Absolutely London Chiswick, West & Richmond July 2023

Chiswick, West & Richmond

The lowdown on pregnancy, babies and toddlers

Life in STYLE

SUMMER IN THE CITY

PLUS

IT'S A WRAP Reinventing the sari at the Design Musuem HOUSEBOAT LIVING Style on the river SPANISH SPECIALS Paella – but not as you know it

STAY IN BED

Bed: Sandö I Fabric: The Romo Group’s Jackie Dalmatian I Rug: Light Beige I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Bedside table: Holme I Headboard: Rivö I Bed legs: Reling MADE BESPOKE WITH FABRICS FROM AND

The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

WIGMORE STREET I LONDON W1U 1P I MARYLEBONE@CARPEDIEMBEDS.CO.UK I +44 (0) 20 3982 3252 I CARPEDIEMBEDS.CO.UK

COPENHAGEN GOTHENBURG LONDON SEOUL STOCKHOLM ZURICH AND OTHER FINE LOCATIONS

GET YOUR SUMMER BODY READY

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF

PENDLE HARTE

MAMA EDITOR

CARLY GLENDINNING

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER

JOSEPH HAISMAN

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

zest.london

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.

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

July issue highlights

The summer holidays are upon us and we're all looking forward to London becoming quieter and emptier, resulting in walk-ins at restaurants, less traffic and a slower pace of life. Unless you have small children, of course, in which case the summer break is a long challenge of activites and childcare. In this issue we have a Mama special, dedicated to pregnancy, babies and beyond. We meet model-turned-influenced Louise Boyce, who approaches parenthood with humour, and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who has found a new calling with a range of cleaning products. We look at all the best baby buys and how to sleep when you're pregnant –plus we're launching the Mama awards for all the top brands for tots. We've also got the usual mix of people and places, with lots of ideas and suggestions for how to entertain yourself in the city and further afield, plus our regular spotlight on interiors, food and fashion. Enjoy July.

Great outdoors Gardens

have never been more stylish 5

Pattern Patterned fabrics are everywhere, especially on lampshades.

We

Gelato

Set and match Aaron Kasmin's matchbook art is a highlight this month.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Yellow fever

are loving these interiors by Yellow London.

Wish LIST

EDITOR’S

CITY LIVING

A chance encounter in Jaipur led her art school graduate Molly Russell to create Pink City Prints. The brand preserves the traditional cra s of India's Pink City with a collection of block-printed, hand-loomed and handembroidered dresses. pinkcityprints.com

SET AND MATCH

Orchard Moon's luxe lounging sets make the most gorgeous nightwear, but their versatility means you can step out of the bedroom in style and wear them as day wear separates. orchardmoon.com

COVER UP

On The Island's loose-fitting ka ans are light and cool to wear, made from 100% Italian cotton in bespoke art-inspired prints. ontheisland.co

HIGH LIFE

Penelope Chilvers' High Catalina jute wedge has a peep toe front and canvas back strap and comes with cotton laces. Plus it's comfortable too. £139 penelopechilvers.com

eyewear collection

style seen through the

To mark the release of Wes Anderson's Asteroid City, Grind have launched dedicated limited edition coffee pods Pods from the Future. grind.co.uk

TWO PIECE

The Lundey bikini by Marie Jo comes in a stylish lime snake print; it's a comfortable and welldesigned summer piece. ameliesfollies.co.uk

WATER MARK

Female-owned swimwear brand, Turana Atash is pioneering the way for modest fashion that can be worn by all, from surf to swim. turanaatash.com

TICK TOCK

Swatch has launched three watches inspired by the work of graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Pictured is Ishtar. swatch.com swatch.com

IN THE HOOP

These Lido earrings incorporate hoops of glass beads in white and turquoise dropping from gold hooks. wanderslustlife.com

Designed by The Conran Shop, this Circle Trinket Tray Set is minimal and functional, perfect for keeping your odds and ends neatly displayed conranshop.co.uk

Approximately 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to read at the expected level.1

Coram creates better chances for children. Our specialist reading charity, Coram Beanstalk has supported over 250,000 children over the last 50 years through dedicated 1-2-1 reading support.

Find out how you can help children get back on track to a bright future at coram.org.uk

1.Now the whole school is reading: supporting struggling readers in secondary school. Ofsted Report. *Images, names and some of the details of the children mentioned have been changed to protect their identities. Funds will be used where the need is greatest. Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ Phone: 020 7520 0330 fundraising@coram.org.uk www.coram.org.uk

The Thomas Coram Foundation for Children (registered charity no. 312278) was established by Royal Charter in 1739.

“Reading is more important than any other thing.”

Jacob*

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

ART

Life is More Important Than Art

to 17 September

WHITECHAPEL ART GALLERY

Taking inspiration from novelist James Baldwin's observation that life is more important than art … and yet that is why art is important, this is a free threemonth programme of collaborations with artists, performers and thinkers to examine the interface between art and everyday life, and connections between local and global concerns whitechapelgallery.org

Strike a Light

UNTIL 20 JULY, SIMS REED GALLERY

Aaron Kasmin is an avid collector of Lion Match Company’s matchbooks, whose inventive images reflect the rise of America’s consumer culture. He has turned them into an art form in their own right, and this is his biggest show to date, with 30 new artworks drawn from his collection.

gallery.simsreed.com

EXHIBITION

Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles

until January 2024

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

TThe Troubles engulfed Northern Ireland in conflict for nearly 30 years. It was –and remains – a contentious period, with roots going back centuries. First-hand testimony and objects that have neverbefore been displayed are at the heart of this free exhibition.. iwm.org.uk

ART

Tokyo after Dark

To 29 July HARRODS

An installation which brings to life the beauty and vibrancy of Japan at night, celebrating the launch of Glenfiddich’s latest addition to the renowned Grand Series, the ultra-rare, limited edition 29 Year Old Grand Yozakura. It's an immersive art installation inspired by the vibrant beauty of Japanese city nightlife, created in collaboration with MTArt Artist, Japanese-inspired ceramicist King Houndekpinkou. glenfiddich.com

Art

TO WATCH

The Other Art Fair returns to King's Cross

ART

UNIQLO TATE PLAY

22 July - 28 August

TATE MODERN

Participate in an ever-changing artwork as Rasheed Araeen’s interactive Zero to Infinity is brought to life. Staged in the gallery’s iconic Turbine Hall as part of UNIQLO Tate Play,the work features 400 brightly coloured geometric cubes which people of all ages are encouraged to stack, tilt and balance to create new configurations. tate.org.uk

This Month’s Must See

Always a great opportunity to look out for emerging talent, The Other Art Fair is back for its Summer Session with a vibrant programme that includes features, installations, charity collaborations, DJs, a fully stocked bar, and the chance to discover 100 of the most exciting independent artists. The popular artist-led fair combines boundary-pushing yet always a ordable artworks with immersive installations, performances, plus a few curious encounters. The result is an inspiring, inclusive, and vibrant experience that reframes art. The whole ethos with this fair is that here, art is for everyone. Their Summer Session is one of the most

Kaleidoscope Festival

15 JULY, ALEXANDRA PALACE

Kaleidoscope is London’s highest festival, set within 196 acres of parkland o ering the best panoramic views across the city. Joining headliners Hot Chip will be electronic icon George FitzGerald, indie favourite Gaz Coombes, as well as Elvana: Elvis fronted Nirvana. Other acts include Nina Conti (pictured), Shaun Keaveny and Joe Lycett in conversation, Rebel Bingo, Maisie Adam, Michael Akadiri, Tej Dhutia and Katie McLeod. alexandrapalace.com

exciting showcases for independent emerging artists, o ering astute collectors and those discovering art for the first time the chance to chat to the artists and buy work from them directly.

Look out for Phoebe Power’s visceral works that capture raw emotion through their exploration of life experiences and mental health, abstract artist Charlie French, who embraces a blank canvas as an adventure in imaginative freedom and ceramic visual artist Yurim Gough originally from Korea, who combines a historic tradition of ceramics with her background in fashion and designing high heeled shoes to create delicate and beautiful ceramic bowls.

29 June – 2 July, West Handyside Canopy, King’s Cross theotherartfair.com

PHOEBE POWER

The Pillowman

An intense new production of Martin McDonagh's play

By PENDLE HARTE

Martin McDonagh's 2003 play is widely held to be one of the 21st century's best plays so far –and it's an intense, strange piece. This revival is attracting lots of interest for starring Lily Allen, whose performance in 2:22 A Ghost Story marked her out as a talented actor, and her performance in The Pillowman is compelling an intriguing. It's a sinister, twisted play. Set in an unspecified totalitarian dictatorship, it opens with a Kafkaesque situation: Katurian (Allen) has been arrested, but she doesn't know what for. Her sweary interrogator Tupolski (Steve Pemberton, in an excellent performace that blends absurdist humour with horror-film cruelty) isn't telling her, though he's implying that it's something

to do with the stories she writes. Katurian attempts to behave respectfully and nonconfrontationally, deferring to authority, but Tupolski keeps twisting things up. "Would you expect to trust a policeman in a totalitarian fucking dictatorship?" he shouts. She writes fairytales – she has written more than 400, with just one of them published – and they're grim reading, in the style of the Brothers Grimm, only darker. She writes of children being butchered, crucified, swallowing razorblades – and Tupolski reports of recent cases of similar actual events. Can she, as a writer, be blamed?

The notion of the writer is central to the play, along with the idea of nurturing imagination. We learn that Katurian's interest in child torture derives from her own experience, and that her parents had actively sought to encourage the development of a dark imagination with

their own grotesque methods. Katurian lives with her brother Michal and it is revealed that he has been arrested too – we hear his screams as Tupolski's aide Ariel beats him in the next room. Ariel (Paul Kaye) is a comedy villan, damaged and violent, and the duo are both funny and terrifying, knowing and manipulative.

The theme of freedom of expression is a relevant one, exploring responsibility and the power of words. There's also the idea of what happens to a writer's stories after their death; it's hugely important for Katurian that her work lives on. It's a play full of suggestion and shocking images, with a bleak set that cleverly moves forward in a claustrophobic, almost cinematic way. Don't miss it.

LILY ALLEN AS KATURIAN

MATTHEW TENNYSON AS MICHAL

The Pillowman continues at The Duke of York's Theatre until 2 September. pillowmanplay.com

FABRIC of

SOCIETY

The Design Museum’s new exhibition is dedicated to the sari. Absolutely visits

Words PEARL BOYD

CHINA TOWN SARI FROM THE CHINOI-SARI COLLECTION, 2017.ASHDEEN.

PHOTO HORMIS ANTONY THARAKAN

The sari – which has enduring appeal and is ubiquitous across India and South Asia today –has experienced a radical 21st century overhaul. It is “experiencing what is conceivably its most rapid reinvention in its 5,000-year history,” according to Priya Khanchandani, curator of the Design Museum’s new exhibition, The O beat Sari, which sheds a rare spotlight on contemporary Indian fashion for UK audiences.

The O beat Sari is the fi rst largescale exhibition in the UK to focus on the contemporary sari in India, bringing together around 60 examples of trailblazing

saris made over the past decade. The show includes saris made of woven steel, distressed denim and the very fi rst sari worn to the famed Met Gala. The textures, weaves, colours and drapes of these beautiful textiles create a snapshot of the fashion revolution the sari is experiencing right now.

Conventionally a single piece of unstitched fabric, the sari is inherently fluid. Adapted in drape and form over millennia, it reflects identity, social class, taste and function across time and geography, and remains an enduring part of life in India today. Yet in recent decades, for many, the sari has been considered traditional, or uncomfortable as a form of everyday clothing, especially by young people.

But now the sari has been reenergised. The O beat Sari exhibition shows how designers, wearers and craftspeople are reshaping the ways in which the sari is understood, designed, made and worn in contemporary urban India. It presents the sari as a site for design innovation, an expression of identity and resistance, and a crafted object carrying layers of new materialities.

The sari has today been elevated as a fashion item and has emerged as a canvas for contemporary trends and attitudes. Designers in India are experimenting with hybrid forms such as sari gowns, predraped saris, and innovative materials such as steel. Wearers are embodying the sari as a vessel for dynamism rather than pageantry. Individuals are wearing the sari as an expression of resistance to social norms, and activists are embodying

“A single piece of unstitched fabric, the sari is inherently fluid”

BODICE SARI, 2019. BODICE

NATASHA POONAWALLA ARRIVES ON THE RED CARPET FOR THE MET GALA AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART IN MAY2022. PHOTO BY JOHN ANGELILLO/UPI/ALAMY LIVE NEWSLIVE NEWS

HOLIDAZE, 2020. NORBLACK NORWHITE.

PHOTO BIKRAMJIT BOSE

FOLIA SAREE, FROM OTHER COLLECTION, 2021. RAW MANGO.

PHOTO AMLANJYOTI BORA

it as an object of protest. Young people in cities can now be found wearing saris and sneakers on their commutes to work.

On display are a carefully chosen selection of around 60 saris by exciting designers of varied scale, from growing global brands to emerging studios. These include delicate work of designers such as Abraham & Thakore, Raw Mango, Akaaro and NorBlackNorWhite, who have been at the cutting-edge of the sari’s dynamic shift and renewed relevance. Visitors will also see saris that experiment with materials and form by designers like Amit Aggarwal, HUEMN, Diksha Khanna and Bodice. Examples of couture saris such as a copy of Tarun Tahiliani’s foil jersey sari for Lady Gaga (2010) and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s ru ed sari worn by Bollywood star Deepika Padukone at Cannes Film Festival in 2022, in addition to work by Sabyasachi and Anamika Khanna, exemplify the sari’s full potential for extravagance. Alongside these are a range of styles seen on the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and beyond, showing how young women in cities are embracing the sari anew.

Priya Khanchandani, Head of Curatorial at the Design Museum and curator of The O beat Sari, said: “The sari movement is one of today’s most important global fashion stories, yet little is known of its true nature beyond South Asia. Women in cities who previously associated the sari with dressing up are transforming it into fresh, radical, everyday clothing that empowers them to express who they are, while designers are experimenting with its materiality by drawing on unbounded creativity. With last month’s news that it has become the world’s most populated country, India’s significance within contemporary culture is vast, and the sari foregrounds the country’s undeniable imagination and verve, while asserting the relevance of Indian design on a global stage.”

The O beat Sari continues at the Design Museum until 17 September 2023.

“The sari emerges as a canvas for contemporary trends and attitudes”

PHOTOGRAPH OF FOLIA SARI FROM THE 'OTHER' COLLECTION, 2021.

RAW MANGO. PHOTO SHUBHAM LODHA

GULER SARI FROM ANGOORI COLLECTION, 2019. RAW MANGO.

PHOTO RITIKA SHAH TAHILIANI

EKORI SAREE, FROM MASHRU COLLECTION, 2022. RAW MANGO.

PHOTO AMLANJYOTI BORA

CONCEPT SARI IN FOIL JERSEY, 2010. TARUN

LINE TIME

By PEARL BOYD

For the first time in ten years, Tate Britain has rearranged its collection. The display of more than 800 works by over 350 artists, spanning six centuries is now laid out chronologically, exploring art in its social context. Much-loved and iconic works – from John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and David Hockney’s A Bigger Splash to Barbara Hepworth’s Pelagos and Chris Ofili’s No Woman, No Cry – are joined by a host of new discoveries and additions. Reflecting the growing diversity of Tate’s collection, the displays feature 200 works which were acquired after the millennium, including 70 works which entered the collection in the past five years alone, from grand Tudor portraits to contemporary installations.

The rehung galleries take a tour from the 1500s to the present day, and each room has a distinct wall colour, title and theme. They explore art in its social context, revealing how artists responded to the cultural, political, economic and technological changes they lived through. These include the rise of the urban metropolis in the era of Hogarth, the Pre-Raphaelites’ quest for beauty amid the industrial revolution, the place of abstract art in Britain’s post-war reconstruction, and the impact of celebrity culture on the 1990s art scene. Visitors can also enjoy a career-spanning display of 100 works by JMW Turner, rooms devoted to key historic figures like William Blake, John Constable and Henry Moore, and a series of regularly changing solo displays to celebrate ground-breaking artists like Annie Swynnerton, Aubrey Williams and Zineb Sedira.

Alex Farquharson, Director of Tate Britain, says: “We want to show that art isn’t made in a vacuum – It’s made by real people living in the real world. By exploring the connections between artists and the times they live in, we can shed new light on Britain’s greatest artworks and showcase a wider range of perspectives and ideas.”

The relationship between British art and the wider world is a key theme throughout the rehang. Reflecting the internationalism of Britain’s history and its multicultural present, many of the artists on display were born outside the UK, from Rubens, Van Dyck and Canaletto to Frank Bowling, Paula Rego and Mohammed Sami. tate.org

Tate Britain’s new rehang takes a chronological approach to six centuries of art

Summer is here at last and Foxhills, a buzzing multi award-winning country club and hotel set in 400 acres of Surrey countryside, is the perfect place to kick back and indulge.

Whether it’s a luxury stay, complete with AA Rosette dining and relaxing spa treatments, or a quality family weekend away, guests are sure to leave feeling better than when they arrived.

The HealthSpa – crowned Best Hotel & Spa Facility in the National Fitness Awards 2022 – is an oasis of tranquillity comprising an indoor swimming pool, a hydropool with massage jets, steam and relaxation rooms and two Finnish saunas. Outdoors, there’s a hot tub, a spa garden featuring a chemicalfree natural swimming pool purified by plants and minerals and dedicated Yoga Cabin set within serene woodland.

CLUB CLASS

There's much more than golf at Foxills in Surrey

Named ‘Best for Families’ by Conde Nast Johansens, Foxhills is sure to delight younger guests too. A soft play and a role play high street, games room, two family pools, plus a busy schedule of supervised sessions including crafts, scavenger hunts and den building combined with outdoor football nets, tennis courts, woodland walks and trim trails, make for a fun-packed staycation. What’s more, there’s no need to be a member or guest at the hotel to get a taste of Foxhills. The monthly Sunday carvery is a delectable treat open to all. Fastbecoming one of Surrey’s top weekend eating spots, The Fox dining rooms serves up an exceptional three-course roast with all the trimmings – the perfect occasion to bring together the whole family. The next one is on Sunday 2nd July. Or enjoy a picture-perfect English afternoon tea set in the stunning 19th century manor house. A carefully curated selection of

seasonal finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and teas (or champagne) bring a taste of quintessential British tradition to the table.

If a stylish, sophisticated and chilled afternoon of music is more your vibe, then grab a ticket to the Foxhills Summer Soirée this July. All are welcome to soak up the afternoon sunshine and stunning views while a live saxophonist and DJ bring the sound of summer. Entry includes a free welcome drink and delicious Ploughman’s bu et.

Proudly family-owned and independent, Foxhills has a rich history dating back to the 1780s. The Hayton family purchased the club in 1983 and, as they mark that 40th anniversary this year, Foxhills continues to charm and delight guests seeking an impressive country club with rooms where all are welcome and every day feels like a holiday. foxhills.co.uk

Escape the City

Set across 400 acres of stunning countryside with a 19th-century manor house at the heart of the estate, Foxhills is an award-winning country club and hotel in Surrey. Home to an unrivalled array of leisure facilities which include three restaurants (one offering two AA Rosette dining), five swimming pools, three golf courses, 11 tennis courts, award-winning spa & gym, Yoga Cabin, soft play, adventure playground, crèche, games room, as well as a selection of meeting, conference, wedding and event spaces.

With more than 200 weekly activities for all ages and interests, Foxhills is the perfect family-friendly escape from reality - a home from home where you feel better when you leave than when you arrived.

Explore membership or hotel stays, discover where you belong.

TheLittle Mermaid

A new show at Epsom Playhouse

Sutton Theatre Company is delighted to bring the enchanting underwater world of Disney's The Little Mermaid to life on stage at the Epsom Playhouse. This beloved and timeless tale will captivate audiences of all ages with its mesmerizing music, stunning costumes, and a cast that promises to transport you to a magical underwater adventure.

The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, a young and curious mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the sea. When she falls in love with a human prince, she makes a deal with the wicked sea witch Ursula to become human for three days in the hopes of winning his heart. Follow Ariel's journey

as she faces numerous obstacles, including Ursula's evil tricks and the challenge of convincing her overprotective father, King Triton, that love knows no boundaries.

Audiences will be enthralled by the stunning visual e ects, vibrant choreography, and breathtaking set design, which bring to life the magic of Ariel's aquatic world.

Iconic songs from the original animated film, including Under the Sea, Part of Your World, and Kiss the Girl, will have audiences singing along and tapping their feet.

The Little Mermaid is a perfect summer treat for the whole family. Whether you are a longtime fan of the classic Disney tale or discovering it for the first time, this production promises to deliver a unique theatre experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Tickets for The Little Mermaid can be purchased through the Epsom Playhouse box o ce on 01372 742555/742227 or online.

To avoid disappointment, early booking is highly recommended as this production is expected to be in high demand.

Don't miss your chance to be transported to an enchanting underwater world with Ariel and her friends. Join Sutton Theatre Company this summer for a theatre experience that is sure to make a splash.

SUTTON THEATRE COMPANY

The Little Mermaid at The Epsom Playhouse. Wednesday 19th – Saturday 22nd July at 7.30pm & Sat at 11.00am, 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Tickets £20 Child £16

FOOD & DRINK

DELHI DISCO

EMPIRE EMPIRE

Just opened in W11 is Empire Empire, which takes inspiration from the late 1970s Indian disco era. Fitted with a custom-made Marshall jukebox, Bollywood bangers will be the score to service, while walls display works by the 20th century’s most respected Indian artists, alongside vintage LP covers of records that epitomise India’s groovy ‘70s scene. Oh, and the food's impressive too. gunpowderlondon.com

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE ORGANIC SOMMELIER

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Certified Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian

This french, dry white with lemony notes, seduces with its freshness and finesse. This white pairs deliciously with all shellfish, white fish, meat & green summer vegetables.

Certified Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian

This Georgian wine is a firm favourite of our customers. Bedoba has a powerful savoury-spicy bouquet of blackberries, herbs, flowers and black pepper with a creamy juicy texture.

Spice feast

Certified Organic

With the vineyard sitting between the Estérel and the Gulf of St Tropez, the Château Font du Broc Rose is adorned with lush flavours of Provence. The Château rosé is pale golden pink in color and o ers subtle notes of raspberry.

theorganicsommelier.co.uk

CINNAMON COLLECTION

Enjoy a bountiful banquet in the elegant surroundings of The Cinnamon Club’s exquisite Old Westminster Library. Dishes include Kadhai spiced English asparagus with chickpea and yoghurt gnocchi; clove smoked saddle of Romney Marsh lamb with corn and yoghurt sauce; and Kokum crusted halibut on the bone with shallot and tamarind sauce.

cinnamon-kitchen.com

Altitude 179 Blanc 2021,  £29.99

2019 Bedoba, Saperavi,  £19.99

2022 Chateau Font Du Broc Rose,  £18.99

Table talk

AULIS

Aulis London, Simon Rogan’s chef’s table in Soho has reopened with a new look and its very own lounge. The restaurant can now seat 12 guests per night (an increase from its original eight) and has a new found homely feel.

aulis.london

GREAT GELATO

Three of the best gelato stops

FITNESS PLAN

FRESH FITNESS FOOD

GELUPO

This July, bustling Soho gelateria Gelupo by Jacob Kenedy will be celebrating the Italian summertime festival ‘Sagra delle Fragole’, to coincide with Wimbledon. gelupo.com

Fresh Fitness Food delivers high quality, tailored meals to your door every day. The bespoke meals are created based on your biometrics, activity, and health/ fitness goals. A team of in-house chefs and expert nutritionists use the latest macro-tracking technology to provide you with everything you need for a complete nutritional intake. freshfitnessfood.com

Seasonal fare

COUNTER 71

Serving only 16 guests per night from a raised, marble countertop, Counter 71 is Joe Laker’s culinary ode to the British Isles, o ering a tasting menu that depicts the minimalist style he has honed through years. His multi-course menu showcases the idiosyncrasies of the British seasons. counter71.co.uk

REMEO

Hand made in Italy, Remeo Gelato's classic gelateria flavours include Pistacchio Siciliano, Tiramisu and Stracciatella, using 100% natural and sustainably sourced, premium ingredients. remeogelato.com

A NEW LOOK

MAY FAIR KITCHEN

BADIANI

Founded in Florence in 1932, Badiani is one of the most famous gelato producers in the world, with nine colourful boutiques in London. It's is all about tradition and using the finest, clean ingredients to create standout flavours. badiani1932.com

The Mayfair institution has launched a newà la carte lunch and dinner menu with authentic Japanese and Italian flavours. Star dishes include Hamachi tartare, tuna sashimi and Cornish crab with chilli and lemon, Parmesan and lemon crusted French trimmed lamb cutlets and more.

thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk

THERE’S GARDEN PARTIES, THEN THERE’S

DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP 12 TH AUGUST

WITH POST-RACING CONCERT HEADLINED BY CRAIG DAVID VISIT ASCOT.COM FOR TICKETS

ABSOLUTELY eats out… HARVEST

Jesse Dunford Wood’s third restaurant celebrates British seasonal fare

By PENDLE HARTE

Chef Jesse Dunford Wood has opened a third eaterie, a sister to the established Parlour in Kensal Rise and Six Portland Road in Holland Park. He’s a popular figure locally, particularly since the pandemic, when he kept Parlour open as an invaluable source of essentials and treats, supplying everything from loo paper to slabs of cookie dough to a very appreciative community. So what to expect from

Harvest, just around the corner? Well, it’s not another Parlour. None of Dunford Wood’s signature dishes (chicken Kyiv, Cow pie, etc) appear, for a start (though there is soda bread), and it’s a much smaller restaurant. The focus is on seasonal British fare, with an emphasis on locality – so on the menu when we visited were English onions, Isle of Wight tomatoes, Wye Valley asparagus and South Coast mackerel. It’s a simple and unfussy space – green banquettes, brasserie pendant lights and a long bar –with an appealing gaarden at the

back and some pavement seating at the front, and it’s busy on our midweek visit for what the menu bills as ‘supper – tea – dinner’ in the interests of inclusivity. Friendly sta in stylish workwear bring us an alcohol-free cocktail (delicious) and a glass of Sicilian rose with some tiny but moreish popadums and coconut yoghurt. My starter of Isle of Wight tomatoes with garlic dressing is good, with sweet red, yellow and green tomatoes, plus pea shoots and brioche, while Rowley’s Scallops come with pea puree and mint vinaigrette in an excellent nod to the old Kensington Place (RIP). My main course of mackerel with fried potatoes, sorrel and apple ketchup is good, though the apple ketchup is slightly questionable, with an overly sweet tang. The steak is excellent, a Short Horn sirloin with tru e butter and tater tots (these are great, a cross between a roast potato and a hash brown) –and the promised ‘beautiful green salad’ is indeed that. For pudding, a warm cookie with ice cream is comforting and nursery-like. Harvest time is definitely here.

“English onions, Isle of Wight tomatoes, Wye Valley asparagus”

CABINET DRINKS

What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

CLEVER COCKTAILS

BACCARAT BAR

The mixology team behind Harrods' Baccarat Bar, led by internationally acclaimed Bar Manager Michal Janusz Maziarz, pride themselves on experimentation, innovation and unique storytelling behind each handcrafted cocktail. There is a science to the art of Baccarat cocktail making, and each drink is tried and tested in the Baccarat drinks lab. harrods.com

BIG FREEZE

PASTAIO

Pastaio, the Soho fresh pasta restaurant from Stevie Parle, has revived its annual slushy series o ering four limitededition slushies in collaboration with Bre Graham, Melissa Thompson, Ixta Belfrage and Amy Poon. For July it's Melissa Thompson's Jamaican Sorrel Slushy. pastaio.co.uk

MARGARITA MENU

STRATFORD HOTEL

Cointreau and The Stratford Hotel have launched a sustainable Margarita terrace, providing twists on the original Margarita as well as frozen varieties, to ensure everyone stays cool in the city. It's open all summer at the hotel in Hackney Wick. thestratford.com

SPOTLIGHT

Summer dining

A luxury tablescape rental edit with Mirabeau

By EVE HERBERT

Award-winning rosé and gin brand Maison Mirabeau has partnered with The Social Kitchen to create a Summer Dining Rosé Edit. The two brands, which are synonymous with impeccable style and sophisticated entertaining, have curated a luxury tablescape rental edit designed to transport consumers to the French Riviera at home this summer.

The limited-edition essential edit dining set comes complete with four di erent shaped plates in white and pink hues, the Pearl Shimmer Cutlery Collection, Blush Perle Wine Glasses, Soft Peach Bubble Tumblers, a Pink Linen Table Runner, and an exclusive Maison Mirabeau bespoke embroidered napkin. Each tablescape is paired with the sought-after Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin, which is fresh, naturally sugar free, and has a rosé tint for a tantalising touch of Provençal flair. The essential edit is designed for four guests (£30.00 per person, available on The Social Kitchen website) but can be extended for up to sixteen guests. Customers will have the option to add in Mirabeau’s PURE Rosé (£15.99) sought after for its pale salmon colour and characteristic freshness. What’s more, guests can choose to elevate the at home dining experience by choosing to add flowers and vases, candles with holders and a bespoke service where The Social Kitchen team will even help set up the bespoke tablescape.

The edit will be available throughout the summer season to elevate dining with friends and family, and ensure that at-home dining is made fun, easy, and accessible to all. Available to hire for anyone within the M25, the Summer Dining Rosé Edit is a one-of-a-kind rental package that will be sure to keep your guests happy as you enjoy the summer evenings in style.

Nice RICE

Omar Allibhoy explores various ways with paella

Arroz de matanza

Pork Feast Paella

Serves 4

This is a dish based on a recipe from days gone by, when no one had a fridge and you had to use the whole animal every time you slaughtered one. Any cut of pork can be used in the paella – just how it was made back then.

Serves 4, Prep 30 minutes, Cook 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 100ml (scant ½ cup) extra virgin olive oil

• 150g (5oz) pork belly, cut into lardons

• 150g (5oz) mini chorizo sausages

• 150g (5oz) smoked bacon

• 3 shallots, quartered

• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika

• 1 tomato, grated

• 1 bay leaf

• 0.4g sa ron

• 2 sprigs of thyme

• 3 litres (12 cups) water

• 400g (2 cups) Spanish paella rice

• Salt, to taste

METHOD

1 Place a paella pan over high heat, add the olive oil and fry all the meats and shallots for 10 minutes.

2 Add the garlic, closely followed by the paprika and grated tomato, cook for about 2 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the tomato paste. Add the bay leaf, sa ron and thyme, pour in the water and simmer over a low heat for 1 hour.

3 Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add the rice and stir to distribute it evenly. Cook over a high heat for the first 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for a further 9 minutes, without stirring. Let it rest o the heat for 5 minutes before eating.

Arroz caldoso de langosta

Soupy rice with lobster

Serves 4

This dish is a jewel in Spanish cuisine. For many it is the king of all rice dishes and you can understand why. Although soupy rice dishes may be perceived as more warming than a classic paella, and therefore something we would have over winter, the reality is that this dish is so popular that you will find it all across Spain, at any time of year, at all sorts of restaurants. This is the dish I chose to celebrate the birth of my first son.

Prep 20 minutes, Cook 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2.5 litres (10 cups) shellfish stock

• 0.4g sa ron

• 150ml (generous 2/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil

• 2 dried ñora peppers

• 2 lobsters, heads halved, claws separated, tails cut into 2cm (1in) pieces

• 1 dried cayenne chilli pepper

• 2 small tomatoes

• 500g (1lb 2oz) squid, cleaned and roughly chopped

• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika

• 300g (1½ cups) Spanish paella rice

• Salt, to taste

METHOD

1 Heat the shellfish stock in a saucepan over a low heat and crumble in the sa ron. Keep warm over the lowest setting.

2 Place a paella pan over a low heat and add the olive oil, the ñora peppers and the lobster. Fry for 2 minutes, then remove the lobster from the pan and set aside. Transfer the ñora pepper to a blender with the cayenne chilli and tomatoes and blitz to a paste; set aside.

3 Increase the heat to high and add the squid to the pan. Sauté for about 7 minutes, or until golden in colour. Season with salt.

4 Add the garlic, closely followed by the paprika and the tomato and ñora pepper paste, and cook for about 2 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the tomato paste. Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes, making sure all the rice gets coated with the oil.

5 Carefully add the hot stock to the pan and give it a good stir to distribute the rice evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook over a high heat for the first 8 minutes, then add the lobster, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Arroz de salmon y coliflor Salmon and cauliflower paella

Serves 4

It is rare to see a paella cooked with salmon but as it’s such a popular fish in our home, I decided to try a paella with salmon and cauliflower – it was sensational. What I will point out is that salmon can easily be overcooked and consequently dries out quickly, so follow my timings carefully.

Prep 20 minutes, Cook 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 litres (8 cups) fish stock

• 0.4g sa ron

• 120ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil

• 2 salmon fillets, cut into large pieces

• 300g (10oz) cauliflower, broken into florets, core finely chopped

• 2 dried ñora peppers

• 2 tomatoes

• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika

• 440g (2¼ cups) Spanish paella rice

• 1 sprig of rosemary

• Salt, to taste

Caldo de pescado

Fish stock

Makes about 4.5 litres

INGREDIENTS

• 2kg (4lb 8oz) fresh fish bones

• 1 carrot, thickly sliced

• 2 onions, roughly chopped

• 5 celery sticks, roughly sliced

• 2 leeks, sliced

• 1 fennel bulb, thickly sliced

• 175ml (¾ cup) white wine

• 10 white peppercorns

• 1 clove

• 4 bay leaves

• 5 sprigs of tarragon

• 5 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 5 litres (20 cups) water

METHOD

METHOD

1 Heat the fish stock in a saucepan over a low heat and crumble in the sa ron. Keep warm over the lowest setting.

2 Heat half the olive oil in a paella pan over a medium heat, add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and shallow-fry for 3 minutes. Remove from the pan.

3 Add the remaining oil to the pan, then fry the cauliflower florets and ñora peppers over a low heat for 2 minutes. Remove the peppers and blend to a paste with the tomatoes using a blender or food processor; set aside for later. Sauté the cauliflower florets for a few minutes more, then season with salt, remove from the pan and set aside.

4 Add the chopped cauliflower core to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes before adding the garlic, paprika and the tomato and pepper paste. Cook for about 2 minutes until the oil starts to separate. Add the rice and stir, making sure all the rice is coated with the oil.

5 Add the hot stock to the pan and give it a good stir to distribute the rice evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook over a high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 3 minutes, without stirring. Place the reserved salmon (skin side up), cauliflower florets and the rosemary on top of the rice and cook for a final 4 minutes. Let it rest o the heat for 5 minutes before serving.

1 First and foremost, make sure your fish bones are as clean as they can be. Rinse them under cold running water to make sure there is no blood and to double-check they have been properly gutted by your fishmonger. Add the fish bones to a stockpot, then add all the remaining ingredients. Place over a high heat and let it come to the boil. Skim the froth from the surface with a ladle, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, without stirring.

2 Let it cool o the heat for 30 minutes before straining through a fine sieve into a clean container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Extract from PAELLA The original onepan dish: over 50 recipes for the Spanish classic by Omar Allibhoy (£18, Quadrille)

The accessible yet exciting menu, created by Owner Chef Director Oliver Marlowe and Head Chef David Halewood, spotlights modern British food made using the highest quality ingredients, sourced locally where possible. Daily changing menus are dependent on the best produce available, expect menus featuring tempting choices such as scallop, crab and basil raviolo with lobster bisque and leek fondue; tagliatelle of morels, asparagus and wild garlic with shallot cream and brioche crumb; and chicken schnitzel with creamed potato, sauce Diana, tobacco onions and fried duck egg. There’s also an extensive and exciting bar snack menu – think hearty Scotch eggs and ‘nduja arancini with sa ron aioli.

Come the weekend, it’s all about brunch and Sunday lunch. Kick back and savour classics like Eggs Florentine, Benedict or Royale; or smoked salmon with creamy scrambled eggs on crunchy sourdough. Choose your Bloody Mary from the six-strong ‘Bloody Good Bloodies’ range, including a showstopping ‘The Hunter’s Moon Bloody Susan’ for up to six to share.

The APOLLO ARMS

Clapham's newest destination for brunching, drinking and dining

Sister sites The Hunter’s Moon and Ganymede have both received widespread acclaim for their epic Sunday roasts, and The Apollo Arms is following suit. Choose from butter roasted corn-fed chicken with bread sauce; treacle cured sirloin of beef with horseradish cream, or crisp suckling pork belly with caramelised apple sauce, each served with all the trimmings including a Yorkshire pudding, crisp and flu y roast potatoes and lashings of gravy.

The interiors are minimalist yet warm and inviting. With a ‘less is more approach’ to the décor, the space feels lived in, with the furnishings just getting better and better with age. With a neutral colour palette from taupe to dark greens to navy blues, the space is warmed with accents of gold, antique brass and marble, exuding style and charm. Further lending to the countryside aesthetic, antique furniture finds and vintage-style pendant lighting, along with marble top tables, and large statement mirrors complete the space.

Perfect for summertime sessions with your pals, The Apollo Arms also boasts a spacious secret garden terrace, set to be Clapham’s go-to destination for al fresco sipping in the sunshine. apolloarms.co.uk

“SET TO BE CLAPHAM’S GO-TO DESTINATION FOR AL FRESCO SIPPING IN THE SUNSHINE"

The place to be in Kensington

Scan here for more information

Located in the heart of London’s Royal Borough, Forty Five Kensington offers a refined, but thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re looking to dine, simply find a relaxing but classy bar to catch up with friends, or fancy the excitement of the Gaming Floor, we pride ourselves on offering the opulence that comes with being in London’s most prestigious Borough, whilst making it an unassuming and easy-going visit.

Try the delights of our restaurant, which offers fine dining in an intimate yet welcoming setting, with service that leaves you feeling truly satisfied. Our wildly enticing menu gives you options from locally sourced steaks cooked to taste, to the finest quality seafood, we pride ourselves on having something to suit your entire party.

Enjoy a drink in our elegant bar area located downstairs next to our lively gaming floor which holds all your favourite table games.

@fortyfive_kensington

If our stylish bar or fine dining doesn’t tempt you to indulge in a bite to eat or a drink or two maybe the regular special offers across our food and drink menus will.

Maybe you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere? Join us for our Arabian Nights evenings on the first Thursday of each month, with a DJ, live entertainment, and complimentary traditional Arabian delicacies and shisha.

Or if electronic gaming is more your thing, head upstairs where you’ll find state-of-the-art gaming machines with the very best service available as you play.

Whether you’re a discerning gamer wanting to take your skills to the next level or looking for somewhere to have an enjoyable evening of dining and entertainment, Forty Five Kensington promises to go above and beyond every expectation.

OPENING TIMES

ESCAPE FROM THE CITY & UNWIND IN THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

Experience stillness of the body and the mind at The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, just 45 minutes from Central London.

Book your Countryside Spa Escape from £675 per room, per night and enjoy a one night stay, full english breakfast and a one hour treatment at The Langley Spa.

FASHION

It's a wrap

KAYLL

KAYLL is a fusion of designer Jessica Kayll's love of travel with her hand-painted textile design. Finding resortwear which was modest, timeless and beautifully made was difficult for Jessica to find, and so KAYLL was created. Carefully working with a tailor for months to create the most flattering silhouettes for every woman’s shape, Jessica designed a collection of 12 silk robes and coverups inspired by the shape of Japanese kimonos. kayll.com

UP

TURANAATASH.COM

Not all swimwear has to be skimpy. Turana Atash is leading the way with the new modesty

All that GLITTERS

Dinny Hall is an established design legend in the jewellery world

Iconic celebrity British jeweller Dinny Hall has been leading the way as the most sought-after jeweller for almost 40 years. Award-winning and star judge on BBC2's hit jewellery TV show All That Glitters, Dinny is an established design legend who has created many catwalk looks and dressed global VIPs over her extensive career. Cult luxury London department store Liberty launched Dinny Hall at the beginning of her career and still to this day name her as one of the top-selling jewellery brands in the store. Dinny boasts a global clientele that have been known to fly in just to pick up that perfect piece. Renowned for timeless design which spans gemstone rings, wedding, engagement and eternity right through to everyday jewellery such as statement hoops and modern Pearls, Dinny Hall is a much-loved label that has remained at the forefront of the industry. Their in-house workshop which includes gemologists and goldsmiths will ensure they are on-hand to advise when it comes to all things jewellery.

Dinny Hall's stores and the ultimate destination when visiting London. There are five London stores in the chicest of postcodes; Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Hampstead and Islington - and of course Liberty. Each store is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted jewellery and the perfect place to shop in a relaxed and calm environment when choosing your jewellery for your big day. It’s also the perfect place to find the all-important investment piece, perfect gift or instant on-trend update. The fully trained expert advisors are on hand to find you that ultimate piece and many of the fine rings are one-o s. If you have more time and are looking to create the ultimate piece for you, the workshop will work with you to design and create the piece of your dreams.

DINNY HALL

If luxurious jewellery, exquisite quality and iconic design are all you thing then Dinny Hall is the only destination for you.

dinnyhall.com

“A much-loved label that has remained at the forefront of the industry”

FIT CHECK

Ihave booked a short break in a nice hotel with a pool. And although I don’t see myself parading poolside in a di erent fabulous head-to-toe ensemble every day, I want to make more of an e ort and have at least two complete outfits that can take me from my sun lounger to lunch, and maybe even to an early cocktail at the pool bar without having to return to my room.

Like most of the women I know, swimwear shopping is not high on the list of things I enjoy doing, so, on a friend’s recommendation, I booked myself in for a deluxe swimwear fitting at Amelie’s Follies (they work by appointment only). It was a little daunting to go to a boutique that requires you to book just to enter it, but as Catherine explained (the owner, and my fitter that day), It means that no one is hovering on the shop floor while you are being served, meaning you get the full attention of your fitter, as well as more privacy.

After a few pointed questions (what kind of holiday are you going on? Are you a sunbather? Will you be running after little people? Bikini or swimsuit?) Catherine started bringing in swimsuits (I have never been a bikini wearer) that fit me very well. I am a size 16 to 18 with a 36H bra size, so finding suits that fit me all over is no mean feat. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of choice in my size, but also by the diversity in prints and colours available. Whoever decided that big girls should wear black and navy on the beach has obviously never met Catherine! She explained that as I was very fair (I barely change colour even after a two week holiday) should go for punchy, vivid colours. Black can be very draining, especially if your hair has started turning to grey.

After about 30 minutes of trying, I had a handful of good contenders, but I spotted a really nice pineapple print on the shop floor… Could I not try that one? A rather firm: ‘No, this isn’t for you’ took me aback. But She went on to explain that although they stock over 55 di erent sizes of bras, swimwear doesn’t always come cup-sized. The luscious pineapple print suit comes in a C cup only, so even the size 16 will not fit. This is something I had never really considered before, but she was right of course. A lot of swimwear, especially on the high street, will come sized Small, Medium, Large, rather than bra-sized, so going up a size in the body usually doesn’t work if that garment hasn’t been designed for the right volume up top. All this knowledge is what you get when you shop in a small independent boutique. "We know our stock, and endeavour to only give you the stu that we think will fit you and your lifestyle but also make you feel good about yourself. We know how hard swimwear (and bra) shopping can be, so there is no need for you to try on all the stock that won’t fit. We do the running around; you do the trying," they say.

I settled on a couple of suits, one with underwires, the other without, but both with great support, plus a beautiful flowy long kaftan as well as a shorter kaftan.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my swimwear fitting session. This kind of service is exactly why we should use our local boutiques more. And not just for swimwear. ameliesfollies.co.uk

OPTIMIST BY MARYAN MEHLHORN, £239

MARYAN MEHLHORN, £249

MARIE JO TENADOS TRI TOP £88 AND TIE SIDE £54

SOLARI BY JETS, £147

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PLUMP UP

LANEIGE

Laneige has teamed up with Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney to launch the brand's new Hydration Deep Dive campaign. Highlighting her favourite products, the Euphoria star said of the brand's Lip Sleeping Mask: "It's a cult classic for a reason". £21 spacknk.com

GET YOUR SUMMER BODY READY

Award-winning Doctor Nyla Raja is a trusted darmatology GP and skin specialist, who has practised medicine for over 20 years and delivered over 100,000 life-changing treatments, earning the admiration of industry experts worldwide. She is the Founder and Medical Director of The Medispa Group, with stunning clinics located in Cheshire, Liverpool and London, providing patients with the highest standard of care and service. Her clinics feature state-of-the-art equipment, she is a pioneer in innovative treatments such as EMFACE, Morpheus8, and her bespoke Transformational Facelift treatment.

COOLSCULPTING

Doctor Nyla Medispa have the latest technologies to help contour and transform the body. The CoolSculpting Elite is even more powerful and with larger sized applicators to freeze even more fat - the results are seen even quicker than traditional CoolSculpting. One of the best things about CoolSculpting Elite is that we can treat two areas at once. You can have both arms treated at the same time, making the treatment much more efficient for busy lifestyles. With the treatment typically taking 35 minutes, and results noticeable within three weeks.

WHY CHOOSE DOCTOR NYLA MEDISPA ?

• The largest Ultracel Clinic outside of London.

• Winner of the prestigious “BTL Face of the year” award.

• The largest Skin Tightening clinic in the United Kingdom.

• “Clinic of the year 2019/20” at the Safety in Beauty Awards.

• The only Diamond Premiere Coolsculpting clinic outside London and the second largest Coolsculpting clinic in Europe.

TREATMENT CHOICES

• Anti-wrinkle injections

• Dermal fillers

• Dissolving lip fillers

• Coolsculpting fat removal

• Emerald laser

• M22 laser

• Profhilo

• Emsculpt

• Ultherapy

• Exilis elite

• Transformation facelift

• Emface

• Artas hair transplant

• Beard transplant

• Fue hair transplant

• 8 point facelift

• Aqualyx fat dissolving

• Carbon laser peel

EMSCULPT

EMSCULPT is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. In addition, EMSCULPT provides the world’s first non-invasive buttock lift.

EXILIS ELITE

Exilis Elite uses radiofrequency to gently heat the dermis and cause new collagen growth deep within the dermal layer. When used as a bodysculpting treatment, it also targets unwanted fat cells using radiofrequency waves, breaking fat cells down so that the body can safely

EMSCULPT is based on highintensity focused electromagnetic energy. A single EMSCULPT session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles.

BTL UNISON CELLULITE

The BTL Unison is a safe, noninvasive treatment which targets cellulite at the root cause instead of just superficially. This helps to drastically improve the appearance of unwanted cellulite dimples. The combination of

carry them away. It’s the ideal body solution – reducing body fat and tightening the skin, all without the need for surgery! The award-winning Exilis Elite is a clinically proven treatment to help. you contour your body and reduce stubborn pockets of fat.

using monopolar radiofrequency at the same time as targeted pressure energy works by remodelling the collagen deep within the skin and removes metabolic waste while increasing blood flow to the area.

At Doctor Nyla Medispa, we provide complimentary consultations to evaluate each patient’s needs, enabling us to deliver the highest quality care by crafting customised treatment plans that cater to their specific ob ectives.

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

EDITOR’S

CLOUD TWELVE

The High Impact Facial

ELEMIS

To celebrate the 20th year since the launch of the award-winning Pro Collagen Marine Cream, Elemis has introduced a version infused with a soothing Organic English Rose Hydrolat. £94 uk.elemis.com

ENGLISH ROSE GLOW UP

RARE BEAUTY

The weightless formula of Rare Beauty’s Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer gives a second-skin finish. It also glides on slowly, and is both buildable and water-resistant. £25 spacenk.com

BODY HEROES

Following on from the huge success of Q+A’s bestselling skincare launch in 2020, the British brand is now launching their first ever body care line. The luxe-yet-a ordable range includes hard working heroes such as Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash. qandaskin.com

Visiting wellness and family club Cloud

Twelve in Notting Hill is always a treat, but it’s even more so this time because I’m dropping my two-year-old at the kids’ club whilst I visit the spa for a facial. Me-time has become more di cult since becoming a mum, and there are very few places where selfcare comes with a side of childcare. The kids’ club at Cloud Twelve is a toddler’s paradise, with a magical forest-themed soft play area at the centre. My daughter runs o excitedly and I’m happy to leave her in the very capable hands of her ‘play buddy’ Poppy. Sneaking upstairs, I feel immediately relaxed entering the spa – with its dream-like ambiance. I’m booked in for The High-Impact Facial and I sit down with my facialist to discuss my current skin concerns. First, she uses crystalfree microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells. It feels like a very gentle sucking motion on my skin. Next, she combines microneedling with a high-grade serum infusion. I hardly feel the needles at all, which allow for the serum to penetrate the skin at a deeper level. Finally, my facialist uses a spectrum of LED light therapy to target any acne concerns and facilitate skin rejuvenation. I’m so relaxed with the goggles on, I nearly drift o to sleep. Afterwards I join my daughter for dinner at the kids’ club. She’s had the time of her life and I leave with glowy, plump-looking skin.

£185

Q+A

CLOUD TWELVE

Notting Hill, The High Impact Facial

cloudtwelve.co.uk

Always a Classic.

Designed to last a lifetime, these minimalist bottles have kept people hydrated and happy for years. Our vacuum-insulated Classic is the solution for both cold and hot beverages on the go. This iconic bottle is proof that reusables never go out of style.

kleankanteen.co.uk

ULTRA VIOLETTE Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil, £38 cultbeauty.co.uk

LOTTIE LONDON Body Glow Body Highlighter, £12.95 lottie.london

BEAUTY PIE Awesome Bronze™ Flawless Self-Tanning Mist, £60 beautypie.com

HOURGLASS

Ambient™ Lighting Edit – Sculpture, £78 hourglasscosmetics.co.uk

RMS BEAUTY Luminizer, £39 rmsbeauty.com

PICK

GLOW FOR IT Rose Glow Blush Stick, £14 glowforitshop.com

SUMMER GLOW

The best products to give you a dose of sunshine

By CARLY GLRNDINNING

ELEPHANT

D-Bronzi™ AntiPollution Sunshine Drop, £33 drunkelephant.co.uk

GLOW RECIPE Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, £32 sephora.co.uk

SOL DE JANEIRO Limited Edition Rio Radience Cream, £48 spacenk.com

HUDA BEAUTY GloWish So Radiance Bronzing Powder, £28 hudabeauty.com

HAIR to STAY

Both men and women are asking questions about treatments for hair thinning. This is a topic that has been in the media recently and is driven partly by hair loss that can occur in those who lose weight rapidly in the months leading up to summer.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

It’s not only significant weight loss that can lead to a phase of increased hair loss. Any major stress to your body, such as illness, anxiety, depression or a change in diet, can result in changes to the quantity and quality of your hair. Hair can become brittle, dry and even lose its colour, made worse by nutritional deficiencies

and hormonal changes. Many of the key vitamins needed for hair growth come from food: vitamins A, B, C, D and E, iron, zinc and selenium. A good place to start is to increase your intake of nutrient-rich food, with targeted supplements, including taking Vitamin D during the winter months.

HOME REMEDIES

Rosemary oil is the social media hair product of the moment, with claims that it helps promote growth and improve scalp health. It been used for centuries for hair health, and both rosemary and tea oil have anti-fungal properties which help to reduce yeast overgrowth and oil build-ups that can lead to itching and a flaky scalp. Be careful to apply an adequately dilute formulation designed for use on the scalp.

MORE ADVANCED TREATMENTS

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenic alopecia (known as malepattern baldness). This can also happen in women, albeit with a di erent pattern of hair loss, and there are many other causes of thinning too. If you have patches of thinning in the middle of an area of healthy hair, loss of your eyebrows, or concerns about the condition of your scalp, you should have this looked at by your doctor. A skin scrape or blood test can help to rule out other factors such as iron deficiency or an underactive thyroid. Medications for hair loss may be appropriate.

There is an increasing body of evidence for the benefits of some of these treatment modalities. Low Level Laser therapy (LLLT) – particularly in women – and scalp microneedling treatments, with and without the incorporation of growth factors in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are increasingly being used in specialist hair loss clinics world-wide.

In androgenic alopecia, hair follicles become progressively smaller over time resulting in thinner, more brittle hair. If the hair follicle can be restored before it disappears completely, the process can be reversed allowing the hair to growth back thicker and less prone to breakage. Microneedling the scalp induces a healing cascade in the scalp that stimulates production of growth factors and tissue recovery, with the intention of rejuvenating hair follicles in areas of thinning.

DR KIM PRESCOTT

practices Aesthetic Medicine in Cobham and Knightsbridge, as well as lecturing, training and working in clinical research. You are welcome to send your questions to drkim@psmd.co.uk.

Drkpclinic.co.uk 01372 810850

Thinning hair is a common problem – but there are lots of things you can do, says Dr Kim

“Many of the key vitamins needed for hair growth come from food”

Life CHANGING

The New Victoria Hospital is launching a major community initiative to celebrate 125 years

Acharity-based independent hospital in Kingston-UponThames is giving away £125,000 worth of free medical care to patients in around the local community to celebrate turning 125 years in June 2023. New Victoria Hospital, founded in 1898, has launched its Community Initiative to celebrate its 125-year anniversary. The initiative will support the wider patient community and anyone in the UK with a compelling story.

THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUND

As New Victoria Hospital has been a long advocate of community support, the Hospital aims to continue its philanthropic ethos by inspiring others to highlight stories, accounts, and people, that have triumphed over challenges despite health conditions. The Hospital has allocated £125,000 for selected applicants in need of treatment for a health condition. This will include receiving free consultations, screenings, scans, treatment (surgical and non-surgical) and any necessary post-op treatment to help improve their quality of life.

“REBEL” HOSPITAL ETHOS

CEO David Marshall says: “New Victoria Hospital was initially founded as a charity by a group of doctors and GPs who wanted to support its community by o ering free treatment to patients as an independent hospital. Since its foundation, the Hospital has

o ered a considerable number of pro bono treatments to support the local community. It is now one of the most respected hospitals in the independent sector which still has maintained its charitable arm. The hospital acknowledges that many people are currently facing health struggles for which they are awaiting treatment and are finding it di cult to access the support they need. In the spirit of ‘building together’, New Victoria Hospital launches its Community Initiative to be a lifeline for many patients keen to get back to optimal health through necessary treatment, care, and attention. It has been a challenging few years, so we want to continue to demonstrate our commitment to the wider patient community who have shown resilience, generosity, and care to others despite their own health struggles”.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Community Initiative is particularly focused on helping those who have struggled to access life-changing operations for an extended period and those facing di culties in accessing the necessary resources or

finances to improve their health. The hospital is particularly keen to hear from individuals with inspiring life stories to share, encompassing narratives of triumph over adversity, or demonstrations of resilience. Applicants can apply for themselves or for a friend or family member with their consent. Applications will be evaluated from a clinical and ethical perspective by an appointed selection committee made up of local community ambassadors, members of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, hospital sta , hospital board directors and The Victoria Foundation trustees, the hospital's parent charity. To be considered, applications must be submitted by 11 September via the New Victoria Hospital website.

For more information or questions on the Community Initiative, email probono@ newvictoria.co.uk. Or scan the QR code, left.

“THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE WILL BE A LIFELINE FOR MANY PATIENTS KEEN TO GET BACK TO OPTIMAL HEALTH”

SUN SAFETY

Top tips from dermatologists for summer skin

As the sun starts to come out, it’s important to get into good habits when it comes to skin care. We spoke to Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist at King Edward VII’s Hospital, for top tips on staying safe in the sun.

Aim for at least SPF 30 sunscreen whatever your skin type

Everyone – regardless of skin type – should be opting for a broad-spectrum UV protection sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection, which should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside. It is recommended you re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours to ensure you are getting maximum protection.

Cover your whole body

When applying sun cream, people tend to apply to their face, arms, and chest, but can often forget to protect other parts of their body like their eyelids, scalps, and feet, but these can still burn like any other part of the body. Use sun cream all over your body, and cover up with light clothing, hats, and sunglasses to boost your protection when out and about

Don’t spend too long in direct sunlight

During the summer, the sun tends to be hottest and at its most dangerous between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Aim to seek cover in the shade at these points of the day, and drink plenty of fluids, to keep yourself hydrated and avoid the risk of getting heat stroke.

Use cool water if you do get sunburnt

If you do happen to get sunburnt, sponge sore skin with cool water, and then apply after sun to help reduce irritation. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will also help ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.

Be vigilant if you have moles

Those with lot of moles need to be extra vigilant in the sun, as UV rays can cause moles to become cancerous. Regularly check your moles and if their appearance has changed in terms of size or texture, book an appointment with your GP to assess them. King Edward VII’s Hospital o er a comprehensive Mole Mapping Health Check for just £595

MORE INFORMATION

The King Edward VII’s Hospital, Maylebone is a leader in dermatology. They specialise in diagnosis and treatment of all dermatological conditions and offer appointments within as little as 48 hours. 020 4571 2097 kingedwardvii.co.uk

“Everyone – regardless of skin type – should be opting for a broad-spectrum UV protection sunscreen”

DR CATHERINE BORYSIEWICZ

TOP PICKS

THREE HOME GYM ACCESSORIES

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

RELEASE AND STRETCH

Used post-workout, this foam roller is designed to help you to increase your range of motion, flexibility, and mobility. Plus, it gives you the added benefits of boosting circulation and lymphatic flow. £16; ampwellbeing.co.uk

FULL FLOW

BOOTY BUILDING

Suitable for all experience levels, this set of resistance bands is designed to help you sculpt your dream body. The extra thick material ensures no snapping or rolling – even during intense workouts. £24.95; peachybay.co.uk

Absolutely London meets Sol Bouille, Founder and Head Instructor at The Island, a Reformer Pilates studio in the heart of Hackney Wick

Q What made you want to open The Island?

A I used to work as a freelancer instructor in multiple studios around London. I had lived in Fish Island, Hackney Wick, for four years, and I noticed a great sense of community. I started to imagine that a Reformer Pilates studio would be a great addition to the neighbourhood. A place where people can not only come for a workout but also to meet each other and share a class together.

slower paced yet challenging class that will help you build the Pilates principles foundation. The mixed level class gives a variety of options on each exercise for every level, and our Intermediate Reformer classes are dynamic, faster and require a certain degree of body awareness, strength, coordination, balance and flexibility.

Q For those who have never tried it before, what are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?

and pelvis. It prevents injuries, boosts energy and can help with pain relief.

Q Do you need to have a certain level of fitness?

A No, the wonderful thing about Pilates is that each exercise can be broken down and adjusted to any fitness level, from total beginners to people that have been working out in other disciplines.

LET IT SLIDE

These double-sided sliding discs are designed for core and stability work on any surface. The tough outer layer is good for hardwood floors and the smooth, plastic side works well on carpet. £25; lululemon.co.uk

Q What classes do you have on o er at the studio?

A We o er dynamic Reformer Pilates classes for all levels, we o er more than 40 classes per week at di erent levels: beginners, mixed level and intermediate. The beginners Reformer Pilates class is a

A Too many to mention, but Reformer Pilates is a mindful body workout that improves strength, flexibility, stability, coordination, concentration, balance and control. It develops a strong core by supporting and strengthening the muscles of the torso, hips, shoulders

Q How do you inspire your clients on their Pilates journey?

A Every person is di erent. I encourage them to go one step at a time, I try to understand their needs, their goals, if they have injuries or not, and we build up from there, slowly adding more challenging exercises.

THE NATURE COLLECTION

The Nature Collection pays tribute to Kaare Klint and some of his most sophisticated and visionary furniture designs - such as the Mix Lounge Chair, which has proven to be a timeless classic and testament to impeccable craftsmanship. Discover a limited series of Kaare Klint furniture upholstered in olive tanned aniline leather in four exclusive colors. The colors in the collection, Shadow, Oak, Moss and Ebony, represent the serene hues of Scandinavian nature. Price: £4,573

+44 0 (20) 7730 8454

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm

CARLHANSEN.COM

london@carlhansen.com

carlhansenandson_london

Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP

LOW LIGHTS

FERM LIVING

The Era chandelier is an elegant statement lamp inspired by the clear lines and geometric shapes of the 20's Art Deco Movement. With three opal glass globes resting effortlessly on a light, powdercoated iron structure, the chandelier has a simple yet stylish vibe. £589 fermliving.co.uk

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

SHAPE OF IT

HK LIVING

Danish design house HK

Living's Additions collection for 2023 focuses on form and design, with a move from bright colours to more muted shades. Designed to stand out, this sturdy black aluminium ornament is playful and unusual, and fits with the 1970s feel that characterises the current collection.

hkliving.com

CUPBOARD LOVE

NEPTUNE

Versatile Ardingly can be a drinks cabinet, desk, dressing table or coffee station. Its timeless silhouette comprises a painted cabinet over a solid oak base, with subtle lighting and adjustable shelving inside. You can include a marble surface, an internal mirror and a shelf in the base, too. neptune.com

ROCK STEADY

VARIER

Ergonomic chairs may not be associated with stylish design, but Varier's Actulum is an elegant dining chair that can reduce sitting fatigue, improve posture, increase activity levels and reduce neck and back pain. The secret lies in its clever rocking action. backinaction.co.uk

TAKE FIVE

Water jugs

SAZY Primrose Hill Glass Jug, £49 sazy.com

SPICER AND WOOD

Recycled Glass Jug Green, £42 spicerandwood. co.uk

GARDEN TRADING Portmore, £XX spicerandwood.co.uk

GISELA GRAHAM Marbled Glass water jug, £24.99 giselagraham.co.uk

ICHENDORF MILANO

Duck glass jug, £50 ichendorfmilano.com

DIPTYQUE

Diptyque’s latest decoration collection launch, Light and Shadow, explores the imaginary worlds conjured up by the candle. It's a summer collection oriented toward the outdoors and clad in dazzling shades of yellow. diptyqueparis.com

IT'S ALL YELLOW SIT IT OUT

JOHN LEWIS

John Lewis' garden furniture tops the style leagues this season and the Stromness chair has a distinctive look with its striking green frame twinned with natural wicker seat and back. It's super comfortable too. johnlewis.com

Dining OUT

Outdoor entertaining with luxury British furnituremakers, Bridgman

Whether you’re planning a garden transformation or looking to refresh your outdoors with a few new pieces, British furnituremakers Bridgman have an array of beautiful garden furniture and accessories to suit outdoor spaces of every shape and size.

From sumptuous modular sofas and exquisite outdoor lighting to high-quality dining sets that can seat the whole family, Bridgman has everything you need to create the perfect set up this summer.

LOUNGE IN LUXURY

O ering the look and feel of an indoor sofa, Bridgman’s modular garden sets are an extension of the home, helping to bring comfort and style out into the garden. One of the many benefits of Bridgman’s modular pieces is their ability to be adapted or

re-configured to accommodate additional seating, perfect for those hosting guests or planning a large family gathering. With its fade-resistant fabric and fully waterproof cushions, the exclusive Ascot collection can be left outside all year round or e ortlessly moved into a nearby conservatory or awning. The set’s rust-free, powder-coated aluminium feet and frame are lightweight yet reliably sturdy and come with an industryleading 10-year guarantee. An ideal choice for the modern home, this versatile piece o ers sumptuous comfort without compromise and will last for many years to come.

DINE IN STYLE

For those hosts who look forward to long summers filled with alfresco dinner parties, Bridgman has an unrivalled catalogue of dining options to help set the scene for memorable meals. Combining on-trend style with durability, the Hampstead dining set in Stone is

perfectly suited to small patio settings and courtyard spaces. Handwoven using premium waterproof synthetic rattan, this beautiful 4-seater dining set can withstand the elements all year round. The hardwearing HPL table-top features antibacterial properties and is easy to clean. If space is a concern, the dining chairs can be easily stacked when not in use.

From bistro dining to big and beautiful sets, Bridgman has dining collections to seat 12+ diners. Discover round, square and rectangular options designed for endless summer nights soaking up the warm evening sunshine.

Visit one of Bridgman’s seven beautiful UK showrooms to see their awardwinning furniture for yourself, or browse the full catalogue online. Plus, you can now spread the cost of luxury with Bridgman’s 0% finance options.

bridgman.co.uk

Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com

For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com

FEVER Yellow

How a Chelsea house was designed to incorporate bold colour and pattern while creating a sense of space

Words EVE HERBERT

British interior design studio Yellow London, founded by Cath Beckett and Liv Wallers, has redesigned a family home in Chelsea with bold colour and unexpected pattern. The client brief was to create a home full of warmth and personality that also maximised the space available; the owners were downsizing from a larger house in the country and wanted their new home to be tailored to suit their new lifestyle. The cleverly designed space includes a neutral colour palette in the common parts of the house, allowing for stronger colours and patterns to be used in the rooms without being too overpowering, encouraging a real sense of arrival for the key spaces.

During the renovation, the kitchen and dining areas were relocated to the ground floor to create a brighter area for the family to spend time in. Yellow London installed crittal windows in the dining room extension, which overlooks the back garden, which creates a feeling of space by imbuing the room with an abundance of natural light.

A bespoke kitchen by Mark Plant was designed with o -white shaker cabinetry, contrasted by a soft grey island, both featuring smart Armac Martin ironmongery. In the adjoining dining area, a modern handmade Tom Faulkner dining table complements

antique bamboo chairs from the Blanchard Collective, sprayed in grey gloss to match the kitchen island, and upholstered in woven Christopher Farr fabric.

The client’s favourite ochre yellow pineapple wallpaper from Soane formed the starting point for the living room, which is layered with texture and colour

inspired by much loved artworks, creating a sophisticated yet intimate design scheme. Elegant high-gloss olive green demi lune consoles by Christopher Clark Workshop create symmetrical balance for the alcoves either side of the fireplace, and a favourite sofa was reupholstered in Pierre Frey Bridget bouclé fabric. Antique chairs and co ee tables from Blanchard Collective juxtapose the contemporary pieces and create a sense of heritage and timelessness in the room.

A playful space, the ground floor cloakroom’s design started with an oversized gira e animal print wallpaper by Thibaut, which has been paired with gira e hooks for hand towels that add to the room’s sense of fun. A custom orange two-tier console table designed by Yellow London and made by Lynden Architectural Joinery adds a colourful contrast and maximses the space available. On the top floor, a bright and feminine pastel scheme in the main bedroom was

“Antique chairs and co ee tables juxtapose the contemporary pieces to create a sense of heritage and timelessness”

CATH BECKETT AND LIV WALLERS

built around Bennison’s Songbird - Pink Green on Oyster fabric, which was chosen long before the renovation work started. The colour of the pink walls was carefully matched to the background of the fabric, and a new custom headboard and bedside lampshades were made in the same fabric.

The first guest bedroom features a blue and brown floral fabric from Cloth and Clover, which was used for the roman blinds and is paired with a matching blue stripe for the headboard and bed valance. In the second guest room, the client hoped to recreate a previous Yellow London project which incorporated matching wallpaper and headboard fabric, and did so with a striped Thibaut pattern which was lined up precisely. The guest bathroom is calm with a monochrome colour palette, and the existing round mirror above the basin has been repainted in burgundy gloss for a pop of colour.

A curated colour scheme of red and pink accents features throughout the lowerground floor, including a De La Cuona ottoman in the TV room, which is separated from the home o ce by an anteroom lined with bookshelves and a freestanding cabinet.

Liv Wallers said: “Downsizing can be a di cult process but we really enjoyed helping our clients to create a perfect London home after many years in the country. The house is filled with colour and pattern to bring a joyful atmosphere, while the neutral backdrops stop it from feeling overpowering. We have incorporated treasured family items and introduced new pieces, many of which were custom made for the space; there is harmony between the old and new, the bright and pared back.”

yellowlondon.com

“The house is filled with colour and pattern to create a joyful atmosphere”

WATER WORKS

Words

Most young couples with a baby on the way would baulk at the idea of moving house, never mind renovating a 1960s Dutch barge from bare-hull condition into a contemporary threebedroom family home. Yet that’s exactly what Christina Miles and her partner Rohan Tully did in 18 months. So successful was the result that they have since established their own business, Isla Yachts, to help others bring their living-afloat dreams to life.

‘It can be daunting, so we wanted to make it possible for people to take that leap of faith,’ Christina explains. Not that they were absolute beginners at the restoration game, or indeed boats: Rohan, an established property developer who is currently managing a development of 12 flats, grew

up around them and has plenty of experience with both boats and refurbishments. ‘There is no way we could have done this without his expertise,’ she adds. ‘There’s a huge di erence between building boats and building houses. With boats, you have to accommodate the moving tide, expanding and retracting steel.’ Of course, the upside is not having to deal with the building and planning restrictions that come with bricks and mortar, so there is plenty of scope to get creative. And this turned out to be one heck of a creative project, not least thanks to Christina’s flair for interior design, replete with bold colours and patterns that are a sophisticated change from the usual ‘homely’ barge style.

But first, the backstory: desperate to move out of their cramped flat in central London, but not wanting to drift too far from friends, family and work, Christina and Rohan had spent a couple of years looking for the right vessel to convert. With the clock

ORTLAND MITCHELL

How Christina Miles and Rohan Tully converted a Belgian container ship into a London home

“There’s a huge di erence between building boats and building houses”

ticking down to the birth of daughter Elara, now two, they discovered a hulking 1965 Belgian Spitz, a former container ship that had once plied Europe’s waterways and is now home to their small family, including an Alaskan Klee Kai – a smaller version of the Siberian husky – named Aluki. ‘We’d driven out to Ghent to see it,’ remembers Christina. ‘As we opened up some of the steel on the roof, it was so exciting to see the big, dark space become flooded with light. It was a blank canvas, and a big one – we could build whatever crazy designs we wanted, with no building restrictions.’ Purchase completed, Rohan spent ten days sailing the barge from Ghent to a shipyard in Harlingen for some radical surgery. ‘Finding a sizeable mooring in London was a killer,’ he muses, ruefully. ‘So much so that it was easier and cheaper to buy a boat, snip a chunk out the middle and stick it back together. Luckily, that’s no biggie for the Dutch shipyards.’ A couple of months later, in the depths of winter, Rohan, his dad and a few friends finally brought the barge home across the Channel, delayed only slightly by being arrested early in the voyage. Luckily, after a ‘brief discussion’ and production of the appropriate paperwork, they were allowed to continue their journey in what was then little more than a tank. ‘No running

water, no heating, half a loo and half of Belgium’s beer supply,’ laughs Christina. ‘I cannot describe the smell when I met them on the other side, as they moored at slack tide on the River Medway.’

An intensive period of renovation ensued, including a painful 24 hour wait to see if the new cement ballast – vital for keeping the boat stable and lower in the water – had set evenly. A series of setbacks, coupled with frustration over temporary living arrangements, led the family to move in before the electrics and plumbing were resolved. ‘We made do with extension cables and portable heaters for a while,’ she says. ‘We were happy to do that for the thrill of waking up that first morning and looking out the window. The views we get of the wildlife blow us away,’ Christina adds. ‘To go back to living on land again … ,’ she pauses. ‘It would have to be something pretty special. I’m not sure if we could ever live next to a road again.’

Extract taken from Making Waves: Floating Homes and Life on the Water by Portland Mitchell, Thames & Hudson, £25

“It was a blank canvas, and a big one – we could build whatever crazy designs we wanted”

Brings the bass. Reads the room.

ITALIAN GARDEN

Take inspiration from the island of Capri with a beautiful collection of outdoor fabrics

By EVE HERBERT

Swiss textile house Christian Fischbacher has collaborated with renowned Italian architect and interior designer Giuliano Andrea dell'Uva on a capsule collection beautiful fabrics for summer. Inspired by the captivating colours and beauty of the island of Capri, classically designed and beautifully crafted, the range of textiles suitable for both indoor and outdoor living explore the natural characteristics of hemp through dell'Uva's unique designs and Fischbacher's traditional Italian craftsmanship.

The island of Capri has been a recurring source of inspiration for dell’Uva, who hails from Naples. Paying tribute to the island with its intense colours and its extraordinary nature,

dell’Uva was inspired by the legendary island’s vibrant sun-washed landscape and the golden era of 1970s Capri which saw the international jet set escape to the island to enjoy its natural beauty, its grand parties, and its artistic sophistication. Featuring a considered colour palette of deep ocean blues, organic greens, and elegant ochres, the five designs include leafy motifs, 60s inspired prints, timeless stripes and classic nautical patterns.

Ensuring the collection is ecological and sustainable in line with Christian Fischbacher’s brand values, the capsule range is crafted from a natural and sustainable hemp mix which has a soft handle, is hypoallergenic, resistant to atmospheric agents and UV fading as well as being mould-resistant and antibacterial.

Capri Flora is a jacquard featuring stylised foliage inspired by the leaves that cluster in the gardens under Capri’s colonnades. The interweaving of several wefts with the warp creates tonality across the pattern with each leaf a di erent colour. Capri Flora is available in two colours, a vibrant blue inspired by the colours of the sea and a green which draws influence from Capri’s flora.

capri Palazzo a Mare is a nautical inspired jacquard design featuring a large-scale rhombus which is characterised by the interlacing of the warp and weft, most notable in the white outline of the rhombuses which creates a rope-like e ect with an almost three-dimensional appearance.

Capri Marina is a large-scale jacquard interpretation of the hand knotted fishing nets seen

at the Marina Grande. The interweaving of the design’s coloured wefts with black warp threads creates a three-dimensional e ect and depth, particularly noticeable as the pattern intertwines and the typical knot of a fishing net can be seen.

Capri La Piazzetta is a small-scale stripe that takes its cue from the stripes seen in Capri’s restaurants and bars in the bustling piazzas. An enduring and timeless design, a regular white stripe alternates with the plain background with an almost embossed e ect thanks to the interweaving of black warp threads that outline it.

Capri Villa Jovis is a classic stripe design which takes its cue from the striking architecture of the famous Villa Jovis built by Emperor Tiberius. The design sees a single-colour stripe stand out against the natural white background. Here, the weft colours of the rigato work are intertwined with black warp threads to create an optical e ect of relief.

Capri Unito is a plain fabric with a stonewashed e ect available in ten complimentary colours inspired by the natural beauty of the island of Capri; from the intense blue of the sea around the Faraglioni, the rich green of the lush vegetation and the white pebbles of Marina Piccola, these bold tones sit alongside a sunny ochre yellow and elegant neutral and grey shades.

“The capsule range is crafted from a natural and sustainable hemp mix”

A NEW SEASON OF STYLE

Exclusive Summer Savings

For over 45 years, Bridgman has rede ned modern outdoor living with award-winning outdoor collections. For a limited time, celebrate summer with up to 30% OFF modern, traditional and timeless garden furniture and accessories, beautifully handcrafted to transform your outdoor space. Visit bridgman.co.uk or your nearest Bridgman Showroom to discover the UK's favourite luxury furniture.

OLD AMERSHAM ENFIELD CHELTENHAM ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

MOLLY MAHON

Elegant Empire lampshade in Tuk Tuk Yellow, £85 mollymahon.com

PEPPERMILL INTERIORS

Luxor Wood and Metal Stacking Chair Yellow, £58 peppermillinteriors.com

EDITOR’S PICK

GOLDEN HOUR

Sunshine shades for summer

By PENDLE HARTE

LOUIS DE POORTERE Mustard yellow and chocolate rug, £168 therugretailer.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Small Round Yellow Wavy Mirror, £62 roseandgreyco.uk

BRITISH COLOUR STANDARD

Woven plant pot, £12 britishcolourstandard.com

MINDTHEGAP

Chinese Garden Wallpaper , £219 mindtheg.com

ANNIE SLOAN Carnaby Yellow paint, from £24.95 anniesloan.co.uk

COOK OUT

FIVE OUTDOOR COOKING

ESSENTIALS

CHAR GRILL FIREPITS UK

This Swing Arm BBQ Rack gives unparalleled control when it comes to cooking – meaning char-grilled need no longer mean charred. The rack is completely removable when you’ve fi nished cooking. From £281 fi repitsuk.co.uk

FLAT IRON PROCOOK

This handy cast iron griddle can be used inside on the stove or outside on a fi repit: there's a a ridged side for a perfectly seared fi nish, and a fl at side for hot-plate cooking. £39 procook.co.uk

INSTANT HEAT LOTUS

This ingenius portable BBQ generates a smokeless fastheating grill that creates delicious charcoal fl avoured food without the carcinogens and harsh chemicals. £149 cuckooland.com

LINE UP PROCOOK

These extra-length stainless steel skewers are ideal for creating healthy BBQ meals – use them for vegetables, seafood and more. £4.95 procook.co.uk

PROPER PIZZA ALFA

Designed and handmade by Italian artisans, Alfa’s exceptional domestic pizza ovens are built to last, enabling British households to master the cra of the pizzaiolo and embrace the joys of cooking over fi re. £2,950 alfa-forni.com

Contemporary, reliable and expertly crafted swimming pools

POOL CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | SPA | LANDSCAPING

Simplicity and expert finishings have been our unbeatable combination for over 40 years. Based in Surrey, we are a family run business that is committed to providing a premier service on both private and commercial projects.

GARDEN PARTY

Furniture for summer days and evenings at Chessington Garden Centre

e’ve been looking forward to the glorious summer for some time this year, itching to get outside and use some of our beautiful outdoor furniture and new barbecue sets.

We are always looking for furniture and barbecues that make life easier, more solutions to enjoying your outside space with little to no hassle. We’re heading into summer and have everything you need to enhance your outside space. Not only do we stock a wide range of rattan and aluminium lounge and dining sets, but also

Weverything you need to accompany them, including beautiful new scatter cushions and soft throws for chiller summer nights. We’re all about eating outside and enjoying food with others all year round, especially in the summer. Not only do we sell high quality meat from our Butchers and Farm Shop but love cooking outside whenever we can.

This year our range of barbecues, smokers, pizza ovens and everything in between is the largest range we’ve ever seen. Stocking high quality, trusted brands that share our passion for outside cooking. Napoleon and Broil King leading the way with our gas barbecue range, o ering long lasting, warranty on all their models.

For those who are looking for something a bit specialist we also have a beautiful range of iconic Kamado Joe Ceramic Eggs and the Traeger Grills range, for those who love to socialise while smoking a large rack of ribs or some butterfly chicken.

At Chessington Garden Centre, we love eating into the night and nothing keeps the night going more than our range of firepits and bowls. Not only the perfect way of gathering around and sharing a drink in the evening but our unique design allows you to use the hot plates and grills to cook on them with the twoin-one functionality. We love creating solutions to an easy outdoor lifestyle.

chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Serenity in a KITCHEN

Poggenpohl invites Absolutely in to see one of their recent unique kitchen projects

This kitchen features a design that e ortlessly marries simplicity, elegance and functionality, using a combination of ‘Natural Nut Tree’ and ‘Blossom White’ doors alongside the exquisite Neolith ‘Himalayan Crystal’ worktops. With a soft and elegant colour palette, this kitchen embodies a sense of tranquility and warmth. The customer wanted a natural and organic feel to the kitchen. The warm tones and distinctive grain patterns of the ‘Nut Tree’ doors lends a touch of rustic charm, whilst the matt lacquered ‘Blossom White’ provides a clean and modern backdrop. Together they create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing and soothing. The porcelain worktops in Neolith’s Himalayan Crystal finish add a luxurious touch which is enhanced by its satin finish. The combination of the durability and stunning aesthetics makes them an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims for both style and practicality. Ensuring a modern finish, the LED lighting is adjustable and integrated into the kitchen, allowing the client to easily control the mood and atmosphere of the space. The play of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and tones of the materials, creating a captivating visual experience.

The client’s request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design. The soft and elegant tones create a serene ambience, fostering a sense of tranquility and comfort in the kitchen. The clean lines and uncluttered layout further allow for easy navigation and smooth workflow. This kitchen goes above and beyond meeting the client’s expectations as it harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality and the desired ambience. The use of the warm finishes and modern Siemens appliances achieves a

balance between visual appeal, practicality and the desired serene and inviting atmosphere. This kitchen design captures the essence of simplicity, elegance and e ciency. The choice of materials, colour palette, lighting and appliances all contribute to a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Whether the client is cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this kitchen o ers a quiet and inviting environment for the client and their loved ones to gather and create lasting memories, all while ensuring an ergonomic design that will stand the test of time.

To find your nearest Poggenpohl dealer, visit poggenpohl.com or phone 01737 728 100

“The client's request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design”

TRAVEL

ISLAND LIFE

MALLORCA

Mallorca's Carrossa Hotel and Spa is a luxurious retreat with a strong focus on gastronomy. The location is impressive too, with beautiful views over the eastern part of the island. Read about it on page 112. carrossa.com

IONIAN

JEWEL

By SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

The southernmost of the Ionian islands, Zakynthos is small and perfectly formed. At just 17km wide and 40km long, it has an intimate feel with its narrow lanes winding through verdant forests and olive groves. We’ve never seen so many olive trees, of all shapes and sizes, with the oldest being there for over 2,000 years. Also known as The Flower of the East because of its fertility, it’s one of the greenest Greek islands and is also home to stunning coastal cli s, hidden sea caves and of course those dazzling Grecian shades of blue from sea to sky.

The first of our two-centre stops is Lesante Blu, a luxurious and exclusive adults-only resort located in the picturesque village of Tragaki, a short drive from the airport. Perched on high it looks out over the sparkle of the mesmerising azure sea. It’s a view we can’t tear ourselves away from, and luckily everything is designed to ensure we don’t have to, wherever we are.

Our spacious suite is bright and contemporary with a lavish marble-clad bathroom. We’re immediately drawn to the balcony which looks across the shimmering, terraced infinity pools and lush manicured gardens towards the private beach and the bluest of horizons. The perfect spot to while away the time made all the more indulgent by our own personal hot tub bubbling away in the corner. We spend our days exploring every corner of the resort. We take advantage of the serenity of the Essence Spa and emerge revitalised after

We enjoy the bluest seas from the luxurious Lesante resorts in Zakynthos

a therapeutic massage. The sandy beach with its ultra-comfy beach beds is the perfect spot for relaxation and a dip in the balmy sea and refreshment is never far away with the Ostria pool bar and chic beach bar both close by and a beach-side restaurant serving a vast selection of delightful dishes. At night we treat ourselves to dinner at the main restaurant, Melia, enjoying the flavours of the Mediterranean and seasonal local ingredients. Every mouthful is a treat at Lesante Blu, and it’s a wrench to tear ourselves away.

Luckily we don’t have far to go, and our next destination, Lesante Cape, is the latest addition to the Lesante collection and about a 10-minute drive away. It opened in June 2022 and is quite simply stunning. The village-style resort is inspired by traditional architecture and design with beautiful stonework and flowers and herbs that fill the warm air with their delicious aromas.

Lesante Cape days start with the sensational breakfast spread (we’ve never seen so many early morning sweet and savoury treats). We also enjoyed leisurely poolside lunches and fine dining evenings. The food is heavenly, and every restaurant comes with a view. We loved the artisanal shops, wine cellar (Zakyntheon wine is surprisingly good), cultural museum, and traditional taverna at the heart of the resort.

Think meaty kebabs, succulent salads and dips,

plate smashing and exuberant Greek dancing. There’s an onsite fruit and vegetable garden with its stunning outdoor kitchen where we enjoyed a cooking lesson and sampled the ultimate farm-totable lunch. Nourishing the local environment as well as its guests is paramount at Lesante Cape. We took time out to explore more of the island, meandering around the streets of the capital, Zakynthos Town, with its colourful bougainvillea spilling over the whitewashed buildings and its picturesque yacht-filled harbour. And we browsed in the cornucopian shops of nearby Tsilivi, a bustling little town with a beautiful beach and myriad bars and restaurants. We took to the sea for a private yacht cruise and visited the loggerhead turtle beach the island is famous for. We even tried creating our own pottery at the Hanne Mi Ceramic Art Studio (http://www.ceramichannemi.com/) before returning to our Greek island home to absorb more of those turquoise vibes in Lesante luxury. You can never have too much of that, after all.

lesantecollection.gr/ lesantecape.gr/ lesanteblu.gr/

“The village-style resort is inspired by traditional architecture with beautiful stonework and flowers”

...AND RELAX

Nestled in the magnificent tranquillity of the Mallorcan countryside, Carrossa Hotel & Spa stands tall in a trident of luxury: stunning hospitality, an immersive spa and first-class gastronomy.

The Manor House itself blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. Views look out across the house’s garden or patio and the olive trees beyond; each room and suite is air-conditioned and equipped with everything you need for a luxurious stay.

The destination is famed for its flagship Restaurant Carrossa, a fine dining experience set to sprawling panoramic views across eastern Mallorca. Though the four-course gourmet menu is evidently inspired by cuisine from around the world, its roots remain firmly planted in the Mediterranean; many dishes feature freshly caught seafood from the island’s coast, just 15 minutes away by car.

Alternatively, Bistro Badia is a relaxed and exquisitely furnished restaurant overlooking

Mallorca's Carrossa Hotel and Spa is an oasis of calm in a beautiful part of the island

the Bay of Alcúdia. Throughout the day, the kitchen serves an eclectic selection of tapas as well as classic dishes; in the evenings – from Wednesday to Sunday each week –guests can enjoy prix fixe menus that change daily, showcasing the talented kitchen sta with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For pre-or post-meal drinks, the elegant Bar Oro is well-stocked with a variety of wines and serves lovingly prepared cocktails. A rustic bodega featuring some of the finest wines from around the globe is overseen by a knowledgeable in-house sommelier, making it the ideal setting for unforgettable tasting sessions.

For guests looking to truly indulge in this relaxing paradise, Carrossa also boasts a 1,500m2 spa packed with facilities to suit every taste. A 20m infinity pool is perfect for basking in Mediterranean sun, while inside a heated pool awaits in the colder months. The resort’s team pour hours of dedicated care into keeping the surrounding gardens in immaculate condition, and by reflecting the beauty of distant views in flora no more than a few feet away, the spa can completely immerse

guests in the island’s colourful countryside. Every aspect of the spa is geared towards giving guests complete control, none more so than the ‘world of saunas’: a diverse trio that ensures something for everyone. With a choice of a traditional Finnish Sauna, cooler Bio Sauna or revitalising Steam Bath, guests are free to take advantage of whichever they please. At the heart of the world of saunas is the spacious Spa Lounge, with ample room to relax and enjoy refreshments.

For a more personal touch, Carrossa o ers a vast programme of treatments, each delivered by the resort’s experienced therapists. Head-to-toe pampering awaits,

ranging from massages to hot stone treatments and everything in between. Guests can also browse a broad selection of beauty and cosmetic treatments.

To complete an impressive array of selfcare facilities, Carrossa’s state-of-the-art gym is a perfect workout space full of the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment. This is where regular, expertled yoga classes take place, suitable for beginners and veterans of the discipline alike.

Though you’ll probably never want to leave the hotel, there’s plenty to do in the immediate area. From cycling and nearby beaches to golf, it’s hard to imagine a better place for a leisure holiday. Every Tuesday, the nearby town of Artà comes alive with a bustling market that thousands flock to sample. The rest of the time, though, this side of Mallorca is as far removed as you can get from the neon nightlife that continues to draw so many to the island. In fact, it’s the antithesis: an oasis with a lifestyle so relaxed that – unlewss you step into the Finnish sauna – you’ll barely break a sweat. carrossa.com

“A fine dining experience set to sprawling panoramic views across eastern Mallorca”

COUNTRY PURSUIT

Your chance to win a weekend break in one of Blenheim Palace's new luxury lodges

If you are looking for your next countryside getaway, the Darwin Escapes Lodge Retreat at Blenheim Palace is brand-new for summer 2023.

Set in the estate grounds of the historic palace, Darwin Escapes have launched a collection of one, two and three-bedroom luxury lodges just in time for the school holidays. This brand-new development is the first of its kind to be constructed at Blenheim Palace and provides holiday makers with a quintessential British countryside experience.

Guests of the lodge retreat can expect sweeping views over a wildflower meadow and an array of wildlife on their doorstep. Designed by British interior designer, Harriet Lazzeri, these self-catering units have been created with comfort in mind. Large windows let in ample light, while the clever décor nods to the

history of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock and Sir Winston Churchill, all using a calming, natural colour palette. Explore the iconic grounds of the estate or tour the quaint village of Woodstock a 20-minute walk away. A range of pubs, restaurants and cafés, as well as shops for guests looking to use each lodge’s self-catering facilities are on o er. The Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum are also a must-see, where visitors can discover the county’s fascinating history.

Meanwhile, in the nearby civil parish of Bladon stands St Martin’s Church, the burial site of Churchill and his wife Clementine. Another local village, Bampton, is known as a filming location for iconic historical drama Downton Abbey, adding to the plethora of local treasures for Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat guests to explore.

If the idea of curling up with a good book and your favourite drink is more your style, the cosy open planned living room in each lodge provides the perfect escape from the hustle of everyday life. There are also nine pet-friendly units, equipped with fencing around the outdoor perimeter.

Darwin Escapes guests will also receive 20% o Blenheim Palace tickets – adding to the already tempting o er to head to the countryside and unwind.

Win a 3-night stay at the Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat for four people. Your prize will also include four adult annual passes to Blenheim Palace and a ernoon tea at the palace. Enter at absolutely.london/win. Terms and conditions apply

South African

TREASURE

History, wildlife and luxury combine on a trip through South Africa's less travelled region

Words SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

Most travellers visiting South Africa head for Cape Town’s beaches and winelands or the safari experiences in the country’s north. All wonderful, but another intriguing expanse of the Rainbow Nation is waiting to be discovered. Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) is a fascinating mix of stunning mountains, lively towns, and vast and irresistible sandy beaches. Add to this the bountiful wildlife and incredible stories in its historic battlefields, and you have a glorious combination of beach, bush, and battles – and with a healthy dose of African heritage thrown in (it's home to the fiercely proud people of the Zulu nation).

Our journey starts with a flight to Johannesburg, followed by a short hop to cosmopolitan Durban, the country’s thirdlargest city. As well as being a great destination for a seaside break, Durbs, as it's fondly known, is the gateway to many splendours. Our first stop is Fugitive’s Drift Lodge, reached at the end of a long and winding road, deep in the KZN bush. The 5,000-acre Natural Heritage Site overlooks Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift – the sites of two of the bloodiest battles in history in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. Now, it is a beautifully peaceful place.

We took a short stroll along a bushlined pathway and reached our spacious room with its indoor and outdoor showers and verandah with views of the plains of the Bu alo River. You won’t find a more welcoming place with friendly personal service and tasty communal dinners served

“AS WELL AS BEING A GREAT DESTINATION FOR A SEASIDE BREAK, DURBS IS THE GATEWAY TO MANY SPLENDOURS ”

every night. We explored the battlefields and the lodge’s guides brought those tragic days vividly to life with their passionate storytelling as we stood overlooking the graves and remains of the buildings that once stood in this beautiful landscape. Having got our historical fix, we headed to Nambiti Hills to discover more bush life and commune with wildlife in its natural environment. The private game lodge sits proud on a hill overlooking the valley of Nambiti reserve. The views are gasp-inducing and the setting perfect – contemporary safari-style design and enveloped by a sense of peace. Our inviting suite is one of only eight, designed in natural tones with an open-plan lounge, enormous bed, ensuite shower, and separate extra-large stone bath overlooking dramatic landscapes. Evenings and early mornings are dedicated

FOR TERRITORY

to game drives – our favourite parts of the day. Our knowledgeable rangers regale us with tales as we explore the reserve in an open-top jeep in our search for wildlife – a very fruitful search, as it turns out. We get up close (very close) with two lion families fighting for territory. We spend time watching in awe as a herd of elephants emerge from the densest bush and then coo over the cuteness of baby impalas and warthogs. We enjoy pre-breakfast cappuccinos with a dash of the delicious local Amarula liqueur and sundowners complete with local biltong and droewors snacks. The magic of a bush escape brings us excitement, escapism, and relaxation all rolled into one. What a package.

Our final stop on our KZN odyssey is the iconic Oyster Box Hotel overlooking Umhlanga’s beachfront and the Indian

Ocean, just north of Durban’s golden mile. One of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, the Oyster Box is, quite simply, magnificent – it oozes style. It’s also the perfect place to explore the vibrant streets and markets of this intriguing city and its revamped waterfront and promenade.

But our highlight of Durbs is undeniably the hotel. We spend dream-like days in comfort, with our every need taken care of. From sipping local bubbly in the majestic lobby to chilling in our gigantic two-storey suite set in lush tropical gardens to sampling signature seafood dishes and indulging in the legendary curry bu et – and, of course, sco ng oysters for breakfast. How can you not when you’re staying at The Oyster Box Hotel? This has to be the place for the ultimate indulgence. It's also the perfect finale to our epic KZN journey of discovery. This lesser-known aspect of South Africa is treasure, packed with attractions just waiting to be explored.

“WE GET UP CLOSE (VERY CLOSE) WITH TWO LION FAMILIES FIGHTING

”

SECRETS

IMPRESSION MOXCHÉ PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

10 NIGHTS FROM £3,329

Including direct flights, 5H all inclusive adult-only beach resort and private transfers Indulge in the luxury of space with oversized modern suites, a sensational Impression rooftop infinity pool, a stylish beach club, butler service and Endless Privileges® inclusions. Escape to Secrets® Impression Moxché, where privacy abounds, personal needs are anticipated, and the highest levels of service is customary.

• Beautiful beach

• Four exclusive Impression pools

• Non-motorised watersports • Spa • Gym

“Truly

advice.”

Home & AWAY

Fit more into summer on the Isle of Wight

Just an hour's sail from Southampton, your Isle of Wight adventure begins as soon as you board the ferry. Relax with refreshments in the lounge while you create your jam-packed island itinerary, or head for the sun deck for I-Spy and ice creams. Whether you’re sailing over for a day or heading over to stay, there is so much to do and see for every member of the family.

Discover animal sanctuaries, a steam train, sky nets, go-karting, an aqua park, fossil hunting, horse riding, beaches, cycling, a seaside palace, water sports, landmarks and more. And with nowhere on the island more than a 40-minute drive away, you can fit even more into your holiday.

Surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and treated to more sunshine than anywhere else in the UK, you’ll feel worlds away as soon as you arrive, without the hassle of passports, restricted leg room and luggage fees. Slip into the relaxed island way of life, unwind and enjoy the Isle of Wight’s unique landscape, fantastic food and warm hospitality.

Take your pick from the 25 bays, coves and beaches that wrap the Isle of Wight's landscape and take a dip in the sapphire blue seas. Whether your thing is sunbathing and relaxing or surfing and exploring, there’s a stretch of coastline to make any beach day perfect. Head to Freshwater for hidden caves and paddleboarding, to Shanklin for sun, sea, sand and sun loungers or to Seaview for rock pooling and swimming – there’s a beach for all occasions.

With over half of the Isle of Wight classed as an Area of Outstanding Beauty, you’ll be spoiled for spectacular views and vistas around every corner. The island is a haven for walkers, cyclists and lovers of the great outdoors, with over 500 miles of

trails connecting unspoiled countryside, charming woodland, rolling downs and idyllic coastline. Local landmarks are steeped in local legend and history, from a medieval lighthouse built in penance for wine theft to Queen Victoria’s royal palace by the sea. Discover a place that o ers a friendly familiarity, but with so many new things to see, do and explore. Wake up to sound of the waves, enjoy a jam-packed day of adventure and see in the night with a tipple and a taste of the Island at sunset. Travel across to the Isle of Wight with a car and up to seven people with Red Funnel this summer and bring everything you need with you for the perfect holiday – bikes, kayaks, surfboards… even the dog. The jewel in the crown of the UK south coast is waiting.

redfunnel.co.uk

“MORE THAN HALF OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT IS CLASSED AS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING BEAUTY ”

HOLIDAY HOME

Living the dream in Cornwall with John Bray Estates

Many of us dream of owning a beachside haven with sea views and Drum Fish is just one of those mesmerising coastal retreats.

Commanding an elevated position on Highcliffe, this detached three-bedroom property directly overlooks Polzeath’s golden sands, a surfing mecca of the north Cornwall coast.

The reverse living layout and large balcony provide panoramic sea views across the Atlantic Ocean across the fields of Tristram campsite with views right across from Stepper Point across to the National Trust’s Pentire head. Inside, this spacious property the breezy, coastal inspired interiors, are perfect for a relaxing break by the sea and the property is currently a successful holiday let with Latitude 50. With the Southwest coast path on your doorstep,

you are spoilt for choice for scenic walks, including Daymer Bay, Rock or Lundy. Positioned slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Polzeath village, Drum Fish makes for a fantastic holiday home or letting investment property all within easy reach of the beach, and the local amenities.

G uide Price £995,000

j ohnbrayestates.co.uk

“A LARGE BALCONY PROVIDES PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN”

Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles

The Gleneagles experience is oneof a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,680 for a 2 bed, £4,630 for a 3 bed and £5,080 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

Why choose between NHS and private maternity care when you can choose the best of both worlds?

The Fitzrovia Suite University College Hospital, London

The Fitzrovia Private Maternity Suite at University College Hospital is a dedicated private facility within one of the most highly specialist maternity services in the country.

We provide everything you would expect from a private maternity service: a choice of expert consultants; a dedicated midwife team; and a private en suite bedroom in our beautiful newly-refurbished ward, offering you privacy and comfort to enjoy your early days as a family.

We also offer world-class maternity care, with access to all major acute specialities to support even the most fragile and premature babies and complex maternal care needs, giving you the reassurance that you and your baby are in the safest possible hands.

To find out more or to book a tour, please get in touch.

020 3051 5583

uclh.private.enquiries@nhs.net

www.uclhprivatehealthcare.co.uk

In this section:

MAMA’S STILL GOT IT

The hilarious Louise Boyce

•

MOTHER EARTH

We meet Emma Bunton

• 10 THINGS

Everything we love this month

SPECIAL ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

LET’S CELEBRATE

Louise Misha has teamed up with Les Couronnes de Victoire, a specialist in jewellery and floral accessories to create a magical collection of mama and mini pieces. Designed for weddings, baptisms, birthdays, and other celebrations, the beautiful head crowns and jewellery go perfectly with Louise Misha’s dreamy summer dresses. louisemisha.com

@louisemisha

RAINBOW DAYS

BEYOND NINE

Perfect for summer babymoon, Beyond Nine’s rainbow gingham Esme top and shorts make dressing the bump a whole lot more fun. beyondnine.co.uk

SUMMER FUN

CLOUD TWELVE

Family wellness club Cloud Twelve is offering holiday memberships for their kids’ club. Families can join for 1-3 months over the summer with complimentary crèche available to use in conjunction with Spa and Wellness Clinic appointments (max 2 hours per day). cloudtwelve.co.uk

10 things we Absolutely

O V E

The products and brands getting our attention this month

CITY LIVING

NUNA

The pipa™ urbn is the groundbreaking new car seat from Nuna that has a built-in ISOFIX system. The unique baseless design is perfect for city living. £350; nunababy.eu

LET’S PLAY

YOTO

Yoto has launched its 3rd Generation Yoto Player with lots of exciting new updates including a room thermometer, a more durable casting for daily rough and tumble, and stereo sound. £99.99; yotoplay.com

GOING POTTY

BABYBJÖRN

Available in a rainbow of hues, BabyBjörn’s comfy and practical potty chair helps to get little ones more excited about potty training. £36; babybjörn.co.uk

FEEL THE SHIELD

FUSION™ ALLERGY Fusion™ Allergy Nasal Spray is a summer essential for pregnant and breastfeeding mums, with a drug-free and preservative-free formula that helps stop hay fever symptoms before they begin. £9.99 boots.com

DINNER TIME

BIBS

Pretty meets practical in the new placemat collection from Danish brand BIBS. Sure to brighten up your table, the designs will also keep mealtimes mess-free. bibsworld.com

Editor’s Pick

AND SO TO BED

MOKEE

Suitable for little ones up to age 3, MoKee’s Mini Cot Bed is available in a range of beautiful hues. The brand is also brining back their paint it yourself cot due to popular demand. en.mokee.uk

NOD OFF

TONIES

Tonies has launched a super cute night light. The Sleepy Sheep has four dimmable light settings and can be used with or without a Toniebox tonies.com

GET COSY

LIEWOOD

If your little one is moving up to a toddler bed this summer, look no further than Liewood’s bedding collection. The super cute prints will help get little ones excited. liewood.com

MAKING CHOICES

There are a bewildering amount of options around giving birth. Here are some suggestions from University College Hospital, London

When you are pregnant, there are so many things to think about, including where to have your baby. This includes whether to go down the NHS route or choose a private birth. So, what is the di erence between the two? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q Is it safer to have my baby privately or on the NHS?

A The first thing to stress is that both private and NHS hospitals will make the safety of you and your baby their utmost priority. Maternity sta are highly trained in obstetric care and hospitals will have protocols in place if additional support is needed, including providing special care baby units (SCBU). Most pregnancies and births are straightforward, but some specialist NHS hospitals are designated to manage the most

complex births. This includes University College Hospital, which, in addition to SCBU, has a specialist fetal medicine unit, a neonatal intensive care unit and an adult intensive care unit on site. Some of the most specialist units o er both NHS and private care. At University College Hospital, private patients stay in the newly refurbished private ward, The Fitzrovia Suite, which is directly adjacent to the NHS facilities and enables immediate 24/7 access to all specialist care if needed.

Q Who will look after me?

A When you give birth as an NHS patient, your antenatal care will be managed by your hospital’s midwifery team if you are having a vaginal delivery. You would probably only see a consultant antenatally if you or your baby have any complex needs. The midwives will be there to help deliver your baby and there’s always a team of doctors including a consultant obstetrician on hand. If there are complications, your care will be supported by the doctors on the ward that day. If you are having a c-section on the NHS, the doctor and anaesthetist on duty at that time will manage your birth. If you opt for private care, you can choose your consultant obstetrician (some hospitals also have a midwife-led private option). Your chosen

consultant will answer any of your questions and will look after you throughout your pregnancy, delivery and in the days afterwards. You will also be able to arrange private antenatal appointments at a mutually agreed time, whereas your appointment times in NHS care are chosen for you.

Q How much control will I get over my delivery?

A There are lots of options around your birth – delivery method, pain relief, etc. Available options will vary between hospitals. For example, not all facilities o er water births, so you may want to research that in advance. You will be able to choose your preferred delivery method (c-section or vaginal delivery) whether you are an NHS or private patient. Your preference will always be discussed with you to ensure it is a safe plan for you and your baby. In either an NHS or private setting, you will be able to choose from a range of pain relief options, which will be appropriate to your own clinical circumstances. A private setting will usually have an on-call consultant anaesthetist to provide epidural anaesthesia on demand if requested.

Q Where will I stay after the birth?

A On the NHS, after giving birth, you will move from the delivery room to a postnatal ward. In most NHS hospitals these will be shared with other new parents and their babies. NHS single rooms are usually reserved for patients who have a clinical need for them. Each hospital will have its own policy on whether

your birth partner can stay overnight. As a private patient, you will stay in a single en suite bedroom, which usually includes hotel-style amenities, like a mini fridge, a safe and personal TV. Private hospital rooms usually have an additional pull-out bed for your birth partner to stay overnight comfortably. Private ward menus will also have a wider selection of options (often including a high tea) and mealtimes will be more flexible.

Q What will my aftercare be like?

A Once your baby is born, you may want support with your preferred feeding method, dressing, or bathing your baby. Midwives will be available to support you with this wherever you give birth. University College Hospital, for example, is one of only two London hospitals to receive full accreditation in UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Award programme, recognising their work in delivering high quality breastfeeding support. On a private postnatal ward, the ratio of patients to sta will be significantly lower, so your midwife would be able to spend more time with you.

Your private consultant will be on hand throughout your stay to personally oversee your care.

UCLH

If you would like to find out more about University College Hospital’s private maternity service which offers the best of both worlds, please contact: 020 3051 5583

uclh.private.enquiries@nhs.net

uclhprivatehealthcare.co.uk

“Both private and NHS hospitals will make the safety of you and your baby their utmost priority”

MAMA

still got it

Absolutely Mama meets model, influencer, campaigner, mama-of-three, and now author Louise Boyce

Interview CARLY GLENDINNING

Q Huge congratulations on the launch of your new book ‘Mama Still Got It’. What’s it all about and what made you want to write it?

A Thank you, I can’t believe it myself to be honest. My book is about a year in the life of a mum throughout the school year, with a comedy spin on it of course. From watching our treasured child ruin the school photo, being late for pick-up, the dreaded class WhatsApp groups, Halloween, chocolate advent calendars, and the unmatched agony of parents’ races on Sports Day through to Christmas, Easter, world book day and the summer holidayswhen the whole cycle begins again. I chart

the euphoric highs and sh*t-soaked lows of parenting – and I haven’t held back. There are many stories in the book that I’ve never shared before… and I’ve given my husband Jesse a ‘right of reply’ (because I bash him a little bit) and my mum writes a chapter on how being a parent has changed over the decades too. I wanted to make parents feel ‘normal’ in their journey, highlighting moments when we can all breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t just us feeling a certain way. I hope it’s a relatable tonic. Writing a book is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Harper Collins asked if I wanted to write one I jumped at the chance.

Q We’re big fans of your cheeky toddler character, Bernie! How did she come to life (so to speak!)?

A It all started when my friend Jenny came over to meet my third child. She handed me a congratulations card and a pair of plastic hands with a note saying ‘you’re gonna need an extra pair of hands’. I thought it was slightly odd as a bottle of prosecco would have su ced, so the hands were put in my ‘everything’ drawer never to be seen again. 18 months later and we were in the second home-schooling lockdown hell. While I was trying to work and home school, my fiveyear-old kept saying to me ‘mummy, mummy

watch’ on loop then performed something really not worth watching. I decided to recreate the video and asked my son to “say it again and I‘ll film you”. Naturally he refused, and I wondered how I could create a kid character... then I remembered the plastic hands! I filmed it and sent it to my best mate Jessie who said it was funny… so I posted it and thought, if it turns out badly I can always delete. The rest is history.

Q Did you anticipate how much people would relate to Bernie?

A Not at all. There have been many Bernie videos I’ve posted thinking, am I alone in this particular phase and will people be able to relate? Luckily they do, which made me realise I am not alone – and that is the hidden message too – that we are all in this together. If your toddler has a meltdown about the way you peel a banana or the way you sing in the car – you are not alone. Your kid is right on track – and you are doing a great job.

Q You’re also the founder of the ‘Push It Out’ campaign. What made you want to call for more honesty in maternal advertising?

A Growing up in the modelling industry I always knew that the majority of maternity brands didn’t use real pregnant models and instead use a foam bump on very slim models. Naively, I thought the general public also knew this. When I was pregnant with my third child (and the only pregnancy that featured on my social media account) I posted about going on maternity leave at 17 weeks pregnant, because I was showing too much to shoot with my usual clients and and I knew that I wouldn’t get much maternity modelling, especially as a UK size 16. I would be replaced by non-pregnant models with foam bumps. The response from the post was overwhelming. I received messages from hundreds of pregnant women all over the world – some relieved, some angry, some dieting, some depressed from online shopping. Knowing that women were dieting and feeling depressed from comparing themselves with models they see online (who weren’t even pregnant) made me realise I had to try and make a change. I had so many women behind me asking me to speak up about this so I did! I started a campaign called ‘Push It Out’ asking brands for more honesty in maternity advertising. I was asking brands for a disclaimer

on websites to state if the ‘pregnant’ model was wearing a foam bump or not and of course asking brands to use more REAL pregnant models. Luckily brands listened and now more and more websites have a disclaimer when the model was wearing a foam bump, and more real pregnant models have been working more.

Q As a champion of body positivity, what would you say to other mums who might be struggling with their body image?

A In my own experience, learning to love my body has taken time. Going from an eating disorder at a size UK 8 to a mother of three at a size UK 14/16 and feeling content doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process and something you have to work on yourself – it’s self-care. Firstly, it’s really important and powerful to change the way you speak to yourself. Be aware of when you speak negatively about your body and ask yourself – would you say these negative things to a friend? Probably not, so then why say them to yourself? I like to remind myself of all the miraculous things my body has done – my body has kept me going for almost 43 years and battled flu, covid, colds, cuts and scrapes, heartbreak, miscarriage, eating disorders, pregnancy, hangovers, food poisoning and much more. My body has made three perfect people, birthed them and fed them. Life is too short to worry about how your body looks on the beach... and to be honest – no one else really cares.

Q And finally, what are the things you love most (and least!) about being a mum?

A I love being a mum – it’s messy and challenging but my gosh it’s rewarding (most of the time).

Motherhood is a special bond of unconditional love, sacrifice, and constant learning, adapting, and patience. I love watching them grow and develop into their own unique people with some of mine and my husband’s idiosyncrasies thrown into the mix. It’s an incredible journey filled with pride and joy... The mental load is the thing I find most challenging about motherhood. I read somewhere ‘It’s silent on the outside but sirens on the inside’. It’s exhausting to think for everyone all the time which of course can turn into anxiety and resentment at times. Comparison is also something I think we all least enjoy. We’re the first generation of mothers to be on social media, so comparison is at an all-time high, however we have to remember we are all unique individuals with di erent strengths, weaknesses, and life experiences... and it’s so important to remind ourselves that a lot of the time social media is a completely fabricated reality.

‘Mama Still Got It’ by Louise Boyce is out now, published by Harper Collins

“I chart the euphoric highs and sh*t-soaked lows of parenting – and I haven’t held back!”

TWO WHEELS GOOD

A Frog bike is the perfect trusted companion on your child's outdoor adventures

UK manufacturer Frog Bikes are experts in kids’ bikes, sparking a revolution in the world of two-wheeled adventures. With their commitment to innovation, safety, durability and impeccable design, Frog Bikes have captured the hearts of both parents and young riders alike, including members of the Royal family, ensuring that every pedal is an unforgettable experience.

Surpassing safety standards to go the extra mile

One of the key aspects that sets Frog apart is its unwavering dedication to safety. Understanding that children's bikes are

more than just toys, Frog Bikes meticulously crafts its bikes to prioritise rider protection. Every model undergoes rigorous testing to meet and surpass industry safety standards, providing long-lasting performance and parents with peace of mind as their children explore the outdoors.

Research-led design for kids’ unique anatomies

Moreover, Frog Bikes understands that no two children are alike, which is why they o er an extensive range of sizes and models, all backed by scientific research, to cater to a child’s unique anatomy. This inclusivity ensures that every child can find their perfect fit, empowering them to develop confidence and skills in their cycling journey.

Superior componentry for better performance and durability

By combining lightweight frames with superior child-specific components, Frog bikes achieve a perfect blend of manoeuvrability and comfort. Features such as adjustable brakes, shorter cranks, scaled-down handlebars and easy-to-reach brake levers allow young riders, from 18 months to 14 years, to e ortlessly explore their surroundings.

Commitment to eco-friendly practices

Furthermore, Frog Bikes prioritises environmentally-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, and a reduction in materials, ensuring the bikes not only inspire a love for the outdoors but also contribute to a greener future.

Captivating ranges and designs for kids of all ages

Beyond safety and versatility, Frog Bikes also excels in design. The attention to detail is apparent in the vibrant colour palettes and playful patterns adorning the bikes, from balance bikes to mountain bikes, captivating the imaginations of children and turning every ride into a magical experience.

Explore Frog’s kids’ bike range at frogbikes.com

Find a local Frog stockist at frogbikes.com/stores

MOTHER EARTH

Absolutely Mama meets Spice Girl and Founder of Kit & Kin, Emma Bunton

Q Hi Emma, so lovely to chat with you. What is motherhood like now your children are growing up? Is it di erent having a teenager in the house?

A We do miss the first words, first steps and we are constantly telling our children to stop getting big! They grow up so fast, it feels like not long ago they were tiny. We love every minute of being parents, it’s always new. Every time you think you’ve got the hang of being a parent, a new stage is on the horizon, so you’re constantly adapting. The beautiful thing about having older children is the conversations we can have with them now. We talk about everything, and we have a very close connection. I love our chats.

Q How do you think motherhood has changed you and what was is it like when you found out you were going to be a mum for the first time?

A Becoming a mum has completely changed my life for the better! When I found out, I was just thrilled, I’ve always known I wanted to have children, and I absolutely adore being a mother. The whole process of becoming a parent can be quite overwhelming as your priorities completely shift to making sure your little ones are safe, healthy and happy. For me, this meant worrying about what products to use on my kids, as they both had sensitive skin. All I wanted to do is keep them safe, so seeing their skin flare up made me feel so helpless. This was also the main reason I wanted to create my brand, Kit & Kin.

Q Do you think you became closer with the other Spice Girls when you all became mothers? Did it change your dynamic, do you think?

A Absolutely, I think motherhood is such a bonding experience as it’s probably one of the biggest life changes you will go through. It makes you realise how strong and amazing women really are.

Q What are the biggest challenges with juggling your busy career, running a business, and being a mum?

A As for all parents, it can be quite overwhelming trying to fit everything in! It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you. In my case, I have found that setting myself clear priorities and boundaries is what works best. Work is very important to me, and I love what I do but we always make sure to prioritise family, especially on the weekends and school holidays. That’s when we just relax and spend quality time all together.

“It makes you realise how strong and amazing women really are”

Q What made you want to launch a sustainable parenting brand? Have you always been really passionate about the environment?

A Becoming a mum really made me think about the future and about the impact of my decisions and purchases on our planet. As parents, we are always so busy and trying to lessen our environmental impact, and it can feel quite overwhelming. So being able to do something positive just by buying everyday essentials like nappies makes a lot of sense. As a society, we are so much more aware of our impact, which is fantastic, and by making the right choices together we can make a big di erence.

Q Do you have any advice for parents who want to make more sustainable choices?

A Simple, sustainable swaps are a great way of easing ourselves into a more sustainable lifestyle. Making the right choices when it comes to the products we use is a really e ective and easy way of helping to reduce our impact on the planet. Parents can sometimes feel guilty about nappies, as we throw them away in staggering quantities every day. The good news is that there are some fantastic, eco-friendly and reusable alternatives out there, giving parents one less thing to worry about. At Kit & Kin, we’re renowned for our award-winning eco nappies, which use gentle and sustainable

materials to be kind on baby’s bottom and our planet – as well as being super absorbent, which, let’s be honest, is what we really want to hear when we have a newborn to look after.

Our giving back programme with the World Land Trust (WLT) also means that every time you use a Kit & Kin product, you’re helping to protect acres of rainforest forever. Each of our nappy subscriptions for example personally protects 5 precious trees.

Q Is there anything new coming up for Kit & Kin that we should watch out for?

A I guess it’s finally time to spill the tea on something big we have been working on! I’m so excited to share that we’ve just launched our gorgeous plant-based cleaning range!

I’m honestly so proud of this plant-based, refillable range! We’ve made it without any harsh chemicals to be kinder to your family and it’s already proven to be more e ective than the leading brands! The naturally-derived ingredients and refillable bottles mean that it’s kinder on our planet, too. And as with all things Kit & Kin, every product bought helps protect acres of precious rainforest!

Q And what about the Spice Girls? We’re excited about the possibility of a 2023 tour!

A Being a band of mummies it’s something that is not always easy organising a tour but something we always talk about. We absolutely love being on stage together and having the children there makes it extra special.

Q How’s the Kit & Kin cleaning launch gone? What’s your favourite products from the collection?

A At just over 6 years old, Kit & Kin is available in over 30 countries! We’ve received 47 industry awards and we’re still only getting started! The cleaning launch was the next big chapter and I still can’t believe it’s finally happened. I usually say that my favourite product is our Magic Salve. It’s such a versatile balm that I always carry with me. But since I’m so, so excited about our new plant-based cleaning range, I will have to say our Laundry Liquid and our Fabric Conditioner. I’ve been using them at home and it’s just so reassuring to know that they contain only naturally derived ingredients so that no nasty chemicals will touch my family’s skin. Not to mention looking beautiful in my utility room!

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THE NEW PLANT BASED CLEANING RANGE FROM KIT & KIN

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TH E BIG SLEEP

Sleep Tips for the Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy brings with it several sleep-related changes and struggles. If your nights are being disturbed by insomnia, frequent trips to the loo and an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, you’re not alone. New research from sleep technology firm Simba reveals that almost two thirds [60%] of expectant mums have been kept awake at night by heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. While 65% of prenatal parents experienced a notable rise in nocturnal leg cramps during the final phase, making sleep more elusive. But there are ways to improve your sleep quality if you are experiencing di culties.

Back and Belly Pain

Six in 10 prenatal mums report increased lower back pain, sore and aching muscles during the later stages of pregnancy according to Simba’s new data, which in turn causes sleep disturbances. Higher levels of progesterone during pregnancy relax the muscles and joints to accommodate the growing uterus and enhance flexibility in your pelvis so the baby can pass through the birth canal more easily. But this can cause pain. “The right sleep set-up can make all the di erence during pregnancy”, says Lisa. “A responsive mattress that allows cooling airflow and provides good spinal, pelvic, and bump

support. An adjustable pillow, and breathable, cotton sheets and bedding can help regulate a warmer body temperature.” If you have back pain during pregnancy, sleep on your side, not your back. Bend one or both knees. Try using a pregnancy or support pillow between your bent knees, behind your back or under your abdomen.

Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome

Characterised by a constant urge to move them, studies highlight that as many as 1 in 3 people in their third trimester have restless legs. If you’re struggling with annoying leg cramps, you’re not alone. “Restless leg syndrome can be linked to things like low iron and folic acid deficiencies. So go and see your GP,” advises Artis. “And if you find yourself tossing and turning all of the time during the night - this could be down to the hormonal changes during pregnancy that raise the body temperature.” The Simba 3-in-1 duvet has a cooling heat control technology and can be split into a lighter 3.5 tog layer.

Heartburn

Your uterus expands as your baby develops. A crowded tummy can push stomach acids upward, into your oesophagus. That’s why heartburn is more common during the final few months of pregnancy. Artis recommends “propping yourself up in bed, trying to raise the head a little bit, because that helps keep the reflux down. Look to eat smaller meals and avoid eating large meals before bedtime.” If you have heartburn at night, left is best. Rightside sleeping can hinder digestion as food has to work more against gravity.

Day Time Sleepiness

A growing baby bump, a rise in sleepless nights and increased jitters around giving birth can make daytime tiredness or fatigue way more pronounced in the third trimester. It’s like carrying a backpack around constantly that weighs more each day. It’s exhausting. “My view on napping is that it comes down to the individual’, continues Lisa, expert at The Sleep Charity, “there is no one-size-fits-all. Listen to your body.” Make sure you’re eating enough and healthily. Fatigue can be linked to iron deficiency, so look to consume foods that will keep your energy up and blood sugar stable throughout the day.

Lisa Artis is deputy CEO at sleep tech firm Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity

“Almost 60% of expectant mums have been kept awake at night by heartburn”

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It’s time to vote!

Absolutely Mama is excited to announce the sixth annual Absolutely Mama Awards

We’re honouring the best brands in the world of parenting – from baby essentials, to kids fashion, travel musthaves, and the toys your kids love the most. Your voice is important to us and we want to hear from you about the brands you can’t live without. By voting you’ll automatically be entered into a competition to win a host of prizes from Scandibørn, Sleepy Troll, Willa and the Bear, OYOY Living Design, Bubba and Me, Le Toy Van, Mama Shack, and KAOS worth over £400 To cast your vote and to be in with a chance to win, head to Absolutely Mama Website and click on the Mama Awards 2023 tab.

To cast your vote and to be in with a chance to win, head to Absolutely Mama Website and click on the Mama Awards 2023 tab

The categories are

Best nappy/wipes range

• Kit & Kin

• WaterWipes

• waterful

Best cot, crib, or moses basket

• Kiki & Sebby

• Bababing

• MoKee

Most eco friendly brand

• Eeny Meeny

• Hevea

• Grass & Air

Best baby essentials range

• Nanobébé

• Once Upon a Dua

• Hevea

Can’t live without parenting product

• MORI

• Annabel Karmel

• Nuby

Best compact stroller

• Babyzen

• Joolz

• Le Clerc Baby

Best toy

• Voxblock

• Lovevery

• Le Toy Van

Best mealtime range/snack

• Annabel Karmel

• Little Freddie

• Stokke

• Once Upon a Dua

Cast your vote and you could win prizes worth over £400

ORGANIX

EDUCATION

SPORT WINS

EMANUEL SCHOOL

The summer term is the best time of the year for sports, which at Emanuel include athletics, water polo, cross country, climing and croquet as well as all the usual field sports. emanuel.org.uk

Jacqueline Wilson on Enid Blyton 146 • Supporting reading 152

“If a child was a genius and could write splendidly, they are the sort of adventures I think a child would make up... anything can happen”

DAME JACQUELINE WILSON

Magic REVIVAL

By LIBBY NORMAN

Take one revered author and ask her to take on the next chapter of a classic children’s tale and the result is bound to be magical. For Dame Jacqueline Wilson, being asked to add to Enid Blyton’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree series was also something personal. This was the very first chapter book the former Children’s Laureate read by herself – she recalls placing her finger on every word to spell things out. But soon the stabilisers were o . “Enid Blyton does have the ability to suck her child readers in and I think by the time I finished the first chapter I’d forgotten I was reading. I was just in this world and wanting to know what happened next.

“As soon as I’d read that first book, I managed to read another two, and for a long

time they were my all-time favourite books.” So much so that when she was confined to bed with a bad case of measles and under doctor’s orders to rest her eyes, Jacqueline Wilson would always request one or other Faraway Tree adventures be read to her by her father.

“When there was nobody around to read to me, and I was forbidden to while I was ill, I did truly make up my own magic lands and pretend to be meeting all these magical creatures. So now, at the other end of my life, to be able to invent them properly, and hopefully professionally, has just been a joy.”

The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure stays true to the spirit of magic lands where anything can happen, but with Jacqueline Wilson’s own imaginative stamp. “It’s pointless trying to change the whole concept of the story that works so beautifully,” she says. “There were two things that I

For Jacqueline Wilson, being asked to write a new The Magic Faraway Tree adventure was a fantastic challenge and an opportunity to revisit her own childhood

PHOTO: JAMES JORDAN

asked for: one was could I invent my own modern children? I could see this amazing magical world through their own eyes, and initially a reluctance to believe in a fairyland world – apart from the littlest sister Birdy, who I got very fond of.” So, our explorers Milo, Mia and little Birdy are three children of today, albeit on a countryside holiday with their parents close to the Enchanted Wood, still containing that magical tree.

Jaqueline Wilson also asked for new lands for them to explore. “Please, I don’t want to revisit Enid Blyton’s fantastic lands because she’s done it all so splendidly. What I want to do is invent my own!” As you’d expect, she set about this task with great relish. “So, then I thought, children of a certain age, what are they interested in? Well, we’ll have to have some unicorns because, good lord, you can’t go past a toy shop without many di erent unicorns peering out at you. And we’ll have to have a little bit of suspense and danger with dragons.

“And then I thought, I want something jolly and funny with the Land of Bouncy Castles. Also, I’ve got a land called the Land of Princes and Princesses. I know nowadays some people look askance at the idea of children wanting to be princes and princesses, but I thought we could have some fun with it. So, Mia, she is very much attracted to the tasks a prince might do like jousting, but little Birdy, my goodness, she’s like all the little children that dress up as Princess Elsa.”

For Jacqueline Wilson fans (and there are legions), it might be surprising to see an author, admired for her knack of creating great stories grounded in reality switch to pure magic mode. So was this a challenge? “It was a lovely challenge. And it came at the right time at the beginning of the pandemic,” she says. “Even though I love to write books about

children going through hard times I thought: ‘well, we’ve all been going through hard times, so how about a little holiday from hard times and having some tremendous fun?’.”

Adventure is a huge element of Blyton’s original tales, along with fearlessness and courage among young heroes and heroines placed in unexpected, sometimes dangerous, situations. Jacqueline Wilson says it is a positive thing for children to experience challenges through fiction. “We have to teach our children to be very careful and not to try running across the road or talking to strangers, but in their imagination you can, in a safe way, stimulate all the bits that want excitement and adventure.”

She has huge respect for both Blyton’s output and her creativity. “She wrote over 600 books for children. How she managed to keep it up I just have no idea.” And in The Magic Faraway Tree, especially, she believes you can see just how brilliantly Blyton tapped into children’s mindset. “They were actually extremely original books. If a child was a genius and could write splendidly, they are the sort of adventures I think a child would make up. They are the sort of adventures where anything can happen.”

She really does not mind if parents and grandparents approach the new book as Blyton or Wilson fans. “Though I’ve got a healthy ego, at this stage I really don’t mind if people think, ‘oh, it’s another Enid Blyton book’, forgetting that she would be a very elderly lady now!”

She believes the concept behind The Magic Faraway Tree – incredible lands, fascinating characters and wonderful experiences – is as engaging today as it was when the first book was published in 1939. “These are exciting books that can stimulate a child’s imagination and they are really not hard

work – and I think that’s the joy of them,” she says. “A text being easy to read for quite young children is a huge bonus because it’s at that stage of around six or seven that either a child launches o and can read practically anything as they grow through their childhood or they get a bit stuck and say, ‘reading’s boring’ or ‘I can’t do it’.”

It has been a pleasure to revisit her own first steps as a reader and an inventor of stories. “In a way, I was two people all at once – I was the professional writer seeing how I could do it and make the book myself and yet be true and respectful to the amazing Faraway Tree books. But also, there was a bit of me that was that six-year-old who loved that world.

“The very idea of inventing new things for Silky and Moonface to do and new lands for the children to experience – it was just a joy to do.”

The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure, by Jacqueline Wilson, is published by Hachette Children’s (£7.99).

The Magic Faraway Tree®, Enid Blyton® and Enid Blyton’s signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. All rights reserved. Illustrations by Mark Beech © Hodder & Stoughton Limited, 2022.

“There was a bit of me that was that six-year-old who loved that world and the very idea of inventing new things for the children to experience – it was just a joy”

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

We are an ‘excellent’ rated independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, nestling in 230 acres of outstanding Berkshire countryside.

Providing a challenging academic curriculum, we offer co-curricular opportunities for sport, art, music, drama and adventurous training. We help every pupil to fulfil their potential and develop the confidence, values and skills needed to make a positive difference to the world.

Book your place: www.pangbourne.com/visit. Alternatively, our Admissions Team is available to answer your questions.

Email: admissions@pangbourne.com or call: 0118 976 7415.

A community where you can flourish

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.

For more details go to leiths.com/culinaryjourneys23 and use code

SUMMERTEENS20 for 20% OFF QR Code

LIFE PREP

Is it really the summer holidays already?

If you’ve a youngster at home who needs some entertaining, Leiths has a line-up of exciting cookery experiences across July, August and September, from one day or two to week-long boot camp-style courses to prepare for university life.

For globe-trotting tastes, take a look at Leiths Street Food and Food Truck Favourites: at these one-day sessions, Leiths teaches cooking skills through crowd pleasers like Bao Buns, Korean Fried Chicken, Gyoza, smashed cheeseburgers, Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and more.

There are so many more options to choose from too, from breadmaking and Japanese to Spanish Tapas, Indian and Middle Eastern, the list is endless.

For the foodie enthused, there are Leiths two day ‘Tool Box’ courses, where budding masterchefs are kept busy tackling a range of skills and cooking techniques, bread and cake making, marinating, seasoning and more.

While Leiths teens classes are aimed at

11-17 year olds, there is also a special week long course for the 18+ school leavers o to live independently at university or elsewhere. Kitchen Skills for Students will teach your teen how to make quick, creative meals that are inexpensive and full of flavour. They will learn about menu planning and utilising a well-stocked store cupboard to produce tasty, healthy meals, and explore ways to adapt di erent recipes to work with ingredients already in the fridge. The course comes in two parts, incorporating di erent recipes and a combination of di erent skills. So for the really keen chef in the making, there is the opportunity to take one immediately after the other.

LEITHS COOKERY SCHOOL

*T&Cs apply. For full sale terms and conditions visit leiths.com. Teens classes are suitable for ages 11-17.

Kitchen Skills for Students is suitable for ages 18-23. Summer Courses Sale also includes summer adult skills weeks and courses.

READING LIGHTS

Coram has a long history of supporting children, and its Beanstalk volunteer reading programme celebrates its 50th birthday this year

Coram has long been a champion of children. From the foundling hospital established by Thomas Coram in 1739 and the unique Coram’s Fields children’s park opened in 1936 to its vital education work today, via three charities. While Coram’s Life Education & SCARF programmes deliver brilliant PHSE and Shakespeare Schools Foundation brings the bard into young people’s lives in relevant and refreshing ways, Coram Beanstalk builds readers and improves educational and life outcomes.

The overall approach of Coram Beanstalk remains the same as the day it was founded. “The beauty of it is it’s absolutely the same model,” says Events and Social Media Manager Kate Loynes. She has been working with Beanstalk for around 17 years and is closely involved with the network of “amazing” volunteers who bring the joy of reading into young lives. “The volunteers are quite extraordinary at adapting to the child – they themselves are just incredible because they persevere

and work wonders,” she adds. The charity was founded as Volunteer Reading Help by Susan Belgrave, who enlisted a small group of friends as volunteers. Susan Belgrave had seen the impact of literacy issues in the 1960s as a School Care Worker, and she was also influenced by her time abroad –especially by volunteer reading schemes in New York. She persuaded the powers that be to let her train up volunteers to go into schools and provide 1:1 reading support. Initially it was just two schools in North Kensington, but its impact meant word spread and the charity and its volunteers grew. It adopted the name Beanstalk on its 40th birthday and joined the Coram family in 2019.

Today, Coram Beanstalk works in around 2,500 schools and it estimates that it has supported some 220,000 young readers over the years. While its model remains the same, there are subtle di erences in approach, informed by research. “Now we have a slightly di erent approach because all the evidence supports the fact that if a child is choosing to read, not just

having the ability to read, their brain does something remarkable,” says Kate Loynes. In other words, it is about wanting to pick up a book and wanting to read.

“When you go from being able to decode words and read them in a slightly stilted way to being able to read fluently and wanting to devour books, something changes in the way you can deal with everything,” she adds. Indeed, there is

BEANSTALK VOLUNTEERS WORK 1:1 TO INSPIRE CHILDREN TO WANT TO READ

evidence that being a confident and committed reader has greater impact on a child’s future life success than their socioeconomic background. “So, the way our volunteers work is very much encouraging children to find the value and the joy of reading, rather than necessarily teaching them to read.”

This in itself can be a challenge – but a rewarding one. Perhaps the biggest testament to the persistence and ingenuity of volunteers at

Coram Beanstalk (and to the many librarians who are their rock) is that they go the extra mile to track down the perfect book to turn a reluctant child into a keen reader.

There’s the child who only wants books with trains or the one who has to have a precise balance of words to pictures. But the Damascene conversions happen and then light up the chat groups and social media feeds where volunteers support each other, inspire each other and share

successes. “They can’t wait to tell you all these breakthrough moments – a child who won’t pick a book for weeks and then suddenly walks in and says, ‘I think I’d like to read this one’.”

Volunteers come from all walks of life and span all ages. Recently more young people have come on board, perhaps due to changing working patterns, more flexibility – and more desire to help others. The majority are 40+ and with a span up to 80+. What unites this diverse

“There is evidence that being a confident and committed reader has greater impact on a child’s future life success than their background”

group of volunteers is the joy in what they are achieving with each child. “They are all really engaged and enthusiastic, they wouldn’t do it if they didn’t love it.”

Partly due to the pandemic, more training of volunteers happens online, but always with two face-to-face sessions. “We say you can do pretty much all of it in six weeks, assuming you’re available to join sessions,” says

Kate Loynes. Once trained and DBS checked, there’s a network of support to ensure volunteers are placed within the right school and it’s all working out. There’s a great support network – local volunteers often get together for co ee and there are WhatsApp groups for sharing ideas. There’s also a Volunteer Portal with resources, ideas and further training and CPD opportunities.

Volunteers typically work with children aged from 3 to 11, adapting the programme to age and stage – but the majority of young readers fall within the 6-11 age range. Each volunteer commits to at least one session a week and they will be assigned three children for 1:1 sessions within a school.

“It’s up to the school, but sometimes they get the same child the following year because the school knows this is becoming incredibly beneficial for a child who perhaps previously would never put their hand up in class,” says Kate Loynes. Building a love of reading invariably turns into something even more inspiring. Volunteers find that a book leads to a wider discussion – so they take in an atlas or an interesting article sparked by a conversation weeks ago. Kate Loynes says Coram Beanstalk volunteers help with reading, but also with engagement, as children are inspired to find out more about their world and own their interests. “It’s not necessarily just about the reading, but the reading can make such a di erence in terms of a child’s confidence, their general wellbeing and their whole attitude to school.”

Coram Beanstalk beanstalkcharity.org.uk

CORAM HAS TWO OTHER EDUCATION PROJECTS TO BRING SHAKESPEARE AND LIFE SKILLS (PHSE) INTO SCHOOLS

“Coram Beanstalk works in around 2,500 schools and it estimates that it has supported some 220,000 young readers over the years”

STRONG VISION

How Dallington School o ers a village education in the heart of Clerkenwell

In a world of increasingly competitive schooling, teaching to the test, and packing more and more into already crowded curricula, Dallington School is a beacon of alternative education.

Celebrating its 45th birthday this year, the school continues to uphold the vision and values set in place by its inimitable founder and Head, Mogg Hercules. A maverick leader and educator in the 1970s, Mogg was recognized for her work as an outstanding educator with an MBE awarded in 2018. Early parents included film directors, musicians, artists, writers and photographers, who were all looking for something a bit di erent in education for their children. At Dalllington they believe that children should really enjoy their learning and become independent learners: school should be fun and children must have the time to enjoy their childhood.

Located in Clerkenwell, home of designers and architects of all kinds, Dallington has been described as “like a village school in the City”,

and it makes the most of London and all its wonderful resources, with frequent trips to museums, galleries, concerts and the theatre, as well as the many green and wild parks and nature reserves nearby. In fact, outdoor learning is a huge part of the curriculum, and many lessons take place outdoors.

Creativity runs through the school, and this summer they are creating a dedicated floor of the building as a new arts facility, incorporating space for specialist art lessons with an artist in residence, Performing Arts and individual instrumental lessons. Children can work on projects and leave them on display, and visiting artists and musicians further embellish the experiential learning on o er.

O eringa liberal, progressive education to children from the age of 3 to 11, Dallington sets itself apart from the mainstream and o ers children the chance to explore their interests, follow their dreams and succeed in anything they put their mind to. Experience for yourself the Dallington Di erence.

“School should be fun and children must have the time to enjoy their childhood”

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11

Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent”

Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent”

Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent”

‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings

Open Mornings

9.15am Tuesday 14th November

9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018

9.15am Thursday 9th May 2019 9.15am Tuesday 11th June 2019

To book your place on an open morning, please go to www.rpps.co.uk/openmornings or phone 020 8846 9153

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

To book your place on an open morning, please go to rpps.co.uk/admissions or phone 020 8846 9153

Ravenscourt Park Prep School

16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL www.rpps.co.uk

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11

Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent”

Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent”

Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent”

“Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

To book your place on an open morning, please go to www.kgps.co.uk/openmornings or phone 020 8948 5999

Southside Common, Wimbledon Village

£11,950,000

Located minutes from the Village, this handsome period house has a wonderful garden, and detached annexe. 3 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, main bedroom suite, guest suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, 112’ southerly garden, driveway parking ER/D and C

Parkside, Wimbledon Village

£6,500,000

A striking period house on a plot of c 0.3 acre located opposite the Common and close to the Village. 4 reception rooms, kitchen, 7/8 bedrooms, 5 bath/shower rooms, flexibility to separate the top floor into a self-contained apartment, pool complex, gym, roof terrace with studio, garden with summerhouse, OSP ER/E

Parkside, Wimbledon Village

£9,495,500

Substantial Village house built to a high specification with views towards Wimbledon Common and ideally placed for the Village. 2 reception rooms, study, kitchen/dining/family room, main bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, gym/bedroom 7, 4 further bath/showers, garden with summerhouse, driveway parking ER/C

Camp Road, Wimbledon Common £6,000,000

With wonderful open views across Wimbledon Common golf course and elegantly proportioned accommodation. Reception hall, reception room dining room, kitchen dining family room, first oor drawing room, main bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, 3 further bath/ shower rooms, cellar store rooms, garden, garages and OSP ER/D

PROPERTY

NETHERAVON ROAD

W4

£2,250,000

Located moments from Chiswick High Road, an impressive four bedroom house which has been tastefully remodelled by an award-winning architect. The property o ers a generous open plan kitchen and reception room with dining space and sliding doors leading onto a landscaped garden. There is also the added luxury of a wine room. This charming home would be ideal for entertaining friends and family, energy rating d.

DEXTERS CHISWICK

388 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TF 020 8995 4321

chiswicksales@dexters.co.uk dexters.co.uk

£3,115 per week Grove Park Terrace, W4

£1,732 per week Beverley Road, W4

020 87 2 100

Cornwall Grove, W4

£1,38 per week

Situated off Chiswick ane, an exceptional four bedroom home. ffering impressive living space with a through reception and a -shaped kitchen and dining room, energy rating c.

87 2 100

Shepherd’s Bush Place, W12 £923 per week

Homefield Road, W4

Set in the heart of Chiswick, a six bedroom house providing excellent entertaining space. There is a large reception room and a dining room opening onto the rear garden. Chiswick House, Ravenscourt Park and the River Thames are all within easy reach, energy rating e.

Corney Road, W4

Perfectly placed on a corner plot, a five bedroom house with over 2,100 sq. ft of flexible accommodation. Retaining Victorian features throughout including fireplaces, cornicing and wood flooring. There is also a wraparound garden and off-street parking, energy rating d.

SMART PROFITS

Looking for a successful and hassle-free investment? Meet The silent property investor

West London resident Neil, who moved to the UK from Canada over 20 years ago, became a client of property agency Smarter Rent two years ago. “I’d been thinking about dipping my toe in the UK property market for some time but I didn’t know enough about it. I make very high-risk, seed-stage investments in tech companies, so I wanted something to balance my portfolio. Like all investments, property values fluctuate, but the risk is lower compared to stocks or early-stage companies, so I thought it was worth a shot,” he says.

“Smarter Rent know their stu and they know the value of quality. They are not landlords; they are entrepreneurs with a business mind and I think that’s the main di erence and that’s what impressed me.”

Following an introductory meeting, Smarter Rent found Neil’s first investment property, a one-bed house in the leafy village of Lightwater, Surrey. From purchasing the property to refurbishing it, the process was so hands-o for Neil that the first time he saw it was when it was fullyfurnished and ready for its first guests.

Since then, with Smarter Rent’s property management team taking care of everything, it has achieved an excellent 97% occupancy and an 11% gross yield. It has been such a success, Neil is now buying his second investment property with Smarter Rent - which is currently being refurbished by their design team.

“Smarter Rent understand the market dynamics of each area. What they do needs a particular kind of focus and attention, which I don’t think potential competitors will understand even if they try to emulate Smarter Rent. The other reason, of course, is that the ROI makes sense.”

Smarter Rent’s

FIVE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS

Smarter Rent’s unique approach puts renters first, o ering high-quality fully-furnished homes on flexible contracts. This in turn leads to owners enjoying higher returns.

1

The Smarter Rent team will discuss your goals before sourcing some investment options. They look within the Home Counties in areas with high rental demand that offer the best capital protection.

2

They manage the conveyancing process and guide you on your best finance options

3

If they think refurbishment could improve your returns , their in-house design team will create a proposal and manage all of the works.

4

They will get your home rent-ready with furnishings, professional photos, web listings and contracts taken care of.

5

They’ll manage your home for you ensuring your renters are well looked a er with their 24/7/365 maintenance service, and you achieve 40% better returns than a traditional agent.

SMARTER RENT

Inspired by Neil’s story? For a secure, fullymanaged property investment, call us on 0207 550 9396. Or email us at hello@smarterrent.co

ALEX, SMARTER RENT CO-FOUNDER