Absolutely South West May 2024

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

PENDLE HARTE

MAMA EDITOR

CARLY GLENDINNING

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

DESIGNER

MARIANA SUZUKI

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

GEMMA GRAY

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

MEDIA CONSULTANT

JACOB HAYES

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

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

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

1

May issue highlights 2

May is a month for flowers. As the annual Chelsea Flower Show approaches, floral themes emerge everywhere.

Belgravia in Bloom is a celebration of flowers that takes over an entire postcode with impressive and creative displays, bursting with colour and filling the air with fragrance. Menus adopt a floral theme and we're drawn to floral dresses and accessories, while considering floral wallpapers, fabrics and crockery. In this issue we're looking at weddings, so even more reason for flowers to be at the fore. Discover new wedding trends, the best gowns and the loveliest venues in our special section. And in other news, we visit a hairdresser in an Airstream, follow Derek Jarman to Dungeness and delight in a musical about WW2. Enjoy May.

4

Shape up Floral inspirations in spring accessories

Scents of place

Flower power

Petra Palumbo's floral creations

Table talk

Floral linens and crockery plus vases of flowers for spring tables

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Wedding season

FLORAL FROCKS

Wish LIST

Albaray has teamed up with Wilder & Wren to create a collection of 9 key pieces that celebrate the enduring inspiration of fl owers and nature. Nostalgic prints with a contemporary edge are perfect for the spring summer season and beyond. albaray.co.uk

10 things we Absolutely love

PETAL POWER

Inspired by the botanical treasures of Christian Dior’s Milly-la-Forêt garden, the creations in the Milly Carnivora line are embellished with delicately lacquered fl owers. dior.com

FLOWER FAIRY

Neill Strain's special Spring gi set includes a Petite Couture design which displays the blooms in a white glass vase framed with a Clematis vine nest, together with the No. 11 fragranced candle, a sweet, floral scent. neillstrain.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BUDDING BEAUTY

Floral prints are all over this season's swimwear, and we love the selection at Battersea boutique Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

CUT STEMS

Atelier VM's Bloom collection features fl owers and foliage gathered in bunches, reassembled in a laser-cut metal sheet are transformed into large, luminous and light earrings. ateliervm.com

ENGLISH ROSE

A vibrant combination of rose absolute and fresh lychee is accentuated with pink champagne and a hint of raspberry to create Nest's effervescent fruity fl oral Lychee Rose fragrance. sephora.co.uk

SPRING COLOUR

Creativity, community and comfort are the three Cs that defi ne clothing brand Lucy & Yak's values. These are sustainably produced, easy-to-wear pieces designed to spark joy. lucyandyak.com

BLOSSOM FRENZY

Lalique's new collection of crystal vases create the perfect environment for displaying seasonal blooms. This is the Zebre vase with a satin relief fi nish. lalique.com

FLORA FEVER

Spanish sneaker brand Hoff is celebrating its new Regent Street store with a fl oral collaboration with Morris & Co. The result? Fabulous fl oral footwear, of course. theho brand.com

IN BLOOM

Really Wild has launched a spring collection with its own exclusive fl oral prints that include this romantic rose. reallywildclothing.com

CULTURE

In a spin

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

Duncan Macmillan’s intoxicating hit play People, Places & Things returns to the West End this May, starring Denise Gough in her Olivier Award-winning role as Emma, a struggling actress whose life is spinning recklessly out of control. Experience Gough’s ‘explosive and fearless performance’ (Hollywood Reporter) at the Trafalgar Theatre from 3 May for 14 weeks only. peopleplacesandthingsonstage.com

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

THEATRE

Punchdrunk: Viola's Room

Previews from 14 May

ONE CARTRIDGE PLACE, WOOLWICH

Making More Mischief

In collaboration with the Museum of British Folklore, this focus on folk costume in Britain zooms in with a London lens to explore class, sexuality, ethnicity and identity to challenge preconceived ideas that seasonal folk cultures and customs need to be fixed, nostalgic or predominantly rural.

Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted Daisy Johnson, Viola’s Room reimagines Barry Pain’s classic gothic mystery The Moon-Slave for a new audience. It distils two decades of Punchdrunk’s immersive practice into an intimate, linear, audio-driven adventure that promises to su use the dreams of those who dare to follow the light. punchdrunk.com

THEATRE

To 24 August

LONDON COLISEUM

The original Japanese stage production of Studio Ghibli's oscar-winning classic was a sell-out in 2022 and the original Japanese cast bring the show to London for a limited season, presented in the original Japanese with English captions. londoncoliseum.org

CHELSEA IN BLOOM

20-26 May

FAIR

Kensington Dollshouse Festival

17 & 18 May

KENSINGTON TOWN HALL

The first London Dollshouse Festival opened its doors in 1985, the brainchild of dolls house enthusiasts Caroline Hamilton and Sue Atkinson, who had the idea to create a place where dolls house makers, miniaturists, enthusiasts & collectors could come together to celebrate their love of their tiny worlds. This is the show's 40th anniversary. dollshouseshowcase.com

ART TO WATCH

Recommended by Lisa Baker

CHELSEA, SW3

Chelsea in Bloom, the world-class floral art show and London’s largest and most prestigious free flower festival will return this spring with the theme Floral Feasts. The streets of Chelsea will be transformed with floral creations once again adorning the frontages of more businesses, shop and restaurants than ever before, with inspiration taken from culinary favourites and memorable foodie scenes and characters across film, literature, history and art.. chelseainbloom.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

YINKA SHONIBARE: SUSPENDED STATES

TO 1 SEPTEMBER; SERPENTINE

SOUTH GALLERY

For over 30 years, Yinka Shonibare CBE has used Western art history and literature to explore contemporary culture and national identities. Suspended States is the artist’s first London solo exhibition in over 20 years. It showcases new works, interrogating how systems of power a ect sites of refuge, debates on public statues, the ecological impact of colonialisation and the legacy of imperialism on conflict and consequential attempts at peace. serpentinegalleries.org

Art on a Postcard has teamed up with charity War Child to for a special guest auction to raise vital funds in support of War Child’s work with children living through conflict worldwide. More than 200 original postcardsized artworks have been specially created for the auction, with bidding starting at just £50.

The impressive line-up boasts a diverse array of international contemporary artists and emerging talents. Highlights include the hotly anticipated original Polaroids captured by British artist Dave Gamble of Andy Warhol's possessions and Sussexborn Tahnee Lonsdale, presenting four oil paintings depicting the ethereal characters from her larger works. Also contributing is Sarah Ball, fresh from her triumphant debut solo exhibition in New York at the Stephen Friedman Gallery. Malaysian British artist Mandy ElSayegh, represented by Thaddeus Ropac Gallery, o ers three perfect postcard-sized artworks, each imbued with her trademark blend of mixed media, conveying socio-political messages. Plus Alex Foxton, based in Paris and represented by Galerie Derouillon and Amsterdam-based British artist K.T Kobel and Corbin Shaw, whose work deconstructs definitions of class, masculinity, identity and geographical divides. Bidding is open until 7 May via theauctioncollective.com

ANAJA HVASTIJA GAIA, WHEN I DREAM

BORN to LEAD

Olivier award-winning musical Operation

Mincemeat is a riot of clever writing, comic timing and sheer energy

Words PENDLE HARTE

AWW2 plot isn’t the most likely subject for a musical, not in 2024. However, Operation Mincemeat, winner of the Olivier award for Best New Musical, has just extended its West End run for the eighth time after a meteoric rise from its first fringe performance in 2019. It’s a show that has developed a cult following for its energy, charisma and comedy, thanks to its brilliant small team (just five of them on stage for the entire show, playing multiple roles), originality and spark.

“Welcome to military deception.” It’s 1943, and M15 is run by an elite group of intelligence o cers who pride themselves on their innate superiority. “We were born to lead,” they claim, revelling in their own brilliance. “God, that’s brilliant,” they tell each other. The story of Operation Mincemeat is a true one, and well documented: a madcap yet clever plot to foil Hitler relies on planting a corpse with false secret documents for German o cers to find and falsely deduce that the Allies are planning to invade Sardinia. It worked, and German troops were shifted from Sicily to Sardinia, and the Allies were left free to invade Sicily. The improbable story lends itself naturally to farce –and it’s interesting to note that one of the actual plotters was Ian Fleming, in his pre-Bond days.

The music is memorable and fun, brilliantly written with tonguetwistingly impressive lyrics that perfectly capture the British bravado

that they satirise. “Look up victory in the dictionary, there’s a picture there of me.” It’s a small stage and they make clever use of it, with slick dance routines, moving moments and lashings of comedy. In its own words: “A seamless blend of dreaminess/ Experience and genius/ These are the ingredients you need” –and that’s what this show has. Don’t miss it.

Booking until November 2024 at the Fortune Theatre; operationmincemeat.com

From le : Zoe Roberts, Jak Malone, Natasha Hodgson and Claire-Marie Hall. photograph Matt Crockett

David Cumming as Charles Cholmondeley photograph Matt Crockett

An exhibition of photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish collection goes on display this month

Sir Elton John’s photography collection is legendary. The singer has been passionate about acquiring photographs by the world’s leading photographers since the 1990s and a new exhibition at the V&A o ers us all the chance to see highlights from this private collection that tells the story of modern and contemporary photography. Showcasing over 300 rare prints from over 140 photographers Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection follows on from the 2016 exhibition The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection at the Tate Modern. This exhibition covers the period from the 1950s to the present day, bringing together an unrivalled selection of the world’s leading

LEFT © Eve Arnold, USA. Nevada. Marilyn MONROE in the Nevada desert going over her lines for a difficult scene she is about to play with Clark GABLE in the film THE MISFITS. 1960 © Eve Arnold/Magnum Photos

RIGHT David LaChapelle, Elton John, Egg On His Face, New York, 1999 © David LaChapelle

Words EVE HERBERT

photographers including Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Diane Arbus, Sally Mann, Zanele Muholi, Ai Weiwei, Carrie Mae Weems and others.

Marking 30 years of collecting, the exhibition celebrates John and Furnish’s passion for the medium, reflecting their personal taste and unique eye as collectors. Across eight thematic sections, it explores subjects such as fashion, reportage, celebrity, the male body, and American photography. Portraits of stars from stage and screen will feature, including photography of Marilyn Monroe, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker, as well as iconic images from key moments of history from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, AIDS activism of the 1980s and the events of 11 September 2001. Also on display will be the very first acquisitions made by John, fashion photographs by Horst P. Horst, Irving Penn

“THE EXHIBITION CELEBRATES JOHN AND FURNISH’S PASSION FOR THE MEDIUM,”

and Herb Ritts, as well as some of the newest additions to their collection including Tyler Mitchell, Trevor Paglen and An-My Lê.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish said: “Since we first loaned a selection of Horst photographs to the V&A in 2014, our relationship with the museum has grown significantly. Fragile Beauty takes our collaboration to really exciting new heights, showcasing some of the most beloved photographers and iconic images from within our collection. Working alongside the V&A again has been a truly memorable experience, and we look forward to sharing this exhibition with the public.”

Fragile Beauty runs from 18 May to 5 January 2025

The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington vam.ac.uk

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

1. Peter Hujar, Divine at the Metropolitan Museum Russian Opening (III), 1976 © 2023 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, DACS, London

2. Sam Taylor-Johnson, Crying Men (Laurence Fishburne), 2002 © Sam Taylor-Johnson 3. Herb Ritts, Versace Dress (Back View), El Mirage, 1990 © Herb Ritts Foundation. Courtesy of Fahey Klein Gallery, Los Angeles

4. Tyler Mitchell, Simply Fragile, 2022 © Tyler Mitchell. Courtesy of the artist 5. Adam Fuss, Zachary, 2011 © Adam Fuss. Courtesy of the artist and Fraenkel Gallery San Francisco

GLORIOUS FOOD

A new exhibition in Kensington examines our often complex relationship with food

By EVE HERBERT

Do you eat to live or live to eat? Art director and stylist Camilla Wordie set out to answer this question in a playful exploration of our intricate relationship with food. She interviewed ten individuals across di erent industries, including artists, designers, shop owners, and storytellers; some who hate to cook, others who love to eat and those who are meticulous about their weekly shop. They each shared their top ten ingredients, from weekly food shops to Saturday night takeaways in the ultimate artistic challenge that captures their characters, stories and relationship with food –and the result is a new exhibition of captivating still-life photographs, Eat to Live or Live to Eat.

Each photograph captures the essence of individuals through their culinary choices. As angles are adjusted and props positioned, this is an invitation to delve deeper, sparking curiosity and prompting a re-evaluation of our preconceived notions of portraiture. Drawing inspiration from the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life, Wordie ingeniously transforms these everyday objects into art to give a refreshing perspective on food, interiors, fashion, beauty and more. From a perfect tangerine lying

solitary on a pavement to meticulously arranged jars of pickled walnuts, her work transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Throughout Wordie’s impressive career, she has utilised food not merely as an ingredient, but as a versatile material for creative expression. Whether it's an apricot supporting a slab of honeycomb for Harrods, or jewellery delicately nestled on turquoise-painted grapes for The Telegraph, her distinctive and lively approach breathes new life into familiar scenes. It’s the everyday, but not as you might expect. She says: “As renowned chef René Redzepi once said, "Food is a way to explore the world," and I believe, also a way to understand people. This exhibition is a humorous yet serious journey of gastronomic exploration. I want to make people reflect on their food habits, nostalgic moments, their weekly shop and what's hidden in their kitchen cupboards. By exploring these relationships with people and food, we can unravel deeper emotions, question societal norms, challenge perceptions and tell great stories.”

8 – 12 May, Feelium Gallery, 7 Kensington Mall, W8 4EB camillawordie.com

Portrait of Jenny Cousins, director of the Food Museum (photographed by Marco Kesseler)

Camilla Wordie, portrait of Anna Koska, artist (photographed by Maria Bell)

Portrait of Hazel Rattigan, owner of Objects of Use shop in Oxford (photographed by Kristy Noble)

Camilla Wordie photographed by Dunja Opalko

LOCAL COLOUR

Get set for the return of Kensington and Chelsea Art Week

Kensington and Chelsea will come alive once again in summer 2024 with an incredible programme of public art. Free and open to all, this is the seventh edition of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW), a vibrant celebration of culture across the borough. KCAW is a not-for-profit, independent, and free festival which began with a public consultation led by a group of local arts industry professionals in 2018. The Advisory Board steers the festival with the aim of shining a spotlight on the area's unique cultural o ering, from museums and galleries to artist studios and exhibition spaces alongside businesses throughout Kensington and Chelsea. A colourful programme of events and walking tours encompassing food, music, theatre and local history provides opportunities to discover and experience the borough like never

before. Art Week unveils the unexpected with a unique local spirit, showcasing the borough’s extraordinary cross section of art and culture.

For summer 2024, KCAW’s impressive installations, events, exhibitions, and happenings will revolve around the curatorial theme Changing Landscapes. KCAW invites artists and communities to consider social and geographical as well as digital landscapes, from natural habitats, human and AI responses to the world.

The KCAW Public Art Trail attracts more than a million weekly visitors and creates temporary landmarks made up of worldclass sculpture, installations and exhibits across nine West London zones, connecting the neighbourhoods of Kensington and Chelsea through an evolving discovery trail. Art Trail finalists are selected by a committee of professionals from all walks of life, who change every year keen to support creative community and endorse the area.

Art Trail finalists are selected by a committee

of professionals from all walks of life, who change every year keen to support creative community and endorse the area. This year’s KCAW Art Committee includes: Ade Sanusi, Ana Elizabeth Gonzalez, Alexandra Larner, Dima Zogheib, Kira Charatan, Kristin Olafsdottir, Omar Bdour, Pallas Citroen, Mayor of K&C Preety Hudd, and Sokari Douglas Camp CBE.

Youth Action Alliance (YAA) is KCAW's chosen charity. Tania Moore, CEO of YAA, said: “Our team is excited to be supporting KCAW and facilitating public engagement in the local culture. Through collaborating with leading organisations in the area, we aim to broaden our network and expand our partnership landscape whilst raising awareness of our services and the support available for children and young people in the local community. We hope this will create opportunities for us to diversify our funding sources and remain a sustainable charity in K&C”.

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA ART WEEK

Kensington + Chelsea Public Art Trail from June – August 2024. Kensington + Chelsea Art Week 20 June – 30 June

Details of the programme will be announced throughout May and June, with news and updates available via kcaw.co.uk and @kcawlondon

2024 ART COMMITTEE

FLOWER CLOUDS, BAKER & BOROWSKI

JOSEPHINE CHIME, DETANGLING THE MBS, HOOPERS COURT, KCAW ART TRAIL 2023 PHOTO BY KATIE EDWARDS

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WELCOME RETURN

Denise

Gough discusses starring in People, Places & Things and why the play remains particularly poignant

When Denise Gough first played Emma, the addict and actor in the midst of a nervous breakdown in Duncan Macmillan’s People, Places, & Things, she described it as the role of a lifetime. “It completely and utterly changed the landscape of my career,” she said at the time.

Almost ten years later, after concentrating on high-profile screen work such as the crime drama Paula and the Star Wars prequel Andor, she can’t wait to be back on stage, once again playing the role that won her the Olivier award for Best Actress in 2016. “I love the fact that she is absolutely in her humanity,” she says. “She’s desperately ugly at times, completely vile, incredibly

“It completely and utterly changed the landscape of my career”

funny, very sexy, strong, weak, fearful, fearless, all of the stu that we are. And she’s a woman. That never happens.”

This is just as playwright Macmillan intended. “I really wanted to write a big, barnstorming central part for an actress and had this instinct that if I wrote a good enough part, we’d find someone really special. And we found one of the greatest actresses of our generation in Denise.”

The play, directed with energy by Jeremy Herrin, met with rapturous acclaim when it opened at the National Theatre, before transferring to the West End and then to New York. It has only gained in relevance since it was last seen in 2017. “It’s very much about how you survive in the modern world, without letting anxiety crush you,” Macmillan says. “Sadly, the central issues of the play haven’t been resolved in the time since we’ve been o stage.”

Audiences responded to the way in which People, Places & Things treats addiction as partially an understandable response to the engulfing chaos of life. As Emma grapples with rehab and group therapy, the audience watches on from both sides of the action, intimately part of her struggle, which is at once funny and desperately sad. Ticket sales for the limited season which begins on 3 May are already high. “There’s a hunger from people to see it again,” says Macmillan. “So many people didn’t get a chance to see it last time around, and so many people are booking again, having seen it several times. Especially since Covid, I have realised how important it is that we have these collective spaces where we come together as a group of strangers and feel something together.”

DENISE GOUGH IN REHEARSALS FOR PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

PHOTO BY MARC BRENNER

PHOTO BY JOHAN PERSSON

FOOD & DRINK

PRETTY PLATES

MALLOW

With bold and colourful dishes, the new menu at Mallow draws inspiration from cuisines all over the world. Highlights include this courgette and samphire carpaccio with whipped mascarpone, preserved lemon and sesame za’atar, as well as five new desserts including an equally pretty pistachio raspberry tart, served with raspberry coulis, raspberry curd and vanilla mascarpone. mallowlondon.com

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Crémant d’Alsace Cuvée Julien Dop au Moulin NV

 £14.31

This traditional method fizz comes from a house that specialises in Crémant, in the classic Alsace mix of pinot blanc and auxerrois. It's delicate, and easy-drinking, given extra depth by longer bottle maturation. A delicious start to any meal or counterpoint to smoked fish dishes.

The Society’s Australian Chardonnay 2023  £7.50

Made exclusively for The Wine Society by Yalumba, this is a convincing representation of modern Australian chardonnay at a very good-value price point. Crisp, citrus-led and light on the palate, it makes for enjoyable refreshment.

Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes, Thymiopoulos 2021

 £13.50

The master of this increasingly modish Greek grape won plaudits from the 2023 Wine Champions judges for fragrance, freshness and sheer personality. Packed with juicy fruit and infused with savoury herbs, it’s eminently chillable too.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Brunch appeal

SUNE

Broadway Market's Sune has launched a new Sunday brunch menu inspired by convivial Antipodean and NYC brunch culture. Alongside cocktails and delicious charred flatbreads, the main focus is on seafood with dishes such as oysters, scallop ceviche with mezcal and cucumber, and lobster tails with Szechuan cocktail sauce. There are also sea urchin omelettes, sweetbread burgers and more.

sune.restaurant

FISH & BUBBLES

TAKE THREE...

Spring

cocktails

LANIQUE

Just opened in Notting Hill is Fish & Bubbles, a modern seafood and aperitivo bar. Expect gone fish sharing boards, negronis and spritz plus incredible gourmet seafood buns that will transport you to the beachside tavernas of Sicily, Puglia, Sardinia and the Amalfi coast with fresh, vibrant and flavoursome dishes. fishandbubbles.uk

Holiday fare Box of tricks

KOYN

Lanique Spirit of Rose is a completely natural spirit with aromas of delicate rose, fresh raspberry and cherry, and hints of Turkish delight. Utterly delicious with champagne, look out for it on cocktail menus. lanique.co.uk

STEREO

At Stereo, a new experimental and vibrant spring menu features aromatic, floral and fruity ingredients No Ordinary Love is made with Stereogin, rose, Muyu Vetiver liqueur, Campari and verjus. stereocoventgarden.com

DELLA VITE

ON THE NUGGET

BEBE BOB

Everyone's talking about Bebe Bob's newest addition to the menu – chicken nuggets. But these are no normal nuggets: for one thing, the batter is made with vodka instead of water. for extra crispness and lightness. Enjoy them with Gochujang mayonnaise and a side of fries.

bebebob.com

IN THE PINK

AIX

Koyn's executive chef Rhys Cattermoul has created ‘Hanami Hako’, a luxuriously crafted oak chest filled with six delightful dishes including sea bream, kombujime, irazake, daikon cress; mazaro di value shrimp tartar, rhubarb ponzu, daikon shies pickle and squid salad, ikura, arima sangho dressing, watermelon radish. koynrestaurants.com

The Della Vite Paloma Bellini is a zingy mix of the finest Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, homemade sugar syrup, zesty grapefruit soda and Della Vite Superiore Prosecco, the award-winning Vegan premium fizz founded by Poppy, Chloe and Cara Delevingne. dellavite.com

AIX Rosé is the result of dedication and passion to make the best possible expression of Provence rosé. Maison Saint AIX is a family-owned brand that was established in 2009 and has become the benchmark for Provence Rosé. The delicious 2023 vintage is now available at Majestic, £20 aixrose.com

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

BELVEDERE

A new Italian chef for this Holland Park favourite

By PENDLE HARTE

Holland Park’s lovely Belvedere is fairylit and seriously romantic looking as we approach. The park is closed and we have to approach a cloaked figure in the carpark in order to enter, so there’s a sense of mystery from the start. This stylish eaterie has recently launched a new menu from new Italian head chef Antonio ‘Lello’ Favuzzi, who is working with smallscale suppliers to bring premium

produce from villages across Italy to Holland Park with an ambitious Italian-influenced menu. It’s a beautiful space, the arched room in shades of terracotta with lots of plants and lanterns creating a Moorish feel, and a roaring fire for added romance. On the menu are lovely peacock illustrations that celebrate the park’s history, and the stylish space is full of lovingly designed details. The menu’s pretty lavish. We are immediately drawn to wild Scottish langoustine served raw, but also tempted by langoustine

“A single raw langoustine is served super fresh”

carpaccio with ponzu dressing, so we try both. The carpaccio is sweet, silky and citrussy, while a single raw langoustine – a new concept to us both – is served super fresh with a salty, oystery flavour and a refreshing texture. It’s delicious, though my friend isn’t convinced. She’s happier with her grilled scallop which comes impressively served on a small pile of smouldering twigs, infused with smokiness as well as lots of butter.

For main courses we choose pasta: spaghetti alla chittara with Cornish crab for me, which is generous on the sweet crab, delicious with tomato and chilli. Tagliolini with fresh black tru e comes on an outsize plate and is covered with an improbably liberal quantity of sliced tru e and it’s a real treat, intense and fragrant with lots of garlic.

For dolci we enjoy Sicilian cannoli which comes with tasty chopped pistachio and a brittle, sugary crunch, as well as the ubiquitous tiramisu which is cakey yet light and has a decadent feel. It’s a luxurious place with a modern international feel – definitely a treat.

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SPICE CITY

Brick Lane’s favourite curry house continues to serve high class Bengali fusion fare

It’s hard to know where to eat on Brick Lane. With countless curry houses on the same stretch, all of them stationing people outside to try and tempt you in, it’s a tough decision. But you can’t go wrong with City Spice. Winner of countless awards and bearer of multiple accolades (home to the best keema naan, the best sag paneer, etc) it’s a place that takes its cooking seriously. Run by Chef Niaz, who regularly appears on television as a master of Indian cookery, it’s always busy, with space for groups and an ongoing “hottest curry challenge” that’s not for the faint-hearted. But we’re not here for that. It’s a bright corner site, with traditional white starched tablecloths and napkins folded into swans. There’s a downstairs dining room too, making it a The menu is vast, with several

pages of ‘all time favourites’, ‘everyday favourites’ and ‘award-winning dishes’. Everything is listed in ascending order of spiciness, and there are a lot of options.

We start with king prawn puri – the chef’s choice: tiger prawns cooked in ginger and garlic with turmeric and sweet paprika folded into a tender puri bread that is

“City Spice is winner of countless awards and bearer of multiple accolades”

as velvety and flu y as promised. It’s excellent – and a generous portion. Along with the moreish poppadoms, pickles and chutneys, I’m almost full already. Another starter of lamb chops is good too – tasty blackened meat marinated in yoghurt, tamarind and spices. We’re o ered a welcome pause before our main courses arrive, which is clearly something many people need. Because portions are generous here too: gunpowder chicken is a hearty and unusual dish of marinated chicken stu ed with lamb mince in a spicy bhuna sauce. It’s a tasty, meaty a air. Curryleaf chicken is a citrussy, fresh dish in a rich and spicy sauce with lime and lots of fragrant curry leaves. It’s on the spicier end of the menu so I’m expecting it to be fiery, and it is, but not hugely fiery.

From a long list of naan options we enjoy garlic and chilli flvours, and the bread is pillowy and slightly blackened, with a great texture. Pilau rice is prettily coloured and tasty.

There’s a separate vegan menu too, designed with Michelin star chef Rupert Rowly. It features lots of vegetable dishes as well as a range of Tindle options such as Delhi Railway “chicken”, inspired by first class Indian railway cabins. Since 2022, City Spice has worked with the Food for a Brighter Future Foundation, dontaing £1 for each person dining to feeding children who would otherwise go hungry. So if you’re in Brick Lane, dodge all other invitations and head to number 138.

City Spice, 138 Brick Lane, E1 6RU 020 7247 1012; cityspice.co

FLAVOUR Mediterranean

Recipes from the Italian coast

Words AMBER GUINNESS

Frittata di zucchine

A very thin zucchini and basil omelette

Serves 1–3

I first came across this quick and easy summer dish when I was lunching with friends in a restaurant in southern Tuscany on a baking hot day. We placed our order and happily carried on chatting and sipping chilled wine, getting hungrier by the minute. A er nearly an hour, the waiter realised he’d forgotten to put our order through. He disappeared into the kitchen and almost immediately reappeared with a frittata di zucchine to apologise and tide us over. Needless to say, the sweet basil and zucchini encased in egg and cheese was delicious. If you’d like to offer this as a main, allow one per person and serve with salad.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 organic eggs sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 25 g (1 oz) unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 zucchini (about 150 g/51/2 oz), top removed, sliced into thin discs handful of basil leaves, roughly torn 20 g (3/4 oz)

• parmesan, finely grated

METHOD

1 Crack the eggs into a small bowl, add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper and whisk with a fork. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat.

2 Pick up the pan and swirl the fat around so that it goes up the side of the pan to avoid the egg sticking later.

3 Once it starts to sizzle, add the zucchini and gently toss to ensure it is evenly coated in oil and butter. Leave to cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes.

4 Add the basil and toss, turning all the zucchini slices over to brown the other side. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the slices are golden on both sides and the basil has wilted. Make sure the zucchini is evenly spaced in one layer over the base of the pan.

5 Pour over the beaten egg, then gently swirl the pan to allow the egg to evenly coat the zucchini and spread slightly up the side of the pan. Cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes. Once the egg starts to look opaque at the bottom, sprinkle over the grated parmesan, then leave for another minute or so until the bottom is completely cooked, the top is set and the cheese has melted.

6 Using a spatula, gently ease the frittata onto a serving plate, cheese side up. Top with some freshly ground pepper and serve immediately.

Panna cotta al pistacchio Pistachio

panna cotta

Serves 4

Pistachio cream is a staple of the Sicilian kitchen and is used in many breakfast pastries. It is similar to chocolate spread but is (unsurprisingly) green and tastes gloriously of pistachios. You can find jars of crema di pistachio in most supermarkets in Italy, or it’s widely available online. Mixing pistachio cream with panna cotta is an indulgent twist on a classic, bringing a nutty sweetness to the cream as well as acting as a second setting agent, meaning you need less gelatin. I serve these in cocktail glasses and never turn them out, mainly because their green colour doesn’t look as attractive domed on a plate as it does sitting in a glass topped with chopped pistachios or a few fresh raspberries.

INGREDIENTS

• handful of unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped

• handful of raspberries (optional) Panna Cotta

• 2 x 2 g (1/16 oz) gelatine leaves

• 400 ml (14 fl oz) double cream

• 30 g (1 oz) caster sugar

• 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped

• 80 g (23/4 oz) pistachio cream

METHOD

1 To make the panna cotta, using scissors, cut the gelatine sheets into a small bowl and cover with cold water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes or as instructed on the packet.

2 Meanwhile, pour the cream into a medium saucepan and add the sugar, vanilla seeds and pod. Place over a medium heat and gently warm until it almost comes to the boil, then switch o immediately.

3 Squeeze any excess liquid out of the soaked gelatine and stir into the hot cream until it has completely dissolved. Remove the vanilla pod, then transfer to a large bowl and mix in the pistachio cream until smooth.

4 Divide the panna cotta evenly among four cocktail glasses, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or, better still, overnight.

5 When you’re ready to serve, top each panna cotta with a teaspoon of roughly chopped pistachios and, if you like, a few raspberries.

6 Serve directly from the glass.

Il risotto di mamma Silvana Silvana’s sa ron fish risotto with red mullet ragu

Serves 6

This is the signature dish at my friend Anita’s hotel on the island of Salina. Originally hailing from Milan, she and her parents decided to buy a run-down hotel in the place where they spent their summers. It has, of course, taken over their lives. Anita’s husband gave up his job in finance to become the hotel’s baker (his sourdough is legendary) and her mother, Silvana, is now the hotel chef. Dinner at the Principe is a wonderfully convivial affair, conducted on one long table under a pergola overlooking the Tyrrhenian, with the volcano of Stromboli gently bubbling in the distance. Each morning, Silvana writes that evening’s menu on a blackboard in the bar and residents can say whether they would like to join. If they do they are treated to a four-course feast, which regularly includes this delicious fish risotto topped with mullet ragu. If you can’t find red mullet then sea bass is a delicious and slightly more economical alternative. You can also use vegetable stock rather than fish stock, which I find really lets the saffron and the fish ragu sing.

INGREDIENTS

• 20 g (3/4 oz) raisins

• a pinch of sa ron

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) red mullet or sea bass fillets, skin and bones removed

• sea salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped

• 30 g (1 oz) tomato paste

• 30 g (1 oz) flat-leaf parsley leaves or fennel fronds, very finely chopped

• 20 g (3/4 oz) pine nuts

Risotto

• 1 litre (34 fl oz) fish or vegetable stock

• 2 pinches of sa ron

• 80 ml (21/2 fl oz) olive oil

• 1 small white onion, finely chopped

• sea salt

• 450 g (1 lb) arborio rice

• 150 ml (5 fl oz) white wine

METHOD

1 Place the raisins and sa ron in a small bowl and pour over enough cold water to just cover them. Leave to soak and plump up for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cut the fish fillets into 2 cm (3/4 inch) chunks.

2 Season with salt and set aside in a bowl for 5 minutes. Heat the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat,

add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook until translucent. Add the tomato paste, raisins and sa rony soaking water, and parsley or fennel.

3 Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the fish and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. At the end, stir through the pine nuts. The fish will break up a bit, which will make it a little more ragu-like.

4 Set aside while you make the risotto. Combine the stock and sa ron in a saucepan over a medium heat until the sa ron dissolves. Remove from the heat as it comes to the boil. In a separate pan, bring 300 ml (10 fl oz) water to the boil, then switch o the heat.

5 Everyone needs a di erent quantity of liquid for risotto, depending on the kind of rice, the size of your pan and so on. This is just a back up – you may not need it.

6 Heat the olive oil in a wide, heavybased frying pan over a medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the rice and mix until it is well coated in the oil. Increase the heat to high and toast the rice, stirring often, to allow the starchy outer coating to soften and disintegrate; this should take 2–3 minutes.

7 Pour in the wine and stir until it has all been absorbed into the rice and the alcohol has evaporated. Add a ladleful of the hot stock, then stir until the rice has absorbed it all before adding another ladleful.

8 Repeat this process for 18–20 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed. (If you run out of stock, add the boiling water.) Try the rice: it should be cooked but still have a little bite without being chalky. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, depending on how salty your stock is.

9 Remove from the heat. Spoon the risotto onto individual plates and top with a ladleful of the ragu.

10 Sprinkle with a little chopped parsley or fennel fronds and serve immediately.

Recipes taken from I talian Coastal by Amber Guinness, Thames & Hudson, £29.99

THERE’S YOU YOU , THEN

THERE’S THE

1

PARIS FASHION

CAFE LAPEROUSE

Cafe Laperouse offers a Parisian take on the cherished British ritual with a meticulously curated array of fi nger sandwiches, artisanal French pastries, an assortment of teas and of course, homemade scones with cream and jam. cafelaperouse.com

BEE KIND

SHANGRI-LA THE SHARD

A new nature-inspired ‘Bees in Bloom’ A ernoon Tea collaboration with jewellery brand Alex Monroe creates a buzz with enchanting hive-inspired hotel decorations and an exclusive gi voucher for guests to redeem on jewellery pieces. ting-shangri-la.com

STAGE DOOR

LANE

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, is the only theatre serving A ernoon Tea. Enter a world of Regency, indulging in delicious cakes, scones, canapé style savoury treats and glasses of Taittinger champagne. thelane.couk

FRENCH FANCY SOCCA

French bistro Socca's L'amour du The blends the grace of English tea traditions with the whimsical allure of the Côte d’Azur. Sample quiche, rillettes and croquettes, while paying homage to the coastal towns of the French Riviera. soccabistro.com

AUF DEUTSCH

GERMAN GYMNASIUM

Enjoy Kaffee und kuchen at German Gymnasium. This elegant, relaxed a ernoon tea features German baking with a contemporary twist. Expect an assortment of Herzha (Savouries) and Süß (Sweets). germangymnasium.com

High end DINING

Why Alto by San Carlo is well worth a trip to the top of Selfridges for

Adays a week. Guests can enjoy food, cocktails and fizz surrounded by a canopy of beautiful florals. Outside, the beautifully landscaped terrace and bar o ers full table service with uninterrupted views of the London skyline.

lto by San Carlo stands as a distinguished culinary gem in London, renowned for its exquisite Italian cuisine and rooftop oasis situated atop the esteemed Selfridges department store. Boasting a stunning al fresco terrace and bar, it o ers a luxurious dining experience against the backdrop of the London skyline.

Alto keeps its doors open until late every day, ensuring that the fun continues even after the store has closed. Your experience at Alto begins with a private lift inside Selfridges, revealing an elegant Italian-inspired ambiance decorated with lush greenery and colourful floral arrangements, o ering a picturesque view high above the city.

But Alto isn’t just one of the best spots for al fresco dining in London. With a fully retractable roof, their main restaurant and bar is open all year round, so you can dine under the sun or stars come rain or shine, seven

The Alto menu features delicious Italian food meant for sharing, crafted with only the finest ingredients. The latest summer menu showcases dishes like Focaccia and Parma Ham, classic Parma Ham paired with Stracciatella, a soft cheese crafted from Italian bu alo milk originating from Foggia, Southern Italy. Alternatively, try the Coda de Rospo Gratinata, a tenderly pan-fried monkfish sourced from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, o ering a subtly sweet flavour, complemented by the delightful crunch of Altamura breadcrumbs.

Indulge in Alto’s summer cocktail menu o ering an array of flavours, from the renowned Alto Spritz, featuring Bombay Sapphire, Raspberry, Lemon, and Elderflower, to the post-dinner Moonlight, made with Bacardi Spiced Rum, Mouse Kingdom Blue Curacao, Blackberry, Pineapple, Lime, and Passionfruit.

Whether you’re looking for a spectacular setting for your next weekend celebration in London, planning an upscale lunch and Italian co ee on the go, or dinner, cocktails and fizz with loved ones, this is the perfect setting.

sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/

Recently awarded the esteemed titles of Overall Restaurant Winner and Best Europe Restaurant and Bar at the 2023 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, Cicchetti Knightsbridge, located near Harrods, o ers freshly crafted dishes inspired by di erent regions of Italy.

The Cicchetti experience, pronounced “chi-KET-tee”, provides a distinctive spin on traditional Italian restaurant dining. Similar to Spain’s famous tapas, the aperitivo culture in Florence and Bologna, Middle Eastern mezze, and Chinese dim sum, Cicchetti o ers Venice’s interpretation of small plate dining.

At Cicchetti Knightsbridge, explore a

VENETIAN WALTZ

menu that showcases seasonal delights like black tru e ravioli, burrata with smoked eggplant, and black salt sea bass. The newly introduced summer menu draws inspiration from traditional Italian cuisine, reimagined by their skilled chefs, resulting in a truly unique dining experience. Indulge in dishes such as Crocche Napoletano, a beloved Neapolitan street food crafted with potato, parmesan cheese, and speck. Another standout is the Tagliolinu crab and caviar, a delightful combination of hand-picked North Sea crab and topped with the finest Italian caviar.

Discover a range of aperitivo choices, such as the distinctive Bellini Veneziana made with white peach juice and carefully chosen Prosecco. Alternatively, discover their latest cocktail selection and treat yourself to the invigorating Pocket Co ee

cocktail, blending Bacardi Gold, Amaro Montenegro, Ca e Borghetti, and Espresso.

Spanning two levels, the 100-seat restaurant boasts a separate bar and an intimate private dining room accommodating 18 guests. The sophisticated and timeless interiors pay homage to classical Venetian architecture, drawing inspiration from influential figures like Carlo Scarpa. With varnished wood and a light, fresh colour palette, the design details evoke the luxury yachts and water taxis synonymous with the region.

Immerse yourself in a lively ambiance and impeccable service synonymous with San Carlo.

sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/ cicchetti-knightsbridge-london

FEAST SENSES FOR THE

Foodies Festival heads to London this month, featuring top chefs, great drink and a fantastic music line-up

Foodies Festival visits Syon Park, London, from 25–27 May across the Bank Holiday weekend, featuring a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Blue, Sister Sledge and the exhilarating Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra with live vocals and DJ.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake O and Great British Menu.

Stars appearing include MasterChef champion Dhruv Baker; MasterChef: The Professionals champion, Alex Webb; ITV This Morning celebrity chef, Omar Allibhoy; MasterChef 2023 finalist, Omar Foster; Great British Bake O finalist, Sandro Farmhouse; Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch bread expert, Jack Sturgess; award-winning celebrity BBC and Channel 4 chef and author, Dipna Anand;

“The three-day event is known as GastroGlastonbury”

Channel 4 Beat The Chef, MasterChef star and author, Yui Miles; and BBC Radio London and Greatest Hits presenter, Nigel Barden. Showcasing the best of London and beyond, many of the region’s most-highly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear. Throughout the three-day weekend, visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and award-winning chefs in the interactive live theatres. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the Cake & Desserts Theatre, star bakers whip up showstoppers and o er tempting sweet treats.

In the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy.

Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne, Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting - presenters include BBC, ITV and Channel 4 drinks experts.

Visitors can browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a mouthwatering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe.

Syon Park Brentford

25-27 May 2024

Bank Holiday Weekend

Tickets from £4 (child) and £21 (adult). Under 6 go free Weekend tickets from £42 (3-day) foodiesfestival.com

Use code Foodies30 for 30% off tickets

*The festival also visits Guildford from 30 August-1 September, with Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza

FASHION

Race Course

ASCOT

Ascot has revealed its annual Royal Ascot Lookbook under the artistic direction of celebrated British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher. Taking the helm of this year's style direction, Daniel has brought a renewed approach to dressing for occasions, applying his signature aesthetic to create a bold new look. ascot.com

Spring Greens

Standout pieces in this season's freshest shade

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MAYA GEMSTONES

Ring Pop Ring 18K Yellow Gold, Enamel and Diamond, £6,480 mayagemstones.com

CLARA CHEHAB

Half Moon Green Necklace 18K Pink Gold, Green Tourmaline, Tsavorite and Diamonds, £2,560 clarachehab.com

BEA BONGIASCA

Maxi Margherita Earrings 9K Yellow Gold and Green Enamel, £2,175 beabongiasca.com

CRYSTAL HAZE

Green Apple Heart Earrings, £88.99 crystalhazejewelry.com

LE VIAN® 14K Honey Gold™, Green Apple Peridot™, Chocolate Diamonds®, and Nude Diamonds™ Earrings, Price on Request levian.com

ITÄ JEWELRY

Tibes Ear Cu , Green Tourmaline, £1,063 itajewelry.com

SUZANNE KALAN

Amalfi Pendant 14K Yellow Gold, Peridot, Green Envy Topaz, Lemon Quartz, Green Amethyst, £670 suzannekalan.com

GUITA M

Emerald Heart and White Agate Earrings, £4,442 guitam-jewelry.com

EDEN PRESLEY

Green Tourmaline Earrings 14k Yellow Gold and Tourmaline, £980 edenpresley.com

THINGS WE 10

Absolutely LOVE

PAUL THOMAS FLOWERS

Celebrating 35 years, Paul Thomas crafts weddings with personalised service and unrivalled floral arrangements. They collaborate closely with venues, planners and caterers to make your wedding dreams come true. paulthomasflowers.co.uk

Ten of the best syulish accessories for your wedding day

Headmasters

You'l feel your best version of yourself on your wedding day if your hair is looking its best. Book your complimentary bridal consultation today at Headmasters.. headmasters.com

Aspiga's gorgeous collection of summer maxi frocks make lovely summer wedding guest or bridesmaid options – and the selection is vast. aspiga.com

NOBLE MACMILLAN

Personalised gifts at Noble Macmillan include this luxurious leather backgammon roll. Engraved with a couple's intitials, it'll definitely be a keeper. noblemacmillan.com

JIMMY CHOO

Jimmy Choo offers an exquisite collection of bridal heels and shoes for your wedding day, from timeless icons including theSaeda and Azia families to uniquely embellished bridal shoes from a made-to-order service. jimmychoo.com

LIHI HOD

Lihi Hod's Jackie is a stylish three-piece bridal ensemble featuring crepe trousers, a blazer, and a chic transparent corset with visible boning and intricate lace detailing. lihihod.com

Maison

Rabih Kayrouz

La Mariee is a beautiful collection of floor length gowns in french silk chiffon. The flowing gathered skirts are layered to create ethereal volume in a play on sheer. maisonrabihkayrouz.com

KRONE

This South African traditional method vintage-only sparkling wine is an excellent choice for a summer wedding and the 2022 rose cuvee brut is succulent, crisp and berry-flavoured. kroneworld.com

PENELOPE CHILVERS

The limited-edition Gemma platform was designed by Penelope Chilvers for her daughter's wedding. It's a chunky design in light cotton with a fabulous 70s print. penelopechilvers.com

Six of the best

6

RUNWAY LOOKS

From a sharp retro mini and wear anywhere bridal pants to a chic modern ballgown, here are six runway looks we love this season

Photography

BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK

1 MINI METRO

Sophie et Voilà

Barcelona label Sophie et Voilà has garnered a loyal following for its pared-back RTW designs and translates the same modern edge to bridal. This neat sleeveless mini dress – with more than a nod to the classic 1960s shift – has an ostrich trim to ramp up the glamour. The matching crepe cape, also with ostrich feathers, creates a perfect combo for chic city brides. sophieetvoila.com

2 CLEAR CUT

Atelier Pronovias

Sculptural tailoring is a hallmark of Atelier Pronovias in every season, but we love the sharp silhouettes with cutaway detailing in this collection. This slim gown with plunge neckline and flattering scalloped detailing has a sheer side panel to define the waist. This is matched to sheer sleeves which, like the panel, have crystal trim for refined after-dark sparkle. pronovias.com

3 FLUFFED UP

Formoso

Lorena Formoso has some wonderful capes and coverups, but our favourite is this airy mohair knit partnered to a simple slip with bootlace straps. Perfect for keeping out the church chill, it has an elegant v back with silk trim to match the dress. It's an heirloom piece that makes a luxurious (and cosy) alternative to the traditional train and veil. lorenaformoso.com

4 QUICK CHANGE

Isabel Sanchis

Convertible bridal gowns are always a winner, and Isabel Sanchis has delivered a perfect pairing this season. Her rich cream gown has a wide bateau neckline and fitted sleeves with slinky anklelength skirt. Add in the floaty white silk overskirt with floral waist detail and you have two classic bridal silhouettes to carry you from ceremony to evening party in style. isabelsanchis.com

5 SPORTY GLAMOUR

Jesús Peiró

Designed by Merche Segarra, Jesús Peiró's 35th bridal collection contains plenty of treasures, but our favourite is this modern ballgown shape with sporty twist. In lush silk ta eta with minimal detailing, it has a flattering streamlined bodice with wide halterneck – perfect for showing o toned shoulders and back. The deep pockets in the structured skirt add a relaxed twist to formal dressing. jesuspeiro.com

6 SMARTY PANTS

Marylise

Bridal

Trousers are a smart choice for destination and evening weddings – or ringing the bridal changes. There are plenty of great options this season, but Marylise's Irvine design stands out for style with packability. The flowing satin palazzo pants are cut loose and paired with a sequin top with v back. Best of all, these are classic separates to earn their keep on honeymoon and beyond. marylisebridal.com

FALL FOR THE CHARM OF A COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING

Strongties

Why welding is the newest trend in forever jewellery

Welded jewelry is becoming a popular choice for weddings. A welded piece can be a distinctive and meaningful option for couples, symbolising permanence in an alternative style.

Welded jewelry, often referred to as "forever jewellery," is typically made by permanently joining the ends of a bracelet or necklace around the wearer's wrist or neck. This parallels the lifelong promise made in marriage as an unbreakable and enduring commitment. Many jewellers o er the option to customise welded pieces, allowing couples to create unique tokens that reflect their personal style and the special bond they share. This might include selecting specific metals, incorporating gemstones or designing unique shapes.

Italian jewellery brand Atelier VM was the first to bring welded bracelets to the UK and at their welding counter inside Liberty, couples often arrive together for a pre-wedding welding experience, which can be a memorable addition to the big day. And of course after the wedding, welded jewellery serves as a lasting keepsake of the occasion, continually reminding the couple of their vows and the special memories of their wedding day.

Welded jewellery tends to have a minimalist design, creating a modern, sleek look that complements a variety of wedding styles and attire without overshadowing the overall outfit. Plus, because welded jewellery has no clasps, it's very comfortable to wear. The growing trend of choosing welded jewellery for weddings reflects an overall shift towards more personalised and meaningful elements in wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

ateliervm.com

Soul with Gowns

Handmade gowns are all about e ortless

luxury, quality and style at Grace Loves Lace

“The woman we design for is e ortlessly sophisticated, captivating, down to earth, sexy and authentic”

THE Secret'sout (ofthedesignerbag)

Opting for high-end second-hand labels at tiny prices is the big new thing - and leading the way is Dress Cheshire

As any lover of labels will tell you, buying second hand is one of the fastest growing sectors in fashion. What Dress Cheshire brings to the party is an inspiring shop and online space that liberates sellers and buyers alike. A luxury boutique in Prestbury that has now morphed into something of a phenomenon, with visitors flocking to it from all over the UK.

So how does Cheshire’s designer destination continue to stay so far ahead of the curve?

SELLERS GET A LOT OUT OF IT, AND BUYERS TOO

For years, searching for that elusive designer delight meant touring charity shop after charity shop or enduring the stu y formality of old-school dress agencies where the shopping experience, like much of the fashion on display, left a lot to be desired. Dress Cheshire has changed all that. Sellers

get a great deal out of it because a simple wardrobe refresh can fund a new shopping spree. While buyers can acquire iconic labels, at a smidgen of the original price.

MAKING GLAMOUR ATTAINABLE AND SUSTAINABLE

As founder Christine Colbert states: “Buying second hand makes sense, not just for the fashion community, but for the global community. Increasingly, people want to buy fashion more sustainably. What we give them is the opportunity to reuse and recycle items which may have been worn once, twice, or sometimes not at all. Many of the items we receive still have their tags on.”

“People want to buy fashion more sustainably”

ASPIRE, ADMIRE, ACQUIRE

From a standing start, Dress Cheshire now has over 2,000 regular sellers, showcasing outstanding creations from the catwalks of New York, London, Paris and Milan.

As Christine says: “Right from day one, maintaining the highest standards has been our No.1 priority. Authenticity is key too.

In a world of fashion fakes, we’re the real deal.” Continually rated 5 star excellent on TrustPilot, the shop also provides a personal collection service, while their supercompetitive prices are a shopping legend.

LOVE IT, OWN IT

The boutique itself also serves as a hub for a lively, thriving e-commerce business, with live shopping events staged every week, enabling you to buy top-notch labels while you watch. If you love it, you can own it in seconds with just a couple of clicks during the eagerlyawaited live-stream event on Facebook and Instagram, with prices reduced at the drop of a designer hat. Simply key in the threedigit code and the website sends a link to buy via text. It’s all done in seconds. Bish, bash, bosh, buy. At Dress Cheshire, buying second hand is now a first-rate experience.

CHRISTINE COLBERT

CHANEL PINK SHOULDER BAG

IMAGE: AGA MORTLOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

You are invited to

The Burningfold Manor Wedding Showcase

Sunday 19th May 11am - 3pm

Step back in history and bring your loved ones along for a tour around Burningfold Manor and its breathtaking grounds, whilst chatting to our highly recommended suppliers along the way. The charming 15th century, grade II listed Manor House, surrounded by stunning rose walled gardens.

FULL Bloom

BDramatic florals dress gowns and accessories this season –ensuring you're no wallflower on your wedding day

lowsy flowerheads, lush petals and lavish botanical elements are dressing up this season's brides. It's a look that can be whimsical – or sassy if you opt for the really bold floral details. However you work it, this is a great way to ensure you stand out on your wedding day. And who doesn't want to be the blooming bride?

Retro-romantic strapless A-line wedding dress featuring all-over floral embellishment and a wide silk ribbon belt. nicolemilano.com

this is a great way to ensure

RUNWAY

Blue fairytale gown with appliqué flowers and matching hooded cape.

Split front rich cream ballgown with flowerheads on bodice and skirt. yolancris.com

Flourish floral mules by Kate Spade, £295. Also available in red. katespade.co.uk

Scarlett mini handbag by Anne Fontaine, £1,071 at Wolf & Badger. wolfandbadger.com

Chiffon floral print ballgown featuring corsage flower strap. morilee.com

Modern sheath gown with cutaway waist and bold flowerhead details. isabelsanchis.com

Multi-gem Stellato white gold ring, £495 at The Diamond Store. thediamondstore.co.uk

SCULPTED BY AIMEE

Love Story - The Collection: Wedding Palette, £34 sculptedbyaimee.co.uk

TRISH MCEVOY

Lash Curling Tubular Mascara, £22.50 trishmcevoy.com

RARE BEAUTY

So Pinch Luminous Powder Blush, £26 spacenk.com

ZIIP

DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer, £36 dior.com

ARMANI BEAUTY Luminous Silk Glow Blush, £39 boots.com

ZIIP™ HALO Facial Toning Device, £379 currentbody.com

CHANTECAILLE Rose de Mai Hydrating Lip Balm, £44 chantecaille.co.uk

By CARLY GLENDINNING

IRÄYE Radiance Firming Serum Mini, £60 irayeskincare.com

ARMANI BEAUTY Luminous Silk Foundation, £46 boots.com

HOURGLASS Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder, £57

Wedding

VENUES

Two of the best places for a country wedding

ELMORE COURT

Nestled within the Gloucestershire countryside, Elmore Court is a unique, sustainable, and award-winning wedding venue. This Grade II listed mansion holds over 760 years of family history within its walls yet is wildly young at heart. Elmore Court provides an unforgettable backdrop to any celebration.

Hired on an exclusive use basis for weddings and parties, Elmore Court includes a historic stately home and its grounds, a soundproof rammed earth party venue, amazing food, fine wine, boundless music, and a large slice of love. A day-of coordinator will help manage every aspect of your special day.

Venue rentals include the use of the 16 bedrooms, delicious in-house catering using home-grown produce, a fire pit and benches in the Gillyflower Meadow, and the use of the Coach House the night before your event.

We aim to make the culinary experience incredible. Our kitchen team are super skilled and give you the flexibility you need for your special day. We work with local suppliers and with our own wonderful gardeners to ensure our ingredients are as fresh and delicious as possible. We have a well stocked cellar and a fantastic team to ensure you have the day you want.

Sustainability is one of Elmore Court's priorities, this is shown within their rewilding project, 250 acres of land on the estate are currently being rewilded, with free-roaming longhorns and di erent species of wildlife spotted across the land

ELMORE

and wetlands. Treehouses were built to inspire and help guests relax within the trees and feel the pure magic, each with an outdoor bath, decking, fire pit and super king size bed, these aren’t ones to miss!

Elmore has a certain magic when it comes to bringing people together; everyone lights up and there are wonderful surprises around each and every corner. It's a pretty special place and celebrating love is what we do best. Any request, event or party... we'll help bring it to life!

elmorecourt.com

FARNHAM CASTLE

Farnham Castle is a stunning, historic, multiaward-winning venue. Set in five acres of beautiful grounds, it overlooks the historic market town of Farnham, on the Surrey Hampshire border, in the glorious Surrey Hills.

It’s the most impressive venue if you’re dreaming of somewhere unique, and it o ers couples and their guests exclusive use of the Gatehouse, Pembroke Room, Great Lawn, Stone Hall, magnificent Great Hall, with imposing feature fireplace and stained-glass windows, together with di erent ceremony options, including The Lantern Hall for

Civil ceremonies, The Norman Chapel for Religious ceremonies, and the Great Lawn and Rose Garden for Outdoor ceremonies. All are set within the castle, providing the most incredible backdrop for celebrations, and the most beautiful atmosphere to exchange vows and create memories.

Following the ceremony, a drinks and canapé reception will entice guests on to the lawns, before enjoying one of the outstanding three or four course dining menus, created by Farnham Castle’s head chef and his exceptional team, who love to use the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Chosen menus are paired with Champagnes and wines, selected from international wine lists, and the well-stocked Gallery Bar, perfectly positioned overlooking the Great Hall, o ers everyone’s favourite drinks and cocktails throughout the celebrations.

Farnham Castle can accommodate up to 210 day guests and up to 320 evening guests, and is the perfect choice for a wedding, from ceremony, to reception, to party.

After the party, couples can retreat and relax overnight in the beautiful Guildford Suite, while guests stay on-site in one of 33 characterful en-suite bedrooms, providing accommodation for 75 family and friends. Everyone comes together again the following morning in the Library, for a Farnham Castle Breakfast, and to share stories from the day before.

However a couple choose to celebrate, Farnham Castle’s experienced team of wedding specialists will ensure that every wedding is managed to perfection.

ELMORE COURT

FARNHAM CASTLE

When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, Country House Weddings (CHW) is miles ahead of its competitors with its full-service wedding venues. Its portfolio of six venues, spread across the South of England, provide a range of Complete Wedding Packages which take you from midday to midnight on the day of your wedding flawlessly.

CHW’s Complete Wedding Packages mean that a lot of the big decisions about your day can be made directly with the venue, reducing the number of suppliers you will need to source, hire and co-ordinate with. This includes inhouse catering provided by expert wedding chefs, venue dressing from ceremony to wedding breakfast, and a DJ for your reception. Each couple has a dedicated Personal Wedding Manager assigned to them before the wedding to help run their wedding day. This single point of contact alleviates a lot of the stress that comes with dealing with multiple suppliers, and, what’s more, they will help coordinate the suppliers that you do choose to bring on board.

Package THE COMPLETE

Country House Weddings has everything you need to make your wedding just perfect

Each CHW venue o ers five Complete Packages – Classical, Luxe, Twilight, Intimate and a Two Day Luxe package – perfect if you want to keep the celebrations going. These carefully designed packages o er better value and more control over your wedding day.

Classical, the original wedding package, includes a wealth of must-haves such as welcome drinks and canapes, a three-course wedding breakfast including wine and fizz for speeches, DJ and disco, and a late evening bu et. Exclusive use of the venue and grounds from midday to midnight, non-consumables such as linens, full bar facilities including sta , and house floral decorations. Plus, more!

The Twilight package o ers you the chance to marry as the sun sets, with a later ceremony

and choice of Formal or Informal reception, while the Intimate package has been designed for couples who want only their closest family and friends in attendance. The Luxe package, which is new for 2024, comes with lots of upgrades, including premium food and drink choices, the Honeymoon Suite on the night of your wedding, and over £7,000 worth of extras.

Alternatively, you can go with a fully bespoke package and pick and choose what you want for your special day. Whichever package you choose, you can rest assured that with over 30 years of experience planning dream weddings, your CHW venue will go above and beyond to bring your dreams to life.

The Country House Weddings portfolio consists of Leez Priory and Gosfield Hall in Essex, Bourton Hall in Warwickshire, Holmewood Hall in Cambridgeshire, St Audries Park in Somerset, and Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire. Each one hand-picked to be part of the group for its uniqueness, character, and ability to provide show-stopping weddings

To find out more about Country House Weddings, visit countryhouseweddings.co.uk

GOSFIELD HALL, LUXE CEREMONY

PHOTO BY BOUTIQUE WEDDING FILMS

BOURTON HALL, CLASSICAL WEDDING BREAKFAST

PHOTO BY DITA BOWEN PHOTOGRAPHY

LEEZ PRIORY AT TWILIGHT PHOTO BY VISIONS OF VIEW

Discovery day

How Cowdray Estate’s Walled Garden o ers all the romance you need for a special wedding

Discover your dream wedding venue on Sunday 12 May. Visit Cowdray Estate’s Walled Garden from 12pm-4pm to find out all about hosting your perfect day at this charming and romantic wedding venue for all seasons.

The Walled Garden is a truly magical location to create long-lasting memories of a very special day. Enjoy complimentary canapes and refreshments as you explore the venue and discover the two spacious reception rooms, the Dressing Room and of course the garden itself. The Cowdray Walled Garden provides a stunning setting for weddings, celebrations and private parties. Located adjacent to the magnificent Cowdray Ruins, guests step through a large wooden door, and into a magical, hidden country garden which is pretty at all times of year, but bursts into bloom in the spring and summer. There is a scented herb garden, a variety of rose and lavender borders, an orchard, herbaceous borders and a central rectangular formal lawn surrounding an ornamental pond.

The flourishing garden leads into the picturesque Grade II listed building, which has two reception rooms – the Castle Room and the

Courtyard room – as well as a versatile area upstairs that could be used as a dressing room for weddings. The Walled Garden suits an array of di erent events from larger celebrations to more intimate dinners or gatherings. The Courtyard Room has a seating capacity of 100 and standing room of 130 and is licensed for wedding ceremonies. It is also possible in the warmer months to get married in the garden.

The Walled Garden also provides an idyllic environment for corporate events, book and product launches, and workshops. Working with the experienced Cowdray Events team, it is easy to build the perfect, bespoke event. There are a range of trusted suppliers to

choose from including the highly acclaimed in-house Cowdray chef team. Visitors can also enjoy The Walled Garden by booking a sumptuous afternoon tea prepared by Cowdray’s team of pastry chefs. These take place on various dates throughout the summer. Don’t miss the chance to meet a selection of trusted suppliers and friends at The Walled Garden Wedding Open Day, including Cowdray’s in-house caterers The Yellow Kitchen, along with Cherfold Flowers, Near and Far Mobile Bar, Kalm Kitchen and Firebird Events to name but a few. The Experienced Cowdray Weddings team will also be on hand to discuss how they can help.

The Walled Garden is o ering a 20% discount on any remaining summer 2024 dates. Book complimentary tickets at cowdray.co.uk/events

PHOTO: SCOTT HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: SCOTT HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: KELSIE SCULLY

opening Grand

Why Wennington Hall will o er happy couples everything they can dream of for their big day

Perfectly nestled between the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Ribble Valley, and set within beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, stands a brand-new wedding venue, Wennington Hall, where dreams will undoubtedly come true. This stunning new exclusive use

as spectacular as the view itself. Pavilion ceremonies will take place to the front of the building, slightly o centre with the breath-taking view of the Courtyard and Main Hall in your sight, the perfect backdrop for your special day.

The Walled Garden makes for the most fantastic outdoor entertaining area, featuring a full outdoor kitchen, barbeque, and grill. Including a fully stocked outdoor bar, this will be the place to be during the warmer months.

wedding and events venue is set to open in spring 2024 and the historic building will be the setting for picture perfect weddings in the delightful village of Wennington. Featuring an impressive Main Hall, stunning indoor and outdoor spaces including terraces and acres of gorgeous gardens and grounds, Wennington Hall o ers endless opportunities for wedding celebrations in the stunning Lune Valley.

The function room, a large open space flooded with natural light from the huge arched windows, has a wedding capacity for up to 120 seated guests. The large space means that couples will be able to have a choice of seating layouts for their big day. Opening onto a terrace surrounded by planters and o ering feature lighting, the feel of this stunning space is perfect for wedding celebrations.

Their Wedding Pavilion is framed by the beautiful gardens on one side and the stunning castellations of the courtyard on the other – the setting is

With multiple outbuildings being revamped and converted to add that extra sparkle to your big day, there will be a wood fired pizza hut along with pop up gin, rum and prosecco bars. What more could you ask for?

The building itself, with towers, turrets, spiral staircases, and gothic arches galore is simply magnificent, and aims to be the most romantic and the most fun wedding and events venue around. The ambience and atmosphere will be beyond compare, the Lune Valley location, the setting and the amazing architectural details will ensure your photo opportunities are second to none. From festival, barn, or more traditional manor style weddings, two- and three-day packages and takeover packages, there’s a Wennington wedding to suit you.

& BEAUTY

THE LIGHT SALON Putting LED treatments on the beauty map, The Light Salon has introduced a new monthly membership scheme offering regular treatments and personalised skincare advice at Selfridges or Harvey Nichols in London. We tried the Collagen Boost Facial with Nano-Dermabrasion and left with brighter, glowier skin. The Light Salon Membership is priced at £120 per month (worth £245). thelight-salon.com

A NEW HOME FOR HEALING

Our commitment to patient- rst care & self-pay service is setting a whole new standard for personalised, private healthcare. With same-day access to London’s leading health experts, we’re here to help you heal.

Learn more about our world class care at ClevelandClinicLondon.uk

FOR EVERY CARE IN THE WORLD

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

OPALORE

Lifestage specific, Opalore’s five creams treat the root causes of ageing and promote good bacteria. A er testing cream n.2, I’ve noticed a more balanced and radiant complexion. From £180. opalore.com

SKIN BOOST PLUMP IT UP

EMMA LEWISHAM

Emma Lewisham’s new Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir fills and redensifies the skin, targeting cellular ageing. The light formulation feels luxurious, smells amazing, and we’ve noticed plumper skin too. £85. emmalewisham.co.uk

WONDER DEVICE

LIGHTINDERM X SHEVATA BROWS

TIMOTHY DAVID REVIEW

The hairdreser in the Airstream

It’s a bit boring having your hair cut in a regular building. And who doesn’t love a vintage Airstream?

Shevata Singh has teamed up with Lightinderm to o er immediate redness relief after threading treatments at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge. Redness magically vanishes using Lightinderm’s groundbreaking LED technology. Complimentary service with a full face thread or £21 with any other threading appointment. harveynichols.com

Timothy David certainly does. This hairdresser to the stars (Gillian Anderson is a regular) holds court in a converted 1969 Airstream stationed in an unlikely spot in Brentford. The silver trailer is a labour of love, and it’s named Pauline, after his late mother, who also loved Airstreams. Appointments in this cleverly converted American classic are intimate (perfect for private clients looking for discretion) and Tim is a great conversationalist. He’s also a great colourist and immediately – even instinctively – knows what to do about my tired highlights and straggly locks. Over a couple of hours we discuss everything from religion in Ireland to Airstream engines via Grace Jones’ hairstyles, and he gives me some invaluable advice on how to care for my hair, while expertly freestyling two carefully chosen shades of blonde through my hair and folding it into sheets of foil. A precision trim leaves my straight and often lifeless hair with new movement and a fresh feel, and my slight natural waves are skilfully revealed with some subtle products and hot air. Timothy is a multi-talent and his career has taken in Hollywood film sets, glamorous events, editorial and fashion work – and he’s happiest when working in the Airstream. Appointments are like gold dust, so be warned.

TIMOTHY DAVID

Dock Road, TW8 8AE timothydavid.co.uk

World class diagnostics, specialty consultations and complex surgeries

A NEW STANDARD OF CARE

Renowned as one of London's top private hospitals, Cleveland Clinic's facilities are meticulously designed to help their patients heal

For more than 100 years, Cleveland Clinic has been a global leader in healthcare.

While their name is synonymous with compassion and innovation, their mission is driven by three main goals: caring for life, researching for health and educating health professionals of the future. Backed by a century of breakthroughs, Cleveland Clinic is now providing that same level of care in the UK – one of the many reasons Cleveland Clinic London was awarded LaingBuisson’s ‘Hospital of the Year’ in 2023. Their commitment to patient-first care and quick access to self-pay services are setting a whole new standard of personalised healthcare. With the goal

of providing exceptional care when and where you need it, they o er same- and next-day appointments with extended hours during the week, as well as weekend scheduling for surgical procedures.

From everyday needs to emergency care, they provide rapid access to London’s leading consultants and specialists, leveraging the latest technologies and treatments to enhance patient outcomes and experiences.

As innovators in cardiology, Cleveland Clinic London o ers advanced heart care, along with additional specialisations in digestive disease, general practice, orthopaedics, neurology and more.

Since opening their state-of-the-art 184-bed hospital in London in spring of 2022,as well asPortland Place and Moorgate Outpatient Centres,Cleveland

Clinic’s London footprintcovers three locations. Each of which provides a variety of world classoutpatient services, such as advanced diagnostics, specialty consultations, andGP services with swift onward referral to a specialist when needed.

Cleveland Clinic London is also the first private hospital in the UK to have a fully integrated digital health records system. This gives you and your care team instant access to the most up-to-date and accurate information about your health, allowing for faster and more e ective decisions to ensure every patient’s journey is entirely seamless from start to finish.

RECHARGE. RECOVER. REPAIR. RESTORE. REGENERATE.

Empowering your path to longevity and preventative health.

Discover the transformative power of holistic therapies and cuttingedge technology dedicated to longevity and preventative health. Achieve optimal health with nature-inspired therapies for radiant health and inner balance of the immune system. Unlock the secrets to a vibrant and balanced life, and embark on a journey towards lasting vitality and resilience today at The Wellness Lab.

TOP PICKS

THREE FOR IMPROVED SLEEP

PLIABILITY

With daily mobility routines, the Pliability app's 'Improved Sleep' programme is designed to release deep-seated tension, preparing both body and mind for rejuvenating sleep. £16.95 per month. pliability.com

FOODSPRING

Developed in collaboration with Davina McCall, Foodspring's Protein + Relax contains 22g of protein, plus vitamins, minerals, and Ayurvedic herbs to help you wind down, de-stress and get a better night's sleep. £32.99. foodspring.co.uk

EIGHT SLEEP

Used by world-class athletes including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, the Eight Sleep smart mattress cover improves your sleep by heating and cooling you throughout the night and collecting your health metrics. £2345. eightsleep.com

FITNESS

NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

SLEEP FIT

Carly Glendinning meets the experts at Eight Sleep to find out why sleep is so important for fitness

Q How does the Eight Sleep Pod technology work?

A The Pod is an intelligent sleep system that gives you up to 32% better sleep. It cools and warms on each side of the bed from 12°C to 43°C and works with any bed. Powered by the intelligence of Autopilot, as your body temperature changes overnight, the Pod heats and cools to match your body’s natural rhythm, keeping you in deep sleep for longer.

Q Why should fitness enthusiasts track their sleep?

A Since sleep is so important for physical performance, the first step is to assess sleep and recovery quality by tracking

your sleep. Eight Sleep has conducted research showing that people experience a significant improvement in their sleep and therefore, cardiovascular health after using the Pod.

Q We all know that exercise can help improve sleep, but how can improved sleep help with physical fitness?

A A good night’s sleep can contribute greatly to fitness. After sleeping on the Pod for just one week, subjects with average - to below-average resting heart rates (i.e. >70 bpm) had the largest decreases in sleeping HR after using the Pod. A 2 bpm magnitude of decrease in sleeping HR is similar to what you’d expect

to get from a 12+ week-long exercise programme in yoga, tai-chi, or strength training.

Q And finally, if you could share one sleep hack for fitness enthusiasts, what would it be?

A Consistency is the easiest sleep hack. Create a schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Go to bed within 30 minutes of your desired bedtime every night. Also, make sure the room you sleep in at a consistent temperature throughout the year, a cooler room normally leads to a better night’s sleep.

Pod Cover with Perfect Fit, £2345 eightsleep.com

REDEFINING TREATMENT

We look at the cutting-edge injectable hydrogel that delivers long lasting, proven pain relief for knee osteoarthritis without surgery (1-4)

For many of the 8.5 million people in the UK living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) (5), life is hampered by constant pain, limited mobility, and di culty with simple, everyday tasks. But there’s hope with Arthrosamid® – the first and only permanent injectable treatment that is proven to maintain a significant, long-lasting reduction in knee OA pain – even three years post treatment (1-4). Experts are calling it a ‘game-changer’.

Su erers delay seeking help for knee pain, assuming it’s an unavoidable part of ageing. But Arthrosamid® o ers patients a new pathway. Unlike traditional treatments, it’s proven to o er respite from knee osteoarthritis with a single treatment, and without the need for surgery (1-4).

KNEE OA: COMMON CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

Knee OA is a long-term condition where shock-absorbing cartilage is worn away, causing bones to rub together and the joint to become sti , swollen, and painful. Despite OA being the most common type of arthritis and the fastest cause of disability worldwide

(6), the treatment area has seen minimal progression in the last 20 years. With so little known about the exact causes of knee OA, a permanent cure has yet to be discovered.

Many su erers find themselves in an ongoing cycle of treatments, such as painkillers, physiotherapy appointments and various knee joint injectables (e.g. steroids or hyaluronic acid). Despite providing some relief, the e ects can often be relatively short-lived, leaving many fearing that knee replacement surgery is the only long-term answer.

The emergence of Arthrosamid®, however, has been hailed by leading clinicians as an exciting, first and only injectable hydrogel that has been proven (7) to help patients with knee osteoarthritis and o ers a real alternative to surgery.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Mr Parag K Jaiswal, an orthopaedic surgeon from St John and St Elizabeth Hospital, one of a number of clinics in London o ering the Arthrosamid® treatment, says: “I’ve treated many patients with Arthrosamid® and have seen them experience significant reductions in pain, as well as improvements in their mobility, and overall quality of life.

“In contrast to other treatments, Arthrosamid® appears to be o ering patients long-lasting respite from the pain and immobility of knee osteoarthritis and, in many cases, avoiding or delaying the need for surgery. I believe it’s setting a real benchmark in the area of orthopaedics, o ering hope and optimism to many of those living with this condition.”

MOVE FREELY, LIVE FULLY

Chantelle Elliott, 55, has su ered from joint issues for many years, but noticed a real improvement since being treated with Arthrosamid®. “The chronic and persistent pain in my knee was starting to get me down and I was keen to look for an alternative to pain medications. I also wanted to help ward o the need for potential knee surgery, as I was concerned about the intensive recovery period necessary to get back to full strength and fitness.

“I decided to give Arthrosamid® a chance and, following a quick procedure with minimal recovery time, I was immediately impressed by the improvements in my pain levels and uplift in overall mobility. As someone who wants to remain fit, active and pain-free for many years to come, I’m confident I made the right decision which has given me a new lease of life!”

HOW DOES ARTHROSAMID® WORK?

Arthrosamid® is a hydrogel made up of 2.5 per cent cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5 per cent water. Arthrosamid® combines with the synovial tissue in the knee to form a permanent sca old (8), and it’s this unique characteristic that provides a significant reduction in OA pain over a longer period (1-4) – with one single treatment (7)

To find your nearest clinic o ering the Arthrosamid® treatment, please visit arthrosamid.com/patients/get-treated or email enquiries@arthrosamid.com

REFERENCES

• 1. Bliddal, H.,et al. (2021)Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6 Months Prospective Study.J Orthop Res Ther. Vol 6 (2). 1188. ISSN 2575-8241

• 2. Bliddal, H., et al. (2022). One-year performance of polyacrylamide hydrogel vs. hyaluronic acid: A randomised controlled study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Vol 30, S1, S371.

• 3. Bliddal, H., et al. (2023) A Prospective Study of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results From 3 Years A er Treatment. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Vol 31(5): 682-683.

• 4. Bliddal, H., et al. (2024) 3-year follow-up from a randomized controlled trial of intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Poster LB-31, OARSI 2024 World Congress on Osteoarthritis.

• 5. nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177/documents/ osteoarthritis-update-final-scope2

• 6. Neogi, T. (2013) The epidemiology and impact of pain in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Vol 21 (9): 1145-53. DOI:10.1016/j.joca.2013.03.018.

• 7. Arthrosamid®, Instructions For Use. Release Date March 2022 10082-003

• 8. Christensen, L., et al. (2016). Histological Appearance of the Synovial Membrane a er Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Polyacrylamide Gel Injections: A Case Report. Journal of Arthritis. Vol 5: 217.

PARAG JAISWAL

ICELANDIC MINIMALISM

The Timbur Outdoor Bench is made of certi ed teak, which is a strong and durable wood that withstands a variable outdoor climate while patinating beautifully over time. In addition, the generously shaped armrests can function as side tables with space for both a cup of tea and a small plate. A seat cushion in water-resistant textile is available for even greater comfort.

GL101 Timbur Outdoor Bench, FSC™-certi ed teak, untreated, £1,576 | CU GL101 Cushion, £196 Retail

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

INTERIORS

POP UP

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Launched at London Design Week, David Hunt Lighting's Pop is a cheerful and charming collection. Offered as a single pendant, three light cluster pendant, wall light and a touch sensitive table lamp, they're available in 17 colours, including Juniper Green, Marmalade and Blush Pink. Perfect for adding a simple pop of colour to any space. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

REBECCA UDALL

A fresh collection of spring tableware from Rebecca Udall includes linen tablecloths with hand-drawn patterns, placemants and cocktail napkins in corresponding colours, hand painted-plates and bowls, wavy-edged ceramics and stylish hand-blown glassware.

rebeccaudall.com

FROM THE GALLERY

AMECHI

The National Portrait Gallery Shop is celebrating the work of Black British designers and makers this month in new capsule collection that includes cushions by award-winning designer Amechi. npg.org.uk

ARTISAN APPEAL

CULT FURNITURE X A TOKO

Cult Furniture has teamed up with boutique brand A TOKO, highlighting the traditional skills and practices of Indonesian artisans and launching the stylish Kapu Kapu rattan armchair, £499, that also comes in red. cultfurniture.com

TAKE FIVE

MICUCCI INTERIROS

Folkifunki

CLICK

HEATHFIELD & CO

Heathfield & Co's playful and interactive limited-edition Dusk table lamp collection allows users to easily edit the colours on show with a simple twist of the shade. Colour visionary Amy Moorea Wong is behind the considered, mood boosting palette. heathfield.co.uk

YUTA SEGAWA

Porcelain

notjustashop.arts.ac.uk

THE NOOK

Glass Bobble Vase, £28.99 thenookhome.co.uk

SPICER AND WOOD

Grid

spicerandwood.co.uk

COLOUR WAYS CHERRY PICK

JOHN LEWIS

This bedside table is cra ed from materials that are long overdue a comeback: cherry wood and rattan wicker weave. It's cleverly designed with a small footprint and a finish that will develop an attractive patina with age. £175 johnlewis.com

STYLE

Distressed Stone Ceramic Rotund Vase, £95 clickstyle.co.uk

Vase, £30

Grimace Vase, £590 micucci.store

Cylinder Vase, £30

SHAPE TAKING

How houses in Mexico and Mallorca inspired this earthy hued apartment in Stoke Newington

Words MARI STRENGHIELM

Clissold Park has a sleepy smalltown vibe and its location, just around the corner from Stoke Newington’s charming and lively Church Street, was what originally drew Tom Lawson and Tom Collison to their post-war flat on the Hawksley Court Estate.

Tom Lawson is head of product at Aman Interiors, while his partner Tom Collison is a studio assistant for sculptor Antony Gormley as well as working on his own projects. The couple met at an exhibition where Tom (Collison) was taking part in Brompton Design Week and instantly connected over a shared passion for design. ‘We got on really well, found that many of our other interests aligned and here we are, three years later!’

After purchasing the flat at the beginning of 2021, the two Toms spent four months stripping the space back to its bare bones before embarking on a renovation. ‘Although the flat was in good condition when we purchased it, we felt we could improve it by changing the layout,’ they explain. The wall between the tiny kitchen and living room was taken down, freeing up enough space for a dining area.’ As we both enjoy cooking and hosting, this was very important for us,’ says Tom Collison. To enhance the newfound sense of space, the couple replaced the existing flooring with reclaimed boards painted glossy white to reflect every ray of available light.

The flat is not large, so the Toms wanted to simplify

“They mixed their own colour for the walls, naming it ’Barrie White’, after their block”

the interior and started by removing the door frames and skirting boards/baseboards throughout. Using Farrow & Ball’s Strong White as a base, they mixed their own colour for the walls, naming it ’Barrie White’, after their block. The velvety tone softens the architectural details and creates a calm, minimalist mood. It also allowed the couple to focus on combining di erent materials and textures to bring interest to the space. ‘We used raw terracotta tiles from the outside entrance into the hall and in the bathroom. The imperfections and warm tones added character and created unity,’ Tom Collison explains.

In the bedroom, the couple spent many hours sanding years of varnish o the wooden floors. They gave the walls and ceiling a layer of limewash and built a fitted wardrobe/closet, adding a sense of warmth and comfort.

Decorative inspiration was drawn from the homes of artists and designers. ’One of the main points of reference is the fireplace, which was inspired by Georgia O’Kee e’s fireplace in New Mexico. We’ve also been strongly influenced by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s studio, which Tom [Lawson] visited in Mexico. We fell in love with the ExCinere

tiles by Formafantasma for Dzek, which [were a] massive influence on the colours we used in the kitchen. We created a custom-built sideboard/credenza using yellow Valchromat, inspired by the Imi Knoebel MDF installation Raum 19.’

Another source of inspiration was the Potter’s House in Son Servera, Mallorca, formerly the home and studio of ceramicist Maria Antonia Carrio and now the setting for artists’ residencies. It encouraged Tom Lawson to hand-build a variety of ceramic pieces for the apartment, including door handles, lampshades and various pots.

A few minutes’ walk away, Tom Collison rents a large studio with lots of natural light. It’s shared with two other creatives: one a painter who creates her own paint from natural materials, and the other a seller of art and design pieces with an environmental focus. Now the renovation is complete, the two Toms are taking time to enjoy their calm, pared-back home. They’ve already thrown several dinner parties for friends and family, and have many more planned.

Extract taken from Creative Homes by Anna Malmberg & Mari Strenghielm, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£35)

Photography © Anna Malmberg

HARLEQUIN

ANNABEL JAMES

DARLING BUDS

Auricula jug, £39.95 annabeljames.co.uk

Fabulous floral prints for spring

By PENDLE HARTE

NESPRESSO X LIBERTY

SIBYL

EDITOR’S PICK

WISTERIA TREE

Woodland Floral Wallpaper, £89 limelace.co.uk

PETRA PALUMBO

LISA CORTI Cotton cushion, £49 lisacorti.com

will come and meet you to discuss your

make sure it all fits all

• Health and fitness goals discussed

• Best equipment chosen for your needs and budget

• Gym tailored to the look and feel you want

• Installed over 100 gyms and spas including:

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

POP touch lamp, £198 davidhuntlighting.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

MICUCCI INTERIORS

Abissal Crystal Glass Table Lamp, £2,490 micucci.store

HOUSEOF

Sand Rechargeable Table Lamp, £109 houseof.com

OKA X CABANA

Pilastro Table Lamp, £250 oka.com

LAMP LIGHT

Our favourite statement table lights

ROSE & GREY

Slim table lamp with scalloped linen shade, £125 roseandgrey.co.uk

LAGOON Gloster outdoor table lamp, £740 vivalagoon.com

DAR LIGHTING

Picasso Table Lamp, £199 darlighting.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

Ronchamp Table Lamp, £495 jonathanadler.com

LAURA ASHLEY

xBramhope Table Lamp, £65 darlighting.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER

POOKY

Wilma table lamp, £53 pooky.com

AN ARTIST

A new book o ers a rare glimpse inside Dererk Jarman’s Dungeness home, Prospect Cottage

Words FRANCES BORZELLO

Photography GILBERT MCCARRAGHER

Prospect Cottage was Derek Jarman’s second home for the last eight years of his life. He continued living in his London flat throughout that period, and yet Prospect has managed to obliterate his city life in the eyes of the public. His diaries reveal the importance of his London life, full of meetings both friendly and professional (although he often combined the two),

distressing medical treatments, involvement in the artistic events of the day and visits to bookshops and Maison Bertaux in Soho for tea and pastries. But then, every few entries, comes a statement: ‘At Dungeness by sunset. Walked along the beach and found an old tin box for planting.’ Or, ‘Dungeness. A cotton wool mist blowing in veils from the sea, the horizon disappears making a very secret garden.’

Jarman first saw Prospect Cottage in 1986, on a location visit to Dungeness with

AT HOME

the actor Tilda Swinton, and he bought it quickly. A cluster of events perhaps made this easier. A legacy from his father coupled with his positive response to the flat, untidy landscape, its shingle beach dotted with abandoned boats, shacklike homes, a lighthouse and the brutal nuclear power station helped make the decision for him. A terrifying HIV diagnosis and his first meeting with his beloved companion HB followed the purchase

and seemed to confirm its rightness.

But it is clear that in the years until his death in 1994, far from being some kind of escape from real life, Prospect Cottage was where he was closest to himself, a beloved home and garden where all the faces of Derek Jarman – filmmaker, artist, queer activist, diarist, gardener, charmer –found room to coalesce.

Artists’ houses form a category all on their own. Unlike the studio, in which we search for evidence of the inhabitant’s arcane

activities, marvelling at the jars of brushes, the hieroglyphic scraps of paper, the appealing playschool mess of it all, we enter a house wondering how the inhabitants’ activities compare with our own. There is something very personal about going into an artist’s house.

Think of the Bloomsbury Group in Charleston, trying to shed their good-taste Englishness with rampant flowers and nudes and curlicues: you can read their allegiances to modern art from the cupboard doors, the

“It is unusual for a house and garden to o er so clear a way into a private inner life”

fireplace surrounds, the kitchen walls. Think of Jim Ede in Kettle’s Yard, tastefully curating his collection of stones and shells and the particular strand of contemporary English painting he loved, all quiet colours and restraint – surrealism not welcome here! – into a refined interior to which he, an aesthete to his fingertips, welcomed visitors in the afternoon. Think further back, to Monet’s house and garden, full of the light and colour that parallel his paintings.

So why is it that Jarman’s house and garden sit so uneasily beside their predecessors? Could it be the sense that the house gives that you are walking into the artist’s mind; not just into his artistic interests, but his innermost feats and fascinations? A life of being ‘other’ in contemporary sexual terms; a life of fascination with the kind of dark glamour expressed in his film about Caravaggio, the Renaissance artist who included the dirt on the feet of his kneeling worshippers while lovingly painting the seductive surfaces of food and fabric, the beauty of a boy, the contradictory, glorious reality of life itself.

Prospect Cottage sits on the beach as it did

in Jarman’s lifetime, a surprisingly smart little building with its black wood and toucan-yellow window frames, a garden encircling it that in summer glows with colour. It looks kempt and cute. Yet to go inside is to be overcome by darkness, by confinement, by subtle and surprising gleams and reflections. Above all, it is to be overwhelmed by mystery. Enter a room, and presences reach out to you from the walls; others, at first invisible but felt, emerge as you absorb the atmosphere – or perhaps what happens is that the atmosphere envelops you. Wood is everywhere, in crucifixes, in pagan poles, in small, disturbing constructions that make no sense. Sex is there, too, and surrealistic sculptures from which your eyes recoil and creep fascinatedly back. It is unusual for a house and garden to o er so clear a way into a private inner life.

On the walls are many of the abstract paintings Jarman made in his final years. Shockingly dark, their blackness is enriched with furrows and blobs of paint, a red dash, an energetic burst of yellow, the bright and the black setting each other o . Perhaps the paintings hold the secret of

the house and garden? Jarman’s films reveal his love of beauty, but their subjects – Caravaggio, the painter who murdered a man, St Sebastian, the Christian martyred by Roman arrows – point to his delight in the pains of di erence. Does his fascination with pain and pleasure, with light and dark, with beauty and the grotesque explain his pairing of dark house and bright garden?

It is the same artistic mind at work in both: the Gothic house in shades of darkness, the fenceless garden that riots with colour. It should not work, but it does. Indoors, he coils metal around a tiny toy man who clutches the hips of a much larger plaster goddess. Outside, he twists beach-found bits of metal into spiky, suggestive shapes, surrounding them with shrubs and flowers to create a garden that has been as influential as his films. Inside and out he adorns long limbs of wood washed up by the tide with necklaces of pierced stones found on the beach.

Over the last years of his life, Prospect Cottage became his final and most complete work of art, a self-portrait that sums up the complex activist, politicized gay artist and creative, contemplative, brave human being that was Derek Jarman.

This passage appears as the foreword to Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House by Gilbert McCarragher, published by Thames & Hudson, £25

Naturally wood burning with models available in gas.

Bio-ethanol and electric versions for NO CHIMNEY solutions. Design, supply and installation available nationwide.

Exclusive ‘by appointment’ showroom available in person or by video link.

Model shown is the J C Bordelet MARINA, lacquered finish, woodburning.

ESSENTIAL LUXURIES FOR THE KITCHEN

HOT SHOT SAGE

Is this the world's best coffee machine? We think so. Choose from the extensive touchscreen menu or upload your own preference and you're guaranteed great-tasting coffee. Maintenace is super simple too. Barista Touch Impress, £1,199.95. sageappliances.com

KNIVES OUT TORMEK

Are your knives sharp enough? Once you've tried a professional grade sharpener, there's no looking back. This is an easy-to-use, industrial yet unfrightening piece of kit. £330 tormek.com

IN THE MIX KITCHENAID

Another irresistible new shade from KitchenAid is Blue Salt, 2024's colour of the year. If you don't have one of the iconic stand mixers yet, this is the one to buy. £699 kitchenaid.couk

DAILY GRIND PEUGEOT

Peugeot's iconic Paris salt and pepper mills are the originals and the best. Pick a pair in contrasting colours, or go for a match – either way, the grinds are flawless. £52.99 each peugeot-saveurs.com

ON THE BOIL AARKE

There's no more stylish kettle than the Aarke electric one, which has a selection of temperature settings, a removeable limescale filter and a lovely shiny finish. £200 aarke.com

Sleep in STYLE

Carpe Diem Beds unveils new releases to continue the narrative of luxury, comfort, and innovation

HÄLLSÖ WALNUT

“The new Iconic Collection transcends the ordinary, where luxury meets functionality,” says

Helen RK Jensen, VP Brand, Carpe Diem Beds

Asignificant moment for all interior lovers and sleep enthusiasts is here now that Carpe Diem Beds has launched their most extensive collection to date. The unveiling goes beyond the introduction of The Iconic Collection, encapsulating an array of bespoke o erings that redefine the essence of luxury, comfort and innovation. In the pursuit of creating beds that transcend mere functionality, Carpe Diem Beds embodies a philosophy where style and comfort unite. The company has made it their mission to make sleep a priority by transforming bedrooms into the heart of the home. Carpe Diem Beds has long been synonymous with creating havens of tranquillity. Their upcoming release is no exception, as they are committed to making their beds as beautiful to look at as to sleep in. With bespoke craftsmanship, Carpe Diem Beds elevates bedrooms into sanctuaries, providing the perfect place to unwind.

Every bed component is selected for its unique qualities; bed frames are crafted from solid, slowgrowing Nordic pine, and fabrics are meticulously chosen from renowned brands. Each bed, crafted in Sweden, is a masterpiece of exceptional artistry and is signed by the bedmaker.

INTRODUCING THE ICONIC COLLECTION

Imagine the serene and picturesque archipelago on the West Coast of Sweden. With the rhythmic whisper of the waves, the crisp sea breeze, and the wild heather growing among the rocks. This tranquil landscape was the inspiration for Börje Thuleskär, the founder of Carpe Diem Beds. On a balmy summer day wandering the Island of Stora Kornö, Börje spread out his picnic blanket on a meadow of heather to lay down and rest. As he closed his eyes, he experienced a floating sensation and a feeling of weightlessness. Since that day, that weightless feel is found in the comfort of

every bed from Carpe Diem Beds. And now, the floating sensation is a part of the design. The Iconic Collection beds contain the patented Contour Pocket system, providing unparalleled support and that weightless feel deeply rooted in the brand's DNA. Each bed is meticulously crafted, reflecting Carpe Diem Beds' dedication to quality and design.

MEET THE NEW ICONS: KUNGSÖ AND HÄLLSÖ

The Iconic Collection includes four bed models, each named after islands in the archipelago on the West Coast of Sweden. These bespoke beds can be customised from 44 fabrics in the classic and exclusive fabric collection. Kungsö is a continental bed that combines innovation with an elegant and modern design. It is not just furniture; it is a focal point that elevates the entire room's atmosphere. The design is based on the centred leg piece, creating a floating visual e ect that is both striking and captivating, making it a truly exceptional piece of design.

Hällsö Walnut consists of a handcrafted walnut frame, where the natural variations of the wood make each bed unique. The wooden frame's timeless, classic charm elevates the bedroom's design, emphasising the tailored quality of Carpe Diem Beds. The floating style of the centred leg piece further accentuates the walnut frame.

Hällsö Upholstery is a frame bed with an elegant, fabric-padded frame and the innovative floating design that defines this unique range. The frame seamlessly complements modern interior styles. Vindö adjustable bed is the existing and most exclusive bed in The Iconic Collection. Vindö o ers a luxurious, floating design synonymous with the rest of the collection. This adjustable bed allows you to control your body's position and indulge in relaxing massages, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. With the added convenience of a light feature, Vindö is the epitome of luxury and comfort, setting a new standard for adjustable beds.

ELEVATING THE EXPERIENCE WITH NEW FABRICS

Carpe Diem Beds is set to launch new fabrics as well as the brand's first collaboration with Danish textile brand Kvadrat. The new fabrics are inspired by the calming colours found in Lysekil's archipelago and will feature 22 exclusive designs. Altogether, Carpe Diem Beds now o ers 44 bespoke fabrics from Designers Guild, Romo Group, and Kvadrat, enabling customers to personalise their beds further. The new additions elevate Carpe Diem Beds' existing fabric brand mix and allow the brand to cater to a broader design audience who are looking for that Scandinavian feel.

CARPE DIEM BEDS REDEFINES LUXURY

With The Iconic Collection, Carpe Diem Beds invites you to embrace a floating sensation that transports you to the tranquil shores of the west coast of Sweden. Envision the serenity, feel the calm, and let every night become an unwinding retreat. This collection is more than just beds; it's a masterpiece that invites you to seize the day, starting with a night of unparalleled sleep. carpediembeds.co.uk

KUNGSÖ

HOLE STORIES

How to store your winter knits and win the battle against moths

When it comes to the wardrobe seasonal swap, and putting away knitwear, here are five tips to prevent clothing moths and extend the life of your jumpers.

1 THE BIG TURNOUT

Use the end of the season to have a cull. Go through your winter woollies, and be ruthless. Only store pieces that you love. Think about when was the last time you wore it and if its not seen the light of day, swap it with friends, sell on a second hand-site or give to charity.

2 CLEAN ALL YOUR KNITS

Never put away dirty knitwear or clothes. Food, sweat, hair and skin are loved by moths. So either wash or dry-clean before storing.

3 SPRING CLEAN YOUR WARDROBE

Light some candles, throw the windows open and take everything out of your wardrobe and wash, dust and vacuum. Try the gorgeous Natural Anti-Moth Linen Spray which has been specially formulated to protect your garments from moths and keep your wardrobes fresh.

which catches the boys and the Moth Decoy which stops the mating game.

5 STORAGE

4 PROTECT FROM MOTHS

Refresh out of date anti-moth products, throw them away if they have been in the wardrobe more than a year and replace your sachets. Try the Pheromone Moth Trap,

Pack knits away in a breathable bag or box, in Acid-Free Tissue or an old pillowcase or wrapped in a sheet. Don’t leave them exposed to the air as moths will find them.

HOME SCENTS

SET THE MOOD EYM

For a constant backdrop of 100% natural fragrance, Eym’s diff users are available in all seven mood-boosting fragrances. Good vibes and good smells around the clock. £58 eymnaturals.com

TO THE LAKE ACQUA DI COMO

The Aqua Como signature candle features the fl oral scents of the lush gardens blended with the fresh notes of the lake breeze, that will immediately transport you to the magical atmosphere of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, senseofl ake.com

BLUE LINES

AUSTIN AUSTIN

Made with no synthetic fragrances, scent boosters or binders, Austin Austin's Cedar Atlas & Ylang Ylang candle comes in a stoneware clay tumbler which has been slip cast and hand dipped in a high gloss cobalt glaze. £85 austinaustinorganic.com

MIDNIGHT OIL TOAST

Toast's Japanese bamboo charcoal incense is subtly scented with organic and natural plant oils. The bamboo is fi red at a very high temperature to create the charcoal, and the oils provide purifying and deodorising qualities. toast.com

CHERRY PICKED DIPTYQUE

Diptyque's Fleur de Cerisier (cherry blossom) candle embodies the scent of spring: it's a fl oral pink fl ourish tinged with fruity notes and so , enveloping musks. diptyqueparis.com

“The duo o er guidance, mentorship and facilitate connections”

CFORCES

Curated by Dapper & Suave o er special events that show o the best in unique businesses

urated by Dapper & Suave is run by Jason Brett and Rob Chadband, who create events that are free to attend. They have an important ethos, which is to o er to customers a “unique, friendly, and creative” environment so that businesses and brands have a platform to shine and sell their product or service.

Customer care is paramount as it is often overlooked in today’s retail landscape, so they want their customers to connect with the passionate individuals behind these small businesses, to appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of their goods.

Having a retail and customer service background helps in the process as each business has been chosen and curated, many o er bespoke items, adding an extra layer of uniqueness and by doing this o ers the choice and variety that are expected from their customers who come and visit.

The duo are more than just organisers; they o er guidance, mentorship, and facilitate connections to ensure everyone feels truly welcomed and supported and give each business a platform to shine.

Rob and Jason are also makers and stylists who set up Dapper & Suave in 2015. They started life as a style blog, mixing vintage with high street and then, teaching themselves to sew, they specialised in crafting handmade fun and quirky accessories including pocket squares, bow ties, ties, Ascot cravats, feather lapel and hair accessories, which can be bought from their main range via Etsy or at a Curated by Dapper & Suave events – and they can create a custom design unique to you.

Their goal is to make every customer feel their absolute best and spread smiles through vibrant colours, patterns, and positivity to ensure that, whatever the day, everyone can do well, live well and dress really well.

And it’s working. They are proud of their most recent win with South England Prestige Awards as Wedding Accessory Brand of the Year – so go and visit.

Dates for the diary

Curated by Dapper & Suave take place in the picturesque Surrey countryside at Denbies Wine Estate (denbies.co.uk)

• Sunday 19 May - Home & Gi Market

• Sunday 2 June - Sustainability Market

• Sunday 7 July - Summer Market

• Sunday 18 AugustFamily Fun Day & Market

• Sunday 15 SeptemberLifestyle & Well-Being Market

• Sunday 20 October -Autumn Market

• Sunday 10 November - Winter Market

• Tuesday 3 December Christmas Market

They have a brand-new venue where they will be bringing together a two-day Festive Market at Syon House (syonpark.co.uk) :

• Friday 22 November - 3pm-8pm

• Saturday 23 November - 10am-4pm

mailing list, visit

SYON HOUSE

Villa Supranu, The Valinco, Corsica

TRAVEL

POOL PARTY

City of Dreams is home to Cyprus's largest pool complex. The four unique pools create an extensive canvas of blue and are designed like a Mediterranean village with interlinking bridges and whitewashed stone arches. p140 cityofdreams.com

CITY OF DREAMS

WHEN IN

ROME

For a stay fit for an emperor, check into Bulgari Hotel Roma

By EMILIA HARRIS

BRIDGE OVER TIBER RIVER AND DOME OF ST. PETER CATHEDRAL IN VATICAN CITY, ROME

“The Bulgari brand is famed for its luxury Italian craftsmanship and the hotel follows suit”

I'm gazing up at the Colosseum, halflistening as our guide explains the history of this ancient architectural wonder. I’m in awe but distracted. Pre-tour, I’d checked into the Bulgari Hotel Roma and it had made an impression. Would my husband notice if I abandoned the tour to hotfoot it back to our suite?

There was plenty to see back at the hotel anyway: an original Roman sculpture of Emperor Augustus from 1 BC; a view over his Mausoleum, the world's largest circular tomb; and for a contemporary fix, a display of colourful Bulgari jewels.

I decided to stick with the Colosseum tour; learning about the gladiators was fascinating, but my legs were relieved to get back. The hotel, which opened last year, is the ninth

property from Bulgari Hotels and Resorts (openings in Miami, Los Angeles and the Maldives are planned). The Rome opening was a homecoming of sorts, the Bulgari fashion house was founded here in 1884 and their first store is close by on Via Condotti.

The brand is famed for its luxury Italian craftsmanship and the hotel follows suit. Murano designed the glass lamps in the lobby and the stunning porcelain vases are Ginori originals from the 1930s. There’s a lot of marble, but an abundance of potted plants (over 4,500) balance out any coldness. I loved the retro feel of the panelled walls and mustard carpets in the guest corridors, usually a recipe for kitsch, but the low lighting and vintage Bulgari posters made it feel super luxurious.

Our spacious Junior Suite o ered a view of the Mausoleum and a small balcony perfect

for a morning co ee. In-room interiors are mid-century modern inspired and include curved wooden side tables, leather chairs and eye-catching stone topped bar cabinets. Bathrooms are adorned with yellow, red, white, or green marble, a subtle nod to Bulgari’s colourful gemstone jewellery. All rooms have a bathtub and an impressive array of in-room essentials including makeup brushes, a shaving kit, a hairbrush and even a stationary set. Our walk-in wardrobe doubled as a dressing room and the Dyson hairdryer (with styling attachments) helped tame my humidity-induced hair frizz.

Sleep here is taken seriously with sumptuously soft bedding, triple-glazed windows and a pillow menu. We particularly enjoyed arriving back to a thermos of herbal tea each evening, a thoughtful gift from housekeeping and the perfect antidote after a night on the wine.

The Bulgari Suite is the grande dame of the hotel’s 114 rooms and o ers unrivalled luxury across an entire floor. It has a private kitchen, bespoke wall fabrics by Venetian brand Rubelli and a stunning bathtub carved out of a single block of arabesque marble. It will only set you back £32,000 per night

Dining at the hotel is headed up by Niko Romito, one of Italy’s top chefs and owner of three Michelin-starred Reale in Abruzzo. Il Ristorante on the fifth floor o ers Italian dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The five-course Sharing Menu showcases the best of Romito’s talents and includes an Italian Antipasti, with regional specialities like Lazio beef carpaccio and vitello tonnato, a popular veal dish from Piedmont. The tiramisu was the best we’d ever tried, striking that perfect balance between strong co ee and creaminess. We opted for a wine pairing and the stand-out was a dry and minerally Etna Bianco Superior from Sicily. If you’re

VESTIBULE AUGUSTUS STATUE

BULGARI JUNIOR SUITE

“Low lighting and vintage Bulgari posters make it feel super luxurious”

looking for a nightcap head upstairs to La Terrazza, Bulgari’s spectacular rooftop bar with panoramic views across the city.

Breakfast is served a la carte at Il Café and for guests, it’s served all day…cue lazy mornings in bed and no rushing down for last orders. Nab a table on the plant-filled terrace and settle in with a cappuccino (but not after 12 pm, Italians scorn at milky co ee post-noon). The Eggs Royale with Wild Alaskan Salmon is dainty but delicious and the "Manteca" butter, which arrives inside a cheese curd, tastes spectacular smothered on a warm brioche. Middle Eastern and Asian breakfast dishes can also be ordered.

The hotel's central location in the smart Campo Marzio neighbourhood makes it walkable to top sights, including the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Post exploration head to the Bulgari Spa; the perfect place to unwind. The centrepiece is a huge swimming pool which features eight marble columns, gold mosaics and two fountains. It’s the biggest indoor pool in central Rome and if you fancy doing laps there are swimming goggles and pull buoys to borrow.

The Bulgari is a rare gem of a hotel which seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the timeless recognition of a heritage brand.

The Roman Empire might have taken over 1,000 years to build, but the Bulgari Hotel Roma captured my heart in just a few days. Room rates start at £1,600 per night bulgarihotels.com

IL RISTORANTE NIKO ROMITO

LA TERRAZZA, BULGARI’S SPECTACULAR ROOFTOP BAR

IL CAFÉ

SPA POOL

ISLAND dreaming

Sunshine by day, glamour by night at City of Dreams resort in Cyprus

By SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

The beautiful island of Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia. A relatively short hop (about fourand-a-half hours) from London, it’s famed for its exceptional food and wine, fascinating ancient ruins and vibrant towns. And, perhaps most of all, for its ideal climate with an average of 320 sunshine days a year. According to legend, it’s the original island of love, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the ocean, and it was also once a gift from Roman general Mark Anthony to the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. Undoubtedly, the island has a rich history, and plenty of love has been lavished on it over the centuries.

British Airways have recently introduced direct flights to Larnaca, less than an hour’s drive from our destination: the sparkly new resort of City of Dreams Mediterranean.

Opened in July 2023, the resort has more than 500 rooms and is a striking sight dominating the horizon as we approach, and our anticipation builds. It’s a visual masterpiece, making the most of the views across the stunning coastal landscape. From the moment we’re welcomed into the elegance of the marble lobby, we immediately feel enveloped in the Cypriot dream.

We’re soon escorted to our spacious room by our charming hostess. Everything is new and shiny and so luxurious. But the highlight is our balcony, complete with sofa, table, and chairs and the most spectacular views over the stunning sparkle of the multi-pool complex below and the sea in the distance.

City of Dreams is home to Cyprus's largest pool complex, and we spent many happy hours pool hopping. The four unique pools create an extensive canvas of blue and are designed like a Mediterranean village with interlinking bridges and whitewashed stone arches. There’s a pool for every mood - a wave pool and waterslides for the active-atheart, an adults-only area, and even a beach-

“It’s a visual masterpiece, making the most of the views across the stunning coastal landscape”

style pool with real sand to sink our toes into.

At night, the pools are illuminated with a symphony of lights for a dazzling aquatic display. The hotel, designed around its glitzy casino, which is open 24/7, comes alive after dark with endless entertainment, including musicians, DJs and dancers, theatre shows, and exclusive parties. We love the buzz of the vibrant nightlife that gives City of Dreams a unique energy and sense of fun.

Renu Spa provides the perfect space to unplug and unwind for ultimate daytime relaxation. We enjoyed heavenly massages and time in the sauna, steam room, and relaxation area. There’s also a well-equipped gym and heated indoor pool for serious lengths, where we worked o some calories, which turned out to be a good idea because dining at City of Dreams is a glorious global gastronomic journey.

There are three a la carte restaurants - Anais, which serves gourmet French dishes; pan-Asian Amber Dragon and Mediterranean Olea. There’s also possibly the most staggeringly delightful (and huge) bu et we’ve ever experienced in Aura, celebrating flavours from around the world and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Keen to learn more about Cyprus on our first visit to the island, we visited the fascinating ancient architectural site at Kourion, whose origins date back to the late Bronze Age. We also explored the charming streets and stylish harbour of nearby Limassol, which is lined with restaurants and shops and plenty to discover for a great day out. Both are only a short drive away from our majestic dream resort on Cyprus’ sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. Living the dream indeed.

City of Dreams

British Airways Holidays, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the UK’s leading, largest, and most trusted holiday companies, working with 11,000 hotels globally.

• Summer rates at City of Dreams

Mediterranean start from 405 euros (approx. £350) per room per night [winter rates from 250 euros per room per night]

• British Airways Holidays offers

five nights at 5* City of Dreams

Mediterranean Cyprus Limassol from £599pp  travelling in April 2024. This includes flights from London Heathrow, B&B and a stay in a Premier Mountain View room. Book via British Airways Holidays: City Of Dreams Mediterranean - Limassol - British Airways

• British Airways Holidays offers

five nights at 5* City of Dreams

Mediterranean Cyprus Limassol from £850pp  travelling in June 2023. This includes flights from London Heathrow, B&B and a stay in a Premier Mountain View room. Book via British Airways Holidays: City Of Dreams Mediterranean - Limassol - British Airways

cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en

WEDDINGS AT GOODWOOD HOUSE

Weddings at Goodwood are unparalleled, offering limitless possibilities to ensure that your day is nothing short of perfection.

Goodwood House lies at the heart of the Estate. Surrounded by stunning parkland, its opulent Regency interiors form the backdrop to one of the country’s finest art collections. As a family home it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a wedding here will be a relaxed yet spectacular affair.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR THIS SEASON'S TRIPS

THE ICON ANTLER

British heritage luxury luggage brand Antler has launched the new Icon collection to mark its 110year anniversary. The Icon Stripe carry-on is a light yet sturdy case with well-designed compartments, a comfort handle and a stylish look –plus a lifetime warranty. antler.co.uk

ROLL ON CARL FRIEDRIK

Carl Friedrik’s award-winning robust and lightweight polycarbonate shell Carry-On Pro (£445) weighs in at 4.3kg with a 40L capacity. The smooth-rolling wheels, an easily accessible front pocket and a secure aluminium lock frame make it a ni y option. carlfriedrik.com

BIG BLUE RIMOWA

The Rimowa Essential collection features a series of sophisticated functionalities, from the stagefree telescopic handle and Multiwheel system that ensure a seamless travel experience to its TSA-approved locks. rimowa.com

COMO VA SENSE OF LAKE

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CLEAR CASE TAKE MONDAY

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NURTURING FUTURE SUCCESS

Chepstow House is a co-educational nursery and prep school for pupils aged 2 to 11, delivering a high standard of education in an enriching environment.

www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk

EDUCATION

THE NEXT STEP

DULWICH PREP LONDON

From September 2024, Dulwich Prep London will evolve and become Dulwich Prep & Senior. As the school approaches its 140th anniversary in 2025, it will deepen its commitment to boys’ education with the opening of a senior section. The school will continue offering families a supported transition to senior school at ages 11 and 13, with the option to stay until age 16. dulwichpreplondon.org

STORIES SUCCESS

A love of reading is key to a child’s future success - and it’s down to parents to instil it, says children’s author Camilla Reid

From the moment a child walks into the classroom on their first day of school, a huge emphasis is placed on reading and writing stories. As parents, we quickly accept that this is central to our child’s learning and that a large part of their day will be spent doing one or the other of them. And when they get home, we dutifully help them digest the contents of their book-bags and fill in their reading records.

We all recognise that learning to read and write is a vital skill that every child needs to master. But do we ever stop to question why stories – both the reading and the writing of them – are so important to a child’s success at school? And I wonder whether parents realise that school, and indeed life, is all much, much easier, if we can help our kids to love stories and books from babyhood?

From the moment primitive humans had language, parents have been trying

to teach their o spring the ways of the world – to impart its rules, to warn of its dangers, and to open their eyes to its delights. But every child can spot a lesson at a hundred paces, and from cave-kids to our own little darlings, no one likes being preached to. Of course, the solution that the cave-parents landed on was story. Whether it’s exciting and adventurous, spooky and scary, or funny and silly, a good story has always been the spoonful of sugar that makes the learning medicine go down. A great yarn teaches us about resilience, empathy, tenacity, bravery, patience; it shows us what kind people look like, and what untrustworthy ones are; and stories give us a personal path to follow (with all its twists and turns) to help us drive ourselves towards our goals. In turn, cave-kids would have learned to tell their own internal narratives so that they could start to make sense of the world for themselves – to make order from the chaos, to find their place

within it. And then they, in turn, would learn to communicate those stories back to their fellow humans, so they could express their own desires and needs. Stories work both ways and, put simply, they better ensure our survival.

Cut forward a few thousand years and humans are no longer sitting around campfires telling tales, because now we have the written word and books. And still nothing else competes when it comes to helping us navigate the world for ourselves. Many studies have found that children who read for the love of it – rather than because they’re told to – go on to do better in school (in all subjects, not just English), and are more likely to become happier, healthier, even more financially secure adults. And that’s basically because they’re mainlining stories, which equips them for the world.

So if a love of reading is a key to the modern child’s future success, how do we ensure they acquire that love? Well, the answer is that it’s super easy – but it starts, just like our ancestors, with parents. The key is to share books with a child as early as possible, from at least six months old – even earlier, ideally. Setting

“I wonder whether parents realise that school, and indeed life, is all much, much easier, if we can help our kids to love stories and books from babyhood?”

up reading to be a positive experience is the main thing, so every time we sit down with a book we feel cosy and relaxed –so preferably with the child sitting on the big person’s lap. It’s essential that reading is associated with feeling safe and loved at this stage. While it’s vital that the child has fun, they also need to see that you’re enjoying yourself too, because at this age they take all their cues from you, and your approval is important to them. So pick books that you both get pleasure from, even if it’s for slightly di erent reasons. Finally, reading needs to become a habit, something that you do together every day. Just five minutes is enough (more is better, naturally), but it needs to become knitted into your daily routine and something that you do without thinking. Just like teeth brushing, only much more fun.

I started writing interactive early years books because I noticed that my own daughters preferred the books which seemed to need them – which had flaps to lift, or sliders to push and pull, or even just simple words they were invited to repeat. I now often put mirrors in my books because it literally makes the kid

the star of the story – and they adore this when they’re tiny. The point is that is that, whatever you choose, the child begins to build a personal relationship with books and to see each one as a friend that they trust to deliver fun and interest. It is from this that their love of books – and the path to independent reading – will grow. Though my children read independently from the age of six or seven, my husband and I also continued to read to them right the way through primary school – and I would heartily recommend this. Not only did it allow them to experience more complex writing but it’s a deeply bonding shared experience and now that I have teenagers, I’m incredibly glad we did it. Trust me on this!

Camilla Reid is the award-winning author of books including the Pip and Posy stories (illustrated by Axel Sche er) and the Peekaboo series (illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius). Her new titles, Who’s Cute? and Who’s Sleepy? are illustrated by Nila Aye, and Five Little Ducks and Old Macdonald Had a Farm illustrated by Jill Howarth are published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

Preparing Pupils for Future Success

Falcons School in Putney is a co-educational nursery and prep school for pupils aged 2-11, fostering critical, creative, and independent learning in a supportive environment with exceptional pastoral care.

www.falconsschool.co.uk

CHILDREN HAVE TWO WRITING COMPETITIONS TO INSPIRE THEM

WRITERS’ ROOM

Two competitions taking place this spring give budding young writers, poets and lyricists an opportunity to make their literary mark

Young creatives are being o ered the opportunity to have their talents celebrated in two writing competitions taking place this spring. This is a good opportunity for individuals or class groups to have some creative fun while writing to a tight brief. Both competitions are open now, with closing dates in May. Do read the competition terms and conditions carefully, especially the rules about who can submit entries.

INSPIRED BY A LINE

 The Henrietta Branford Writing

Competition is aimed at all young people who enjoy writing and is run in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award. Anyone under the age of 19 can enter – and this year the challenge is to write a story, poem or song lyrics.

The starting point is Christine Pillainayagam’s book, Ellie Pillai is Brown,

and this line in particular: ‘I think you have presence, something special about you. Something di erent’. Entrants are asked to write about a character who has ‘presence’ or something that makes them stand out.

The tip to entrants from this year’s Award Chair Prue Goodwin is to: “remember that this writing is not a piece of schoolwork, it won’t be marked by the judges, just read to be enjoyed... Try to make the final version as original as possible”.

Six winners will receive signed copies of each of the books shortlisted for the 2023 Branford Boase Award and – best of all – winning stories, poems or song lyrics will be published on the Award website. Now in its 25th year, this competition is supported by independent children’s publisher Walker Books and delivered by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society.

* The closing date is Friday 31st May. See more about the competition at branfordboaseaward.org.uk

WHODUNNIT CHALLENGE

 Agatha Christie’s great-grandson James Prichard and author Kate Mosse are among the judges of a competition celebrating the 2,000th performance of Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall. Now in its seventh year, this classic courtroom drama centres on the trial of Leonard Vole, accused of a dastardly crime for financial gain.

Budding crime writers and whodunnit lovers in Years 7-9 are being invited to write a short thriller of up to 2,000 words – a testing literary challenge requiring fast-paced plot and character development. Entries must be original work, with new characters and plot (so not based on any existing drama/novel or characters by Agatha Christie or any other author). The winner of the prize receives tickets for their class (up to 35 people) to watch a performance of Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall to find out ‘whodunnit’ for themeselves.

* The closing date is Friday 3rd May. To see full entry criteria, visit witnesscountyhall.com/terms-andconditions-2000th-performance

‘WITNESS

FOR THE PROSECUTION’ CAST. PHOTO: SAM BARKER

Nurturing Young Minds

Fulham Pre-Prep School is an independent, co-educational nursery and pre-preparatory school for children aged 3 to 7, o ering a personalised approach to learning in a nurturing environment.

www.fulham.school

LEARNING OUTDOORS

Richard Parker, Head of School at ISL London, discusses the many benefits for its pupils of learning outdoors in a classroom without walls

The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.” So said Margaret McMillan, nursery school pioneer, in 1925. Research from The Children’s Society in 2020 revealed that one in six children between the ages of 5 and 16 is likely to have a mental health problem, and that over the previous three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health issue had increased by 50%.

These numbers have risen since the pandemic, and schools are looking for more ways to support students with mental health concerns, but more importantly, to foster student wellbeing through positive actions. During the pandemic, we all heard about the mood-enhancing benefits of

“Forest School sessions ensure that children grow in self-confidence, as well as developing their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills”

spending time in nature. The reasons are many and varied – including immersion of our senses in the sounds, sights and scents of nature, and the fascination and calm that comes from observing living creatures in their natural habitat.

Formalised outdoor schooling is relatively new despite its simplicity. Forest School originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. This was introduced to the UK in 1993 by a group of nursery nurses from Bridgewater College, Somerset. They had visited a Danish Forest School and were so impressed that they developed their own programme.

At ISL we are fortunate to be on the edge of beautiful Gunnersbury Park, from where we have run our Forest School since 2018 for all

Primary students – more recently, extending to Grade 6 (Year 7) students as ‘Natural Pathways’ study. The Forest School ethos supports children to develop self-esteem, independence and confidence through child-led play in nature. It takes a holistic approach to learning and builds problemsolving skills and creativity, as well as developing basic bushcraft. Getting out of the classroom is so important as it fosters a deep connection and love of nature through play and observations across the seasons. In the rich woodland of the park, children are given time and space to discover things for themselves. Sessions are designed to meet individual needs to ensure that children grow in self-confidence, as well as developing their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills. This hands-on approach is in recognition of the benefits of nature play, especially for the youngest students. Many families are now looking for a more holistic approach to education that emphasises social and emotional skills just as much as academics.

The children particularly love Miley, our Forest School dog, who has an immediate influence on the children’s demeanour. Interacting with dogs improves the students’ sense of responsibility, as well as teaching nurturing skills. Naturebased education can be a fantastic antidote to modern concerns, such as obesity, attention deficit disorders, depression, habitual screen time and the emphasis on stressful and busy schedules.

At ISL, we are firm believers in the importance of combining a traditional school curriculum with open-air learning which has a significant positive impact on student wellbeing.

RICHARD PARKER Head of School ISL London

ISL LONDON PUPILS TAKING LEARNING OUTSIDE

ROBOT TAKEOVER?

The team at North Bridge House (NBH), a family of six London schools, believes that the rise of technology makes human skills and strengths even more critical

With a technology focused future, both science and the arts are more important than ever in developing the workforce of tomorrow. While technical skills will facilitate the continued development of our digital landscape, soft skills such as communication, creativity, and problemsolving are becoming increasingly hard for employers to find. Indeed, companies and universities are now using software to detect whether applications and assessments have been written

by AI systems such as ChatGPT.

“Young adults need to understand technology – using it to complement human skill rather than replace it – and continue to develop the leadership, adaptability and artistic qualities that we focus on here at North Bridge House,” says Headteacher of NBH Senior School in Hampstead, Christopher Jones. Over half of employers find that graduates lack communication skills and 64% of students finish university with below-par critical thinking skills, according to a Cengage / Morning Consult 2018 survey. “AI may be a force to be reckoned with, but the real robot takeover that we, as educators, need to fear, is the takeover of generation alpha if they are not being adequately equipped

with the soft skills needed for our future economy to thrive,” adds Christopher Jones.

NBH’s six schools are focused on preparing pupils for the world into which they will graduate and believes the integration of technology needs to be carefully balanced with their personal development. Every pupil is encouraged to find what the school refers to as their ‘True North’ – a direction in life determined by character traits, interests and talent. “There are certain skills which our students need to develop in order to navigate their futures in this digital age,” says Christopher Jones. This philosophy is central to the NBH approach. Advancements in tech are at their best when those responsible have

TECHNOLOGY IS PART OF LEARNING AT NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE SCHOOLS

the empathy and understanding to appreciate the e ect they’ll have. This means combining technical knowledge with a philosophical approach – which is introduced with the Pre-Prep School’s Philosophy for Children programme. “The algorithms reflect the biases of those that create them, so awareness of inclusion and diversity is more important than ever in STEM subjects,” says Michelle Blaber, NBH Pre-Prep Head of School.

Pupils are given their own device from Year 3, and use of technology is then integrated into lessons in the same way that it facilitates many careers. A love of learning is maximised, with information seeking beyond the curriculum facilitated in the moment, as multimedia study tools create a dynamic learning environment.

“The real robot takeover we need to fear is the takeover of Generation Alpha if they are not equipped with the soft skills needed for our future economy”

“Anyone can use a device and a search engine to develop their knowledge of a subject. We are here to deliver that content in a far more engaging way than any app or website ever could, and to therefore inspire not just the academically gifted, self-starter minority, but the teenage student majority. We are here to show them how to be human,” says Headteacher at NBH Senior School in Canonbury, Islington, Charlotte Tassell-Dent.

Though coding and computer science are subjects that open doors to the industries of tomorrow (and indeed today), NBH Prep School focuses on developing the soft skills that will see their pupils gain a job o er. Good manners, for example, not only make an excellent first impression, but a lasting one. “Pupils are confident when meeting new people because of the positive relationships that we foster within the North Bridge House community,” says Prep School Head Tom Le Tissier.

“Our children are confident when speaking about their weekends with teachers or asking for help in solving a problem, both of which model core communication skills.”

There is no replacement for human-tohuman connection, which is why languages are an important skill of the next generation, too. The ability to build relationships across cultures and continents might be aided by apps and translation tools, but personal understanding cannot be replaced. At NBH, specialist teaching in languages begins at Nursery, with lessons in French and Italian founding the broader range of modern foreign languages delivered at prep and senior level.

A real-world focus involves pupils taking ownership over the part they have to play in the future of the planet, a sentiment that’s central to NBH Senior Canonbury’s ‘Plants, People and the Planet’ enrichment club and to the Prep’s Environmental Council. Fostering appreciation for the natural world develops responsible, global thinkers, with mindsets rooted in the bigger picture. Extra-curricular opportunities further develop the leadership, adaptability and soft skills needed to produce change-makers of the future. “AI is only as powerful as the input it receives,” says Tom Le Tissier.

“We cannot underestimate the power of being human when preparing our students for tomorrow’s job market,” says Brendan Pavey, Executive Headteacher at North Bridge House Schools. “We integrate technology into an increasingly wide-ranging, dynamic and creative learning experience. This promotes the soft skills that will prove just as central to students’ happiness and success as fulfilling their academic potential.”

A REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT EDUCATION

At Frensham, we truly believe that as much, if not more, learning happens outside the classroom as within. A real education is about so much more than accumulating facts and passing tests. Being able to apply knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration to real-world problems and situations

– well, that’s getting much closer. It is a refreshingly different environment which you need to experience first-hand - join us for an open event.

• Co-ed day and boarding with flexible boarding options

• 5 bus routes including a London bus for weekly boarders

• 6 hours creative and performing arts every week

• Over 130 extracurricular clubs

• New Sixth Form Arts Award

• Non-uniform and first-names for everyone

LANGUAGE LEADERS

The

Deputy Master Academic of Dulwich College on the intrinsic value of learning Modern Foreign Languages, and its work to support MFL teaching

With Artificial Intelligence now commonplace and accessible to anyone with a smartphone, Large Language Models

such as ChatGTP can quickly scrape data from the internet and process text in order to provide suggestions for everyone – from head teachers seeking inspiration for assemblies to teenagers looking for shortcuts to more traditional research when writing essays.

It may be tempting, given the direction and magnitude of these radical technological developments, to regard mathematics, physics and computer science as the subjects which best prepare today’s students for further study and the world of work, since they train students in analytical and practical thinking grounded in STEM.

However, it can also be argued that modern and classical languages provide just as important and stimulating a challenge to the intellectually curious, requiring logical thinking, the identification of patterns and anomalies, an appreciation of context and nuance, and no little creativity and imagination. Learning languages also provides the benefit

of unlocking a sense of culture, history and identity, informing disciplines as diverse as psychology, politics and economics.

Understanding ‘other’ languages is also hugely beneficial, of course, to understanding our own language, aiding communication and helping build a linguistic framework against which to weigh the power of words – whether used well, or misused – and in today’s world nothing could be more important than finding clarity, truth and meaning in our own thoughts, and in our relationships with others.

At Dulwich College we are committed to the importance of language learning, with one fifth of the curriculum in Year 7 split across French or Spanish, Chinese and Latin. This gives our pupils a rigorous grounding in three very di erent languages in order to set them up for the study of at least one foreign language to GCSE and, for many, success in languages at A level and beyond.

Typically, 10 of our Year 13 leavers go on to study a degree in linguistics, languages, or with a language component or study abroad, with 2023 university destinations including Philosophy and Spanish, and Italian and Linguistics (both at Oxford), History and Spanish at Bristol, and French and Spanish at St Andrews.

Language learning, of course, requires excellent teachers. Dulwich College is

“MFL are beneficial to understanding our own language – helping build a linguistic framework against which to weigh the power of words”

committed to training the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teachers of tomorrow and is the South East London hub for the National Modern Languages SCITT programme. In our six years as a hub, we have trained over 60 new teachers and helped to tackle the national shortage of MFL teachers.

This programme is fully supported by Dulwich College’s MFL Department who share their wealth of experience and passion for languages with the SCITT trainees. Through this programme, we have developed strong partnerships with around 50 state and independent schools in the local area where our trainees carry out their teaching placements. Many of our trainees are employed by their host schools, which value their strong language skills and the high calibre training that they receive.

In a globalised and increasing fragile geopolitical environment, young people who can forge genuine, human connections with others – without the barriers created by technology – will thrive to their own benefit. This same group will be well placed to find new solutions to the social and economic problems we will continue to face in the years ahead.

DULWICH COLLEGE PUPILS

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Wetherby Preparatory School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 13, providing exceptional education, a comprehensive co-curricular programme, and a focus on character development.

www.wetherbyprep.co.uk

EXAMINING EXAMS

New research by The King Alfred School shines a light on the problems with the current exam-focussed assessment system

The number of voices questioning the dominance of timed, written assessments is growing. In the current system, students could arrive at university having aced every exam they’ve been set, but with no experience of the skills needed to work in a group or of presenting their ideas. The King Alfred School believes young people need to be prepared for the rich variety of tasks on which their degrees will be judged, and which more accurately reflect what they will face in the workplace. They recently commissioned some research, along with Rethinking Assessment,

which shows universities are making ever more use of multi-modal assessments. Of the 240 undergraduate degrees the research looked at, not one used examonly assessments. Instead, they employ a mix of ‘non-traditional’ methods including group work, creative projects and industryrelated assignments alongside exams.

This is why the school has begun to o er their own accredited courses which feature a wider range of assessment methods. They know that they are not alone in taking this step because there was standing room only in a breakout session about School Directed Courses at the recent Next Generation Assessment conference. Delegates were supportive of a change that would mean students being assessed on a wider range

“At The King Alfred School they have developed a GCSE equivalent course called Global Challenges”

of subject-specific, practical, and technical skills and not having their abilities reduced to a series of letters or numbers.

At The King Alfred School they’ve developed a GCSE equivalent course called Global Challenges, which introduces students to big socio-economic, environmental and ethical challenges facing the world, and allows them to develop their own social impact projects. The project-based nature of the course gives them a real-world learning experience and the opportunity to build relevant skills, as well as giving them an accredited ‘Higher Project Qualification’ and a Junior Research Fellowship certificate. Looking at how schools teach and assess students is just one part of the puzzle. Schools need to look at what they record as achievements for our young people too. They need to evidence skills like creativity, spoken communication and collaboration in student learner profiles which provide a much fuller picture of what the student is like as a learner. Core skills and knowledge are vital, but they are only one element of the toolkit needed to move from school into Higher Education, where the assessments are far more diverse.

The King Alfred School is committed to holistic skills development and knows it makes sense. They hope this research will help inspire others to build them into the educational experience earlier.

To read the research and find out more about The King Alfred School, visit kingalfred.org.uk

CALL TO ACTION

Barnardo’s urges people to consider fostering this year

With record numbers of children going into care in the UK, Barnardo’s is urging more people to consider becoming foster carers. We spoke with Barnardo’s South East foster, Jem, who has been fostering for seven years.

Jem says: “I’ve worked with children practically all my working life and worked in a children’s home for nine years in Ealing. That’s where the idea of fostering actually came from, because one of the young ladies who was living in the children’s home said to me, ‘oh why don’t you just foster me or adopt me’ but at that time I

didn’t have enough space to foster.” Jem’s current young person has been with her for nearly six years. “He came to us when he was ten, so we’ve seen so many changes in him,” Jem says. “So, so many changes that I cannot mention because there is so much. Personal care, hygiene, growing up both mentally, physically, and emotionally. Him trusting us and us trusting him. You know, it’s a lovely family unit and it works.”

Jem continues: “I didn’t realise that he’d never seen the sea. So, we’re just planning to go to Bournemouth, and we got there, and he saw this big ocean and he froze. He didn’t know what to do, whether to go forward or go backward. It wasn’t heavy waves, but they were just rolling. At the time I had my great niece, my daughter, and the young chap

SOUTH EAST FOSTER CARER, JEM

we have. My great niece decided that she was going to dip her toes in the water so that then gave him the confidence because she’s younger than him. The next thing we knew he was rolling in the sea, screaming his name, saying ‘I’m having fun! I’m having fun!’ That was just so brilliant that it was the highlight of that trip.

“We take so many things for granted because you take your own children here, there and everywhere and you think, ‘oh they’ve been to the seaside, they know what to see and what the beach looks like, or what a restaurant is like’, but it’s not always the case. So that was brilliant. If I’m going to take anything with me, that will be that moment. It was so magical.”

Do you think you could foster a child? Visit barnardos.org.uk/foster to find out more

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ENROL

Enable your child to benefit from an exceptional education, Wetherby School Kensington has limited spaces available for September 2024.

www.wetherby-kensington.co.uk

application, staying for hours with me after school multiple times per week. I felt a bit guilty taking up so much of their time, but it has all paid o in the end. Thank you!”

RISING STARS

The award-winning St Dunstan’s College celebrates Oxbridge success

St Dunstan’s College in Catford is delighted to announce six students have been o ered places at Oxford and Cambridge. Speaking about the Oxbridge success, Head Nick Hewlett says: “The whole College is delighted with this news, and many congratulations to the students for their hard work and commitment throughout the application process and as they prepare for their final examinations this summer.

“I also want to thank the Futures team for their support during this period,” he adds, “and we look forward to celebrating all our Sixth Formers’ o ers as they come in over the coming weeks. I also look forward to recognising Year 13’s achievements at the Sixth Form Graduation Ceremony next term.”

Samuel, who has been o ered to read Classics at Balliol, Oxford, says: “I am absolutely thrilled, I cannot wait to immerse myself in Literae Humanioresand be taught by the hefty names that populate my bookshelves. My thanks to the school are vast and absolute: without the generous bursary and

scholarship that have allowed me to attend St Dunstan’s, I would have never stepped foot in a Latin classroom nor be in a position to apply to Oxford, let alone receive an o er.

“I am especially grateful to Ms Butryn and her wonderful Classics department,” he adds, “who have unfalteringly shared their passion, encouragement, and support throughout all my time here – as well as theOxbridgeteam for being a steady tiller in the deadline sea.”

Dita, who has been o ered a place to read English Literature at Corpus Christi, Oxford, says: “I was really happy to receive an o er, the interviews had been so enjoyable and so I was just excited at the prospect of being able to continue discussing and learning from these academics. The school has been really thorough in helping us at every stage of the application. Everything was always prepared and thought out well in advance, and we were given lots of guidance for all aspects of the process.”

Susannah, who has been o ered a place to read Psychology at Cambridge, says: “It feels so amazing to have gotten an o er – especially with my friend getting one for the same course. I’m really grateful to all the teachers who helped me with the

Head of Sixth Form, Alex Brewer, says: “We are delighted for them, and the diversity of these subject areas, showing the breadth of A-levels on o er here as part of our St Dunstan’s Sixth Form Diploma. Our programme is flexible, choice driven, forwardthinking and ambitious, and is designed to help students transition successfully to an adulthood of personal flourishing.”

The Oxbridge o ers come at an exciting time for the school. In 2022, St Dunstan’s was named Independent Senior School of the Year at the TES Schools Awards, and last year, was awarded Most Progressive Independent School in London at the Private Education Awards. Last year, St Dunstan’s also celebrated record-breaking A-level results, outside of Covid grading, with 86% of all grades being A*-B and 58% A*/A, with 95% of students gaining places at their chosen universities.

Find out more about bursaries and scholarships at 11+ and 16+ at one of St Dunstan’s upcoming open events. Book now at stdunstans.org.uk

Academically ambitious, independent, co-education for children aged 2 to 18. Situated in 100 acres of historic greenbelt in the heart of Esher, Surrey.

Open events for junior school, senior school and sixth form are available to book now.

Email admissions@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

www.claremontfancourt.co.uk

Scan below for May and June events:

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery in Dulwich is celebrating after a brilliant report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and a Good Schools Guide review, which commends the school as the ‘one to watch’.

The ISI inspection, which was carried out in November 2023, praised Rosemead’s academic approach to learning, pastoral care and support and the positive influence of the school’s values, vision, and leadership.

“A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,” the report explained. “A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.”

ONE TO WATCH

Rosemead Preparatory School celebrates ISI inspection and Good Schools Guide Review

Speaking about the report, Head of Rosemead, Graeme McCa erty, explains: “I am absolutely thrilled to share our outstanding recent inspectionreport with our community. One stand out strength that truly shines through is our highly customised approach to every child’s academic progress. The report highlighted our dedication to tailoring personal learning programs for each child, particularly in subjects like maths, English, VR, and NVR.”

The report comes at an exciting time for Rosemead. Last year, the school announced a merger with St Dunstan’s College joining St Dunstan’s Community of Schools.

St Dunstan’s Group Head, Nick Hewlett, says: “The whole community is delighted with the ISI inspection for Rosemead. The report rightly recognises the outstanding education Rosemead is o ering as one of south London’s leading prep schools. Bringing our schools together has been a wonderful opportunity, allowing our sta and students to work closer together, learning from one another and

enhancing our students’ educational journeys. I am very excited by Rosemead’s future.”

Rosemead is also celebrating after a visit from the Good Schools Guide, which praised the school’s leadership and its future direction. “With a head and sta who are emotionally engaged with, and academically ambitious for, their pupils, there is no doubt that children here are happy and make excellent progress,” the review explained. “They (pupils) are attentive, polite and delightfully entertaining.”

The review adds: “A parent told us, ‘At the age of four, it is impossible to know who your child will be or where his or her interests and strengths will lie at 11.’ Here, the school, parents and children go on that journey of discovery together, so that when the time comes the right choices are made. We think Rosemead is definitely ‘one to watch’ as it carves out a specific niche in this corner of London.”

DISCOVER BRILLIANCE

millfieldschool.com/open-days

Full boarding from age 7

Visit our Somerset campus at our next Open Day on 11 May

PREP AGES 7-13

SENIOR AGES 13-18

SECURE SETTINGS

Safeguarding children online: navigating risks in the digital age

By MATTHEW NEWTON

The online realm presents a wealth of opportunities to learn, connect with family, friends, and have fun. While it o ers many positives, the negative consequences of such reliance on the internet and electronic communications cannot be ignored. In many cases, technology has exposed us to vulnerabilities that were unheard of 20 years ago, a situation exacerbated by the anonymous nature of the online sphere. Online harassment, cyberbullying, sextortion, and cyberstalking – rates of which are all increasing – are just a few of the threats that can have costly, even tragic, consequences,

especially among children and teens who are particularly vulnerable. Protecting children necessitates an open line of communication to raise awareness of the dangers and how to safeguard against them.

Statistics underscore the pervasive nature of online risks among children.

Research indicates that approximately 90% of children aged over eight engage in internet activities, while a staggering 72% have encountered at least one form of cyber threat. A survey conducted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust among individuals aged 16-24 in March 2023 revealed alarming figures: 77% reported experiencing stalking, with a significant 84% of these instances occurring online. Moreover, FBI statistics for the year 2022 disclosed over 7,000 reports

relating to the online sextortion of minors, a number that is likely an underestimate given the prevalent issue of underreporting.

Beyond these threats, we should also consider the reputational issues associated with online behaviour. Children sharing thoughts and views that may come back to haunt them or their family, impacting career and education choices.

The results show that the protection of today’s youth in cyberspace by providers is falling short. Valkyrie has outlined some key actions for parents:

• Foster discussions about online safety and risks.

• Establish digital rules and cybersecurity guidelines in collaboration with your children.

• Enhance the privacy and security settings on social media accounts and be selective about what you share.

• Encourage your children to report suspicious behaviour and speak up if they have any concerns, however embarrassing it may be.

Safeguarding children in the digital age requires concerted e orts from parents, educators, and policymakers. By taking proactive steps and fostering open communication, we can mitigate the risks and create a safer online environment.

Matthew Newton is the Director of Crisis Response at Valkyrie GB Limited, a boutique security company based in central London that o ers tailored security solutions for individuals, businesses, and government organisations. Specialising in cyber security, Technical Surveillance and Countermeasures, investigations, and physical/personal security measures, their services also include crisis management, physical penetration testing, covert surveillance, and security training. Reach them at security@valkyrie.co.uk and see more at valkyrie.co.uk

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PROPERTY

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