Absolutely London North & East June 2023

ELEVATE THE OUTDOORS

Børge Mogensen’s Outdoor series is characterized by its functional strength and timeless silhouettes. Developed in the 1970s, the series can be easily folded when not in use and is made from FSC®-certi ed teak wood, completing the classic Shaker-inspired style. | BM1771 Table, FSC™-certi ed teak, untreated, 194.5x78 cm, H72 cm, £1,309 | BM1871 Bench, FSC™-certi ed teak, untreated, £738 | CU BM1871 Cushion, Heritage Papyrus 18006, £236

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EXTRAORDINARY

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Discover original and distinctive furniture designs with the latest Scandinavian styles. Customise our furniture to suit your lifestyle with the help of our interior designers and nd the perfect t for your home. Change the size, colour, nishes, con gurations and more. Book your free interior design consultation in-store or in the comfort of your own home. For further inspiration, explore our full collection online and in-store.

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FEEL CONFIDENT THIS FATHER’S DAY

Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the second largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 100,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks!

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

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

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

June issue

highlights

Shades of pink

We are coveting the beautiful Indian parasols at East London Parasol Company.

June, at Absolutely, is a month of interiors. We have discovered lots of new things to covet this month, including the beautiful garden parasols by Lucy Ferguson at her East London Parasol Company. Even the smallest London balcony will feel like a glamorous Indian garden when a colourful, tasselled umbrella takes pride of place – and there are so many lovely block-printed designs to choose from. We're also looking at lights – specifically, lights that date back to East German manufacture, as reinvented by the people at Trainspotters. They started out by salvaging bits from old railway carriages and eventually moved into lighting with a stylish industrial aesthetic found in communist municipal buildings. Read all about them on page 106. Plus, we find out about the pre-Pantone colour code that was the British Colour Standard, celebrate 150 years of Liberty prints and admire a new generation of patterned plates. Enjoy June.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Summer brights

Lighten up

Meltdown Christine and the Queens' curation includes Johnny Jewel, above.

Danish influencer Pernille Rosenkilde's designs for Anthropologie.

Wish LIST

ITSY BITSY

Reina Olga was founded in 2014 on the premise that “no bikini is ever too small, and no tooshie is ever too big.” Contemporary and colourful in design, Reina Olga is mindfully made, with 70% of the brand’s production using recycled fabric, whilst remaining unmatched in quality. reinaolga.com

EDITOR’S PICK

POM POM

An unusual beauty, this Grand Pompom candleholder by Maison Balzac is hand-blown from clear borosilicate glass and set on a slender stem. It is decorated with four glass pompom attachments ready to bejewel your space. £74 koibird.com

NATURAL SCENT

New York's Ellis Brooklyn has just launched in Space NK with its stunning fragrances using as many natural ingredients and sustainable methods as possible. There are four scents for summer. spacenk.com

TOP SHOPPER

A classic shopper with a burst of summery colors, the Alegria Hawaii is made from bespoke luxury raffia made exclusively for Tissa Fontaneda. tissafontaneda.com

SPOT ON

This Splatter Oval Platter by The Conran Shop is expertly created in the historic ceramicmaking district by a family-owned business in Grottaglie. £105 conranshop.co.uk

BUCKET LIST

Tombolo's effortlessly cool Scuba bucket hat is made from cotton terrycloth with a tactile towelling fi nish. £75 koibird.com

FRILL FANTASY

Apujan is a Londonbased womenswear label founded by designer Apujan in 2013. The designs are renowned for integrating patterns and knitwear techniques to illustrate themes inspired by fantasy and literature. apujan.com

RADIO HEAD

The Roberts Revival Petite fits retro style and modern sound in the palm of your hand. Switch between DAB/DAB+/FM radio or connect via Bluetooth. £99 robertsradio.com

NO PLATFORM?

The Zia in Cherry Blossom is an iconic Terry de Havilland platform block heel made using high shine iridescent material for maximum drama. £335 terrydehavilland.com

WARM UP

Givenchy's Le 9.09

Eyeshadow Palette is composed of nine warm pink-tone shades, the fi rst co-created with Creative Director Thom Walker. £67 givenchybeauty.com

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

Civilization: The Way We Live Now

2 JUNE - 17 SEPTEMBER, SAATCHI GALLERY

150 contemporary photographers track the visual threads of humankind’s ever-changing, extraordinarily complex life across the globe. This landmark exhibition acknowledges the diverse material and spiritual cultures that make up global “civilization” today and explores a wide range of subjects, from our great collective achievements to our ruinous collective failings.

saatchigallery.com

THEATRE

The Pillowman

10 June - 2 September

DUKE OF YORK'S THEATRE

In Martin McDonagh's savagely funny and Olivier Award-winning play, Lily Allen plays Katurian, a writer in a police state who is interrogated about the content of her short stories and their similarities to several murders occurring in the town. Steve Pemberton plays Tupolski with Paul Kaye as Ariel and Matthew Tennyson as Michal. pillowmanplay.com

ART

Punks, Princes and Protests

until 15 July

TOPOLSKI STUDIO

Works by the renowned Anglo-Polish artist Feliks Topolski RA (1907-1989) on show in his original studio on the Southbank. The exhibition explores the artist’s heritage, connections to the British Royal Family, and his commitment to the art of eyewitness impartial reportage. southbanklondon.com

ART Lina Ghotmeh / Hans Ulrich Obrist

7 June

SERPENTINE GALLERY

To mark the opening of À table, the 22nd Serpentine Pavilion, Lina Ghotmeh will be in conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine. The conversation will explore the inspirations behind this year’s Pavilion, Ghotmeh’s ‘Archaeology of the Future’ approach, and the history of the Pavilion commission. serpentinegalleries.org

Art TO WATCH

Alma Singer's A For Effort, Extraordinary Objects

MUSIC

SISTER SLEDGE

8 June

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Sister Sledge will be accompanied by a full live band to perform their greatest hits, including ‘Lost In Music’, ‘Thinking Of You’, ‘We Are Family’ and many more. Over the years the Grammy nominated group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum records, accumulating total sales of over 15,000,000 worldwide. royalalberthall.com

This Month’s Must See

JOURNEY TO ONENESS

TO 1 OCTOBER; LEIGHTON HOUSE

Shahrzad Gha ari's UK solo show presents a curated selection of paintings from her personal collection. It includes a preparatory study for Oneness, the first contemporary artwork commissioned by Leighton House for permanent display in their new wing.The exhibition explores universal themes of love and spiritualism and tackles feminism in the context of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' international movement. rbkc.gov.uk/musuems

Opening at Extraordinary Objects on 9 June, ‘A For E ort’ is the first solo exhibition from Alma Singer. The exhibition is a humorous and personal exploration of the world of Alma Singer, the pseudonym of artist Carla Nizzola, and explores issues around value, art, identity, and female sexuality. The title ‘A For E ort’ refers to comments on Nizzola’s school reports for art class. It was only at the beginning of this year that Carla began making work, and from the first post on Instagram there was an immediate audience of collectors for her playful, thought-provoking artworks. “It took me until my mid-thirties to stop trying to make what I thought I ought to make, and just start making whatever I wanted. Turns out I want to make silly drawings of stick women, and I’m ok with that. As a young woman I was paralysed by a fear of not being taken seriously. Now, thankfully, even I don’t take myself seriously.” She was quickly invited to show at the London Art Fair and o ered solo exhibitions both here and the US. Her first prints were released in March at The Original Print Fair, and both editions sold out on the opening night. Her work has since been included at prestigious auction houses alongside Damien Hirst, Je Koons, with a waitlist of collectors until October. extraordinaryobjects.co.uk

Queen of ARTS

Metldown returns to the Southbank Centre this month, hosted by Christine and the Queens

Curating this year’s Meltdown festival on the Southbank is Christine and the Queens, joining an eminent line of past curators. Last year, Grace Jones hosted the second highest grossing edition in the festival’s 27 year history after The Cure’s Robert Smith in 2018. Other artists to have curated the festival include David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Lee Scratch Perry and Jarvis Cocker.

Christine and the Queens’ Meltdown will be a ten-day celebration featuring an eclectic array of acts. There will be show stopping performances in the Royal Festival Hall from Django Django, Warpaint, Yemi Alade with support from Moonchild Sanelly, Sigur Rós with the London Contemporary Orchestra, Oxlade, KOKOROKO as well as two shows by Christine and the Queens. The Queen Elizabeth Hall will host Sqürl with director Jim Jarmusch, Chromatic and Glass Candy’s Johnny Jewel and Bat For Lashes, while the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer will be transformed for evening gigs from Serpentwithfeet, Let's Eat Grandma and electronic producer Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

And there will be lots of after-hours entertainment too, from a host of creative party-starters. For the opening night of his Meltdown, Christine and the Queens has enlisted legendary South East London pop-up queer nightclub, The Chateau, who will present SE_ XCELLENCE in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer (Friday 9 June).

The Chateau’s first show since closing in 2020, SE_ XCELLENCE will bring together leading collectives from the scene, pairing old and new crews in epic B2B moments that encapsulate the spirit of queer South London.

In the Purcell Room, Christine and the Queens’ close collaborator and dancer Taos Bertrand will present two performances of Brutal Synth Acts, a brand new Southbank Centre commission especially for Meltdown. Meanwhile, singer Nxdia makes her Southbank Centre debut while singer-songwriter Ri Cohen, who garnered popular attention with her 2012 debut A Paris, will take to the stage on 15 June. On the final day of the festival, maximalist sensation Girli joins as support for Lynks on 18 June.

9-18 June; southbankcentre.co.uk

“A TEN-DAY CELEBRATION

FEATURING AN ECLECTIC ARRAY OF ACTS”

HALL OF MIRRORS; PHOTOGRAPH BY EL HARDWICK

DJANGO DJANGO

CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS LYNKS

ART Performance

The V&A dedicates a major exhibition to the Diva and her legacy

By EVE HERBERT

designed by Julien MacDonald including diamanté-studded wellington boots, worn on stage at Glastonbury (2007); and Janelle Monae’s ‘vulva pants’ designed by Duran Lantink for the music video ‘Pynk’ (2018).

Also on display are examples of diva branding, demonstrating the diva’s phenomenal ability to transform, inspire and embrace the forces that contribute to defining, shaping, and worshipping a diva. Delving into the origins of the term ‘diva’meaning goddess in Italian - the exhibition explores how the meaning of the word has been subverted and embraced over time, and how the label has been reclaimed by performers, their fans and wider society.

Kate Bailey, curator of DIVA, said: “At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva.” Dame Shirley Bassey said: “To me, ‘diva’ is all about the power of the voice and the ability to entertain, to succeed against odds, to fight, and break through barrier after barrier: to have your voice heard.”

The exhibition explores how the modern performer continues to use their voice to enable social and political change, and how artists such as Billie Holliday, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald became part of the US Civil Rights Movement. It will reveal how divas like Bjork are unafraid to transform and reinvent themselves and how

divas like Siouxsie Sioux and Missy Elliott shifted the diva needle into new genres. It also considers how performing the diva requires exceptional talent, dedication and the pursuit of perfection and how legendary divas Cher andTina Turner collaborated with visionary fashion designer Bob Mackie to construct their full glam, high camp stage personas and how that has inspired the divas of drag, such as Ru Paul. 24 June 2023 – 7 April 2024 vam.ac.uk

“From opera goddesses and silent movie stars to sirens of the big screen”

LEFT: Sketch of Flame dress for Tina Turner by Bob Mackie, 1977. Original Artwork by Costume and Fashion Designer, Bob Mackie ABOVE: Lizzo wearing fauxermine dress with ‘Don’t Be a Drag Just Be a Queen’ sash by Viktor&Rolf, New York City, 2021. Photo Gotham, GC Images, Getty Images

TOP: Photograph of Maria Callas taken as Violette in La Traviata photography by Houston Rogers © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

RIGHT: Cher, Elton John and Diana Ross at Rock Awards Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 1975; Photo Mark SullivanContour by Getty Images

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“The renowned annual week-long festival of picnic concerts is set in the stunning Kew Gardens”

GARDEN PARTY

Kew the Music returns with a fantastic new lineup

Kew The Music has announced its first shows for 2023, which will feature headline performances from Bastille, The Vamps, Jack Savoretti, The Human League, Haçienda Classiçal, and Jools

Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

The renowned annual week-long festival of picnic concerts is set in the stunning Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site in South West London. Having established itself as one of the most spectacular summer concert venues in the UK, the shows have proved to be a hit amongst all generations of music lovers, hosting the perfect evening out for all the family to enjoy. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink, or to enjoy the open-air bars and street food stalls.

Bastille headline Kew The Music on 11th July celebrating 10 years of their debut album ‘Bad Blood’. The show will see the band perform the album in full, plus other favourites at the concert. Released in 2013, ‘Bad Blood’ featured Bastille’s breakout single ‘Pompeii’ which reached No.2 in the UK singles charts and No.5 in the US Billboard charts.

Pop-rock band The Vamps, aka Brad Simpson, Connor Ball, Tristan Evans and James McVey, will headline on 12th July, having recently celebrated their 10th anniversary as a band. Since their platinum-selling debut album, ‘Meet The Vamps’, crashed into the UK charts at No.2 in 2014, the band have been holding onto a dream-like rush of albums (five in total, including the chart-topping ‘Cherry Blossom’, and their first No.1 album ‘Night & Day (Night Edition)’, which features the Matoma-assisted global smash ‘All Night’).

English-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will headline on 13th July, performing songs from his consecutive No.1 albums ‘Singing to Strangers’, and

the summer-soundtracking ‘Europiana’. One of the most influential avant-garde pop groups of all time, The Human League, bring their musical and cultural explosion to London as they headline on 14th July, performing hits to Kew such as ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Love Action (I Believe In Love)’, and ‘Together In Electric Dreams’, culturedefining songs that saw them become Synth-Pop’s first international superstars. Haçienda Classical will bring to life the sounds of the legendary Manchester Haçienda Club, with an orchestrated twist on 15th July, revisiting the biggest tracks of the era with new arrangements.

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra perform on 16th July, featuring Jools’ long-time drummer with Squeeze and others, Gilson Lavis, and starring special guests Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ from The Selecter. The show will also feature guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. 11-16 July; kewthemusic.org

“Successful rewilding is about re-establishing the natural way of things”

Wild GO

Isabella Tree’s book about the rewilding of Knepp Estate became an inspirational totem for the eco-conscious. Now she’s back with a new practical guide

By AMANDA CONSTANCE

It’s not often one gets to belly laugh about escaped beavers with an interviewee. But then I am talking to Isabella Tree, the oft-monikered ‘Queen of Rewilding’ and custodian of Knepp Estate in Sussex, now a globally renowned rewilding project. She is recounting the story of when she and her husband, Charlie Burrell, first attempted to introduce a pair of beavers to the estate a few years ago. “We were given a licence that meant we didn’t have to pen them in. We just had to reenforce streams – so we did all that, spent tens of thousands of pounds on steel culverts and God knows what. The consensus from the ecologists was that should be enough wetland and willow to keep the beavers happy on Knepp for 10 years before they looked further afield. But within two weeks of being introduced both beavers had disappeared – one of them had crossed 17 weirs and was found at Shoreham-by-Sea.” Cue much mirth from Tree, who says the escapees were donated to the National Trust who had an adequate pen. And Knepp is now home to a bonded pair from Scotland – “who actually like each other’ – and have “created two to three acres of water out of what was a tiny dribbly stream”. The female is pregnant and kits are expected this month.

This is Isabella Tree’s world. While many wake to the daily slog of a grimy urban commute, she rises at Knepp to a deafening dawn chorus, the clattering bills of the white storks that nest on the castle turrets, and the sight of Longhorn Cattle, direct descendants of the ancient Auroch, wandering the grounds. It is otherworldly and utterly magical.

Yet it wasn’t always like this. Twenty years ago, the 3,500acre Knepp Estate that Burrell – or Sir Charles Burrell, 10th Baronet to use his full name – had inherited aged 21 was an exhausted and unprofitable farm and the couple were up to their ears in debt. Their radical choice to try something new, to depart from chemically aided conventional farming practices and let nature take over was documented in Tree’s 2018 book Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm

That book has since become a keystone species within the growing pantheon of nature writing and has accrued Tree and Knepp a devoted army of fans inspired by its story. “The whole rewilding project here at Knepp has taken us completely by surprise,” Tree says. “First of all, in how successful it’s been in terms of bringing back wildlife – from our completely

ISABELLA TREE

mucked up depleted farm underneath the Gatwick stacking system we turned it into something completely astonishing. And the public response has been “amazing”, she says.

Knepp is now a highly successful business. Not only is it a biodiversity hotspot – more than 20 universities are currently conducting studies on the estate – it runs wildlife safaris, hosts a camping and glamping business, has an online shop selling its wild range meat and a new restaurant is set to open this year. The estate now makes more money than it ever did as a conventional farm.

It's a lot to be getting on with, isn’t it? “Life has become incredibly busy because of the interest,” admits Tree, “but it’s so positive that that is a kind of boost in itself.”

The success of Wilding meant “we had a tsunami of enquiries from people” says Tree. “From big landowners to smaller farmers to people saying, ‘I’ve got a garden, an allotment, an orchard….’ And everyone asking the same question, ‘What Can I Do To Help’?” she says.

Unable to answer everyone individually, Tree and Burrell’s solution was to put pen to paper again. The Book of Wilding, published last month, is “a practical how-to guide more than a manifesto,” says Tree. It’s a hugely detailed doorstop

“There is a misconception about rewilding that it is just about letting things go – but it’s not”

of a book that is “for everyone”. Ambitious in scope, it starts with the large landscape picture so that if you are applying it to a garden, allotment or even window box you have that “large scale understanding”, Tree explains.

“For us, rewilding is a mindset, an approach,” she says. “Obviously, the smaller space you have, the more you need to manage and intervene in order to get exciting things happening to mimic the natural processes that go on in a landscape.”

Natural processes are something Tree talks about a lot. “I think there is a misconception about rewilding that it is just about letting things go – about abandoning your garden, but it’s not.” As Tree demonstrated in Wilding, successful rewilding is about re-establishing the natural way of things and that can require a bit of human intervention at the start.

What you need is “disturbance” of the land, Tree explains. At Knepp this is done by cattle, pigs and deer. Large herbivores aren’t quite as practical in London, so Tree suggests that gardeners mimic the work of animals such as wild boar. “You can become the keystone species as a human. That’s the di erence, I think, between a nature friendly garden and a rewilding approach to your garden. You are just thinking di erently.”

Tree often suggests that we mimic animals. While extolling the virtues of putting in a pond to create a nature-friendly garden she immediately adds, “and act like a beaver”. Beavers, it seems would include some dead wood – good for water invertebrates – and then “you might behave like a water bu alo” and trample the edges of the pond, “creating dips and hollows where frogs, toads and newts can breed.”

Tree believes there is fantastic potential for rewilding in cities. “People living in cities have a very open mind. They haven’t grown up in a rural environment where hedgerows are clipped to within an inch of their life.” Her chapter on urban rewilding delves into “how we need areas to connect if we are really going to have wildlife back in our cities”. She cites a friend in Bristol who has rewilded his back garden so successfully that it is now home to 25 grass snakes. He has also approached neighbours who are working together to remove fencing, grow wildflower lawns and create ponds. “So you’ve suddenly got a mosaic of habitats, all connected, which becomes very rich for wildlife which is very exciting.”

Connectivity is Tree’s new ambition. The next step for Knepp is the Weald to Waves initiative – creating a corridor of connected land from Low Weald of Sussex to the south coast. But before she rewilds much of southern England, she needs to pay attention to her own garden. “For 15 years we’ve been thinking about the wider landscape, yet we were still mowing our own lawn here with a zero-tolerance approach to dandelions,” she laughs. “My God, there’s our blind spot. We’re sitting right in the middle of our blind spot.”

THE BOOK OF WILDING

by Isabella Tree & Charlie Burrell, £35,

published by Bloomsbury, is available now

CONVENTIONAL GARDEN

NATURE FRIENDLY GARDEN

REWILDED GARDEN

An enchanting openair show for children and adults alike

Life is turned upside down for Alice, so join her as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and lands in the magical world of “Wonderland”.

22 July – 28 August

Photos by Kevin Murphy, from 2017 production

Borough ofculture

Building on the success of the past five years, get ready for the sixth edition of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week

Get ready for a summer filled with local arts and culture, with a fantastic programme of events from Kensington + Chelsea Art Week, hosted by participating venues and artists.

Apart from the much anticipated Art Trail, which this year includes artists such as Misha Milovanovich, Baker + Borowski, Josephine Chime alongside Ai Weiwei, KCAW returns with world-class talks and topical panel discussions with industry leaders such as Dr. Georges Kachaamy architect and academic. Coming to London especially from Dubai he will join Victoria Whenfray to discuss how culture impacts city planing and invite you to explore the virtual reality Imagination Lab.

A range of self-guided tours taking visitors across the borough will coincide with the Gallery Hop! (tours), traditionally held on the first Friday of KCAW, and once again hosted by Serena Morton Gallery and David Hill Gallery as part the new Ladbroke Arts District.

This summer also sees the return of KCAW x Chelsea Windows, supported by Sloane Stanley and curated by Jack Trodd. This is a local favourite project, now in its fourth year, visitors can feast their eyes on a series of carefully curated art displays by emerging London-based talent displayed in shop windows and retail spaces along the iconic King’s Road towards World’s End. Supporting the careers of noteworthy young artists is at the heart of this project, with all sales going directly to the artists.

Another highlight is Tools for Solidarity, an art project led by RESOLVE Collective in collaboration with The Mosaic Rooms. Tools for Solidarity encourages The Art of Change through collaboration with young people from

a local youth club and local families to create an outdoor play installation at The Mosaic Rooms. There will also be a ten-day Digital Art project at the Exhibitionist Hotel with artist Saira Jameison. A rising star in the London arts scene, exhibiting in London, Paris, New York, and Miami. As well as being a spotlighted SuperRare artist, Saira is a vocal advocate of the revolutionary Web3, using her presence as speaker, host and panellist to champion female creatives and those unrepresented. Events will take place across the entire borough with the Design Museum, Leighton House, Coronet Theatre and Chelsea Theatre among the local venues.

Art Week 22 June to 2 July; Art Trail 16 June to 30 August kcaw.co.uk; @kcawlondon

BAKER + BOROWSKI

JOSEPHINE CHIME (DETANGLING THE MBS)

KCAW ART TRAIL

JACK TRODD; PHOTO BY REECE GIBBINS

SAIRA JAMEISON

ELLIE GOULDING

“IT'S A NEW, ENHANCED FAN EXPERIENCE THAT LOOKS TO ATTRACT DIVERSE AUDIENCES ”

THIS IS GOLF OPENED UP

Ellie Goulding is the headline music act during the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath this August

For the very first time, live music will feature as part of a new, enhanced fan experience that looks to attract new and diverse audiences to the championship to enjoy women’s golf at the very highest level.

BRIT Award winner Ellie Goulding will entertain fans on Saturday 12 August following the close of play.

Along with the live music performance from Ellie Goulding, fans can look forward to the new festival fan village that will feature:

• Festival village stage featuring panel discussions with leading names from sport, business and entertainment.

• Golf It! Zone which will feature fun golf activities to introduce fans to the sport

• Interactive golf experiences including VR and e-sports

• Big screens to watch golf and other leading women’s sport including the FIFA Women’s World Cup

• A new food and beverage o ering which will feature a collective of exciting, passionate and diverse street food traders o ering all manner of delights.

The AIG Women’s Open heads to Walton Heath from 9-13 August 2023 for the very first time, where the world’s best players will take on the famed Surrey course.

Current world number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand, world number two Nelly Korda and fellow American Lexi Thompson, have

already qualified for the Championship. Tickets are now on sale via AIGWomensOpen.com. Adult tickets are available from £20, with Saturday tickets including full day of golf action and entry to the not to be missed Ellie Goulding concert priced at £55. A number of o ers are also available, including a £10 discount when booking a weekend bundle and a saving of £40 when booking the new five-day ticket o ering. Mastercard holders are also eligible to receive £5 o their transaction when booking with a valid Mastercard on checkout.

+44 (0)1334 460010

AIGWomensOpen.com

Tickets@AIGWomensOpen.com

Newly opened e Apollo Arms showcases the very best of British pub culture alongside the highest quality food, and warm and inviting hospitality. Located in the heart of Clapham Old Town, menus spotlight a modern take on classic pub grub, with a plethora of beverages from the extensive back bar.

13-19 Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0JT | info@apolloarms.co.uk | apolloarms.co.uk @theapolloarms

FOOD & DRINK

FINE FIZZ

LIBERTY WINES

Rare Millésime 2013, which was picked in October, is a vindication of the traditional Champagne method and serves as a reminder that late harvests are a sign of very fine vintages. libertywines.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Domaine du Météore

Le Cratère Sparkling Rosé, France  £28 domainedumeteore.com

Over ten thousand years ago, a meteorite struck a hillside in Southern France. Domaine du Météore’s vines grow within and around its crater. Le Cratère is a ‘methode champenoise’ sparkling rosé wine made in limited quantities from Syrah grapes.

Porta 6 White Vinho Verde, Portugal  £8.99 majestic.com

Porta 6 White Vinho

Verde is a light and gently spritzy wine, perfect for spring celebrations. Crisp and zesty with grapefruit, lime and floral notes, the wine has an o -dry, fresh finish, which pairs well with seafood, salads and sushi.

Van Hunks Sparkling MCC Brut from South Africa  £20, vanhunksdrinks.com

Van Hunks MCC

Sparkling Wines are handcrafted using a traditional method identical to Méthode Champenoise, Van Hunks MCC’s are bottle fermented in small batches and matured in contact with the lees for over two years.

Steam ahead

At Harrods' new fourth floor Dim Sum Terrace, dumplings come steamed, fried or baked, generously filled with a range of the finest ingredients. Highlights include decadent dim sum of scallop and prawn siu mai topped with foie gras; fragrant lobster and coriander dumplings or crispy and golden, deepfried taro and wagyu dumplings with plum sauce and caviar.

harrods.com

THE DIM SUM TERRACE, HARRODS

Seasonal fare

HARVEST

The new restaurant from chef Jesse Dunford Wood in Kensal Rise is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner with colourful, approachable, seasonal and British-led menus. There is an emphasis on British coastal fish, and directfrom-farm meat which are complemented by contemporary plant-led dishes. harvestrestaurantuk.com

Fin to grill

KIMA

Kima is a new 'fin-to-gill' restaurant from Nikos Roussos and Andreas Labridis in Marylebone. Meaning wave in Ancient Greek, Kima centres around using the freshest seafood and day-boat fish and drawing inspiration from the Greek seastaking fin-to-gill cooking to a whole new level. kimarestaurant.com

TEA TIME

Three teas to try

GOOD & PROPER

Brockley Breakfast tea bags are a twist on an English Breakfast blend. A traditional base of Assam, Kenya and Ceylon is li ed by aromatic notes of Darjeeling. £5.99 goodandpropertea.com

NEAL'S YARD

Lemon Balm and Elderflower

Biodiversitea is a refreshing and calming blend, a bee-friendly botanical infusion traditionally used to support healthy digestion and promote relaxation. £9.50 nealsyardremedies.com

NIO

The Tea Sour cocktail is mixed with T+, a tea liqueur made with handpicked black tea leaves, gently distilled to coax out the flavours. £19.50 for three. niococktails.co.uk

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

SHIRO

Shiro, the Japanese restaurant and bar located at Liverpool Street's Broadgate Circle from Aqua Restaurant Group, is launching a free-flow Friday dining experience. Every Friday, diners can enjoy a three course meal for just £29, with free-flowing Prosecco, wine or beer for £49, or with Champagne or sake for £79. shirosushi.co.uk

CLUB CLASS

WILD AT THE CROSS

Wild, the new restaurant on the first floor of reopened nightclub The Cross, o ers a Mediterranean menu designed for sharing. It's a destination in its own right as well as the perfect appetiser to an evening of dancing.

Head Chef Luis Diego Loria Ortega's menus are seasonal and produce-led.

thecrosslondon.com

SUMMER TERRACE

WHERE TO EAT AL FRESCO THIS MONTH

FLOWER GARDEN

DRAKE & MORGAN

Drake and Morgan's all-weather Laurent-Perrier Champagne

Terrace has been dressed top-totoe with blush fl orals, twinkling lights and pretty-in-pink décor for the ultimate Instagrammable backdrop in Paternoster Square. drakeandmorgan.co.uk

SUNNY DAYS

AUDREYS

Dine out at Audrey's and choose the Borough Market Fish Cake paired with spicy sweet potato puree and cucumber salad on the outdoor terrace for a lunchtime treat, with a signature cocktail too. audreyslondon.co.uk

TULUM TERRACE

ROTUNDA

Regent’s Canal will have you feeling like you’re in the Mexican Riviera with Rotunda’s new terrace. Dine on small plates including tuna tartare or refried bean tacos served with tequila, lime and pico de gallo salsa. rotundabarandterrace.co.uk

REVIVING LUNCH

CULPEPPER

Spitalfi elds' Culpeper has launched a new regenerative roo op lunch menu, providing an authentic plant to plate meal in the roo op garden, looking out over London’s iconic skyline. theculpeper.com

FRESH AIR

SUMI

Warm days call for fresh light dishes and the summer menu on Sumi's terrace includes sushi and sashimi alongside the restaurant’s perennially popular ‘temaki’ hand rolls. sushisumi.com

RARE

VINTAGE

Celebrating the finest champagne with Rare-Champagne

The origin of RareChampagne is confirmed as 6 May 1885, when Piper-Heidsieck created an exclusive Cuvée to celebrate the House's centenary and presented it to Queen MarieAntoinette. For this occasion Pierre-Karl Fabergé, the jeweller of Czar Alexandre III, was commissioned to create a precious bottle in gold, diamonds and lapis-lazuli.

One hundred years later, Van Cleef & Arpels, the renowned Parisian jeweller, created an extraordinary high-jewellery bottle for Rare Champagne Millésime

1976, born from the uncommon heatwave in France. Its design is inspired by the original, beautiful 1885 one.

Since 1976, Rare Champagne has only declared 12 vintages; the most demanding in Champagne, all in limited series. Each vintage celebrates a year in which nature is tamed and exalted by the Cellar Master’s expertise and by the work of time.

Rare 2013 is the 13th vintage ever released and each vintage has a unique expression.

Rare Millésime 2013, which was picked in October, is a vindication of the traditional Champagne method and serves as a reminder that late harvests are a sign of very fine vintages.

“Rare Millésime 2013 has a dual nature that emerges during the tasting. Underscored with hints of tropical and mineral notes— the signature of Rare Champagne—it reveals a radiant elegance that combines salinity, florality and indulgence. Its stunning freshness reminds me of the bright, comforting autumn sun.”

Émilien Boutillat, Chief Winemaker, Rare-Champagne.

Gut feeling

Recipes to reconnect with nature, food and self

Words ROBERTA HALL-MCCARRON

Photography by ANNA BOGLIONE

Grilled peaches, courgette, sunflowerseed gazpacho, toasted sunflower seeds

Serves 8

I’ve taken the term ‘gut feeling’ and translated that, quite literally, to the feelings, thoughts and emotions that eating a beautiful dish can evoke – the sensory beauty of food and how it connects so closely with the mind. This got me thinking about those immediate, visceral reactions we experience when we eat certain ingredients, namely the nostalgia that certain dishes can evoke, be it a reminder from childhood, travel or particularly happy times. Peaches are one ingredient that has this effect on me personally. I can actually remember specific moments when I ate a particularly good peach, normally always outside, on hot days or trips abroad.

Marinating time: 2–24 hours, Cooking time: 20–30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 6 peaches

• olive oil

• 16 courgettes with their flowers

• fine salt

Sunflower-seed gazpacho

• 110g toasted sunflower seeds,

• plus 20g for garnish

• 25g bread, roughly chopped

• ¾ cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped

• ½ garlic clove, thinly sliced

• 400ml oat milk

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 4 teaspoons sherry vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt, pinch of black pepper

METHOD

1 Mix together the sunflower seeds with the bread, cucumber and garlic. Add the milk, olive oil, sherry vinegar and seasoning, mix well and leave to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.

2 Blend the gazpacho until smooth, check the seasoning and adjust to taste.

3 Cut the peaches in half and remove the stone. Cut each half into 4 wedges, lightly salt and very lightly oil. Place on a griddle pan or barbecue for a few minutes to allow them to take on some of the char and to soften slightly.

4 Next, separate the flowers from the courgettes. Cut the courgettes lengthways and season lightly with fine salt and oil. Place the courgette on the griddle or barbecue and cook for approx. 2–3 minutes on each side until almost cooked.

5 To plate up, place the peaches and courgettes on the plate. Drizzle with the sunflower-seed gazpacho. Tear the courgette flowers into petals and place randomly. Roughly chop the remaining sunflower seeds and sprinkle over.

Scallop, sweetheart cabbage, crab, orange

Serves 8

I was very fortunate to grow up sailing on the west coast of Scotland on my family holidays. So from a young age, I was around beautiful seafood, scallops in particular. Admittedly, I did eat them deepfried but as a child this was incredible!

Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 large sweetheart cabbages, halved

• 2 scallops per person (approx. 50g/1¾oz per scallop)

• olive oil

• 120g butter, plus 1 tablespoon for the scallops

• 300g white picked crab meat

• 2 oranges, segmented and diced

• 30g anchovies, drained and chopped into small pieces

• salt and pepper

Pangrattato

• 50g (1¾oz) breadcrumbs

• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

• zest of 1 orange

METHOD

1 Begin by making the pangrattato

as this can be done in advance.

2 Separately toast the breadcrumbs and fennel seeds, taking the breadcrumbs to a golden brown colour. Chop the toasted fennel seeds slightly, then mix through the breadcrumbs. Finally, zest the orange into the mix.

3 Blanch the cabbage halves in boiling water for approx. 2 minutes until almost cooked, then cut the halves into halves again and sear in a hot pan to get a nice char on each side.

4 Start cooking the scallops. Season them on both sides, then place in a hot pan with a little oil. Make sure to get a nice even, golden brown colour on each side. Finish by adding a tablespoon of butter and once it has melted, use the foaming butter to baste the scallops. This helps the scallops cook through and adds a delicious buttery nuttiness.

5 Gently melt the remaining butter and add the crab, orange and chopped anchovies. To plate up, add a tablespoon of the anchovy, crab and orange mix in between the layers of cabbage. Finish by covering the top of the cabbage with the remaining crab mix, sprinkle with pangrattato and place the scallops next to the cabbage on the plate.

Chilled apricot, ginger & almond rice pudding

Serves 8

Beautiful ingredients and joyful eating experiences are commonly an antidote to stress and sadness, and therefore food is always integral to good health, body or mind. Rice pudding is such a nostalgic dish for me, and for a lot of people, bringing back memories of childhood, and always decorated with a big dollop of jam. My recipe is the more grown-up version of what has come to be one of my favourite desserts of all time; you can’t but be happy when you eat it.

Cooking time: 2 hours

Apricot jam

• 375g (13 oz) fresh apricots

• 50ml (2fl oz) water

• 225g (8oz) sugar

• Juice ½ lemon

Rice pudding

• 100g (3½oz) butter

• 220g (8oz) pudding rice

• 1 litre (1 ¾ pints) almond milk

• 250ml (9fl oz) cream

• 100g (3½oz) sugar

the butter, add the rice and sauté for approx. 30 seconds, allowing the butter to start foaming and go brown. Add the almond milk, cream and sugar, bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for around 30 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot. Keep checking to see if it’s cooked. Once cooked, strain through a sieve, reserving the liquid, and place the rice in a container covered with some clingfilm to avoid it getting a skin. Do the same with the cooking liquid. Allow both to cool and then refrigerate.

3 Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas Mark 4. To make the parkin, melt the syrup, treacle, light brown sugar and butter together until the sugar has dissolved.

4 Mix with the oatmeal, self-raising flour and ground ginger and stir into the syrup mixture, then add the milk, half an egg and the stem ginger. Spread thinly onto a parchment paper-lined tray and bake for 10 minutes. Take out of the oven and break into smaller pieces, then cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until crispy when cool. Once baked and cooled, chop down into smaller pieces (approx. 1cm/1/2 inch).

Parkin

• 100g (3 ½oz) golden (corn) syrup

• 40g (1 ½oz) treacle

• 40g (1 ½oz) light soft brown sugar

• 100g (3 ½oz) butter

• 50g (1 ¾oz) oatmeal

• 125g (4 ½oz) self-raising flour

• ½ tablespoons ground ginger

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ egg

• 10g (¾oz) stem ginger, chopped Almond crunch

• 60g (2oz) flaked almonds

• 40g (1 ½oz) feuilletine flakes

• 110g (3 ¾oz) almond butter

• 60g (2 ¾oz) icing (confectioner’s) sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• parkin

• 6 fresh apricots

• 2 packets of edible flowers

METHOD

All the elements to this dish can be made in advance.

1 To make the apricot jam, halve 375g of apricots and remove the stones. Place them in a pot with the water. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the apricots start to break down. Add the sugar and lemon juice, bring to the boil and cook until the jam reaches the setting point – 105°C. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

2 To make the rice pudding, melt

5 To make the almond crunch, toast the flaked almonds in an oven preheated to 170°C, Gas Mark 3 for approx. 10 minutes. Check and move the nuts around on the tray every few minutes. When golden brown, remove from the oven and allow to cool. Mix all the almond crunch ingredients together – you will have to use your hands to incorporate all the butter and icing sugar. Now that this is made, you can mix it together with the ginger parkin. Gradually start adding the rice cooking liquor to the cooked rice until you are satisfied with the consistency – it should be slightly loose.

6 Halve the apricots, remove the stones and cut into approx. 1cm pieces.

7 Now everything is prepared, you can plate up. Place the apricot jam in the base of the bowl, then spoon the rice into the bowls on top of the jam. Finish by sprinkling the ginger and almond crunch on top and decorate with edible flowers.

Recipes to Reconnect by Anna Boglione. Kyle Books, £35

AlexandraPalaceWay, London,N227BB

Grand OCCASION

Why The Langham, London will make your big day one to remember

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 150 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.

BIG & SMALL WEDDINGS

At the hotel they have several unique private dining rooms that can host intimate weddings ranging from five guests to 26 guests. Enjoy that countryside feeling in the heart of London in their Conservatory, which boasts of an elegant yet rustic feel.

The Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for a dinner and dance celebration of up to 200 guests. This luxurious and elegant space has been the cornerstone of The Langham since its opening and boasts hand-blown Murano

Glass chandeliers and dramatic renaissance pillars. From spring to autumn it is possible to take advantage of the Courtyard Garden in conjunction with a Grand Ballroom wedding.

YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY

As every wedding is unique, The Langham, London benefits from other luxurious facilities, such as the Chuan Spa, their renowned cocktail bar Artesian, restaurants, cooking school Sauce and a glorious pub that can all be privatised. Whether you seek an intimate candlelit dinner with family or a large a air, they would be delighted to play a part in your celebrations with your nearest and dearest.All menus have been carefully crafted in collaboration with renowned chef Michel Roux Jr.

The Langham, London's wedding menus are sure to delight any palate. Menus can be adjusted to cater for specific dietary requirements, including Kosher and Halal, either in-house or by one of their trusted catering partners.

ENJOY A STAY

With 380 stylishly appointed bedrooms and suites that cleverly combine Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities you can enjoy the day to the fullest, from pre-ceremony pampering to a rejuvenating night’s sleep after the big day.

To coordinate, support and guide, their wedding specialists will be on hand to help you as little or as much as you wish. From the first show-round, to the creative direction, menu tastings, right until the last guest turns in, they will ensure it’s a flawless and spectacular occasion.

For appointments and enquiries call 020 7636 1000 or email tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com

A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THE LUSH LANDSCAPES AND ROLLING HILLS OF ITALY

FASHION

Suits you

PEARL LOWE

Handmade in Somerset, UK by local seamstresses, Pearl Lowe's swimwear and hats are all vintage inspired and made to flatter and accentuate the feminine figure. Drawing inspiration from the 50’s with vintage inspired patterns. Pearl Lowe designs are feminist masterpieces, celebrating everything that’s sexy about women. pearllowe.co.uk

Bikini Bible's stylish and sustainable Paradiso collection is inspired by the island of Jamaica

BIKINI-BIBLE.COM

CARIBBEAN

QUEEN

Wild at heart

Layer up these trinkets for a laid-back summer vibe

By CARLY GLENDINNING

PAMELA LOVE

EMILY P. WHEELER

14K

9K

YVONNE LEON

CAROLINA

ONLY CHILD STORE

Acid Smiley Necklace,

onlychildstore.com

18K

JENNA BLAKE

JOANNA LAURA CONSTANTINE Statement Wave Ear Cu

CRYSTAL HAZE JEWELRY Lucid Dreams Necklace,

LADY GREY

Infinity

with Enamel, £124 joannalauraconstantine.com

White and Yellow Gold, Cord, Citrine and Diamond Bracelet, £295 net-a-porter.com

Yellow Gold Bangles with Emeralds, Diamonds, Pearls, Coral, Amethyst, and Sapphires, £11,721- £13,305 jennablake.com

BUCCI Large Cuore 18K Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant, £9,490 net-a-porter.com

£45

Hoops with Pearl in Gold, £165 ladygreyjewelry.com

14K Gold Peace Huggie, £330 pamelalove.com

£169.99 crystalhazejewelry.com

Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, and Enamel Dash Ring, £1,400 emilypwheeler.com

A RURAL OASIS

The picturesque parkland. The sense of serenity. A glamorous getaway. A moment of bliss. The Spa at Coworth Park.

#DCmoments CoworthPark CoworthParkUK CoworthPark

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BLOW OUT

RAHUA

Hair styling tools including straighteners, curling irons, and blow dry brushes can cause hair to become fragile over time. Rahua's new Heat Protectant Shield creates an invisible barrier against heat damage, keeping hair healthy and strong without weighing it down with chemicals and synthetic ingredients. rahua.uk

WELLBEING IN PURLEY

David Lloyd Purley is a welcoming and family-friendly health and wellness destination

If you're looking to improve your health and wellness, learn a new skill, spend time with the family, or just simply relax and make the most of summer and beyond, then look no further than David Lloyd Purley.

Situated in Hannibal Way, the Club has just undergone a £1.2m transformation making it one of the area's most premium health clubs o ering you a summer like no other. And you won't want to miss a minute of it.

Surrounded by green parks, David Lloyd Purley is an oasis of calm away from the city centre, allowing members to enjoy a welcoming and family-friendly health and wellness destination. With a state-of-theart gym, unrivalled racquets facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tranquil Spa Retreat and Garden, and an extensive range of Signature fitness classes, this is the ideal setting for all fitness journeys - and a lifetime of wellness.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR POOLS

Fancy a dip in a pool? Members can enjoy a swim all year round as the Club o ers both a new stunning outdoor pool as well as two

beautiful indoor pools. Your whole family can enjoy a quiet swim, splash around with the kids, or even do some training in the adults-only pool. The Club o ers aquabased exercise classes as well as an expert coaching team, so even complete beginners will quickly gain confidence in the water.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TENNIS COURTS

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, David Lloyd Purley is the perfect place to play racquet sports. The facilities include ten indoor and four outdoor tennis courts with cushioned acrylic and brand new state-of-the-art synthetic clay surfaces, plus four squash courts. They are also home to Purley's most social and vibrant racquets community, so whether you want to knock around as a family, or are looking for a new match partner, it is easy to find somebody to play with.

SPA RETREAT

David Lloyd Purley is the go-to destination for your over wellness and happiness. From

specialised steam rooms to lush Spa Garden with relaxation beds, hydro pools and saunas, the stunning Spa Retreat has everything you need to unwind, relax and refresh your mind and body.

CLUBROOM

Relax in the stylish Clubroom and enjoy a bite to eat indoors or outdoors on the recently refurbished terrace. For families and younger members, there are family dining and soft play areas. The kids' space has been updated and expanded outdoor making room for more fun and memories. David Lloyd Purley o ers hundreds of supervised kids’ Club activities: arts & crafts, cinema club, crèche and more for any younger members to enjoy. So, why wait any longer? Don’t miss a minute of summer.

DAVID LLOYD PURLEY Hannibal Way, Croydon CRO 4RW davidlloyd.co.uk/purley

TOP PICKS RUNNING ACCESSORIES

HANDS FREE

Touchscreen friendly, this lightweight and breathable armband from Lululemon is the perfect phone holder for listening to all your favourite upbeat tunes on long distance runs. £35; lululemon.co.uk

PRO TRAINING

Super lightweight, the Garmin Forerunner® 965 gives you advanced training metrics and recovery insights, has built-in maps, and up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode. £599.99; garmin.com

GO FASTER

The Cloud X 3 Shi trainers from On Running are designed for everyday training. The CloudTec®sole gives superior cushioning, whilst the Speedboard® energises your step. £150; on-running.com

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

LIVER DECODED

Dr Federica Amati PhD’s ‘De-Code

Your Liver Clinic’ with de-liver-ance puts your liver health to the test…

Most people associate cirrhosis of the liver with drinking. So as someone who only has an occasional G&T, I don’t feel very nervous when I’m invited to Dr Federica Amati PhD’s ‘De-Code Your Liver Clinic’.

The first step of the process is a FibroScan and blood test at The Light Centre in Marylebone. As I lie down on the bed, the specialist nurse explains to me that the liver is responsible for 500 vital functions as well as the e ciency and health of our entire system. Everything we put in our body can have an impact on our liver health.

As I think back to last night's takeaway, I’m suddenly feeling slightly less confident.

The FibroScan device uses soundwaves to measure the sti ness of the liver. There’s some light thumping on my side and after a few minutes the nurse tells me that my liver actually looks very healthy.

with patients with a variety of health concerns – from high blood pressure and cholesterol, to infertility and menopause.

A week later, I’m scheduled in with Dr Amati. It’s good news – my bloods have also indicated that my liver is functioning well. I explain that I follow a plant based and low sugar diet and she tells me that it’s clearly paid o .

Dr Amati, who has a PhD in clinical medicine, a Masters in Public Health, and is an AfN registered nutritionist, works

I ask what the next steps would be if my results weren’t so optimal. Dr Amati asks her clients to make a food diary and then she puts together a long term plan for them. This includes a course of de-liver-ance, an antioxidant rich, plant-based elixir that helps to rejuvenate the liver.

The whole experience has been an enlightening one and it will definitely make me more conscious about taking care of my liver health.

Loveyourliver.com

So

SKIN Glowing

Prepare

Whether you’re planning for an imminent summer wedding or an event far in advance, you may be thinking about how to achieve naturally dewy skin, allowing you to wear minimal make-up on the day. The internet is full of treatments that promise glowing perfection, but the quality and timing of any new product needs to be carefully considered.

The first step is to visit your skin practitioner as far in advance as possible to design a treatment plan to address any skin concerns and which also matches your budget and your travel schedule. Extreme heat or cold, wind chill and sun exposure can lead to unwanted reactions from treatments like chemical peels, IPL and laser. Include your home skin regimen in the plan (with a focus on ingredients like vitamin C, lactic acid and retinol) so that any new products have plenty of time to settle and produce noticeable results.

LONGER TERM PLANNING

Many treatments take months to deliver optimal results. Laser and IPL for pigmentation or chronic redness are popular before weddings and courses of three to six treatments are ideally conducted over the winter months. You need to avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after your treatments, so these can be tricky to fit around ski and sun holidays, but skin rejuvenation options can be more flexible. Dermal fillers restore mid-face volume loss, but for non-surgical tightening of the whole face and neck, collagen induction treatments like hybrid energy radiofrequency (RF)

“For luminous wedding pictures, try copious quantities of hyaluronic acid”

microneedling (Voluderm or Legend M2) can help to volumise and plump the skin, as well as improving overall skin tone. Advanced lipofirm treatments combine skin tightening and muscle toning to lift the SMAS layer of the lower face and enhance the overall lift. Your best results will be seen around three months after a course of collagen induction treatments (although you should see improvements long before).

Microneedling with PRP or growth factors is another great option. It looks and sounds intimidating but can be more a ordable and works for most people to improve overall skin tone and tightness. Courses of microneedling for hair restoration can help to improve hair and scalp condition at least six months in advance.

3 TO 6 MONTHS AHEAD

Treatments like chemical peels, antiwrinkle injections, injectable skin boosters

and radiofrequency skin tightening can give you noticeable improvements within a few days so are good options for anyone with a tight timeline. It can take a couple of treatments for your practitioner to get to know how you will respond, so it’s best not to try these treatments for the first time too close to the event.

Profhilo is a popular option to rapidly boost hydration and skin firmness, but results are often more noticeable following a second treatment, so plan to do this with at least six weeks to spare.

DAYS TO GO

Avoid your retinol which can leave the skin feeling dry and focus on optimising hydration and exfoliation with some well-tested eye patches and lactic acid or hyaluronic acid skin masks. My secret weapon for those luminous wedding pictures is copious quantities of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid underneath and on top of your moisturiser followed by lots of water before you start on the co ee shots and breakfast champagne.

DR KIM

Dr Kim Prescott practices Aesthetic Medicine in Knightsbridge and Surrey as well as lecturing and training and working in clinical research.

drkim@psmd.co.uk | 01372 635770 drkpclinic.co.uk

to get wedding photo ready with Dr Kim

MUSCLE WORK

It's never too late to start taking care of your pelvic floor

Although more and more women in their 40s are starting to talk about their pelvic floor health, it can still remain a taboo topic that some people feel embarrassed talking about. Karin Goldschmidt, Pelvic Floor Senior Physiotherapist at King Edward VII’s Hospital o ers some advice on issues you may be facing.

How does your pelvic floor change in your 40s?

Pregnancy and childbirth will have put a major strain on your pelvic floor muscles, as well as menopause, peri-menopause and having an increase in body weight.

Skeletal muscle atrophy and associated weakness are inevitable as we age, and the pelvic floor muscles are no exception. Once you reach 40, you’ll lose as much as five percent of your muscle per decade, which can lead to pelvic floor issues.

What changes might you notice?

Common symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor or bladder dysfunction are:

• Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, bending, laughing or lifting weights which is called stress incontinence.

• Leaking when hurrying to the toilet, hearing running water or even when putting a key in the door when arriving home, this is called urge incontinence.

• Experiencing a dragging or aching sensation around the vagina or anus which can be due to a prolapse of the pelvic organs.

• Problems in controlling wind or bowel contents which often is associated with constipation due to di culties in emptying your bowels

• Painful sex or decreased sensation due to vaginal dryness.

A perhaps less well known issue, although also common, is tightness of the pelvic floor muscles as a result from rarely relaxing them. This can lead to pelvic pain and trigger other symptoms.

How can women in their 40s protect their pelvic floor?

Staying generally healthy with consistent exercise, a varied fibrous diet and drinking lots of water are a great starting point as well as these elements:

Pelvic Floor Exercises

The NHS Squeezy app can really help you

visualise and motivate you to do a routine anywhere. Pelvic floor muscle exercises should include long, held squeezes as well as short, quick squeezes; ensuring that you let the muscle ‘go’ or ‘relax’ after each squeeze. You should work the muscles until they tire and do the exercises regularly to help the muscles become stronger and more e ective. Always remember to breath out as you lift the pelvic floor and breath in as your relax. Also start the lift from the anus, then the vagina and finally a gentle drawing in of the lower part of your tummy to activate your deepest of the abdominal muscles

Posture

By sitting taller and supporting your head and neck up better, your abdominal muscles can work much more e ciently. When standing, if your posture is poor, you can end up tilting your pelvis which will also impact how your pelvic floor muscles work. When standing with a better posture, your abdominals, bottom, pelvic floor and leg muscles are allowed to work together in synergy.

Breathing

Try not to hold your breath when doing pelvic floor exercises. As your diaphragm moves, so should the pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is not a rigid structure and it should move up and down in synergy with our

breathing. As we breathe in, the pelvic floor moves down. As we relax, it moves back up.

The knack

Get into the habit of tighten your pelvic floor muscles the second before any activity which involves a rise in intra-abdominal pressure – coughing, sneezing, lifting, carrying, bending – even laughing sometimes.

Toileting position

Using a step or stool under your feet while on the toilet helps create a squatting position which will reduce pressure into your rectum when passing a stool. This will reduce pressure on the ligaments and muscles in this area. Ensure you always sit and relax on the toilet and not get in a habit of hovering as this does not allow your pelvic floor to relax completely while you empty your bladder. Too many women su er from pelvic floor issues unnecessarily, often because they’re too embarrassed to seek help. However there’s no need to su er in silence as medical professionals will have seen it all before. It’s never too late to start work on your pelvic floor for a better quality of life.

POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS

Randox Health continues London expansion with its ninth clinic opening in Canary Wharf

Randox Health, the leading UK diagnostics company, continued its clinic expansion in the capital, opening its new Canary Wharf clinic on 11 April. This will be London’s ninth Randox Health clinic, bringing the world’s most advanced and personalised Health Programme directly to the consumer.

Randox’s High Street investment in personalised healthcare and diagnostic testing follows the company’s success in delivering 25 million Covid-19 PCR tests during the pandemic emergency.

As well as its condition-specific tests, Randox clinics also o er a new range of comprehensive diagnostic programmes, including the ‘EveryMan’ and ‘EveryWoman’ 12-month programmes. These enable up to

150 data points linked to key health areas to be measured during each visit with a personalised health plan summarising results provided. Repeat tests will be arranged six months after the initial test, included in the testing programme prices, which start at £295 per person.

Its growing network of clinics provide easy access for millions to a new Randox range of diagnostic tests, including for fertility, vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, allergies and key health concerns including heart, liver and kidney conditions. These tests are available from £49 and will increase the accessibility of real, a ordable and preventative healthcare through Randox’s innovative combination of technology and science.

To complement its range of preventative health programmes, Randox Health have partnered with Reviv, to launch an exclusive

“This will benefit individuals and society by improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on our clinical services”

range of IV therapies and booster shots designed to give clients the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals their body needs to improve hydration, energy levels, immunity and the appearance of skin, hair and nails.

With over 40 years of diagnostic experience Randox is globally recognised as being at the forefront of diagnostic capability. David Ferguson, Chief Operating O cer of Randox Health, says: “Randox believes that in harnessing the capabilities of innovative diagnostics we can help the shift away from the traditional model of sickness management to a new era of truly preventative healthcare.

“Having a regular review of personalised health data is vital to understanding and maintaining good health. Access to regular health screening will allow clients to actively take control of their health to prevent or delay disease.

“This will benefit individuals and society by improving patient outcomes and considerably reducing the burden on our vital and hard-pressed clinical services.”

Stuart Fyfe, Managing Director Retail Leasing at Canary Wharf Group, says: “As our retail o ering continues to evolve and grow, making fast and reliable healthcare testing available to our workers, residents, and visitors is a fantastic addition to our health and wellbeing o er. Randox’s in-demand service at Canary Wharf will be really popular.”

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

inside this section

TOP 10: BEAUTIFUL PLATES p84

HOUSE TOUR: MODERNISM IN HAMPSTEAD p88

REDISCOVERING BRITISH COLOUR p94

EAST LONDON’S STYLISH PARASOLS p98

A LOOK AT EASTERN EUROPEAN LIGHTING p106

ICONIC DESIGN

CARL HANSEN & SØN

At Carl Hansen & Søn, they believe that iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality brought to life through skillful work with the highest quality materials. page 81

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STAY IN BED

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

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

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

WELL SERVED

10 of the best... plates

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

RAY OF LIGHT

Casa Cubista’s terracotta designs are made in a family-run Portuguese pottery workshop. Each piece is thrown on a potter’s wheel before being hand painted. Green Ray dessert plate, £21.99 softstore.co

CURVE APPEAL

ALL GREEK

Santorini crockery is thoughtfully handcra ed with fine porcelain. The coral design weaves around the edge and is featured in the centre of the starter plate design, £19.50 truffletablescapes.co.uk

Taking inspiration for its design from the purity of form found in Villa Bologna’s Baroque architecture, this handmade scalloped plate looks wonderful mixed with other iconic designs from Villa Bologna Pottery. £48 villabolognapottery.com

FACE IT

This unique hand painted plate is by famed Italian ceramicists Fasano, who for centuries have been creating beautiful tableware and decorative pieces at their workshops in Puglia, Italy. £45 gracesisters.com

SIMPLE LOOK

Designed in London and cra ed in Portugal, Monoware’s modern stoneware ceramic dinner sets complement any home for years to come. £61 monoware.com

ANOTHER SLICE?

Pernille Rosenkilde has designed these pretty dessert plates for Anthropoligie and they’re inspired by a sunny day. £16 anthropologie.com

IN A BUBBLE

These beautifully decorated plates, whose bubbles flow and curl across the surface, add a unique touch to any table. £95 dbceramic.co.uk

PEARLY QUEEN

The Pearl tableware collection is inspired by 18th and 19th Century European ceramics. This beautifully designed collection features adornments that resemble small pearls around the edges of each piece . From £15 roseandgrey.co.uk

ROUND HOUSE

This red-hued Drip Round Platter is part of an exclusive Collagerie collection, newly re-launched at The Conran Shop for 2023. £130 conranshop.co.uk

TAKE THE CAKE

These sweet candy colours combined with small swirls of whipped cream really make you crave that slice of cake. £50 for four. bode-living.com

DINING SET

BY HANS J. WEGNER

HANS J. WEGNER | Wegner is known as the master of the chair and designed over 500 chairs during his career. Combine di erent chairs to create a personal style with your favorite designs | CH26 Chair, oak, walnut, oil, natural paper cord, £1,423 | CH23 Chair, oak, oil, natural paper cord, £836 | CH33T Chair, oak, walnut, oil, £844 | CH29P Sawbuck Chair, oak, oil, Leather Loke 7110, £1,087 | CH37 Chair, oak, black, black paper cord, £878 | CH47 Chair, oak, oil, natural paper cord, £976 | CH327 Dining Table, oak, oil, £3,826

BLOHM | DINNER FAMILY

Design by Ditte Blohm Plates, platters and bowls from £38

CHS | LEATHER NAPKIN RINGS Set of 4 Ø4 cm | 2 colours £32

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

CARLHANSEN.COM

london@carlhansen.com

@carlhansenandson_london

+44 0 (20) 7730 8454

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm

CHS | NAPKINS Set of 4 42x42 cm £52

Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London

Design DUO

The Conran Shop and Collagerie have collaborated on a second stylish collection

For the second time, the Conran Shop has teamed up with Collagerie to launch an exclusive capsule collection for the home. The sophomore edit features bolder and more energetic colours and compositions across various products, including kitchenware, cushions, rugs, tote bags, and the new addition of lighting. The close work between The Conran Shop’s design team and Collagerie co-founders Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood has brought each piece to life.

The collection’s ink-bled ‘sketch-a-check’ theme is inspired by vintage watercolour prints and slip trail pottery. Each capsule piece is unique due to natural and recycled materials, handcrafting, and hand-painting techniques. The trays are shaped by hand in Sweden from responsibly sourced birch veneer, the lampshades feature rolled edges and taping, which have been completed by hand, and the hanging mobiles are made in collaboration with the world-famous Volta, assembled in Spain from salvaged materials.

As Fashion Director of British Vogue for 25 years, Chambers has extensive experience directing some of fashion’s most memorable shoots. She has also worked as a creative consultant and stylist across high street and luxury brands, from Prada to H&M. Simultaneously, Hood, as former Executive Fashion Director of BritishVogue, has written countless style edits and created unforgettable events for the likes of British and US Vogue, Giorgio Armani and Marc Jacobs.

The Collagerie co-founders have a fresh perspective on their second collection with The Conran Shop, pushing their concept for the home to new heights. Chambers says: “Our ‘ink-bled’ linens and drip-glazed ceramics capture a fresh, laid-back mood that says summer has arrived, with sun-drenched tones and artisanal techniques to give the pieces their unique spirit. To go from a single, splashy sketch to a beautifully cohesive collection is a dream come true. That’s the magic that happens when you collaborate with The Conran Shop.”

“A fresh, laidback mood that says summer has arrived”

Words EVE HERBERT

TR Studio completed the refurbishment and interior design of BML House, a modernist London family home designed in the 1960s by architect John Winter.

The aim was to retain the property’s strong forms and enhance the original exterior design by modernising elements including the porch and windows without losing the character of the striking elevation.

On the front façade, the designers added a double height extension, set back from the main front elevation. This architectural detail, with opaque frosted glass, creates a privacy screen for the newly established ensuite at first floor level and maximises daylight. This ‘hit and miss’ brickwork style also creates a sense of ‘life’ beyond the walls and adds an element of intrigue into the design’s function. The whole facade was painted white, unifying and creating a cohesive front elevation between the existing brickwork and the new additions.

Not a typical Belsize Park property, the form of the original building with its strong architecture was something TR Studio wanted to celebrate. By giving the property a facelift

“Glazed sliding doors frame the view out to the rear garden”

with new large format, black aluminium, sliding windows, the studio modernised the structure and rationalised elements such as the porch and entrance. Landscaping the property’s front garden also adds a sense of belonging and completion to the building’s approach. Inside, the property’s internal layout was less than optimal for modern family living. Creating an open plan layout on the ground

floor connected the garden and maximised the internal floor area with a front and rear extension. A large new hallway with builtin floor to ceiling storage cupboards was designed and installed and all the internal walls were stripped out, replacing the former rabbit warren of low-ceilinged rooms and corridors and creating a single line of sight across the expansive interior through to the rear garden. The client was keen to have an inclusive home and the large new open plan ground floor consists of a living area, kitchen, laundry room, dining area and playroom, allowing the family to remain connected as they live, work, and play in the space together within defined and zoned areas.

Walls across the ground floor space are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Wevet, a very soft white, chosen for its subtle light fraction and to allow the walls to become a canvas for artwork such as a commissioned painting by artist William McLure. Wall lights and floor

lamps layer varying levels of illumination, while spotlights provide general lighting across the ground floor. Poured concrete floors unify the ground floor space, while a large, handcrafted oak kitchen features a combination of drawers, cupboards and tall, pull-out pantry storage for easily viewable and accessible storage. A large kitchen island is central to the space and houses storage and a hob. A skylight above the island was chosen instead of an extractor to provide natural ventilation and airflow and flood the area with light. A graphic, architectural pendant light in brushed brass further enhances the kitchen’s refined elegance. A large L-shaped built-in timber wall seat is upholstered in a textural blue stripe and the area is subtly zoned with simple architectural detailing.Glazed sliding doors frame the interior view out to the rear garden, transforming the ground floor and flooding the deep plan with light. A more formal dining area with views across the front garden and a children’s play area take up the rest of the open plan.

On the first floor, TR Studio removed and repositioned most of the partition walls to suit a new, more appealing layout consisting of four double bedrooms, a large, shared, family bathroom and two ensuite bathrooms. Avoiding narrow, rabbit-warren corridors, all the bedrooms are accessed off a large landing with a skylight.

Lateral spaces, a sense of openness, a curving minimal staircase, marquetry details and minimalist décor sum up the design of BML House. Creating a better flow through the house and connecting both ground and first floors in a more elegant and enjoyable way, TR Studio transformed the original interior and it is now a light and open, inclusive home for integrated family life, connected to the outside world through the considered use of glazing and architectural design details.

SCANDINAVIAN HYGGE

Preserving Danish design classics at Carl Hansen & Søn

Iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality

Founded in 1908, design company Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation familyrun Danish business.

At Carl Hansen & Søn, we believe that iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality brought to life through skillful work with the highest quality materials.

Through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand our collection to represent influential new designers.

As an extra element in all Flagship Stores, a broad and exciting accessories program has been developed. A program that matches our furniture and helps to give the interior the special touch that makes it different and personal. We use nature’s own produce: wood, Carl Hansen & Søn’s most important material, along with other sustainable materials, such as clay, glass, wool, linen and paper.

Carl Hansen & Søn’s accessory range also creates new and exciting experiences and relations. And for our customers - many exciting items, made in the spirit of passion and good conscience, both for decoration or as a fun and functional thing in the everyday life.

carlhansen.com

COLOUR

CODE

How British Colour Standard came to revive an outdated system of colour matching and launch a range of beautiful handmade candles

Words PENDLE HARTE

How are colours defined? Before Pantone, developed in the 1960s to give every shade a code and enable global alignment and precision, there was British Colour Standard. This was a system from the 1930s, developed to help decode colour and allow countries all over the world to match their flags, uniforms, bunting and carpets. Each shade had a name: there was Adonis Blue, Bunting Yellow, Empire Blue, Falcon, Squirrel and Malmaison Rose. There were books – dictionaries of colour – filled with dyed strips of ribbon and strands of fluffy wool. Colours would be matched by eye (no formulas) - with practical advice such as ‘comparison with the Standards should be made in a good north light’.

It was finding one of these old colour dictionaries in Oxfam that inspired art students Jackie Piper and Victoria Whitbread to research the scheme and its shades, taking them to the British Library for source material.They found book after book of beautiful vintage colours, names and numbers; but with nothing ready to use from a digitised or contemporary design perspective. So they scanned all the old colour books with a digital tool enabling an accurate colour breakdown and saved them into a digital format. They trademarked and recreated them as the refreshed British Colour Standard brand, its foundations built upon the original colour resource material.

Now British Colour Standard is known for its beautiful candles, though the brand creates a whole range of colourful products. With a focus on sustainability, everything is made with recycled or recyclable materials or the most eco alternative they can find.

The lovely eco candles are all Fair Trade, made in Indonesia by a candle-specialist from a vegetable-derived Stearin wax which has the advantages over paraffin and soy-based waxes in that it takes colour very well, burns slowly and cleanly; with almost no sooting, dripping or smoking. All candles take their colour from the original stanadrd, with names such as Jasmine Yellow and Olive Green. The striped candles are poured layer by layer, by hand, into tubular moulds.

britishcolourstandard.co.uk

BURN OUT

OUR TOP FIVE CANDLES RIGHT NOW

COLOUR WAYS THE GLASS STUDIO

Expertly poured into The Glass Studio's distinctive handblown glassware here in the UK, the new luxury scented candle collection celebrates the relationship between scent, colour and the senses. £125 theglass.studio

GIVE THANKS ACQUA DI PARMA

A new fragrance joins the Acqua di Parma Home Collection. The joy of giving thanks, Grazie. Grazie: a common yet profound word rich in intention. It's vailable as a 200g candle priced at £60. harrods.com

FLOWER FAIRY MEFIYE

The Mefiye Dua candle includes notes of classic florals such as jasmine and rose, with the addition of neroli and bergamot along with cedarwood and clementine. It's a proper delight. £30 mefiyelondon.com

DIGITAL LOVE AROMAI

AromAI is a unique candle company on a mission to bring you captivating, plant-based fragrances that are expertly designed by artificial intelligence and lovingly hand-poured by a dedicated team of human artisans. £27 aromai.co.uk

DANCE FLOOR DISCOTHEQUE

This candle collection is designed around the world's best nightclubs, by city. So for London there's the Wag (limoncello, orange, hot red pepper) and Upstairs (at Ronnie Scott's: violet, rose, peach). You'll want the whole collection. £45 each. discothequefragrances.com

GIMME

SHELTER

Absolutely meets Lucy Ferguson of the East London Parasol Company

Interview PENDLE HARTE

Q How did the East London Parasol Company come about?

A I had the idea to create flamboyant garden parasols after spending a lot of time in Kerala and becoming entranced by the temple umbrellas they use in celebrations. After a breakup I decided I wanted to do something joyful and colourful and the parasols were the perfect idea. I went back to India, travelled around Kerala and Rajasthan finding umbrella makers and launched my first parasols in 2016. The parasols naturally create an intimate space underneath which bring people together. And popping up a parasol immediately creates a theatrical scene. Seeing customers’ photos of how they style their parasols makes my day.

You have been inspired by India. How?

A I first visited India about 25 years ago as my dad worked there and I was blown away by the colour, noise, sounds, fabric and magic of it. Once you’ve been exposed to that it’s hard not to want more. I’ve been lucky to spend a large part of the last 13 years in India and its crafts, colour and capacity for joy is unlike anywhere else.

Can you tell us about the manufacturing process?

In 2017 I started working with artisans in Bali to create our bamboo parasols and wooden bases. Then, in addition to working with Indian printers, I found a family of stone carvers in Rajasthan to make parasol bases, and the business grew. During lockdown I decided I wanted to champion British craftsmanship and found a skilful carpenter in Hampshire who had been making scenery for theatres, but needed to pivot due to covid. We have been working together over the last few years to hone our frame design and they are beautiful. Each of our octagonal parasols is assembled to order. We sell our designs of parasols, decorative bases and cushions. Our production is slow and careful, with minimal waste and no mass production. We use sustainable woods and plant a tree in India or Indonesia for every parasol we sell - partnering with a responsible reforestation initiative.

Our Round Bamboo parasols and wooden bases are made in Bali where we work with many villages of artisans - each bamboo parasol is made in over 20

LUCY FERGUSON

stages. Following that, our octagonal parasol frames are made in Hampshire using FSC certified sustainable ash wood. The octagonal parasol canopies are screen printed in India and our cushions are block printed by hand in Jaipur, while the stone bases are hand-carved by 7th generation stone carvers in Rajasthan.

During my 20s I was fortunate to spend many summers at festivals with the people who created the event spaces. The whimsical and gorgeous worlds they created definitely gave me confidence in dreaming up opulent garden parasols when there weren’t really any others like them on the market.

Q What is your background?

A I went to university at St Andrews in Scotland and studied English Literature and theology- I tried many careers after university, starting in financial communications, then professional kitchens, then working in the House of Commons before writing a book for children and working at Neals Yard Dairy selling cheese. What I learned from all those experiences was that I love people- and that’s not something you are taught at school. Throughout my career adventures, the people I worked with were the high points for me, and I’m so lucky that I’ve found brilliant people to work with to create the parasols over so many years.

Q How do your parasols fare in the British climate?

A The parasols are named after divas, known personally or internationally, because they aren’t run-of-the-mill, they’re extra special. With care they’ll last years. We try to be as helpful as possible about how to prolong the life of your parasol on our website. A vital thing is

“Seeing customers’ photos of how they style their parasols makes my day”

to make sure it’s dried out before you pack it away. The most important element of having a happy parasol is a very good parasol base.

Q Which is your best seller?

A Everyone loves the Whitney Round Bamboo, the pink, gold, orange and yellow colour combination is pure summer. Our Green Aretha Octagonal Parasol is a close second, the outside of the canopy has green zigzags and it’s lined with rose pink. Not only is the parasol stunning and playful, the frame is made in Hampshire by incredibly talented carpenters and our customers are always delighted by the high quality.

Q What’s next? Will you stick to parasols or branch out into other things?

A I like doing one thing and perfecting it! Furniture would be a natural step, maybe one day. At the moment I still have a head filled with designs for parasols I’m yet to bring into the world.

eastlondonparasols.com

GARDENESQUE

OKA Viticcio Metal Garden Table, £195 and Chairs, £195 each oka.com

BTFY Ivory Rope Hanging Garden Chair, £39.99 vonhaus.com

OUT & OUT Lincoln Teak Garden Sun Lounger, £119.99 outandout.com

Ancient collection gardenesque.com

pot, £29.99

CUCKOOLAND Geisha Garden Parasol in Purple, £139 cuckooland.com

IVYLINE

Handmade Honeycomb Garden Trellis, £59.99 ivylinegb.co.uk

SPARKLE LIGHTING Solar Garden Lanterns, £38.95 sparkle.lighting

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

By PENDLE HARTE

CUCKOOLAND Pacifi c Lifestyle Rio Garden Seating Set, £499.95 cuckooland.com

GARDEN HOUS DESIGN Cosi Cosiscoop XL Fire Lantern, £124.99 gardenhousedesign.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Lutyen Garden Chair, £760 sweetpeaandwillow.com

LOLA & MAWU Bolga Garden Basket Ayana, £49 lolaandmawu.com

STAYCATION VINTAGE PARASOLS

Antique White Large Tassel Fringed Beach and Garden Parasol, £235 staycationvintageparasols.com

“Designing for me is all about being open, and having fun with the process”

DESIGN DANISH

How Pernille Rosenkilde designed a colourful collection for Anthropologie

Words PEARL BOYD

Pernille Rosenkilde is a stylist, influencer and creative spirit based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pernille Rosenkilde finds happiness in the mixing of colours and materials and is constantly searching for vintage treasures that inspire her designs. In a new collaboration with Athropologie, the Copenhagen-based stylist, influencer, and creative spirit, has designed an assortment of fashion and homeware pieces, all in fun shapes and beautiful pastel and colour-pop shades. The quirky style emulates Pernille’s naturally free-spirited and playful look, that she brings both to her home and her fashion.

For home, find dinnerware, candles, throws and plates, in hues of pink, blue, yellow and purple. All bedecked with natural motifs, seventies detailing, and even 3D butterflies that emerge from vases for an added surprising twist. The fashion assortment is all about exaggerated shapes and detailing – tulle, bows, pinstripes, puff sleeves and ruffles are key motifs in the collection, in bolder hues of blue and pink, as well as monochromatic black and white styles.

Pernille Rosenkilde said: “What I’ve really loved about working with Anthropologie is our shared passion for creativity. Designing for me is all about being open, and having fun with the process. That’s why my inspiration for this collection was a spring day in Copenhagen.”

anthropologie.com

OSTBLOCK STYLE

Absolutely meets Jesse Carrington of Trainspotters to talk about salvage, lighting and Eastern European design

Words PENDLE HARTE

Q How did you develop an interest in lighting?

A I used to work in archictectural salvage for Lassco, where we dealt with all sorts of amazing stuff. That’s where I started getting into lighting and the whole industrial aesthetic, which nobody was really doing in 2007. At first we were reviving old bits of train furniture and lighting – hence the name – but then we started looking for the next opportunity for industrial lighting and found some interesting Eastern European pieces that nobody was salvaging.

Q Where did you source Eastern European pieces?

A We started in East Germany - that’s the mecca - because Germans have always been very good at producing stuff. We just walked around Berlin, asking around. By chance we met a guy from Leipzig who had started sourcing some lighting, and then we started meeting people in the demolition trade.

“There were no new designs in East Germany, so they were still producing beautiful Bauhaus designs”

Q And why Eastern Europe?

A They had a tradition of quality manufacture and production. There was no culture of new designs in communist East Germany so they were still producing beautiful Bauhaus designs that predated communism; there were lots of quality designs and they made them well, with precision and great attention to detail. And in the Czech Republic there’s a big tradition of lighting, with glass and opaline balls. In Poland things start to get shoddier. And in Russia it gets really really shoddy. I’ve never seen a quality piece of Russian lighting - it’s all lazy unimaginative deisgns and shoddy quality. That was a massive disappointment.

Q Was there a market for it in the UK at the time?

A We started bringing pieces back and selling them, and they all sold out really quickly. That’s when we started working on our own reproduction pieces and now well over 50% of our business is remakes. We found an original mould in an old glass factory, so we work from that.

Q What kind of pieces were you looking for?

A Most of our pieces came from public buildings, offices and factories. We have a range of glass and porcelain lights from stairwells in apartment blocks that we reproduce now. Our giant Czech pendants literally lined the railways, and the DDR strip lights would have been workshop lights. We tweaked and adapted an early communist design for those, and they’re probably my favourite.

Q What are you working on now?

A We’re working on a wooden light, a copy of an old Scandinavian design that will be 3D printed. trainspotters.co.uk

POLISH MINE PENDANT LIGHT

SMOKED GLASS BEEHIVE PENDANT

PATTERN PIECES

A look at FuturLiberty, a collection that marks 150 years of the Liberty print

Words EVE HERBERT

“These designs can repeat across a body, or introduce vibrancy into an interior space”

In time for its 150th anniversary, Liberty launched a new Interiors and Fashion collection, FuturLiberty, at Milan Design Week. Liberty invited esteemed couturier and interior designer, Federico Forquet, to collaborate on the creation of FuturLiberty. The collection began with Forquet issuing a challenge to the Liberty Designers - to experiment and develop Liberty’s archetypal Arts and Crafts designs.

In researching the Liberty archive, home to over 50,000 designs spanning from the 1880s to present day, the team were drawn to the experimental work of famed Liberty designer,

Bernard Nevill. The team were inspired by Nevill’s love for the 20th-century avantgarde art, specifically taking cues from the rebellious Italian Futurists and their English contemporaries, the Vorticists. FuturLiberty reinterprets these archival designs and 20th-century masterpieces to present a new collection that offers a refreshed intensity and loud optimism through dense brush strokes, delicate lines, and playful collage. The geometric patterns within the collection are composed of marks made by hand, not only instilling a contemporary take on these typically regular shapes, but also introducing

a liveliness and rhythm into the designs. These artistic impressions were transformed into designs that can repeat with flow and balance across a body, or introduce vibrancy into an interior space.

While taking inspiration from Liberty’s archives, FuturLiberty also draws on Forquet’s home in Tuscany. In collaborating with Forquet, the Liberty Design team v isited his home - surrounded by a setting rich with architecture, flora, and fauna, the team were inspired to create a colour story that encapsulates the colourful landscape.

FuturLiberty spans 17 interior fabric designs in various finishes including embroidery and weaves. Meanwhile, 19 fashion fabric designs debut across a selection of menswear and womenswear designs, plus scarves and foulards.

Created in collaboration with textile mills in Italy, Belgium, and India, the artworks are translated into an array of woven, embroidered, and printed fabrics, whilst the finishing touches are hand-painted in the Liberty Design Studio.

To celebrate the collection, Liberty has released a detailed account of FuturLiberty, published by Thames & Hudson. The highly visual study illuminates the process by which FuturLiberty came into being, revealing how art can inform design, making it contemporary, relevant, and engaging. The book features texts by Futurism expert and curator of the exhibitions, Ester Coen; Vorticism expert Richard Cork; and former Liberty archivist Anna Buruma, alongside illustrations ranging from LIberty archival designs to the inspiring Vorticism and Futurism artworks, to the final fabrics collection.

“It is a decorative motif with a hypnotic visual effect”

Bluebell WOOD

Elena Salmistraro’s beautiful new designs for Lanerossi

Italian textile company Lanerossi teamed up with designer Elena Salmistraro to launch a new collection of cushions and blankets during Milan Design Week. The new Campanule (Bluebells) designs reinterpret the form of these springtime flowers through a combination of geometric elements obtained by mixing soft, flowing lines with more rigid and at times angular shapes, making it unique and contemporary.

It is a decorative motif with a hypnotic visual effect of great impact, resembling the cone formed by the petals of the bluebell flower when it blossoms, along with stems that intertwine and mingle in a harmonious way. Saddle stitching in bright green enhances all the borders, in contrast with the hues selected for the blankets and cushions, from intense violet to pale pink.

The result is a collection of exceptional elegance, capable of bringing out the quality of the yarns, perfectly reflecting the designer’s approach in pursuit of the expressive language of objects, ready to fascinate the observer while prompting vivid emotions.

The collection is made in pure virgin wool with the Woolmark certification, taken from selected flocks of Merino sheep. The material offers excellent properties of thermal insulation, thermoregulation and absorption of humidity.

Lanerossi relies on its roots and its heritage, a precious legacy of creativity and in-depth knowledge of materials, able to generate new value through a virtuous dialogue with the present.

This collaboration extends a designer collection that already contains talents such as Paola Navone with Otto Studio, and Ludovica+Roberto Palomba. The designers have different ways of reinterpreting the DNA of Lanerossi, but with a shared objective: a dialogue with the contemporary world, appealing to multiple generations through products of the highest quality, with an accent on wellbeing and sustainability, conceived to enhance interiors by adding character to any space with their unique personality.

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.

DESIGN EYE

The inside story of how Poggenpohl created this stunning kitchen

Taking inspiration from the colours and style of this beautiful North London property found just a short walk from Hampstead Heath, the client’s brief was to design a space that was a balance between a practical living and cooking space whilst creating a visually stunning design. The team in the Hampstead Poggenpohl Studio set about with the aim to create a kitchen that wasn’t something you see every day, but whilst doing so, had to ensure the design didn’t sacrifice functionality.

The materials used needed to be sympathetic to the existing house and features, whilst remaining within a specific colour palette – which was fairly unique. The idea of using muted greens and browns came in quite early in the project, as did the use of Poggenpohl’s Champagne Aluminium door front, which can be seen on the tall housings. This finish paired naturally with the Bronze Anthracite textured door which has been used in both a handle-less and handled capacity on the sink run and the island.

The different heights and depths of the cabinets throughout the space help to create interest around the kitchen, and the use of the double stacked furniture that is installed tight to the ceiling with the wall units beneath again bridges the gap between looking good and having a practical use and purpose.

The +Modo element of the island was a feature requested by the client from the very beginning and had to be included. Due to the layout of the kitchen, the island had to be in an L-shape to make the most of the space, which meant utilising the internal edge for the client’s breakfast bar. In order to keep the worktop as visually clear as possible, this breakfast bar is set to the bottom edge of the worksurface and inset within the worktops.

The material used is Poggenpohl’s Light Smoked Oak, which is mirrored on the pullout open trays and inside the +Stage pocket doors. In order to achieve a thicker effect on the breakfast bar, rather than just simply installing two panels on top of one another, there is a custom-made bronze panel inset between them, which is also used on the open shelves on the panelled wall, again

helping to tie the space together through the use of mirroring materials and design elements. The client’s brief for the worktops was to ensure that they were heat resistant allowing her to place items from the oven directly onto the worksurfaces, whilst also maintaining the colour palette and having to have a marble-like finish. The composite ‘Dekton’ in Taga was used as it hit every item on the client’s wishlist, it sits within the colour palette, allows for a practical kitchen whilst also looking stunning with all the characteristics of natural stone.

Overall, this kitchen is a triumph of practicality and design; both coming together seamlessly to create something new. A space that allows for comfortable family evenings cooking together, whilst also being a visually stunning part of the house – and perfect for entertaining too!

For more details on this design, or to find your nearest Poggenpohl Studio, visit poggenpohl.com or call 01727 738 100

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

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

Ultimate RETREAT

Enjoy endless summers in the garden with Origin

There are many reasons to choose to have an indoor swimming pool, from the benefits of everyday exercise to swimming without restrictions. An indoor pool turns a 90-day outdoor pool swim season into a year-round pool party and guarantees perfect swimming conditions for 365 days a year. An indoor pool is an investment, one that can add value not only to your home, but to your health, social and family life too. They open up a whole new world of family fun, relaxation and exercise as well as becoming the new focal point of your home.

What do you want to get out of your indoor pool? What is the motivation behind this decision? What type of environment are you hoping to create? At Origin, they prioritise client-led construction, providing the best possible result and ensuring you get the pool and pool house you’ve been waiting for.

An Origin indoor pool allows you to control everything. You choose the temperature, the style, the lighting, the ambience and, of course, when and how you swim.

You can have all the mental and physical health benefits of swimming as well as the added luxury of year-round enjoyment, plus the privacy of swimming in your home or garden. The idea of an indoor pool presents an opportunity to create a unique interior space for play, exercise and entertainment – whatever you want it to be. The experts at Origin will help you design your dream space and create the right pool house for you and your needs.

If you’re concerned about missing out on those outdoor swims during the summer months, bifold or sliding doors are the perfect solution. They allow you to open up your pool house completely, letting you bring the outdoors in without the inconvenience and restrictions of an outdoor pool.

Having door openings is also a great way to capture the beauty of your garden. Whether you have beautiful, undulating views or just want to open up the space, bifold or sliding doors give you a unique backdrop to swim against.

When it comes to swimming pools, Origin does it all. Indoor pools are essentially bodies of water in a controlled, confined environment and, as such, have special requirements that must be met to ensure your pool house is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional too. At Origin, they eliminate the need to employ separate companies and manage the whole process for you. They’ve been building awardwinning indoor pools for over 40 years, and in that time have successfully completed plenty of pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications. Origin’s experts collaborate with their clients on every project they manage.

With an indoor pool, the possibilities are endless. Wherever your imagination takes you, Origin will lead you there.

originpools.co.uk

Al FRESCO

Embrace the summertime vibe with outdoor dining, say Capital Gardens

“A parasol will help protect you from the glare and heat of the summer sun”

Summer is the season to dine al fresco. So embrace the summertime vibe with these simple tips to make your dining both stylish and relaxing.

Firstly, eat outside whenever it is warm and dry. Garden dining can be as easy as popping outside to enjoy your morning cup of tea, or simply taking your dinner outside in the evening.

To get the best from your déjeuner sur l'herbe invest in some comfortable garden furniture. Look for the right outdoor furniture to fit your space and lifestyle – whether it is a bijou city balcony, or a large suburban garden. Comfy cushioned lounge sets are ideal for informal dining and chatting with friends. Patio dining sets are perfect for family meals and barbecues.

Then take your cooking outdoors by adding a barbecue or fire pit. Choose from a huge array of gas or solid fuel cooking ranges; and if you can, plant a nearby bed, or pot, with culinary herbs such as mint, thyme, and chives. Using fresh garden herbs is an affordable luxury and quickly adds that special touch to your culinary creations.

Next, include some shade. A parasol will help protect you from the glare and heat of the summer sun, making your dining experience more enjoyable. And, placing a waterproof, outdoor rug underneath your dining set can provide extra comfort and style to your space too.

To add a more luxurious look, fill some small glass vases with garden flowers and bring out the best tableware and glasses, to style your table with a touch of class. However, remember, plastic plates and cutlery are great for the kids!

Candles in pretty holders will give a warm and gentle glow as the night draws in, and add romance to the dining table. And finally, don’t forget to provide soft blankets to keep you warm once the sun sets.

capitalgardens.co.uk

BATH TIME

ALL THE MOST STYLISH BATHROOM FIXTURES

3 2 4

SMALL STYLE

BC DESIGNS

The Penny bath is an acrylic slipper bath that can be painted to match any colour. While small, it has been designed with comfort in mind as the deeper side provides more back support while enjoying a soak and relaxing. bcdesigns.co.uk

LIGHT WORK INDUSTVILLE

The Brooklyn ribbed glass funnel wall light's classic design disperses light in an atmospheric way, casting shadows and creating an ambient environment, perfect for lighting a bathroom. industville.co.uk

IN THE MIX ROPER RHODES

The Keswick Mono Mixer is an era-spanning transitional tap style that combines a monobloc body with ceramic grip lever handles and a slim, elongated traditional spout. roperrhodes.co.uk

5

SO VAIN

HARVEY GEORGE

The Sofia vanity unit from Harvey George features a combination of doors with adjustable hinges and so close drawers. The overall look and feel is traditional with a beaded detail to the shaker style door and drawer fronts. harvey-george.com

SWAN LAKE ORIGINAL BTC

The Swan Wall Light is a discreet bone china wall light with an elegant satin chromed arm. Simple in design, it creates a flattering light that's perfect for the bathroom. originalbtc.com

The MX-4 is part of the markilux MX series. A series that focuses on a modern, timeless design for awnings. But this new model doesn’t just want to sparkle with its look. It also wants to delight with a completely new world of light underneath the cover. A world of light that makes the cover and the wall of the house light up.

The MX-4 turns your patio into a stage, with the leading role being taken by the awning as its conically shaped cassette creates a genuine presence on the façade. The allround styling panel, available in seven standard colours, also plays a starring role. The same is true of the cassette which is also available in non-standard colours. The colours can be combined individually, resulting in an attractive contrast between the two.

FANTASTIC EFFECTS

Colour is also the subject of the model’s lighting design because it can be equipped with many different kinds of LED light source. With an LED Line under the cover cassette, for example, or with swivelling and rotatable spots on the front panel. Both train a spotlight full of atmosphere on the cover and the housing. In addition, two spotlights can be integrated into the ends of the cassette. They create a beautiful cone of light on the wall that can shine upwards or downwards.

LOTS OF LIGHT

A special highlight is the modern lighting technology which makes it possible to change the colour of the LEDs to suit the occasion and mood. From warm and cosy to colourful and inspiring. The RGB light sources make all this possible. You can program colour changes using a hand-held transmitter

Magical Moments

Awnings bring a coloured interplay of light to a façade

with io radio technology or by using the Philips Hue app system or the Somfy TaHoma Switch. This smart technology can also be controlled by voice and used effectively to stage your own magical light show in the evening. You can of course also opt for pure warm white light.

DURABLE TECHNOLOGY

Along with its exciting colour options and the attractive design, the MX-4 also offers lots of space under the awning cover. This is made possible by durable, low-maintenance technology. It also ensures that the housing closes well and that the awning looks like a natural part of the façade. Simple and effective at the same time. markilux.com

THE MX-4 CASSETTE AWNING FROM MARKILUX OFFERS TIMELESS DESIGN AND A MAGICAL INTERPLAY OF LIGHT. IT ENSURES A VERY SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE ON YOUR PATIO

WINDOW Shopping

Why timber should be the material of choice for your new windows

As key architectural features of your home, windows play a vital role in defining the character of any property. When it comes to selecting which material your replacement windows should be made from, one type that has truly stood the test of time is timber. Renowned for adding real warmth and charm to a property, timber windows are the perfect match no matter if you’re renovating a Victorian townhouse, an Edwardian cottage or a Georgian terrace.

For centuries timber has been used widely across the construction and home improvement industries, and today experts in these areas are still finding new and better ways to integrate it into UK homes.

One company which has been working exclusively with timber for almost 20 years

is Bereco, supplier of quality timber windows and doors to homeowners across England. Nicola Harrison, Managing Director of Bereco, says: “Timber has so many fantastic characteristics and it’s incredibly easy to work with. Plus, it adds real character to a property.”

As a natural insulator and sustainable source, timber provides a unique warmth that can’t be matched by other window materials. In fact, with an incredibly low embodied carbon rate and impressive energy efficiency qualities, wooden windows can help to reduce a home’s carbon footprint and keep the property well insulated all year round.

Timber can be used to create both classic and contemporary window styles which last a lifetime. With its wood grain and warm hues, timber window finishes are a cut above alternative materials like uPVC and aluminium. “While a wooden window’s appearance is in

“A high-quality timber window can last twice as long as uPVC and aluminium”

keeping with traditional styles, it is actually an incredibly high-performing window that delivers exceptional modern functionality and security for many years,” says Nicola.

ENDLESS TIMBER WINDOW DESIGNS

“Replacing the windows in your home is a big project, so it’s important homeowners have a wide range to choose from,” says Nicola. “A high-quality timber window can last twice as long as uPVC and aluminium so we encourage all our customers to take the time to review their options to make sure they’re completely happy with the windows they’re investing in. Working with the right company will guarantee that you buy a beautifully crafted window that looks amazing, performs exceptionally well and lasts a lifetime.”

Bereco has an experienced team of specialists that have been working with homeowners for many years, supplying completely bespoke timber windows. Through dedicated online consultations, the team showcase the full Bereco range and offer their guidance to help customers find the perfect match for their home.

From flush casement windows to sliding sash windows, Bereco has a fantastic selection. Each wooden window can be fully customised with bar designs, ironmongery styles, single and dual colour paint and stain finishes.

bereco.co.uk/timber-windows

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.

COMO VA?

There’s nothing original about believing that Lake Como is the most beautiful place in the world. This region has been attracting visitors since Roman times and remains a celebrity magnet; George Clooney, Madonna, Richard Branson and Sylvester Stalone are just some of the international crowd known to have villas here (as any local taxi driver will tell you). It’s easy to see why: the lake is breathtakingly beautiful, its clear waters surrounded by strikingly lush flora, with mountains in the distance and grand Italian villas and dreamy villages sprinkled around the coast. Our destination is Tremezzina, 90 minutes’ drive from Milan and we’re feeling the part in our rented Fiat Cincquecento. There’s one road that runs around the lake and it’s a narrow and windy one, best suited to a small and nimble car. It’s only April and the tra c is already hotting up – because the only problem with Lake Como is that its beauty attracts a lot of visitors. So we’re at a definite advantage, season-wise, though it’s also not quite warm enough to swim in the lake. We pass through pretty villages with impressive churches and dreamy lake views, struck by the intriguing combination of palm trees and mountains that characterises the area.

Life is good in Lake Como, especially when you’re staying at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Words PENDLE HARTE

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo transports you straight into the Belle Epoque glamour, its vast presence looming majestically from an elevated position overlooking the lake. It’s cinematic in scale and strikingly beautiful. Built in 1910, the hotel has always been family-owned and dedicated to elegance and luxury, and routinely features high up on lists of Europe’s top hotels. Open from March to November only, it avoids ever feeling dated by tweaking its interiors during the rest period – so the feeling is contemporary luxury in a traditional setting, and it’s brilliantly done. Every detail is considered, from the genius use of orange (awnings, sun umbrellas, stripes on crockery, leather accessories, even the ribbon on the doorman’s Panama hat – but think sunshine, not easyjet) to the hotel’s own scent that wafts from vast di users throughout the building. Imagine yourself in the golden

age of travel, staying here before continuing onto the Venice Lido, or to a sanatorium in Switzerland, or alternatively, imagine yourself as an extra in a Wes Anderson film.

Our rooftop suite is magnificent, with a large terrace o ering views of the lake as well as the hotel’s beautiful gardens and pool, all of it spectacular. Loungers on the terrace are well-positioned, as is the sunken hot tub. Our suite is stylishly decorated in a grandeur befitting the architecture, but with a contemporary feel. There are green walls and antique cabinets, a comfortable modern sofa and a large gilt-framed mirror on the wall that, we discover to our enormous surprise – and only when coming across an unidentified remote control – is in fact a TV.

Bathroom products are all unique to the hotel, with its signature scent, and there’s even a bottle of perfume for you to use during your stay. We smell fantastic all weekend.

The hotel has five restaurants – a lot for somewhere that has fewer than 90 rooms (recent refurbishments have made the rooms bigger, which means fewer actual rooms, but more luxurious ones). La Terrazza pays tribute to the late Gualtiero Marchesi, the pioneering Italian chef credited as being the father of modern Italian cuisine. Our dinner is a feast of lobster, veal with foie gras, seabass and the signature highlight, a risotto with sa ron and a

“Imagine yourself in the golden age of travel, continuing on to the Venice Lido, or to a sanatorium in Switzerland”

large square of gold leaf. This comes with a certificate, because each dish is numbered – we’re 4,350 and 4,351.

Travelling around is easy by ferry from just outside the hotel. Tremezzina is 15 minutes away from Belaggio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como – it’s one of the lake’s prettiest villages and famed for its colourful centre and sillk products, while the stylish town of Menaggio is 15 minutes’ drive to the north, and the city of Como, worth a visit for its impressively ornate cathedral, is 40 minutes away, on the way to Milan. Life doesn’t get much better than a weekend on Lake Como.

grandhoteltremezzo.com

Rooms from £657 per night including breakfast + VAT. Grand Rooftop Suites start from £3,451 per night including breakfast + VAT.

POOL AND GARDENS

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO

HOTEL LOBBY

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 excellent: patient, friendly, helpful and a mine of knowledge, tips and advice.”

GLOBAL GASTRONOMY

Exploring holidays to Sri Lanka and Tuscany that will get your taste buds tingling

Following the virtual shutdown of leisure travel in 2020, the owners of Livingstone’s Travel World, a small team of director shareholder travel enthusiasts, led by a vastly experienced travel industry executive, decided to create a division totally dedicated to growing the field of food and drink tourism and culinary engagement. Here are two examples of what they o er.

TASTES OF SRI LANKA, 13 Day Gastronomy Tour

A gourmet journey of delights through the unique flavours of the ‘Spice Island’. On this amazing 13 day gastronomic expedition you will discover the unique cuisine of Sri Lanka, from the amazing seafood delicacies the ocean and lagoons have to o er, to the misty highlands known world over as the producer of Ceylon Tea. You will visit the remote rural villages where most of the island's rice and vegetables are cultivated and to the old colonial cities of Galle and Colombo, which showcase the diversity and heritage of the culinary

specialities that make the Island so unique.

There is far more to this outstanding tour than merely savouring the delicious cuisine. Led by expert guides, many of them chefs, you get fully immersed in the production of the ingredients and the preparation of many traditional dishes and delicacies. Each day you will learn about the techniques for cultivating and using everything from fish, (particularly crabs), to vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices (particularly cinnamon) to produce many unique local dishes.

Once known as Ceylon, you will also get an insight into the island’s incredible heritage by visiting its historical monuments and participating in and enjoying its culture. Along the way, you will have time to marvel at some of its unbelievable scenery.

This culinary tour o ers a once in a lifetime experience, not just for those with a passion for gastronomy, but will appeal to everyone with an interest in discovering di erent ways of life. Through their a liated travel company they can provide highlights and discovery tours, wildlife tours, golfing holidays, honeymoons, villa rentals, and bespoke holidays for discerning travellers.

TWO OF THE BEST HOTELS

Amaya Hills – Kandy

A majestic palace, set in the hills overlooking the historical city of Kandy, is considered to be one of the finest hotels in the area. Its 104 luxurious beautifully decorated rooms and suites have sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and perfectly manicured gardens with opulent flora all year round. Facilities include an expansive swimming pool, a well-appointed gym, and a squash court.

SOUTHERN RICE AND CURRY IN SRI LANKA

WELIGAMA STILT FISHERMAN IN SRI LANKA

Galle Face Hotel – Colombo

One of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, this iconic landmark is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green, and is a fusion of historic charm and modern convenience. The warmly decorated rooms have free Wi-Fi and minibars, along with flat-screens and safes. Suites add sitting areas and upgraded suites o er access to the Long Room lounge serving hot snacks.

TASTES OF TUSCANY, 7 Day Gastronomy Tour

Tuscany, famous for its rolling countryside, historic towns and villages, world class cuisine, outstanding wine estates, and fabulous artistic heritage is at the heart of this 7 day gastronomic experience. You’ll visit many of the region’s notable historic towns, explore famous places and sample some of the finest food and drink Tuscany has to o er.

During this special culinary journey, you also get the chance to soak up the history and culture of what is often recognised as the birthplace of Renaissance art. Based

in Florence, home to some of the world’s most recognisable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue, Botticelli’s works in the U zi Gallery and the Duomo Basilica, this superb tour includes excursions to Sienna, famous for the ‘Il Palio’ horse race, Pisa with its unique leaning tower, the breathtaking landscapes of Montepulciano so often used in International films, and the enchanting town of Lucca.

You will also have ample opportunity to fully appreciate the cuisine of the region such as the famous Florentine T-bone steak, with local chefs producing mouth-watering dishes using the best fresh ingredients. Amongst the many gastronomic delights are visits to famed Chianti vineyards, a chance to try tru e hunting, sampling olive oil straight from the farm and a hands-on demonstration of how Pecorino cheese is produced. Through their a liate travel company they can arrange luxury city breaks, beach holidays, discovery tours, weddings and honeymoons, villa rentals, golf breaks, and bespoke holidays for discerning travellers to truly have a holiday to remember.

TWO OF THE BEST HOTELS Palazzo dal Borgo Hotel – Florence

This luxurious four-star property is set in a prime location in the centre of Florence close to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and a short walk to the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge. The elegant air conditioned rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Upgraded rooms add 4-poster beds, city views and/or frescoes on the walls and ceilings.

Hotel Roma – Florence

Situated right in the very heart of the historical centre of Florence, this luxury hotel located in a stunning 18th century building o ers surroundings not unlike the many palatial homes of the Florentine nobles of days gone by. This fabulous four-star hotel o ers the highest quality of service, stunning interior design and a perfect location. Some rooms feature wood floors and/or basilica views.

Discover more at gastronomy-world.com

MINISTRY OF CRAB, SRI LANKA

TUSCANY WINE TASTING

TUSCANY - MONTEPULCIANO

UK GETAWAY

Luxury Lodges, Bude Coastal Resort, Cornwall

By PENDLE HARTE

WH Y STAY HERE?

terrace with a hot tub. Comfortable beds, great showers, a fully equipped kitchen and lots of sofa space made it a good base for our family of four. After a gruelling surf session it’s a wonderful place to recuperate.

THE AREA

A family break to North Cornwall is always a winner. Beautiful big beaches, the surf, fish and chips – all the Cornish favourites. Bude has access to two great surfing beaches – Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach, and Bude Sea Pool is a lovely tidal pool for wave-free swimming. And if you’re driving from London, Bude is North Cornwall’s closest point.

THE LODGE

Ours was the Cornish Lodge, a comfortable and spacious house with two large bedrooms and a well-designed open plan kitchen/ diner/sitting room that opened onto a sunny

Bude is a good base from which to explore Cornwall’s north coast. Visit the charming old fishing village of Port Isaac for its views and the fantastic Golden Lion Inn, or walk the coastal path in Boscastle which is a fascinating geography lesson in itself. The castle at Tintagel is another highlight, and slightly further afield is the brilliant surfing beach at Polzeath, and the highlights of Padstow and Rock.

WHAT TO DO?

Well, surf, obviously. Our private lesson with Bude Surfing Experience saw us all make progress – the younger ones more than the older ones, of course – and everyone enjoyed it. There are lovely coastal walks and lots of beautiful views. Or visit the Eden Project for its ‘living theatre of plants and people’ – and finish every day in the hot tub on your terrace.

Luxurylodges.com budesurfingexperience.co.uk

BUDE COASTAL RESORT

LUXURY LODGES

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.

“Nursery rhymes are the beginning of our journey with words and our joy in words”

Time for RHYME

Allie

Esiri’s new anthology of nursery rhymes o ers

a rich variety of poems, songs and ditties ancient and modern to delight children and adults alike

Nursery rhymes are something that we take for granted. Most of us can recall ditties and poems sung or told to us in childhood. Sometimes we don’t even realise we remember all the words until we find ourselves passing them on to a small child. Yet many of these works date back centuries, part of a rich oral tradition, especially across the English-speaking world.

Allie Esiri never takes nursery rhymes for granted, and she’s spent around two years compiling her impressive new anthology, A Nursery Rhyme for Every Night of the Year. Beautifully designed, and with charming illustrations by Emily Faccini, it is a treasure house of rhyme. ‘Humpty Dumpty’ is in there, so too ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’, but also contributions from contemporary stars of children’s literature such as Julia Donaldson and Michael Rosen. Even that most annoying of all earworms, ‘Baby Shark’, made the cut.

Esiri is no stranger to taking on big projects – her previous bestselling anthologies have included A Poem for Every Night of the Year and Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year. She has also organised major live poetry events, appeared at literary festivals and spoken up for poetry

as a force for good over many years.

So where do these rhymes from the earliest years of childhood fit in with the wider poetic tradition? “I always think a poem is just a nursery rhyme that has grown up,” she says. But this is not to lessen their import or impact. “Think of ‘Over the hills and far away’ – G.K. Chesterton said it is one of the most beautiful lines in all poetry. And Robert Graves said the best of the older nursery rhymes are nearer to poetry than the greater part of TheOxford Book of English Verse. If you’ve got them inside your head, it’s such a gift: you have got beautiful words to draw on and make you happy.”

Some of the earliest language children hear and repeat comes from rhythm, rhyme and repetition – and Esiri says this is important, both for their enjoyment and their formative development. “Poems add language and literacy skills – and with nursery rhymes

PHOTO: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

ALLIE ESIRI IS A CHAMPION OF THE SPOKEN WORD

you can add numeracy, as there are some wonderful ones about counting. There are social, physical and emotional skills that are being o ered. Some are purely didactic –ABC rhymes – and others are about manners or behaviour. Then there are games, skipping rhymes for instance.” Of course, there are also the cautionary tales (the baby rocking out of the cradle, the old man bumping his head, the bed bugs biting), but Esiri sees no need to worry. “The meaning reveals itself in later life,” she says. “They also might help children deal imaginatively with violence and danger – rather like fairytales.”

The research phase of this anthology also meant finding the version to include – oral traditions inevitably mean some fascinating variations in words and phrases, especially as nursery rhymes travelled across the world and were adapted to fit time and place. The origins of many nursery rhymes are lost, but myths and folklore about their meaning proliferate and many have a fascinating back story or current relevance. This is something Allie Esiri deals with, and her informative introductions to every rhyme are a delight. ‘There Once Was A Man Named Michael Finnegan’, an Irish poem first noted down in 1921, even makes an appearance in James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake, for instance. Or there’s ‘Humpty Dumpty’, sometimes believed to be about Richard III’s death at the Battle of Bosworth Field. But Esiri helpfully points out that equivalents can be found across Europe (in Germany he’s ‘Hümpelken-Pümpelken’) and the famous egg is even referenced in Taylor Swift’s ‘The Archer’. Who knew that ‘Jack Be Nimble’ is based on the popular childhood game of candle-leaping, from those far-o days before health and safety was even a thing? Or indeed that ‘Thirty Days Hath September’ is found in various forms across Europe – and with a French version dating from the 1200s.

“Robert Graves said the best of the older nursery rhymes are nearer to poetry than the greater part of The Oxford Book of English Verse”

A Nursery Rhyme for Every Night of theYear is organised by theme. March is spring and International Women’s Day, while April is, of course, April Fool’s Day and Easter, but also Passover and Ramadan. September is back to school, with educational nursery rhymes; November explores history and remembrance, and December has a festival flavour.

Creating an anthology that works is both an art and a science. “It’s like a giant puzzle,” says Esiri. “You look for the variety in di erent places, classic and modern, male and female, some funny and some moving. It’s also how they sit next to each other.” This brings some nice touches. ‘Roses are Red’ sits opposite Smriti Halls’ ‘Chilis are Red’, while ‘Los Politos Dicen’ (a classic from Ecuador) and ‘Little Boy Blue’ make a suitably rustic pairing.

This is a rich bedtime read for young children, and Allie Esiri hopes it will also be a resource that early years and primary teachers tap into. One of the great beauties of nursery rhymes is that they deliver whole stories and complex pictures in few words. But they also introduce children to the sounds of language and the power of repetition and rhythm. “If you are knowing and loving a nursery rhyme, then I do think it demystifies poetry,” says Allie Esiri. “Nursery rhymes are the beginning of our journey with words and our joy in words.”

THE CLASSICS ARE HERE – AND WITH WONDERFUL INTRODUCTIONS

Allie Esiri’s A Nursery Rhyme for Every Night of the Year is published by Macmillan Children’s (£20, hardback)

PHOTO: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

ALLIE ESIRI’S ANTHOLOGY TOOK TWO YEARS TO CURATE

CAMERA, ACTION!

ACS Hillingdon’s new Digital Arts IBCP programme gives students practical skills and career-ready training at hallowed Pinewood Studios

ACS Hillingdon has a couple of firsts with its IBCP option in Digital Arts. One is its championship of this lesser-known cousin of the IB Diploma, the Career-related Programme. The other involves delivery – its training has a real-world industry location for some of the time at London’s hallowed Pinewood Studios.

Andy Groark, Head of Creative Arts and CP Digital Arts Leader at ACS Hillingdon, is justifiably delighted with this superb industry location, and what the course is o ering to students –skills that capitalise on local needs.

“We saw it as an ideal niche,” he says. “It seems like the biggest demand and the most logical choice is to have something industry facing that is local to our community.”

While we have long had a world-class film industry in the UK when it comes to technical and creative expertise, anyone who keeps an eye on the sector will be aware of the exponential growth of studio facilities. There’s one at Shepperton in

association with Netflix, the Sunset Studios scheme in Broxbourne, plus additional creative spaces mooted for Barking and Borehamwood. This creative ring around London is one reason for such an industry-facing course. It runs alongside another recently introduced IBCP at Hillingdon in Expressive Arts. That programme covers the performance side via LAMDA qualifications alongside areas such as set design and prosthetics. Again, some of this training happens at Pinewood. With Digital Arts, the content is distinctive and also cutting edge, incorporating animation, 3D modelling, game design, visual e ects (VFX) and computer programming. All these areas are incredibly relevant to film making – but also to the mushrooming video games industry. As Andy Groark notes, the two industries are increasingly interlinked. “Video games like The Last of Us have been converted into TV shows,” he says. “They are on a similar budget to film, and with a similar spread of audience. The biggest selling media product in history isn’t Gone with the Wind, it’s Grand Theft Auto V.”

Andy Groark has a specialist expertise in film, having worked in di erent contexts across the industry. While he was teaching an IB in Film in Shanghai he worked within the film industry part time. That’s when he met the producer of Cities of Love and a collaboration emerged that saw some

20 local schools producing 15 films. The practical education in film idea stuck, which is why, when he started as Head of Creative Arts at ACS Hillingdon, he began ringing round locally to speak to organisations that o er training. “Some of the most prestigious, like Pinewood, had the doors thrown open for us.”

It’s wonderful to see industry stepping up, and also a mark of the need for the next generation of trained talent. “That’s why we decided to lean into it,” says Andy Groark. “There are so many jobs in DFX or games design, or in a situation between the two, so certainly for our students there’s a massive advantage in having a head start by taking

courses like this at high-school level.”

For students on the Digital Arts course, there are opportunities at Pinewood to develop screenwriting and film production skills, along with more technical training, and they benefit from collaborations with industry specialists and mentorship throughout the two-year course.

The IBCP retains key elements of the IB framework. This means, for example, that there’s a reflective independent project related to ethical and practical issues for the industry. So students might focus on, say, representation of di erent groups and communities in media or the work/ life balance issues that arise within such

a deadline-focused environment. Andy Groark likes this aspect. “It’s formative,” he says. “They are looking at bigger strategic challenges that equip them for leading that industry further down the road.”

The IBCP doesn’t specialise at the expense of broader skills and knowledge. Digital Arts and Expressive Arts choices each represent two blocks from the IB electives, so a traditional core of subjects within the IB framework remain. There is a very useful add-on within PPS (personal professional skills), where students on the IBCP look at how to get that all important first break. There is a somewhat di erent set of tactics here to many other

“At Pinewood, students benefi t from collaborations with industry and mentorship during the programme”

industries – being persistent, pushy even, can pay o if you are looking for a job.

Eligibility for the course is a matter of looking at young people’s orientation and aptitude. Those already at ACS Hillingdon have been introduced to film and digital through earlier courses and tasters, but the Digital Arts programme is drawing in keen students from beyond the school. The first cohort graduates this summer, and half were fresh starters in the Sixth Form. Half again (so, a quarter) had enrolled specifically for this study pathway.

Interest is already high for next school year, and ACS Hillingdon is considering how it might grow facilities on campus in the future. This career-focused programme still keeps post-school options open. “They could go straight to industry from here or choose further education and go on to college or university and build their networks, improve their skills and their portfolios and certainly be ready at 21 to go straight into a junior job.” The skills they are taught have relevance

to other industries too – for instance, design, architecture and engineering or advertising and marketing.

Andy Groark enjoys the ‘real world’ atmosphere of the IBCP. He recounts how, while shooting a film noir with a group in the school library, the camera started rolling and a couple of students carried on talking. He simply pointed out that if this were a professional set they would be thrown o it – information that hit home and with no hard feelings. “How often do you have the opportunity to deal with behaviour management where it’s so easy to have those conversations?

It’s not me saying ‘you’re annoying me’, but ‘this is how it’s done – you have to follow the protocols of the industry’.”

“There are so many jobs and there’s an advantage in having a head start by taking courses like this at high-school level”

THE IB PREPARES STUDENTS FOR A BROAD RANGE OF INDUSTRY ROLES

TERRY ACKLAND-SNOW, ONE OF THE TEAM AT PINEWOOD STUDIOS

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

LISTEN UP

The Head of The King Alfred School Lower School on why giving students agency within school creates a positive atmosphere for learning

Schools have for decades taught business studies and economics. For longer still they have taught numeracy and fi nancial literacy and have instilled in generations of students the kind of dynamism and chutzpah that traditionally have seemed essential to business, particularly the world of the entrepreneur.

Like many schools, we tell students that ‘the door is always open’ if they want to talk. We want them to know that we are receptive to their ideas and that what they have to say is important. But we’ve learnt that just leaving the door open isn’t enough.

As the Head of the Lower School, with children from Reception to Year 6, it is my job to ensure there are clear structures which allow them to have their voices heard. In traditional parent-teacher meetings, the grown-ups talk about a child’s progress – vital conversations take

“The children are expected to have an opinion about their own learning, to take responsibility for it and work as part of a team”

place without the most important person being present. We do things di erently. Each term the students invite their parents into the classroom where, along with their teacher, they show their work, talk about their progress and measure it against goals they themselves have set. They are asked to reflect on their learning behaviours, celebrate successes and talk about how they can improve going forward.

The children are expected to have an opinion about their own learning, to take responsibility for it and work as part of a team with their teacher and their significant adults to improve it. Every time, we see how this simple change of protocol positively impacts their learning.

As the children move up the school, each class nominates two people to be part of our Pupil Council, tasked with reporting the concerns of their peers and helping to look for solutions. Giving students a route to e ect real change means they feel empowered and valued. They don’t just come to school, they are the school. Recently our Pupil Council expressed concern about the lack of mixing across genders and year groups, especially at breaktime. One Pupil Council member summed it up saying: “People

were playing the same games with the same people”. Another added: “It didn’t feel very nice because we’re a whole school together and it would be nice if we played together”.

Working with class teachers Pupil Council came up with a plan for ‘Big Playtime Playdates’ twice a week, which are designed to allow space for new friendships to grow and to encourage children to try new games and activities. Boxes of board games, craft materials and sports equipment are made available – all organised and distributed by Pupil Council, who get their clipboards out to supervise the signing out of materials!

Next term they have been asked to evaluate the success of their plan and decide whether or not it should continue. Their baseline data will be reviewed before decisions are made. So far, the response has been really positive. A class teacher told me that students who were reluctant to begin with now look forward to Big Playtime Playdates.

KAREN THOMAS Head of Lower School The King Alfred School, London

Allowing the Pupil Council to make a fairly big change to school life, then asking them to organise it and reflect on how it has worked out, is a very practical way to make sure students not only know that our door is always open but also how to walk through it.

PUPILS AT THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL

REFUSAL

The number of children who are too anxious to attend school some or all of the time is on the rise. Absolutely finds out more about EBSA

By LIBBY NORMAN

School refusal has become a buzz phrase in parenting circles over the past year or so. It is also an area of concern across the whole education landscape. There is evidence the number of children absent from school for some or all of the time is growing.

Alicia Drummond – founder of the website Teen Tips and associated school platform Wellbeing Hub – believes the numbers are worrying. “The latest stats will tell you that, in November 2022, there were two million children in England missing from school and not in school. There are lots of di erent reasons for that, but government figures suggest that between one and two per cent of those are because of EBSA.”

The acronym EBSA is the preferred term for school refusal. It stands for Emotionally Based School Avoidance (you may also see ABSA – Anxiety Based School Avoidance). While we all sigh at the arrival of yet more education acronyms, the right descriptor is important here. “Refusal is not a helpful

word,” says Alicia Drummond. “Children are not being a problem, they’re having a problem. If you focus on the absenteeism and call it a refusal you are less likely to go into what’s really driving it.”

It’s important to recognise the clear distinction between EBSA and truancy or ‘bunking o ’ as an occasional act of teenage rebellion or pique. “School truancy is deliberately trying to get out of school because there’s something you’d rather be doing,” says Drummond. “The definition of EBSA is when children fail to attend school because it’s too emotionally challenging; they attend, but only if there’s a very high level of support in place; or they avoid certain days, times of day or classes.” EBSA is more prevalent in secondary years, a ecting boys and girls equally. It is also an umbrella term – there are many reasons why school attendance falls down.

Drummond, who is a BACP-accredited therapist, has done a lot of work with schools and young people over many years. She’s recently witnessed rising interest among the 200+ independent and state schools that come together to discuss prevalent education

and wellbeing issues as part of Wellbeing Hub. Recently, she gave a talk at Dukes Education’s inaugural education conference.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS

So, what causes EBSA? Alicia Drummond has lots of cases, gathered from real life. Sometimes trauma at home spills over –the pupil who regularly missed Thursdays because it was his mother’s day o and he wanted to stop her from drinking. Or the pupil who was peacemaker in his parents’ messy divorce. Other children are experiencing family and identity confusion – such as the brilliant artist who stopped attending art class altogether because she didn’t want to lose her ‘label’ as family creative after one of her sisters started taking the same subject seriously. There may be undiagnosed SEND issues (these often become visible in senior school, when the pace of work and complexity of social interaction intensifies). Also issues around OCD disorders, where a child takes so long to get ready they will be late and that’s so threatening that they would rather not turn up. Physical conditions also spark EBSA, such

“EBSA is more prevalent in secondary years, a ecting boys and girls equally, and it’s an umbrella term – there are many reasons why school attendance falls down”

“Early intervention is critical in preventing a molehill becoming a mountain – the longer a child stays out of school, the harder it is to return”

as the promising athlete who just couldn’t cope with classes, even though he was academically able. He was eventually diagnosed with RED-S, a condition where energy burned exceeds foodenergy intake – his avoidance of the classroom was because he was so physically drained.

Children may not be absent from school all of the time – just struggling at certain times. Drummond recalls a teacher voicing concerns about one pupil who always came to class in a highly anxious state, but then settled once everyone was busy doing things. “The teacher said, ‘that’s not EBSA is it?’. I replied, ‘well yes, it is because the anxiety disappears when the threat disappears’.” Threats can be a huge part of EBSA – children are avoiding situations they feel they can’t cope with.

One big question mark surrounds covid. Has the pandemic made school avoidance more prevalent? Not easy to call, but perhaps it showed some children a route around di culties. Drummond points out that the vast majority of children headed back to school gratefully, adding: “But for those who were already struggling – for them, covid was fantastic. They didn’t have to deal with all the extra di culties”. Then, too, there are the children who may have been impacted by parents’ anxieties. School was an awful experience for some adults, so how do they stay positive when they see their child struggling in the same way? For

others, Covid unlocked many fears, so the security of home remains preferable to the dangerous world beyond the front door.

COPING STRATEGIES

No one wants to (or should) drag an unwilling child through the school gates, and nor should parents struggle on alone. Even if you suspect a specific school issue – perhaps bullying or a bad relationship with a teacher – is at the root of a problem, it’s important to collaborate with the school to help your child. “If, as parents, you can’t work with the school, you’re pushing water uphill before you’ve even started,” says Drummond.

Sitting down with the child in order to find out what is distressing them is the critical first step. This can be a slow process and conversations needs to be empathetic and non-confrontational. “Only by looking 360 degrees are you going to make any progress,” says Drummond. She works all the time with schools and says there’s invariably a positive and helpful approach to finding solutions. “In my experience, schools are incredibly keen and go above and beyond –go out to the home, meet in a neutral space, invite families in out of hours so it’s quiet.”

It’s good to remember that school can be intimidating for all children sometimes. Alicia Drummond says practical therapies can and do work. It might be sitting down with an

awkward teen and helping them come up with a list of conversation starters or talking to the child on the edge of the playground and pointing out how peers are making friends. She adds that it’s important not to “pathologise” normal human reactions – the fears and anxieties that are all part of growing up. Where parents suspect EBSA, early intervention is critical in preventing a molehill becoming a mountain – the longer a child stays out of school, the harder it is to return. Most important of all, says Drummond, involve your child in finding the solution. “That’s really important. Often children are experiencing a sense of powerlessness. It might be friendships, relationships at school. Whatever it is, they feel powerless to change something. We don’t want to take their power away a second time.”

Teen Tips teentips.co.uk

EBSA checklist

• Early intervention is critical – talk to your child if you spot a pattern.

• Don’t focus on school avoidance (what), but the reasons for it (why).

• Avoid increasing anxiety by talking about schoolwork / milestones missed.

• Involve school really early and as your partner – ‘we think we have a problem’ is a helpful opener.

• Take advice because similar issues have probably been encountered before and solved before.

TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUE EARLY IS IMPORTANT – AND EMPATHY IS CRITICAL

Luxury. With a difference.

Luxury. With a difference.

No two people are exactly the same. Neither are any of the apartments at Fitzjohn’s.

No two people are exactly the same. Neither are any of the apartments at Fitzjohn’s.

Our collection of 29 uniquely-composed one, two and three bedroom apartments make distinction an art-form. Placed in the heart of Hampstead, Fitzjohn’s offers facilities to rival the finest hotels and a lifestyle that is truly one of a kind.

Rent from £6,283 pcm

Buy from £2,220,000

Our collection of 29 uniquely-composed one, two and three bedroom apartments make distinction an art-form. Placed in the heart of Hampstead, Fitzjohn’s offers facilities to rival the finest hotels and a lifestyle that is truly one of a kind.

Rent from £6,283 pcm Buy from £2,220,000

PROPERTY

£2,800,000 o

Positioned 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, energy rating e.

020 8 87 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

£2,800,000

orman Shaw, rade II isted house which has been tastefully updated to create a wonderful family home. Set over three floors, there are four bedrooms and a landscaped garden, energy rating e.

Situated on an exclusive street between the green spaces of endell Park and Ravenscourt Park, a four bedroom ictorian house with attractive original features throughout, energy rating e.

020 8 87 3000 turnhamgreensales@fletcherestates.com

ith the popular Chiswick High Road on the doorstep, a modern townhouse within a gated development. The property has the rarity of a garage directly underneath the house, energy rating d.

020 8 87 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

020 8 87 3000 turnhamgreensales@fletcherestates.com

Queen Anne’s Grove, W4

Gunnersbury Mews, W4 £1,700,000

e eld Road, W4

£2,000,000

Ryle re cen , W12

Retaining period charm whilst offering contemporary living, this five bedroom house has a generous open plan kitchen and reception room spanning the entire ground floor. Perfectly placed for all the local shops, restaurants and bars of Chiswick High Road, energy rating d.

ary rove, W4

oments from Chiswick House and ardens, a double fronted house with five bedrooms and a beautiful secluded garden. Complete with two reception rooms, an eat-in kitchen and a dining room. This property has all the ingredients to make an exceptional home, energy rating e.

£1,350,000

020 8 87 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

£ 75,000 l ha Road, W14

This impressive apartment has a spacious reception room, a large kitchen and a conservatory extension which is used as a dining room and opens onto a garden, ideal for entertaining, energy rating c.

020 7603 1415

brookgreensales@fletcherestates.com

ocated on a sought after road, this four bedroom dwardian house offers flexible living accommodation. The property has two reception rooms, three bathrooms and a garden, energy rating d. ven e,

W4

020 8 87 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

a r d e rove, W £1,300,000

Situated in Brackenbury illage, a four bedroom ictorian home that has been refurbished to an exacting standard. ith a double reception room leading onto an open plan kitchen and garden, energy rating d.

020 7603 1415

brookgreensales@fletcherestates.com

Close to the transport links of Stamford Brook station, a six bedroom house with plenty of original features. There is a through reception room and an extended eat-in kitchen with French doors opening onto a garden, perfect for the summer months, energy rating d.

Positioned on a tree-lined road and parallel to Chiswick High Road, a family home including a spacious reception room, an extended eat-in kitchen and a garden. In addition, this charming home has five bedrooms and a roof terrace, energy rating e.

Flanchford Road, W12

Beverley Road, W4

LATER LIFE

No exit fees and strong demand make Fitzjohn’s by Pegasus a worthwhile investment in the later living sector

Fitzjohn's by Pegasus is a new development of luxury retirement apartments in Hampstead, o ering a unique opportunity for individuals and couples looking to make the move into a later living development. According to recent market research, the later living sector is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for high-quality retirement living options across the UK. This development at No.79Fitzjohn’sAvenue, has apartments available for immediate occupation for those over 60.

A recent report by Savills states that the average price of a later living property in the UK is 8% higher than the average price of a non-later living property. This demonstrates that there is a strong appetite for high-quality later living accommodation. As of 2021, there were an estimated 800,000 people living in later living communities in the UK, according to theUK Care Guide. This number is expected to grow

“Residents can sell their apartments without incurring any additional costs”

in the coming years, as more individuals seek out retirement living options.

There is a stereotype that later living developments can have hidden fees. One unique aspect ofFitzjohn's by Pegasusis that there are no exit fees, one of the only later living developments to o er this. This means that residents can sell their apartments without incurring any additional costs, providing them with greater financial freedom and flexibility while benefitting from selling at the higher price points that later living schemes pose, particularly as demand is only set to increase.

Fitzjohn’s service charge structure can help provide greater financial stability and predictability compared to owning a traditional home. Service fees go towards sta costs, utilities, contracts, maintenance and services, mechanical and electrical plant maintenance, insurance and fees which can help remove the worry and admin. The level of service atFitzjohn’sis tailored to resident’s needs, meaning thatPegasuswant residents to have a say in how their service fees are spent.

FITZJOHN'S

The show penthouse and two further show apartments at Fitzjohn’s are available to view. Apartments are available to purchase from £1,995,000.  Lifestory Group 020 7980 8741 fitzjohnsnw3.com

Somerset Road, Wimbledon Common

delightfully charming property on the market for the first time in almost a century set in wonderful gardens and with huge scope for additional accommodation and alterations . 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, garden, plot of 0.6 acres, E E

Lancaster Gardens, Wimbledon Village

£2,999,950

A detached house with potential to re-develop subject to planning permission in a quiet residential cul-de-sac moments from the Village High Street and the Common. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden, garage & OSP ER/E

Avenue,

fine rade isted period house enjoying a prominent position within a short walk of the Village High Street and the Common. uperb kitchen dining family room, 6 bedrooms, 3 bath shower rooms, beautifully landscaped gardens, garage, gym,

Arthur Road, Wimbledon

£2,250,000

An outstanding modernised and extended duplex apartment with private lift, roof terrace and a balcony. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, far reaching views, balcony, lift, 2 parking spaces, E

Oakley Gardens, it is a beautiful gated designed collection of 8 luxury apartments and two, three, four bedroom boutique houses, nestled within spectacular countryside surroundings, close to an abundance of amenities with convenient transport links.

•Set in a gated estate of a Grade II Listed Manor House.

•2 acres of private parkland.

•Less then 10 minutes drive to Redhill and Reigate historic town centre.

• 35 minutes via train to London Victoria.

• 37 minutes via train to London Bridge.

Phase III

Please call Dion Homes on 020 3633 6527 to arrange an appointment

• 16 minutes Gatwick Airport. www.dionhomes.co.uk