EAST NOVEMBER 2016

EAST

NOVEMBER 2016 / £3.95

ANTIQUE STYLE

THINK VELVET JACKETS AND HIGH COLLARS

YASMIN LE BON ON HER NEW FASHION LINE

MIDAS TOUCH

GOLD-INSPIRED BEAUTY BUYS

NET WORTH SHEER LOOKS FOR WINTER STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT COVER_NOV 16.indd 3

17/10/2016 17:57

DOM PERIGNON.indd 1 DP_DOM_PERIGNON_P2_2016_ABSOLUTELY 420X297_UK.indd Toutes les pages

22/09/2016 10:52

DOM PERIGNON.indd 2

22/09/2016 21/09/2016 10:52 12:00

BIBLIOTHEQUE.indd 1

14/10/2016 12:38

contents Nove mbe r 2016

50 c u lt u r e

10 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for November

12

BON MARCHE

We meet Yasmin Le Bon to find out about her new clothing collection for Winser London

fa s h i o n

17

FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

This month’s hottest trends and products

20 THE SHOOT

Winter's new fabrics and shapes

20

27 THE TREND

Luxe velvet layers for fall

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

30 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL The month's best beauty buys

33 THE PRECIOUS FEW

Gold-inspired beauty to add a new dimension to your autumnal look

Food & Drink

36 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings from the local area

39 FOOD REVIEWS

Discover a taste of the med in the city at Pivaz

kids and e d u c at i o n

45 KIDS NOTES

Statement style and a teddy you design yourself

C o ve r s : MAX MARA AU T UM N/ W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 maxmara.com

55 UK GETAWAY

Inner-city relaxation is found at the London Marriott on Park Lane

interiors

58 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

The latest style, news and trends for your home

t r av e l

50 BELLA ITALIA

Get away from it all on the Isle of Capri, where luxury and natural beauty abound luxe

5 C&A_Nov16_Contents.indd 5

39

PROPERTY

76 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 18:20

EDITOR CATHERINE HALES ASSISTANT EDITOR ELIZABETH HUTTON FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS

DESIGN PROPOSALS

PROPERTY EDITOR ELYSIA AGNEW WINE COLUMNIST JANE PARKINSON

INTERIORS

KIDS’ EDITOR HELEN BARON

PLANNING CONSENTS

EDUCATION DIRECTOR AMANDA CONSTANCE EDITORIAL INTERN ANDREA CHEONG PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER

COST ESTIMATES

ADVERTISING MANAGER RENÉE ASHKETTLE ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE

BUILDER SELECTION

SENIOR DESIGNERS PHIL COUZENS, PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN

AFTER CARE

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS THIAGO ALVES FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: catherine@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com For Press and Media partnership enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: thiago@zest-media.com

THE COMPLETE HOUSE REMODELLING SERVICE FOR HOME OWNERS

Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscription@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

CREATING SPACES FOR LIVING

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 ZEST-MEDIA.COM Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

TAG ARCHITECTS 14 Belsize Crescent, London NW3 5QU For more information please contact us on 020 7431 7974 or tag.arch@virgin.net or visit our website at www.tag-architects.co.uk

Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES TAG ARCH.2.indd 1

C&A_Nov16_Flannel.indd 6

21/03/2013 16:25

6 18/10/2016 12:32

EDITOR’S

letter

R

emember, remember November is the month to really lean into the whole mulled wine, big jumpers, cosy getaways way of life.

It is also, dare I say it, time to start mentally preparing for the Christmas period.

Hackney Empire’s annual panto, which this yesr will be Sleeping Beauty, will open on 26th November and will star the brilliant Alexia Khadime and Sharon D Clarke in starring roles. If that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, I'm not sure what will.

With November also comes the advent of party season; we have some fabulous goth-chic suggestions from our fashion editor Charlotte Adsett as well as a beauty page full of gold-inspired pots and potions to add a little sparkle to your regime. In that glamorous vein, our interview this month is with Putney local Yasmin Le Bon who has just designed a new range for Winser London; think bright colours and comfy knits.

If you’re considering ditching London for a change of scene this November, take a look at this month’s travel story which sees Chloe Luscombe take in the stunning surrouns of Capri.

I hope you enjoy the issue. Ciao! u

Catherine Hales Editor

7 C&A_Nov16_EDS_LETTER.indd 7

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 18:23

INSPIRATION & DESIGN

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk TILE BOX NOV_V3.indd 1

17/10/2016 17:03

Alexia Khadime and Sharon D Clarke in Hackney Empire Sleeping Beauty 2016

> WHAT'S ON p. 10 YASMIN LE BON: DESIGNING FOR WINSER LONDON p. 12

9 C&A_Nov16_Culture_Opener.indd 9

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 12:45

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

DAY OF THE DEAD

3 - 5 No v e m b e r T he Va u l ts his is Wahaca’s fiesta. Celebrating T modern Mexico, you can expect three nights of live music and art, provocative performances, street food and tequila-heavy margaritas. Dance the night away to the sound of middle america Ω just make sure you look drop dead gorgeous.. u Leake Street, SE1; wahaca.co.uk

FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

HAIR BY SAM McKNIGHT

4 - 5 No v e m b e r Al exa ndra Pa l a c e et against a panoramic view of London, S this firework display is bigger and better than ever with an epic laser show, Germain bier fesitval (with a traditional Oompah band) and a Day of the Dead Parade that sees the spirit world come alive with a New Orleans marching band leading the way. u Alexandra Palace, N22; fireworks.london

F rom 2 November Somerset Hou se

This major exhibition celebrates Sam McKnight’s remarkable 40 year career as a master hairstylist. From the late 1970s to the current day, McKnight has worked on everything from fashion editorial shoots to advertising campaigns. This looks at hair from a new perspective and contextualising its wider cultural significance and the role of the session stylist within fashion.

Strand, WC2R

somersethouse.org.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_October16_Whats_On.indd 10

DONNA HUANCA T h ro u gh o u t No v e m b e r Z ab l u do wi c z C o ll e c ti o n rawing attention to the body, Donna D Huanca sees our skin as the surface on which our personhood is inscribed.

Exposing the naked body, she takes the familiar and makes it unfamiliar by concealing it under layers of paint, cosmetics and latex. u 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5; zabludowiczcollection.com

10 18/10/2016 11:59

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

FOODIES FESTIVAL 18 - 2 0 No v e m b e r T he O l d T r u m a n B re we r y he insanely popular T Foodies Festival is back in East London with a merry spin. From the "12 Christmas Top Tip" masterclasses and festive masterchef shows to the mulled wine ski bar and a mince pie eating challenge, this is going to be a fun and festive weekend. A perfect start to the season. u 85 Brick Lane, E1;

foodiesfestival.com

OIL

The Snake

must see

F ro m 1 2 No v e m b e r B e e r s G al l e r y

The name of Andrew Salgado’s new exhibition refers to his own sense of re-birth as an artist and the allegorical nature of the show.

The 12 works are a tribute to the victims of the Orlando massacre and reference homophobic hatred and destruction. Looking at good and evil, Salgado has been inspired by the Garden of Eden which is fascinating and beautiful.

Un ti l 26 Nov e mb er Almeida T he a t re he Stone Age didn’t end T because stone ran out.

Technology simply moved on. This play is set in 2051, in the dystopian, post-oil future and follows the lives of one woman and her daughter. Wanting to leave her child with less than she was given, this is an epic, hurtling crash of empire, history and family. This is an ambitious, thought-provoking and sad play that will leave you emotionally enraged. u Almeida Street, N1;

1 Baldwin Street, EC1V beerslondon.com

almeida.co.uk

EVENT OF THE MONTH

THE RADICAL EYE Fro m 1 0 No v em b er Ta te Mo d er n

ir Elton John loves modernist photography. As a collector, he is in possession of some extremely rare vintage prints. Lending 150 pieces to the Tate, this exhibition showcases his own personal collection and

S

11 C&A_October16_Whats_On.indd 11

features works created by the artists themselves. Most impressively, this includes works by seminal figures such as Man Ray, Herbert Bayer and Dorothea Lange.u Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:59

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Bon Marche

Yasmin Le Bon has designed a new clothing collection for Winser London. Here she discusses fashion and family Wo r d s p e a r l b oy d

PEARL BOYD: It must be very exciting to design a fashion collection. What do you enjoy most?

YASMIN LE BON: It’s a wonderful thing to be part of a creative team – to work with creative people who know so much technically and who you can learn from. It’s great to be learning – that’s what I really enjoy - developing ideas, thinking about things. I had some specific ideas and I’ve been helpfully led and we’ve developed things together. That’s the beauty of doing this type of project. I don’t think you can do anything on your own in life.”

PB: Has London influenced your collection?

YB: I love London. I live here and feel very attached to it. I can’t think of another capital city that has so much diversity of everything – bars, music, culture and wonderful surroundings. I live in Putney so I have Richmond Park on my doorstep.

To me that’s a huge inspiration. I couldn’t just live in a concrete jungle, I have to have nature around me all the time that’s what I’m constantly inspired by.”

PB: Putting your name on something is personal – you’re sharing something of yourself with other people. How do you

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Nov16_YASMIN LE BON.indd 12

I like

CLASSIC DESIGN.

I love design in GENERAL

think your new collection shows your personality?

YB: Putting your name to anything is a really personal thing and you are laying bare your soul to some extent. It’s actually quite a liberating experience and a challenge and it’s a very good thing. I’m naturally a very shy person, so having to get over the idea of being judged and just wanting to express yourself in the hope that someone else is going to get what you’re after is actually a thoroughly enjoyable experience. And learning to compromise. Being part of a different kind of team has been a real education.

PB: What was the mood and inspiration behind your collection?

YB: I’m obsessed by classic cars. I have been for some time. I read classic car magazines from cover to cover. They are a big element in this collection. Part

12 18/10/2016 09:59

ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE

13 Chis_Nov16_YASMIN LE BON.indd 13

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 09:59

ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE of why I love classic cars is because I like classic design. I love design in general. You would never mistake one car for another, whereas now they all look similar. I love the whole idea of lady racers – at the beginning of motor racing there were a lot of women racing cars. Women enjoyed cars just as much as men and many of them were doing rallies all over Europe. I was really fascinated by the idea of women in that powerful, active, adventurous role. This collection has a real vintage feel to it. I love vintage clothes, vintage design. I love vintage car racing and that idea of the adventurous spirit and the adventurous woman who raced classic cars is behind this collection.

to me. That’s what developed the floral silk print design. It’s so much to do with coming upon the right thing at the right time.

PB: How did you choose the fabrics, colours and prints?

YB: There’s one fabric that I really wanted: a beautiful English herringbone tweed. To me it’s just gorgeous. It’s luxury. You could go out in the winter or the summer in it and it would keep you warm or keep you cool. It’s resilient yet still pure luxury. The English tweed came from that whole idea

PB: Are any of the pieces inspired by clothes you already own?

YB: There are always things when you’re looking at designing a collection. You cherry pick from all sorts of areas. You look back at your own wardrobe - things that really worked – whether it was a great colour or texture. Or maybe something you thought didn’t quite work and you want to revisit it. I went vintage shopping in the States and found a wonderful flower brooch that really spoke

I like BLURRING the BOUNDARIES of nightwear and DAYWEAR

I like the idea of blurring the boundaries of nightwear and daywear. I’ve walked around wearing pyjamas and nightdresses in the daytime forever. I think it’s an incredibly luxurious statement. I wasn’t really thinking of the woman I was designing for – I was really thinking of me. Completely selfish. I want every piece!”

of old racing suits and utility wear. Something that’s really practical but I wanted it to be luxurious as well, so it has an incredibly soft feel to it. Also the idea of the silk pyjama – that’s very much that 20s, 30s woman. She was very liberated and willing to take risks.”

Behind the scenes designing for Winser

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Nov16_YASMIN LE BON.indd 14

PB: What type of woman are you designing for?

YB: My woman is definitely adventurous and slightly athletic and sporty – she is playful.

PB: Are there pieces that your daughters will want to borrow?

YB: I know what they’ll be after – the silk pyjama pant and the striped jumper. I can imagine my daughters’ generation wearing that with their ripped jeans or a big circular skirt – quite crazy. I think there’s an element for every generation.”

PB: We know Simon loves clothes too – what does he think of your collection?

YB: I have a feeling that Simon expects me to make the YLB Herringbone Tweed Zip Jacket for him. It’s not a man’s collection at all but when I told him what I was doing he instantly leapt up and said “Oh great! Can you do one for me?”. ◆ winserlondon.com

14 18/10/2016 12:40

DESIGN & FUNCTION

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk CONCEPT KITCHENS NOV.indd 1

17/10/2016 12:27

SPICE SHU.indd 1

13/09/2016 09:31

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 18

THE SHOOT

p. 20

TREND: THE HOT GOTH

p. 27

CHOO CHOO To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, Jimmy Choo has released a campaign that features supermodels of different ages and cultures including Amber Valletta and Jasmine Tookes (above) to model the AW16 collection.

27 New Bond St, W1S 2RH; jimmychoo.com

17 CHIS_NOV 16_Fashion_Opener.indd 17

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:01

st y l e C e n t r a l

Leopard print, studs and mis-matched earrings top our shopping list this month Wo r d s c h a r l o t t e a d s e t t

HEIDI KLEIN The Pre-Resort Collection 2017

Wo r d s C at h e r i n e h a l e s

T

here’s nothing like the prospect of winter sun to liven up a particularly grey November. Once you’ve chosen the destination, the only thing left to do is pack. Luckily, luxury UK swimwear brand Heidi Klein has bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups covered with their new Pre-Resort collection. The range is made up of a chic selection of prints, crochet, classics, a twist on boho and a nod to the minimalist nautical look running across both swim and cover ups.

Each piece is carefully crafted for comfort and style, from the classic bandeau top with removable strap to the adjustable

A chic selection

of PRINTS, CROCHET, classics and a twist ON BOHO

one piece with underwire support – there really is something for everyone. The clothing includes lightweight kaftans, mini dresses, oversized shirts, playful jumpsuits and harem pants so you’ll be looking chic splashing around and strolling down the sand. Our personal favourite is the Huntingdon Beach onepiece, with its sporty racer back, neutral colourway and zippered front. u

Shape Shifters Rejina Pyo

London-based Rejina Pyo is a rising name to watch. Inspired by modern art and architecture, the AW16 collection features sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated sleeves, cuffs and collars, which perfectly encapsulates fashion’s current mood. rejinapyo.com

heidiklein.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Oct16_Fashion_Confidential.indd 18

18 18/10/2016 10:23

FASHION / NOTES

7 of the best

BRAND TO KNOW Attico

LEOPARD PRINT

Founded by Italian street-style stars Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, new lust-label Attico focuses on classic robes and slip dresses.

Sumptuous materials such as silk and velvet are richly embroidered and draped to create feminine, decadent pieces that can be worn from day to night. attico.com

editor’s

PICK

Take a walk on the wild side

01 02

WHAT A STUD

03

A l e x a n d e r Wa n g

Studded ankle boots have long been a wardrobe staple, and with studs rife on the runways, we don’t see them going anywhere soon. The cutout heel detail on this pair gives a modern update.

‘Kori’ studded leather boots £565; net-a-porter.com

04

05

MIS-MATCHING Maria Tash

07

Forget about perfect pairings - this season it’s all about lots of piercings and tiny mismatched diamond earrings. No-one does it better than cult New York piercer Maria Tash, who now has permanent studio space in Liberty where she also sells her much revered fine jewllery.

From £41 - £4,900; liberty.co.uk

06

LOGO MANIA Saint Laurent

Anthony Vaccarello, the new creative director at Saint Laurent, has put the ‘Y’ back into YSL with a SS17 catwalk full of the original iconic logos. The new name and collection launches next spring, but you can get ahead of the rest with this monogram bag.

‘Kate Monogram’ embossed leather bag £1,140; mytheresa.com

19 Chis_Oct16_Fashion_Confidential.indd 19

01. CHAN LUU Cashere & silk-blend scarf £190; net-a-porter.com 02. DRIES VAN NOTEN ‘Rolt’ Jacquard silk-blend coat £1,160; brownsfashion.com 03. EQUIPMENT Cashmere-blend sweater £310; farfetch.com 04. HILL & FRIENDS ‘Happy Satchel’ Calf hair bag £1,450; hillandfriends.com 05. STELLA MCCARTNEY Knitted skirt £580; mytheresa.com 06. SAINT LAURENT ‘Babies 90’ Calf hair ankle boots £845; mytheresa.com 07. KATE MOSS FOR EQUIPMENT ‘Avery’ Washed-silk pajama pants £360; net-a-porter.com

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:28

NOVEMBER 15_FashionShoot 5PP.indd 20

18/10/2016 18:12

Make a statement with bold block colours this winter Fashion Editor charlotte adsett Photography Ja mes Lucas

SILK CHIFFON BLOUSE BY ROKSANDA CHARMEUSE SKIRT BY SOLACE LONDON AT NET-A-PORTER.COM SUEDE COURT SHOES BY JIMMY CHOO EARRINGS BY DINNY HALL

NOVEMBER 15_FashionShoot 5PP.indd 21

18/10/2016 18:12

WOOL SHIFT DRESS BY CHRISTOPHER KANE AT SELFRIDGES CASHMERE JUMPER BY COCOA CASHMERE VELVET BOOTS BY AQUAZZURA EARRINGS BY REJINA PYO X URIBE

NOVEMBER 15_FashionShoot 5PP.indd 22

18/10/2016 18:12

SATIN TOP & SILK CULOTTES BOTH BY PAPER LONDON DROP EARRING BY MARIA BLACK

NOVEMBER 15_FashionShoot 5PP.indd 23

18/10/2016 18:13

FASHION EDITOR AND SHOOT PRODUCER CHARLOTTE ADSETT PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES LUCAS

SATIN OPERA COAT BY MERCHANT ARCHIVE KNITTED TOP BY AGONA CROPPED WOVEN TROUSERS BY MERCHANT ARCHIVE VELVET SHOES BY SOPHIA WEBSTER

MODEL ADINA AT IMG MODELS HAIR MARCO TESTA USING BUMBLE & BUMBLE MAKE-UP VIOLET ZENG USING MAC MANY THANKS TO JJ LOCATIONS FOR STUDIO HIRE; JJLOCATIONS.COM

STOCKISTS

AGNONA.COM AQUAZZURA.COM BROWNSFASHION.COM COCOACASHMERE.COM DINNYHALL.COM JIMMYCHOO.COM MARIA-BLACK.UK MERCHANTARCHIVE.COM NATASHAZINKO.COM NET-A-PORTER.COM PAPERLONDON.COM REJINAPYO.COM ROKSANDA.COM SELFRIDGES.COM SOPHIAWEBSTER.COM

NOVEMBER 15_FashionShoot 5PP.indd 24

18/10/2016 18:13

38 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk BATH SORTS NOV.indd 1

17/10/2016 12:21

CrossEyes Original Progressive £ 295 Single vision £ 145

(up to +/-3) (up to +/-3)

ALL PRICES INCL. eye test, free selection of frame, lightweight lens, wide progressive zone, hardening, anti-reflection, smear-free coatings, UV protection and astigmatic correction.

Book eye test online: crosseyes.co.uk

Designed and made in Denmark

CrossEyes Camden 68 Chalk Farm Road London NW1 8AN, 0207 284 2781

CrossEyes Clerkenwell 14 Goswell Road London EC1M 7AA 0207 251 1268

CrossEyes Marylebone 67A York St London W1H 1QB 0207 258 0159

crosseyes.co.uk crosseyesuk crosseyesuk

CROSSEYES.indd 1

14/10/2016 10:29

ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

020 7328 6915

67 Abbey Road St John’s Wood London NW8 0AE

ABBEY ROAD FRAMING.CO.UK ABBEY ROAD FRAMING.indd 1 Absolutely1604-AbbeyRoadFraming.indd 1 _ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

08/03/2016 10:01 08/03/2016 09:50 18/10/2016 11:06

FASHION / TREND

BEE GODDESS

‘Sword’ Black diamond & 14ct gold necklace £1,130; harrods.com

MAISON MICHEL

‘Elodie’ Wool hat £460; brownsfashion.com

ESTABAN CORTAZAR Velvet top £540; brownsfashion.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN ‘Knuckle’ Studded clutch bag £1,195; farfetch.com

SIMONE ROCHA AW16

ATTICO Velvet wrap dress £650; mytheresa.com

MM6 MAISON MARGIELA

Velvet maxi skirt £360; farfetch.com

3XI

'WM3' Cropped fringe denim jeans £245; net-a-porter.com

GAELLE KHOURI

'Spider’ Diamond and agate cuff £2,490; harveynichols.com

AMRAPALI

GOTHIC VICTORIANA VANESSA STEWARD Velvet

fringed scarf £175; net-a-porter.com

JIMMY CHOO

‘Dixon 65’ Leather boots £625; jimmychoo.com

Unleash your dark side this winter B y Charlot te Adset t

DRIES VAN NOTEN Velvet and pearl choker £240; selfridges.com

27 Chis_Nov16_Fashion_Products.indd 27

'Dark Maharaja' Ruby and diamond earrings £2,200; amrapalijewels.com

STONE PARIS

‘Grace’ Diamond and 18ct rose gold ring £720; mytheresa.com

SAINT LAURENT Cropped velvet tuxedo jacket £1,680; mytheresa.com

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:31

SHINING A LIGHT ON LASER LONDONS NO.1 HAIR REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

With the latest in laser technology our highly trained therapists can now offer solutions for skin rejuvenation, unsightly veins and pigmentation, as well as our leading laser hair removal treatments.

Visit us at Strip Chelsea, Notting Hill or Islington for your complimentary consultation.

Reader Offer: Receive 30% off single treatments or 10% off courses when you mention Absolutely North.

WWW.STRIPWAXBAR.COM

STRIP WAX.indd 1

17/08/2016 10:36

XXXXXX //XXXXXXX FASHION LOCAL BOUTIQUE

FASHION FORWARD mac&miller. is your new favourite source all of all things stylish in South London Wo r d s r o s e n o e l

I

t started life as a market stall on Northcross Road and now mac&miller. has grown into in a beautifully styled pop-up womenswear boutique where visitors can find a pile of battered vintage Vogue’s to flick through whilst sipping a glass of bubbles at ‘Prosecco o’clock’ (rumoured to be between 3-4pm on Saturdays). The ambient and distinctive smell as you walk in comes courtesy of Soho House beauty brand Cowshed of which stylist and owner Katie Greengrass, is the only stockist south east of the river.

East Dulwich is a stylish community of young mums and fashion-conscious women, so Katie’s collection includes a carefully curated mix of high street labels, some of which can also be found stocked in Topshop and on ASOS, that appeal to all tastes as well as every single age, size and shape.

Stripe lurex polo, £36 Leatherette jeans, £22 Aviator biker, £99 all mac&miller.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov16_MAC&MILLER.indd 32

THE SERVICES OFFERED AT MAC&MILLER. INCLUDE:

 Appro for regular customers - harking back to Katie’s styling days where stores like Selfridges let their celebrity clientele take home clothes to try before they buy  Special Occasions - if someone needs the perfect outfit for a wedding or party, mac&miller. will gladly source some stylish suggestions  Free styling advice to all customers  Alterations

Camo raincoat, mac&miller.

Boutique shopping is a dying trade in the fashion industry in the UK and it is Katie’s dream to revive the scene by offering her customers high-quality, fashionable clothing at affordable prices.

Born and bred in East Dulwich, Katie Greengrass began her career in fashion as a stylist and costume designer for TV, film and the music industry. Her celebrity clients include Plan B, Alesha Dixon and Robbie Williams.

Katie’s commitment to providing a personal touch can be demonstrated by a polaroid wall in the shop dedicated to snaps of customers wearing her clothes. The future for mac&miller. is bigger, long-term premises in SE22, an extended collection and the introduction of menswear.

Stripe top £18 Check shirt £36 Choker, £8 all mac&miller.

Photography: Gavin Watson Stylist: Katie Greengrass Make up: Kym Menzies Foster Model: Talulah Bluebell Shot on location in East Dulwich

57 Northcross Road, SE22 9ET 07817426667; katie@macandmiller.co.uk macandmiller.co.uk

32 31/10/2016 11:37

s a m t s i r h C Party LIVE ESCAPE GAME

TO ENQUIRE @ LONDON@ESCAPE-ENTERTAINMENT.COM 02072 833883 Untitled-12 1

31/10/2016 17:48

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL p. 30 TREND - ALL THAT GLITTERS p. 33

WILD THING Dolce & Gabbana’s new collection, Wild About Fall, features greens, browns, golds and rose pinks, perfect for creating a vibrant, statement look in time for the party season. dolcegabbana.com

29 CHIS_November16_BEAUTY OPENER.indd 29

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 12:42

B E AU T Y R e v i e w

Chanel’s new campaign star and our pick of the best micellar waters W o r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

FERN SKIN CLINIC NW3

Wo r d s r o c h e l l e s t r e at e r

W

inter can mean a lot of things; buying a brand new coat, cracking out your favourite woolly scarf or finally being allowed to order mulled wine at the pub. It also means taking extra care of your skin – the combination of wind, cold temperatures and pollution can wreak havoc on your complexion.

Fern Skin Clinic, located in beautiful Belsize Park, is a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs. I had gone in for the Fern Facial, a customised treatment that includes a deep cleanse, exfoliation, an enzyme mask, extractions and a relaxing, facial massage. I am

Fern Skin Clinic IS A one-stop-shop FOR ALL your BEAUTY NEEDS asked what my skin concerns are and when my last facial was. My therapist is professional and friendly, putting me at my ease. She uses the very best cosmoceuticals from SkinCeuticals and skin balancing products from GloTherapeutics and Suti and I can practically feel the impurities leaving my skin during the facial.

I emerge feeling invigorated and with my skin glowing, planning my return visit to the chic, tranquil surroundings of Fern Skin Clinic for another winter tune-up. ◆ ● FERN SKINCARE 18 England's Lane, NW3, 020 7722 2002; fernskinclinic.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Beauty note.indd 30

Deep Water Chanel

The newest incarnation of Chanel N˚5 is Olivier Polge's own interpretation of the seminal scent, entitled N˚5 L’Eau. The campaign stars none other than the soon-to-be world famous progeny of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose. The scent is young and fresh (like its 17 year old model), with notes of lemon, mandarin, orange and neroli. chanel.com

30 18/10/2016 12:06

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

8

editor's

PICK

of the best

FALL IN LOVE Guerlain

It’s that time of year again – the fall collections are hitting the shelves and we’re trying desperately not to clear them. At the top of our list this month is Guerlain’s new autumn range; think nude tones and gentle blush shades with just a hint of sparkle to take you all the way through to party season. guerlain.com

BEAUTY CONSCIOUS ILIA

This brand is everything a freefrom and ethical beauty obsessive could ever want. All products are synthetic preservative, filler and petrochemical free. We particularly love their all-in-one lip balm, gloss and lipstick. panachecosmetics.com

AU NATUREL

MICELLAR WATERS

1

4

Nailberry

Following this autumn’s trend of warm neutrals, Nailberry’s new shades entitled L’Oxygéné are all variations on a theme. Of the three colours, the ballet pink and soft faun are the most versatile – expect to see them everywhere this winter. nailberry.co.uk

7

JUNGLE FEVER S isle y Paris

Sisley just made nailing down your evening beauty regime simple with their new Tropical Resins collection.

Wash with the Gentle Cleansing Gel follow up with the Intensive Serum then hydrate with the Mattifying Moisturizing Skin Care. Repeat. sisley-paris.com

3

5

8

6

1 ELEMIS SMART CLEANSE MICELLAR WATER, £24; elemis.com 2 DIOR INSTANT CLEANSING WATER, £26; dior.com 3 MADARA MICELLAR WATER, £12; feelunique.com 4 EAU THERMALE AVENE MICELLAR LOTION CLEANSER: £12.50, feelunique.com 5 BY TERRY CELLULAROSE MICELLAR WATER, £43; spacenk.com 6 NUXE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER WITH ROSE PETALS, £14; spacenk.com 7 REN ROSA CENTIFOLIA 3-IN-1 CLEANSING WATER, £13; renskincare.com 8 LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR MICELLAR WATER, £12; lookfantastic.com

31 Beauty note.indd 31

2

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 12:07

YOUR HAIR. OUR CONCERN

HAIR • BEAUTY • LASER

Tel 020 7936 4005

STUDIO M.A_V2indd.indd 1

34 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AY

www.studio-ma.co.uk

18/10/2016 12:19

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS ACQUA DI PARMA

Magnolia nobile eau de parfum spray, £108; selfridges.com

LIPSTICK QUEEN

Queen Bee Lip Treatment, £20; spacenk.com

BURBERRY

Shimmer Dust, £20; burberry.com

TOM FORD

Soleil bronzing powder, £50; selfridges.com

BENEFIT

Sun Beam, £19.50; benefitcosmetics.com

VICTORIA BECKHAM FOR ESTÉE LAUDER

Eye metals eyeshadow in Bitter Clove, £36; esteelauder.co.uk

OMOROVICZA Gold Flash Firming Serum, £130; spacenk.com PRADA SS16

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Luxury

BECCA

Pressed shimmering skin perfector, £32; spacenk.com

THE PRECIOUS FEW Gold-inspired beauty to add a new dimension to your autumn look

YSL

Luxurious Mascara for False Lash Effect, £25; yslbeauty.co.uk

Palette in Legendary Muse, £38; charlottetilbury.com

CHANTECAILLE Nano Gold Energising Eye Serum, £179; spacenk.com

MAC

Studio Nail Lacquer in Screaming Bright, £10; maccosmetics.com

B y C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

ILLAMASQUA

Vanitas Lipstick in Moth Chocolate Brown Matt Finish, £22.50; illamasqua.com

URBAN DECAY

AMOUAGE

Gold woman extrait de parfum, £295; selfridges.com

SISLEY PARIS

Rouge a levres hydrating long-lasting lipstick in Petal, £34; sisley-paris.com

33 Beauty Products.indd 33

Razor sharp liquid eyeliner in Snakebite, £16; selfridges.com

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:35

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R D E D I C AT E D TO T H E R E G I O N A L C U I S I N E O F P U G L I A

Q U E E N ’ S PA R K 43–45 LONSDALE ROAD, LONDON NW6 6RA 020 7624 8035 HIGHGATE 1 HAMPSTEAD LANE, LONDON N6 4RS O S T U N I R E S T A U R A N T. C O . U K

OSTUNI.indd 1 OS_AbsNH_A4_advert_FINAL_220316.indd 1

25/08/2016 22/03/2016 10:12 18:28

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL p. 36 REVIEWS: PIVAZ & BALLS BROTHERS, AUSTIN FRIARS p. 39

BRUNCH BUNCH Acclaimed Islington eatery Chinese Laundry are celebrating their first anniversary with a brand new brunch menu that will include Crab Congee’, ‘Dumpling Green Bowl’ and ‘Chinese Date and Goji Berry Granola. Yum. 107 Upper Street, N1 chineselaundryroom.com

35 FOOD OPENER copy.indd 35

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:40

What to drink

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL This month’s latest food news and delicious things W o r d s C AT H E R I N E H A L E S

A GREAT MATCH Wine and food pairings for the month ahead B y J a n e Pa r k i n s o n

VENISON TARTARE & CELERIAC REMOULADE ean and full-flavoured venison doesn’t need a gutsy red wine when served as a cold starter with tangy remoulade and an egg yolk. Far better is a lighter red like a Pinot Noir, and this one from the Loire Valley is glorious with red cherry flavours. Serve cool. ● Reverdy Sancerre Rouge Terre de Maimbray 2014, £14.88, Haynes Hanson & Clark; hhandc.co.uk

L

PUMPKIN RAVIOLI & PARMESAN his is a case of pairing local with local – an Italian wine for an Italian dish. The sweetness of the pumpkin filling, especially if there is sage in the mix, is a beautiful match with a good quality, zesty dry Pecorino (the wine grape, not the cheese), which just happens to love lashings of tangy parmesan cheese too. ● Harvey Nichols Pecorino 2014, £12 harveynichols.com

T

ALMOND & DATE TART

n indulgent tart with one the most classic winter fruits, this is about matching a wine with juicy date flesh and nuttiness.

There is no better (and no more underrated) match than a sweet and warming Madeira, with soothing caramelised nut flavours and a long-lasting mellow finish, just like this one. ● Henriques & Henriques Bual 15YO, £25 (50cl) thewinesociety.com

A

janeparkinson.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_Nov16_UK_Foodnotes.indd 36

Viva España Tapas B rindisa S horeditch

An offshoot of successful Borough Market restaurant, Tapas Brindisa Shoreditch will specialise in ‘Mediterranean, Eastern and Southern Spanish cuisine; from Cádiz to Catalonia.’ Expect traditional rice dishes and costal tapas classics with seafood as well as platters of charcuterie, cheese and cured fish all served in stunning new surroundings including a communal table and an open kitchen.

152 Curtain Road, EC2A; brindisatapaskitchens.com

36 18/10/2016 10:42

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

STREET SMART Dinerama

Who says street food is just for summer?

Undercover and heated, Dinerama’s street food stars are joined by newcomer Farang and their winter menu. Try the Bang Tam Beef Jerky or hot, smoky Gai Yang Barbecue Chicken Curry. It’s all change upstairs with an alpine lodge, crystal cocktail lounge and wonderful undercover wine garden.

19 Great Eastern Street, EC2A streetfeast.com

NOVEMBER cocktail

BELLA ITALIA Homeslice

Award-winning pizza purveyors Homeslice have announced the launch of a new Wild Venison Pizza. Developed by Homeslice co-founder and head chef Ry Jessup, the pizza is made using locally sourced ingredients, including wild British venison. This is served alongside fragrant middle-eastern inspired ingredients. Delish.

374-378 Old Street, EC1V homeslicepizza.co.uk

RAW GINGER MARTINI Created by BLIXEN ◆ INGREDIENTS

Our London Vodka 50ml Lillet Blanc 15ml Martini Rosato 10ml Raw Ginger Juice Fresh Lemon Juice ◆ METHOD

In a mixing pint glass add vodka, Lillet Blanc and Rosato. Add ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail coup that has been double rinsed with raw ginger juice. Squeeze the lemon twist over the cocktail and rub the edges of the glass with the twist. Add the twist to the glass for garnish.

editor’s

POT, KETTLE

PICK

zigzag tea

zigzag tea is a modern independent tea company based in East London.

Lucy Dolan was inspired to start a tea business after experiencing traditional tea ceremonies in Asia.

Her three tea collections, Pure, Plant and Fusion, offer ancient, classic teas as well as innovative, modern infusions. Catch her at Canopy Market in King's Cross. zigzagteas.com

blixen.co.uk

SPIRIT of the Month

ince launching Haig Club in 2011, David Beckham’s whisky project seems to have gone from strength to strength. Now they have launched the more inexpensive (but no less tasty) Clubman, a single grain Scotch whisky designed to be drunk with a mixer. ◆ S

FOWL IS FAIR D uck’N Roll

New to Camden Market comes Duck’N Roll. Led by Michelin-starred chef Pascal Aussignac of Club Gascon, the duck-centric menu will include the classic burger topped with Ossau-Iraty cheese, balsamic onions and a spicy tomato sauce, duck fat fries, and the Foie Gras & Truffle burger. Unit 312-313, Camden Lock Place, NW1 ducknroll.net

37 C&A_Nov16_UK_Foodnotes.indd 37

£25; haigclub.com

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:42

TICKETS FROM 2 FOR £70 ENTER CODE – ABSOLUTELY – WHEN BOOKING ONLINE

EXPERIENCE UNLIMITED TASTINGS OF OVER 200 OF THE WORLD’S FINEST SPIRITS

WWW.THESPIRITSHOW.CO.UK

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

SPIRIT SHOW.indd 1

13/10/2016 09:38

The festive edition of

OF LONDON 17–20 NOVEMBER 2016 TOBACCO DOCK

LONDON’S BEST RESTAURANTS

WORLD-CLASS CHEFS

PRODUCER MARKETS

FOOD & DRINK MASTERCLASSES

A WONDERFUL DAY OUT!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TASTEOFLONDON.CO.UK In Support of

TASTE.indd 1

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

17/10/2016 15:37

18/10/2016 11:06

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS

BALLS BROTHERS Wo r d s c at h e r i n e h a l e s

ou could be forgiven for not knowing about the new Ball Brothers location, tucked away as it is in Austin Friars. However, on my visit there last week, it seemed plenty of people had discovered this City gem.

High ceilings and a mezzanine floor for dining are decorated in signature style with dark, hardwood floors and shining white tiles. Modish lighting extends from the ceiling and comfy, rounded chairs crowd around incidental tables.

The menu is equally impressive with British seasonal fare as the order of the day. My friend and I start off with the deliciously rich Duck Liver & Foie Gras Pâté served with chutney and toast and the salty Poppy Seed Crusted Goats’ Cheese which comes with a wonderfully textured toasted walnut and raisin bread.

For my main I go for the Chicken Schnitzel served with skin-on fries and dressed roquette which is at once tender and satisfyingly crunchy.

My companion opts for the Salmon and Prawn Fishcake with a dill pickled cucumber salad and tartare sauce which she assures me is a mouth-watering triumph and, oh-soimportantly, not too fishy.

I wash this all down, slightly counterintuitively, with a wonderful malbec from the wine list and although pudding defeats us I cannot wait to come back for a second attempt. 

Y

Pivaz

Tantaslising Turkish cuisine on Chatsworth Road, E5 Wo r d s c AT H E R I N E H A L E S

C

ombining the best elements of a high end eaterie and a neighborhood hangout, the decor in Pivaz is understated and modern.

Industrial light fixtures hang from the ceiling while an intricate cog design adorns the exposed brick wall. Cosy, aged tables for two and four create an intimate, ambient atmosphere.

Our server welcomes us to our seats and we pore over our menus in the candlelight.

The menu is extensive with Hot Meze, Cold Meze and Grill as well as Fish amd Steaks on offer. To start we go for the classic: hummus served with warm pitta bread and grilled halloumi. The hummus is creamy and rich while the halloumi is the perfect level salty moreishness. This is all accompanied by a hearty bottle of house red which keeps us merry throughout.

For mains we are torn but I eventually take the slightly more traditional Turkish option of lamb while my companion opts for the duck. The dish I select is called

Sarmabeyti and consists of minced lamb with garlic and herbs rolled with bread served with rice, yoghurt and tomato sauce topped with clarified butter. The meat is tender and piquant, every mouthful a burst of flavour and wrapped in a warm, floury bread. The yoghurt and tomato sauce is sweet and cooling and provides the perfect accompaniment to the meat. This is all filled out with a healthy serving of rice. The presentation is beautiful with the slices of lamb-stuffed bread laid in a circle and I am almost hesitant to dig in. However, after the first taste, I demolish the dish and am left dreaming of what I will order on my next visit.

My friend's duck dish is simple and perfectly cooked, succulent meat served in a wonderfully sweet sauce. Although we cannot manage dessert after our feast, the bill comes with cubes of Turkish Delight and we know we will be back.  P I VA Z 34 Chatsworth Road, E5, 020 8985 2599 pivaz.co.uk

39 FOOD REVIEW.indd 39

BA L L S B R OT H E R S 10-11 Austin Friars, EC2N ballsbrothers.co.uk

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 15:22

“Cheerily boisterous, exciting and big on atmosphere...the pasta tasted fresh and the combination of flavours was superb.” TimeOut Eating & Drinking

R E S T A U R A N T

&

P I Z Z E R I A

The finest Italian food made to order with the freshest ingredients.

Add sparkle to your celebration this festive season, with our warm ambience, sumptuous food, seasonal tipples & enough cheer to last well into 2017.

From lunches to dinners, we invite you to indulge in a feast of festivity. Rest assured we’ll take care of every detail to make it a truly unforgettable occasion.

On behalf of our Team, we look forward to making this a very Merry Christmas for all who visit us

0207 481 9950 • www.ilbordello.com • 81 WAPPING HIGH STREET LONDON E1W 2YN Lunch daily Monday to Friday: 12 Noon to 3pm • Dinner: Mon-Sat 6pm to 11pm • Sunday: 1pm to 10:30pm

BORDELLO.OCT.indd 2

14/09/2016 11:53

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

SEASON’S EATINGS

Foodies Festival’s Christmas event is back at the Old Truman Brewery from 18-20 November

F

oodies Festival is back to deck the halls of London’s coolest venue at the Old Truman Brewery on 18, 19 and 20 November. Kick off your festive season in style with what is guaranteed to be the most delicious Christmas feast around! Watch MasterChef Winner Jane Devonshire whip up Christmas recipes in the Chef’s Theatre, take part in a festive masterclass, or listen to amazing live music while sipping on mulled wine after finding the perfect gifts for Christmas from over 200 stalls.

Top chefs will be keeping culinary enthusiasts inspired in our Chef’s Theatre, including TV chef Ed Baines, Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu winner Adam Simmonds, MasterChef winner Jane Devonshire and fellow MasterChef contestants Juanita, Billy and Jack, who will be cooking up a

creating a showstopping new spin on the traditional Christmas Cake.

A great day out for the whole family, there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained and extra helpful in the kitchen this Christmas time, with classes on making gingerbread men at the Elf’s Cookery Theatre.

Get your Christmas shopping started early with the perfect foodie gifts at the Artisan Christmas Market, with awardwinning cheeses, chutneys, hampers and much more. Walking past all these mouth watering stalls is bound to work up an appetite, so why not stop by Street Food Avenue for a bite?

listen to AMAZING LIVE MUSIC while sipping on MULLED WINE

whole host of seasonal treats and tips.

Equip yourself with all the skills to become the festive ‘Hostess with the Mostest’ at our ‘12 Masterclasses of Christmas’, from making Christmas wreaths and curing salmon to seasonal cocktails for your guests. There also will be a range of masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre ensuring everyone stays merry.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Cake and Bake Theatre is not to be missed, with Burlesque Baker Charlotte White

For those up for a challenge, don’t miss the daily Christmas Chilli eating competition and the Mince Pie Eating Challenge. There are plenty of festive games on the menu, with a Christmas Quiz and a chance to practice your charades at the Vintage cider and beer bar. The three-day celebration also has a stellar line-up of live music and a luxury VIP area and Vintage Tea Room, which will definitely get you, and your belly, into the Christmas spirit! u

2-FOR-1 TICKET OFFER

with showguides by quoting ABS241 at foodiesfestival.com T&Cs: Offer applies to adult day tickets only.

Excludes VIP tickets. Offer available online only.

Children 12 and under go free.

41 C&A_NOV_16_Foodies_use.indd 41

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:46

Unlocking the answers The Independent Schools Show is the ultimate forum for parents to meet the biggest names in British education.

Come and speak face-to-face with over 200 of the country’s leading schools at the world’s biggest open day.

Hear from the brightest thinkers and most respected Heads at the renowned Education Theatre.

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

when: Saturday 12 November 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 13 November 10:30 - 16:30 where: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

B A R R AT T LONDON

FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.SCHOOLSSHOW.COM ISS.indd 1 ISS advert 3 v1.indd 1 210x297 a4

05/10/2016 10:37 10:16

> SMALL TALK

p. 45

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW SCHEDULE

p. 46

DREAMY DAYS Fairytale fashion for the new season from Marie-Chantal, where delicate dresses and elegant outerwear meet playful touches like pom poms and princess pleats. mariechantal.com

43 Chis_Nov16_KIDS OPENER.indd 43

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:35

HACKNEY EMPIRE.indd 1

14/10/2016 10:47

ST. ANTHONY’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS St. Anthony’s School for Girls is a Catholic school located in Ivy House, North End Road, NW11.

An exciting new sister school to the highly successful St. Anthony’s School for Boys in Hampstead.

OPE

Satu

N DA

rday

12th

s 10

Nov

am-

YS

12pm

emb er Janu ary 18th Mar ch 21st

For further information on our Open Days or to register for a place, please contact us on 020 3869 3070 or info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk

www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk @StAnthonysGirls ALPHA PLUS.indd 1

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3

stanthonysgirls 17/10/2016 11:48

18/10/2016 11:07

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

BRAND FOCUS

JAPAN GARDEN

ANIMAL MAGIC

O w a Yu r i k a

A highly directional girlswear label that blends cutting-edge, contemporary London style with the time-honoured artisanal tailoring of Japan, Owa Yuriko is one to watch. owayurika.com

Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

SMALL TALK Statement style and a teddy you design yourself

STREET STARS KENZO The rejuvenated Kenzo is all about high impact fashion – not least the current collection, which sees modern, versatile streetwear adorned with cartoon graphics and bright block colours.

$59 for the core set, $25 for additional body part kits; huzidesign.com

kenzo.com

HAPPY FEET

THINK PINK

£35; available at harrods.com

from £56; cissywears.com

A. Andreassen  These ‘Little Darling’ slippers are inspired by traditional Norwegian Christmas ornaments and come in soft leather and cosy felt – tiny toes are sure to love them. 

Quenotte  The perfect piece for girls who like their pink with a side-serving of sass, this liquidsheen lamé skirt should be on every mini hipster’s Christmas wishlist. Quenotte’s French style for ages two to 14 is vintageinspired and quirky. 

45 KIDS NOTES.indd 45

L

ooking for your little one’s next great gift? Allow us to introduce Hong Kong-based Huzi Design.

This studio-cum-online boutique specialises in clever gifts and innovative toys with a minimalist aesthetic from the infinity pillow, which can be contorted into a variety of comfy sleeping positions to table tennis paddles that double as fun masks. The best of the bunch, however, has to be the Huzi ‘Mixed Animal’, a clever plush toy that comes with swappable sets of animal limbs and features. Simply assemble it according to your whims by way of invisibly embedded magnets.

Kids will love designing their own fantastic creatures, replete with shells, horns, antlers, tails and trunks. They may even have to wrestle the beasts away from their intrigued parents... still, our winged rhino-badger went down a treat. 

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:50

FIND THE RIGHT ANSWERS The Independent Schools Show is the UK’s largest school open day. With more than 200 of the country’s leading nurseries, pre-preps, senior schools and sixthform colleges, it is the ultimate forum for parents to meet the biggest names in British education under one roof. Come to Battersea Park on 12 and 13 November to get all your education questions answered

T

he Independent Schools Show is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. That’s ten years of helping thousands of parents find the right school for their child.

Come and meet key admissions staff and receive advice on fundamental questions such as how to navigate the London system, when to start tuition, how to win a scholarship, what the options are for children with special educational needs, and whether or not boarding school is the answer.

There is also the chance to attend a number of talks at the renowned Education Theatre, where the UK’s top heads and brightest thinkers will address some of the most important issues in schools right now.

And it’s a fun day out for the family, with two great cafes from Muriel’s Kitchen, a free crèche, and Battersea Park to play in. With so much in one place, there is no better way to plan for your child’s future.

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER / 10:00 ˜ 17.00 SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER / 10.30 ˜ 16.30

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ. Find out more at schoolsshow.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

ED_ISS.indd 46

46 18/10/2016 10:51

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOLS SHOW EDUCATION THEATRE TALKS INCLUDE The changing face of independent education PATRICK DERHAM Head Master of Westminster School

ADAM PETTITT Head of Highgate School

•

State till eight?

Moving your child between state and independent schools RALPH LUCAS Editor of The Good Schools Guide

KEITH BUDGE Headmaster of Bedales

•

Action For Happiness SIR ANTHONY SELDON Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham

•

How to choose the right school BARNABY LENON Chairman of the Independent Schools Council

•

How to navigate the 11+ and 13+ systems BEN THOMAS Headmaster of Thomas’s Battersea

• Increasing access to independent schools

PROFESSOR MARK BAILEY High Master of St Paul’s School •

Starting out in London NICK BAKER

Head of Wetherby Preparatory and Senior Schools

JANE RITCHIE Alpha Plus Group

•

Your changing child: providing support, learning to cope and nurturing achievement From the Tavistock and Portman Clinic

DR SARAH WYNICK Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

LAVERNE ANTROBUS Consultant Child and Educational Psychologist

•

Scholarships and bursaries answered SUSAN HAMLYN Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants

47 ED_ISS.indd 47

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:51

A World of Sophisticated Beauty Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the “Stay with Armani� philosophy delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually. www.armanihoteldubai.com

ARMANI HOTEL.indd 1

13/10/2016 11:10

> CAPRI SPREE: ITALIAN ISLAND LIFE

p. 50

STAYCATION: LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL, PARK LANE

p. 55

BELLA ITALIA Get away from it all on the Isle of Capri, where luxury and natural beauty abound and meals are served with no fewer than six courses.

49 C&A_July16_Travel_Opener.indd 49

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 10:53

Capri Spree Get away from it all at Punta Tragara on Capri, Italy’s most glamorous island Wo r d s C h l o e L u s c o m b e

T

he Isle of Capri is a legendary jewel in the Bay of Naples and has been known as a luxury retreat since the Roman emperor Tiberias took up residence there two thousand years ago. The beauty of this rocky outcrop, with its towering cliff above the busy port of Marina Grande, is just as alluring today, while the five-and-a-half star Punta Tragara hotel, perched high above the port and reached by a funicular, is just as luxurious, if not quite as decadent.

Punta Tragara’s service is attentive but discreet, as we see from the moment we are greeted on disembarking and our luggage is whisked away. From the top of the funicular the hotel is reached via the pedestrianized Piazzetta, or little square, then a wide street, where traditional shops give way to luxury boutiques. The hotel itself has extensive grounds, full of trees which are alive with the sound of birdsong. We feel very privileged and far from the touristic throng.

Built as a private villa in the 1920s from original plans by the architect Le Corbusier it became a hotel in the 1970s.

Once home to the aristocratic Manfredi family it was also chosen as a base by both Churchill and Eisenhower. Its position is dramatic, its terracotta buildings seeming to almost balance on a tip of the island, while the garden is designed to offer many secret twists and turns, quiet meeting places and stunning vistas down over dark green pines to the sparkling waters of the bay. The interior of the lobby is opulent, with high ceilings, marble floors and huge chandeliers, with decorative textiles marrying a heritage of art and fashion.

The rooms are as opulent as the lobby promises, spacious and comfortable, and mine has a terrace looking out towards the stunning Faraglioni cliffs and the sea.

It is secluded and serene, yet we can just hear the song of a nonna, a grandmother, selling granita limone, in the Piazzetta, fifteen minutes walk away.

WE FEEL VERY privileged AND FAR FROM the touristic THRONG

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_July16_CAPRI.indd 50

50 18/10/2016 11:05

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

51

absolutely.london

absolutely.london C&A_July16_CAPRI.indd 51

18/10/2016 11:05

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk Crouch End

Islington

Telephone 020 8341 2020

Telephone 020 7359 4041

128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY

FUNKTIONAL KITCHENS.indd 1

42 Cross Street London N1 2BA

13/10/2016 10:51

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

In the hotel’s main restaurant Monzu you can chose to eat in a smaller inside area or on larger table on the terrace above the illuminated pool. The seven- course tasting menu majors on elegantly presented seafood – squid, prawns, lobster–followed by pork Caprisian style. Wonderful fresh bread and carefully chosen white and especially stunning red wines, not to mention a menu of different mineral waters, make it a memorable experience. But it is served in a friendly manner and we were pleased to be greeted warmly by the same waiter at an equally delicious breakfast, highlights being a fresh ricotta cheese, which I could not resist, and prosecco with the coffee, which I did manage to refuse.

After so much indulgence it was time to explore and October, late in the season, is perfect for walking, as it is cooler and less busy. The hotel closes over the winter but spring is another very good time to visit. We set off along the Arco Naturale, a coastal walk which begins just outside the hotel.

It takes you to a half collapsed grotto, the Arc, a feature of the limestone island. We

see people embarking in boats heading for Capri’s most famous tourist attraction, the Blue Grotto, only accessible by sea, but after taking in the glamorous beach scene of La Fontelina, we prefer to walk on and enjoy nature and the views. Later we visited the town of Ana Capri and walked on to the Villa Jovis, where Tiberias himself had his palace and the less well known Villa Lysis where the French poet Count Jacques

OCTOBER, late in the SEASON, IS perfect for WALKING d'Adelswärd-Fersen lived with his lover, having exiled himself from Paris in 1903 after a scandal.

Back at the hotel it is warm enough for an early evening swim in one of the two pools – the amazing service includes being handed a huge fluffy towel as you get out of the water. Yet more indulgence can be found in the Unica Spa at the bottom of the hotel, which offers a host of PhysioLab treatments.

I opted for an outstanding anti-aging facial.

Sadly before I could get totally spoilt it was time to leave. On my last morning I decided that a final spot of decadence was called for and tried the prosecco for breakfast, before the ferry back across the Bay of Naples away from a magical island and back to the bustle of city life. 

 PUNTA TRAGARA Rooms available from €384 per room per night, based on two adults sharing a Prestige Bedroom on a B&B basis, including VAT and service charge. For further information and reservations, please visit hoteltragara.com or telephone +39 081 837 0844.

53 C&A_July16_CAPRI.indd 53

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:05

London’s premier roofing, loft conversion and home improvement company for over 92 years!

• New Roofs and Repairs • Loft Conversions • Extensions • Renovations • 10 yr Guarantee • Fully Insured • References Available • FREE Quotations

0800 731 1923 0208 808 2812 info@birdandwedge.com www.birdandwedge.com

BIRD & WEDGE.indd 1

18/10/2016 18:40

GRATE EXPECTATIONS.indd 1

03/10/2016 14:30

_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 4

18/10/2016 18:45

TRAVEL / STAYCATION THE HOTEL

S

earching for a sophisticated stayaction right here in the city?

Those looking for an elegant bolthole in the middle of one of London’s best postcodes need look no further than the Marriott Hotel Park Lane. A prime spot for business travellers, families and couples alike, it also makes the perfect mid-week treat for a Londoner living on the edge of Zone 2. But it's more than just a good location: the hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts its own indoor swimming pool and high tech gym, too. The interiors are sumptuous and subtle with pops of colour giving them a modern edge and the marble floors give it a proper Park Lane finish. 

MARRIOTT HOTEL PARK LANE London

W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

THE SPA

L

ike many overworked Londoners, there are few things I enjoy more than a really good spa treatment; I decide to book into the The Club (the Mariott’s own spa) for The Absolute Facial and am excited to learn that all the treatments offered at The Club use products from luxury skincare brand AromaWorks.

When I arrive I am greeted by my therapist who carries out a brief consultation which includes choosing my essential oil (I opt for Serenity, a wonderful mix of geranium and lemongrass). What follows is 55 minutes of bliss; after cleansing and exfoliating my face and décolletage, my therapist massages in the essential oil and applies the super hydrating Absolute Face Serum before administering a heavenly hand massage. I leave relaxed with my skin glowing. 

THE RESTAURANT

W

hile Mayfair and Soho are known for their food, it's also worth staying in for dinner at the hotel's own eaterie, Lanes of London. The restaurant is a modern British eatery offering a seasonal menu, using locally sourced British rare-breed and wild food produce. On recommendation, we start with the beef carpaccio and then move on to the grill menu (which has fillet, rib eye, sirloin or a wagyu burger just under beef). There are fish and veggie options too, and the homemade fish and chips is a real winner. The wine list is comprehensive and the sommelier is informed and eager to help.

A delightful meal and dining experience. 

THE DAMAGE London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, 140 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 7AA +44 (0)20 7493 7000 londonmarriottparklane.co.uk

55 CH_Oct16_UK_Getaway copy.indd 55

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 13:55

EXCLUSIVE FURNITURE

Shoreditch & Leatherhead 020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810

www.wharfside.co.uk WHARFSIDE OCT.indd 1 2016.indd 1 Absolutely Magazine October

22/08/2016 22/08/2016 14:38 12:46

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 58

TILE COUNCIL

p. 61

HOUSE OF PLANTS Urban dwellers with green fingers will find solace in Caro Langton and Rose Ray's guide to caring for tropical house plants.

House of Plants, £20, Frances Lincoln Publishers

57 Chis_Nov2016_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 57

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:21

10 of the best

candlesticks SKAGERAK

Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home

Segments candleholder oak, £65 cloudberryliving.co.uk

Wo r d s e l i z a b e t h h u t t o n

MOEBE

Candlelight Brass, £18 conranshop.co.uk

NORTHERN LIGHTING Poppy Table Skinny Black Grey, £POA northernlighting.no

MENU

Optical Candle Holder, £50 nest.co.uk

must

HAVE

Hot Seat

PLANT AND MOSS

Geometrics Candle Holders, £POA plantandmoss.com

Studio Makgill x H Furniture When a graphic design studio and a furniture brand come together, you know the resulting furniture will be good.

Bringing vivid colour to the iconic wooden Windsor WW chair, there are six different versions worth collecting.

Studiomakgill.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Nov16_Interiors_Notes.indd 58

58 18/10/2016 11:36

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES editor’s

PICK

BROSTE

Candle Holder ‘Lova’Marble, £28 goodhoodstore.com

ROLL UP

Alessi Inspired by the magic of the circus, Alessi’s latest collection is fun. The imaginative designs use the rhomboidal, circular, striped and pointed geometric patterns of the performer’s costume to create a striking series of objects.

Alessi.com

IMAGERY CODE

Magical Ensemble Oliver Candle, £POA imagerycode.com

BOX IT UP

Nordic Styles Made from ethically sourced timber, these crates are made exclusively for Nordic Style and are branded with the area and postcode of the Londonbased shops. Often used as fruit bowls, organisers or desk tidys, these useful boxes are practical and stylish. nordicstyle.com KIM THOME

Rectangular Lump Candle Holders, $250 thefutureperfect.com

DRESS UP

Po l t r o n a F r a u x N e r i & H u Crafted in walnut and brass with saddle leather accents, the Ren furnishing accessory collection is designed to be discrete but beautiful.

Based on the Chinese ideogram “ren” - meaning people - the structure is able to hold personal items and a paraphernalia of items. poltronafrau.com

MUUTO

Match Tealight Holder Grey, £14 goodhoodstore.com

PINCHED

Pinch The new pieces at Studio Pinch this season include a drinks cabinet, dresser, console, wall mirror and upholstered dining chairs. Seeing the beauty and simplicity in thoughtful, well-crafted products, each piece is as elegant as it is practical. pinchdesign.com

59 CHIS_Nov16_Interiors_Notes.indd 59

FERM LIVING

Half Candleholder Rose, £26 goodhoodstore.com

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:36

Roselind Wilson Design is a multi award-winning design studio that delivers authentic design by pairing understated luxury with raw materials, textures and finishes.

Every project is approached by offering a highly personal service and attention to detail.

9 Lonsdale Road, London, NW6 6RA 020 3371 1779 info@roselindwilsondesign.com www.roselindwilsondesign.com

RWD.indd 1

12/10/2016 16:05

HOMES & INTERIORS / SPOTLIGHT

Tile Council Bibliotheque are leading the way in stylish tiles for your home Wo r d s a b s o l u t e ly

B

ibliotheque Tiles is far more than a tile shop; it is a group of highly motivated and experienced personnel who have worked in the tile industry prior to forming Bibliotheque Tiles. They have collectively worked in both retail and in the commercial market supplying to architects, interior designers, developers and house builders.

Times are changing and so are tiles.

You can now have tiles in more sizes than ever before and the new sizes are 90x90, 100x100, 120x120, 120x240, 100x300 and 150x300cm in stone appearance as well as various marble type finishes.

Mosaic is no longer limited, it comes iridescent, metallic, digital printed, metal and stone as well as fresh water and salt water shell mosaics. Porcelain woods, so authentic looking with all the nuances , textures, variations and movement that natural wood has without the obvious problems of the natural product such

YOU CAN NOW

have tiles in more sizes than ever BEFORE scratching, high heal impact as well as the choice of having underfloor heating with the porcelain woods. Plank sizes are 15x90cm, 15x120cm, 20x120cm, 30x120cm 20x180cm.

Visit either of Bibliotheque’s two showrooms where you will find knowledgeable and helpful staff as well as full technical advice and of course all the latest products. u

61 C&A_Nov16_BIBLIOTHEQUE.indd 61

Hertfortshire Showroom Unit 11 Devonshire Business Centre Cranborne Road, Potters Bar EN6 3JR Tel 01707 649932 London Showroom Arch 2, The Viaduct, St. James Lane Muswell Hill, London N10 3QX Tel 020 8365 2084 bibliotheque.co.uk

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 11:40

What are they going to see from down there, really?

PL.indd 1

03/10/2016 12:05

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.

PL.indd 2

03/10/2016 12:05

020 8802 4040 islington@myhome.co.uk

MY HOME ISLINGTON.indd 1

15/02/2016 17:16

PROPERTY NEWS p.68 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p.72 NIGEL LEWIS: FAMOUS PLACES p.76

CASSON STREET E1

£900,000

eacefully situated just a short walk from Brick Lane and the City is this stylish two bedroom warehouse conversion. Boasting two double bedrooms, two high finish bathrooms, a large open plan kitchen/ reception with exposed brickwork, large warehouse windows and a stainless steel kitchen. Transport links include Liverpool Street Station, Shoreditch High Street Station and reliable bus routes into the City and the West End. u

P

SHOREDITCH 020 7613 2746

65 East_Nov16_Property_PFC.indd 65

marshandparsons.co.uk

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 14:23

Brenthouse Road, E9

£1,200,000 Freehold

Victorian terrace | Four bedrooms | Tranquil location | Garden | Epc E

Poole Road, E9

£1,150,000 Freehold

Victorian terrace | Three bedrooms | Opportunity to modernise | Garden | Epc D Victoria Park 020 3222 5555 victoriapark@currell.com

currell.com

CURRELLSEAST.indd 1

17/10/2016 15:10

St Philips Road, E8

£1,825,000 Freehold

Victorian terrace | Five bedrooms | Popular Hackney location | Garden | Epc D

Canal Wharf, E8

£715,000 Leasehold

Sixth floor | Two bedrooms | Balcony overlooking Regent’s Canal | Epc B Hackney 020 7241 4111 hackney@currell.com

currell.com

CURRELLSEAST.indd 2

17/10/2016 15:10

Property ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area

HOUSE HUNTING

MOST SATISFYING TRANSACTION

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE

I took on a one bedroom apartment that had been advertised by another agency without success. We conducted 22 viewings and received six offers within a month. The owner was delighted to accept an asking price offer.

RACHEL BIRD

Sales Manager Foxtons

F E AT U R E P R O P E R T Y

CAPITAL WHARF • E�W •

£1,999,990 ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

East_Nov16_Prop_PRU.indd 68

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTY

A superb house we are marketing now.

It was originally conceived as three consecutive dwellings in 1820 and is now one home with front and rear walled gardens, adjacent to St Pauls Shadwell.

ituated in a stunning riverside development, this impressive three bedroom, fifth floor apartment is finished to an exceptional standard throughout and boasts two fantastic balconies with superb views over the Thames and Tower Bridge. The property benefits from an expansive open-plan reception room with smart dining area, a sleek and modern fully

S

WE CONDUCTED 22 VIEWINGS AND RECEIVED SIX OFFERS WITHIN A MONTH. THE OWNER WAS DELIGHTED TO ACCEPT AN ASKING PRICE OFFER

One of the finest views I’ve ever seen was from a small, exclusive office conversion.

Bi-folding doors opened the reception room right out onto the Thames.

FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Olivers Wharf, E1W, £1,795,000. A one bedroom lateral loft-style apartment in Olivers Wharf. u

Foxtons Wapping, 020 3728 2222;

foxtons.co.uk

integrated kitchen, impressive master bedroom with en suite and dressing room and a large second bedroom with a stylish en suite bathroom. The apartment also comes with a secure underground parking space and two fantastic balconies with superb views of Tower Bridge. u FOXTONS Wapping, 020 3728 2222;;

foxtons.co.uk

68 18/10/2016 14:26

PROPERTY / NEWS

AG E N T O N D E S I G N

DA VINCI HOUSE • EC� •

£1,650,000 HISTORY

PRIME PURCHASE

ST. MATTHEW’S ROW • E� •

£850,000 his two bedroom flat set within a quiet gated development boasts views of the historic Saint Matthews

T

Church. The flat offers a spacious reception/dining area with French doors opening to a Juliet balcony overlooking the park, separate kitchen area with modern fittings, two double bedrooms with en suite to the master, private patio and residents parking.

St Matthew's Row is located very close to the many boutiques, shops, bars and restaurants of

Brick Lane and Cheshire Street. Spitalfields and Columbia Road markets are nearby while Shoreditch and Hoxton Square are both easily accessible. u

Marsh & Parsons Shoreditch, 020 7613 2746; marshandparsons.co.uk

savills.co.uk

Ellie Mann

Lily Brunning I’ve not yet had a boring day at work in Canary Wharf; my personal favourite being when an applicant showed me how to sing to plants to make them grow, explaining where she’d keep them. I’ll admit I’ve not tried the same at home in Shadwell yet. u

Head of Lettings

Customer Relationship Manager

Client Liaison Coordinator

I’ve worked for the Savills Canary Wharf office for four years and love how my job lets me deal with so many different people and cultures. My favourite client was a woman who I helped move into her first London property eight years ago, and she has since become my wife! u

I love the fast paced nature of lettings in London; it’s a far cry from my childhood in Hertfordshire. I look after property management, and it’s different every day with things like chasing a tenants’ escaped dog on an inspection after they hid it in the bathroom! u

I live in East London, but love spending time in Canary Wharf, working with David and the team, liaising with landlords and tenants.

After work you can find me in Parlour, enjoying a few cocktails. In my spare time, I’m a big fan of sailing and other water-sports as well as trampolining. u

Lettings Negotiator

SPOTLIGHT ON EAST LONDON £ PER WEEK

POUNDS PER WEEK AND ANNUAL CHANGE BY AREA

£476 69

East_Nov16_Prop_PRU.indd 69

This is still one of the main reasons buyers love Clerkenwell. Individuality, personality, character, high ceilings, huge windows, stunning open spaces and industrial features. These amazing apartments are not easy to find and demand for them continuously remains high.

Clerkenwell attracts the design conscious buyer and seller. Be it a lawyer, banker or creative individual; bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, lighting, doors and fixtures are as important in a “fit out” as never before. The apartments presentation is a statement of inspiration, good quality and identity. u

Canary Wharf • 020 7531 2500

Ross Griffiths

LOFT BUILDINGS

DESIGN

MEET THE TEAM

S AV I L L S

David Baldock

Many buyers looking to move into Clerkenwell love an element of history attached to the building they hope to buy.

Da Vinci House, apart from adopting the name of Leonardo da Vinci linked to Clerkenwell being “Little Italy” from the 1850s to the late 1960s, was also the home of Punch Magazine.

Hur ford Salvi Car r City & Clerkenwell, 020 7250 1012; hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

ANNUAL CHANGE IN RENTAL VALUES

7.3%

Data provided by LonRes

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 14:26

BlakeStanley BROADWAY MARKET

Elrington Road, E8

020 7254 7554

£2,000,000 Goldsmith's Row, E2

Located on one of London Fields' most desirable roads is this substantial and impressive Victorian family home. Presented in immaculate order the property comprises a 50ft open-plan reception/kitchen/diner leading to a landscaped garden, four large double bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Opposite Haggerston Park is this excellently presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with balcony. Situated on the first floor and offering 861sqft (80sqm) of living space the property comprises a spacious openplan reception/kitchen/diner with a curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Freehold

Mapledene Road, E8

Leasehold

£775 PW* Broadway Market, E8

A newly decorated four bedroom house located just moments from London Fields. The property benefits from having a west facing reception with doors leading onto a landscaped garden, fully fitted kitchen, utility room, office and two bathrooms one being en suite and four double bedroom.

Part Furnished

£635,000

£435 PW*

Newly built one double bedroom top floor apartment located on the ever popular Broadway market which is just moments from London Fields. The apartment comprise a great size lounge, separate fitted kitchen, a double bedroom with a Juliet balcony and a bathroom with shower over bath.

Furnished

*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.

info@blakestanley.co.uk BS.indd 1

11-13a Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4PH 17/10/2016 18:14

blakestanley.co.uk

CHATSWORTH ROAD

Dunlace Road, E5

020 8986 2743

£700,000 Chippendale Street, E5

Located on a popular tree lined street moments away from the vibrant life of Chatsworth Road is this three bedroom split-level flat. Refurbished to a high standard the property offers a 20ft open-plan and dual aspect reception room with a modern open-plan fitted kitchen.

Arranged over the top two floors of a Victorian conversion BlakeStanley have the pleasure in offering to the market this three bedroom flat which has recently been refurbished presenting a blend of both modern and period features. Located close to amenities and transport links.

Share of Freehold

Cooper Court, E5

Share of Freehold

£430 PW* Chatsworth Road, E5

A two bedroom propose built canal side apartment. The apartment comprise an open planned living area with fitted kitchen, there are two double bedrooms one with en-suite, a bathroom with shower over bath and a balcony. The property has been finished to a great standard

Furnished

£675,000

£575 PW*

Set within the top two floors of this period conversion is a three double bedroom split leveled flat on the ever popular Chatsworth Road, within walking distance along the canal to Victoria Park & London Fields.The property consists of a good sized living room, fitted kitchen and bathroom.

Part Furnished

*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.

info@blakestanley.co.uk BS.indd 2

57 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH 17/10/2016 18:14

IN THEIR OWN

WORDS

Jonathan Westray DIRECTOR

P E R We s t r a y

REBECCA NOONAN

B

rought up in the tropics under the African sun in Ghana, my parents then took the family to Australia for a few years, but eventually we returned to Ghana where our spirit was rooted. In my teens I was sent to Stonyhurst where the Jesuits introduced me to spirituality, duty, personal discipline and re-directed my natural curiosity to more intellectual pursuits, endeavouring to make a gentleman of me. A degree in Law and Spanish followed at Cardiff University with a year spent studying at Salamanca and Madrid universities. After my stint at Madrid’s Complutense University, I found myself a graduate, linguist and lawyer, gainfully employed and surprised to be doing my ‘articles’ for London’s oldest and largest firm of notaries and international lawyers.

Seconded from London to Barcelona, working for a sister law firm, my passion for architecture was awoken. Awe-struck by Gaudi’s fascinatingly organic

I found myself curious of the relationship between buildings and their inhabitants

structures, juxtaposed against the classic early nineteenth century European architecture, I found myself more curious of the relationship between buildings and their inhabitants, than the rigidity of the law. After 12 years of dealing with legal issues, a career volte-face occurred and I found myself immersed in matching people with homes.

After ten years working for two corporate agencies, it was time to break free of the constraints that working for a corporate firm imposes on an agent.

So, having bought a home in Victoria Park, several colleagues and I created our own firm, dedicating clients with our time, passion and local market expertise. Being ‘Small

is Beautiful’ (borrowing from E.F. Schumacher’s influential critique), means all of us at PER Westray have the time to offer our clients precisely what cannot be offered by larger agencies.

Bordered by sought-after areas such as Highbury and Islington plus Bow and the City are the beautiful green spaces of London Fields, Victoria Park, Well Street Common and Hackney Marshes. The charm of these neighbourhood’s, fascinating mix of people and cultures and the varied architecture has resulted in Dalston, Hackney, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Fish Island and Clapton becoming London’s property ‘hot spots’.

In a post-referendum and pretriggering article 50 uncertain age, it is business as usual in East London. Driven entirely by the demand of buyers and tenants alike, with enticingly higher sales and rental yields than Kensington, Marylebone and Mayfair, there is a healthy and flourishing desire for homes in the area. ◆

HACKNEY / 020 3500 0230 / propertyeye.net

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

East_Nov16_Property_ITOW.indd 72

72 18/10/2016 14:29

PROPERTY / PROFILE

73 East_Nov16_Property_ITOW.indd 73

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 14:29

D AV E Y S OF SPITALFIELDS

£799* REGULAR

£1,499* PREMIIUM

1%*

PLATINUM

*terms and conditions apply, prices include VAT.

DAVEYS.indd 1

17/10/2016 15:10

New marketing suite launching November 3rd

Homes with Heritage in the Heart of Islington Homes: new homes combining Edwardian heritage with contemporary living Space: 10 ft high ceiling and abundant lateral living space Leisure: retail and leisure including the Third Space Health Club and luxury cinema The Lounge, by Odeon Discover: visit our marketing suite to experience Islington Square for yourself — 127 Upper Street, London, N1 1QP

Phase 2, just launched, includes suites, 1 and 2 bedroomhomes and family maisonettes.

Call now to reserve your place: 020 7723 6733 Or register your interest: sales@islingtonsquare.com www.islingtonsquare.com

NIGEL LEWIS

FAMOUS PLACES London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market

LONDON’S GRAND DESIGNS STAR

ome people might use a stair-lift to get from one floor to the other, but Kew House has a fun slide to get its owners downstairs super-quick. This modern home – one of the finalists in Grand Designs: House of the Year in 2015 – has a huge basement which includes a children’s play area that you can get down to on stairs or a wooden slide.

The site was originally a bunch of derelict garages before it was bought by award-winning structural engineer Tim Lucas six years ago for £400,000.

The site’s transformation into a dream home now on the market for £3.8 million with The Modern House was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs in November 2015, and was also shortlisted for a Royal Institute of British Architects’ award, handed out each year to the best new house designed by an architect in the UK. Set behind the façade of a Victorian stable, it has two gabled wings around a central courtyard.

The property is covered with prefabricated steel, studded with holes to mimic the effect of dappled light through the branches of trees. u The Modern House 020 3795 5920

S

Ellis. She employed innovative ways to find the next generation of catwalk models. This included a deal with Topshop to use their stores to scout for talent. Fiona was famous as the person who discovered supermodel Erin O’Connor, although Ellis has also worked with Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen and Elizabeth Hurley.

But it’s clearly time to move on.

Ellis’s home in Ascot is now up for sale. The property has been remodelled in her somewhat unusual style and includes a leopard-print clad toilet and ceilings covered in crocodile embossed wallpaper. It’s a two bedroom flat on Spring Grove in Ascot and is being sold for £1.1 million. u Savills, Sunningdale 01344 626 162

Hitchcock had a lot to thank the capital for; he directed over 20 films here DIAL M FOR MAISONETTE?

lfred Hitchcock has been dead for nearly 40 years but his reputation as one of the world’s greatest film directors survives very much intact.

But the cigar-chomping mogul was not always grateful for his early years spent working in London, where he established himself before moving to Hollywood in 1939. The Dial M for Murder director once said that in London “the sky was always grey, the rain was grey, the mud was grey and I was grey”. Hitchcock had a lot to thank the capital for; he directed over 20 films here, using familiar backdrops such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

But who could blame him for preferring the Californian sun, where he worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Janet Leigh. While living in Los Angeles Hitchcock developed a taste for grand residences and eventually bought a seven-bedroom colonialstyle mansion in Bel Air. But when living in London his home was much more modest. From 1926 until 1939 he lived in a shabby maisonette flat

A

£3.8 Million

HOME TO A SUPERMODEL SCOUT

ave you ever wondered how young women are picked out of the crowd to become the next Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell?

Although it sounds improbable in today’s social media world, the work of traditional talent scouts continues.

One of the most famous was Fiona

H

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_FamousPlaces_Oct16_2pp.indd 76

76 18/10/2016 14:30

PROPERTY / STAR HOMES

£750 Thousand

£1.1 Million

In the 60s, cast members rehearsed at a pub on Reckitt Road, Chiswick at 153 Cromwell Road in Kensington complete with threadbare carpets and wonky furniture. The property is still made up of flats including a two bedroom top floor one, which is now up for sale at £750,000. u Foxtons 020 3728 2000

THE PATH THAT LEADS TO WISDOM

ven as his life entered its twilight years, comedian and film star Norman Wisdom kept the jokes coming, quipping that “as you get older three things happen – the first is your memory goes, and I

E

can’t remember the other two”.

In 1915 Wisdom was born in London into a poor family and at the age of 25 ran away to join the army.

After surviving the war, Wisdom’s talents for comic entertainment were spotted and by 31 he was a professional entertainer and soon after, a film star and comedian. His most famous character was Norman Pitkin, an incompetent junior employee to boss ‘Mr Grimsdale’ in a variety of different settings, which won Wisdom fans all over the world including, most improbably, Albania.

His childhood home is now for sale. It’s at 91 Fernhead Road in Maida Vale where the Wisdom family lived during the 1920s. Norman, his brother Fred and their parents, lived in a single room. The one bedroom apartment is now on the market for £449,000. u Dexters 020 7266 2020

£1.75 Million

77 Chis_FamousPlaces_Oct16_2pp.indd 77

£449 Thousand

IS IT LIKE A TARDIS INSIDE?

hen Dr Who launched during the 1960s there were fears that a science fiction drama wouldn’t be popular and the first episode was discreetly advertised in the Radio Times.

But, despite an opening night that clashed with coverage of the JFK assassination, Doctor Who was a hit, and half a century later there’s still great excitement. It’s just been announced that this year’s festive outing will feature a guest companion, ahead of next year’s new series.

In the 60s, cast members rehearsed at a pub on Reckitt Road, Chiswick, which was later converted into houses. One of them, with three large bedrooms is on the market for £1.75m. Agent Dexters reckons it’s in excellent condition with large first floor south-facing double height reception room, courtyard garden and balcony. u Dexters 0208 995 4321

W

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 14:30

Launching T H U R S D AY 3 R D N O V E M B E R • 2 P M - 7 P M F R I D AY 4 TH N O V E M B E R • 1 0 A M - 6 P M

F ro m o ur Joint Selling Agents of fice:

JLL, 30 War wick St, London W1B 5NH

A n excl u s ive col l ect i on of s uit e s, o n e , t wo , thre e & fo u r b e d ro o m ap a rtm e nts, du pl exes an d l u x u r y pe ntho u se s w ith o u tst a n d in g sp e c if ic atio n .

Set to become a landmark destination for north London with cinema, fitness centre, supermarket, eateries and shops*

Set across four sleek and stylish buildings including two spectacular towers

1 minute walk to the new western entrance of Finsbury Park station for tube and national rail connections

Many apartments offer panoramic views across the capital from Finsbury Park and Canary Wharf to the City

Connections to King’s Cross (4 mins), the West End (9 mins), Holborn (11 mins) and Moorgate (13 mins)

Access to The Pavilion, a 430 sq m communal roof garden featuring exclusive residents’ Wi-Fi Lounge

24 hour concierge service & further private gardens Completions from Summer 2019

C A L L N OW TO B O O K YO U R P R I O R I T Y A P P O I N T M E N T:

Joint Selling Agents:

020 3620 8001 Computer generated images of City North. *Subject to lease.

TELFORDHOMES.indd 1

17/10/2016 15:33

A development by:

www.telfordhomes.london

TELFORDHOMES.indd 2

17/10/2016 15:33

Traffic management and pavement access can be a crucial part of obtaining planning permission for a basement conversion

NIGEL LEWIS

GOING UNDERGROUND Londoners are digging deep for space.

But how difficult are basement conversions to complete?

B

asement conversions in London are at an all-time high as many homeowners elect to sit tight and expand their homes rather than move and face a substantial Stamp Duty bill. Despite increased planning restrictions, the number of applications to convert basements has doubled over the past two years which, as builder Billy Heyman of BTL Properties explains, is not surprising.

“It’s a no-brainer, really,” he says. “Our typical customer is living in a £2m house

but to move up the ladder locally usually requires a spend of £3.5 plus a Stamp Duty and agent fee bill of nearly £400,000.”

The cost of a basement is much less than that. But getting permission for a conversion is getting difficult as many London borough planning departments, in particular Kensington & Chelsea and City of Westminster, crack down on the more ambitious projects. This year Westminster established a ‘sub squad’ team to process complaints about basement conversions, and introduced a tax to be levied on each conversion, which is said to be £8,000 on

average. This is reducing the number of high-profile ‘iceberg’ conversions. These include those undertaken by Foxtons founder Jon Hunt, composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, actress Nicole Kidman and oligarch Roman Abramovich, many of whom have added up to four storeys.

“A lot of the councils are tightening up the planning process to try and create as many barriers as possible,” says Simon Haycock of Michaelis Boyd Associates. But the second type of basement conversion continues to boom. These are the onestorey dig-downs that are easy to spot

Look after your favourite shoes, live local...

New apartments now available just 11 minutes walk from Hampstead Heath Travel time source: Google maps. Prices are correct at the time of going to print.

stmartins-walk.co.uk ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

East_Nov16_PRU_DPS.indd 80

020 3320 8220

80 18/10/2016 14:33

PROPERTY / BASEMENTS outside a home. Usually, an electric conveyor pokes out of a downstairs window, wet clay clattering from the netherworld below into a skip.

“The really big projects that you see in the papers are all about having a basement swimming pool or cinema, but most of our work is about freeing up space and making a period property a usable family home,” says Simon Haycock.

But if you’re about to take the plunge and go big below, there is plenty to think about. Reducing the floor level or creating a new basement is a significant engineering project and some say it can be more complicated than building a new home.

“The kind of projects where you are simply lowering the floor of an existing basement to create standing room are usually less complicated because they are less invasive – but when you are creating a wholly new basement under a house, then the problems can occur,” says Douglas Brown of RenovationInsuranceBrokers. co.uk.

In effect your home is underpinned two to three times as each new layer of foundation is added. The property is then ‘propped’ from underneath at its centre while the whole project, from planning permission to finish, is likely to take up to a year, according to Billy Heyman.

Another area where homeowners must do their homework is to pick the right

A basement conversion of a John Nash designed Grade II listed house in Park Village West off Albany Street in Regent’s Park by Hampstead by Belsize Architects (020 7482 4420)

contractor, and Douglas Brown says many project managers don’t help their clients do robust enough due diligence.

“There are some projects which are more complex than some builders’ abilities so it’s sometimes better to separate the contacts and use a specialist for the belowground work and a more general builder for

the other work,” says Simon Haycock.

But if you can get it right then the benefits are more than just aesthetic.

Trevor Abrahamson, of estate agent Glentree, says that while it costs around £300 per foot² to build a basement, it can add between £1000 and £6000 per foot² to the value of the property. ◆

Introducing a brand new stylish collection of contemporary 1 & 2 bedroom homes in Gospel Oak

Prices from £420,000

81 East_Nov16_PRU_DPS.indd 81

absolutely.london

18/10/2016 14:33

PROPERTY / COUNTRY LIVING NIGEL LEWIS

SURREY VILLAGES Surrey’s most popular towns and villages

M

ore and more of us are hearing the call of the countryside and upping sticks from London’s busy streets. But where are we all going?

The number of Londoners selling up and moving out increased by over 60% last year, according to research agent Hamptons International. This would appear to be a collective raspberry to London’s frenetic lifestyle as urbanites looking for space, a less competitive school enrolment system and less pollution vote with their feet.

But it’s not just families cashing in their London equity. Hamptons International’s figures show that one in six of those escaping to the country are first-time buyers prepared to run the gauntlet of commuting into London to secure an affordable home. So where are the hotspots? Surrey envelopes much of SW

Foxtons: Five bedroom detached house with large back garden on Mount Hermon Road, £1.2 million

and SE London’s borders from Windsor in the west to Surbiton in the east and the county is one of the first Londoners consider, partly because of the multiple train lines that serve it. So we asked agents about the most sought after areas. u

MOUNT HERMON

ount Hermon is the area directly south of Woking town centre popular with commuters because of it's central train station. The area is treasured for features including Barnsbury Primary school, Woking College, Woking Park and the fact that you’re within touching distance of the town’s green belt.

Detached houses range from £2.5 million to £600,000, while townhouses start at £450,000 and rise to £800,000.  For sale: Five bedroom detached house with large garden on Mount Hermon Road, £1.2 million.

More info: Foxtons, 01483 434445.

M

Knight Frank: Five bedroom cottage with outbuildings, pool, tennis court and stabling, £1.875m

WEYBRIDGE

eybridge is known for St George’s Hill estate, which was the UK’s first major gated community. But if you want to be between the train station and the town centre then the streets around central Weybridge are not to be sniffed at. Prices start £400,000 for a cottage while larger terraced houses kick off at £460,000. Townhouses start at £750,000 and large terraces at £900,000 rising to £1.5 million for a detached.  For sale: Six bedroom detached mansion with a luxury interior, £1.85 million.

More info: John D Wood, 01932 645 251.

W

HASCOMBE, GUILDFORD

ascombe is one of those villages that it’s hard to believe can be commutable from London, given the bucolic surroundings. Properties don’t come up here often and you’ll need deep pockets for a detached home with land here; probably £1.5 to £2.5 million with semis occasionally at around £800,000.  For sale: Langhurst, a five bedroom stockman’s cottage with outbuildings, pool, tennis court and stabling, £1.875m.

More info: Knight Frank, 01483 378971.

H

John D Wood & Co.: Six bedroom detached mansion with a luxury interior, £1.85 million

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Nov6_COUNTRY.indd 82

82 18/10/2016 14:36

S UN Days FROM PRIMROSE HILL, LONDON IS SPREAD PEACEFULLY BEFORE YOU – PERFECT FOR SUN-DRENCHED DAYS. YOU TOO CAN ENJOY IT’S INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUE SHOPS, LOCAL EATERIES AND RELAXED ATMOSPHERE OF PRIMROSE HILL’S VILLAGE LIFE – FOR MANY YEARS THE HOME OF ACTORS, INTELLECTUALS AND THINKERS – A SHORT WALK FROM YOUR HOME AT CARLOW HOUSE, NW1.

THIS IS YOUR LEGACY, YOUR CAMDEN – YOUR HOME.

SUITES AND 1 & 2 BED APARTMENTS SPECTACULAR FOUR STOREY ATRIUM AND WINTER GARDEN DAYTIME CONCIERGE WITH BESPOKE INTERIORS BY WORLD RENOWNED DESIGNER RABIH HAGE

PRIMROSE HILL ROAD

PRICES FROM

£699,000 CARLOWHOUSENW1.COM CARLOW@GALLIARDHOMES.COM

020 3409 2281

GALLIARDCARLOW.indd 1

17/10/2016 15:11

Computer generated images for indicative purposes only *Correct at time of print

W E ST E R N E U R O P E’ S TA L L E ST R E S I D E N T I A L TOW E R PRI CES FROM £595,0 0 0*

N O W AVA I L A B L E Luxurious Suites, One, Two and Three bedroom apartments and Penthouses.

Just 3 minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf Crossrail, connecting to the West End in 11 minutes.

35th floor five-star spa, cinema, club bar, pool and gym.

W W W. S P I R E LO N D O N .C O M 020 3504 4606

A development by

GREENLAND.indd 1 SPIRE_AbsEast_297x210.indd 1

Residential selling agents

17/10/2016 12/10/2016 15:14 11:41