Absolutely London Kensington & Chelsea May 2023

WINNER

BEST NEW SPA

THE GOOD SPA AWARDS 2022

With nature as our inspiration, science as our guide and technology as our enabler, we have created the ultimate transformational experience – one that elevates the UK as a global wellness destination.

EXPRESS YOUR WITH DANISH DESIGN FURNITURE

EXTRAORDINARY

LOCATED AT BATTERSEA REACH, HARRODS, FINCHLEY ROAD, NOTTING HILL, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, WESTFIELD LONDON, GUILDFORD, BENTALLS KINGSTON, FENWICK BRENT CROSS AND ST ALBANS

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

GET YOUR SUMMER BODY READY

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF

PENDLE HARTE

MAMA EDITOR

CARLY GLENDINNING

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER

JOSEPH HAISMAN

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

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

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S May issue highlights

We're embarking on a month with three bank holidays in it, and excitement is mounting. There's the coronation, of course, with its extra day off and frenzy of dedicated cakes, cocktails and street parties –and we're hoping it will kick start a summer of sunshine and parties, whatever the economic outlook. This issue focuses on weddings, and what's more optimistic than that? We're finding joy in flowers, floral prints and floral fragrances, and admiring beautiful gowns and stylish hats. We've also been thinking about geraniums, inspired by meeting Cath Kidston and learning about her enduring love for them and the new bodycare collection dedicated to her favourite flower. We also meet Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks and learn about their tribute to the Bahamas, which has made us even more excited for those sunny days. Here's to May.

4

Fine fragrance

Lots of new florals, and old favourites

Geraniums

Cath Kidston's favourite flowers – are they yours too?

Floral designs

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR 2

Coronation cakes

The best thing about the coronation, we believe

We're loving Ellen Merchant's floral designs for Anthropolgie

The new maximalism

How Alice Temperley is leading the way

Wish LIST

VIOLET VESSEL

Featuring generous cups, bubbled stems and bold colour, wine glasses from Ornamental by Lameice come in a variety of bright shades. £95 koibird.com

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

Balmain's Beyoncé collaboration features 16 looks, each inspired by a track on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. This is Cozy. balmain.com

PURPLE HAZE

A collaboration between Barton Perreira and beauty brow stylist Kelley Baker has resulted in these stylish Brow Babe shades, £430.

farfetch.com

MAUVE APPEAL

The Curve vases in gorgeous pastel tones of blush pink and lilac will inject your home with a pop of colour and curve appeal. £68 luxeology.co.uk

BRIGHT SPARK

Copenhagen-based jeweller Sif Jakobs's collections are simple and stylish – we love this pink zirconia pendant, £99 si akobs.uk

PLUM CONDITION

Never worn a turban to bed? Start now – this pure silk hair wrap shields hair against the nightly friction and moisture absorption of bed linen that causes breakages, frizz and split ends. £50 silkelondon.com

LILAC TIME

Primadonna's Palace Garden set features all-over embroidery that runs all the way to the straps, making it as stylish as it is comfortable. ameliesfollies.co.uk

LAVENDER LIGHTING

TWO TONE

Colour experts Caran d'Ache and Paul Smith have teamed up for a new special edition of the iconic 849 pen in fi ve new colour variations. £55 carandache.com

Beautifully so and tactile feathers combine with brass ball chain and a bouclé trim in the showstopping Juliette light, £445. coldharbourlights.com

ENGLISH

ROBE

Orchard Moon's kimonos are so and smooth as silk, but 100% plant-based. Unlike silk, this fabric doesn’t use animals as part of its production process. £260 orchardmoon.com

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

SPECTACLE

Chelsea in Bloom

22-27 MAY, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Chelsea in Bloom, London’s largest free flower festival returns with the theme ‘Flowers on Film’. The streets of Chelsea will be transformed with floral creations taking inspiration from characters and storylines that have graced the big screen, famed cinematic awards and the neighbourhood’s silver screen heritage.

chelseainbloom.co.uk

THEATRE

Bake Off: The Musical

To 13 May

NOEL COWARD THEATRE

Inspired by the TV show, the musical follows eight amateur bakers as they seek to impress the judges and battle their way to be crowned Star Baker. The audience are taken on a sentimental journey of catchy tunes and lively dance numbers as the bakers face trials, tribulations, and baking failures along the way bakeo themusical.com

SCREENING Grenfell Steve McQeen

To 10 May

SERPENTINE SOUTH

In December 2017 artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen made an artwork in response to the fire that took place in June of that year, in which 72 people died. Filming Grenfell Tower before it was covered in hoarding, he sought to create a record of the tragedy. serpentinegalleries.org

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

22 May - 1 July

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT

Born in rather unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button is an old man, not at the end of his life, but at the beginning. Locked away from the world and branded a monster, Benjamin dreams of the chance to live a little life. More than anything, he dreams of love. With no hope of finding it, Benjamin resigns himself to a life of solitude, until, one day, a miracle occurs - the local barmaid, Elowen Keene. But as the years come and go, time and tide threaten to tear the two apart. southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

ART Isaac Julien: What Freedom

Is To Me

Until 20 August

TATE BRITAIN

A a selection of Julien’s groundbreaking early films, examples of his immersive three-screen videos made for the gallery setting, and several of the sculptural multi-screen installations for which he is renowned today. The exhibition will also premiere the artist’s latest film, Once Again... (Statues Never Die) (2022). tate.org.uk

Art

TO WATCH

Why Danny Larsen is a name to remember

Former international snowboarding champion Danny Larsen’s outstanding achievements and technique as a snowboarder are legendary – and he is now becoming equally well known for his breathtaking artworks. Living and working on the edge of a vast forest just outside Oslo, this dramatic natural environment provides Danny with constant inspiration for his work. The philosophy at the heart of Danny’s work is about seeking out the light in the darkness and he uses a neo pointillist style, which allows the artist to detail remarkable depth and the essence of light. His stippling technique, particularly the spacing between dots, allows the artist

YOU WON'T BELIEVE YOUR EYES

Artist-led Kindred Studios is hosting a weekend of art workshops, curated talks, a fashion show and curiosities created by their 70 resident creatives. Exhibitors include Jim Naughten, Lily Bertrand Webb, feminist cartoonist VulgaDrawings and Frieze Artist of the Year Abbas Zahedi. Encounter a two-man Rhino animated by the Warhorse puppeteers, help build a clay-city, try your hand at marbling, join a drumming circle or just enjoy the garden with a slice of cake. kindredstudios.co.uk

to detail intricate depth in the scene; we are shown that the ordinary can be something extraordinary. His almost spiritual response to the natural world and attention to detail are aspects of art Danny likens to snowboarding; both are intrinsically linked to nature, where time loses significance, and the flow of your practice is your sole focus. Danny’s epic career has seen him go from snowboarding in some of the world’s most breath-taking surroundings, to recreating them on the canvas, both connected by notions of isolation, beauty, nature, and a fulfilment through the natural world.

Danny Larsen’s work is available from RedHouse Originals Gallery; redhouseoriginals.com

10-12 MARCH KINDRED STUDIOS, W12

ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT,

SPACE to GROW

Bringing the beauty of gardens to unused spaces on train platforms and the cosy feel of a pub to an inner city balcony are among some of the big ideas planted into the smallest of spaces at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Design duo Amelia Bouquet and Emilie Bausager make their RHS Chelsea debut with The Platform Garden. Inspired by unused overground platform spaces in London, the garden, which features concrete bins as planters and novel ways to harvest rainwater, will eventually be re-homed at a nearby station.

Emma Tipping, who began her career working in an o ce in central London, has designed The St George ‘Alight Here’ Balcony Garden which provides a relaxing, playful space with the character and comfort of a good local pub for young professionals to escape the pressures of modern life.

Julie Haylock, a former sta er at Avon and Somerset Constabulary, has designed a garden inspired by the pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning o ering viewers the walk through time experienced along the Jurassic coast, while Gini DenisonPender, a lawyer specialising in children’s cases who has ventured into garden design, has teamed up with Philippa Craddock and Anna Garner to twin the magic of rainforests and the exciting world of children’s books in their balcony garden, The Doorstep Library Garden: Words Take You Places.

By EVE HERBERT

The Balcony and Container Gardens category returns for its third year at RHS Chelsea and for the first time, all design teams in this section are headed up by women. In this category aiming to assist emerging designers to get a foot in the door at the world’s most prestigious flower show, backgrounds of entrants include serving with the police and public interest law. All ten have been mentored by multi-award winning RHS Chelsea designer Paul Hervey-Brookes. They have incorporated some of the biggest issues facing the nation into their designs, with a wealth of ideas for how people with limited space and resources can incorporate drought-tolerant planting and easy-to-grow edible plants.

Camilla Windsor-Clive has paired with Joanne Edmonds to design a Container Garden acting as a sensory healing space for visually impaired people — a demographic close to Camilla’s heart as her two sons su er from Stargardt disease.

Hervey-Brookes said: “The Balcony and Container Gardens this year do not shy away from the big issues of the day and demonstrate that even the smallest space can have a big impact. From growyour-own to climate resilience, they are packed full of ideas for visitors to try at home to help make their own spaces more productive, resilient, and restorative.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023, sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, opens to the public from 23 to 27 May. rhs.org.uk

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show features an innovative small space garden category

An enchanting openair show for children and adults alike

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

22 July – 28 August visit theatreonkew.co.uk

Photos by Kevin Murphy, from 2017 production

DANCING at LUGHNASA

Brian Friel's 1990 family portrait is revived at the National

By PENDLE HARTE

The vast space of the Olivier transforms brilliantly into a rural Irish landscape, a winding path through long grass leading into the distance. We're in fictional Ballybeg in 1936, where the Industrial Revolution has been slow to arrive and the five adult Mundy sisters live together in the family home. It's a story about family, fate and the passing of time, with a mild sense of impending doom looming throughout. Our narrator Michael (Ardal O'Hanlon) sets the scene – he's telling us about his childhood, in particular the harvest time (lughnasa) of 1936, when two things happened: the family acquired their first wireless, bringing music into the home, and his uncle returned from Africa, where he had been living as a missionary. Michael is a boy of seven at the time, invisible on stage, his adult self watching and narrating.

It's a period of uncertainty for this family, their hand-knitting business threatened by the imminent arrival of factories and Michael's mother Chris's unmarried status marking the sisters out. Maggie (Siobhan McSweeney) is the housekeeper, busy making soda bread and believing that she should really be on the stage, while Chris (Alison Oliver) waits for Michael's father's irregular and unnanounced visits. At the centre of the kitchen is the new wireless, working erratically and bringing occasional bursts of music to the scene, inspiring the sisters to dance. There's a strong sense of sisterly loyalty, and a sense that things are about to change. The future's uncertain, and we return to Michael's narrative to discover what happens next. The family is loosely based on Brian Friel's own mother and aunts, and it's a touching domestic tale, with larger issues playing out in the background. The dancing, when it comes, is a strong display of unity and joy in the face of hardship.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA

To 27 May, Olivier Theatre nationaltheatre.org.uk

“We're in Ballybeg in 1936, where the Industrial Revolution has been slow to arrive”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHAN PERSSON

WHITE The

STUFF

Prepare to be fascinated by milk, the subject of an intriguing new exhibition at the Wellcome Trust

Words EVE HERBERT

Security Bos.” Cow-shaped cream jug. Leeds, Yorkshire, late 18th century. Courtesy of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

Milk is a major exhibition dedicated to exploring our relationship with milk and its place in global politics, society and culture. Featuring over 100 items including historical objects, artworks and new commissions, this is the first museum survey to consider the complexity of this seemingly everyday substance and how it has come to be seen as so central to our perceptions of nutrition and ‘good health.’ It also considers the consequences of the introduction of scientific reforms into farming and motherhood that prioritised standardisation and regulation, and asks what the future of milk might look like.

The exhibition includes contemporary objects and artworks by Julia Bornefeld, Sarah Pucill, Hetain Patel, and Lucy + Jorge Orta,

amongst others, as well as new commissions by Danielle Dean, Jess Dobkin, and Ilana Harris-Babou. It also features a 2023 iteration of Deeper in the Pyramid, Melanie Jackson and Esther Leslie’s major project exploring milk’s seepage into every aspect of our daily lives.

Historical materials include a terracotta model of a mule carrying cheese from the 3rd or 2nd century BC; a 19th century feeding bottle and a large selection of novelty cow creamers from the same era; 20th century advice booklets for mothers; and milk-related ephemera and marketing from the 1930s to today, including government nutritional campaigns and commercial advertising from the dairy industry. Artworks include Evelyn Mary Dunbar’s oil painting Milking Practice with Artificial Udders (1940).

The exhibition examines how milk came to be considered a staple of UK diets. Advertising from the 1920s to present day shows how ideas of purity and safety are

central to milk’s commercial identity, while a late 19th century print from the temperance movement shows how milk has been drawn into the campaigns of social reform.

Lucy + Jorge Orta’s Milk, a series of 16 cast and lacquered aluminium milk containers, shows how people around the world encounter milk as part of their everyday life. Also included are a selection of colourful printed milk bottle tops from the 1940s which show how companies conveyed their

A sculpture of a mother breastfeeding her baby, advertising national childhood week in France. Process print, 1947. Wellcome Collection, London

Let the toddler's first steps -lead to the welfare centre: get expert attention and advice before and a er baby comes, advice on feeding -milk or special food, trained nurses who like children, do what the doctor tells you. Norfolk / Ministry of Health. 1937 – 1938. Wellcome Collection, London

Untitled, Julia Bornefeld, 1995. The artist and ARTantide Gallery, Verona; Galerie Elisabeth & Klaus Thoman, Innsbruck/ Wien. Photo by Helmut Kunde

Milking Practice with Artificial Udders, Evelyn Mary Dunbar, 1940. Courtesy of Imperial War Museums

brand and messaging with almost religious zeal. Express Dairy’s glossy promotional film The Daily Round shows how dairies sought consumer trust by emphasising the scientific rigour of their laboratories; and Marcel Broodthaers’ The Farm Animals (1974) hints at the ways in which cows have been industrialised for optimum e ciency.

From early 20th century formula milk sample tins supplied to doctors by companies such as Glaxo, to the first dietary guidelines produced by the British Medical Association with illustrated daily menus for three weeks, this exhibition examines how milk has been used to exert power as well as to provide care. It shows how milk drinking was constructed as a modern practice, and why it is now seen as essential to a healthy diet.

Milk explores personal experiences of nursing and infant feeding, including Ilana Harris-Babou’s video installation, Let Down Reflex, which uses first-hand testimonies from her mother and sister’s experiences of breastfeeding to consider the complexity and intimacy of black motherhood. Julia Bornefeld’s large-scale hanging sculpture reimagines the maternal body to reflect on the fraught relationship between care and milk extraction. As human milk becomes commercially available, a new commission by Jess Dobkin explores how we negotiate the regulation, politics and ethics of its sale.

Milk has been used as a tool of empire and nationalism due to its long-standing associations with purity and whiteness. Powerful marketing campaigns used images

of white, nuclear families as the face of milk, while the abhorrent theories of well-known eugenicists such as Herbert Hoover sought to make connections between the purity of ‘natural’ milk and ideas of social purity. Newly commissioned for this exhibition is Danielle Dean’s White, an animation reflecting on dairy farming as a colonising force that has reshaped indigenous landscapes in New Zealand. Government pamphlets and propaganda from the 1910s to the early 2000s showcases how milk has played a central role in people’s diets and in national welfare and food programmes. One such example is Ronald Reagan’s ‘Government Cheese’ assistance programme, created following the US government’s purchase of surplus dairy supplies, in which five-pound blocks of processed cheese were distributed to welfare beneficiaries. It became a marker of poverty and class, but also an infamous popular culture icon. Leo Dawson’s documentary DAIRY explores the relationship between contemporary farming, food, government and sustainability, while inviting visitors to reflect on the values on which our food systems are based.

Until 10 September 2023 wellcomecollection.org

“IDEAS OF PURITY AND SAFETY ARE CENTRAL TO MILK’S COMMERCIAL IDENTITY”

Milk, ©Lucy + Jorge Orta / ADAGP Paris, 2022. Reproduced with permission of Lucy + Jorge Orta

The weekly ration for two people, UK, 1943. © IWM (D 14667)

Cow-shaped cream jug. White with blue willowpattern transfer. Courtesy of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

Body Building Foods: These foods contain... Calcium for Bones and Teeth, Protein for Muscular Tissue, Iron for Blood, Ministry of Information, 1954. The National Archives, UK

Milk: The backbone of young Britain. © IWM (Art.IWM PST 4944)

Untold STORIES

Kensington + Chelsea Art Week and and Black Blossoms unveil a new mural for west London

Kensington and Chelsea Art Week and Black Blossoms have unveiled the winning design for a new west London mural, as voted for by the public. The vibrant new largescale public mural belongs to the Untold Stories initiative, part of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.

Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) and curatorial art platform Black Blossoms selected local artists Birungi Kawooya and BOKANI to create a new artwork located on a large hoarding on Freston Road, W10.

After presenting three designs to the public vote, the design titled WE REST was a clear favourite. In this large-scale

“BIRUNGI AND BOKANI COLLABORATE WITH THEIR DIFFERENT AND DISTINCT ART STYLES”

artwork, artists Birungi and BOKANI collaborate with their distinct art styles to inspire the community about how we can relax, rejuvenate, and restore.

The artists worked with participants from the local community at Homefield House Children Centre to explore ideas around rest as a source of nourishment. In response to workshops held with the groups, the artists collaborated to create three artwork designs that drew the attention of the broader community to the many ways rest can manifest and the physical and psychological benefits it can have on individuals.

In this collaborative mural, the dreamscape of BOKANI’s abstract painting provides the perfect space for Birungi’s figures to be free to think, dance, and play in nature but, most importantly, rest. The artists also reflected on their personal and cultural experiences of resting and how in a demanding and capital-driven society, rest becomes a reward.

Both artists challenge this and assert that rest becomes a daily ritual they deserve for their mental, physical and spiritual well-being. They ask viewers of the artwork to breathe slowly, drop their shoulders and use this to reflect, “in what ways will I rest today?”

kcaw.co.uk @kcawlondon black-blossoms.online @blackblossoms.online

DETAIL FROM THE MURAL

BIRUNGI KAWOOYA AND BOKANI

FRESTON ROAD MURAL

ARTISTS AT HOME

West London's popular open studios event Artists at Home celebrates 50 years

West London's popular open studios event

Artists at Home celebrates half a century this year, with its biggest ever cohort of artists opening their doors to visitors.

Artists at Home, sponsored by local estate agents Horton and Garton, is believed to be the longest-running open studios event of its kind in the UK, and it has become a firm favourite with West London residents, and those from further afield.

A total of 97 artists are joining the open studios weekend this year, which spans a swathe of Chiswick, Hammersmith, and Shepherds Bush. They will occupy 70 separate studios between them, so

visitors can see lots of interesting arts and crafts, and chat to their creators. The event was started in in 1973 by renowned artistsJulian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden who lived at Durham Wharf on the river at Chiswick Mall.On the 30th anniversary of Artists At Home Mary Fedden (then 88) wrote: “We never realised we would be starting a local tradition. We had been asked to open by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, who enticed us with a £5 grant for tea and biscuits. Much to our surprise the day was a great success … and gradually more and more artists joined in the scheme.”

Kathryn Davey, Chair of Artists at Home, says: "Artists at Home has certainly matured into a much more involved event over the last 50 years. Our website now attracts visitors from all over the world.

However, we are rooted in West London and our date in the local cultural calendar –the weekend after the Bedford Park Green Days festival – is one of the highlights of early summer. Look out for our studio guides dropping through letterboxes if you live locally; or visit the website to browse our artists and plan your route. We have a fascinating variety of work and 15 new artists joining us this year, so there should be something to please everyone.”

Various locations, 16-18 June artistsathome.co.uk

facebook.com/artistsathome

instagram.com/artistsathome/ twitter.com/ArtistsAtHome

CLARE ARAFA

LUCY FANTHORPE

SMALL TALK

The Kensington Dollshouse Festival is back with its world in miniature

Kensington’s regular festival of all things small returns this month when more than 130 of the world’s top craftsmen working in miniature descend on W8. It is a unique opportunity to meet craftsmen from Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, India and Europe, most of whom do not exhibit at any other events in the UK.

What the show loves in particular are makers that specialise in a very specific area of miniaturism. This year, there are makers specialising in microknitting, dolls house pets, basketry, silverware, tiny ceramics and lots more.

The KDF Summer Show is also the host of the Perfection in Miniature Awards. This has become a major event in the miniaturist’s calendar. Last year’s winner was Mike Sparrow, who created a beautiful Silver Supper Set. All entries are on

display at the show and visitors have the chance to vote for their favourite entries too.

There are also some beautiful completed dolls houses on display by some of our regular visitors to the show, as well as children’s activities to encourage the young generation to be part of this incredible tiny world including the everpopular Marvellous Mouse Hunt & the Gingerbread Craft Club (Saturday afternoon only) where you can learn to make something special for your dolls house.

It really is a fantastic couple of days in London for anyone who loves tiny things and really believes that small IS beautiful.

KENSINGTON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL SUMMER SHOW

12 & 13 MAY

Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX

Tickets £5-£25

Instagram @kensingtondollshouse dollshouseshowcase.com

YOSH SAGI (BELGIUM)

DEBBIEMINIATURES (SWEDEN)

MINIMONKEYS (GERMANY)

“For anyone who loves tiny things and believes that small is beautiful”

FOOD & DRINK

FIT FOR THE KING

HUMMINGBIRD

Hummingbird Bakery is celebrating the coronation of King Charles III with a host of patriotic bakes. There's a Union Jack cake, a postage stamp red velvet layer cake and a whisky bundt cake as well as lots of cupcakes and other goodies. Order now for in-store collection or delivery until 8 May. hummingbird-bakery.com

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By EATALY

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

The Pantelleria estate, a small island o the coast of Southern Italy, is home to Ben Ryè wines. This 2020 wine uses Zibibbo grapes and provides and extraordinary rich bouquet with outstanding aromas obtained from the dried grapes.

This vineyard is located in the north of Italy, which allows for varying climates between day and night. This fresh, subtle wine is light yellow in colour and soft on the palate, o ering a creamy softness with a hint of herbs and spices.

Borgogno - No Name

Borgogno is one of the oldest continuously operating winery in Barolo, Piedmont in the North of Italy. Ethereal, persistent with violet, rose, fresh fruits and spicy hints on the nose this dry, velvety, full-bodied wine is our top pick this season.

EATALY

Eataly hosts intimate guided tastings led by resident wine experts where you can discover the very best Italian wineries and distilleries. eatalyvino.com

German classics

The German Gymnasium has relaunched their first floor Restaurant. Head Chef Alexander Thiel has devised a menu inspired by the German home-cooked dishes he grew up with, on a mission is to challenge preconceptions of German cuisine by bringing a new and refined take on the country’s cooking to the London food scene. Expect a sophisticated, seasonal menu.

germangymnasium.com

Ben Ryè – 2020

Kellerei Cantina TerlanTerlaner Cuvèe Riserva, Nova Domus 2020

GERMAN GYMNASIUM

Green eggs

THOMASINA MIERS

Sign up for Thomasina Miers' online cookery class at Create Academy and learn how to master creations such as this Mexican green egg brunch, and many others, while sharpening your kitchen skills and perfecting your cupboard staples. createacademy.com

CORONATION CAKES

Three of the finest Royal bakes

BOMBAY BEATS

CINNAMON BAZAAR

HUMMINGBIRD

This stamp cake sits on a white drum board finished with purple ribbon. Inside are three layers of red velvet sponge. From £37 hummingbird-bakery.com

French special

WHITCOMB'S

Whitcomb’s at The Londoner has launched a new seasonal menu of French classics. Diners can expect small plates of Steak tartare; Yellowtail carpaccio; and Escargots, served either in ‘Nduja and lemon garlic butter or garlic and parsley butter, along with lots of oysters. whitcombs.co.uk

PATISSERIE VALERIE

Coated with Swiss meringue buttercream, this cake is finished with a red, white, and blue piped crown, golden vanilla macarons, golden pearls, a chocolate crown and a chocolate royal crest. £45 patisserie-valerie.co.uk

TRAFALGAR ST JAMES

A Coronation Tipple Tea is being served at the Trafalgar St James from 4 to 18 May, featuring a King’s Crown Chocolate Cake along with three expert royal themed cocktails trafalgarstjames.com

It’s all about samosas and mimosas at the spicy new Sunday DJ brunch at Cinnamon Bazaar on Covent Garden’s Maiden Lane. Enjoy live Bombay beats courtesy of the restaurant’s resident DJs, a menu bursting with vibrant flavours and spices, plus bottomless drink options, from champagne to cocktails. cinnamon-bazaar.com

TASTES OF PALESTINE

SAMI TAMIMI

Chef, restaurateur and food writer Sami Tamimi has launched a series of online cookery classes, celebrating the culinary heritage of Palestine with his favourite recipes. The small classes are suitable for cooks of any levels and involve real-time guidance for excellent results.

sami-tamimi.com

Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with these Remarkable Royal Reads!

From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller

Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic tribute to our new monarch, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman.

Everyone’s favourite bear is ready for some right royal adventures across the capital in these sparky stories. Packed full of classic Paddington mishaps including missing crown jewels and being mistaken for a London tour guide – but did he remember to pack his emergency marmalade sandwiches?

Paddington illustration © R. W. Alley, 2003

ABSOLUTELY eats out… THE FREAK SCENE

Scott Hallsworth’s fabulous new place in Fulham

By PENDLE HARTE

Clever Australian chef Scott Hallsworth has a cult following. When he first opened Kurobuta ten years ago, everyone loved it immediately for its unusual approach, fusing Japanese cuisine with European flavours and a strong visual style. I still remember being blown away by an aubergine dish all those years ago. Hallsworth’s personal style carried through into the interior, with

its ripped band posters on the walls and rock soundtrack defining his unique vibe. A series of pop-ups and sister restaurants followed, along with a residency at Harvey Nichols – and now he’s taken on a new permanent residency in Parson’s Green and it’s just as good as you’d hope.

Hallsworth is behind the bar when we arrive – it’s a small site, stylishly laid out with large rattan lanterns and neon signs creating a bit of a Blade Runner vibe. On the small menu is a mix of familiar favourites from the Kurobuta era alongside new ideas

along the same theme: everything has an element of surprise to it. Dishes are small, for sharing, and come in a random order – we start with Thai cookies coated in fish sauce caramel, which is a sweet, salty, crunchy treat – and then there’s an amazing black cod in ribbons of intriguingly textured crispy filo pastry, with hot and sour coconut sauce. Salmon sashimi pizza is a throwback to Kurobuta days and clearly back by popular demand as a Hallsworth signature – this is salmon with tru e ponzu and wasabi tobiko arranged as a pizza and cut into quarters – and the memorable miso grilled aubergine doesn’t disappoint either with its soft, caramelised moreishness.

Beef fillet tataki with onion ponzu and garlic crisps is delicate and packed with umami, while grilled pork belly comes with pickled mussels as a deconstructed lettuce wrap. Puddings are insane. Purple passionfruit pavlova was beautiful and unusual, flavoured with yuzu and big on texture. Book now.

THE FREAK SCENE

28 Parsons Green Lane, SW6 freakscenerestaurants.com

“Salmon with tru e ponzu and wasabi tobiko arranged as a pizza and cut into quarters”

CABINET DRINKS

What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

A ROYAL TOAST

Colwith Farm Distillery, Cornwall’s only single estate distillery, and the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery have devised a ‘Crowning Royale’ cocktail in celebration of the coronation. Crafted using Aval Dor Original Cornish Gin, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Myrtle, Tregothnan Earl Grey Tea, and Crème de Cassis, it is topped with fizz, o ering a classic and elegant toast. Order a pack of three for £25. colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk

FABULOUS FIZZ

Once a working farm, the Rathfinny Wine Estate planted their first vines in 2012. The vineyard now encompasses more than 230 acres of primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier in the South Downs National Park. The sparkling wines are matured in the bottle for at least 30 months, allowing the complex flavours to flourish. rathfinnyestate.com

BEE CORP BEESOU

Set to be the new drink of the season, Beesou is the first B Corp aperitif blended with honey from the Cotswolds and is on a mission to help save the bees with 10% of all profits going directly to Bees for Development charity.

The luxury unique blend contains complex notes of cinchona bark and chinotto which give way to a burst of bitter orange and pink grapefruit which rounds into the mellow sweetness of raw honey. beesou.london

SPOTLIGHT

Le Cratère

An organic sparkling rosé grown inside a metorite crater

By EVE HERBERT

Haut-Languedoc fine wine producers, Domaine du Météore have recently discovered that grapes grown in their vineyard, the only vineyard in the world known to be inside a meteorite crater, take their minerality from nano-diamonds created by the impact of a meteor that fell to earth over 10,000 years ago.

The recently launched pale rosé sparkling wine, Le Cratère, captures the essence of wines from another dimension. Le Cratère is an organic ‘methode champenoise’ sparkling rosé wine made in limited quantities (970 bottles) from Syrah grapes, which are all grown inside the 200-metre-wide meteorite crater from which Domaine du Météore takes its name.

Nano-diamonds were formed when the meteorite crashed into the ground with a force equivalent to that of an atomic bomb. Nanodiamonds are found in tiny spherules of the meteorite iron and nickel which can only just be seen by the naked eye and which are present in abundance in the soil in and around the meteorite crater.

Owners, Dr Paul Jenkins and Dr Paul Jarman say: “The distinctive minerality found in the wines, due to the schist soil and high altitude, helped, by a little cosmic space dust from the meteorite, brings an elegance to our wines."

Le Cratère RRP: £28 per bottle. £33 per bottle with wooden bird box. £168 for case of 6. ABV: 13% UK delivery: £5.00 for a bottle; £15 a case domainedumeteore.com

RATHFINNY

COLWITH FARM DISTILLERY

The Indonesian TABLE

An authentic, contemporary approach to Indonesian cooking

Words PETTY PANDEAN-ELLIOTT

Photography by YUKI SUGIURA

Pork Satay with Chilli, Ginger and Lime

Makes 12–14 skewers

Sate Babi Rica-Rica

Origin: Sulawesi

Rica-rica is a sambal from Manado, North Sulawesi. The name translates to ‘chilli’ in the local dialect and, to be expected, this spicy condiment has fiery intensity. The spiciness is also attributed to the red ginger, distinctively coloured, local to Manado and smaller than your typical ginger. You can also try this dish using prawns, chicken or fish fillets.

Preparation: 10 minutes, plus 10 minutes marinating

Cooking: 15–20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the rica-rica:

• 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

• 2 banana shallots, coarsely chopped

• 2–3 red bird’s eye chillies

• 2 large red chillies

• 20 g/3⁄4 oz ginger, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or sunflower oil

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt, to taste

For the satay:

• 600g/1lb5ozpork tenderloin, cut into 2-cm/ 3⁄4-inch cubes

• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

To serve:

• Steamed rice

METHOD

1 Soak 14 long bamboo skewers in water for 1 hour.

2 To make the rica-rica, combine all the ingredients, except the oil, lime and salt, in a blender and blend to a fine paste. Set aside.

3 Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the paste and sauté for 6–7 minutes. Season with lime juice and salt and sauté for another 2 minutes. Set aside.

4 To make the satay, season the pork with salt, half of the rica-rica paste and the lime juice. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

5 Preheat a charcoal barbecue or a griddled (grill) pan over high heat. Thread 4 pieces of pork onto each skewer. Grill the pork for 5–6 minutes, brushing it with marinade and turning often, until cooked through. Transfer the skewers to a plate.

6 Serve as is or with the steamed rice, spiced vegetable stew and the remaining rica-rica.

• 1 ripe mango, cut into 1-cm/ 1⁄2-inch cubes

Prawn

and Seaweed Salad with Spiced Coconut Dressing

Serves 4–6

Lawi Lawi dan Udang Origin: Sulawesi Indonesians are no strangers to the health benefits of seaweed, masterfully preparing it in inventive ways. And this Sulawesi salad is no exception. It’s a winning combination of briny seaweed, succulent prawns and sweet mango lightly dressed in a spicy, creamy coconut dressing. The Balinese have a version of this salad with spices and grated coconut (rujak bulung). The sea grape, sometimes known as ‘green caviar’, is one of my favourites. You can buy sea grapes in specialist shops or online, but for practicality, I have used dried seaweed in this recipe. You could also replace it with samphire (sea asparagus).

Preparation: 25 minutes, plus 20 minutes soaking

Cooking: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the salad:

• 20 g/3⁄4 oz dried wakame or hijiki seaweed

• 2 carrots, coarsely grated

• 2–3 tablespoons coconut oil

• 24 tiger prawns, peeled, deveined and patted dry

• Salt, to taste

• Juice of 2 limes

For the dressing:

• 40 g/11⁄2 oz (1⁄2 cup) unsweetened desiccated coconut

• 100 ml/31⁄2 fl oz (scant 1⁄2 cup) coconut milk

• 3–5 red bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped

• Large bunch of basil, finely chopped

• Salt, to taste

METHOD

1 To make the salad, soak the seaweed in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to rehydrate (or follow the package directions).

2 To make the dressing, combine the coconut and coconut milk in a bowl. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes. Add the chillies and half of the basil and season with salt. Set aside.

3 Drain the seaweed. Add the carrots and mango. Set aside.

4 Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the prawns with salt and lime juice. Add the prawns and sauté for 4 minutes until pink. Transfer to a bowl.

5 Combine the dressing and salad and toss gently. Add the remaining half of the basil and toss again. Top with the prawns and serve immediately.

Vegetable and Miso Noodle Soup

Serves 4

Mie Tek-Tek Sayuran

dengan Tauco

Origin: Modern recipe

I grew up in Jakarta with tek-tek noodles. ‘Tek-tek’ is the rapping sound of a wooden stick hitting the side of the cart, made by street food vendors looking for evening business and keen to attract the attention of hungry patrons. Sadly, online meal delivery services are replacing this great tradition. Simple, quick, and easy to make, mie tek-tek can be prepared in endless variations. I enjoy it with chicken breast, chicken liver or eggs, and I like this version for its ample umami undertones courtesy of the miso. I deliberately omitted sweet soy, relying on the sweetness from the sweetcorn, which also adds vibrant colour to the soup. Finish it with a bit of vinegary tang and chilli heat for a wonderfully memorable meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons miso paste

• 350 g/12 oz (2 cups) sweetcorn

• 2 red bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped

• 250 g/9 oz fresh egg noodles

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 100 g/31⁄2 oz (3 cups) baby spinach

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

• 3 spring onions (scallions), sliced

• 2 tomatoes, cut into 1cm 1 ⁄ 2inch cubes

• 1 quantity Crispy Shallots (page 41, optional)

METHOD

1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Turn the heat o . Add 1 litre/34 fl oz (41⁄4 cups) boiling water to the pan.

2 In a small bowl, combine the miso and 31⁄2 tablespoons hot water and mix well.

3 Put half of the sweetcorn and half the miso mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pan, then add the remaining half of the miso mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the remaining sweetcorn and the chillies.

4 Bring a separate saucepan of water to a boil. Add the fresh noodles and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a bowl of cold water. Drain again. Drizzle the soy sauce over the noodles and mix. Divide the noodles among 4 bowls.

5 Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, or until just wilted. Add the vinegar and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. It should be sweet, sour and spicy with a hint of miso.

6 Ladle the soup over the noodles and top with sweetcorn, spring onions (scallions) and tomatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy shallots, if using.

Extract taken from The Indonesian Table by Petty Pandean-Elliott, published by Phaidon.

“‘Tek-tek’ is the rapping sound of a wooden stick hitting the side of the cart”

FASHION

Renaissance WOMAN

BALMAIN X BEYONCE

This bustier in hammered metal by the sculptor Elie Hirsch comes with matching spiked bracelets and is worn here with a pareo skirt and gloves in black nappa lamb leather. It's all part of Balmain's new Renaissance Couture Collection, with each look inspired by one distinct strand of the overall genius that sets apart Beyonce’s seventh solo album. balmain.com

RAC ES A day at the

Partnering with photographer

Damian Foxe and stylist Luke

Jefferson Day, the new Ascot style guide perfectly encapsulates the zeitgeist of occasionwear dressing for the new season ASCOT.COM/WHAT-TO-WEAR

Doll's Play

Cute and kitsch pieces to take you to Barbie land...

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MELISSA KAYE

18K Pink Gold One-of-a-Kind Lenox Ring, £19,500 melissakayejewelry.com

JENNA BLAKE

18K Yellow Gold Nautical Link Bracelet, Price On Request jennablake.com

MARLO LAZ

14K Yellow Gold Gemma Ring with Alexandrite and Rubies, £5,750 marlolaz.com

LOQUET

14K Diamond Amate Heart Locket, £1,800 loquetlondon.com

CRYSTAL HAZE

Nostalgia Bear Hoop in Lollipop, £35.99 crystalhazejewelry.com

POMELLATO

Nudo 18K Rose and White Gold, Topaz and Diamond Necklace, £3,150 net-a-porter.com

MOUSHE Flowing Love Set, £43 moushedesigns.com

LAUREN RUBINSKI

BFF Lurex and Bead Bracelet, £65 net-a-porter.com

EMILY P. WHEELER

18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, and Enamel Elsa Ring, £1,530 emilypwheeler.com

PINK LADIES

Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks are launching a collection of pink shoes. Absolutely meets them

INDIA HICKS AND PENELOPE CHILVERS

DEVIL'S BACKBONE COWBOY BOOT, £369

Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks are a powerful duo. The two charismatic women seem as though they must have been friends for their entire lives – though they haven’t. But when they did gravitate together, they knew immediately that they had to collaborate. Penelope Chilvers’ successful shoe business and India Hicks’ multi-faceted design career are a winning combination. And they’ve just launched their second project together. After a successful autumn capsule last year designed for ‘tomboys and adventurers,’ the design partnership continues with follow-up collection Pink Sands, whose mantra is “go anywhere, do anything”. Inspired by India’s life in the

Bahamas, it is a whimsical collection that transports us to sunny climes with its dreamy feminine pastels and sandy hues. India and Penelope have produced a capsule of three spring styles: The Devil’s Backbone Cowboy boot in powder pink, The Castaway Heeled Ankle boot in sand suede and the Shifting Sands ballet pump in butter soft leather.

As Patron of the Princes Trust, India is a key ambassador for Women Supporting Women, a passionate group committed to providing the right help to nurture, inspire and empower young women to build their own futures through employment, education, training or by starting their own business. In support of this Penelope and India are pledging £5 from all full-priced sales of this capsule collection to the cause.

Supporting women is a cause close to Chilvers’ heart. As a single mother of two girls, she was driven to start her own business when she found herself unemployable, returning to London from Barcelona in the recession-hit early 1990s. “I created my business around my life, not the other way round,” she says.

“I had some Spanish riding boots, they were handmade and all my girlfriends loved them, so I started like that, I’d go back to the artisan in Seville and put in orders for 10, 20, 30 pairs.” She still sells a similar long tassell boot (Kate Middleton has a pair).

For Hicks, supporting women is just as central to her philosophy. “I’ve had lots of di erent careers. Careers is a loose word. I was brought up to marry a duke. Why would I need to learn to type or do anything? So it came as a surprise to me that women actually could do anything. I went to such a terrible school that it actually closed down. The Princes Trust has a mentor programme and it’s so important for giving women the confidence to do things.”

For the collection, Hicks put together a moodboard featuing elements from the island in the Bahamas where she has lived for the past 27 years and brought up her five children. “It was pantone colours and shells. The island where I live actually has pink sand. I thought it was nice to have an elegant discreet high boot, then to have a pink cowboy boot - we couldn’t resist.”

Penelope Chilvers’ shoes are all about longevity. “We encourage customers to resole and repair – they get better and better with age. And it’s very unlikely that they’ll go out of fashion in a year,” she says.

penelopechilvers.com

“A mantra for the collection is “go anywhere, do anything”

PENELOPE CHILVERS

PINK SANDS MOODBOARD

HEALTH & BEAUTY

GET LIPPY

CHANEL

Ultra hydrating and comfortable to wear, Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick delivers a concentrated pigment for a matte and luminous finish. The formula contains vitamin E for long wear and colour protection and is available in 20 intense shades. chanel.com

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

SMOOTH SKIN

TRILOGY

This multi-functional AHA treatment serum from Trilogy contains LIME PEARL™ extract, which has been proven in the manufacturer’s data to target dullness and uneven skin tone. Leaves the skin feeling smooth and refined. £36.50 counterculturestore.co.uk

CLEAN UP

BYBI

This gentle, oil-based cleanser from BYBI melts away dirt, grease, and make-up, leaving the skin feeling plump and clean. It’s also free from essential oils and fragrance making it a really great product for sensitive skin. £22 counterculturestore.co.uk

SMELLING GOOD

STINK LONDON

A super clever concept, Stink London’s stylish di users are eco-friendly and also reusable. Sign up to the brand’s subscription service and you’ll get a refill pouch through your letterbox every 12 weeks. The scents are all heavenly too. £55 stinklondon.com

Hershesons

A professional approach to hair

Hershesons’ Belgravia site feels uber contemporary. There’s a branch of Farm Girl actually inside the salon and a wall of bright blue Hershesons merch (theirs are the best hairdryers, they say). It’s a large, prominent corner site, bigger and more noticable than its former home in Harvey Nichols, and the salon is buzzing. I’ve been having highlights for many years, so that’s what I booked in for – but colour expert Hannah isn’t sure that’s right. Balayage would be better for my hair, she says – more natural and better for longevity with subtle regrowth. That suits me fine, and she is swift and accurate, painting colour onto my hair freehand. I’m left for about half an hour before I’m washed and introduced to Des, who has ambitious plans for my thin, straggly locks. It’s all about shape, she says. Normally people tell me that layers won’t work for me – too thin, they say. Not Des: she spends a lot of time precision cutting a long graduated fringe that takes into account my slight wave and focusing on making each individual strand sit perfectly – not as in all the same length, but just so that it falls right and absorbs all those annoying baby hairs too. Des really understands shape, you feel, just as Hannah really understands colour. No wonder Hershesons is so busy.

salon is buzzing. I’ve been having

HERSHESONS

8A West Halkin Street, SW1 020 3961 0255 hershesons.com

EDITOR’S PICK

World-class medical treatment. Truly personal care.

123 years of patient centred care in the heart of London.

Treatment centred around you

At King Edward VII’s Hospital, modern medicine and traditional values are combined to provide the very best individualised care. From the warm welcome patients receive at reception to the reassurance we give them as they leave, we aim to make every patient feel like our only patient.

Experts in Women’s Health

Our Women’s Health department includes renowned specialists in:

• Gynaecology

• Endometriosis

• Breast Health

• Menopause

• Pelvic Floor Health

• Rheumatology

Our highly skilled teams will create a uniquely tailored care plan to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

FABLE & MANE MahaMane Smooth & Shine Hair Oil, From £16 fableandmane.com

SHINE ON

The products that will help to give you the silkiest locks

By CARLY GLENDINNING

EDITOR’S PICK

CHÄMPO Leave-in Perfecting Cream, £28 champohaircare.com

ABYSSIAN Superfood Recovery Shampoo, £22 counterculturestore.co.uk

CENTRED. Squishy Scalp Massager, £14 counterculturestore. co.uk

MONPURE Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum, £83 monpure.com

ORIBE Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream, £55 net-a-porter.com

DR. BARBARA STURM Repair Hair Mask, £55 drsturm.com

HAIRSTORY New Wash Original Purple Boost Set, £72 hairstory.com

RAHUA Heat Protectant Shield, £38 rahua.uk

I AM PROUD Clean & Strong Pre-Cleanse Hair Mask, £9.95 iamproud.com

PHOTO: I AM PROUD iamproud.com

TOP PICKS

THE BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR WOMEN

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

IRON BOOST

Women tend to be more susceptible to iron deficiency. Dome’s Iron Assist vitamins contain 12mg of iron in a polyphenol-rich chocolate capsule. £21; domevitamins.com

FEELING APPY

ONE A DAY

Together Health’s Women’s Wholefood Multivitamin delivers a complete vitamin and mineral formulation in a one-a-day capsule. Contains 22 essential nutrients. £10.99; togetherhealth.co.uk

Hypnotherapy app Clementine has meditations and coaching sessions for everything from confidence to sleep

HORMONE SUPPORT

Wild Nutrition’s award-winning daily multi nutrient offers a fullspectrum of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, designed to support healthy hormone cycles, energy, and immune system. £33.50; wildnutrition.com

Like many busy working mums, I find it hard to build in any ‘me moments’ into my day. So the first time I log in Clementine is a Monday morning, after a stressful nursery drop o (my toddler didn’t want to say goodbye to her scooter), and before I face a mountain of emails in my inbox. The app’s cheerful interface instantly makes me smile. I choose the ‘My day, my way’ meditation, and immediately feel calmer as I spend a few minutes ' hugging’ myself and gently tapping my forearms, breathing through the positive a rmations.

Founded by Kim Palmer, Clementine has an extensive menu of meditations to choose from – covering everything from sleep (‘I can sleep deeply at night’) to stress and anxiety (‘My f*cks are mine to give’). There’s also meditations for menopause, including ‘mind-skin rituals’ created in collaboration with No7. Sessions are led by a brilliant panel of four di erent therapists, including Hazel Gale, who is the app’s lead cognitive hypnotherapist.

It isn’t long before I’m hooked, looking forward to having a moment to try a new meditation. And once you’re into it, there’s plenty more to explore. Clementine has

some great coaching courses, including ‘Become a more confident person’ and ‘Become more body confident’. There’s also free online workshops, including a ‘Collective hug event’, a session that includes face massage, tapping, a rmations and visualisation. The app’s thoughtful design makes it easy for me to build meditation time into my day. There’s a ‘walking’ section that I can listen to whilst my daughter naps in the pram, and the ability to set reminders. And the more time I spend on Clementine, the more I realise how much better I feel for it.

clementineapp.com

Your Biggest Day, The Smallest Details

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 155 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.

Celebrate life’s milestones in our opulent Grade II Listed Grand Ballroom, rose-filled Courtyard Garden, or elegant private dining rooms. With menus overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, and a dedicated event specialist to guide you every step of the way, we shall ensure your celebrations are managed to perfection.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA

T (44) 020 7636 1000 | tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com langhamhotels.com/london

Mysical STYLE

LEEZ PRIORY

The inspiration behind Lihi Hod’s new collection Diamonds and Rust is the image of the wild, freespirited woman of the Sixties.

Picture a sexy bohemian aura, mystical moments, wild roses, sweet scented candles, blaring music and fearless dancing into the night. An inspiration that finds its voice in Joan Baez’s soundtrack Diamonds and Rust. Turn on the soundtrack and get into the vibe. lihihod.com

ROMANTIC

VENUE

10

THINGS WE

Absolutely LOVE

A wishlist for a perfect wedding

ETHICAL JEWELS

La Maison Couture x Tomasz Donocik's beautiful Busia Collection will raise funds for the Earthbeat Foundation. lamaisoncouture.com

HATS

OFF

Merve Bayindir's new milinery collection breaks bridal boundaries and caters for a new age of brides. All pieces are handmade in London. mervebayindir.com

FLORAL FASHION

Dried flowers remain the uber stylish choice and Shida Preserved Flower's wedding collections are exquisitely curated to work with all colour themes and styles. These beautiful natural flowers last up to a year and will make a strong statement on the big day. shida.florist

FAB FIZZ

Our recommendation for wedding fizz? Historic French producer Champagne De Saint-Gall has arrived in the UK and the Premier Cru Rosé is delicious. de-saint-gall.com

ZIP IT

Elizabeth Scarlett's wedding pouches have either ‘bride’ or ‘bridesmaid’ embroidered onto the luxurious velvet base in beautiful script lettering. A great gift for a bride or her bridesmaids. elizabethscarlett.com

UNDER COVER

Eres' Oisive range offers a delicate and refined silhouette. Made of silk satin and Leavers lace, the pieces come in a soft, sunny colour palette: Calcaire, a rosy beige; Canisse, a fresh sand yellow; and Muscade, a chestnut brown. eresparis.com

HIGH LIFE

Authentically handcrafted in Spain, these romantic, satin, striped and embroidered espadrilles have high and mid-height rustic,jute wedges that are comfortable and sure-footed for sandy beachesand lush lawns everywhere. penelopechilvers.com

PRETTY DRESS

Aspiga’s first bridesmaid collection features chic, pretty and understated dresses in this season’s on-trend lilac and navy. They are simple tea dresses designed to be worn beyond the wedding, perfect for all summer occasions. aspiga.com

STONE FREE

Rich in texture, Ella Stern's Molten Sow Ring is set with aqua, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, citrine and star set diamond sides in 9ct recycled gold. ellastern.com

STEP UP

Everybody knows that the coolest brides wear Terry de Havilland. The classic platform sandal comes in all shades and metallics. terrydehavilland.com

DIPTIQUE

Eau Papier, £90 diptyqueparis.com

JO MALONE LONDON

Osmanthus Blossom Cologne, £115 jomalone.co.uk

EDITOR’S

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

This is Us, £65.80 zadig-et-voltaire.com

TORY BURCH

Mystic Geranium, £90 spacenk.com

BON PARFUMEUR 803, £81 harveynichols.com

SERGE LUTENS

Tarab, £420 sergelutens.co.uk

ON THE SCENT

All the most romantic fragrances for your wedding day

By PENDLE HARTE

EDENISTE

Dream Lifeboost, £68 harrods.com

ACQUA DI PARMA

Colonia limited edition designed by Samuel Ross, £140 acquadiparma.com

OSTENS

Rose Oil Isparta, £135 ostens.com

ROADS

Neon, £120 roads.co

EAU TRIPLE Mexican Tuberose, £143 selfridges.com

THAMEEN

Fanfare Cologne Elixir, £250 selfridges.com

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

For Her, £76 johnlewis.com

JUST IMAGINE

A stunning mansion house. The beautiful backdrop. The people you love. A perfect moment. A day to remember. Weddings at Coworth Park.

#DCmoments

ROMANCE New

Expect the unexpexted with Lihi Hod's sumptuous new bridal gown collection

We have partnered with Dinny Hall to o er an exclusive Wedding Jewellery

Styling experience worth £500

• The prize is a private appointment in either the Covent Garden or Marylebone store, a glass of fizz while you shop and a £500 voucher to spend on the day.

• To enter please go to absolutely.london/win/competitions

FIND YOUR style B

Win a private Bridal Jewellery styling consultancy session with renowned jeweller Dinny Hall

ritish jeweller Dinny Hall has been leading the way as the most sought after Wedding and Bridal jewellery for almost 40 years. Award-winning and star judge on BBC2's hit jewellery TV show All That Glitters, Dinny is an established design icon that has created many catwalk looks and dressed global VIP's over her extensive career. Cult luxury London department store Liberty launched Dinny Hall at the beginning of her career and still to this day name her as one of the top selling jewellery brands in the store. Renowned for timeless design which spans gemstone rings, wedding, engagement and eternity right through to everyday jewellery such as statement hoops and modern Pearls, Dinny Hall is a

much-loved label that has remained at the forefront of the industry. Their in-house workshop which includes gemologists and goldsmiths will ensure they are on-hand to advise when it comes to all things jewellery.

Dinny Hall now boasts five London stores in the chicest of postcodes; Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Hampstead and Islington - and of course Liberty. Each store is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted jewellery and the perfect place to shop in a relaxed and calm environment when choosing your jewellery for your big day. It’s also the perfect place to find the all important keepsake precious Bridesmaid & Maid of Honour gifts and even a very special treat for your Mum. The private Bridal Jewellery styling appointment is the perfect way to have a dedicated styling consultancy session where you can bring details of your dress, theme and style and our expert will listen, guide and suggest options. You are able to try everything on, take pictures and really have a private session to carefully consider this crucial part of your wedding outfit. The Bridal Jewellery styling sessions are by appointment only, available at the Marylebone and Covent Garden stores. As an extra special experience, Dinny Hall also o ers a 15% discount and glass of fizz while you shop.

dinnyhall.com

SKIN Glowing

Prepare to get wedding photo ready with Dr Kim

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

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

LONGER TERM PLANNING

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

microneedling (Voluderm or Legend M2) can help to volumise and plump the skin, as well as improving overall skin tone. Advanced lipofirm treatments combine skin tightening and muscle toning to lift the SMAS layer of the lower face and enhance the overall lift. Your best results will be seen around three months after a course of collagen induction treatments (although you should see improvements long before). Microneedling with PRP or growth factors is another great option. It looks and sounds intimidating but can be more a ordable and works for most people to improve overall skin tone and tightness. Courses of microneedling for hair restoration can help to improve hair and scalp condition at least six months in advance.

3 TO 6 MONTHS AHEAD

Treatments like chemical peels, antiwrinkle injections, injectable skin boosters

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

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

DAYS TO GO

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

DR KIM

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

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

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

Sopwell House is an enchanting countryside wedding venue that o ers comprehensive wedding packages and bespoke wedding services tailored to every bride’s dream day.

The dazzling white 18th Century manor house comprises 12 acres of private gardens, two restaurants, cocktail bar and lounge, award-winning £14m spa, 15 elegant and adaptable banqueting rooms for up to 300 guests, 128 guestrooms and a collection of 16 privately accessed Mews Suites. Originally an old stable block, the 16 Mews Suites surround a stunning botanical garden with an infinity edged hydrotherapy pool with ceramic detailing as the centrepiece of the stunning bespoke and private gardens. Accessible only via private gates and surrounded by two-metre pleached hornbeam, The Mews provides optimum exclusivity for its guests, with some suites also benefitting from their own private courtyards with sunken hot tubs and wicker seating areas.

Taking rest and relaxation seriously for Brides and Grooms, Sopwell House launched Cottonmill to provide the ultimate global spa experience with the team at Sopwell House travelling the world to research, sample and import the best experiences to a UK countryside setting. From Alpine infinity pools and German thermal baths to hillside medi-spas, Himalayan wellness retreats and Moroccan riads to Japanese sleep pods and cli top Californian spas, Cottonmill is a world class facility combining relaxation, connection with nature and restoration of the senses.

The Sopwell House manicured lawns are the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable summer wedding. A Koi Carp pond and charming arched bridge provide the perfect spot for photography, while an enchanting raised gazebo in the centre of the lawns boasts its own wedding license for magical alfresco ceremonies. Dining options include an indulgent hog roast or BBQ on the terrace.

A dedicated wedding co-ordinator and event manager work with guests to plan every detail in the run up to their big day, as well as being on-hand at the wedding itself. The hotel also boasts a private wedding parking area and reception entrance, plus private staircases to wedding party guestrooms.

The hotel o ers bespoke wedding packages on request, and special guest rates. Dry hire of the St Albans Suite seating up to 280 guests with dancefloor is also available for Indian or Jewish weddings.

SOPWELL HOUSE

Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ, 01727 864477 sopwellhouse.co.uk

Why Sopwell House is perfect for any type of wedding dream you have

© Copyright Skylark Aerial Photography

Spring Fever

Two fabulous venues for a London wedding

The Mitre

HAMPTON COURT

mitrehamptoncourt.com

This 36-bedroom boutique hotel down by the river was the first to be unveiled from the new The Signet Collection and established its status with a Sunday Times Best Hotel 2020 award. Founded by Hector Ross (mastermind behind the Beaverbrook and Bel & The Dragon), the gourmet hangout is set to be a fantastic wedding venue. You’ll find a light-flooded orangery and large terrace looking out over one of the nicest bits of the River Thames, with the world’s first Whispering Angel Boat House Bar o ering stunning views to the water. The jewel in The Mitre’s crown is, no doubt about it, Culinary & Operations Director Ronnie Kimbugwe, a foodie extraordinaire with a clear culinary vision. Wedding packages include Espresso Martinis for the toast, a beautiful bridal suite and munchy midnight feast.

Petersham Nurseries

COVENT GARDEN

petershamnurseries.com/covent-garden

Family owned Petersham Nurseries started out as a greenhouse in Richmond 21 years ago and has organically grown into the Instagramfamous brand it is today – known for superb food and a perfect garden setting. The second location in Covent Garden is a welcome green oasis for bespoke weddings in the heart of the capital’s historic flower-market quarter. The Victorian light-flooded gallery space has twinkling Genoese Chandeliers with modern artwork lining the walls. There’s a beautiful courtyard for alfresco drinks and the in-house florist will ensure The Petersham’s signature wild flowers take centre stage. Always mindful of the Slow Food philosophy, menus are seasonal with an Italian twist, ingredients coming straight from the family farm.

THE MITRE

PETERSHAM NURSERIES

Discover your dream wedding venue on Sunday 14 May. Visit Cowdray Estate's Walled Garden from 12pm to 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 canapés 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 is a country

COWDRAY ESTATE

Don't miss The Walled Garden Wedding Open Day this month

garden wedding venue set against the stunning backdrop of Cowdray Ruins. The Walled Garden sits at the heart of the 16,000-acre Cowdray Estate. Whether your party is an intimate gathering of close friends or a larger, more elaborate celebration, and with endless photo opportunities and romantic backdrops, the stage is set for a captivating wedding. With glorious gardens, a pagoda for outdoor ceremonies and two reception rooms inside the Grade II-listed building, Cowdray can guarantee that you and your guests will have the most magical day making memories to last a lifetime. Inside, accommodating up to 100 guests, both The Castle Room and Courtyard Room, with their exposed stone walls, character, and charm provide a wonderful place to host your ceremony and reception. Upstairs, couples can also make use of the Dressing Room, a bright, relaxing space that o ers the perfect location to get ready together in privacy and comfort, while being able to catch a glimpse of your guests through the window overlooking the garden as they arrive.

Don’t miss your 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 Firebird Events, The Drunken Jockeys and Cherfold Flowers to name but a few. The experienced Cowdray Weddings team will also be on hand to discuss what they can do to make your day that much more special.

RSVP today: cowdray.co.uk/events

“A charming and romantic venue for all seasons”

Grand OCCASION

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

BIG & SMALL WEDDINGS

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

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

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

YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY

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

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

ENJOY A STAY

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to ask about the new value,two-houreco-oriented Civil Service CeremonyWedding offer!

With the ambience of a grand private residence located on Tower Hill with direct views of the Tower of London, Trinity House is a popular venue for weddings and special milestone occasions for up to 130 (seated – 180 standing). The working home of the General Lighthouse Authority of England and Wales, the venue is a treasure trove of maritime artefacts, including the brass bell from the Royal Yacht Britannica, and is available on an exclusive use basis.

Trinity House, Tower Hill - London, EC3N 4DH

• 020 74816931 • venue.enquiries@trinityhouse.co.uk

www.trinityhouse.co.uk/weddings-at-trinity-house.london

TrinityEvents @trinityhouseevents

STYLE Grand

Farnham Castle is the most incredible backdrop for celebrations of all kinds

Farnham Castle is a stunning, historic, multi-awardwinning 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 onsite 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.

FARNHAM CASTLE

Contact the Wedding Team to book a ‘by appointment only’ show-round.

01252 720402

weddings@farnhamcastle.com farnhamcastle.com

MG501 CUBA CHAIR

BY MORTEN GØTTLER

Morten Gøttler | Designed in 1997, Morten Gøttler’s elegant Cuba Chair is a good example of the Scandinavian design heritage and the careful balancing of clarity of form and function. Its light and foldable frame can easily be hung on a wall or placed on a oor stand for convenient storage. MG501 Cuba Chair Outdoor, teak, untreated, £688

BLOHM | DINNER FAMILY

Design by Ditte Blohm

Plates, platters and bowls from £83

CHS | MULTIGLASS

Mouth blown Murano crystal glass

Dark or clear

£46

THE BOOK ABOUT HANS J. WEGNER JUST ONE GOOD CHAIR

£65

Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London

EAST LONDON PARASOL CO

Enhance your outdoor dining area with a beautiful parasol. The East London Parasol Company's stylish creations were inspired by Keralan temple umbrellas, and founder Lucy Ferguson works with local artisans to design a range for exporting. eastlondonparasols.com

STAY IN BED

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

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

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

COPENHAGEN GOTHENBURG LONDON SEOUL STOCKHOLM ZURICH AND OTHER FINE LOCATIONS

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR WAYS

HOUSEOF. X EMMA

GURNER

Houseof has teamed up with interior designer Emma Gurner to create The Contrasting Colour Collection of table lamps, ceiling lights, floor lamps and wall lights.

Emma’s designs are notable for her playful use of colour and incorporating modern style with hints of nostalgia. Alongside houseof’s bold colour palette and retro shapes, the collaboration feels a natural fit. houseof.com

VIENNESE WHIRL

GEBRUDER THONET

Invited to design for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, India Mahdavi extended the Loop family, which already included a lounge chair and a banquette, with a newly designed dining chair and a lounge chair, called Mickey for its characteristic ears that recall those of a mouse. gebruderthonetvienna.com

TAKE FIVE

Vases

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL

Little Treasures

Amethyst Optic Vase, £22 arrtington.co.uk

NEW SHADES

GRAPHENSTONE

Graphenstone, the world's most certifi ed eco paint, has launched two new colours for Spring Summer 2023 - Serpentine blue, a so chalky blue inspired by the trend for wild swimming and Baked Clay, a deep oxide red reminiscent of sun-baked Moroccan earth. graphenstone.co.uk

BERGS POTTER

Willow vase, £73 nordicnest.com

MODERN HISTORY

Nature vase, £20 modern-history.co.uk

CONRAN SHOP

Wide Block Sgraffi to Vase, £160 conranshop.co.uk

FERM LIVING Verso table vase, £95 fermliving.co.uk

DROOL ART

If you’re looking to jazz up your interior and support earlycareer artists, try Drool. With a selection of prints ranging from bold and contemporary, to muted and abstract, Drool offers artists exposure, allowing vibrant, quality giclée prints to be shipped worldwide. drool-art.com

IN THE FRAME TIME PLEASE

HAY

The iconic Wall Clock is a result of a collaboration between HAY and designer Jasper Morrison. It embodies Morrison's talent for creating relevant and straightforward items that fit seamlessly into everyday surroundings. £105 twentytwentyone.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FLOWER POWER

Bring spring inside with these floral accessories

By PENDLE HARTE

WALTON & CO

Pastel

MINDTHEGAP

Woodstock Midsummer

Wild

WALLSAUCE

POOKY

Double Insignia Wall Light With

Archive By Sanderson Design

SOFAS & STUFF

Mulberry Floral Pompadour Spice Sofa, £6,288 sofasandstuff.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Ellen Merchant tray, £32 anthropologie.com

SUMMERILL & BISHOP X FLOWERBX

Tulip tablecloth, from £295 summerillandbishop.com

Floral Runner, £2 waltonshop.co.uk

Flowers Floral Wallpaper by Marina Stupakova, from £37 per m2 wallsauce.com

Floral fabric, £139 per metre mindtheg.com

PRETTY TIFFIN Tiffi n lunchbox, £35 prettytiffi n.co.uk

OHPOPSI

Floral Riot wallpaper in Citrus, £79 ohpopsi.com

BOBBI BECK Tremonti fl oral mural, £29 bobbibeck.com

Shades In Hyacinth Cosmo, £29 pooky.com

A NEW

Absolutely meets Cath Kidston to discuss prints, names and geraniums

By PENDLE HARTE

If you’re a geranium person, you’ll understand what Cath Kidston means when she says that there’s ‘a sort of geranium cult’. These flowers with their distinctive fragrance inspire strong feelings, their scent transporting some people back to their childhoods instantly. If you’re in the cult, you’ll know that the past winter has been a particularly bad one for geraniums and many people lost prized plants to the frost. Not Kidston, though – because she has a greenhouse, and even though she claims not to be a good gardener and not to know when to prune hydrangeas, she is very good at geraniums.

So good in fact that she has set up a new business based on the flowers. Her new range of body care is made up of lotions and oils scented with geraniums from her greenhouse, and I’m meeting her at her pop-up shop in Bloomsbury’s Pentreath and Hall, where she is surrounded by a beautiful display of potted real geraniums and clever paper ones, along with her new collection. Of course it’s not the geraniums that make Cath Kidston a household name. It’s the chain of shops that she set up under her own name in 1993, almost inadvertently, which became a vast global enterprise, hugely profitable in Asia and immediately identifiable for its line in floral prints adorning everything

from ironing board covers to children’s pyjamas to wallpaper. It remains a vast business, but without her: she sold it, along with her name, in 2015. The new range of bath and body products is labelled C. Atherley, using her mother’s name, with no mention of Kidston.

In person, she’s not what you’d expect of a global businesswoman. In fact she’s probably the nicest person you’ll ever meet: smiling, kind, gentle and extremely modest. She tells me that her first shop in Clarendon Cross was entirely di erent from the Cath Kidston stores that came later. Really it was a junk shop, selling random things that Cath had made or found and repurposed. “I’d had a business before doing interiors and I sold curtain poles and fittings, then I had an idea. In the 80s a lot of people tried to have formal Victorian dining rooms and old fashioned chintzy tastes, but that era was changing and I thought, what do my friends want? They want a kitchen living room with a table that kids can play at, a family-friendly space, plastic oilcloth tablecloths that kids could make a mess on. I was going to car boot sales and buying old bits of painted furniture - just things that were fun for young people’s

homes, mixing your granny’s sideboard with an Ikea table. I’d make cushions with old fabrics. So it began as a junk shop really.” The first product that really sold was a padded ironing board cover. “I had a tiny flat with the ironing board on the back of the door and I thought, why not have a nice cover?” So she made one and that became the first thing that really paid the rent. “Gradually it grew and I gave up the interior design to focus on the shop.”

Putting her name on the shop was at first just about drawing attention to her existing interiors business. “I just needed people to look me up in the phone book –but then it was too late to take the name away. I never expected it to grow.” Now she can’t use my name for a business ever again. Is that weird? She’s philosophical about it. “I’m so used to it. I was very lucky with that business and I benefited from it so much. You don’t get anything for nothing. When I left I thought I’d just let it go, and keep my proud happy memories” She’s not the only person to give up her name in that way. “I saw the Laura Ashley family ahead of me – there’s a club of us. It’s not a bad club to be in if you see it in perspective really is it? By the end I was working in a very big

company with about 250 franchises in Asia. I’d never seen myself doing that.”

Severing her ties with the business she’d dedicated herself to for so long created a big life change – and at first she threw herself into decorating her house in Gloucestershire. “I loved seeing so much sky after having been in an o ce for so long.” Soon she realised that she needed some sort of channel for her ideas. “All my references are to do with work so if see something exciting I’ll always think of some way of using it. But one day in India I saw the most beautiful design and it struck me that I had nothing to do with it.” Needing some way of being creative, she set up a small print studio. “It awakened in me a thought of how fun it was to be creative again. If you’re a designer it ‘s

“ Now I’m probably back to where I was 30 or 40 years ago, looking at 18th century print archives”

really nice to evolve your ideas and now I’m probably back to where I was 30 or 40 years ago looking at 18th century archives and things. A lot of brands are interested in traditional stu with a new twist now and I like brands that are really edited.”

While the Cath Kidston brand was very much associated with florals, Kidston herself isn’t someone whose house is filled with blousy prints. “I have always loved flowers - but not just in print, I love fresh flowers in the house. I love the odd flowery

shapes rather than frilly things; I like plain bones to things.” She has a London house too, near the old Clarendon Cross shop, and she says: “it’s a traditional house but also quite modern – the kitchen is contemporary with pale wood floor and units, but also an old fireplace and Delft tiles. I love collecting pictures in auctions and car boot sales.”

Having her small creative team around her is a source of joy. “I’m 64 so I've seen a lot and I like being able to share that with my team, who are half my age and know all kinds of things I don’t.” The new range is made in partnership with Heathcote and Ivory, which is run by old friends of hers, and the geranium products are packaged with simple, bold designs and lovely illustrations by her younger colleagues.

dress. My business started with a big rose print, then a gingham print with roses that I’d found in Czechoslovakia. But in my home there aren’t that many. I’ve got a four poster bed painted bright red and the backdrop is floral but the rest is plain. I have some floral paintings, and a floral chintz seat in a chair but not full on floral. Much as I love print, I like things being quite simple. I love

For Kidston, her own sense of style is at the core of all her projects. “It’s about atmosphere, I want somewhere that feels welcoming. Not the fashion of the moment. I like houses where people have lived for a long time. Slowly slowly. It might take ages.”

C.Atherley is hosting a pop-up store at Anthropologie in King’s Road in May; she will be in conversation with Fiona McCarthy at the store on 1 June. Tickets are free at Eventbrite. c-atherley.com

“Much as I love print, I like things to be quite simple”

CATH KIDSTON IN HER GREENHOUSE

TO THE MAX

How Alice Temperley and Emily Mould joined forces to create a world of floral maximalism

Words EVE HERBERT

When Alice Temperly and Emily Mould teamed up with a mutual desire to fill the world with beautiful things, it was clear that pairing their design houses would cause a stir. Temperley London’s founder and creative director, Alice Temperley MBE and the Romo Group’s director of design and excellence, Emily Mould, share a passion for design and ethos for quality that has reulted in a unique partnership.

Inspired and excited to experience each other’s worlds, the two studios delved into the Temperley design archives that span the last two decades and found an abundance of handpainted prints, intricate embroideries and delicate detailing. After much deliberation a selection of pieces were chosen and the reimagination began. Working together, the two studios maintained the essence

of a Temperley fashion piece and translated it into an interior masterpiece, capturing the intricacies of shimmering beads and sequins with glimmering metallics and recreating delicate embroideries as large-scale works of art.

The five new collections narrate a fantastical story in striking wallcoverings, indulgent velvets, fluid satins and luxurious weaves adorned with leaping leopards and swinging monkeys. Opulent palms, bursting blooms of colour, and swirling seas of marble create an evocative and heady landscape, decadently embellished by extravagant, bohemian trims. The Temperley love of leopard print makes its mark in a plethora of finishes, scales and colours. A luxurious plain velvet in a rich colour palette complements the collections, adding an equilibrium to the partnership’s maximalist aesthetic.

Inspired by the Temperley archive, a haberdashery of trims includes classic passementerie brush fringes, twist cords and key tassels as well as embellished flat weave trims. Taking a maximalist approach, the eccentricity continues with an o ering of cushions, where luxurious qualities and bold prints have been perfectly paired with grandiose fringes.

This partnership brings a new lease of life to much-loved designs that will live in people’s homes for years to come. “There’s something

for everyone in the collection - from the ‘neutral’ leopard which goes with absolutely everything or the bolder prints that are evocative and heady, each design can stand alone or be layered together to create depth and atmosphere in a room,” says Alice. Emily adds: “It was like being a child in a sweet shop, seeing all these beautiful fabrics and intricate details that had been carefully hand stitched. There were a couple of designs that instantly stood out to me, the Euphoria monkey print being one of them, I could just see it being a perfect fit for the Romo customer.”

Alice Temperley MBE founded her eponymous label Temperley London in 2000, a year after graduating from the Royal College of Art. With a modern elegance shaped by virtuoso craftsmanship, extraordinary fabrics and a resolutely British bohemianism, Temperley London is a lifestyle, with a transportive power to another world. Meanwhile, Romo is renowned for its assorted library of classic and contemporary designs.

“A fantastical story in indulgent velvets, fluid satins and luxurious weaves”

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OPEN AIR

SITTING PRETTY

SAZY

Stylish furniture is a must. We love this curved wood and metal Manila set, which is comfortable and hard-wearing with waterproof fabric and a sturdy feel. £1,200. sazy.com

SQUARE DANCE

HAY

Hannes & Fritz’s Weekday set was inspired by the idea of bringing people together. Combining a solid, robust presence with so ly rounded joints, it evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity. Table £819 scp.co.uk

LIGHT UP HOUSEOF.

Houseof's new outdoor lantern is an update to the traditional lantern style, with deconstructed walls and an illuminating glass globe. This IP44-rated wall light is waterproof and robust. houseof.com

IN THE ROUND DANETTI

Round tables are perfect for entertaining as they create a more sociable and intimate feel. The Lochlan's eucalyptus solid wood top is durable and the integrated parasol hole means you can add an umbrella. £999 danetti.com

PRINT RUN ANTHROPOLOGIE

Cra ed from lightweight gauze, Ellen Merchant's throws are inspired by a love of antique textiles and botanical forms. Each hand-drawn print from her studio showcases original patterns and colourful designs. £98 anthropologie.com

IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SUMME

LET IT GROW

Following a showstopping year in 2022, the Houseplant Studios area returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month

Malvern Garden Buildings have supplied the garden studios for the plateau in Ranelagh Gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for almost a decade. Last year, they became home to six houseplant specialists, who showed visitors to RHS Chelsea how they too could bring the splendour of growing to interior spaces. Malvern Garden Buildings’ Planet Studio, designed by James Whiting of @Plantsbythere, won Gold and the accolade of Best Houseplant Studio.

With the trend for houseplants showing no signs of slowing down, this year five new houseplant enthusiasts will use the garden studios to showcase their designs and give visitors the inspiration to create plant-filled rooms of their own.

Beards & Daisies, founded by Jo Lambell, will create Plant School. The design will showcase Planting the Future, inspired by the work of two of the greatest environmental campaigners of our timeDavid Attenborough and Greta Thunberg.

Jo’s garden will be a nostalgic nod to 80s and 90s primary schools, while taking a look at how schools might operate in the future, with pedal-powered lighting, a vertical grow-your-own-produce patch and moodboosting plants to help keep pupils focused.

Also in show will be Geb & Green with their laundry room family home design; Steam. Clean. Plant. Repeat. Their garden will raise awareness of how the UK houseplant industry can be more environmentally friendly and showcase a solution to how existing growing practices can be changed to reduce their significant carbon footprint.

Plant care and growing guidance will be shared in a fun way reflecting laundry care guidance.

Geb & Green’s design will leave visitors feeling educated and empowered to make a change.

Will Clayton, one of the founders of Geb & Green, said: “Many people simply don’t know that houseplants are contributing to climate change by using peat as a growing medium. The studio provided by Malvern Garden Buildings is the ideal space for us to demonstrate to visitors how to grow their houseplants sustainably.”

London-based Botanical Boys, along with Leeds-based GrowTropicals and Lincolnshire-based Tropical Plants UK will also be exhibiting their designs.

Andrew Peck, Managing Director at Malvern Garden Buildings, is excited to see how the buildings will be utilised by the designers this year:

“The Houseplant Studios area was an amazing spectacle last year and we’re looking forward to seeing the wonderful spaces that the designers will create this year.”

To find out more about the RHS Chelsea 2023 Houseplant Studios and the designers, head to: malverngardenbuildings.co.uk/chelsea

MALVERN GARDEN BUILDINGS

Greater London: Squire’s Garden Centre, Shepperton, TW17 8SG 01932 783999 | shepperton@malverngb.co.uk malverngardenbuildings.co.uk

“Many people simply don’t know that houseplants are contributing to climate change”

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BEE STRONG

CJ Wildlife reccomends five plants to include in your garden for pollinators

Britain’s bee and butterfly populations are in decline, so there has never been a more important time to fill garden beds, plant pots and balcony spaces with nectarrich plants for pollinators. With reports from the IUCN list stating that 24% of Europe’s bumblebee species are now threatened with extinction, and the State of UK Butterflies 2022 report summarising that long-term trends show an 80% decline in butterfly species since the 1970’s, choosing the right plants to attract bees and butterflies is crucial for their survival.

BUDDLEJA

Buddleja, also known as the butterfly bush, is a beautiful fragrant plant and a favourite nectar source for butterflies. Flowers come in a variety of vibrant colours including blue, purple, pink and white. Sit back and watch the butterflies flock. As buddleja is not a native plant, it can swamp the garden, so keep it in pots and prune it regularly.

RUDBECKIA

Rudbeckia, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a pollinator’s heaven. These beautiful daisy-like flowers will grow in almost any soil conditions, reaching heights of around 60cm. Its bright yellow petals attract pollinators to its nectar and pollen-rich centre, providing a sturdy platform for butterflies to land on.

LAVENDER

Lavender is a popular aromatic, perennial plant loved by bees and butterflies alike. Its beautiful fragrant summer flowers, known for their shades of purple, blue, pink and white, are a hive of activity during the warmer months. These hardy, drought-tolerant plants are happy in well-drained soil and thrive in containers, gravel gardens and sunny balconies.

ROSES

Roses are a lovely addition to any garden, though some roses are more suitable for pollinators than others. Natural roses such as the dog rose and CJ Wildlife’s Bee Perfect

Rose are ideal due to their open flowers. The positioning of the petals creates the perfect shape for bees to easily access the pollen and nectar at the centre of the flower. Plant roses in late autumn, ready for flowering from June until September.

SUNFLOWERS

Sunflowers are a treat for the eyes in any garden and are also the perfect feast for bees and butterflies. Two varieties recommended by the RHS are the common sunflower and the cucumber leaf sunflower. Nectar and pollen produced by sunflowers are sought after by honeybees and bumblebees, especially during autumn when there are fewer pollen sources available.

WILDFLOWERS

In addition to these wonderful pollinatorfriendly plants, another easy way to add colour and nectar to your garden is by scattering wildflower seeds. Simply scatter the seeds, rake into the soil, and wait for your beautiful wildflower patch to blossom.

SOFA to GO

Celebrating 50 years of Ligne Roset’s iconic Togo

By EVE HERBERT

LIGNE ROSET'S ICONIC TOGO

Ligne Roset’s iconic Togo sofa was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973, the year the brand launched. And now, 50 years on, it is still being produced in the factories in Briord, a small village in the Bugey region, in the foothills of the Jura mountains. Born in 1925, French designer Michel Ducaroy was raised in a family of designers and makers of contemporary furniture who were commissioned by the Chaleyssin factory which most notably supplied furniture for the liner SS Normandie. Michel Ducaroy cut his teeth in the family business before studying in the faculty of sculpture at the École Supérieure Nationale des Beaux Arts de Lyon. His 1960 meeting with Jean Roset (1920 – 1999) was to be pivotal. Founded by Antoine Roset in 1860 between Lyon and Geneva for the purpose of manufacturing parasol handles and walking sticks in turned beech, the Roset company first diversified into making chairs, and then furniture. In the postwar years, Jean Roset turned to the contract market, developing ranges of furniture for civil hospitals in Lyon, bedroom furniture for halls of residence and furniture for other civil buildings. It was at this time that Michel Ducaroy designed a range of furniture for young people (chambre DN) along with numerous chairs, settees and pieces of furniture for public facilities. The creative explosion of the 1970s caused Jean Roset to refocus his company’s activities on the domestic market. Swift changes in social attitudes and the advent of new materials (foams, quilting,

“Its crumpled, newborn appearance and Shar-Pei wrinkles earned it more than a few doubtful looks”

thermoformed plastics) drove Jean Roset and Michel Ducaroy to develop new production techniques. After Adria, the first all-foam range of modular seating with very low seats, came numerous other models. But it was the Togo “seat-cushion”, presented at the Salon des Arts Ménagers in Paris in 1973, which was to earn Michel Ducaroy his celebrity. Its crumpled, newborn appearance and Shar-Pei wrinkles earned it more than a few doubtful looks from professionals and public alike. The organisers of the fair, however, were su ciently inspired to award Michel Ducaroy the René-Gabriel prize, which recognized “ innovative and democratic furniture”. This new freedom enabled him to translate his vision all the way from “a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends,” as he often described the sources of his inspiration for Togo. The hippie generation quickly seized on it as a place to curl up and enjoy their new idleness and aspirations to being di erent.

A bête de mode (“fashion behemoth”) for 50 years, acquiring no wrinkles along the way other than those in its fabric or leather covering, it has turned up in many hotels (The Ja a Hotel in Tel Aviv, Les Sources de Cherveny in Cheverny, Mi Hotel Suites in Lyon, Hotel Alpina in Chamonix, Go Native Hyde Park in London, Standard Hotel in Hollywood throughout the existence of this hotel) and in the homes of the global style set. Togo went on to achieve sales of close to 1.5 million pieces in 72 countries. The cult piece of the 70s with its floor-level seat, emblematic of Ligne Roset's revolutionary modernity, Togo has become the brand’s star product and uncontested

bestseller. For its 50th anniversary, it is dressed up in two limited-edition coverings: Atom by Kvadrat and La Toile du Peintre by Pierre Frey. Imagined by the Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons for Kvadrat, Atom is a vibrant and experimental bouclé fabric with no visible repeat, inspired by fragments of pointillist landscapes in expressionist paintings. With La Toile du Peintre by Pierre Frey, Togo is adorned with a contemporary tapestry with a large graphic pattern and vibrant colours that reinterprets a work by painter Heather Chontos.

LA TOILE DU PEINTRE BY PIERRE FREY

1980S TOGO

“The hippie generation quickly seized on it as a place to curl up and enjoy their new idleness”

MANUFACTURING THE TOGO

FASHION

BEDSIDE

“THE CLASSIC HOUNDSTOOTH PATTERN IS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTIAN DIOR AND JACKIE KENNEDY”

Carpe Diem Beds, the designer brand that creates unique and well-designed bedroom environments you never want to leave, has introduced fashion into its mix. This spring a Design Edition for 2023 launches, featuring the classic houndstooth pattern associated with Christian Dior and Jackie Kennedy, fusing French luxury with Carpe Diem Beds’ Swedish heritage. A perfect blend of chic aesthetics and top-modern Swedish craftsmanship.

Carpe Diem Beds has been developing beds for over 25 years with the goal of creating a feeling of near weightlessness and amazing comfort. The founder, Börje Thuleskär, used knowledge from his chiropractor profession and collaborated with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg to lay the foundation for the first models and Carpe Diem Beds' patented Contour Pocket System. Carpe Diem Beds is much more than a bed, it is a lifestyle brand that puts focus on the entire design experience. The beds are designed to be as beautiful to look at as they are comfortable. A complete design experience for the bedroom that allows you to create an individual retreat in which you can relax completely.

Words EVE HERBERT

Now the French world of fashion is united with the beautiful and natural Swedish aura that Carpe Diem Beds represents. The Design Edition 2023 is a design edition inspired by Carpe Diem Beds' Swedish heritage and the graphic tones characterising the nature around the country’s west coast, and the exclusive feeling reinforced by the classic houndstooth patterned textile with strong roots in French fashion houses like Christian Dior. An elegant and timeless classic that never goes out of style – the perfect match with Carpe Diem Beds' soul and range. “With this Design Edition 2023 in the classic houndstooth pattern, we combine qualities from the world of fashion with high recognition that exudes the same timeless and at the same time eternally modern design, with our vision of a bedroom so appealing, timeless, and elegant that you never want to leave it,” says Nanna Backman Head of Product Development at Carpe Diem Beds.

In addition to the design edition of the Sandö continental bed, the classic French pattern will be applied to a dog bed, throw pillows, and footstool/pou e, too. Everything designed to o er you the complete bedroom experience.

carpediembeds.co.uk has concessions in Harrods and Heals, plus a shop at 15 Wigmore Street, W1

French luxury crowns the perfect design experience at Carpe Diem Beds

SLEEP TIGHT

COOL DOWN

BED THREADS

Buttery so , pre-washed, and designed to last, Bed Threads' pure 100% French Flax Linen Bedding Set in Limoncello makes the whole bed feel like the cool side of the pillow. From £220 bedthreads.com

SUMMER NIGHTS

SECRET LINEN STORE

Kitty McCall’s joyful and vibrant Summer Garden designs enhance this European 100% linen bedding. Pair with gorgeously green coordinating throws and cushion covers for bedtime perfection. From £199 secretlinenstore.com

SWEET DREAMS

SCOOMS

This is the ultimate Hungarian goose down duvet. Sleep under a cloud all year round thanks to the clever four season approach: a 9 tog duvet and a 4.5 one can be used together or separately to ensure the right temperature at all times. Dreamy. From £250 scooms.com

COUNTING SHEEP

THE WOOL ROOM

Wool is a fantastic material for bedding – and not just in winter. Year-round comfort comes from its naturally cooling properties – try a wool mattress topper or a wool duvet and you'll soon be converted. thewoolroom.com

STITCH UP ANTHROPOLOGIE

Ellen Merchant's beautiful printed quilts are inspired by her love of antique textiles and botanical forms and fi nished with delicate, hand-stitched kantha. From £198 anthropologie.com

BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM

Refresh your home with new curtains and blinds made from a wonderful collection of fabrics, including designers Sanderson, Harlequin, Romo and more

Bespoke Luxaflex blinds including SmartHome integration

Browse and buy our gifts online at www.curtain-call.co.uk

Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • www.curtain-call.co.uk info@curtain-call.co.uk

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RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims are available. We offer a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpets - even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.

UNDER COVER

Markilux presents its designer awnings in a larger showroom

Last autumn Markilux renovated its London showroom in the Business Design Center in Islington. A diverse range of awning systems can now be experienced up close in almost twice the space. This creative environment is the ideal place to show the modern and stylish product range. Markilux has been exhibiting its awning systems in the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, for seven years now. With the opportunity to expand the showroom, the company can now show considerably more products on an area of around 140 square metres.

LARGE VARIETY OF AWNINGS

This includes several folding-arm awning models and the whole range of the attractive, modern designed MX series. Vertical roller blinds and side screens as well as the fabric collection are also on display. Due to the fact that the showroom o ers more space, visitors can now also take a closer look at awning systems for particularly large areas. The new location therefore o ers plenty of inspiration for designing the garden and terraces in a homely way with modern sun and weather protection.

markilux.com

SPRING FEVER

How to refresh your home and garden for spring

Bright, birdsong-filled mornings; sun-dappled afternoon and evenings that stretch out beautifully—spring is a wonderful time of year.

It’s only natural, then, that we should want to celebrate it and capture some spring with a new look around the home.

With more than 70 years of experience designing and producing furniture, BoConcept have plenty of tips and tricks when it comes to home design. Here they share some tips on making the inside and outside of your house look its best once spring arrives.

HOW DO I DECORATE MY LIVING ROOM FOR SPRING?

Theliving roomoften sets the tone for your whole home, so if you want to invite spring in, there’s no better place to do it.

Giving pride of place to spring flowers like dahlias and hydrangeas—in astylish vase— will definitely bring the outdoors inside.

If you introduce some brilliantly white furniture, not only will you make the most of the spring light, but those flowers will provide a stunning splash of colour by contrast.

And carefully chosen statement furniture can do the same. For instance, you might pair a whitewashedbookcasewith a soft green or slate bluearmchair. What could be better than sitting back with a book on a spring evening?

Whatever additions you make to the living room, white and blue are refreshing colours for the spring. They bring to mind the sea and all things nautical, instinctively relaxing us.

HOW DO I DECORATE MY BTEDROOM FOR SPRING?

The sun floods in through your window early in the morning—and, as it sets, it leaves a show-stopping blend of hues in the evening. Spring certainly showsbedroomsin their best morning light.

To match nature’s mood outside, you need to make changes inside. It’s time for light colours and materials. Thinklinen cushionsand rounded, carefree forms that verge on the bohemian—nothing too sharp. Of course, rattan furniture is a classic spring look, while lighter, distressed woods also conjure images of spring getaways.

Aside from aesthetics, however, there are practical issues to consider. First and foremost is comfort. Higher temperatures mean that you’ll want lighter, more breathable fabrics andthrowson your bed, which extends to the sheets underneath. You won’t be needing those thick, knitted blankets and rugs until the heating goes back on in autumn.

Yet you might want to go the opposite way for your curtains: sunlight flooding in at dawn isn’t always great for a good night’s rest. If you’re a light sleeper (no pun intended), blackout curtains are a must. Don’t worry, they’re not all burgundy or grey; you can find them in all kinds of lighter tones.

HOW SHOULD I FURNISH MY GARDEN FOR SPRING?

The flowers are blooming, the weather is fresh, and you can hear wildlife all around—spring really is your garden’s time to come alive.

There are countless excuses to enjoy your garden during the spring. Perhaps you’re having friends over for the first barbecue? You could be indulging in a leisurely weekend breakfast. Or maybe you’re simply taking advantage of the weather to work from home in anoutdoor lounge.

And if you can give your outdoor space a sizzling springtime makeover, you might never want to go back indoors. Here’s how to freshenup your garden after winter.

• Choose light coloured furniture

Outdoor furniture serves a whole range of purposes. It might even have to double up as dining furniture and a place to work. After all, many people now find themselves working at the kitchen table, so why not do the same outside?

• Choose fresh accessories

If you’re lucky enough to have a large outdoor space, there’s no end to the ways you can bring a springy feel to your garden. One of the most fun ways is with the addition of a beach hut-style shed, which will be just as practical as it is Instagrammable. If you’re thinking a little smaller than that, some understated garden lighting can really make a di erence, while a firepit will add a rustic feel and keep those long spring nights going. Or, for a more immediate transformation, how about a new side table and a few well-positioned plant pots?

The coming of spring provides us with a welcome opportunity to change up our decor. Outside, it’s mainly about making the space as comfortable as possible—while sprinkling those whites and light shades about, if you can.Inside, too, lighter hues are the way to go. And if you’re looking for some further advice, BoConcept’s freeinterior design servicecan guide you on the best ways to turn your home into a place where spring lives.

BO CONCEPT

Address: Stores located at Battersea Reach, Harrods, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Westfield London, Fenwick Brent Cross, Kingston, Guildford and St Albans. Get inspired at BoConcept.com

“Many people now find themselves working at the kitchen table, so why not do the same outside? ”

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TRAVEL

RIVIERA LIFE

NICE

Nice is much more than just a gateway to the Côte d'Azur. Since it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 for its beauty, history, architecture and natural spaces, the city has been enjoying something of a renaissance. Read about it on page 30.

FRENCH FANCY

Since being declared a Unesco World Heritage site, Nice is having a renaissance. Absolutely visits

Words PENDLE HARTE

You’ve been to Nice. But have you stayed there?

France’s fifth-largest city is often seen as a gateway to the Cote d’Azur. People fly in and head straight to Cannes or St Tropez without actually noticing that Nice is a fascinating and beautiful place in its own right. At least, they used to. This is changing now, partly since UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage site in 2021, and partly because of a resurgence of luxury places to stay, creating a new buzz around the city. But it’s always been glamorous. Just take a look at the architecture, which defines the city into two halves, the old town and the new town. The old town was originally Italian, and the city’s history shows hundreds of years of changing allegiances. Italian was traditionally the first language here, and the old town’s architecture shares more with the Ligurian

tradition than the French. The Italian border is less than 20 miles away, and present-day Nice owes much to its Italian heritage.

We’re staying at the newly renovated Anantara Plaza Hotel – formerly the Plaza and before that the Hotel de France. It opened in 1848 to entertain Europe’s travelling aristocrats and was renamed the Plaza at some point in its thriving career. Fate led to it being abandoned in the 21st century before being entirely gutted and modernised by the Thai hotel group. Centrally located and a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais and the sparkling Mediterranean, it’s a fabulous spot.

Our room has a sea view and large balcony from which to enjoy it – and you can admire the sea from the impressive rooftop restaurant too. It’s run by Portuguese celebrity chef Olivier da Costa and attracts non-residents from all over the region for showstopping fusion food that’s heavy on lobster, tru es and sushi, all served with dry ice, woodsmoke and other theatricalities. The bar o ers cocktails themed on a world tour with concoctions for every region, including a bourbon-based Socca Sour inspired by a Nicoise chickpea delicacy.

The hotel is embarking on a busy first season and prides itself on details: every room is equipped with a realistic-looking signature edible pebble, for instance, which

“The Italian border is less than 20 miles away, and present-day Nice owes much to its Italian heritage”

NICE BEACH AND PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS

PRIVATE TERRACE, ANANTARA PLAZA

PLACE MASSENA, NICE

nobody would consider biting into unwarned. It also claims to be the only hotel in the world to o er separate monsier and madame shower gels. Make of that what you will.

The Nicoise are proud of their food culture, and the city's Italian influence gives rise to a street food culture that’s unknown elsewhere in France. Eating on the street, outside of regular mealtimes, is not part of French culture, and remains unacceptable in most places other than Nice. Here, the Italian tradition allows – encourages, even –eating in the street and Nice’s busy market o ers a host of local snacks to enjoy. There’s Socca, for instance, a chickpea flatbread eaten freshly scraped from the hotplate

– it’s delicious – along with the inevitable pissaladière, an oniony, anchovy tart eaten in small slices at seemingly every opportunity. Another local speciality is tourte de blettes, a sweet cake made – improbably – with Swiss chard and pine nuts, sweetened with raisins. We tour the market sampling everything and admiring the vast selection of flowers and healthy-looking produce, all of it plumper and shinier than our British vegetables. Our lovely local guide, Sylvie, points out Henri Matisse’s former home overlooking the market square, and takes us to an ice cream shop where unlikely flavours include olive, jasmine and beer (also: tourte de blettes).

Nice claims more than 300 sunny days

a year, with very little rainfall and mild winters, so it’s a lovely place to visit any time. The Promenade des Anglais is a wide beachfront strip, blessed with a long cycle path and lots of easy-to-hire Velo Bleu, so it’s easy to pedal o for an afternoon before returning to a relaxing treatment at the Anantara Plaza spa. At sunset it’s time for a drink on the rooftop terrace – don’t miss the Piscine – swimming pool – which is a vast balloon glass filled with ice cubes and Provencal rose. That’s life in Nice.

ANANTARA PLAZA NICE

Rates start from €350 (£308) for a deluxe city view room including breakfast for two people; anantara.com

VIELLE VILLE NICE

“The city's Italian influence gives rise to a street food culture that’s unknown elsewhere in France”

ROOFTOP BAR, ANANTARA PLAZA

HOTEL ANANTARA PLAZA NICE

FRI 5 MAY : Indigo

TUE 18 JUL : Adelphi

FRI 12 MAY : Indigo

TUE 10 OCT : Adelphi

TUE 6 JUN : Adelphi

WEST END PREMIERE

TUE 13 JUN : Adelphi

FRI 1 DEC : Indigo

TUE 20 JUN : Adelphi

FRI 24 NOV : Indigo

SUN 2 JUL : Indigo 2pm Matinee

SUN 2 JUL : Indigo

TUE 19 SEP : Adelphi

FRI 6 OCT : Indigo

CLICK HERE to book at the indigo at The O2 or visit: axs.com

TUE 31 OCT : Adelphi

WEST END PREMIERE

CLICK HERE to book at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre or visit:

lwtheatres.co.uk

SECRETS

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LIGHT WORK

How minimal luggage is becoming a major travel trend

By PENDLE HARTE

Travellers rejoice! London City will soon be the world’s first airport to abandon the annoying liquids rules. The 100ml limit on fluids has been a source of annoyance and delays ever since it began. Having your toothpaste confiscated because the tube’s capacity is 125ml ('but it’s almost empty!') is almost as irritating as having to abandon that almost-full bottle of sunscreen on your way home, or having to buy a single-use plastic water bottle on the other side.

The liquids thing is all about luggage really. We all used to routinely check in our bags until airlines started charging us for that, when we all switched to small overhead locker wheelie cases, and put up with the extra queuing at security and liquid rulings. But a new trend is emerging, as passengers are fed up with paying more than the price of the fare for the privilege of bringing a small case. There remains an option to bring a small bag, one that fits underneath the seat in front, at no extra cost – and in fact, there’s more space under that seat than you might have thought. So

more than ever, travelling light is the order of the day. Budget airlines aren’t making it easy for us, though, with each airline publishing its own – di erent –definitions of acceptable dimensions.

British Airways remains generous on the baggage front. Small wheelie cases are accepted as standard and everyone is allowed a space in the overhead locker. Easyjet charges for cabin bags but is relatively generous with its small bag definition. We have travelled on a four day city break in chilly weather with a clever Antler backpack (the Bamberg expandable, £160) that has compression straps and conforms to Easyjet’s dimensions as long as it’s not too full. Measure it before you go – the maximum size is 45x36x20cm. Ryanair, meanwhile, is stingier, stipulating only 40x25x20cm. That’s quite a challenge – but quite satisfying when you make it work. Beating the airlines at their own game is very much a thing in 2023.

“Passengers are fed up with paying more than the price of the fare for the privilege of bringing a bag”

ANTLER BAMBERG

LUXURY IN CAMBODIA

A stay at Phnom Penh’s stylish Rosewood Hotel

THE ROYAL PALACE

Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is a world-class luxury destination that combines contemporary elegance with timeless tradition. With its stunning architecture, beautiful guest rooms, exceptional dining options, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is the perfect choice for discerning travellers.

The hotel’s architecture and interior design are inspired by the traditional Khmer style, blending natural materials such as timber and stone with modern design elements to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The entrance is marked by a striking façade that features intricate patterns and designs, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.

The hotel's 175 guest rooms and suites are beautifully appointed and feature all the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, including high-speed internet access,

flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. The rooms are decorated with a mix of traditional Khmer elements and modern design touches, creating a unique and sophisticated ambiance.

One of the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia's standout features is its exceptional dining options. The hotel has three restaurants, each with its own unique concept and cuisine. The Living Room is an all-day dining venue that serves up an array of international dishes, while Brasserie Louis is a French-inspired bistro that specialises in classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. The hotel's crown jewel is the Sora Rooftop Bar, which o ers stunning views of the city and serves up creative cocktails and light bites. The bar's open-air design and modern décor create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Wellness facilities are equally impressive. The hotel's Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is a serene sanctuary that o ers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Khmer healing practices. The spa features six private treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and a stunning indoor lap pool. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the river. The infinity pool is surrounded by lush gardens and o ers a tranquil and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those looking to explore the city, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is ideally located. The hotel is within walking distance of many of Phnom Penh's top attractions, including the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Central Market. The hotel's concierge team is also on hand to assist guests with arranging tours and excursions. It’s also conveniently located near many of the city's top restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations,

making it the perfect base from which to explore all that Phnom Penh has to o er.

In conclusion, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is a world-class luxury destination that o ers guests an unparalleled experience of contemporary elegance and traditional Khmer culture. With its stunning architecture, beautiful guest rooms, exceptional dining options, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly exceptional stay in the Kingdom of Wonder. With its prime location, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia is the ultimate luxury destination in Phnom Penh

El imperia perovid molupideriam ipsaper chilis. Atquat ut eiciti a dolest, qui cuscid modigni hitassus quossita venis voluptatur rem que atquat ut eiciti a dolest, qui cuscid modigni repellicia net et quidendic tem repelic iatur. rosewoodhotels.com

“CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE AND TRADITIONAL KHMER CULTURE”

ROSEWOOD HOTEL

VIEW FROM THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL

ROSEWOOD HOTEL SORA ROOFTOP BAR

PHNOM PENH

WELSH RETREATS

For inspirational Welsh getaways, head to HolidaysWales

Astaycation portfolio of unique and quirky stays all across Wales. With over 90 properties and specialising in underground houses with fabulous views, ranging from unique family getaways, to romantic retreats. From a townhouse near Conwy in North Wales, to an underground house in Mid Wales and luxury cabins in the Gower in the South, there is something to suit everyone.

HolidaysWales was founded in 2020 by Ben Powell who also runs a luxury glamping site called The Views, a stone’s throw away from the bustling market town of Rhayader and the gateway to The Elan Valley Dams & Reservoirs which is an International Dark Sky Park.

The Views near Rhayader is home to eight Underground Houses burrowed into the hillside, each with a private hot tub and sleeping up to 6, they are set alongside cosy pet friendly Shepherds Huts and gorgeous Glamping Pods. The Elan Valley is a short 3 miles away with its spectacular Victorian built dams and reservoirs, it’s the Welsh Lake District and not to be missed. Dotted around rural locations with spectacular views you’ll find a host of Glamping Pods and Shepherds Huts. Each property is unique with many o ering pet friendly stays and hot tubs, perfect for stargazing into the night.

If you’re looking for a luxury cabin with a di erence, there is plenty to choose from. Dy ryn Ceri near Aberaeron is a converted glass-fronted shipping container, a perfect romantic hideaway only a short drive from the seaside.

Fancy a group getaway? Nestled in the Radnorshire hills are 4 luxury glamping tents and 9 family cabins. Thoughtful touches include private hot tubs, star gazing hammocks, an on-site play area, as well as alfresco dining areas to relax in style. Or book one of the larger cottages: The Hayloft is a fabulous glass-fronted converted barn sleeping 11 and Brackendale in Bala welcomes stag and hen dos, with Bala lake o ering a range of watersports and Snowdonia is on its doorstep.

With secure gardens, pets are welcome in lots of the properties, from Underground Houses, to rural cabins to Domes and even Glamping Tents, HolidaysWales have it covered.

HOLIDAYSWALES

info@holidayswales.co.uk

@holidayswales | 07508441485

www.holidayswales.co.uk

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

NEW HORIZONS

BRIGHTON COLLEGE PREP KENSINGTON

Brighton College is expanding its provision with a new prep school in Kensington, set to open in September. Princes Garden's Prep will formally become Brighton College Prep Kensington, the ninth prep school in the family. brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk

SPIRIT OF SERVICE

Sitting at the core of the IB Diploma Programme, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is the counterbalance to a demanding course of study. It guides students by helping them to avoid focusing solely on grades, encouraging them to maintain a healthy life balance.

The students here at Southbank International are incredibly imaginative and creative, and with strong social consciences. They’re ambitious when it comes to choosing how they can get involved in all of the CAS strands, including how to give back through service. After the restrictions of recent years, it is great to see a revival of connections with the local area, and the authentic and positive impact of our students’ work.

We aim to centre CAS service around what is going on in the world currently. On a local level, we have found ways to support the homeless – important to us as an innercity school in London. Recently, students fundraised for St Mungo’s and Centrepoint. The latter charity specifically caters for young people on the streets (something that particularly resonated with our students).

Our students have volunteered in nearby soup kitchens and charity stores, and learnt how to cook healthy and transportable meals, delivering them to unhoused people in the local area. They have worked in community gardens, collected rubbish around Regent’s Park and organised clothes and coat drives. They have also spent time at The Children’s Book Project, sorting and sending o books.

In a recent CAS workshop on the costof-living crisis, I collaborated with an economics teacher who helped students to understand inflation. In the follow-up session, we noted the increased impact of rising inflation. Students decided they were able to take action themselves through the service element of advocacy by writing letters and marketing via their own social media channels. This meant, for instance, they could lend their support to nurses on strike. As a group, we also identified The Trussell Trust and FoodCycle as valuable organisations to work with to help make a di erence for those a ected by food poverty in the area.

My colleagues and I see time and time again just how beneficial the service strand of CAS is for our students at Southbank. It helps them to develop relationships, both at school and within the wider community. CAS encourages them to understand the challenges and needs of others, and to feel good about helping –even in small ways. It is part of the ethos of the school to develop that social conscience and to trigger connection and purpose.

Many of our students are international, and some are very recent arrivals in London. By connecting them with the local community in the very meaningful ways that CAS o ers, we can also help them familiarise themselves with their city by making a positive impact – and feel a sense of belonging.

Through the CAS programme we want to plant seeds of interests, passions, habits and routines that might continue for many years after our students graduate, so that as they grow and enter the world of work, they can carry these forward.

Leader & CAS Co-ordinator

“CAS encourages our students to understand the challenges and needs of others, and to feel good about helping –even in small ways”

Southbank International’s Louise Carey on how the IB programme’s ‘Creativity, Activity, Service’ principles help young people develop as citizens

Grade

Southbank International School

SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

A fresh START

Brighton College is coming to London: Brighton College Prep

Kensington opens September 2023

Brighton College and leading education provider Cognita are joining forces to establish an exciting preparatory school in Kensington for boys and girls aged two to 13, opening in September 2023. The beautiful campus, currently Princes Garden’s Preparatory School, will be known as Brighton College Prep Kensington. This exciting venture builds upon the terrific success of Brighton College Prep Singapore, a similar partnership between Brighton College and Cognita. Brighton College, recently named ‘United Kingdom School of the Decade’ by The Sunday Times, has eight prep schools in the Brighton College family of schools. Brighton educates children from three to 18 and is consistently one of the highest achieving schools in the country.

Richard Cairns, Head Master of Brighton College, believes the partnership o ers something totally unique: “Brighton College has demonstrated that children can get superb results without hothousing, in an environment that values kindness and mutual respect above all else. It is this approach that convinced The Sunday Times to name Brighton ‘School of the Decade’, and it is one we know will resonate with London parents.”

Lois Ga ney, Head of Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School, will continue in her role as Head when the school formally becomes Brighton College Prep Kensington, and believes the coming together of two great educational organisations is truly exciting for their children: “All the values we hold dear will only be strengthened by becoming part of the Brighton College family of schools. Having previously been Senior

Deputy Head at the award-winning Brighton College Singapore, I witnessed first-hand the tremendous impact of such a partnership. I am delighted to be Head of Brighton College Prep Kensington, a school that will not only continue to build a community of academic excellence, but one that will develop a love of learning and provide our pupils with the greatest opportunities to become the best version of themselves.”

To learn more about Brighton College Prep Kensington email admissions@ brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk or register to attend their upcoming Open Morning: brightoncollegeprepkensington. co.uk/open-mornings

“A community of academic excellence”

Better TOGETHER

St Dunstan’s College and Rosemead Preparatory School look to the future with a new merger

St Dunstan’s College, Catford, and Rosemead Preparatory School, Dulwich, have announced an exciting new merger, bringing the two schools closer together.

The London day schools will come together to begin a new chapter in their shared histories. The merger will allow for closer collaboration between the south London schools, sharing best practice, knowledge, and expertise.

Speaking about the merger, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett, said: ‘We are delighted to be bringing our schools together, which will strengthen and enrich both our communities. The two schools have a long and deep commitment to a valuesdriven education, preparing our young students for the world of tomorrow.

‘The merger will be a wonderful opportunity for our two schools, one set in the heart of Catford, and the second in the heart of Dulwich, to work closer together, learning from one another and enhancing our students’ educational journeys. The merger will also o er greater protection to both schools from ongoing political and economic challenges.

‘I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team at Rosemead and I know sta , students and parents at St Dunstan’s will welcome the news with warmth.’

Rosemead’s Chair of Governors, Nick Crawford added: ‘This is a wonderful opportunity for both schools. Rosemead and St Dunstan’s have always shared a very similar ethos and this will allow the schools to work closely together to further

that. While we will preserve Rosemead's autonomy, we look forward to sharing best practice and the many benefits and enhancements this will bring the school.’

The merger comes at an exciting time for the two schools. Last year, St Dunstan’s won Independent Senior School of the Year at the TES Awards, which are known as the Oscars of education, and the College was shortlisted for eight awards at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, including Pre-Prep and Prep School of the Year. TES Awards’ judge David James praised St Dunstan’s, explaining: ‘There’s a very clear and coherent vision of what they want to do, both with the curriculum and the local community.

‘The Head is asking interesting questions of the sector, including areas like privilege and responsibility, which go beyond the usual platitudes. It’s a really interesting school in a tough market, trying to not just survive but actually make something di erent for the children and families they’re working with.’

Rosemead’s latest Independent Schools

Inspectorate report also found the prep school to be excellent in the quality of pupils’ academic achievements and the quality of pupils’ personal development. The report added that ‘pupils spoke passionately about the high-quality support that the school provides’ and that all pupils ‘demonstrated excellent levels of self-understanding.’

Find out more about joining Rosemead Preparatory School at one of their upcoming open mornings. Thursday 4 May (Nursery and Reception) and Thursday 25 May (All entry points). Book at rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

ST DUNSTAN'S COLLEGE

ROSEMEAD PREP

SOCIAL Entrepreneurship

Paul Vanni, Founding Head of the soon-to-open Senior London Park School Clapham, discusses its approach

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

Over the years, competitions such as Young Enterprise have done much to promote the entrepreneurial spirit. Sir Alan Sugar and the glamour of The Apprentice have only served to make entrepreneurial pathways more attractive to young people. This approach to business, however, centres on the bottom line. In a modern, progressive school we should be able to harness this in a way which is more altruistic.

At London Park School Clapham, we want our students to have a real understanding of the world around them and of their place in it, and to have the wherewithal to be positive

changemakers. We want the school to be a base camp for inquisitive minds and to empower leaders for a new world. As such, we have a focus on social entrepreneurship – we want our students to have the skills and real-world understanding to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural and environmental issues. These solutions eventually need to be self-propelling and sustainable, not reliant on the industry of one or two individuals.

Students will work hard to develop an understanding of the challenges facing the world and – alongside our academically rigorous curriculum – we run our own courses structured around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Once you have understood an issue and felt that sense of personal agency, the next challenge is to decide what to do to tackle it head on. This is really where social entrepreneurship comes in.

Our students will be encouraged to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems and much of what we will do will be centred on encouraging critical thinking and the links between di erent disciplines.

In Design Technology, for example, students will look at practical issues faced by people su ering from rheumatoid arthritis. Building on this, and drawing on skills learnt in Mathematics, Computer Science and IT, they will design – and in some cases build –devices to improve the quality of life of others. Students will be given the guidance to take their ideas and make them accessible.

PAUL VANNI Founding Head London Park School

Young people will learn financial literacy and digital marketing. They will also learn to work together to formulate plans and develop ideas, turning them into real business outcomes. Support will be given not just by teachers, but also by local professionals who share our sense of community and our desire to be ethical changemakers. These mentors will work with us to deliver student-led ventures, providing invaluable experience of entrepreneurship and of how to run a start-up business. We will provide the space and the platform at London Park School Clapham. Our students will demonstrate their capacity for understanding and empathy, and their ability to make the world a better place.

“We want the school to be a base camp for inquisitive minds and to empower leaders for a new world”

Clapham

LONDON PARK SCHOOL CLAPHAM WILL PRIORITISE REAL-WORLD LEARNING

OVER 60 NATIONALITIES

ARE REPRESENTED IN OUR STUDENT BODY

EXCELLENT UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT

IN OVER 150 INSTITUTIONS WORLDWIDE

A HOLISTIC AND UNIQUE LEARNING

EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD

ACHIEVE

Our tailored approach to learning is designed to unlock enthusiasm, skills, and potential. Looking for a school that will offer your child a challenging, supportive, and rewarding experience? Our students benefit from internationally recognized academic programs, extensive and individualized guidance from nurturing teachers, and a broad range of co-curricular offerings. We help them reach their dreams. Discover your path at TASIS England.

Our beautiful 46-acre campus in Thorpe, Surrey, is only 45 minutes from central London with a bus service available.

Burning AMBITION

How sta and students at St Swithun’s walked on fire as a charity fundraiser

Sixth Form students and sta at St Swithun’s School in Winchester took on an incredible challenge earlier this term to support the school's own charity, the Bramston Bursary Foundation, alongside three charitable causes close to their hearts. The daring feat, a fire walk, raised funds for the foundation, Kids for Kids, Planned Parenthood, and HART.

A total of 35 brave students and sta , including headmistress Jane Gandee, walked across hot coals to raise money and awareness for these important charities.

The Bramston Bursary Foundation supports girls from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds with fully funded boarding places at St Swithun’s, via a transformational bursary. Kids for Kids provides essential aid and support to the children of Darfur, Sudan, while Planned Parenthood o ers reproductive healthcare and education to millions of people across the globe. HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) works to support oppressed and marginalised communities in conflict zones worldwide.

The fire walk was a truly inspiring event, demonstrating the students commitment to making a positive di erence in the world. The participants were cheered on by family, friends, and teachers, all of whom were proud of their bravery and determination.

St Swithun's School in Winchester is a renowned independent day, weekly and full-boarding school for girls. Founded in 1884, the school promotes quirky fun while providing modern academic, sporting, creative and recreational opportunities.

Headmistress Jane Gandee said: "At St Swithun’s, we encourage our students to take risks and step out of their comfort zones, and I felt it was important to lead by example. The fire walk was a challenging and unforgettable experience but knowing that it was all in support of such worthy causes made it even more meaningful.”

The event was a tremendous success with just under £2,500 raised for the four charities.

The Sixth Form's fire walk is just one example of how St Swithun’s is committed to supporting charitable causes and making a positive impact on the world. The school provides its students with the tools and skills they need to make a real di erence in the world, and events like these are a testament to that commitment.

Open Days

The St Swithun’s vision is a world where students see possibilities, not barriers. Its purpose is to turn girls into courageous young women: their belief is that it’s not just about learning lessons, but learning who we are without fear of failure, censure or outdated attitudes about what young women can aspire to.

Visit stswithuns.com to find out more about the school including the following opportunities to visit:

•

Saturday 20 May

A Year 5 parent information morning and taster day for students who are looking for Year 7 2024 entry.

•

Saturday 24 June

Senior school open morning

“St Swithun’s is committed to supporting charitable causes”

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11

Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent”

Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent”

Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent”

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

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings

Open Mornings

9.15am Tuesday 14th November

9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018

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

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

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

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

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

Ravenscourt Park Prep School

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

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11

Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent”

Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent”

Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent”

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

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

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

Computer generated image, indicative only and subject to change.

PROPERTY

SUNNINGDALE PARK

Set over 79 acres of undulating parkland in an idyllic corner of Berkshire, Sunningdale Park is a country estate re-imagined for 21st-century living, o ering an exclusive collection of prestigious new houses and apartments, and refurbished historic buildings.

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

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

•2 acres of private parkland.

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

• 35 minutes via train to London Victoria.

• 37 minutes via train to London Bridge.

• 16 minutes Gatwick Airport.

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

www.dionhomes.co.uk

Flanchford Road, W12

£ , 03 per week

Close to the transport links of Stamford rook station, a six bedroom house arranged over three floors. There is a through reception room with rench doors opening onto a garden, energy rating d.

020 87 2 00 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Thorney Hedge Road, W4

£923 per week

This semi detached ictorian house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a generous kitchen with a dining area. Situated near the amenities of Chiswick High Road, energy rating e.

020 87 2 00 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Ramillies Road, W4

£ ,29 per week

Located in edford Park, a four bedroom family home with a spacious reception room, a separate kitchen and three bathrooms The property also has a west facing garden, energy rating b.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Ivy Crescent, W4 £ ,2 per week

oments from Chiswick Park station, a ve bedroom ictorian house which is well presented throughout. There is an open plan kitchen with bi folding doors leading to the garden, energy rating d.

020 87 2 00 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Homefield Road, W4

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

A Norman Shaw, Grade II Listed house which has been tastefully updated to create a wonderful family home. Arranged over three floors, there are four bedrooms and a landscaped garden. Located close to an array of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants, energy rating e.

Queen Anne’s Grove, W4

Avenue Gardens, W3

£2, 38 per week

ith ve bedrooms and two reception rooms, this impressive house has been recently refurbished throughout. There is the added bonus of a wine cellar and a split level garden, energy rating c.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

St Mary’s Grove, W4

£ , 00 per week

An exceptional double fronted home with plenty of living space. There are ve bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large eat in kitchen and a beautiful secluded garden, perfect for hosting, energy rating e.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Wilton Avenue, W4

£ ,3 0 per week

Retaining period charm whilst offering contemporary living, this ve bedroom house provides excellent entertaining space with a generous open plan kitchen and reception room, energy rating d.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Upham Park Road, W4 £ ,2 per week

Located ust off Chiswick High Road, a four bedroom family home arranged across three floors. The property has a modern kitchen and dining room which opens onto a patio garden, energy rating d.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

A striking three bedroom apartment set within an exclusive development. There is an open plan reception area which leads onto a wraparound balcony providing panoramic views of the Thames. Residents have access to a swimming pool, gym and spa, energy rating b.

Set in one of the most desirable mansion blocks overlooking rook Green, a split level apartment which has been meticulously renovated throughout. The property offers two bedrooms and a generous reception room as well as a south facing terrace, energy rating d.

Parr’s Way, W6

Queens Mansions, W6

Camp View, Wimbledon Common

£6,000,000

With wonderful open views to the west across Wimbledon Common and the golf course from the main rooms, this striking and dignified period residence offers versatile and elegantly proportioned accommodation with high ceilings and tall windows

Entrance porch and reception hall, front reception/dining room, kitchen/dining/family room, first floor drawing room, main bedroom with e/s bathroom, 5 further bedrooms, 3 further bath/shower rooms, loft storage, cloakroom and utility room, cellar store rooms, landscaped garden, 2 garages & OSP ER/D

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