Absolutely North London Magazine November 2024 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

GIFTS GALORE All present and correct

SPARK

FEELING FESTIVE ALREADY

YOURS

Country House Weddings has six handpicked wedding venues across the south of England. These stunning venues have been chosen for their picturesque settings, opulent interiors and extensive facilities. Each offers a range of hassle-free allinclusive wedding packages to suit all tastes & preferences.

NEW COLLECTION

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We transform houses to create incredible living spaces with a spectacular relationship to the garden.

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YOUR TIMELINE TO THE PARTY SEASON

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6TH - 20TH DECEMBER

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

W i n d o w s h o p p i n g

EDITOR IN CHIEF

PENDLE HARTE

MAMA EDITOR

CARLY GLENDINNING

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

DESIGNER

MARIANA SUZUKI

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

GEMMA GRAY

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

For advertising enquiries please call craig@zest-media.com

enquiries 07818 690 386 or email: 020 7704 0588

124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; zest.london

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

Are you an early adopter? I'm talking about Christmas. Some people think that the festive season begins as soon as the pumpkins have gone from the windowsills and the faux cobwebs have collapsed. Others won't even consider putting a card on a mantlepiece until late December. Whichever camp you're in, there's no avoiding the fact that November gets more festive every year. In this issue we cover everything from garlands and baubles to turkeys and champagne, because we believe in being prepared. Buying gifts in December is for losers. You'll ﬁnd us sipping our pannettone liqueur with Christmas fully wrapped by the time the late adopters start rummaging for fairy lights in the loft. So that's why this November issue has gone for an unapologetic Christmas theme. We hope you enjoy it.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Rounding up all our favourites

Tablescaping Prepare for a maximalist Christmas lunch

Pink fizz What are you drinking?

Cashmere crushing

It's deﬁnitely the season for a so knit. We love Madeleine Thompson's new collection.

Comedy baubles

Natural garlands Flowers, eucalyptus, ivy: it's all about foliage this season.

Wish LIST

PRETTY GREEN

Pink City Prints' Tilda dress is the perfect party piece. Finished with an intricate, scalloped neckline, and ﬂ attering, ruﬄ ed sleeves, it looks great with gold heels, or thrown on with brown boots. pinkcityprints.com

LET'S TWIST

A modern and colourful addition to your home, this Grassmere candlestick holder has an intriguing curved design in 100% glass. £16 johnlewis.com

TIGHT FIT

Pioneering hosiery brand Heist Studios creates tights using an innovative combination of sports and space industry technologies. These tights are gravitydefying, seamless and gusset-free which means no sagging –and all-day comfort. heist-studios.com

MINT CONDITION

Otiumberg's mint quartz Domino ring signature features a uniquely beautiful colour of the mint quartz, achieved through the heat treatment of an amethyst gemstone. £795 otiumberg.com

NEW FLAME

EMERALD SHADE

For a wide range of lingerie in all shapes and colours, visit Amelie's Follies in Battersea. We love this set by Marie Jo in Jasper Green. ameliesfollies.co.uk

NEW METALLICS

From shimmering statement dresses to eye-catching metallic accessories, Wanni Fuga's AW24 collection is a masterclass in high-fashion meets luxury. The brand’s signature clean lines and timeless cra smanship make it the go-to label for women who want to make a statement this season. wannifuga.com

Diptyque's Citrouille autumn candle features notes of chestnut and spices, inspired by traditional pumpkin pies, that mingle with crisp green accents of fruit. diptyqueparis.com willowcrossley.com

CARE PACK

Bloom & Wild have devised a range of ﬂ owers, care packages, and parent bundles to show love and care to new parents. And it's not just ﬂ owers – there are chocolates and candles too. bloomandwild.com

TOP CUP

Fill this Loving Cup with ﬂ owers for the dinner table to mix and match with the dinnerware or use for special ﬂ ower moments around the home, says Willow Crossley. willowcrossley.com

BOW TIE

Fanciful ﬂ ourishes deﬁ ne La Veste's limited-edition Juliette Shirt. The two statement bows stand out against the light green hue, adding a touch of retro energy to the classic design.£230 koibird.com

CULTURE THE REAL SICILY

PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY

Letizia Battaglia's striking images of Sicily are on show at the Photographers' Gallery. Pictured is: Cala neighbourhood. The little girl with the ball. (Quartiere Cala. La bambina con il pallone.)

Palermo, 1980 © Courtesy Archivio Letizia Battaglia tpg.org.uk

The Agenda

EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

Usher in the festive season with an unparalleled ice-skating experience, delectable and decadent warming treats, contemporary music and unique gift shopping in the heart of the capital. Somerset House’s iconic neoclassical courtyard will once again transform into a fairytale scene.

somersethouse.org

ART

Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious

From 19 November

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

The first major exhibition devoted to visionary artist and designer, Tirzah Garwood (1908–1951). Best known until now as the wife of Eric Ravilious and as the author of the autobiography Long Live Great Bardfield, Garwood excelled as a fine artist and printmaker. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

ongoing TOWN HALL HOTEL

An exhibition of works by British photographer Michael Spencer Jones in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ seminal album Deﬁnitely Maybe and of their recent reunion announcement. townhallhotel.com

ART Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End In Tears

To 5 January 2025

BARBICAN CENTRE

Move through a series of life-size dioramas, viewing paintings in a narrative sequence, as a story unfurls of a ‘femme fatale’ ﬁlm noir character living in an imagined colonial outpost. Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum ﬁlls The Curve with theatrical installations, building an imagined world in which to display her paintings. barbican.org.uk

ART TO WATCH

Recommended by Lisa Baker

Letizia Battaglia: Life, Love and Death in Sicily

To 23 February

PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY

Letizia Battaglia (1935-2022) was one of Italy’s most important social documentary photographers. She documented everyday life, alongside the brutal reality of the Mafia and their victims in Sicily. Her images are some of the best-known records of life in the shadow of the Mafia. This is a powerful overview of Battaglia's extraordinary photographic work, from 1971 to 2021. thephotographersgallery.org.uk

FMonth’s

Michael Craig-Martin

TO 10 DECEMBER, ROYAL ACADEMY

Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA

fills our Main Galleries with colour at this retrospective of his 60-year career. A key figure in British art, Michael Craig-Martin is one of the most influential artists and teachers of his generation. Since coming to prominence in the late 1960s he has moved between sculpture, installation, painting, drawing, prints and digital works, creating a body of work that has fused elements from pop, minimalism and conceptual art. royalacademy.org.uk

rom refugee camps and mental health units to NPG Portrait Award nominees, The Cass Art Prize o ers a fascinating snapshot of British art’s diversity, resilience and impact. Work by nominated artists from across the length and breadth of the UK and Republic of Ireland will be exhibited at Copeland Gallery in Peckham from 8-16 November. The artists include NPG Portrait Award nominee Morag Caister, Gabriella Kardos who spent 8 months in a refugee camp when she was 16, Reuben Murray, a workingclass neuro-divergent artists whose work explores themes of race and representation, and Terence Wilde, who retrained as an artist through Croydon voluntary mental health services. Also nominated are secondary school art teacher Giuseppe Iozzi, Jack CandyKemp who was featured in this year’s Royal Academy exhibition and Orlanda Broom, known for her vibrant ﬂoral landscapes. cassartprize.co.uk

The Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair takes over Woolwich Works from 21-24 November. The leading international fair for original contemporary print is revolutionising the traditional art market and disrupting the elitist nature of art fairs. Featuring 50% independent artists selected by industry experts from an international artist open call alongside 50% specialist galleries, this year’s highlights include works by David Shrigley, Stanley Donwood and Ben Kelly via Jealous Gallery, work by Brian Eno and Helen Beard from Paul Stolper Gallery and editions by David Mach via Anise Gallery. . New this year is a public art trail through historic Woolwich Arsenal.

woolwichprintfair.com

PHOTO: LOTTE VAN UITTERST

An exclusive use venue in the Highlands, bursting with romance and character

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Tie the knot and dance til dawn in the glorious vaulted ballroom. Get in touch for an initial discussion, a video viewing or a visit in person.

Achnagairn Castle | perfect-manors.com | reception@perfect-manors.com

Main photo by Hayley Fraser

From left to right: Donna Murray, The Curries, Bernadeta Kupiec

ACHNAGAIRN CASTLE

Main photo by Hayley Fraser

From left to right: Donna Murray, The Curries, Bernadeta Kupiec

ACHNAGAIRN CASTLE

WAITING for GODOT

Samuel Beckett's enigmatic classic in a new production at Theatre Royal Haymarket

By PENDLE HARTE

It's not a cheerful play, as everyone knows. Samuel Beckett's enigmatic 1948 play is famously one where nothing happens. Two characters, devoid of context or backstory, appear in on a road, near a tree, and stay there, claiming to be waiting for someone. They seem to do this every day, with little recollection of the day before. It's a mysterious and surreal premise, and the play contributed to a post-war revolution in the world of theatre. It's brilliantly cast. Ben Whishaw is a twitchy Vladimir and Lucian Msamati a slumpy Estragon. Physically, they're a great match for each other, a comedy duo. Estragon loses a shoe and limps around with his overalls hanging, while Vladimir's trousers are pulled nervously high and he ﬁdgets with his bobble hat. Their desolate setting as envisioned by talented set designer Rae Smith is colourless and bleak, and everything looks like a black and white ﬁlm with some touches of painted colour. It exists outside time and place – it could be a post-apocalyptic landscape, or simply quite remote. There's no explanation and no introduction: we are simply here with two characters who

“There's no explanation and no introduction: we are simply here”

reveal themselves to be trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of inactivity in the name of waiting for someone who never shows up. Is that ultimately what life is?

Written in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the play is generally interpreted to be about displacement and powerlessness. There's a terrifying moment when the landowner Pozzo appears with his slave, Lucky, whose hollow-eyed stare and beaten appearance are genuinely disturbing, but the pair become comic alongside Vladimir and Estragon with their absurd dialogue and even slapstick. It's an intriguing production, light and comic with a darkness at its core. But don't expect an escape from your deepest fears.

Until 21 December, Theatre Royal Haymarket, trh.co.uk

BEN WHISHAW, TOM EDEN, LUCIAN MSAMATI

JONATHAN SLINGER

BEN WHISHAW

SOUND VISION O &

An impressive display of work by Haegue Yang at the Hayward Gallery

“A CURTAIN OF BLUE AND SILVER STAINLESSSTEEL BELLS TRIGGER SONIC REVERBERATIONS”

Haegue Yang: Leap Year is the ﬁrst major UK survey of the internationally celebrated artist. Considered to be one of the leading artistic voices of her generation, Yang’s work is both spellbinding and boundarypushing, probing into contemporary ideas of cross-cultural pollination, modernism and folk traditions, and personal and political histories. Leap Year will illuminate Yang’s multifaceted, interdisciplinary and highly inventive practice from the early 2000s to today, echoing the Hayward Gallery’s mission, as part of the creative engine of the Southbank Centre, to champion artists from across the world whose ideas challenge and spark new ways of thinking. Arranged into ﬁve thematic zones, the exhibition includes three major new commissions and several new productions to present a visual and sensory experience through installation, sculpture, collage, text, video, wallpaper and sound. Yang’s artwork often transforms everyday domestic items and industrial objects, from drying racks and light bulbs to nylon pom-poms and handknitted yarn, into distinctive sculptures and multimedia installations that engage the senses. Leap Year features key works from some of her most notable series including Light Sculptures, Sonic Sculptures, The Intermediates, Dress Vehicles, Mesmerizing Mesh and the Venetian blind installations. Newly commissioned Sonic Droplets in Gradation – Water Veil (2024) is part of Yang’s ongoing Sonic Sculptures (2013 - ) series. Visitors are invited to walk through a curtain of blue and silver stainless-steel bells which trigger sonic reverberations, signalling their arrival. The materiality of the work is steeped in layers of references, from East Asian traditions and folklore to modernism, contemporary art history and nature, and it will act as a physical gateway into an artistic world imagined by Yang. Modular structures, geometries and movements are some of the main considerations in Yang’s practice. Sonic Dress Vehicle – Hulky Head (2018) and Sol

LEFT: Red Broken Mountainous Labyrinth, 2008 in Haegue Yang, In the Cone of Uncertainty, The Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, USA, 2019, © Haegue Yang.

Photo_ Zachary Balber. Courtesy The Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach

BELOW: Sonic Rescue Ropes, 2021-2022, Installation view at M+, Hong Kong, 2021. © Haegue Yang. Photo: Lok Check & Dan Leung. Courtesy M+, Hong Kong.

LeWitt Vehicle – 6 Unit Cube on Cube without a Cube (2018) are two large sculptures adorned with bells, macramé surfaces or blinds. These artworks are activated intermittently during the exhibition’s run; pushed and pulled on a ﬂoor vinyl that is inspired by meteorological charts.

Yang’s recent work investigates the relationship between matter and spirituality. Working with mulberry paper, Yang explores the use of this material in ancient belief systems and practices. In her series of collages, Mesmerizing Mesh (2021 - ), the artwork references sacred and ritualistic paper objects related to shamanism and folk or pagan traditions, while The Intermediates (2015 - ) features hybrid ‘creature-like’ sculptures made from artiﬁcial straw that draws from global weaving techniques.

The exhibition also represenst and reimagines Sadong 30 (2006) after 18 years. This project was set in Yang’s unoccupied family home for 8 years outside Seoul. Carrying the house’s address as the project title, Sadong

30 was the artist's ﬁrst solo show in her home country. It was also regarded as her most profound breakthrough, leading to many of her future artistic developments.

Leap Year will also feature reflections on domesticity, intimacy and everyday gestures and objects. Series of Vulnerable Arrangements – Version Utrecht (2006) is Yang’s first and seminal work made with Venetian blinds, which has become one of her most iconic and recognisable mediums. Yang is drawn to Venetian blinds for their obliqueness, semi-transparent quality, and their capacity to divide and configure a space. Leap Year will conclude with an ambitious new commission of a large-scale Venetian blind installation, Star-Crossed Rendezvous after Yun (2024). This work features ascending layers of Venetian blinds in varying formations and colours that guide visitors through the space, alongside two breathing stage lights and a historic musical score. Yang’s work often highlights underrepresented,

even obscured, yet pioneering and referential ﬁgures of modernism. This new artwork was inspired by Double Concerto (1977), created by the late Korean composer and political dissident Isang Yun (1917-1995).

Other 20th-century ﬁgures appearing in Haegue Yang says: “My artworks often have very long names with seemingly odd combinations of words that are hard even for me to memorise, whereas my exhibition titles are much simpler. This naming tradition mirrors my relationship to art-making versus exhibitionmaking. Art making is like weaving together a piece of complex, and therefore impossible to unweave, fabric, while exhibition making is like tailoring it into something comfortable to wear. Both acts are eager attempts towards perfection. For this survey show, I deliberately unfocused my eyes to obtain the hidden 3D vision of my own practice, which is a rare, perfect occurrence like a leap year.”

To January 2025; southbankcentre.co.uk

Installation view, Haegue Yang, Come Shower or Shine, It Is Equally Blissful, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing, China, 2015. © Haegue Yang. Photo_ Tang Xuan. Courtesy of Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing

The Randing Intermediates – Underbelly Alienage Duo (Earth Alienage Rising Sporing, Sea Alienage Fanned-Out Bang), 2020. © Haegue Yang. Courtesy kurimanzutto, Mexico City, New York

Haegue Yang, Series of Vulnerable Arrangements –Seven Basel Lights, 2007, Installation view at Galerie der Gegenwart, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany, 2008. © Haegue Yang. Photo_ Kay Riechers. Courtesy of Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg

Installation view, Haegue Yang, FURLA SERIES #02, Tightrope Walking and Its Wordless Shadow, La Triennale di Milano, Italy, 2018. © Haegue Yang. Photo_ Masiar Pasquali. Courtesy Fondazione Furla and La Triennale di Milano, Milan

ON THE MAP

A new exhibition at The Map House reveals the London Underground’s iconic design evolution

The London Underground has a strong design history. A new exhibition at The Map House explores how this evolved, thanks largely to two individuals: Frank Pick, who began the tradition of commissioning posters and artwork, and Harry Beck, who designed the tube map that has become an icon of our city.

In the early 20th century, the London Underground was unpopular and losing money, due to complaints of overcrowding, uncleanliness, and tardiness. Frank Pick, the Underground’s Publicity Manager, commissioned great artists of the day to create works that encouraged Londoners to associate the Underground with access to leisure activities. Examples featured in the exhibition include To the Theatres (1934), a striking poster advertising travel to the West End by Cecil Walter Bacon, and the Wonderground Map of London (1914) by Macdonald Gill, a whimsical caricature map of London, so popular with the public that it is often credited with saving the Underground from bankruptcy. The Wonderground Map that will be exhibited at The Map House is the larger, rarer edition created to hang in stations rather than to be purchased as a souvenir. Mapping the Tube explores

the extraordinary life and work of Harry Beck, the designer of the 1933 London Underground map, voted the second-best British design of the 20th century, for which he was paid just £5 and ﬁve shillings. Beck, a trained engineer, conceived the design whilst drawing an electrical circuit diagram, revolutionising the way transport maps were designed by not placing the stations geographically as previous maps had. He believed that Underground passengers were not concerned with geographical accuracy but were more interested in how to get from one station to another and where to change trains. Beck’s clear, accessible and aesthetic design was so successful that it became the template for transport maps worldwide, such as the Sydney Suburban and City Underground Railway Map (1939), which directly copied the London Underground’s branding. Despite the map’s overwhelming success, Beck’s contribution was largely forgotten until 2001, 27 years after his death, when the following acknowledgement was added to the map: “This diagram is an evolution of the original design conceived in 1931 by Harry Beck”. You can still read this in the bottom left corner of all London Tube maps today. Visitors to the exhibition can see an example of the Tube Map from every year from 1933 to 2023, charting its complete evolution from Beck’s globally inﬂuential and groundbreaking work.

Mapping the Tube: 1863-2023, 25 October - 30 November themaphouse.com

ABOVE: Victoria Line Interchange Sketches, Harry Beck, 1961-64. Courtesy of The Map House BELOW: The Londoner’s Transport Throughout the Ages, R.T. Cooper, 1928. Courtesy of The Map House

LEFT: To The Theatres, Cecil Walter Bacon, 1934. Courtesy of The Map House

BELOW: Beck’s First Edition Double-Crown Tube Map, Harry Beck, August 1933. Courtesy of The Map House

IN FOCUS

A new exhibition at Tate Britain showcases images of 1980s Britain

The 80s: Photographing Britain considers the decade as a pivotal moment for the medium of photography. Bringing together nearly 350 images and archive materials from the period, the exhibition explores how photographers used the camera to respond to the seismic social, political, and economic shifts around them. Through their lenses, the show will consider how the medium became a tool for social representation, cultural celebration and artistic expression throughout this signiﬁcant and highly creative period for photography. Featuring over 70 lens-based artists and collectives, it spotlights a generation who engaged with new ideas of photographic practice, from well-known names to those whose work is increasingly being recognised, including Maud Sulter, Mumtaz Karimjee and Mitra Tabrizian. It features images taken across the UK, from John Davies’ postindustrial Welsh landscape to Tish Murtha’s portraits of youth unemployment in Newcastle.

The 80s introduces Thatcher’s Britain through documentary photography illustrating some of the tumultuous political events of the decade. History is brought to life with powerful images of the miners’ strikes by John Harris and Brenda Prince; anti-racism demonstrations by Syd Shelton and Paul Trevor; images of Greenham Common by Format Photographers and projects responding to the conﬂict in

AJAMU, BODY BUILDER IN BRA, 1990

“ IT SPOTLIGHTS A GENERATION WHO ENGAGED WITH NEW IDEAS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE”

Northern Ireland by Willie Doherty and Paul Seawright. Photography recording a changing Britain and its widening disparities will also be presented through Anna Fox’s images of corporate excess, Paul Graham’s observations of social security o ces, and Martin Parr’s absurdist depictions of Middle England, displayed alongside Markéta Luskačová and Don McCullin’s portraits of London’s disappearing East End and Chris Killip’s transient ‘sea-coalers’ in Northumberland. Against the backdrop of Section 28 and the AIDS epidemic, photographers also employ the camera to assert the presence and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Tessa Bo n subversively reimagines literary characters as lesbians, whilst Sunil Gupta’s ‘Pretended’ Family Relationships1988, juxtaposes portraits of queer couples with

the legislative wording of Section 28. For some, their work reclaims sex-positivity during a period of fear. The exhibition will spotlight photographers Ajamu X, Lyle Ashton Harris and Rotimi Fani-Kayode who each centre Black queer experiences and contest stereotypes through powerful nude studies and intimate portraits. It will also reveal how photographers from outside the queer community including Grace Lau were invited to portray them. Known for documenting fetishist sub-cultures, Lau’s series Him and Her at Home 1986 and Series Interiors 1986, tenderly records this underground community deﬁantly continuing to exist.

The exhibition closes with a series of works that celebrate countercultural movements

throughout the 80s, such as Ingrid Pollard and Franklyn Rodgers’s energetic documentation of underground performances and club culture. The show spotlights the emergence of i-D magazine and its impact on a new generation of photographers like Wolfgang Tillmans and Jason Evans, who with stylist Simon Foxton pioneer a cuttingedge style of fashion photography inspired by this alternative and exciting wave of youth culture, reﬂective of a new vision of Britain at the dawn of the 1990s.

The 80s: Photographing Britain 21 November 2024 – 5 May 2025, Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG tate.org.uk

JO SPENCE, REMODELLING PHOTO HISTORY REVISUALIZATION, 1981

JASON EVANS, SIMON FOXTON, [NO TITLE], 1991

ANNA FOX FRIENDLY FIRE, TARGET (MARGARET THATCHER), 1989

SYD SHELTON, DARCUS HOWE... 1977

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Held at the spectacular Evolution London in Battersea Park, this year’s celebration is set to transform the venue into a magical winter paradise for O Piste, where breathtaking scenery, sumptuous food, tantalising tipples, and mesmerising entertainment come together to create pure decadence.

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A WOMAN'S WOR K

Felicity Kendal on being Filumena at the Richmond Theatre

Q What is Filumena about and what drew you to this character?

A I love the play and way it evolves. Filumena is strong. She has had everything thrown at her in her life and she could be the ultimate victim but she is anything but victimised. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and she is full of passion, passion for the man she loves, passion for her children, passion for her family, passion to live against all odds from a very di cult start in life and quite a di cult life. Overcoming di culties and making them into something successful is something I admire in people and that is this character. For me, with acting, you're creating something that is actually not real. It's not you, but you have to understand the facet of that complicated character that you’re asked to draw.

The play is hugely religious, in that my character’s strength comes from her Catholicism - and her strength comes from a belief in what is right. It's also a play about deception, and why and if it's necessary. It's a play about jealousy, about children, about class and caste and a woman's place and it's also a play about surviving love and how incredibly intolerable poverty can be, and how that can impact on a woman's choices in those days. So it's touching an awful lot of things that people talk about. The character I play is an older woman, but her life, the life of the man she loved when they were younger, was quite extraordinary and that's what you learn about.

Q Do you enjoy playing in Richmond?

A Well Richmond is practically home so that's cheating! It's not really touring. I've played there many, many times

and it's a lovely traditional theatre. And it's nice to go back somewhere where you know where the best co ee is.

Q What is it that keeps you wanting to get back on stage?

A I think one of the things I realised is that I actually like to work. That's what I am. I'm a working Cocker Spaniel. I'm not, you

“It's a play about jealousy, about children, about class and caste and a woman's place”

know, a show dog and I'm not a lap dog. I'm working and that's what I love and I feel it's just what I'm supposed to be doing. I love being in the company of clever people doing a job that I understand.

Filumena is at Richmond Theatre from 19-23 November Atgtickets.com/richmond

FELICITY KENDAL AS FILUMENA

WILLOW CROSSLEY

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without... armfuls of foilage, lots of garlands and an abundance of bows. At least not if you're Willow Crossley, who believes in decorating to the max. She shares some decorating wisdom with us on page 46.

GIRL FLOWER

Willow Crossley's e ortless way of styling ﬂowers and foliage comes into its own at Christmas. Absolutely meets her for some styling tips

By PENDLE HARTE

There's no hesitation when I ask Willow Crossley for her thoughts on Christmas decorations. "More is more," she cries. "And put bows on everything." There's clearly no holding back chez Crossley.

In fact, she starts in November, by putting dried ﬂowers everywhere ("I love honesty and white gypsophelia") and gradually topping up with eucalyptus leaves and amaryllis as well as hyacinth bulbs. And then she'll start on garlands. "I'll just rip o loads of ivy and hang it everywhere, on banisters, mantles and doorframes," she says. "Garlands should be huge and big. I love looping streamers and I'm obsessed with paperchains."

Crossley is known for her e ortlessly stylish ﬂoristry, for which she has an innate vision. But she's also an author, designer and teacher, with a hugely successful blog and a programme of ﬂoristry classes. Design collaborations have included coats for Brora, wallpaper for Barneby Gates, rugs for Amy Kent and faux

“I love looping streamers and I'm obsessed with paperchains”

ﬂowers for Oka. In future, she'd love to design a car (I can't tell if she's joking) and do something with Adidas. She probably will. But for Christmas 2024 she's expanded a product range under her name. It's a collection of exclusive homewares and accessories inspired by her own photogenic Cotswolds lifestyle, spanning tableware, textiles, vases, Christmas decorations and more. "I've always made things," she says breezily. After studying at the London College of Fashion she was working as a fashion journalist when her then boyfriend (now husband) decided to move to France to become a winemaker. She went along and started making ﬂoral-inspired bits and pieces and selling them on the beach in St Tropez, while working on a blog. And soon enough the blog turned into a book and she found herself back in the UK being asked to do people's weddings.

"I've always loved flowers," she says. Her online shop is an eclectic mix of things she likes. There are vases, of course, designed by her and made in France, because she has trouble finding vases that she likes. "I'm obsessed with proportion and I like small vases. The flower height has to be 1.5 times the height of the vase. I'm allergic to tight balls of flowers. In fact I'm allergic to lots of things." She sells delicate bud vases in sets of three that look adorable on a table with a few simple blooms, cut to exactly the right height, of course. She sells secateurs too, stylish yellow ones with sharp Japanese blades that she uses to get the trim just right. There are tablecloths and napkins with floral patterns that match the glasses, there's cutlery, there are planters and bowls and candlesticks as well as lots of ribbons tied into bows. Large, loopy ones as well as small velvet ones that, she says, look great on anything,

attached easily with a small bendy wire. And then there are the paper flowers. These are phenomenal, hyper-real intricate flowers made in collaboration with paper artist Krishanthi Armitt. They last for ages – just brush the dust o – and at £59 each they might seem an extravagant purchase, but even a single stem looks wonderful in a vase (of the right height, naturally). Not that Willow's exclusively interested in fancy flowers: she explains her method for reviving supermarket tulips with great enthusiasm. Because she can make those look fantastic too – and she's full of tips on how to make blooms last longer. "Just give them lots of space and air, and clean water," she says. Meanwhile, I'll start gathering some ivy and making paper chains so that I can be more Willow Crossley this Christmas.

willowcrossley.com

WILLOW CROSSLEY

By PENDLE HARTE

AT HOME CHRISTMAS

Ideas and inspiration for a festive makeover

By PENDLE HARTE

TABLE TALK

MONOWARE

Christmas is the ultimate season for hosting and nothing sets the mood for a festive gathering like a beautiful tablescape: it’s the di erence between everyday dining and a winter wonderland feeling at the table. Monoware's carefully considered minimalist shapes make a stylish backdrop. monoware.com

MINIMAL STYLE

FERM LIVING

Christmas doesn't have to be garish, even with children. Take inspiration from Ferm Living's minimal Scandi style and choose muted shades, matte textures and natural materials for a cosy vibe. fermliving.com

SITTING PRETTY

SOFA.COM

It's all about getting cosy during the festive period and who doesn't need a new armchair? There are lots of shapes and sizes, all of them comfortable, in the new collection at at Sofa.com. sofa.com

CHRISTMAS TREATS

Delicious things for gifting or keeping

DELLA VITE Rose Prosecco, £22.99 johnlewis.com

JOHN LEWIS

If they don't have it at John Lewis, it's not part of Christmas. The store has identiﬁed four distinct trends for decorations this year, ranging from pink and sparkly to monochrome with hints of gold. Which gets your vote? johnlewis.com

selfridges.com

LITTLE EXTRAS

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Our favourite source of decorations is Anthropologie. From stylish wooden folk-art inspired pieces to cute felt animals via chic glass baubles, the Christmas selection also spans tableware, wrapping paper and ribbons, plus lots of candles. anthropologie.com

BONCI Panbriacone, £21.99 wholefoodsmarket.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Bear baubles, £14 anthropologie.com

PETRA PALUMBO

Mini Del decorations, £POA petrapalumbo.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Cocktail ornament, £16 anthropologie.com

REX LONDON

Wooden bauble, £2.95 rexlondon.com

GEORGE

CODY FOSTER

Bjork ornament, £15

&KLEVERING

Ribbon ornament, £13 koibird.com

Three cheeses bauble, £22 anthropologie.com

All the best baubles for your tree

By PENDLE HARTE

MUSAE STUDIOS

ROCKETT ST

Bowie bauble, £22 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER

Lips and pill ornament, £38 jonathanadler.com

HEAVENLY HOMES

Perfume bottle bauble, £6 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

HEAVENLY HOMES Gingerbread baubles, £5 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

Crying at the Discoteque Ornament £53 koibird.com

ROCKETT ST

GEORGE

Set of six chocolatedipped strawberry baubles, £35 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

FERM LIVING

Bell ceramic ornaments, £25 for two fermliving.co.uk

OTIUMBERG

14ct Gold Vermeil

Elements Necklace £145 otiumberg.com

C.ATHERLEY

Geranium No 1 Bubble Bath, £35 c-atherley.com

MADELEINE THOMPSON

Barlow cashmere jumper, £415 madeleine-thompson.com

GENERATION 78

Multicoloured jumper, £350 koibird.com

By PENDLE HARTE

PENELOPE CHILVERS

Mid Mary Jane in Ultraviolet, £239 penelopechilvers.com

STABILO X ANYA HINDMARCH

Leather coin purse charm, £295 anyahindmarch.com

LULU GUINNESS

Gingerbread house clutch bag, £345 luluguinness.com

DOYLE COLLECTION

Treat your loved one to a stylish Doyle Collection experience that can be enjoyed sometime in the future. Perhaps a luxurious weekend getaway at The Kensington, a celebratory a ernoon tea on Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury, or a romantic staycation at The Marylebone? Whatever you choose, a Doyle Collection gi is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. doylecollection.com/gi -vouchers

HUSH PUPPIES

Jade slippers, £75 hushpuppies.co.uk

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

The Tube 160 Wallace Sewell Scarf from London Transport Museum was made in collaboration with London textile studio, Wallace Sewell to celebrate the Underground and its inﬂuence on the city. The contemporary design weaves together the colours of the iconic Tube map into a striking geometric pattern making it instantly recognisable, yet subtle enough to be worn by anyone. Made in the UK from pure wool, it’s the ideal scarf to keep warm this winter while adding a pop of colour to any outﬁt to brighten up the cold and darker days. £70 ltmuseumshop.co.uk

DOM PÉRIGNON Vintage 2015 Special Edition Tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat, £220 selfridges.com

BLACK & BEECH Feminist mittens, £36 blackandbeech.com EDITOR’S PICK

TILLY SVEAAS

Jewelled T-Bar gold earrings, £100 tillysveaas.co.uk

Moresby tall waterproof boot, £230 ariat.com

ZORAIDA 18ct gold fern hoop earrings, £165 catherinezoraida.com

WILLOW CROSSLEY

Rainbow Filligrana vase, £155 willowcrossley.com

As a transformative meditation tool, journalling can guide you onto a journey of genuine self-reﬂection and healing. Grey Wolfe’s Moments that Heal, luxury Guided Journal is the perfect gi , enhancing traditional journalling through a lens of creativity. The gi set includes a minimalist instax camera and 10 ﬁlms, alongside a carefully curated journal, designed to spark creativity through prompts and ideas that’ll inspire authentic moments of self-discovery. £288 greywolfe.co.uk

CATHERINE

GREY WOLFE

LONDON VELVET

Corduroy weekend bag, £650 londonvelvet.co.uk

GOODWOOD

Gi a nostalgic journey with the Goodwood Off-Road Experience. Climb into a vintage Land Rover from the 1960s and tackle the rugged off-road tracks at Goodwood Motor Circuit. You’ll feel every bump and drop as you navigate narrow trenches, steep descents and muddy trails, sharing the adventure with up to three friends or family. Perfect for those who love a bit of retro charm and off-road excitement, this unique experience is a great way to create lasting memories together. From £149 goodwood.com/motorsport/drivingexperiences/off -road-driving

FRANCIS BACON COLLECTION

Cord Buttoned

Overshirt in Rust, £95 npgshop.org.uk

ARTFULLY WALLS

Framed Montana de Oro photographic print by Julie Pointer

HAY X ASICS

Hay x Skyhand OG, £115 asics.com

from £102 artfullywalls.com

HIGH TECH

SOUND IDEA LOEWE

The We. HEAR pro is designed for eco-conscious eﬃ ciency. The speaker encourages the use of any USB-C power source for charging, doubling as a durable power bank for your devices on the go. £249 loewe.tv

PIZZA PARTY DELVITA

The eco-friendly gas-powered Diavolo oven will see you turn out perfect pizzas in just 60 seconds. Think crisp bases, bubbling cheese and bountiful toppings. £249 delivita.com

BLEND IT BEAST HEALTH

The Beast Blender is meticulously engineered with industryleading technology, resulting in a machine that is the ultimate in preparing nutrient-rich smoothies and infusions. £185 selfridges.com

BAKE OFF OUR PLACE

The dinky Wonder Oven looks like a child's toy but is in fact a sophisticated and stylish appliance that can that can air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat, and toast. £195 fromourplace.co.uk

HOT SHOT LA PAVONI

La Pavoni is the last word in covetable manual espresso machines for connoisseurs and the Mini Cellini in stainless steel is the perfect gi for the coﬀee geek in your life. £999 selfridges.com

ROCKAHULA KIDS

Clara Cat

Sleep Mask, £8 rockahulakids.com

ADOPT AN ORCA

Orca gi adoption, from £6 a month whales.org/adopt

CONNETIX

The interactive and action-packed Connetix 106 Piece Pastel Ball Run Pack features a range of exclusively designed clear ﬂuted tubes including an “X” shape to re-direct the action, double entry bowls to race and play, plus special eﬀect staircases – helping children discover concepts such as gravity, motion, force, engineering, magnetism, balance and more, £89. connetixtiles.com

YOUNG SOLES

Rosie T Bar Shoes, £69 youngsoles.com

MOPPETT SHOP

Moppet's multi-award-winning wool tapestries are meticulously hand-embroidered in tiny batches where no two pieces are the same. Not forgetting Moppet’s all-natural, sustainable materials and ethical practices, making this heirloom gi a planet-friendly choice too. Hand-embroidered ABC wall-hanging tapestry, ‘Sumbal’ £185. moppettshop.co.uk

By CARLY GLENDINNING

Initial Flower Bag Gi Box, £43 stychaccessories.com

ORCHARD TOYS

Children will love matching the dogs’ heads and tails and pretending to wag their tail in the hilarious matching game Doggy Doggy Woof Woof! Meanwhile, Don’t Wake Mr. McGregor is perfect for fans of Peter Rabbit™ where children will creep around the board collecting vegetables and trying not to wake Mr. McGregor! orchardtoys.com

By PENDLE HARTE

LACOSTE Lacoste X Clot socks, £40 lacoste.com FACON JACMIN Alia bag, £260 koibird.com

By PENDLE HARTE

RICK

biscuiteers.com

ARTFULY WALLS

Pressed Flower Rainbow Trout by Ayla Graham, framed print from £172 artfullywalls.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Pauline cocktail shaker, £52 anthropologie.com

OTTOLENGHI

Comfort cookbook, £30 penguin.co.uk

MEGAN'S

Treat your loved ones to the gi of Megan's Mediterranean magic this festive season with their gi cards & experiences. Megan’s is the ultimate setting for a magical Christmas celebration, whisking you away to sunny places all year around with their Eastern Mediterranean inspired menu & twinkly interiors. This Christmas, feast on hot honey pigs in blankets, their famous Christmas kebab & sticky date pudding, all in a magical, fairy lit setting. Gi cards available from £10 megans.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

TIM SPECTOR

The Food for Life Cookbook, £28 penguin.co.uk

BORDALLO PINHEIRO Lobster appetiser plate, £375 koibird.com

FARHI

ACQUA DI PARMA Pannettone candle, £75 selfridges.com

Handmade bonboniere with chocolate-covered coﬀee beans, £20 farhi.co.uk

ENGLISH TEA COMPANY

Holiday Collection Tea Gi Tin, £11.99 wholefoodsmarket.co.uk

TUCCI BY GREEN PAN 11

.95 johnlewis.com

ORIN SWIFT

Mannequin Chardonnay 2022, £50 majestic.co.uk

CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER Goldﬁ nger 007 limited edition anniversary set 2015 vintage magnum in a Globetrotter case , £3,500 007store.com

DOWN HALL Garden Gin, £45 essexspiritsco.com

SIRDAVIS American whisky, £88 harveynichols.com

VEUVE CLICQUOT La Grande Dame Rose 2015, £205 laithwaites.co.uk

818 Eight Reserve Tequila, £250 selfridges.com

By PENDLE HARTE

THE OXTON LIQUEUR COMPANY

Personalised bottles of liqueurs, £55 oxtonliqueurs.co.uk

GLENMORANGIE

A Tale of Ice Cream single-malt Scotch whisky, £76.99 selfridges.com

BRUNO PAILLARD Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru MV, £75 hedonism.co.uk

BOTIVO

Botivo botanical aperitivo and gi ing tube, £32.50 botivodrinks.com

Givethegiftof adventure

Frog’sbalancebikes kickstartachild's cyclingjourney,meticulouslydesignedto developcorebalanceskillsandgain confidencetorideontwowheels.

Frog'sfirstpedalbikes offeraseamless transitionfrombalancebiketopedals, featuringalightweightframeandchildspecificcomponentsforeasylearning andmanoeuvring. THELIGHTWEIGHTKIDS’BIKE

WEDGWOOD

Nutcracker ﬁ ne bone-china mugs set of two £85 selfridges.com

PULLMAN EDITIONS

Original limitededition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their posters feature winter sports, glamorous resorts around the world, and historic automobiles. With over 100 designs available at £420 each, they make the perfect original gi . pullmaneditions.com

ADDISON ROSS Bobbin lacquer photo frame, £48 addissonross.com

By PENDLE HARTE

This gi -ready selection box features a delicious combination of superfood dental sticks and healthy bite-sized pieces of festive joy in the award-winning British brand's best-selling flavour combination: Cranberry & Sweet Potato with added natural flaxseed for happy tummies. Grain-free, with nothing artificial added, low calorie, hypoallergenic, and 100% plant-based ingredients - they're a 'pawsome' Christmas gi your pooch will love. £6.99. soopapets.com

By EVE HERBERT

Get the LOOK

How to choose and decorate the best Christmas tree for you

Areal Christmas tree with its unmistakable scent, dazzling array of decoration and twinkling lights, should always take centre stage when preparing your homes for the festive season.

At Capital Gardens, they understand the importance of a perfect Christmas tree. That’s why they ensure the quality and variety provided by their longstanding UK suppliers is always the best you’ll ﬁnd anywhere. In their Garden Centres, you will ﬁnd an extensive selection of trees and everything you need to decorate and illuminate them too, as you can read about below.

NORDMANN FIR

A ﬁrm favourite, the Nordmann Fir has a timeless shape and lush, glossy green foliage on tiered branches. It is perfect for showcasing decorative ornaments, and the soft familyfriendly needles make decorating easy for all the family too.

FRASER FIR

“Think of your Christmas tree like wallpaper”

Its conical shape makes the Fraser Fir ideal for smaller spaces. Giving a delightful scent, the dense branches with soft greensilver needles make it an excellent choice.

NOBLE FIR

The Noble Fir displays all the qualities of an ideal Christmas tree. And, thanks to its beautiful blue-green foliage and pleasant fragrance, it is an attractive tree too. With excellent needle retention, open branching and perfect shape, this tree is ideal for showcasing those larger decorations.

POT-GROWN

When you buy a pot-grown tree, you’re getting a living tree. After the festive season, return it to Capital Gardens for their amazing supplier to replant in a forest. Care for it so it can keep growing and absorbing CO2. As a thank you, you'll receive a 20% o voucher for next year!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE

Decide where your tree will be placed. Remember not near heat or people

running past! If you are using mains powered tree lights, place your tree near a plug socket. Choose a tree that ﬁts the available height and space. Leave about 40cm between the top of the tree and the ceiling.

HINTS FOR DECORATION

Think of your Christmas tree like wallpaper – have a repeat pattern using the same baubles two or three times up and down the tree. For ease, remove the metal hook from the bauble, place it over a branch, and reattach the bauble to secure it. Dangly ones are ﬁne too! Put plainer baubles closer to the tree trunk and the more decorative ones nearer the tips of the branches. Buy twice as many baubles as you think you might need – this is the same for lights! Position your lights up and down the branches, do not wrap them around the tree. Use decorations and lights in a way that will retain the magical shape of the tree.

For more information, hints and tips go to capitalgardens.co.uk

TIS THE SEASON

Luxury celebrations in the heart of London with The Doyle Collection

There’s nothing quite like London during the holidays— twinkling lights, festive markets, and historic charm make the city an enchanting backdrop for any celebration. This year, elevate your festive gatherings with the unrivaled elegance and warmth of Irish-owned hotel group, The Doyle Collection and its three luxury London hotels, each of which o ers spectacular event venues and services in destination neighborhoods. Whether you’re hosting a lavish gala or a celebratory corporate dinner, The Bloomsbury, The Marylebone and The Kensington combine magical festive spirit with world-class hospitality to create unforgettable holiday memories with your nearest and dearest.

THE KENSINGTON

Nestled in the heart of South Kensington, The Kensington embodies the Christmas spirit with its stylish, historic charm and seasonal holiday menu. Retreat indoors and choose from a quintessentially English afternoon tea, festive cocktail at K Bar or snuggle up by the ﬁreplace for a cozy dinner at Town House. For gatherings of up to 30 guests, The Kensington’s private events space, The Study, o ers a classic, light-infused environment for hosting intimate evenings of merriment.

THE BLOOMSBURY

Discover The Bloomsbury, your stately, yet playful, home-away-from home this holiday season. Our collection of private dining and unique events spaces are guaranteed to impress. All winter long, indulge in a three-course meal at Dalloway Terrace or enjoy a sparkling wine tasting at The Coral Room. For those looking to host a genial drinks party, choose from The Bloomsbury Club Bar, The Chapel or Seamus Heaney Library for a private setting; If it’s large-scale you’re after, look no further than our grand halls, The Queen Mary and George V for a regal bash your guests won’t soon forget.

THE MARYLEBONE

This Christmas, join us at The Marylebone for joyous displays of festive decadence. Adorned

with winter greenery, 108 Brasserie’s heated outdoor terrace provides a spectacular backdrop for special occasions. Plush velvet seating and dim lighting in The Cocktail Bar create a glamorous atmosphere to toast loved ones while 108 Brasserie’s warm and inviting interiors and sumptuous seasonal menus make for the perfect setting to celebrate among friends and family. Our ultra-chic event spaces, including the Number Six and Blue Rooms, accommodate larger soirées while The Courtyard, a 73sqm wooden decked terrace surrounded by foliage, combines an open ﬁre, foldable roof, and twinkling fairy lights to produce the ultimate Christmas wonderland.

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better place to celebrate than at one of The Doyle Collection London hotels.

With stunning venues, bespoke festive packages, including enticing accommodation o ers, and world-class hospitality, every celebration is as magical as the city itself. For more information, please enquire with our events team: London_events@doylecollection.com +44 (0) 20 7969 3921 doylecollection.com

THE KENSINGTON

THE BLOOMSBURY

THE MARYLEBONE

di NATALECARN EVALE

A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Celebrate this Christmas with us at San Carlo, where you can experience a menu as spectacular as the memories, you’re sure to make.

Dive into the celebrations & let the festivities commence!

FOOD & DRINK

WINTER WARMERS

SAN CARLO

San Carlo’s new seasonal menu features comforting, rich flavours that are sure to please your taste buds. Begin your meal with the homemade Chicken Liver Pâté accompanied by sourdough and Chianti dressing. For your main course, savour the Pappardelle all’Anatra served with duck ragu. Conclude your dining experience with Frangipane alla Pesca, a delightful peach and almond cake, or enjoy the Torta Caprese, a luscious almond and chocolate cake, served with ice cream. sancarlo.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Villard Le Chardonnay Grand Vin, Casablanca 2022

 £18

From the cool Casablanca Valley, planted on sandy loam soils, this is fresh and ﬁne barrel fermented chardonnay with intense aromas of apple and white peach with a light scent of vanilla.

Champagne Albert Lebrun Premier Cru Brut NV

 £26

Champagne Albert Le Brun is a familyoperated producer, based in Aviz, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This premier cru release has an elegant line, with green-plum and lemon notes, balanced by brioche ﬂavours on the palate. We o er a case saving on all our non-vintage Champagnes..

Dr. Edge Tasmania Pinot Noir 2023

 £29

A fine fleshy Pinot Noir from Tasmania, with impressive tension. Fruit-forward but with an attractive forest-floor and bramble character. Drink now or keep and enjoy it as it matures over the next few years.

TASTING

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Pair up

JOSÉ PIZARRO

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

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

Tired of turkey? Celebrate this festive season the Spanish way with Lolo, the new restaurant from José Pizarro. Start you evening o with a chilled glass of Cava before diving into an array of classic dishes with a Lolo twist such as Devilled Eggs with Salt Cured Anchovy, Chicken liver parfait with sweet buns, & red onion salad and Conﬁt Gadira Tuna with roasted peppers and PX vinegar. Lolo is the perfect neighbourhood space to toast Christmas in style. josepizarro.com

Spirit of Xmas

Turkey isn’t the only thing winning awards at Copas. Their Small Batch Rosemary Gin, developed with Gri ths Brothers in Penn, received a star in this year’s Great Taste Awards. Inspired by the botanicals found on and around their Berkshire turkey farm, look for notes of rosemary, coriander, angelica, grapefruit, lemon, liquorice and grains of paradise, £35. copasfarmshop.co.uk

Floral a air

WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers, the first restaurant and wine bar from chef Aaron Potter and interiors stylist Laura Hart, is now open in Belgravia. Set across two floors in Newson's Yard, Wildflowers serves seasonal Mediterranean dishes with vibrant flavours from across the continent, celebrated through Aaron’s creativity and use of hyper-seasonal ingredients. wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk

TAKE THREE

Excellent co ees

ROASTING PARTY

This London roastery with Aussie roots certainly knows its beans – and there's a selection of clever blends and high class single origin roasts that all come with informative tasting notes. They taste great too. roastingparty.co.uk

DON'T TELL DAD

Opening soon in Queens Park is Don’t Tell Dad, a neighbourhood bakery by day and a British and French restaurant by night, under the care of Luke Frankie (Noble Rot, Forza Wine, Spring). It's a bright space with a nostalgic feel.

donttelldad.co.uk

South London based Volcano Coffee Works is back with this year’s Limited-Edition Christmas Coffee & Chocolate Calendar— pairing their incredible coffees with artisanal chocolates for a perfect festive treat. volcanocoffeeworks.com

Grind has teamed up with Hello Kitty to create the cutset version of its iconic pink tin. The Shoreditch roastery is set for world domination – look out for their coﬀee on BA ﬂights too. grind.co.uk

LUCKY CAT

Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat Mayfair has launched the 9 Lives Cocktail menu featuring nine unique, Asian-inspired cocktails for just £9 each. And unlike the typical rushed happy hour, the 9 Lives Menu is available every day, from midday to 7pm.

TO THE NINES gordonramsayrestaurants.com

GRIND

VOLCANO COFFEE

ABSOLUTELY eats out… TheBarbary

Stylish and contemporary dining in Westbourne Grove

By PENDLE HARTE

Not wanting to seem too triumphant, but I have been waiting for someone to open a restaurant on this site for about 30 years. This building on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Chepstow Road has the most spectacular Art Nouveau curved shop windows, and the large interior would make a fantastic Parisian brasserie or a Viennese ka eehaus. Instead, it has been home to an art

gallery, a branch of Monsoon and, criminally, a 7-Eleven that boarded up the windows altogether. But ﬁnally its time has come and the beautiful space belongs to The Barbary, a luxe eaterie that has that modern global Notting Hill feel that could place it almost anywhere in the world. This is no newcomer: its sister eaterie in Covent Garden is known for its excellent kitchen too. The new site is beautiful: all rich colours, curvaceous booths, velvet and cafe curtains that enhance those fantastic windows. We sink into our seats and order

“It’s all faultless, everything laced with layers of ﬂavour”

cocktails from an intriguing list: smoked pineapple palomas with tequila, mezcal, grapefruit soda and smoked salt are unusual and excellent. And to eat, it’s the usual ‘two or three plates each, for sharing’ but we over order a bit because it all sounds so good. First there’s an elegant and tasty scallop ceviche, and moreish pillowy wood-fired flatbread. Fried violet artichoke looks adorable, served on spiced labneh, and zhug is a herby dip of chilli and harissa that goes with everything. Cornish squid comes with chickepeas, as does a deliciously meaty Galician octopus, and harissa Launceston lamb cutlets are spiced and flavourful. Miso tahini tenderstem broccoli is full of umami. It’s all faultless, everything laced with layers of flavour, and elegantly served by sta who share our enthusiasm for each dish. For pudding there’s hashcake, a memorable slice of pistachio tart that’s buttery and decadent. So, thank you, Barbary: you were worth the long wait. This site was made for you.

112 Wesbourne Grove, W2 thebarbary.co.uk

CABINET DRINKS

What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

ALCOHOL FREE

WEDNESDAY'S DOMAIN

Wednesday's Domain has launched Vignette, a truly delicious non-alcoholic alternative to a full bodied glass of red wine. This isn’t just a substitute: it o ers an unparalleled depth and complexity with rich notes of dark plums and damson, underscored by hints of spice and forest ﬂoor. £14.99 wednesdaysdomain.com

CELEBRITY SPIRIT

818 TEQUILA

818 Tequila, the multi award-winning, premium tequila brand, owned by cultural icon Kendall Jenner, has gained critical acclaim, achieving awards at 9 International Spirits Competitions due to its category-deﬁning taste crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave, handpicked by skilled jimadores in Mexico. drink818.com

AMARETTO CLASSICO

ADRIATICO

Adriatico is a new generation of premium amarettos made with 100% natural Italian ingredients and handpicked almonds from Puglia. Designed to stand out in looks, taste, and quality, one of Adriatico Amarettos' key di erentials from traditional amaretto is its reduced sugar - 205g per litre compared to 340g in the market leader. £28.99 eataly.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

No Brolly Serves

Cocktails – in a tablet

At No Brolly, cocktail creation meets convenience. Transform your favorite spirit into a bar-quality cocktail in seconds. They believe that crafting a delicious cocktail should be quick, easy, and mess-free. That’s why we’ve created our revolutionary "e ervescent cocktail tablets"—the simplest way to mix up a perfectly balanced drink on the go or at home. No need for measuring, shaking, or cleaning up; just drop a No Brolly tablet into your favorite base spirit and mixer, and watch it dissolve into a premium cocktail in seconds.

EXPERIENCE NO FUSS, NO MESS, NO WASTE IN NO TIME These "e ervescent cocktail tablets" are designed for those who value time and taste. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a picnic, or relaxing at home, No Brolly o ers the ultimate convenience without compromising on flavour. So, for example, to create a strawberry and lime mojito, all that's needed is white rum, soda, ice and a single strawberry and lime tablet. Just drop the tablet into the glass as if it were a hangover cure – and watch your cocktail fizz as it dissolves. Other flavours include mint and lime, and passionfruit and lemon.

£12 for 20; nobrolly.co.uk

Food for LIFE

Up your weekly plant intake with Tim Spector’s recipes for longevity

photography ISSY CROKER

Roasted Aubergine Traybake

Serves 4

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cook time 40 minutes

Traybakes are so simple to make, but the garnishes here make it look like a showstopper and bring the plant score up to 13, giving you plenty of polyphenols and a boost of ﬁbre. The best entertaining recipes require very little active time in the kitchen, and this one ﬁts the brief. Prepare the tray for baking in advance and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes before you plan to serve.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained and patted dry

• 350g cherry tomatoes

• 2 peppers, cut into 2cm chunks

• 200g halloumi, cut into 1cm cubes

• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 2½ tsp ground cumin

• 1½ tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 aubergines, halved

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 180ml kefir

• 2 tsp sumac

• 20g coriander, roughly chopped

• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds

• Juice of lime

• Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/gas 6 and line two large baking trays with baking parchment.

2 Put the chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, halloumi and garlic cloves on one tray with three-quarters each of the cumin, ground coriander and chilli powder. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Toss to coat.

3 Cut each aubergine in half lengthways and score a 2cm deep criss-cross pattern into the flesh of each one. Sprinkle with the remaining ground spices and drizzle with the remaining olive oil, season and place on the other baking tray. Place both trays in the oven for 40 minutes.

4 Mix the tahini, kefir and sumac in a bowl and season. When the vegetables are ready, squeeze the garlic from their skins into the sauce, mash them in and stir to combine.

5 Transfer the chickpeas, halloumi and veg to a serving dish and stir in three-quarters of the fresh coriander. Place the aubergine halves on top and scatter with the remaining coriander, spring onions, pomegranate seeds, lime juice and the sauce.

Sweetcorn and

Spinach Dhal

Serves 4

Preparation time 10 minutes Cook time 30 minutes

This is a great moment to incorporate those half-used bags of grains in the back of your cupboard. Simply add them to the dhal while cooking (making sure you extend the cooking time to the grain that takes the longest to cook), and you’ll have even more plants in your dish, plus you’ll be reducing food waste. The wide range of spices likewise add polyphenols and are great for your gut health. Feel free to use frozen sweetcorn instead of tinned if that’s what you have on hand – you may just need to add a little extra water.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 x 195g tins sweetcorn and their liquid

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 onion, ﬁnely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, ﬁnely chopped

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1½ tsp chilli ﬂakes

• 160g red split lentils

• 2 cubes of frozen spinach

• 2 tbsp cumin seeds

• 1 tbsp dried curry leaves (optional)

• Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1 Empty 1 tin of sweetcorn and its liquid into a blender, add 550ml water and blend until smooth.

2 Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the onion for 3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

3 Add the ground spices and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the lentils, frozen spinach, the blitzed sweetcorn stock and the remaining tin of sweetcorn and its liquid. Bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. Add a dash of water if the dhal becomes too thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4 Just before the dhal ﬁnishes cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a small frying pan and add the cumin seeds and curry leaves (if using). Fry over a low–medium heat for about 1 minute, or until the seeds start to pop. Pour over the dhal, stir to combine and serve.

“Once you roast grains like this in the oven, you won’t look back”

Roasted Squash with

Toasted Grains

Serves 4

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cook time 45 minutes

Once you roast grains like this in the oven, you won’t look back – it’s the best topping to add texture to your meals. The relish adds a bright freshness, contrasting well with the sweet, so squash, and you can add any other seasonal veg to the recipe that you have to hand, like roasted beetroot or celeriac.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large squash, deseeded, skin on, and cut into 2.5cm-thick slices

• 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 250g pre-cooked mixed grains

• 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans and their liquid

• 2 tbsp tahini

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 20g parsley, ﬁnely chopped

• 50g green olives, ﬁnely chopped

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/375°F/gas 5 and line a large baking tray with baking parchment.

2 Place the squash and garlic cloves on the lined tray, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season well. Roast for 35 minutes.

3 Take the tray out of the oven and remove and set aside the garlic cloves. Scatter the pre-cooked grains over the squash and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the grains are crispy and the squash is soft.

4 Squeeze the cooked garlic from

its skin into a high-powered blender with the beans and their liquid, the tahini and lemon juice. Season and blitz until completely smooth.

5 Mix the parsley, olives, apple cider vinegar and remaining olive oil in a bowl and season. To serve, spread the blitzed cannellini beans onto a large serving dish, top with the squash and grains and scatter over the parsley and olive relish.

Extracted from The Food for Life Cookbook by Tim Spector (Jonathan Cape, £28). All photography by Issy Croker

A Decade of DISTILLING

The Silent Pool Gin distillery is celebrating its 10th anniversary in spectacular style

A CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FLAVOUR

The Silent Pool Distillery has unveiled a limited-edition 10th Anniversary Celebration Edition Gin, a tribute to the passion, dedication, and artistry that has deﬁned Silent Pool Gin over the past ten years.

This exceptional spirit captures the essence of the distillers’ journey, which started back in 2014 when a group of local friends set out to create a gin distillery on the banks of the beautiful Silent Pool in Albury, deep in the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

They converted farm buildings into a working distillery with a restored vintage wood-ﬁred steam boiler powering a hand-built copper still.

They then sourced local ingredients and exotic botanicals and set about experimenting with all kinds of recipes, refusing to compromise on quality. Finally they created a gin of rare taste and beauty and named it Silent Pool Gin, after its home.

Immediately popular with local customers, Silent Pool Gin soon acquired a raft of awards and has amassed an enviable reputation across the world.

A DECADE OF DISTILLING EXCELLENCE

The new limited-edition release represents a culmination of a decade of experience,

successfully combining traditional distilling methods with a modern innovative approach to craft award winning luxury spirits.

This Celebration Edition follows the trademarked four-step production process which delivers layers of exceptional aroma and ﬂavour blended to perfection.

It has been speciﬁcally crafted to highlight delicious notes of pear - a nod to the earliest days at the distillery when it produced a pear eau de vie. This distinctive botanical brings a unique depth to the gin and celebrates the happy memory of where the journey started.

VISIT

THE SILENT POOL GIN

DISTILLERY

Pair this delicious gin with elderﬂower tonic and a twist of orange zest for a delightful G&T that showcases its vibrant character. It is also ideal for crafting classic cocktails including a Martini or a French 75.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Silent Pool Tenth Anniversary Celebration Edition Gin is a limited edition in a beautiful one litre bottle. It’s available at select Surrey retailers, the distillery shop and Silent Pool Gin Guildford store, and through the online shop. Raise a glass to ten years of unforgettable ﬂavours.

Book a guided tour of the distillery and experience ﬁrst-hand the passion and craftsmanship that go into every drop of gin. The award winning tour includes tastings and takes you through the history of gin making and the unique production process.

You can also book a range of seasonal experiences including festive distillery tours and a Perfect Pairing Experience, and shop the amazing range of luxury Christmas gifts at the distillery shop, which is open every day.

The Silent Pool Distillery, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW silentpooldistillers.com

This Christmas, The Langham, London - Europe’s ﬁrst ‘Grand Hotel’ - will partner with Britain’s beloved toy store, Hamleys London, to create a festive wonderland that reﬂects the joy and magic of the season.

Drawing on the rich heritage of both The Langham and Hamleys, the hotel will be transformed with enchanting Christmas trees, a Hamleys Grotto, seasonal room packages and will also introduce a specially designed festive afternoon tea for children. The traditional afternoon tea for adults will also be sprinkled with a little festive magic for the season.

Join us this Christmas for an enchanting holiday experience!

Phone: +44 (20) 7636 1000

Email: tllon.info@langhamhotels.com

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA www.langhamlondon.christmas

CELEBRATE

in STYLE

Join San Carlo this holiday season, where you can experience authentic Italian hospitality and indulge in exquisite Italian food

This holiday season promises to be the most extraordinary Christmas yet at San Carlo, showcasing exciting installations that will captivate you and leave you eager to return time and again. Their Christmas Fayre menu is available for groups of six or more, ensuring that your Christmas party is truly unforgettable. With a variety of Private Dining Spaces available at their locations, they provide the ideal setting for your festive celebration this year. They’re even open on Christmas Day at a select few of their locations. Their new seasonal menu, bursting with warm and hearty ﬂavours, is designed to

delight your palate. Start your meal with the Tartare di Manzo, a delicious beef tartare accompanied by a zesty mustard dressing. For your main course, consider the Ravioli Porcini, handmade mushroom ravioli enveloped in a rich and creamy porcini sauce. Cap o your dining experience in style by indulging in the Torta Caprese, an exquisite almond and chocolate cake.

The cocktail menu showcases a delightful selection of beloved classics, featuring San Carlo favourites such as the smooth and creamy Croccante, made with Campari, Rataﬁa, Coconut Cream, and Lime. You might also enjoy the Champs-Élysées, a lively and energetic drink crafted from Hennessy Fine, Champagne, and Caramel.

San Carlo are eagerly looking forward to seeing you this December as they celebrate

Christmas the Italian way! Whether you’re coming for a cosy date night, a family get-together, or organising your Christmas party, they are prepared to ensure your celebration is truly unforgettable. Their talented chefs have crafted a special menu featuring traditional Italian holiday dishes with a modern twist, guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Picture yourself savouring rich pasta dishes, succulent meats, and decadent desserts, all paired with exquisite wines from the ﬁnest vineyards of Italy. Don’t forget to make your reservation soon, as spots are ﬁlling up quickly. They can’t wait to celebrate this special time of year with you and create memories that will last a lifetime. Buon Natale!

sancarlo.co.uk

We are o ering one lucky reader the chance to win the Eclipse Saucepan Set, courtesy of premium cookware brand, Stellar

The 5-piece set includes a 14cm non-stick milk pan, 3 saucepans with lids (16cm, 18cm, 20cm), and a 26cm non-stick frying pan.

Stellar is the top choice for passionate home chefs, known for its high-performance, durable and stylish homewares that meet all your cooking needs. The Eclipse set is Stellar’s most e cient and heat-reactive cookware with tri-ply technology. Compatible

with all hob types (ceramic, electric, gas, and induction) and oven safe, the Eclipse range is perfect for all types of cooking. With dribble-free curved rims and responsive triple-layer non-stick surfaces, each of the pans helps you master every dish with ease. Covered by Stellar’s Lifetime Guarantee, with an additional 10-year non-stick warranty, the Eclipse collection ensures you can take on your most adventurous recipes with unfaltering reliability from Stellar. stellar.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

1 reader of Absolutely can enter to win this amazing Stellar set from Horwood Homewares, worth £450! To enter head to absolutelymagazines.com/win/

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The winner must be 18 and older and live in the UK.

• There will be no cash or other alternative to the prize oﬀered and prizes are not transferable.

• Competition closes on the 1st of December 2024. Entries a er this date will not be counted.

• The winner will be picked at random and notiﬁed by email within 7 days of closing.

• Should the winner not respond within 3 days, we reserve the right to pick another winner.

• Prize cannot be exchanged for anything else and is not in conjunction with any other oﬀer.

• Those linked to any of the companies involved with the promotion cannot take part.

Marlow just got a bite of Manhattan

Don’t miss the Romana Meatball Italiano. Our New York menu is here for a limited time.

WONDERLAND A FESTIVE

Christmas

at The Langham, London in Partnership with Hamleys

This Christmas, The Langham, London is teaming up with Britain’s beloved toy store, Hamleys, to create a magical festive wonderland. Drawing on the rich heritage of both The Langham and Hamleys, the hotel will be transformed with enchanting Christmas trees, a Hamleys Grotto, a festive afternoon tea, and exclusive seasonal packages, bringing the joy and wonder of the season to life.

From 7 November, the hotel will be adorned with spectacular Christmas trees, designed to capture the delight of the season. These beautiful decorations will add an extra layer of festive magic, ensuring every visit is truly unforgettable. For families, The Langham has curated the exclusive Christmas with Hamleys package. This special o er includes an overnight stay in a luxurious Executive Room or above, exclusive access to the Hamleys Grotto, where children can meet Santa and his

elves, and a Christmas tree in your suite, complete with festive treats. Adults will also enjoy a bottle of Taittinger Champagne to add a sparkling touch to the celebration. The Langham’s restaurants and bars, overseen by Michel Roux, will o er festive dining from 7 November. At Chez Roux, guests can indulge in seasonal delights like Venison Tartare and Buccleuch beef with morel sauce, as well as decadent desserts like a mince-pie tart. On Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve, specially curated set menus will be available, complete with a glass of champagne and canapés.

For a festive twist on the hotel’s traditional afternoon tea, the Hamleys Festive Afternoon Tea will feature whimsical patisseries shaped like iconic toys, creating a delightful experience for children. Adults can also enjoy an afternoon tea sprinkled with a little Christmas magic, honouring The Langham’s legacy as the birthplace of afternoon tea since 1865.

At The Wigmore, guests can enjoy a more informal pub setting with mouthwatering festive food and a wide selection of drinks. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. For a sophisticated evening, visit Artesian, where the exquisite cocktail menu, including the signature Alter Ego, is paired with new culinary delights, promising an unforgettable experience.

The Langham’s cookery school, Sauce, will also embrace the festive spirit, o ering a series of holiday-themed classes for both adults and children.

Whether it’s festive dining, cosy afternoons, or hands-on culinary experiences, The Langham promises a Christmas celebration in true festive style, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA 020 7636 1000 | tllon.info@langhamhotels.com langhamlondon.christmas

Owned by husband and wife Victor and Ines, Ivy Jewellers offers exquisite engagement rings, wedding bands, and ﬁ ne jewellery from their Hatton Garden atelier. With over ﬁ ve decades of experience, they use traditional methods and handmade techniques to create pieces as unique as you. YOUR HANDMADE

FASHION

Snow queen

Sparkle and shine in these dazzling festive pieces

By CARLY GLENDINNING

AURELIA DEMARK

18K yellow gold and brilliant cut diamond Large Eyelet Flower Earrings, £7,854 aureliademark.com

AKAILA REID

18K yellow gold ring with pearl and diamonds, £4,586 akailareid.com

GUITA M

18K white gold with diamonds Flexible Diamond Flower Ring, £9,170 guitam-jewelry.com

77 DIAMONDS

18K white gold Circlet Necklace, £538.54 77diamonds.com

ANITA KO

18K gold and diamond Flora Bracelet, £32,100 anitako.com

TOMFOOLERY LONDON

18K white gold and white diamond White Constellation Diamond Necklace, £1,295 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

V BY LAURA VANN

18K gold plated and rhodium plated silver Luna Earrings, £80 Vbylauravann.com

MAREI NEW YORK

Platinum and diamond Dorian Floating Teardrop Shaped Ring, Price upon request mareinewyork.com

SUZANNE KALAN

18K gold and diamond one-of-a-kind Mixed Diamond Drop Earrings, £14,220 suzannekalan.com

Power DRESSING

Absolutely catches up with Amelie's Follies as they celebrate 21 years in the lingerie world with a ra e in aid of cancer charities

Q When did you open, and what was the aim at the time?

A November 2003. We wanted to bridge the gap between ultra luxury lingerie like La Perla and high street like Knickerbox.

Q What do you sell?

Everyday luxury lingerie, nightwear, all year round swim and beachwear.

Q What makes you di erent?

A In a world of internet shopping, we o er a bra ﬁtting service by appointment only.

Q Why by appointment only?

A Because buying a bra is not just about a size. It’s about the right shape in the right size to suit your body and your lifestyle. As most women know, sizing can be a mineﬁeld, so we eliminate that headache by giving you what will ﬁt you regardless of what it says on the tag. And as it can be quite daunting, by appointment only makes it a more private and luxurious experience.

Q What do you love most about your job?

A Every day is di erent and I get great satisfaction in helping women feel better in their body. A bra ﬁtting can be quite a revelation. It is also empowering, teaching women of all ages that bras shouldn’t be painful, that practical and comfortable can be synonymous with pretty and exciting.

Q What has changed in the past 21 years in your job?

A 21 years ago, internet shopping wasn’t a thing. And although we now have a website and use social media, we are still a bricks and mortar business. Nothing will ever be as good as having an in-person ﬁtting and trying each bra before your purchase.

Q Anything else?

A Thankfully, advances in textiles mean we are now able to o er a much wider size range to cater to an ever increasing audience. We started o with less than 20 bra sizes – and now we stock over 70 sizes and having access to many more should we need them. Women are realizing that bra sizes don’t stop at DD.

Q What size range do you cover?

A We stock A to K cups (30 to 40 back) as standard. Our best-selling cup sizes being E, F and G. Unfortunately, there is an awful lot of misconception about bra sizing out there, and with at least 80% of women in the UK still wearing the wrong bra size, we still have plenty of educating to do. Not just in bra size but also in breast health, and women’s health in general.

Q Is that why you are having your ra e in aid of Breast Cancer Now and Ovarian Cancer Action?

A Unfortunately, most of us know someone who’s had or is fighting cancer in some form. As professional bra fitters, we get to see and speak to women looking for underwear solutions to get them through treatment, but also post-surgery solutions. We have increased our range of non-wired bras to cater better to those needs, but we also hand out informative leaflets so women can have a better idea of what the early signs of breast cancer and ovarian cancer can be. Knowing what is normal is one of the most important thing in cancer prevention. The ra e is our way of contributing to the fight against cancer.

Ra e tickets are £2 each or 6 for £10. On sale in the boutique or over the phone until 16.11.24

First prize is £150 Amelie’s Follies Voucher, with an extra 12 prizes donated by our suppliers. ameliesfollies.co.uk

HANDMADE BY PRESTONS

CREATING THE MOSAIC COLLECTION

Introduced last year, the Mosaic collection is inspired by the tessellating patterns of Byzantine art. The collection is designed and cra ed in-house at our London workshop, 8 Ely Place.

Our goldsmiths and gemsetters work with both traditional and modern techniques to cra every piece of ﬁne jewellery on display in our showrooms and featured in our in-house collections. From an initial design to a ﬁnished collection, each stage of the process happens at our London workshop. Here, Lorne Mehlstaubler, Head Goldsmith at Prestons, explores the inspiration behind the collection, the cra smanship needed to create each piece and his favourite designs so far.

Can you tell us about Ely Place?

8 Ely Place is located in the historical area of Holborn, the site of the Palace used by the Bishops of Ely in medieval times. It is a Georgian townhouse that provides us with a beautiful space for our sales consultants or our designers to meet clients and also houses our team of goldsmiths and setters as well as our diamond and gemstone buyer. The house has been carefully refurbished and restored to showcase its original period features, it has been decorated in a palette of Georgian colours and so furnishings, with antique clocks, vases and ornaments, chosen only to complement the era in which the house was built. Each room has been designed to be warm and welcoming, we want each client who visits us for an appointment to feel at home – it really is so important, that they can relax in a comfortable and inviting space, our lounge is perfect for this.

What makes Ely Place special?

For many clients who visit us they love the opportunity to see the team and I at work. There is something quite special about being able to experience

MOSAIC ETERNITY RING

£14,850

each stage of the process, to show a client their design in progress or a new collection piece we are currently working on. Every piece of ﬁne jewellery on display in our showrooms, or commissioned as a bespoke design, is made here in London. Every piece is designed, mounted, set and ﬁnished here in this workshop by us and by our team.

What made you want to pursue a career in jewellery?

I have been working on the bench now for close to two decades, a skill or career that runs in my family and

has been passed down to me by my dad. I always knew I wanted to be a jeweller, to work with my hands, cra ing and creating unique and special pieces. I have had the pleasure of working with many of the ﬁnest jewellery houses in London, and the rest of the country, on pieces I would never have dreamt of when I started my career. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talented and experienced team members and to be able to create collections such as this for our showrooms and our clients.

LORNE MEHLSTAUBLER HEAD GOLDSMITH & WORKSHOP MANAGER

“ For many clients who visit us they love the opportunity to see the team and I at work. There is something quite special about being able to experience each stage of the process, to show a client their design in progress”

What was the inspiration behind the Mosaic collection?

Inspired by the tessellating patterns of Byzantine art, the Mosaic collection began as a suite of occasion jewellery. Our design team, led by Sophie Lomax, created a series of irregular but decorative patterns using an assortment of hand-selected pear,

emerald, baguette and oval cut diamonds. The collection began initially with its signature suite, which sits as the collection’s centrepiece, it really is a testament to the creativity and cra smanship of our team.

Can you tell us more about the signature suite?

The most complex piece of the collection is the necklace, each collet was carefully and meticulously connected by hand, over 300 hours, by me personally, to ensure a perfect drape around the neck and movement with the wearer. The design has then been set with 141 round brilliant, pear, baguette and oval cut diamonds, totalling 54.19 carats, each hand-chosen and individually assessed and graded for their bright white colour. It is one of the most complex but wonderful pieces I have ever worked on.

Which are your favourite pieces in the wider collection?

This year, the team and I have looked to add new designs to the collection –we wanted there to be something for every style, whether our clients were looking for a piece of ﬁne jewellery suitable for everyday wear, or more of an occasion piece, the collection includes so many wearable designs.

It is hard just to choose one favourite, but of our most recent additions to the collection it would have to be either our Mosaic eternity ring or our Mosaic earrings. The ﬁrst features an entire loop of white diamonds, pear, emerald and oval cut, just like the ﬁrst suite we designed. It totals 3.46 carats and each diamond has been carefully set in platinum with hand-applied talon claws.

“

The Mosaic drop earrings are another example of our craftsmanship and testament to the skill of our gemsetters and the quality of our diamonds. In this example, emerald and pear cut diamonds suspend from a cluster of mixed cut diamonds”

The earrings have been designed and cra ed in four diﬀerent variations – it oﬀers so much choice to the wearer to select the style that suits them best. The Mosaic drop earrings are another example of our cra smanship and testament to the skill of our gemsetters and the quality of our diamonds. In this example, emerald and pear cut diamonds suspend from a cluster of mixed cut diamonds.

Each link is hand-cra ed to allow the stones to swing freely, showcasing their sparkle and fire. Each pair of Mosaic drop earrings is cra ed from fourteen stones, totalling over 2.50 carats, and are offered in either platinum or 18ct yellow gold to offer choice based on the wearer’s own fine jewellery collection. I can picture so many of our clients wearing these, they are perfect for day or an occasion.

TOP: MOSAIC CLUSTER BELOW: MOSAIC DROP PRICED FROM £12,200

“ I love that every piece that leaves the house is accompanied by a ‘Made in London’ seal as a mark of its quality and craftsmanship”

What do you love most about the pieces you create?

I love that every piece that leaves the house is accompanied by a ‘Made in London’ seal as a mark of its quality and cra smanship. It is so important to us that our decades of experience are shared with every piece of ﬁne jewellery that leaves our workshop and is delivered to a client – we want every necklace, pair of earrings or ring to be worn, enjoyed and loved for years to come. The pieces we cra mean so much to the individual or the wearer, from an engagement ring to the

remake or recommission of a family heirloom, there are so many stories we hear about how special these pieces are and how much they mean.

I am sincerely looking forward to the next chapter of our journey, 8 Ely Place is a truly special place and the team and I can’t wait to continue designing and cra ing more collections as unique as Mosaic as well as welcoming both new and existing clients to our workshop.

For further information please visit: prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

www.prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

LIBBIE WALLACE SKIN CLINIC

NATURAL LASTING RESULTS

Libbie’s unique background as a surgical nurse and a trainer at one of the most prestigious medical aesthetic training providers in the UK has led to her extensive experience and commitment to staying at the forefront of Aesthetic Medicine. She earned a Masters in Aesthetic Medicine from Queen Mary University London in 2018, marking a pivotal moment for the inception of her own clinic. Libbie has worked in Aesthetic Medicine since 2012 and developed a passion for optimising treatment outcomes using innovative products.

For more information on all treatments, visit: www.libbiewallace.co.uk Or call: 020 7459 4198

Email: info@libbiewallace.co.uk

Libbie Wallace BSc INP MSc Before A er

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL COLOUR

MINT HAIR LONDON

Welcome to the new season of colour transformation at Mint Hair London, one of London's premier hair studios. Their expert stylists believe that beautiful colour can elevate both your look and confidence, helping you feel your absolute best. This season, they are excited to offer an array of stunning, on-trend shades that perfectly complement the latest hair techniques, allowing them to create a flawless, personalised style just for you. Whether you're after bold, vibrant tones or subtle, natural hues, Mint Hair London is here to make your hair dreams come true. minthairlondon.com

WINTER SKIN

GLOW UP

Dr Nyla Raja of Dr Nyla Medispa London explains how to protect your skin this winter

DR NYLA RAJA SPORTING THE ILLUMINATING EYE CREAM

Keeping your complexion on point throughout the winter months can be challenging.

Founder and Medical Director of award-winning Doctor Nyla Medispa, Dr Nyla Raja, explains: “Winter is a magical time of year, with seasonal celebrations ﬁlling our social calendars. However, a combination of seasonal stress, over-indulgence, and cold weather conditions can a ect our skin health leaving us with skin that’s dull, dehydrated, and irritated. It’s therefore important to protect skin throughout the winter months so that the skin barrier is maintained, enabling the skin to retain its natural glow.

“One of the best things you can do for your skin throughout this period is to increase the skin’s hydration. This not only means drinking more water, but also adjusting the products you use to suit the needs of the season. Switching up your moisturiser to one that’s more oil based is beneﬁcial as it increases hydration levels and counteracts dehydrating e ects such as lack of humidity, indoor heating, and bathing in hot water. SPF is also essential.

Not just for summer, wearing SPF daily is just as crucial throughout the winter months when UV damage can still occur.

“Using active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides that maximise hydration, protect the skin barrier and reduce inﬂammation is key as they help to nourish the skin throughout winter when it’s often at its most sensitive. This is especially relevant for individuals with inﬂammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis who naturally have drier skin and may need to use their emollients more regularly at this time of year.”

A highly respected and much sought after cosmetic dermatology GP, considered to be one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country, Dr Nyla has practiced medicine for 20+ years and has personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with exceptional results.

A ﬁrm favourite with TV personalities, well-known celebrity ﬁgures and the media, her London clinic is home to some of the most sophisticated medical aesthetic technologies that the industry has to o er.

Dr Nyla continues: “In addition to good skincare practices, advanced skincare treatments can also help to manage the e ects of winter and get the skin glowing in advance of the festive season. It’s ideal to start as far ahead as possible as many require a course of treatments for the most e ective outcomes. Some of my favourite treatments to super-charge your winter glow up include:

ENVY FACIAL

Targeting a whole range of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, ﬁne lines, wrinkles, and acne, theENVY facialis a stateof-the-art skin resurfacing treatment available at our London clinic. It can be tailored to the individual and is designed to use speciﬁc techniques to enable exfoliation, extraction and the infusion of enriching serums.

LUMENIS M22

One of the most revolutionary laser treatments available in the world, the Lumenis M22 provides next-generation, gold standard skin rejuvenation therapy to address a variety of skin conditions (such as acne and rosacea) whilst simultaneously addressing the visible signs of ageing and boosting a radiant complexion.

MORPHEUS8

Rejuvenate skin with this globally renowned treatment that e ectively addresses issues relating to the tone and texture of the skin. Results can be seen instantly.

DR NYLA SKINCARE

Essential for ensuring optimal skin recovery and results, Dr Nyla Skincare is a luxurious collection of seven reﬁllable, cuttingedge skincare using scientiﬁcally proven, consciously sourced ingredients that have been meticulously chosen to deliver powerful, targeted results. Each glow-giving, restorative skin treat has been formulated with some of beauty’s most powerful active ingredients. Available exclusively from doctornyla.com, this is luxury skincare that works.

DR NYLA MEDISPA LONDON

is located at 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4NE. Call 0162 552 3307 / 0800 009 6661 to book a complementary consultation. doctornyla.com

DR NYLA RADIANCE DAY CREAM

DR NYLA MEDISPA: LONDON MAYFAIR

DR NYLA SKINCARE

ENVY FACIAL

LUMENIS M22

MORPHEUS8

GIVE THE GIFT OF PRESENCE AND PEACE

Looking for the perfect gift for loved ones this festive season, something purposeful that supports their wellbeing?

Our Moments that Heal – Guided Journal is the ultimate expression of thoughtfulness, created to aid recipients on a journey towards better physical and mental health.

Capturing moments of joy that help them reconnect with themselves while practicing presence. Inside every box they will find a beautifully crafted journal, premium instant camera and photography ﬁlm. All curated to help them rediscover their inner peace through prompts, interactive activities and the creative expression of photography.

Scan the QR code to pre-order yours today for £288.00. Give the gift that will help your loved ones enter the New Year ready to embark on a journey of self-reﬂection that will help them ﬂourish.

hello@greywolfe.co.uk / www.greywolfe.co.uk/moments-that-heal

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BEAUTY

NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

REN

This fast-acting anti-ageing serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of ﬁne lines and wrinkles in just seven days. Key ingredients include Bidens Pilosa, a natural retinol alternative £64. renskincare.co.uk

REVIEW

EDITOR’S PICK

WINTER CHEER BABY FACE WRAP IT

Q+A

One of four diﬀerent gi sets, Q+A’s ‘Holiday Heroes’ beauty cracker contains four nourishing products including the Oat Milk Cream Cleanser and the Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream. £19. qandaskin.com

UPCIRCLE

Make Upcircle your ﬁrst stop for beauty stocking ﬁllers this Christmas. The natural beauty brand’s very gi able range includes their super cute ‘Under the Mistletoe’ lip balm Bauble. Bauble: £11.99. upcirclebeauty.com

EMSCULPT Neo body reshaping

Tucked away in a pretty Belgravia mews, Montrose London’s waiting area feels more like a boutique hotel than an aesthetics clinic. I’m booked in for a course of eight EMSCULPT Neo treatments focused on my buttocks – promising to tone, reduce fat, improve muscle growth, and tighten the skin. The non-invasive machine uses radiofrequency and High Intensity Focused Electro Magnetic technology (HIFEM) to reshape the arms, abdomen, buttocks, and calves. I’m a regular gym goer, but I’ve never been able to achieve my dream peachy bottom. So I’m amazed when my lovely aesthetician Jess tells me that each 30 minute session is equivalent to doing 24,000 squats. Jess takes some pictures before inviting me into the treatment room. I lie face-down on the bed and she attaches the pads to my buttocks. We chat away – which distracts me from the slightly strange sensation. My muscles feel like they are relaxing and contracting as Jess gradually ups the intensity. By the eighth session, I’m used to it and it’s not uncomfortable at all. We take some more pictures after the fourth session and there’s only a slight improvement. So I’m floored when I return to the clinic 12 weeks after the final session. The pictures show a vast improvement – there’s a definite ‘shelf’ shape and any cellulite has more or less vanished. It might feel like I’ve cheated, but EMSCULPT Neo most definitely works.

MONTROSE LONDON Belgravia, from £550 montroseclinics.com

THREE FOR RECOVERY

KINEON

This at-home device combines cutting-edge red light therapy with laser technology to deliver a multitude of beneﬁts including glowing skin, faster muscle recovery, and injury relief. £479. kineon.io

HYPERICE

Global high-performance wellness brand Hyperice's Normatec Premier system is a fully integrated dynamic air compression therapy device, setting a new standard for recovery. £999. hyperice.com

PLIABILITY

Pliability is an advanced wellness mobility app founded on the belief that movement is medicine. Choose from yin yoga, breathwork, mindfulness and mobility sessions to help strengthen and aid recovery. £16.95 per month. pliability.com

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

FIGHTING FIT

Carly Glendinning tries JAB, a state-of-the-art new boxing club

Am I into boxing now?”

I joke to my friend as we enter JAB’s seriously luxe new space on Buckingham Palace Road. I feel like I’ve entered a cool boutique hotel in downtown LA. All concrete and plywood, JAB branded streetwear hangs on display, and there’s a Health Bar and a Recovery Room with a sauna and ice bath. The boxing club was founded by George Veness, an ex-multi-time boxing champion who has trained amateur boxers and celebrities alike. Veness has just opened but it's busy already. My friend and I change and head to the studio. On one side punch bags hang from the ceiling and the other

is an area for weight training. We’re booked in for a 50 minute Full-Body Boxing class with the lovely Seb Christophers. Seb asks if anyone hasn’t boxed before, and I raise my hand. He shows me how to place my feet, and explains that I should use my left hand to ‘jab’ (as I’m right handed). I select some gloves, and take my place at one of the bags. The lighting is low, and Seb stands on a platform at the side. Run DMC blasts out as we start o slow, punching the bag, in sequence of jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts – building intensity as we progress. Every so often Seb instructs us to drop to the ﬂoor for a plank or hollow hold. There’s a mix of

abilities in the room, but I really start to grow in conﬁdence. We move to the other side for the strength conditioning section. I select some 5kg weights and a hoop. We practice our footwork, moving in and out of the hoop. Seb pushes us hard, and we power through rounds of burpees, squats, and lunges. We cool down to Bob Marley, and I feel tired but great. My friend and I stop by the Health Bar on the way out, discussing when we can book in another class over a delicious protein shake. I’m deﬁnitely into boxing now.

Standard Membership from £250 a month. jab-box.com

As a powerful meditation tool, journalling can transform their wellbeing.

Acting as an anchor for all of the thoughts and emotions, it can guide them towards healing that truly starts within. Whether they already are on their journalling journey, or you’d like to gift them something that’ll prompt them to start, Grey Wolfe’s ‘Moments that Heal’ Guided Journal can enhance their experience through a lens of creativity that sparks joy and helps them capture meaningful moments.

A HEALING MOMENT OF REFLECTION FOR THOSE YOU LOVE

The people in your life - friends, family and even work colleagues, can all beneﬁt from introducing journalling into their days. Writing down thoughts, emotions and ideas as they capture unique moments in their day, will serve as a healing canvas they may have not even thought they needed. Journalling will help them address stress,

THE

PERFECT GIFT

Consider gifting your loved ones something meaningful this holiday season. A gift of guidance might be the perfect one

worry and everyday distractions, and instead, immerse in the art of self-reﬂection.

This self-exploration will help your loved ones build a better relationship with themselves and allow them to take control over their thoughts and reactions. As a result, they’ll feel better equipped to build and strengthen the relationships with those around them, as their interactions become more meaningful.

SPACE TO CAPTURE THE EMOTIONS THAT COUNT

Journalling creates a unique path towards ﬁnding true emotional resilience and balance. The practice o ers a platform to express, release and translate everything that races the mind and prevents the body from experiencing wellbeing that is authentically rooted within. Unlike other healing rituals, journalling will allow them to rid of the weight of the thought wherever they are, while also preserving it. Serving as a compass through the stormiest and sunniest of days, these words and photographs will over time become the map of their own unique healing journey. And what a

beautiful gift it will be, for them to clearly see how far they’ve come?

A GIFT OF PEACE AND PRESENCE

Created by the London-based Private Members' Wellness Club, Grey Wolfe, this Guided Journal will prompt your loved ones to reconnect with themselves and stay present, as they capture moments that spark joy and reﬂection.

As part of a gift set, which includes a beautifully crafted journal, alongside minimalist instax camera and 10x films, the journal is carefully curated to guide them towards authentic moments of self-reflection and healing. Through prompts and ideas that’ll spark their creativity, the ‘Moments that Heal’ journal will be a gift they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Even once the pages are filled, they can come back again, and reread their own story.

Scan the QR code to pre-order the Journal today for £288.

Create Your PerfectGym

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GYM look and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all the time!

Gym Design & Supply offers 20 years’ of experience with an exclusive personal service and a wide range of options helping you create your dream gym space.

We will come and meet you to discuss your options as well as measure up the space you have to make sure it all ﬁts all the equipment you need and looks great!

• Health and ﬁtness goals discussed

• Best equipment chosen for your needs and budget

• Gym tailored to the look and feel you want

• Installed over 100 gyms and spas including: Gym Design &

“Seeking change is understandable and can be a form of self-care”

THRIVE Prioritise self-care to

Look and feel your best with the help of plastic surgeon Chris Abela

It’s commonly acknowledged that those who feel conﬁdent in themselves often thrive. Looking and feeling healthy is an important part of this. The skin is the body’s largest organ by weight and it can reﬂect a person's overall health and wellbeing.

Life events such as weddings can focus people’s mind on optimising themselves through surgical and nonsurgical techniques. Consultant cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Chris Abela does not recommend rushing into any decision immediately before the big day. Preparation and planning is key to success. Anti-wrinkle treatments can be an e ective camouﬂage measure but a longer term treatment plan is best worked out well in advance. Surgical interventions often take 3-6 months to recover from and this period should ideally be stress free.

Chris’ core belief is to empower people to be the best version of themselves, well beyond any surgical treatment. He suggests the following steps for anyone feeling unhappy about their appearance, whether it’s excess skin, a blemish or particularly bothersome age-related change.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PRIORITIES

Society puts pressure on people to look a certain way. Restoring one’s idea of ‘self’ after a period of change is more important. So, patients should reﬂect on their feelings, understand their priorities and construct a realistic set of questions for the surgeon to ensure they are looking at surgery for the right reasons.

RECOGNISE YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A CHANGE

Seeking change is understandable and can be a form of self-care. There are many di erent surgical and non surgical options available so it’s important to spend time researching these to see what approach feels most appropriate. If the information is too confusing, choose a surgeon who will explain the options holistically and thoroughly.

INFORMED DECISION MAKING

Take advantage of consultations, look at reviews and ask for recommendations. Ask questions and ensure the answers have met your needs. At the end of this process, choosing a surgeon who shares your vision and who you completely trust is crucial.

C hris’ ethos and the team’s overarching philosophies

•A safe and evidence-based appoach to the medicine and surgery provided.

•Holistic and honest consultations to enable patients with a better quality of life, long a er they have been discharged.

•Providing the right infrastructure and personnel to take care of a patient and fully support them for the duration of their journey.

All this is done with discretion in mind.

CHRIS ABELA

is a consultant plastic surgeon, experienced in facial and abdominal cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He runs a private practice with clinics at 84 Harley Street and at Wimbledon Parkside.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a procedure, please contact Chris at info@chrisabela.co.uk or on 0203 545 2990. chrisabela.co.uk

As the colder months approach, our immune system faces greater challenges. The Vivamayr London Day Clinic o ers a unique opportunity for individuals to strengthen their health through targeted therapies and consultations, helping the body perform at its best.

The Vivamayr London Day Clinic is an extension of the renowned Vivamayr Maria Wörth, o ering holistic health treatments in the heart of London.

It provides residents and visitors with convenient access to world-class medical expertise and personalised health plans without the need to travel abroad. One of the clinic‘s key focuses during the colder months is helping individuals optimise their immune function, enabling them to feel energised and resilient against seasonal threats.

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, our immune system often has to work harder to fend o seasonal threats like colds, ﬂu, and other illnesses. Sometimes, extra support is needed during colder seasons,

and that‘s where the VIVAMAYR London Day Clinic can provide valuable assistance.

INNOVATIVE THERAPIES:

IHHT AND INFUSIONS

One of the key o erings at the Vivamayr London Day Clinic is Individualized HypoxiaHyperoxia Training (IHHT), a specialised form of oxygen therapy. This therapy alternates between low (hypoxia) and high (hyperoxia) oxygen levels, which stimulates the body’s mitochondria. By improving mitochondrial function, IHHT enhances energy metabolism, which in turn boosts the immune system, enabling your body to better respond to external threats like viruses and bacteria.

IHHT has proven especially useful during the winter months, when fatigue, lack of energy, and weakened immunity often make people more susceptible to illness. Additionally, the VivamayrLondon Day Clinic o ers a variety of intravenous (IV) infusions that are tailored to each patient‘s speciﬁc needs, delivering a powerful combination of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream, allowing for rapid absorption and immediate beneﬁts.

London Day Clinic

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS

At the Vivamayr London Day Clinic, we believe that every patient is unique, and that individualised care is essential for achieving the best possible results. Before starting any therapy, all patients undergo a comprehensive medical consultation with one of our experienced doctors. This consultation allows us to assess your overall health, identify any underlying issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your speciﬁc needs. Whether you require IHHT, IV infusions, or a combination of therapies, our expert team is dedicated to providing you with the care and attention needed to enhance your immune system and improve your health throughout the colder months.

ELEGANT SIMPLICITY

A masterful demonstration of Børge Mogensens vision of modern practicality, the sideboard is meticulously crafted from FSC™-certi ed oak with brass bracket detailing. This design conceals several intricate carpentry techniques. Double-bracket doors open out to reveal two adjustable shelves and two drawers in an exacting, highly crafted design. Price: £4,862

INTERIORS

DINNER TIME

JOHN LEWIS

For stylish tablescaping, everything matters. Consider your plates, glasses and cutlery as well as tablecloths, napkins and mats. Add candlesticks and candles; and think about lighting. Low pendant lights create drama over dinner, and vases with flowers add interest. . johnlewis.com

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

NEW CLA SSICS

At Swoon, they're turning their backs on minimalism and embracing timeless design. Inspired by opulent styles of the past, they're embracing decorative embellishments in a contemporary, paredback form. Bold parquetry patterns ﬁnd their way onto clean lines of cabinets, modern interpretations of delicately turned legs adorn tables and classic hardware is reimagined in sleek silhouettes. swooneditions.com

LIGHT WORK

POOKY

Pooky and Morris & Co have joined forces for a capsule collection of decorative shades featuring William Morris prints found in the original interior of Emery Walkers house in Hammersmith. There's a mix of hand block printed card and plain, gathered and scalloped cotton shades. pooky.com

SWOON

GLASS ARTS

MUSTARD MADE

A new addition to Mustard Made's iconic collection of colourful lockers is the new glass cabinet. Featuring reeded glass doors, it comes in a range of shapes, sizes and bright colours. mustardmade.com

TAKE FIVE

Christmas decorations

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Wonderland scene, £56 anthropologie.com

LITTLE GREEN CRACKER COMPANY

Christmas crackers, pack of six, £60 selfridges.com

FERM LIVING

Holiday elf pair, £18 fermliving.co.uk

SELFRIDGES

Noello olives can bauble, £20 selfridges.com

LOUNGE LOVER

TOM DIXON

Tom Dixon's ﬂagship store in Coal Drops Yard is showcasing its latest creations. Visitors can explore the brand-new Plump and Fat sofas, the sculptural Slab Lounge Chairs, and the Unbeated Pendants, all on display for the ﬁrst time. tomdixon.net

AUTUMN THEME

JOHN LEWIS

Autumn gets its very own tableware collection at John Lewis, where acorns and oak leaves adorn tablecloths and napkins, and entire tablescapes feature autmumn shades of reds, oranges and browns. Don't leave it too long or we'll be looking at winter. johnlewis.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Honeycomb sweets set of three, £8 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

PERSONAL

STYLE

A tour of author Huma Quereshi’s bright north London home

By PENNY WINCER

There is a boldness, a conﬁdence, yet a completely personal feeling to the space.

Author Huma Quereshi’s detached 1960s home, painted black with a mint-green door, sits at the top of a cul-de-sac and is an unintentional home in many ways. She and her husband, Richard, found the house online during lockdown while searching for a North London home for Huma’s mother, who was planning to relocate from the Midlands. At the time they were living with their three young boys in Crouch End, in a small Victorian terrace. They had not intended to move. But it was the summer of 2020 and there was little to do and nowhere to go, so when the listing piqued Huma’s interest, they decided to book a viewing just to satisfy her curiosity and get out of the house.

‘I have always loved buildings and I’m fascinated by how other people live,’ she tells me, as we sit down with co ee in her living room, where the picture window overlooks the front lawn and the quiet suburban street. It was the house itself that had drawn her in. Surprised and excited to ﬁnd an untouched, freestanding 1960s home – an era of housing she has always loved – within

“You know how people say a house has good bones? That’s what it felt like”

London, she tells me she just had to see it.

Heavy social restrictions were still in place, so the boys sat out on the sun-bleached lawn while Huma and Richard took turns walking around the house with masks on. It was empty, the elderly owner having recently left to live with one of her children. The family had bought the house o -plan in 1960 and it had been theirs ever since. It was virtually untouched from its original state and in need of a huge amount of love and investment. ‘I’ve always loved what some people might call “ugly duckling” houses,’ she says with a laugh – midcentury houses with amazing light and space but not much in the way of pretty decorative features. Crouch End, where they had been living, is wall-to-wall Victorian terraces, so when Huma saw the listing, not too far away in Barnet, she immediately sent it to Richard, almost as a joke at ﬁrst. They put an o er in right away and it was accepted before they had even spent any time in the neighbourhood.

The move was driven purely by the house.

‘You know how people say a house has good bones? That’s what it felt like. A house with good bones.’

The house is long, with the living room and snug facing the front, and almost the whole back of the house is taken up with a large open-plan kitchen, dining room and playroom. Double doors separate the living room from the kitchen-diner, which give a double aspect and ﬂood the house with light. It couldn’t feel more di erent to a narrow London terrace.

The ﬂoors throughout most of the downstairs are yellow terrazzo. The kitchen is made up of three di erent colours of laminated ply in dark green, mustard yellow and a muted coral pink, with a chequerboard splashback in white and terracotta. Doors and skirting boards are painted in pale mint and baked terracotta, and arched glass doors lead to the back garden. Huma’s o ce, tucked away on the other side of the kitchen, has wildﬂower

wallpaper, a view over the garden and large-scale movie posters.

Upstairs, a hallway runs down the centre with bedrooms and a bathroom to the left and right. It’s wallpapered in a scalloped repeat pattern of blue, o -white and terracotta, and the ﬂoors are mint green. This is not your typical, tentatively decorated family home.

There is a boldness, a conﬁdence, yet a completely personal feeling to the space.

‘The day we came to see it was scorching hot,’ Huma tells me. ‘I remember I walked in and it felt like houses we had stayed in on holiday in Denmark. These 1970s summerhouses. There was something about the light coming in on both sides that made me think of that and it has always stayed with me.’

The design decisions that Huma and Richard have made have all come back to this. They wanted to capture the feeling of being on a summer holiday. She describes this to me as when you feel calm, happy and relaxed. Guests often comment when they arrive that it feels like a summerhouse, and she loves that other people instantly get it. Huma tells me this house feels exactly how she wants home to feel.

I’m curious about the words Huma uses to describe the house – ‘calm’ and ‘relaxed’. I

could feel those things in the space, too, but I knew not everyone would necessarily use those words to describe a home that could count that many di erent colours in a single room. Huma tells me she regularly gets people online commenting that her home is extremely colourful, and she ﬁnds that interesting because she doesn’t feel it’s overly colourful at all. Yes, she tells me, she has used quite a few di erent colours, but they all have the muted feel of paint bleached by the midday sun, rather than being rich and saturated colours.

The hall is wallpapered in a scalloped repeat pattern of blue, oﬀ-white and terracotta, and the ﬂoors are mint green.

SIDE HUSTLE

Beautiful joinery and unassuming aesthetics come together in Børge Mogensen’s sideboard, designed in 1957

Classic furniture designed by Børge Mogensen (1914-1972) has been part of Carl Hansen & Søn’s collection since 2018. Now, the company is expanding its collection to include Mogensen’s BM0057 Sideboard from 1957. The sideboard stands out for its exclusive cabinetmaking in oak and brass; however, Børge Mogensen aimed to avoid an overly portentous style. He achieved this balance by letting the materials speak for themselves without unnecessary decoration, focusing instead on adding several functional details.

MASTER OF FUNCTIONALITY

Børge Mogensen strived to design furniture that was adapted to everyday life. He designed the sideboard with enough space for a complete 12-piece dinner set, and ensured that the design enabled multiple sideboards to be combined together into a single larger sideboard. Additionally, Børge Mogensen wanted the screws’ slots to point towards the centre of the brass ﬁttings to form a symmetrical pattern along a functional necessity. The sideboard contains two adjustable shelves and two drawers. The drawers feature beautiful joinery details such as mortise joints and side panels tapered towards the top to appear slim but remain stable at the same time. The sideboard is a complicated piece of

cabinetmaking that is mastered by only the most skilled cabinetmakers at Carl Hansen & Søn’s factory in Gelsted, Denmark. The sideboard is assembled by hand and requires an exacting customisation process due to its tenon-and-bevelled joints, double brackets and doors, in order to be beautiful from every angle – even from behind.

Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and third generation owner-manager of Carl Hansen & Søn, says: "Børge Mogensen has been part of our collection for years, and we’re pleased to present a sublime piece of his cabinetmaking once again. The sideboard is a perfect match with our other masterpieces and will enhance private homes and public spaces alike."

carlhansen.com

“The materials speak for themselves without unnecessary decoration”

REAL KITCHENS FOR REAL FAMILIES

We supply high quality German, Italian and traditional handmade English bespoke kitchens at family-friendly prices.

Our 2024 range offers all the modern developments in kitchen design, including reduced plinth heights and the TIP-ON touch opening system, together with specialised utility room furniture providing a myriad of clever storage solutions.

Much of our business comes via word-of-mouth recommendations from happy clients. We’re proud of our reputation and our customer service is second to none, for which we were awarded the Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction Award.

THE GIFT OF SLEEP

SPEND CHRISTMAS IN BED WITH CARPE DIEM BEDS

3 4 5

THE BED BENCH

The Åstol Bed Bench is a sleek and versatile piece of bedroom furniture that eﬀortlessly complements any decor style. Whether used as a bed extension, tranquil seating by the window, or a standalone decorative piece, it adds functionality and elegance to your bedroom. £1,200

THE DUVET COVER

Vindstilla is a so , delicate and luxurious silk duvet cover available for single or double beds. Made of 100% Mulberry silk,19 Momme. Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certiﬁed. Available in Warm White. From £339

THE PILLOW

A good night’s rest starts with a comfortable, high-quality pillow. Carpe Diem Beds’ mulberry silk pillow is ﬁlled with 500 g of ultrahigh-quality mulberry silk blended with polyester for the best possible support and shape (mix: 40/60). The pillow has a 100% cotton shell. £180

THE NIGHTSTAND

This modern and stylish steel nightstand has a shelf and a big, practical storage compartment. It's a beautiful piece that can be placed with the opening facing the bedroom, or turned towards the bed The Holme nightstand comes in black, chrome and brass.

THE SILK ROBE

Wearing our exclusive robe in the ﬁnest silk will add a touch of luxury to your day. Wrap it around your body and enjoy the irresistibly so and sumptuous feel of genuine mulberry silk against your skin. £320 carpediembeds.co.uk

Our newly redesigned luxaﬂex showroom, showcases the latest innovations in custom made blinds including automation, sustainability, and smart home integration. Sitting alongside our bespoke luxury curtain and roman blind service containing an inspiring collection of designer fabrics and trimmings.

With over 25 years experience in window styling we oﬀer a full bespoke service with every aspect of your project overseen by our team of experts.

Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm

52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • info@curtain-call.co.uk www.curtain-call.co.uk

Beautiful Traditional Timber Windows and Doors

Energy e cient timber windows and external doors, designed to complement your home.

- Bespoke, high quality cra smanship, made in the UK.

- 50 year anti-rot guarantee.

- Sustainably sourced timber.

- Conservation Area specialists.

The Tomas brand has become synonymous with the Classic Modern style. It’s an understated and timeless look, which can be described as ‘modern, yet not overly modern’.

All Tomas kitchens and furniture are manufactured at their production centre in Cambridge. Their handlelessnaturalSHEERmodel sits at the centre of their collection and is perhaps the archetypal Tomas Kitchen. Curvy corners feature in many of their ergonomical designs, which make the kitchen space so beautiful, functional and lovely to live with. Other models available include the pared back minimalSHEER based on a cubic and minimalistic theme and decoSHEER

Stylish kitchens that stand the test of time at Tomas Kitchen Living

which has more of a vintage feel.

Another nice detail is the palette of Tomas colours, which are taken from ﬁve abstract oil paintings inspiring the earthy and original 'Abstract Five'colour range. Additionally, any colour can be made or matched and there are also many options for natural woods, book-matching and metallic.

The design sessions known as ‘live design’ take place round the computer either in the showroom or remotely. Di cult spaces are unlocked and unique storage solutions are developed. Says Head of Design Tom Hinton, “Working closely with the customer is an essential part of what we do! Bouncing round ideas and creating a bespoke kitchen for the individual or young family, whatever their requirements, is hugely satisfying”.

Sustainability, Locality, Quality and Longevity are just some of the key

ingredients that makes a Tomas kitchen a green kitchen. By building a product locally that stands the test of time, they have managed to create a product that has an exceptionally low carbon footprint, due to the fact that it wouldn’t need replacing. From this starting point the materials chosen are from sustainable sources and ultimately renewable and recyclable.

The company has its own team of ﬁtters and works closely with plumbers, electrician, project managers and architects to coordinate the installation process.

As a complete kitchen company, everything is covered under one roof. From initial design conception, through to manufacturing and installation, the service is ﬁrst class and friendly.

tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk

SAFE HOUSE

Protecting your home, data, and reputation over the Christmas holidays

As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the celebrations and let security fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, this time of year presents heightened risks, from opportunistic crimes at home and online to the reputational pitfalls of social media oversharing. At Valkyrie, we recognise the unique security challenges associated with Christmas, and our expertise spans all aspects of keeping you and your loved ones safe—whether it’s safeguarding your home, protecting your data, or preserving your reputation.

Many people travel during the Christmas period, leaving empty homes that can become easy targets for burglars. Ensuring your home remains secure during your absence is essential. Discretion is key—avoid sharing your travel plans or tagging your location on social media, and be mindful of who has access to your property. Advanced security measures, like smart systems that allow for remote monitoring and notiﬁcations, can o er added peace of mind. It’s also wise to engage trusted individuals to keep

an eye on your home while you're away. Christmas also brings a surge in digital transactions and new tech gifts, which are prime targets for cybercriminals. The festive season sees an increase in phishing attempts, fake websites and other scams designed to exploit the unwary. When setting up new devices, it’s crucial to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be wary of suspicious emails or links. At Valkyrie, we advise our clients to treat online shopping and new technology with the same caution they would apply to physical security. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Secure all your devices with reputable security software and stay informed about the latest scams. While cybercrime is constantly evolving, with the right vigilance, you can avoid falling victim. The festive season is also synonymous with social gatherings, which, while enjoyable, can have reputational consequences if privacy isn’t respected. Photos and videos shared on social media, or even among friends, can later become problematic—a ecting your professional standing or, in some cases, being used to extort you. Our advice at Valkyrie is to remain mindful of what you share online.

What seems harmless today could have serious repercussions tomorrow. Keep your accounts private, limit your audience, and, above all, think before you post. And if the need arises, we’re well-versed in managing reputation risks discreetly and mitigating any damage. Ultimately, protecting yourself during the Christmas season requires a combination of vigilance, smart security, and discretion. Taking a proactive approach—securing your home, staying alert to cyber threats, and safeguarding your reputation—means you can enjoy the festive period with greater peace of mind. At Valkyrie, we believe that a well-rounded security strategy is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas. valkyrie.co.uk

Curated to inspire, Sandals Resorts oﬀer everything you need to create a destination wedding and honeymoon that is uniquely yours. From intimate appeal to refined elegance, our ceremony and reception settings are islandinspired and designed to suit every taste and budget. At the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts, we’ve been perfecting Caribbean weddings and honeymoons for over 40 years, allowing you to simply savour the moments that matter most on your special day.

TRAVEL

MOUNTAIN HIGH

VALSANA, AROSA

Dreamy snow-filled landscapes, warming fondue, apresski magnums of rose: all of this and more can be found in Switzerland's lovely Arosa. We visit for some sustainable ski activities.

SNOW PLOUGH

Cross-country skiing has a lower environmental impact than downhill and is just as much fun. Absolutely has a go at Arosa’s Valsana Hotel

By PENDLE HARTE

It is literally an uphill struggle. I am attempting to pull myself up with my ski poles while also trying to stop my feet in their skinny skis from sliding backwards and downhill. Cross-country skiing is said to engage the entire body, and all my muscles are certainly working hard. Because while you might imagine cross country to be essentially ﬂat, it still involves a bit of gentle up and down. And uphill skiing is no joke.

We have come to the snowy village of Arosa in Switzerland’s largest ski region to stay in a carbon neutral hotel and enjoy winter sports that have a lower environmental impact than the conventional skiing and snowboarding. These are essentially activities that shun the ski lifts, which are inherently wasteful, running on average at 80% empty. It’s a surprising statistic for anyone who has spent an age queuing to get back up a mountain, but the team at Valsana Hotel and Apartments take this very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that this is Switzerland’s only hotel to be powered entirely by an elaborate circular heat pump system that utilises an ice battery and recovers heat from a nearby supermarket. This heat recovery system is radical and innovative, and the hotel is proud of a carbon neutrality that doesn’t simply involve planting

VALSANA HOTEL, AROSA

compensatory trees but actually pioneers a real sustainability. Not only are there no plastic straws here, but all furniture is made from renewable materials, all paper is recycled and unbleached, kitchen waste contributes to fuel, Nespresso capsules are recycled, ingredients are local and there’s a focus on plant-based meals.

Which is deﬁnitely not to say that it’s not fun. The hotel feels contemporary and stylish – rooms come complete with turntables and small vinyl collections as well as cosy seating, balconies and comfortable beds. On site there’s an art gallery and a fantastic spa as well as a well-equipped ski shop. While skiing remains the main attraction –Arosa’s lifts are just a few minutes away – Valsana o ers a large programme of Curated Adventures that don’t involve going to the top of the mountain.

Our cross-country lesson with lovely instructor Harry is one of them. We are kitted out at the shop and taken by road (public transport in the form of electric buses, brilliantly, is free in Arosa, encouraging people to abandon their cars in the interests of safety as well as sustainability) to a nearby golf course, transformed by the dreamiest of snowfalls into an impossibly perfect winter landscape. Cross-country skis are longer and slimmer than regular skis, and tracks are marked in the snow already. And this is where we practice sliding backwards and forwards, ﬁrstly with no incline to help or hinder us. It’s a sort of inelegant shu e until you get the hang of it, when it becomes more of a glide. In the distance we see people skiing cross-country at speed; this is not us. But after a couple of hours we have improved signiﬁcantly and despite a

“Cross-country skiing is said to engage the entire body, and all my muscles are certainly working hard”

few falls on the downhill slides, we’re all feeling elated and conﬁdent, if exhausted. Because, be warned: cross-country skiing is a sport that you’ll be feeling in your hips for several days.

The next day we’re donning snowboots and heading for a guided snowshoe hike. Snowshoes have come a long way since they resembled tennis racquets that were strapped to your shoes: these are scary-looking metal-jawed attachments that help you to stomp uphill through fresh snow. Arosa is known for its sunshine, so we are trekking in sunglasses through a dreamy landscape of blue skies and pristine white snow. Our guide has given us rucksacks to carry and these contain a picnic fondue, complete with boiled potatoes. Warming cups of herbal tea and melted cheese are a welcome reward after a long trek.

Valsana Hotel is part of the Tschuggen Hotel Group, whose other property in Arosa is the uber luxe Tschuggen Grand, known for its iconic private mountain railway that speeds guests directly to the slopes in style. Whether you’re a skier or not, there’s lots to do in Arosa.

Valsana Hotel Arosa o ers rooms starting from CHF 454 based on two adults sharing a lifestyle double on a B&B basis. valsana.ch/en

SNOW SHOES

HOTEL VALSANA

OUTDOOR FONDUE

Romantic retreats, boutique hotels, award-winning villas, family holidays.

Your time is precious... Our service is exceptional.

The Rou Estate, Corfu, Greece

PERFECT GETAWAY

Why

Lyons Holiday Parks

in North Wales is spot on for a family break

By MARTIN CUNNINGHAM

The allure of North Wales’ stunning coastline, dotted with charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, has long made it a favoured destination for family holidays. As a family of four, we recently embarked on a fourday staycation at Lyons Holiday Parks, a choice that promised relaxation, adventure, and quality time together. With Lyons celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, it was the perfect opportunity to experience why they are hailed as one of the nation’s favourite holiday park operators.

Our journey began with a sense of excitement as we drove along the scenic North Wales coast, heading towards Lyons Robin Hood, the ﬂagship park in Lyons’ impressive portfolio. Conveniently located near the charming town of Prestatyn, this park o ered us a perfect blend of activities, relaxation, and exploration.

A Warm Welcome and Family Comfort

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly and attentive Lyons sta , who made the check-in process seamless. It’s always a pleasure to arrive somewhere that feels immediately welcoming, and Lyons certainly delivered on that front. The accommodation was clean, spacious, and well-equipped, providing us with all the comforts of home, which made settling in an absolute breeze.

Fun-Filled Days: Activities for All Ages

Lyons Robin Hood is a treasure trove of activities, catering to the diverse interests of every family member. The heated indoor pools, complete with exciting slides, quickly

became a favourite for our two children. We even booked a private session with the underwater scooters, which turned out to be a thrilling experience, allowing us to explore new depths in the pool while the kids had a blast zooming around underwater.

For parents, the park o ers a well-equipped gym, steam room, and sauna – perfect for some well-deserved relaxation. I must admit, the ability to unwind in the sauna while knowing the kids were safely entertained in the pool was a true luxury. Evenings at Lyons Robin Hood were equally delightful, with a range of entertainment options that kept the entire family engaged. From lively shows featuring guest characters for the little ones to all-singing, all-dancing performances that had us tapping our feet, the entertainment complex truly came alive at night.

Exploring the Surrounding Area: Prestatyn and Beyond

No family holiday is complete without a bit of exploration, and Lyons Holiday Parks’

prime location made it easy to venture beyond the park. Prestatyn, with its beautiful beachfront and quaint selection of shops and eateries, was just a short drive away. We spent a leisurely afternoon strolling along the promenade, enjoying ice creams while the kids built sandcastles – a quintessential British holiday experience. For those willing to travel a little further, the picturesque town of Llandudno is about an hour’s drive from the park. With its Victorian charm and the stunning Great Orme headland, Llandudno is a must-visit. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, o ering panoramic views of the coast and countryside. The walk around Great Orme provided a perfect mix of history, nature, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal family outing. One of the highlights of our stay was

learning about Lyons Holiday Parks’ upcoming 100-year anniversary celebrations. It’s clear that Lyons has been perfecting the art of the family holiday for a century, and they are pulling out all the stops to mark this milestone.

Holiday Home Ownership: A Tempting Possibility

As we soaked in the atmosphere of Lyons Robin Hood, we couldn’t help but entertain the idea of holiday home ownership. Lyons o ers a range of modern, comfortable holiday homes for sale, and the on-site sta were more than happy to give us a tour of the available options. The idea of having our own little piece of North Wales to escape to whenever we pleased was certainly tempting, especially after experiencing

the quality of the park’s amenities and the beauty of the surrounding area.

Our four-day break at Lyons Holiday Parks was everything we hoped for – a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and quality family time. Lyons o ers something for everyone, from the youngest family members to the parents, making it a truly inclusive holiday destination. The a ordability of the experience was the cherry on top, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a memorable family getaway. In summary, if you’re looking for a familyfriendly and pocket-friendly holiday in North Wales, Lyons Holiday Parks should be at the top of your list. We left with our hearts full, our spirits lifted, and our children already dreaming of our next visit.

lyonsholidayparks.co.uk

COUNRTY HOUSE WEDDINGS

With its collection of exclusive-use wedding venues across Southern England, Country House Weddings puts your dream wedding within reach thanks to their stunning settings, all-inclusive packages and unrivalled wedding experience. From breathtaking country manors to fairy-tale castles, these hidden gems are the perfect choice for your showstopper wedding. countryhouseweddings.co.uk

Your own

Country House for the day

If you’re starting to look at venues, then a Country House Weddings venue should be at the top of your wish list...

JOE & SINEAD, GOSFIELD HALL; BRAD GOMMON PHOTOGRAPHY

IImmerse yourself in the magic of your special day and let the experts take care of the rest, as you say ‘I do’ at an exquisite Country House Weddings’ venue. O ering exclusive use, all-inclusive weddings at venues hand-picked for their beauty and ability to host showstopping weddings, Country House Weddings will take care of you from your ﬁrst visit to the venue to the moment you leave the day after your wedding. From monthly payment plans to spread the cost to the ultimate all-inclusive luxury wedding package, Country House Weddings has every couple in mind and has a package to suit your budget and desire. Their diverse range of Complete Wedding Packages o er everything you need for the perfect day, including a dedicated Personal Wedding Manager, top-quality food created by expert in-house Chefs, welcome drinks & toast wine, and DJ & disco to name a few. Choose from the Luxe package, with extras to take your wedding to the next level, the original Classical package for an elegant a air, the Intimate package to celebrate with your nearest and dearest only, or the Twilight package for a ceremony with even more romance. Country House Weddings prides itself on being family run and owned with over 30 years of experience creating unforgettable wedding day memories, and you’re invited to celebrate your day with the utmost luxury at one of their stunning venues. You just need to decide which venue is the one for you.

BOURTON HALL, WARWICKSHIRE

The newest addition to the Country House Weddings collection, Bourton Hall is a striking

Italianate-style manor set in 12 acres of gardens, woodland and parkland – this is truly a magniﬁcent setting for your special day. The former-Catholic Chapel is idyllic for your ceremony or opt for the Portico on warmer days. The Banqueting Hall is the setting for your ﬁne dining and dance the night away in the Lantern Bar & Disco. .

HOLMEWOOD HALL, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Cambridgeshire’s newest and most exciting exclusive-use Wedding Venue is a stunning Tudor-gothic style country house nestled in the idyllic countryside at the Gateway to the Fens. Couples can tie the knot in the spectacular Gold Room, complete with its 50-foot-long aisle, or for sunnier days, opt for outside with the Bandstand and its perfect Country House backdrop. For the celebration, you can dine in the Banqueting Hall with striking views across the lake, then party in the Vault Bar & Disco. Finally, guests can rest at ease knowing that they can retreat to one of 15 bedrooms at the end of the day.

CLEARWELL CASTLE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

The castle’s sensational portcullis and battlements set the scene for truly special day, and despite its somewhat medieval facade, inside, Clearwell Castle is warm and inviting, with grand reception rooms, a stunning ballroom complete with 75ft aisle, and accommodation for almost 80 guests. The neighbouring The Wyndham Hotel, enables guests to make an extended visit and couples to enjoy an extended celebration with a Night Before or Day After party.

LEEZ PRIORY, ESSEX

Rich in Tudor history and charm, Leez Priory in Essex is one of the longest-established exclusive-use wedding venues in the country. Wedding ceremonies can be performed in any of the venue’s eight licenced indoor and outdoor settings, including the breathtaking historic Great Tower, beneath the carriageway or by the lake for a truly romantic a air on warmer days. Both the Coach House and Great Hall o er charm with exposed beams and feature ﬁreplace. This venue’s ancient history and stunning grounds gives the venue a magical feel

ST AUDRIES PARK, SOMERSET

This destination wedding venue, nestled between the rolling Quantock Hills and the sea, has all the ingredients for the wedding of your dreams. The idyllic naturally lit Victorian Orangery is a stunning way to tie the knot, and the courtyard with the breathtaking country house backdrop is ideal for welcome drinks in the summer months. For more wintery a airs, you will not be disappointed with the Great Hall with its double-height arched ceiling and grand feature ﬁreplace. There are two bars, dining for 120, 100acre deer park and accommodation for over 100.

GOSFIELD HALL, ESSEX

This stunning Georgian Manor House was chosen as a Royal Residence for Queen Elizabeth I. Features of note include the marquis of Buckingham’s former Ballroom – an exquisite setting for the wedding breakfast, Queen Charlotte’s oak-panelled gallery - complete with 120-foot aisle, The Grand Salon with double-height hand-painted ceiling and The Rococo Suite, arguably the UK’s most beautiful Honeymoon Suite. countryhouseweddings.co.uk

ANNABEL AND WILLIAM, LEEZ PRIORY; TOM WYATT CO

LAURA & LUKE, CLEARWELL CASTLE; DANIEL ACKERLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Castle STYLE

Farnham Castle is a stunning, historic, multi-award-winning venue, set in ﬁve acres of beautiful grounds, overlooking the historic, market town of Farnham, on the Surrey Hampshire border, set in the glorious Surrey Hills.

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

“The most beautiful atmosphere to exchange vows”

Farnham Castle is a unique and special venur for the big day

religious ceremonies, and the Great Lawn and Rose Garden for Outdoor ceremonies.

All are set within the Castle, providing the most incredible backdrop for celebrations, and providing the most beautiful atmosphere to exchange vows and create memories.

Following the ceremony, a drinks and canapé reception will entice guests on to the lawns, before enjoying one of the outstanding three or four course dining menus, created by Farnham Castle’s Head Chef and his exceptional team, who love to use the ﬁnest, locally sourced ingredients.

Chosen menus are paired with Champagnes and wines, selected from International wine lists, and the well-stocked Gallery Bar, perfectly positioned overlooking the Great Hall, o ers everyone’s favourite drinks and cocktails throughout the celebrations.

Farnham Castle can accommodate seated guests for dining up to 238 in the Great Hall, and can entertain up to 350 standing guests, and is the perfect choice for a Wedding, from ceremony, to reception,

to party. For even larger celebrations, the grounds of Farnham Castle o er stunning locations for a marquee.

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

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

FARNHAM CASTLE

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

01252 720402 weddings@farnhamcastle.com farnhamcastle.com

&GLAMOUR Glitz

Ten of the best UK wedding venues

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The UK o ers an array of breathtaking wedding venues, from majestic castles to modern urban spaces, suiting every couple’s dream for their big day. With rich history, stunning landscapes, and elegant architecture, these venues provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration. Here’s a guide to the ten best wedding venues across the UK, highlighting what makes each one exceptional.

Ashridge House, Hertfordshire

Formerly a royal residence, Ashridge House is a Grade I listed stately home set within 190 acres of magniﬁcent gardens. Why It’s Exceptional: Ashridge House o ers several impressive ceremony and reception spaces, including the breathtaking Marble Hall with its sweeping staircase and the grand Chapel with beautiful stained glass windows. The manicured gardens provide a serene setting for outdoor ceremonies or drinks receptions. With its rich history, royal connections, and grand architecture, Ashridge House is a perfect venue for a timeless, classic wedding. ashridgehouse.org.uk

The Roman Baths, Bath

For a wedding steeped in history and elegance, The Roman Baths in the city of Bath o er a unique setting. Built around natural hot springs, the ancient Roman Baths have been remarkably well-preserved and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Why It’s Exceptional: The Roman Baths o er a mesmerising venue for intimate ceremonies, with the torch-lit, open-air setting around the Great Bath creating an ethereal atmosphere. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by ancient architecture, followed by a reception in the nearby Pump Room. romanbaths.co.uk

HEDSOR HOUSE, Buckinghamshire

Hedsor House is a quintessentially English country house o ering elegant Georgian architecture set amidst over 100 acres of private parkland. It has become a favourite for celebrity weddings and lavish celebrations. Why It’s Exceptional: One of the highlights of Hedsor House is its ﬂexibility; couples have exclusive use of the house and grounds, allowing for tailored experiences. The house itself features an opulent ballroom, stunning domed hall, and several reception rooms that exude charm and luxury. With its sprawling lawns and wooded parkland, Hedsor is a perfect choice for couples seeking an elegant, timeless setting with the ability to host both indoor and outdoor celebrations. hedsor.com

PHOTO: EMMA JANE

PHOTO: CHLOE ELY

EASTNOR CASTLE, Herefordshire

Eastnor Castle is a romantic, 19th-century mock-Gothic fortress surrounded by a stunning deer park, arboretum, and lake. The picturesque countryside setting combined with the grandeur of the castle makes it a dream venue for couples.

Why It’s Exceptional: Eastnor Castle o ers an exclusive wedding experience with a choice of several indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, including the impressive Gothic Drawing Room and the grand Courtyard. The grounds provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and wedding photos. Eastnor also boasts luxurious guest accommodation within the castle itself, allowing your wedding to continue into a weekend retreat for you and your guests. eastnorcastle.com

Blair Castle, Scotland

L ocated in the Scottish Highlands, Blair Castle is an iconic venue for a fairytale wedding. Dating back over 750 years, this white-washed castle o ers a mixture of grandeur and historical charm with its turrets and vast estate surrounded by rugged scenery. Why It’s Exceptional: Blair Castle o ers couples a taste of Scottish history combined with modern luxury. The stunning State Dining Room, Victorian ballroom, and intimate church on-site create various options for both ceremonies and receptions. The surrounding Atholl Estates also o er plenty of opportunities for dramatic photos amidst the moody Highland landscapes, ideal for adventurous couples who love the outdoors. atholl-estates.co.uk

The Savoy, London

A name synonymous with luxury and elegance, The Savoy is one of London’s most prestigious hotels. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this ﬁve-star venue o ers a sophisticated and iconic setting for weddings. Why It’s Exceptional: The Savoy is famed for its Art Deco glamour and impeccable service. It o ers several rooms for ceremonies and receptions, including the spectacular Lancaster Ballroom and the intimate River Room with stunning views of the Thames. thesavoylondon.com

PHOTO: ALICE ADRIEN

C liveden House, Berkshire

Cliveden House, a grand Italianate mansion surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and set atop the banks of the River Thames, is one of the UK's most luxurious wedding venues.

Why It’s Exceptional: For a quintessentially British experience, Cliveden House is hard to beat. Couples can hold their ceremony in the elegant French Dining Room or under the grandeur of the ornate Main Hall. clivedenhouse.co.uk

CASTELL COCH, WALES

The Asylum Chapel, London

For couples seeking something truly unique and atmospheric, The Asylum Chapel in Peckham, London, o ers a striking contrast to the traditional wedding venue. Built in the early 19th century, this Grade II listed building was partially destroyed during WWII, leaving it with a hauntingly beautiful, distressed interior. Why It’s Exceptional: With its crumbling walls, remnants of stained glass windows, and raw, untouched aesthetic, The Asylum Chapel o ers an evocative setting like no other. The venue works particularly well for couples who desire a non-conventional, artistic wedding. asylumchapel.co.uk

A medieval castle with a fairytale appearance, Castell Coch in South Wales is a magical venue for couples dreaming of a whimsical wedding.

Why It’s Exceptional: Castell Coch o ers an intimate wedding experience within its richly decorated interiors, featuring Gothicrevival design, intricate wood carvings, and lavish stained glass windows. The enchanting courtyard is ideal for photography. The secluded location and mystical atmosphere make Castell Coch a standout venue for couples wanting an immersive, fairytale-like wedding in a truly unique setting. cadw.gov.wales

Kew Gardens, London

Kew Gardens is world-renowned for its breathtaking glasshouses and botanical collections, providing couples with a lush, green oasis right in the heart of London.

Why It’s Exceptional: Kew Gardens has multiple ceremony and reception spaces, such as the iconic Nash Conservatory, the historic Orangery, and the stunning Temperate House, which is home to over 10,000 plants. The diversity of ﬂora and fauna, combined with the tranquillity of the gardens, creates a magical atmosphere. kew.org

PHOTO: WE HEART PICTURES

EDUCATION

SET TO SOAR

SHERBORNE

Sherborne offers boys the chance to participate in all sorts of activities, including debating, archive club, radio broadcasting, philosophical discussion, D&T and Art workshops, Drama, mathematical challenges, creative writing workshops, outdoor pursuits, and charity work and volunteering. Chess club is a popular choice. sherborne.org

A NEW P artnership

St Dunstan’sEducation Group and The Villa announce exciting news

St Dunstan’s Education Group and The Villa are delighted to announce a new partnership bringing their schools closer together.

The new partnership, which begins this month, will allow parents at The Villa the opportunity to transition to one or more of St Dunstan’s schools at 7+ following their time in the Pre-Prep.

Speaking about the news, Head of St Dunstan’s, Nick Hewlett explained: ‘I am

delighted to be bringing our schools closer together. The schools within the St Dunstan’s group and the Villa have shared values and a long history together, with many of the pupils going on to join one of our schools in Year 3.

‘Parents will now be able to beneﬁt from the new partnership without the worry of a stressful 7+ experience.’

in the design of this multi-faceted programme which is included as part of the school day.

This summer, the College also celebrated its best A Level and GCSE results in its 136-year history. 88% of all A Level grades achieved were A*- B with an outstanding 61% being A - A* and 27% being A*.

ROSEMEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Louise Collingwood-Ellis, Head of The Villa, added: ‘The partnership will enable our schools to work closer with one another, sharing best educational practice and drawing on one another’s expertise. I look forward to working close with the teams across the St Dunstan’s group.’

The news comes at an exciting time for the St Dunstan’s Education Group, which includes St Dunstan’s Junior School, St Dunstan’s Senior School and Rosemead Preparatory School. In the last year, the group has received three signiﬁcant strengths from the Independent Schools Inspectorate following inspection visits. Signiﬁcant strengths recognise any aspect of a school that is truly exceptional.

The inspection report for St Dunstan’s College’s Junior and Senior Schools praised the broad and varied curriculums on o er to students, explaining: ‘Leaders have put in place an ambitious, timetabled curriculum which provides extensive opportunities for pupils to acquire the broadest of learning experiences. Leaders have taken great care

Following the historic results, 97% of the cohort will be heading to their chosen destination, which includes 100% success for students holding an o er for Oxbridge, medicine, music conservatoires, art foundation or drama school.

The Villa, which is known as the ‘village school in the heart of London’ was also rated outstanding for early years’ provision, personal development and behaviour and attitudes in their most recent Ofsted inspection.

Both the St Dunstan’s Education Group and The Villa School and Nursery will continue to operate as entirely independent entities, and there will be no change to day to day running of the schools, or the transition processes for current pupils within the St Dunstan’s group.

Find out more about St Dunstan’s Junior School, Rosemead Preparatory School or The Villa at one of their upcoming open mornings. Book at stdunstans.org.uk, rosemeadprep.org. uk or thevillaschoolandnursery.co.uk

ST DUNSTAN'S COLLEGE

THE VILLA

middle school

award-winning boarding* 100 clubs | excellent facilities within 220 acres

Meet THE HEAD

Absolutely quizzes Shelley Lance of Feltonﬂeet School

Q Tell us about your background.

A I have always been a passionate and dedicated teacher of Religious Education and Philosophy, holding a theology degree from King’s College London, followed by a PGCE. My journey at Feltonﬂeet began in 2010 as RE & Pastoral Leader, after gaining valuable leadership experience at Whitgift, where I led the Theology & Philosophy department and served on the Senior Leadership Team overseeing Pastoral Care. As a front-facing head, I have established a skilled and dedicated SLT, enabling me to remain pupilfocused while maintaining a strong strategic vision that adapts to the evolving landscape of education and the independent sector. I continue to teach RE to Year 8 pupils and love it as much as the day I started teaching.

Q Can you outline the school's ethos?

A At Feltonﬂeet, we believe in nurturing the whole child. Our ethos is one of balance - academically aspirational for every child and emotionally supportive, underpinned by an unwavering

dedication to pastoral care. Every pupil’s wellbeing is as important as their academic success, and we have embedded mindfulness into our daily schedule to reﬂect that. Our curriculum blends time-tested traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, preparing pupils with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills they’ll need in the future. Our core belief, borne out in all we say and do, is that “every individual matters”, and that every pupil is known, valued and supported in their unique journey. Whether it's in the classroom or through our rich co-curricular o erings, every child is encouraged to explore their individual strengths, abilities, and passions. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where each pupil can thrive, grow to know and understand themselves, and celebrate who they are.

Q What about the school’s facilities?

A Feltonﬂeet is set within a beautiful 25-acre site, o ering a superb array of facilities. We have everything a pupil could wish for. Our state-of-the-art

“Every pupil’s wellbeing is as important as their academic success”

Performing Arts Centre, complete with a 400-seat theatre, sound-proof music practice rooms and dance studio, sets the stage for creativity, while our extensive sports facilities include a fully equipped sports hall with a climbing wall, a swimming pool, two floodlit Astroturf pitches, hard surface tennis courts and rifle ranges. Our Science resources, including three wet labs, eco-pond and woodland hide, gives children hands-on learning experiences, and our generously equipped Art Studio, Computing Suite, and Design Technology workshop ensure that creativity and innovation thrive. Every space has been thoughtfully designed to support pupils’ learning and wellbeing, and our on-site Wellbeing Centre and school counsellor ensure emotional and mental fitness are a top priority.

Q What recent successes has the school had?

A 2024 has been a record breaking scholarship year, with our exceptional leavers earning a total of 37 awards across 9 disciplines at 14 top-tier senior schools.

We’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for Independent Boarding School of the Year 2024, reﬂecting our dedication to providing a unique and enriching boarding experience.

Q What’s next for the school?

A We’re embarking on an exciting chapter, in the advanced stages of acquiring the public road that cuts through our campus. This will allow us to redesign the school with adaptability and future-facing learning spaces in mind. Our vision includes a new STEM Centre, English and Maths Mastery Centres, and a Literary Centre with state-of-the-art digital resources. Simultaneously, we’re committed to sustainability and enhancing native biodiversity through our ‘Roots for Tomorrow’ project, planting thousands of trees to enrich our local environment and inspire learning through nature.

£2,500,000

oments from Kensington High Street, a stylish and unique four bedroom mews house. Ideal for a growing family, this immaculate home has been beautifully renovated to the highest standards providing the perfect blend of original and contemporary features.

Kew Foot Road, TW9

£2,309 per week

Situated moments from the magniﬁcent Royal Richmond Park, an impressive family home providing four bedrooms. Set in an exclusive gated development, the immaculately presented mews house provides both underﬂoor heating and air-conditioning. In a desirable location, there are superb transport connections making it an excellent base for travelling around the capital be it for work or pleasure, energy rating c.

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Theresa Road, W6

£1,275,000

Perfectly placed within the sought after St. Peters Square Conservation Area, a beautifully designed Victorian house. O ering two bedrooms, the outstanding period property comes with generously sized entertaining rooms and a charming rear garden, ideal for hosting friends. Tastefully refurbished throughout, the home is close to several tube stations and wide range of independent retailers and restaurants, energy rating d.

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T: 020 8939 6061 E: hammersmithsales@dexters.co.uk

St. Albans Avenue, W4

£ ,37 per week

Perfectly placed within the edford Park Conservation rea, an impressive Edwardian home. There are four bedrooms and an open plan kitchen complete with a full width sky light, energy rating d.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Percy Road, W12

£ , 3 per week

n attractive five bedroom property in skew illage with a double reception room that is flooded with natural light. There is also a feature bay window and parquet floor throughout, energy rating c.

020 7 03 0 03

brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

Beverley Road, W4

£ ,38 per week

Situated in a popular west ondon location, a beautifully designed house with five bedrooms. urther benefitting from a roof terrace, there is a garden, ideal for entertaining, energy rating e.

020 87 2 00

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Lycett Place, W12

£807 per week

ocated within a gated development, an architecturally unique house providing two bedrooms. n a cobbled street, the home is close to plenty of great transport connections, energy rating b.

020 7 03 0 03

brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

Airedale Avenue, W4

In a sought after Chiswick postcode, beautifully designed detached home. Presenting five bedrooms, the Edwardian property comes with a generously sized entertaining rooms and a large rear garden, perfect for hosting in the autumnal months. Close to the High Street, there is a wide range of independent retailers, restaurants and boutiques as well as Turnham Green nearby, energy rating b.

£2,200,000

020 8987 3000

chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

St Aubyn’s Avenue,

£6,600,000

A very attractively presented house in a quiet cul de sac between Wimbledon Village and the town centre, with a wonderful mature garden.

5 reception rooms, kitchen, 7 bedrooms, 4 baths, Self-contained suite with bedroom, shower and kitchenette, 124’ garden, OSP ER/D

and

Murray Road, Wimbledon Village

£5,250,000

A very elegant and beautifully presented house in a sought after road a short walk from Wimbledon Common, the Village and schools

Reception hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, cellar rooms, garden, OSP ER/E

Lindisfarne Road,

£3,495,000

Built in the 1930’s with versatile accommodation in a quiet road adjacent to unspoilt parkland

3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, garden with office and studio, OSP ER/C