Absolutely Kingston & Raynes Park : Surrey April 2018

KINGSTON & RAYNES PARK

ABSOLUTELY

Kingston & Raynes Park Surrey APRIL 2018 / £3.95

A ROYAL WELCOME Jamaica: a trip of a lifetime

APR I L 2018

ART HOUSE Colourful creatures come to Bentalls

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20/03/2018 05/03/2018 16:23 16:59

ABSOLUTELY

Contents APRIL 2018

72

30 48

C U LT U R E

10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

44 NEW SCENTS

Spring fragrances to love

14 AGENDA

FOOD & DRINK

48 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for April

News from the industry

16 MEET THE ARTISANS

50 DRINK UP

FA S H I O N

22 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

INTERIORS

58 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Raph Thomas at Bentalls Kingston

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

25 PURPLE REIGN

Embrace Pantone's Colour of the Year

Gin masterclasses in the capital

News and views

61 OPTICAL ILLUSION

The latest in stylish glassware

26 ALEXANDER GIRARD

Inspiration from the SS18 catwalk

T R AV E L 72 BEST OF BOTH Enjoy city and sun in Morocco

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

PROPERTY 84 LIVING THE DREAM

The month’s best beauty buys

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

ON THE COVER DAGNY LONDON PHOTOGRAPHER: JAMES MUNRO STYLIST: ROBERTA HOLLIS MAKE-UP/HAIR: ANDJELKA dagnylondon.com

The most luxurious London properties A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HELPING NATURE LOOK STYLISH

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN

• 18 Years of experience • Turnkey Solutions • Complete Design and build service • Post build maintenance • Offices in London and Cape Town

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We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

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

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S favourite outdoor escapes in London...

1

N

o amount of April showers can dampen our optimism for this issue, which is brimming with colourful fashion, local characters and nothing but blue skies and white sands in our travel section.

We’re looking at the new season palette and discovering that it’s goodbye millennial pink and hello to the lilac hour. An update on last year’s blush tones, lilac is the colour of spring. In our shopping edit on page 35, we’ve given the hue a much-needed modern update - you’ll want to be clad head to toe before you know. In our culture section, we head to Bentalls in Kingston, looking forward to an event in April, Meet the Artisans.

This is a weekend showcase of original artwork which supports the local arts community. We love featured artist Raph Thomas’s bright and colourful compositions which perfectly capture the vivacity of nature. As the sun begins to appear from behind the clouds, our travel section will certainly have you wishing for summer with not one, but two exotic features. You’ll discover there is more to Morocco than Marrakesh on page 72, and on page 76 we show you why Jamaica’s luxury Half Moon Resort is one to have on your radar. All this, plus local food reviews, kids content and a round up of what’s on in London this month. I hope you enjoy the issue.

KEW GARDENS

Whether you fancy walking along the amazing tree top balcony, sunbathing on the grass or just sitting under a tree with a cheeky glass of Pimms, you can’t beat Kew Gardens for a lovely day out in London.

MIRIAM CAREY EDITOR

GEORGIE RUTHERFORD EDITORIAL INTERN

ST JAMES’ PARK

Nothing beats an early morning run around St James’ Park when no-one is around, apart from the park’s famous residents, the pelicans. Although it may not have Hyde Park’s Kensington Palace or Regent Park's Zoo, St. James’ offers snappable views of Buckingham Palace, relaxing walks and wildlife.

HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

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HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Hampstead Heath is my ultimate city escape. Moments from the high street’s pretty cafes and historic facades you discover gorgeous grassy fields, open air swimming ponds and dense forests. What more could you possibly want?

JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

4

5

HOLLAND PARK

My favourite outdoor space is Holland Park. The North Lawn, the forest area and the Japanese garden are all so different yet they’re each so Holland Park.

I love the peacocks, bronzes and exhibitions at the Ice House.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

3

REGENT’S CANAL

Regent’s Canal, although bustling with people, is one of my favourite place to see nature in London.

There is something about seeing ducks dipping, trees rustling and dragonflies buzzing that instantly calms the mind.

MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

10

SUMMER STATEMENTS High street hero, Warehouse has hit the nail on the head for summer with a collection of clean lines, creative silhouettes and colour pops to suit the sunnier months. warehouse.co.uk

Master of Malt

The Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is the fi rst whisky ever to hail from the area and uses 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley for a fi nish that is rich and fruity. £44.95; cotswoldsdistillery.com

BRIGHT THING

We’re obsessed with the embroidered design of this Anthropologie lamp for its ability to add effortless cool to any room. £118; anthropologie.com

K E E P E R OF K EYS Crafted from dreamily soft calf leather, this Aspinal of London keyring ticks all the boxes for an accessory that is both subtle and stylish. Here’s to never losing your keys again. £35; selfridges.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

Creature Comforts

Give your scheme a playful twist with this stylised, screen-printed Cheetah cushion; perfect for adding a vibrant splash in a room of neutrals. £15; habitat.co.uk

COLOUR CLASH FRAME WOR K Taylor Morris, London's go-to eyewear brand for sophisticated sunnies, has hit the nail on the head with this design inspired by the pink sunsets of the British countryside. £180; taylormorriseyewear.com

Mixing clashing orange chevrons and stripes against navy and monochrome, Jigsaw has created a modernist’s dream with longline knits, trousers, maxis and a diagonal cut stripe dress. jigsaw-online.com

WH AT ’S COOK IN G? From individual starters to mini puddings, Le Creuset’s stoneware ramekins allow for perfect preparation and presentation.

Dinner parties have never been easier. £10 each; selfridges.com

TI M E TO SL I DE Diane von Furstenberg is at the top of our wishlist this summer with the addition of beachwear. We love these striped sandals, which will look chic paired with white denim. £175; net-a-porter.com

Compact Carries

Sophie Hulme has made a name for herself with her clean-lines and hardy structures. We’re taken with this clementine number for a pop of spring colour. £562; farfetch.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Fri 13 Apr - Sun 6 May Box Office

020 8174 0090

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CULTURE

Sunset Boulevard at The New Wimbledon Theatre, Photo by Manuel Harlan

What’s On 14 • Meet the Artisans: Raph Thomas's latest exhibition at Bentalls 16 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

EXHIBITION

Meet the Artisans 8-9 April

BEN TALLS KIN G STON

Meet the Artisans is the exhibition series from Bentalls that supports the local art community. Using the themes ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and ‘Local Landmarks’, this month shines a light on the vibrant works of Raph Thomas, who employs bright colours and portrait-like compositions to capture the vivacity of nature.

Wood Street, KT1; fenwick.co.uk

EVENT

Spring Decorative Antiques Fair 17 - 22 A P R I L • BAT TE R S E A EVOLUTION

For the eagerly awaited spring edition of the Decorative Antiques Fair, an ornamental menagerie brings beautiful beasts to Battersea. With over 150 exhibitors from the UK and Europe, the event offers a rich panoply of unusual period design and 20th century classics in a beguiling blend of splendour and surprise.

Battersea Park, SW11; decorativefair.com

14

CLASSES

Spring Kokedama 17 April PETERSHAM N URSERIE S

In this unique workshop you will master the art of Kokedama, the growing Japanese trend that sees your houseplants liberated from their pots.

Using seasonal bulbs, you'll create three different variations on the bonsai-like plant to take home and enjoy.

Church Lane, Richmond, TW10; petershamnurseries.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EVENT

Easter at Hampton Court Until 15 April HAMPTON COURT PALACE

The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt provides fun for all ages, allowing families to explore Hampton Court and its beautiful grounds. A host of chocolate-themed activities will also be taking place throughout the Easter holidays. Little ones can concoct their own Georgian-style chocolate drink and decorate a ceramic chocolate cup to take home.

East Molesey, KT8; hrp.org.uk

Around Town SPORT

LONDON MARATHON 22 April VARIOUS LOCAT IONS

The London Marathon is the biggest single day fundraiser in the world and sees around 38,000 serious competitors, charity fun-runners and celebrities tackle the gruelling 26.2 mile route around the capital.

Whether you’ve secured your spot or cheering from the sidelines, it’s set to take the city by storm.

Various locations; virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

EXHIBITION

TWICKENHAM ART CIRCLE 14-15 April LA N D M AR K A RTS C E NTR E

This Month’s Must See

Formed in 1948 by a group of friends who decided to meet together to paint and draw, the Twickenham Art Circle boasts 140 talent members from the art community. Their eighth exhibition at the Landmark will showcase the work of local artists in a variety of styles and media, all at affordable prices.

Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11; landmarkartscentre.org

EXHIBITION

MONET & ARCHITECTURE From 9 April THE N ATIONAL GALLERY

SUNSET BOULEVARD

A

10 - 14 A P RIL • N EW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

ndrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece promises a spectacular evening of magic and musical talent.

Based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, and one of the all-time great pieces of musical theatre, Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, brought to life by Webber’s sumptuous score.

93 The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com

There’s never been a single exhibition looking at Monet’s career through buildings; until now. This is a new way of looking at his work and shows how he used architecture in both his most famous paintings and lesserknown works.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N; nationalgallery.org.uk

EXHIBITION

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN Ongoing WELLCOM E COLLEC T ION

Art, science and somewhere in between. The Wellcome Collection’s latest exhibition brings together the installations from four contemporary artists and the scientists they worked with to explore how artists can give shape to the human experience.

183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org

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

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MEET the ARTISANS We caught up with artist Raph Thomas to discover what to expect from his new exhibition at Bentalls this month

by HELEN BROWN

HELEN BROWN: Tell us about the new technicolour animal series you will be exhibiting at Bentalls, where did the inspiration for it come from?

RAPH THOMAS: I’ve always been interested in nature, evolution and beautiful creatures. I used to paint tropical birds because I love their oddness; mostly parrots, penguins and toucans. Two years ago, a client saw my bird paintings at 1of1 and asked me to undertake several commissions of her pets. Out of the blue she asked for a technicolour hippopotamus. It was a great commission which I did on vintage blueprint paper. The client was happy for me to print a limited edition of the work which proved unexpectedly popular.

Since then I have been experimenting with stripes, patterns and different animals. I paint them as real creatures first and then add the surface design, which I think helps to give them a 3D effect.

HB: What do you hope viewers will take away from your work?

RT: I genuinely hope that my work makes people happy and that when they buy it, they have a piece on their wall that makes them smile whenever they see it.

For each piece I try to make an image that is immediately identifiable, fun and memorable, but also elegant. I paint the type of artwork that I would like on my own walls and despite the colourful overlay, I do not want my work to appear cartoonish.

HB: How significant has local support been to your career so far?

RT: Local support has been the backbone of my artistic career. I first started selling my artwork six years ago in Kingston and Teddington and since then my work has grown in popularity in south west London.

If not for the positive reception my work received where I live, I do not think I would have had the confidence in my own work to take my art to different fairs across Britain.

Over the last two years my work has been shown in art fairs throughout the UK and as a result my paintings are now in collections

“I paint the type of artwork that I would like on my own walls” 16

in the US, China, Africa and Europe, which is really gratifying.

HB: Tell us about your history with Bentalls, how did you come to work with them?

RT: Bentalls have long supported local artists and designers in many ways, such as collaborating with local colleges and universities like Kingston College where I studied. I came to exhibit at Bentalls through 1of1, a gallery in Teddington where I show my work. 1of1 had worked with Bentalls running creative workshops for customers before the first show I participated in. The first show ‘Meet the Makers’ coincided with renovations in store which gave us a wall of hoardings to use as a pop up exhibition space. The Bentalls team are fantastically supportive and were pleased with how the first show was received. Since then I have participated in two more group shows and also did a solo show for Bentalls 150th anniversary last summer.

HB: You use a mix of media within your work, what’s one of the most surprising you’ve used?

RT: I came across a lot of vintage French blueprints from a tannery several years ago and I like to plaster them onto canvases to use as distinct backgrounds. A lot of them have fantastically intricate diagrams on them. The blue and white often looks good with vibrant coloured animals painted directly on top. I usually like to make a

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CULTURE • LOCAL EXHIBITION

messy crackled background beforehand and then complete the majority of my paintings with acrylic paint. To do this, I use a lot of water when making my backgrounds. Often I will add layers of paint and then intermittently cupfuls of water or highly diluted paint to dry slowly, sometimes over days. This helps drag the paint around to dry in different chaotic and distressed patterns.

then wash over the painting with diluted but still reasonably thick bright acrylic paint. I am a big fan of metallic paint and like to incorporate gold into my animal paintings. Golden horns, hooves and stripes along the spine add another dimension to my paintings.

HB: Who are some of the artists who have inspired your career so far?

RT: Henri Rousseau is certainly an influence on me. His jungle paintings are very evocative; his dreamlike depictions of nature struck a chord with me the first time I saw them. Another artist who has inspired my work is Ken Oliver, a member of The London Group. I grew up with some of his work in my parents house and it is very remarkable. He paints incredibly textured, monolithic paintings, many of which contain natural imagery, either animals, seeds or flowers as a central focus. They are heavy pieces where texture is thick and his use of colour is subtle and distressed. I think his way of experimenting with physical media influenced my own approach to painting.

HB: What’s your favourite media to work with?

RT: Acrylic is a great durable medium. I tend to paint my psychedelic animals in their entirety with normal colouration and

HB: What’s the most satisfying thing about your job?

RT: My work is bright and colourful and quite light in tone so I think that reflects the type of people who are drawn to

it. My customers are usually upbeat and friendly and a joy to talk to. It’s nice being asked to undertake commissions and getting complimentary feedback from clients always feels great. People get very passionate about their animals and it is a big commitment for people to spend several hundred pounds on a painting, so it’s gratifying to know they chose my work.

HB: What are some of the highlights of the exhibition? Are there any pieces of work that you are particularly excited for visitors to see?

RT: I have recently completed a painting of my neighbour’s labrador which I am keen to show at Bentalls. I have been wrapped up in painting African animals for a long time and I am looking forward to seeing people’s reactions to my take on more everyday or domestic animals. I have a new and very textured painting of a pair of fox cubs that I have not added stripes to which I am also keen to see how people respond to.

B E N TA L L S K I N G S TO N 13-15 April Bentalls Kingston, Wood Street, KT1; fenwick.co.uk raphthomasart.co.uk

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

SHOW

Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month

Describe the Night

★★★★★

MUST SEE

From 30 April HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

Pulitzer Prize finalist, Rajiv Joseph’s darkly comic fantasia explores the blurred lines between lies, fiction, fact and conspiracy.

Spanning an incredible 90 years of Soviet and post-Soviet history, Describe the Night searches for the genesis of the post-truth world we live in. Eton Avenue, NW3 hampsteadtheatre.com

By H E L E N B R O W N

42nd Street ★★★★★ Ongoing T H E ATRE ROYA L

SANKARA

Faceless

Mood Music

From 17 April

From 21 April

PAR K TH E ATRE

THE O L D V I C

From returning director Prav MJ, Faceless highlights the power of the internet and its far reaching consequences in the 21st century.

Inspired by a true court case, the play follows the life of Susie, a suburban teenager who converts from Christianity to Islam and tries to reach Syria.

Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

‘Music is medication. The elixir of life.’ In an expensive London recording studio two songwriters, their lawyers and their psychotherapists go to battle over music in this wry exploration into the dark side of the music industry which sees Rhys Ifans return to The Old Vic stage.

The Cut, SE1; oldvictheatre.com

★★★★★

★★★★★

Photography Matt Crockett

For her first West End appearance in 30 years, Lulu joins the all-singing, all-dancing cast of 42nd Street. The musical is an American dream fable that follows young Peggy Sawyer, fresh off the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line.

But when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the shot at stardom she’s always dreamed of.

Catherine Street, WC2B; 42ndstreetmusical.co.uk

Sankara ★★★★★

Until 14 April COC K P I T TH E ATRE

The life and death of Thomas Sankara, President of Burkina Faso, takes centre stage in the insightful Sankara. Levi Roots has written the score for this eyeopening piece which uses live music and traditional African dance to tell the untold tale of the African hero.

Gateforth Street, NW8; thecockpit.org.uk

42ND STREET

FACELESS

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FASHION

PARIS JE T’AIME TARA JARMON

If you’re looking for timeless, well-crafted pieces with a Parisian twist, then Tara Jarmon is your label.

Founded in 1986, the brand’s designs are shaped by a modern femininity.

This is style that will carry you season after season. tarajarmon.com

Fashion Notes: Tortoiseshell & Do-Good Design 22 · Trend Edit: Purple Reign 25 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

Ethical fashion reigns, saddle bags shape up and bridesmaid style gets a makeover for April

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

1

EDITOR’S PICK

2

HUNTER ORIGINAL

Country meets city for Hunter Original’s SS18 Refined collection. Playing on the current trend for luxe sportswear, the new season brings a number of iconic outwear pieces, including an oversized bomber and utilitarian drawstring coat, all made in innovative, water-resistant neon fabrics. Guaranteed to carry you through April showers in style. hunterboots.com

5 OF THE BEST

TO RTO I S E S H E L L AC C E S S O R I E S

3 5

4

1. Aspinal of London, The Mini Trunk Clutch, £450; aspinaloflondon.com 2. Linda Farrow, Tortoiseshell D-Frame Acetate Glasses, £389; matchesfashion.com 3. Cult Gaia, Kennedy Tortoiseshell Resin Hoop Earrings, £85; net-aporter.com 4. Simon Miller, Medium Hammered Earrings, £575; net-a-porter.com 5. Stella McCartney, Faux Leather Ankle Boots, £630; mytheresa.com

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FASHION • NOTES

Modern

B R A N D T O WAT C H

MAIDS

EPONINE LONDON

LES HÉROÏNES

Goodbye matchy-matchy gowns and unflattering fits.

Bridesmaid style is having a makeover moment thanks to Les Héroïnes, the Parisbased occasion-wear label.

Celebrating the diversity of your right hand women, Les Héroïnes is all about elegant pieces that are individual yet harmonise as a whole. lesheroines.com

Couture fabrics and artisanal charm rule this season

WHO? Eponine London was founded by designer Jet Shenkman in 2014 as a bespoke womenswear brand inspired by the elegant silhouettes of the 50’s and 60’s. Raised in the Netherlands, Jet came to London at the age of 21 to work in the Dutch Embassy before being transferred to Tokyo where she later worked as a personal stylist.

After meeting her British husband Greg, the two lived together in Hong Kong, before finally settling back in London in 2012.

Dress

SAD D LE UP LO E W E

Hit the open road this April with Loewe’s Gate Bag. Inspired by the classic saddle silhouette, it ticks both the form and function boxes with its roomy interior and distinctive bow-tie design.

Coming in two sizes and three types of calfskin, we’ll be pairing ours with a seventies shirt, straight leg jeans and an oversized trench. loewe.com

PARADE SELF-PORTRAIT

A-list frock favourite, Self-Portrait, has announced the launch of its first store.

Located on Mayfair’s Albemarle Street, the shop will stock Han Chong's signature feminine, fashionforward looks, including both main-line collections and store exclusives. self-portrait-studio.com

WHAT ?

EDITOR’S PICK

NINETY PERCENT

Do-Good

DESIGN

Style needn’t compromise ethics with Ninety Percent.

This innovative brand pioneers a business model where 90% of profits are shared between a range of charitable causes.

Customers can have a say in where the money goes and each purchase comes with the option to vote for a cause. ninetypercent.com

Dressing countless stars, including Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton, every Eponine garment is crafted at their atelier in South Kensington. This season, the brand looks to Russia and the Ukraine for inspiration.

The result? Intricate designs, bold colours and elaborate embroidery. Wear with a sporty bomber and biker boots now, and come summer, elevate its girly charm with a straw tote and leather gladiator sandals.

eponinelondon.com

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FASHION • TREND GÜL HÜRGEL Broderie Anglaise-Trimmed Striped Linen Dress, £710; net-a-porter.com

MANGO High-Waist Palazzo Trousers, £35.99; shop.mango.com

ACNE STUDIOS Mock Leather Jacket, £1,200; mytheresa.com

DORATEYMUR VICTORIA BECKHAM SS18

Open-Toe Buckled Mules, £330; dorateymur.com

TOPSHOP Hibiscus Ankle Boots, £85; topshop.com

BAIA Lavender Suede, £260; baiabags.co.uk

Purple Reign

CHLOÉ

Silk-Blend Blouse, £740; mytheresa.com

Spiritual, thoughtful, provocative; Pantone’s Colour of the Year is here to shake up your style

TIBI SS18

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

EDITOR’S PICK

ROLAND MOURET Arreton Wool-Crepe Pencil Skirt, £450; rolandmouret.com

BALENCIAGA Silk-Satin & Crepe de Chine Dress, £2,335; net-a-porter.com

HILLIER BARTLEY Double-Breasted Linen Blazer, £1,495; net-a-porter.com

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20/03/2018 11:51

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20/03/2018 17:30

AKRIS SS18

AKRIS SS18

DOLLS

L I V I N G

Work by Alexander Girard, one of the leading figures in post-war American design, has inspired a fashion collection for SS18.

Absolutely takes a look Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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AKRIS SS18

AKRIS SS18

FASHION • DESIGN

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

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D

esigner Alexander Girard (1907-1993) is having a moment.

A quarter of a century after his death, the Italian architect, furniture, textile and interior designer is the subject of a touring exhibition – and now an extensive fashion collection is dedicated to his aesthetic, transferring his signature bold colours and patterns onto clothes for the first time.

‘When you practise in all fields of design, each field benefits from your experience in the others. And all design is related, whether houses, gardens, furniture or women’s clothes,’ said Girard. One of the most influential textile artists and interior designers of the 20th century, Girard is associated with bright colours, quirky shapes and humorous details. He’s perhaps best known for his collection of painted wooden dolls, a staple of stylish mantelpieces all over the world, which are still handmade for Vitra and which he designed for himself in 1953. It’s a large family of animals and humans, all individually made and therefore unique, and these design icons are characterful and fun as well as stylish and iconic.

ALEXANDER GIRARD POUCH

AKRIS SS18

Together with his close friends Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson, Girard was a leading figure of post-war American design. The primary focus of his wide-ranging oeuvre was textile design; as head of the textile division at the Herman Miller Company, Girard created numerous fabric patterns and products reflecting his love of festive colours, motifs and textures. He favoured abstract and geometric forms in a predominantly cheerful palette of colours.

He was also a passionate collector. On his extensive travels, he avidly accumulated textiles and objects from all over the world, which provided him with a rich source of inspiration and ideas. When he died, his wife Susan bequeathed holdings from this collection to the Vitra Design Museum along with the contents of Girard’s studio (hundreds of drawings, prototypes and textile samples). This creative estate formed the basis of the major retrospective, Alexander Girard. A Designer’s Universe that ran at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany recently and which is currently touring the world. This exhibition made a lasting impression on Albert Kriemler, creative director od Swiss fashion house Akris. He said: ‘I visited the Girard exhibition in the Vitra Design Museum three times because I was so excited about his creative genius. He saw things differently.

He had a way of changing our view of the world.’

Akris’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection is a tribute to the designer. It features well-known prints such as the Double Heart reinterpreted in woven leather and a jacquard knit.

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ALEXANDER GIRARD WOODEN DOLL

AKRIS SS18

FASHION • DESIGN

“He saw things differently. He had a way of changing our view of the world”

ALEXANDER GIRARD MATCHBOXES

Kriemler also drew inspiration from a number of lesser known objects, designs and sketches from Alexander Girard’s oeuvre, providing a new perspective on the elegance and esprit of Girard’s creations. He adapted the designs in close collaboration with Alexander Girard’s descendants, his grandchildren Kori and Aleishall Girard, who jointly run the Girard Studio today. They said: “We were pleasantly surprised to see the selection of our grandfather’s works that Albert Kriemler chose for this collaboration. He found inspiration from many aspects of our grandfather’s career: wooden sculpture, architectural renderings, oil paintings and collage, to name a few. Seeing how Albert has interpreted these designs and adapted them for clothing is exciting for us, as we have always seen the potential for this work to translate very well to fashion. We feel that the final outcome is a beautiful and unique tribute to the work of our Alexander Girard.”

THE VITRA DESIGN MUSEUM exhibition ‘Alexander Girard. A Designer’s Universe’ is now touring internationally and continues at Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul, South Korea until 4 March 2018, reopening at the Berkeley Art Museum, USA, from 20 June until 9 September 2018

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

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FOLK TALE Take a journey through Hungarian folklore this spring with Lena Hoschek’s elaborate embroidery and romantic silhouettes

Lena Hoschek SS18 available from S H O P. L E N A H O S C H E K . C O M

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20/03/2018 11:56

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22/01/2018 18:18

skinade.com

Beautiful skin from the inside We all know the importance of looking after our skin on the outside. To achieve your perfect complexion, you must also support your skin from within.

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20/12/2017 09:53

FASHION • JEWELLERY

A Bug’s Life The animal kingdom provides inspiration for these insectile styles

GUCCI

DANIELA VILLEGAS

BIBI VAN DER VELDEN

Gold-Tone, Faux Pearl & Enamel Earrings, £470 net-a-porter.com

Sapphire & Tourmaline Beetle Ring, £1,445 brownsfashion.com

Scarab Beetle & Black Pearl Bangle, £2,190 Available at Dover Street Market

ANNOUSHKA

MAJE

BALENCIAGA

18ct Gold & Calcite Scarab Beetle Pendant, £3,800 annoushka.com

Beetle Necklace, £59 selfridges.com

Silver-Tone Ring, £175 net-a-porter.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

AURELIE BIDERMANN

ETRO

Gold-Plated, Crystal, Faux Pearl & Resin Cuff, £675 net-a-porter.com

Beetle Pendant, £3,506 farfetch.com

Enameled Gold-Tone Multi-Stone Earrings, £400 net-a-porter.com

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

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20/03/2018 11:56

25% OFF YOUR FIRST TANNING LOTION The tan you want starts now!

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20/03/2018 13:52

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FIELDS OF GOLD JO MALONE

Hearty oat, fluffy barley, earthy rye and the freshness of flowers make up Jo Malone’s English Fields collection.

Capturing the essence of the English countryside, these five limited edition scents focus on the wholesome warmth of cereals and grains, each with a floral pairing. jomalone.co.uk

Beauty Notes: US Exports & Skin Supplements 40 · Fresh Scents 44 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

A new season calls for a fresh approach to your beauty routine. Here's where to start...

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

SPRING Fling D O LC E & GA B B A N A B E AU T Y

Experience the beauty of Sicilian spring with the Dolce Garden makeup collection. Inspired by the natural blush of roses, the edit is made up of lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushers and nail varnish, all in vivid corals, fuchsias and pinks. A guaranteed winner for all complexions. dolcegabbana.com LUMITY

Day and Night Nutritional Supplement, £90; lumitylife.co.uk

BEAUTY BENEATH

VITABIOTICS

Original Formula, £39.99; boots.com

Perfectil Plus Skin, £18.49; boots.com

5 OF THE BEST SKIN SUPPLEMENTS

FOUNTAIN

The Glow Molecule, £38; fountain.co

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THE NUE

Plant Protein + Gut Food, 200g, £50; thenueco.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

ACROSS THE POND

CLINIC PROFILE

DRUNK ELEPHANT

Drunk Elephant is the US export and the beauty expert's skincare secret, which is winging its away across the pond for 2018.

Due to launch in Space NK in September, hero products include the C-Firma Day Serum, containing 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, and the Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream.

Credit cards at the ready. drunkelephant.com

PARKSIDE HOSPITAL Considering cosmetic treatments?

BRIGHT START OMOROVICZA

AU NATURALE

PERRICONE MD

Inspired by this year's bare-faced beauty trend, Perricone MD’s No Makeup Collection is designed to imitate the look and feel of natural skin. We love the No Makeup Lipgloss, with its non-sticky consistency and flattering pink shade, and the No Makeup Blush, which looks just as good on the lips as it does on cheeks. perriconemd.co.uk

Exfoliate, brighten and prep the skin for the season ahead with Omorovicza’s Acid Fix. Combining a potent blend of AHAs and BHAs, this hardworking serum helps to reverse damage caused by sunlight, pollution and acne. Apply in the evening two to three times a week for dreamy derma. £85; omorovicza.com

Balancing Act AESOP

This April, plant-based beauty brand Aesop has released a new skincare range: In Two Minds.

Designed to address the multifaceted nature of combination skin, the products work to gently cleanse, soothe irritation and normalise sebum production. Finally, balance has been restored. aesop.com

• There are a number of reasons someone may consider plastic surgery - for many it’s to boost self-esteem. This can be achieved through various cosmetic surgical procedures to reshape, enhance and lift. For those reluctant to undergo surgery, there are also a number of non-surgical cosmetic treatments to bridge the gap, enabling you to still achieve the look you desire.

Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon offers an array of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, carried out by a team of highlyqualified, registered Consultants who are BAAPS/BAPRAS accredited. They currently have 26 cosmetic surgeons, each renowned for their expertise in the field, so whatever your needs, they have an expert to help.

Why Parkside?

• Having any form of cosmetic procedure is a big decision to make, and naturally you will have a lot of questions. At Parkside Hospital, they ensure you meet with the cosmetic surgeon who will be carrying out the desired procedure for an in-depth initial consultation. This ensures you receive the information, level of experience and knowledge you deserve from the expert when making your decision (there are nonsurgical options to be discussed too). During your initial consultation, you will be given the opportunity to discuss your requirements, learn about various treatment options, and have any queries answered.

Parkside Hospital are renowned for their high standards of care and friendly environment and are fully registered and reviewed by the Care Quality Commission.

Their Cosmetic Surgeons are leaders in the field and take pride in the level of service provided throughout the whole patient journey.

PARKSIDE HOSPITAL 020 8971 8026 parkside-hospital.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Into The Deep From roaring torrents to the gentlest ripples; April is the perfect time to embrace liquescent fragrances

A

fter marvelling at the ethereal, aqueous tones of mesmerising fantasy The Shape Of Water, my mind turned to the olfactory realisation of liquescent fragrances, those soft, mellifluous perfumes that speak of a luscious fluidity and are the perfect choice for April, with its spring sunshine and showers. From roaring torrents to the gentlest ripples, these are scents to lift the spirits and cleanse the soul.

'Aquamarine Waves', from British perfumer Sarah McCartney's 'Our Modern Lives' collection, is the colour of the Mediterranean sea with the sharp, sunlight sparkle of citrus flowing across notes of damp seaweed absolute. The hypnotic waves of sambac jasmine and blue hemlock essential oil add a gentle, lapping rhythm to this sublime scent, while English lavender and rosemary

“The sharp, sunlight sparkle of citrus flowing across notes of damp seaweed absolute” are as crystal clear as spring water.

Blood Concept's 'Oxygen Vert' also uses notes of seaweed, this time 'red seaweed', which is teamed with lemon and ginger to add an element of foaming surf, before the fragrance crashes over sun-bleached driftwood adorned with ripples of violet leaf.

'Quince, Mint & Moss' is one of the only fragrances in the world made from entirely English ingredients, using quince from Somerset and conjuring dew drops with fresh mint over a base of damp moss. Uplifting and arcadian, this is spring in a

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B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

bottle. 'Scilly Neroli' from Atkinsons takes us to the Scilly Isles in the North Atlantic, a lush, misty archipelago warmed by the currents and breezes of the Gulf Stream.

Optimistic and bracing, this citrus fragrance is tempered by the mineral mists and sea-spray of Albion.

'Behind the Rain' by artist and perfumer Paul Schutze describes the aroma released from blasted conifers lining a beach in Greece, as the rain subsides, the air is thick with notes of resin, sap, wet bark, moss and lichen. For me, the sweet fennel and linden blossom are exquisite, perfectly conjuring the sweetness in the air. 'Acqua Santa' by Linari is a breathtakingly bright and clean composition that emphasises beautiful aqueous accords alongside fresh green notes, with a scent that recalls the vibrancy of the Mediterranean sun. A subtle, complex opening of bergamot and tangy cassis plays host to a soft patchouli, deftly handled so its creamy warmth serves to give body to the bracing green notes while not overpowering them. A rich floral heart of rose, ylang ylang, and jasmine is shot through with clean, transparent cyclamen for lightness, before a sumptuous base of tonka bean and rich caramel warms the scent in its final moments for an addictive, final effect.

'Sel Marin' by James Heeley is one of my favourite marine scents due to its incredibly naturalistic realisation of a sea breeze. A refreshing and striking note of lemon fades to reveal aquatic green, algae, while vetiver and drift woods of cedar and birch dry slowly in the sand and salty, sea air. Bracing and beguiling in equal measure.

Scents to herald the arrival of spring and celebrate a world washed clean - just dive in! roullierwhite.com

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20/03/2018 16:52

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20/03/2018 14:35

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Intense

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

ELIE SAAB Feuilles D’or Eau de Parfum 50ml, £60 harrods.com

MALIN+GOETZ Cannabis Eau de Parfum 100ml, £125 malinandgoetz.co.uk

PENHALIGON'S Elisabethan Rose Eau de Parfum 100ml, £137 penhaligons.com

BULGARI Magnolia Sensuel 100ml, £97 selfridges.com

FRESH SCENTS

D.S. & DURGA Vio Volta Eau de Parfum 50ml, £139 libertylondon.com

Update your olfactory wardrobe this spring with the latest fragrance releases

L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR Champs de Fleurs Eau de Cologne 100ml, £105 artisanparfumeur.com

ANDREA MAACK Birch Eau de Parfum 100ml, £90 roullierwhite.com

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

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Néroli Amara Eau de Parfum 75ml, £130 selfridges.com

CHANEL FOREO Coco Mademoiselle

TOM FORD Fucking Fabulous Eau de Parfum 50ml, £210 selfridges.com

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VIKTOR&ROLF Flower Bomb Jasmine Twist 20ml, £50 viktor-rolf.com

UFO, £249 Eau de Parfum Intense foreo.com 100ml, £82 chanel.com

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20/03/2018 14:57

Spire self-pay Do you have a health concern?

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London’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF FOOD, DRINK & WELLBEING

london syon park

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FOOD & DRINK

LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE THE WILLOW

Award-winning real food restaurant The Willow offers a rare culinary experience in Kingston. Whether you’re following a vegan, paleo, gluten, dairy or grain-free diet, this destination is a must-visit.

16 The Triangle, KT1 yourwillow.co.uk

Wines of the month 48 • The best boozy brunches 49 • Food Review: Tried & True 55 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

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

By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2014 Berry Bros. & Rudd Rioja by Bodegas Amézola de la Mora  £11.95 Bodegas Amézola de la Mora vineyards, planted with Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano, benefit from a high altitude and cool climate, yielding elegant, classic wines packed full of harmonious red berry and vanilla flavours.

2016 Chablis, Domaine Sébastien Dampt  £19.50 The sort of wine that there should always be a bottle of on-hand in the fridge. This isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel – crisp green apple, lemon wax and honeysuckle florals deliver a fresh flavour and lovely texture.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Cremant de Limoux

by Antech  £12.25 A blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 30 percent Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. This is a beautiful, balanced wine, with elegant aromas of orchard fruit and honeyed spice.

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

bbr.com

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Flavour and Finesse T H E P E T E R S H A M R E STAU R A N T

The Petersham Restaurant has a new head chef, the talented Jean-Didier Gouges, previously of Rhubarb’s flagship finedining restaurant in the Royal Albert Hall. Gouges expertly unites flavour and colour in every dish, drawing on his wealth of experience and talent for intriguing combinations.

The Petersham, Nightingale Lane, TW10 petershamhotel.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

B OT TO M L E S S B RU N C H E S

CAMDEN TOWN BREWERY

The home of Camden Hells, Camden Town Brewery can throw one hell of a brunch. At the monthly bottomless event, guests tuck into endless buttermilk pancakes, skillet-baked eggs, croissants, sourdough toast and beer before embarking on a tour of the famous brewhouse.

Unit 1 Navigation Park, EN3 camdentownbrewery.com

WINE SOCIETY V I N OT E CA

Neighbourhood gem Vinoteca has launched a monthly wine club for adventurous drinkers who relish new discoveries. The wine club provides a monthly case of six bottles and owners Brett Woonton and Charlie Young won't be playing safe with their choices.

18 Devonshire Road vinoteca.co.uk

PA N S U P P E R C L U B P U T N E Y

Younger sister of The French Table, Tarte in the Park is known for their incredible pastries, tarts and cakes.

The venue also holds pottery painting workshops on the third Friday of every month - pop down on the 20th to paint yourself a unique piece.

Victoria Recreation Ground, Balaclava Road, KT6 thefrenchtarte.co.uk

MOMMI

BUNGA BUNGA

Wild food supper club, Pan is hosting a series of spring popups on the Putney riverbank. Created by Dougy Robertson, former chef at the foraging and cookery school, Hunter Gather Cook, the menu includes muntjac venison, pigeon, wild garlic and nettle, cooked on an open flame barbecue.

Hurlingham Yacht Club, 43A Deodar Road, SW15 designmynight.com

TARTE IN THE PARK

Mommi is just as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. Visit on a Saturday when the Miami vibes are at their height and opt for the threecourse bottomless prosecco brunch, with delicious peruvian nibbles and an inspired menu of fusion favourites.

44-48 Clapham High Street, SW4 wearemommi.com

Every Saturday Bunga Bunga hosts a brunch to rival all brunches.

Unlimited bellinis and prosecco are the order of the day, and guests can help themselves to carafes of prosecco or get involved mixing their own bellini cocktails. Be sure to try the red berry-based Rossini.

37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 Bungabunga-london.com

GO WILD

POTTERY PAINTING

BENITO’S HAT

What better way to spend your weekend than getting merry on bloody Marias and Margaritas with your amigos at the quirky mexican joint Benito’s Hat? There will be an abundance of breakfast tacos on hand to soak up the alcohol - filled with chorizo and scrambled eggs.

Covent Garden, WC2N Benitos-hat.com

SPRING SPECIALS THE WHITE ONION

As we approach sunnier seasons, we will be seeing fresh dishes on The White Onion menu. Highlights include oven baked Brixham scallops with gin and a new Portuguese arrival to the wine list perfect paired with the lighter dishes. and weather.

67 High Street, SW19

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

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GIN COCKTAIL AT THE GINSTITUTE

Drink UP

Absolutely has travelled near and far in search of the best gin experiences, from the west London home of the Sipsmith Distillery, all the way to The Cotswolds Distillery in the heart of England

By M I R I A M C A R E Y A N D H E L E N B R O W N

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FOOD & DRINK • GIN EXPERIENCES

HOTEL ROOM AT THE GINSTITUTE

The Ginstitute

S

tanding proud in the heart of Notting Hill, on the corner of Portobello and just a stone’s throw from Hugh Grant’s famous bookshop, The Distillery is a four-floor mecca for the discerning drinker in west London’s most vibrant neighbourhood. The first of its kind in the UK, the working distillery features two bars, a private dining room and three guest lodgings, as well as being home to the internationallyrenowned Portobello Road gin and the critically acclaimed gin-blending experience, The

Ginstitute. On entering through the Talbot Road door, guests of The Experience are welcomed with a Tom Collins cocktail and greeted by the evening’s gin instructor.

The first hour is a lesson in the long and disruptive history of the drink, hailed Mother’s Ruin and banned in Britain at one time. From the drink’s medicinal origins to the gin craze which gripped the country for 200 years and into the renaissance the tipple is enjoying today, the engaging instructor leaves no stone unturned in this education, which is delivered as the audience enjoys a G&T. From there, it’s into The Still Room where guests get a tutored tasting and nosing of botanicals, before trying their hand at creating their own bespoke blend.

The Gin Instructor assists in blending the various distilled botanicals together to create a completely unique recipe for each guest, a full bottle of which will be taken away to enjoy at home. Once each guest has created and received their blend of gin, they are invited back downstairs for one last drink, where they’ll also receive a bottle of Portobello Road Gin. • The Ginstitute Experience, £120 per person 186 Portobello Road, W11; the-distillery.london

GIN TASTING AT THE GINSTITUTE

“In pairs, you will create your own bespoke gin, using ingredients you’ve brought in yourself”

Half Hitch Distillery

S

teeped in a history that harks back to 1869, Camden Lock once stood at the heart of London’s gin scene. Once upon a time, you couldn’t move for the distilleries and warehouses that were packed in amongst the Lock’s cobbled streets. A gin train was even employed to ship produce over to global buyers. Today, gin is back in its north London home by way of Half Hitch, who set up shop in Camden Lock 50 years after the last of the original distilling warehouses could be found. They are breathing life back into the industry, not least with their award-winning gin, but also with fun, bespoke gin-making classes every weekday evening at their micro-distillery in Camden Market. Over the course of an hour, Half Hitch distiller Chris will teach you all about the gin-making process using a modern still - make sure to take notes, because it will then be your turn to try your hand. In pairs, you’ll create your own bespoke gin, using ingredients you’ve brought in yourself. Anything from fruit to botanicals works wonderfully to flavour the gin, or if you’re feeling adventurous, give something more daring a try. It’s totally up to you - the only rule is no chilli - and you’ll leave with 100ml of your bespoke blend, along with 100ml of Half Hitch.

• £60 per person, tickets available via designmynight.com Half Hitch Microdistillery | Unit 53 Camden Lock Place, NW1; halfhitch.london A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • GIN EXPERIENCES THE BAR AT THE SIPSMITH DISTILLERY

The Cotswold Distillery

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he Cotswolds Distillery has been proudly making Outstanding Natural Spirits since 2014 and is rated one of the top visitor attractions in the Cotswolds.

Visitors can see their award-winning spirits and liqueurs being made at the small but perfectly formed distillery. Each tour finishes up in the cosy tasting room where you can sample their whole range: from the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky to the Cotswolds Dry Gin, a richly aromatic twist on a classic London Dry gin made with lavender from the beautiful farm at nearby Snowshill.

Sipsmith Distillery

T

he Sipsmith Distillery tour is the perfect mix of informative and fun. Four hours in total, the tour comprises a brief history and tour, generous tasting time and a three course meal at Charlotte’s Bistro.

The Chiswick distillery is so small and compact (and situated on a residential road) it would be easy to miss. Looking around, the distillery is not much more than a glorified, albeit stylish, shed containing a bar, laboratory and four copper stills named Prudence, Patience, Constance and Cygnet.

The former is named after Gordon Brown’s favourite word during the recession.

During an incredibly informed and wellpresented whirlwind tour, we cover the country and brand’s rich gin history. When Sipsmith first launched in 2007, fewer than 300 litres of gin production was classed as moonshine, but two years of lobbying resulted in a change in the law.

The resounding highlight was the opportunity to sample limited edition varieties of Sipsmith, including lemon drizzle, maple syrup and sloe gin, usually reserved for members of the Sipsmith Sipping Society.

The cherry on top of the gin and tonic was the take home gift, a bottle of Sipsmith Gin, a lime and a tonic - “for the road”.

- Add all of the ingredients to a shaker - Add ice and shake - Pour into a Collins or highball glass - Top with tonic water - Garnish with a lemon wheel

• Sipsmith Distillery Tour, £85 per person 83 Cranbrook Road, W4; sipsmith.com

Silent Pool Gin, £37; available from silentpooldistillers.com

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• Visit their website to book a tour cotswoldsdistillery.com GIN MASTERCLASS AT THE COTSWOLD DISTILLERY

Silent Pool Gin Aperitif INGREDIENTS 40ml Silent Pool Gin 20ml Tio Pepe fino 25ml lemon juice 20ml 1:1 sugar syrup 2 dashes orange bitters

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METHOD

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Authentic Punjabi Restaurant

Vin and his team specialize in the finest, most authentic Punjabi cuisine, using traditional Tandoor cooking methods and family recipes passed down from generation to generation Try our magnificent champagne beer as well, Curious Brew, the perfect accompaniment to wash down our delicious food “This is the best Indian in London. I work in central London and haven’t found anywhere that compares, brick lane falls way short in comparison…”

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Authentic tradition and striking modernity combine at Patara Wimbledon to provide an unrivalled dining experience. Join us in the elegant comfort of the restaurant or sun-drenched terrace to enjoy our classic speciality and a la carte menus. Or, for those who want something truly unique, take a place at the 12-seater Yum Bar where our Thai tapas-style smaller plates find a natural home.

Open 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday Instagram: @pataralondon Twitter: @pataralondon Facebook: @pataralondongroup

www.pataralondon.com PATARA WIMBLEDON 18 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5DX For reservations: 0203 931 6157 & infowimbledon@pataralondon.com Patara.indd 2

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“‘The food and coffee refuses to be anything less than outstanding”

Tried & True Café A café locals wish they could keep as their little secret

By Georgie RutheRford

T

here’s a reason this café, located just off Putney High Street, is regularly swarming with locals. The food and coffee refuses to be anything less than outstanding and the colourful beachy design can brighten up the gloomiest of mornings.

The menu at Tried & True is a brunch lover’s dream serving classics such as buttermilk waffles, cooked breakfasts and original

recipes such as their award winning pulled pork benedict.

Everything can be tailored to your taste buds so you can add a ‘bit on the side’ such as jalapeno cheddar cornbread and chorizo piquante sausage. Rest assured that lighter options are available with fresh salads and butternut squash soup – it’s organic produce galore.

I opt for the eggs benedict that comes with perfectly soft poached eggs, salty crispy bacon and crunchy seven-seeded bread.

FOOD Deli-style breakfast and lunch dishes

DECOR Bright and beachy with a small outdoor garden

PRICE Main dishes from £5, coffee from £2.20, alcohol £6

VERDICT Perfect brunch spot with fantastic coffee

I find eggs benedict can sometimes risk being quite sickly but theirs happily proves me wrong.

My dining partner orders the avocado on toast with a couple of extra sides. Their presentation is impressive with his plate full of crunchy toast, rashers of bacon, a generous bowl of smashed avocado and a small separate ramekin for his poached egg - it vanishes in seconds.

The relaxed vibe of the café attracts the young and old alike.

While some may come for work meetings, some sit separately sipping on coffee, watching the world go by.

The friendly and attentive service and high quality ingredients are what make Tried & True a winning favourite. It was buzzing at 10am and didn’t look set to get any quieter. Saying that, it was mellow enough to attract those reading, dining and just enjoying a relaxed morning. If you’re looking for a brunch that’ll satisfy you all day, Tried & True will not disappoint. ● TRIED & TRUE 279 Upper Richmond Road, SW15, triedandtruecafe.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS

JOIE DE VIVRE

YVES DELORME The Yves Delorme style, a blend of tradition and invention, embodies a facet of the French “art de vivre” and offers the experience of an everyday luxury. uk.yvesdelorme.com

Interiors Notes 58 • Stylish glassware 61 • Spring Trend: Colour!

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

African Rhythm EVA SONAIKE

Eva Sonaike's new Aburi Rise collection has a bohemian colour scheme, capturing the calm and tropical feel of Ghana with a colourful palette of lush greens, warm pinks, deep purples and rich blues. evasonaike.com

SPRING FEVER FARROW & BALL

Spring is particularly spring-like at Farrow & Ball this year, with a palette of dusky greens and floral wallpapers. Pictured is the maximalist Helleborus paper, which celebrates growth and rejuvenation. farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES O

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OHH DEER Palm Springs notebook, £4.95 ohhdeer.com

LIGHT FANTASTIC URBAN COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

EDITOR’S PICK

PAPIER TIGRE A5 carnet, £11 papersmiths.co.uk

BASE COLOUR MINIFORMS

Made in Italy, the Shiko Magnum king size bed is designed by studio E-ggs for Italian brand Miniforms. The frame and legs are solid wood with a minimal, chic style, whilst the gently rounded headboad is deep and luxuriously comfortable. gomodern.co.uk

Design your own pendant light by choosing cable, fitting, bulb and switch, all from a huge variety of options. Customise it to suit your taste and your home. We like the green flex and the bronze lamp holder. urbancottageindustries.com

PAPIER Personalised notebooks, £12.99 papier.com

MINI MODERNS Set of two notebooks, £10 minimoderns.com

TRUE BLUE LE CREUSET

THE SCHOOL OF LIFE Writing as therapy journals, £15 theschooloflife.com

New to the Le Creuset palette are these springlike blues and greens, worth starting an entirely new collection for. lecreuset.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS MARIMEKKO Sukat wine glass, £32 marimekko.com

LASVIT Otto glassware collection lasvit.com

DARTINGTON Celebrate wine glass pair, £50 dartington.co.uk

GURASU Coloured crystal wine goblets, £185 for six gurasu.co.uk

WATERFORD Lismore balloon wine glass, £60 waterford.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS Leckford floral wine glass, £8 johnlewis.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CRYSTAL MAZE Absolutely’s favourite wine glasses

By P E N D L E H A R T E

IITTALA Lempi stacking wine glasses, £21 for two iittala.com

LSA Wine goblets, £100 for eight lsa-international.com

DARTINGTON Harris crystal wine glass, £48 dartington.co.uk

LSA Polka champagne saucer, £34 for four lsa-international.com

DARTINGTON Stemless wine glass pack of six, £48 dartington.co.uk

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

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LOFT CONVERSION AND EXTENSION SPECIALISTS

Loft Conversions • Extensions • Project Management Bespoke Client Focused Service • Design

020 8715 0893 beaconlofts.co.uk

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CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA

INTERIORS • SHOPPING

Snowdrop pendant, £POA curiousa.co.uk

YVES DELORME Cyclope cushion in menthe, £65; uk.yvesdelorme.com

KAHLER Omaggio vase medium, £39.90 skandium.com

JO MALONE Green tomato leaf candle, £45 jomalone.co.uk

HOUSE OF HACKNEY Paradisa cushion, £165 houseofhackney.com

EDITOR’S PICK

JONATHAN ADLER Large stacked acrylic egg, £298; jonathanadler.com

HABITAT Euan floor lamp in yellow, £225 habitat.co.uk

CLARINS Eau des Jardins, £36 clarins.co.uk

HABITAT

SPRING FORWARD HAY

Lamino easy chair, £1,630 skandium.com

Jambi gardne chair, £195 habitat.co.uk

All you need for a fresh start

By PENDLE HARTE

SEEDBALL Mum's Meadow Mix, £5.99 seedball.co.uk

ATRAFLOOR

LIBERTY

Hawaii vinyl flooring, £59 per metre atrafloor.com

Rajasthani Quilted Iris Throw, £50; libertylondon.com

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

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“The quality of pupils’ achievements is excellent.”

ISI report 2017

www.kgs.org.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION

STREETS AHEAD

MARC JACOBS Daring designs with cool credentials defines Marc Jacobs’ SS18 for tots. Think skater chic with an 80s vibe. childrensalon.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES SHOP R EV I EW

Pigs and Pennies KAHLER

Kähler Design is adding three new animal money boxes to the range: a pig, a duck and an ostrich, all based on original shapes from the brand's extensive archive. We love the pig, £39.90. kahlerdesign.com

SMALL TALK A piggy bank, a rabbit, a monkey and more Scandinavian influence

NORDIC NIPPERS V& A M U S E U M O F C H I L D H O O D

EDITOR’S PICK

30 March-2 September Century of the Child exhibition explores the influence of kids on some of the best-loved Nordic designs, from BRIO to LEGO. There’s a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

vam.ac.uk

veja

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t's rare for a shop to surprise you with each new visit, but somehow Bobby Rabbit does just that. The store’s expertly chosen range includes pretty much all you need to create the nursery of your dreams, from designled kids furniture, textiles and wall art to beautiful books and toys. You’re almost certain to discover one or two items you’ve seen nowhere else online. Current crush: the store’s delectable collection of Banwood ‘First Go!’ balance bikes, complete with tasteful vintage stylings and cute wicker baskets – plus matching helmets in white, cream and assorted pastel shades.

The store’s success stems from the vision of founder Nicky King, who set out to showcase items that would appeal to adults as much as kids themselves. Inspired. bobbyrabbit.co.uk

TOT STYLE

KNIT WIT

H O L LYZ

MISHA + PUFF

Hollyz is the British born brand that’s practical, stylish, soft, warm – and beautifully designed. We love the cashmere and fi ne wool blend Alice cape that’s guaranteed to make any little girl feel like a princess.  hollyz.com

Crochet has made a comeback this spring, in clothing and decor.

Misha + Puff ’s hand knits are the most desirable with the fi nest attention to detail. The pretty faded candy colours and nostalgic styles are the prettiest we’ve seen.  misha-and-puff.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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5 & 12 April 2018

School holiday activities for kids aged 2-11 Looking to keep the kids entertained this Easter holiday? On 5 and 12 April, the ever popular Thumbs Up It’s Thursday returns to Kingston town centre with a range of fun and educational activities from face painting and treasure hunts to craft workshops and kids eat free offers.

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e l b a tt e g r o f n U St Catherine’s, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info C.indd 1Education01 march 2018.indd 1 Absolute

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

GRAND designs

The Executive Principal of Southbank International School on its exciting new campus

G

ood teachers amaze and inspire their students. In my opinion, school buildings should do the same. I’m not alone in that view.

Findings by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2016 suggest that high quality school design, achieved through engagement with students and teachers, has a positive impact on both academic achievement and wellbeing.

For the best part of a year now staff at Southbank International School, one of London’s leading International Baccalaureate schools, have been involved not only in ensuring students receive an excellent education, but also in plans to open a dynamic and exciting additional school campus

for the new academic year.

We started this project to help with the growing demand for places at our Ofsted ‘outstanding’ school, but it is also an opportunity to consider how a building can help deliver the type of curriculum needed by today’s students.

We’ve been fortunate that our parent company Cognita – who have 68 schools across Europe, Latin America and South-East Asia – have already worked on similarly ambitious projects across the world. In Singapore, for example, the Early Learning Village is a brand new school that will host up to 2,000 children aged 18 months to 6 years. That campus was designed by award-winning Bogle Architects with input from Gary Moore, Professor of Environmental Behavioural studies at Sydney University. It includes specific architectural and design elements

We are creating a calm, cool and creative space

B y S I O B H A N M C G R AT H

that elevate the early learning experience; its facilities make it a model school for the future.

Back in London we have been fortunate to find a former BBC office and recording studio near Regent’s Park and our existing site. We have had to work hard and think creatively to ensure it provides what our students – many of whom go on to study at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale and Harvard – want and need.

Surveys and workshops investigated what design elements would be required in an immersive campus. We challenged teams of architects, interior designers and even the innovation consultancy !What If? to turn all the creative ideas into a practical form.

The result is amazing. We are creating a calm and creative space that students will enjoy learning in. When we open the campus in August, the new building will fuse Scandinavian design ethos with intuitive learning technology.

Natural colours and materials will enhance a sense of space and calm.

Moss walls and wood panelling will channel a sense of the natural world. But this is not going to be a nature school with a W1 postcode.

When it comes to tech innovation, our classrooms will allow students to work with classmates from other global cities. Being able to have video links with schools in Hong Kong, Sao Paolo, Barcelona and Santiago will promote cultural understanding.

The building will comprise flexible, multi-use areas ranging from spacious classrooms to large communal areas. These will accompany quiet areas for small group and individual work, including study pods and semiprivate breakout areas.The top floor will house a common room with soft seating. In this way we continue to demonstrate our liberal ethos, academic excellence and the values of the International Baccalaureate.

S I O B H A N M C G R AT H is Executive Principal, Southbank International School, part of the Cognita Group of schools

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

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KeVIN KAReN presents

and

da nce LIVE TOUR 2018

Saturday 9 June Royal Festival Hall Saturday 16 June New Wimbledon Theatre

book at

kevinandkarenlive.com in association with Raymond Gubbay

10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

10 – 15 July 2018

kewthemusic.org Royal Botanic Gardens Raymond Gubbay

15 July

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis

Special guest Marc Almond

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Rosie Mae.

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TRAVEL

CITY STYLE MOROCCO

Grand architecture, rich culture, vibrant cuisine and stunning beaches; modernity meets the traditional in a trip of a lifetime to Morocco’s Atlantic coast

A Moroccan Adventure 72 • Beachside Bliss in Jamaica 78 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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THE MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT BOASTS IMPRESSIVE VIEWS OVER THE ATLANTIC SEA

“With sandy dunes, ocean views and a private beach, the resort already ticks all the boxes ” 72

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

KID Here’s looking at you

Modernity meets the traditional in a trip to Morocco’s Atlantic coast

By H E L E N B R O W N

A

ll expectations I had of this trip to Morocco pivoted on the frazzling sights and sounds prevalent in film representations; labyrinthic streets, chaotic medinas, the air thick with heady spices and a rogue chicken picking it’s way between throngs of dusty, sandalled feet. Of course, not all parts of Morocco present themselves in this way; not least of all, El Jahida. Though not always top of the agenda on a trip to Morocco, this laid-back coastal town has a few gems to be discovered. Located just a little over 100km from Casablanca - more on this later - El Jahida transforms into a heaving holiday resort in the summer months, popular with Moroccan families. Blissfully, we explore the town in late September when the sun beats down on near-empty streets. Things to tick off include the El Jahida Port and the Unesco-listed 16th-century Cité Portugaise, an atmospheric chamber that was once used to store weaponry before becoming the setting for Orson Welles’ Othello. Of course the beach is also a pretty strong pull here and there is no where better situated to make the most of it than at the Mazagan Beach Resort.

Built in 2009, this award-winning, all-encompassing 5 star stay offers an authentic taste of Morocco with all the convenience and splendour expected of a luxury

hotel. With sandy dunes, ocean views and a private beach, the resort already ticks all the boxes. Marry this with 15 different restaurants and bars, a seemingly endless list of activities - from quad biking to camel riding - a casino and a renowned spa, the Mazagan really is a destination in itself. It’s the sort of place you won’t leave for the entirety of your trip. Do not go without booking a night in the resort’s beautiful outdoor restaurant, Al Firma. A shuttle bus will take you just five minutes from the main hotel to a clearing in the trees. Illuminated by the light of an open fire and decked out with traditional Moroccan dining furniture - floor poufs et al - here you’ll get a true taste of the country's cuisine. Imagine sitting cross-legged on the floor, sipping mint tea as belly dancers weave and writhe amongst you and your dinner companions; you couldn’t paint a more definitive image of traditional Morocco if you tried.

But if it’s the new you’re after, an hour’s drive up the coast will land you in Casablanca. What this coastal city lacks in architectural history, it makes up for in modern conveniences: restaurants, shopping and nightlife. The former French colony has a distinct charm, with its old walled Medina set like a pearl within a European-style city of wide boulevards and elegant Art Deco villas. To a romantic, Casablanca is a mythical place that exists in the 1942 film starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. The reality is that the movie Casablanca was actually filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood and the real Casablanca A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/03/2018 14:32

TRAVEL • WANDERLUST MAZAGAN OCEAN VIEW ROOMS OFFER SPLENDID VIEWS OF THE GOLF COURSE AND THE SEA

has long been overshadowed as a destination by the enchanting souks and exotic hippyness of Marrakech, the medieval splendours of Fez and the literary bohemianism of Tangier.

In contrast, Casablanca is a heady mix of architectural treasures that glisten with gold in the sunshine and dusty, old buildings. A sprawling city with a cosmopolitan flair, Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and most hectic port. As the country’s foremost business hub, the vibe is decidedly more urban, yet it sits on the country's Atlantic coast affording it the ocean views and open skies you expect of a holiday destination. The enormity of Casablanca, Morocco's most populous city, means visitors have to make an effort to discover its hidden details.

One of the richest historical aspects of Casablanca is the Art Deco architecture left by French colonialists throughout downtown Casablanca. The city is home to the second biggest Art Deco movement and boasts an eclectic mix of Moroccan architecture, French Art Deco and blend of the two, known as Mauresque. An absolute must-see for Art Deco enthusiasts is the Cinema Rialto on rue Mohammed Qorri. This particular neighborhood is rich with examples of Art Deco and is worth an afternoon stroll.

BASK IN THE SUN AT MAZAGAN WHICH OFFERS A STUNNING BEACH AS WELL AS POOLS

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE BUSY CITY CENTRE AT THE FOUR SEASON'S OUTDOOR POOL

the Islamic calendar can see Hassan II Mosque packed out with around 25,000 worshippers, with 80,000 more filling the courtyard.

A short car ride away, you'll find the elegant "new medina," Quartier Habous - a layout of Provençal-style squares and arches built by the French as a place for Muslims to live and trade. In this clean and inviting souk you’ll find anything from oil paintings to Art Deco statuettes.

Unlike the overflowing mazes in Fez and Marrakech, Casablanca’s central market is small and manageable. White-walled stalls with green clay roofs dotted with foliage make for Instagrammable backgrounds and a wealth of sequined slippers, rugs, brassware and leatherwork stalls jostle for position beneath the limestone arches.

When you're ready for a break - walking around in 30 degrees is thirsty work - head over to the Four Seasons Casablanca to for an afternoon tea that blows any other you’ve ever tried right out of the water. This is the country that does tea time like no other, so it’d be sacrilege to forgo this pastime favoured by the locals. Come three o’clock, the Four Seasons’

“These Moroccan delicacies are so irresistible you’ll want to swipe a tray for your plane ride home” Wander they alleyways west and you’ll fall upon the unmissable Hassan II Mosque at Sour Jdid. Completed in 1993, it took more than seven years and as many as 10,000 artisans to complete the intricate masterpiece. It’s among Africa's largest mosques and features one of the world's tallest minarets. Thanks to its imposing location on the waterfront and its resplendent exterior that blends Islamic architecture with Moroccan and Moorish elements, it’s one of the country's most striking buildings.

Approaching on a sizzling Sunday afternoon proved, as with so many things in Casablanca, a pleasing contrast of sensory stimulations: a mild sea breeze sweeps over the mosque’s vast concourse, tourists shelter from the scorching sun under its arches and the saccharine scent of popcorn wafts over from the beach promenade. To get a sense of the size of this thing, significant dates in

lobby dining area, The Mint Lounge offers every kind of sweet and savoury treat you could ever want; from scones and gourmet sandwiches, to macarons, tarts, cakes, a chocolate fountain and an enticing selection of traditional Moroccan pastries.

Using local ingredients, like orange blossom water, rose water, almonds and dates, these Moroccan delicacies are so irresistible you’ll want to swipe a tray of them for your plane ride home. Wash this down with a something from the extensive tea menu and you’ll be ready to go for a sunset dinner here. The atmosphere is anything but ordinary; a Moroccaninfused menu is served by a fire pit overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Divine.

To think Casablanca is just three hours away from London is mind-blowing. It's probably one of the biggest culture-hops you could make in that time - and what a wonderful one it is. It’s a city for travelers who like to feel like a local and who want to experience the present as well as learn about the past.

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

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A SELECTIVE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 4 - 16 WITH CO-EDUCATIONAL NURSERY

Book a place at our next Open Morning Tuesday 1 May 2018 from 9.15 – 11.15am Headteacher talks at 9.30am “Unpressured (for the most part) and friendly, but this is no soft option ...the girls both work hard and play hard, with results to match.”

The Good Schools Guide 2018

• Excellent GCSE & Key Stage 2 Results • Extensive Co-Curricular Activities • Outstanding Pastoral Care • Nurturing, Through-School Ethos • Senior School Scholarships at 11+ • Wide-Reaching School Bus Services AN INDIVIDUAL APPROACH TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS www.manorhouseschool.org | Telephone: 01372 457077 | Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org

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The Hotel

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rtist Residence Oxfordshire is the latest offering from dynamic duo Justin and Charlotte Salisbury. With locations in Brighton, Cornwall and London, the brand is known for its innovative approach to design, with each hotel possessing a distinctive aesthetic. Their latest venture is no different.

Named Most Romantic Hotel in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 British Hotels, Artist Residence Oxfordshire was originally a 16th century farmhouseturned-local pub, which has now been given a new lease of life. Situated in picturesque countryside, the venue offers an intimate five rooms alongside an award-winning restaurant, Mr Hanbury’s Mason Arms.

We are pleasantly surprised to find that the rustic charm of the building has been retained: think large open fireplaces, wooden-beamed ceiling, stone floors and plenty of low-lit corners to cosy up in.

But in true Artist Residence style, there are plenty of contemporary-cool touches.

Design-lovers will relish the neon light installations, velvet furnishings and eclectic wall art - the vibe is very much English country pub meets east London cool.

The Rooms

W

e’re staying in the Farmhouse Loft Double, which is located on the second floor, and is the second largest of the hotel’s rooms. Featuring a sizeable ensuite bathroom and luxurious super king bed, the space is light-filled and airy, helped along by the high gabled ceiling. We love the clever little interior touches - from the writing desk and love-worn leather armchairs to the artisanal textiles and upcycled side tables. Together they create a homely yet style-conscious environment.

The wooden-floored bathroom is another highlight, with its delicious-smelling Bramley toiletries and free-standing roll top bathtub, which is positioned next to an idyllic mullioned window.

weekend

The food

r Hanbury’s Mason Arms is the pub and restaurant connected to the hotel that offers an inventive menu from head chef Leon Smith, which showcases his passion for foraged, seasonal and local produce. You can choose between dining in the wood-panelled, stone floored pub or the more formal dining room, designed in collaboration with artists The Connor Bothers. We opt for a table in the pub and enjoy a hearty meal of heritage beetroot salad, beerbattered haddock and chips and a decadent chocolate fondant.

Pub grub just got stylish.

“The vibe is English country pub meets East London cool”

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

ARTIST RESIDENCE Oxfordshire

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

Rooms start from £130 per night MT HANBURY'S MASON ARMS Station Road, South Leigh OX29 6XN; 01993 656220; oxford@artistresidence.co.uk artistresidenceoxford.co.uk

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

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A ROYAL WELCOME We take a trip to the Half Moon Resort in Jamaica, the royal family’s favourite Caribbean hotel Wo r d s E L I Z A B E T H H U T T O N

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

N

o worries, no problem” is a saying you’ll hear a lot in Jamaica. It’s a motto. A way of life. A calming notion that if you have no worries - and at the Half Moon in Montego Bay they make sure you don’t - you have no problems and vice versa. A firm favourite with the British Royal family, who have been coming to stay here for the past 50 years, the Half Moon has also been home to the American Royal family, the Kennedys, who stayed for a month prior to JFK’s inauguration. More recently, modern day pop royalty, including Rihanna and Lil Wayne, have also chosen to relax and unwind at this resort. So, what’s the secret to the

Half Moon’s long-lasting appeal?

The truth is, it’s heaven. I stayed in the Imperial Suite which, rather than a simple hotel room, was a sea-view villa with its own living space, bedroom, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and, most impressively, pool. Classically designed, the elegant rooms aren’t modern or glitzy, but rather a nostalgic nod back to the Half Moon’s '50s, '60s roots. It’s this timeless approach to design that allows you to take yourself away from modern stresses and therefore adds to the calming effect of the resort.

The Half Moon beaches surpass those I’ve seen in any cheesy rom-com. With over two miles of seafront, the crescent-shaped Sunset Beach actually inspired the name of the resort back in 1954. Here, we spent hours kayaking, paddle boarding and, of course, drinking Red Stripe. As night fell, fire torches were lit all along the front so we could stop to watch the sky turn from blue to pink before the stars and moon took over.

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

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CURTAIN CALL

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

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Made to order with an affordable price tag for any special occasion.

Jules is a British designer, creating styles with a modern classic twist in an array of colours and sizes. Contact her on 07915610055, visit the website www.crownjules.co.uk and follow her on instagram @crownjuleshats

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm • Sat 10am-6pm Evenings by appointment 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

“As night fell, fire torches were lit so we could stop to watch the sky turn from blue to pink”

There is, however, more to the Half Moon than mere beauty. With their very own equestrian centre, 18 hole golf course and Jamaica’s largest spa, activities here reign supreme. The ‘Turf and Surf’ horseback ride is an experience no one could ever forget, with the horses actually taking you off into the Caribbean sea.

While the horses swim, you hold onto their tails and glide behind them. Admittedly, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but perfectly safe for even beginner riders and is bizarrely soothing once you get going. Following this with an Instagram-worthy photo shoot (where you can stand on the horse's back and pose) it will be hard to find an experience that will be as majestical, or as insane, ever again.

If you’re not up for the adrenaline rush of the ride and swim, The Fern Tree Spa is a beautiful alternative. With its own herb garden, the spa uses what it grows, so ingredients include fresh lemongrass, aloe and ginger. Combining modern techniques with Jamaican traditional healing therapies, the treatments here are decompressing, invigorating and realigning - if you felt any jet lag, you won’t after leaving the treatment room. To make the most of the spa, visit the hydrotherapy

swimming pool before your treatment.

I found it completely empty so I could get into the right state of mind for my massage.

Food found in the resort grounds is also delicious, with six different restaurants offering up an array of international cuisines.

While breakfast is served buffet-style and consists of both European and Caribbean foods, such as ackee and salt fish, lunch and dinner were a more formal affair. My personal favourite was dinner at the Seagrape Terrace where we ate ahi tuna with guacamole and cucumber followed by grilled lobster tail with mashed potato and melted butter. Locally caught, both types of meat were incredibly tender and flavoursome.

For those wanting to try something even more spectacular, the hotel owned restaurant Sugar Mill is worth a visit.

Located on the old Rose Hall Sugar Plantation, the mill and its water wheel still stand and create a magical backdrop to dinner. Known for its modern take on traditional Jamaican cuisine, this awardwinning fine dining restaurant uses a charcoal grill to add a smokey flavour to dishes, such as wagyu striploin and veal chop with jerk-herb butter. We finished off our feast with a thimble of 50 year old Appleton Estate rum - the oldest available to buy.

Having stayed at the Half Moon, it’s obvious why the resort remains so popular.

It’s a homely, private and luxurious Caribbean escape. Whether you choose to spend all your time by the pool, on the beach or adrenaline seeking, you will leave feeling revived. Come here for a proper break away and you will be ready to face whatever you have waiting for you back home.

HALF MOON RESORT An Ocean Deluxe Room at Half Moon starts from US$593 (approx £430), based on double occupancy. Price includes airport transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a daily drinks credit of US$120 (approx £90). halfmoon.com

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

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20/03/2018 16:38

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