uk

3

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Heritage London... a home decor retail store designed with the vision to help you add the finishing touches to your home. Our showroom showcases affordable, high quality accessories displayed for you to envision in your own home.

Step in, and feel inspired.

T: 0207 684 5539 ď źM: 07916 163040 E: kinni@heritage-london.com

Opening Hours: Tues - Fri: 11am to 7pm Sat - Sun: 11am to 5pm 

Heritage London, Unit 1 Angel House, 20-32 Pentonville Road, Islington, London N1 9HJ

HERITAGE LONDON.3.indd 2

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BATHROOM

BLUEPRINT 43 Muswell Hill Road, london, n10 3JB | 020 8365 2794

Design • supply • installation

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Lambert Welch Kitchens

www. lambertwelchkitchens .co.uk 59 Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3JB T: +44(0)20 8444 6777 Email: info@lambertwelchkitchens.co.uk Lambert Welch Kitchens.2.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

15/02/2013 16:19

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INTERIORS

LIGHT UP

Perhaps it’s the Thomas Heatherwick effect, but suddenly the simple light bulb is well and truly back in vogue. Central St Martin’s graduate Hattie Hollins founded east London based Mimime, specialists in eclectic interiors and vintage style light bulbs. So cool you won’t want to hide them under a lamp shade. Prices vary, mimime.co

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

EGG-CELLENT

The whimsical papercuttings of artist Rob Ryan - who works from his East end studio - have made their way into every piece of homeware and accessories since he burst onto the arts and interiors scene. Just in time for Easter, the humble egg cup has been revamped, incorporating Ryan’s trademark design and overblown romantic prose. Cracking.

Rob Ryan Set of 3 Ceramic Egg Cups, £14.99, mollieandfred.co.uk

OFF THE WALL

BEAVER AWAY

Designer Fameed Khalique has gone hell for leather with the opulent new range of fashion trend inspired wallcoverings, which debuted recently at Maison et Objet. Our pick is the cubist-esque Watersuede, a luxe velvet suede covering with a striking optical effect. Starting prices, (30x30 cm flat tile), Watersuede €310/sq m, Unit 101, 190 St John Street, EC1; fameedkhalique.com

The pencil sharpener - that office essential - has been given a makeover Alessi style.

The Italian innovators have teamed up with artist Rodrigo Torres to produce this charming chrome-plated beaver, who also doubles up as a handy paperweight and is poised and ready to chew on your HB pencil.

Available at Barbican Art Gallery, Level 3, EC2; alessi.co.uk,

BARBICAN

BARBICAN

SPICE OF LIFE

Keen to add a touch of Breaking Bad to your life without any illegal activity or angering the Mexican drug cartel?

You need to get your hands on drpd’s new chemistry inspired test tube spice racks, cleverly labelled in periodic table style with your favourite herbs and spices. £22, drpd.co.uk 63

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Griffi Full Page Absolutely Magazine City/Angel_Layout 1 13/02/2013 11:36 Page 1

TM

KITCHEN CONCEPT

by

GriffiTM is the new retailing concept from Roy Griffiths, who has been trading under many names since the 1970s. Roy has successfully retailed furniture since his early days in the Kings Road with his ‘The Shop For Painted Furniture’. For the last 3 decades he has worked hard to develop his brands: ‘Simple Kitchens’, ‘Harvey Jones Kitchens’ and most recently ‘Green and Fay Interiors’.

Griffi TM by Roy Griffiths is a signature stamp of excellence, quality and design and is now proudly placed on all Roy Griffiths furniture. It is a mark of authenticity to the trademark and recognition of the man himself.

Roy is a designer and artist of extraordinary pedigree; he trained as an artist at the Slade under Keith Vaughan and Derek Jarman. Roy worked restoring antiques in New York and then in women’s fashion before he fell in love with designing and constructing furniture.

Now after many years, Roy has decided to put his name back on the business as both a legacy and reminder to his family of his love of art, style, fashion and making beautiful furniture.

For your chance to own an Original Griffi TM Kitchen by Roy Griffiths, please call one of his wonderful stores for further help:

FULL PAGE.indd 2

Griffi at Kitchens Upon Thames, Sunbury on Thames, Surrey

01932 754903

Griffi at The Green and Fay building, Islington, North London

0207 7040455

Griffi at Rivendell Kitchens, Winchester, Hampshire

01962 850300

13/02/2013 12:10

Absolutely

INTERIORS

LSA, BO £36; lsa UQUET VA S -interna tional.coE, m

OKA, CABBAGE JUG , £39; okadirect.com

8

of the best Mother’s Day

VASES

N, LTO DOUER L A E ROY CHESTUD VAS DOR STAL B rd.com CRY 0 ; uk.ww £37.5

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LINLEY £550; dav, CRACKLE VASE idlinley.co , m

GEOR PREC G JENSEN,M £65; jo IOUS MAM ASTERP IECES hnlewis A .com VASE, T, HABITA H VASE, SCRATC at.co.uk £20; habit

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WATE ROCH RFORD, C £295; jo A BLACK CRYSTAL JO HN hnlewis U .com T VASE,

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Get ready for old-time glamour as Nicole Dalamagas rounds up five of the best local vintage fashion shops

Clothes Were The Days

London’s lost and found It used to be that catwalk became high-end, high-end became high street and high street, eventually, became handme-down. But in the last decade, that convention has been turned on its head, with designers taking much of their inspiration from yesterday’s fashion finds. Even exBalenciaga boy wonder, Nicolas Ghesquière, copied the most photographed showpiece of his spring 2002 collection – a tasseled vest – from a little-known San Francisco designer named Kaisik Wong, who created an identical garment back in 1973. Those items once considered passé are now highly sought-after one-of-a-kinds, existing in a communist chic version of reality, where a hard day’s rummaging will work wonders and pockets full of cash will get you nowhere. Once you’re used to the ways of the vintage world, there’s

no better place to be than the capital: London is a treasure trove for vintage aficionados, offering fashion from all eras and antique pieces to suit every style. Retro rummagers on your marks...

Deborah Woolf EDGWARE ROAD

Former MTV director Deborah Woolf is a local legend among the Camden crowd, famed for her eponymous vintage store and its exceptional quality clothing. Offering an extensive range of vintage from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, Woolf has even contributed styles to films including X-Men and Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

She began selling vintage clothing in her teens, starting out at Camden Market alongside Wayne Hemingway in the 1980s.

Her current store, which opened in 2008, is a haven of antique folk costumes, avant-garde clothing and floaty dresses, with cult pieces from the likes of Biba, Givenchy, Dior and Laura Ashley as well as unsigned wonders in multiple sizes.

28 Church Street, NW8; deborahwoolf.com

House of Vintage LIVERPOOL STREET

House of Vintage is a small boutique off Brick Lane that specialises in rare and unique pieces from the ‘20s to the ‘80s, with a solid emphasis on clothing from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s.

As well as restored pieces and well-selected

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separates, the keen eye may be lucky enough to spot high-end, high-quality vintage designer pieces from the likes of YSL, Givenchy and Burberry.

4 Cheshire Street, E2; houseofvintageuk.com

Absolute Vintage WHITECHAPEL

There’s no way to avoid a serious rummage in Absolute Vintage, but its treasures are worth the effort. Named one of the world’s top 100 stores by Retail Week, this Spitalfields shop specialises in handpicked, eradefying vintage bargains, the most

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desirable of which can be seen in the Chanel-filled cabinet near the entrance.

Although their range may stretch from the ‘20s to the ‘80s, an emphasis on quality ensures you won’t come away with a moth-eaten item or worn-out shoes.

15 Hanbury Street, E1; absolutevintage.co.uk

East End Thrift Store MILE END

At this legendary vintage emporium, the best bit is always the price – clothes are super cheap, with most items costing £10 or less. This is the place to earn true vintage credentials, as you hunt through rail upon rail of multi-coloured, multi-era retro garb. The store also offers popular ‘fill-

a-bag-of–fun’ jumble sales, where shoppers can fill a medium bag to the brim for £10, or a large one for £20.

Watermans Building Assembly Passage, E1; theeastendvintagestore.com

Dalston Beyond Retro DALSTON KINGSLAND

Taking much of its influence from East London’s fashion scene, it was always probable that Beyond Retro would open a Dalston outpost. Located in a gigantic warehouse, you can find stock ranging from brightly coloured ‘80s sweaters to eccentric ‘30s two-pieces.

A shop for both the outrageous and the reservedly chic, Beyond Retro is a mammoth museum of 20th century fashion in all its glory. It also houses a Marzocco machineled café space, brewing fine bean coffees from Small Batch, served up with a pastry or cake – the perfect antidote to a hectic day’s rummaging (or a Sunday morning hangover, as the case may be).

92-100 Stoke Newington Road, N16; beyondretro.com 67

15/02/2013 15:38

Blame it on

Rio

From the majesty of Sugarloaf Mountain to the madcap architecture of Brasilia, Claire Cohen explores Brazil’s cultural highlights

I

n Brazil, they say that God created the world in six days and on the seventh he made Rio de Janeiro.

It may be a well-worn adage. But, as the city prepares to take its place on the world stage, the sentiment has never been more appropriate.

This is Brazil’s moment. In just a few months it has been named as the world’s sixth largest economy, brought samba music to Stratford during the Olympics closing ceremony and starred in a documentary series alongside Michael Palin. Not before time, our eyes are being opened to the many different faces of this emerging nation. You can experience the sights, sounds and colours of Rio; the modernist architecture of Brasilia and the beaches of Santa Catarina in just a few days.

And as the host of the 2014 World Cup and the Olympic Games in 2016, there could hardly be a better time for Brazil to establish itself as a go-to destination for sun, sports and spending.

Rio is at the heart of the country’s regeneration. It is in the grip of modernisation.

bars, cafes and teenagers tight-rope walking between palm trees. Next-door is Ipanema beach. In fact, everywhere you turn in this city, you come faceto-face with another world-famous landmark.

At 396 metres tall, Sugarloaf Mountain is perhaps the most imposing.

The two-stage cable car ride to its summit is not for the faint-hearted. But stick with it. On a clear day, the views are the star of the show. Guanabara Bay spreads out below. Islands are dotted along the horizon. Better still, time your visit to coincide with the sunset – as COPACABANA PALACE we did – and catch a glimpse of Rio’s most famous resident. For, as the sky Money is being pumped into airports and hotels darkens, Christ the Redeemer appears in anticipation of tourist numbers doubling to through the mist on an adjacent mountain; arms over 3 million a year by 2016. outstretched, illuminated by a blazing purple My first stop is the historic Copacabana Palace halo. It’s an unforgettable sight.

Hotel. With creamy Art Deco features and views My next stop couldn’t have been more across the glittering Atlantic, it’s easy to see why different: the luxurious resort of Ponta dos the world’s most famous faces choose to stay Ganchos, a 90 minute flight south of Rio in here. the state of Santa Catarina. The first thing to On the doorstep is Copacabana beach; its remember when staying here is to leave your celebrated golden curve of sand lined with lively watch at the door. ‘We don’t take any notice of

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Absolutely

TRAVEL

‘As the sky darkens, Christ the Redeemer appears through the mist on an adjacent mountain’

time’, explains manager Miguel Garcia.

It’s this philosophy of indulgence that runs through the resort; from the ten course breakfast tasting menu to the absence of check out times and attentive staff who will attend to your every whim.

The resort is a byword for romance. You can enjoy a couple’s boat ride (sunset, champagne, oysters), couple’s massage or a couple’s cookery course. There’s even a private island, where couples can eat a candlelit supper. In the hotel restaurant I enjoy shrimp with manioc cream, seabass ceviche and langoustine risotto. There’s a seafood grill on the terrace (90 per cent of the world’s oysters are farmed here). Vegetables are sourced from the on-site organic garden. This is a food lover’s paradise, too.

But, if you can tear yourself away from the gastronomic delights and plush robes, there are other attractions worth exploring. Jump in the car and make the 50 minute journey to Florianopolis. With a population of 400,000 – but the infrastructure to cope with over a million in high season – this can feel like a ghost town, albeit a fascinating one. It became popular with South American tourists a decade ago, after one of their beloved soap operas was set here.

PONTA DOS GANCHOS

Visitors also pour into the neighbouring trendy beach resort of Jurere – which boasts a house owned by supermodel Gisele – and the historic town of San Antonio, with its lively municipal market.

But no trip to Brazil is complete without discovering the work of architect and national treasure Oscar Niemeyer, who died late last year.

So, with a heavy heart, I bade farewell to Ponta and travelled on north to Brasilia.

Conceived in 1956, Brasilia was the result of a contest to design the new federal capital, held by then President Juscelino Kubitschek.

Urban planner Lucio Costa beat 5,500 entrants to win with his madcap vision and – along with Niemeyer – saw it constructed in just three years and Brasilia was inaugurated in 1960.

The city’s layout is unlike any other. Designed in the shape of a plane, it’s the largest city in the world not in existence at the start of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Each district is divided into numbered blocks and each of these ‘units’ has its own set of amenities: school, church, shops, community centre, library and cinema. Commercial districts are eccentrically clumped together (we drive along a street lined with pharmacies). There are building

rules too: no block is more than six storeys high and all stand on stilts, to improve ventilation.

It’s fascinating – even more so if you allow yourself to get lost. Arty shops and cafes have popped up below residential super blocks.

Buildings are dotted with geometric tiles by artist Athos Bulcão. It’s all in stark contrast to the brilliant white, modernist buildings that make up Niemeyer’s utopian ‘triangle of power’ in the city centre.

But to really appreciate Brasilia, just stand in one of its vast squares to take it all in. There’s no danger of claustrophobia here, the giant structures create an overwhelming landscape.

It’s easy to feel small. Little wonder the capital is famed for its wide expanse of dazzling blue sky.

Ponta dos Ganchos offers rates from £420 per bungalow per night, including all meals and based on two sharing. +55 48 39537000; pontadosganchos.com. The Leading Hotels of the World (00800 2888 8882 offers stays at Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro from US$510 per room per night based on two people sharing including buffet breakfast. lhw.com/copacabana For further information on Brazil please visit braziltour.com

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Not just This Morning... but every morning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stowe Family Law can help.

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

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ABSOLUTELY Property March 2013

Moulins Road, E9

ÂŁ1,295,000 Freehold

This substantial Victorian property covers four floors, currently with the lower ground floor separated from the upper floors as a self contained unit. The upper three floors include three double bedrooms, two of which are very large, two bathrooms, a double reception and the kitchen, which provides a further access point to the garden.

Sovereign House, 020 8985 5800; sovereign-house.com

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CurrellResidential

£1,025,000 Freehold De Beauvoir Road, N1 • Three /four bedrooms • Two receptions • Two bathrooms • Off street parking

£849,950 Freehold Gayhurst Road, E8 • our bedrooms • Two bathrooms • ood si e garden • er popular location

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£599,950 Leasehold Baltic Place, N1 • Penthouse apartment • Two double bedrooms • Private south facing terrace • Excellent storage

£525,000 Leasehold The German Hospital, E8 • Open plan reception/kitchen • Two bedrooms • Large patio • Popular location

020 7241 4111

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hackney@currell.com

www.currell.com

14/02/2013 14:16

CurrellResidential

£750,000 Share of Freehold Gore Road, E9 • Three bedrooms • Two reception rooms • Three storey maisonette • iews o er ictoria ark

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£380,000 Leasehold Northiam Street, E9 • Two bedroom • Open plan kitchen and reception • Beautiful mezzanine study • West facing balcony

020 3222 5555 victoriapark@currell.com

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www.currell.com

13/02/2013 17:43

1994 * Channel Tunnel opens * First national lottery ticket is sold * Tony Blair becomes Labour Leader * First Eurostar train journey * Bennett Walden opens in Hackney!

“

Bennett Walden

have recently celebrated the completion of property transaction

“

our 2000th

020 7275 7177 



www.bennettwalden.co.uk / E: hackney@bennettwalden.co.uk

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020 7275 7177 www.bennettwalden.co.uk

Richmond Road E8 Guide £325 per week

Sigdon Road E8 Guide £680,000 (sold stc) Freehold

Stunning one bedroom ground floor converted flat set within this impressive corner sited converted Victorian former pub. Fantastic open-plan kitchen/living space, leading onto a delightful south facing rear garden. Situated just moments from London Fields park and Lido.

Substantial three storey bay fronted Victorian house. Retains a wealth of period features including sash windows and Fireplaces. Fantastic open-plan kitchen dining space plus large through reception. Three bedrooms. 35ft rear well tended rear garden.

Eleanor Road E8 Guide £795,000 Freehold

Albion Drive E8 Guide £850,000 (sold stc) Freehold

Enviably located adjacent to London Fields park is this three storey mid-terrace Victorian house. Spacious and versatile living space, currently arranged as three bedrooms and two receptions. Bathroom plus wet room.

Approximately 40ft rear garden. Chain free.

Rare to the market is this charming three bedroom two storey semi-detached Victorian house. Retains a wealth of period features including Fireplaces, sash windows and shutters. Fantastic kitchen/dining room offering access to a 45ft south facing rear garden. Situated in one of London Fields most sought after tree lined turnings being just a short walk away from the energising open space of London Fields park and the ever popular Broadway market.

121 RICHMOND ROAD, HACKNEY, E8 3NJ T: 020 7275 7177 / F: 020 7254 9515

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY ROUND-UP SACH ROAD, E5

This simply magnificent two/ three-storey Victorian family home is enviably located in this tree-lined residential street. Offering striking design, bespoke fittings and retaining a host of glorious original features. ÂŁ675,000 Freehold Keatons Estate Agents 020 8525 7788; keatons.com 78

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GRAHAM ROAD, E8

A fantastic two bedroom split level Victorian conversion arranged over the top two floors of a three storey period property on Graham Road E8.

This bright and spacious apartment is well presented throughout and features a large open plan kitchen reception with modern appliances, sash windows, medium oak wood effect flooring and a modern tiled bathroom. £385 Per week Stirling Ackroyd, Hackney, 020 7749 3807; stirlingackroyd.com

ZEALAND ROAD, E3 Desirably located in the North Bow conservation area, is this striking lower ground floor Victorian garden flat.

The property boasts its own private entrance, a recently appointed kitchen and bathroom and sole use of the rear garden. Accommodation comprises of a cosy reception room with feature fire place, decent double bedroom with extensive built in storage, bathroom and kitchen with direct access to the substantial garden. £315,000, Butler & Stag,

020 7613 5550; butlerandstag.com

ALEXANDER DAVID OPEN IN EAST LONDON Alexander David Property, the independent agent in the heart of East London, opened their doors on the 1st October last year. After a successful start they are pleased to offer discounted rates for a limited period of time only. Boasting over thirty years combined experience in the property industry, Alexander David’s dedicated and friendly staff are well-equipped to provide one-to–one lettings, sales and property management services and advice. Whether you are searching for the ideal tenant or a home, a large or small property, Alexander David believes that every job matters, every client matters and every need must be satisfied.

Alexander David Property 020 8980 3480; alexanderdavidproperty.co.uk 79

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BlakeStanley

De Beauvoir Road, N1

ÂŁ1,025,000

Set on a popular tree lined street in the De Beauvoir conservation area is this stylish three bedroom end of terrace house. The property is set over three floors offering a roof terrace off the first floor reception and access to the garden from the ground floor dining/reception area. Other features include a fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms (one being an en suite shower room) and off street parking with garage. Within close proximity of Dalston offering its many amenities and the transport links of Dalston Overground and Dalston & Kingsland.

Freehold

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

11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 14/02/2013 11:25

www.blakestanley.co.uk

Amhurst Road, E8

020 7254 7554

£600,000

BlakeStanley are pleased to offer to the market this three bedroom maisonette with sole use of the garden. The property is split over the lower & raised ground floors and comprises of three double bedrooms (the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with free standing roll top bath), an open plan kitchen diner with all the mod cons, reception room and an 80 foot garden. With a floor space of over 1400 sq ft the property offers generous proportions throughout, sash windows, plenty of storage, is within walking distance to the amenities of Mare Street and is very close to the transport links of Hackney Downs & Hackney Central.

Leasehold

Richmond Road, E8

£385,000

Situated just north of London Fields is this two bedroom period apartment with a private decked patio garden. The property offers two double bedrooms, open plan kitchen reception with doors onto the garden and a utility cupboard with good storage. It also benefits from being close to the Lido meaning Broadway Market is only a short walk through the park.

Share of Freehold

Queensbridge Road, London, E2 £300pw

Goldsmiths Row, E2

This modern one double bedroom apartment is available to rent facing Haggerston Park and just a short walk from Broadway Market. The property offers a bright open-plan reception with fully integrated kitchen with granite work surface and floor to ceiling windows and hard wood floors, large double bedroom and contemporary fitted bathroom. The property offers easy access to The City with Columbia Road and London Fields within easy reach. Available 15th March.

A superb one double bedroom, one bathroom apartment with large open-plan reception room and a large balcony situated in this modern development overlooking Haggerston Park. Just a short walk from Broadway Market, Columbia Road and the excellent transport links of Hackney Road. Available 8th March.

Furnished

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£385pw

Furnished

11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 14/02/2013 11:29

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PROPERTY

IN THEIR

OWN WORDS NICK ROBINSON, DIRECTOR, BLAKE STANLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMAND HOUGH IAMFOTOGRAFIE.COM

“C

020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk

“

an you think back 10 years and remember what you were doing? For me, this year at least, that is an easy question; I was watching with pride as the BlakeStanley sign was painted and our office door swung open for the first time. At this point Broadway Market was missing the now bustling and area defining ‘Market’ as the original one had closed in the 1980s.

It was a relatively unknown street in Hackney that connected the canal to London Fields. Like many of the buildings on the street our shop had stood empty for over 10 years before we occupied it and our first task was to find some neighbours! With nine other shops and ten flats on the street to market the hard sell started in earnest. It’s difficult to believe how hard this was when you consider the now continuous stream of people that want to make this their home or place of work. Then in 2004 the market was back, this time in the form of a Saturday market. It was a hit from the start and has become a focal point that people travel to from all over London attracting up to 20,000 visitors each week to around 120 stalls. Alongside this we saw other changes such as the resurrection of canal paths as a travel route, the long overdue opening of the East London Line and the re-opening of the Lido. All of these have meant demand for property in the area is higher than ever. Rental properties are often let within a week and sales properties pitched at the right level are generating enough interest to warrant block viewings and sealed bids. The popularity of the area has also attracted new residents, not only from across London but from overseas too. With a varied housing stock that appeals to an eclectic mix of inhabitants, the area is open to all budgets.

This combined with the neighbourly feel of the area, the best I have come across in 16 years of living in the capital, has meant that the lean years have been relatively stable and positive years have meant growth. So what else has changed over the last 10 years?

Well my waistline, much like the housing market has fluctuated, but thankfully seems to be performing in line with Hackney with a current show of strength. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for my hairline which has only followed a downward trend.

Going into our next 10 years, I know which one I would prefer to follow!

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GIVING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES. Winkworth Bow - 020 8981 6776

WILMER HOUSE, E3 £195,000

Three bedroom property forming part of a residential purpose built block with 24 hours porterage and be well located for local amenities.

ALTUIS APARTMENT, MOJO, E3 £220,000

Winkworth are pleased to offer this studio apartment, forming part of the new Mojo development with great access to transport links.

W

NO

T

LE

EASTSIDE MEWS, E3 £245,000

UNION WHARF, E2 £330 PW

MEDWAY ROAD, E3 £295 PW

EASTSIDE MEWS, E3 £350 PW

A well presented apartment which is situated on the third floor of this purpose built development; finished to a high standard throughout.

New to the market is this newly decorated one bedroom ground floor apartment forming part of a Victorian conversion.

D

L SO

Spacious one bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of this modern gated development directly overlooking the canal.

Eastside Mews is a modern development within easy walking distance of the Olympic Village. The property comprises two double bedrooms.

D

L SO

bow@winkworth.co.uk 020 8981 6776 bow@winkworth.co.uk

020 8986 4216 hackney@winkworth.co.uk hackeny@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/bow

winkworth.co.uk/hackney

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Winkworth hackney - 020 8986 4216 LD

LD

SO

SO

CHIPPENDALE STREET, E5 £550,000 FREEHOLD

MAYOLA ROAD, E5 £599,995 FREEHOLD

LEASIDE ROAD, E5 £230 PW

ROMAN APARTMENTS, E8 £375 PW

Sold on Day One, Similar Wanted.

Spacious and bright second floor one bedroom apartment within a purpose built residence quietly located on Leaside Road.

Sold on Day One, Similar Wanted.

NEW TO THE MARKET is this well presented two bedroom second floor flat forming part of a three story modern contemporary style building.

W

NO

CHAILEY STREET, E5 £659,995 FREEHOLD

charming three bedroom mid terrace family home located on a peaceful residential street in the heart of Clapton.

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

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T

LE

GLYN ROAD, E5 £650 PW

Let On Day One, Similar Wanted.

WINKWORTH. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY 15/02/2013 16:00

Your reward for all the lonely dinners at your desk.

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Absolutely

PROPERTY

BEST KEPT SECRET...

The Counter Cafe in Hackney Wick. It serves great food and you can just sit back on a Saturday morning looking across the canal watching the world go by.

THE MOST FABULOUS COCKTAIL IS...

One of the best cocktails that I have had was at the Viajante Bar in Bethnal Green. I would recommend anyone to start and maybe finish a night with one of their amazing cocktails!

E5

STYLISH BOUTIQUE...

I don’t really have time to shop but my wife loves Haus in Victoria Park Village. Lots of lovely, stylish things for the home.



MOST FABULOUS PROPERTY...

A LOST HOUR...



Gloucester Square, E2. It’s an amazingly located house between Broadway market, Haggerston Park and Shoreditch. The terrace backs on to the canal which would be great on a warm summers evening! £514,999

I love going to lunch at the Zealand Road Cafe. They serve amazing coffee and have set the high standard for other independents along Roman Road.

FAVOURITE  RESTAURANT...

Olive in E2. It’s a great Southern European restaurant hidden away just by Mile End Park.

The food is delicious and the service is great.

GREG DALMEIDA, AREA MANAGER, ALEX NEIL, 020 7510 8555; ALEXNEIL.COM

AVANT-GARDE FROM TELFORD HOMES Telford Homes has released further apartments at Avant-garde, based in the heart of fashionable Shoreditch, E1, just minutes from the City of London.

Avant-garde is seen as the height of stylish living and is the area’s tallest residential tower so far at 25-storeys. A mixture of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses are available, many with spectacular City skyline views, sitting above a range of planned amenities including shops, restaurant, coffee bars and stylish retailers.

The Sales & Marketing Suite is located at 64 Bethnal Green Road and will be open daily. Please contact us now to make your priority appointment.

Prices start at £395,000.

Telford Homes, 020 3538 3287; telfordhomes.plc.uk

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

> 01

> 02

> 04

> 03 > 01 King Edwards Road, E9 - Warehouse living £395,000 > 02 Broadway House, E8 - A 4 bedroomed treat £600pw

> 03 Gainsborough Studios, N1 - Contemporary beauty £350,000 > 04 King Edwards Road, E9 - A warehouse hotspot £375pw

65 brick lane, e1 6ql

10 broadway market, e8 4qj

60 charlotte road, ec2a 3qt

t. 020 7247 2440

t. 020 7275 7505

t. 020 7729 2476

bricklane@daveystone.com

broadwaymarket@daveystone.com

shoreditch@daveystone.com

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Stirling Ackroyd All around East London E8

E8

£380 pw

£385 pw

HACKNEY LETTINGS Mare Street – Beautiful 2 bed 2 bath with wood floors, spacious reception room, underfloor heating, video entry system and fully integrated kitchen.

HACKNEY LETTINGS Graham Road - Fantastic 2 bed split level Victorian conversion featuring a large open plan kitchen reception, plenty of built-in storage and views over the garden.

EC2

EC2

£800 pw

£595 pw

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS Spectacular 1100 sq ft penthouse within an imposing warehouse, contemporary living space, mezzanine bedroom with private balcony, & City views.

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS Magnificent (1000sqft approx) 2 double bed 2 bath loft apartment, with exposed brickwork, wood floors and dual aspect living space.

BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606

HACKNEY 020 7749 3807

BLOOMSBURY 020 7256 3244

IBIZA 0034 971 326 788

ISTANBUL +90 (0)212 322 7171

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E8

E8

£739,000

£945,000

HACKNEY SALES Stanford Mews – Stunning 1,200 sq ft 3 storey townhouse with 2 bathrooms and a large open plan kitchen/entertaining space leading to a private south facing garden.

HACKNEY SALES Queensbridge Road – Charming period residence arranged over 3 levels this property oozes character and enjoys a host of grand classic features.

E2

E1

£750,000

£500,000

SHOREDITCH SALES Rarely available amazing live/work 1455 sq ft warehouse apartment boasting stripped floorboards, large crittall windows, exposed brick and vast open areas.

SHOREDITCH SALES Stunning 2 bed 2 bath warehouse conversion featuring large original style windows, solid wood floors and limestone tiled bathrooms.

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Coming soon to Great Eastern Street Shoreditch www.keatons.com Bow 020 8981 7788 | Hackney 020 8525 7788 | Shoreditch 020 3535 7788 | Stratford 020 8534 7788

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