Absolutely City&East : North by North West March 2018

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

ABSOLUTELY North by Northwest City & East MARCH 2018 / £3.95

FAR FLUNG ESCAPE TO SRI LANKA

MARCH 2018

Weave

REGIME

THROW

DOWN Ceramic Art London returns to King’s Cross

Textiles with The London Loom

ZEST.LONDON

SPRING FLING

L E T PA S T E L S S T E A L T H E S P O T L I G H T

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

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The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.

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BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM BATTERSEA NOTTING HILL SPITALFIELDS GUILDFORD

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents MARCH 2018

72

30 48

C U LT U R E

10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

45 TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Gadgets to add to your arsenal

16 THE LONDON LOOM

FOOD & DRINK

48 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

20 THROW DOWN

50 VEGAN VICES

10 things we’re coveting this month

Absolutely talks to the founding ladies

Ceramic Art London returns to King's Cross

FA S H I O N

26 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trend updates

Healthy recipes from Mildreds

INTERIORS

57 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

News and views

61 TERRARIUMS

Tom Dixon's how to guide

PROPERTY 77 LIVING THE DREAM

The month’s best beauty buys

The most luxurious London properties

City & East MARCH 2018 / £3.95

THROW

ESCAPE TO SRI LANKA

DOWN

Weave

Ceramic Art London returns to King’s Cross

REGIME Textiles with The London Loom

ZEST.LONDON

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 40 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

ABSOLUTELY FAR FLUNG

MARCH 2018

37 PIN BOARD

Brooches to fall for this spring

T R AV E L 71 FAR FLUNG Escape to sun-soaked Sri Lanka

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

CITY & EAST

29 RODEO DRIVE

Wild West-inspired style

News from the industry

ON THE COVER

SPRING FLING

L E T PA S T E L S S T E A L T H E S P O T L I G H T

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ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 20/02/2018 16:51

MARIANA JUNGMANN SS18 AVAILABLE FROM marianajungmann.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Independent co-educational Pre-Prep & Pre-School

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE

2–7 years – founded 1976 – member ISA

DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY LIFESTYLE WRITER MIRIAM CAREY EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER SYLVESTER AMARA ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ACCOUNT MANAGER OLTIAN RUCI ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA, LINSEY CANNON MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS

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CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

• Uniquely happy and friendly ethos and atmosphere • Wide range of after school clubs and wrap-around care from 8am–4.45/6pm depending on the year group • Main entry into Kindergarten at 2+ and Reception at 4+ • Open Morning Sat. 10th March 2018 10am – 12.30pm

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First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

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Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S literary picks for 2018...

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FEEL FREE

ZA D I E S M I TH This year voice of a generation Zadie Smith has returned with another literary winner. Feel Free is a collection of essays that explores the intricacies of modern life. Touching on Brexit and Beiber and everything in between, this is certain to be a conversation starter. penguinrandomhouse.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

WHERE CHEFS EAT:

TH E TH I R D E D I TI O N The fully updated and revised third edition of this critically-acclaimed book comes out on the 21st of March. Containing 4,538 restaurant recommendations in 570 cities, you can be sure that, wherever you are, this book will have the right place. smithandbaxter.co.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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here’s something about the clocks going back that brings a sense of optimism. Even the most cynical of us can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement the fi rst time we leave work in daylight.

The start of a new season also provides us with the chance to take stock and remember the things we’re thankful for. On the 8th we’ll be celebrating International Women’s Day which is made even more poignant as 2018 marks 100 years of votes for women - so make March a month to celebrate the ladies in your life.

In this issue we talk feminist embroidery and the therapeutic power of weaving with the friends behind Hackney-based textile studio, The London Loom. From weaving to ceramics, flick to page 20 to read about the dynamic displays from over 90 of the world's most talented ceramicists.

If blossoming spring is unable to revive your weary soul, then booking a holiday will surely do the trick. In this issue we jet off to Sri Lanka, one of this year’s hottest holiday destinations, for sun-soaked sand dunes and eclectic cuisine. If you want to keep it closer to home, you can’t go wrong with some old fashioned retail therapy. Turn to page 38 for plenty of new season inspiration.

We hope this issue gets you out of your winter funk and excited for everything 2018 has to offer whether that’s female friendships, new and old, or the joys of a new season jacket. Summer is on its way - we promise.

MIRIAM CAREY EDITOR

EDUCATED

TARA WE STOVE R I can't wait to read Tara Westover’s journey to receiving a PhD from Cambridge with no formal education in her youth.

The memoir addresses the challenges she faced getting into and attending college at 17, having no understanding of key societal events, such as the Holocaust. This story proves anything is possible with enough determination.

CLARA VAN DUIVENBODE EDITORIAL INTERN

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LULLABY

Heralded as 2018’s answer to Gone Girl, Lullaby is the latest page-turner on everyone’s lips, which sees an idyllic family tableaux shattered upon the hiring of a new nanny.

Faber & Faber, £8.96 on Amazon HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

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THE FEMALE PERSUASION

MEG WOLITZ ER I’m looking forward to The Female Persuasion, which is published in June.

Meg Wolitzer’s writing is insightful and entertaining and she should be counted among the Great American Novelists.

This may well be the book that gets her there.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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knit it The meticulous handiwork and pointelle knit give this 100% cashmere crew neck pullover a feminine feel as well as a graphic and sensual look. The perfect pop of colour for spring. £200; eric-bompard.com

That’s a Wrap

Crafted from lightweight fabric and adorned with Kenzo's signature eye motif, the soft pink colourway of this scarf looks super chic draped across nonchalant daytime looks. €165; mytheresa.com

SILK ROAD

This pink silk-satin blouse was a standout style from Gucci’s Alchemist’s Garden AW17 show. We love it with high-waisted trousers and mules. £1,610; net-a-porter.com

T H E CAT ’S M EOW One for the feline lovers, this geometric print with vibrant background and mysterious moggy is a conversation starter. We suggest framing the print to enjoy the unique piece in all its intrigue. £35; grahamandgreen.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

Specs Appeal

Pink peepers are set to be a summer staple so get your fi x with these peach sunglasses from Thierry Lasry with a cat-eye silhouette that suits all face shapes. £637; farfetch.com/uk

SOPHIE’S CHOICE Dagny London’s Sophie blouse proffers a feminine update to the classic button-down; perfect with your favourite pair of jeans or dressed up with a sleek pencil skirt. £175; dagnylondon.com

ROS E GOAL S

It’s a Gin Thing

JW Anderson’s disc shoulder bag is the perfect hue for new spring wardrobes and is ideally sized to take you from desk to disco. £975; j-w-anderson.com

TASSEL TREASURES

Family-run brand Katerina Makriyianni creates jewellry that has a vibrant freespirited feel. We love these gold vermeil earrings for adding a element of frivolity to any ensemble. £220; net-a-porter.com

English Rose is a classic gin, combining traditional botanicals and the fi nest English roses.

A celebratory spirit that stands the test of time. £32; silentpooldistillers.com

C H IC S E ATS Be the sultan of style with this colourful suzani print Alpana Cocktail Chair. With its cool modernist shape and psychedelic suzani print, it'll add real bravura to your interiors. £395; grahamandgreen.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CONCEPT KITCHENS

DESIGN & FUNCTION

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk

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CULTURE

Ballet Black Double Bill

15-17 March • BARBICAN Following two sell-out seasons at the Barbican Theatre, Ballet Black are back with a showcase of specially commissioned pieces celebrating dances of black and Asian decent. This year, Cathy Marston, renowned for her expressive and beautifully crafted work, has choreographed a new narrative based on Can Themba’s South African fable, The Suit.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org

What’s On 14 • Meet The London Loom duo 16 • Ceramic Art London 20 a b s o l u t e ly.l o n d o n

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The Agenda © NATHAN COHEN COURTESY OF FLOWERS GALLERY

LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EXHIBITION

Two Journeys From 16 March FLOWERS GALL ERY

Showcasing for the first time together, father and son, Bernard and Nathan Cohen go on a quest for discovery in this unique exhibition. While Bernard Cohen’s works are recognised for their complex pictorial language, Nathan Cohen’s use a range of media to engage with aspects of perception.

82 Kingsland Road, E2; flowersgallery.com

EXHIBITION

TO M H A M M I C K’ S LU N A R VOYAG E F LOW E R S GA L L E RY • F RO M 16 MARCH

British painter and printmaker Tom Hammick uses landscape as a metaphor for the human condition in a showcase that is both dystopian and hopeful. He draws inspiration from Japanese woodblock printing, Northern European Romantic painting and contemporary cinema to summon the uneasy atmosphere of a psychological thriller.

82 Kingsland Road, E2 flowersgallery.com

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EXHIBITION

The Making of an Englishman Ongoing BURGH HOUS E

The Making of an Englishman explores the life of Fred Uhlman in the UK’s first retrospective in 50 years. Discover paintings and drawings dating from 1928 to 1971, along with previously unseen archival material and objects of his personal collection.

New End Square, NW3; burghhouse.org

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

Around SOMNAI Town EXPERIENCE

From 1 March

EXHIBITION

PEAR STREET

PICASSO 1932: LOVE, FAME, TRAGEDY

Immersive theatre meets sleep therapy in SOMNAI, the eagerly anticipated “lucid dreaming” experience that promises to help you master your subconscious mind. Why settle for who you are, when you can be more?

Brought to you by DotDotDot, SOMNAI will awaken your human senses with a 90 minute, six person group session that incorporates live performance, multi-sensory elements and technology.

2 Pear Street, EC1V; dotdot.london

From 8 March TATE M OD ERN

Journey through Picasso’s year of wonders in this greatly-anticipated retrospective at Tate Modern. With over 100 paintings, sculptures and drawings, as well as family photographs and rare glimpses into his personal life, the myths around the man are stripped away to reveal the artist as you've never seen him before. Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk CARLA EVANS

EXHIBITION

RHYTHM & REACTION Ongoing T WO T E MP L E P L AC E

This Month’s Must See

Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain brings together paintings, prints, cartoons, textiles, ceramics, film, instruments and sound to explicitly examine the impact of jazz on British art, design and wider society over the last 100 years. A series of complimentary events will run along this, including workshops, music events, children’s activities and more.

2 Temple Place, WC2R; twotempleplace.org

OPERA

MACBETH From 25 March ROYAL O P ERA H OUSE

VAULT FESTIVAL 2018

L

UN TIL MARCH 18

ondon’s biggest arts festival is back with a shed-load of theatre, cabaret, circus, film, music and much more for culture vultures to get stuck in to. With 300 individual shows, immersive experiences, a wealth of new writing, themed bars and a selection of the city’s best street food, the sixth edition of Vault Festival promises to be more diverse than ever before.

Various Locations in SE1; vaultfestival.com

Shakespeare’s story of ruthless ambition is brought to life as Verdi’s Macbeth graces the stage of the Royal Opera House. Expect a bristling and dynamic score, rich costuming and magnificent cast. An unmissable production that sees Verdi at his most theatrical. Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E; roh.org.uk

EXHIBITION

TACITA DEAN: STILL LIFE From 15 March N ATION AL GALLERY

See still life through the lens of Tacita Dean in this exploration of the genre’s legacy. From the leading contemporary practitioner comes a diverse selection of her own works in a variety of mediums, alongside those of her contemporaries.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N; nationalgallery.org.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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A Stich in

TIME

Absolutely talks to Francesca Kletz and Brooke Dennison, the two founding ladies of The London Loom, about their new book and unique weaving workshops B y MIRIAM CAREY

I

t’s a Tuesday evening in a little studio in Hackney. The walls are covered in brightly coloured rolls of yarn and decorative tapestries. There is a table surrounded by men and women in careful concentration - they are in the middle of an ‘embroider your member’ workshop. A woman is weaving weft in and out of warp, seeking reference from a photograph she has taken earlier for inspiration. Meanwhile, a man is tying up knots of a tapestry he weaved ‘freestyle’.

This scene is a regular genital embroidery evening workshop at The London Loom in Hackney. "Everyone has a shot of tequila at the start to get them warmed up and chatting to the person next to them" explains Francesca Kletz, one of the founders of the business. "People pop to the bathrooms with a pocket mirror and some

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people bring photographs on their phone".

But this is not a crude workshop, "it’s about making friends and accepting all those lovely, necessary parts of you".

The London Loom run all kinds of weaving workshops - there is a weave your own scarf workshop, a tapestry weaving workshop and an inspirational women badge making workshop for March, which is women’s history month. What is unique to The London Loom is their approach to weaving. They take a freestyle ‘nonprecious’ approach and also what seems to be a more fun, creative and dare I say feminist approach. At least what is clear is there is no other place in London like it.

Francesca and her business partner Brooke Dennis could clearly recognise a good idea when they saw it as the business got started very quickly. It was on a trip to

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CULTURE • LOCAL

Japan Francesca discovered the amazing craft of Japanese freestyle weaving and realised there was nowhere in London you could use this technique. Francesca got on the phone to Brooke immediately and back in the UK the business began. First, they opened a pop-up shop on Hackney Road and after they outgrew this they moved to a larger, more permanent studio in Hackney Downs. Soon came the incredibly entertaining and informative book Weave This, put together in less than a year by Brooke and Francesca.

Explaining how they achieved everything Francesca explains "we just knew we had something to offer the London craft scene we couldn’t find elsewhere". They did not come from a business background - everything they know about running a business they learnt on the job, but "it feels good to be a pair of strong-minded, sassy business women, who also love to knit".

As for the knitting side of the business, the ladies ‘know, love and respect crafts’.

They can’t remember an age when they were not knitting or weaving. Brooke tells A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • LOCAL

“Weaving has a rhythmic quality to is as you go under the warp thread”

ALL IMAGES TAKEN FROM THE LONDON LOOM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY RITA PLATTS

me "I have always had the urge to pick up wool and to be making something" and that she gets annoyed when she goes somewhere she can’t knit. In fact, they even admitted to arranging long journeys so they can knit.

In an attempt to explain the craft's addictive edge, Francesca tells me "weaving has a rhythmic quality to it as you go over and under the warp thread. Also, it doesn’t have the risk factor of other textile and needle crafts, you don’t really find yourself dropping stitches or unpicking your work to correct it which is more relaxing".

Francesca allows me to try some weaving myself and there is definitely a meditative element to the technique - it takes just the right amount of physicality and focus to keep you in the moment and to distract you from thinking about other things. Also, the freestyle weaving technique Francesca and Brooke teach is about ‘painting with yarn rather than constructing’ and this freedom and creativity can be incredibly satisfying.

What’s more, there is some scientific evidence to back up its therapeutic claims.

Firstly, knitting has the capacity to calm

anxiety and depression in the moment, but also, to associate the tactile object, the scarf or tapestry, with a calmer state of mind. I also think there is something to say for spending time on hobby that gets you away from a phone, computer and tv screen which is great.

In general there has been a rise in the number of people showing interest in craft hobbies, which has been reflected in the rise in craft books being published this year.

Weave This by Francesca and Brooke is an exceptional addition to this offering, filled with bright pictures and sharp humour it makes for an immensely entertaining read.

Further, a complete beginner can pick up a copy and learn to make an abundance of things, from a huge calico tapestry, to a bowl, to a statement necklace or earrings.

Don’t delay in giving the book a read - or even better book yourself on to their next evening embroidery workshop.

THE LONDON LOOM Studio 8, Hackney Downs Studios, E8 thelondonloom.com Weave This is out now, published by Hardie Grant Books hardiegrant.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Throw

DOWN Ceramic Art London returns to King’s Cross, with dynamic displays from over 90 of the world’s most talented ceramicists B y H E L E N B R OW N

W EMILY MYERS; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

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ith packed courses, record sales and prime time TV programmes centred around the stuff, it seems we are a nation potty for ceramics. As one of the most ancient industries on the planet, ceramic artistry boasts an impressive history. From the moment humans discovered clay could be dug up from the ground and fashioned into the ancient urns of antiquity, to today’s commonplace cereal bowl, the technology and techniques in the art have undoubtedly changed but the basics remain the same.

Returning to its home in King’s Cross for a 15th edition, Ceramic Art London is the leading showcase for contemporary ceramic art and one of the most dynamic displays from the best in the business across the globe. This year’s fair takes place from 23-35 March at Central Saint Martins, home to over 100 years of ceramic art teaching.

Guests can expect 91 of the world’s most distinguished ceramic artists and a varied

selection of exciting and ambitious work.

For those already in the know, this is an opportunity to explore further and buy directly from the creator. For gallery owners and collectors, it’s an opportunity to snap up new talent and for the artists, Ceramic Art London offers a unique platform to showcase and sell their work. With pieces starting at just £15, the event offers collectors of all budgets the chance to take something away with them.

A quarter of the exhibiting makers are from overseas this year, with a third of them travelling from Korea. Reflecting the selectors’ desire to showcase CAL favourites whilst introducing new faces, this year’s fair features 20 first-time exhibitors, including well established potters Henry Pim, with his intricately engineered architectural structures, and Monika Debus, whose symbol laden pieces are the product of a practice that focuses on painting, calligraphy, experiment and chance. Rising star newcomers include Marike Jacobs with her multi-textured cups and pitchers and Hilary Mayo whose graceful, paint drip-effect creations subtly satirise the making process.

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ARTS & CULTURE • CERAMIC ART ANELISE BREDOW; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

“The leading showcase for ceramic art and one of the most dynamic displays across the globe” KEITH VARNEY; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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new houses | extensions | refurbishments | basement excavations | swimming pools

gregoryphillips.com | 020 7724 3040

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Contemporary architecture and interiors for a RIBA awardwinning new build in Berkshire

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ARTS & CULTURE • CERAMIC ART ANNA LAMBERT; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

“The fair pops with colour this spring with blooming polkadot vessels in shades of crimson and cobalt”

CLARE CROUCHMAN; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

IN HO SONG; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

Ceramic Art London is renowned for traversing the boundary between functionality and fine art as demonstrated

by Alison Gautrey’s shell-like tilting bowls, Ashraf Hanna’s undulating modernist lines and Barry Stedman’s colour-splashed wares that bring to mind abstract painting.

The fair pops with colour this spring with Grainne Watts’ blooming polkadot vessels in shades of crimson and cobalt and Lara Scobie’s vases vividly detailed in red, orange and yellow. Sophie Cook’s impossibly elegant bottles return in luminous hues of lemon and lime, while Roger Coll’s idiosyncratic, twisting forms are rendered in bold palettes of red, blue and coral. Sculpture abounds too in Martin Pearce’s Henry Moore-esque forms, Angela Verdon’s sensual works of abstraction and Joachim Lambrecht’s darkly enigmatic forms. While In Ho Song’s playful clay characters push at the boundaries of tradition, and Anelise Bredow’s cartoon-like designs bring some alien-inspired humour to the fair.

Opening with a keynote speech by Grayson Perry CBE, the always popular

ClayTalks, programmed by the faculty at Central Saint Martins, includes Phoebe Cummings, winner of the Woman’s Hour Craft Prize 2017, Professor Simon Lacey on the history of the Craft Potters Association and artist Keith Harrison, winner of the Jerwood Award for Joyride, to name just a few. Elsewhere, Home from Home celebrates international ceramicists who have made the UK their home, while a number of talks focus on how Stoke-on-Trent is reclaiming its mantle as a global centre for ceramics manufacturing and education. These include lecturer Helen Felcey and Dena Bagi from the British Ceramics Biennial, Lisa Hammond MBE, who recently launched Clay College, and Keith Brymer Jones, who plans to reopen the historic Spode factory.

Also this year, and in a first for Ceramic Art London, CSM students will host a ceramic studio where they will make new work in front of a live audience. As well as gaining insight into all stages of the making process, visitors will be offered the opportunity to comment on the direction the work should take as it is being made.

CERAMIC ART LONDON 23-25 March Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, N1C; ceramicartlondon.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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See life in a new light New Pirouette® Shades from Luxaflex® The unique design of our Pirouette® Shades features soft fabric vanes which gently filter light and control privacy. And PowerView® Motorisation also lets you operate your shades with one tap of your smart phone, tablet or remote control.

Find out more at luxaflex.co.uk LUXAFLEX® SHOWROOMS: Belle Vue Blinds Egham 01784 471122 | Curtain Call Richmond 0208 332 6250 Gilroy Interiors Gerrards Cross 01753 899007

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FASHION

GRAND DESIGNS VILSHENKO

Everyone's favourite Russian-born brand, Vilshenko, has taken a trip to the manicured lawns and lofty interiors of the country manor for SS18.

Think English Romanticism meets Eastern-inspired, folkloric flourishes. vilshenko.com

Fashion Notes: Cool cardigans & spring jewellery 26 ¡ Shopping Edit: Rodeo Drive 29 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

Usher in budding spring with sunny suits, statement jewellery and the 2018 cardigan

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By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

J I G SAW S S 1 8 EDITOR’S PICK

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Last year's suit trend has been given a springtime makeover thanks to Jigsaw. For SS18 the brand has delivered the perfect borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette in a universally flattering shade of yellow: vibrant but not garish, pastel yet not saccharine. Simply add sliders and a tan leather cross-body bag and you’re good to go.

Longline Blazer, £190; Portofino Trouser, £115; Madina Raffia Slider, £75

jigsaw-online.com

5 OF THE BEST

HAMMERED EARRINGS

3 4 Mellow 5 YELLOW 1. JW Anderson, Bird Hammered Earrings, £300; mytheresa.com 2. Annie Costello Brown, Disc Gold-Tone Earrings, £120; net-a-porter.com 3. Isabel Marant, Hammered Gold-Tone Earrings, £130; matchesfashion.com 4. Proenza Schouler, Medium Hammered Earrings, £545; proenzaschouler.com 5. Mango, Embossed Earring, £9.99; shop.mango.com

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FASHION • NOTES

Artistic LICENSE WA R E H O U S E X T H E B A R B I CA N

Warehouse has paired up with leading international arts centre, the Barbican, for a very design-savvy capsule collection. Embellished with bamboo motifs and abstract prints in orange, green and black colourways, the pieces draw inspiration from both the centre’s renowned conservatory and the textured planes of the concrete exterior. warehouse.co.uk

WHAT?

THE KNITTER

RING ON IT

M AYA M AGA L X MM COLLECTIVE

This March, jewellery designer Maya Magal has collaborated with five stylish women - including The Telegraph's Sophie Warburton and Harper’s Bazaar's Charlotte Davey - to create a ring design which expresses both their personal style and Magal's own brand of everyday luxury. We want them all. From £72 mayamagal.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

NU

Modern minimalism meets wearable silhouettes in NU’s new season offering

WOOLOVER PUT A

BRAND PROFILE

Thanks to Muiccia Prada and Alessandro Michele the humble cardigan has stolen the sartorial spotlight this season. Madeleine Thompson’s waisttie iteration offers a nod to Gucci with its collegiate red, white and blue hues. £375

NU is the Turkish fashion brand that has been building an international presence since its inception in 2002.

Shaped around an aesthetic of deconstruction, the brand's collections are created by a collaborative team of in-house designers, pattern makers and manufacturers. The finished article is avant garde yet wearable, statement-making yet timeless. Think dramatic silhouettes in a minimalist, tonal colour palette.

WHO?

The NU woman is a city-dweller looking for a hard-wearing uniform with serious style credentials. She is not defined by age but by a timeless approach to trends; she craves cutting-edge design alongside elegance and comfort.

WHERE?

Operating with 16 stores worldwide, NU has steadily built brand loyalty and consumer recognition through its niche positioning in the market. The brand's first London store will be located at 15 New Cavendish Street Marylebone and a second store is to follow in Chelsea. Watch this space.

selfridges.com

GOODY BAG M AY R A F E DA N E

Forget big name brands and lurid logos, because donning the latest under-theradar label is the real way to get style kudos. Our top pick for 2018? Bag designer Mayra Fedane has won us over with her vibrant, personality-packed designs. The ideal pick-me-up for your spring wardrobe. mayrafedane.myshopify.com

nu.com.tr

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis with guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall

10 – 15 July 2018

kewthemusic.org tickets.amazon.co.uk Royal Botanic Gardens Raymond Gubbay

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11/12/2017 16:59

FASHION • PRODUCTS

HUSH

ELLERY

Frayed Star Jeans, £79; hush-uk.com

Nashville Piped SatinCrepe Midi Dress, £1,150; net-a-porter.com

COACH Suede Western Jacket, £1,100; uk.coach.com

TOPSHOP Petra Round Felt Hat, £22; topshop.com COACH 1941 SS18

EDITOR’S PICK OFFICE Abandon High Cut Western Boots, £95; office.co.uk

ETRO Belted Fringed Wool-Blend Gilet, £785; net-a-porer.com

CHLOÉ Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag, £260; chloe.com

Rodeo Drive

LONGCHAMP Silk Scarf With Leather Tassels, £410; uk.longchamp.com

The Wild West gets a high fashion makeover for 2018

DIOR CRUISE 2018

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

COACH Horse Print Pleated Skirt With Side Panel, £595; uk.coach.com

WAREHOUSE

JOSEPH Heart Spot Crosby Dress, £495; joseph-fashion.com

Colour Block Western Shirt, £56; warehouse.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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R

O

AD T R I P Endless horizons and dust-blown planes provide the perfect backdrop for Zimmerman’s modern bohemianism

Zimmerman SS18 available from UK.ZIMMERMANNWEAR .COM

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Capture the unique facets of your story with a one-off bespoke engagement ring

www.hkjewellery.co.uk Hertfordshire Jewellery Centre +44 (0)1462 790 565 hertfordshire@hkjewellery.co.uk North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Herts, SG4 7DP

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London Shop +44 (0)203 886 0757 primrosehill@hkjewellery.co.uk 69 Regent’s Park Road, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8UY

Cambridge Shop +44 (0)1223 461 333 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU

Bridal Jeweller o f t h e Ye a r

20/02/2018 12:09

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Pin Board Add some artistic appeal to your outfit with this season’s brooch 2.0

CRISTINA ZANI

MARNI

GUCCI

Brass Sterling Silver & Wooden Brooch, available at tomfoolery Jewellery Gallery

Geometric Brooch, £228 matchesfashion.com

Hand Crystal-Embellished Brooch, £690 matchesfashion.com

LOEWE

UTERQÜE

THE POMMIER

Gold-Plated Brooch, £75 net-a-porter.com

Crab Brooch, £49 uterque.com

Kozminka Brooch, £577 thepommier.com

ROCHAS

NINA KASTENS

WOLF & MOON

Crystal Bee Brooch, £163 matchesfashion.com

Gold-Plated Face Brooch, £145 available at tomfoolery Jewellery Gallery

Pink Wildflower Brooch, £29 wolf-and-moon.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Chateau Saint Georges by White Stag Wedding Photography

THE WORLD’S FINEST WEDDING SHOWS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Into the

LIGHT ILLAMASQUA

Everyone’s going gaga for 'the glow', and we’ve just found the highlighter holy grail. Illamasqua’s Beyond Power is a no.1 cult best-seller and this year they’re releasing a new shade: Daze. This iridescent pink highlighter is on the right side of shimmery and will certainly have people asking after your skincare secret. illamasqua.com

Beauty Notes: Sustainable skincare & postal perfume 40 · New beauty tools 45 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

Strip it back this March with sustainable skincare, workout-ready cosmetics and a glow-boosting base

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

BRIT Girl ALEXA CHUNG FOR

L’O R É A L P R O F E S S I O N N E L

Everyone’s favourite fashion muse, Alexa Chung, has been announced as L’Oréal Professionnel’s International Spokesperson for 2018 and will front two exciting new launches: the Parisian Nudes colour collection and Pro Fiber, a hair repair range.

It-girl tresses here we come. lorealprofessionnel.co.uk SKIN689

MEDIK8

Bio-Cellulose Face Mask, £5.90; skin689.ch

Ultimate Recovery™ Bio-Cellulose Zinc Mask, £60; medik8.com

5 OF THE BEST SHEET MASKS

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Dry Sheet Face Mask, £18; charlottetilbury.com

ESTÉE LAUDER Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, £16.50; esteelauder.co.uk

40

SWISS CLINIC Face Dry Mask, £29; swissclinic.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES SALON REVIEW

GAME FACE CLINIQUEFIT

Attention all fitness freaks: Clinique has just released a line of cosmetics that won't compromise your workout.

Suitable for before, during and after exercise, this seven-piece collection is formulated to be longwearing but not poreclogging. From storm-proof mascara to sweat-resistant foundation, these are your new gym bag staples.

EDITOR’S PICK

Vidal Sassoon

clinique.co.uk

V

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

PURE AND SIMPLE

BY SARAH

Good to Glow

D R B A R B A R A ST U R M

Forget contouring and say goodbye to HD brows, because 2018 is going to be the year of low-key beauty.

Step one to achieving that elusive, well-rested radiance?

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Glow Drops. Used on its own or combined with your favourite skincare product, this super serum will refine pores and brighten the complexion. £105. dr-barbara-sturm.com

By Sarah was born after its founder, Sarah, was unable to find any beauty products suitable for her sister who was recovering from leukaemia. The experience inspired her to create her own line of plant-based, honestlylabelled and sustainablysourced skincare. bysarahlondon.com

Postal Perfumes SNIPH

Match your perfume to your mood and discover new niche fragrances with Sniph, the new monthly subscription service. For just £17.99 a month, fragrance-lovers can road test new scents in the form of purse-friendly 7ml dispensers. Ideal for girls on the go. sniph.co.uk

idal Sassoon has a long history of creating epoch-defining hairdos and eight decades has seen Sassoon’s styles grace runways and red carpets alike. Fast forward to 2018 and the brand boasts 10 award-winning salons across the UK, all offering the same cutting edge (sorry) appeal that it had 80 years ago. I’ve come to the Covent Garden store to experience the historic brand in action.

All in all, my hair is in a sorry state think serious roots and grown-out bob. I want to go blonder while still keeping the overall effect natural so, after a chat with my colourist, we decide on a half head of highlights, using a mix of cool platinum hues with a little summery gold to keep things from becoming too ashy.

I sit back with a magazine and cup of tea and watch the world go by as my hairdresser sets to work painting in the colour. After the dye has worked its magic I head over to the backwash area to have it washed off and a toner (used to soften the highlights) applied. This is then followed by a specially formulated treatment which nourishes the hair and protects against fading.

Finally, I make my way to the cutting station. My stylist appraises my hair and decides to go for a freshen up - trimming my locks into its original jaw-grazing length. 45 minutes later, I look in the mirror and fall in love with the result.

The colour is noticeably lighter yet looks 100% natural and balances out the sharp, contemporary cut. One thing's for sure: Sassoon's still got it.

VIDAL SASSOON

45 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, WC2H; 020 7240 6635 sassoon-salon.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/02/2018 14:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

New Kids on

THE BLOCK Add something new to your olfactory oeuvre with this year’s new fragrance talents B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

A

s I scour the globe for original, exciting scents, every once in a while I experience a moment for which all true perfume believers hope and pray the discovery of a brand new talent.

Lucy Atkinson arrived at the Perfumery just before Christmas and blew me away. Her passion, fervour and joy when describing her scents meant I had found a kindred spirit.

The first thing that alerted me to greatness were the caps of her bottles. The first contact with a scent is important and Lucy has covered hers with high quality velvet ribbon.

It feel luxurious, warm and soft like skin - the perfect introduction to a perfume.

Then there are the scents themselves. Lucy is half French, and obviously it’s the right half, as these are perfumes of great style and poise.

‘Samedi A Paris’ oozes that nonchalant, je ne sais quoi for which Les Parisiennes are famed. Sunshine in the form of bergamot and mentha citrata echo Paris in the spring, uplifting and full of life and promise.

The heart has a crisp cotton note with soft woods warming it to skin temperature. And what would a jaunt along the boulevards be without the scent of coffee? Here it lies at the base with the soft summer scent of hay and a glowing, bewitching amber.

‘APÉRO’ is incredibly intoxicating with the cocktail bite of bitter orange, juniper and lime at the top fizzing across my one of my favourite aromas, that of Garrigue herbs in the summer sun. Team this with salt, black pepper, star anise and soft tobacco and you are transported to a fabulous bar in Juan Le Pins at sunset.

“Her passion, fervour and joy when describing her scents meant I had found a kindred spirit” Bruno Fazzolari is a hugely talented, self-taught perfumer based in San Francisco. He is a successful visual artist and his paintings are often inspired by the fact he has the condition ‘synesthesia’. This cross-wiring of the senses manifests in different ways, but in his case Bruno smells in colour. I have found that many people come to fragrance with this condition as they use the olfactory creative process as a kind of therapy. They construct a fragrance visually as well as with the nose and therefore can conjure some of the most arresting and innovative scents.

Bruno came to perfume very recently, yet he won an ‘Art & Olfaction Award’ for his fragrance ‘Lamp Black’. However it was ‘Au Delà Narcisse’ that captured my imagination. This is without doubt the most glorious conjuring of the narcissus on the planet. A classic white-floral chypre, made in the old-school way with genuine oakmoss and labdanum. The narcissus note is clear, fresh and unmistakable, supported by heavy doses of highest quality absolutes of Egyptian jasmine and French orange flower. Made with a very rare and exquisite extraction of Narcissus, but this is no fading flower, instead the blooms soar over a classic base, richly spicy and resinous with just the right amount of animalic purr.

The olfactory world is now that little bit more wonderful. roullierwhite.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Cosmetic Surgeons You Can Trust For expert guidance, beautiful results and industry leading aftercare, contact our specialist surgical team to start your cosmetic surgery journey.

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GHD HAIR

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

YU LING ROLLERS Jade Facial Roller, £18 cultbeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK JULEP Chacoal Kongjac Sponge, £7 julep.com

SWISS CLINIC Skin Roller, £42 swissclinic.co.uk

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE

NU FACE

Spectr Lite Eye Care Pro LED, £168 spacenk.com

TWEEZERMAN Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner, £33 boots.com

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Mini Facial Toning Device, £150 lookfantastic.com

GHD HAIR Soft Curl Tong, £120 ghdhair.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Complexion Brush, £30 charlottetilbury.com

From micro-needling to facial massage: introducing the new gadgets for your beauty arsenal B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

BEAUTY BIOSCIENCE GloPro Micro Stimulation Facial Tool, £240 qvcuk.com

TARTE COSMETICS

FOREO

Five-Piece Limited Edition Brush Collection, £41 qvcuk.com

UFO, £249 foreo.com

CARITA My C.L.E., £399 carita.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www.leonidas.com The photos are not contractual. Contest without obligation to purchase. See conditions and rules in store.

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FOOD & DRINK

VEGAN VENDOR THE SPREAD EAGLE London’s first all-vegan pub has opened its doors in Hackney - everything is vegan, from the food and drink to the kitchen fixtures and furnishing. This is a must-visit for vegan junk food lovers.

224 Homerton High Street, E9 thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk

Wines of the month 48 • Our favourite Easter eggs 49 • Food Review: Sardine 55 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and delicious things to see you through March

By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2013 Berry Bros. & Rudd English Sparkling Wine £25.95 Produced in Appledore vineyards in Hampshire, this sparkling wine is created from a blend of 72 percent Chardonnay, 22 percent Pinot Noir and six percent Pinot Meunier and is the perfect aperitif for Easter.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Old-Blocks Chenin Blanc by Tierhoek £14.25 Brand new to the Berry Bros. & Rudd own-label range, this chenin displays the grapes classic citrus and orchard fruit aromas. It is an elegant and refreshing wine, ideal to enjoy with charcuterie or white meat.

2015 Barbera d’Asti, La Mora, Laiolo Reginin, Vinchio, Piedmont £14.75 Bursting with aromas of blueberry and blackcurrant with a hint of white pepper, this juicy fruity red wine has both refreshing acidity and silky tannins.

Great with a tomato-based pasta dish.

Beer & Bites THE GUNMAKERS

BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

48

This enchanting watering hole, serving small dishes, craft beer and cocktails, has been taken over by the team behind Nine Lives. The quirky Victorian public house is full of surprises including a hidden hair salon-cum-bar in the attic.

13 Eyre Street Hill, EC1R thegunmakers.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

EASTER EGGS DAYLESFORD Organic Dairy-Free Rose Petal Egg, £15; daylesford.com

SEAFOOD SALOON

HARRODS Alistair Birt Chocolate and Salted Caramel Egg, £50; harrods.com

CORNERSTONE

HOTEL CHOCOLAT

MUM’S THE WORD

Ostrich Egg, £75; hotelchocolat.com

G E R M A N GY M N A S I U M

Book your table at German Gymnasium this Mother’s Day for a fantastic three course menu and complimentary glass of Mayerling Crémant d’Alscace Rosé on arrival. What better setting to appreciate your family than in this grand and historic building café over a delicious strawberry and rhubarb coupe.

King’s Boulevard, N1C germangymnasium.com

Tom Brown's debut restaurant opens in Hackney, reflecting the chef’s Cornish background, the menu will focus on seafood served simply. Expect a showcase of classic British delights such as chicken liver croquettes with devilled mayonnaise and pickled Porthilly oysters with celery and horseradish. 61 Wallis Road, E10 cornerstonehackney.com

L’ARITSAN DU CHOCOLAT Dark Chocolate Gold Leaf Sculpture, £35; artisanduchocolat.com

BOOJA BOOJA Organic, Dairy-Free, Hazelnut Chocolates in Decorative Egg, £12.99; boojabooja.com

LAKRIDS Chocolate Coated Liquorice in Dulce de Leche or Passion Fruit, £26.99; int.lakrids.nu

FERMENTED FOODS LITTLE DUCK THE PICKLERY

PIERRE HERME Ouef Lucio Fontana, £136; pierreherme.com

A TASTE OF ALSACE

SELFRIDGES Milk Chocolate Easter Egg, £29.99; selfridges.com

BELLANGER

Following a hugely successful Alsacienne food and wine pairing evening in February, Bellanger will be holding a second event this month. Throughout the evening, master of wine, Mark Bingley, will be guiding guests through a number of fine wines as they are paired with a typical Alsacienne tasting menu. Buy tickets soon as they are tipped to sell out quickly.

9 Islington Green, N1 bellanger.co.uk

LIBERTY Chocolate Society Fried Easter Egg, £29.95; libertylondon.com

For those with an interest in all things gut-health related, book yourself onto Little Duck The Picklery’s kombucha workshop.

The restaurant runs itself as a picklery and you will go home skilled in the art of fermenting and knowledgeable in the many health-benefits of the brew.

68 Dalston Lane, E8 littleduckpicklery.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Yellow Courgette, Asparagus & Pea Shoot Salad with Red Basil Oil & Cashew Cream Serves 4-6

T

his elegant and simple raw salad is all about letting the natural colours and flavours of summer vegetables shine through. If you can’t get yellow courgettes, you can use regular green ones.

INGREDIENTS

Bright Food, BOLD FLAVOURS Exciting and sustainable recipes from Mildred’s first Vegan Cookbook

B

ack in the late 1980s, when London’s Soho was still edgy, we launched Mildreds on an unsuspecting public. Those were the days when diners were all too accustomed to vegetarian food being brown and ‘worthy’, dished up on earthenware pottery. But our aim at Mildreds was – and still very much is – to deliver an inspiring eating experience with fresh, vibrant vegetarian dishes featuring ideas from a wide variety of culinary styles.

Despite prophecies of early closure from the local community, which gave us six months at the

50

most, Mildreds thrived from the start and has gone from strength to strength to become the worldrenowned restaurant it is today.

The original Soho restaurant has now been joined by three sister restaurants in Camden, Kings Cross and Dalston, and in 2015 Mildreds The Cookbook was published, showcasing some of our favourite recipes from the restaurant. We are now extremely proud to present Mildreds Vegan Cookbook, where we have chosen to focus exclusively on vegan cooking.

Vegan cooking is often regarded as a relatively complicated way of preparing food, and it can seem daunting to make the move away from the more traditional approach to working with unfamiliar ingredients. But there is now an abundance of vegan ingredients and substitutes readily available at all major supermarkets, and we show you how a well-stocked larder and refrigerator, together with a little forethought, can help make the process easier.

2–3 yellow courgettes 12 asparagus spears juice of ½ lemon 1/3 teaspoon sea salt flakes 150g pea shoots 4–6 tablespoons Cashew Cream, to serve

Fo r t h e r e d b a s i l o i l 30g red basil, tough stems removed grated zest and juice of ½ orange ¼ teaspoon agave syrup 100ml light olive oil sea salt flakes Using a French-style peeler, slice long thin strips off the courgettes until you reach the seeds, then discard the seedy centre.

Remove the tough part of the asparagus by bending each spear at the stalk end and allowing it to snap where the tender part begins. Cut the tender part into strips as thin as you can manage.

Toss the courgette and asparagus strips with the lemon juice and salt in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave them to stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To make the red basil oil, simply blend all the ingredients in a blender, or in a measuring jug with a stick blender, until smooth.

Give the courgettes and asparagus a little squeeze to remove the excess liquid, then toss with the pea shoots and four tablespoons of the red basil oil.

Put a tablespoon of the cashew cream on each plate and then a small handful of the salad. Drizzle over more red basil oil.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Wash the urid beans and dahl, then leave to soak in cold water overnight. Wash and soak the red kidney beans separately.

Drain the urid beans and dahl and set aside. Drain the kidney beans, wash again and place in a saucepan. Cover with plenty of fresh water, add a little salt and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for a good 10 minutes, skimming off any foam, then drain.

Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan, add the onion with the ginger and chilli and cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown. Add the spices and cook gently for a few minutes.

Stir in the red kidney beans, urid beans and dahl, then pour in enough water to cover by 2cm. Add the remaining ingredients (except the coriander) and simmer over a medium heat for 45 minutes–1 hour, stirring frequently, until the beans and pulses begin to break down. Add water as necessary, but the dahl should be quite thick and with a creamy consistency.

Season to taste with salt.

Mango Chutney INGREDIENTS

Goa Bowl

Dahl

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

ildred's Goa bowl is a bowl full of fresh and filling South Indianinspired goodies – dahl, cardamom and pea basmati, mango chutney, okra, coconut chutney, lime and coriander naan. Here we give you the recipe for Mildred's dahl and mango chutney, but you can find the recipe for the other components in their book.

Madhur Jaffrey says the key to great dahl is the very frequent stirring and we’re not going to argue with Madhur. The urid beans, also known as mungo beans or black lentils, are common to South Indian cuisine and are easy to find in shops with a decent Asian selection and in some supermarkets, or online.

For a quicker-cooking version, you can just use 300g dried chana dahl, thoroughly rinsed.

150g dried urid beans 100g dried chana dahl 150g dried red kidney beans 75ml light oil (groundnut or sunflower) 1 onion, diced 3cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated, then finely chopped 1 green chilli, diced ½ tablespoon cumin seeds ½ tablespoon toasted and ground cumin seeds ½ cinnamon stick ½ teaspoon chilli powder 1/3 teaspoon chilli flakes ½ teaspoon toasted and ground cardamom seeds ¼ teaspoon toasted and ground whole cloves good pinch of grated nutmeg 400g can chopped tomatoes, half blended to a purée 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves juice of 1 lime 20g coriander, chopped, to garnish salt

M

50ml light oil ½ small onion, finely diced 5g peeled fresh root ginger ¼ red chilli, finely chopped seeds from 2 green cardamom pods ½ cinnamon stick ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds 1/8 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds good pinch of nigella seeds 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 1 Bramley apple, peeled, cored and diced 1 mango, stoned, peeled and finely diced 100g caster sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 100ml water 50ml cider vinegar Heat the oil in a small saucepan, add the onion and sauté over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned. Add the ginger and cook for a further few minutes.

Stir in the chilli and all the spices except the turmeric and cook gently.

Add all the remaining ingredients and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently.

Leave to cool and store in a sterilized jar or in an airtight sturdy plastic food container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 7–10 days if stored correctly.

TO AS S EM B LE Each serving should comprise a large serving of dahl, a large scoop of basmati rice, a naan bread, a few okra, a small portion of mango chutney. Garnish with spring onions, coriander and a lime wedge.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk Crouch End

Islington

Telephone 020 8341 2020

Telephone 020 7359 4041

128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY

FUNKTIONAL KITCHEN.indd 1

42 Cross Street London N1 2BA

06/02/2017 15:38

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Plum Teriyaki Aubergine INGREDIENTS teriyaki marinade reserved from the Teriyaki-marinated Tofu 3 plums, stoned and diced 1 tablespoon coconut or caster sugar 10–12 baby aubergines or 2 regular aubergines 75ml blended oil (half sesame and half sunflower) salt Add the reserved marinade to a small saucepan along with the plums and sugar and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the plums have softened and are fully cooked.

Remove from the heat and blend in a food processor or with a stick blender. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar if needed.

Cut the aubergines in half and score the cut sides in a crisscross pattern, cutting almost all the way down through the flesh but without piercing the skin. Place in a bowl or colander, sprinkle lightly with salt and leave to sit for an hour. Rinse the aubergines and place in a bowl with the oil, then toss to coat the aubergines well.

Tokyo Bowl Serves 4-6

Teriaykimarinated Tofu INGREDIENTS

Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas Mark 4.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the Plum Teriyaki Aubergine. Spread the tofu out on the lined baking tray. Mix the spice mix, sesame seeds, sesame oil and agave together in a bowl and drizzle the mixture over the tofu. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tofu firms up slightly and the alcohol has been cooked out.

R E C I P E S TA K E N F R O M

Mix the mirin and tamari together in a bowl. Add the tofu and toss to coat well.

Cover with clingfilm and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

MILDRED'S VEGAN COOKBOOK

200ml mirin 50ml tamari 325g pack firm tofu, cut into cubes 2 teaspoons Japanese seven spice mix 2 teaspoons sesame seeds 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon agave syrup

By Dan Acevedo and Sarah Wasserman, published by Mitchell Beazley, £25 octopusbooks.co.uk

A

Japanese-inspired feast of fantastic colours and sweet tangy and spicy flavours, the Tokyo Bowl includes spicy tofu, plum teriyaki baby aubergines, pickled daikon (mooli), black rice, a mix of toasted seeds and seaweed and edamame. The dish is finished with a warming cup of miso soup, which can either be drunk with it or poured over the bowl.

Here we give you the recipe for teriayki marinated tofu, plum teriayki aubergine and black rice - you can find out how to make the other components in the Mildred's Vegan Cookbook.

The tofu recipe will make a bit more teriyaki sauce than you need for the aubergines, so save the rest for delicious stir-fries. The plums don’t have to be super ripe – if they are harder, your teriyaki will just be a little more tart. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat a large frying pan to a medium-high heat, add the oiled aubergines and fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side to give them some colour. Transfer to a baking tray and coat with the marinade, spreading it over the aubergines with your fingers to allow the marinade to soak into the flesh. Bake for 20–30 minutes until the aubergine flesh is soft and the sauce has caramelized slightly.

Black Rice INGREDIENTS 200g black Venus rice 450ml water salt Rinse the rice and then drain. Bring the measured water to the boil in a saucepan.

Add the rice and return to a simmer.

Cover the pan and simmer for about 30–45 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.

TO AS S EM B LE Each bowl should get a scoop of rice, some aubergine, a few cubes of tofu, a cup of miso soup and a couple of tablespoons of seed-weed, finishing with a scoop of edamame and spring onions, along with a heaped tablespoon of cold pickled daikon (about 4–5 slices) on the side of the bowl.

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The pappardelle was also a cracking choice thick, fresh pasta enveloped in a meaty sauce”

SARDINE Sumptuous supper clubs and southern French cuisine

FOOD Southern French cuisine cooked over a charcoal fire

B y MIRIAM CAREY

DECOR

S

ardine is a southern French restaurant in Islington - only a short distance from the city - headed up by Alex Jackson, former head chef of Stevie Parle’s Rotorino. Their focus is cooking food over a charcoal fire and their menu has lots of simple yet exciting dishes, taking inspiration from places on the Mediterranean coastline.

The restaurant itself is reminiscent of the kind of eatery you might find exploring southern France or

Small and understated, candlelit and cosy

Italy - small, clean, candle-lit and cosy. On arrival, we are treated to my favourite aperitif, the negroni, alongside an anchovy tapenade toast.

This was a great start to the meal and had my stomach rumbling while I explored the menu.

I order the pig’s head salad lyonnaise, out of intrigue, and the lamb ragout pappardelle, on recommendation from my waiter.

The former was every bit as interesting and exciting as I had hoped it to be - succulent pieces of pork and crunchy croutons dressed

PRICE Starters from £6.50, mains from £15, desserts from £6

VERDICT Well worth a visit for good quality Mediterranean food

in a creamy sauce on a bed of salad.

The pappardelle was also a cracking choice - thick, fresh pasta enveloped in a meaty sauce.

For mains, I opted for the onglet steak, gratin dauphinois, and herb butter and the gurnard, braised fennel, monk’s beard, crab and saffron sauce. The onglet came as a generous portion and was just the carnivorous dish I had been hoping for, served with a side of indulgent dauphinoise potato. The gurnard was a lighter option, yet not boring. The saffron provided a subtle aroma and the fennel was a nice change from fish served with garden vegetables.

For dessert I ordered a rich and sugary crêpe suzette and a rhubarb and brown butter tart, which was a stand out dish. The pastry was light and barely there and the overall texture caramelised and chewy.

Overall, Sardine is well worth a visit. Beginning this month they will be running a series of supper clubs titled La Grand Bouffe, with the first starring chef Henry Harris, which will definitely be worth keeping an eye out for. ● SARDINE 15 Micawber Street, N1 sardine.london A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INSPIRATION & DESIGN

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

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INTERIORS Interior Notes 58 • Tom Dixon’s Terrarium How To Guide

ITALIAN GLAMOUR TACCHINI

Tacchini's beautiful Roma, designed by Jonas Wagell in 2017, has stylishly slim legs and a curved fabric seat that comes in a variety of forms, from armchair to sofa to chaise longue. tacchini.it.

61 • Stelton's

legacy

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

British brand BHS

British Home Stores has relaunched as an online store with a large focus on homeware. Stylish lighting, high quality bedding and and a large variety of accessories make it a welcome addition. bhs.com.

VILLA STYLE DEDAR

Lovers of interiors will enjoy Oscar-nominated film Call Me

By Your Name, whose lavish villa interiors feature beautiful Dedar fabrics such as their Dalie Papaveri Tulipani and Abstract.

Look out for them.. dedar.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES F AV UR

OR

ITE

CU G EG O

PS

AUDENZA Aniimal egg cups, £10.95 audenza.com

TROPICAL FLORA DESIGNERS GUILD

A new range of wallpapers

by Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild includes this dramatic Birds Sinfonia Crepuscule, pictured, a lavish and colourful fresco. designersguild.com

LUCIE KAAS Bordfolk Danish egg cups, £13.50 brassicamercantile.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ETERNAL FLAME MARBLE HILL FIREPLACES

Specialising in Balanced Flue Gas Fires, traditional and contemporary fireplaces, Marble Hill was established in 1974 and offers the largest and most comprehensive selection of fireplaces in the UK. Mantels range from elaborate antique pieces to minimalist modern ones, and they'll advise, install and service.

SCP Beardy man egg cups, £10 scp.com

marblehill.co.uk

ALESSI Cico egg cup and spoon, £13.50 selfridges.com

OMM Frida egg cup, £16.95 cultfurniture.com

DESIGN LETTERS E for Egg cups, £24 for two, teaandkate.co.uk

TRUE BLUE NORDIC HOUSE

Nordic House's Scandinavian tableware is beautiful and practical.

The blue and white handpainted Maja range is pretty and likeable. nordichouse.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

A HOW-TO GUIDE

Terrariums

1

Tom Dixon’s Plant is a double headed vase designed for the curation of floral arrangements and micro ecosystems

2

3

2 Clean the inside of the vessel to ensure there’s no residue that could harm the plant.

5

4

3 Add a layer of potting soil made for succulents. It should be deep enough for the plants to root to, so roughly 2 1/2 inches.

4 Remove the largest plant from its container and dust excess soil off the roots. You may want to trim the roots, so they aren’t too long.

A terrarium is a lowmaintenance instant indoor garden

67

1 Fill the bottom of the vessel with a 1 1/2 inch layer of small rocks to collect the water drainage.

5 Using a long-stemmed implement, make a hole in the soil for the roots and nestle the plant inside. Then part the soil down firmly to hold the plant in place.

6 Plan for approximately 1 plant per inch of container diameter.

Reproduced courtesy of tomdixon.net

7 Continue placing the smaller plants using this method, trying to keep them away from the edges.

8

8 Clean off any excess soil around the glass of the container and add a small amount of water.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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More than a school, it’sSchool an education Abercorn

A leading Preparatory School in the heart of London

DESIGN PROPOSALS

INTERIORS

PLANNING CONSENTS

Celebrating

30 years

Since 1987 Abercorn School has offered children between the ages of 2 ½ and 13 years the perfect balance of a rigorous academic curriculum delivered in a warm and nurturing environment.

Discover Mornings Friday 16 March Friday 27 April Friday 18 May

We invite you to see for yourself what makes Abercorn School more than a school, but an education. Contact us to arrange a private tour of our buildings. or visit our website to reserve your place for a Discover Morning.

T 020 7286 4785 E admissions@abercornschool.com

COST ESTIMATES

BUILDER SELECTION

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

www.abercornschool.com

AFTER CARE

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Open Morning Saturday 3 March 2018

THE COMPLETE HOUSE REMODELLING SERVICE FOR HOME OWNERS

9.30 -12.00 Learn about our creative and nurturing ethos Meet our dedicated and passionate staff Explore our two wonderful sites

CREATING SPACES FOR LIVING

Wilberforce House Camp Road SW19 4UN 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

TAG ARCHITECTS 14 Belsize Crescent, London NW3 5QU

Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

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For more information please contact us on 020 7431 7974 or tag.arch@virgin.net or visit our website at www.tag-architects.co.uk

21/03/2013 16:25 20/02/2018 17:27

INTERIORS • DESIGN

The Legacy Danish brand Stelton’s vacuum jug and stainless steel tableware are classic designs

By EVE HERBERT

A

These products are highly functional while remaining affordable

shoes and furniture, but their business did not really take off until they heard about a small factory in Fårevejle, Denmark, called Danish Stainless.

Danish Stainless produced stainless steel tableware, which was very much in vogue in Denmark’s 1960s. Upon entering into an agreement with Danish Stainless, Stelton began marketing a stainless gravy boat that sold like hotcakes in Danish hardware stores and was also a hit outside of Denmark. In the United States, Stelton products were the epitome of Danish Design and sold at ten times their Danish prices in high-end department stores and design boutiques.

The next important collaboration with a designer was with Erik Magnussen who designed the iconic EM77 vacuum jug. The true DNA of Stelton comes from these wellknown products, which are highly functional while being affordable.

Since then Stelton has elaborated its collaboration with international designers and architects assuring that the form and function of their product families create a synthesis that embodies innovative and different ideas in relation to concept, design and materials.

“Together with our talented and carefully selected designers, our ambition is to create timeless and functional designs that make everyday life a bit more beautiful,” said Michael Ring, Stelton’s CEO. Stelton.com

simple drawing of a teapot on a napkin during a family dinner. That was the starting point for Arne Jacobsen’s tableware design. After three years of intensive development, Cylinda-line was launched in 1967. At that time the cylindrical characteristic profile was avant-garde.

Today the series is recognized as a symbol of classic, timeless style.

Stellan and Carton were two friends who merged their first names in forming one of Denmark’s best-know design brands, Stelton. Niels Stellan Høm and Carton Madelaire were army pals who joined forces more than 50 years ago to start a trading company. They tried their hand at sports A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ We are delighted to announce that Mogg Hercules, Headteacher and founder of Dallington School has been appointed MBE for outstanding services to education in the New Year Honours List, 2018 Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 3rd May 2018 from 6 to 8 pm

Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION

SOFT FOCUS PIUPIA

London-based childrenswear brand Piupia was born in 2013 after Claudia Carvalho became a mum to Noah, now four. The collection is characterised by soft colours, playful illustrated prints and simple shapes as well as ethical manufacturing. piupia.co.uk

Small Talk: Sustainable Fashion 67 ¡ Education: Southbank School 69 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18.

We are a city school with 30 acres of grounds where north east London meets Epping Forest.

Summer Open Evening Monday, 25 June 2018 4.30pm - 7.00pm

www.forest.org.uk admissions@forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744 E17 3PY

ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

020 7328 6915

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

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20/02/2018 17:27

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

R EV I EW

Eco fashion C I T Y G OAT S

HONEY PIE

City Goats uses only 100% organic cotton and natural, botanically-derived dyes – think pomegranate, turmeric and onion – and the clothes are super covetable. city-goats.com

Silly Old Bear tea

SMALL TALK Sustainable fashion, Winnie the Pooh, nature fun and colourful clobber

NATURE TOTS H E L LO N AT U R E CA R D S

Children can explore the natural world around them with these beautiful illustrated activity cards based on Nina Chakrabarti’s awardwinning Hello Nature book. This pocket-sized set is perfect to help outdoor adventurers identify a tree from its seed, learn how a frog is different from a toad, where to find the Big Dipper and much, much more. laurenceking.com

veja

EDITOR’S PICK

T

he V&A's Winnie the Poo exhibition is brilliantly designed to appeal to adults who remember reading Winnie the Pooh when they were little as well as to tots. It's even good for little ones who don't care at all about Ernest Shepherd and his wonderful characters, because there's an actual slide, a colouring-in zone and a real bridge for playing pooh sticks. And any visit to the exhibition is enhanced by the Pelham Hotel's excellent themed afternoon tea offering. The special children's tea is served on an elegant treestump and includes a cute tigger-striped macaroon, a darling marzipan bee and a little honey parfait as well as little sandwiches and scones that come in a little basket. Of course it's wildly popular with children – and at £43 per head, it includes tickets to the exhibition too.

Silly Old Bear afternoon tea is available at The Gore and The Pelham hotels until 8 April

ART & SOLE

RAINY DAZE

V E JA X H U N D R E D P I E C E S

BOBO CHOSES

French footwear master Veja has teamed up with Hundred Pieces to create these snazzy (and eco-friendly) kids’ sneakers, featuring easy Velcro fastening and a fun, faintly Eighties colourbar print. From €75 en.smallable.com

The new Bobo Choses collection doesn’t disappoint. We suggest protecting your mini-me from spring showers with this lightweight hooded rain coat, featuring a colourful leaf motif. £103 en.smallable.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The IB at Southbank International School is more than an education. It’s a grounding for the increasingly complex and demanding world we live in. A commitment to academic excellence and a uniquely liberal ethos. An inner belief and confidence carried for the rest of life. Through university.

Through a career. Into a lasting impact on the world.

Places for 2018 entry are understandably strictly limited.

Apply today at southbank.org/applynow

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13/02/2018 15:21 10:27 12/02/2018

A Broader

BRUSH The Deputy Principal of the Southbank International School on the advantages of the IB

T

By AMAL HIRANI

he International Baccalaureate Programme is a pre-university programme that offers students a wide breadth of subjects.

It’s very demanding academically and at Southbank we support our students throughout it.

The IB offers more breadth than the British system, and more depth than the American system; it’s a hybrid of the two.

The IB qualifies students to study anywhere in the world and is recognised globally by most top institutions.

The IB requires students to enquire, and to question what they’re being taught. IB students are academic risk-takers who look for different ways of learning.

They put themselves out of their comfort zone in order to develop their knowledge and skills. The IB learner profile also asks for students to be good communicators, to be balanced, and these are attributes that we try and incorporate into our programme.

We want our students to be thinkers. We want to avoid handing them knowledge on a plate, instead requiring them to ask why and use their research skills to draw out the nuances behind what they’re

“IB students are academic risk-takers who look for different ways of learning”

EDUCATION • FOCUS learning. We look for our students to be inquisitive and resilient, to question what is right and wrong in the context of a world where news sources are increasingly subject to scrutiny.

IB students at Southbank take up to six subjects and can choose from a broad range of courses not offered by other schools of our size. Sixteen is too early an age for most of our students to narrow down their options and the path they want to take in life. The IB Diploma gives them a breadth of subjects and keeps them open to learning languages and humanities as well as learning sciences and maths, so they have more choices open to them compared to A-Level students who are restricted to taking three or four subjects.

The academic and life skills fostered by the IB approach are well documented both in research and the observations of university admissions officers. IB students develop into independent learners with excellent organisational skills.

The academic attainment levels of our students is further in evidence with the top universities in the UK, US and Canada offering them places.

We have a strong sense of community at Southbank. Students come from many different countries, from different education systems and flourish here. Our job is creating a home from home where our students feel safe and cared for - something our strong pastoral programme ensures we can do for each and every member of the IB community.

We firmly believe that academic excellence and a supportive, caring environment go hand in hand.

Whilst the IB diploma puts students on an excellent academic footing, its benefits are far broader, preparing students for making their way in the world.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN WAITROSE, MAJESTIC, 31DOVER.COM AND UK DUTY FREE

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TRAVEL

FAR AND WIDE SRI LANKA

Timeless ruins, endless beauty, wide-reaching beaches and some out-of-this-world accomodation; we discover it all on the trip of a lifetime.

Discover Sri Lanka: An island of charms 72 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BOUTIQUE HOTEL, TRI LANKA OFFERS VIEWS OVER SRI LANKA'S LARGEST NATURAL LAKE, KOGGALA

SRI LANKAN SPLENDOUR TRI LANKA'S ROOMS ARE SLICK BUT COSY

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST CAPE WELIGAMA AFFORDS UNMATCHED PANORAMAS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

This island nation has myriad charms, from timeless ruins to rolling surf

S

By HANNAH HOPKINS

DINE IN WILD COAST'S BEACH GARDEN UNDER A SRI LANKAN NIGHT SKY

ri Lanka packs in an astonishing variety of places to visit within its modest size, with a natural environment full of beauty and diversity. Its myriad charms, from timeless ruins, welcoming people and oodles of elephants to rolling surf, famous tea and flavourful food, make it irresistible to travellers.

With this in mind, my friend and I set out on a tea, sea and safari trip across the country – taking in an Instagram-famous hotel along the way. After a ten-hour flight and a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, we arrived exhausted (and ever-so-slightly carsick) at Tea Trails, a bungalow resort tucked up in verdant tea country. Five bungalows, plus one private cottage, are resplendent in their colonial style and stretch along the banks of Castlereagh Lake and down into the Bogawantalawa valley. We stayed in Norwood bungalow, packed with ‘50s character and beautiful communal spaces, including an elegant dining room and lounge where there were roaring fires at cocktail-hour. Rooms are named after past tea planter occupants and, in keeping with the hotel’s concept that the bungalow is your home, there are no keys to lock rooms.

If peace and quiet is your bag, then this is the place for you. Mornings began with Bed Tea – an age-old colonial tradition where a butler serves you tea to gently wake you up. At breakfast, mists roll in off the plantations and the atmosphere is utterly tranquil; there were wide verandas for reading in the afternoon and butler service on tap. Attention to detail is paramount in the service, and even the friendly chef says hello each day to tailor meals to your tastes and preferences.

On our first night, blissfully full after a feast of Sri Lankan curry and hoppers, we passed out as the fresh mountain air took its toll. Next day we strolled the hotel grounds – replete with roses, spring crocuses and croquet lawns, then visited one of the famous Dilmah Tea factories. You really can’t visit Sri Lanka without learning about their most successful export, and at Dilmah you can experience the tea process from picking to packaging.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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LOOK E D TH E R IGHT SIZE ONLINE? TRY ON THE L ATEST FASHIONS IN OUR STORES, VISIT OUR TEN SCREEN CINE M A, ENJOY A LIVE GIG OR CHILL WITH FRIENDS AT OUR RESTAUR ANTS

Angel Central Shopping Centre 21 Parkfield Street, Islington, N1 0PS

angelcentral.co.uk

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20/02/2018 17:42 15:26 19/02/2018

TRAVEL • WANDERLUST WILD COAST'S COCOON POOL SUITE BOASTS A PRIVATE POOL AND VIEWS OF THE BEACH

WILD COAST SITS ON THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF YALA NATIONAL PARK

MIST ROLLS ACROSS THE TEA PLANTATIONS AT BUNGALOW RESORT, TEA TRAILS

Next up on our travel itinerary was Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake, Koggala – home to boutique hotel Tri Lanka. With its slickly designed rooms, airy spa and treetop yoga (set in a space designed to float above bamboo groves), it is perfect fodder for travel bloggers. Dotted around were rooms housed in a cinnamon-clad water tower and swirling hillside houses with sumptuous suites. Traditionalists might be irked by the pared back, ultra-contemporary interiors and the communal style dining-cum-barcum-reception area, but a swim in the hotel’s beautifully designed pool over the lake might just sway them. Only 25-minutes’ drive away

is the majestic city of Galle, known for its colonial fort, whitewashed sea walls and excellent boutique shopping. On the way, we stopped off to see the stilt fisherman of Kogalla and the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya temple in Unawatuna. Set in the ramparts of Galle Fort is Amangalla – a hotel of stately grande dame period charm that’s well worth booking for lunch in between shopping and exploring. We enjoyed the lobster tagliatelle and tuna tartare.

Travelling further along the coast we reached the breathtaking Bay of Weligama, famed for whale watching and one of Sri Lanka’s most glamorous beach resorts, Cape Weligama. A model village of sorts, it's set on an amazing headland site - we were told that many guests never leave the complex.

It’s no surprise; every curvaceous corner of the resort – masterminded by Thai architect Lek Bunnag – is designed with privacy in mind. Villas were carefully placed in clusters of two or three around generous pools shielded by trees and the iconic cliff-top pool was crescent-shaped to offer 270-degree panoramas of the Indian Ocean, regardless of who was sitting near you. From seafood at the alfresco Ocean Terrace to the more intimate Ocean House Steakhouse (book in advance), the food was delectable. You can visit the Cape Colony Club for Ceylon high tea and sunset cocktails, book into the revamped spa to unwind, learn to dive, go on a bike tour, go whale watching, or, if you really get bored, go to the fully-equipped gym.

There were staff on hand to help at all times and they were the most polite we’d ever encountered. You could want for nothing.

Just when we thought life couldn’t get any better, we arrived at Wild Coast, a brand new wildlife lodge on Sri Lanka’s south east

coast. Set along a pristine beach on the fringes of the renowned Yala National Park, it blends the comforts of a luxury hotel with the back-to-nature excitement of a wilderness safari camp.

Guests stay in tented ‘cocoon suites’ with vaulted ceilings, large windows and colonial chic design – think freestanding copper bathtubs, four-poster beds, teak floors and repurposed metallic hardware.

Some have private plunge pools – ours didn’t, but was clustered around a waterhole – more exciting as you have the chance of seeing wildlife from your private deck. This being a new opening, there were still a few teething problems – most notably copper taps that were too hard to turn and no food or drinks menus at the open-air bamboo-clad restaurant - but those will easily iron themselves out. Kudos though, to the hotel’s safari guides, who were exceptionally wellinformed, friendly and whisked us to the quietest corners of Yala National Park to see elephants, leopards and sloth bears.

At one point, we were within touching distance of an elephant, who was enjoying his dinner as the sun set. When it comes to magical holiday moments, it doesn’t get much better than that.

TEA TRAILS Rooms at Tea Trails start from $722 per night on an all-inclusive basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/teatrails

CA P E W E L I G A M A

Rooms start from $624 per night on a half board basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/capeweligama

W I L D C OA ST T E N T E D LO D G E

Rooms start from $890 per night on an all-inclusive basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala

TRI LANKA

Rooms start from $325 per night on a half board basis, based on double occupancy. trilanka.com

A M A N GA L L A Lunch starts from around £18 per person aman.com/resorts/amangalla

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CREATORS OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE FIREPLACES We created our unique FIRE RIBBON BURNER technology in 2003 with a large, glamorous and distinctive flame quality

CVO Fire | Unit 4 Beaumont Square Newton Aycliffe | County Durham | DL5 6XN 01325 301020 | sales@cvo.co.uk www.cvo.co.uk

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www.tilesetc.com | angel@tilesetc.com | 020 7607 2700 4 Shillingford Street, London N1 2DP TILES ETC.indd 1

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PROPERTY Living the dream

INGRAM AVENUE NW11

ÂŁPOA

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Nigel: Portugal

his is a majestic new build in a residential region close to Hampstead Heath. The property comprises six bedrooms, four reception rooms, seven bathrooms, a cinema room, gym, sauna, spa and steam room. There is also lift access on every floor. Ingram Avenue is one of North London's premier residential roads within walking distance of Kenwood House.

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Knight Frank Hampstead 020 7431 8686 knightfrank.com

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St Peter's Street, Islington N1 A fantastic duplex apartment in a great location A stunning one bedroom apartment set within an early-Victorian period house. The property benefits from plenty of living space, a private entrance, 2 bathrooms and a private courtyard. The property also features a number of skylights, all complete with electronic and blackout blinds. 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen. EPC: D. Approximately 90.32 sq m (972 sq ft).

Share of Freehold

Guide price: £750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3657 7340

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/ISL170283

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Lonsdale Square, Islington N1 An elegant five bedroom house set on the prestigious Lonsdale Square The house is arranged over five floors and has been refurbished to a very high standard. The stunning kitchen is located on the ground floor and the lower ground floor comprises 2 double bedrooms, bathroom and large reception room, utility/kitchenette with views over the square.

EPC: E. Approximately 237 sq m (2,552 sq ft).

KnightFrank.co.uk/islingtonlettings islingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3657 7360

Guide price: £1,995 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/ISQ199494 All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

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@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

KNIGHT FRANK A bright future "We have some fantastic properties on our books at the moment but they are not hanging around"

JAMES MARSHALL, ASSOCIATE, OFFICE HEAD

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fter speaking to many colleagues across London it seems the Islington market is outperforming other Boroughs. Since opening the doors on January 2nd we have been extremely busy and agreeing on average two deals a week.

Our viewing levels have increased by 40% compared to this time last year and there is a sudden feeling of confidence back in the market - something we haven’t felt for a couple of years. The Saturday diary is fully booked by Wednesday each week and in many cases we’ve

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had to carry out mini open days to accommodate.

The most successful sales this year have been our clients who recognise the 13% drop in prices during 2017 and are listing theirs at the correct market value. A lot of buyers we have spoken to have recognised the price correction and are now ready to get on the ladder.

Over the last three months we have agreed sales ranging from £550,000 to £5,500,000.

The most active section of the market is £800,000 £1,100,000, we have some fantastic properties on our books at the moment but they are not hanging around for too long. There is a notable lack of houses coming to the market above £2,500,000 but we’ve got buyers waiting for when the do.

Overall it’s been a fantastic start to the year and I am excited to see what 2018 has in store for us.

DAN FOX, LETTINGS MANAGER

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he signs for Islington’s rental market in 2018 are extremely promising. We are currently 18% up on deal volume and we are maintaining solid price levels. By far the most active market is the one bedrooms in central N1 locations. London’s vibrant array of international businesses based here means there is always demand from companies for short and longterm rental properties.

What is particularly encouraging is our corporate and relocation searches are up by 22% compared to this time last year. This strongly indicates that international relocations to London have been resistant to the negative effects of Brexit. However, we

have seen corporate relocation budgets gradually shrink as companies scale back costs.

On the whole, the market seems to have accommodated for an increase is supply of properties and rental values have stabilised as a result. London will always be attractive to employers and employees, however, corporate and local applicants are now looking for excellent value for money. Many applicants are having to make compromises on size, but good transport links are non-negotiable.

In summary, the corporate market in Islington is very active and one bedroom properties are increasingly in demand. However, for Landlords the main advice is for properties to be well-presented and priced attractively.

To follow what James and his team are up to on Instagram please follow: james.islington1 KNIGHT FRANK 020 3657 7340 knightfrankco.uk/Islington

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THE FINEST RIVER VIEW IN LONDON WATERFRONT PENTHOUSE COLLECTION ARRANGE A VIEWING TODAY Simply stunning: the new penthouse collection at Waterfront is the ultimate in luxury, with breathtaking views up and down the river to Canary Wharf, the City and the Thames Barrier. Residents can relax in the sumptuous spa facilities of The Waterside Club and enjoy on-site dining, riverside walks and shopping. Not to mention the on-site Crossrail station, due to open in December 2018, which will provide a world-class, high capacity railway, delivering faster journey times to central London and Heathrow.

A limited collection of 2 and 3 bedroom duplex penthouses available Prices from ÂŁ1,295,000 Viewing by appointment only - call 020 3918 3593 to register your interest Sales & Marketing Suite open 10am to 6pm (Thursdays until 8pm) Imperial Building, No. 2 Duke of Wellington Avenue, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich, London SE18 6FR Photography is indicative only. Prices and information correct at time of going to press.

www.royalarsenalriverside.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

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ST JOHNS STREET E C 1 V, ÂŁ950,0 0 0

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n excellent two bedroom flat arranged on the second and third floor of this period building. The property is presented to a very high standard and benefits from two private terraces. St. John Street is ideally located for the restaurants and local amenities on Upper Street.

The property is walking distance from both Angel and Old Street underground stations with great access to Central London.

KFH

Clerkenwell Office, 02075635060 kfh.co.uk

BATCHELOR STREET N 1 , ÂŁ1, 5 49. 5 00

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his is a superb three bedroom property on a popular and residential street in Islington. Alongside three bedrooms the property comprises a large reception room and a modern kitchen with integrated appliances.

This home is light and airy, has modern interiors, ample storage and a well maintained rear garden. It is also moments away from the many shops, cafes and restaurants on Upper Street.

FOXTONS Islington Office, 020 7704 5000 foxtons.co.uk 1

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GRANTBRIDGE STREET N 1 , £ 1 ,1 75 ,0 0 0

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ARKWRIGHT ROAD

PEAR TREE STREET E C 1 V, £ 1 ,1 0 0,0 0 0

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his newly refurbished two bed maisonette has been finished to the highest standards.

On the ground floor there are two double bedrooms and a family sized bathroom, on the lower floor a kitchen and separate entertaining space. As well as contemporary design and period charm, the flat boasts a number of extravagant features including underfloor heating.

stunning two bedroom apartment on the fifth floor of a prestigious development. The double bedrooms are generous in size, and the property benefits from a balcony, two bathrooms, modern appliances and exceptionally high ceilings. The development is also situated within easy walking distance of the restaurants and boutique shops of Clerkenwell.

WINKWORTH

KNIGHT FRANK

Islington office, 020 7354 2480 winkworth.co.uk

Islington Office, 02036577340 Knightfrank.com

N W 3 , £ 6 ,75 0,0 0 0

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his five bedroom Victorian home in Hampstead Village is conveniently located, within easy reach of the local amenities of Swiss Cottage. The accommodation is predominantly arranged over three floors, with the upper floors benefitting from great views of the landscaped garden. The property also has a spacious kitchen and living room. There is also gated off street parking for several vehicles.

THE PROPERTY IS ARRANGED OVER THREE FLOORS, WITH THE UPPER FLOORS BENEFITTING FROM GREAT VIEWS OF THE GARDEN

KNIGHT FRANK

Hampstead, 020 7317 7956 knightfrank.com

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407-409 Holloway Road, London, N7 6HP

020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk

SALES

Ashburton Triangle, Drayton Park, N5 | £375,000 One double bedroom apartment in pristine condition with wood flooring in most rooms. Located in a modern development on the fringe of the Emirates stadium in the heart of Drayton Park, near to shops and transport links.

Private Balcony | 2nd Floor (Level 4) with Lift | Secure Block with Concierge | Chain Free | EPC Rating: Band C

Marlborough Road, Upper Holloway, N19 | £1,450,000 Six bedroom Victorian period mid-terraced house arranged over four floors. Key features include a reception with a bay window and a modern fitted kitchen/dining room.

Shower Rooms | South-East Facing Rear Garden | Close to Underground, Shops & Buses | Freehold | Chain Free | EPC Rating: Band D

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LETTINGS

Holloway Road, London, N7 | £465 per week A newly built penthouse apartment with two double bedrooms. Featuring a modern kitchen with stone counter top and integrated appliances and a spacious open plan reception room with sliding doors onto a private roof terrace.

Gas Central Heating | Double Glazing | Ensuite Bath/Shower Rooms | Guest WC | Available Now | Furnished or Unfurnished | EPC Rating Band D

Parkhurst Court, London, N7 | £370 per week Newly refurbished two double bedroom apartment situated in a private development on Warlters Road. Benefits include a modern separate kitchen, spacious reception room and tiled bathroom with bath and shower attachment. Keys held for immediate viewing.

Underfloor Heating | Laminate Wood Flooring Throughout | Close to Shops & Transport | Available Now | Furnished or Unfurnished | EPC Rating Band E

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FA M O U S P L AC E S

by N I G E L L E W I S

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

PEPYS’ HOUSE

F

PHANTOM HOME

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he film Phantom Thread, released this February, tells the story of a bachelor dressmaker in the 1950s whose life becomes difficult when he finds love.

Starring Daniel-Day Lewis in what is said to be his final screen role, the film also features Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps.

Phantom Thread was filmed on location in the UK in two key places – Lythe in North Yorkshire and in Fitzrovia in central London. In the

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capital, many of the scenes were shot at a Grade I listed, five-storey, sevenbedroom mansion on Fitzroy Square, which in the film is the workshop and home of the fictional Reynolds Woodcock that Day-Lewis plays.

The property where all the fashion and failed love takes place is now for sale. The Robert Adams-designed terraced property, which was built in 1790, also features eight reception rooms, private parking, 3.5m high ceilings and a full height cantilevered stone.

amous diarist Samuel Pepys was born in London and lived in the capital most of his life.

Pepys was born in the Square Mile, living through the English civil wars, the Great Plague, the Great Fire and the threat of Dutch invasion, before dying in Clapham in 1703.

In 1666 Pepys visited a ‘bear pit’ and saw animals including horses and bulls being baited for public amusement, which he described as “a rude and nasty pleasure”.

Bear baiting is both illegal and widely despised these days but when Samuel Pepys was writing his famous diaries during the 1660s it was a popular form of entertainment.

The original bear pit Pepys visited was an octagonal theatre open to the air on what is now London’s South Bank. It sat just behind The Globe Theatre.

The bear pit is long gone but a home was built in 1860 on the site that records his visit called Pepys House, on Park Street.

Excavations of the property’s basement have revealed that elements of the original bear pit remain. The striking four-bedroom house is now for sale for £3.5 million.

It is a beautiful Grade II Listed building, with high vaulted ceilings that expose the original timber trusses, positioned just 90 meters from the River Thames.

“In the area housing stock at this price point tends to be modern apartments so Pepys House offers something different for buyers at this level,” says agent Laura Laws.

It’s for sale at £15 million through Knight Frank (020 3813 3647).

More information from Savills, (020 7456 6800).

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

SCORES ON THE DORS

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he antics of today’s celebrities occasionally shock the nation, but for many decades actress Diana Dors took it to a whole different level. Her fame came from two sources – her reputation as the English Marylyn Monroe and an outrageous personal life.

It included two spells working in Hollywood, an appearance alongside Joan Collins and work on TV. She also liked her houses to be luxurious and, as well as a country manor house, her former home on Burnsall Street in London’s Chelsea is no exception.

The terraced property, which has recently had a blue plaque added in memory of her career, is now for sale.

It’s a double-fronted, four-bedroom house recently extended at the rear, just off the King’s Road.

For sale at £2.85m with agent John D Wood (020 7352 1484).

"Diana Dors liked her houses to be luxurious and her home on Burnsall Street in Chelsea is no exception"

HOME GAMES

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ctress Tara Fitzgerald has enjoyed an illustrious stage, film and TV career, but despite multiple plaudits for her work, she is best known to people as Selyse Baratheon, Lady of Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

But despite her global fame after joining Game of Thrones, the 50-year-old has for some time lived in a modest house in the suburbs of West London. Or at least she used to.

Tara has sold the property for £1.75 million, £145,000 less than she had hoped to get for it.

It has four bedrooms and two reception rooms and a long and wide rear garden, at the end of which is a substantial outbuilding.

“There is a real serenity to this place,” says Tara. “The flow of the house means it is somewhere that people feel comfortable from the moment they cross the threshold, and it has the charm of a country dwelling in the midst of the city.”

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A HYBRID AGENCY OFFERING A HIGH STREET SERVICE AT INTERNET PRICES CALL TO DISCUSS

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PORTUGAL'S GREAT OUTDOORS Designed to appeal to the sort of people for whom endless days snoozing by the beach is anathema

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isbon Green Valley, the substantial new villa complex under construction outside the tourist crush of Lisbon, is not the usual holiday homes resort most Brits are used to viewing when house hunting under the Mediterranean sun.

Instead of golf courses, beaches or vast swimming pool complexes, the resort is designed to appeal to the sort of people for whom endless days snoozing by the beach is anathema – the jogging, cycling and hiking set.

Lisbon Green Valley, as its name suggests, overlooks a verdant swathe of mountain criss-crossed by mountain biking and hiking paths and thousands of acres of wild countryside.

And if you do need to get to the beach but don’t want to drive, there’s a trail for the more adventurous that leads eventually to the nearest beach.

The resort has a way to go before it’s finished. The JCBs and construction workers have recently begun mauling its rich brown earth, and new wide boulevards are slowly forming to accommodate the 16 apartments, 14 townhouses and detached bespoke villas that will soon line them.

Like the modernist leanings of its partbuilt main apartment block and finished show townhouses, in many respects Lisbon Green Valley is a fresh approach to what a Mediterranean country resort should be.

And that means community, a model that’s been tried next door at its sister resort. There buggies whirr, children bob

along the sidewalks and local office workers and residents return for lunch. The number of people lunching in the club house was surprising for the early Autumn day when Absolutely London paid a visit.

Developer Gilberto Jordan, whose father André created two of Europe’s most famous resorts – Quinta da Lago and Vilamoura – says Lisbon Green Valley will bustle like its sister resort Belas Clube Campo because he expects 90% of residents to live there year-round.

It’s why the new resort is to have both a large school and a health centre. Lisbon Green Valley is also likely to have the same mixture of residents as Belas – retired golfing expats, professionals from around the world living in the sun but managing businesses remotely, and

“ if you do need to get to the beach but don’t want to drive, there’s a trail for the more adventurous that leads eventually to the nearest beach.”

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Lisbon commuters.

It’s this mix that makes Belas alive in comparison to the shuttered ghost resorts.

The ones that are all too numerous in Spain and other parts of the Mediterranean, only coming to life during the busy high-season Summer months and half-term breaks.

Lisbon Green Valley is also close to the main motorway network that cradles the capital and spreads out into the surrounding sometimes suburban countryside.

This makes many of the area’s main destinations around 20 minutes away – assuming you don’t drive at rush hour, including the regal mountains of Sintra, which can be seen from the resort in the distance, as well as the seaside resort of Cascais, historic Belem’s tower and the varied delights of Lisbon, including its bourgeoning celebrity chef scene.

Lisbon is the city break destination du jour for many northern Europeans helped by the arrival of Madonna, who has bought a house in Sintra and is now often seen in Lisbon with her son after he gained a place at the training academy of the city’s football club.

Mention of celebrities does not fluster Gilbert Jordan. His father’s first two resorts Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago were in part built on a reputation for celebrity residents from the footballing sublime to the reality TV ridiculous.

Dozens of world class football players including Christiana Ronaldo and Teddy Sheringham have resided at the two resorts, alongside reality stars such as Binky Felstead from Made in Chelsea, Ant & Dec, Holly Willoughby and Jose Mourinho.

Gilberto says he already secured several

famous names for Lisbon Green Valley, who are likely to buy one of the secluded $325,000 plots available, with building costs on top.

Further down the price list are completed apartments at Green Valley starting at €325,000 for a one-bed on the bottom floor to €520,00 for a two-bedroom unit on the top floor.

Townhouses kick off at €905,000 for the smallest three-bed units. All of which come with access to mountain bike storage facilities, of course.

For further information contact the team and get to know the Lisbon Green Valley project in detail: Call +351 219 626 616 Email: casadevendas@planbelas.pt www.lisbongreenvalley.pt

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You want knowledge You want experience You want convenience You want results

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YOUhome – 105 years of experience and 1000’s of Prime Central London homes sold Unique home seller app - We share our eyes and ears on property markets exclusively with our clients All for a fair sole agency fee of 1.25% (+VAT)

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ARLINGTON LOFTS Design-led Arlington Lofts is a unique offering in today's London property market

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estled in the bustling neighbourhood of Camden, NW1, with its world-famous markets, medley of arts, entertainment and culture is Arlington Lofts, the latest opportunity to experience contemporary warehouse living in the capital.

Arlington Lofts is a new iconic address for the area: a sympathetically transformed heritage building offering modern, stylishly appointed homes. Located on the picturesque Arlington Road, the development is within the Camden Town

Conservation Area and only 200 metres away from Camden underground station as well as a short distance from King’s Cross and Euston stations.

Developed by nationally renowned and award-winning developer Fabrica by A2Dominion, the former electricity substation dates back to the 1930s and has been partially restored to offer a collection of sixteen thoughtfully-designed lateral and duplex one, two and three bedroom apartments, across a range of price points.

The warehouse feel has been preserved and the development benefits from the building’s grand proportions, high ceilings, large windows and its striking façade with

yellow stock brick and contrasting red brick pilasters, which has been sensitively restored resulting in a new distinctive characterful address for NW1.

Inside, the building draws on its rich architectural history and combines modern layouts with loft-like interiors by internationally renowned Darling Associates. Each home includes spacious living areas, Crittall windows that flood the rooms with natural light and the finest craftsmanship. Bespoke kitchens feature integrated Siemens’ appliances, a breakfast bar and concrete effect Caesarstone worktops, while the bathrooms have patterned porcelain floor tiles and the bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes.

Residents will also benefit from their own private outdoor space and basement storage as well as an impressive lobby area with a metal lattice entrance and eyecatching pendant lights.

Award winning architectural and interior design practice Honky has

“Inside, the building draws on its rich architectural history and combines modern layouts with loft-like interiors” 94

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designed the two bedroom show apartment and is available to view by appointment only.

A short distance from Regent’s Canal and the open green spaces of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Arlington Lofts provides excellent value when compared with the other London villages close by.

The development will also benefit from the arrival of Hawley Wharf, Camden Town’s canal side regeneration, which will introduce new shops, cafés, restaurants and public spaces and is due to finish in 2019.

Arlington Lofts is a unique offering

in today’s London property market, thoughtfully created to appeal to local buyers looking to downsize or upsize to a design-led, low maintenance home in one of the capital’s most favoured neighbourhoods.

Arlington Lofts is on the market with Marsh and Parsons. Prices start at £1,115,000 for a two- bedroom apartment.

Completions are scheduled for Summer 2018.

For more information, please contact Marsh and Parsons on 020 3918 4846 or visit www. marshandparsons.co.uk

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THE NEW SHOREDITCH Absolutely London visits one of the last ‘emerging’ areas of London to see what the hipster hideaway of Deptford has to offer

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f you judge an area by its beards and brogues quota, then Deptford is undoubtedly riding right now. This once-scruffy pocket of Lewisham received a massive boost to its fortunes back in 2014 following the approval of a £1 billion regeneration project. But the big change has been seen over the last 18 months as Deptford has cemented its position as the location of choice for creatives and young professionals looking for a vibrant cultural scene within easy reach of central London.

Deptford has been dubbed the ‘new Shoreditch’ and it’s easy to see why.

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There’s been a notable influx of arty types drawn to the area by its cool creative vibe, trendy bars and cutting-edge music venues. And then, of course, there’s the affordability factor. Although prices in Deptford continue to rise, you can still pick up a one-bedroom flat here for under £300,000 making it a clear favourite with first-time buyers.

Vicci Smith from Foxtons thinks that the stamp duty change introduced in the autumn budget has been great news for Deptford. “If anything comes onto the market costing £500,000 or below the buyers are all over it,” says Vicci. “There’s so much regeneration happening here in

Deptford, it’s really exciting. I’d say it’s the area of London which has seen the most change over the last few years.

The enquiries always used to be about Greenwich, but now everyone calls up about Deptford.”

The excellent transport links are a big draw – London Bridge can be reached in six minutes by train and Canary Wharf is only a 12-minute chug on the DLR – but Vicci believes Deptford’s unique community feel is the main attraction for new home buyers. “People flock here because it has such a vibrant, culturally diverse atmosphere,’ says Vicci. “You can get any kind of food you could possibly want in Deptford, there are loads of great new bars and restaurants and there’s a strong sense of community. “Creative types love it here. You see lots of hipsters and people walking around with yoga mats over their shoulders. I had a buyer in the other day who specifically wanted to move to the area because of the number of new vegan restaurants which have opened up.”

When it comes to property, Deptford offers a wide variety of options. There are grand Queen Anne town houses on Albury Street near St Paul’s Church, Victorian terraces on popular streets like Scawen Road and several impressive riverside developments offering swish new apartments with views of the Thames. The Timberyard Deptford is one of the largest new developments in the area. Built on a former industrial site near the open green space of Deptford Park, the scheme will create 1,132 new homes – each with their own private

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

outdoor space – as well as 100,000 sq ft of commercial and retail units. “Deptford is one of those previously overlooked in-between locations, nestled alongside Canada Water and Greenwich, and as such it has significant growth potential,’ says Matthew Moloney of Colliers International who are marketing The Timberyard.

“It’s so close to Canary Wharf and has a creative scene to rival Shoreditch. It’s the one to watch in the South East corridor. For buy-to-let investors, getting in early for a long-term project such as The Timberyard is where the real opportunities lie.”

The first phase of homes at The

“It’s so close to Canary Wharf and has a creative scene to rival Shoreditch.

It’s the one to watch in the South East corridor.”

Timberyard has nearly sold out and a second phase of properties will be released later this year. Other significant developments in the area include Convoys Wharf which will see 3,500 homes created on the site of the original Sixteenth Century dockyards and the Anthology Deptford Foundry which will offer 276 characterful homes in a converted former metal foundry. Investors need to move fast to make the most of the opportunities in this Zone 2 hotspot. And if you’re moving in rather buying to let, don’t forget to pack your brogues to ensure you fit in with Deptford’s seriously arty crowd.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHURCH VALE, EAST FINCHLEY, N2 A four bedroom semi-detached fully refurbished double fronted house. The property is within the catchment area for Fortismere secondary school.

£2,250,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE “Open plan modern kitchen/living space with stunning floor to ceiling bi-fold doors which is a fantastic space for hosting parties in the summer or winter” “Being well placed for local parks including Coldfall, Cherry Tree & Highgate Woods.

There are restaurants within walking distance for evenings out” “The underfloor heating which is a real luxury being able to walk around with bare feet during the colder months” WE’VE NOTICED This property has been totally rewired and has Lightwave installed; which allows you to control the lighting in your home remotely with your smartphone.The contemporary style of living and the way in which this property has been refurbished to an exacting standard, with particular attention being drawn to the quality of the fixtures and fittings, and well designed living area.

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4 Bedrooms 3 Reception rooms Open plan kitchen dinner 2 Bathrooms

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School catchment Underfloor heating downstairs Fully refurbished EPC Rating: E

Contact Chris Fairclough at our East Finchley office on 020 8883 0077 martyngerrard.co.uk MG_NXNW_DPS_USE.indd 1

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WELLFIELD AVENUE, N10 A six double bedroom award winning Eco-home arranged over 3828 SQ FT with off street parking, garden and garage.

£3,000,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE “Centrally located and with parking for 3 cars, we have the shops and restaurants on our doorstep. We can enjoy the hustle and bustle close by but at home we have complete peace and quiet due to the soundproofing design features of the house. “ “Muswell Hill is a great community with people always popping in for tea; especially our fantastic neighbours who are so friendly they are almost like family.”

WE’VE NOTICED The house has been almost re-built and designed with excellent thermal performance and exceptional airtightness with mechanical ventilation.

The house was a ‘Best sustainable project’ finalist and commended for ‘Best residential renovation or alteration’ in 2013 when the works were completed.

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6 Bedrooms 3 Reception rooms KNX home automation Cat 6 cabling thoughout Tilt and turn triple glazed windows

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Solar roof panels Designed to the Passivhaus principles Mechanical whole house ventilation EPC Rating: B

Contact Rowland Slinn at our Muswell Hill office on 020 8444 3388 martyngerrard.co.uk MG_NXNW_DPS_USE.indd 2

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Move This Spring get back to what you love sooner by selling or letting with Knight Frank.

Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 3657 7340 @KF_NorthLondon islington@knightfrank.com

We’d love to help you.

KnightFrank.co.uk

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Connecting people & property, perfectly.

19/02/2018 05/02/2018 12:24 13:45

An address to impress A 145 year old canvas ready for your mark The Priory is a collection of four elegant two, three and four bedroom homes within a Grade II listed former abbey at Priory Park, Mill Hill.

Prices from

ÂŁ1,650,000 Contact the Selling Agents to view

A development by

020 8441 9555 020 8906 0660

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