NORTH BY NORTHWEST APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY

APRIL 2014 £3.95

CULTURE CLASH TWO DAYS IN ISTANBUL

MAKING HIS MARK HOW HIX IS WHIPPING UP THE ART WORLD

FIESTA FOREVER

FIONA LEAHY ON DINNER, DECADENCE AND DITA VON TEESE

Dolly Mixture

THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVE SKIRTS & SWEATERS

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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

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GREAT MUSIC DESERVES BANG & OLUFSEN BEOLAB 18 EXPERIENCE IN STORE NOW

Bang & Olufsen introduces a new range of wireless loudspeakers featuring: • astounding acoustic performance • uncompromising design and craftsmanship • technical innovation Audition the new wireless loudspeakers at our store and prepare to be amazed.

Bang & Olufsen of Swiss Cottage is now wholly owned by Bang & Olufsen of Denmark.

Bang & Olufsen of Swiss Cottage 79-81 Fairfax Road, London NW6 4DY Tel: 020 7624 4243 Email: swisscottage@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/swisscottage.

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CONTENTS MAGAZINES

APRIL 2014 05 EDITOR’S LETTER 10 WHAT’S ON

LOCAL 14 PARTY GIRL Fiona Leahy’s unique take on planning an event

FASHION 20 DOLLY MIXTURE Skirts and sweaters, SS14’s style staples 29 POSH PYJAMAS Olivia von Halle’s pyjama game 31 WORKING WOMAN Designer Emmy Scarterfield shares her passion for footwear

FOOD 48 THE ART OF GOOD FOOD Chef turned mentor Mark Hix on art and food 53 FOOD REVIEWS Plum & Spilt Milk and Canvas

INTERIORS 57 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS Our cracking round up of six of the best egg cups 59 HOME TRUTHS Getting to know the minds behind Graham and Green

Find us online @zest-media.com

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The Tile Box

40 Offord Road, Islington N1 1EB 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk

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APRIL 2014

EDITOR’S letter his issue has an Easter theme, in so much as Generation Foodie seems to be embracing the celebration with inspired dishes of an Easter-ish bent.

Fashion too has gone gaga (as in crazy, not Lady - we’re not talking rashers of bacon) for pastel and sorbet-shaded confections of sugar-coated deliciousness.

Later in the issue, you’ll find perfect parcels of sweet treats for the kids or - for an alternative to Easter eggs - a child-friendly chocolatey recipe from Lisa Marley of the Cocoa Box. Easter aside, we caught up with party-planner to the stars Fiona Leahy.

With a client list that includes Pharrell, Damien Hirst and the Qatari Royal Family, Leahy finds herself constantly in demand and pushed to new heights of creativity. We take a look around her north west London home, a fantastically decorated Victorian warehouse, and discover that it all started with Dita von Teese dancing in a champagne glass....

Graham and Green is another local success story. The interiors experts have been plying their tasteful trade for 40 years, and in so doing have had a lasting effect on homes and lifestyles both locally and further afield. We talked to Jamie Graham about growing up in the family business and continuing its trendsetting success.

We hope you enjoy the issue - Happy Easter!

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL INTERN PROPERTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER EDITORIAL DESIGNER MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER PRODUCTION DESIGNER ARTWORKER JUNIOR DESIGNER PRODUCTION CONTROLLER NORTH & CENTRAL ADVERTISING MANAGER ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR PROPERTY DIRECTOR PROPERTY MANAGER FINANCE MANAGER FINANCE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

HELEN BARON CATHERINE HALES DEMI MILLARD HUGO HUNTER GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY RAY SEARLE STEWART HYDE ANDREW MAVIN GEMMA ISTEED TAHIR KAPUCU EKREM YILMAZ EDWARD TAYLOR REBECCA NOONAN CHRISTINE MANN KRISTIAN LIBETTA TOLGA SAYLAN ALEXANDRA HUNTER ANDY ELMER EMILY SAUNDERSON MARIANNE MCFADDEN ALEXANDRA HVID GREG HUGHES SHERIF SHALTOUT

For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com. You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging).

Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Helen Baron, Editor

ZEST MEDIA LONDON 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London 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 London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

On the covers

TWEET ME @absolutelyedhel Email: helen.baron@zest-media.com Follow us on Twitter @Absolutely_Mags Facebook ‘Absolutely Magazines’

City & Angel, East, NXNW and Borough & Docklands: Olivia Von Halle; oliviavonhalle.com

www.zest-media.com

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Things we ABSOLUTELY

LOVE

CLEAN AND BRIGHT Elegant lines and pale hues make up Hobbs’s foray into spring fashion.

We particularly love their baby blue suit teamed with flat white sandals, the perfect homage to pastel trend we’ve seen plastered all over the runways at Paris Fashion Week.

Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4; hobbs.co.uk

SHAKE IT UP

Polka dot princess and queen of kitsch Cath Kidston brings her characteristic style to these adorable salt and pepper shakers that would look perfect sprouting from a gingham tablecloth set with carefully mismatched crockery.

St Pancras International Station, NW1; cathkidston.com

ANIMAL MAGIC

Set these adorable plates and mugs scampering across your table to add a touch of the outdoors into your kitchen. Should be teamed with a delicious cream tea, many cakes and a steaming pot of char for optimum enjoyment. £8.50; magpieline.com

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ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE

Are you a rose person or a violet person? Whichever camp you belong to you’ll find something you fancy in Prestat’s beautifully packaged chocolates. A classy alternative to the standard egg, these are the ideal Easter treat for the chocolate connoisseur. £11; prestat.co.uk

ROGUE BROGUE

Dune’s new collection is officially putting the sizzle in SS14. Colourful twists on classic styles, we particularly love their powder pink brogues and their audacious orange sandals.

Brent Cross, NW4; dunelondon.com

RUBY HUES Petit Bateau has tied up with Finnish designer Satu Maaranen for a scenestealing limited edition capsule collection, which will consist of nine items for women and children.

19 Hampstead High Street, NW3; petit-bateau.co.uk

GLASS HALF FULL

Drinking from mason jars is by no means a new idea but this set of four from Mollie and Fred with built in straw are thoroughly charming. £19.99; mollieandfred.co.uk

EYE KNOW Sunita Mukhi’s embellished Anna clutch bag features the enduring evil eye symbol, which promises to protect you from ill-fortune and bring you good luck – what other handbag can promise the same? Pair this mystical number with a plain white dress to make it really pop. sunitamukhi.com

FLUORESCENT FIDO For any doglovers who find themselves in the dark, consider adopting this canine accessory from Clare Loves into your home. You’d be barking mad not to! £120; clareloves.co.uk

CUFF STUFF he luxury designer collection of genuine British made cufflinks by the fabulous new brand EDG. The Collection is absolutely unique with eye catching vibrant colours and great British design and craftsmanship. £105; edgcufflinks.com

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WHAT’S ON Roman Halter: Through the Lens of Stained Glass 10 APRIL - 8 JUNE: BEN URI GALLERY The horrors of The Holocaust have been immortalised in countless ways including in literature, photography and film; Holocaust survivor, architect and artist Roman Halter instead chose the unique and distinctive medium of stained glass to capture not only moments from his time in the camps but also impressions formed during the rest of his life. Bright, exuberant colours are juxtaposed with darker, more sinister images in this moving exhibition. 108A Boundary Road, NW8; benuri. org.uk

Experiencing Nirvana THROUGHOUT APRIL: PROUD CAMDEN

The Horse Hospital, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1; proudcamden.com

© STEVE DOUBLE

An exhibition to mark the 20th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death, photographers Charles Peterson and Steve Double share their intimate insight into the band that became a phenomenon. Both photographers began photographing Nirvana in 1989 and have since been recognised as two of the foremost ‘grunge photographers’ in the industry. Peterson himself described the grunge movement as ‘a supercharged lifestyle of expression, a familial community made up of “stray dogs from every village” who all had the same aching need for something to do, preferably loud and diverting’. Every true member of Generation X, grunge teen or aspiring rockstar, this is the exhibtion for you.

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Sunday Afternoon 14TH APRIL - 24TH MAY: HAMPSTEAD THEATRE As anyone who lived through the sixties can tell you, The Kinks were one of the most popular and influential bands of the era and remain a revelation to later generations lucky enough to discover their music. The success and potency of the band was due in large part to the genius of lead singer and lyricist Ray Davies.

This play from acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Joe Penhall and director Edward Hall chronicles the extraordinary life of the man who dared to rhyme ‘regatta’ with ‘at her’.

The Jealous Graduates - 2013/14 17 MARCH - 13 APRIL: JEALOUS GALLERY Keep your eyes peeled for the art world’s next big thing at Jealous Gallery’s graduate show. Only one MA grad from each of the major London Art Colleges including The Royal Academy, The Royal College of Art, Camberwell, The Slade,

For King and Country?

THROUGHOUT APRIL: THE JEWISH MUSEUM As we commemorate the centenary of the World War II many unique perspectives and stories about this great and terrible period in British history have emerged that may have been previously overlooked. With their new exhibition ‘For King and Country?’ the Jewish Museum seek to illuminate the part played by the Jewish soldiers who fought in the war, of which there were over 50,000. Combining the experiences of people on and off the battlefield, the display will explore “how war threw into question what it meant to be a British Jew. 129-131 Albert Street, NW1; jewishmuseum.org.uk

Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com Chelsea, Wimbledon and Goldsmiths has been given the opportunity to exhibit a limited edition print with the winning entry being debuted at Art 14, a new contemporary Art Fair.

These prints will also be shown at the Saatchi Gallery throughout March. 27 Park Road, N8; jealousgallery.com

Sleeping Beauty in the Woods 6 APRIL: JACKSONS LANE A twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, this production tells the story of a King and Queen desperate for a child. Driven to seek mystical aid, they call upon a fairy who grants their wish but also whisks the child Briar Rose into the woods plunging them into a world of fairies, ogres and princes. A combination of puppetry, video projections, automata and live music weave together to create an irresistible and magical world open to children of three years and older. 269A Archway Road, N6; jacksonslane.org.uk

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review BOOK THE WALK HOME

by RACHEL SEIFFERT

et in Glasgow and London, this is a beautifully written novel from Man Booker Shortlist author Rachel Seiffert. It is a story about seeing people for what they are not and not making judgements as we follow Lindsey on her journey. Seiffert is an extraordinarily deft and humane writer who tells us the truth about love and about hope and she gently brings in the more dangerous characters, who are slowly developed and over time their sinister nature becomes evident. A pick of the year by the Guardian, it’s been a few years since Rachel’s last book, however, The Walk Home shows it is worth the wait..

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Virago; £14.99

A MAD AND WONDERFUL THING

by MARK MULHOLLAND

his is a passionate and heartwrenching debut novel set in Dundalk, the border town of the Republic of Ireland,. There is no doubting where the sympathies of the lead character lie, and one assume therefore that of the author, and this no doubt will cause outrage in certain parts of Northern Ireland and divide opinions. Johnny Donnelly is the lead character and his strong voice dominates the book in a brilliant way.

Mulholland uses Donnelly to carry out a conversation about the ‘Irish problem’ with a variety of people he meets along his journey, however, unlike some novels addressing this issue, there is a good deal of humour. Don’t be put off by the subject.

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Noah

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IN CINEMAS 4 APRIL Acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky has covered a range of unlikely topics in his illustrious career, and his latest project is one of biblical proportions. Literally.

Based on one of The Book of Genesis’s most famous stories (second only to the one about the apple, which as you will recall didn’t end too well), the fable reflects a time in the Bible when God had a tendency to wipe out civilizations with nary a second thought. In a “boy who cried wolf” type situation, it turns out that the man building the giant boat designed to fit two of each animal and his own family (incidentally dangerously narrowing the gene pool for both) is actually the sane one. The story of Noah and the Ark is one that Aronofsky has

apparently wanted to explore right from the beginning, ever since his breakout indie film Pi in 1998. Already a source of controversy, Noah has a starstudded cast including Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Ray Winstone, and will reunite on-screen husband and wife Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Will this movie sink or swim? We’re not making any prophecies just yet (sorry), so watch this space. Although, we are curious to see whether or not this will spark off a series of Hollywood adaptations of Bible stories seeing as The Wolf of Wall Street already has Sodom and Gomorrah covered..  DIRECTED BY Darren Aronofsky STARRING Russell Crowe & Emma Watson

Scribe Publications; £12.99

CONFRONTING THE CLASSICS

by MARY BEARD

ary Beard manages to be that rare thing: a brilliant academic who is also accessible. Beard has reached a wide audience through her books and television presenting and as such has become a household name in connection to classics. In her latest book, Beard presents a collection of essays exploring our rich classical heritage, including Greek drama and Roman jokes, a panoply of famous names and the often hidden world of slaves. The culmination of thirty years at the forefront of classical scholarship, Confronting the Classics is positively unmissable.

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£9.99, Profile Books

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13/11/2012 10:59

Pa r ty

GIRL Fiona Leahy is the fashion world’s favourite party planner.

Pendle Harte meets her - Photographs by Jessie Bush -

N

ext time you’re having a party, take advice from Fiona Leahy. If you think that the woman who makes a living from throwing parties where Dita von Teese dances naked in a champagne glass, or liveried camels transport guests across the desert, or where a white theme extends to albino peacocks, has nothing to offer your kitchen supper, then you’re wrong. Fiona Leahy may be the person that the world’s most glamorous and extravagant people call when they want to celebrate, but at home in north west London, she’s all about the ‘domestic disco’ and her own personal favourite form of entertaining: the disappointingly pedestrian dinner for eight.

Leahy's home is a super stylish Victorian warehouse building, perfect for parties. It's a fantastic space, its industrial feel warmed by her eclectic

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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

collection of beautiful objects and the heavy scent of smoky incense. There are colourful glass vases, brass palm lamps, large peacock chairs, lots of gold and glass and shelves full of art books.

Riley, a small Jack Russell, runs around as if nothing were delicate or breakable.

Leahy’s Irish voice is soft and lovely and she’s endlessly enthusiastic, blonde and elegant and super friendly. Has she lived here long? I ask. Actually, she hasn't, but funnily enough, she and Jade Jagger lived together in this exact building 10 years ago. It took a lot of persuading for the landlord to let her back, because, she admits, ‘I used to be a bit of a hellraiser.

Jade was the quiet one.’ Having moved to a flat up the road, she jumped when she saw her old place back on the market.

Leahy never set out to be a party planner, though the job suits her perfectly.

‘I love food and drink and interiors and art and experiences, so it kind of combines all

‘People are always going to have to celebrate, whether it’s with a gazillion balloons or a load of sawdust’

of those things.’ She used to be a fashion stylist but went off the whole thing when she had what she calls an ‘early mid-life crisis’ and started going to (unlikelysounding) beading classes. ‘I was beading butterflies and I got introduced to Jade Jagger, who was doing all this embellished stuff and I started working for her and Jade Inc.’ When Jagger became creative director of Garrard in 2001, Leahy went with her as assistant creative director and fell into being the one to organise all the many parties, mostly by virtue of being there and being enthusiastic. There was lots of money around and when she persuaded the powers at Garrard that they really had to have Dita von Teese dancing semi-naked in a champagne glass for an anniversary, not only was the party a huge success but Leahy and von Teese ‘immediately clicked’ and became such good friends that the burlesque dancer soon asked Leahy to design her own

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GROW IT...COOK IT...MAKE IT...EAT IT...

ALEXANDRA PALACE

28th-30th March 2014 Book online or by calling

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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

wedding to Marilyn Manson. And since then she’s never looked back (her career has outlived that marriage by a long way already) because the epic event featured in American Vogue and Sunday Times Style ‘and the next thing I knew I had a call from the Qatari royal family and was on a plane to Qatar. I didn’t even know where it was.’ Since then she’s never stopped.

Take last December, for instance. The run-up to Christmas brought a huge party in the desert for Damien Hirst’s exhibition in Doha (he was commissioned by the Qatari royal family to create a series of sculptures), where the desert was lit up and special outfits were designed for the camels to transport guests including Miuccia Prada, Hirst and Jay Joping.

From there it was straight to a Louis Vuitton event in Miami featuring the opening of a Charlotte Perriand house for Art Basel, and a dinner hosted by Pharrell, and then to a ‘thing’ for Christian Louboutin. By the time it came to her own birthday, she was so wiped out she had to cancel. And no wonder – a big event like Hirst in Doha takes about six months of planning and involves a lot of stress.

But – hold on – hasn’t she heard that these are times of austerity? What is going on with all this extravagance? Is she going to tell me the budget for Damien in the desert?

‘You know, people are always going to have to celebrate, so whether it’s with a gazillion balloons or a load of sawdust, people will still have birthdays and weddings and celebrations,’ she says, sensibly. Of course she won’t tell me the figure, but claims that it’s not shocking.

‘We got a lot of stuff from Ikea! All these black and white rugs and the look was perfect. It’s about how you use the money – I come from a humble background and I don’t like throwing money around. I love reusing and recycling things. I like to call it a dirtfloor decadence – throwing roses at something if it’s not the right thing isn’t the point.’ As an example of her

She persuaded the powers at Garrard that they really had to have Dita von Teese dancing semi-naked in a champagne glass

thrift, Leahy reveals that at next week’s event in Switzerland, a big dinner (Naomi Campbell’s coming), they’re not even having flowers. ‘I just thought, I don’t want any flowers! There’s enough else going on. My team are handdecorating brown paper tablecloths.’ It might not be everybody’s idea of restraint, but we are not here to discuss the economy. Leahy quotes her heroine Dorothy Draper, whose 1925 volume The Hostess’s Treasure Chest recommends fighting ‘the will to be dreary’ and that’s a motto Leahy lives by. It’s always important to celebrate, she believes, even (in fact especially, in her current mood) if it’s fish pie and card games at home rather than ice sculptures and roses and hundreds of people.

So what does she advise for the amateur who wants to organise a get-together? ‘First, remember that it does take up time. Think about what sort of party you want to have.

And think about other people’s comfort. It’s a nice act, having a party, but it definitely has to have selflessness too. And if you can, get help. Even if it’s just a bartender to make the drinks and clean up afterwards. Subcontract as much as you can afford! And don’t be afraid of intimacy. I really don’t want more than 30 people through my door any more.’ Next time you’re considering a party, take heed.

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

Louche lovebirds grey watch, £55; joythestore.com

Flockton women’s bracelet, £19.95; joules.com

Burberry Prorsum lace shirt, £595; net-a-porter.com

Madeleine Thompson Redcliffe Cardigan, £317; net-a-porter.com

Missoni tri-colour geometric dress, £878; matchesfashion.com

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Chloe Marcie medium satchel, £840; matchesfashion.com

RYAN LO SS14

Dolce & Gabbana single breasted wool coat, £1,595; matchesfashion.com

Hobbs Bella Coat, £649; hobbs.co.uk

ST MUAVE H

FONDANT

FA N C I ES T by Alexander Wang bi-colour sweater, £260; matchesfashion.com

EMBRACE EASTER’S SWEET TOOTH WITH CANDY COLOURS, PERFECT PASTELS & DUSKY, ICE-CREAM SHADES

Red Valentino cottonblend coat, £640; net-a-porter.com

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Dolly mixture SKIRTS AND SWEATERS: SS14’S STYLE STAPLES Photography: HELEN MCARDLE Styling: CHARLIE MOORE Location: BELAIR HOUSE

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Grey cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué resin flowers, £379, by MSGM at Fenwick Diamond tennis bracelet, £782, rings, £460 for set and studs, £141, all by Carat

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Pale blue cotton jersey sweatshirt with appliqué detail, £180, Carven at Net-a-porter.com Green and blue silk skirt, £365,

by Ostwald Helgason at my-wardrobe.com Diamanté drop earrings, £300,

by Atelier-Mayer.com Crystal necklace, £280, by Butler & Wilson Diamond ring, £460 for set, by Carat

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Cotton jersey sweater dress, £283,

by Emma Cook at Net-a-porter.com Crystal bolster necklace, £405,

by Atelier Swarovski by Christopher Kane Gunmetal ring, £85,

by Vita Fede at My-wardrobe.com Black fishnet tights, £6,

by Charnos at House of Fraser

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Pink cotton jersey sweatshirt with sequin 'kiss me' detail, £159, by Markus Lupfer at Fenwick Ivory silk night gown (worn as skirt), £276, by La Parla Diamanté drop earrings, £300,

by Atelier-Mayer.com

STOCKISTS Atelier Mayer; atelier-mayer.com Atelier Swarovski; atelierswarovski.com Butler & Wilson, 020 7409 2955) Carat, 020 7379 5320) Casadei; casadei.com Fenwick; fenwick.co.uk House of Fraser; houseoffraser.co.uk Jonathan Aston; jonathanaston.com Katya Katya Shehurina; shehurina.com La Parla, 020 7245 0527 My-wardrobe.com Net-a-porter.com

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Photographer: Helen McArdle at ERA Management Stylist: Charlie Moore Model: Iris at Milk Management Make up artist: John Christopher at Lovely Management using M.A.C Hair stylist: Aaron Carlo at Frank Nail artist: Asher Coleman using Sally Hansen Shot on location at Belair House, 1 Gallery Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AB; belairhouse.co.uk Belair House is available for hire for weddings and private functions.

13/03/2014 09:51

OB_Absolutely_26FebAd_Layout 1 25/02/2014 13:26 Page 1

Traditional or contemporary, make yours an Original Bathroom 143 - 145 Kew Road, Richmond, London TW9 2PN

T +44 (0)20 8940 7554 E sales@original-bathrooms.co.uk

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INTERIOR DESIGN

07850101011

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SPACE PLANNING DECORATION AND FURNISHING

interiors@sarahrossdesign.com

DESIGN & BUILD LIGHTING

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10/02/2014 17:23

ABSOLUTELY FASHION

FASHION NOTES

PRINTS CHARMING

Is it ever okay to be dressed top to toe in print? If it’s Bimba y Lola and this hot, then yes. With floral jacquard detailing, this is transitional wear at its best, seeing you through Spring and Summer – if it gets chilly, just adapt with a thermal (as pictured).

We simply have to have it.

Blouse €62 and trousers €37; bimbaylola.com

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SOFT SELL

Good things often come quilted and these fetching white patent leather models from Zatchels are no exception; in fact, the texture lends a ladylike quality to the classic bag shapes. The range comes in black and white, but for our money, white is better for a Spring update (and a dash of va va voom).

Prices start at £50; zatchels.com

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DESERT DUDS

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For versatile, yearround footwear, desert boots are our number one choice. Unisex and light, they’re classic in a Gallic way and come in a mind-boggling array of colours. All you’ve got to do is spray them with suede protector to save them from April showers.

 BACKPACKER’S DELIGHT

Double denim’s been done; anyone tempted to try for triple? This slouchy New Look backpack is the perfect nineties throwback and will have you missing your Baby-G watch and Green Flash trainers, while the sewn-on patches will make up for never having had them at school. £24.99, 416-418 Holloway Road, N7; newlook.com

IS TROPICAL Victoria Murdoch of Silken Favour has launched a new ready-to-wear collection following the success of her cool, cult scarves. The ‘Jungle is Massive’ range of bright, bold silk tees, shorts and dresses (as well as the usual scarves and cushions) employs her hallmark pen and ink technique. We’d all be doing ourselves a favour by wearing one of these works of art. silkenfavours.com

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

Posh

Pyjamas

NIGHTWEAR DESIGNER OLIVIA VON HALLE EXPLAINS WHY SILK IS HER NUMBER ONE CHOICE BETWEEN THE SHEETS...

Why did you decide to go into night wear; it’s quite niche.

I was working as a trend forecaster in Shanghai, China, and had the most incredible tailor.

He was every girl’s wildest dream and could replicate Lanvin dresses from pages torn out of Vogue. One day I started fantasising about how elegant it would be to have a beautiful pair of printed silk pyjamas to lounge around in when coming home from partying with friends. He made me a pair and I instantly became addicted to them and started wearing them all the time. Friends begged me to make them some and before I knew it I had an order list longer than my tailor could ever manage. So I decided to launch the Olivia von Halle brand.

What’s your fashion background and how has it helped?

I studied Textile and Fashion Management at the University of Leeds and then went on to work as a trend forecaster at The Future Laboratory in London. My degree was an excellent starting point but working at Future Lab was an education in itself – we were working with the world’s greatest brands and it gave me extremely high standards when I then set out to set up my own brand.

Have you ever been to Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks Hotel in Whitechapel?

Yes, it’s incredible! We sponsored a prize there last year – ‘The Olivia von Halle Award for the Most Dazzling Personality’. The winner won a pair of silk pyjamas. It was fabulous.

Do you always wear silk pyjamas?

Of course! But since we have started making new shapes I have become quite obsessed with a few of them. I have just been in Jamaica where I lived in our ‘Bella’ – a little silk camisole with matching French knickers. Perfect for warm Caribbean nights!

Did you always want to set up your own business? Was there a turning point where you knew you wanted to do something different?

My father is an entrepreneur so I guess it is in my blood!

What has been the most important influence on the business so far?

Becoming a Walpole Brand of Tomorrow has been hugely influential for us. Through that we have been mentored for the past year by Michael Ward, the Managing Director of Harrods, and this has enabled us to take the brand to the next level.

As the queen of nightwear, what’s an ideal night in for you?

A hot bath filled with Jo Malone bath oil, the latest Vogue, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a couple of hours to soak.

Olivia von Halle, Unit 7B Canonbury Business Centre, 190A New North Road, N1; oliviavonhalle.com

Who are your favourite designers right now? Alessandra Rich is my go-to designer – I am utterly obsessed with her brand and live in her beautiful dresses. I adore Moody and Farrell for hats, Aperlai for shoes, Jessica McCormack jewels and Prism eyewear.

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

Woman At Work

Shoe designer EMMY SCARTERFIELD

I

launched my brand, Emmy, nearly ten years ago. At first it was very focused and incredibly niche: bespoke wedding shoes.

At a time in my life when friends were starting to get married, I identified a huge gap in the market for beautiful, feminine, sexy, delicate, inspiring and cool wedding shoes.

After a career in luxury fashion, I was ready to go it alone but was all too aware that it needed to stack up financially; the bespoke element and the wedding niche was a good fit. I absolutely love shoes and always have done. I love the smell of them, the feel of them and the magic of what a high heel can do for a woman. I'm at my happiest when I'm in our workshop surrounded by leather, tools, components and the tiny pattern pieces.

I feel very blessed that I am able to balance a successful business with my passion and have the opportunity to share it with others. I think my job has to be right up there on the job satisfaction scale, making women happy with shoes every day is pretty special and rewarding.

My brand has evolved since its creation, we now offer ready-to-wear shoes and accessories while staying true to our bespoke heritage.

Plus, we are gaining a stronger presence in the evening and event market, which is very exciting.

I have twin girls of five, so my day starts very early! Once the school run is done I head to our Islington studio. I like to start each day with a team meeting. Every day is always different and shaped by the clients we see. My day can involve seeing clients, reviewing new collections, creating new colour palettes, collaborating with dress designers and really pushing the brand to reach its full potential. Once home and with the girls in bed, my husband and I like to work together on the nuts and bolts of the business.

We share a real drive, ambition and passion for our business, which is fantastic for both home and work life. My life always feels super busy, but I wouldn't change any of it for a second.

65 Cross Street, N1; emmyshoes.co.uk

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TAG ARCH.2.indd 1 ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2

BONAS.indd 1 21/03/2013 16:25

12/03/2014 15:34 14/03/2014 10:50

ABSOLUTELY KIDS

ABSOLUTELY

KIDS HOW TO KEEP LITTLE ONES AMUSED

TWO WHEELS GOOD It’s all very well having your toddlers happily scooting away to keep up with the pace of your walk. But when they’re bigger and scooting takes them all the way up the road and around the corner out of sight, it’s less relaxing. Happily, the clever people at Micro Scooter have come up with a solution in the form of a grown up scooter, and a pretty one at that. The floral Micro White scooter is not only attractive looking in a flowery, feminine way, but it promises a smooth, unflustered glide along pavements at a pace to rival even the speediest tot.

Admittedly, I felt the tiniest bit silly to begin with, but soon got the hang of what really requires no skill at all. After all, 18-month olds pick it up easily. With big wheels and a large deck, the scooter feels entirely grown up, while my children are thrilled to have me join them like the fun mum they always wanted. £159.95,

micro-scooters.co.uk

SPRING FEVER

Children’s clothing brand Little Bird, brainchild of Jools Oliver, presents it’s brand new Spring collection, which Jools herself describes as being “all about celebrating the start of a new year, new green shoots in the garden [and] flowers starting to pop up.” Full of bright colours and retro British designs, some of which are throwbacks to items she and Jamie wore as children, the collection has everything from smocks to sweatshirts. mothercare.com

PARA NIÑOS Celia Muñoz’s Hampstead boutique specialises in classic Spanish-style children’s clothing with a contemporary twist.

Inspired to open her boutique by the response her own kid’s clothes received from other parents, the mother of five who comes from a large Spanish family decided to provide an outlet for Spanish children’s designers in London. If you’re looking for good quality, colourful clothes with a charming oldfashioned look La Coqueta is the place to go, especially with their Spring/Summer collection already on the shelves (and the internet equivalent of shelves).

5 Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3; lacoquetakids.com

SHELLING OUT

If you’re looking for something slightly more special than the standard Smarties offering from Tesco for Easter, try a personalised egg from The Biscuiteers. Each one hand-iced, these adorable eggs will have your kids believing in the Easter Bunny for one more year at least. A fact that you will appreciate more once the terrifying sugar high that Easter inevitably causes wears off. biscuiteers.com 33

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ABSOLUTELY EDUCATION

Free thinking

MANY OF LONDON’S FREE SCHOOLS ARE DARING TO BE DIFFERENT – AND PROSPECTIVE PARENTS ARE ALL FOR IT. AMANDA CONSTANCE LOOKS AT WHAT SOME HAVE TO OFFER hat was a mere twinkle in Michael Gove’s eye a few years ago has given birth to an education revolution. Since the Education Secretary gave the first free schools the green light in September 2011, their number has grown to 174 nationwide with many more approved to open in the next academic year. Many of these are already attracting more pupils than they have room for. In a recent survey by the Department of Education, some reported as many as ten applications for every place.

It’s a familiar story in London, where there is a critical lack of places at both primary and secondary stages, in both the independent and state sectors. Parents are queuing at the gates of the capital’s free schools, not simply because they don’t have other options. Free schools are just that, and the freedom for parents and educators to set their own curriculum has ushered in some innovative approaches that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

Maria Evans is the vice-chair of governors at Gladstone Free School, a secondary free school in north-west London that will open its doors to students next September. Previously the director of education at the Royal

W

Shakespeare Company, Evans has more than 25 years experience in art and education and first looked into establishing a school at the behest of other local parents.

“We’re setting up something enormously ambitious,” Evans explains, adding that the teaching at GFS won’t deviate much from the national curriculum. GFS will be a small school, no more than 800 pupils, a luxury in inner London state education. It will have a mandatory extended day, with classes ending at 5.30 except on Fridays. ‘Enrichment’ or extracurricular activities will be hugely encouraged and progressive teaching practices, such as moving around the room, experiential learning and lessons outside the classroom, will all form part of the core ethos. And before you imagine this will be an enclave for every Milo and Tallulah in north-west London, think again. GFS will be non-selective and teach mixed ability classes, with pupils drawn from the immediate catchment area.

The team behind GFS took inspiration from Greenwich Free School, a secondary on the other side of London that has a ‘high expectation, no excuses, no shortcuts ethos,’ says its head, Lee Faith. The school runs an extended day from

7.45am to 5.30pm and enrichment activities in the afternoon include Latin and debating. It is already seven times oversubscribed.

The Judith Kerr Primary School, in Herne Hill, south London, offers something entirely different. It is the country’s first bilingual state school, with teaching in German and English. Another bilingual free school, The Marco Polo Academy, will be the first English-Chinese bilingual primary school in the UK when it opens in Barnet in September 2014.

‘The emergence of bilingual schools is a good example of how free schools are responding to the demands of local parents,’ says Natalie Evans, director of the New Schools Network, the charity set up to help people planning free schools.

And it isn’t just new schools that are taking up the free school baton. Established schools such as the much-admired Burlington Danes Academy and gold-standard Marylebone Girls are extending their franchise with free schools.

BDA will open a primary free school on its 10-acre site next September and Marylebone Boys will open to year seven boys at the same time. What marks out many of the free schools, however, is a return to tradition and academic rigour. When Fulham Boys held its first open day, 650 people attended.

Built on ‘Christian principles and values’, its website looks like that of a public school. Governors include Barrister Caroline Grieve, wife of Attorney General Dominic Grieve, and Elizabeth Phillips, headteacher at St Marylebone CofE School.

This ‘old ways are the best ways’ approach has done well for the West London Free School.

The headline-grabbing school is self-consciously traditional; Classics and Latin are compulsory, discipline is strict and competition is encouraged. Two years after opening, it remains hugely oversubscribed.

They are controversial and not without their troubles but, whatever your political stripes, no one can deny that free schools are having their moment.

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13/03/2014 09:47

Lady killer An unorthodox production of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler comes to Leighton House this month. Creative director of Palimpsest theatre company Katherine Tozer gives Pendle Harte a taster

I

f Ibsen’s controversial heroine Hedda Gabler were on Twitter, she would probably be tweeting dark comments and pictures of scary dolls and guns. In fact, she is. For this new production of the famously cheerless 1890 play, actor and creative director Katherine Tozer confesses that she has become more than slightly obsessed with her character.

Because this isn’t just any old production – it’s an intensely clever site-specific one that condenses the original three and a half hour action into an intense hour and a quarter drama, ‘a seething hotbed of sexuality’ according to Tozer, in an

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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

Audiences will be invited to what will feel like Hedda’s house, welcomed by maids in character and given drinks in antique glasses attempt to ‘understand Hedda’. It will be almost like a thriller, she says.

Hardly anything about this production will be traditional. For a start, it doesn’t happen in a theatre.

The show premiered last year at Burgh House in Hampstead and is now appearing at several other venues across London including Kenwood House, the Foundling Museum, Sutton House and Dr Johnson’s House. Palimpsest is a theatre group in the vein of Wilderness and Punchdrunk (with whom members have worked) with their labyrinthine, site-specific productions that invite the audience to experience things their own way. Palimpsest, however, is more interested in keeping the story linear, and sees Ibsen and Strindberg as their ‘home turf’.

Audiences will be invited to what will feel like Hedda’s house, welcomed by maids in character and given drinks in antique glasses. Some actors will interact with the audience; others won’t and each performance

will be slightly different. ‘We want to animate the space and make people feel voyeuristic,’ explains Tozer, ‘and to feel like they are in this house in 1891.’ The production also relies heavily on its brilliantly conceived website for backstory and audiences are encouraged to explore online before (or after) seeing the show, and to watch a small fi lm that offers insight into Hedda’s past, which will also be projected during the play.

Th is multi-media character makes it a very technical production and has attracted interest from hibrow.tv, which plans to fi lm it. ‘We want to make pieces of theatre that are amplified by fi lm,’ explains Tozer.

Though coupled with that is the low tech, acoustic nature of the action, with no digital sound.

‘A lot of site-specific theatre is cold and exhausting. We want this to be comfortable,’ she continues. And the surroundings will be referred to – the art and objects as part of Hedda’s husband’s collection – because ‘if it’s mentioned you notice it more’. All this will serve to drag audiences into ‘Hedda’s dark vortex’, which has intrigued theatregoers for over a century.

Palimpsest’s Hedda Gabler comes to Kenwood House on 31 March, the Foundling Museum on 5 April and Burgh House on 6, 7 and 8 April.

Tickets cost £25 at palimpsest.co Explore the production at hedda.co.uk

23 37

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13/03/2014 11:26

WE LOVE BOHEMIAN LIKE YOU The phrase ‘Culture Clash’ may not immediately scream ‘new make-up range’ but it’s what Aveda has gone for with their new cosmetics collection.

Inspired by colours and textures from different cultures around the world, it ranges from earthy, rich tones to pretty pastels, all of which work with a variety of skin tones - hey, sometimes clashing works. aveda.co.uk

Beauty Notes

IN HEALTH: WELCOME HOME urated by Leonora Bamford, mother of two and founder of My Baba, Radiance Cleanse’s New Mummy Box is filled with nurturing organic juices to help new mums get the energy boost they need. And with soft, manageable ingredients that avoid overly strong tastes, they’re great for keeping mums-to-be looking radiant too. £90; radiancecleanse.com

C

VIVA GLAM This blue-tone red lipstick with a frost finish is bound to cause a stir – and with 100% of the proceeds donated to the MAC Aids Fund, that’s a good thing. No purchase could be more guilt-free, so treat yourself. £15, available at Fenwick, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4; maccosmetics.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY

TRIED& TESTED ELLEVEN DENTAL WHITENING oted one of the best dentists in London at last year’s Dentistry Awards, Elleven Dental Practice in Harley Street (where else?) is now offering home-whitening for those who can bear to spend an hour wearing their special moulds. And for those who can’t even envision doing that, there’s still the option to have the full-on, in-surgery treatment, which takes just under an hour and 45 minutes.

V

HERE COMES THE SUN We’ve loved the Balance Me products for a while. They use natural ingredients, are made in the UK and smell glorious.

And the sun is finally beginning to shine, we had to mention their new Natural Protection Moisturiser, which has a built-in SPF25. Balace Me Natural Protection Moisturiser, £26; balanceme.co.uk

I opt for the DIY option, and the lovely Dr Peta Leigh gives my teeth a once-over, taking clay moulds so that she can send on the plastic ones I’ll need to whiten my gnashers at home. I’m supplied with enough injectable bleach to last a year or so; Dr Leigh actually advises home bleaching for me, as my teeth aren’t stained and have been bleached before. Since 2012, new legislation means dentists have had to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in one treatment; this means I’ll achieve better results with repeated applications at home. It’s easy

RAIN, RAIN, COME OUR WAY Celebrating (of all things) our wonderful British weather, London Rain is a new range of scents from Jo Malone. Capturing the different moods of an urban downpour, the four fragrances channel the progression from soft, refreshing showers to the romantic intensity of thunderous rain. A brilliantly original reflection of the capital. £82 for 100ml; jomalone.com

to measure out the amount of bleach - approximately 1mm per tooth you plan to whiten. I need only concentrate on the front six, as the bleach won’t work on my crown further along the row. A touch more can be added wherever there is staining; perfect for anyone (myself included) who loves their coffee (us Brits seem resistant to the more vigilant American habit of drinking coffee through a straw) as well as those partial to the odd glass of red wine or occasional cigarette. This kind of treatment is far better for you than the unregulated (and largely American-origin) tooth-whitening products you can buy online. In fact, Dr Leigh specifically advises against whitening strips, which brighten teeth by stripping away precious enamel.

Used in conjunction with Elleven’s Prevdent dental products (which, I should add, taste great – the flavour of toothpaste and mouthwash being very important), the home whitening system will actually strengthen enamel and improve the condition of your teeth, which is infinitely preferable to damaging them with a cheaper option.

To maintain your smile, the practice also recommends two Air-Flow hygiene appointments a year – prevention, after all, is better than cure.

From £125 for a new patient consultation and from £395 for home whitening treatment, 11 Devonshire Place, W1; ellevendental.com

THE BIG

THREE FOR RADIANT SKIN 2

3

1

1 2

Fresh Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask, £48; fresh.com

3

S5 Illuminate Serum, £44; S5skincare.com

Jurlique Purely Bright Mist, £29; jurlique.co.uk

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13/03/2014 11:18

On Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th April, visitors to The N1 Centre in Islington can greet a miscellany of farmyard animals at The N1 Centre’s Easter farm.

For two days only, from 11am – 3pm, families can visit the free farm in the central piazza and meet a donkey, pygmy goats, lambs, pigs and a selection of chickens and rabbits. Experienced animal handlers offer the opportunity to feed, touch and learn more about an assortment of farmyard favourites.

E AS TE R FARM FUN n1islington.com

n1shoppingcentreislington

n1centre

After enjoying the fun of the farmyard, take the family for a bite to eat at The N1 Centre’s selection of restaurants including wagamama and Gourmet Burger Kitchen. If the little ones have been particularly well behaved, make your final stop Vue Cinema, Islington. Catch up with the adventures of Blu, Jewel and the gang in Rio 2 in 3D. The exciting sequel is set for UK release from 4th April.

Lynne Glover, Centre Manager, says: “We’re looking forward to the Easter farm this year. Our animal events are always very popular, so come along and join the fun!”

With 21 retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues under one roof, catering for all ages and offering the latest retail trends, delicious, hassle-free dining and great entertainment, The N1 Centre is the perfect family destination this Easter.

For further information visit www.n1islington.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ n1shoppingcentreislington or tweet with us @n1centre.

HALF HORIZONTAL.indd 1

10/03/2014 09:18

NEW ARTIST FAIR Framed Exhibition Showcasing 50 Contemporary Artists

28 -30 March 2014

FREE ENTRY Candid Art Galleries 3-5 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NQ

Private View Friday 28 March 6pm-9pm Open All Weekend 12-6pm

www.newartistfair.com Newartistfair.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

12/03/2014 11:31

14/03/2014 10:53

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY

Barry M Dazzle Dust in Gold Iridescent, £4.59; barrym.com

The Daily Double All-day Lid Shadow Colour & Liner Stick, £8.50; soapandglory.com

Nutrilips gloss in Jojo, £15; wildaboutbeauty.com

ST MUAVE H

Archery Brow Tint & Precision Pencil, £10; soapandglory.com

RETRO revival

Black & white mod clothing is bang on trend for 2014. Make sure your make-up bag follows suit with these ‘60s style beauty buys

Eye Definer in White, £8; thebodyshop.co.uk

Clarins Joli Rouge lipstick in 707 Petal Pink, £18; clarins.co.uk

Matte Outliner High Definition Eyeliner & Shadow, £25; alacartelondon.com

r’s EditoICK P

Larger than Life Volumizing mascara, £18.50; narscosmetics.co.uk

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DE CASA.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY BEAUTY

the make up

INSIDER Arabella Preston selects the best natural products for spring

have been meaning to 'green' my make-up kit since forever. And with a host of new launches and technologies improving formulas all the time I am running out of excuses.

It used to be the case that highperformance products required a rash of 'nasty' ingredients, but with an increasingly paraben-savvy market, things are starting to change.

Margo Marrone, founder of The Organic Pharmacy, was one of the pioneers of natural make-up.

She laments the fact that regular skincare and make-up may contain any or all of the following: artificial colours, artificial preservatives, artificial fragrances, aluminum, lead and petrochemicals. If you're going to start by replacing just a couple of products, she suggests: 'Choose foundation as it covers the most area on the face, and lipstick, because you end up eating it. What we put on our skin should be free from toxins, just like what we put in our bodies.'

The Organic Glam range has been a labour of love for Margo. In an industry obsessed with colour and pigment, to be restricted to natural colour makes their repertoire small and means occasionally compromising on range and tone.

But there have been some triumphs, like their incredible mascara which took five years to develop and doesn't flake or clump at all.

The Cover FX range is another big hit with clients. Although not organic, the range is free from – as they put it – the 'inflammatory five' (gluten, mineral oil, talc, fragrance and parabens). It's ideal if you suffer

I

4

5

NARSCOSMETICS.CO.UK

6

7

8

1

from skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, though frankly it is so high-performing I would recommend it to anyone. The antiaging primer is one of my secret weapons on shoots: it transforms tired, dry skin brilliantly.

Finally, Dr Hauschka, the granddame of the natural and organic skincare world has a fantastic line of makeup. But it's their skincare I reach for time and time again. Massage in their classic Rose Day Cream, followed by the Translucent Make-up for truly natural and glowing skin.

2

3

1. UNE Skin Glow Pencil, £6.99, lovelula.com 2. Cover FX Cream Concealer, £23, harveynichols.com 3. Cover FX Anti-Aging Primer, £28, harveynichols.com 4. Organic Glam Lipstick, £17.95, theorganicpharmacy.com 5. Organic Glam Pastel Eye Shimmer,

£18.95, theorganicpharmacy.com

6. Dr Hauschka Translucent Make Up, £10.83, dr.hauschka.com 7. Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £15.17, dr.hauschka.com 8. Organic Glam Mascara,

£20.95, theorganicpharmacy.com

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OLD_SPITALFIELDS.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

GO

NUTS

Don’t fancy over-egging it this month? Put a nutty spin on your Easter treats by whipping up these delicious walnut cupcakes from chocolate addict and North London food blogger Lisa Marley. thecocoabox.co.uk

FOOD OPENER.indd 41

13/03/2014 09:55

FOOD NOTES My Local Larder

By TOM

ADAMS OF PITT & CUE

ast London has been my home for almost five years now, albeit with a few errant months here and there south of the river, and it’s hard to imagine anywhere offering nearly as much for a young chef to see and eat! As Hackney continues to breed restaurants and bars at an incredible rate, it is the tried and tested that still hold firm: the Turkish Ocakbasi at the top end of the Kingsland Road is ever reliable, both for grilled anything and everything and some famously abrasive service. Newington Green Fruit & Veg is as brilliant as ever, as is Leila’s Shop and Café hidden away off Arnold Circus - offering some of the most jaw-droppingly pristine and perfect produce you could hope to find in a general store. And Leila sells ridiculously large bars of chocolate, which are like paving slabs and worth the move East alone. What of the butchers and where do intrepid cooks find their meat? East London caters for all faiths and fancies, from the cow’s hooves and African delights of Ridley Road market to the lamb’s testicles and quails of the Turkish butchers nearby.

A walk around Dalston’s meat merchants is as exciting as it is eye-opening. As British butchers go, there is no questioning the achievements of The Ginger Pig in Victoria Park Village, and I hear good things of Meat N16 on Stoke Newington Church Street. However, it is the attention to detail and rigorous sourcing of Nathan Mills at The Butchery in Bermondsey that is rightly attracting all the attention right now. Nathan sources rare breed animals direct from farms all over the UK, oversees the entire dry-ageing process on site in his converted railway arch, cures and smokes his own bacon and seems to have the Midas touch with all things meat. Oh, and he’s a great guy.

Go on a Saturday morning to make the most of Maltby Street Market once you have fi lled your boots at The Butchery.

E

Pitt Cue Co. is now available for exclusive hire on Sunday evenings for up to 16 people.

Please email tom@pittcue.co.uk for more details; pittcue.co.uk

MUA TR S T Y

BARE GRILLS The foodie entrepreneur behind Islington’s much-loved Fish & Chip Shop has launched a new venture – Des McDonald’s much-anticipated Q Grill will set out its stall in Camden, serving up high-end barbecue and bespoke cocktails inspired by (and made using the traditional methods of) the American South. Expect rough

timber fittings, buzzing neon and some mouth-watering transatlantic delicacies – including Louisville tender-cut ribs and Scrumpyfried onion rings. All the savoury moreishness of Southern cuisine, right on your doorstep.

Q Grill, 29-33 Chalk Farm Road, NW1; q-bbq.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

CHOCOLATE EGGSPRESS

5

OF THE BEST EASTER EGGS Godiva floral beaded egg £55, St Pancras Station, N1C; godivachocolates.co.uk

MakHeIS T

RECIPE

CHOCOLATE AND WALNUT CUPCAKES INGREDIENTS 150g margarine 150g caster sugar 2 free range eggs – whisked in a bowl 125g self-raising flour 30g good quality cocoa powder 30g chopped walnuts pinch of salt 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract 2 tablespoons of milk - I fi nd that the cocoa powder really thickens the mixture so I like to add some whole milk Th is will make you 10 or 11 cupcakes.

INSTRUCTIONS 1 Preheat your oven 170/325/Gas 3.

2 Line a muffi n tray with muffi n cases.

3 Cream the margarine and sugar together for at least 8-10 minutes. Th is is

Marks & Spencer Golden Lattice Milk Chocolate Egg £15, 351 Mare Street, E8; marksandspencer.com

a long time, but when adding cocoa powder I fi nd it really helps to keep the mixture light and fluff y.

4 Combine and sieve the cocoa powder, salt and flour into a bowl.

Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.

5 Add the eggs in three stages, mixing slowly until combined.

6 Gently add the flour and cocoa powder and combine. If the mixture is quite thick at this point, add a tablespoon of room temperature milk until you achieve a freer consistency. Stir in half of the chopped walnuts.

7 Fill the cupcake or muffi n cases with the mixture to just over halfway. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts onto the mixture.

8 Bake in the centre of the oven for 18-21 minutes or until the tops spring back to the touch. Allow to cool on a cooling rack.

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THE art OF GOOD food MUCH-LOVED CHEF & RESTAURATEUR MARK HIX TALKS TO EDWINA LANGLEY ABOUT SUPPORTING YOUNG ARTISTS, A GOOD NEGRONI & WHAT HE FIRST TAUGHT TRACEY EMIN TO COOK

EDWINA LANGLEY You hold master classes at Hix Mayfair. What do you teach the guests?

MARK HIX I mainly teach people how to carve. I do simple things like a leg of lamb on the bone – that’s the trickiest one to get right – then chicken, then a rack of pork. I explain the best way to cook them and how long for. Then we have starters, during which I teach them how to carve smoked salmon.

me this massive chunk...

MH Actually, the way I do it is thicker, but at more of an angle. All our visitors agree they’re never going to buy pre-sliced smoked salmon from the supermarket again, which is rubbish!

Then each of the cuts come back cooked and they take turns to carve a few slices. It works really well. We’re introducing a fish class, but I’m not sure that will be as popular.

EL It’s quite difficult isn’t it? I had gravlax the other day and they carved it beside me, giving

EL I’ve read you weren’t sure about cooking when you started?

MH When I was at school I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do.

EL Were you always good at it?

MH No, not at all! The cooking thing came about when I was working in a pub, washing up. For the first time, the boys in fifth year at school were given a choice between metalwork and domestic science. For a laugh, three of us decided to do domestic science. At the end of the year, I won the school prize for it. But I wasn’t really bothered or interested.

When I left school, they suggested I went to

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catering college, which I did, in Weymouth.

Then I moved to London and...here I am now.

EL You grew up with your grandparents, is that right?

MH Yeah. When I was really young, about six, my parents divorced. My brother and I were separated. He went to live with one set of grandparents and I went to live with the other; half with my dad, half with my grandparents.

My gran used to cook homely things – lambs hearts and braised pork chops. Our diet was simple, not fancy or shi shi. She cooked the old-fashioned way. She would boil a ham once a week.

EL Such a lovely thing to do – we just don’t do things like that anymore. I hear you had to kill chickens and pluck them – at school?!

MH Yes, in rural science.

MH The next project is going to be in an old tin factory on the Southbank near the Tate Modern. That should open in the summer.

EL Speaking of the Tate, on to art. The first time you met Tracey Emin was in 1990 in a pub. Was your interest in art born then?

MH I worked with Chris Corbin and Jeremy King at The Caprice and The Ivy [Hix was formerly chief director of Caprice Holdings] and they were big collectors. Their philosophy was to exchange work with artists quite often.

I followed in their footsteps, really. The newer generation of artists have started doing a similar thing; I commission work from them in exchange for an eating tab. It’s very Parisian.

EL Do people buy art from restaurants?

MH I don’t sell it off the walls. But I do have a

EL Do you keep chickens now?

MH No, I don’t actually. I haven’t got the space. My place in Dorset is very small.

EL What is it about that area that you like?

MH I’ve always lived in the east.

I lived on Great Eastern Street for about ten years, I like the buildings, it’s an interesting area.

That’s where I’ve met a lot of artists. When I lived on Great Eastern Street, people began buying industrial buildings and turning them into lofts and flats.

Which is what I ended up doing.

EL So you’ve got lots of restaurants. Here (Hix Mayfair), then the one in Soho, Tramshed…

MH Selfridges…

EL Marks Bar… MH In Selfridges we’ve also got a very small cocktail bar in the men’s shoe shop department too.

EL So you just go there...

MH ...And have a martini…

EL ...And get pissed and buy lots of shoes – perfect! Where next?

EL How long do these pieces stay in your restaurants for?

MH They’re mainly permanent.

EL Do you suggest ideas of how the artists can fill the space?

MH In my Soho restaurant, there wasn’t much wall space, so I suggested mobiles.

Some of the artists had never made a mobile in their life! There are static sculptures stuck to the ceiling, and also proper mobiles that move on the wind – like the Damian Hirst one of coffins of fish.

EL Now onto boring ‘food’ questions. I heard your last supper would be lobster and chips, is that still the case?

MH Yeah, probably.

EL Other than Dorset, where do you live?

MH Shoreditch.

EL What was your kitchen like?

MH My kitchens in the past have always been very practical – simple surfaces. I don’t like cabinets much, I like to see things on shelves. If you’ve got interesting kitchen bits it’s nice to display them. If you’ve got lovely copper saucepans, why not?

EL Is it already done or is it there for you to cook when you get there?

MH It’s already done! But people like Tracey like the fact their work is displayed in restaurants. People pop in to see the works, people who wouldn’t normally go to a gallery. We do 200 covers a day, that’s 200 people who may not have seen that [points to a Tracey Emin installation].

EL Thin or fat chips?

MH Fat chips.

EL That is the correct answer!

MH I think coming from the seaside, I was brought up appreciating lobsters. I also fish for them as well.

EL Your cupboard staples are Parmesan and olive oil. True?

MH Yes, Parmesan, olive oil and botargo.

gallery underneath Tramshed – the Cock and Bull Gallery. That’s my outlet. I show younger, lesser-known artists and every year we give out an award. We have a judging panel – myself, the gallery owner, Tracey Emin and others – and the winner gets a show in the gallery.

EL Word on the street is you taught Tracey Emin to cook...

MH Well, she’s interested in cooking.

EL Do you remember what you first taught her?

MH I just suggested roasting a chicken.

Whenever I go to her place now, she’s always got a roast chicken in the fridge.

EL What’s that?

MH It’s dried mullet roe.

You can get it in a stick to grate over pasta. It’s a delicacy in India. I make pasta tossed in butter and olive oil, and then shaved botargo on top.

EL As one would use truffle, say?

MH Yes, it’s got that nice, very savoury, slightly fishy flavour. If I’m at home, I can knock it up in three minutes.

EL Do you eat in your restaurants?

MH I eat in one of my restaurants every day, sometimes twice a day.

EL Do you cook there also?

MH No, I don’t cook anymore. I run the businesses. You can’t see everything if you’re stuck in the kitchen. But I do cook at home, and I also do ‘Challenge Hix’ every Tuesday.

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RECIPE

FISH CEVICHE y knowledge of ceviche expanded considerably while on a fishing trip to Costa Rica. On a bit of a mission as far as this fashionable culinary oddity was concerned, I ordered it at three meals in a row. All three were miles apart in presentation and taste.

Costa Ricans treat mahi mahi, sea bass and snapper to this form of brief pickling, but too much onion, citrus and coriander can overpower the fish. The third version worked best as we were left to add as much or as little of these powerful ingredients as we wished. The lemon and lime were diluted with soda water for a less acidic taste and I’ve based my interpretation on this. In its native South America, fish for ceviche is usually sliced. In Costa Rica, it was always cubed.

M

SERVES 4 250-300g fillets of sea bass or similar firm white fish, skinned, any residual bones removed, and cut into 1cm cubes, juice of 2 lemons, juice of 2 limes, 1 tbsp soda or mineral water, salt and freshly ground white pepper FOR THE GARNISH Red pepper, deseeded and finely diced, red onion, finely diced, 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, a little extra-virgin olive oil (optional) TO SERVE Toasted slices of bread or tortillas

1

Rinse the fish in cold water, drain and pat dry with kitchen paper. Mix the lemon and lime juice with the soda water, season lightly and toss the fish in the mixture. Cover with cling film and chill for 2 hours.

2

Make the garnish: mix together the red pepper, onion and coriander, and add a little olive oil if you wish.

3

Arrange the fish with the juice in individual bowls and the garnish separately to be spooned over the fish. Serve with toast or tortillas.

At our weekly meeting our Head Chefs challenge me to 20 minutes of cooking. They get all seasonal ingredients out – game birds, wild mushrooms – and I randomly cook something.

EL Do you surprise yourself ever – ‘how the heck did I come up with that?’

MH Sometimes, although mostly it’s quite simple.

up. We use a lot of the sparkling wines. But it’s a cliché to advocate ‘seasonal’ and ‘regional’ for me, because I’ve been doing it for years. It’s important for us to educate our farmers and growers. If you look at a lot of the fruit and vegetables available now in farmers markets, a lot of those things are there purely down to chefs serving them in restaurants.

EL What’s your favourite cocktail?

MH It depends what mood I’m in. If I’m in the Groucho club, I’ll drink espresso martinis to keep me going. But Negroni is probably my cocktail of choice – it’s quite hard core.

EL Onto telly, you’ve resisted it for the most part haven’t you?

MH Yes. But I did Great British Menu.

EL I know. I told your PRs I was going to come dressed as your winning Main RUPERT NEWMAN Course dish, Stargazy Pie. MH You should have done!

But that’s the only time I’ve really done TV. It was just a bit of fun, a bit of a laugh. Some of the chefs took it way too seriously. So I’ve done that and BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen twice, but only to promote a book.

EL You’re quite an advocate of seasonal, local produce...

MH I don’t see why we should import food when we have equally, if not better, food on our doorstep.

EL So you source things locally as far as possible?

MH Yes that’s right, it’s always British – apart from wine [laughs].

EL But we’ve got quite good British wines, I've read.

MH Yeah, there are some good ones creeping

EL I had it for the first time recently. I quite like it – vibrant, colourful thing.

MH You should try out Mark’s Bar in Hixter. It’s a similar layout to Soho, same cocktail list, but it’s got a 2:30am licence.

EL Thanks, I will do.

Though I’m so old these days I’m basically in bed by midnight. I'd never make it till 2:30am.

MH [laughs] The Fish n’ Hix Masterclasses at Hix Mayfair, £185 per person; roccofortehotels.com

RECIPE FROM FISH ETC BY MARK HIX, PUBLISHED BY QUADRILLE BOOKS

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FOOD

REVIEWS CANVAS:

Alexandra Jones samples the fare at Michael Riemenschneider’s recently opened restaurant esperate to be saved from yet another Americaninspired diner-cum-restaurant/cafe-bar claiming the best burger and gherkin cocktail combo in town, I took a friend for a catch-up dinner at Michael Riemenschneider’s new place in Marylebone: Canvas. The premise had us both quietly confident that we were to be treated to a night of finesse and fine wine. Selecting from a longer a la carte list, you create your own tasting menu of between three and ten courses, each of which is paired with a wine by the expert sommelier. Arriving, you can’t help but notice that the restaurant is small (it has room for just twenty covers) though it doesn’t feel cramped. This is thanks, in part, to the pared back décor – the colour pallet is neutral, the canvases on the wall depicting artfully sparse dishes from the menu – though at times it lacks a little in atmosphere. Having said this, the sommelier, Alis’, quiet joviality and encyclopaedic wine knowledge does much to distract you from any Wednesday night lull. His pairings were well thought out and on point, he would be a treasure to any restaurant.

The food was made dexterously: carefully plated and coiffed, with some balanced flavours. An opener of creamy, almost translucent, scallops (the first of five courses) for example, was laid so prettily with crisps of cauliflower that looked like reef, that it reminded us of Chanel’s sea-inspired SS12 show. The flavours were delicate and light, which allowed the play with texture to take centre stage and was paired with a delicious Riesling that really brought out the earthier tones in the dish. Equally, the langoustine came looking regal, a king crustacean perched atop a raviolo with a single grain of salt on it, a nod to the sea, which you could taste in every mouthful. The venison main was cooked well, rich and gamey, and was a welcome change after two seafood dishes. The desert - a pineapple, chocolate and coconut ‘7’ - was rich and decadent, but also playful. A perfect sign off.

In Canvas, Riemenschneider offers a perfect antidote to too many sloppy, straight off the tray dinners. Pretty, bespoke dishes that play to our sense of occasion, even if it is just a Wednesday night supper.

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PLUM & SPILT MILK:

Pendle Harte dines in style in King’s Cross t may be bang in the middle of Kings Cross station, but still it’s not easy to find Plum and Spilt Milk. The Great Northern Hotel, yes, and the hotel bar – but for the small, discreet restaurant you need to ask at the desk and go upstairs like a hotel guest. We booked for an early midweek dinner and it was lucky we did, because even at 6.30pm, people without reservations were being turned away. Inside, it’s channeling the grand old days of train travel, when stylish people would lounge in beautifully finished carriages while journeying at leisure. Everything is shiny and curvaceous, in luxurious sepia tones and dim lighting. Sitting in a stylish corner booth, we order Bellinis straight away and set to the expansive, brasserie-style menu. There are lots of fish options – including Exmoor caviar, potted shrimps, whole lobster and chips – as well as appealing-sounding

I

vegetarian choices (bubble and squeak!) and of course a long meat list (headed ‘butcher’).

For me, it’s a prawn cocktail to start, from the Plum and Spilt milk specials list, and for my friend creamed smoked haddock with a poached hen’s egg.

Both dishes are served stylishly in cute (slightly girly) dishes and both taste high class. My main course of grilled squid with chilli, garlic and almonds is delicious, with flawless squid and a generous helping of crunchy nuts, while my friend’s baked Pollock with mussels and leeks is excellent. For pudding, we share the signature plum and spilt milk, which is a toasted brioche topped with baked plums and ice cream, combining to make a delicious, almondy, cakey concoction that suits the name brilliantly.

Great Northern Hotel, Kings Cross St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, N1 020 3388 0818; plumandspiltmilk.com

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HOME TRUTHS

What is G&G doing to celebrate its 40th birthday?

40 is a big milestone for us, we’re very proud to be able to celebrate this anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, we are designing a very special limited edition 40th anniversary collection. The pieces we're creating reference key items from Graham and Green that really encapsulate the vibe and the aesthetic of the brand. Classic pieces are being re-imagined and redesigned from our archive, and being brought bang up to date with modern twists through pattern, colour and design. This range will be launching in the summer, and we can’t wait to showcase it to our customers, who are so important to us as part of the G&G family; we wouldn’t be celebrating our 40th without them. We’re also working closely with small artisan suppliers, whom we’ve had relationships with for years, to create bespoke products for G&G in celebration of the birthday.

What are the highlights of the current stock?

Spring is such a great time to refresh and invigorate the home through interiors, and much more fun than spring cleaning! It’s a season we really enjoy working on. One of our favourite pieces in the new catalogue are the rustic French farmhouse extendable dining table and the Florentine Provencal style ceramics to match. It is a sublimely fresh look and perfect for re-invigorating your dining space after a long, dark winter.

As Graham & Green celebrates 40 years this month, Absolutely catches up with Jamie and Louise Graham

Jamie, having grown up with the business - what's your earliest memory of it?

I remember being fascinated by the exotic thoroughfare that arrived at my mother’s house after her world travels with her brother, my uncle, Joss. Things I’d never seen before, in fact things that most shoppers in the UK hadn’t seen before, from far reaches around the world became part of everyday life. I fondly remember the beautiful antique textiles and kilim's and interesting ornaments found in markets across the world, it was like being in Aladdin's cave. I hold this dear when buying and designing for the company now as it's part of the G&G DNA. Can you briefly highlight the differences between G&G in 1974 and G&G today?

The landscape in which the brand exists has changed vastly over the years, with the evolution of the high street, which didn’t exist in its modern incarnation in the 70’s, through to our first catalogues and now online shopping.

Our customer is also the savviest they’ve ever

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there are key traits that have always been part of the G&G heritage. Travel and exploration is a huge influence, from when Antonia would travel the globe in the infancy of the company to our buying and research trips now. It’s a passion we share and we feel this really comes through as part of the G&G look and feel.

We’ve always had a unique product offering and Jamie’s exclusive furniture designs further cement G&G as a real destination for customers who are looking for inspiration, and for unique and exotic pieces for their home.

been, not just in terms of value and quality, but also in inspiration and interior design ideas. It’s so fantastic to see such passion in interiors and is something that has enabled us to go from strength to strength. It’s so important for us to remain flexible as a retailer, whilst looking for new ways to excite and inspire our clients; but we always stay true to the uniquely identifiable foundations that G&G was built on.

What about the next 40 years?

That’s a big question! We have some exciting plans in the pipeline for this year which we’ll be announcing in due course; who knows in 40 years’ time our son Max, aged 6, could be running the show – he’s already showing sparks of passion for interiors and is very creative, he’s started collecting old tools that he picks up at antique shops and has been known to turn our kitchen into a carpentry workshop from time to time – thankfully the kitchen counters and cupboards are still in one piece.

Tell us about your own house. Is it very Graham and Green?

It’s a real mix – we like to pick up one piece for the home on every buying trip we go on, so we’re building up quite a collection.

When we moved in, we were able to start from scratch as it was a real project, but

Defining our style is a challenge as it’s fluid, it's always evolving and changing

What are your best-selling pieces?

We have a vast collection of bestselling pieces, too many to name but some of our real classics are our bone-inlay pieces which are always wildly popular as they are signature G&G pieces, and make a classic investment for the home. The linen deconstructed armchairs and our UK made velvet sofas feature in our top 10 best selling products regularly.

164 Regent's Park Road, NW1; grahamandgreen.co.uk there are some charming features that made us fall in love with the house that we have kept to this day. We really wanted to put our own stamp on the place and make it a liveable space for the family that’s both a visual pleasure to be in but also functions in a practical way for everyday life. We have a mix of G&G pieces in the home, new and from seasons past; these sit comfortably beside one-off market finds and pieces we have inherited from our families. I have a beautiful collection of my granny's paintings that are hanging in our kitchen and very treasured to us all and Lou has an heir-loom French sofa in the sitting room, that’s lovingly worn among other things.

What is it that characterises the G&G style?

Defining our style is a challenge as it’s fluid, it's always evolving and changing, however

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS 1

CURIOUSER CURIOUSER

&

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of the best Victorian-inspired curiosities MUSTE

HAV

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6 1. Phrenology Clock, £9.95; presentindicative.com 2. Set of 2 Vintage Postcards by Circus Lion & Elephant, £14; rockettstgeorge.co.uk 3. Fornasetti II Macchine Volanti Wallpaper, £280 for 2 rolls; occa-home.co.uk 4. American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Ruber) by J J Audubon from Natural History Museum Collection, from £55 per sq metre; surfaceview.co.uk 5. Silhouette Paperweight by John Derian, £30; pentreath-hall.com 6. The Tattooed Lady Altered Antique Plate, prices vary; beatupcreations.com 7. Antique Bronze Birdcage Lantern Chandelier, £395; alexanderandpearl.co.uk 8. A Gentlemen Rides Cushion by Chase & Wonder, £55; rigbyandmac.com

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A TREE-LINED APPROACH. THE PERFECT RETREAT. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. A LEISURELY PACE. WHERE LIFE JUST HAPPENS. COWORTH PARK.

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ABSOLUTELY TRAVEL

Cross road Of the

WORLD

HELEN BARON ON THE MANY FACES OF TURKEY’S MOST EXCITING CITY

T

he travel writers of old generally came to Istanbul (or Constantinople, as it was then known) by sea, and began their accounts with rapturous descriptions of the view of the city from the water. Alas, the modern traveller is much more likely to arrive by air, and though the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is by no means the worst in the world, the subsequent journey into town is a dispiriting one: miles of concrete sidings and choked motorway await. If you arrive as my partner and I did, under an evening sky as heavy and dark as smoke, the effect can be forbidding.

The key is not to allow yourself to feel too underwhelmed too quickly, for while Istanbul may not always prove easy (aesthetically or otherwise), it nonetheless turns out to be a singular city, a place of incredible scale and unexpected collisions that leaves a lasting impression few other destinations can match.

To stay here even for a few days is to have expectations bulldozed and fascinating new insights installed in their place.

The first clue that Istanbul isn’t all cement and dreary shop signs comes as our car (a luxurious, chauffeur-driven Merc provided by our hotel) crawls off the crowded highway

and into the northern fringe of Beyoğlu.

This section of the city lies on Istanbul’s European shore, divided from its Asian counterpart by the dark waters of the Bosphorus. General opinion holds that Beyoğlu is the forward-thinking, cosmopolitan heart of the ‘modern’ city, and it’s here we’re staying, at the Marti Hotel, a dazzling high-rise set moments away from the famous Taksim Square. Hotels of such size can sometimes lack charm, but the Marti’s dimensions serve an important purpose: it’s only from our corner suite on the ninth floor that my companion and I get a real measure of the scale of the city outside. The arid motorway is forgotten as we look out over a sprawl of glittering lights and jumbled buildings, the chaotic skyline parting here and there to reveal a moonlit minaret. The itch to explore sets in, but it’s late, so we decide to test the room service menu before venturing into

the metropolis tomorrow. It’s a wise move: the food is fantastic, combining classic hotel comfort grub with fresh, flavoursome Turkish ingredients, and the vast bed and hammam shower are just what’s needed to refresh our travel-depleted complexions.

Several hours of blissful beauty sleep later, and after a hearty buffet breakfast in the hotel’s elegant restaurant, we’re crossing the flagstones of Taksim Square en route to Beyoğlu’s southern quarter, Galata.

The city is bright and alive around us, and I’m struck with the notion that this is how London must seem to many foreign visitors – a huge, working city that welcomes tourists but is (refreshingly) too busy to pander to them. On every corner and in every backstreet, sitting at cafe tables, congregating at flower stalls, haggling over the price of electronics and groceries and sports shoes and spices, are the people of Istanbul, an indescribably various

THERE IS AN ENERGY AND INDUSTRY HERE THAT SEEMS TO OUTSTRIP ANYTHING WITNESSED FURTHER WEST

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ABSOLUTELY TRAVEL

and vital bunch. We weave a path through and among them unnoticed, if not unseen.

To be clear: it’s not that this is an unfriendly city – the service is routinely charming and attentive at every coffee house, cocktail bar, shop and restaurant we visit (as well as at our five-star base camp, of course). But this is a cultural, economic and geographical hub that is still, after thousands of years, in the process of building and rebuilding itself, constantly revising itself upwards and outwards. There is an energy and industry here that seems to outstrip anything witnessed further west – and while tourism plays an important part in this process, this is no Paris or Rome, where every aspect of life in the city centre seems to cater to travellers and their wallets.

Istanbul offers something more real and raw and unvarnished: a kind of unsentimental honesty, perhaps, that is seriously refreshing.

Exploring on foot is the way to go. Many of the modern guidebooks suggest that the best way to see the city is by taxi, thanks to cheap fares and the sometimes punishing steepness of the hills on which the streets have long been laid. But alongside and perhaps even above the famous tourist landmarks, the best of Istanbul seems to crop up on forgotten side-streets

and around unassuming corners. Our several rambles down through Beyoğlu to Galata revealed warrens of streets where antiquated workshops and modern, independent boutiques sit side by side, and where ancient, ivy-clad towers stand crumbling above graffiti murals. By night, Galata is a buzzing hub for the city’s young and interesting, with bars and hotels like Litera (Yeniçarşi Caddesi - an avenue of foodie winners) and Büyük Londra (Mesrutiyet Caddesi) providing good food, great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

There are enticing restaurants in abundance on the side-streets surrounding the main shopping thoroughfare, İstiklâl Caddesi, which even on a Tuesday evening was filled with friendly revellers.

Further south lies the Golden Horn, another marine inlet, this one separating Galata from Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s famous Old Town. Cross the utilitarian immensity of the Galata Bridge, passing the hundreds of anglers lining its rails, and you find yourself in the shadow of the New Mosque. It’s one of the grandest of the nearly 3,000 that pepper the city, but it’s not the best of the bunch.

Venture further into the winding streets of Sultanahmet, through the world-famous

Spice Market with its array of colourful wares; through the Grand Bazaar, home of Turkish products of every description, from art and jewellery to linens and carpets (not all of them impressive by any means), and eventually you’ll emerge at the city’s southernmost tip, where sit the Hagia Sophia (a former Greek Orthodox church and Muslim mosque, now a museum) and the Blue Mosque (a working 17th century mosque) like two stately granddames. The splendour of their assembled towers and gardens is difficult to describe – and the queues to enter can be off-putting – but even just wandering around the grounds reminds you of the impact such sights must have had on the travellers of yesteryear, unable to have preconceived them beyond the odd painting or illustration in a book.

It’s in Sultanahmet that the majesty of Istanbul’s long and colourful history is most keenly felt, not least in the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground chamber built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century and still standing today. A walk around its echoing, watery vaults is a must; it’s just a shame they’ve put a cafe at one end of it.

Then again, perhaps Istanbul is better for such incongruities. While the city certainly contains a great many wonders (many on a breathtaking scale), the demanding business of everyday survival seems to prevent their dominating the life of the city overmuch. They are instead part of a much larger and more various living picture – one it’s essential you see for yourself.

Three nights at the Marti Istanbul Hotel costs €425 per night for two people in a Turkish Suite with hammam bath; martiistanbulhotel.com

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Bang & olufsen introduces a major breakthrough in wireless sound with three new design icons ireless audio just got serious – and now sounds seriously good. With the launch of three new wireless speakers, Bang & Olufsen once again confirms the brand’s dedication to outstanding acoustics, uncompromising design and craftsmanship as well as technological innovation that makes life simpler for discerning users. Sound that is reproduced as the artist intended it to be has long been a Bang & Olufsen hallmark and with Immaculate Wireless sound, Bang & Olufsen brings this tradition of acoustic authenticity into the wireless age for the first time ever.

The new wireless line-up includes BeoLab 17, a place-anywhere compact speaker with outsize sound; BeoLab 18, the latest incarnation of Bang & Olufsen’s sculpturally iconic audio columns for walls or floor; and BeoLab 19, a radically redesigned subwoofer that pumps refined bass with a visceral punch – and looks too good to hide. “These new speakers are at the vanguard of a new era of high-end sound,” says Lars Fredsgaard, Speaker Category Director at Bang & Olufsen. “Until now, speakers with this level of performance had to be wired. Our latest launch uses a robust wireless standard with enough bandwidth and channels to deliver a listening experience the way the artist intended it. Upgrading to premium sound – without downgrading your décor – is now available in three ways.”

W

SPECIALIST IN BESPOKE WINDOWS & DOORS

While they have integrated the WiSA standard into the new speakers, Bang & Olufsen has also rethought nearly everything about exterior design, custom-made components and dedicated digital sound engines. With an acoustic lens tweeter and 21-lamella front, available in solid oak as well as black or white, BeoLab 18 marks a quantum leap in the evolution of Bang & Olufsen’s signature column speakers. BeoLab 17’s wedge-like form makes it easy to place anywhere from bookshelves to walls and the BeoLab 19 draws on the extraordinary rigidity of a 12-faced dodecahedron and two drivers operating in-phase to eliminate unwanted vibrations.

Since they run on the new WiSA standard, all you need to do is plug the active speakers into the mains in a room with any WiSA-compliant transmitter in order to link wirelessly to your TV, Blu-ray player or settop box. For example, all Bang & Olufsen Immaculate Wireless Sound speakers work seamlessly, simply and spectacularly with the WiSA-updated BeoVision 11 television. With WiSA-compliant transmitters and receivers integrated into the physical and digital design, Bang & Olufsen now delivers unparalleled acoustic performance in a wireless surround setup. Of course, you can also connect the new speakers with wires, just as you can add wireless speakers to an existing wired setup if so desired.

Visit our showroom At 149 Chase Side Enfield EN2 OPN

www.enfieldwindows.co.uk Email: info@enfieldwindows.co.uk Tel: 020 8363 3233 FOLLOW US

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For further information please contact: Bang & Olufsen Swiss Cottage 79-81 Fairfax Road, NW6 4DY Tel : 020 7624 4243 Email swisscottage@bang-olufsen.co.uk

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THE SPA Adding additional wow-factor is the estate’s spa, nestled amid a vast walled garden. Sleek and minimal, its marble, wood and glass interior provides a striking but fitting contrast to the manor house. A huge swimming pool, outdoor saltwater plunge pool and a hydrotherapy pool along with thermal cabins and nine treatment rooms are the star turns here. Don’t miss the newly opened Well-being House, dedicated to nurturing mind body and spirit via a host of tailormade programmes, including a sublime Dry Floatation treatment.

THE HOTEL Approached by a magnificent mile-long avenue of four hundred lime and beech trees planted in 1827, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa is a quintessentially British grande dame, discreetly nestled just six miles from Bath. A classic Palladian country house surrounded by 500 acres of parkland, replete with stables, spa, cookery school and a newly created Well-being House, the estate alone is worthy of a weekend’s exploration. Fine dining comes courtesy of Hywel Jones’ Michelin-starred restaurant, while a grand drawing room and woodpanelled library are a cosseting nod to the hotel’s history as a private residence. Hunker down by the fire with afternoon tea, or sip an aperitif on the terrace in fine weather.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa WILTSHIRE

THE COOKERY SCHOOL Drawing on classic cooking techniques and plundering the exceptionally wellstocked kitchen gardens, the cookery school offers a wealth of informative and creative one-day courses, from Michelin Star Cooking at Home, to Speedy Family Suppers. Located in a professionally equipped Cotswold stone house on the estate, students can enhance their skills under the expert eye of Hrishikesh Desai, Roux Scholar and former National Chef of the Year, before enjoying the fruits of their labour in the form of a relaxed, communal meal.

THE ROOMS Situated in the main house and adjoining courtyard and cottages, rooms and suites feature sumptuous linens and marble bathrooms stocked with products from chic French brand Anne Sémonin. Classic décor is order of the day here – expect elegant printed fabrics and antique pieces expertly blended with contemporary additions including DVD players and complimentary Wifi. For a decadent escape, plump for one of the Grand Suites, complete with opulent four-poster bed and an open fire.

£

THE DAMAGE From £360 per room, including use of spa facilities. Cookery classes from £175 per person; Spa treatments from £30 per person. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Bath, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ, 01225 742777, lucknampark.co.uk.

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BECOME PART OF AN AWARD WINNING CLUB PROUD WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD

The Lab offers a calm, energising atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and superb facilities where you can escape the stresses and strains of modern day living and emerge refreshed, restored and energised.

MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000 MILL HILL HALL LANE NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300

LABSPA.CO.UK

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Smart picks from over a million properties.

Garage New build >VVK Ă…VVYZ

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APRIL 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Hendon Lane, N3 A fully detached double fronted family home refurbished to a contemporary style, boasting five double bedrooms, three receptions and four bathrooms. The property is well located for transport links including the A406, M1, and with fantastic direct links to the City. Chain free.

ÂŁ1,650,000 Freehold Martyn Gerrard, Finchley Central / 020 8346 0102 / martyngerrard.co.uk 2

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Completely at home in North London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience and 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated North London branches include • Belsize Park • Muswell Hill • Crouch End • St John’s Wood • Highgate • West Hampstead

KFH_APR.indd 2 adverts.indd 6 KFH MASTER brand

12/03/2014 12:08 10:41 10/03/2014

04.1

Crouch End Hill, Crouch End, N8 £750,000 Leasehold Crouch End 020 8348 8181 Email sce@kfh.co.uk

12:08

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Stunning three double bedroom apartment offering 1,250 sq ft of accommodation and two secure parking spaces. The property is located within a prestigious development in the heart of Crouch End, near Crouch Hill train station.

• • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Three bathrooms Dual aspect living room Secure gated development Two parking spaces Close to Coleridge School Prime central location

12/03/2014 12:06 10:41 10/03/2014

Dukes Avenue, Muswell Hill, N10 ÂŁ1,460,000 Situated within easy reach of Muswell Hill Broadway and the grounds of Alexandra Palace is this well presented five bedroom house arranged over three floors. The property offers a converted cellar, two bathrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast room and an 80ft rear garden.

Freehold. EPC rating D. Muswell Hill 020 8883 0123 Email smh@kfh.co.uk

Great North Road, Highgate, N6 ÂŁ1,850,000 A delightful five bedroom period family home finished to a high standard in a contemporary style. The property offers 3,000 sq ft of accommodation, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, roof terrace and a 142ft mature garden. Freehold. EPC rating E. Highgate 020 8341 6666 Email shi@kfh.co.uk

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04.1

Rathcoole Avenue, Crouch End, N8 £3,034 pcm Unfurnished

A newly refurbished four bedroom period family house located close to the amenities of Crouch End and transport links from Hornsey train station.

• • • • • •

Beautifully finished Two reception rooms Large kitchen/diner Two bathrooms Large loft room EPC rating D

Crouch End 020 8341 1110 Email lce@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Outram Road, Alexandra Palace, N22 £2,817 pcm Unfurnished Muswell Hill 020 8883 2340 Email lmh@kfh.co.uk

A delightful five bedroom Edwardian family house with stripped wood floors, double glazed sash windows and period features. The property is located in the surroundings of Alexandra Park and within walking distance to Alexandra Palace train station.

• • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Two bathrooms 20ft kitchen Two formal reception rooms 53ft garden with decked area Available end of April EPC rating D

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Lowdown for Landlords

SHOW CASE � A magnificent Victorian Mansion in Crouch End

P

rickett & Ellis have been asked to offer what must be one of the grandest detached homes in Crouch End. Conveniently placed in leafy Haslemere Road it is a few yards up the hill from The Broadway and just 3½ miles from St Pancras.

This handsome 6000 sq ft eight bedroom residence includes such rare features as Versailles panel floors, wood wall panelling, top floor light dome, tessellated tiling, lincrusta dados, deco inspired marquetry panelling, butler’s pantry, walk in larder, cellars with headroom and a triple boiler room. Externally there is a gated carriage drive, six car motor house, roof top gallery and a south facing garden adjoining parkland all overlooked by the impressive conservatory.

With the entrance and reception rooms a gasp to grace and splendour there is nevertheless a real, modern and relaxed family ambiance.

WHAT DO “FEES” INCLUDE? Landlords should first decide what they want the agent to do or what services would they like covered by an agent. Do you as a landlord need an agent to find you a tenant only, or perhaps you would also need the agent to manage the property while it is let?

For Tenant Find Only Service (finding and referencing a tenant, collecting holding deposit and the first rent due) the fees are usually around 10% of the rental price and often negotiable. If going for the full management, landlords ought to expect fees from or around 15%. Check contract details carefully and ask for clarification before signing.

There are clauses to look for such as the notice period, commission on renewals, vacant property charges, estate agency fees if the property is put up for sale, administration charges for services such as inventories, tenancy agreements, telephone calls abroad etc. Your agreement should cover gas safety checks and other inspections ensuring the property complies with standards, regulations and licencing.

Your agent should have professional indemnity insurance and a client money protection scheme in place and should be registered with the Property Ombudsman.

Consider whether to let the agent deal with the tenancy deposit too.

Oliver’s Estate Agents offer a management service and would be happy to answer landlord’s questions sent to propertymanagement@oliverstown.com

Paul Brooke Director, Oliver’s Hampstead

Details

Haslemere Road, N8 Price upon application

Contact

Prickett & Ellis, Crouch End office 020 8340 8900; prickettandellis.com

020 7431 1020 • oliverstown.com

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Hampstead

£1,200 pw + Fees Furnished

4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms Roof Terrace | Amenities Closeby | EPC – D Hampstead 020 7435 9681 hamp@brlets.co.uk Eleven offices open six days a week Monday - Saturday Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 | Canary Wharf 020 7517 6088 | City 020 7213 9700 | Ealing 020 8280 0140 | Greenwich 020 3440 7010 | Hampstead 020 7435 9681 Highgate 020 8341 2335 | Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 | Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620 | Kensington 020 7938 3522 | Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

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London’s Letting Agency

To arrange a viewing or for more information call

info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

020 7319 9783

Beaufort Park

£420 pw + Fees Furnished

Islington

£475 pw + Fees Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms 24hr Porter | Lift | Balcony | EPC - C Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 beaufortpark@brlets.co.uk

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom Private Garden | 24hr Concierge | EPC – E Highgate 020 8341 2335

Camden

Highgate

£650 pw + Fees Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms Period Conversion | Near Amenities | EPC - B Hampstead 020 7435 9681 hamp@brlets.co.uk

high@brlets.co.uk

£800 pw + Fees Furnished

3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms Garden | Garage | Near Amenities | EPC - E Highgate 020 8341 2335 high@brlets.co.uk

Dubai | Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore

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all on 020 7354 3000 for a FREE quote Commercial & Residential Property Corporate & Commercial Disputes Employment Insolvency Wills & Probate

HELP WITH THE LEGAL DETAIL WHEN YOU WANT TO EXTEND YOUR LEASE OR BUY YOUR FREEHOLD

Hema

Partner, Enfranchisement and Commercial Property

"Efficient, thorough, and always a pleasure to tal to. Hema was particularly good at providing reassurance and clarity."

"I always felt that with Hema we were in really safe hands."

PROPERTY LAW SERVICE

Buying or Selling Commercial Property Enfranchisement Landlord & Tenant Lease Extensions Property Disputes

pper treet, Islington, ondon 020 7354 3000 property@colmancoyle.com

www.colmancoyle.com

forward thin ing straight tal ing COLEMAN COYLE.indd 2

1984 - 2014

anniversary

Celebrating 30 YEARS in business | 1984 - 2014

10/03/2014 11:44

SPOTLIGHT ON MUSWELL HILL THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE

FRANCA REYNOLDS

Manager of Tatlers

ďż˝ 020 8341 4050; tatlers.co.uk

Park Avenue South, N8 - ÂŁ1,250,000

A

rranged over three floors, this wonderful family home in Muswell Hill comprises on the ground floor: sitting room, family room, utility room, kitchen/dining room and stairs leading a cellar area. Five bedrooms, study, bathroom and shower room and eaves storage occupy the upper two floors. There are the green open spaces of Priory and Alexander Park, and easy access to Crouch End and Muswell Hill.

BEST SCHOOL

There are several lovely schools in the area including Weston Park and Coleridge primary schools.

RAINY DAY

Extremely close by you have the wonderful grounds of Alexandra Palace with its ice skating rink, bar and kitchen.

7

RECEPTION

With many period features including picture rail, cornicing, central ceiling rose and pendant and lovely cast iron period fireplace with tiled insert, ornate wood surround and marble hearth.

FUN FOR FREE

7

EXTERIOR

7

COURTYARD

Well maintained and retaining period features such as a stunning tessellated floor in the hallway.

The property has amazing views from the rear elevation of Alexander Palace.

The superb library in Haringey Park also Priory Park with a cafe and paddling pool, which on a lovely sunny day would be ideal for a family picnic.

SPORTS & REC

Along with Alexandra Park ice skating rink, the Palace grounds and tennis courts in Priory Park, there are also several gyms in the area, i.e. Virgin Active.

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Grasmere Road, Muswell Hill, N10

£1,295,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

Set over three floors is a lovely five bedroom, two bathroom mid terraced Edwardian family home. This fine property provides spacious accommodation throughout whilst retaining a wealth of original period features; added benefits also include a delightful south-westerly facing rear garden. Located in a quiet and popular Lake road which is also within catchment of Rhodes Avenue Primary and Alexandra Park Secondary schools. Also close at hand is Bounds Green tube (Piccadilly Line) and Alexandra Park, Palace and its main line station providing easy access to the City (Moorgate and Old Street). Also with bus services to Highgate Tube Station (Northern Line).

Contact our Muswell Hill Office on 020 8444 1771

Muswell Hill Place, Muswell Hill, N10

£995,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

Situated within a moments walk of Muswell Hill Broadway and its excellent range of shops and restaurants is a truly outstanding four bedroom, two bathroom semi detached 1930’s built family home. This fine house is set out over three floors and provides bright and airy accommodation throughout whilst boasting a fantastic loft conversion with panoramic views stretching over London at the front and to the rear are the leafy views of Parkland Walk. Benefits include a professionally landscaped front garden and a 25’7 x 11’8 through lounge which opens out to a stunning westerly facing rear garden with decking; added benefits also include timber cased double glazed windows/doors throughout. Located within Muswell Hill Primary school catchment.

Contact our Muswell Hill Office on 020 8444 1771

BRANCHES AT MUSWELL HILL, CROUCH END AND EAST FINCHLEY TATLERS_APR.indd 1

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www.tatlers.co.uk

Creighton Avenue Ringwood Estate,

N2 £1,450.00 Freehold. Joint Sole Agents

Tatlers are pleased to present this extremely well maintained four bedroom semi detached family home, The property benefits well appointed rooms, a garage (with potential to extend over – subject to relevant consents), off street parking and a delightful south facing rear garden. The property is situated within favourable distance to Fortismere secondary school and is located within a ten minute stroll to Eden primary school and the multiple shops and Northern Line station of East Finchley.

Contact our East Finchley Office on 020 8883 1001

Mount View Road, Crouch End Borders, N4

£650,000 Leasehold. Sole Agents

This garden apartment has its own private entrance, it is stylish with oak flooring throughout and contemporary fittings. The well planned living accommodation has ample storage and direct access to its own private garden. The property comprises: open plan kitchen/dining/ sitting room, two double bedrooms one with en-suite bathroom, study, shower room incorporating a utility cupboard and fitted wardrobes in both bedrooms. The garden laid mainly to lawn is accessed via the kitchen. The location is well serviced for transport links with Crouch Hill and Harringay station close by and is a short bus ride (W3) to Finsbury Park. Crouch End Broadway with its mix of shops, cafes and restaurants is within easy reach.

Contact our Crouch End Office on 020 8341 4050

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS CLAIRE MURRAY

Sales Manager: Edmund Cude Photography: Rebecca Noonan

I

have always had the property bug in my life; from childhood I was surrounded by people in the property industry, which sparked my enthusiasm to become an agent myself. I started my career 7 years ago as a junior negotiator in a large corporate company. There were no vacancies in the company; however I impressed them so much in my interview that they invented a ‘floating agent’ position between two offices in order to keep me. Within the first few months of the industry I went from strength to strength, absorbing all of the information which paid off as I won the best newcomer in my first few months.

After which you could never keep me away from the top of the league tables! Through developing my career in the company I gained a wealth of knowledge of buying and selling properties and even now I am still learning on a daily basis, I doubt this will ever change. The most rewarding part of my career is handing the keys over to the new home owners and seeing the excitement in their faces. I am wrapped up in their excitement so much that I have been known to shed a tear or two of happiness for them.

I have spent all of my life in North London, I was born and bred in Finchley and I have always been a frequent visitor to the Camden area. From childhood I remember family days out in the vibrant markets which Camden has to offer, with their multicultural food stalls and enchanting street performers. As time has progressed I have enjoyed the local pubs, clubs and restaurants the

area has to offer, which prompted my move to the area for work.

In 1974 a weekly craft market was set up, from which Camden Lock has grown and grown. The labyrinthine open-air Camden Markets, including the Stables Market, Inverness Street Market and the Camden Lock attract nearly 100,000 people every weekend, making it the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London. For a quieter feel to Camden, away from the hustle and bustle, you can stroll by Regents Canal, gaze at the amazing and diverse architecture which is on offer, or even take a good book and relax in the tranquillity of the famous Camden Square Gardens.

Camden has been a focal point for many celebrities, ranging from Charles Dickens to the late Amy Winehouse, who have made Camden their home. Camden has become a truly desirable location to live. Situated moments from central London, it is perfect for commuters, and due to this there has been a shortage of properties available in the area to buy. As an additional strain to the available properties to market, the help to buy scheme has been attracting even more buyers, and we know that the demand for properties in the area is going to be stronger than ever for 2014. I am confident for the year ahead and I am sure that the property prices will continue to rise.

020 7482 8920; edmundcude.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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R

O EM NL AI Y 1 N IN G

G NS IN O R TI SP PLE M CO

A TRULY EXCLUSIVE LONDON LIFESTYLE Visit our stunning new Show Home – viewings strictly by appointment only A collection of elegantly designed 3 and 4 bedroom homes boasting stunning contemporary interiors and generous private gardens each built to a superior standard, combining the very best of village tranquillity and London vivacity in a development that embodies 21st Century aspirations.

3 bedroom house SOLD 4 bedroom houses PRICES FROM ÂŁ1,400,000

(Only one remaining)

www.parhammews.com For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact our selling agents:

T: 020 8444 4215 www.sequencehome.co.uk

T: 020 8945 5907 www.hamptons.co.uk

www.martingranthomes.co.uk

Price correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image. Interior images show previous Martin Grant Homes show houses.

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020 8348 5515

crouch.end@castles-estateagents.co.uk

www.castles-estateagents.co.uk

Crouch End Sales & Lettings

Birchington Road, N8

Rectory Gardens, N8

£699,999 SOFH

£875,000 FREEHOLD

Crouch Hill, N4

Priory Road, N8

£550,000 SOFH

£1,100,000 FREEHOLD

· 2 double-bedroom conversion · South-west facing rear garden · Wooden built study/summerhouse · Offered Chain Free

· 3 bedroom conversion · Situated on first floor · Own section of rear garden · Coleridge School nearby

· 4 bedroom family home · Private rear garden · Beautifully presented · Residential turning

· 4-5 bedroom period home · Private rear garden · Space and character features · Ample storage via cellar/eaves

12 Topsfield Parade, London N8 8PR CASTLE_NXNW_APR.indd 2

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PROPERTY

ROUND UP RTY PROPTEHE OF

MONTH

STANHOPE GARDENS, N6 £899,950 Leasehold An outstanding split level three bedroom garden flat providing a generous kitchen diner, luxury bathroom, private garden and excellent décor, situated on this popular road close to Highgate underground station.

KFH, Highgate 020 8341 6666; kfh.co.uk

JENNI TOWLER Senior Lettings Negotiator, Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, Hampstead We’ve had a particularly good start to the year, with high demand from tenants. A large number of one and two bedroom properties are coming to the market and we’re letting these in quick succession. Landlords are more aware of how competitive the rental market is so are conscious that they must maintain their properties to a high standard and ensure presentation is excellent.

Demand for larger properties is more seasonal, with the relocation market picking up around Easter. We are now seeing an increase in enquiries from executives with higher budgets looking for family homes ready for the start of the autumn school term.

020 7435 9681; brlets.co.uk

GLOUCESTER CRESCENT, NW1 £2,300 Per Week An immaculately presented, five storey, four bedroom, family home situated on Gloucester Crescent in Camden. The accommodation comprises of a semi open plan fitted kitchen and dining room, double reception room with floor to ceiling windows, conservatory room, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, single bedroom, two additional bathrooms, guest cloakroom, utility room and a private patio garden.

Further benefits include excellent storage, solid wood flooring in the main reception areas, high ceilings and classic period features throughout. Gloucester Crescent is located moments from Regents Canal.

Chesterton Humberts, Camden 020 7267 3574; chestertonhumberts.com

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ABSOLUTELY Property

5

minutes with...

Nicholas King Sales Manager of Faron Sutaria, Camden

� 020 7267 7074 • faronsutaria.co.uk What makes Faron the go-to-agent in the area?

The personal touch of an independent agent with the expertise, market exposure and brand presence of the largest group of estate agents in Europe.

How long have you been in the area?

I have enjoyed working in the Camden area for almost two years now, and it is also where I call home.

What is your company ethos?

At Faron Sutaria customer satisfaction is our priority. Whether you are a buyer, seller, a landlord or tenant, we will work tirelessly to make sure your experience of us is a positive one.

What can we expect for the market in the Spring/Summer?

With news that interest rates are to remain low moving into the second quarter of the year I see a decrease in demand unlikely, making it the ideal time to capitalise on selling your property.

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OPPIDANS ROAD, NW3 A very well presented maisonette with e ceptional natural li ht set over the top two floors of a handsome period buildin in rimrose illa e Appro 2 s ft ner y atin 2 bedrooms, study/3rd bedroom, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room.

Lease to 2168 Guide Price £1,500,000

Chalcot Crescent, NW1

Guide £3,850,000

in

enry s oad

Guide £2,000,000

PRIMROSE HILL 020 3151 6295 primrosehill@johndwood.co.uk

JDW_APR.indd 2 NxNW 2 Page 1 JDW6654 Absolutely

it roy oad

Guide £3,500,000

e ent s ar

oad

Guide £1,395,000

johndwood.co.uk

10/03/2014 10/03/2014 15:46 13:46

JDW

AINGRER ROAD, NW3 A beautifully presented maisonette with 2 roof terraces set over the top two floors of a handsome period property in Primrose Village. Approx. 1,205 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, 2 terraces.

Freehold Share Guide Price £1,850,000 SOLD

Chalcot Road, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,695,000 Sharpleshall Street, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,250,000 Chamberlain Street, NW1

PRIMROSE HILL 020 3151 6295 primrosehill@johndwood.co.uk

13:46

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SOLD

Guide £2,950,000 Gloucester Avenue, NW1

Guide £1,100,000

johndwood.co.uk

10/03/2014 10/03/2014 15:46 13:47

OPPIDANS ROAD

GUIDE PRICE: £1,999,950 SHARE OF FREEHOLD / SOLE AGENTS

PRIMROSE HILL, NW3

A substantial three double bedroom (1,500 sq ft) garden maisonette occupying the entire raised and lower ground floors of a semi detached Victorian house. This generously proportioned apartment boasts a 19'8 reception room with high corniced ceilings, period fireplace and views over the private rear garden. Fully fitted kitchen with french doors lead to a decked terrace with stairs down to garden. 19’6 dining room with high corniced ceiling, period fireplace and bay window. The master bedroom is an impressive 19'5 x 12'11 with views over the garden. There is also a second bedroom with en suite bathroom, third bedroom/study and guest shower room. Oppidans Road is a quiet tree lined street in the heart of Primrose Hill. EPC=C.

CHALCOT ROAD

GUIDE PRICE: £1,650,000 LEASEHOLD / SOLE AGENT

PRIMROSE HILL, NW1

A two bedroom maisonette with private roof terrace that exudes character and charm and offers the potential to increase the existing living space by approximately 600 sq ft (planning permission granted). This beautiful apartment is accessed via a private entrance and is currently arranged over the first and second floors of an attractive Victorian terraced house. The 18'2 reception room has high corniced ceilings, two large windows and a period fireplace, intercommunicating with a fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room with a large window at its rear. There is a large master bedroom, a second bedroom and a bathroom. The planning permission would allow the incoming purchaser to create a master bedroom with a dressing room and en suite bathroom, a second bedroom, a third bedroom/study, a bathroom and a roof terrace. EPC=F.

Ricky Dengel Sales Manager ricky.dengel@sandfords.com

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Lyndi Persaud Sales Negotiator lyndi.persaud@sandfords.com

Primrose Hill Sales T: 020 7722 7997 E: phsales@sandfords.com 107 Regent’s Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

13/03/2014 14:37

sandfords.com

GILBEY HOUSE

CAMDEN TOWN, NW1

£750PW +FEES

A very spacious, contemporary, third floor, two bedroom apartment with views over Regent’s Canal in this popular residential development, formerly Gilbey’s Gin Factory.

ST. MARK’S CRESCENT PRIMROSE HILL, NW1

£595PW +FEES

A fabulous, bright and spacious two bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Primrose Hill Village.

This wonderful apartment has been completely refurbished, benefiting from wooden flooring throughout, spacious bright rooms, underfloor heating and excellent storage. The accommodation comprises a large reception room with floor to ceiling windows offering views over Regent’s Canal, a modern fitted kitchen with induction hob, two double bedrooms with built in storage and two bathrooms. Further benefits include undercroft parking, porter, two communal terraces, gym and sauna. EPC=D.

This unique and charming property is immaculately presented.

Situated on the lower ground floor of a very well presented Georgian home and offers flexible living space and wooden flooring throughout.

The accommodation comprises an open plan kitchen/reception room, a master bedroom leading to a small conservatory area, a second large double bedroom or reception room and a modern bathroom. Further benefits include built in storage areas, views of Regent’s Canal and small patio garden to the front of the property. The sought after St Mark’s Crescent is moments from Primrose Hill park and all the boutique shops and restaurants Primrose Hill has to offer. EPC=C.

PERRINS WALK

GLOUCESTER AVENUE

HAMPSTEAD, NW3

£850PW +FEES

A beautifully presented and highly charismatic two bedroom cottage in a quiet residential mews in the heart of Hampstead Village. The property offers excellent light, wooden flooring and wonderful features throughout. The accommodation, which is spread over four floors, comprises a spectacular reception room on the first floor with large windows and fireplace, separate kitchen, second reception room and bathroom on the ground floor, master bedroom with semi open plan en suite bathroom and second bedroom. Further benefits include a utility area, private and secluded rear garden, small roof terrace and gated entrance. Off road parking is also available for a small car. Perrins Walk is a private road set within the much sought after location of Hampstead Village and moments from Hampstead Heath. EPC=E.

Stephanie Stevenson Lettings Manager stephanie.stevenson@sandfords.com

SANDFORDS_APR.indd 3

Primrose Hill Lettings T: 020 7722 7997 E: phlettings@sandfords.com 107 Regent’s Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

PRIMROSE HILL, NW1

£425PW +FEES

A fabulous, recently refurbished raised ground floor one bedroom apartment in the heart of Primrose Hill Village.

This bright and spacious apartment offers wooden flooring, incredible high ceilings and excellent storage. The accommodation comprises a good size reception room, separate fitted kitchen, contemporary bathroom and double bedroom with built in storage.

Gloucester Avenue is located within the heart of Primrose Hill Village.

The amenities of Regent’s Park Road and Camden Town are a short walk away, along with the transport links of Chalk Farm underground station. EPC=C.

Potential tenants should be advised that, in addition to rent, an administration fee of £252 per property plus £30 reference fee per tenant will apply when renting a property. Please contact us for further information on other charges that may apply or see our Tenant’s Guide which can be downloaded from our website.

13/03/2014 14:37

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

HEMA ANAND � 020 7354 3000 / colmancoyle.com

From Colman Coyle gives her expert advice on all your legal property questions

Q. I was under the impression that if a lease drops below 70 years, this may become a problem when coming to sell or remortgage. Is this correct?

A. There are a couple of issues to

Hamish Gilfeather

Manager of John D Wood & Co., Primrose Hill � 020 7717 5137; johndwood.co.uk

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE SALE? Every sale is unique. However, you should market the property for at least two weeks before contemplating offers unless, of course, you receive a particularly good offer from a buyer in a strong position. Once you have agreed a sale, solicitors are instructed and the conveyancing typically takes 3-4 weeks.

If the property is leasehold, delays can occur from the management company or freeholder as well as correspondence with the local council.

A mutually convenient date for completion is then agreed which can be simultaneous with exchange right up to 6 months or more, but typically its 2-4 weeks from exchange.

Nigel Ellis Director at Prickett & Ellis � 020 8883 9797; prickettandellis.com

HOW MUCH WILL THE SOLICITORS FEES AND COSTS BE INCLUDING STAMP DUTY? This of course depends on whether you are buying or selling, the

price and the tenure. These factors most influence conveyancing costs, although they pale into insignificance when compared to Stamp Duty. For example, someone selling a leasehold £600,000 flat and buying a freehold £1.2 million house may need to pay their solicitor £2,500 but the Stamp Duty will be a non negotiable £60,000! Conveyancing quotations and service levels can vary considerably (not all set out all the costs) but trust me, you need experienced expertise that will be there for you throughout the transaction - so please avoid the low cost ‘factory’ operations. An active and established estate agent will usually know who best fits the bill.

consider. To begin with, the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 sets out that where a lease falls below 80 years, the premium payable to the landlord to extend the lease will increase. This is because an element referred to as “the marriage value” becomes payable to the landlord. The marriage value is essentially the increase in the value of your property following a lease term extension.

Secondly, you have referred to mortgageability and marketability.

These are different factors that have different considerations. For example, a short leasehold property located in prime central London may still be marketable and mortgageable compared to a short leasehold property located elsewhere.

Estate agents local to the area of the property can often comment on the marketability of a property subject to a short lease. In terms of mortgageability, that is the ability to get a mortgage for a property with a short lease, this will vary according to the individual lender’s requirements. For example, certain lenders have a requirement that the unexpired lease term should be 25 years plus the term of the mortgage.

ASK THE EXPERTS Contact property partner Hema Anand with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email hema.anand@colmancoyle.com  www.colmancoyle.com 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

SPOTLIGHT ON: N10 Average asking price - £919,522 | Average asking rents - £1,905 pcm | Average property value - £692,307 Data provided by property website 98

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Sales Lettings Property Management

Estate Agents Since 1988

Regent’s Park, NW1

£3,500pw + fees

A classic 4 bedroom Nash terrace residence located on the perimeters of Regent’s Park with easy access to all the facilities of St John’s Wood, Primrose Hill and Marylebone High Street.

Well planned, newly refurbished, bright and elegant family living space (approx. 2,490 sq. ft.) is arranged over five floors. An exciting and rare opportunity to live in this prime London location.

Primrose Hill Lettings: 020 7722 5054 | primrosehill@oliverstown.com

Kentish Town, NW5

£1,100,000 Freehold

This lovingly transformed maisonette offers comfortable modern living (approx. 1106 sq. ft/ 102,75 sq. m.) planned over three light filled upper floors of a period Victorian terrace close to

Chalk Farm. There are 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a delightfully bright reception open plan with kitchen. A short walk from South End Green, Hampstead Heath and amenities of Belsize Park.

Kentish Town Sales: 020 7284 1222 | Kentishtown@oliverstown.com info@oliverstown.com | oliverstown.com Hampstead, 5 Pond St, NW3 2PN, +44(0)20 7431 1020 | Primose Hill, 47a Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS, +44(0)20 7722 5054 |Kentish Town, 189 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 2JU, +44(0)20 7284 1222

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Offices throughout London

Coopers Lane, NW1

£360,000 Leasehold

A spacious one double bedroom top floor apartment, perfect for first time buyers and investors. There is an abundance of living space throughout the property, other features include spacious bedroom, modern bathroom, generous kitchen and balcony. The property is situated moments from London St Pancras Station and King’s Cross St Pancras Tube Station allowing for ease of travel across London, Europe and other UK destinations. Camden Town is just a short walk away offering a selection of world famous attractions including Camden and Stable Markets, The Roundhouse and restaurants, cafes and bars. EPC = D Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Princes Court, Shoot Up Hill, NW2

£475,000 Leasehold

A spacious third floor apartment situated in a popular mansion block moments from Kilburn underground station. The property provides two double bedrooms, a large, modern eat-in kitchen and a lounge diner. The block itself benefits from a security entry system, lift and communal gardens. EPC = C

Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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Victoria Rise, Hilgrove Road, NW6

£2,250,000 Freehold

This superbly presented four bedroom family house which has been interior designed to a high specification featuring an impressive kitchen diner and separate reception room. This property benefits from four double bedrooms. This stunning property is set behind electric gates and benefits from off street parking and integrated double garage. This beautiful home is located approximately 0.1 miles to South Hampstead train station and 0.2 miles from Swiss Cottage Tube station giving you easy access to central London. EPC = D Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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After the umpteenth year, the self-made man rested.

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

CRANLEY GARDENS , N10 £2,200,000 FREEHOLD

A five bedroom, three to four reception room detached house with off street parking located between Muswell Hill Broadway and Highgate.

• 5 Bedrooms • 3 Receptions • 3 Reception rooms

THE OWNERS LOVE...

“The perfect location between Muswell Hill, Highgate and Crouch End and the fantastic walks in Highgate Woods and Alexandra Palace” “That there is never a problem with parking even for our visitors” “The sunshine in the kitchen in the morning and the views from the top of the house”

WE’VE NOTICED...

• 4th reception/study with potential separate entrance and own WC • Kitchen diner leading to rear garden • 4 Bathrooms (3 en suite) • Utility room

There is potential for a self contained study or au pair’s room with it’s own WC or bathroom which would have a separate entrance. The rear garden is not overlooked by the houses behind.

Muswell Hill office • T: 020 8444 3388 • E: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk • 300/302 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10 2QR

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

CHURCH VALE, N2, £1,999,950 FREEHOLD

An extended five bedroom semi-detached family home, with a west facing garden located within the Ringwood Estate off Fortis Green.

• 5 Bedrooms • 2 Reception rooms • 1 Family bathroom

THE OWNERS LOVE...

• En-suite to master bedroom

“We can look across our garden from two first floor balconies, viewing some dramatic sunsets” “We are spoilt for choice with great transport links in East Finchley and the shops of Muswell Hill” “We have extended our home which allows us plenty of space for entertaining, plus a large games room in the loft”

• Kitchen/diner • Utility room • Garage and off-street parking • 2 Balconies overlooking the garden

WE’VE NOTICED...

• EPC Rating - D

There are many period features including a wood burning fire place.

There is additional loft storage.

East Finchley • T: 020 8883 0077 • E: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk • 66/68 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9PN

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50 years of

fulfilling dreams ...for all generations

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

Embracing change and looking ahead.

Selling and letting homes.

Crouch End Muswell Hill

020 8348 5135 020 8444 3388

East Finchley Kentish Town

020 8883 0077 020 7267 3737

BARNET • CROUCH END • EAST FINCHLEY • FINCHLEY CENTRAL • NORTH FINCHLEY • HENDON • KENTISH TOWN • MILL HILL • MUSWELL HILL • WHETSTONE

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