Abs NXNW May 2013

ABSOLUTELY

MAY 2013

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

MOTHER NATURE

ORGANIC LIVING WITH JO WOOD

ORIENT EXCESS

GIVE IT SOME DELI FAVOURITE FOODIE SHOPS

FASHION'S EASTERN FLING

OPEN AIR

Cool Water

ROBERT SEAN LEONARD TAKES TO THE STAGE

Active getaways around the world

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

HARRIET COMPSTON HELEN BARON CATHERINE HALES

PROPERTY EDITOR

LUCIE PEARCE

FEATURE WRITERS

DANIEL AGNEW GARETH FITZGERALD

ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER MID WEIGHT DESIGNER PRODUCTION DESIGNER JUNIOR DESIGNER PRODUCTION CONTROLLER PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS

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ADVERTISING MANAGER PROPERTY DIRECTOR

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FINANCE DIRECTOR MARKETING MANAGER DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

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22/04/2013 16:27

Contents ABSOLUTELY

May 2013

Beauty

07 EDITOR’S LETTER

Interiors

43 BEAUTY EDIT

57 SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS

08 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

41 LIGHT AND DARK

60 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

11 MOTHER NATURE

43 FEELING GOOD

63 JUST MY TYPE

Food

Travel

Lifestyle

The latest beauty products Day to night make-up

Ten things that tickle our fancy

May’s health tips

An interview with Jo wood

16 FULL HOUSE

Robert Sean Leonard returns to London

Fashion

19 BRIGHT YOUNG BLING

Amber Artherton’s style inspirations

23 RUBBER SOUL

Latex Lingerie with Atsuko Kudo

46 WHOLE LARDER LOVE Five delis we love

52 RESTAURANT LISITNGS 58 RESTAURANT REVIEWS

The Newman Street Tavern and The Pig and Butcher

With Abigail Ahern

The best trends, designers and local gems Absolutely’s favourite typefaces

67 MYSTIC EAST

Adventures on the Huangpu River

71 ENGLAND’S DREAMING The Rectory Hotel in The Costwolds

72

TRAVEL ROUND-UP Active holidays around the world

FIND US ONLINE: WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM MAY_CONTENTS.indd 5

19/04/2013 18:18

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22/01/2013 11/01/2013 11:59 19:11

Editor’s Letter

W

e’ve been enjoying a fashion moment at Absolutely towers. We can’t get enough of the pastels and muted shades, tropical prints, ethnic patterns and nautical stripes that make up our favourite SS13 looks. Oriental influence is set to be big and can be found in this month’s fashion shoot, on location aboard the decadent Orient Express as well as in our monthly hot travel destination, which this issue sees Priscilla Pollara heading to China’s great capital in search of a Far Eastern adventure. Still hankering for more?

Head to our monthly trend page for a crash course in how to ‘do’ the new Japonism look.

We’re also obsessed with Holloway-based brand Atsuko Kudo. Admittedly, their studded latex bras aren’t all that practical, but they sure as hell are fun. We interview the brand’s founder on page 23.

We also spoke with Amber Artherton, the young entrepreneur who set up My Flash Trash, an online jewellery store and blog. An original cast member of hit reality show Made in Chelsea, Artherton finds time to model and consult for luxury brands alongside running her tremendously successful start-up – and in July last year, she even opened a My Flash Trash concession in Leicester Square’s trendy W Hotel.

Further aesthetic brilliance arrives in the form of Abigail Ahern’s arresting new interiors book, Decorating with Style. The mission statement from the woman heralded as a ‘style spotter extraordinaire’? To take over the world, one room at a time. Flicking through the pages is as satisfying as whiling away the hours looking at other people’s pimped-up pads on the world-famous Apartment Therapy website; we hope you’ll be inspired enough by our book extract to have a go at Ahern’s vintage light pendant how-to.

Staying on the subject of books, I had a whale of a time interviewing Robert Sean Leonard prior to his stint with the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The US star of House is set to play the lead role of Atticus Finch in the forthcoming production of To Kill a Mockingbird, and it was genuinely lovely to converse with someone so honest and witty. An absolute legend.

Enjoy the issue.

Helen Baron, Editor

ON THE COVER Lickerish / Daniele Barraco

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

#JUMPJUMP

Jumpsuits need to be worn well. Bad fabrics or ill fits will leave you wanting to ‘abort mission’ no sooner have you left the house, so beware of fabric bunching around the backside. For a ‘70s twist, this Haider Ackermann number (available from LN-CC), complete with thick straps and high-waisted pants, will look great with either a t-shirt or a striped Breton jumper – like this one from Other Stories. Finish with a pair of cool shoes – we love the disco vibe of these cheeky Terry de Havilland heels. Altogether not quite Kriss Kross – but it’ll still make you jump (jump).

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’s

Editor

Pick

19/04/2013 18:19

Joubi

Costume jeweller du jour Joubi is now stocked at Kabiri. The brand’s playful pieces have earned it celeb fans including Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith and Sarah Harding, and its latest collection features plenty of red-carpet moments. The ‘Kosey’ cat’s ear rings come in a range of vibrant, vernal colours and are most definitely on our wishlist.

37 Marylebone High Street, W1; kabiri.co.uk

10

things we

Absolutely

LOVE

Tippi Pleated Shirt Dress

We love this delightfully simple and stylish design from Toast’s latest season.

A pull-on, easy-fit shirt dress in a light, airy cotton and rayon check, it has a vintage-y, classic feel but with a modern, on-trend twist. £155.

133 Upper Street, N1; toast.co.uk

Ediitcokr’s P

Marianne by Charlotte Olympia

Whether you’re going for breakfast in Paris,or just wish you were, these shoes are the perfect footwear. We’re utterly charmed by the Eiffel Tower detailing and the soft violet suede is the ideal colour for all times of day. We are now off to watch Audrey in Paris When it Sizzles to complete our Parisian mood. £545; charlotteolympia.com

WILLOW COLLECTION BY MULBERRY

It’s very hard not to love Mulberry’s new Willow Collection and even harder to pick a favourite. The pastel totes have caught our attention with their spring shades and (perhaps, more importantly), zip-detachable envelope clutch on the front. Two Mulberry bags in one – what more could you want? £1,500, available from Mulberry, Westfield Stratford, E20; mulberry.com

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Shell Short, NW3

by Hobbs

Graham & Green Spring Bird Cage Chandelier Who doesn’t love an eccentric chandelier?

This exquisite oddity is a wonderful specimen, a cylindrical wire cage set with beautiful, handmade birds. A delightful flight of fancy for any home. £395, 164 Regent’s Park Road, NW1; grahamandgreen.co.uk

We saw these delightful shorts and needed to look no further. Elegant and seasonal, they nod to Gatsby, which is just what we need with the impending release of The Great Gatsby movie. The lemon yellow detailing is light and bright, while the high waist and loose fit will be perfect for the summer months to come. A very worthwhile purchase. £69, 15 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1; hobbs.co.uk

Pestival

The Wellcome Collection and Pestival (the UK’s own insectinspired arts roadshow), humanity’s complex relationship with creepy-crawlies comes under the microscope. Visitors can attend debates, explore fascinating archival materials and participate in games as they discover more about the place of insects in human life.

Guaranteed to be an eye-opener.

Who’s the Pest? until 16 May, 183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org

PRINCESSE TAM TAM SQUARE RACER BACKTOP Vive la France! The new swimwear collection from the French underwear label conjures up visions of everything playful and exciting about summer holidays, with bold, jewel colours and elegantly retro prints that will ensure feminine sophistication beside the pool. £80; princessetamtam.co.uk

POP ART WINE BOTTLES BY CRASH WINES

In the wake of the Tate’s wildly successful Roy Lichtenstein exhibition, Pop Art has once again taken London by storm -–and now even the winemakers are getting in on the action.

Combining premium quality vino imported from Extremadura with eye-catching and vibrant Pop Art designs, these bottles practically beg to be snatched up. You won’t find us resisting. £9.99, available at Thornton’s Budgens, 199-205 Haverstock Hill, NW3; thorntonsbudgens.com

British Pudding Chocolate Bar Library

Montezuma’s has been busily establishing itself as the nation’s premier luxury chocolatier, and the success of last year’s innovative Great British Pudding bars has led the company to relaunch five of the collection’s melt-in-the-mouth highlights in a nifty ‘library’ gift box. Sure to please bookworms and chocoholics alike, the apple crumble, Eton Mess and summer pudding flavours are not to be ‘trifled’ with. Yum. £13.49; montezumas.co.uk

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22/10/2012 16:15

Absolutely

PROFILE

Earth Mother Living a rock ‘n’ roll life is one thing, but how many people can say they were married to a Rolling Stone for 24 years?

Words: Helen Baron

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O

f course, these days Jo Wood (famous ex-wife of Stones bassist Ronnie) is more sushi roll than rock ‘n’ roll, having swapped a life of partying and excess for a healthy existence that’s made her synonymous with the philosophy of organic living. The change was triggered by a mis-diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

‘It had never even crossed my mind beforehand,’ Wood tells me. ‘I always loved to cook and cooked for the family, but it was a shock to discover the degree to which vegetables and ready-meals are pumped full of chemicals. I think about everything I put in my system now. I make sure my food is pure. I haven’t eaten a McDonalds since the early nineties.’

Wood’s speech is peppered with giddy, childlike laughs. There’s an innocence and naivety to the way she talks which smacks of the happiness and wellbeing her healthconscious lifestyle has brought her. There is nothing jaded here, despite her former life of late nights and over-indulgence (and her former husband’s hurtful indiscretions).

Instead, Jo Wood brims with appreciation for the simple things in life.

I had expected this to some extent: Wood’s TV appearances have always made her seem entirely affable and down to earth, and her

appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 won her legions of fans. She is clearly grateful, as well as passionately enthused about the opportunities she has had in recent years. Again, her excitement centres on the benefits of better living – benefits she clearly loves to share. She tells me she never buys takeaway meals, preferring to make dishes like curry from scratch. In fact, she’d rather ‘not eat than eat rubbish.’ Presciently, in the light of the recent horsemeat scandal, she adds that ‘the more that is revealed about what goes on in the food industry, the more I know my lifestyle choice is right.’ I couldn’t agree more, and ask if she’s managed to pass on her awareness to her family.

‘I always try to educate people about food and farming,’ she says. ‘My daughter, Leah, is brilliant. My sons are getting better - though the youngest, Tyrone, drinks Coca-Cola.’ Wood can’t fathom why anyone would do so, and launches a (convincing) mini tirade against the brand.

‘Your body is like a Formula 1 racing car,’ she says, ‘why would you not put the best fuel in it?’

Wood’s commitment to all things organic sees her contributing regularly to Natural Health magazine, and in September she will launch her first organic fragrance collection.

‘I’m very passionate about what we put on our skin as well as what we eat,’ she

says. ‘There are so many chemicals in normal perfume.’

Wood’s foodie fascination also extends to her vegetable garden, from which sprung the idea for Mrs Paisley’s Lashings – a popup restaurant she created in her last (and by all accounts, palatial home in Richmond, back in 2009, with help from son-in-law Jack Macdonald, daughter Leah’s husband).

‘I loved doing that,’ she enthuses. ‘It was easy to do in the Richmond house; I had a great big garden where I grew all my vegetables. I loved filling the house with people; I had some mad, long nights... it was exhausting.’

Having just downsized to a smaller plot in Primrose Hill, I ask if she’d like to run a pop-up again.

‘I could do a smaller, more intimate popup I suppose, I do have a vegetable garden here too. It’s something I don’t want to stop.’

It would certainly be interesting to be a flyon-the-wall at one of her dinner parties: past events were open to the public, but celebrity friends and contacts were in attendance.

Yet pop-up potential or no, it turns out Primrose Hill has a special place in Wood’s heart.

‘I love it here. When I first moved to London, I lived in Belsize Park, so it’s gone full circle. I can cycle to my office, I’m close to town, my family are nearby.’ A cheeky

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Absolutely

PROFILE “It dates from childhood to now, and covers everything in between – so there are mad stories, drug stories, babies and kids and everything I could cram in...”

chuckle and she tacks on that she’s now part of the ‘North London posse.’

She goes on to tell me that she loves spending time at Market Restaurant on Parkway and can’t get enough of Sushi Waka a few doors up.

Aside from settling in to the neighbourhood, Wood has also just completed a new book, Hey Jo, which launches in stores this month. Talking about it prompts her first and only mention of ex-husband Ronnie, though I suspect her marriage to one of the most famous musicians in the world left her with a great many tales to tell. ‘I spent most of my adult life with my ex-husband so there is a lot about him in the book,’ she admits – though she declines to say whether we can expect any outrageous stories.

‘It dates from childhood to now, and covers everything in between – so there are mad stories, drug stories, babies and kids and everything I could cram in... 90,000 words was not long enough. Looking through my photographs was probably the most emotional part of it all.’

As well as promoting her new book, Wood is about to embark on her first professional foray into the world of interiors. She has always decorated her own houses, including her new Primrose Hill

JO WOOD’S DINNER PARTY TIPS 1. Start with an organic vodka cocktail; of course, everything should be organic, even the wine (which is purer and without sulphates, so doesn’t give you as much of a headache the next day).

2. Recycle. Use jars as glasses and vintage crockery; serving on plates with different patterns adds to the fun.

3. Grow your own salad so it goes from garden to plate within half an hour.

abode, over which she apparently ‘obsessed’.

Her first private client approached her to oversee a major refurbishment and she’s excited at the prospect of exercising discipline to prevent too much of her own character coming through.

‘It has to be a collaboration,’ she says, ‘and I have to incorporate their personality.

We’re just on planning permission at the moment, so I haven’t started on creative ideas, but it will be a great challenge.’ Her own house is (naturally), ‘a romantic, rock ‘n’ roll, Marie Antoinette affair.’ No doubt her access to the world of fame and fortune, and the experience and opportunity that affords, has influenced her sense of style?

She tips me off on her favourite antique furniture haunts (Hastings, Portobello Market for lace and Kempton Market out in Middlesex), but there’s clearly a point where material pleasures end and ecological awareness takes over. As such, Wood leaves me not with a raucous story, but with a David Attenborough-worthy soundbite: ‘We all live on this planet; we have to take care of it. We’ve done so much damage in the last 80 years, we’ve got to try to turn it around somehow.’

Hey Jo, published by Harper Collins, is available now.

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Absolutely

CULTURE

... Trip the light fantastic

Canadian musician and artist Rodney Graham will place himself squarely at the centre of the action in his phenomenal new show, which is set to feature a series of striking photographic scenarios displayed on large-scale lightboxes.

Expect to see Graham’s silver-haired frame appear again and again in a range of historical, fictional and conceptual disguises, bringing a human warmth and wit to his singular and highly intellectual images.

From 17 May, Lisson Gallery, 52-54 Bell Street, NW1; lissongallery.com

WHY DON’T YOU..?

# MUSICEDIT

Catherine Hales rounds up this month’s hot picks ... Discover NEON’s Monsters of Art

This edgy exhibition showcases the work of street artist NEON. Inspired by graffiti in Madrid and an exhibition of vinyl toys in Berlin, NEON’S Storybook series unfolds as a narrative, with each painting a chapter detailing the journeys and lives of her ‘army of creatures’ – including the Terracotta Army, a platoon of weird and wonderful beasts based on the lifesized battalion housed in the tomb of the First Emperor of China.

Until 30 May, 112 Mill Lane, NW6; moasgallery.com

... Enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show closer to home Head down to the Landmark Hotel’s Winter Garden for a lavish tea inspired by the prestigious annual celebration of all things horticultural. The menu includes floral-tinted delicacies such as jasmine cheesecakes with shortbread and mango truffle and lavender and strawberry tiramisu. Also sure to tantalise are the lychee and rose macarons, Guanaja chocolate mousse with saffron tomato jelly and a flourless pistachio sponge with homemade violet jam, all accompanied by a glass of elderflower champagne. £45 per person, 21-25 May, 222 Marylebone Road, NW1; landmarklondon.co.uk

I’ll Be Your Mirror London returns for a third weekend of fun this May bank holiday, this time curated by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Grizzly Bear. The festival will mark the former band’s first London headline show in four years, in support of new album Mosquito.

4-5 May, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22; alexandrapalace.com Dubbed ‘the best female rapper to emerge for five years’ by The Independent, Angel Haze is back on the road this May, kicking off her UK dates with a show at the Scala. One of the most exciting artists of recent years, expect the great and the good of the music world to be in attendance. 7 May, Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, N1; scala-london.co.uk Cult electro act The Knife are set to play a string of European dates in calling at the Roundhouse on 8 May. Shaking the Habitual is the band’s first album in seven years, and features vocal contributions from Emily Royston and Shannon Funchess.

8-9 May, Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1; roundhouse.org.uk

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13/11/2012 10:59

Full House

Robert Sean Leonard plays Atticus Finch in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s new production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Helen Baron talks to the teen heartthrob turned star of hit TV show House...

R

obert Sean Leonard has just dropped his daughter off at school, albeit with some difficulty – the little Leonard didn’t want to be left and now her father feels traumatised by the experience.

Family, you see, is Robert’s thing; more than acting, more than art and very much more than celebrity.

That’s not to take away from his talent or commitment to his craft: Leonard has been treading the boards since the age of 13, when he caught the acting bug through his mother, who painted signs for the local amateur dramatics club.

‘It was all rather amateur but I fell in love with the people,’ he tells me, ‘like when you first hang out with people outside your family and are completely won over.’

The theatre may be Leonard’s first love, but television and film work soon followed. His movie debut came via Dead Poets Society, a role that earned him a cult following.

‘I’ve not been in many films,’ he says, ‘I went to auditions but never expected to get callbacks. River [Phoenix] and Keanu [Reeves] got the callbacks. [But Dead Poets Society director] Peter Weir wanted unknown actors so he could really build the story

of these schoolboys without the audience focusing on a main character.’

A moment’s pause, then: ‘Thank God, he didn’t want River.’

A few minutes into our transatlantic phone call and already it’s clear that self-deprecation, frankness and wit are Leonard hallmarks; they make discussing the movie business much more fun. I ask what it was like to work with Winona Ryder and Daniel Day Lewis in The Age of Innocence, and the anecdotes fly.

‘I still don’t know how that happened,’ Leonard says, then: ‘Actually I do, you’ve jogged my memory. Winona Ryder wanted me to play her husband in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. We went to the premiere of Great Balls of Fire together – she’s since said that she started dating Johnny Depp that night and I’m literally like, “Where was I? I must have been chatting to Kevin Kline in the corner.”

Anyway, I didn’t get the part – Francis Ford Coppola must have humoured me – but Winona then championed me for The Age of Innocence and I didn’t even have to audition.’

I venture that Winona Ryder must have been pretty impressed by him, but Leonard plays the connection down.

‘Oh, we were kids. It was like the ‘40s or something; we shared the same agent so

we went out together. They pair you up like that as if you might be dating or there’s the possibility you might end up dating.’

We go on to talk about Robert’s involvement in TV’s House, where he played Wilson, best buddy of Hugh Laurie’s eponymous doctor, for an impressive eight years. The series accounts for his longestrunning role, so I can’t help but wonder what he thinks it’s done for his career – and once again, he proves himself to be very unHollywood and unable to believe the hype.

‘Who knows... no one really knows that stuff. Would I have got other roles from it?

Has Tim Sheader [director of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre] cast me as Atticus Finch because of it? Probably. House has been very helpful to me because theatre doesn’t earn much money – in fact, I’ll be working on a loss once I’ve flown everyone over to London to see the play! House means I can send my daughters to college. It was an easy gig; I liked playing the sidekick of the main guy. Hugh worked so hard on the show and promoting it: I’d get to be home while he was, y’know, sat at the MTV Awards.’

His part in Sheader’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird means that Leonard is about to fly to Britain for a one month stint at the

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Absolutely

CULTURE

“‘I’m an anglophile from my couch,’ he laughs. ‘I never said I wanted to fly anywhere!

I get anxious about flying.”

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. I ask if he’ll be seeing his old colleague while he’s in town.

‘Oh yes, Hugh and I get on famously. I love Hugh. I’m a bit of an anglophile so I knew all about his work beforehand; with Kenneth Branagh – who I stalked for the part in Much Ado about Nothing – and with Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson.’

How about the rest of the House cast, did everyone gel as well as Leonard and Laurie?

‘We heard there’d been a punch-up or something on Grey’s Anatomy; nothing like that would happen on House. We were all like, how would that even occur while you were filming? We had so much fun.’

Despite his forthcoming sojourn on British shores, I’ve read that Leonard hates travelling.

Can he really be an anglophile?

‘I’m an anglophile from my couch,’ he laughs. ‘I never said I wanted to fly anywhere!

I get anxious about flying. Once I get to a place I’m okay, but it’s the thought of the unknown. My wife is the opposite, her dream is to go to India and stay in a rundown hotel like in that film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I’m not very adventurous. I don’t know why – my family didn’t travel, so maybe I’m not used to it. I didn’t get wanderlust.’

It’s not something he’ll let stand in the

way of a good role, though, and our talk turns serious when we touch on To Kill a Mockingbird. Leonard has been working on adding a southern twang to his voice in preparation for his starring role as Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, maintaining that, although the accent ‘might not be really strong, it will certainly be there.’

He’s also revisited Harper Lee’s classic novel many times over in recent months, and his respect for the source material is clear.

‘It’s such a seminal book for many people and the role of Atticus Finch is one that is held dear. I’m so glad Harper Lee only wrote one fictional book, which adds to the mystery of its greatness. I’m not looking to explore the dark side of Atticus Finch or the “emotional underbelly” of this man... I think his omniscient presence is there for a reason.

Even if he had cracks, he wouldn’t show them to his children or to the world.’

This measured approach strikes me as being completely of a piece with the man behind it: Leonard doesn’t seem the type to overact. Instead, he allows his own lack of ego to lead him to a character’s central psychological truth. He does, however, confess to feeling daunted by the part, adding that ‘the fear has been eating away at me for

months. I went to the Twentieth Century Fox warehouse to get clothes because I thought: I can’t turn up to rehearsals in Reeboks, jeans and a t-shirt, it’s too big a leap. I’m not going Daniel Day Lewis on you, but I have to dress up for Atticus.’

On that note, I ask if there are any other actors whose careers he admires. His reply is immediate.

‘At 20, I might have had a ready answer to that, but the older you get, the more you see the flaws: there’s a hole in even the prettiest life. There are people whose work I admire – Sam Waterstone, Mark Rylance – but I don’t think on that too much.’

And why should he, with his own future plans providing much to look forward to?

Later this year, Leonard will play Henry Higgins in a US production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, and he’s hopeful that he and (ex-ER star) Noah Wyle will reunite for further episodes of acclaimed TV drama Falling Skies. Until then, however, the good stuff is all ours: Robert Sean Leonard is London-bound.

To Kill a Mockingbird runs from 16 May 15 June at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; openairtheatre.com 17

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120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1LX Telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

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Absolutely

CULTURE

MY STYLE

Amber Artherton, Fitzrovia-based founder of myflashtrash.com, shares her inspirations Your favourite piece of jewellery from the My Flash Trash website

I have a new favourite piece of jewellery every day! When you’re surrounded by cabinets full of pieces from some of England’s most talented designers, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. Right now I can’t get enough of Alona; I love layering her chunky gold chains with a delicate romantic dress.

Favourite designer

I love what Carol (Lim) and Humberto (Leon) are doing at Kenzo right now – really fresh. Valentino this season was just breathtaking. I love whimsical feminine cuts and fun details. I wear a lot of Markus Lupfer, Rag & Bone, NW3 and Peter Jensen.

Most inspiring experience

I had a wonderful time in Mexico last summer. I love discovering new places – I’m not one to go back to the same destination every year. I think Positano in Italy is next on my list.

Favourite shoe designer

I admire Charlotte Olympia’s beautifully eccentric aesthetic.

Her shoes are mini works of art and actually surprisingly comfortable. My high street secret is Aldo, especially their ‘Rise’ collection with Preen.

I appreciate so many women’s style, from Elisa Nalin to the Olsen twins.

My best friend, Piers HargreavesAdams, has the most impeccable taste and innate sense of style; I always ask his opinion on clothes.

I make it a mission to hunt down inspiring people on Twitter or LinkedIn and lure them for coffee at Soho House or Wild & Wood. I had an interesting meeting recently with Sarah Ruston Pang, the fashion director of Lane Crawford – a very inspiring lady.

Favourite piece of art

Chinese artist Ye HongXing. She makes these incredible montages using glitterstickers. Its cheeky and nostalgic. I am also a big fan of Raqib Shaw and Polly Morgan.

KENZO AW13

Favourite holiday destination

Style icon

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22/04/2013 16:30

Absolutely

FASHION

Paris Match

Our favourite new label by some stretch, Parisbased Melinda Gloss has nailed the colour trend this season, marrying bold hues and refined tailoring for a masterclass in masculine elegance.

Our favourite piece? This English knit jumper in mustard yellow silk. €270; melindagloss.com

FOR HIM

Keep cool as the weather warms with the freshest spring colours

Divided Life

Hentsch Man’s SS13 range comprises strikingly patterned ready-to-wear pieces.

For perfect leisure attire, team these multicoloured shorts (pictured) with a crisp white shirt – handily, they’re available from Shoreditch-based e-boutique The Great Divide, who are offering an exclusive 20% off to Absolutely readers this month – just use the code ABSOLUTELY20 during checkout. £114; thegreat-divide.com

Touch of Class

Liberty x YMC

YMC have teamed up with Liberty, granddaddy of British printmaking, for a range of subtly patterned sneakers and accessories. Subtle, stylish and fun.

Trainers from £75 from YMC, 23 Hanbury Street, E1; youmustcreate.com

Milan is famous for its fogs and showers, so we trust that the good folk at Milanese label Canali know how to deal with the kind of unsettled weather we’re used to on these shores. Case in point: this chic single-breasted raincoat, which is made of windproof fabric and comes complete with a detachable hood. The dove-grey keeps things office-appropriate, while the splash of yellow is anything but dour. £600; mrporter.com

MONEY TALKS

Colourful suits and printed shirts are all well and good during your downtime, but they’re never going to pass muster at the office. Where blue, black and grey still hold sway, add a dollop of colour with a smart, well-chosen accessory – like these amazing Comme des Garcons wallets, made up of 100% leather and available in three tropical shades. £55, Available at The Goodhood Store, 41 Coronet Street, N1; goodhoodstore.com

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Concept Kitchens

The Tile Box

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40 Offord Road, Islington N1 020 7700 1444

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Bath Sorts 38 Offord Road Islington N1 020 7700 1333

www.bathsorts.co.uk

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Absolutely

FASHION

HEY, SEXY LADY

Alexandra Jones talks to the latex lady behind Atsuko Kudo

What was your background before setting up in 2001?

Studying and night clubbing!

Have you always worked with latex? What attracts you to it?

Yes. Latex empowers women! It’s a supershiny second skin.

Is latex difficult to work with? Is it a sustainable fabric?

It’s not an easy fabric to work with but I just love it and it’s natural in the sense that it comes from rubber trees.

It’s traditionally a fetish fabric; do you think latex is becoming more mainstream? Can you imagine a time when a latex pencil skirt is standard office wear?

Yes! I am wearing one now...

It’s great that more people are getting into the fun of latex.

It still is a fetish fabric, it’s just that now more people are admitting that they love it!

Latex has been championed by Lady Gaga (for whom you’ve made a number of outfits), how did the relationship first come about?

She contacted us. She wore our latex in one of her shoots and wanted more.

Since then we’ve produced many looks for her videos, tours, record sleeves and specials for TV. You’ve made some wonderful pieces, for shoots, for shows and for the V&A. Do you have a favourite piece?

Every piece has a story so it’s difficult to choose. But if I were pushed to, it would be the red Victorian/ Elizabethan dress that we made for Gaga to meet the Queen. It was a magical moment!

How long does it take to make a bespoke piece? What is the process?

Thanks to celebs and stylists, we’ve gotten so used to making bespoke pieces on a super short schedule. But we prefer to take more time. It really depends on how complex the pieces are.

What made you set up on Holloway Road?

What do you like about the area?

I came to learn how to make latex gimp hoods in a sex shop here and that’s where I met my husband and business partner Simon Walter Hoare. There used to be more fetish related shops around here but now most of them have left. There are so many new shops opening up recently and it’s exciting.

In this part of the Holloway Road (the stretch running from Highbury Corner), it may be surprising, but there are now nice vintage shops, French cafés and art shops.

How did your pop up concession in Selfridges come about? And what were the most popular pieces?

Quite simply, Selfridges asked us – it came straight after our last runway show so that was tricky but it seems to have worked well so far. It was due to stay in there until Valentine’s Day but has now been extended so please check it out! The pencil skirts are a hit! Gloves and chokers as well and, of course, the knickers.

Do you have any more collaborations and/ or pop-ups planned?

Yes. Many exciting ones. Watch this space!

64 Holloway Road, N7; atsukokudo.com 23

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B e s p o k e swimwear

&

lingerie

j u r g i t a @ s t a k a u s k a i t e . c o m |www.stakauskaite.com www.stakauskaite.com | +44 7447 922579 JURGITA.indd 1

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19/04/2013 19:07

Absolutely

FASHION

1 9

MALENE BIRGER

KENZO AW14

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Mental Oriental

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Embrace the new Japonism as fashion shows its eastern promise

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1. ETRO kimono coat, £1,865; net-a-porter.com 2. ANNA SUI woven straw hat, £396; net-a-porter.com 3. LOVER fitted lace dress, £695; matchesfashion.com 4. POLLINI braided flatform sandal, £450; brownsfashion.com 5. MARY KATRANTZOU jacquard mini-skirt, £1,350; matchesfashion.com 6. MIU MIU bucket bag, £530; net-a-porter.com 7. ALBERT FERRETTI piqué pants, £270; net-a-porter.com 8.

MIHARAYASUHIRO silk shorts, £665; brownsfashion.com 9. RUPERT SANDERSON embroidered satin pumps, £640; brownsfashion.com

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Tales of the Orient Glamour aboard the Orient Express

Photography: by Helen McArdle Styling: Charlie Moore

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19/04/2013 17:17

WOOL TROUSER SUIT, PRICE ON REQUEST, BY NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE

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19/04/2013 15:45

SILK CADY DRESS WITH LACE AND CRYSTAL EMBROIDERY, £1,670, BY SARAH BAADARANI; MARABOU FEATHER COAT FROM A SELECTION BY NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE; SATIN SHOES, £590, BY GIANVITO ROSSIAT; CRYSTAL EARRINGS, £98, BY BUTLER & WILSON

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FINE TRICOTINE DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET, £990, AND FLARED TROUSERS,£475, BOTH BY GUCCI; LEATHER SHOES, £395,

BY JIMMY CHOO; LEATHER CLUTCH, £238, BY DIANE VON FURSTENBERG; CRYSTAL BRACELET FROM A SELECTION AT BUTLER & WILSON; EARRINGS AS BEFORE AT BUTLER & WILSON; EBONY AND DIAMOND SWIRL RING, £7,000, BY TOMASSA

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19/04/2013 15:45

BELTED CADY SILK JACKET, £1,012, AND MATCHING TROUSERS, £462, BOTH BY ALBERTA FERRETTI; DIAMOND RING, WILL-O-THE-WISP, £2,000 BY TOMASSA; 18 CARAT GOLD AND DIAMOND RING, £10,500 BY DICKSON YEWN FOR ANNOUSHKA; CRYSTAL EARRINGS, £98, BY BUTLER & WILSON

CREDITS STYLED BY CHARLIE MOORE, STYLISTS ASSISTANT: JESS STEBBINGS PHOTOGRAPHER: HELEN MCARDLE ERA ARTIST MANAGEMENT STYLISTS ASSISTANT: JESS STEBBINGS LOCATION: BRITISH PULLMAN BY ORIENT-EXPRESS ORIENT-EXPRESS.COM/0845 077 22 22 MAKE UP: JOHN CHRISTOPHER AT NAKED ARTISTS USING NARS COSMETICS HAIR: FRANCO VALLELONGA AT ERA ARTIST MANAGEMENT USING WELLA PROFESSIONAL MODEL: HANNAH J AT ELITE

STOCKISTS ALBERTA FERRETTI 020 7235 2349 DICKSON YEWN FOR ANNOUSHKA ANNOUSKHA-JEWELLERY.COM BUTLER & WILSON 020 7409 2955 SARAH BAADARANI ARAH BAADARANI.COM NICHOLAS OAKWELL COUTURE NICHOLASOAKWELLCOUTURE.COM GIANVITO ROSSI AT NET-A-PORTER.COM MYLA MYLA.COM LOUIS HEAL LOUISHEAL.COM CHARNOS HOSIERY CHARNOSHOSIERY.CO.UK GUCCI GUCCI.COM JIMMY CHOO JIMMYCHOO.COM TOMASSA TOMASSA.COM DIANE VON FURSTENBERG 020 7499 0886 WHAT KATIE DID WHATKATIEDID.COM

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12/04/2013 10:00

Prestige

Watches

Prestige watches has a true passion for the watch industry, acquiring a range of watches including, Piaget, Jaeguer Le-Coultre, Patek Phillipe and Cartier, amongst other luxury brands. After working with royal families, Footballers and celebrities you can have confidence that Prestige Watches will be able to meet your requirements.

To view our full range and for more information, you can visit : www.prestigewatches.co/ or call us today on 020 8508 9010

Plate Plate

Rolex.indd 1

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Me. Mltde.ltd Me.

Plate Me, used motor car sales, was founded with the goal of building the best overall experience for buying and selling luxury used cars, including, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Audi, Maserati, Bugatti, BMW, VW, Porsche, Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar.

We realised that by selling used cars from trustworthy suppliers we know, we could delivery a unique experience to our customers.

Our expertise with the rental process and large inventory allows us to offer you cars that we know the history of.

Plate me can also custom manufacture and supply any other physical ‘road legal’ and ‘show’ number plates at highly competitive prices.

please check out our website and call us on

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www.plateme.co.uk Plate Me.indd 1

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19/04/2013 15:31

19/04/2013 19:09

Absolutely

FASHION

Charlotte Taylor

This collection – inspired by a mother/ daughter travel adventure last year, is a colourful homage to Rajasthan.

Traditional techniques complement Charlotte’s quirky prints and we’ve got big love for the bold but simple silhouettes.

Indian motifs pop out throughout and we can’t get enough of this zebra-print dress, in which you’d never have to worry about getting lost in a crowd again. £210; charlottetaylorltd.com

Report RUNWAY

THIS MONTH’S HOT TREND:

DIOR SS13

ALICE TEMPERLEY SS13

Stripes

Style File

The latest trends and products... all things fashion, filtered

Benetton Filippa K

CHLOE SS13

Lazy Oaf x Kickers

Kickers were the shoes you wished your mum would buy you for school; the ones all the cool kids were wearing. Now they’re enjoying a comeback thanks to a dream team collaboration with Lazy Oaf. The result is a range of glammedup, glittering and even Minnie Mouse-inspired creations, and a collection that’s sure to up your street cred while making the cool kids well jel.

From £100; lazyoaf.co.uk, kickers.co.uk

Let’s get it on with this Alexa Chung-style linen overcoat, which walks the line between a classic mac and something more stylishly modern. A cleaner cut achieves the ‘indie boyfriend’ vibe of casual cool, and it’s available in navy, too... now all we need is a pair of brogues to complete the look. £340; atterleyroad.com

The SS13 limited edition unisex t-shirt collection from United Colors of Benetton is modelled by nine ambassadors for life and style, distinguished by their ‘multiculturalism, cosmopolitan spirit and social commitment’.

The entire proceeds from the range will go to the Unhate Foundation, which supports youngsters through artistic projects and initiatives. How we love fashion with a cause.

N1 Centre, 21 Parkfield Street, N1; benetton.com 33

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SSIN G N T I

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Islington and Stagecoach Hackney are now taking bookings for the Summer term

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Email: islington@stagecoach.co.uk / hackney@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/islington / www.stagecoach.co.uk/hackney If your child is between 4 and 18, he or she is ready for Stagecoach. We teach them the skills they need to act, sing and dance. Soon they begin to speak more clearly and easily, move better, act more naturally, become more confident and self aware. These skills don't vanish as the curtain falls.

They are learnt for life. Schools are open during normal term time for three hours at weekends.

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Absolutely

KIDS

A Klass act

Not all celebrity collaborations are a match made in heaven but Myleene Klass’ Baby K range at Mothercare has proved a resounding hit with parents nationwide and is now entering its 10th season. Cute party dresses and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll for boys, the new range is just as practical, stylish and affordable as it’s ever been.

448 Holloway Road, N7; mothercare.com

Absolutely

TINIES Bootiful

To celebrate the royal baby news, Vevian have created a new collection of patent shoes with silk fastenings. For boys, there’s a classic brogue in bronze metallic and each pair come in a beautifully lined shoebox... keeping littles ones suited and booted! vevian.co.uk

Editor’s Pick Jelly Belly

Dandy Pandy

Fashion-conscious youngsters will like these vintage-glam, Americana-inspired natural cotton t-shirts from Dalston-based Dandy Star. They’re super soft and come in lovely ice-cream as well as fluoro shades. dandystar.com

Get your wobble on with this fun party pooch jelly mould. A new twist on the classic party pudding, the balloon animal style dessert will have the kids desperate to dig in.

Snap it up for your next baby bash – you’d be barking mad not to. Ahem. £7.95; follyhome.co.uk

CRAFTY KIDS Camden Arts Centre Following the Clay For Juniors course, next up at the Camden Arts Centre is Ceramic Techniques for juniors. The tutor will introduce children aged 8 to 11 to basic ceramics techniques including slab building, coiling, press moulding, glaze and surface decoration; a great course for budding ceramics enthusiasts with creative imaginations.

9-12 April, Arkwright Road, NW3; camdenartscentre.org 35

MAY_KIDS.indd 35

19/04/2013 16:25

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

15/03/2013 10:44

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15/03/2013 10:45

The

Hottest New Beauty Parlour in Town Boudoir Beauty Parlour is a premier, unique beauty boutique that stands out from the ordinary by providing an extensive range of beauty services in a luxurious, pampering environment.

We go that extra step to offer the latest treatments designed to ensure you relax, and leave you feeling uplifted (as well as simply gorgeous).

Find all you need to look good in one delectable space; from makeup lessons, manicures and pedicures, facials to our popular Boudoir Lashes eyelash extensions. Our parlour is the perfect place to go for an indulgent and rejuvenating experience.

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www.boudoirlashes.co.uk 1a Turville St, E2 7HX 0207 739 5462 M: 07957567181 t @boudoirparlour / @boudoirlashes e:asma@boudoirlashes.co.uk * All treatments and packages are subject to terms and conditions; please check at the time of booking.

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Absolutely

BEAUTY

Ragabilly

Once the preserve of those with specialist know-how and dexterous fingers, a good up-do is now available at any decent hair salon. Hershesons’ blow-dry bar goes one step further, offering a menu of twelve signature looks to choose from. The selection of blowdrys and more complex styles will keep you in good hair days for at least a year; we want to try them all. First up? This uber-cool (and highly tricksy) ‘ragabilly’. £25 per style, 1 New Change, EC1; hershesons.com

Beauty Edit

The fine art of staying beautiful...

Stunt Dolly

The Now Brow

The beauty of this salon lies in the services it offers: providing dreadlocks, wefts and even wigs (clip-ins, hair-pieces, bonds and stitches) to a trend-savvy clientele. Downstairs, nail artist Sophie Harris Greenslade’s colourful, outré designs are earning her and her Illustrated Nail blog a legion of fans and followers.

582 Kingsland Road, E8; stuntdolly.com

Topshop Make Up has unveiled two new brow pencils for aspiring Cara Delevingnes. Keep brows nice and neat but bushy (yes, it is possible); the wax-based, highly pigmented formula is waterproof for long wear, blends effortlessly regardless of skin temperature and comes in two shades, Spike Chocolate Brown and Vicious Circle Mushroom Brown. £5, Westfield Stratford, E20; topshop.com

Dark Note Rises

Fine perfumery Carner Barcelona was founded in 2009 by Sara Carner. Her line of distinctive ‘vanguard’ fragrances is inspired by memories and emotions; the latest release, Rima IX, is a floral, spicy concoction with seductive undertones. £81 per 50ml bottle, available at Bloom, 4 Hanbury Street, E1; bloomperfume.co.uk

3

OF THE BEST

BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCTS

1. Perricone Blue Plasma A non-acidic, cutting-edge daily liquid designed to deliver all the benefits of a traditional peel with ‘bio-specific peeling’ to attack only dead skin cells. £78, perriconemd.co.uk 2. Skinceuticals Redness Neutraliser Directly targets the redness caused by rosacea and posttreatment inflammation, leaving skin radiant. £69, dermadirect.co.uk

3. Pureology Hydrate Hair Care Professional-quality sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners. Created for colourists to treat dry and damaged hair, the advanced micro-emulsion hydrates and contains an anti-fade complex. luxuryhairandbeauty.co.uk 39

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020 7221 1204 



www.maxstudio.co.uk

227-229, WESTBOURNE GROVE

LEON MAX.FINAL.indd 2



W11 2SE LONDON ( OPPOSITE 202 )

25/03/2013 16:32

Absolutely

MARC JACOBS DAISY SO FRESH EAU DE TOILETTE, £43.20 for 75ml; johnlewis.com

BEAUTY ©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PRODIGE ILLUMINATING BLUSH, £36; clarins.co.uk

OUR BUILD Y TTE OZ E L A P N OW , £35; GLINDA s.com m a h deben

CHANTECAILLE CHARM LIP GLOSS, £26; spacenk.com

TRESEMME LIQUID GOLD, £6.99; tresemme.co.uk

Light&Dark Feeling wicked or embracing your good side?

Either look’s a winner

DIOR WINDSOR NAIL VARNISH £18; harrods.com

SHU UEMURA BLACK VELVET FEATHER EYELASHES £18.50; shuuemura.co.uk

YOUR BUILD ETTE OZ L A P OWN ODORA THE ams.com enh 5 £3 ; deb

PACO RABANNE BLACK XS L’EXCES £41.50 for 50ml; theperfumeshop.com

BOBBI BROWN BLACKBERRY LIP COLOUR £18; bobbibrown.co.uk

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19/04/2013 15:33

Dental and Aesthetic Medicine treatments available.

- Dental Implants - Lumineers - Clear braces - Laser teeth whitening

- Wrinkle relaxant therapy - Dermal fillers - Laser Skin rejuvenation - Laser Skin resurfacing - Laser Hair removal - Zerona laser fat loss treatment

Open evening on Wednesday 25th April. Introducing Zerona Laser Fat Loss Treatment. Champagne reception. Call to reserve your space.

Call to book your free consultation.

State of the art equipment and latest technology's available. Free Parking

943 Finchley Road, London, NW11 7PE T: 0208 2018080info@lotusclinic.co.ukwww.lotusclinic.co.uk

LOT US CLINIC.3.indd 1

SHINE HOLISTIC SHINE HOLISTIC

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22/03/2013 09:45

10am - 9pm10am - 9pm - 6pm 10am - 6pm10am ‘ShineGroup’ 11am - 5pm11am - 5pm

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19/04/2013 19:12

Absolutely

BEAUTY D.inc

Dance-inspired London brand D.inc.Wear is to launch a women’s fashion collection in collaboration with celebrity stylist Mrs Jones. Designed to take wearers from daytime to the dancefloor, the new collection references styles created by Mrs Jones for celebrity clients including Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Madonna. Mesh panelled bodysuits, figure-hugging shorts, harem pants, reversible snoods and slouchy waisted jumpsuits are the order of the day. If looking like Kylie Minogue in the Can’t Get You Out Of My Head video isn’t enough to get you motivated, we don’t know what is. dincwear.com

Feeling Good The latest health and fitness trends

STUDIO OF THE MONTH

Cool Runnings

Hussein Chalayan’s striking new collaboration with Puma has launched with a range of stylish athletic apparel in mono shades and eye-catching prints. Too often, exercise gear forces you to bring out your inner frump - fortunately Chalayan’s vibe is much more modern, fresh and fun. Tropical bird prints in high-tech fabrics? Garb that makes you want to work out?

We’re sold.

Bird Camo Printed Wind Breaker, £100; my-wardrobe.com

Health Mate

The Old Truman Brewery, E1; lifeshoreditch.com

Still bummed about the weather? Health Mate has the answer in the form of these infrared cabins. Medical studies have shown that saunas have massive health benefits and can help with muscle and joint conditions, arthritis and fibromyalgia; they can also help with professional sports training while detoxifying the body, boosting the immune system and rejuvenating the skin. Sounds amazing – if only we could fit one in the cupboard under the stairs... health-mate.co.uk

HOT HEALTH TIP ‘Put your best foot forward as you step into spring by practising some basic yoga breathing every day. By standing barefoot, spreading your toes open and planting them into the floor while taking deep breaths, you welcome new energy into the body. Combine a yoga class with reflexology sessions to boost your immune system and stimulate the thyroid and other important parts of the body.’

Cordelia Bugeja, Yoga on the Lane, 105 Shacklewell Lane, E8; yogaonthelane.com

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Absolutely

PROMOTION



GO EAST The rise and rise of the neighbourhood’s best boutiques

Bloom Perfumery

This new ‘concept’ store specialises in niche fragrances, stocking a vast and unique collection of scents and candles from the most interesting independent perfume houses around the world. If unique, bespoke (and often exclusive) perfumes tickle your fancy, head down to the Shoreditch store and check out the new brands just in.

4 Hanbury Street, E1; bloomperfume.co.uk

William Cheshire

Branch On The Park

This pretty shop is a showcase for the exquisite jewellery crafted by goldsmith and owner Julia Cook and a handful of other local designers. From her workshop behind the counter, Cook offers a private commission service for wedding and engagement rings or other special pieces, and can ‘up-cycle’ your unwanted gold jewellery into one of her desirable designs. Check out the nature-inspired pieces on her new online store, Blossoming Branch, or drop into the shop to browse the wares in person.

227 Victoria Park Road, E9; branchonthepark.co.uk blossomingbranch.co.uk

Much lauded for his work with cult fashion labels and heritage brand Mappin & Webb, Hackney resident and jewellery designer William Cheshire is set to open his first shop on Broadway Market.

Brimming with beautiful designs for men and women at prices ranging from £60 to £6,000, Cheshire’s stunning, singular pieces are crafted just down the road in Hatton Garden: a real London gem.

14 Broadway Market, E8; williamcheshire.com

Thor & Wistle Jewellery

More than just a jewellery shop, Kamilla Thorsen and Rachel Entwistle’s joint venture represents a melding of design and experimentation. Since meeting in London Fields four years ago, they have taken great pains to make sure their studio and boutique is the perfect environment in which to display their creations, which are made on-site and which are often the result of collaboration with other emerging talents on the London jewellery scene.

We especially love their butterfly inspired pieces, perfect for summer.

5a Club Row, Shoreditch, E1; thorandwhistle.com



Good Old Days

Hip, high end and totally independent, Good Old Days occupies a sought-after spot on Broadway Market and provides superb cuts and colours by a team of experienced stylists. The salon stocks the full range of Bumble & Bumble products, Moroccanoil, Cire Trudon candles and a menu of delectable drinks (offered gratis for clients).

Relaxed but super professional, with great decor and cool music, this might be the hottest hair salon in East London.

74 Broadway Market, E8; goodolddayslondon.com



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Absolutely

PROMOTION

THE SCIENCE

The Obagi Nu-Derm System treats skin damaged by the sun, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, melasma and scars by penetrating below the skin’s surface to transform skin cell functions at the cellular level, correcting the damage within and revealing healthy, younger-looking skin.

Skin undergoes three key phases of transformation during the process:

Face Facts

Absolutely unveils a revolutionary new skincare system available from Waterhouse Young TRIED & TESTED Karen Lippott, 53 Managing Director of the Villa Agency

I

’m a smoker, so I had pronounced lines from my nose to my mouth and my eyes felt baggy; all the usual signs of ageing. What I like about Waterhouse Young is that the service is in no way cold or clinical – all the staff are lovely. Dr Mica gave me her mobile number, which is quite unusual, so I really felt looked after. They were very accommodating.

‘We talked about other treatment options as I had seen someone previously about a facelift, so had looked at different options. I wanted to try the treatment and there were no cons for me.

I started the procedure at the end of July

and nine days later, I felt my skin begin to tighten and look clearer. I got a little tingly feeling around my nose. By mid-August, I was a little bit red but it just looked like a summer glow and I was still able to use make-up. Aside from some slight soreness at the corners of the mouth, there was no discomfort at all.

‘Around the same time, people began to comment that I looked well and asked if I had been on holiday. My wrinkles looked different, to the point where a friend asked if I’d had botox! The lines around my nose and mouth started to disappear and I really noticed an improvement in the skin tone on my neck. The next thing I intend to do is my decolletage, to address the sun damage I have there, because the treatment really cleared up the sun damage to my face. Amazingly, it also gets rid of the little purple veins that appear as you get older. I was thrilled with that result.

‘I normally hate having my photograph taken but I’ve really looked good in recent snaps.

The treatment is so easy to use, it leaves you feeling and looking great with a minimum amount of effort.’

PHASE 1

Cellular turnover promoted, which penetrates down through your skin.

• Old, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface and replaced with fresh cells.

• Itching, dryness and redness are normal reactions as your skin adapts to the active ingredients in the system.

• Pigmented skin cells are regulated, making for an even-toned appearance.

PHASE 2

Skin appears smoother and clearer.

• Your skin begins producing normal, healthy cells.

• Pigment cells distribute melanin more evenly.

• Collagen production is stimulated.

• Your skin begins to acclimatise to the active ingredients of the system.

PHASE 3

The transformation process.

• Collagen production continues.

• Skin is more smooth, naturally hydrated, evenly coloured and resilient.

• Skin becomes clearer, firmer and tighter, with improved clarity and a healthy glow.

Waterhouse Young Clinic, 21 Devonshire Street, W1 020 7486 3849; waterhouseyoung.com

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L’eau a la Bouche This Broadway market stalwart hardly needs introducing, drawing

chorizo-hungry customers from miles around. Every man, woman and dog (yes, dogs are welcome) seems to come here to send their emails, while mums with pushchairs sip coffee and natter cheerily. Moustachioed men line the outside benches with Italian greyhounds at their feet, nibbling focaccia-clad delicacies, and the salads, pastries and cheesecakes are daily changing. Go for your morning or afternoon coffee to avoid the lunchtime queue, when a seat at the sharing table is nigh-on impossible to come by. And try the fudgy, melt-in-the-mouth brownies...

35-37 Broadway Market, E8; labouche.co.uk

Deli Belly Put an end to sandwich boredom with Absolutely’s top five local delis

Le Parc All the produce at Le Parc is sourced

from local producers and independent suppliers, and many an exemplary dinner has been assembled from the store’s indulgent range of artisan cheeses, antipasti and charcuterie. The patisserie counter displays beautiful French pastries, tarts and macarons, while a healthy stock of specialist ingredients (as well as an extensive wine cellar packed with over two hundred wines from around the world) line the shelves. The deli doubles as a cafe but also benefits from its nearby Clissold Park location, and picnic hampers are available to buy.

Pick up some Spanish chilli-stuffed olives to complete the picture.

191 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16; leparcdeli.co.uk 46

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FOOD Melrose and Morgan We can’t get enough of Melrose and Morgan: two grocery shops-cum-

kitchens providing freshly prepared food and artisan products in Primrose Hill and Hampstead Village. The quality of the provender is sky-high and 60% of it is made in-house, by a team of chefs who really care about their product. Fancies including brioche pizza and mushroom and Wensleydale tart and don’t neglect to grab some Good Morning marmalade – it’s so dreamy that M&M offer masterclasses in how to make your own.

42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 & Hartland Road Arches, Hartland Road, NW1; melroseandmorgan.com

W Martyn Family-owned W Martyn

was founded in 1897 and is still going strong, a specialist in fine tea and coffee and retailer of equally delectable foodstuffs. Despite its proudly old-fashioned approach to customer service, the business now extends to an online tea and coffee boutique – but a visit to the store itself is highly recommended. If the warmth of the reception is any indication, the ‘W’ in their name must stand for ‘Welcoming’.

135 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10; wmartyn.co.uk

The Deli Downstairs A ruddy good family-run business in

Victoria Park Village, the small-batch produce here is always a delight to behold. Never have East End honeys and artisan mustards seemed so necessary.

The continental cheese selection comes in handy for any cheeseboard or fondue parties you might be planning, while the almond croissants are big, buxom and well-sugared – a lovely pick-me-up if you’re walking the dog and it’s nippy out. In fact, we know dogs so hungry for crumbs they strain on their leads just to get there.

211 Victoria Park Road, E9; thedelidownstairs.co.uk 47

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FOOD V is for Veggie

20-26 May marks this year’s National Vegetarian Week. If you’re thinking about going veggie or eating less meat for a healthier lifestyle, Manna restaurant will ensure you get off to a flying start. Here, veggie dishes are not afterthoughts – they’re the restaurant’s raison d’etre. Choose from enticing starters including basil and cashew cheese croquettes, homity pie and raw beetroot ravioli, and mains such as Caribbean platter and mushroom and asparagus strudel... The mouth waters.

4 Erskine Road, NW3; mannav.com

Bite Sized Cocksure

Award-winning Old Street watering hole and Absolutely favourite Nightjar has revised its cocktail menu. The theme for the year ahead is health-giving properties, and a new section of lower alcohol alternatives has been introduced – so expect concoctions containing longan berry, durian, yuzu, rooibos espresso, oolong and pu-erh tea as well as umami foam and homemade plum liqueur, or umeshu.

129 City Road, EC1; barnightjar.com

Absolutely finds out all the food news – one bite at a time

Koshari Street

Shoreditch-based cook and food writer Anissa Helou brings a new street food concept to London this spring, with the launch of Koshari Street at St Martin’s Lane. An Egyptianinspired ‘hole-in-the-wall experience’, it aims to do for koshari (a historic Middle Eastern dish) what legions of start-ups have already done for the Mexican taco. The next big thing?

We wouldn’t bet against it. kosharistreet.com

Bombay Burrito

Indian meets Mexican: what will they think of next? This new foodie joint in Angel dishes up fresh curry and chutneys wrapped in warm tortillas. Fillings change regularly, from paneer and dhansak to tikka masala, palak and spicy lamb keema, so you’ll never get bored. One lunchtime option we can’t wait to try.

357 Goswell Road, EC1; bombayburrito.co.uk

BOND’S BAR AND RESTAURANT

In need of a little light relief after a tough day on the trading floor? Head down to Market Meltdown and Martini Mondays at Bond’s Bar and Restaurant at Threadneedles Hotel, where every Monday evening sees both the signature Martini and their very own Threadneedle Street cocktail available at the special price of £8. And what better accompaniment to your tipple than Market Meltdown, a stock market-themed board game that sees you betting billions (and risking nothing at all).

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R; theetoncollection.co.uk/threadneedles 49

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FOOD

BARS/PUBS BABBLE JAR 176 Stoke Newington High Street N16 7JL 020 7254 7666 69 COLEBROOKE ROW 69 Colebrooke Row N1 8AA 07540 528 593

Top Tables The tippler’s guide to this month’s buzzing bars

THE NORTHGATE 113 Southgate Road N1 3JS 020 7359 7392 THE HIGHBURY BARN 26 Highbury Park N5 2AB 020 7226 2383 JOHN SALT 131 Upper Street N1 1QP 020 7359 7501

XOXO 74 Upper Street N1 0NY 020 7226 6799

FIFTY FIVE BAR & LOUNGE 31 Jamestown Road NW1 7DB 020 7424 9054 PROUD CAMDEN The Horse Hospital NW1 8AH 0207 482 3867

SUPER TUSCAN

8a Artillery Passage, E1; supertuscan.co.uk

What’s the deal? The Super Tuscan movement began in the late 1960s, when a few forward-thinking winemakers in the Chianti region broke with tradition to create wines that did not conform to the strict regulations of the time, using unauthorised grape varieties and/or non-traditional oak barrels for ageing.

When should you go? Just as the original Super Tuscans sought to do something different, this place seeks to showcase the more unusual and finer wines and ingredients Italy has to offer, together with the best of the old favourites. All dishes are prepared on the premises using the finest Italian ingredients and are paired marvellously with the wine.

THREE CUTE CAFE BARS

SPREAD EAGLE 141 Albert Street NW1 7NB 020 7267 1410

THE WELLS 30 Well Walk NW3 1BX 020 7794 3785

THE YARD Queens Yard Hackney Wick E9 5EN

OFF BROADWAY 63-65 Broadway Market E8 4PH 020 7241 2786

Cafe Oto

Mr Buckley’s

The Russet

While Cafe Oto serves up delicious pastries and Postcard teas, you’ll also find sake, plum wine, single malt whiskies and Kernal beers among its offerings.

Doubling as a highly respected music venue, esoteric shows and interesting residencies take place alongside a weekly live broadcast on London’s art radio station, Resonance FM. Lots to sink your teeth into, in more ways than one.

A new diner-cum-bar, brunch is served all day and the space is perfect for fun late-night drinks.

The kind of cool-but-sparse joint that’s two-a-penny in Brooklyn, the Bloody Madison (utilising bacon-flavoured bourbon) is recommended at breakfast time, while sharing plates are available for lunch.

After dark, quash your thirst with a gooseberry gin fizz.

The cutest cafe in the Hackney Downs area, the Russet takes pride in where its produce comes from and believes in the re-localisation of the food system. The breakfast menu is extensive, with bread from the E5 Bakehouse and meat from the Ginger Pig, while alcohol is sourced from London Fields Brewery, Borough Wines and independent UK cider suppliers.

18-22 Ashwin Street, E8; cafeoto.co.uk

277 Hackney Road, E2; mrbuckleys.com

17 Amhurst Terrace, E8; therusset.co.uk

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FOOD

Reserved A bite-sized guide to this month’s foodie destinations

RESTAURANTS YUM YUM THAI RESTAURANT 3183-187 Stoke Newington High Street N16 0LH 020 7254 6751 OISHII 67 Stoke Newington Church Street N16 0AR 020 7254 3488 DOLLAR GRILLS & MARTINIS 2 Exmouth Market EC1R 4PX 020 7278 0077 FORMANS Stour Road, Fish Island E3 2NT 020 8525 2365

BUNDU KHAN 43 Commercial Street E1 6BD 020 7375 2595

MASTER AND SERVANT

8-9 Hoxton Square, N1; masterandservant.co.uk

What’s the deal? This is the first solo venture by Matt Edwards, formerly of the St John Hotel and Hox Soho. In thrall to the American-style eatery, the watchword here is ‘crab-claws’, though you can also choose dishes from the seasonal charcoal grill, smoked meats or homemade charcuterie.

When should you go? A good dinner option; the lighting is low, the interior on the dark side and Hoxton hang-out Happiness Forgets has collaborated on the cocktails – try the ‘Nolitan’ for a sour-fizzy NY trip... and don’t forget a side order of peanut butter ice-cream.

BARE GRILLS

COMO 3 11-13 Theberton Street N1 0QY 020 7354 2341

LIKYA 68 -70 Golders Green Road NW11 8LN 020 8455 7171

MEAT PEOPLE 4-6 Essex Road N1 8LN 020 7359 5361

MEM & LAZ 8 Therberton Street N1 8LN 020 7704 9089

Dollar Grill

DOLLAR GRILLS AND MARTINIS

2 Exmouth Market, EC1; dollargrills.com

An American themed restaurant and cocktail bar renowned for serving the best burgers and steaks in London.

We’re obsessed with the quality of our burgers, with The Forest Grande, White Truffled Mushrooms and Dorstone Goats Cheese being just some examples. We believe that our USDA beef from Nebraska gives you more flavour and texture and beats any steak anywhere.

Decked out in swathes of red, black and gold and lit with candles andFarringdon, crystal 2 Exmouth Market, EC1Rchandeliers, 4PX www.dollargrills.com / 020 7278 0077 this hit of US glamour is like a trip to Vegas without the expensive flight. The open plan kitchen prepares burgers with names like ‘The Bellagio’, ‘Ten Dollar’ and ‘The Lincoln’, as well as a range of other American grill favourites.

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Rotary Bar and Grill

Buen Ayre

This new bar and diner pop-up from the owners of Soho’s Milk and Honey serves a combination of wood-grilled British meat, Cornish day boat fish and traditional barbeque fare, all washed down with coffee, cold beer and pint-sized cocktails. The decor is brilliantly kitsch, with orange cupboards, geometric wallpaper and plastic red chairs.

Chef and founder John Rattagan grew up in Buenos Aires cooking barbeque food for his extended family. His authentic Argentinian grill serves both steak and wine sourced from his home country – apparently he chose the Broadway Market location because it resembled a passage in his hometown, old San Telmo.

70 City Road, EC1; rotarybardiner.com

50 Broadway Market, E8; buenayre.co.uk

SU SAZZAGONI 136 Lauriston Road E9 7LH 020 8985 8448

DALYAN 462 Muswell Hill Broadway N10 1BS 020 8442 2662

LA COLLINA 17 Princess Road NW1 8JR 020 7483 0192

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Fresh, seasonal produce from British farmers and growers

Much more than just a veg box scheme: A wonderful mix of organic and free range British produce from meat, fish & diary to bakery and veg, that you simply can’t find in supermarkets.

No obligatory boxes, no commitments, no minimum order value: apply discount code ‘CITYANG’ for 20% off your first order.

Order online and collect from our Islington Depot or have it delivered direct to your door.

British Seasonal Fresh

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28/04/2011 12:26

Absolutely

The Pig & Butcher

FOOD

Words: Daniel Ivor

I The Newman Street Tavern Words: Allen Hutchinson

T

his is not a tavern in the traditional sense – it houses no lodgings in which to rest your weary head, and you won’t hear tankards clanking or boisterous, beer-soaked patrons belting out lusty songs.

No indeed; the experience on offer at this latest venture from chef Peter Weedon (formerly of the Boundary and Paternoster Chop House) is far more refined, as befits its upmarket location on the quieter side of Fitzrovia.

The menu is a celebration of British cuisine, designed to evolve throughout the year according to the whims of dear old Mother Nature. The emphasis is on keeping ingredients fresh and local, and they do a very fine job of it; in fact, I have no doubt at all that the delicious mackerel I chose for my main course – grilled and accompanied by a very fine parsley sauce – was zipping around the sea on his mysterious mackerel business only a few hours earlier. Other dishes include posh cottage pie, fish and chips, pork faggots and Scotch broth, yet despite the food’s firmly British bent, the venue itself is less easy to pigeonhole. The Edwardian facade may be quintessentially English, but once inside you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a French brasserie. A question mark has long hovered over our nation’s apparent inability

to translate the classic Gallic bistro into an appetising British equivalent, so it’s gratifying to know that the team behind the Newman Street Tavern have succeeded.

The decor is all dusky greens and moody dark wood. The ground floor bar is stacked high with tipples sure to tickle even the most adventurous of fancies, a bright focal point among the atmospheric lamps and lanterns which adorn the walls. You can sample a very ample bar menu down here if you like, but we headed upstairs where a more formal and elegant dining experience awaits.

The Newman Street Tavern’s real charm lies in its ability to create a genuinely welcoming environment. It would be easy to while away a few hours perched at the bar with a plate of Colchester oysters and a glass of white from the very respectable list of Old World favourites, while the very competitively priced midday menu could see you happily pushing your lunch hour to its limit. Doing the simple things well – very well, in fact – seems to be the order of the day here, and allows space for a few extravagant flourishes that will no doubt see you returning to this most artfully conceived of taverns again and again.

t’s surprising to learn that the Pig & Butcher is a new moniker for this stylish establishment, rather than one inherited from the original pub. Whatever the reasons behind the name-change, the place has flourished in its first year. It isn’t long before the background music becomes imperceptible amid the banter of a restaurant in party mode, and all to the good: this is how we like it.

The English menu, which changes daily, is loaded with treats of the carnal variety and informs guests that the meat is butchered and smoked on-site. It also warns that the game, which comes courtesy of Chart Farm, may contain shot.

I chose lighter fare, having just run a marathon two days prior; Cornish herring with a barbequed salad, samosa and a tinge of curry oil for my starter, while my partner favoured marinated globe artichoke, soft goats curd and the unusual addition of dandelion.

Although faced with propositions of Angus rib of beef or sirloin, both suitably aged, farm venison or a Scottish lamb rump, our main courses were distinctly maritime in origin. l chose a grilled Megrim sole with new potatoes and green sauce while my partner enjoyed Cornish cod, braised leeks, crushed cherry reds and Palourde clams.

This was literally ‘catch of the day’, straight from the south coast. We were tempted to try a carafe of aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Cotes de Gascogne, despite my intention to avoid alcohol during this recovery week.

It was similarly refreshing to be able to enjoy mandarin, white peach and pear sorbet for dessert, while my partner indulged in a chocolate torte caprese, hazelnut praline and mascarpone.

All in all, the perfect finale.

We were very impressed by this gastro pub.

The friendly staff offered helpful translations of more esoteric menu items – informing us, for example, that Lord of the Hundreds is a ewe’s milk cheese. Even the fruit and vegetables are specially sourced and delivered direct from market. Informal yet elegantly executed, the Pig & Butcher is a superb addition to Islington’s dining scene and seems to have earned every bit of its excellent reputation – and then some.

80 Liverpool Road, N1; thepigandbutcher.co.uk

48 Newman Street, W1; newmanstreettavern.co.uk

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DESIGN PROPOSALS

INTERIORS

PLANNING CONSENTS

COST ESTIMATES

BUILDER SELECTION

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

AFTER CARE

THE COMPLETE HOUSE REMODELLING SERVICE FOR HOME OWNERS Martini Bar & Garden Over 200 different wines

CREATING SPACES FOR LIVING

A la Carte Menu 6 Course Tasting Menu Prix Fixe 2 Courses Lunch £15 All Week, Dinner £18 Mon to Fri all evening, Sat 6-7pm

020 7722 2800

TAG ARCHITECTS 14 Belsize Crescent, London NW3 5QU

primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk

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

Michael Nadra Primrose Hill, 42 Gloucester Avenue London, NW1 8JD

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Absolutely

INTERIORS

Wonders Small

In her new book, Decorating with Style, Abigail Ahern makes the most of smaller spaces with dual function rooms

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N

ot everyone has the space to devote a whole room to a certain function, and city dwellers in particular have to be ingenious at utilising every single nook of a place.

Forget convention; think out of the box and glamorise. If you only have space for a bijou dining table in the kitchen make sure it looks pretty darn cool. Invest in some stylish multi-purpose furniture: coffee tables that double as storage chests, sofa beds, boxes as benches, nests of tables – that sort of thing.

Let’s take a space that double duties as a bedroom and office.

Ditch anything purely practical and corporate looking. Instead, opt for a console or dining table in a zingy colour rather than the traditional office desk. Jazz up the lighting, introduce rugs, flowers, candles and accessories so that the office area blends seamlessly with the rest of the bedroom.

It’s all about seducing the eye with surface attractions. Done well, your dual-function rooms can feel every bit as beautiful as the rest of the home!

Dressy Details: Cool little touches like papering your kitchen with boho wallpaper or suspending a beaded chandelier over a table take a utilitarian multifunctional space to a whole other level. It takes the emphasis away from boring practicalities and onto the glamorous, the beautiful and the “Ta Da!”

ROOM ANALYSIS

Display Floor to ceiling bookcases don’t feel cluttered as they are broken up with some front-

facing tomes, objects, little cards and letters.

Lighting An assortment of quirky lights and a playful sense of scale really ups the interest.

Double Duty When it comes to home offices, choose a table that doesn’t look corporate.

Mine is a vintage dining table which I’ve spray painted a beautiful teal.

Furniture Move furniture away from the perimeter and angle it slightly to break up the boxiness of a room.

To get jaw on the floor, fabulous interiors, you need to go a little off radar!

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INTERIORS

Ditch anything purely practical and corporate looking.

Instead, opt for a console or dining table in a zingy colour rather than the traditional office desk HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN VINTAGE LIGHT This vintage jelly mould light is quick to make and will add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen (or any room you fancy).

Hunt down old tin jelly moulds on eBay, second-hand shops and flea markets. And don’t be put off by gentle wear and tear, or any imperfections to the patina – it just adds to the overall beauty.

Shopping List • Metal jelly mould • Hole saw drill cutter • Pre-wired chrome lamp holder with a bayonet cap (BC)

• Bayonet bulb • Connector flex 1. Place the jelly mould upside down on a firm surface and drill a hole slightly bigger than the size of the lamp holder to enable the lamp fixture to be inserted.

2. Insert the base of the lamp fixture into the newly drilled hole and tighten.

Follow the installation instructions that come with your light fixture. As with any electrical installation, if in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

TOP TIP

Buy silk braided flex – it looks far more beautiful than the standard PVC-coated stuff.

137 Upper Street, N1; abigailahern.com 59

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To

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Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms

3,200 Square feet of contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms from Italy and Germany. Mark Nicholas Design one stop shopping for the finest home interiors on display in London. Why not call today to arrange a consultation to find out what we can do for you.

48 Penton Street, Islington, London N1 Tel: 020 7278 7573

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Fax: 020 7833 2273

Email: enquiries@marknicholasdesign.com

www.marknicholasdesign.com

17/04/2013 13:49 14:08 01/06/2012

Absolutely

INTERIORS

Oh La La

The exquisite new Maison range by the legendary Christian Lacroix, designed exclusively for Designers Guild, is one hook-up you’ll want to be aware of.

With rich colours and baroque patterns aplenty, made using the finest materials, any one of these pieces (from cushions to rugs and sofas) is sure to add a touch of luxury and good taste to any home.

76 Marylebone High Street, W1; designersguild.com

Interior Inspirations Wallflower

Simple but highly effective, Tessella is one of the latest wallpaper offerings from Farrow and Ball – its bold geometric design seems a dead cert for success, setting any room alight.

Choose from five grey, blue and aqua shades. £78 per roll, 38 Cross Street, N1; farrow-ball.com

Cushty

Delightfully, Dalstonbased fashion designer Lu Flux has branched out into homewares.

These patchwork alphabet cushions are made-to-order in vintage fabrics; each one is a one-off and proudly made in England. £65; shop.luflux.com

Hermetica London

Specialising in the creation of sealed terrariums and open displays, Hermetica London blurs the boundary between art and nature, fashioning amazing (and longlasting) ornamental plantings in a diverse array of decorative jars and vases. Founder Ken Marten has always worked at the vanguard of floristry, with an impressive roster of past clients that includes shoe designer Christian Louboutin and the Connaught Hotel. hermeticalondon.co.uk

TOP 3 VICTORIAN

BIRD DESIGNS AMERICAN FLAMINGO PLATE BY J.J AUDUBON, £65; BENPENTREATH.COM

HUMMINGBIRD PAPERWEIGHT, £35; ORIGIN-OF-STYLE.COM

TIMOUROUS BEASTIES FOR JOHN LEWIS HOOPOE BIRD CUSHION, £85; JOHNLEWIS.COM

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BATHROOM

BLUEPRINT 43 Muswell Hill Road, london, n10 3JB | 020 8365 2794

Design • supply • installation

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Lambert Welch Kitchens

www. lambertwelchkitchens .co.uk 59 Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3JB T: +44(0)20 8444 6777 Email: info@lambertwelchkitchens.co.uk Lambert Welch Kitchens.2.indd 1

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Absolutely

1

INTERIORS

2

JUST MY TYPE 8

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Nine of the best typography interiors

3

7

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6 5 1. British Gastronomy Map Tea Towel, £10; culturelabel.com. 2. Lina Meier Candle/Tealight Letter, £32.95; rigbyandmac.com.

3. Alphabet Lockers, £675; theoldcinema.co.uk. 4. Cavallini & Co Retro Alphabet and Number Design Gift Wrap, £3; rockettstgeorge.co.uk.

5. Gold Gilded Letter, from £8; grahamandgreen.co.uk. 6. His & Hers Together Pair of Mugs by Rob Ryan, £16; tch.net. 7. Rory Dobner Letter Art Ceramic Tile, £37; rockettstgeorge.co.uk. 8. Alphabet Two-Colour Hand-Print Wallpaper by Marthe Armitage; £POA; hamiltonweston.com.

9. Alphabet Votive Candle, £4.95; oliverbonas.com.

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Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens www.timmoss.co.uk

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BALHAM

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HARRODS

HAMPSTEAD

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info@indian-ocean.co.uk

02/04/2013 14:22

Absolutely

Mystic River

TRAVEL

From Shanghai to Guilin, Priscilla Pollara discovers China’s two different faces

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I

t was a humid, grey day, and the whole world seemed to be on the roads. On the ten-lane highway that streamed out from Pudong International, not only did the drivers of unnecessarily large vehicles seem in an interminable rush, but they appeared happy enough to jostle illegally for tarmac space.

But once Shanghai’s vertiginous skyscrapers began to emerge from behind the impenetrable mist, it was obvious we were all headed in the same direction.

The city is split into two and the Huangpu River does the dividing. The Eastern side is Pudong, where I was staying at the marvellous Pudong Shangri-la Hotel, while Puxi is the other bank. It’s not hard to differentiate the two: Pudong is where you’ll find the modern buildings which make up the impressive Shanghai skyline, while Puxi contains the historical quarters, including the trendy French Concession.

I left Pudong for Puxi by crossing the river by ferry to the world-famous Bund.

The Bund, or the embankment, is a stage.

When I was there, a quartet of middleaged women were standing on individual platforms performing a Tai Chi routine,

a saxophonist played on a stool beside them, a cluster of old ladies chatted while they de-shelled a bucket of crawfish, whilst hundreds of people were snapping away, keen to capture at least some of the magnificent backdrop. Also among the crowds were identikit just-married couples all decked out in Kate Middleton replica dresses, throwing petals in the air.

Weddings are big here.

The Bund isn’t remarkably beautiful, but it is here that Chinese tourists, Shanghai locals and foreign visitors revel in quite how the various strands of this great metropolis have, over time, come together.

Meanwhile in Puxi, the NeoClassical, Baroque and several Art Deco influences seen on several of the height-restricted buildings, including the former Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation and The Shanghai Club, evoke a long heritage.

We may now know Shanghai, home to over 20 million, as an

economic powerhouse, but often neglected is the fact that it was once a world leader in the 1920s. When China lost the First Opium War, Shanghai became an open port and saw international settlers open concessions here. The city benefited economically, but much of its modern-day infrastructure harks back to those early days in the 20th century when the city was a breeding ground for business and global influences.

A dark spell under Communist rule limited Shanghai from developing further, but of late it has certainly returned to what it once was. And much more.

Thankfully, not all of China is undergoing rapid expansion and change.

In fact, Shanghai’s retaining of elements of its colonial past is a trait witnessed in other cities. After a whistle-stop tour of the city – where, amongst other things, I enjoyed

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TRAVEL the shopping crush at Nanjing Road and ate copious amounts of the delicious dumpling delicacy, xiaolongbao, which explodes in the mouth and burns the tongue – I flew out in a south-westerly direction to Guilin.

Often touted as a Chinese tourist’s haven, the noticeable absence of infrastructure, replaced instead by majestic cone-shaped, emerald green Karst mountains is soothing.

My hotel, the Shangri-La Guilin, also reflected the change in pace. Where the Pudong was the luxurious multi-faceted sanctuarylike hotel constantly ready to unwind any tired businessman, the ShangriLa at Guilin, where distant crickets are heard at night and tuneful birds are ever-present in the orchard and on the terrace, felt certainly more like a resort. With a landscaped garden, two swimming pools, which would no doubt come in handy throughout the tropical summers, and the translucent green Li River flowing just outside this hotel, the Shangri-La in Guilin evokes the same tranquillity the city has in droves.

My time in Guilin, unsurprisingly, was mostly spent on (or at least, always near to)

the Li River. On two consecutive days, I was driven along the Osmanthus tree-lined streets (Guilin means Forest of Sweet Osmanthus) to the Zhuijiang jetty where I boarded a ferry for beautiful Yangshuo. The cruise meanders around the soaring ethereal mountains and their near-perfect reflection in the crystalclear water. Minute fishing villages appeared to exist at the bottom of these densely forested

people from the Guangxi Zhuang region, characterised by their vibrant red-hued clothes and by women whose ankle-length hair can only be cut once married. That particular morning I had hiked up to the Longji rice terraces, built in the Yuan Dynasty over 700 years ago, and over Zongzi – bamboo-wrapped rice and bean paste dumplings – looking down from above where a cascading set of terraces formed a ‘dragon’s backbone’ from the ridge of many hills.

China moves at such an alarming rate, one can’t help feel but destined to miss out on its latest development. We in the financially-hit West fear this: will we forever be behind?

Only time will tell.

‘When China lost the First Opium War, Shanghai became an open port and saw international settlers open concessions here’ green peaks, and we must have passed countless fishermen on their rickety bamboo rafts, clad in Asian conical hats. The cruise down this ribbon of water is made famous by the images naturally carved out into the rock.

The Elephant Trunk Hill is the best-known, and while others are hard to make out, looking out for them is tradition here.

Tradition was what made a later visit to the Yao minority village special – a

A double room at Pudong Shangri-La starts from RMB 2,473 (approx. £243) per room per night.

A double room at Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin starts from RMB 1,106 (approx. £108) per room per night.

Prices are inclusive of breakfast, tax and service. To book visit shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337

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We Buy

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Absolutely

TRAVEL

The Garden

The garden at the Rectory Hotel is no afterthought. Flowers line the borders and dogs and children are free to play on the grass while adults sip cool drinks at one of the nearby tables. In one corner, a ‘secret garden’ style gate leads to a discreetly hidden (and thus all the more magical) extra: a perfect blue swimming pool. Here you can bathe and soak up the sun away from prying eyes – and when you’re fully bronzed? Take a walk around the front lawns, which are dotted with playful sculptures and works of art, and which lo ok out over the village of Crudwell – a place so pretty that you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d stepped into The Darling Buds of May.

England’s Dreaming The Hotel

The Bedroom

The twelve bedrooms have been individually designed, but all are large and elegantly furnished with a mixture of contemporary pieces and antiques. Our bed was an imposing four-poster that nonetheless left ample space for our dog to frolic in front of the fireplace.

The bathroom was massive, a gloriously airy space boasting dual sinks and a classic white and chrome colour scheme. Our views were of the garden, where honey-bees tumbled among the late-summer blooms and songbirds stopped to drink from the pretty pond. All in all, a soothing and comfortable haven from city life.

The Rectory is an ideal rural retreat, an old country house brimming with books, nooks and English charm. Its contemporary take on classic Cotswolds living means you can enjoy all the little luxuries of a modern hotel stay (including in-room health and beauty therapies) while reconnecting to the gentler pace of life in what’s been called the ‘heart of England’. Visit during summer: the house’s beautiful gardens and pool are a blessing on a sunny day. A stay here is like a trip into the idyllic, sunhazy houses at the heart of so many 20th century children’s novels: enchanting.

The Restaurant

On the ground floor of the Rectory, leading out to the garden, sits a real foodie-magnet: the Dining Room. Lucky guests can enjoy homemade breakfast and supper here, all prepared under the direction of head chef Peter Fairclough. The menu focuses on local, organic and foraged produce, and food can be enjoyed in your room as well as in the restaurant itself. Guests can also head a hundred feet over the road to the wonderfully cosy Potting Shed pub, which shares its owners with the hotel.

The menu there is geared more towards informal pub dining – but is no less delicious for it.

Get There

The Rectory is situated three miles from Kemble Station, which is 70 minutes by train from London Paddington. Driving is very easy and the lawn is also large enough for helicopter landings too!

Price Tag

Helen Baron travelled with Chien Bleu who specialise in organising dog-friendly accommodation.

Prices start at £135 per night, 01666 577194; chienbleutravel.com; therectoryhotel.com 71

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Sporting

CHANCE Fix up, look sharp! Absolutely picks its top active breaks from around the world

WILDFITNESS 9 DAY KICK START COURSE BARAKA HOUSE, WATAMU, KENYA To many people a fitness holiday sounds like an oxymoron; holidays are about unwinding and letting go of stress, not compulsory exercise. Admittedly, we too subscribed to this school of thought but Wildfitness is not to be dismissed so easily. The wondrous, indescribable beauty of Watamu in Kenya (one of three locations to choose from) is enough to make the hardiest of sceptics catch their breath on arrival. The luxurious Baraka House, the accommodation provided by Wildfitness, is positioned on what is widely agreed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and goes a long way towards shattering any preconceptions of Spartan discipline and hard work guests may have.

Here, the particular brand of exercise too is geared towards enjoyment and satisfaction rather than ruthless regimentation, and consists of activities such as kick-boxing in the open-air, Dojo and runs on the white-sanded

beaches. There is also a strong theme of nature and the way in which fitness is linked to our evolution, as you are taught ‘primal skills’ and shown the foods humans have adapted to eat.

Although challenging at times, the wide range of activities and the staggering loveliness of the country leaves you with a sense of mental and physical wellbeing along with a sincere feeling of achievement. What can we say?

We’re converts. wildfitness.com STOKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB, SPA & HOTEL The worst that can be said of Stoke Park is that leaving it is really rather a wrench. The stunning country club, spa and hotel set in the heart of Buckinghamshire has provided the location for films such as Goldfinger and Bridget Jones’s Diary and is just as impressive off-screen. The rooms manage to convey a classic style without being stuffy or cloying and the mixture of modern prints on the walls and the sumptuousness of the materials used strike a balance between elegance and a more

contemporary edge. Although we may have been tempted to lounge in our lovely room throughout our stay, we would have been missing out on perhaps the most outstanding aspect of the Stoke Park experience. Equipped with a prestigious, professional standard golf course and a multi award-winning ‘racquet pavilion’ consisting of four hard courts, three indoor courts and six Wimbledon specification grass courts, the hotel is ideal for those who enjoy active holidays. In recent years, the tennis offered by the Club has become an essential part of the appeal of the resort and has ensured that Stoke Park continues to dominate ‘Top 5 Sporting Hotels in the World’ lists. It also doesn’t hurt that after engaging in a couple of sets you can kick back and relax in their beautiful spa.

Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4PG, 01753 717171; stokepark.com HILLSIDE BEACH CLUB, TURKEY Don’t let the ‘all-inclusive’ label fool you; this isn’t your standard all-in hotel. For starters,

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TRAVEL

WE ALSO LOVE...

Yoga in India Take time out for a retreat at Ananda in the Himalayas. Offering a range of restorative experiences, double package rates start at $650 (about £437) per night. (+91 124 4516650; anandaspa.com)

Horse-Riding in America Feel the wind in your hair at The Ranch at Rock Creek, which provides outdoor activities set against a backdrop of wild mountains and lakes. Rates begin at $950 (about £623) per night and include one morning and one afternoon activity.

(1-877-786-1545; theranchatrockcreek.com)

the locale of the club is simply breathtaking – set against mighty hills, the apartments overlook the glistening blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening, which is when we both arrived and left, it is arguably more akin to a twinkling Turkish village than a luxury 330-room resort. Morning came arm-in-arm with the sun, and with it a fresh view of the club. Staircasing down the hill, the apartments were clearly designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. The enticing beach has its blue flag – a prestigious accolade awarded to only the most eco and beautiful beaches in the world – flying high, whilst the hotel’s speedboats, catamarans and yachts float on the calm, clear water. You can’t help but want to dive in – good news for those looking for an active break.

What’s more, with three restaurants to choose from, the food is as good as the view. As expected, on the menu are plenty of grilled fish dishes, as well as nutritious omelettes and fresh salads. Two of the restaurants offer à la carte dining: Pasha on the Bay is open

for a light breakfast, with a Mediterranean menu in the evening, and Beach Bar serves a lighter lunchtime buffet and scrumptious Italian cuisine for supper. There are also plenty of activities to keep kids (both big and small) occupied – think volleyball, yoga, windsurfing, sailing and a range of indulgent spa treatments courtesy of the hotel’s two beautiful spas. However, it’s not just about the kids – there’s also an adult only beach aptly named ‘Silent Beach’, and a crèche area where younger kids can play and shout out of earshot. Bliss.

Prices start from £118 pp per night for an A Type room on a full board basis. Children under 6 are free, whereas children between the ages 7 and 12 require a small payment of £45.

Kalemya Koyu, PK 123 48300, Fethiye, Mugla, Turkey; hillsidebeachclub.com Fly to Dalaman with Monarch from London Gatwick and London Luton airports; monarch.co.uk

Tennis in Antigua With four championship hard courts right by the sea and resident pros on hand for lessons, Curtain Bluff is perfect for indulging a love of tennis. Rates begin at $760 (£499) for a deluxe room.

(0800-051-8956; curtainbluff.com)

Golf in Barbados Three golf courses, spectacular scenery and luxury accommodation are all on offer at Sandy Lane. From $909 (£596) per person per night and $1000 (£656) for a seven day golf pass. (+1 (246) 444-2000; sandylane.com)

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08/03/2013 17:09

ABSOLUTELY Property May 2013

Wades Hill, N21

ÂŁ850,000 Freehold

A wonderfully stylish three bedroom property incorporating two original cottages, converted into a visually stunning and contemporary town house.

The open plan living space occupies the entire ground floor and is cleverly zoned for living, cooking and entertaining. A central stair case, bathed in natural light from a glass atrium leads onto a mezzanine area from which you access the three bedrooms, family bathroom and study area.

Hamptons International, Muswell Hill 020 8454 7241; hamptons.co.uk

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

CREIGHTON AVENUE N10 £1,575,000

A six bedroom semi detached Arts & Crafts famiily home with off-street parking and a 115’ South facing garden.

• 6 Bedrooms • 2 Receptions • Kitchen/breakfast room

THE OWNERS’ LOVE...

• 2 Bathrooms

“The beautiful garden when it’s lit up in the evening” “The high ceilings which really add to the sense of space” “Being set back from the road so the house in peaceful and the neighbours are

• Separate W.C.

lovely”

WE’VE NOTICED...

• 115’ South facing garden • Off-street parking • 2 Balconies

The original parquet flooring in the two reception rooms. There are lovely views from balconies at the front and rear of the house.

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

DONOVAN AVENUE £1,350,000

A four bedroom Edwardian family home, which used to be five bedrooms, situated on a peaceful road close to Muswell Hill Broadway and Alexandra Palace.

THE OWNER’S LOVES...

“The spacious rooms, with high ceilings and period features” “The location is fantastic, and is ideally placed for local shops, parks, and schools” “The kitchen and dining room, a fabulous space and ideal for entertaining”

WE’VE NOTICED...

The house sits between Muswell Hill Primary and Alexandra Park secondary schools.

There is a beautiful original floor in the Entrance Hall.

• 4 Bedrooms • 2 Receptions • Kitchen/breakfast room • 2 Bathrooms • 2 W.C.s • Original period features • Separate side entrance • Garden with wooden children’s play fort • EPC Rating - F

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

ONSLOW GARDENS N10 £2,015 PCM • 2 Bedrooms • Spacious lounge with bay windows • Eat-in kitchen • Premier Muswell Hill road • Rear garden • Easy access to transport • EPC Rating - E Muswell Hill office • T: 020 8444 3388 • E: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk 300/302 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10 2QR

CHURCH VALE, N2 £4,766.67 PCM • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 2 Receptions • Open Plan Kitchen • Private Garden • Detached • EPC Rating – D

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

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We love how

you feel you want for your property now you have the offer

A

s your local estate agent, we’re here for you and all your property needs, whatever they may be.

We are the North London experts, for sales and lettings, and we’d love to give you the benefit of over 45 years of knowledge and expertise.

Muswell Hill office 020 8444 3388 East Finchley office 020 8883 0077

Crouch End office 020 8348 5135 Kentish Town office 020 7267 3737

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

The award-winning agency . . . where integrity counts.

BARNET • CROUCH END • EAST FINCHLEY • FINCHLEY CENTRAL • NORTH FINCHLEY • HENDON • KENTISH TOWN • MILL HILL • MUSWELL HILL • WHETSTONE FULL PAGE.indd 2 MG_Absolutely_11.4.13.indd 1

19/04/2013 16:23 11/04/2013 16:27

ANTRIM ROAD, NW3

A bright, three bedroom second floor apartment set in a popular mansion block and located moments from Belsize Park underground station. The property comprises of a large and stylish eat in kitchen, separate, bright reception with high ceilings, original features, modern bathroom and access to small private balcony and communal gardens to the rear. ÂŁ650 Per Week Property Divas 020 7431 8000; propertydivas.com

PROPERTY ROUND-UP PRINCES AVENUE, N10

A stunning first floor apartment located in central Muswell Hill. Combining period charm with modern flair, this beautiful home offers a fabulous kitchen/ dining/family living room with a balcony running the whole length, a formal sitting room and two double bedrooms. ÂŁ750,000 Shared Freehold Prickett and Ellis, Muswell Hill 020 8883 9797; prickettandellis.com

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

PROPERTY



CHURCH CRESCENT, N10 An end of terrace six bedroom Edwardian house situated on one of Muswell Hill’s best roads near to the Broadway and Highgate Woods. Parkland Walk is directly behind the house with direct access from the garden and there is an abundance of period features throughout. £2,250,000 Martyn Gerrard, Muswell Hill 020 8444 3388; martyngerrard.co.uk



ST LEONARD’S SQUARE, NW5 This contemporary three bedroom home is arranged over three floors of a Victorian mid-terraced townhouse, and is ideal for a family looking to settle in NW5 as this sought after cul-de-sac is super convenient for many good schools in the area (The French Lycee on Holmes Road is a 5 minute walk) and is just a short walk from Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath. £950,000 Freehold Oliver’s Sales, Kentish Town 020 7284 1222; oliverstown.com

SPRING FEVER

After a slow start to the year, with the cold weather definitely affecting tenants’ enthusiasm for looking for a new home, rental demand is picking up considerably. One bed (£250£350pw) and two bed (£350-

£550pw) apartments are in high demand, with new developments like Highbury Square and Woodberry Park particularly sought-after. At this time of year we see an upturn in demand for larger properties too as families look to relocate before the new school term in September.

Properties within easy reach of the College Francais are in high demand, with enquiries for homes in these areas quadrupling between May and September.

Ivan Hrissimov, Manager of Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, Highgate branch 020 8341 2335; brlets.co.uk 81

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Completely at home in London With 50 branches across the Capital and over 35 years’ London property experience, we are perfectly placed to help with all your property needs.

So, if you’re thinking of selling, letting, buying or renting, visit kfh.co.uk today.

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05/03/2013 16/04/2013 11:48 17:19

Albany Road, Stroud Green, N4 £550,000 Shared freehold Crouch End 020 8348 8181 Email sce@kfh.co.uk

05.13 KFH NXNW.indd 2 FULL PAGE.indd 2

Sensational two double bedroom raised ground floor flat with wonderful south westerly facing balcony and private garden, set within this handsome period property in Stroud Green.

• • • • • • • • •

Attractive building Sought after road Light and airy Period character High ceilings Contemporary kitchen Immaculate bathroom Excellent transport links EPC rating C

15/04/2013 16/04/2013 09:38 17:20

Maidstone Road, Bounds Green, N11 £1,100,000 Freehold Muswell Hill 020 8883 0123 Email smh@kfh.co.uk

05.13 KFH NXNW.indd 3 FULL PAGE.indd 2

Situated on a residential road close to Bounds Green underground station and Bowes Park train station is this imposing detached villa built in the 1800s which retains many period features.

• • • • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Three reception rooms Fitted kitchen Utility room Large cellar area Garage Driveway 114ft south facing garden EPC rating F

03/04/2013 16/04/2013 10:21 17:20

Uplands Road, Crouch End, N8 ÂŁ3,683 pcm An exquisite five bedroom period family house benefitting from two reception rooms, large kitchen/diner, two bathrooms and a private garden. The property is situated within the catchment area for Weston Park Primary School and close to the amenities of Crouch End and Harringay train station.

Crouch End 020 8341 1110 Email lce@kfh.co.uk

Linden Road, Muswell Hill, N10 ÂŁ2,163 pcm Fantastic three bedroom split level apartment located on a quiet residential road close to both Muswell Hill Broadway and Highgate underground station. The property benefits from two bathrooms, a spacious reception room with wood flooring and two balconies offering stunning views. Unfurnished.

Muswell Hill 020 8883 2340 Email lmh@kfh.co.uk

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PROPERTY

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IN THEIR

OWN WORDS

‘‘

PETER COULOURAS, SALES MANAGER AT LONDON RESIDENTIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY; SEBASTIAN BARROS, SEBBARROS.COM

IN THEIR OWN WORDS.NXNW.indd 101

lovers and eccentrics, but you can still find serenity if you know where to look. If you want to continue the rural idyll theme, the nearby Kentish Town City Farm is worth a visit - provided you don’t mind walking through goat droppings. The London Residential head office (with our new Kentish Town Branch opening soon- watch this space!) is situated in ‘Estate Agent Land’, at the very top of Parkway. I think we only congregate together because we actually care for our student market; the poor little loves will only get tired or lost if we were spread out too much! Camden Town is located in the heart of the London Borough of Camden, which stretches from Islington in the east to Kilburn in the west and from Holborn in the south to Hampstead’s Whitestone Pond in the north. This interesting, leafy borough has a rich literary history, and much of it is expensive and considered highly desirable by those looking to buy a house. But despite the general affluence of the place, Camden Town itself has long been associated with the famous Market, however it does have so much more to offer.

The streets in the immediate vicinity of Camden Town are stuffed with older respectable terraced housing, as well as newer council estates, many of which house privately-owned flats. The buy to let market in our vicinity is amazing with great yields being achieved by the London Residential Lettings team.

‘‘

I

am a proud Camden Towner, it truly is a great place - I have lived and worked in the area for well over twenty years.

My father had the Little Bakery on Camden High Street which was always busy and the aromas of fresh bread sailed down the street. I will always remember the Friday nights helping him out, there was a constant orderly queue of people from the local bars/clubs (normally around kicking out time) for the still-warm jam doughnuts and what people would do for a free one still makes me blush! There have been a lot of changes in the borough, some good, some not so good. However, I still love the place.

The diversity of the area is amazing, there is nowhere similar. ‘Bo-bos’ - bourgeois bohemians - are particularly prevalent in these parts because the vibrancy of the area’s live music and social scene. Camden Town is also a favourite with punks, goths, and indie kids too. The Devonshire Arms is a good spot if you look like a bat with drag queen ambitions, but the area’s most interesting watering holes can be found clustered around Chalk Farm Station.

Watch out for celebrities in the quirky Sir Richard Steele pub on Haverstock Hill and all the bars and restaurants of Primrose Hill. As any local worth their salt will tell you, Hampstead Heath is emphatically not a park and actually a massive area of fields, ponds, woodland and brooks - a glimpse of what Camden Town looked like before London’s expansion in the mid 1800s. On a sunny day the place is swimming with

020 7424 3222; londonresidential.uk.com

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DIFFERENT STYLE & SERVICE 020 8340 8900

Haringey Park, N8

ÂŁ1,500,000 Freehold

A superbly refurbished and extended end-of-terrace 5 bedroom Edwardian house. Features a truly stunning open-plan kitchen/dining/living space plus a separate reception room. In excellent central Crouch End location moments from the Broadway and all its amenities. Offered for sale chain free. www.PrickettAndEllis.com/HPL1863

020 8883 0033

Fortis Green Avenue, N2 ÂŁ995,000 Freehold

A large Edwardian house with 5 double bedrooms set over 3 floors.

Needing refurbishment, the property is currently unofficially arranged as 3 flats. In a great location between the amenities of both Muswell Hill Broadway & East Finchley High Road, close to favoured local schools.

EPC Rating: D. www.PrickettAndEllis.com/HBF0042

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I N F O @P R I C K E T T A N D E L L I S . C O M

020 8444 8484

The Chine, N10

ÂŁ1,100,000 Freehold

An exemplary 3 storey, 4 bedroom Arts & Crafts house located in the highly desirable & sought-after Rookfield Garden Village. Overflowing with period charm and a rural feel heightened by the far reaching views.

Open plan rear kitchen/reception room open to the delightful rear garden plus a separate reception room. www.PrickettAndEllis.com/HPC0166

020 8883 9797

Clarence Road, N22 ÂŁ599,950 Freehold

Pretty 4 bedroom family home of great Victorian charm. Close to trains to City (20 minutes to Moorgate).

With period features, through reception rooms, kitchen with southerly aspect over the rear garden & a garage with the possibilty of expansion subject to the usual planning consents.

EPC Rating: F.

www.PrickettAndEllis.com/HPM1377

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Lansdowne Road, Muswell Hill, N10

£1,395,000. Freehold Sole Agents

Etheldene Avenue, Muswell Hill, N10

£1,100,000. Freehold Sole Agents

Providing extremely bright and airy accommodation over three floors is this lovely five bedroom two bathroom semi detached ‘Arts & Crafts’ style 1920’s family home. The property is being offered in very good decorative order and boasts a stunning fitted kitchen/ family area which leads out to a delightful rear garden; added benefits also include a shared driveway leading to own private garage.

This fine property is located in a quiet, desirable and tree lined road which is within a short walk from Muswell Hill Broadway and its vast selection of shops and restaurants and excellent bus services. Within catchment of Alexandra Park secondary school, also within favourable distance of Rhodes Avenue primary school.

Muswell Hill Office: 020 8444 1771

Set over three floors is a fine example of a beautifully presented five bedroom mid terraced Collins built family home. This lovely property has been tastefully modernized whilst retaining many original period features. The house provides extremely bright accommodation throughout and benefits include a modern fitted kitchen, contemporary bathroom suite and recently landscaped front and rear gardens. Situated in this tree lined residential road which borders the celebrated Rookfield Estate which is close to Muswell Hill Broadway with its vast array of boutique shops and restaurants, also within favourable distance of good local schools.

There are also excellent bus services to Highgate (Northern Line) and Finsbury Park (Piccadilly & Victoria Lines) tube stations.

Muswell Hill Office: 020 8444 1771

BRANCHES AT MUSWELL HILL, CROUCH END AND EAST FINCHLEY TATLERS_May.indd 62

17/04/2013 16:51

www.tatlers.co.uk

Sylvester Road, East Finchley, N2

ÂŁ684,950. Freehold Sole Agents

Tatlers are pleased to present this well appointed five bedroom semi detached house having been well maintained throughout by the current owner and benefits some fine period features, kitchen/breakfast room and en-suite shower room to master bedroom.

The property is presented in ready to move in condition. Sylvester Road is located directly off East Finchley High Road with easy access to the North Circular and within half a mile to East Finchley tube station (Northern Line).

East Finchley office: 020 8883 1001

Middle Lane, Crouch End, N8

ÂŁ425,000. Leasehold Sole Agents

Tatlers are pleased to offer this delightful two double bedroom property with direct access to your own garden. This property is set within a period residence comprising a bright and airy bay fronted reception room, a separate kitchen with breakfast bar and bathroom suite. Located directly opposite Priory Park and within close proximity to Crouch Ends local Broadway.

Crouch End Office on 020 8341 4050

TATLERS_May.indd 63

17/04/2013 16:53

Absolutely

PROPERTY PROFILE

KEPT SECRET...  BEST Andy and the rest of the chaps at Barrett’s Butchers are genuinely the hub of Belsize park! Not only do they have a quality selection of meat, but they are also quick to smile and brighten your day with a joke or two.

THE MOST FABULOUS COCKTAIL IS...

Pop into The Hill bar & brassiere on Haverstock Hill, ask for James and he will fix you up with a fab cocktail. Mine is a ‘Singapore Sling’, a couple of those and you will be more than ready to tuck into just about anything on their sophisticated menu.

A LOST HOUR...

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT...

Just a few minutes around the corner is Primrose Hill, I can’t think of anything better than spending an hour wandering around the park there, sitting on the hill and watching the world go by.

Eating in L‘Absinthe restaurant is a great experience, from their insistence for only speaking French, to the simple French fare that is so tasty. I like a good pudding and their absinthe crème brûlée is outrageous!



STYLISH BOUTIQUE...



This stunning three bedroom, two bathroom Eton Avenue home with period features combines location, accommodation and finish. I expect this property to set the bar at a new level for Belsize Park. £2,000,000 Shared Freehold.

Black Truffle delicatessen & coffeehouse, which has just opened opposite our office on England’s Lane, provides excellent coffee, homemade cakes and my personal favourite, their bacon jam in a jar!



ANDREW FLINT

have recently heard about something called the Green Deal and I wondered how I might find out whether the property I am buying is affected by this? The Green Deal is designed to help householders increase the energy efficiency of their properties and reduce green house gas emissions. The deal will be offered by the private sector to enable householders to implement energy efficiency improvements to their properties. Essentially, the scheme lets customers pay for some or all of the improvements over a period of time through their electricity bill. The repayments under a Green Deal plan will be added to the electricity bill for the property and the person with the responsibility for paying the bill will be liable to make the repayments whilst they are the electricity bill payer at the property. The idea is that, in the long



MOST FABULOUS PROPERTY...

I

NW3

JAMIE GAWTHROP, SALES MANAGER,

KINLEIGH FOLKARD & HAYWARD, BELSIZE PARK 020 3280 3505; KFH.CO.UK

FROM COLMAN COYLE, GIVES HIS EXPERT ADVICE ON ALL YOUR LEGAL PROPERTY QUESTIONS

very much in its infancy and it will be run, savings will be made on heating bills. interesting to see how popular it eventually To find out if a property is subject to a Green becomes. However, in the meantime, as Deal the first place to check will be the far as your own purchase is concerned you Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC should certainly be able to tell whether the will contain information on the front page property you are hoping to buy is subject to which will clearly state if a Green Deal has a Green Deal plan by looking at the Energy been implemented. If the property you are Performance Certificate. buying is subject to a Green Deal plan then you would be advised to obtain a copy of the plan from the Contact property partner seller to familiarise Andrew Flint with no obligation yourself with the on (0)20 7354 3000 or email terms. From 1st October 2013 your andrew.flint@colmancoyle.com solicitor may also be able to find out about a Green Deal from  www.colmancoyle.com the Local Authority 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU Search. The Green Deal scheme is

ASK THE EXPERTS

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PROFILE

PROPERTY

MOVING IN

NOTHING’S BETTER THAN THE INSIDE SCOOP. LOCAL AGENTS GIVE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS...

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

LOCAL STREET

LOCAL HANGOUT

Peter Coulouras, Sales Manager at London Residential 020 7424 3213; londonresidential.uk.com With a wide & loyal client base, Clifton Interiors reputation has been built on their visionary design concepts. Their ability to source individual pieces and talent for colour and spatial design is second to none.

David Ruddock, Director of Prickett and Ellis 020 8883 9797; prickettandellis.com I love a stroll along Parkland Walk with its crumbling brick structures, abandoned train platforms and towering trees. Mary Collins’ life-size spriggan sculpture emerging from an alcove further adds to the atmosphere.

Jenni Towler, Senior Lettings Negotiator, Benham & Reeves Lettings, Hampstead 020 7435 9681; brlets.co.uk Family friendly pub The Freemasons has great food and a large garden. Trendy professionals love cocktails at The Wells Tavern while young mums meet at The Everyman Cinema ‘Screamers Club’ for coffee and a movie.

FACT

TIME OUT

Simon Gerrard, Managing Director at Martyn Gerrard 020 8348 5135; martyngerrard.co.uk Crouch End used to have a railway, but it closed in the 50’s.

The line ran from Edgware to Finsbury Park with a branch line to Alexandra Palace. The section around Crouch End is now the beautiful Parkland Walk.

Colin Gilibrand, Lettings Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Belsize Park 020 7483 4302; kfh.co.uk Ginger & White on England’s Lane is extremely popular with local mums as it is a very child friendly environment. It offers a great selection of coffees, and the cakes are great for both young and old.

KIDS Chris Mullin, Sales Manager at Hamptons, Muswell Hill 020 8883 5997; hamptons.co.uk Little Dinosaurs at Alexandra Palace is highly recommendable.

With their bespoke adventure soft play, there is lots of indoor and outdoor space for everyone to burn off some energy, while you sit and sip a coffee or two.

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19/04/2013 12:43

Hamptons Muswell Hill Sales. 020 8454 7241 muswellhillsales@hamptons-int.com

Crown Road, N10 ÂŁ735,000 Freehold A charming five bedroom semi detached property about a mile from Muswell Hill Broadway. On the ground floor, the double reception room provides bright and spacious accommodation whilst the separate kitchen/diner at the rear of the property has direct access onto the south east facing garden. 1616sq ft. EPC: D

Grove Avenue, N10 ÂŁ1,350,000 Freehold A beautifully presented four bedroom house, finished to an exceptional standard throughout. The exceptionally large entrance hall leads into a double reception room and a superbly equipped kitchen/diner. On the first floor are three generous double bedrooms; the master has an en suite shower room. 2835 sq ft. EPC: D

HAMPTONS_NXNW May.indd 1

17/04/2013 16:58

Hamptons Muswell Hill Sales. 020 8454 7241 muswellhillsales@hamptons-int.com

Church Crescent, N10 ÂŁ540,000 Leasehold A very smart and stylish top floor period conversion, newly refurbished to an excellent standard throughout. The contemporary open plan kitchen and reception space has access to a balcony which has sweeping skyline views of the surrounding area and it has three bedrooms. 853 sq ft. EPC: C

Wades Hill, N21 ÂŁ850,000 Freehold A wonderfully stylish three bedroom property incorporating two original cottages, converted into a visually stunning and contemporary town house. The open plan living space occupies the entire ground floor and is cleverly zoned for living, cooking and entertaining. 1837 sq ft. EPC: D

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20/03/2013 11:31

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10/04/2013 17:09

Your reward for all the lonely dinners at your desk.

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30/01/2013 11:59

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30/01/2013 11:59

Our doors are always open... to landlords and tenants alike Benham and Reeves Lettings, London’s independent lettings-only specialist, have been serving both landlords and tenants since 1956.

With 10 well placed London offices, we are able to give tenants a wide choice of locations and properties.

For landlords... we offer a full lettings and property management service, furnishing packages, refurbishment and home staging service,

making us your one-stop rental property partner.

Call us now on 0800 092 9656 or email info@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk

DUBAI | HONG KONG | INDIA | LONDON | MALAYSIA | SINGAPORE

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Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings

brletsuk

10/04/2013 17:13