Absolutely Kingston & Surrey November 2021 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KINGSTON & SURREY

Kingston & Surrey

NOVEMBER 2021 / £3.95

SPECIAL Inspiration and ideas for wedding planning NOVEMBER 2021

Style

ICON BRIDAL LOOKS FOR WONDERFUL WEDDINGS PLUS

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SHELF LOVE New recipes from Ottolenghi's kitchen AMY WINEHOUSE A retrospective at the Design Museum VINTAGE DESIGN Sanderson uncovers a vast archive of print

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 22/10/2021 01:24

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STAY I N B E D The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

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TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE 6 CHURCH STREET, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES This Boutique is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group

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Some gifts are made for the here and now. Some are made to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Good design never grows old.

Neptune Chiswick, 020 3814 1220 Neptune Fulham, 020 7371 9997 Neptune Wimbledon, 020 3362 8240 neptune.com/ochristmastree

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents NOVEMBER 2021

134 10

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 53 BEAUTY NOTES

WHAT'S ON

59 FITNESS FOCUS

10 things we’re coveting this month

Your diary for November

What's hot and what's new

Find your exercise class

FOOD & DRINK 30 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

WEDDINGS 62 TOP TEN

32 EATING OUT

36 RECIPES

INTERIORS 108 VINTAGE LOOKS

News from the industry

Sunday in Brooklyn

Ottolenghi's Shelf Love

FA S H I O N 42 THE SHOOT Urban style from Rails

48 JEWELLERY Charm school

All the best from the industry

ROMANTIC VISION

New wedding style from Temperley

A tour through the extensive archive at Sanderson Design

T R AV E L 134 TRUE BLUE The magic of Ibiza

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes. O N T H E C OV E R Temperley Blossom Collection, available from March 2022 by appointment only. Photographer: David Brook / Shoot Studio temperleylondon.com

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS ANABELA KOLECI FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

Make an entrance

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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

Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

Light work

How natural light transformed this north London house

Art of glass

Tom Dixon's Puck collection is both industrial and elegant

5 Print fun

Sanderson's eclectic archive material

he weddings industry is back with a renewed energy, and the business of dresses, venues and jewels is busy. In this issue we devote 40 pages to brides, grooms and guests, with a focus on what to wear, when to plan and how to decide on a style. Anyone considering a wedding need look no further than our guide. This month has also been a good one for food, with the launch of a new Ottolenghi cookbook (we have a recipe extract on page 36) and an accompanying meal box, which we tried at home to great success. Since then it's been a new Ottolenghi recipe almost every day for us at Absolutely, at least when we haven't been brunching at Sunday in Brooklyn (yes, the pancakes are amazing) or experimenting with spaghetti on pizza (strange but true). November is also the time to be thinking about advent calendars – and this year's crop is as extreme as you'd expect, as we discover on page 27. Other things to look forward to include a new exhibition dedicated to Amy Winehouse at the Design Museum and the imminent return of ice skating at Somerset House. Here's to winter.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Prince Charming

Why we're all wild for charms

3 Shelf Love

Feasting with Ottolenghi

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

PINK FIZZ

Sanderson has revived a collection of vintage textile and wallpaper prints from its vast design archive. Pictured is Golden Lily in Pink Fizz, £150 per roll. archive. sandersondesigngroup.com

R OS E G LOW Curiosa Studio's new Glowbule light is a candy-coloured ball of light that comes as a table light or a pendant in various sizes. curiousa.co.uk

FUSCHIA FROCK This tartan taffeta tiered dress by Molly Goddard is a piece of pure pink joy. £2,400 mollygoddard.com

E XOT I C M A G E N TA Wedgwood's new Wonderlust collection is an eclectic mix of patterned mugs, bowls, dinner plates and more, inspired by the wonders of travel. This is the Pink Lotus plate, £40 wedgwood.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

C A N DY ST R I P E This stylish knit pullover in a striped soft wool-alpaca blend is finished with cuffed balloon sleeves and a pink trim. £225 ganni.com

P E TA L H E A D Couture millinery brand Merve Bayindir takes inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood for the new collection, whic includes this fabulous ﬂower fascinator. maervebayindir.com

P I N K L A DY Madeleine Thompson's new lounge collection, MT Cotton, includes hoodies, pants and onesies in a luxe, soft , cotton ﬂeece. madeleine-thompson.com

K YOTO R O S E

FLORAL F L AV O U R

Diptyque's Grand Tour collection focuses on scents associated with different places; the Kyoto fragrance is a mix of rose, incense and vetiver. £135 diptiqueparis.com

Pale Fox vintage Prosecco Rose is a sparkling wine reminiscent of red berries, pomegranate and white ﬂowers. £29.95. palefoxprosecco.com

PA L E B L U S H Aubade's Rosessence collection is designed for comfort and elegance; and you'll find a perfect fit at Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

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★★★★★

‘Theatrical magic.

A mesmerising adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s hit novel.’

NOW PLAYING Duke of York’s Theatre | Oceanwestend.com OCEN.indd 1

Illustration by Nicolas Delort

Sunday Times

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C U LT U R E

CABARET STARRING EDDIE REDMAYNE AND JESSIE BUCKLEY OPENS ON 15 NOVEMBER AT THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

What's on 14 • Amy Winehouse at the Design Museum 16 • Advent calendars 27 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

E XH I BI T ION

Hogarth and Europe

3 November-20 March 2022 TAT E B R I TA I N For the ﬁrst time, this exhibition will bring together Hogarth’s greatest works with those of his peers across the continent – including Francesco Guardi in Venice, Chardin in Paris and Cornelis Troost in Amsterdam. It’s an exhibition to show how Hogarth and other artists across Europe captured the new modernity of the 18th century. tate.org.uk

FA M I LY

Skate S OME R S E T H O US E , 17 NOV E MB E R - 16 JAN UARY 2022

After a year away, Skate returns to Somerset House this winter, promising a joyful season of unparalleled ice skating, rink-side DJ takeovers, winter dining and festive experiences. One of the capital’s favourite festive outings, Somerset House’s striking neo-classical courtyard will be transformed into the ultimate winter destination. somersethouse.org.uk

ART

Jameel Prize: Poetry to Politics Until 28 November V& A From graphic design to fashion, architecture or activism, this edition of the prize showcases contemporary design inspired by Islamic tradition. The eight designers on show hail from India, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the UK. vam.ac.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

A RT

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID PARRY/PA WIRE

The Artist's Garden Until 30 April 2022 THE TEMPLE ROOF GARDEN For the ﬁrst time since it was built in 1870 by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the vast undiscovered half-acre roof terrace on top of Temple Station between the Thames and the Strand is coming to life as The Artist’s Garden with a piece by London based artist Lakwena Maciver, internationally renowned for her joyinducing palette, dynamic designs and profound, succinct messages.

ART

TO WATC H This month’s mini selection of events and exhibitions, courtesy of Lisa Baker Ltd

STUDIO WEST

Curator Caroline Boseley launches a brand-new space for contemporary art and community. The Notting Hill gallery will open its doors with an exciting duo show by the artist couple at the forefront of contemporary painting, Victoria Cantons and Xu Yang, entitled Tomorrow Will Be The Most Beautiful Day of your Life. From 10 November, studiowest.gallery

E X H I B I TI O N

FANTASTIC BEASTS – THE WONDER OF NATURE

This Month’s Must See

Until 3 Jan 2022 N AT U R A L H I S T O R Y M U S E U M Discover where the real world and the wizarding world intertwine at the Natural History Museum, and how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends, and magical creatures for generations. nhm.ac.uk

BEN HASSETT: BEER. SODA. LOTTO.

K NOW N A N D ST R A NG E

V& A , FROM 6 N OVEMBER

his exhibition highlights photography’s power to transform the familiar into the unfamiliar, and the ordinary into the extraordinary. Showcasing new acquisitions, this exhibition held at the V&A will present some of the most compelling achievements in contemporary art photography. Pictured is Lucy, embroidery on gelatin silver print, by Maurizio Anzeri, 2018. © Maurizio Anzeri vam.ac.uk

World-renowned commercial and fashion photographer Ben Hassett, known for covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, is exhibiting seductive, personal photographs of LA Liquor Stores at David Hill Gallery. . Until 18 December, davidhillgallery.net

PATRICK HUGHES: PERSPECTIVE PARADOX Inventor of ‘reverspective’ and paragon of the London art scene for over 60 years, Patrick Hughes opens an exhibition of new works at Hang-Up Galler’s beautiful Canalside space. Expect seminal works exemplary of Hughes’ lifelong investigation into the psychology of perception. Until 16 December, hanguppictures.com

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CULTURE • DESIGN MUSEUM

S O U L S I S T E R Amy Winehouse is the subject of a new exhibition at the Design Museum By EVE HERBERT

“She drew on a curated set of eclectic and diverse inﬂuences”

his autumn, the Design Museum presents Amy: Beyond the Stage, a celebration of a cultural icon that the world lost too soon. The first major retrospective exhibition on Amy Winehouse explores the creative process, powerful music and unforgettable style of a musician whose work drew a unique line between genres such as Jazz and R&B, through to artists such as The Ronnettes and Mark Ronson, designers such as D&G, Moschino and more. Born in north London, Amy showed a passion for music from a young age, later attending the Brit School and recording her first demo aged 16. Starting at the early stages of her career, visitors can follow Amy’s rise to stardom; get to know Amy through previously unseen personal items including her teenage notebooks, photographs and

handwritten lyrics; then explore her love of music, from jazz to soul, R&B to hiphop, and her down-to-earth enthusiasm for vintage fashion, design and culture. One of the most beloved artists of the early noughties, Amy’s unmistakable voice and confessional lyrics have resonated with audiences across the globe. From jazz to soul, hip hop to R&B, the exhibition pays tribute to Amy’s voice, her authenticity and her ability to cross genres by drawing on a rich range of music influences – including Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, the Shagri-Las, the Ronettes, Motown, Salt-N-Pepa, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badhu, The Specials, Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi and more. Priya Khanchandani, Head of Curatorial and Exhibition Curator said: “Amy’s amazing voice, confessional lyrics and provocative manner made her one of the most important artists of our time. With a sound characterised by 1960s American pop and jazz fused with soul and R&B, she resisted the singular nature of genre, and this was reflected in her image. Although outwardly Amy defied the notion of design and was incredibly down-to-earth, she had an unmistakable

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CULTURE • DESIGN MUSEUM

SCARLETT DRESS WORN AT THE BRIT AWARDS IN 2004 CREDIT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS/ SUMMER EVANS.

AMY’S CUSTOM JEANS EMBROIDERED WITH SINATRA ON THE BACK CREDIT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS/ SUMMER EVANS

AMY’S DAPHNE BLUE FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR CREDIT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS/ SUMMER EVANS

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style and drew on a curated set of eclectic and diverse influences. This exhibition pays tribute to the collage of references Amy drew on and which made her a character that was and remains larger than life.” Naomi Parry, special advisor, Amy: Beyond the Stage said: “I was determined to make an exhibition about Amy happen because I had seen first-hand how she became a global icon. When I approached the museum to realise this ambition they immediately understood that looking at Amy through her creative legacy would create an unforgettable

“A character that was and remains larger than life” exhibition experience. Often the portrayal of Amy is focused on the negative aspects of her life, while this exhibition will take visitors through all that she achieved and highlight the incredible mark that she left on the lives of her fans all around the world.” Amy released two albums: Frank (2003) and Back to Black (2008), which sold millions of copies and was the most influential album of its time. Visitors can experience a studio space inspired by Metropolis recording studio, where Back to Black was recorded, and enter an immersive experience based on the track Tears Dry on Their Own, both created by the renowned set designer Chiara Stephenson, with digital design by Luke Halls Studio and artwork by Studio Moross. Visitors will also have the

chance to delve into Amy’s confessional lyrics through her personal annotations and uncover the graphic design stories behind her critically acclaimed albums. The exhibition presents Amy’s distinct personal style through a range of artistic photography and the original outfits she wore during her greatest performances, from high-street clothes to designer brands such as Preen and Moschino for the Brit Awards in 2007, Roberto Cavalli and John Galliano. Covering the Frank and Back to Black eras, see how Amy’s style evolved from the loose-flowing hair and retro wardrobe of the early 2000s to the iconic bold eyeliner, beehive hairstyle and contemporary look that she wore for the launch of her second album. Visitors can see her impact on the fashion world and meet some of the designers who collaborated with Amy, including Fred Perry, and explore the culture behind the artist’s favourite accessories, from her popular ‘dolly pump’ shoes to hair adornments. The exhibition celebrates the ways in which designers and musicians have paid homage to her work, from musical tributes to runway fashion by Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel. The exhibition, a collaboration with Amy’s family, saw her close friend and stylist Naomi Parry advise the Design Museum on this never-before-seen showcase of how she combined music and design to create her look, style and voice. THE DESIGN MUSEUM Amy: Beyond the Stage opens on 26 November at the Design Museum

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CULTURE • PANTO ROSEMARY ASHE

You shall GO TO THE BALL Previewing Richmond Theatre’s Cinderella

ave a ball this festive season as the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella arrives at Richmond Theatre from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022. Leading the cast in his pantomime debut is the King of Ballroom Anton Du Beke as Buttons who is best known for his role on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Quick-witted and known for his sartorial style, Anton has become a household name through regular television appearances as a host and guest on primetime television and is one of the most instantly recognisable figures in the world of Ballroom dance today. Anton was most recently announced to be a judge for this year’s Strictly and is now ready to put his dancing skills to the test, at Prince Charming’s Royal Ball. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella is a laugh-out-loud comedy, with stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinderella as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. No matter how many years young you are, Cinderella is fun for the entire family, and Richmond Theatre wants everyone to have a magical experience so there is a performance for everyone, including a signed performance on Tuesday 14 December at 7pm, and an audio described performance on Tuesday 16 December at 7pm. There is also a relaxed performance on Tuesday 16 December at 2pm, for those with different sensory needs. Specially

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ANTON DU BEKE AS BUTTONS

adapted, the performance keeps house lights up, allows customers to move around freely and removes any sudden and loud noises, while keeping all the pantomime magic audiences expect. After a less-traditional festive season in 2020, be sure not to miss spending an evening at the theatre with your loved ones this time round – it will be a year to remember. R I C H M O N D T H E AT R E Cinderella is at Richmond Theatre from Friday 3 December 2021 – Sunday 2 July 2022 Atgtickets.com/Richmond

OONAGH COX

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AFFILIATE PARTNER

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OPENS JAN 12 2022 | BOOK NOW 020 7959 0607 | royalalberthall.com | cirquedusoleil.com/luzia

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CULTURE • THEATRE

To the

BALL

Why Andrew Lloyd Webber's new Cinderella is a must-see By P E A R L B OY D

Andrew Lloyd Webber's much anticipated new musical comedy Cinderella opened this summer at the Gillian Lynne Theatre to standing ovations from the public and 5-star reviews from the critics. The Daily Telegraph hailed it ‘a riotous fun rom-com’ while the Financial Times believed it to have ‘all the sweep, soar and swell of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with a large dose of sass’. The show features an original story and book by 2021 Oscar® winner Emerald Fennell (for her debut feature film Promising Young Woman and writer of one of the most talked-about TV shows of recent times, Killing Eve), with lyrics by Tony & Olivier award winner David Zippel, who wrote the acclaimed City of Angels. Alan Yentob recently commented on BBC News that it was ‘like no version I have ever seen… a Cinderella for our times’, while BBC Radio 4’s Front Row believed it to be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best musical for a long time. They felt it to be enormous fun, both witty and clever with some very sharp writing. The show’s album became the Number 1 original concept album on the Official Chart this summer. It was produced and recorded before the stage debut, in what was an extraordinary year.

THE STORY BY EMERALD FENNELL

Emerald Fennel takes us into the world of Belleville, the most aggressively picturesque town in the history of the world, populated exclusively with gorgeous townsfolk who stop at nothing to achieve perfection. Belleville is fairytale come to life: a place where you can’t move without falling over

a wishing well or a quivering milkmaid. Maintaining this façade is a full time job, and one that is taken very seriously indeed. The only person steadfastly refusing to live in the fairytale is Cinderella, loud-mouthed, dripping with disdain, and more likely to roast Hansel and Gretel for dinner than play the demure and downtrodden maid. Cinderella is desperate to escape. But underneath it all, the loneliness that comes with being the town pariah is wearing on her. It doesn’t help that her only friend, Prince Sebastian, has suddenly become heir to the throne after the mysterious disappearance of his elder brother, sex god and charisma machine, Prince Charming. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, the formerly shy and somewhat-less-sex-goddish Sebastian seems to be quickly growing into his brother’s enormous britches, and out of his friendship with Cinderella. But this change of circumstances also introduces

something else to the relationship, a new spark which neither of them quite knows what to do with. Could it be that these two old friends mean more to one another than they are willing to let on? After a devastating PR disaster for Belleville, and with the threat of the guillotine on the horizon, the Queen decides that the only thing to save the town (and her pretty neck) is a Royal Wedding: something colourful and distracting so the peasants don’t get too revolution-y. All looks lost for the blossoming romance, until Cinderella meets The Godmother, who can fix any problem with a little incision and a couple of broken ribs. Maybe the answer lies where Cinderella has been refusing to look: in becoming the identikit beauty that everyone has always told her to be. Cinderella is booking at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 22 May 2022. alwcinderella.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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LHOUETTE'S VOYAGER

GARETH TRISTAN EVANS IN THE STUDIO

A RT OF TH E

HOME

How Arkley Fine Art's home approval service allows you to try before you buy

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP LHOUETTE AT WORK IN HIS STUDIO

MAXIM - REBEL WITH PAWS

LAST ORDERS MIXER APHALT GREY BY LHOUETTE

stablished in 2017, Arkley Fine Art has quickly made its mark as a leading gallery, discovering emerging artists on the contemporary fine art scene. It is a warm and welcoming space, one that encourages people to immerse themselves in a great selection of art. Set up by Richard and Danielle Barry in Hertfordshire, both have worked within the art industry for the last decade, selling works by some of the world’s most notable names to an international client base.

“THE TEAM AT ARKLEY WANT TO KNOW A PIECE OF WORK WILL LOOK AS STUNNING IN YOUR HOME AS IT DOES IN THE GALLERY” The setup at Arkley has been built on their strong values of not only making sure they are showcasing the best that contemporary art has to offer, but also making sure the careers of the artists on their portfolio are being properly managed. Their success is Arkley’s success. This combination allows them to not only showcase an incredible eclectic display of work, from multi award-winning artists, but also helps to protect the investment opportunities of each and every client. Over the last four years Arkley Fine Art have seen some of their artists increase in value by as much as 350%.

HOME APPROVAL SERVICE

SCULPTURE BY KATHY PREST

Buying a piece of artwork is something very special, and often quite personal – this is why at Arkley Fine Art, they want you to know that you have made the right decision with each piece purchased. When they opened their doors, they knew they wanted to provide a service that went above and beyond to ensure this for all of their clients. This is where the idea of their complimentary home approval service was born. Where possible, one of their consultants will personally bring the artworks to your home or business to allow you to

view in situ. Alternatively, they have an experienced, in-house photography team, who can super-impose an image onto your wall from a photograph. This allows you to see how well a piece works with your interior. A piece of artwork can look very different in Arkley Fine Art’s gallery compared to your own space at home. Every piece that is purchased, the team at Arkley want to know that the client is 100% happy and knows it will fit perfectly and look as stunning as it does in the gallery as it does in their home. This service has taken them into the most beautiful houses, allowing them to not only see some incredible spaces, but also it allows them to get to know their clients on a personal level. No matter the spend or the individual, the key value to their business is to provide outstanding service to each person they have the pleasure of meeting – whether you are a seasoned or aspiring collector. It is a service Arkley prides themselves on, knowing that no other gallery offers anything like this. ARKLEY FINE ART arkleyfineart.co.uk

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CULTURE • ADVENT CALENDARS PLAY IN CHOC Vegan advent calendar with toys, £55 playinchoc.com

BOBBI BROWN 12 Day advent calendar, £125 bobbibrown.co.uk

MARIAGE FRERES Luxury tea advent calendar, £45 mariagefreres.com

CARLUCCIO'S NIEDEREGGER Chocolate and marzipan advent calendar, £35 johnlewis.com

BEAUTY & SEOUL K-beauty advent calendar, £110 beautyandseoul.co.uk

NUMBERS GAME

Advent calendar, £79.95 carluccios.com

JO MALONE LONDON Limited edition advent calendar, £325 jomalonee.co.uk

LIBERTY

The Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar, £225 libertylondon.com

Luxury advent calendars to welcome the festive season By P E N D L E H A R T E

CARTILAGE CARTEL 12 days of sparkle advent calendar, £90 cartilagecartel.com

LARK & BERRY

Fine Jewellery EarRPiercing EDITO ’S Advent Calendar, P I C K £8,950 larkandberry.com

THE BODY SHOP Exclusive advent calendar, £320 thebodyshop.com

ACQUA DI PARMA Advent calendar, £450 acquadiparma.com

POPCORN SHED Gourment popcorn advent calendar, £20 popcornshed.com

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TO G E T H E R F O R

C H R I STMAS It’s that wonderful time of year, and a time for meaningful connections. The Festive Season gives us the opportunity to embrace our loved ones and spend precious moments together.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU VISIT A LE CREUSET STORE • BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE • EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT RANGES AND OFFERS • PRODUCT EXPERTISE AND AFTERCARE • FREE DELIVERY OVER £50 • LOYALTY REWARDS • FREE RECIPE CARDS CALL & DELIVER. | PAY BY LINK. | FREE UK DELIVERY WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE. | CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS. LE CREUSET FULHAM ROAD, 156 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON. SW10 9PR. TEL: 0207 3707509.• E-MAIL: FULHAMROAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET HAMPSTEAD, 31 HEATH STREET, LONDON. NW3 6TR. TEL: 0207 4356109.• E-MAIL: HAMPSTEAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ISLINGTON, 137 UPPER STREET, LONDON. N1 1QP. TEL: 0207 2261595.• E-MAIL: ISLINGTON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET MARYLEBONE, 6 NEW CAVENDISH STREET, LONDON. W1G 8UH. TEL: 0207 4865404.• E-MAIL: MARYLEBONE.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

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LE CREUSET MUSWELL HILL, 74 MUSWELL HILL BROADWAY, LONDON. N10 3RT. TEL: 0208 8834394.• E-MAIL: MUSWELLHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET NOTTING HILL, 54 LEDBURY RD., NOTTING HILL, LONDON. W11 2AJ. TEL: 0203 2200017.• E-MAIL: NOTTINGHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ST. ALBANS, 7 MARKET PLACE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE. AL3 5DL. TEL: 01727 850453.• E-MAIL: STALBANS.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON, 4 CHURCH RD., WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL. TEL: 0208 9440624.• E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

21/10/2021 18:30

FOOD & DRINK

INDIAN INNOVATION BENARES MAYFAIR

Earlier this year, Benares Mayfair was the only Indian restaurant in the UK to pick up a new Michelin star – and with exciting new dishes, playful presentation and a modern take on recipes grounded in tradition, it’s little surprise. Expect to embark on a memorable culinary journey. benaresrestaurant.com

Food news 30 • Eating out 32 • New recipes from Ottolenghi 36 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

IN THE spirit Gin recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

By MR HOBBS

Mr Hobbs 150 Gin 70cl 40% ABV  £34 Mr Hobbs 150 is a classic London Dry Gin with quintessential English heritage, which marks the 150-year anniversary of the family owned, British boating institution; Hobbs of Henley. The award-winner is bursting with nine botanicals, making a serious gin that will leave you wanting more.

Rhubarb & Ginger Gin Liqueur 50cl 21.5% ABV  £25 Blended with the very best British rhubarb to produce a perfectly balanced gin liqueur. Summer fruits and herbs on the nose with well-rounded ginger notes and plenty of rhubarb on the palate. The perfect addition to any drinks cabinet, this is an exceptional base for seasonal cocktails, sparkling or otherwise.

Mr Hobbs Henley Gin 70cl 45% ABV  £36 Harry Hobbs’ old recipe dates back to 1870, and they have based this recipe on five of his original botanicals, one of which is still a family secret – so no telling here – and added lime flower and lemon peel to give it a citrus twist. A bona-fide thirst quencher.

The Mr Hobbs Gin range of products is brought to you by the family pleasure boating business, Hobbs of Henley, who give you the most enjoyable way to “mess about on the river’’. Today they are very proud to share their cherished family tipples with you and raise a glass to their Henley heritage.

mrhobbsgin.co.uk

Royal occasion JOSE PIZARRO

London’s much-loved Spanish chef Josè Pizarro has opened up two vibrant restaurants at the Royal Academy of Arts. On the ground ﬂoor, the Poster Bar will offer an informal, dropin, all-day menu of classic tapas and drinks, while upstairs Josè Pizarro at the RA is a seated restaurant offering the same relaxed style and an all-day menu centred around highquality produce, displaying the best of Spanish cooking. royalacademy.org.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

GET BREADY Top picks for the humble sandwich

UP IN THE CLOUDS AQ U AV I T L O N D O N

French ﬂair ASTER

Located in St James’s Market, Aquavit London is a stylish restaurant serving elevated Nordic cuisine by head chef Jonas Karlsson. Among the choice of dishes are spectacular open sandwiches – with a choice of toppings including shrimp Skagen; gravlax, mustard and dill; or new potatoes and cod roe butter. aquavitrestaurants.com

Set across two floors, Aster caters to a range of different occasions. The menu is full of rich meat and seafood options, alongside an ample selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Some of their iconic hero plates consist of fully flavoured cote de boeuf (for two people), a prime sourced steak haché (alongside skinny fries, sauce au poivre) and duck confit (with puy lentils, baby carrots, port jus). aster-restaurant.com

FENCHURCH

In the clouds at level 37 of the Sky Garden, the reﬁned dining experience that is Fenchurch has launched a new innovative à la carte menu, brought to you by the recently appointed head chef Michael Carr. The menu consists of perfectly plated mains such as Peterhea cod, native lobster and beurre noisette hollandaise, and pretty-as-a-picture desserts. skygarden.london

N YX H OT E L At NYX Hotel London Holborn is the NYX Vegan Reuben’s on Rye (£14), a tempting, loaded sandwich filled with miso aubergine, king oyster mushrooms, dill pickles, spinach and black garlic aioli, all served in soft rye bread and with a side of fries. It packs a real punch. nyx-hotels.com

I N T O

SPIRIT

Go a little Crazy CRAZY PIZZA

Going out for pizza has just become even more exciting. Head to Crazy Pizza in Marylebone for their ‘Crazy Bubbles’ experience, which promises bottomless champagne and cocktails, iconic pizzas, and energetic pizza spinning above restaurant goers' heads. Their brunch runs every Saturday throughout the year, where guests can go crazy for three hours with a generous selection of bespoke cocktails to choose from. crazypizza.com/marylebone

T H E

THE LONDON EDITION

PA U L Order fresh from the bakery or take a trip down to your local Paul outlet, and view their selection of freshly made baguettes that will warm you up this winter. We recommend the cheese, rosette de Lyon and pickle baguette, yours for the princely sum of £4.10. paul-uk.com

Looking for the perfect winter hangout to kick off the festivities early? The London Edition’s basement venue will once again be transformed into a fantastical Après Ski Lodge. The woodpanelled chalet takes cosy to a whole new level. editionhotels.com/london A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The pancake stack is almost comically good”

SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN

FOOD American contemporary classics

Brunch in Westbourne Grove by way of Williamsburg

B y PENDLE HARTE

Sunday in Brooklyn is Westbourne Grove’s new queue-for-it brunch spot. Happily we have a booking, but even people with a booking are waiting outside for tables. It’s clearly a Westbourne Grove thing – and also a Williamsburg thing, because this is the international sister restaurant to New York’s Sunday in (actual) Brooklyn. Inside, it’s airy, plant-filled, and busy with a relaxed and well-dressed Sunday crowd.

The first things we notice are the pancakes, which are clearly the main draw for most people, though it’s not immediately obvious that they’re pancakes. They come as single, double or triple stacks, drenched in hazelnut praline, making them look like entire cakes in one, two or three layers. Every table seems to have them; of course we have to order some, and they are as extreme as they look. Fluffy and filling, the flavour is intense cookie with the texture of a cake. They’re almost comically good, and a happy contrast to some of the menu’s more

DECOR Fresh, wholesome, bright

PRICE Brunch plates £11- £21

worthy offerings (avocado toast with cashew butter and sprouts, salad of beetroot, apricot and walnuts, cauliflower and sauerkraut burger). The hazelnut praline is decadent, running full bleed to the edge of the plate, which has a well-considered lip that minimises mess. In all, it’s a destination dish (and would be just as good at, say, a quarter of the size). But we do also eat some sensible food. My tasty shakshuka with feta comes with sweet and flavourful house focaccia, and steak & eggs comes as sliced hangar steak with Long Island potatoes, cheddar scrambled eggs and sourdough toast, all of it excellent. Coffee is high class – the cold brew is particularly good – and juices are cute in little milk bottles and paper straws. Brunch cocktails are a creative mix of the healthy and the boozy (tequila with apple and celery; Mezcal and espresso). There’s a dinner menu too (featuring a famed cold smoked artichoke which we’ll try next time) but as the name suggests, this place is very much about brunch. Go for the pancakes, but try the rest too.

VERDICT

S U N DAY I N B R O O K LY N

It’s not just about the pancakes

98 Westbourne Grove, W2 sundayinbk.co.uk

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Plan your visit at enjoystalbans.com or scan me

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

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FOOD & DRINK • MEAL KITS

S U P P E R LO N D O N

O R D E R P L E A S E OUR FAVOURITE MEAL DELIVERIES OF THE MONTH

Supper London is the capital’s newest luxury food and drink concierge service. Enjoy delicious delicacies from all of London’s top 150 finest restaurants, delivered to your door by a team of drivers that enjoy job security. Our excellent delivery from W11's Osteria Napoletana was speedy and impressive. supper.london

PA S TA E VA N G E L I S T S Pasta Evangelists and Pizza Pilgrims have teamed up to create an Italian cuisine mash-up. Our pasta box included lasagne inspired by Pizza Pilgrims' hot 'nduja pizza, with hot and spicy sausage, and fresh conchigle alla Margherita. Delicious all round. pastaevangelists.com

OT TO L E N G H I Ottolenghi and Dishpatch have created the Shelf Love mezze box to showcase recipes from the new book – and it's a marvellous feast including black lime lamb skewers, roast aubergine with tahini, carrots with coriander/pistachip pesto and more. Our taster inspired us to experiment further with the book. dishpatch.co.uk

P I Z Z A P I LG R I M S

The Pizza Pilgrims' x Pasta Evangelists pasta-inspired DIY pizza kit was a fun project of readyproved dough, three cheeses and spaghetti. Yes, spaghetti on pizza is a thing – and it works, especially when coupled with the decadent truffle crust dipper. pizzapilgrims.co.uk

PA E L L A BY JOSE PIZZARO Jose Pizzaro's paella and tapas box was an easy-to-prepare feast of summer vegetable paella, tomato salad, padron peppers and aubergine croquetas, complete with paella pan and instructions. Yum. dishpatch.co.uk

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20/10/2021 10:59

Poggenpohl Wigmore · 118 Wigmore Street · London W1U 3RT · 020 7224 1986 · wigmore@ poggenpohl.com | Poggenpohl Chelsea · New Studio Opening Autumn 2021 · 265-267 Fulham Road · London SW3 6HY · 020 7730 7927 · chelsea@poggenpohl.com | Poggenpohl Hampstead · 477-481 Finchley Road · London NW3 6HS · 020 7794 7801 · hampstead@ poggenpohl.com

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TEST

department Ottolenghi’s ﬁrst Test Kitchen book focuses on practical larder solutions. Here’s a taster Wo r d s YO TA M O T T O L E N G H I P h o t o g r a p h y E L E N A H E AT H E R W I C K

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Sesamecrusted feta and sun blush tomatoes on rosemary skewers Serves 8

‘Everything is betta with feta,’ says Tara, voted the number one feta fan of all time, and, to be fair, she might be right. We try really hard not to show cheese favouritism (cheesism), but we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that feta makes a prominent appearance in the OTK fridge, its salty, tangy properties lending it well to multiple preparations. This dish is a little bit sweet, a lotta bit salty, a tiny bit bitter and a whole bit crispy. It’s exactly what you’d serve for brunch (with bacon, if you like) and not much else, as it really is quite rich.

INGREDIENTS • 2 blocks of Greek feta (360g), each cut into 4 triangles (8 triangles in total) • 35g rice flour (or plain flour if gluten-free flour not needed) • 1 large egg, well beaten • 100g mixed black and white sesame seeds, lightly toasted • 2 tbsp olive oil • 0.5 tbsp picked lemon thyme leaves, or regular thyme leaves Syrup • 120g runny honey • 1 tsp ground black lime (optional) • 3 lemons: 1 juiced to get 1 tbsp and the other 2 left whole

METHOD 1 Line a shallow baking dish (or baking tray with a slight lip), about 30cm x 20cm in size, with baking parchment. 2 Pat dry the feta pieces, then dip each piece in the ﬂour, gently shaking off the excess. Coat in the egg, followed by the sesame seeds, making sure the feta pieces are completely coated. Transfer each piece to your prepared dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows. 3 Preheat the oven to 220C fan. Drizzle the coated feta pieces with the oil and bake from cold, for 18 minutes, very gently ﬂipping the pieces over halfway, or until golden and warmed through. 4 While the feta is baking, put the honey and black lime, if using, into a small saucepan on a medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep

amber caramel, about 6–7 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes. 5 Use a small, sharp knife to peel and segment the remaining two lemons and stir the segments into the cooled honey mixture. 6 When ready, pour the lemon syrup directly over the feta in the baking dish, sprinkle with the thyme and serve at once, straight from the dish.

Grilled courgettes with warm yoghurt and saffron butter Serves 2–4

This recipe is inspired by kousa b’laban, a Levantine dish of stuffed baby marrow cooked in yoghurt. In this simplified version the yoghurt sauce and grilled courgettes are cooked separately, then served with a quick saffron butter to spoon on top. There’s a bit of an art to cooking yoghurt without having it curdle; stabilisers such as cornflour and egg yolk tend to do the trick, as does cooking the yoghurt on a moderate heat, stirring continuously and gently warming through without boiling. The result: a silky-smooth and tangy sauce, great for these courgettes but also with other grilled veggies, fatty meats or even as a sauce to pasta.

INGREDIENTS • 30g unsalted butter • 0.25 tsp saffron threads, roughly crushed • 4 small, pale green or regular

courgettes, tops trimmed slightly and courgettes halved lengthways (600g) • 2.5 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp cornﬂour • 300g Greek-style yoghurt • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 0.5 tsp dried mint • 0.75 tsp coriander seeds, toasted and roughly crushed with a pestle and mortar • 1.5 tbsp picked mint leaves • Half a lemon • salt and black pepper

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to a high grill setting. 2 Put the butter and saffron into a small saucepan on a medium heat. When the butter has melted, set aside to infuse. 3 Place the courgettes on a parchment-lined baking tray and toss with 2 tablespoons of oil, 0.3 teaspoon of salt and a good grind of pepper. Arrange them cut side up and grill for 15–20 minutes, until nicely charred and softened. 4 Towards the last 10 minutes of grilling time, make the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornﬂour and 3 tablespoons of water until smooth, then add the yoghurt, garlic, dried mint, the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of oil and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Whisk to combine, then transfer to a large, non-stick saute pan on a medium heat. Cook, stirring continuously, for about 10 minutes, or until thickened slightly and warmed through. Do not let the sauce boil, or it will split. 5 Transfer the warm yoghurt sauce to a plate with a lip and top with the courgettes, grilled side up. Spoon over the saffron butter, then sprinkle with the coriander seeds and mint leaves. Squeeze over the lemon half and serve right away.

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

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Have yo u r s e lf

BO OK NOW

I N D I V I D UA L R E S TA U R A N T S . C O M * Please note the Chocolate Bomb Dessert is not available at Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

• 11 garlic cloves, peeled, 10 left whole and 1 crushed • 30g fresh ginger, peeled and julienned • 400g datterini or regular cherry tomatoes • 3 red chillies, mild or spicy, a slit cut down their length • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 2 tsp cumin seeds, roughly crushed with a pestle and mortar • 2 tsp coriander seeds, roughly crushed with a pestle and mortar • 0.5 tsp ground turmeric • 0.5 tsp chilli ﬂakes • 2 tsp red Kashmiri chilli powder • 1 tsp caster sugar • 200ml olive oil • 180g Greek-style yoghurt • 15g picked mint leaves • 30g fresh coriander, roughly chopped • 2–3 limes: juiced to get 1 tbsp and the rest cut into wedges To serve • salt

METHOD Preheat the oven to 150ÅãC fan. Put the chickpeas, whole garlic cloves, ginger, tomatoes, chillies, tomato paste, spices, sugar, oil and 1 teaspoon of salt into a large saut. pan, for which you have a lid, and mix everything together to combine. Cover with the lid, transfer to the oven and cook for 75 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the aromatics have softened and the tomatoes have nicely broken down. 3 Meanwhile, put the yoghurt, mint, fresh coriander, lime juice, crushed garlic and . teaspoon of salt into a food processor and blitz until smooth and the herbs are ﬁnely chopped. 4 Serve the chickpeas directly from the pan, with the yoghurt and lime wedges alongside. 1

Conﬁt tandoori chickpeas Serves 4

These chickpeas have had their fair share of Insta fame for a multitude of reasons. The first being that the simplicity of the dish makes it really

quite attractive: throw everything into a pan and pop it into the oven, leaving it to its own devices (and you to yours). The second being that slow-cooking the chickpeas in oil without added liquid makes them super soft, allowing all the aromatics to break down into the oil. Lastly, this dish can easily be made ahead and served later; it only improves with time. Swap out Greek yoghurt with a non-dairy alternative for a completely vegan meal, and serve with rice.

INGREDIENTS • 2 tins of chickpeas (800g), drained (480g)

Extracted from Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi (Ebury Press, £25)

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FA S H I O N

YO U TH Q UA K E ST E L L A M CCA RT N EY

Stella Shared 3 is a capsule of conscious unisex staples exploring shared values and aesthetics. Inspired by ‘Y is for Youth’ from the McCartney A to Z Manifesto, the British fashion house offers its platform to three creative forces: Ed Curtis in London, Maisie Broome (Myfawnwy) in New York City and Tom Tosseyn in Antwerp. stellamccartney.com

Urban fashion from Rails 42 • Jewellery: charms 48 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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URBAN legend

Chic yet unfussy NewYork style from Rails RAILSCLOTHING.COM

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LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

Lingerie and swimwear from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com

Our appointment book is now open, just go to ameliesfollies.co.uk and use the Book a Fitting button. We will operate by appointment only for the foreseeable future. We can’t wait to see you all.

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21/10/2021 13:14

FASHION • JEWELLERY

A charmed life Charms are taking the jewellery world by storm By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

CHLOBO

T-BALANCE

SIF JAKOBS JEWELLERY

Moonbeam bracelet, £125, chlobo.co.uk

Sunshine multi-citrine crystal healing bracelet, £42, tbalance.co.uk

Portoﬁno necklace, £169, sifjakobs.uk

SIF JAKOBS JEWELLERY

DLOB

ROXANNE FIRST

Bracelet Rimini, 18k gold plated with white zirconia, £99, sifjakobs.uk

Hand-crafted glass baby mushroom charm, £70, dlob-dlob.com

Skittle Rainbow sapphire bracelet, £270, roxanneﬁrst.com

ROXANNE FIRST

HILL & FRIENDS

CHLOBO

Princess Cut rainbow drop necklace, £855, roxanneﬁrst.com

Sterling silver and enamel bangles, £195 each, hillandfriends.com

Creative dreams bracelet, £145, chlobo.co.uk

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MORE THAN H E A LT H C A R E , THIS IS LIFECARE.

Private Client by Bupa is a premium service providing expertly curated health and wellbeing plans insured by Bupa Global. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

DAYS LIKE TH E SE CHANEL Shaped like an enormous bottle of Chanel N°5, this holiday calendar was designed as a work of art and is available in limited quantities. Containing some of the Chanel House’s most iconic products, among its many surprises are a limited-edition ROUGE ALLURE lipstick inspired by N°5, LE VERNIS in a new shade of red, a bottle of N°5 Eau de Parfum, and a host of other accessories dedicated to the fragrance and designed just for the occasion. chanel.com

Beauty notes 53 • The best new buys 55 • Fitness news 59 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

FOCUS

FEELING

EDITOR’S PICK

nourished

A day of wellness at Pan Paciﬁc London

ELEMIS

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil is for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This soothing facial oil is formulated with organic English Rose Oleo Extract, Padina Pavonica and Rosehip Seed Oil to intensely nourish the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip Seed Oil will help leave skin feeling replenished and nourished. 15ml £67, elemis.com

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

A Natural HEALER S M A R T A S S B E AU T Y

SmartAss Beauty’s aim is to create safe, all-natural, hypoallergenic, organic skincare products that calm, treat and heal the skin. The SmartAss Beauty Donkey Milk skincare range comprises three products: luxury cream cleansing bar, wrinkle rewind mega moisture, and wrinkle rewind super serum. Prices start from £10.95. smartassbeauty.co.uk

N E E D TO K N OW OX F O R D H O R M O N E C L I N I C

The foggy brain, lack of sleep, irritability, lack of sex drive, anxiety, hot sweats are just some of the things that every woman over the age of 40 are likely to experience. It’s why two doctors set up the Oxford Hormone Clinic to help women understand what they may be going through and look to provide a range of bespoke treatments from prescribing HRT, to acupuncture and advice on nutrition and lifestyle. oxfordhormoneclinic.com

MIND & BODY side from offering a fivestar hotel experience, Pan Pacific London takes you on a five-star wellbeing journey. Integrating fitness, nutrition, treatments and mindfulness, Pan Pacific London is one of the first in the capital to include an impressive 1,083m squared floor dedicated solely to holistic wellness. They have created mindful workshops and spa treatments that infuse western science and clinical research, with the South East Asian tradition of clean beauty focusing on result-driven relaxation techniques, pregnancy treatments and grooming rituals. The treatments are arranged into sub-categories to make it easier to choose your experience; from ‘Human Experience’, ‘Performance Recovery’, ‘Unwind & Reconnect’, to their list of facials to just name a few of them. I had the pleasure of experiencing their ‘Urban Seasonal Escape’ treatment, where by using a unique infrared sauna blanket, I was transported to a whole new level of relaxation by the sound of the singing bowl, which promotes physical and mental rebalance your body and emotions. This bamboo massage, which can only be described as rhythmical, is said to enhance as a super powerful healing tool, used with aromatherapy oil and various Thai and Swedish techniques. I was left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and revitalised. I then went onto finish the experience with a bespoke sensitive skin facial, which combines natural ingredients and biotechnology that left the skin looking luminous.

panpacific.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND EMOLYNE NIGERIA Berry Plum Shade, £23 emolyne.com

BEAUTY PRO Hyaluronic Acid Gold Foil Mask, £5.95 beautypro.com

AURELIA LONDON Brightening Eye Serum, £48 aurelialondon.com

MIJ MASKS Bio-Cellulose Face Mask, £15.99 mijmasks.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ELEMIS

AESOP Aesop Skin Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum, 60ml, £65 aesop.com

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro-Mist, 50ml, £43 lookfantastic.com

EVE LOM Moisture Mask, £65 lookfantastic.com

COLD COMFORTS HUDA

GloWish Cheeky Vegan Blush Powder, £18 hudabeauty.com

Winter essentials for a ﬂawless ﬁnish

AURELIA LONDON Probiotic Blemish Hero, £18 aurelialondon.com

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, 50ml, £67 cultbeauty.co.uk

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

NAILBERRY Rouge Lacquer, £15 nailberry.co.uk

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

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Jess Lost 1 stone 7lbs

“I haven’t felt tired or lacked energy at all. In fact I’m surprised at how great I’ve felt.”

Tracey Lost 1 stone 13lbs

“The weight seemed to come off, even though I was eating with the family and not just having restrictive salads.”

WE’RE FEELING

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

Mind GAMES

Industry expert James Middleton on ﬁtness and mental health By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

n an industry saturated with nonsense and misconceptions, the thought of keeping both your mind and body fit can be overwhelming. What do we put first? The London-based health and lifestyle coach who runs his own online coaching programme, The JM Movement, is a firm believer that being healthy and active plays a huge role in contributing to all the other areas of life, including mental health. He is setting it as his mission to help as many people as possible to achieve their fitness goals, while demonstrating that you can live a happier and healthier life combining both physical exercise and mental exercise. When it comes down to fitness, quite often the mental health side of your wellbeing is neglected. Middleton is challenging people to see health as a lifestyle choice as opposed to choosing one specific aspect to focus on. Many people think that mental health must be thought of first and the physical aspect after, in order to achieve balance. Middleton sees things differently: “Sometimes people’s mental health improves once they begin understanding their fitness journey. It’s all about layers. Achieving a happy state of mind and a good

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physique begins by working through the layers, both mentally and physically. So, instead of assuming that both are separate entities, your mental health and physical fitness are stepping stones between one another”. He continues: “Fitness begins by implementing small things that are easy to maintain. One of the misconceptions I hear quite a lot is people think they need to clear out their fridge and buy a whole new gym programme. This is not the case.” Combining the conversation of physical and mental, it is easy to understand how one can be neglected. Firstly, one misconception that intervenes with achieving this balance is the lack of role models in the industry that are willing to be open and vulnerable about the reality of getting fit, the varying difficulty people face with achieving a

certain look, and to add on to the pressure, trying to achieve all this while maintain a happy state of mind. Middleton wants to set a realistic imageand he believes it to be vital to advocate for this vulnerability to be shown. The reality of the industry is that influencers, coaches, PTs and anyone outside of this fitness sphere mostly neglect the no-nonsense approach that Middleton resides in, because it’s very rarely demonstrated how to manage your mental health expectations while attempting to live up to a specific fitness goal. It’s sometimes easier to identify the problems you have physically than it is with your mental health. This is where Middleton begins to embed the layers to your lifestyle choices. Once your fitness goals have been solidified and understood, then you can begin working on the next layer, which is why you may be experiencing these negative thoughts about X, Y and Z, what’s triggering that, and then you move forward to the deeper stuff. With a refreshing outlook on how mental health and physical fitness can be combined and seen as a lifestyle approach as opposed to separated things to work on, Middleton’s approach to changing the way we view our ‘fitness’ aspirations is a vital building block into bettering our lifestyle. You have our attention. jm-movement.teachable.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS SUPPLEMENTS TO AID PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT

NOTES

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

C B D B A L M , £ 4 2 .9 9 This balm takes Puresport’s premium 0% THC CBD Oil and combines it with some of nature’s most profound ingredients: lavender, wintergreen, peppermint, lemongrass and more, which are all essential oils said to aid with pain relief and relaxation. puresportcbd.com

PURESPORT’S FEMALE BALANCE HORMONE H E A LT H S U P P L E M E N T The ingredients in this supplement were designed to work synergistically with your body and research suggests they may help with headaches, cramps, breast pain and mood swings. This natural supplement may also assist women going through menopause. £29.99, puresportcbd.com

I N N E R M O S T R E C OV E R Y CAPSULES Rest and recovery are often overlooked, but with these supplements, Innermost are trying to fix that. These nootropic capsules support the recovery process, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormone activity. £18.95, liveinnermost.com

T I M E TO ADAPT How to work with your cycle, not against it

ver found yourself struggling to workout at certain times of the month? Or, one day you’re hitting PBs and the next, you can barely lift a dumbbell? It might be time to start adapting your workout routine to your monthly cycle. Exercising and the menstrual cycle are often confused and thought to be something that cannot be mixed – which is not the case says, Lucy Gornall, PT and head of wellness at Puresport. “Your menstrual cycle is split into four phases, across a time period of roughly 28 days,” she says. “Day one kicks off your

period, AKA your menstrual phase. Then, the follicular phase spans from around days 5 to 13, followed by the ovulatory phase on days 14 to 16 and ﬁnally the luteal phase, which runs across days 17 to 28. “During the menstrual phase, the hormones progesterone and oestrogen are at their lowest. You might struggle with energy levels, so walking, yoga and Pilates are good choices. “With oestrogen rising during the follicular phase, your energy starts to peak and morning workouts should feel a lot easier. With all this energy, try opting for more cardio-based workouts like running and cycling.

“The ovulatory phase is your most fertile time, and your energy peaks around this time. So jump on the HIIT bandwagon; short, sharp and sweet works well here. “However, if ovulation pains creep in, taking a walk or stretching with a yoga session can help. “As oestrogen declines and progesterone rises during the luteal phase, you might go from feeling energetic, to lethargic and fatigued as this continues. So while energy is high, keep up the cardio, but as energy declines and those dreaded PMS symptoms kick in, opt for short resistancebased workouts and yoga.”

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SPECI A L ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

In this sect ion R E A L W E D D I N G 66 T E M P E R L E Y B R I D E 74 G U E S T F A S H I O N T R E N D S 80 W E D D I N G B E A U T Y 87 V E N U E G U I D E 90

Free FLOW TEMPERLEY

Temperley’s unrivalled reputation for craftsmanship shines most brightly in the use of lace, beading and embroidery in the new Blossom collection. For the full bridal experience, the Temperley Margaret Street Bridal Boutique is open for private appointments with expert bridal stylists. temperleylondon.com

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10 THINGS WE

Absolutely

LOVE Here are ten things we absolutely love for the season to come

WEDDING B R E A K FA S T

Fortnum’s Huntsman Picnic Hamper for four will have you instantly picnic-read. Lift the lid on this stylish hamper and you’ll find four enamel plates, four enamel mugs, four wine glasses and two cutlery rolls. Accented with recycled canvas, leather trims and brushed gold hardware, this basket will make your next outdoor gathering a breeze. £365 fortnumandmason.com

WATER TIGHT It’s paramount that one of the key make-up ingredients to a bride’s make-up look is waterproof mascara, and Chanel has the perfect one. A mascara that offers instant volume from the very first stroke for longer, plumper and thicker lashes. chanel.com

TA K E A B O W

Rixo’s bridal collection is full of vintage-inspired pieces. Leanna is a midi dress with a square neckline, slim spaghetti straps, a column hip fit and a gorgeous big silk bow in premium ivory satin back silk crepe fabric. £657 rixo.com

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WEDDINGS • 10 THINGS

CLARIDGES

At Claridges, they believe your wedding day should be exactly as you have always imagined. Whether it’s a lavish wedding breakfast or an intimate ceremony, just for two, they will set the scene perfectly for your special day. claridges.co.uk

LIFE OF RILEY

A beautiful keepsake to give to the happy couple, Life of Riley’s leather memory box is a nifty way to store memorabilia and letters. No one will be aware of the 'treasure' stored inside this perfect home accessory, styled like a treasure chest. £220 lifeofrileyonline.co.uk

R O B E R T O C AVA L L I Give the gift of entertaining in high fashion style with this set of six champagne goblets from the Roberto Cavalli Monogram Gold Collection with stylish gold rims and gold RC monograms on the exterior. £297 amara.com

PA I R U P

This set of Mr and Mrs mugs from Emma Bridgewater would make a great wedding present. £39.95 emmabridgewater.co.uk

D&G BROOCH

Dolce & Gabbana offers a high-octane take on Italian glamour with this gold-tone brooch, which is embellished with glittering white crystals. It’s made from polished metal with a festoon of classic curb links, then fitted with a back pin is the perfect gift only the mother of the bride could wear. £650; matchesfashion.com

ROSANTICA

Rosantica's gold Jungla bag forms a part of the label's Bamboo collection which is informed by founder Michela Panero's love of early 20th-century art and architecture. Exclusive to Matches, it's crafted in Italy from bars that are shaped to resemble bamboo stalks and adorned with crystals. matchesfashion.com

B LO O M & W I L D

If you’re looking for some colour inspiration for your wedding, deep amber hues with dusky soft pinks and peach are starting to trend. Bloom and Wild can assist with it all. bloomandwild.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WEDDINGS • REAL WEDDINGS

Classic

CELEBRATION For Hayley and Rhys, their wedding was a wonderful meeting point for family and friends and a chance to celebrate in high style P h o t o g r a p h y K AT E A DA M S

ayley and Rhys knew they wanted a classic celebration and after this long period apart from friends and family, they knew their wedding day would also be a golden opportunity to party in style and mark the most special of all days. The date they settled on was early August – perfect for late-summer weather and a chance to take advantage of moments and photo opportunities outdoors. With family and many friends located around Somerset and South Wales, Hayley knew exactly where she wanted the wedding to be – St Tewdrics House in Monmouthshire. This romantic 19th-century Italianate mansion set in extensive grounds (including

glorious wildflower gardens) is owned by a celebrated local hero, Tour de France winner and Olympian Geraint Thomas OBE. With its famous local connections, this was not only a beautiful setting, but also painstakingly restored and designed to host modern celebrations. “I had learnt about St Tewdrics House on its opening in 2016 and knew it was the perfect venue should I get engaged,” Hayley says. “The building was bought and renovated by Geraint Thomas OBE for his own wedding reception in 2015 and a year later St Tewdrics House opened its doors as an exclusive-use wedding venue.” The icing on the cake is that St Tewdrics House is perfectly located for family, being only around a 30-minute drive from Somerset and Wales. With the ideal location set, Hayley and Rhys also had a very good idea of the A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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design of the day. The classical features of the house and grounds lent themselves to simple styling and their vision was for plenty of white and green to highlight the light-filled rooms, with accents of gold to add a pop of classic celebration glamour. Hayley not only had the inside track on the right venue, but all the other key details that count. As the UK Southern Area Manager for iconic Barcelona bridal house Rosa Clará, she is attuned to all the latest trends – including, of course, bridal fashion. So, no surprise that she had her perfect dress in mind. The design she chose is a Rosa Clará Couture style in sumptuous pale ivory silk. With its flattering v-front straps, square back and full skirt, this is an understated modern take on a timeless wedding-day silhouette. Subtle details included silk-covered buttons to define the back of the gown. Hayley accessorised from Rosa Clará too, picking a soft tulle full-length veil with delicate hemstitch detail, plus glitzy woven high-heel pumps with jewel buckles from the Rosa Clará Couture collection. The wedding-day weather was kind – dry and warm – and the bridal party had gathered to prepare for the day at Cefn Tilla Court, a secluded and historic country-house venue in the village of Llandenny. For Hayley, this preparation time in another romantic spot was the first of many magical moments that defined the day. “Getting ready at Cefn Tilla Court with my family and bridal party was truly special. It is such a beautiful and exclusive location – the perfect place to get ready in style before leaving to get married.” The bride, two bridesmaids and bride’s mother had ultra-glamorous surroundings to dress up, swap special gifts, then pause and drink a toast to the day ahead before they were whisked off to St Tewdrics House. And here came another memorable point in the celebration for Hayley: “I was driven to the venue by my future brotherin-law. This was a special moment; he

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WEDDINGS • REAL WEDDINGS

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE: DRESS - QUEEN BEE; THEQUEENB.CO.UK; HAT - ALISON TOD; ALISONTOD.CO.UK

was also the first person to see me in my dress before my now husband and he told me how beautiful I looked”. When Hayley and her party arrived, there was the groom’s party ready and waiting – all looking dashing in navy tails with pale grey waistcoats. The bridesmaids looked lovely in their dusky pink gowns – toning in with the soft pastel roses used as accent colours in Hayley’s lush white and green bouquet. The room had been simply but dramatically dressed with garden greenery and candles were placed along the aisle. This was another very special moment for Hayley. “I loved walking down the aisle. On advice from friends who have recently got married I remember pausing and taking it all in before walking with my Dad. I remember how proud he was, and we also laughed as I tried to avoid the candles on the way down. At one point he asked if I had caught fire!” With the ceremony and register signing complete, a drinks reception with canapés and wonderful mood music from a gifted saxophone player was held before the grand wedding feast. This was held in the same beautiful space where the couple had said

their vows. This relaxed gathering enjoyed a feast created by the catering team at St Tewdrics, before taking to the dance floor to round off a wonderful wedding day. Hayley and Rhys loved the way things turned out and it was a day full of memories to last a lifetime. Hayley’s only tip is directed at brides who want to stay cool, calm and photo ready in all locations. “I just wish I has taken a spare pair of block heel shoes with me for photos. My Rosa Clará Couture bridal shoes were beautiful and a joy to wear, but not so practical for the wildflower garden pictures. Rhys had to virtually carry me around and hold me up when we were posing for photos as my heels kept sinking!”

H AY L E Y & R H Y S’ We d d i n g S o u r c e b o o k Venue: St Tewdrics House; sttewdricshouse.co.uk • Photography: Kate Adams; kateadamsphotography.com • Bride’s dress and veil: Rosa Clará Couture; rosaclara.es at The White Collection; thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk • Bride’s shoes and accessories: Rosa Clará Couture; rosaclara.es at The White Collection; thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk • Hair: Tonic Hair Design - Danielle Strange; @tonic_hairdesign • Makeup: Jade Williams Makeup Artist; @jadewilliamsmakeup_artist Bride’s earrings: Hannah Elizabeth Bridal; hannahelizabethbridal.com • Bridesmaid gowns: Asos Design; Asos.com • Mother of the bride: Dress: Queen Bee; thequeenb.co.uk; Hat: Alison Todd; alisontod.co.uk Pre-wedding weekend venue: Cefn Tilla Court; cefntilla.com • Flowers: Catherine Gray Flowers; catherinegrayflowers.co.uk • Event styling: The Luxe Touch; theluxetouch.co.uk & Signature Event Hire; signaturehire.co.uk • Wedding cake: Caking Sisters; @caking_sisters • Wedding catering: Cleverchefs; cleverchefs.co.uk • Wedding stationery: Created by bride • Saxophonist: Leah Sax; @leahsax & leahsax.com Videographer: Posh Bear; poshbear.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • RINGS THEO FENNELL

G E O R G I N A B OYC E

The iconic London jeweller's diamond trumpet ring is a classic design that is just made for celebrating love. You'll also find lovely coloured gems in this setting. £4,750; theofennell.com

A twist on the classic diamond solitaire, this lovely white gold engagement ring by Georgina Boyce has a stunning main diamond, supported by smaller gems. POA; georginaboyce.com

LEBRUSAN STUDIO

This elegant ring features a single diamond in a yellow gold setting with gold foliage. It's a bespoke design from the studio of Arabel Lebrusan. From £2,574; lebrusanstudio.com

FENTON & CO

Established by Laura Lambert, Fenton & Co is an ethical jeweller that champions glorious coloured gems, such as this delectable East West garnet design. From £1,450; fentonand.co

CATHERINE HILLS D O M I N I C WA L M S L E Y Bespoke specialist Dominic Walmsley created this delightful petal cluster ring, using a floral theme and incorporating over 2 carats of fine diamonds. POA; dominicwalmsley.com

ANNOUSHKA

While she is known for covetable silver jewels, Catherine Hills' one-off engagement rings are things of beauty. This gold couplet design features a lilac spinel with diamond. £1,850; catherinehillsjewellery.com

Annoushka's classic diamond stack is given a nature-inspired twist with this dragonfly design, featuring glittering diamonds on an 18-carat gold band. £2,790; annoushka.com

Love rings

From glamorous garnets and pink sapphires to delicious diamonds, our choice selection of rings are made for saying 'I will' BOODLES

ALEX MONROE

This ring features an emerald-cut ethical pink sapphire within an ornate white gold floral setting with diamonds. The ring is part of the 'one of a kind' collection. £4,600; alexmonroe.com

VHERNIER

The Milan jeweller known for its modern aesthetic offers diamondstudded bands in its iconic Calla collection – perfect as an alternative engagement or wedding ring. £3,300; vhernier.com

This Ribbons ring from Boodles is a three-band design, showcasing not only its beautiful Ashoka diamonds but also the rich tones of yellow, pink and white gold. £10,500; boodles.com

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Couture CLASS The Couture Gallery offers the perfect bridal couture experience. Absolutely ﬁnds out more

anish designer Britta Kjerkegaard offers the ultimate bridal luxury – a perfect couture experience. For the past 14 years, her Kensington atelier The Couture Gallery has been a go-to destination for brides from around the world. And, with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, clever integral corsetry and intricate details, these are unique wedding dresses that steal the show. Q What does the couture

process entail?

A We offer an entirely personal

service – from first sketch to final gown – and brides are part of that creative process. At the first consultation, we discuss styles the bride prefers, the overall look she is after and the type of celebration she is planning. My design experience means I'm able to offer expert insight on fabric,

silhouette, colour and styling possibilities – including elements she might not have thought about. It's a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of time to ensure an enjoyable experience for the bride. The second consultation is where we go through sketches, discuss further ideas and finalise the design as far as possible – including choices of silks, laces and trimmings. Once detailed measurements are taken, work begins on a personal pattern. This is used to make up a 'toile' – a dress in a different material – to ensure perfect proportions and fit. Once that is finalised, we make up the final design in silk and several silk fittings follow. Everything is made here in our atelier, so changes and ideas can be incorporated along the way. We also create accessories such as veils and headpieces to bring the bride's final look together. Q How would you describe

The Couture Gallery's style?

A The look is elegant, with

dramatic silhouettes. Handmade details such as silk organza flowers, French-lace embroidery and appliqué are very much part of this. My style is romantic and modern – signature builtin corsetry means my designs complement the female shape. The dresses are made to fit perfectly, be incredibly flattering and also light and comfortable to wear.

that is uniquely theirs and that they can play a key part in creating. We offer two floors of inspiration, with everything from floor-sweeping tulle gowns to sophisticated slimline dresses. Some brides opt for more than one dress if they have a multi-event wedding, and we also love designing clever elements to ensure one perfect gown that can be worn in multiple ways. Q What makes a couture

gown so special?

A I believe it is the ultimate luxury

to have a one-of-a-kind couture gown created especially for you, and because we offer such a personal service, and huge attention to detail, this becomes a very special part of wedding preparation. It's a unique process: some brides choose a gown they didn't initially think they would love while others know exactly the look they want to achieve. We take huge pride in making every bride's dream dress a reality.

Q Who is your typical bride? A I have clients from all over the

world and they are all individual in their personal style. What unites them is the desire to find a dress T H E C O U T U R E GA L L E RY 6 Campden Street, Kensington W8. For appointments, visit thecouturegallery.com

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Wild

AT T R ACT I O N The Temperley bride is etherelal and bohemian, with a hint of wildness too

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WEDDINGS • FASHION

Guest

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Top cl ass

Alice bands are perfect for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in a full-on hat, adding a finishing touch that is both flattering and easy to wear. This Stanhope Headband from Lock & Co is in burgundy velvet with a soft black veil. £455; lockhatters.co.uk

Cape chic

Louise Kennedy has pieces that are ideal for modern weddings. This Amelia dress in midnight blue silk features intricate embellishment and a draped cape. £1,795; louisekennedy.com

GLITTER TWIST Long gowns are always a versatile choice, and especially appropriate (and practical) for winter weddings. This slimline bias-cut dress from Joyce Young Collections is in a shimmering beaded silk georgette and has an overtop with long sleeves and draped back. POA; joyceyoungcollections.co.uk

GLAMOUR Whether it's a grand affair or a simple celebration, we've got brilliant outﬁt ideas for mother of the bride and chic wedding guest

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WEDDINGS • FASHION

Eastern edge

Kensington-based couturier House of Benveniste offers choice pieces for party goers. One of our favourites is this Easterninfluenced Penelope dress. Made of iridescent silk shot organza with a pink and gold weave, it has on-trend wide sleeves with neat cuffs, a v front and buttons along the length of the gown. POA; bnvcouture.com

Ja d e g l a m o u r

A formal coat is a smart choice that will always earn its keep and can be dressed up or down. This tailored silk brocade Vicky design in jade blue is from Lalage Beaumont's autumn/winter collection. It's shown here worn over a classic jade blue shift dress, also from her collection. £999; lalagebeaumont.com

S m a r t y pa n t s

Sassi Holford's Montreal jumpsuit features a flattering halter neck and plunge front paired to wide-leg trousers with front split. This adds flow and movement to an ensemble that works just as easily for a summer wedding as a formal after-dark affair. Shown here in a rich royal blue, it's also available in charcoal grey. £1,250; sassiholford.com

Sleek suit

Perfect for alternative wedding style – and brilliant for a 'best woman' – this Luisa Cerano ensemble has an elegant 1930s Hollywood flavour (think Katharine Hepburn). Sold as separates it comprises a soft cream twill blazer, button-up silk blouse and wide-legged twill trousers. Blazer £479, trousers £299, blouse £249; luisacerano.com

V e lv e t n i g h t s

Velvet is a classic choice for winter weddings and is so easy to dress up with a silk or cashmere wrap or long coat. This Sophie French navy midi dress from occasion and business-wear specialist Lalage Beaumont is in silk velvet and has a silver sparkle in the weave to add glamour. It is accessorised here with one of her exclusive silver Fonteyn clutches. Dress £899, croc print leather clutch, £499; lalagebeaumont.com

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A n i m a l m ag i c

In jewel blue with a lovely animal print, this slip on satin midi from the latest Monsoon party collection is perfect dressing up for pared-back weddings – or for the after-party if you are making a long weekend of the celebration. The dress has a low v neckline, floaty threequarter sleeves and a high waistband. Pair it with beach sandals or satin mules for easy style. £65; monsoon.co.uk

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C O L L E C T I O N www.rosa-clara.com

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WEDDINGS • PROMOTION

Love, Romance & MARRIAGE Let specialist jeweller Michael Platt, guide you at this magical time

he holiday season offers two great opportunities for a romantic marriage proposal: Christmas and New Year. Is this the right time for you and your partner? After all the uncertainty of the past 18 months, only you can know the answer, but if you're reading this, there's a good chance that yes is the right answer. Proposing marriage to the person you love should be an unforgettable, romantic and significant moment: intimate and private, just the two of you, or perhaps very public, all singing and dancing. Each proposal, memorable for its time and place, is symbolised by that one important question and, of course, the box containing a beautiful and enduring engagement ring. Feeling rather nervous about which ring? Let goldsmith and jeweller Michael Platt assist. Where to start? So many decisions: gemstone or diamond? What shape? Modern or traditional? Single or multi stone? Simple or intricate? Gold or platinum? So many choices to make. Michael Platt in Wimbledon Village, knows that selecting the perfect engagement ring is an exciting but possibly daunting experience. They will readily guide customers through the maze of information. Firstly, set yourself a realistic budget and be comfortable about what is affordable. Take note of your partner's style and jewellery. The team at Michael Platt will present a range of engagement rings, outlining all factors that affect price, and listen carefully to customers' requirements to ensure that the very best choices are made, with excellent value in finding the ideal ring. Setting the wedding date may not be an immediate priority, but some thought should be given to the wedding band to ensure it will fit well against the engagement ring and both look good together. Wedding rings, whether plain, fancy or diamond set, should complement

the engagement ring and not overwhelm. If a unique ring is desired, Michael Platt specialise in bespoke jewellery, made on-site in their workshop. They will be hands-on in designing and making the ring, sourcing diamonds and gemstones to suit all budgets. Sentimental or inherited gemstones or diamonds, passed down generations, can be transformed into a wonderful new engagement ring. The team take customers through the bespoke jewellery process. Commissioning an exclusive engagement ring is an exciting and romantic journey that does not need to be complex or necessarily expensive. However, if selecting a ring feels too risky or complicated, consider proposing with a loose gemstone or diamond. In a beautiful presentation box, it’s a very touching, thoughtful and romantic gesture followed by all the excitement of choosing exactly the right setting together, as a couple.

“Commissioning an engagement ring is an exciting journey”

M I C H A E L P L AT T 1 Church Road, SW19 5DW michaelplatt.co.uk

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Ann’s Designer Cakes Artisan Cakes for all Occasions

Wedding Car Hire

‘Helping you add that extra charm to your special day’

020 8644 8523 | www.annsdesignercakes.com

We offer a fine selection of over 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars based in

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Cobham, South West London

#ucchire info@ucchire.com 0208 398 8304 www.ucchire.com

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BEAUTY BOOST

WEDDINGS • BEAUTY

IMPECCABLE WEDDING BEAUTY BY SOPHIE TILLEY

Bridal SKINCARE TIPS

Beauty expert Sophie Tilley knows everything about preparation for big events – working with both brides and celebrities. Here she gives advice on being wedding-day ready, and it all starts with your skin...

1. Cleanse properly

You may be waiting to set the date, but it’s never too early to start perfecting your regime. Two leading bridal specialists give us their advice for being your best self on the day

It may seem obvious but many of us aren’t doing this first step quite right. And think about it, if you’re not cleaning your skin properly (that’s surface skin as well as deep into the pores) none of your serums, moisturisers and treatments can penetrate efficiently. Consider what you’re using in the morning separately to the evening as these ideally should be different textures. Morning is easy: a non-foaming facewash with a gel or cream-based product will do the trick. The evening is where you should spend a bit more time after a long day, where you’ve likely been wearing skincare and make-up. Remove your makeup with a simple cleanser or micellar water, then clean your skin thoroughly. A balm cleanser is ideal for this as it will melt away impurities from fine lines and pores. Use with a muslin or microfibre cloth for extra polishing benefits. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Customisable made to order bridesmaids dresses

Ex be fo

STOCKISTS

www.moteemaids.co.uk/stockists WEBSITE

www.moteemaids.co.uk CONTACT

info@moteemaids.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • BEAUTY

UP-DOS ARE IN FOR BRIDES AT MICHAEL VAN CLARKE

2. Exfoliate regularly

New, fresh skin is what we all want. Uncover it by promoting your skin’s renewal process. This means sloughing off any dead, dry surface skin but also stimulating the next layer to come through. We’re not talking scrubs here (save that for your body) or anything too abrasive – gently does it. The best way is by using a liquid exfoliant. One containing BHA’s (beta-hydroxy acid) and AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acid) will rid your face of surplus debris and you don’t even need to remove it. Some are mild enough to use every day, others you can space out throughout the week. Ease yourself in and get ready to see glass-like skin revealed.

3. SPF always

This should go without saying but protecting your skin from sun damage and all the harmful rays we’re faced with on a daily basis, is integral. Sun protection (that’s UVA & UVB rays) is the most anti-ageing product you can apply to your skin. Rain or shine, winter or summer, if you can see your hand in front of your face, you should be wearing sunscreen. I always advise SPF50 and there are plenty on the market, most of which are very affordable and will pay dividends on your flawless skin goals.

retinol at night. Antioxidant vitamin C yields a host of benefits: radiance boosting, treating uneven skin tone (pigmentation) and calming redness. Available in a variety of percentages, go for the highest you can afford. Retinol (only to be applied at night) renews skin by promoting cell turnover. It will gradually shed the outermost dead cells of your skin, revealing fresh, new layers. Retinol comes in a variety of strengths so ease yourself in and gradually build up resilience. Be sure to wear SPF the following day – very important as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

5. Treat your skin

Whether it’s a mask or a moisturiser, keep an eye out for these key ingredients, depending on your main concern. If you want hydration, look for hyaluronic acid (naturally occurring in our skin), which can hold a hundred times its own weight in water. Humectants like glycerin draw moisture to the top layer of the skin, a great combination. For breakouts, salicylic acid is a good antidote, helping to control excess sebum whilst calming any redness or sensitivity. If you want an all-rounder Niacinamide is a great ingredient, helping skin to repair, retain hydration levels and build resilience. sophietilley.uk

4. Serum counts

Think of serum as taking your vitamins before eating your meal. We want to boost the nutrients and actives to improve our skin’s daily diet. The key couple I’d say here are vitamin C for the morning and

GREAT MAKE-UP STARTS WITH GREAT SKIN, SAYS SOPHIE TILLEY

HAIR BY SUMMER LANGTON, MICHAEL VAN CLARKE

Great WEDDING HAIR

Summer Langton, Senior Stylist and bridal expert at Michael Van Clarke in Marylebone, has expert tips on trends and pre-wedding care

The key trends:

A key trend right now is for very soft pretty hair – from loose waves to a sophisticated but relaxed chignon. Classic half up half down remains a favourite for brides (from 1960s volume to boho plaits) and works really well with a veil. It’s also smart but ensures brides still feel like themselves. Accessories are also becoming popular with brides – some choosing this route over wearing a veil – and many are also keen to change their look from an up-do for ceremony to down for the reception.

Your wedding routine

Get yourself into a good hair routine. That includes trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks, avoiding unnecessary blow drying and applying treatments (try Michael Van Clarke 3 More Inches Pre-wash once a week, leaving it in overnight). Do get to know the hairdresser who will be doing your hair so they know your style – and the atmosphere you want to create. I recommend a hair trial after you have chosen your dress. Take along lots of pictures – the more the better – wear a top with a similar colour and neckline and don’t be afraid to try different styles. It’s wonderful if you can time a dress fitting for after your hair trial, so you see how everything works together. vanclarke.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BOURTON HALL IN WARWICKSHIRE

WEDDED BLISS Here are six reasons why you should choose a Country House Weddings venue

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

ST AUDRIES PARK IN SOMERSET

“You have exclusive use: it's your very own country house for the day”

ountry House Weddings offers six hand-picked wedding venues, chosen for their picturesque settings and opulent interiors, and designed solely with weddings in mind. From castles to country estates, a wedding-day dream can be created for all.

E XC L U S I V E LY W E D D I N G S

GOSFIELD HALL IN ESSEX

As the name suggests, Country House Weddings’ stunning venues and teams are exclusively dedicated to weddings – it’s all they do. Their venues are not hotels, or corporate event centres (although they might do the odd film shoot), they have been handpicked and refurbished specifically as perfect wedding venues – your home for your special day. AWA R D -W I N N I N G C U S TO M E R S E RV I C E

Expect exceptional (and award-winning) customer service – including your very own personal wedding manager. They have no fewer than 25 industry accolades between their six venues (and two of them only opened in the last two years) from the industry’s two largest and most prestigious awards: the UK Wedding Awards and the British Wedding Awards. They pride themselves on outstanding customer service to their couples, starting with their personal wedding managers who are there to hold your hand from six months before your day, right through the day itself – they even sleep at the venue so that they are there in the morning to see you off.

CLEARWELL CASTLE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

with your special day. Since this family-run business was started in 1989, they’ve held over 15,000 weddings in their venues. Their flagship venue, Leez Priory, was one of, if not the first country house in the UK to get a licence to hold civil ceremonies – so they like to think they know a thing or two about running weddings. C U L I N A RY M A S T E R C L A S S

Country House Weddings offer outstanding food and drink delivered by a dedicated in-house catering team. Their chefs are employed and trained to provide the perfect wedding banquet – it’s their primary focus. Their menus and recipes have been developed and refined to ensure that they are the perfect fit for a wedding banquet service. A M P L E O N - S I T E AC C O M M O DAT I O N

There is plenty of space to breathe, exclusively for you and your guests. Their venues can sleep between 40-100 guests within their onsite accommodation. There is no need for ‘carriages at midnight’, residents can retire to the library for a night cap, or three if they are that way inclined… Let us not forget about their honeymoon suites. Adorned with four poster beds, luxurious features and fittings, and a perfect large bath or hot tub to soak in at the end of the day, the honeymoon suites are designed to provide a night as memorable as your day. T H AT F E E L I N G O F E XC L U S I V I T Y

VA S T E X P E R I E N C E

They offer exclusive use of the house and grounds – it’s your very own country house for the day. No Christmas party next door, or strangers taking advantage of your buffet, the venues are exclusively yours from midday to midnight.

With six venues and over 30 years’ experience holding weddings, you can entrust Country House Weddings

info@countryhouseweddings.co.uk / countryhouseweddings.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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First Look

Be one of the ﬁrst couples to tie that knot by selecting one of these gorgeous new wedding venues

The Mitre HAMPTON COURT

mitrehamptoncourt.com

O “Awarded Best Hotel 2020 by The Sunday Times, The Mitre is set to be a perfect spot on the Thames for a laidback wedding”

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

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WEDDINGS • VENUES

Petersham Nurseries COVENT GARDEN

petershamnurseries.com/covent-garden

“Iconic Petersham Nurseries has a new address in Covent Garden so more couples will be able to tie the knot in a flower-filled setting”

amily owned Petersham Nurseries started out as a greenhouse in Richmond 20 years ago and has organically grown into the Instagram-famous brand it is today – known for superb food and a perfect garden setting. The second location opened last year in Covent Garden, a welcomed green oasis for bespoke weddings in the heart of the capital’s historic flower-market quarter. The Victorian light-flooded gallery space has twinkling Genoese Chandeliers with modern artwork lining the walls. There’s also the option of the Private Dining Room or The Petersham Restaurant for an elegant fine-dining feast. There’s a beautiful courtyard for alfresco drinks and the in-house florist will ensure The Petersham’s signature wild flowers take centre stage. Always mindful of the Slow Food philosophy, menus are seasonal with an Italian twist, ingredients coming straight from the family farm.

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THE HARPER

Bijou's muchanticipated opening brings a perfect wedding setting to Norfolk

The Harper •NORFOLK•

bijouweddingvenues.co.uk

enowned wedding specialists, Bijou Wedding Venues are set to open their first hotel in the coming spring and we can’t wait. Set to be a Norfolk gem for glamorous country weddings, this former glass-blowing workshop is now a lofty space brimming with original features. It’s ideal for smaller weddings or you can take over the hotel exclusively. In total, there are 32 boutique bedrooms and you and your guests will also have access to the luxury spa. The restaurants, Ivy’s and Stanley’s, promise to serve up a feast. There is an in-house sommelier for delicious wine pairings and the kitchen is well equipped to manage any request. We love the super-cosy den area for intimate weddings. Outside, The Yard is filled with herbs and flowers and an outdoor grill, plus firepit for colder months.

The Falcon •NORTHAMPTONSHIRE• thefalcon-castleashby.com

his former coaching inn in Castle Ashby has been extensively restored into a chic country retreat. The doors opened in September and it’s set to be a Northamptonshire hotspot plus go-to wedding destination. Intimate weddings can be held in the Stables or Private Dining room. The Falcon will work hand-in-hand with local farmers to deliver the freshest menus. There are ample photo opportunities on the triple-tier-lawn and you can even take over the whole hotel, which offers 22 boutique-style bedrooms. Wellness is at the core of everything they do here, with refreshing wild swimming and guided nature walks on offer, meaning your guests will leave feeling renewed and restored.

T H E FA L C O N

A chic country hotel with a wellness focus and lovely rooms

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WEDDINGS • VENUES

BOU RTO N HALL

A simply magical new venue – also see our shoot, p16

Bourton Hall •WARWI CKS H I R E• bourton-hall.co.uk

his is the newest addition to the established Country House Weddings collection. A slice of Tuscany in the heart of Warwickshire, it hosted its first wedding this November after an extensive refurb. The Italianate mansion is set in 12 acres of colourful gardens and houses a stunning former Catholic chapel. Inside the main house, there’s an impressive sweeping staircase, banqueting hall and 20 bedrooms for your guests. Plus, you’ll find a Gate House Lodge for the night before. Marry outside under the Portico, a super-romantic setting ideal for those craving a destination wedding. Fittingly, for a venue in Arden country, the Lady Bourton Honeymoon Suite has a dressing area with doors on to a balcony of almost Shakespearean splendour where you can drink in the views of the Leam valley and Draycote Water.

Chapel Barn Estate •SUFFOLK•

stay.wildernessreserve.com

ilderness Reserve’s latest addition, Chapel Barn Estate, is a masterclass in laid-back luxury. Based around an original 15th-century farmstead, this exclusiveuse wedding venue is set amid the best of English nature in the heart of Suffolk: rolling wild-flower meadows, woodland and a beautiful lake. The collection of one-off period properties accommodate up to 90 overnight guests, and Chapel Barn itself is the place to say I do. In true Wilderness style, you’ll find fabulous outdoor activities. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a cinema, spa and hot tubs. For the wedding night, there’s a hopelessly romantic one-bed shack on a private island accessed only by rope bridge.

CHAPEL B A R N E S TAT E

Stunning and secluded Suffolk with every luxury you can imagine

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WEDDINGS • VENUES

T H E WA L L E D G A R D E N AT C O W D R AY

A wonderfully atmospheric space for romantic outdoor parties

The Walled Garden at Cowdray

Holmewood Hall

SUSSEX

walledgardencowdray

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

n exciting new addition for the Cowdray Events Team, this Tudor Walled Garden sits adjacent to the dramatic Cowdray Ruins (a spectacular backdrop for wedding pics). Think Alice in Wonderland for the setting – you’re even given the rusty key to unlock the original heavy oak door. You and your guests can celebrate in this colourful and historic outdoor space, enjoying the delicious scents filling the air from the garden’s plentiful herbs and lush fruit trees. The venue has just installed a state-of-the-art live streaming facility for your ceremony, so all your loved ones can watch from anywhere in the world.

holmewood-hall.co.uk

ooking for a venue to hold a grand ceremony? Recently opened and lovingly restored to its former glory, this Tudor-style mansion (conveniently placed for guests from both London and across the Midlands) is fast becoming a go-to for glamorous couples, and we can see why. The decadent Gold Room is breathtaking, with a 50-foot aisle and 18-carat gold-leaf ceiling. The Banqueting Hall is a superb space for your wedding breakfast and your guests will want to check out The Vault for a late-night tipple. In summer months, you can marry outside at The Bandstand looking out over rustic parkland. The property sleeps 40 across beautiful accommodation, including the bridal suite with four-poster bed and statement chandelier. Hiring out this spectacular venue ensures you will host an unforgettable celebration.

H O LM EWOO D HALL

A beautiful Country House Weddings addition in the heart of Cambridgeshire

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WEDDINGS • VENUES

T H E N AT U R A L H I STO RY M U S EU M

Splendour and unforgettable photos await in this wonderful landmark

The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel MANCHESTER

The Natural History Museum

kimptonclocktowerhotel.com

L O N D O N nhm.ac.uk

or the first time, we’re excited to share that couples can tie the knot in an intimate ceremony at this iconic London landmark. For a limited time, a small wedding (or civil ceremony) can be conducted in one of the 12 licensed rooms. Each space is sure to impress your guests. Take the magnificent Hintze Hall with its iconic Victorian architecture, or the Earth Hall with giant globe sculpture and six-metre dinosaur fossil. There are also a number of smaller galleries, such as Earth’s Treasury or Images of Nature, for those looking to host a more cosy affair. It’s destined to be an unforgettable day and has to be one of the most impressive backdrops for any wedding album.

TH E KI M PTO N CLOCK TOWE R HOTEL

his new opening from Kimpton Hotels offers something truly special in the heart of Manchester. Housed in a magnificent landmark building (once an insurance company HQ), the Grade II-listed building is a thing of beauty, and also a short walk from Piccadilly Station. Inside, it’s been artfully designed and offers 270 loft-style bedrooms (including 11 suites) that make use of the building's lofty ceilings. They also pay homage to Manchester’s music scene, with some housing vinyls of its most iconic bands. Your guests can enjoy Kimpton signature treats – think in-room yoga and complimentary ‘tuck boxes’. But beyond the wildly cool vibe, this houses some serious period splendour, not least the fabulous entrance hall and the biggest hotel ballroom in the north west.

City-centre style with cool rooms and the north-west's biggest ballroom

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BRING THE LITTLE ONES The unique experiences. The memories made. The sound of laughter. The moments you treasure. The ultimate staycation. The Dorchester.

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LONDON +44 (0)20 7629 8888 DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM

#DCmoments TheDorchester TheDorchester TheDorchester

26/08/2021 09:07 17:12 10/08/2021

WEDDINGS • VENUES

News Flash

Innovation is at the heart of these lovely and diverse venues, which all offer couples something new and truly unique

CORINTHIA LO N DO N

A simply impeccable London setting for hosting the ultimate smart wedding

Corinthia London LONDON

corinthia.com

his classic London five-star hotel has everything you could wish for and more. Wedding highlights include the grand Ballroom and the wonderful Private Dining Room at Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, serving up the best modern British cuisine we’ve sampled. The in-house florist will create jaw-dropping floral displays and the awardwinning ESPA Life spa is a dreamy retreat in the lead up to your wedding. The team are experts in setting a romantic mood, led by dedicated wedding specialist Alexandra Pisani. This means every little detail of your wedding day is set to be exceptional. Stay the night in one of the hotel’s penthouse suites, with panoramic London views and your own butler to make your experience even more magical.

Four Seasons HAMPSHIRE

fourseasons.com/hampshire

his Georgian manor set in 500-acres of enchanting parkland is only an hour from London, but feels a world away. Once frequented by royalty, today it still attracts a truly international guest list thanks to its quintessentially British charm and grandeur. The 16th-century walled garden is one of the most stunning and timeless settings for an alfresco wedding. But inside, the Mandeville Ballroom and events spaces are more opulent than ever, having undergone recent refurbishment. The options are endless here and the weddings team get to know every couple personally. Your guests can unwind in the spa or go horse riding at the hotel’s stables. A top choice for a romantic getaway, the Wild Carrot restaurant is a culinary treat and the team can organise a dinner under the stars ahead of your big day.

FOUR SEASONS HAMPSHIRE

Luxurious and timeless spaces – with an innovative redesign

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+44 191 478 9920 info@westnautical.com www.westnautical.com IG/FB: @westnautical

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WEDDINGS • VENUES

HOTEL EN DS LEIG H

An enchanting pastoral setting in Devon with lots of stylish hotel touches

Hotel Endsleigh DEVON

Hales Hall & The Great Barn

thepolizzicollection.com

f you’re looking for a quintessentially English backdrop, look no further than the unbelievably romantic Hotel Endsleigh in Dartmoor, Devon. Part of the Polizzi Collection (and sister to the much-loved Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall), Hotel Endsleigh is set in 100 acres of enchanting woodland, with follies and grottos designed by Humphrey Repton. The fairytale gardens offer cascading lawns looking over the River Tamar. You’ll also find a Parterre garden, a little shell house and fabulous rose aisle. The hotel has colourful interiors with 19 individually designed bedrooms for your guests. The Hayloft is ideal for newlyweds and has a private entrance from the cobbled stableyard, bright floral wallpaper as you enter, a sumptuous bedroom, cosy sitting room and a large bathroom with a roll-top bath. Trust us, you will never want to leave!

NORFOLK

haleshall.com

his glorious medieval estate is home to buttercup meadows, moated walled gardens and sculpted topiary. It’s the epitome of romance, with a great choice of stunning outdoor ceremony options. At the heart of the estate is the magnificent Tudor barn, comfortably seating 200 guests and beautifully adapted to host great parties. Luxury accommodation includes a converted stable block and the lovingly restored Hales Hall with 40-foot kitchen that is ideal for a gathering of friends and family. The Gatehouse is a charming nest for the newlyweds and will encourage you to stay on for a minimoon. Hales Hall is perfect for intimate weddings or large parties and offers a three-day signature wedding package that is ideal for spending quality time with loved ones. There’s also the option to host a luxurious midweek wedding here. Whichever you choose, the dedicated team go above and beyond to make anything possible.

HALES HALL & THE G R E AT B A R N

The perfect retreat for a glamorous weekend or midweek wedding party

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INTERIORS

MO D E R N LOV E L I B E RT Y

Liberty's Modern Collector collection of fabrics and wallpapers pays homage to Liberty’s long-standing legacy as the home of design and craftsmanship. The collection celebrates new artworks alongside archival Liberty prints that have been reinterpreted and reworked. libertylondon.com

Sanderson's design archive 108 • Eco architecture in north London 114 • Cabinets 129 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

MASTER CRAFT AHU

Launched at London Design Festival, Ahu's Nazar mahogany and lacquer cabinet was created to highlight rare whiskies and spirits for the discerning collector. Separate sections are formed by different masters and then assembled into one piece, conveying diverse knowledge and techniques of each artisan in Istanbul. ahustudio.com

GREEN ROOM MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

Matthew Williamson Design's Leopard Love rug is part of a highly luxurious, hand-knotted collection that embodies his love of colour, pattern and fine detail. Each knotted rug takes artisan weavers nine months to create, imbuing each rug with the quality of an heirloom piece. £645 matthewwilliamson.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Peg boards CUCKOOLAND Zuiver Bundy Pegboard, £99 cuckooland.com

S M A LL TA LK

S I LK R OA D OR.NAMI

Japonisme is a new collection of silk wallpapers designed by Gabriella Fusillo for Or.nami. It is a visionary, poetic and emotional homage to Japan and its hypnotic, mysterious allure, through the graphical representation of three different moments. ornami.it

OKA

LIME LACE Nomino wall storage system, £865 limelace.co.uk

Oka's Apadana is the perfect occasional chair; it can be used instead of an armchair or be styled in pairs to form a small sofa. It's a beautiful chair that will complement schemes both modern and traditional. £850 oka.com

WEARTH LONDON Peg It All, £195 wearthlondon.com

GARDEN TRADING Moreton peg board, £35 gardentrading.co.uk

GARDEN TRADING Ashwicke memo board, £35 gardentrading.co.uk

BASE LINE TOM DIXON

Anchored with a thick base which is reminiscent of game pucks, minimal and heavy-weight, Puck glasses are resilient enough to survive in a professional cocktail environment. tomdixon.net

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

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CONNECTED SPEAKERS

Sounds better togeth er Introducing Connected Speakers. Enjoy music throughout your home the Bang & Olufsen way: simple, seamless, stunning.

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T Hfrom E H O M E CThe I N Ecustomisable M A E X P E R home I E N Ccinema E At first sight, the timeless design declares iconic refinement. And experience delivers vivid At first sight, the timeless design declares And from the moment you turn it on, the 48” OLEDiconic screenrefinement. and award-wining sound The customisable homeclarity, cinema experience vivid The home cinema sound. experience d image and a customisable superiordelivers range of dynamic is it indeed a Bang & Olufsen television experience. the confirm momentthat youthis turn on, the 48” OLED screen and award-wining image clarity, and a superior of dynamic sound. image clarity, and a superior range of dynam Thesound customisable home cinema experience delivers vivid Flexibility to range build and expand your system over time.

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BANG & OLUFSEN OF EALING

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ANTON STUDIO DESIGNS

INTERIORS • TREND

Six Carmargue goblets, £51.50 notjustjugs.com

LOAF Candle pot, £8 loaf.com

FRAMED ART ERCOL

Cuttlefish Blue by Seba, £252 mindtheg.com

Forli Armchair, £1,555 ercol.com

LINEN BARN Cloudy blue tablecloth, £54 linenbarn.com.au

HAY Bonbon shade, £649 wearemaven.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP

EDITOR’S PICK

Chinese Garden wallpaper, £175 mindtheg.com

ERCOL

EDITOR’S PICK

Marlia armchair, £950 ercol.com

ALMOST BLUE

OKA Large Zabiya Decorative Vase Blue, £40 oka.com

SOUS CHEF Blue Sakura Sake Set, £35 souschef.co.uk

Cool colours for the season By P E N D L E H A R T E

DANETTI

ABODE LIVING Ray plates, £26.50 abodeliving.co.uk

Geo Blue Textured Sideboard, £649 danetti.com

ARTISAN HOMEWARE Casserole dish, £65 artisanhomeware.co.uk

COX & COX Embroidered ikat cushion, £60 coxandcox.co.uk

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

M a x i m a l

R E V I V A L Sanderson Design Group’s new archive collection is eccentric, eclectic and quintessentially British By EVE HERBERT

he Sanderson Design Group has an archive containing 160 years of design history from some of Britain’s most iconic brands. Now they have launched a revival of pieces from this emporium of pattern and colour. Transcending styles, genres, and trends, Archive by Sanderson Design combines the group’s British design heritage with the very best of eclecticism and maximalism. Ranges include fabric, wallpaper and made-to-measure curtains, all made in the UK,plus blinds and cushions in prints by such design legends as Pat Etheridge and William Morris. This treasure trove of pattern and style has been reimagined for Archive’s official launch, turning classic creations into a bold, disruptive, and contemporary new look thanks to a series of vibrant new colourways.

THE PRINTS Forbidden Fruit, the energetic reimagination of Pat Etheridge’s 1968 ‘Nana’ celebrates the vision of her original botanic print. Once considered too flamboyant and too risqué for the design world, her trademark bohemian energy lends itself brilliantly to a more liberal time. Thought to date from 1905, the original version of St Sabastian was printed in glowing shades of pale ochre and blue. Although its designer’s name has been lost, it forms part of a very special collection of hand-block printed Art Nouveau wallpapers held in the Sanderson Design Group archives. Modern and slightly textural, St Sabastian embodies the shifting moods and attitudes to design found at the turn of the century. Rocking and rolling amongst a riot of psychedelic colour, Hyacinth is far from being the delicate wallflower that its name suggests. Full of flower power confidence, A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“Amid a riot of psychedelic colour, Hyacinth is far from a delicate wallflower"

the intricate interpretation of this 1911 design is proud and unconventional. Originally produced in powder pink, willowy stems and delicate bell-shaped flowers throw caution to the wind in a symmetrical layout characterised by John Henry Dearle, art director of Morris & Co. at the time. Hard at work in his Queen’s Square workshop, William Morris crafted his now iconic fruit motif. The 1864 design with its twisting, diagonal stems of fruit and flowers, evokes the symbolism of the Mediterranean. Recoloured in the Archive studio, this enchanting wallpaper adds new life to one of Morris & Co’s. most famous designs. Archive by Sanderson Design is the very first brand within the Sanderson Design Group portfolio to be available direct to consumers, marking a significant turning point for the company. Sanderson Design Group is a collective of eight quintessentially British luxury interiors brands and two manufacturing brands – Anthology, Clarke & Clarke, Harlequin, Morris & Co, Sanderson, Scion, Zoffany, Archive, Anstey Wallpaper Company and Standfast & Barracks. The group was brought together in 2020, evoking the combined longevity and prodigious creative history of the brands within its portfolio. The lovechild of the Sanderson Design Group, Archive unleashes 160 years of daring design. Creating an emporium of pattern and colour, transcending styles, genres, and trends, Archive by Sanderson Design aims to spearhead a celebration of British design heritage as well as a new world order of both eclecticism and maximalism. archive.sandersondesigngroup.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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020 3397 7295 w w w. c a s t r a d s . c o m

A cosy Christmas is just a call away. Celebrate and stay warm in style this festive season. Castrads’ bespoke radiators are efficient, beautiful and unique to your home.

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

BEYOND BROADBAND PROBLEMS WATCHING ON MULTIPLE SCREENS CAN BE A THING OF THE PAST

T I M E F O R A N U P G R A D E Why Swish Fibre will ensure all the family can enjoy technology – without the arguments

ou may not need to fork out for a fortune to level-up your screen: it may be as simple as upgrading your broadband package to a Full Fibre provider. With an array of models and price-points available from dozens of manufacturers, the growing demand for all things on-demand has introduced an added complication. Even if you’ve just shelled out a four-figure sum on a top-ofthe-range TV, you’re far from guaranteed to get your ‘bang for your buck’ in return.

PICTURE THIS You’ve just taken delivery of a brand new 4K OLED TV, complete with super-rich HDR and a whopping refresh-rate to boot. You quickly fire up Netflix to watch The Crown in glorious Ultra 4K, only to be left bemused

with the quality of image on display. Chances are that your broadband has let the side down and forced Netflix to downgrade your stream to a level that wavers somewhere between SD and HD picture quality as your kids surf or play online at the same time.

NO-MAN'S LAND Poor broadband can leave your TV in no-man’s land, especially if picture quality and keeping the whole family entertained across multiple screens is your thing. UK broadband usage more than doubled last year, and we all know more than ever how important a fast and reliable service following lockdowns and most people now homeworking. Your so-called ‘Fibre’ connection may have been bearable in the past, but it’s more likely that this same Part Fibre connection is now hampering your household due to the limitations of the copper-wire telephone line.

If you live in Great Missenden, Hazlemere, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale there’s a solution available for you now or coming along soon. Swish Fibre uses 100% Full Fibre connection straight into the heart of your home to boost blistering speeds and reliability unlike Part Fibre services that you’re likely to currently have with major broadband providers.

Watch 180 High-Definition (HD) streams concurrently Compared to 7 concurrent streams via the current UK average speed. Netflix recommends a 5 Mbps connection to view 1 HD stream.

• Watch 36 Ultra HD (4K) streams concurrently on Netflix Compared to 1 concurrent streams via the current UK average speed. Netflix recommends a 25 Mbps connection to view one 4k stream.

•

Download all 8 seasons of Game of Thrones in 4K in 2.5 hours Compared to 61 hours (2.5 days) via the current UK average speed. Total download size 975 Gb for around 70 hours of content. All figures are based on a Swish 900 connection versus a UK average 37.82 Mbps Part Fibre connection with no other bandwidth usage while each scenario is in operation.

SW I S H F I B R E Find out if Swish Fibre is available to pre-order, order or coming soon to your postcode by visiting swishfibre.com/swishfullfibre

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

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GREEN

HOUSE

How this London house was adapted to create a space for multi-generational living By EVE HERBERT

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

arah Wigglesworth Architects has completed work on an environmentally-conscious, three-bedroom, single level family house in north west London designed to accommodate the evolving living patterns of the three generations living in the house. It makes a safe place for the future now, considering the longterm requirements of the occupants such as mutual support, accessibility, comfort, energy use and adaptability. The infill site in Kensal Green was occupied by a dairy farm until the early 20th century and the house form references the outbuildings common in traditional agricultural buildings. A greenhouse, which was the only remaining structure on site from this era, records this period of the site’s history. It was reincarnated as a light-filled lobby and the structure itself was refurbished and now forms the centrepiece of the garden which was designed on several levels. This was a key part of the brief and is a hugely valued space for wellbeing and relaxation. The project responds to a number of pressing timely concerns – ageing population, increasing costs of care for the elderly and childcare; need for lowenergy, sustainable construction; cost of development and densification (backland plots as the site of innovative solutions to living in the city today) and the need for ventilation options to limit virus exposure. The house was designed and constructed according to Passivhaus principles. This brought challenges, ranging from site constraints in terms of form, orientation and access, to coordination with the specialist timber frame manufacturer

and main contractor. SWA worked closely with Etude, the sustainability engineer, to ensure the key principles and details of the project were understood and communicated to all involved. The structure is formed by prefabricated timber cassettes, which were taped and filled with insulation on site to ensure a highly airtight construction. The house is predicted to have very low energy usage; heating is provided by an air source heat pump and MVHR provides controlled ventilation. Simple controls and opening windows place users at the centre of the design. The result is a long-lasting,

“THE PROJECT RESPONDS TO A NUMBER OF PRESSING TIMELY CONCERNS”

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“THE BUILDING’S L-SHAPED PLAN ENCOURAGES VISUAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE HOME” energy-efficient home, putting the residents in full control over their environment. The building’s L-shaped plan encourages visual connections between the different parts of the home. Informal family life is played out in the open plan kitchen/dining/ living area, where the three generations can come together around a central hearth. This contrasts with the spaces for each individual, from window seats to a reading nook, in the more private bedroom wing. The entrance, with its sedum roof, is filled with natural light which is reflected in the poured terrazzo flooring. The kitchen/living areas have a poured natural resin floor made from plants. Engineered, brushed and band sawn oak is used in the bedrooms and corridor to give the sleeping areas a restful warmth. Colours are themed throughout, ranging from muted grey and green to yolk yellow, set off by pure white walls. Externally, cedar cladding is A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Since 1989

PROU DLY IND EP END ENT

AWA R D W I N N I N G

B AT H R O O M S H O W R O O M & T I L E G A L L E R Y

Over 50 Bathroom Displays

Working Displays

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193 London Road I Staines-upon-Thames I TW18 4HR

E-mail: sales@batheandbeyond.com Monday - Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“WE ALL ARE VERY DEDICATED TO HEALTHY LIVING AND HEALTHY MATERIALS” used in various forms and textures – from timber shingles to boarding and solid reveals, that will weather to a silvery grey. Corrugated metal highlights the feature window seats and alludes to the past connection with agricultural buildings. “We wanted a single level home for my 75-year-old mother, somewhere she can live comfortably and inexpensively while getting older” explains owner Ben Magid. “We also needed enough space for me, my partner and our young son to live there. It’s a place where we can all be together and support one another. My mum and I had great communication with Sarah and the team. We all are very dedicated to healthy living and healthy materials. We also wanted a place to provide a natural habitat for wildlife where the house felt part of the landscape. The rear garden was designed for low maintenance with a small lawn area, lots of planting and a large brick terrace area on the same level as the open plan kitchen/living wing. The front garden serves as both a winding path and an edible garden, planted with apples,

pears, berries, figs and perennial vegetables. Midway up the path offers a place to pause and sit on a floating cedar-clad bench next to a raised Corten pond. These materials are then seen as you approach the house and view into rear garden. This will all be maintained with irrigation and the occasional gardener. The home and garden have already proven to be a wonderful place for us both to connect and relax”. Sarah Wigglesworth explains: “It is exciting to have the opportunity to apply our knowledge of green buildings, updated and improved, and our expertise in older people’s, multigenerational and downsizer houses to create a nurturing, age-embracing family home. This is a sustainable model for future living and wellbeing that we should all embrace.” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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With the

F L O W

How this family house was transformed into a light-ﬁlled home By EVE HERBERT

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

“WORKING FROM HOME WITH A YOUNG FAMILY CREATED A NEED FOR PARTITIONED SPACES”

hen the owners of this family home in Hampstead Garden Suburb had another baby, the pressure was on to reimagine their house for the needs of a 21st-century family. The house was given a full renovation, with the addition of a rear extension, all of it respecting the history of the 1930s conservation area. XUL Architecture specialises in finding ingenious ways of bringing light into architecture. Natural light has a positive impact on spatial quality, wellbeing, productivity and creativity. Here, the team set about bringing light into the home in ingenious ways, such as installing light panels either side of the front door drawing light into a previously dark entrance hall. Now, when you walk into the house, the view through to the garden is unobstructed with a clear line through the hallway and past the natural tones of the kitchen carpentry.

A subtle rear extension created space for a skylight to fill the kitchen with light, while remaining within the guidelines of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust. The clients chose a cool palette of blues and greens to create a cosy space in the evening, while during the day the rooms are filled with light and warmth. The house has clearly defined spaces for the family to live in, moving away from the trend of the last decade to open spaces up. Working from home with a young family created a need for partitioned spaces that can be used at different times of the day. These spaces all flow easily from one to another with the option of closing off for the inevitable video meetings. On the upper floors, the architects opened up the ceiling where possible; the family bathroom and master bedroom were moved to the loft space to take advantage of the generous ceiling heights. Finally, the joinery in the loft rooms really makes best use of the substantial eaves. xularchitecture.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

“Powerful monochromes lend boldness and sophistication to a space”

JO HUMMEL AT AFTER NYNE CONTEMPORARY JFK TURNER AT AFTER NYNE CONTEMPORARY

GROUP WORKS TOGETHER – WITH INTENTION

Abstract THOUGHTS Here are some ways to feature abstract art in your interior

By JENNIFER CONNER

bstract art is an interior designer’s dream when it comes to putting the finishing touches to a sophisticated design. Because its subject matter is open to interpretation, an abstract piece will never overshadow a room’s narrative. Instead, it uses the purity of colour, line and shape to create emotions and thoughts while drawing the eye to pivotal points within a space.

I am a sucker for a thoughtful grouping of artworks. It could be abstracts by the same artist, or works that have a shared theme or style. The trick is to be consistent in the framing, so that the finished collection feels cohesive, making an impressive statement in its entirety.

CHOOSE COLOURS THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR DÉCOR Choose art because you love it, not because it matches your interior. That said, colour should be a consideration when placing your works, so do ensure that the tones are harmonious. And if you happen to purchase a new cushion that brings out a small accent in your artwork? Well, what a happy ‘coincidence.’

ABSTRACT ART IN A TRADITIONAL SETTING It is a misperception that abstract art only works with a modern aesthetic. While it does look great in a contemporary setting, it will also elevate even the most traditional of interiors. A juxtaposition of styles will add a fresh perspective to antiques and heirlooms.

USE A POP OF COLOUR (OR MONOCHROME)

KATE TRAFELI AT AFTER NYNE CONTEMPORARY

An oversized, colourful work is an ideal way to focus attention on a significant aspect in a space. The artwork’s colour and abstract dynamism will draw attention while creating depth and movement within the room. If too much colour feels intimidating, try an energetic black-and-white abstract. Powerful monochromes lend boldness and sophistication to a space in equal measure.

Jennifer Conner is Art Advisor at After Nyne Contemporary, as well as Regional Managing Director of the Affordable Art Fair. afternynecontemporary.com

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

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

Space

AGE Considering a new family kitchen? Here’s what to think about

B y C H A R L I E S M A L L B O N E AT L E D B U R Y S T U D I O

he kitchen is the heart of any family home, a place in which to gather to cook, work, relax and entertain. To create the perfect family-friendly kitchen, Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio starts by spending quality time talking to the family, finding out about how they live their lives and what they want from their kitchen. “A kitchen must be able to meet everyone’s demands, whatever the time of day,” he says. “And the only way to learn this is to sit down with the client and chat.”

HARD-WEARING WORKTOPS Choose practical materials for worktops and splashbacks, something hard wearing that’s not going to chip — a granite for example, or a good quality manmade quartz such as the Airy Concrete Caesarstone.

Quartz has many benefits. It is easy to maintain (soap and water will do) and its strength is comparable to that of granite. And because it is engineered, it is non-porous, making it scratch- and stain-resistant as well as impervious to cracks, chips, mould and mildew.

PAINTED CABINETS Painted doors are ideal for family kitchens because you can simply sand them down and repaint them when they need a refresh. Not only is this a great way of renovating your kitchen without the expense of replacing whole cupboards, but it also presents the opportunity to switch-up their colour and give your kitchen a new look. To complement the aged, hand-finished solid zinc doors in this kitchen, cabinetry features a specially commissioned painteffect created on site by Ledbury Studio’s resident artist Emma Culshaw Bell. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

EFFICIENT WORKING SPACE When planning a kitchen, always think about efficiency. Where is your hob in relation to your sink and fridge? You don’t want too much space between the key working areas. Have you got sufficient work surface surrounding the hob and oven so that there is somewhere to place hot pots and pans? And if you are going to put hot dishes directly onto the worktop, then you'll need to choose a material that can cope with that.

ACCESS TO THE GARDEN If possible, open up your kitchen to the garden with patio doors. For parents with younger children, it allows them to prepare dinner and keep an eye on what’s going on in the garden. In this particular project, the owners chose Crittall patio doors that add an industrial vibe to the kitchen.

SOMEWHERE TO SIT A practical consideration for a family kitchen today is somewhere to work for both adults and children. We include USB points and charging sockets for phones and iPads on the island or wherever they’re required. And you need somewhere to sit – whether that’s a stool or a table.

A MULTI-TASKING ISLAND As hard-working as it is aesthetically pleasing, an island provides additional space for food prep and storage. And by incorporating a breakfast bar, it can be used for casual dining too. The secret to a successful island is thinking ahead: how it will be used, its position in the kitchen, and the all-important material used for its worktop.

“An island creates additional space for food prep and storage”

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000 ledburystudio.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TREND

ELLA JAMES

EDITOR’S PICK

ERCOL Windsor Anniversary Cabinet, £2.600 ercol.com

Toscana Cabinet, £595 ellajames.co.uk

ELLA JAMES Natural Rattan Three Tier Storage Unit, £225 ellajames.co.uk

AUDENZA Round rattan cabinet, £225 audenza.com

CIEL SHOP Obi Rattan Cabinet, £ 1250 cielshopinteriors.com

ATKIN & THYME

EDITOR’S PICK

Pascali bar cabinet, £649 atkinandthyme.co.uk

CUPBOARD LOVE

ROSE & GREY

Fern Green Panelled Cabinet, £1195 roseandgrey.co.uk

LIGNE ROSET Dita Cabinet Yellow, £1,089 heals.co.uk

All the best cabinets for your curiosities By P E N D L E H A R T E

LOAF Bootleg Drinks Cabinet, £995 loaf.com

ROSE & GREY Sapporo Wooden Cabinet, £1550 roseandgrey.co.uk

THE HOUSE OFFICE Manila Gold Cabinet With Drawers, £279.95 thehouseoffice.co.uk

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

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CURTAIN CALL INSPIRED INTERIORS Our redesigned and extended showroom is now open, incorporating a large Luxaflex design studio showing the latest motorised blinds, nestled alongside nearly new curtains and a huge choice of fabrics to be made to measure as curtains and blinds Please call for Showroom appointments

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm • Closed Wed from 1pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

In the FRAME

10 things to consider when buying new window and door replacements

here are many reasons you might want to replace windows and doors in your home, from reducing drafts and improving heat insulation to home improvement and renovations. With thoughtful consideration and the help of an expert, such enhancements can increase the value of your property and ensure a long-lasting investment. For this reason, we introduce you to Ayrton Bespoke, experts in period replacement timber doors and windows. Ayrton specialise in accurately replicated sash or casement windows and individually made front and back doors that will enhance the character of your period home. They have an impressive reputation with more 5* Google Reviews than any other timber window and door company in London.

Before you invest in new window or door replacements, have a look at Ayrton’s 10 important decisions for window and door replacements 1 Buy from a local window specialist (not a builder – they don’t make windows and doors) 2

See the products up close before you buy

Property is valuable – use timber – and accurately replicate the original features 3

4 Don’t buy on price – buy cheaply and you will pay twice 5

Look for comprehensive guarantees

See examples of local work – even talk to an existing customer 6

7 Good windows and doors take time to make – allow from 14 weeks 8 Expect answers on the detail – what is the design process, do you have a showroom, are your fitters employees? What aftercare can we expect from you? 9 Make sure the company also fits the windows and doors and does NOT sub-contract 10

Check out their Google reviews

Readers will receive an exclusive 15% offer off all windows and doors.

AY R TO N Ayrton Bespoke is London’s leading period timber window and door replacement company. Visit their showrooms in Wandsworth, Crouch End or Dulwich. ayrtonbespoke.com

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

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TRAVEL

ISLAND LIFE 7PINES IBIZA

Are Ibiza's sunsets the world's finest? We think so, and especially when you're staying at 7Pines. Discover the ultimate in luxury on the west coast.

The unique energy of Ibiza 134 • Electric cars for the future 139 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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AN IBIZAN

I DY L L Discovering the unique energy of the Balearics at 7Pines Ibiza By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

here’s so much more to the White Isle that is Ibiza than the partyhard reputation it’s best known for. This stunning sun-kissed Spanish island is a glamorous, beachbejewelled joy and the gorgeous home for our stay, 7 Pines Resort, embodies everything that’s fabulous about it. From the moment we were warmly greeted in the swathes of blue and white decor with our first (of many) Cava sangrias, we fell instantly in love with the unique energy of Ibiza. Offering the ultimate in luxury living on the island’s west coast, 7Pines nestles in a fragrant pine grove up on high on the cliffs overlooking the sparkling azure

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Mediterranean with views towards the mystical rocky island of Es Vedra. The all-suite Ibizan-style village of whitewashed villas features 185 stylish suites that are the epitome of luxury and comfort. We stayed in the Ibiceno Village in a spacious garden suite. Decorated in shades of blue (my favourite colour as it happens) with a large living space and its very own house bar, the suite opens up to a furnished covered terrace and private garden. The bar and wine fridge is stocked with everything you need to create cocktail heaven while the comfiest of king beds beckons in the bedroom. And the storage! There’s a whole wall of wardrobes, which you’re going to need if you’re properly prepared to truly enter into that spirit of Ibizan style. Because every day starts with style.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • NORTHERN TRAVEL • EUROPE LIGHTS

“This stunning sun-kissed Spanish island is a glamorous, beach-bejewelled joy”

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

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

“No one does sunsets quite like 7Pines”

We whiled away magical sun-filled hours alongside the infinity pool taking regular dips in the cool, crystal clear water. Snacks, cocktails and delicious lunch options are available all day - there’s a tempting array of sushi and salads ideal for summer dining. And nothing is too much trouble - the poolside service is truly out of this world - every time the thought of refreshment crossed our minds or we wanted to move our umbrella to take full advantage of the sun, someone seemed to magically appear to help. To enhance that feeling of relaxation and peace and pure pampering the Pure Seven Spa sits at the heart of the resort with more breathtaking views. There’s a range of beauty services and wellness activities to enjoy. We started off our days with yoga or pilates and there’s also meditation as well as personal training and a well-equipped gym on offer. And we couldn’t resist a revitalising personalised Seven Aromatic Touches massage with aromatherapy blends to suit our physical and emotional needs, a refreshing eucalyptus and rosemary mix, in my case. As the day draws to the close it’s time for celebrating the sunset. No one does sunsets quite like 7Pines, they even have

a special daily ritual dedicated to it. Every night we were entranced by the everchanging view from the sunset terrace while we sipped on their signature Cava sangria and sampled sunset tapas as the golden orb sank beneath the horizon. When night falls 7Pines takes on a different personality. It sparkles and shines like a fairytale wonderland and that chilled Ibizan music gently infiltrates into your consciousness. For dinner the three restaurants offer a great variety of cuisine to choose from. The cherry on the culinary cake has got to be The View with its spectacular panoramas and phenomenal food. We loved their tasting menu with wine pairing. A feast for the senses in so many ways. At Cone Club we enjoyed tapas to our heart’s content as well as delicious Mediterranean dishes, including the freshest of fish. It’s also the place for breakfast - when we tucked into the sumptuous buffet with its colourful tropical fruit selection, Spanish delicacies and traditional hot options. You can also order a la carte. The perfect start to any day. There are also four bars including the Pershing Yacht Terrace which serves modern Japanese cuisine. And speaking of yachts, 7Pines has a fleet of Pershing yachts available to hire for bespoke ocean voyages like lunch or dinner at sea or perhaps a visit to the nearby island of Formentera. That is if you can bring yourself to leave the elegance that is 7Pines on what is a truly bewitching island. 7pines.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Become official Elf Helpers and embark on a fun fified festive journey, with giis for the whole family! Let us add an extra sprinkle of magic to your Christmas!

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chobhamadventurefarm.com/christmas Chobham Adventure Farm, Bagshot Road, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8DB Contact: 01276 919 212 | Enquiries@chobhamadventurefarm.com

22/10/2021 09:37

TRAVEL • CARS

Electric DREAMS

Electric cars are the future – and traditional car ownership isn’t the only way. Absolutely test drives new subscription model Onto By PENDLE HARTE

sense of panic was building up among Londoners driving older cars. We all knew about the long-planned extension of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) but none of us quite wanted to address it. Everyone living inside boundary created by the North Circular was living on borrowed time as the rush to avoid a daily charge of £12.50 for driving anywhere at any time heated up, and the second hand car market was imploding.

Londoners were scrapping their polluting old cars in their droves – but what’s the best alternative? Couple the problem with queues at petrol stations, and the obvious solution is electric, or hybrid. The manufacture cost is significant and therefore they’re expensive to buy, with not much of a second hand market yet. However traditional car ownership isn’t the only approach, and there are lots of cheaper and more sustainable ways of maintaining access to a car. For instance, the subscription model. We borrow a brand new Audi etron through sleek new subscription service Onto. It’s easy to register and manage the whole thing through an app. We order the car for delivery to our door 72 hours later. The fee is all-inclusive of insurance, 1000 miles, and charging at over 11,000 points, and there’s no deposit. You can stop renting the car after just one month, so there’s no commitment (but in fact most customers

keep their cars for over 14months). And best of all, it’s sustainable, and ULEZ exempt. As newbies to the world of electric, we’re grateful when they call to talk through the charging systems, though I’d breezily assumed that there would be a simple network of charging stations – I’d noticed them around, on lampposts, at motorway service stations – and that we’d simply plug and go. Well, not quite. The network is is in fact made up of several rival networks, of varying reliability, with incompatible actual plug connections and different tariffs. So downloading several apps to your phone is an instant necessity, as is getting to know your local charging points. Once you’re used to it, it’s no more complicated than finding a petrol station, and certainly much cheaper. Fast-charging points are by far the best option, as an Audi spokesperson explained. “The rule of thumb is: when charging begins at a battery level of 5 per cent, then ten minutes of charging time, ideally at a fast-charging point, is sufficient for up to 110 kilometres or 68 miles of range; after nearly 30 minutes, 80 per cent has been achieved; a full charging process takes around 50 minutes.” When our hire period comes to an end, we’re sold. Our new approach will be a hybrid one: we’ll subscribe to an electric car for the summer, for weekends away and trips, and then consider it month-bymonth in winter. Not having to think about maintenance, pollution guilt or ULEZ costs is all the motivation we need. O N TO Onto is the UK’s largest electric vehicle subscription service. on.to

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

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DISCOVERMORE

Open Days

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. th November 1st/7 (9.30am/care, 9.30am) With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral st Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place November 15thof /21learning (7.00pm/ 9.30am) and discovery, laughter and friendship. November 29th (9.30am) Please go to the website for open event dates and to book your place: kewhouseschool.com/openevents T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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@kewhouseschool

17/08/2021 15:55

E D U C AT I O N

BOARD GAMES F RA M L I N G H A M CO L L EG E

Framlingham College is a forward-thinking, vibrant boarding and day school for boys and girls age 3 to 18, set in the inspiring Suffolk countryside. At Framlingham there is a strong belief in the individual. framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Making learning relevant 145 • Why study Geography? 147 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

HEAD

Paths to success Candida Cave, Principal of Hampstead Fine Arts College, says it’s time to end our snobbery over vocational qualiﬁcations

hy are people so negative about BTECs? Over the years, BTEC diplomas and GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) have struggled to compete with the status afforded by A levels. Indeed, a common dismissal of the GNVQ was that it really stood for 'Generally Not Very Qualified'. This snobbery is something peculiar to the UK and has never been the case in European education, where academic and vocational courses are accorded a similar degree of respect. It is important to be clear, a BTEC qualification is not a lesser achievement, but it does require a different sets of skills and suits some students much better than others. Its method of continuous assessment requires consistent hard work and high levels of organisation, and the vital element of tailored work experience needs a committed and a mature approach. The government is now further muddying the waters by announcing it is scrapping the majority of BTECs in 2023 in favour of T Levels without yet clarifying which BTECs are to have their funding withdrawn. Whatever these courses are called, it is likely they will both suffer from the same lingering misconception that a vocational qualification means a less rigorous education.

“Education should be a preparation for life, we must not only accept but celebrate the fact that young people beneﬁt from a variety of options post GCSE”

ABOVE Students at Hampstead Fine Arts College

If we take the view that education should to. We are following this approach from be a preparation for life, with students September 2022 by introducing two being helped to achieve fulfilment in both new courses to complement existing A their home life and future career, we must levels and our well-established Portfolio not only accept but celebrate the fact that Course in Art & Design. The first is in the young people benefit from a variety of Performing Arts, which will work extremely options post GCSE. Traditional A levels may well when taken with a supplementary be perfect for future doctors, lawyers and A level. For example, an aspiring actor academics, but not necessarily for designers, can take A-level English alongside this actors, filmmakers and musicians. For course and achieve the equivalent of many, a fusion of academic teaching and three A levels. The second new course, practical experience is far more rewarding Film, Music and Television Production, and worthwhile. BTEC creates its own is specifically designed for students who exciting windows of opportunity. With want to work in these industries. a Level 3 BTEC, students So, what is in a name? have the choice of a degree Rather a lot it seems. At course at university, drama Hampstead Fine Arts, we school or music college, or will be launching these as can enter the industry of the Performing Arts and their choice already confident Film & Television courses. in its working practices. Assessment and external The third qualification quality assurance will come option for students is a through the BTEC system, CANDIDA CAVE combination of A level and while commitment to the best Principal BTEC courses, which is kind of educational experience Hampstead what an increasing number for our students will continue Fine Arts College of schools are transitioning to come from us. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

HEAD

TIME TO THINK Karen Thomas of The King Alfred Lower School on the importance of giving children agency and making their learning relevant, inspiring and fun

ow, more than ever before, it feels like time to pause and consider both what and how we teach the children in our schools. We have the responsibility and the privilege to ensure that each child’s school experience goes much deeper than their acquisition of facts and figures. Our role is to foster a real joy and understanding of the learning process and to equip them with the tools and strategies that will help them successfully navigate a future unknown. With high stakes end-of-year testing replaced by a suite of child-friendly, rigorous and significantly more informative alternatives, there is a different sense of purpose to the primary years at King Alfred School. Time is made to analyse the attributes of successful learners.

"Children are revelling in the excitement of new discoveries, the fun of getting things right and wrong" Commitment, curiosity, courage and compassion are celebrated and nurtured across the school. Children are helped to recognise when they are in a state of flow and they learn to embrace productive struggle. We make moments to be mindful, to stop the noise of the day and create space to breathe – understanding that these moments will create a readiness for our next lesson. The metacognitive layer of learning is compelling. Motivation levels are high. We find that our children are reveling in the excitement of new discoveries, the fun of

ABOVE Pupils at King Alfred School

getting things right and wrong, sharing solvers (What could we do about it?). Our what they know with others, tracking student activists have crafted playground XXXXXX their progress and defining new goals or xxxx agreements and class contracts, written to areas of interest. There is excitement as their MPs, organised food bank collections they evidence their progress to share with and shared concerns about pollution with parents, peers and teachers in studentperformances for year groups. Traditional led conferences where successes can be topics are now underpinned by deeper celebrated and new goals established. conceptual understandings – a World War II As our children gain more agency in their topic helps us explore conflict, while finding learning, they develop a greater knowledge out about the Romans teaches us about of the potential impact of their effort and governance. The concepts are timeless and actions. This, in turn, grows understanding transferable, helping us to make sense of the that they can make a difference. This present and guiding our future decisions. concept is structured The convergence of the across the curriculum as we what and the how has enriched consider how best to look learning for us all, setting an after ourselves, others, and exciting pace and elevating the world around us. Topics expectations of what can have been revised to become be achieved. Best of all, we enquiries that run throughout are having fun. The school the year and pick up on is buzzing with questions, aspects of the UN Sustainable reflections, ideas and laughter. Development Goals. Now, more than ever before, KAREN THOMAS We challenge children to these feel like some of the most Head of The King be problem finders (Does this important things we can offer Alfred Lower School seem fair?) as well as problem our children in school. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years. Find out how we can help support your child to achieve their aspirations in our unique prep, middle and senior four-school model. Call to arrange a private tour or join us at our next open day on 27 November 2021.

Visit our stand at the ISS London Show 13-14 November

www.qe.org

“To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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EDUCATION • CHOICES

WHY S T U DY

GEOGRAPHY

ALICE MOLLISON James Allen's Girls' School, Assistant Head, Head of Teaching & Learning and Geography teacher. She studied at Edinburgh University and her favourite topic is glaciation. She was once snowed in while camping on Tien Shan glacier in Kazakhstan and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

We may have GPS, but the world still needs expert explorers, researchers, mappers, data gatherers and problem solvers. Two experts in the ﬁeld give their elevator pitch – explaining why Geography is so cool and where studying it can take you

VICTORIA BURTON St Edmund's Canterbury, Head of Geography. She studied for her degree at Newcastle University and is most fond of Physical Geography. She becomes "disproportionately excited" about glaciers and has a soft spot for the late health professor and data visualisation developer Hans Rosling.

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

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Open Afternoon

2nd December visit www.moatsixthform.org.uk/opendays for more information

The Moat Sixth Form is a dyslexia and SpLD specialist Sixth Form with a focus on whole school SEN support. Providing an academic and nurturing environment for pupils with both unique learning proﬁles and learning diﬃculties. A-Level, BTECs alongside GCSE resits at its core with a built in work experience programme for all pupils. Visit www.moatsixthform.org.uk for full course list and more information

All children can achieve

@Moatschool @TheMoatSchool

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The Moat Sixth Form, 23-31 Beavor Lane, Hammermsith, London W6 9AR Email: oﬃce@moatschool.org.uk Tel: 0207 610 9098 www.moatsixthform.org.uk

21/10/2021 19:28

EDUCATION • CHOICES

GEOGRAPHY FAST FACTS What makes Geography so brilliant? AM: The physical and human world of today is constantly changing. It is crucial for current and future generations to understand these trends and flows so that purposeful actions and decisions can be made. Geography is the subject that helps make sense of all aspects of the world. VB: Geography is everything that has gone before and everything that is to come. It unlocks secrets and solves puzzles. It makes you ask and answer questions, find patterns, identify problems, work solutions. With every news item – from questions of immigration to climate change to Covid patterns – geographers are quietly sitting in the background of every decision that matters. Who gets the aid, where to build that stadium, how to find those survivors? It is in all times and all places. What made you choose it? AM: I loved having the opportunity to study a really broad subject, which incorporated fields such as geology, ecology and economics. And the trips are, of course, always fun! VB: I like a map.

FAMOUS GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS Michael Jordan, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Theresa May *HOT SPOTS FOR DEGREES St Andrews, London School of Economics, Glasgow, Durham, UCL WHERE GEOGRAPHERS HANG OUT Royal Geographical Society, founded 1830 and with headquarters in South Kensington. Find London, regional and online events at rgs.org *Source: Guardian The best UK universities 2021. Note: Cambridge and Oxford ranked (1, 3) but with no student satisfaction ratings.

Transferable skills and knowledge acquired? AM: Geography helps you to develop excellent decision making and research skills, use statistics to make sense of data and use computers to collect, present and analyse information. You'll be studying global trade one day and the science of earthquakes the next. VB: Geographers are literate, numerate, computer skilled, team players, independent learners, researchers, analysts, scientists,

“Geographers are literate, numerate, computer skilled... and often look splendid in corduroy” problem solvers, creative thinkers and often look splendid in corduroy. What pathways does it open? AM: At A level, its breadth means it complements any subject combination. Contemporary research and themes regularly filter down from universities and become part of Geography at school, particularly in human geography. A huge range of doors will be opened with a Geography degree, from being a geoscientist designing a wind farm, to working in finance or law, to marketing. I worked in advertising before training to be a teacher. VB: Far more than you might imagine. Very few of us are teachers. Most become urban designers, political analysts, peace negotiators, MPs, (Prime Ministers!), economists, accountants, vulcanologists, software designers, vets, doctors, epidemiologists... 2 things students might not realise Geography covers AM: Themes such as human rights and diversity help young people to further their understanding of issues at a local and global scale. VB: Piracy and Mars landings – Geography is brilliant. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” ‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’ Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings Open Mornings

9.15am Tuesday 14th November To book your place on an open morning,

9.15am Thursday 9th May 2019 please go to www.rpps.co.uk/openmornings 9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018 9.15am Tuesday 11th June 2019 or phone 020 8846 9153

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

To your place on an open morning, pleasemornings, go to To book register your attendance at one of our open rpps.co.uk/admissions or phone 020 8846 9153 please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

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19/11/2020 12:48 16:12 23/04/2019

KEW GREEN preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

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

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

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22/10/2021 09:37

EDUCATION • OPINION

SOCIAL STRENGTHS The Deputy Head of Emanuel School talks about its social entrepreneurship classes and longstanding work to support the local and wider community

manuel School has a long tradition of community involvement through supporting charitable causes and outreach projects in Wandsworth and further afield. In support of that ethos, this term has seen the launch of our social entrepreneurship lessons for pupils in Year 8. The aim is to encourage young people to enact meaningful change through the creation of a product or service that is financially viable. In weekly lessons, pupils learn more about approaches taken by groups to develop non-profit solutions to social or environmental issues. They hear from guest speakers and develop, plan and organise a marketing campaign for a business idea that solves an issue. The course begins with the ‘hackathon’, an introduction to an entrepreneurial way of thinking. This is a ‘design sprint event’, in which pupils work together to brainstorm solutions to challenging issues. Pupils also attend lessons focusing on the qualities of leadership and teamwork to foster a constructive approach to creative thinking. Working together, they think of ideas for a product or service that has the potential to alleviate issues relating to the environment – or they find solutions to issues facing

“The course begins with a 'hackathon', an introduction to entrepreneurial thinking. There's also a ‘design sprint' event to brainstorm solutions to challenging issues”

ABOVE Pupils at Emanuel School

our partner school in Tamil Nadu, India. Throughout the Spring Term, pupils build upon their ideas to create a business plan, involving market research to develop a branding, pricing, and funding structure. During the course of this, they learn about the theory behind establishing business objectives and mission statements, as well as basic financial principles. Over the Easter break, they undertake fundraising to support the development of their plans. After learning about marketing strategies, they work with the drama and film departments to develop an advertising campaign and ‘pitch’ their business plan. Our Primary Ambitions programme, launched in September 2019, is a core part of outreach work at Emanuel. Every Friday afternoon, our Lower Sixth students mentor, teach or coach local Year 6 pupils by providing opportunities in the arts, STEM, academic subjects and sport. This year, it will see us provide 5,400 pupil enrichment hours to 1,080 pupils. We are also proud of Ascent, a summer catch-up programme led by pupils and staff which has helped close the gap for pupils

within our community who were hardest hit by school closure and disruption to faceto-face learning. This is supported by our halfterm GCSE booster sessions for local partner schools. During the lockdown, our meals-ina-bag appeal provided 235 vulnerable families at 12 partner primary schools with a total of 940 meals. Through Duke of Edinburgh, our pupils volunteer with Regeneration Rise, a local community centre for elderly people, as well as the Spires charity, which helps homeless people in London. We have more initiatives to come in the form of a further summer school, revision clinics and plans for a Sixth Form and university coaching scheme. At Emanuel, we do this work to boost social mobility in the area and develop an altruistic character and attitude within pupils – one that will see them making worthy contributions to their communities long after they have left school.

S T UA R T T U R N E R Deputy Head Emanuel School A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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AV N O W A I N I LA B LO N O RT L E ND H ON

WORKSHOPS Creative Writing

Handwriting Exam Preparation Mock Exams

Interview Skills Reasoning

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Mastering the ARTS Receive your degree and your masters in just three years at the Academy of Contemporary Music

“You can expect a one-stopshop for all your creative industries education needs”

cademy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is the place where creativity is nurtured and celebrated. Building on a 26-year history of educating creatives, ACM provides a place of learning that musicians, technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs and game developers alike can call home, taught by industry professionals who are enjoying active careers within the industry that you one day want to work in. Situated in the heart of creative cities, Guildford, London and Birmingham, ACM offers courses in performance, artistry, songwriting, business, technical services, music production, game development and more, with study options at a range of academic levels including their brand new Integrated Masters programme. Designed in collaboration with a range of industry partners, the Integrated Masters programme in Cultural and Creative

Industries is at the cutting edge of education. Choose from a range of delivery routes: from an accelerated three-year undergraduate to postgraduate course or a more traditional four-year pathway. The possibilities are endless. Combined with their diploma and degree level courses, you can expect a onestop-shop for all your creative industries education needs; a great alternative to the traditional college and university route. ACM also enjoys a partnership with Europe’s largest recording facility, Metropolis Studios, where 70% of this year’s BRIT award winners were mixed, mastered or recorded. Metropolis continues to be the leading mastering and recording house in the UK thanks to its chart-topping client list and ground-breaking technological marvels, like its 5G-powered learning environment and Dolby Atmos 3D recording studio. This year also marks the launch of the ACM Games Academy. Working with pioneers like Supermassive Games and Alienware, students will have access to world-class computing facilities and industry-grade game development software. You’ll learn about all the different disciplines within Games Development, with every student receiving a specialist Dell / Alienware gaming laptop by ACM to help them with their studies. For a taste of all of this and more, visit one of their Open Days. ACA D E M Y O F C O N T E M P O R A RY M U S I C ( AC M ) Find out more and book on ACM’s website at acm.ac.uk

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

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S N IO ON AT D C N LO LO E N TO RE SE G LO C

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE OUR SPACIOUS CAMPUSES. We offer a world class international education that builds each child’s resilience, creativity, self-belief and knowledge. Now more than ever we ready our students for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen. • Girls and boys aged 2–18 • Day and boarding • International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Bursaries available at all UK schools for students aged 11+ 13+ and 16+ • Safe door to door busing from London and surrounding areas • Top UK and global university destinations

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07/10/2021 15:57

EDUCATION • Q&A

seconds with

Jody Wells The new Head of Wells Cathedral School Junior School discusses his background and educational philosophy What is your background? It was a gap year in North Devon that first ignited my passion for teaching. Though sponsored by the Army’s Logistic Corp through university, it was a wonderful QTS year at Wells Cathedral Junior School that cemented my decision to enter the profession. As a former boarder at Stamford School, it was a natural and easy progression into a boarding role at Wells. From here, I moved to All Hallows School in Somerset and then to a Deputy Headship, followed by Headship, at Forres Sandle Manor School in Hampshire. What excites you most about your role? First and foremost, I cannot wait to reacquaint myself with the school that is so dear to my heart. There has always been a fantastic sense of community and family at Wells Cathedral Junior School and the broader school as a whole. I am thrilled to be heading back into the classroom, and have the odd chance to coach sport again. Wells is a unique school. Working with the children to help them succeed and find happiness is nothing but a privilege. What is your academic philosophy? Education should not only equip children with a curiosity for the world around them, but also instil a love of learning that is matched by a balance of high ambition and integrity. Alongside academic development, I believe in the development of transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, initiative and tenacity. Can you tell us about one pivotal moment in your career? It was chatting to a parent over a cup of tea at parents evening early on in my career. Her son, a reasonable U10 sportsman but abject day dreamer, had not made the A team and I was asked why. My response, along the lines of 'If he worked a bit harder maybe he would get into the team', was met with 'Maybe if you put him in the team, he would work a bit harder'. This stopped me in my tracks. I just hadn’t ever thought about it like that before. He got his chance

A B OV E Jody Wells

and ended his school career as captain of a county championship-winning hockey team and an A-team player in all sports. What is Wells Cathedral School’s approach and what sets it apart? Wells aims to provide its children with an environment in which they feel secure and comfortable to be curious, to explore and to dream. Our aim is to

“Great schools are all about the people. A school should be a happy place where children feel valued, respected and cared for”

support children to discover their passions and talents, and ultimately themselves. What sets Wells Cathedral School apart is more than its position as a traditional educational establishment, it is a feeling, a sense of wonder created by a combination of the beautiful location, the breadth of opportunity and the sense of community. What makes a great student? A sense of curiosity, a hunger to learn and a willingness to burn one’s fingers in the pursuit of this all play their part, but above all of this, being respectful, honest and kind. What makes a great school? Great schools are all about the people. A school should be a happy place where children feel valued, respected and cared for. It should be an environment where children are taught by those with passion for their subject and a desire to instil a similar love in their charges. An environment where they are challenged, but in a way that excites them and that encourages them to value those challenges, and the mistakes along the way. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

Mama loves

10 of our favourite things •

Hypermobility

How to spot it and what to do •

Diversity in the playground

Toddlers against racism

CAR RY ON With a baby carrier you can hold your baby close and at the same time keep your hands free for other things. Simple models suit a newborn baby best, while more ergonomic baby carriers with a waist belt allow you to carry for a long period of time. All baby carriers from Babybjorn are made of toxin-freematerials and are soft against your child’s skin. babybjorn.co.uk

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

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

ORGANIC STYLE Fruit suits

RACH EL RILEY Rachel Riley and Annabel Karmel have come together for the collaboration of the year with the launch of their capsule foodie-themed baby and toddler clothing collection. Pyjamas £35; rachelriley.co.uk

TIME FOR BED H ABITAT Xt’s always fun o’clock with Habitat’s lion timepiece. Bold, bright and easy to read, the analogue dial is the ideal introduction to telling the time. This charming lion waves his tail every second and gives out a soothing tick. £25; habitat.co.uk

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BEBE ORGANIC Bebe Organic is inspired by vintagefeeling pieces and nostalgic finds that are rich in detailing. Emphasis is placed on signature romantic flower prints, elegant embroideries, laces, and softest knits in distinctive hues that are romantic yet modern. bebe-organic.com

High kicks

B O BUX The Alley-Oop is Bobux’s first ever lace up basketball-inspired boot.. Featuring adjustable laces and a side zip, the dual opening makes this boot super convenient. It’s available in gold metallic, peacock metallic, navy metallic and rose gold metallic. £54; bobux.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ma m a LOVE S

Baby bear

A N N A B EL JA M E S This lovely three piece baby dinnerware set made from natural, renewable and sustainable bamboo. Includes a divided plate, spoon and sippy cup (with silicone insert). £20.95; annabeljames.co.uk

IT’S A WRAP

R OA D T R I P

CA M CA M COPE NH AG EN These swaddles come in a variety of prints, all in 100% GOTScertified organic cotton muslin. Swaddled babies sleep better and cry less, so it’s win/win. £29 camcamcopenhagen.com

J O IE Joie’s iQuest is an innovative car seat with deep and dreamy recline that’s made to handle the ups and downs of every adventure. Birth to 105cm, £250; joiebaby.com

Cosmic baby

SILVER C ROS S Silver Cross’s new exclusive limited edition capsule collection, Constellation, brings a luxurious look to the brand’s best-selling travel systems. silvercorssbaby.com

WEANING WINS A NNA BE L K A R M EL Prints from bestselling book, Annabel Karmel’s New Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner are brought to life on this new range of baby and toddler clothing and accessories in collaboration with Rachel Riley; rachelriley.co.uk

or’s Editick P

Word up HAB I TAT Habitat’s new range of kids’ room accessories includes some lovely bedding and lots of well-designed and fun pieces. We love this alphabet wall hanging, £10; habitat.co.uk

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

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mama HYPERMOBILT Y

U N D E R S TA N D I N G HYPERMOBILITY Hypermobility can have a profound impact on children, but a new School Toolkit aims to raise awareness among educators so they can deliver the right support By LIBBY NORMAN

ypermobility is a term many are familiar with – the common phrase for the most obvious manifestation used to be ‘double jointed’. Many children are very supple and can appear hypermobile, but that flexible or ‘bendy’ body that is a distinct advantage for aspiring ballet dancers and athletes may sometimes be a marker of hypermobility syndromes – a group of conditions that can affect connective tissues throughout the body. It’s important to note that hypermobility is relatively common (often estimated at around one in ten of the population) and is not of itself a cause for concern. Where it is associated with repeated pain, fatigue, and other ongoing or intermittent health issues, this may indicate Joint Hypermobility syndrome (JHS) or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, including (hEDS). These are still considered rare conditions, but some researchers suspect they may be under-recognised and reported.

This is where a new School Toolkit comes in. Jane Green, an educationalist and adviser on Autism and Hypermobility Syndromes, is lead on the School Toolkit – she also has hEDS herself. Educators are the primary target because they are on the ‘front line’ with young people day to day, making them wellplaced to spot issues and provide support. Flexibility of joints – including the ability to bend thumbs right back to the elbow or touch the ground with palms flat and knees straight – is a visible sign of hypermobility. Both thumb bending and toe touching are among tests used in assessment. But hypermobility can affect connective tissues inside the body. “People with these conditions have connective

“Hypermobility affects around one in ten people”

Hypermobility markers Conditions and symptoms that may be an indicator of hypermobility syndromes include:

• Severe tiredness/lack of concentration

• Persistent widespread pain • Blood pressure regulation

(dizziness, sweating, fainting)

• Stomach, bowel and bladder problems

• Joint dislocations/frequent sprains • Frequent bruising/scarring /skin fragility.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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J U M P STA R T YO U R CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

H OW D E N C H R I S T M A S R AC I N G W E E K E N D F R I DAY 1 7 T H A N D S AT U R DAY 1 8 T H D E C E M B E R

Start your celebrations at Ascot with festive fun for all the family. With seasonal treats, a visit from Father Christmas and traditional carol singing to complement top-class action on the track including the very best staying hurdlers fighting it out in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Tickets from £20pp | Fine Dining from £169 +VAT pp Under 18s go free | Book now at ascot.co.uk

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mama HYPERMOBILT Y

missed because educators have not been made aware of the markers and clues that could indicate hypermobility syndromes. This is where the School Toolkit hopes to effect change, improving school outcomes and children’s wellbeing. Green says it’s long overdue. “It is aimed at schools UK wide and includes information about how education staff can identify some of the most common ways symptomatic hypermobility can impact pupils’ functional and academic participation. It links to

“The absence of a diagnosis negatively impacts lives” tissues that are defective, but each person can present differently, from being asymptomatic to severely disabled,” says Jane Green. One of the key issues for young people with a potential diagnosis of hEDS or JHS is the sheer diversity of possible symptoms, but, says Green, there are some markers that warrant further investigation. “There are many common symptoms, including dislocations, sprains without previous trauma, pain, tiredness, dizziness, stomach issues, bowel and bladder problems, temperature issues, anxiety, clumsiness and allergies.” For younger children, there can be specific challenges visible in early years. “Laxity of core muscles and ligaments often means that it is challenging to hold a pen,” says Green. “It is uncommon for many children to actually get a diagnosis at this age, so they are often left to just try and manage, as are their parents.” Of course, nearly all young children have very ‘bendy’ bodies and all develop skills at their own pace. But useful things to know are that there is a higher recorded incidence of hypermobility syndromes among girls (often presenting most strongly from early adolescence) and that hypermobility syndromes are often heritable. Heritability means, says Green, that parents do not always see their child’s issues as unusual; perhaps they experienced similar ‘growing pains’ themselves. She has given talks where suddenly the penny has dropped for a parent who recalls experiencing pain, fatigue or other mysterious symptoms they

are now investigating in their own child. She has a profound insight into the impacts on children who don’t get a timely diagnosis, having only received her own formal diagnosis of hEDS at the age of 53. “As a long-term hEDS sufferer, I often experienced pains, including migraines, viral illnesses, and stomach issues like bloating and spasms when I was growing up,” she says. “At secondary school, I failed entrance exams and I was placed in the bottom sets. I did not reach attainment levels or often attend school as I was either unwell or unmotivated, so I left early with a couple of qualifications.” While she went on to have a successful career, Green says hypermobility syndromes – and particularly the absence of a diagnosis – negatively impacts lives. A key issue can be the struggle to be believed. “Sometimes, because symptoms are disbelieved, especially as they can appear ‘out of the blue’, the effects of trauma can build up from a young age.” She also says this can damage the whole family, since parents or carers may be accused of being over-fussy or neglectful – even of intentionally harming their own child. Green suspects there are children who slip through the net completely and drop out of mainstream education. “I saw this as an Assistant Headteacher/ Lead for Autism Education,” she says. “There seemed to be a lot of home-educated pupils who were autistic, neurodivergent, anxious, dyspraxic or had unspecified ‘health problems’.” She suspects there’s a pattern of symptoms at play across our schools that are being

how reasonable adjustments can be made and how understanding hypermobility can affect a person’s life physically, emotionally, socially and mentally.” She believes that increasing awareness among educators and SEND specialists, alongside a growing body of research – although more is needed – may also help. In particular, Green hopes we may start to gather more information on potential links or co-occurrences between symptomatic hypermobility and other conditions – from fibromyalgia to CFS/ ME to sensory processing differences. “It is not only important, but essential that pupils are supported by some knowledge, understanding and belief,” says Jane Green. Effective management may mean, for instance, that children discover earlier which sports are beneficial and which may not be a good fit with hEDS or JHS. It also means they and their teachers can find workarounds for some of the symptoms that inhibit their attendance or enjoyment of school or stop them from studying and participating at the same pace as everyone else. “Given the right support and management, children with hypermobility syndromes can go on to excel at school,” she adds. F U R T H E R A DV I C E Access the School Toolkit at theschooltoolkit.org To find out more about hypermobility visit Ehlers-Danlos Support UK ehlers-danlos.org and Hypermobility Syndromes Association hypermobility.org

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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YO U N G S O L E S . LO N D O N

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mama PARENTING

DIVERSITY in the playroom How to make sure your little one’s toys and books are well-represented Wo r d s V E S E A G H O G H O V B I A ‘ W O L U

et’s talk representation, but before we do, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves – are we teaching our children to love truly? One might wonder what representation has to do with love. However, if we dig deeper, we uncover one of the truths about love – we are only able to love what we understand, and can only understand what we are exposed to. People often think talks about representation are reserved for the underrepresented. However, I believe the fight for ‘representation’ is for the betterment of us all. We all benefit from seeing a full picture of what the world looks like. When we teach and expose our children to other worlds

and possibilities, they learn to make room for all. Neuroplasticity suggests our brains take shape and form connections based on our learning experiences. Research says, as early as age two, a child starts reasoning based on race, by two and a half, begins to choose playmates based on racial identification and forms racial prejudice by five. We gravitate naturally towards what we know and can identify with. This is why introducing diversity to our homes, particularly the playroom, is so important. It plays a significant role in the fight for acceptance. By ensuring our children’s toy box and bookshelf are diverse, we are teaching them to love genuinely, to understand differences and embrace diversity. Children A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“The place to introduce diversity and positive representation is in the home”  Board and card games are a great way to improve concentration and attention span, fine motor skills and problem-solving skills while introducing the concept of diversity. Kids like to replay board and card games over again, improving their memory. Games such as Super Sapien introduce different cultures and role models.  What shows do they watch? Are they as representative as possible? How are different cultures being represented? Children form a lot of opinions from TV shows and apps. It’s crucial to ensure they are not building stereotypes in their growing minds.  What are your childcare arrangements and how committed are they to promoting positive representation? Are they taking active steps to introduce diversity? How diverse is their staff ? If you are unsure, speak to them about their plans and policies in place to raise a broad and diverse curriculum.

need to see themselves and others represented in the books they read, the toys they play with and the media they consume. Positive representation helps children grow up with a secure self-image, appreciating themselves as they are and learning to respect others. So, what books, toys and media are our kids being exposed to? How representative are they of varying cultures? Before you get started, I’ll encourage you to check your unconscious bias, the way you speak about others in front of your kids – the change begins with us. Next, declutter. We’ve all been there, bought something on a whim and then realised it no longer aligns with our principles. Next, take stock. Go through your books, toys and favourite TV shows, categorise. On a scale of 1 to 10, how diverse are they? Once you know where you stand, these are five simple but effective ways to ensure your child’s toys are well represented.

 Books are a powerful way to introduce kids to different cultures, races and experiences. Does your child’s library display a sea of colours, concepts, abilities? Do you have a mix of books with male and female lead characters? Books with girl characters aren’t just for girls; they are for boys too. What about characters with physical challenges?  Dolls are an excellent way to teach empathy; they provide a physical representation of diversity. Brands like Rosa & Bo create dolls with varying skin tones – they have a multi-tone nesting babies set. If children can touch, care for and play with a diverse range of dolls, they will build kindness and acceptance. It’s also a great way for children to role-play and learn positive awareness and inclusion towards different races and individuals with physical challenges.

Family life plays a significant role in the thought-formation of a child. So, the place to introduce diversity and positive representation is in the home. If we are intentional about raising well-rounded, empathetic children, the toy box is one of the most effective ways to do so. Through a well-represented playroom, we teach our children to love.

Vese Aghoghovbia ‘Wolu is the founder of Philly & Friends, a children’s lifestyle brand that aims to add a drop of colour in the sea of children’s products while supporting underprivileged kids around the world. She is also the author of ‘Who Do I See in the Mirror?’

phillyandfriends.com

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

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PROPERTY

SUTTON COURT

n exceptional 1500sqft penthouse apartment located in this sought-after red brick mansion block with extensive communal gardens. The flat has been remodelled and refurbished to the highest standard with every detail carefully designed. There's an impressive master suite with dressing room plus two further bedrooms.

SALES

£1,000,000

LETTINGS

5- 7 Tu rn h a m G re e n Te rra ce, Ch i s wi c k, Lo n d o n , W4 1R G Te l 020 8747 8800 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E - m a i l i n fo @ wh i tm a n a n d co. co m · We bs i te w w w. w h i t ma n a n dco.co m

WHITMAN & CO

020 8747 8800 whitmanandco.com

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

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, W4

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£465,000

An amazingly light, well presented triple aspect flat with the added benefit of a balcony and private garden. Three bedrooms, luxury bathroom, 14' reception room, fully integrated kitchen, gas fired central heating, share in the freehold, balcony and private garden with side access. Ideally situated within close proximity of Chiswick Park tube station and the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on Chiswick High Road.

POINT WHARF LANE, TW8

169

£350 PER WEEK

Beautifully presented two double bedroom second floor flat in this highly sought after riverside development. Boasting a stunning open plan kitchen reception room, a river side balcony and a master ensuite bedroom. Large open plan reception room, fully fitted kitchen with granite work tops, fitted wardrobes and riverside views. Underground parking space included.

22/10/2021 00:50

www. ohnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

EALING W5

£1, 0,000

EE O

A spacious halls ad oining semi-detached five bedroom period property in a premier road in the heart of Pitshanger illage which has been modernised and e tended throughout. To the ground floor are two e cellent sized reception rooms, cloakroom, utility room and e tended kitchen/dining/family area. To the first floor are four bedrooms and modern family bathroom. To the second floor is a large bedroom with separate shower room. Other benefits include period features, some double glazed windows, gas fired central heating and a 0 east facing rear garden. Energy Performance Certificate - E.

Pitshanger ane, Ealing 1 mesales ohnmartinestates.com JOHN MARTIN.indd 1

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

EALING W5

£ 10,000 EA E O

An unusual, split level first and second floor conversion apartment, a short walk from Ealing roadway, which is rich in character and offers spacious living accommodation throughout. The first floor offers large lounge, well arranged fitted kitchen/diner, family bathroom and third bedroom currently used as a study. To the second floor are two e cellent sized bedrooms. The property also benefits from an array of period style features period fireplaces, double hung sash windows , gas fired central heating and well maintained communal gardens. Energy Performance Certificate - .

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www. ohnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

W TIO NE UC R ST

EALING W13

£ 0,000

A EO

EE O

An e cellent sized purpose built ground floor studio apartment on the much sought a er Clevelands Estate moments from award winning Pitshanger ane. Perfect for a first time buyer and offered with no onward chain, the apartment has a spacious studio room with seating area and built in wardrobes with foldaway bed, separate well planned fitted kitchen with space for dining and a good sized shower room as well as double glazing, electric heating and entryphone system. There are well maintained communal gardens and off street parking on a first come first served basis. Energy Performance Certificate T C.

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

W TIO NE UC R ST

EALING W5

£1,400 per calendar month

A stunning two bed apartment situated in the heart of award winning Pitshanger Lane, refurbished to a high specification. The property offers fully fitted open plan kitchen/living room, modern shower room and two double bedrooms. There is wood flooring in living areas, carpets in bedrooms, gas fired central heating, double glazing and unallocated on street parking. Offered unfurnished. Available immediately. Energy Performance Certificate - C.

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Napier Place, W14 Moments from the amenities of Kensington High Street, this mews house has been redesigned to incorporate fantastic entertaining space on the first floor with a large skylight. There are three bedrooms all with en suites, a modern kitchen and air-conditioning, energy rating d.

Evershed Walk, W4 An impressive three bedroom ground floor apartment situated in a private development with concierge service. The open plan kitchen and reception room has floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light. There is also a west facing garden and off-street parking, energy rating c.

£2,750,000 020 7603 1415 brookgreensales@fletcherestates.com

£1,650,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Q u een A n n e’ s G rov e, W4

per week R yl et t C rescen t , W12

A rade isted house in the highly sought after edford ark onservation Area with five spacious bedrooms, a large reception room, two bathrooms and feature fireplaces, energy rating f.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

per week M arlb or ou

ocated in edford ark, this double fronted house is arranged over three floors with si bedrooms, two balconies and a west facing garden, making it perfect for a growing family, energy rating e. 020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

per week

ffering over , s . ft of living space, this four bedroom family home has a double reception room and a separate study. lose to endall ark and Stamford rook station, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

R u st hall A ven u e, W4

gh R oad , W4

per week

This seven bedroom ictorian house is split over four floors and is situated on a uiet residential street. There are two reception rooms, a garden and off-street parking, energy rating e. 020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Hillside, Wimbledon Village

POA

Ridgway Place, Wimbledon

£2,975,000

An enchanting and exceptionally restored period home. Open plan reception rooms, family/movie room, conservatory, coach house/ office games room, study, kitchen breakfast room, bedrooms, bath/showers, turret room, converted stables, delightful gardens ER/E.

An attractive semi-detached house with versatile accommodation and a southerly garden. Sitting room, kitchen/dining/family room, study, main bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, OSP ER/C.

Mansel Road, Wimbledon

Bathgate Road, Wimbledon

POA

In an excellent residential position close to the town centre and walking distance of the Village and the Common. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast room, main bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/ shower rooms, study, garden, OSP ER/E.

POA

In a highly regarded residential road backing onto the All England Lawn Tennis Club grounds. 2 reception rooms, study/snug, family room, main bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, south facing garden, OSP ER/D.

Wimbledon Village Office Sales: 020 8947 9833 Lettings: 020 8879 9669 • ROBERT HOLMES_2021.indd 1

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www.robertholmes.co.uk

Heatherdale Close, Kingston

£1,100,000

Coombe Road, New Malden

£2,250,000

A well presented four bedroom house ideally located within a few minutes’ walk of Kingston Gate entrance to Richmond Park Kitchen/Dining Room, Reception Room, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garage, Off Street Parking, Garden.

*Only 1 house remaining* Stunning newly built detached family homes built to a high specification with the latest technology. Reception Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Dining Room, Study, Utility, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, Off Street Parking, Garage.

West Road, Kingston

Wolsey Road, East Molesey

OIEO £3,000,000

A beautifully presented family house located on a premier private road and benefitting from a mature, well stocked Westerly facing garden. Kitchen/Family Room, Reception Room, Drawing Room, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Double Garage, Off Street Parking, Garden.

£9,000,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a unique family home of just under 20,000 ft2 set in exceptional landscaped gardens. 6 Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 8 Bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms, Staff Flat, Swimming Pool, Gym, Sauna, 2 Garages, Garden.

Coombe Office Sales: 020 8947 1100 • ROBERT HOLMES_2021.indd 2

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SALES

5 -7 Tur n h a m G re e n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W4 1R G Te l 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 8 0 0 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E-m a i l i n fo @wh i t m a n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, THE AVENUE, W4 W4

£465,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,500,000

LETTINGS

On market for the first since 1966, a unique opportunity to buy the entire ground of thisand stunning Grade II listed period property inluxury the Bedford An the amazingly light, welltime presented triple aspect flat with the added benefit of afloor balcony private garden. Three bedrooms, bathroom, Park conservation area fully comprising a three-bedroom garden with off-street The property benefits 14' reception room, integrated kitchen, gas fired flat central heating, parking share inand thea detached freehold,two-bed balconyannex. and private garden with from side incredible access. Ideally lateral space, excellent features an abundance light. The garden flat comprises three bedrooms, two reception room, fully situated within closeproportions, proximity ofperiod Chiswick Parkand tube station andofthe extensive shopping and restaurant facilities onbathrooms, Chiswick High Road. integrated kitchen/breakfast room, private west-facing garden, off-street parking. The annex comprises two bedrooms, open plan kitchen/reception room and bathroom. The property offers close proximity to Turnham Green station and the shops, cafes and restaurants on Chiswick High Road. No chain.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 LAMB FLETCHER ROAD,W4 W4

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,000,000

A newly decorated lower ground floor garden flathome with offering private an west facingbalance garden. double bedroom withideally wardrobes, room The with An exceptionally spacious five-bedroom period family excellent ofLarge living and entertaining space, locatedreception for all amenities. wood floors, bathroom shower over, with fitted kitchen, garden. The is onbedrooms, one of Chiswick's best located moments from the room, shops, accommodation compriseswith a master bedroom en-suite shower room, fourflat further through reception room, roads, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast restaurants cafés on the High Roadlandscaped and 5 minutes from Turnham Green station. The property is available early September, furnished. utility room, cloakroom, study, private garden. Situated in this popular residential area offering close proximity to numerous transport facilities and the extensive range of bars, shops and restaurants on Chiswick High Road.

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LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE, TW8 BARROWGATE ROAD, W4

£350 PER WEEK £2,350,000

An immaculately presentedtwo double frontedbedroom five bedroom periodfloor houseflat ideally located in thissought prestigious residential road close to all amenities. The house offers generous Beautifully presented double second in this highly after riverside development. Boasting a stunning open plan proportions throughout with the accommodation comprising a luxuryensuite master suite, four further three further bathrooms, large entrance hall, 21’ double reception kitchen reception room, a river side balcony and a master bedroom. Largebedrooms, open plan reception room, fully fitted kitchen with granite work room, bespoke Holloways of Ludlow kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, room/cellar, private landscaped garden, off-street parking for two cars. Situated in this tops,30’ fitted wardrobes and riverside views. Underground parkingutility space included. prestigious residential road offering close proximity to Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants. Transport links include Chiswick Park and Gunnersbury stations, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. No chain.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 CHISWICK MALL, W6 W4

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1,895,000

large, light and beautifully double bedroom flat on this highly desirable roadMall, in the heart of Bedford just minutes AAfabulous four-bedroom Victorianpresented villa directlytwo opposite Hammersmith Terrace, a continuation of Chiswick one of the area’s premierPark, addresses. The housefrom Turnham Green underground station. Top floor position ensures beautiful views from the reception offers excellent proportions throughout with the accommodation comprising a master bedroom with luxury enand suite,bedrooms. three further double bedrooms, two further bathrooms, 31’ reception room with 3m high ceilings, 22’ fully integrated kitchen/breakfast room, beautifully landscaped secluded garden, cellar, extensive built-in storage. Ideally located within 100m of the River Thames along with an extensive range of transport facilities. No Chain.

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Working from home? Let’s find you a home for work and play.

jll.co.uk/residential Sales | Lettings | New homes

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PROPERTY • LOCAL

“We could never have imagined 18 months ago that the library would ever look like this”

Shelf LIFE

Acorn Book Club’s latest project at Camberwell's Lyndhurst School is its most ambitious and exciting yet By EVE HERBERT

he South London primary school first made contact with Acorn Book Club in early 2020 when they asked for a donation of books to help restock their uninspiring library. Language Coordinator, Lydia Baldwin, had been desperate to revamp the school library space for years but despite her best efforts, restrictive funding and lack of spare time meant the room was left unused and primarily a dumping ground. Following a visit to the school, ABC’s Emma Fox began design work with Lydia and other key members of staff to create a bespoke library space that would prove to be beneficial to all children in the school, with a focus on those with special educational needs. The launch in September featured individual sessions by local storyteller

Vanessa Woolf and showcased the finished library space to delighted pupils and teachers alike. Lydia said: “We could never have imagined 18 months ago that the library would ever look like this. It’s been such a rewarding and collaborative process and the impact made by Acorn Book Club is absolutely invaluable.” In addition to the vast amount of books donated by ABC via the local public, a selection of hand-picked books focusing on the diversity of the community were purchased new. ‘I can’t stress how important it is that our pupils see themselves represented in the books in their library,’ said Amber Hardwood, Literacy Lead. ‘This combination of books is perfect and will no doubt encourage a love of reading across the entire school.’ Throughout the project, Acorn Book Club worked with the school on the design to include a muted colour palette and soft furnishings which will provide a calm and comfortable environment for the children to enjoy. Acorn Book Club is a registered charity and relies on the donation of quality pre-loved children’s books to continue its mission to get books into the hands of children who need them most. If you work for a school and would like to discuss a potential project, please contact Operations Manager, Jo Chandler at jo.chandler@acornbookclub.co.uk. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts. You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light. Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house. The premium online estate agency.

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B E AU T I F U L N E W H O M E S I N A C O U N T RY E S TAT E A selection of new and refurbished houses and apartments | 47-acre country park | Idyllic location

Scan here to see our two minute film & find out more

A country estate re-imagined Sales Suite opening soon, register your interest Call 01344 985889 or email us at sunningdalepark@berkeleygroup.co.uk

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25/08/2021 11:47 12:01 24/08/2021

PROPERTY • NEW BUILD

Portobello LIVING Catalyst launches The Park Edition at The Auria B y C A S P A R D AV I D

aking its name from Athlone Gardens, a significant park being delivered within the 1000 home development, Catalyst’s newest collection of apartments on Portobello Road, The Park Edition, consists of 53 luxury one and two bedroom homes overlooking the new green space. Set at the north end of worldfamous Portobello Road, The Park Edition at The Auria is part of the award-winning Portobello Square development, one of West London’s most notable regeneration projects. As well as a significant number of high-quality homes and the new publicly accessible park, the development features new commercial and community spaces, continuing the eclectic character of Portobello Road.

“Portobello is famous across the world for its artistic offering”

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Markus Kendall-Young, Director of Sales and Marketing (London) at Catalyst, said: “What makes this such a unique development is the community and culture it is becoming a part of. Portobello is famous across the world for its artistic offering, making it a hugely popular destination for Londoners as well as visitors to the city.” Apartments in The Park Edition at The Auria feature flexible open-plan living spaces with contemporary handleless kitchens with integrated Neff appliances and sleek Silestone worktops. Private outdoor space accompanies every apartment, with either a balcony, terrace or garden - perfect for taking in views of Athlone Gardens. As well as Portobello Road, residents are a stone’s throw from Golborne Road, with its treasure trove of antique shops, restaurants

and cafes. Into Notting Hill, residents can explore the vast array of shops, bars and market stalls that characterise the neighbourhood, and popular local haunts such as the Electric Cinema. Residents can also walk to Paddington Canal in just 10 minutes, where a canal path leads strollers down to Little Venice. Both Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park tube stations are a 10-minute walk away, connecting residents to the Hammersmith and Circle tube lines, with a journey time of just five minutes to Paddington rail station. CATA LY S T Pricing for one and two-bedroom apartments start from £675,000. For more information, contact Knight Frank’s New Homes team on 020 3826 0673. theauria.london

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

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