Absolutely South West : Wimbledon January 2018 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

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ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon JANUARY 2018 / £3.95

Piece of

CAKE Treats with a nutritious twist

JAN UARY 2018

Brush

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

Time to

SNAP SHOT Rankin on life

behind the lens

BLOOM HERE’S TO A STYISH NEW YEAR

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents JANUARY 2018

115 16

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

20 AGENDA

Diary dates for January

HOT SHOT

Absolutely meets Rankin

FA S H I O N 36 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

38 TOP COAT

Fall in love with layers again

36 68

57 NEW RITUALS

Ayurvedic-inspired beauty

FOOD & DRINK 68 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

FAMILY FOOD

Eating out with children

INTERIORS 80 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views

82 A LITTLE BIT ROCK

Discover Jane Rockett's Victorian pad

44 ART HOUSE

T R AV E L 106 SPIRITED AWAY

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 50 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

PROPERTY 122 LIVING THE DREAM

Be inspired by the artist's palette with our new year's fashion shoot

The month’s best beauty buys

Tokyo: an alluring destination for any traveller

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 HAIR BY: SASSOON INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE TEAM LED BY MARK HAYES MAKE-UP: DANIEL KOLERIC STYLING: LUCIE PERRIER PHOTOGRAPHER: BENJAMIN VNUK

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY LIFESTYLE WRITER MIRIAM CAREY EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI PROPERTY DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA

Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london

www.ayrtonbespoke.com

020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com

406 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5AD 61- 63 Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, London N8 9BE

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

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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

20/12/2017 12:04

Editor’s

LETTER

n many ways January is a month of contradictions. On the one hand we’re enduring post-Christmas blues, bolstered by shrivelled bank balances and persistently gloomy weather. Yet, it is also a month of new gym memberships, alcohol-bans and green juices. All optimistic attempts to better ourselves. Although there's nothing wrong with a good old new year’s resolution (check out our’s below), we think January should be a month to show yourself some love. For starters, try settling down in a quiet, screen-free corner with this month’s Absolutely, where you’ll fi nd plenty of new year's inspiration. In this issue, we chat to wellness guru Liz Earle about her inspirational journey from beauty entrepreneur to magazine editor-cumTV presenter. Or, for a bit of mood-boosting pampering, turn to page 61 for our winter skincare tips. From beauty to baking. On page 70 we sampled sumptuous recipes from Marianne Stewart’s new cook book Nourish Cakes, proving that cakes needn’t be calorific. Meanwhile, harried parents shouldn’t miss our dining out with kids feature - another way to make your year that little bit easier. So whether you set aside one evening a week for Netflix binging, or have a long, luxurious bath on a Sunday afternoon, it’s all about snatching those little moments of joy. What better way to start 2018? Enjoy the issue!

ABSOLUTELY’S new year’s resolutions...

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

In 2018 I am going to cut down on plastic. Without sounding smug, I haven’t used plastic bags for years anyway, but especially in the wake of Blue Planet II, everybody should be cutting down on waste. To start, I’ve got a lovely new keep cup for my morning flat white. PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

NEW TRICKS

This year I’m going to make time for my forgotten hobbies. Drawing is a great pastime of mine and Central Saint Martins runs fashion illustration courses - I’ll be booking one ASAP. Fashion drawing for beginners, £560 for 1 week, arts.ac.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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HELEN BROWN EDITOR

FACE THE DAY

This year I intend to put more effort into my currently non-existent skincare routine. The Ordinary have stripped back unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients making it easy to curate a tailored regime. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%, £5,80; theordinary.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

INSIDE STORY

My new year’s resolution is all about improving my gut health. Affecting everything from skin quality to sleep, I’ll be packing my shelves with fermented foods and probiotics Symprove will do the job nicely - for a happier and healthier 2018. Symprove 8 week program, £158; shop.symprove.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

SLEEP EASY

Rather than staying up to watch “just one more episode”, my new year’s resolution is to get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Neom’s Essential Sleep Kit is infused with blended oils to encourage relaxation. I’m looking forward to less blearyeyed starts to the day. Neom Organics, Essential Sleep Kit, £20; neomorganics.com

GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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

F. R. S F.R.S For Restless Sleepers is a cutting-edge Milanese brand that champions the casual elegance of pyjama dressing. Embrace a bold collection of exquisite styles that are splashed with daring ﬂoral prints and chic details. forrestlesssleepers.com

Sleeping Beauty

This hero product has amassed a cult following for its formula that enhances your skin’s natural nighttime recovery process. Great skin guaranteed by morning. £38; kiehls.co.uk

DUVET DAY

Renowned for keeping the fashpack toasty during the coldest of spells, Moncler’s Salix jacket is lightweight and cut for a loose ﬁt, making it perfect for layering over bulky sweaters. £660; net-a-porter.com

Diary Date

Get your yearly affairs in order with Smythson’s calf-leather W1 Diary. The largest in the collection and with a day-per-page layout, it’s the new stylish necessity for busy bees. £295; smythson.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

SHAKE N NOT STI RRE D

AMANDA WAKELEY

We’re vetoing dry-January in favour of Anthropologie’s charming glass cocktail shaker. Compact and effortlessly cool, it’s a must for the kitchen counter. £28; anthropologie.com

Amanda Wakeley is renowned for her “clean glam” style. The Winter 17 collection emphasises this with a focus on craftsmanship, forming a look that is full of richness, colour, pattern and texture. amandawakeley.com

S P EC S A P P E A L Pioneering eyewear brand, KITE has revolutionised the optical industry with the world’s ﬁ rst eye bar. Head over now to ﬁ nd the fashion-forward DORS specs, along with many others. £175; kiteeyewear.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Marmont Moment

Gucci’s iconic Marmont bag is dressed in a gorgeous blue velvet. Understatedly glam and with a versatile chain-strap, this wardrobe staple transitions seamlessly from day to evening. £1,350; farfetch.com

VELVET CRUSH

These On The Fringe boots from Stuart Weitzman are the perfect height for long days on your feet. With a fan base that includes Gigi Hadid and Suki Waterhouse, expect them to get snapped up fast. £450; farfetch.com

SWING TIME

Surprisingly lightweight, these silver Primrose earrings are woven with metallic blue silk threads and iridescent cobalt beads. Show yours off with a low ponytail. £265; net-a-porter.com

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

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CULTURE

What’s On 20 • Big Shot: Absolutely meets Rankin 22 • Theatre Round-Up 27 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

T H E AT R E

Samurai Women From 9 January THE EXHIBITION IST H OT EL

Playing with our notion of female identity in society, Pam Glew’s work is profound and beautiful. This latest exhibition reignites her dialogue around themes of sustainability vs waste, light vs dark, using her familiar stitch, paint, bleach and dye to potent effect. 8-10 Queensberry Place, SW7; theexhibitionisthotel.com pamglew.co.uk

EXHIBITION

First and Foremost F RO M 25 JA NUA RY • H I C KS GALLERY

One of the twentieth-century’s leading British artists, Sir Peter Blake’s work reﬂects his fascination with all streams of popular culture, and the beauty found in everyday objects. Hicks Gallery’s ﬁrst show of 2018 features his rarely available prints and a truly unique opportunity to purchase iconic pieces by the ‘Godfather of British pop art’. 2-4 Leopold Road, SW19; hicksgallery.co.uk

T H E AT R E

Misailliance Until 20 January ORAN GE TREE TH EAT RE

Hypatia Tarleton, uneasily engaged to bright yet immature aristocrat Bentley Summerhays, longs for adventure to drop from the sky. And suddenly, it does. George Bernard Shaw’s playful comedy about class and feminism gets its ﬁrst major revival in 30 years. 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9; orangetreetheatre.co.uk

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

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EXHIBITION

Philip Pearlstein From 17 January

SAATCHI GALLERY

“By 1960, I decided I didn’t want to express other artists’ ideas any longer. I wanted to paint what was in front of me,” said Phillip Pearstein, pertaining to a shift from expressionism to realism. This show is a celebration of his later works, in particular his depiction of the human nude. A must for those familiar or new to his work, it highlights the complexity in his paintings that continues today. Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3; saatchigallery.com

Around Town PA R A D E

NEW YEAR’S PARADE 1 January GREEN PARK

Wrap up and join the Pearly Kings, acrobats, marching bands and more as they celebrate London’s 32nd Parade. See them ﬂoat, twirl march and drum a 2.2 mile route around London's iconic landmarks in a showcase of contemporary performance, traditional pomp and ceremony. Green Park, W1J; londonparade.co.uk

SEASONAL

WINNIE THE POOH: Exploring a Classic From 9 December V&A

This Month’s Must See

He’s the hero of children’s ﬁction and Britain’s best-loved bear, now Winniethe-Pooh will star in an exhibition that celebrates the life of this childhood favourite. Experience the timeless and universal appeal of Pooh Bear and his friends as they are brought to life through sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion. Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

F E S T I VA L

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: OVO From 7 January ROYAL ALBERT H ALL

THE OVERCOAT Omnibus Theatre 9 • 18 JAN UARY

resh from the success of Heart of Darkness, Scandal and Gallows Theatre is back with Nikolai Gogol’s short story. The Overcoat’s protagonist never asked for much in life, but things change when she sets her sights on something new. A dark and absurdist staging of this short story, with commentary on social disparity that’s still relevant today. 1 Clapham Common North Side, SW4;

Cirque du Soleil returns with the UK debut of OVO. A colourful carnival of crazy crickets, amazing ants and flexible fleas, the show uncovers the ground at our feet. Rush headlong into an ecosystem teeming with life in this non-stop riot of movement and mindblowing, high-flying acts. Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

EXHIBITION

CHARLES I: KING AND COLLECTOR From 27 January ROYAL ACAD EM Y OF ART

Aside from being the only English monarch to suffer the indignity of having their head chopped off, Charles I was also an avid art collector. This exhibition brings 90 pieces of his collection together and features everyone from Rubens to Titian. Burlington House, Picadilly, W1J; royalacademy.org.uk

omnibus-clapham.org

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

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BIG SHOT

Absolutely talks to photographer Rankin about his love of Britain’s beautiful places and quirky characters – and snapping The Queen, Kate Moss, Madonna, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones

By R E B E C C A WA L L E R S T E I N E R

’m really inquisitive about people and like trying to get into their heads when I’m photographing them. People inspire me and the best models have lots of character. Outside work, I’m not incredibly social and used to be shy,’ the Scottish-born photographer Rankin tells me. As he is softly spoken, friendly and relaxed, it becomes apparent why people feel sufficiently at ease to enable Rankin to snap them in unguarded moments. He creates images which startle with their honesty, capturing something in his subject that no one has ever seen before - closer to portrait painting than photography Intensely private, Rankin often turns down interviews, but he was delighted to be interviewed about his new project. He has spent months putting together This is Britain to help raise money for BBC Children in Need - a coffee table book of 500 photographs of mainly British subjects, such as Big Ben, Britain’s windswept beaches and quirky seaside characters, taken by ordinary people, as well as celebrities’ to ‘hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask who we are in these testing times. From John O’Groats to Lands End we wanted to capture and celebrate the extraordinary spectrum of colours and characters that make up our multicultural society and bind us together as a country,’ says Rankin, who helps many charities. An internationally renowned photographer, Rankin’s instantly recognisable work includes some of the world’s most famous faces from HM The Queen to David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Vivienne Westwood to Kate Moss and the Cool Britannia set of the 90s and has defined decades of fashion photography. He shoots in a rapid, informal way, steering away from the traditional,

Photographs by R A N K I N

glossy approach favoured by many successful fashion photographers, preferring to be experimental and capture an original moment of truth. Born John Rankin Waddell, Rankin was raised in Glasgow, until his father’s job took the family to Yorkshire. He was 15 when he first travelled abroad. ‘My parents had no desire to leave England, although the family holidayed all over the country - at the seaside in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Cornwall, Scotland and the Lake District,’ he remembers. As a child he formed a deep love for ‘Britain’s magical, desolate places’ which have inspired so much of his photography. He inherited his industrious work ethic from his Scottish parents, who were in his words, ‘unimpressed by celebrity’ and brought him up to question everything. Photography wasn’t Rankin’s immediate choice for a career, as he first studied accountancy at Brighton Polytechnic but soon decided it wasn’t for him. He noticed the ‘art students having a more interesting time.’ ‘I had a friend back in my hometown studying photography and he lent me his camera. I knew the moment I picked it up that it was what I wanted to do,’ recalls Rankin. He decided to move to London to study photography. ‘It was during my year in Brighton that I first started taking pictures. I fell in love with the town, especially the glorious light and how it changes so rapidly, providing the viewer with a spectacular theatre of light. As a photographer, I’ve travelled to many different places, but I don’t want to live anywhere other than the UK.’ At the London College of Printing, Rankin met Jefferson Hack, with whom he forged a working partnership and in 1992 they launched the cult magazine Dazed & Confused, which published Corinne Day’s iconic photographs

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE

“Rankin prefers to be experimental and to capture an original moment of truth”

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE

of the ‘gorgeous’, yet ‘natural-looking,’ young Kate Moss. To their astonishment the two found their Soho offices besieged by the world’s press, in May 1997, after President Bill Clinton denounced the ‘heroin chic’ photography in their magazine. Hack and Moss went on to date for four years, before splitting up - they have a teenage daughter together, Lila Grace. Rankin shot to fame and went on to snap royalty, rock stars, Hollywood actors, presidents and prime ministers who queued to be photographed by him, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, whose smiling portrait helped him lose his image as a dour, anxious Scot. However, Rankin found the usually charming Tony Blair ‘distant’ and made him look devilish. ‘Who are his main influences?’ ‘Apart from David Bailey, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Cecil Beaton and lots of portrait photographers, I’m a great admirer of Andy Warhol and Malcolm McLaren who kept control of their own media. I met McLaren around four times and regret not photographing him. We had dinner a couple of times and he brought his ex-girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood, who was charming, funny, direct and didn’t suffer fools gladly.’ Rankin snapped Westwood, who used one of his images for her travelling exhibition. ‘Vivienne is such an inspiring woman. I’ve always had a great admiration for her as a campaigner and activist,’ he says warmly. Like Westwood’s anarchic clothes, with their trademark British-eccentric twist and humour, Rankin’s work questions social norms and ideas of beauty. ‘I was very influenced by the DIYness of Punk,’ he recalls. In the early 1980s, he photographed the fashion designer Bella Freud, who was then working for Westwood, on the roof of Freud’s house in Ladbroke Grove.

“Royalty, rock stars, actors, presidents and prime ministers queued to be photographed by him”

Another great inspiration was Rankin’s late father. ‘I have my dad to thank for my love of films. Although my parents weren’t cultured he encouraged me to watch the classics,’ remembers Rankin. ‘I used to sit in the back of the family car and imagine the window as a screen, and the outside world whizzing by as my own version of cinema, before I owned a camera.’ Fearlessly creative, Rankin constantly experiments with new ideas and ventures. He employs a large creative team and adopted multimedia early on. ‘We always had one foot in print and one foot in digital to reach a larger audience. I believe that you should always make the magazine that you want to read – it’s not an age specific thing,’ he explains. With over 30 books to his name, he continues to publish four magazines including his bi-annual magazine Hunger, and has directed television documentaries, commercials, music videos for Rita Ora and Cheryl Cole and global brands. Rankin is a pleasure to interview – the conversation whizzes quickly from idea to idea – as his brain never stops. His new book would make a wonderful present for an art lover as well as helping a very good cause. A very private man, Rankin has a 21-year-old son and lives in London with his wife Tuuili Shipster, a model and long-time muse.

T H I S I S B R I TA I N Compiled by Rankin, is published as a coffee table book by Photobox, priced at £25, all the profits of which will be donated to BBC Children in Need.

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

MUST SEE

SHOW Spend a cosy evening in Theatreland with our top stage picks for the month By H E L E N B R O W N

Girl from the North Country

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

★★★★★

Opens 29 December N O E L COWA R D TH E ATR E

In 1934 a Minnesota community is living on a knife-edge, huddled together in the local guesthouse. When a preacher and a boxer show up in the the night, things start to spiral. Conor McPherson weaves the iconic songbook of Bob Dylan into this new show full of hope, heartbreak and soul. 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk

★★★★★ From 9 January HAROLD PIN T ER T H EAT RE

60 years since the play’s debut, The Birthday Party returns with a landmark production, directed by Ian Rickson. Stanley Webber is the only lodger at Meg and Petey Boles’ sleepy seaside boarding house until the unsettling arrival of enigmatic strangers, Goldberg and McCann, disrupts the humdrum lives of the inhabitants. Panton Street, SW1Y;

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

atgtickets.com

Belleville

Woman in White

From 7 Dece mber

Ongoing

D O N M A R WA RE HO US E

C HA R I N G CROSS THEATRE

High-ﬂying doctor, Zack and his spouse, Abby are leading the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris. But it’s all a little too perfect. James Norton and Imogen Poots star in this story of a romantic dream gone sour, written by Amy Herzog who was recently praised as 'one of the brightest new talents in theatre.’ 41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony and Oliver Award-nominated musical premieres with a revised score. The story follows Walter Hartright, a drawing teacher who runs into a woman in distress and desperate to share a secret with him. A truly haunting Victorian tale of love, betrayal and greed. The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N; charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

★★★★★

White Fang ★★★★★

Until 13 January PA RK TH E ATR E

Set in 1898, Canada, White Fang follows a young girl's acclimation into an unknown society after she is rescued from a massacre by an old huntsman. Struggling to ﬁnd her path in the world, she discovers hope in the friendship of an abandoned wolf. Can she reconcile who she once was with who she is now? Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk WOMAN IN WHITE

BELLEVILLE

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis with guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall

10 – 15 July 2018

kewthemusic.org tickets.amazon.co.uk Royal Botanic Gardens Raymond Gubbay

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Pinocchio The adventures of a little wooden boy at the Lyttleton By PENDLE HARTE

he Lyttleton’s new family show is spellbinding. It looks beautiful, the songs are cheery and familiar and there’s a good message too. The fusing of puppets and actors is a visually arresting device, whereby Geppetto the puppetmaker is himself a vast wooden puppet, which he controls – and Pinocchio the little wooden boy is an actual boy, all puppyish and bouncy. And despite the chirpy Disney tunes, there’s a darkness to the production that comes from huge leering masks

and sinister dance sequences as the lifelike meets the lifeless. With a script by Dennis Kelly of Matilda fame and a new score that rearranges the Disney classics, this is a clever piece of theatre. ‘All the best names begin with P – everybody knows that,’ says Geppetto (rightly) as he names his creation; the wooden boy’s introduction into the world of children is instantly alarming – a masked and slightly threatening mob point out his difference and laugh. What does it mean to be real? is the question that’s asked repeatedly, and reality is defined variously as ‘pleasure’ and ‘pain’.

“What does it mean to be real? is a question that’s asked repeatedly”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Moral guidance for Pinocchio comes of course from Jiminy Cricket, brilliantly puppeteered by Audrey Brisson whose wonderful voice and expression sets a new bar for 'Give a Little Whistle'. Jiminy, as Pinocchio's conscience, is a nervy, anxious creature, once found 'stress cleaning' and often fretting about bacteria. Pinocchio learns a fast sequence of life lessons in this brief time frame; from the dangers of instant gratification to the hazards of lying and the benefits of friendship, this cautionary tale is clear in its voice. After all, what is real? Visual highlights of this impressive staging include the terrifying Pleasure Island scene – all looming laughing clowns and drunken children – and a whale belly interior scene, as well as the Stromboli Circus, where a troupe of living dolls performs 'I Got No Strings' in a beautiful puppety dance. Technical achievements include levitation and a flying blue flame, and the lighting throughout is intense and vivid. Of course, the nose scene is brilliant too. It's on until April; don't miss out.

VERDICT A spectacular new stage adaption ★★★★★

PINOCCHIO To 10 April 2018 National Theatre nationaltheatre.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/12/2017 11:00

Orient EXPRESS Discover the enthralling magic of the Silk Route at the all-new winter edition of The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

he Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair returns for its first edition of the new year with an exceptional offering of antique and 20th Century decoration. Taking place in Battersea Park between 23-28 January, this uniquely different event is a one-stopshop for style savvy buyers looking for unusual piece for the home. This year’s theme celebrates all things oriental, with everything from rarities to conversation-pieces highlighting how eastern design travelled the Silk Route to inspire and infiltrate our interiors. Here’s what to expect from this exciting edition from the fair’s organisers. Q This year’s theme is Orientalism, why was it chosen and what can we expect from it? A Chinoiserie and oriental design is a key component of the classic ‘country house’ style, for which the Decorative Fair is renowned. There is returning desire for more opulent and traditional interiors at the present time. As the Winter Decorative Fair is also now home to the London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair, which sells many works that have travelled to the UK via The Silk Route, we felt

B y H E L E N B R OW N

it was the right time to take a new look at antique and C20th examples of furniture and accessories within this design field. So expect to see imported goods such as Chinese embroidery panels, Asian sculpture and ceramics, European goods emulating Eastern designs and decoration (hence ‘chinoiserie’), and modern design such as Hans Wegner’s famous ‘Wishbone Chair’ design, directly influenced by antique Chinese furniture style. The Fair’s foyer stands are designed to highlight an element of design style sold by exhibitors at the fair. In past displays we have highlighted Swedish design and British mid-century modern, art deco and passementerie.

Q What’s the history of The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair? A The Fair was launched by a dealer in decorative antiques back in 1985 when she realised professional trade buyers, who wanted the decorative look, found it difficult to source items easily in the capital. Most antiques fairs only sold formal antiques (polished, Georgian, collectors’ porcelain etc). Since then it has risen to be one of the pre-eminent and most exciting antiques fairs in London, held three times a year, with crowds of trade and interior design buyers flocking to source stock for projects. Tens of thousands of private buyers also attend each year to find unusual and practical one-off pieces for the home.

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CULTURE • LOCAL

“It has risen to be one of the preeminent and most exciting antiques fairs in London”

Q How do you settle on the final list of dealers for each edition? A There are more than 150 exhibitors at every fair. Many have exhibited for years (in fact a few have been with the fair since its inception), and there is a long waiting list of new applicants. The organisers are careful to ensure a well-balanced selection of stock, in terms of periods and styles. No interior is complete without paintings and sculpture, so art is also shown at

the fair by a select few of the country’s leading expert dealers in modern, contemporary and traditional work. Q What’s the reason for choosing South West London as the home for the fair? A The Fair’s home has always been in South West London. For a number of years it was held in Chelsea Harbour, when the design centre opened, in a canvas marquee. However it soon outgrew the space available there, and in the late 1990s a site in Battersea Park was instigated by the organisers. This has grown in importance over the years and is now, thanks to the far-sightedness of the original owner of the fair, became a famous venue in its own right [Battersea Evolution]. Q Tell us about the partnership with LARTA, do you find it brings in a different clientele each winter? A LARTA was launched in 2011 as the UK’s only specialist fair for

high quality rugs and textiles, to service primarily the needs of international collectors and trade buyers. The Organiser of LARTA, a dealer in rugs, tapestries and textiles, had been an exhibitor at the Decorative Fair for many years. When the marquee in Battersea Park developed the Mezzanine, it seemed a natural new home for LARTA to expand in to, and in 2017 the fair moved from Marylebone to Battersea, growing from 11 to 17 exhibitors. Trade buyers love the fact they can now source rugs from a wider range of specialist dealers, and the public received it very warmly.

THE WINTER DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & TEXTILE FAIR 23 · 28 Januar y Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 decorativefair.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/12/2017 15:41

CULTURE • THEATRE

Down the Rabbit Hole Alice’s adventures take an icy turn in the Rose Theatre’s adaptation B y GABRIELLE HERNANDEZ

ewis Carroll's famous tale has undergone a chilly transformation in Alice in Winterland. In this new take on the classic story, adapted by Ciaran McConville, the journey begins in the midst of the First World War. Not only is Alice’s family dynamic changing, but so is the world around her. As she escapes to a magical realm, Alice faces a different challenge. The young girl must save Winterland from the threat of an eternal winter. She unites the land’s curious inhabitants in her mission, including

the colourful Mad Hatter and the familiar grin of the Cheshire Cat. A cast of established actors are joined by the young stars of tomorrow from the Rose Youth Theatre. Bringing to life the wonder of Winterland is a talented cast of over 30, and includes the marvelous Daniel Goode. The actor is no stranger to the Rose Theatre. After performing in A Christmas Carol and The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. Goode has returned again as a famously unhinged hatter. “In our version, Alice’s dad goes to the front in World War I and

“The plot provides twists, turns and complex characters”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

comes back very scarred by the experience, leading in part to the disintegration of her family.” He continues, “The Hatter is also very scarred in his own way; by madness, anxiety and an obsession with time.” Goode emphasises that these connections between the characters are an intriguing exploration into the storyline both for himself and for the audience. The plot provides twists, turns and complex characters that are sure to lead to a magical theatre experience. However, none of it would be possible without the help of an incredible production and cast. He praises the show which employs film, puppetry, spectacularly choreographed fights and dance routines. Alice in Winterland is a joyous journey telling the story of a girl who is lost in the challenges her life presents, but there is hope to be found. “I hope our audiences take away the message in this production which is the importance of being true to yourself.” Goode adds, “I also hope they laugh a lot, enjoy the music and the spectacle and cry – just a little!” Fall down the rabbit hole with Goode, the Rose Youth Theatre and the entire talented cast this winter season. Enjoy a curious journey with Alice filled with song, dance and a bit of snow.

VERDICT A spectacular new stage adaption on a family classic ★★★★★

ALICE IN WINTERLAND 7 December · 7 Januar y Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, KT1

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20/12/2017 11:03

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06/02/2017 11:56

FASHION

MIGHTY MUSES

KATE SPADE SHE From jounalist Gloria Steinem to celebrity activists, such as Lena Dunham, Kate Spade SHE is a tribute to the muses who inspired the designs we love today, featuring stunning photography alongside inspiring quotes and essays. katespade.com

Fashion Notes: Brogues, bags and brand collaborations 36 â&#x20AC;˘ Trend Page: Top Coat 38 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/12/2017 11:04

FASHION NOTES

From brogues to bags - embrace new beginnings this January with these instant wardrobe updates B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

01 C L AU D I A S E B I R E

Dressing its loyal customers since 1987, eponymous Chelsea boutique Claudia Sebire is marking 30 years in fashion. A must for your Little Black Book. claudiasebire.com

5 OF THE BEST

BLAZERS

EDITOR’S PICK

CHECK MATE

1. Mango, Contrast seam blazer, £69.99; shop.mango.com. 2. Helmut Lang, Checked wool blazer, £895; net-a-porter.com 3. Isabel Marant, Laya smoking jacket, £675; farfetch. com 4. Khaite, Darla peak-lapel double-breasted wool jacket, £1,330; matchesfashion.com. 5. Toga, Moire double-breasted silk-blend jacket, £1,375; matchesfashion.com

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FASHION • NOTES

ARTS & CRAFTS

H OW TO

R AC H E L E N T W I ST L E X PAU L S M I T H

Nothing says post-Christmas pick-me-up better than some shiny new jewellery. This season, celeb favourite Rachel Entwistle has joined forces with Paul Smith to create a collection inspired by mid-century design. Layer the collection’s statement necklaces under a crisp white shirt for back-to-work cool. rachelentwistle.co.uk

Discover Your Personal Style SEEK INSPIRATION

MADE IN BRITAIN &DAUGHTER

BAG CHARM BY R E D O L E AT H E R COLLECTION

He’s the brains behind fragrance brand Byredo, but this season Ben Gorham has brought his notable aesthetic and creative skill to the world of accessories. Launching exclusively with Selfridges, the Byredo Leather Collection covers everything from bags to cosmetics cases in a range of timeless colourways.

With production centres in Donegal and Hawick, &Daughter is the knitwear label with deep roots in the British Isles. Founded by Buffy Reid, the brand produces updates on heritage classics: think chunky Aran jumpers and the softest cashmere. and-daughter.com

selfridges.com

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS

CHURCH’S Androgyny is very much the ﬂavour of the season here at Absolutely. There’s nothing we love more than cocooning ourselves in a pair of tailored trousers and an oversized cashmere knit. All we need now is the perfect pair of ﬂats. Church’s brogues offer all the clean-lined simplicity of mens’ footwear, just with a few stylish twists. J’adore; £585.

church-footwear.com

Looking to others for inspiration is a great way to get started. This can come from anywhere: from magazines and ﬁlms, to history and Instagram. Avoid ripping off someone else’s style by identifying speciﬁc aspects or details you like. This could be an innovative approach to layering or a knack for incorporating vintage pieces.

KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE Acknowledging your body shape is the bedrock of forming great personal style. There’s no use falling in love with a look if it doesn’t work with your ﬁgure. It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet ﬂattering style. You can always add fashion factor with accessories.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LIFEST YLE Another important aspect to consider when building your look is acknowledging your lifestyle. Do you spend lots of time outdoors? Are you constantly running after an energetic toddler? Aim to pick pieces that harmonise with your life, even if that means buying the same piece in multiple hues.

“It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet ﬂattering style” CHOOSE PIECES YOU’LL WEAR AGAIN There’s nothing wrong with embracing a ‘uniform’ approach to your style. We can learn from Vogue editor Sarah Harris, who is never seen without a white shirt and jeans. Whether it’s a classic breton or leather biker, choose pieces that you know you will wear again.

SHOP SMART ACCESSORIES Accessories are the cherry on the cake - capable of transforming basics into a pulled-together ensemble. There’s no need to splurge on hundreds of shoes and bags, instead select an edit to suit your needs. We love this season’s mini bag, which packs plenty of personality and is ideal for elevating a white shirt.

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

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14/12/2017 11:03

FASHION • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

HAIDER ACKERMANN Velvet-Trimmed WoolBlend Coat; £2,200 net-a-porter.com EMILIA WICKSTEAD AW17

MR & MRS ITALY

BY. BONNIE YOUNG

Fur-Trimmed Canvas Parka; £1,450 ssense.com

Dropped-Shoulder Shearling Coat; £3,780 matchesfashion.com

JOSEPH Light Double Cashmere Kido Coat; £695 joseph-fashion.com

ALL SAINTS

YVES SALOMON

Hawley Oversized Shearling; £898 allsaints.com

Peak-Lapel Shearling Coat; £2,840 matchesfashion.com

TOP COAT

BIMBA Y LOLA Long Crossed Coat; £415 bimbaylola.com

Don’t let winter cramp your style. Love your layers with this season’s chicest coats B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VICTORIA BECKHAM AW17

BIMBA Y LOLA Oversized Two-Tone Coat; £445 bimbaylola.com

BURBERRY Shearling-Lined Leather Coat; £2,295 net-a-porter.com

ARKET Melton Wool Pea Coat; £250 arket.com

INÈS & MARÉCHAL Bonjour Single-Breasted Shearling Coat; £1,828 matchesfashion.com

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20/12/2017 11:09

Fine Bespoke Jewellery

NEW YEAR...

New Restoration Project?

Bespoke Fine Jewellery Designed & Hand-Crafted in-store by Master Goldsmiths An Exceptional Personalised Service for New, Dated or Inherited Jewellery Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken

www.michaelplatt.co.uk Goldsmith and Jeweller in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London | SW19 5DW Tel. 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk

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20/12/2017 10:01

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11/07/2017 15:21

FASHION • JEWELLERY

In The Round Hoops have never looked so hot

TADA & TOY

ASHIANA

ROSANTICA BY MICHELA PANERO

Cosmic Star Hoops, £160 tadaandtoy.com

Gold Grecian Geometric Earrings, £37.50 ashiana-accessories.com

Inganno Bead-Embellished Hoop Earrings matchesfashion.com

JENNIFER MEYER

DINOSAUR DESIGNS

TADA & TOY

18-Karat Gold Turquoise Earrings, £3,175 net-a-porter.com

Organic Ball Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings, £205 net-a-porter.com

Cosmic Tiny Star Hoops, £70 tadaandtoy.com

JOANNA CAVE

ELISE TSIKIS

MATTHEW CALVIN

Jamna Earrings, £80 joannacave.com

Eren Stone and Tassel Hoop Earrings, £158 matchesfashion.com

Large Tusk Hoops, £85 matthewcalvin.com

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

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20/12/2017 11:11

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20/12/2017 11:12

ART HOUSE See life through an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lens this season with a palette of rusted ochre, rich burgundy and pastel pink AW17 collection available from uterque.com

Jan_18_Shoot.indd 43

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20/12/2017 11:14

COSMETICS COSMETICS

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To start your journey, give us a call on 020 8971 8026, or email

info@parkside-hospital.co.uk 20/12/2017 13:26

HEALTH & BEAUTY

AGAINST THE GRAIN VIDAL SASSOON

This season Vidal Sassoon is celebrating individualism with the Mondaine Collection. Exploring the relationship between hair design and the couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, it is a celebration of bold colours and precision techniques. sassoon.com

Beauty Notes: Facial fuel & jelly skincare 50 Âˇ Trend page: Ayurvedic beauty 57 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/12/2017 11:15

BEAUTY NOTES

Start 2018 the right way with the best skin, hair and body revivers By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

New Faces E ST É E L AU D E R

She was the ﬁrst Chinese model to appear on the covers of both American and Italian Vogue and now fashion icon Fei Fei Sun has been announced as Estée Lauder's newest face. Sun has kicked off the New Year with a stunning new campaign, featuring a bold pink lip which is sure to brighten up the dark days. esteelauder.co.uk ESTÉE LAUDER

INDEED LABS

Nutritious MicroAlgae Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly; £21 boots.com

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly; £24.99 lookfantastic.com

5 OF THE BEST JELLY-BASED BEAUTY

BIO-ESSENCE Miracle Bio Water Jelly Make Up Remover; £16 cultbeauty.co.uk

SHISEIDO WASO Fresh Jelly Lotion; £20.40 johnlewis.com

DIOR Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask; £44 dior.com

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20/12/2017 11:18

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES T R E AT M E N T R E V I E W

HAPPY HAIR GHD

Cold weather and Christmas parties are a recipe for seriously unhappy hair. Press re-set this January with ghd’s advanced split end therapy, the heat-activated treatment which works to leave hair feeling sleek, smooth and shiny for up to 10 washes. Split ends meet your maker; £19.95

BEAUTY & MELODY

ghdhair.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FACIAL FUEL LUMIT Y

Cocoa Crazy R A B OT 1 74 5 B E AU T Y

Hotel Chocolat might not be your first point of call when it comes to beauty, but this season the confectionary giant is expanding its oeuvre to a luxury skincare line. Covering everything from shower gels to thermal body masks, this beautfully-packaged range harnesses the antioxidant powers of the humble cacao bean; from £7. hotelchocolat.com

Contrary to what you might think, facial oil can be better for acneprone skin than harsh, oil-stripping products. Packed with a blend of 32 ingredients, Lumity’s Facial Oil will leave your skin feeling replenished and balanced; £60. lumitylife.co.uk

LIP SERVICE D R . PAW PAW

If there’s one thing you need in your beauty arsenal when the mercury drops, it’s a good lip balm. Because we all love a multi-tasker, we’ve been searching high and low for the best tinted variety. Dr.PAWPAW comes up trumps with its lip-loving formula and ﬂattering peach and raspberry hues; £6.95.

drpawpaw.com

B y GEORGIA MCVEIGH

've always been sceptical of treatments that promise longevity. I head to Beauty & Melody, Knightsbridge to try two such treatments; a Bio Keratin treatment and laser hair removal. The spa itself is bright, white and glamorous. I receive the Bio Keratin treatment ﬁrst which allows for natural curl whilst eliminating frizz. Gosia, my therapist, washes it with shampoo that strips the hair of any product, and brushes it. The serum, applied immediately after, is a Moroccan Keratin Smoothing formula by Inoar. It is then blow-dried directly onto my hair before it’s straightened. This is a labour of love, taking two to three hours, but the effect is phenomenal. I leave wishing my hair were always this smooth.

“This is a labour of love... but the effect is phenomenal” Next is laser hair removal on my underarms. The spa uses the Soprano ICE Platinum system, which incorporates a range of laser wavelengths and energy pulses. It penetrates different skin depths, simultaneously heating and damaging the hair follicle. Laser transmission gel is applied: it feels warm initially, although the heat builds into a pinprick sensation. After 10 minutes the treatment is complete. Although I didn’t experience the recommended six sessions, if it means a wax free future, I’m sold. BEAUTY & MELODY

Laser Hair Removal – Underarms; £70 Bio Keratin Hair Treatment; £160 beautyandmelody.co.uk

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

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20/12/2017 11:19

LIZ EARLE - PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

She’s left her eponymous beauty brand behind and now she’s taking on the world of wellness. Absolutely meets entrepreneur and wellbeing guru Liz Earle By J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

WHAT LIZ DID NEXT 52

atching Liz Earle’s YouTube videos might lure you into a false sense of security. The surfaces of her immaculate kitchen gleam, her hair is perfectly coiffed, soft spa-like music tinkles in the background, her voice gentle and manner approachable. It’s a big steaming bowl of comfort TV - just without the calories. It would be easy to underestimate this lovely lady and her spelt flatbreads. But Liz Earle is on an important mission: a mission to take on the cult of wellness. This is serious business. We meet Liz Earle at her Battersea-based HQ on a crisp autumn afternoon. Located by leafy Battersea Park, the light-flooded space is more cosy country cottage than office, with warming fires crackling in each tastefully decorated room. In fact, this urban retreat is a veritable lab of Liz’s latest ventures, where everything from her new print magazine Liz Earle Wellbeing to her YouTube tutorials and podcasts are cooked up (quite literally, in some cases). When we arrive, the kitchen is a hive of activity, abuzz with women tapping away at laptops and chatting on phones. In the midst of the

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW hubbub is Queen Bee Liz, a sea of calm, flawless skin framing delicate features and bright, softly lined eyes. For many, the Liz Earle name will be synonymous with the iconic skincare brand whose Hot Cloth Cleanser become a cult favourite of the nation’s beauty lovers. With its focus on naturally active ingredients and botanicals, Liz was arguably ahead of the curve when she founded the brand with friend Kim Buckland back in 1995. “I was very lucky when we started the company my business partner and I were at the same stage of life, we both had young children so understood each other,” Liz recalls. “I often say to young women who are thinking of going into business with a partner, make sure you each understand where you are in your particular stage of life.” After 15 prosperous years, which saw the brand go from strength to strength, the company was snapped up by beauty conglomerate Avon in 2010 and is now owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance. Fast-forward to 2017, and with an MBE and 35 best-selling books under her belt, this mother of five is again entering a new stage of life, leaving her eponymous brand behind and setting her sights on the big bad world of wellness. Fresh from filming in Europe for ITV’s This Morning, Liz’s natural warmth and eloquence make her a natural in front of the camera. “It’s been like coming home,” she says with a smile. “I started working on This Morning when I was 25 and then spent four years with Richard and Judy. I was thrown in at the deep end, doing live TV, phone-ins and outside broadcasts. You get real authenticity with live TV, it’s a very genuine way of communicating.” Invigorated by her return to the small screen, her new mini-series addresses the complexities of an ageing population, specifically the question of how we can live younger for longer. “It’s not just about the number of years on your life but the quality in your years,” she explains. “When I was filming in Greece and Italy there were all these 80 and

PANCETT AND ROOT VEG GRATIN - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

90-year olds and none of them wore glasses, had hearing aids or false teeth. But I think, overwhelmingly, there was this sense of community.” In many ways, Liz Earle is a delightful contradiction. She’s an author, TV presenter and old-school journalist with over 30 years experience writing about health and wellbeing. She was talking about kale long before Deliciously Ella was born. Yet she is entering the Millennial world of wellness, armed with a YouTube channel, podcast, website and glossy print magazine. How does she reconcile the two? “I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story. That’s what I’m pleased about. I was looking at a book I wrote 25 years ago called Eat Yourself Beautiful and in it I was talking about this strange things called ‘spelt’, a grain no one had heard of, and how almond milk is really hard to get hold of. Now you go into any garage forecourt and they’re selling it,” she says with a laugh. “But the great thing about being online is that there’s an amazing opportunity to have broader horizons, and at a flick

“I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story”

LIZ'S WELLBEING TEAM PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

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

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14/12/2017 11:43

NEW OWNERSHIP OF AENEA

JAMIE STEVENS HAIR & BEAUTY

RECEIVE 30% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT We are proud to announce that Jamie Stevens will be opening his fourth eponymous salon on the beautiful Abbeville Road in Clapham on Saturday 6th January 2018. Jamie’s multi-award winning expertise, keen eye for trends and passion for all things hair and beauty makes this your must-visit destination. Jamie and his multi award-winning team have over 90 award nominations and 50 wins, including London Salon of the Year, Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, British hairdresser of the Year nominee, Afro Hairdresser of the Year, British Colour Technician of the Year & Media Personality of the Year, so you’re guaranteed excellence in all services from cutting, colouring, styling, perming and extensions to afro, men’s and bridal hair. Jamie’s worked with celebrities including Kylie, Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova, Myleene Klass, Christian Slater, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant and Olly Murs, and his TV credits include official backstage hairstylist for The X Factor for five years; Lorraine; This Morning; and How to Look Good Naked. Our five star service includes fully reclined beds; relaxation area; comfort colour developing area with complimentary use of iPads; complimentary drinks and a food menu. In addition to hair, we offer Advanced Beauty Treatments including manicures, pedicures, facials, microblading, HD brows, Russian lash extensions, spray tanning, botox & more. Jamie Stevens Hair & Beauty, 79 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London, SW4 9JN │ 0208 675 5277 info@jamiestevenshair.com │ www.jamiestevenshair.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNECREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

SPICED ORANGE DATE BALLS IMAGE - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

LIZ PODCASTING PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN SMITH

“In amongst the deafening barrage of advice Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason”

of a switch you have access to so much more around the globe. It’s incredibly exciting to have that as a platform for sharing.” In amongst the deafening, and often conflicting, barrage of advice offered up by the ‘clean-eating’ crowd, Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason. The tagline for her print magazine is ‘wellness wisdom you can trust’. How can we, as consumers, separate fact from fiction? “I would say to anyone who is concerned, look at the credentials of who is writing, how long they’ve been writing for, what their background is and what their academic qualifications are,” Liz explains. “I was brought up pre-internet, so if I needed to do research I would sit in the British library and get out research papers. I say to my team here, you always have to go back to your sources.” When it comes to the gluten-free phenomenon, Liz is deeply sceptical. Far from being an exercise in deprivation, she insists that the secret to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is simply to go back to the gut, which is the subject of her latest best-selling book The Good Gut Guide. “I think we’ve missed the point. People say they feel so much better after cutting out gluten, but actually that’s just sorting out

the symptoms, whereas we need to address the cause. Let’s look at fixing gut health so you can go back to having wholewheat toast with lashings of butter and enjoying it!” Her career, she explains, started from this desire to pass on knowledge. Her mission now? To pass on new knowledge through the media available to her - whether it’s through a YouTube tutorial or TV series. So what does the future have in store for this entrepreneurial powerhouse? “I’ve spent the last couple of years getting the magazine right and opening new platforms. The next step is amplification. The whole area of wellness and wellbeing is a global phenomenon, and in some ways the UK lags behind, especially when you look at what’s happening in Scandinavia and Asia. That’s why we’ve decided to go global.” Watch out world, Liz Earle MBE has come to educate the masses and she’s got both style and substance. This is serious business.

READER OFFER

Absolutely readers can enjoy an exclusive £5 off the Liz Earle Wellbeing Yearbook Volume 2 using the offer code LIZ25. Available from lizearlewellbeing.com

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

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Temperley London AW17

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

SISTER & CO Oil Pulling Rinse with Spearmint; £16 sisterandcompany.com

SAMAYA Kapha Hydrating Cleanser; £69 samayaayurveda.com

NIOD Sanskrit Saponins Face Cleanser; £21 houseoffraser.co.uk

UMA

MAULI

Pure Rest Wellness Oil; £60 cultbeauty.co.uk

Reawaken Hand & Body Lotion; £23 maulirituals.com

ALCHEMY OILS Amla Hair Remedy; £26 alchemyoils.co.uk

NEW RITUALS Reconnect this January with these Ayurvedic inspired remedies B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

AVEDA Tulasāra Morning Awakening Ritual Kit; £65 harrods.com

FUSHI Really Good Cellulite Oil; £18 feelunique.com

RITUALS The Ritual of Ayurveda Hand Lotion; £8 rituals.com

ARK SKINCARE Conditioning Oil; £35 arkskincare.com

EVE LOM Time Retreat Regenerative Night Cream; £90 lookfantastic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

URBAN VEDA Soothing Facial Oil; £29.99 urbanveda.com

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

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HELATH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

The scents of

INSPIRATION Uplifting fragrances for the new year B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

appy New Year! I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism. The most exciting collection to cross my path is from a Californiabased artist, Bruno Fazzolari. Bruno has a condition called synesthesia, a cross-wiring of the brain that results in experiencing something like scent with two different senses at the same time - in this case he smells in colour. The result is a collection so vivid, intense and vibrant that it acts like an olfactory pick-me-up. ‘Monserrat’ is a fantastical, fruity explosion, bursting with vigorous pink grapefruit, apricot leaves and jasmine with luscious, radiant osmanthus, carrot seed and a hint of setting plaster! At D.S. & Durga, the talented David Moltz has set himself the task of bottling the colour violet and the results are electric. Frosty wisteria and violet are blended with fizzing rhubarb and incense. The juxtaposition of warm and cool notes just adds to the excitement. James Heeley’s ‘Note de Yuzu’ takes Japan’s zesty fresh citrus fruit and layers of salty marine notes to conjure the scent of the traditional yuzu bath taken to celebrate the winter solstice. This is an intense, clean and uplifting scent. ‘The Writer’ by St Giles is ‘the scent of inspiration’ and was inspired by a recent scientific study that found that memory recall is improved by an average of 19% when the scent of rosemary is in the room. Consequently this fragrance will make you feel alert and will certainly raise your IQ. Rosemary absolute’s bitter-green intensity provides the focus for this perfume

“I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism”

and it opens the scent with fresh ginger and the focusing sparkle of aldehydes. At the heart lies a leather/ frankincense resin mélange, while at the base lies an inky note achieved with castoreum absolute plus sandalwood, cedarwood from the Atlas mountains and driftwood. Independent British perfumer and yoga instructor Sarah McCartney has just released a new collection of completely natural fragrances entitled ‘Our Modern Lives’ each colour coded to match a mood or emotion. The scent of energy and vitality is ‘Yellow Sunset’ and this fragrance contains so many uplifting ingredients that you will dance to the office. Lemons, clementine and mandarin with blood and sweet oranges and the stimulating component of coffee absolute. Celebrating the crisp, cold embrace of her native Iceland, Andrea Maack’s latest fragrance ‘Birch’ is an atmospheric fragrance that transports the wearer to the Arctic tundra. An airy bergamot creates a cool breeze with lightly spicy ginger and pink pepper. The character of the scent lies in the meeting of dark guaiac wood and cypriol that capture the arctic woodland. Birch is gorgeously evocative, alternating between the fresh cold air and smoky, earthy woods. It’s one of those scents that you wear to breathe in deep and enter another world. Wishing you a fantastic and fragrant 2018.

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SOUTHSIDE | WANDSWORTH

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06/02/2017 20/12/2017 17:55 16:17

HELATH & BEAUTY • TOP TIPS

Seasonal Skin

SAVIOURS Protect your visage from the ravages of winter with Dr. Sara Palmer Hussey’s skincare tips By D R . S A R A PA L M E R H U S S E Y Illustartion P H I L C O U Z E N S

SUPPORT THE SKIN’S OWN SHEILD

also disrupting the release of our human growth hormone, considered by many as a fountain of youth for its crucial role in repairing and renewing all tissues in the body, including the skin. Three amino acids, l-glutamine, l-arginine and l-lysine, taken just before bedtime, can naturally increase the release of human growth hormone, which ensures we maintain healthy glowing skin, as well as muscle strength, mental clarity and a strong immune system.

Low humidity and central heating are two reasons why winter can be very drying for the skin. In order to counteract the effects, it’s good to increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The skin has a natural protective two-way barrier that keeps out germs and toxins and seals in moisture to maintain a supple skin texture. This barrier has a unique composition: 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol and 25% fatty acids, so it makes sense to choose natural plant oils rich in these components; excellent examples include safflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, argan oil and passion flower seed oil.

DON'T FORGET TO NOURISH FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

NOURISH FROM WITHIN The health of our skin reflects the health of our body as a whole, so for glowing skin that is resilient to the onslaught of winter, it is vital to nourish from within. Nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc, selenium and a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids, are essential.

BE GENTLE Over-aggressive exfoliation with acids, harsh abrasives or chemical peels can expose fragile new cells before they have matured and disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. Avoid using peels, clay masks, alcohol-based toners, all of which can strip moisture from the skin. Instead, use a gentle cleanser with a muslin cloth. Also avoid petroleum and silicone oils used in moisturisers, which form a plastic-like barrier that sits on the surface of the skin. The intention is to seal in moisture, but it also traps everything under it, including bacteria and sebum, and prevents the skin from naturally shedding dead skin cells.

“For glowing skin that is resilient to the onslaught of winter, it is vital to nourish from within”

HIBERNATE The skin has a circadian rhythm - nighttime is its repair mode. Harness this regenerative cycle by using the most nourishing. pure products at night. Sleep is our opportunity to rest and regenerate and is vital for the health and repair of our skin. When we toss and turn all night or go to bed late, not only are we missing out on rest, we are

Skincare ingredients can penetrate the skin and find their way into the bloodstream and other body tissues. This starting point should shift our perspective on skincare products, that is, if we would think twice about ingesting an ingredient, maybe we should think twice about rubbing it all over our skin. Choose a natural skincare product, ideally an oil that is packed with phytonutrients and skinloving extracts that reinforce and nourish the healthy condition of our skin. Our top pick? Lumity Anti-Ageing Skin Nutrients is a perfectly-balanced blend of 32 nourishing plant oils, extracts and essential oils rich in antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, lycopene, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, as well as regenerative amino acids and omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. All critical nutrients for cell growth, protection, healing and repair in the skin. This product provides the full range of nourishment the skin craves to get through the winter in glowing health So, whether you cosy up in the warmth or brave the icy chill outside, make sure you protect yourself both inside and out this January. Happy New Year! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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20/12/2017 09:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS NOTES

SixtyNinety The ﬁtness brand to know now sixtyninety.com

WHAT IS IT?

● When two Brazilian model best friends joined forces with a female investor in January 2017, SixtyNinety Brazilian swimwear and activewear was born. Serious about creating a brand which praises the healthy female physique, the name SixtyNinety was inspired by the classic myth of 60-90cm as a woman’s ideal body measurements. Together, the partners want to bypass this limit and challenge the idea of beauty.

TOP TRENDS Founders of Move Your Frame, Joan Murphy and Pip Black share their thoughts on what to expect from the ﬁtness industry this year

WHO IS IT FOR?

● SixtyNinety is a brand designed by women for women. The swimwear is smart, eco-friendly and sizzlingly sexy. The Amni Soul fabric and cool designs became an instant hit with influencers such as Arizona Muse, Millie Mackintosh and Lily Fortescue. Socially conscious, the brand uses the world's first biodegradable yarn.

LOW IMPACT CARDIO People are becoming more aware of the risk of injury from high intensity or high impact training and the long term effects on joints and the body, so mixing in training such as Rebounding gives you the cardio ﬁx without damaging your joints. It’s key to future proof your body.

MINDFULNESS & LOW IMPACT TRAINING Mindfulness has been a buzzword for a while and has grown into a

massive trend over the past year; we predict it will come into the ﬁtness genre. Combining HIIT with meditation has been proven to maximise the well-known beneﬁts of the HIIT workout. Doing high impact workouts all the time can play havoc with your hormones especially if you're juggling a stressful job and life. At Frame we have created a new class called HIIT & Chill which is based around this theory. Keep an eye out for the workshops which are launching this month.

HIIT HIIT will continue to rise as people become more clued in and realise that training for longer does not equate to training smarter and won’t always give the best results. It ranked number 1 in the Crep Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2018, and we agree it will continue to be a big one.

FEEL-GOOD FITNESS Moving your body in a way that makes you feel good has always been our mantra here at Frame, and this is set to be a trend for 2018. Gone are the days of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Whether it’s a dance class or hike in the park, make sure you enjoy it and rack up those endorphins as you do. Check out the newest Frame studios open this month in Fitzrovia and Hammersmith; moveyourframe.com

SUPER SUPPLEMENTS

Supercharge your workout with these delicious and nutricious protein powders

WHAT’S NEXT?

● The three female SixtyNinety founders Aline Lima, Daniele Trece and Vanusa Fonseca are passionate about creating a niche in the lifestyle market for a growing female audience of affordable fashion consumers.

1. Healthista Lean Vegan Diet Protein, £24.99; wholefoodsmarket.com 2. Zaggora Protein Smoothie Chocolate Coconut, £38; uk.zaggora.com 3. Form Salted Caramel Chocolate Superblend Protein, £24; formnutrition.com 4. The Organic Protein Company Organic Whey Protein, £22; theorganicproteincompany.co.uk 5. Missﬁts Vegan Protein Multitasker, £18; missﬁtsnutrition.com

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

A treatment that allows you to create a smile that’s perfect for you WHICH TREATMENTS ARE INVOLVED? Some patients are looking for a pearly-white Hollywood smile, where some want to straighten their teeth. Our skilful and experienced team discuss your concerns and goals, to give you the beautiful, natural smile you’ve always wanted. As Smile Design is totally tailored to you, your treatment plan is unique and will focus on the elements you want to address.

New Year

NEW YOU

Feel happier and healthier this year with a dazzling new smile

miling is contagious. If you smile, others smile. King’s college researchers found that the width of a smile in a yearbook photo accurately predicted a person’s happiness and well-being 30 years later. Smiling immediately improves your mood. Imagine how resilient this will make you as you work towards your New Year’s resolutions this coming year. Smiling causes the production of endorphins, which are the same chemical produced by exercise. Endorphins boost your immune system, relieve stress, and lower your blood pressure, just like exercise does. Smiling causes the release of serotonin, which allows your brain to work at optimum levels. So if your New Year’s resolution is to look great, feel better and get healthier – we can help you. From a simple white filling or tooth whitening to more complicated procedures such as re-contouring and bonding, veneers, crowns,

TREATMENTS THAT COULD MAKE UP YOUR SMILE DESIGN INCLUDE: •Straightening misaligned teeth, with the use of discreet cosmetic straightening treatments such as Invisalign, which can work in as little as six months • Whitening teeth with hygiene appointments or professional teeth whitening • Repairing chipped, cracked or broken teeth with cosmetic bonding, veneers or crowns

bridges, orthodontic braces, invisible braces, dental implants, full mouth rehabilitation and smile design, fillers and wrinkle reduction treatment and many many more; all are available for you by our expert and specialist doctors and dentists.

• Replacing missing or unhealthy teeth with dental implants, a bridge or dentures

SMILE DESIGN Many people dream of having a flawless smile, but believe it’s only achievable for the rich and famous. That’s not the case. We want to make everyone feel like a million dollars - so we’ve developed a treatment option that allows you to create a smile that’s perfect for you. We call this Smile Design.

• Closing gaps with veneers, orthodontics or cosmetic bonding

WHAT IS SMILE DESIGN? As the name suggests, Smile Design allows us to work with you to design your ideal smile. By looking at every aspect of your mouth, we can combine individual treatments into a bespoke menu. This could include straightening misaligned teeth, closing gaps, changing the length or shape of teeth, reducing a gummy smile, and whitening your teeth.

• Correcting the appearance of existing silver fillings, by replacing them with white ones

• Altering the gum line for a less gummy smile, with gum contouring • Rejuvenating your appearance and reducing fine lines with facial aesthetics treatments Our dentists are here to walk you through your options, and help you to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

P U T N EY D E N T I ST S THE TRANSFORMATION

Dr Sam Afshar & Associates The centre for oral rehabilitation and aesthetic dentistry, 2a Dealtry Road, Putney, SW15 6NL, 02087856772 putneydentists.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WINE DINNERS At Hotel du Vin Wimbledon

Â£6 5 PER PERSON Arrival drinks and canapes at 7pm, followed by three course menu paired with 5 wines, coffee and petit fours.

QUOTE "ABSOLUTELY" UPON BOOKING

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FOOD & DRINK

SEAFOOD MERCHANTS

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS The new restaurant has an open kitchen and charcoal oven, stunning views across the river, and tasty roasted mussels, shellfish platters, and grilled Galician octopus. 26 Circus West Village, SW8 thewrightbrothers.co.uk

Wines of the month 68 • The best juice bars 69 • Eating out with children 76 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 January By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

The King’s Ginger  £22.50 A great winter warmer – serve over ice, or mix with tonic. The Kings Ginger was speciﬁcally formulated by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII. Rich and zesty, it was created to stimulate and revivify His Majesty. It has been appreciated by bon viveurs ever since.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary White by Dourthe  £9.25 A classic Bordeaux white, this 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc is made just for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Intensely aromatic on the nose, with ripe gooseberry and greengage fruit, the wine has wonderful lift and zest.

2015 Toreye Spätburgunder, Eymann, Pfalz  £19.50 Though rarely acknowledged, Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder) in the world. This is a wonderful example of an accessible, refreshing Pinot that offers an alternative to Burgundy.

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

EARLY BIRD M I N N OW

Clapham's Minnow has launched its ﬁrst breakfast menu. The team will be busy baking in the kitchen to bring a menu of breakfast staples including bircher muesli, homemade yoghurt, granola, and poached eggs. No wake up is complete without coffee, and Minnow’s in-house barista creates their house roast using beans from Central America. 21 The Pavement, SW4 minnowclapham.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES Our pick of the best

JUICE BA R S PORTOBELLO JUICE

Meat Feast

A lovely independent cafe, displaying the work of local artists, Portobello Juice has the same name as the road it sits on and the market it sources fruit and vegetable from. The cafe opens for breakfast, serving poached avocados on toast and makes juices, all the way 'til quarter to midnight. 297 Portobello Road portobellojuice.com

BABABOOM

In January, BabaBoom is celebrating serving their 50,000th gourmet kebab. Cooked on a charcoal grill, they combine punchy Middle Eastern ﬂavours with fresh British ingredients. A favourite is the 24-hour marinated lamb and a saffron and orange-infused chicken shish. 30 Battersea Rise, SW11 bababoom.london

JUICE BABY

T H E I V Y CA F E W I M B L E D O N

In the heart of Wimbledon Village, The Ivy Café is a relaxed restaurant for all day dining. Pop in and try their ﬂourless cappuccino cake – warm chocolate cake, milk mousse and coffee sauce and enjoy relaxing in their new winter garden terrace. 75 High Street, SW19 theivycafewimbledon.com

SORELLA

In late January, The Manor in Clapham, will reopen its doors to become Sorella. Chef Robin Gill spent a large amount of time working in Campania, southern Italy, which had a great inﬂuence on his cooking. They now plan to diversify and bring something new to the neighbourhood. 148 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 themanorclapham.co.uk

CPRESS

Flavour varieties at CPress are so abundant they will make any health enthusiast feel like a kid in a candy shop. Choose the ruby red ‘Prime Number’ for a burst of anti-oxidants, or opt for the snow-white almond milk for your daily dose of protein and vitamin E. Fulham, Chelsea cpressjuice.com

WINTER GARDEN

ITALIAN INFLUENCE

Juice Baby has it all: shots, smoothies, milks, and juices. The nut milks are naturally packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin E +, while the powerful 30ml shots of wheatgrass, aloe vera, and ginger are brimming with health-boosting vitamins. 398 Kings Road, SW3 juicebaby.co.uk

JOE & THE JUICE

With locations all over the world, Joe & The Juice is a universal congregation site for freelancers and their laptops. As the brainchild of super cool Danish entrepreneur Kaspar Basse, it's no suprise Joe & The Juice finds itself the hipster juice bar of choice. Locations all over London joejuice.com

TASTE OF TOKYO UPSTAIRS AT TRINIT Y

In February Upstairs at Trinity will be hosting a series of guest chef evenings with Japanese chef Yoshiko Wada. Yoshiko grew up in Tokyo, and has an unmatched knowledge of Japanese cuisine. She was one of the ﬁrst guest chefs to cook Upstairs at Trinity, and received astronomically positive feedback. 4 The Polygon, SW4

trinity-upstairs.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Vanilla Cheesecake

Wheat Free • Gluten Free Dairy Free • Vegetarian Serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS Cheesecake Base 45g whole almonds, unskinned 15g coconut oil 10g cashew nut butter 10g maple syrup 55g oats (gluten-free if needed) 30g coconut sugar or dark muscovado (soft brown) sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon pinch of sea salt 5g (¹⁄8oz/1 tsp) desiccated (dry unsweetened) coconut

Fo r t h e f i l l i n g 120g cashew nuts pinch of sea salt 80g coconut oil, melted 100g maple syrup 2 tsp cider vinegar 200g coconut cream 1 vanilla pod (bean), halved lengthways and seeds scraped out or 1 tbsp vanilla paste

Piece of Cake

Chef Marianne Stewart shows us how baking with all natural ingredients can be delicious and easy

magine enjoying a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart that contains rich dark chocolate full of antioxidants. Antioxidants that will give you a mood boost. Imagine enjoying a chocolate brownie that doesn’t give you that sluggish feeling. Nourish Cakes is a book full of scrumptious cake recipes. Each of them is full of diverse and good for you ingredients.

Recipes include fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts and seeds to show how delicious baking can also be nourishing. The best way to optimise health and well-being is to eat a variety of natural unprocessed foods. Adding foods rich in fibre and protein slows the absorption of sugar. This in turn reduces spikes in blood sugar level. The author Marianne Stewart is a trained pastry chef who has worked in a number of respected kitchens. She previously worked in Baker & Spice, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, and Peggy Porschen’s Cakes. The first rule of baking for Marianne is that treats must always taste good. However, she no longer believes that for food to taste good it must be filled with ‘bad-for-you’ ingredients. The book is a true celebration of good quality ingredients and the discovery of new and exciting ways to use them. The focus is on all those amazing things you can eat that make you feel alive. It’s about baking your cake and eating it too.

Fo r t h e to p p i n g 200g coconut cream, at room temperature if possible 1 tsp maple syrup ½ tsp cider vinegar 1 tsp melted coconut oil edible ﬂowers, to decorate

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F. To make the base toast the almonds on a baking sheet for 5–6 minutes until just browned. Cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/fan 160°C/350°F. Melt the coconut oil, then add the cashew nut butter and maple syrup and whisk together to blend well. Finely grind the almonds with the oats in a blender, then add the coconut sugar, cinnamon and salt, and blend again. Add the wet mixture and blend again until the mix comes together. Mix in the desiccated (dry unsweetened) coconut by hand. Divide the mixture equally between your chosen silicone moulds or into a lined tin and press down. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until browned around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES 25g buckwheat ﬂour 75g rice ﬂour 50g ground almonds 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Fo r t h e s t i c k y to f f e e s a u c e 65g date syrup 100g coconut or dark muscovado sugar 120g coconut cream 30g coconut oil 45g maple syrup large pinch of sea salt 1 empty vanilla pod (if used in pudding), or 2 tsp vanilla paste

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F. Roast the sweet potato for 45 minutes, or until soft in the centre. Cool, then scoop out and weigh 80g of the flesh. Purée until smooth in a blender. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 5–6 minutes then roughly chop. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/ fan 160°F/350°F and grease 6 individual pudding moulds with coconut oil. Pour the tea over the dates in a bowl, cover and leave to soak for 20 minutes. Place the flaxseed in another bowl and add 3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well and leave for 10 minutes to thicken. Lightly mash the soaked dates, so they are half puréed. Add the sweet potato purée, vanilla, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vinegar, date syrup, flaxseed and salt and mix well.

For the filling, soak the cashews in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and blend in a blender or food processor with the salt until as fine as possible. Add the coconut oil and blend again until completely smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until well mixed and smooth. Fill the tin and chill until just firm. This takes 2 hours in the freezer or overnight in the fridge. For the topping, blend all the ingredients together with a balloon whisk. Gently pour onto the cheesecake and tap to remove any air bubbles. Return to the fridge or freezer to set for a few hours. For best results, chill overnight until firm and creamy. To de-mould, warm the sides of the tin with a hot damp tea towel or with a blow torch if you have one available. Then unclip the sides and slide the cheesecake off the base. The cheesecake will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and becomes firmer with time. Decorate with edible flowers to serve.

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Dairy Free • Gluten Free Wheat Free • Vegetarian Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 small sweet potato 40g pecans 145g strong Earl Grey tea 145g soft pitted dates chopped 1 tbsp ground ﬂaxseed 1 tbsp vanilla paste or 1 vanilla pod (bean), split in half and seeds scraped out 150g coconut sugar or soft brown sugar 40g coconut oil, melted 2 tsp cider vinegar 30g date syrup or black treacle pinch of sea salt 50g teff ﬂour

In a separate bowl, sift together the ﬂours, ground almonds and bicarbonate of soda, then mix in to the wet ingredients with the pecans. Divide the batter between the moulds and leave for 10 minutes. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when pressed. If the tops of the sponges get a little dark, cover with foil or reduce the oven temperature by 10°C/20°F. Let the puddings cool until just warm, then de-mould onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Wrap in foil and store in the fridge until ready to heat. For the sauce, gently simmer all the ingredients together in a pan for 10 minutes to thicken. If using vanilla paste, add this at the end of simmering. Chill until needed (it will keep for up to a week) and reheat gently before using. When ready to assemble, preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/350°F and place a tray of hot water at the bottom. Heat the puddings for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Pour the hot sauce over and serve with custard or ice cream.

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CONNAUGHT KITCHENS LONDON

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES the dry ingredients into a medium mixing bowl, add the chilled wet ingredients and blend together using a spatula or your fingertips. Knead gently to form a smooth, soft dough. Flatten, wrap in clingfilm and rest in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 3 days. Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces and roll each one out between 2 sheets of baking parchment until 3mm thick. Use it to line 5 individual tart tins, about 10cm across. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F and put a baking sheet into the oven to heat. Line the bases of the tart tins with baking parchment, then fill with rice or lentils. Gather the edges of the parchment together loosely in the centre and bake on the tray for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the pastry are just beginning to brown. Remove the rice and bake the cases for a further 3–4 minutes, or until the bases look dry. Cool in the tins on a wire rack until cold. For the pastry cream. Place the almond milk and 50g of the coconut cream in a small pan with the lemon zest and vanilla pod (bean). Heat to almost boiling, then turn off the heat, cover and infuse for 30 minutes. Mix together the cornflour (cornstarch), sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl. Remove the vanilla pod and lemon zest from the cooled, infused liquid mix and use 1 tablespoon of this to blend with the cornflour and sugar. Stir until smooth. Return the milk mixture to the pan and heat over a medium high heat until it just comes to the boil. Gradually pour half of the hot liquid over the sugar corn flour mix, stirring with a whisk, then pour this into the pan and cook over a medium high heat, stirring constantly.

Fig & Honey Tart Wheat Free • Gluten Free Dairy Free • Vegetarian Makes 5 small tarts

15 small ﬁgs 50g runny honey seeds of 1 vanilla pod (bean) or 1 tbsp vanilla paste

METHOD For the pastry, whisk together the gram flour, flaxseed, coconut cream, oil, cider vinegar and orange zest in a bowl until well blended. Chill for about 30 minutes, until cool and firm. Sift together the buckwheat flour, rice flour, ground almonds, rapadura, salt and xanthan gum, or pulse briefly in a food processor. Pour

R E C I P E S TA K E N F R O M

2 tsp gram (chickpea) flour 2 tsp ground flaxseed 70g coconut cream 45g coconut oil 1 tsp cider vinegar finely grated zest of 1 orange 100g buckwheat flour 40g rice flour 60g ground almonds 60g rapadura or light muscovado (soft brown) sugar large pinch of sea salt ¼ tsp xanthan gum

To d e c o r a te

NOURISH CAKES

Fo r t h e p a s t r y

200g unsweetened almond milk 200g coconut cream, chilled 2 strips of zest from 1 unwaxed lemon 1 vanilla pod (bean), split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out 30g cornﬂour (cornstarch) 60g golden caster (granulated) sugar or demerara (raw brown) sugar 30g cashew nut butter

by Marianne Stewart (Quadrille, £15) Photography © Catherine Frawley

INGREDIENTS

It should be gently bubbling. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until thick. Mix in the cashew nut butter, then scrape into a bowl. Cover the surface directly with cling ﬁlm and cool to room temperature. Chill until completely cold.

Fo r t h e v e g a n p a s t r y c r e a m

Whip the remaining coconut cream for 2 minutes with a whisk until it has loosened and forms soft peaks. Use the whisk to beat the cold nut butter and milk mixture for 1 minute until smooth. Add the coconut cream to this and beat until it is evenly incorporated, smooth, light and creamy. Use to fill the tart cases, or chill for up to 3 days before use. To assemble, preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the figs in half and place, cut side up, on the tray. Mix together the honey and vanilla seeds, then drizzle this on top of the figs. Roast for 10 minutes, or until just starting to colour at the edges. Cool until just warm. Fill the tart cases with the cold pastry cream, then top with the warm figs.

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The salmon is set off perfectly by the earthiness of the beetroot”

LIGHT ON THE COMMON A neighbourhood restaurant serving generous portions

B y GEORGIA MCVEIGH

he friendly pubs and country feel of Wimbledon Village don’t automatically inspire thoughts of culinary excellence. Far removed from the bustle and hype of central London, its quaint atmosphere is more one of cosiness than class. But nestled in the centre is Light on the Common - a restaurant that’s naturally adapted to its setting while providing a

consistently high standard of food. After undergoing a refurbishment in 2014, Light on the Common reopened its doors to show off the simple, clean and intimate dining area that’s chic but maintains its character – there’s even a fire burning away in the corner. The main space is scattered with tables, which, as the restaurant begins to fill, are in high demand. The menu doesn’t follow a specific theme, and there’s a wide range of cuisines from traditional British to Asian influences. The star of the

FOOD A range of from traditional British to Asian inﬂuences

DECOR Cosy and chic country pub with a ﬁre burning

PRICE Starters from £6.25, mains from £14.75, dessert from £5.50

VERDICT For a relaxed and cosy dinner choose Light on the Common

show to start was the beetroot cured salmon, served with a mustard dill sauce and rye bread. Its vibrant purple appearance is something to behold in itself, and the sweetness of the salmon is set off perfectly by the earthiness of the beetroot. We also chose a generous slab of peppercorn encrusted chicken liver pate that came with a hot stack of toast on the side - needless to say our plates were emptied very quickly. To follow, we went for a classic steak, served with thick cut chips and a side salad, beautifully cooked to emphasise the simplicity of the dish, and an enormous fillet of sesame crusted salmon served over broccoli with a soy and ginger broth. The large portion sizes meant that pudding seemed somewhat extravagant, but we couldn’t say no to an apple and pear crumble to share, served with pouring cream on the side. The ratio of crumble to fruit was spot on, and the cinnamon undertones made for a festive explosion. Overall, the experience was one to repeat. For generous portions and a range of delicious cuisine choices, enjoyed in an intimate and cosy setting, Light on the Common should be high on your list. ● LIGHT ON THE COMMON 48 High Street, SW19 lightwimbledon.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H A P PY

eaters Most children are fussy diners, to varying degrees. But how can we expand their foodie repertoire? By PENDLE HARTE

hildren are on the whole terrible dining companions. Watching someone pick every last green thing off their plate and deposit it on the table, or on your plate, or on the floor, is not fun, and neither is dealing with moaning when any of their disliked ingredients appears. Fussy eaters might exclusively eat white food, or only foods that aren’t touching other foods, or insist on ketchup with everything, or chips. There’s no logic to any of it – they might have an irrational hatred of tomatoes, but not tomato sauce; they might love pastry but refuse to try quiche, they’ll eat cheese, but not if/only if it’s melted, they love mangoes but won’t go near melon. And then there are the inexplicable things that they do like. Olives, for instance, are very popular among children, as are cornichons – and they’ll usually eat mussels. Nothing is predictable – some of them love strong mustard and hate ketchup, and these firm beliefs can change daily. Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage. Homework, baths, gloves. And of course food. So if our power as parents is limited, how do restaurants fare as motivational environments? If we took our children to restaurants more often, would they widen their food repertoires? We picked three informal places to try with an aim of getting our girls aged 8 and 11 to try something new, and ideally to come away liking it. The rules? No kids menus.

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FOOD & DRINK • CHILDREN WAHACA

WA H AC A

Wahaca is buzzy, colourful and fun and its Mexican street food focus is well suited to children in many ways. Small sharing plates mean lots of things to try. The main hazard however is chilli, which is universally unpopular among children but in most things here. If something’s deemed too spicy, they won’t eat it, and entire dishes can be dismissed this way, leading to the worst possible outcome: rejected food, hungry children, money wasted – the main reason (apart from behaviour) that parents avoid restaurants. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas are all kid-pleasers; the 11-year old loves her chicken burrito (it comes with tortilla chips) but slightly complains that it’s spicy. Still, we try a selection of things between us, including crab tostadas, black bean quesadilla and pork tacos, which all go down well, as does guacamole, which is proof for us that children will eat things in restaurants that they refuse at home. We loosen the ban on kids menus when we spot the build-your-own-taco offering, which even with avocado creates so much delight in the eight year-old (and is a welcome relief from fish goujons and chips) that our mission is clearly a success. And to finish, churros is a winner for all ages.

“Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage. Homework, baths, gloves... and food”

THE REAL GREEK

Sharing plates have become a bit ubiquitous now, but Greek restaurants practically own the concept. Mezze is basically the way we all eat now anyway. At The Real Greek, they solve the problem of tables never being big enough for ‘three or four small plates each’ brilliantly by using the stacking silver serve equipment usually associated with afternoon tea, and this the kind of thing children like too. We order one of the set menus, Tonia’s Filoxenia, which is a feast. First there’s Greek flatbread and hummous, which admittedly sounds like what the children have in their packed lunches, but this is better and even they agree. Then comes the tiered display: delicious green pea fava topped with red onions and tomatoes gains adult approval but inevitably the children pick off the onions and tomatoes. Halloumi skewers with minted yoghurt, chicken wings marinaded in smoked chilli and falafel balls with tahini dip and a steaming bowl of saffron rice are all quite popular. We share a decadent (and not so Greek) salted caramel cheesecake and leave sated.

THE REAL GREEK

PING PONG

Dim Sum should be a no brainer for kids. Small parcels of deliciousness. But our girls are suspicious of dumplings. Ping Pong’s menu is vast and we order a huge spread, including pink ‘unicorn noodles’ which don’t seem to be part of a children’s menu but easily could be. Most popular are the pork ribs, probably because they’re intensely sweet, and the pork puffs – but surprisingly nobody likes the pork buns, even though they are exactly the kind of bready thing you’d expect children to adore. Steamed pork and chive dumplings are a great success, as are the beef gyoza. The dumpling prejudice has definitely been challenged.

VERDICT It seems that fussy eaters are only fussy when their parents are cooking. Who knew? A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS Interiors Notes 80 • At home with Rockett St George

IN BRIEF ANNA BURLES

This beautiful master bedroom in a Grade II listed townhouse was designed by Anna Burles to maximise the light, create storage and stay within the bouds of listed consents. The results are beautiful. annaburles.com

82 • London's

best extensions 90 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

Paper Craft STUDIO SNOWPUPPE

These Dutch origami experts produce a huge range of beautiful light shades in folded paper. High quality fabric cables and ﬁttings come in contrasting colours for a stylish contemporary look. studiosnowpuppe.nl

WASTE NOT BRABANTIA

This new stylish bin looks too pretty and streamlined to be a depository for rubbish. As the Rolls Royce of bins, it comes with a ﬂexible arrangement of one, two or three compartments for recylcling and in a range of colours to suit your kitchen. £199. brabantia.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES F AV UR

ITE

E C FA O

KINSKA Various ceramics, from £38 kinska.com

PATTERN CUT KIT KEMP FOR WILTON

FERM LIVING Mrs Napkin, £4.50 cloudberryliving.co.uk

SHAPE SHIFTER KOTI & CO

xPolygon shaped placemats are ideal to set your table in a beautiful yet functional way. Silicone is naturally heat resistant that is also easy to wipe clean and store. We love the stylish range at this beautifully created site.

Wilton Carpets' new Kit Kemp collection features patterns and colourways that transport you straight into a Firmdale lobby Pictured is the Leaf Cut, straight from the Soho Hotel. The range is made in Wiltshire. wiltoncarpets.com

HOUSE OF RYM Seriously cereally bowl, £19 houseofrym.com

kotiandco.co.uk RUME Face It Throw, £180 rume.co.uk

PINK LADY ZANDRA RHODES

JONATHAN ADLER Utopia mugs, £32 uk.jonathandler.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ROSENDAHL Bjorn Wiinblad flower vase, £39.95 black-by-design.co.uk

The Zandra Rhodes/Floor Story rug collection features three pieces that reproduce work from Zandra’s fledging career in the 1960s. Wiggle, Mexican Star and Star Wars have been recreated to bring a piece of art to the floor. floorstory.co.uk

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

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A LITTLE BIT ROCK For Jane Rockett of Rockett St George, home is a Victorian townhouse that showcases her own distinctive style. Absolutely takes a tour B y LUCY ST GEORGE P h o t o g r a p h y DEBI TREOLAR

~ “Evident

throughout is Jane’s rejection of playing it safe and adhering to one particular style”

nyone who’s familiar with the Rockett St George brand will immediately recognize Jane Rockett’s own home in Sussex. A frequent feature on the company’s Instagram page, Jane’s home is a style inspiration to many. But what is perhaps most striking about her space is that first and foremost it is a family home. Yes, it’s full of the eclectic, maverick Rockett St George magic, just as you would expect, but at its heart is a cosy, lived-in family vibe. Jane’s kitchen is an eclectic mix of different styles. The clean white walls and ceramic pendant lights create an airy, modern look while the brick wall and resin flooring have a hard-working, industrial vibe that is echoed in the metal cabinets. Dotted here and there are decorative pieces: old chopping boards, fish-shaped water jugs and a vintage clock, all of which strike a playful note. Jane bought her home at the very beginning of her Rockett St George journey and this is evident from the minute you walk through the front door. The Victorian townhouse is brimming with vintage and current Rockett St George pieces alongside

treasures brought back from Jane’s travels and special mementoes collected over the years and displayed in cabinets and on coffee tables and mantelpieces. In fact, you only really need to see the downstairs of Jane’s home for an insight into Rockett St George’s development over the past ten years. Split over three storeys, the ground floor of Jane’s home encompasses a kitchen, dining area, home office and living room. Upstairs are her two older children’s bedrooms, a spare room and a bathroom, while the top floor is home to her youngest’s room, a bathroom and the master bedroom, which was opened up to the eaves by Jane and her partner Toby when they moved in. What is evident throughout is Jane’s rejection of playing it safe and adhering to one particular style. Her kitchen combines industrial brick walls with sleek white counters and mid-century lighting. In theory, such a mix should not work, yet in Jane’s house it hangs together perfectly, balancing practical functionality with her own distinctive style. Jane has been careful to preserve the original features of the house, retaining the original sash windows and wooden floors. But what makes the house unique is the extended dining room with its floor-to-ceiling windowsoverlooking the garden. The space created by the

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INTERIORS â&#x20AC;¢ SPOTLIGHT

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

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT Jane’s kitchen is an eclectic mix of different styles. The clean white walls and ceramic pendant lights create an airy, modern look while the brick wall and resin flooring have a hard-working, industrial vibe that is echoed in the metal cabinets. Jane’s workspace is positioned to take advantage of the natural light from the dining space.

Rather than using a television as the focal point in her sitting room, Jane decided to create a style spot filled with the many treasures and memories she has collected over the years. Her cabinet of curiosities enjoys centre stage and is filled with photos, children’s drawings and beautiful pieces.

E X T R AC T TA K E N F R O M

EXTRAORDINARY INTERIORS

by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George published by Ryland Peters & Small

extension/addition offers respite from the outside world. It is a space where Jane and her family can relax and recharge: something that every family home should have. The dining area is the perfect hangout for Jane and her family. She covered a vintage armchair with cowhide and teamed it with curvaceous rattan lounge chairs. The sloping glass skylights allows light to pour in and the geometric wallpaper on the ceiling contrasts beautifully with the velvety grey-green walls. Rather than using a television as the focal point in her sitting room, Jane decided to create a style spot filled with the many treasures and memories she has collected over the years. Her cabinet of curiosities enjoys centre stage and is filled with photos, children’s drawings and beautiful pieces that have great sentimental value. The convex mirror hanging above the fireplace reflects light into the room. Stripped wooden floors, bay windows and shutters add character to Jane’s sitting room and these architectural features are enhanced by the dark charcoal walls. The leather sofas are dressed with sheepskins and cushions that make the room feel snug and welcoming and the glorious grey linen armchair

is a statement piece. The accent lighting is kept deliberately dim to enhance the room’s sense of warmth and to create a cosy space for the family to relax in. Jane’s workspace is positioned to take advantage of the natural light from the dining space. The wall behind is hung with family photographs and favourite artworks — when Jane is lost for inspiration she look ups from her computer screen and allows the images to spark her creativity. The vintage desk is one of her savviest finds as she found it outside her local Citizens Advice Bureau when they were throwing it out. Like everything in Jane’s house, it really works. Lola, Jane’s teenage daughter, has created a stunning style spot above the Victorian fireplace in her room. The four ornate Rockett St George Melo mirrors are hung in an intriguingly asymmetrical arrangement and are dressed up by a hanging dreamcatcher and wooden hand that she pops her jewellery on. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • FIRE PLACES

Eternal Flame

Nothing beats an open ﬁre for warmth and atmosphere. Absolutely meets Grate Expectations By EVE HERBERT

rate Expectations fireplace specialists have been established for over 25 years and remain a family business. Come and visit our newly refurbished showrooms in Wimbledon, where you can view a range of working models from the best fire and stove manufacturers around. Whether you are interested in a high efficiency gas fire by DRU or a wood burner to give your home a cosy rustic charm our team are on hand to offer expert, friendly advice. Dru Gas Fires are the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of glass fronted high efficiency fires. Designed to add that touch of class and sophistication to your living space. With many options in conventional and balanced flue (no chimney…no problem!) — and even the ability to create your own flame design on your iPad or phone! When looking for a truly elegant focal point to your room that is stylish minimal and in keeping with characteristics, DRU offer many design choices and integration options. Whether a gas stove or a

see-through built-in glass fireplace in an interior wall, the heat output generated by DRU Fires add a warmth and ambiance to your home. Our showroom has many live working DRU Fires on display, so drop in for an expert consultation and demonstration with our team. Wood Burning Stoves Summer has come and gone, and with Christmas just around the corner, what better way to warm up your home than with a wood-burning stove. With twice the efficiency of the traditional open fire, wood burning stoves are a cleaner and more economical option. Our range of manufacturers consist of DG Fires, Jotul, Stovax and many more. Majority of the wood burners we supply and install are Defra approved suitable for London smoke control areas.

G R AT E E X P E C TAT I O N S For expert advice on purchasing a fireplace or stove and installation services please contact Grate Expectations Fireplace Specialists: 1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road Wimbledon Chase, London, SW20 8JT, 020 8540 8387, sales@grateexpectations.com grateexpectations.com

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

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PMLandscapes Garden design & construction

• Garden Refurbishment and Development • Excellent Customer References and Testimonials • Free Consultation and Quoting • With Over 20 years experience Contact Patrick Martin 020 8835 8441 or 07961 311 015 email info@pmlandscapes.co.uk www.pmlandscapes.co.uk

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INTERIORS • GARDENING

Rustic Slate

PROJECT Maximise your garden’s potential with a contemporary yet rustic slate patio Wo r d s PAT R I C K M A R T I N Gardens PM LANDSCAPES

his project in Raynes Park presented an interesting set of challenges. One half of the garden was at the same level as the kitchen door - this was because it had once been the concrete base to a garage that had long since been demolished. The other half was about a 600mm drop down to the lawn level. This split level arrangement made the first half of the garden difficult to use with limited space to enjoy the patio area of the garden. In consultation with our clients, we decided to unify the level by building a low retaining wall and back-filling with aggregates to create one full level concrete platform across the back of the house. The change of

“The copper tones in the slate promote a more rustic style” level was now pushed further out into the garden which allowed for the design and construction of central steps with lighting set between two rendered raised beds leading down to the lower lawn level. The remaining flank wall of the garage was rendered and painted compete with rendered shelves to display resin window boxes in charcoal grey matching some large resin cube planters placed on the new patio.

Much thought and consideration was given to what type of natural stone to use for project. Our clients specified that they wanted a contemporary style with a hint of traditional to match the age and style of the house. Rustic slate was the ideal solution - the slate works in a contemporary setting while, at the same time, the copper colour tones in the slate promote a more rustic style. Rustic slate was also used as stepping stones in the new lawn leading to the garden office at the end of the garden. PM LANDSCAPES offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects. pmlandscapes.co.uk

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Sun Rain Room

Tonkin Liu This two-storey extension and restoration of a Grade-II Listed Georgian townhouse reframes the rear of the building by amplifying the characteristics found within its fabric.

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

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INTERIORS • EXTENSIONS

“Timber, in various forms, seems to be making a comeback as a wall ﬁnish”

Corduroy House Manalo and White Dark Welsh slate is used in an economic and direct way to provide a rugged, natural backdrop to the garden foliage and a foil to the calm, light interior.

BUILD IT New London Architecture’s annual focus on London’s best extensions returns with an exciting and diverse lineup B y P E A R L B OY D

I Reading Room

Studio Carver This small extension is designed around a large picture window projecting out into the garden with bespoke joinery and desks carefully integrated into the building.

f 2018 is set to be the year that you build an extension onto your home, there is inspiration and advice to be found at New London Architecture’s (NLA) ninth annual display of London’s cleverest and most beautiful designs. Don’t Move, Improve! is a wide-ranging focus, promoting the work of emerging practices and encouraging the best design in everyday life. The competition highlights the importance of high-quality design and multifunctional spaces in Londoners homes, where space often has to work twice as hard to deliver everyday needs in a condensed footprint. Peter Murray, Chairman of NLA, said: “Entries ranged from designs that enhance the interior spaces with better layouts and daylighting to intricate additions that responded to the interests and lifestyle of the occupiers. The huge variety of approaches makes it difficult to point to particular trends, although timber, in various forms, seems to be making a comeback as a wall finish.” Over 200 family home extensions, studios and garden rooms were submitted

to the competition. The 30 best projects were chosen by an eminent jury including Carl Turner of Carl Turner Architects, Cany Ash of Ash Sakula, Zohra Chiheb of Levitt Bernstein, Amy Frearson of Dezeen, Philippa Stockley of the Evening Standard and Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture. Amy Frearson of Dezeen called Don’t Move, Improve! one of her favourite design competitions, “as it focuses on an area of architecture that so many people, particularly in London, have either experienced themselves or have aspirations towards, and provides a real source of inspiration." Winners will be announced at NLA on Thursday 25 January 2018 to an audience of 400, launching a major three-month exhibition and the 2018 Don’t Move, Improve! magazine. The first of four public Design Surgeries will be held in February, for homeowners in London looking to extend and improve their homes featuring free consultations with architect practices. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • EXTENSIONS

Manor Road, N16

Paul Archer Design A Mies van der Rohe inspired glazed kitchen extension with a cantilever roof stretches outdoors on a raised plinth, creating a garden link between the basement conversion and the ground ﬂoor living spaces.

Threefold Architects The brief for the project was to create a dynamic new gallery that was connected to the curators house and garden which are themselves an extension of the gallery space.

Valetta House

Office S&M This Victorian house was extended to create a generous living space on the ground ﬂoor and a new bedroom in the loft. A palette of colours and materials were used.

Arbour House

Pop Up Ute

Nimtim Architects The timber structure deﬁnes a series of openings along the roof and onto the rear garden. This timber grid extends both into the garden and into the house blurring the boundary between inside and out.

Friend and Company Friend and Company are adept at ﬁnding imaginative solutions to complex architectural problems, and have a particular interest in exploiting the structural possibilities of materials.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

F O CU S

Let it grow B U N N Y & C LY D E

This Harrison toddler bed with its midcentury feel converts effortlessly into a stylish daybed that's just as much at home in an adult space as in a kids' room. bunnyandclyde.ie

LEATHER CRAFT Witloft

SMALL TALK Flexible furniture, leather aprons, a shiny jacket and some new books

EDITOR’S PICK

GOLDEN DOWN FINGER IN THE NOSE

If your tot is one of those that refuses to wear coats, dazzle them with this beautifully shiny quilted down jacket from stylish French label Finger in the Nose. Now see who's refusing.£151;

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TOMB TALK E GY P TO M A N I A

This big, bold lift-the-flap book takes you straight into the heart of ancient Egypt. Learn what people wore, what’s inside a pyramid, how a mummy is made and much, much more. £18.99. laurenceking.com

aunched in Amsterdam in 2004, Witloft has become known for its leather aprons that have been worn and loved by the world’s most credible chefs. Jamie Oliver, The Hairy Bikers, Gennaro Contaldo and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown have all been spotted in the stylish leather aprons, as have countless baristas, barbers and grill masters. And now they've launched a beautiful children’s collection mirroring the main collection. The colourful collection is available in ﬁve styles as well as a limited edition golden colour. These handmade leather aprons are perfect for showing off in the kitchen while preparing family Christmas treats together. The one-off golden apron makes the perfect gift for any chef of the house, or budding baker – and they're all equally good for outdoor pursuits too. wit-loft.com

SHELF LIFE SY LV I A B I S H O P

This story is about a little girl named Property Jones, socalled because she was left in the lost property cupboard of a bookshop when she was five years old. Her secret is that she can’t actually read... scholastic.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

Reading riches

How Liberty Venn’s London Children’s Book Project is redistributing books to families without them

he act of reading changes us. When a child reads for pleasure it alters the way they view themselves and how they view the world,” says Liberty Venn. Anyone who reads books knows how transformative it is for children to grow up surrounded by stories. Yet according to the National Literacy Trust, one in four children across London has fewer than 10 books of their own. Children growing up in ‘book poor’ households are known to be disadvantaged when it comes to language development, emotional and social development and learning outcomes. Venn is a researcher from west London who specialises in literacyrelated work. Last summer she launched the London Children’s Book Project following a successful two-year-pilot project at a primary

school in North Kensington. The not-for-profit organisation aims to redistribute 30,000 new and ‘gently-used’ children’s books this academic year. There are many such gifting programmes in the US, yet the UK has none, despite significant need. Working with the staff at Barlby Primary School in North Kensington (48% of pupils at Barlby are on free school meals; the national average is 24%) she set up a free library in the playground “full of books for kids to take, with no rules about them”. “No surprise, we ran out of books”, she says, so Venn wrote to 10 local private schools such as Bute House, Thomas’s, Norland Place and Notting Hill Prep (where Jane Cameron was “incredible”) to see if they could donate. Norland Place did a book drive. Parents were thrilled to clear their shelves and “by the next day, we had 1,300,” says Venn. Norland Place has now made this book drive an annual event for LCBP. In summer 2017, Notting Hill Prep gathered 2,400 books for the charity. “I have been amazed by people’s generosity,” says Venn. “What is amazing is the unquestioning support of the project. You don’t need to explain to anyone why it’s important, everyone just gets it.” What makes the charity special is the “creative distribution” of the books, says Venn; the project places an emphasis on enjoyment for those both giving and receiving books. The project has created posters, bunting and stickers

“You don’t need to explain why it's important – everyone just gets it”

B y A M A N DA C O N S TA N C E

for schools to create their own pop-up bookshops. “This puts real value on the selection process,” says Venn. Teachers have already reported on “the amazing language development in their pupils when they discuss the process afterwards”, says Venn. So what’s the end goal? “I think it’s reasonable to distribute 50,000 books a year,” says Venn. She’s done her homework: there are 305 primary schools in London where the pupil body is above national average for receipt of the pupil premium – ie the school has a high number of children who are more likely to come from book-poor homes. “We have pushed 10,000 books into the community in North Kensington,” says Venn. That works out at about 10 books a child on average. As a workable model, “it’s a no-brainer”, she says. “It’s very neat. I want commitment, not money.”

Email liberty@childrensbookproject. co.uk to get involved childrensbookproject.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOLS PUPILS

No Brainer An alliance of London girls’ schools is planning to replace the 11+ with cognitive tests to make the admissions process less of a headache Wo r d s L I S A F R E E D M A N

hen my oldest child was sitting 11+, I used to wake up in the middle of the night and count school places. The activity certainly didn’t send me back to sleep. Now, however, a significant tranche of London schools is planning to make their admissions process less nightmarish and, from 2019, will be simplifying their entrance exams. The loose alliance of schools known as the North London Independent Girls’ Schools’ Consortium (12 all-girls’ schools in the capital and surrounding suburbs) have

long tried to ease the pressure on pupils by coordinating their exams and the date on which results are released. Now, they intend to radically reorganise the exams themselves, replacing the traditional written papers in Maths and English with a single aptitude test, which, they hope, will be considerably less stressful. "We’ve had discussions for the past few years to address concerns about young children’s mental health, particularly girls," says Lucy Elphinstone, headmistress of Consortium member Francis Holland School, Sloane Square. "Then, a number of prep-school heads gave a presentation to senior-school heads about the effects of 11+

testing with a plea to significantly modify or get rid of it. In its place, they advocated the use of cognitive testing." Cognitive tests – or, to use a more oldfashioned term, IQ tests– have, of course, long been a significant plank of school admissions. They were (and remain) the dominant means by which the country’s 163 grammar schools discriminate amongst their multitude of applicants. Increasingly, however, they have also been employed by the independent sector. Eton, for example, introduced a bespoke computerised aptitude test as a key part of its admissions process in 2002, and this type of assessment has now become widespread in 13+ ‘pretesting’, where applicants frequently sit online multiple-choice tests. Lucy Elphinstone believes that one of the most significant benefits of cognitive testing is that it’s less easy to tutor for, and, as a result, less likely to induce the same level of ‘I-can’t-do-it’ panic. "Girls take similar tests every year at school to track and forecast progress and don’t blink an eyelid." A further plus is that cognitive tests are seen as fairer to those for whom English is an additional language and applicants from state primary schools, who may not have received the same level of preparation. Independent schools are, of course, fortunate, that, unlike their grammar-school counterparts, they can employ cognitive tests as just one strand of a multi-faceted A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

admissions process, using school reports and interviews to give a more in-depth picture, and the Consortium are currently ensuring that both these components are more robust. Traditionally, decisions about who and how to interview have been left up to individual Consortium schools, with some interviewing all girls before the written tests, others interviewing all after, and many making an initial edit based on the outcome of the written exams. Victoria Bingham, recently appointed head of Consortium member South Hampstead High School, which receives about 10 applicants per place, is hoping to continue the practice she’s just introduced of providing one-to-one interviews for every applicant. "The difference between candidate number 20 and candidate number 100 in the written papers is usually not that great. What we’re looking for is spark and an interview can entirely reverse the order. A creative girl, full of character and intelligence, might not be particularly well suited to reasoning tests, while the child who’s good at the tests may come across as a bit of an automaton." The interview process itself is also evolving, aiming to ascertain aspects of personality and ability beyond the merely academic. Highgate School, for example, a co-educational independent school in north London, introduced group interviews several years, intended to evaluate intellectual curiosity, problem solving, listening skills and the ability to collaborate. This approach is also being favoured by the Consortium. "We’re looking at far more group-based activities likely to suss out creativity and

LUCY ELPHINSTONE, HEAD OF FRANCIS HOLLAND, SLOANE SQUARE

“Cognitive testing is less easy to tutor for, and, therefore, less likely to induce the same level of ‘I-can’t-do-it’ critical thinking, the skills we believe are required to thrive in a rapidly changing world," says Lucy Elphinstone. The Consortium’s move has aroused considerable interest elsewhere, and other schools, such as Wycombe Abbey, ‘are currently reviewing their processes’. Some, such as Cheltenham Ladies’ College, already have measures in place to smooth the 11+ transition, and here, a voluntary, ‘nonbinding’ ‘pre-assessment’ is offered to all applicants in Year 5.

"We provide a one-and-a-half-hour oneto-one assessment," says Dr Hilary Laver, Admissions Director. "It’s heavy on our time, but we feel it’s incredibly valuable." The assessment consists of a 15-20 minute chat and written samples of the type of questions in maths, verbal reasoning and creative writing girls will confront if they proceed to sit the entrance exam itself. "The longer you have with them, the more you feel you can make the right judgement. We’re looking at the pace they work and their accuracy, how they cope with the unfamiliar and how they respond to guidance." At Cheltenham, the pre-assessment also provides the opportunity to talk to parents. "It enables us to understand their ambitions. We’re honest with them and give them a sense of where their daughter will fall in the cohort." In a system in which not every child can gain a place at their preferred school, parents will, understandably, feel anxious about their children’s prospects, and Lucy Elphinstone feels this concern has been one of the chief drivers of the tutoring business. "With the new tests, familiarity will certainly give greater confidence, but tutoring will not significantly affect the outcome. We hope common sense will prevail." Leading tutorial companies, like Keystone Tutors, agree – up to a point. "The computerised cognitive tests currently used are purposefully designed with as little transparency as possible and no tutor can claim to have in-depth knowledge or experience of the tests themselves," says founder and director Will Orr-Ewing. "However, the cold hard facts are that the numeracy and literacy content of these tests is rooted in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the Maths and English syllabus will stand students in good stead." Keystone also believe a well-honed exam technique can be of benefit. "Often questions may be testing something quite simple, but be presented in a complex way." If, as the schools argue, tutoring isn’t the answer, what is? ‘We feel the changes will give parents more of a role to play,’ says Lucy Elphinstone. "The best way to develop cognitive skills is for families to sit round a dinner table at night discussing the news; for girls to be taken to exhibitions, concerts, the theatre." Ultimately, of course, a selective system will never be entirely stress free, but the Consortium schools and their counterparts elsewhere are all aiming for the same thing. As Dr Laver puts it: "What we hope is that girls will come to the exams in a relaxed state, so they have as much brain space as possible to focus on what’s being asked."

LISA FREEDMAN

is the MD of At The School Gates, attheschoolgates.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL

BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

OLD MEETS NEW TOKYO

A mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. This month we explore this exciting city during the autumn season, when the leaves turn and create a spectacular panorama of colour.

Spirited Away: Past meets present in Tokyo 106 • The thinking traveller 115 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Spirited Away Fusing past and future, Tokyo is an alluring destination for any traveller By HANNAH HOPKINS

mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. Dystopian mega-malls, neon-lit streetscapes and soaring skyscrapers make it feel like a sci-fi cityscape, but you can still see traces of the shogun's capital, from ancient shrines and temples to plant-covered wooden houses and village-like lanes. One area particularly rooted in tradition is Nihonbashi, the birthplace of Tokyo. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the capital when in 1604 a shogun named Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived and built Nihonbashi bridge, from which Mount Fuji could be seen in the distance. It was declared the centre of Japan and the starting point of five key routes across the country, and is today the capital’s financial and commercial hub. A steady flow of entrepreneurial merchants swept into the city to set up businesses, from kimono-making to seaweed shops. Fast forward more than four centuries and modern-day Nihonbashi is no less lively. Traditional shops are hidden behind contemporary buildings, dedicated to the continuation of special crafts. You could spend days discovering them, but particular highlights include Eitaro Sohonpo, a traditional sweetshop selling kintsuba (delicious flour-coated rolls of sweet bean paste), Yamamoto Noriten, selling nori seaweed and Ninben, selling dried fish flakes used in dashi stock. Ideal for souvenirs, Ibasen make handcrafted fans, while Yamada Heinado create beautiful lacquerware.

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“In the quiet alleys you’ll ﬁnd anachronistic wooden shanty bars and raucous festivals”

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

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TRAVEL â&#x20AC;¢ WANDERLUST

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE (MATURI) FESTIVAL - PHOTO PHIL COUZENS

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

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BEST OF BRITISH

The bastion of British cuisine presents a new seasonal menu reviving many Rib Room favourites and classic grills, with main dishes from just ÂŁ15. Make The Rib Room Bar your local with tasty all-day bar meals and imaginative cocktails, now open daily until late. To reserve your table, call 020 7858 7250 or visit theribroom.co.uk

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

THE ASAHI BEER HALL PHOTO HIROMI IGUCHI

SUSHI SORA

Nihonbashi is also the neighbourhood of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel. Set high above the city, its combination of crisp, contemporary style, renowned spa, innovative restaurants, superb views (you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day) and of course, impeccable service, make it the perfect base from which to discover Tokyo. Tokyo is a nirvana for foodies, and has the world’s greatest number of Michelin star restaurants in any city. Three of them are in the Mandarin Oriental. Even without a Michelin star, Sushi Sora on the hotel's 38th floor cannot be missed. With an eight-seat dining counter fashioned from 350 yearold Japanese cypress and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Tokyo Skytree

– a twisting spire that draws on ancient building techniques - the setting is sublime. As for the food, the chef’s skilled hands elegantly transform the most simple nigiri or makimono-rolled sushi into a culinary masterpiece. Drinks at the hotel’s Mandarin Bar also offer a flavour of old Tokyo – order the Nihonabshi cocktail, a heady mix of vodka, yuzu and grapefruit juice. With a theme of wood and water, the hotel’s rooms are utterly tranquil, with nature motifs and pale bamboo wood floors. We stayed in a Mandarin Grand room, with views that stretch over Shinjuku towards Mount Fuji in the distance. The spa-like bathrooms, with rainforest showers and stand-alone baths, offer space to relax while the beds are made up with Egyptian cotton linens, resulting in the best sleep we’ve ever had in a hotel. This relaxation theme is continued in the spa, where you can soak sky high in vitality pools with soothing body jets or get a restorative treatment based on the five Japanese elements - green tea, pine, bamboo, rice hulls and plum. Shopping is a highlight of any trip to Tokyo. It’s worth bringing an empty suitcase to fill with hard-to-resist gadgets, trendsetting garments and treasures from craft and design stores. Right by the hotel is the Mitsukoshi, the oldest surviving department store chain in Japan. The grand building of Renaissance architecture has an entrance guarded by a pair of lion statues and stocks everything from luxurious kimonos to weird and wacky culinary delights. In the same area, you’ll find Ozu Washi, which sells traditional Japanese washi paper - you can even have a go at making it yourself at their experience studio - and Tokyu Hands is packed with unique Japanese products that will make beauty and stationery junkies very happy.

SUSHI SORA

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Many associate Japan with its famous cherry blossom season, but its autumn foliage, when the leaves turn, is also spectacular, rivalling even New England’s celebrated range of colours. At the Meiji Jingu Gaien a golden tunnel is created by the area’s 146 ginkgo trees, which extend from Aoyama Dori to the Jingu stadium, while Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a rainbow of autumn foliage panoramas and plenty of fresh air. After snapping the stunning vistas, head to the nearby quiet alleys where you’ll find anachronistic wooden shanty bars, raucous traditional festivals and lantern-lit yakitori (grilled chicken) stands. Even though Tokyo has a population of 13 million-plus, trains run on time, there is no public litter and street crime is near non-existent. Getting around is pretty easy and it’s worth heading to the backstreets of Harajuku - known for its colorful street art, fashion scene and quirky vintage clothing

“Traditional shops including kimono makers and seaweed stores are hidden behind modern buildings” stores and Shibuya, where you can witness its vast crossing and giant video screen, projecting images of the hottest pop stars. Nearby is the Meiji Shrine - the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, and first-timers to Tokyo should also tick off the Tokyo Imperial Palace primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. To view the city from the water, follow in the footsteps of early Edo business pilgrims and take a 45-minute limousine boat tour, where you can take in the vast number of bridges, skyscrapers and water-side restaurants. To really see Tokyo you need to head up high, where you can look over the city at night. See it blinking like the control panel of a starship, stretching all the way to the horizon, and take in its intoxicating mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar.

M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L Tokyo Rates start from JPY 49,000 per room per night (approx. GBP 330). For more information or to make a booking, call +81 03 3270 8800 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

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The Subscription

FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Home, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings. Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

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01/11/2017 12:16

T THE HOTEL

ichelin-starred restaurant, awardwinning spa, 500-acre estate, tennis courts, cookery school and stables; Lucknam Park has it all. Our stay starts with an enthralling drive up the milelong, beech-lined drive, and ends in a state of utter bliss. For unspoilt, country house living at its very best, this is the place to be. What a joy for a London-weary traveller, having made her way from a packed Paddington station to land upon this handsome hotel, nestled in the depths of Chippenham countryside. Each of the 43 bedrooms is individually styled with refined English furnishings, while the reception area and hallways are finished with grandeur.

canapés, before making our way through the charming library to commence dinner in what was once the ballroom. This is a veritable feast of sophisticated culinary creations such as dressed cornish white crab and rhubarb soufflé. Take a moment to drink in the high ceiling ornamented with fresco and studded with opulent crystal chandeliers: trophies from the room’s original use. The Brasserie, with its squashy armchairs, open kitchen and wood-burning stove is a more relaxed affair. Our evening here is an enjoyable one where we tuck into Cornish tempura calamari and sticky toffee pudding. Sunday lunch is a bountiful occasion with roast chicken and quintessentially British, coma-inducing puds.

weekend

THE SPA

he spa is one of the main events at Lucknam Park. Set within the estate’s unspoilt parkland, the facilities are at one with their surroundings incorporating wood, marble and glass to reflect the outdoor hues. Whether you chose to relax in the indoor pool, the hydrotherapy pools, saltwater plunge pool, thermal cabins, sauna or steam room, a state of bliss is guaranteed. Book yourself into one of the nine luxurious treatment rooms for a full-body massage; the ultimate pamper session.

“A veritable feast of sophisticated culinary creations”

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

LUCKNAM PARK Heritage and luxury effortlessly combine to create a quintessential home from home. By HELEN BROWN

THE FOOD

hef Hywel Jones helms the eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant which transports its diners to a bygone era of elegance. The experience begins in the magnificent drawing room where we are lavished with pre-dinner cocktails and

Room only rates from £275 based on two people sharing for one night LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL, SPA AND ESTATE Chippenham, SN14; lucknampark.co.uk

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HOME

COMFORTS East meets west at the quintessentially British Dukes Dubai W o r d s T A M A R VA N D E R H O E K

ukes London has occupied two townhouses in a quiet cul-de-sac of St James since 1908. Fast forward to 2017 and The Mayfair brand has opened its first sister hotel in the Middle East. Dukes Dubai offers a slice of Britain in the heart of the UAE and stylishly combines quintessential British charm with larger than life luxury for which Dubai is known.

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Positioned on ‘The Trunk’ of the Palm Jumeirah, just a 40-minute drive from both international airports and proximity to districts like Media City and Internet City, Dukes Dubai is a gateway for those visiting Dubai for both leisure or business. The hotel reflects the sophistication, elegance and attention to detail of its Mayfair predecessor, but with 506 rooms and suites spread over two towers conjoined by a skybridge, Dukes Dubai is indeed a modern incarnation of the historic, boutique offering in London. The grand foyer is adorned with opulent features including a lavish Swarovski chandelier hanging above a centrepiece of fresh flowers, which compliments the more understated British finishes such as bookcases, chesterfield sofas and portraits of English aristocrats framing the lobby space. Tucked away on either side of the lobby is a double staircase which leads up to the Dukes Bar on the Mezzanine level. The original in London is one of the city’s most famous bars. Legend has it it's where author Ian Fleming dreamt up the James Bond character while ordering the signature ‘shaken not stirred’ martini. With such significant history to live up to, bartenders in this imported edition have been hand-picked and trained by the Dukes London legendary head bartender Alessandro Palazzi. Guests can expect to enjoy a classic cocktail in a city where bar culture is not a priority. Rooms and suites have been styled elegantly in neutral tones with plush upholstered headboards and furniture finished in dark-wood. Each room is bright

“Legend has it it’s where author Ian Fleming dreamt up the James Bond character while ordering a martini”

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

with floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a private balcony with views of the Dubai Marina and city beyond. Home-grown touches include in-room amenities from Floris London, furniture from Andrew Martin and fine bone china from William Edwards. On the fourth floor lies 20 dedicated rooms to women travelling on their own, aptly named the Duchess suites. These rooms have been outfitted in stylish Liberty prints, the first time in which the iconic brand has partnered with a hotel. The skybridge plays host to an indoor swimming pool which has views of the Arabian Gulf. For guests looking to bask in the desert sun, the hotel provides a short golf buggy shuttle service to the nearby outdoor swimming pool and private beach.

Culinary offerings include the Mumbai restaurant Khyber on the 15th floor, a West14th Steakhouse and a hotel restaurant located behind the lobby, which serves up an all you can eat buffet every morning. While this new hotel can’t compete with the history of the original in London, Dukes Dubai appeals to travellers looking for the home-away-from-home feel in a desert city, perfect for a winter sun escape.

DUKES DUBAI The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Rates from 1,190 AED (approx £242.50) per night dukesdubai.com

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Support the Head Held High appeal and provide quality education to Africa's most vulnerable children #HeadHeldHigh

Donate before 23rd December 2017 and your donation will be matched by the UK Government

Discover more at www.hope-for-children.org Reg. Charity No. 1161729

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TRAVEL • COMPANY FOCUS

Home from Home

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

he Thinking Traveller seed was sown on the crest of Stromboli, where Rossella and Huw Beaugié were holidaying in 2000. The couple's innovative start-up filled a void in the Sicilian travel market, making available to discerning travellers a collection of highly covetable rental villas. Now in its 17th year, The Thinking Traveller’s property portfolio includes villas in Sicily, Puglia, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades Islands and Corsica, and the company has garnered an impressive assortment of accolades. Here's why a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller should be your summer getaway this year.

Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty and location. Many are within walking distance to shops, restaurants and the ocean, while many have private pools. For those looking to be nestled in the heart of the countryside, the hilltop villas offer unbeatable views.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

You won’t miss the convenience of a hotel with a serviced villa from The Thinking Traveller. Cooks, maids and gardeners are all on hand so you need not lift a finger. Service levels from start to finish exceed expectations, guaranteeing utter comfort and total bliss.

“Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty”

Discover the beneﬁts of a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller

PRIVACY

Whether serviced or not, every villa offers complete privacy. Make a splash in the pool, cook up a storm in the kitchen and roam the gardens freely; all are yours to discover and enjoy during your stay.

INFORMATION AT HAND

So that every guest has the ultimate holiday experience with The Thinking Traveller, each booking comes with a smart travel bag containing a map, detailed house guide and area guide book. Local managers are also on-hand to ensure your holiday goes smoothly. Part-concierge, parttroubleshooter, they can help you with everything, from sourcing the best ice-cream to discovering the area’s hidden gems.

MAKE YOUR OWN RULES

With The Thinking Traveller there are no dress codes and no set meal times. It’s your house and your holiday so you call the shots. The bar never closes and the fridge is always open. On arrival you’ll find it fully stocked, while the wine-to-villa delivery service means you can enjoy a beverage on stepping through the threshold. Additional shopping can be pre-ordered and delivered to suit specific needs, or for those looking for that extra touch of luxury, a local chef can be organised to cook your evening meal. For more information visit thethinkingtraveller.com or email info@thethinkingtraveller.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Happiness starts at Battersea

At our dogs and cats home in London, you’ll find lots of smiles, just like this one. It’s because we do more than microchip them, vaccinate them and give them full check-ups. We spend time with each of them, giving them professional training and expert care. That way, when you come to meet them, we know they’re ready, and happy to meet you.

battersea.org.uk

Registered charity no. 206394

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PET PAGES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Eating Well with Buttenut Box 119 â&#x20AC;¢ British is Best 121 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Dog’s Dinner BUTTERNUT BOX deliver bespoke packages of nutritionist-approved meals to your door for your pup to lap up in a state of satiated bliss. We caught up with the team behind the innovative brand to discover why these delicious and nutritious dinners are a must for happy dogs. Q: Tell us a bit about Butternut Box, where did it all start? A: The story began five years ago when Dave, one of our founders, fell in love with a Staffie at Battersea Dogs Home. She was very poorly, but Dave convinced Battersea that his family were the best people to nurse her back to health. Unfortunately, things didn’t look good, and well... they didn’t smell good either, so they decided to call her Rudie. In an attempt to improve Rudie’s tummy problems, Dave started home-cooking her meals using only the best ingredients, and the improvement was better than he could have imagined. Dave told the story to his friend and colleague Kev, our other founder, who suggested that they try cooking for even more dogs - and so the idea was born. Q: How does Butternut Box work? A: Before we prepare our meals we ask you a few simple questions about your dog so that we can really get to know them. We take into account the age, weight, breed, body condition and activity level of your dog to help us create a truly tailor-made meal plan. Every meal is taste-tested

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by us before it leaves our kitchen, then frozen and packaged in an insulated box to keep it fresh whilst it’s being shipped out to our lucky Butternutters. Meals are carefully portioned and packaged so that you know exactly how much you should be feeding your dog each day - simply serve and set your dog’s tail to wag. Q: What’s the Butternut Box team like? A: We’re a group of individuals from all over (although there is a strong Irish contingent) who are brought together by our passion for dogs. We love to go the extra mile - we know the name of all of our furry customers, and most of the human ones too, and nothing makes us happier than the pictures and success stories that we get sent every day.

nutritionally complete diet. We think that knowing where your ingredients come from is a big deal. Our beef and lamb is from Northern Ireland, our chicken is from Norfolk and our turkey is from Hertfordshire. We like to be close with everyone we work with, including our suppliers, so we know that the ingredients we use meet the standards that we, and you, expect.

Q: Give us an example of some of the ingredients you work with? A: At the moment we have four tasty meal options; Turkey, Chicken, Lamb and Beef. All of our recipes contain 60% fresh human-grade meat along with a selection of vegetables and supplements to provide a

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PET PAGES • FOCUS

Turkey Dinner

Q: What are some important aspects to keep in mind when choosing nutrition for your dog? A: Three areas to focus on are quality, palatability and suitability. In terms of quality it’s important to understand the ingredients in the food and how it’s processed. There only needs to be 4% chicken in a tin of dog food for it to be classed as a chicken meal, so it’s best to check the label before you buy. In terms of palatability, freshly cooked is more accepted than other forms, and we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help out pet parents with fussy eaters. Lastly it has to be suitable for your dog’s individual needs, so as an absolute minimum we recommend a food that’s free from any known allergens including grain, dairy and soy. Q: What’s next for Butternut Box? A: Our dream is to see as many dogs as possible doing what we call ‘the happy dance’ when they receive their Butternut Box delivery. We are busy developing new recipes for our Butternutters, planning dog walks and maybe even adding some feline friends to the family...

“We love to go the extra mile - we know the name of all of our furry customers”

Cook up a culinary storm for the canine in your life with this healthy and fulfilling recipe from Butternut Box INGREDIENTS · 1kg minced turkey thigh · 110g sweet potato · 100g red split lentils · 100g green lentils · 40g each cauliflower, broccoli, carrots (diced), frozen peas · 10g flaxseed · 5g fresh rosemary, chopped

METHOD

BUTTERBOX 207-210 Dephna Estates, NW10; butternutbox.com

Soak lentils the day before. Lightly cook the meat on the hob but don’t brown. Meanwhile, steam the lentils separately. Add all the ingredients to the pot and cook lightly for 20 min till al dente del cane. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Real good food.

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first home-cooked dog food company Super fresh meals. Made by hand. Delivered to your door. Developed with nutritionists.

Cooked by hand. Fresh wholesome

ingredients, tailored

to suit your dog.

Delivered to your door.

50% off Sign up now at butternutbox.com/absolutelymutts

Ts & Cs apply. 1 offer per household. First time customers only. Valid Until 31/03/2018. UK delivery only. Cancel anytime. For full Ts & Cs go to www.butternutbox.com/terms-and-conditions

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Real good times.

your first 2 boxes

20/12/2017 13:18

PET PAGES • PRODUCTS

BARBOUR Quilted Dog Bed, £59.95; barbour.com

DOGATELLA Gold and Silver Collars, £59; dogatella.com

BY MUSA Luna Collar, £75; bymusapets.com

MUTTS AND HOUNDS Balmoral Checked Tweed Coat, £50; muttsandhounds.co.uk

DOGATELLA Gold Collar, £59; dogatella.com

BY MUSA Poo Purse, £60; bymusapets.com

BARBOUR

WRAP UP WARM

EDITOR’S PICK

Large Dog Blanket, £59.95; barbour.com

The best British brands to keep your dog warm this winter

MUTTS AND HOUNDS Camello Leather and Grey Tweed Lead, £55.50; muttsandhounds.co.uk

B y MIRIAM CAREY

JOULES Percher Check Pet Bed, £34.95; joules.com

CHELSEA DOGS ORVIS Quilted Waxed Cotton Dog Coat, £45; orvis.co.uk

Waterproof Quilted Dog Coat, £45; chelseadogs.com

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ALPHABET presents... The most flexible dog walkers London has to offer, accompanied with complete peace of mind. No more rushing home to meet the dog walkers strict time table, at Alphabet you can enjoy our relaxed drop off approach where we tailor a time to suit you. An Alphabet walk is much more than just a dog walk, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fully interactive experience where we send you beautiful imaginative in walk photos of your pups adventures, a happy dog, a happy you. We also notify you at the beginning and end of each walk with a text message.

07443 643217 alphabetdogwalking@gmail.com alphabetdogwalking.com

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B AC K AND SIDES

SHORT

DOG AND CAT GROOMING

DOG SITTING

PICK UP AND DROP OFFS

20% OFF FIRST VISIT | FANTASTIC LOYALTY PROGRAM

Wimbledon (0)20 8540 6333

Weybridge (0)1932 842000

www.poshpetparlour.co.uk

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23/11/2017 17:22

PET PAGES • NOTES

Puppy Love

We catch up with Mayhew to discover how they help thousands of animals in need gain a better quality of life

ince 1886, Mayhew has and continues to be one of the most effective animal welfare charities in London. More than just a rescue and rehoming centre, Mayhew strives to tackle the companion animal welfare crisis through a number of communitybased outreach programmes. Here they tell us about the work they do, and how you can do your bit to help the animals that need your help. RESCUE AND REHOMING Every year Mayhew rehome hundreds of dogs and cats to loving, forever homes. Every dog and cat that comes into them receives the very best care and veterinary treatment during their stay. Adoption Officers work tirelessly to assess and get to know each and every one of their animals looking for a home to ensure they are matched with the right owner. ANIMAL WELFARE Mayhew’s team of Animal Welfare Officers respond to emergency calls to rescue many neglected, unwanted and stray dogs and cats across London. They actively work in the local community preventing animal welfare problems becoming crises

and work extensively with vulnerable pet owners including the elderly, disabled, homeless and pet owners facing a crisis, whether housing, personal or health related. VET CLINIC The onsite Community Vet Clinic and Vet Team promote responsible care for pets and offers low cost and affordable neutering and preventative veterinary care to pet owners. The Vet Clinic provides care, treatment, neutering and surgery for the sick, injured, abandoned and neglected animals that come through its doors.

“Adoption Officers work tirelessly to get to know all of their animals looking for a home”

B y L AU R E N L EO N A R D

MAYHEW INTERNATIONAL Since 2000, Mayhew has worked internationally to fund long-term and sustainable animal welfare, rabies prevention and Trap Vaccinate Neuter Release (TVNR) programmes. This treatment is rolled our across countries such as Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India. THERAPAWS Mayhew's animal therapy programme, TheraPaws, has 50 teams who visit care homes, hospitals and hospices in 11 London boroughs promoting the human and animal bond, and bringing well-being and joy to residents and patients. HOW CAN YOU HELP? If you’d like to help the homeless cats and dogs at Mayhew, you can make a donation to help them care for and find the perfect home for each and every one of them. If you are thinking about getting a pet, Mayhew ask that you first consider the responsibilities and costs involved in owning an animal and, if you decide to go ahead, think about adopting one from a shelter like Mayhew. At Mayhew, every cat or dog that passes through the doors is assessed both medically and behaviourally and their adoption process is very thorough to ensure they find the right owner for each animal.

T H E M AY H E W To find out more about Mayhew’s work, visit themayhew.org For adoption, clinic and general enquiries, call: 020 8962 8000. To donate, call: 020 8206 5870. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“ We are Lulu and Lexi. We would rather be at Dogstroll lying on our backs than at home. This is the best place ever, our social life has gone through the roof and spending time with our mates doing the things we love has made us very happy dogs. We love racing through the tunnels in the sensory garden, jumping over hedges in the agility area and of course the different treats

”

A Unique Interactive Doggy Daycare 6 Reasons to choose us • Free dog consultation and 1 day trial • Woodland walks and dog daycare • Trusted and well trained handlers London

• Wimbledon

• Southﬁelds

• Wandsworth

• Low ratio of dogs per handler • Stimulating Environments • Basic Training • Putney

• Raynes Park

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• Earlsﬁeld

• East Putney

www.dog-stroll.co.uk t: 07757 453 649 e: info@dog-stroll.co.uk

23/11/2017 17:20

PET PAGES • NOTES

A Dog’s Life We caught up with Freddy Ferreira, founder of dog training business Calma K9 to discover how he can help you and your four-legged friend lead a happier life together. B y L AU R E N L EO N A R D

LAUREN LEONARD: What’s different about Calma K9 to other dog training services? FREDDY FERREIRA: Our main difference is the preparation we offer to our employees. They are well equipped to understand what the dogs are demonstrating and how to utilise the necessary actions to prevent anything spoiling the fun and safety. LL: When did you realise you had a better understanding about dogs? FF: I think I really started to notice it when I was doing a live-in experience at a kennel and I was able to help the dogs that my mentors were struggling with. That was the initial point I understood that a good dog trainer/behaviourist must have a range of different methods and techniques up their sleeve to be able to adapt to every circumstance and each individual dog.

LL: What sort of training can you provide for dogs? FF: Our training sessions are done in a one-to-one format. This means that dog and owner can get the most out of it and each pair gets our full attention. By doing this we not only demonstrate the theoretical part of the process but properly engage practically and take the first steps with the customer to fix any issues and doubts that might arise. LL: Talk us through a typical day in the life at Calma K9? FF: Days are incredibly dynamic and can be challenging at times. When work revolves around animals with varying personalities and unpredictable natures, the game changes a a bit. However I can’t deny how rewarding it is to be able to watch the dogs growing in confidence and having the opportunity to bond with them in the way we do. It's one of the best things in the world. LL: What are the three most important aspects to keep in mind when choosing daycare for your dog? FF: I believe that the most important things would be to find someone that has a good understanding about dog behaviour. Personally I would steer away from the “pet lovers only" services, and find a daycare centre that really understands the needs

“It's rewarding to be able to watch the dogs growing in conﬁdence” of your dog and can adapt to that. Each dog is unique and requires different arrangements from one another. LL: What is your top dog walking tip that every owner should know? FF: My top tip would be to never pick up your dog. If in doubt, put your dog on the lead and keep it as short as possible. Remember that you are taking the dog for a walk not the other way around, stick with the leader mindset. LL: What’s next for Calma K9? FF: At the moment we are focusing on innovation; we want to offer something special to our dogs and their owners. We have plans to create a centre that has the potential to become an authority in the way dogs are cared for. It'll be a one-stop-shop for all of your dog’s needs.

CA L M A K 9 Bracewell Road, W10; facebook.com/CalmaK9

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

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MADE IN GERMANY TO MEET YOUR DESIGN NEEDS Built in Kitchen Specialist

KITCHENS REVOLUTION.APR.indd 1

Kitchen Revolutions Ltd 580 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW20 8DR T 020 3302 6266 E info@kitchenrevolutions.co.uk W www.kitchenrevolutions.co.uk WE ARE OPEN Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm | Sun 11am - 4pm

06/03/2017 15:15

PROPERTY Living the dream 132 Famous places 136 Nigel Lewis: Brighton feature 140

AYKON, LONDON ONE SW8

ÂŁ1,661,000

ituated within a 50 story tower, this two bedroom apartment features luxurious interiors designed by Versace Home, including a private winter garden as well as a communal roof garden, state of the art gymnasium and swimming pool. The home sits moments from Vauxhall station, offering a fast tube service into central London and trains across South West London and beyond.

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Battersea 020 7228 2278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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

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Patten Road, Wandsworth SW18 Located in the sought after Toast Rack area A magnificent, detached double fronted period home of over 5600 sq ft with a contemporary design. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms (3 en suite), kitchen/dining/family room, drawing room, playroom, gym, studio flat (double bedroom with en suite), downstairs kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, coat room, utility room, wine room, plant room, garden, off street parking. EPC: D. Approximately: 527 sq m (5,672 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £3,999,950

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 3589 2850

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WND140160

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Absolutely magazine - January 2018 - Wandsworth sales

20/12/2017 10:24

18/12/2017 16:27:17

Battersea High Street, Battersea SW11 Maisonette moments from Battersea Square and the River Thames A beautifully presented two bedroom maisonette with a large reception room enjoying double height ceilings and a private west facing roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, roof terrace. EPC: E. Approximately 114.9 sq m (1,237 sq ft). Share of freehold

Guide price: £1,200,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea battersea@knightfrank.com 020 8033 9673

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BAT170137

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Absolutely January Issue 2018

20/12/2017 10:25

05/12/2017 09:36:47

PROPERTY • FEATURE

KNIGHT FRANK wa r m e s t w i s h e s "Season’s Greetings to all from myself and the Team".

s we approach the festive season and prepare to close the book on another year, we are increasingly asked by clients what the New Year will bring where the local property market is considered. During the spring it seemed that transaction volumes had returned to pre-referendum levels, but this inevitably led to an increase in prices as demand began to outstrip supply. The change in value was enough to put a dampener on the market and the Summer was a frustrating one for many of our clients. The 2nd half of the year has proved to be more volatile than the first, with Brexit negotiations being reported in an ever more negative light by the media, an increase to the base rate for the first time in a decade, and talk of further reforms to monetary policy surrounding property taxes in the lead up to the budget.

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There is little doubt that the downward pressure on prices, born out of our decision to leave the EU, still lingers largely in the market place and having a robust strategy when it comes to buying and selling is more important than ever. Looking forward to 2018, I very much view the early parts of next year as the perfect time to buy. Prices have fallen as far as they are likely to and fixed rate mortgage products represent superb value despite the recent rate rise. This “perfect storm”

“Looking forward to 2018, I very much view the early parts of next year as the perfect time to buy.”

of liquidity and value will not last long as the cost of either housing or funding will invariably increase – we are therefore expecting a busy start to the year and an eventful Spring Market. "As I am writing this for the December issue, may I take the opportunity to extend the Season’s Greetings to all from myself and the Team." ROBERT FRENCH, PARTNER & OFFICE HEAD

To follow what Robert and his team are up to on Instagram please follow: sw4property - "Connecting people and property perfectly." KNIGHT FRANK +44 20 3667 6753 knightfrankco.uk/Clapham

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Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19 Simply stunning penthouse with incredible views An immaculately presented and very spacious 4 bedroom penthouse on the first and second floors of a stunning period property that enjoys 360 degree views. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, roof terrace, private parking. EPC: D. Approximately 200.4 sq m (2,157 sq ft). Freehold

Guide Price: £2,250,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/WMB170032

KnightFrank.co.uk/wimbledon wimbledon@knightfrank.com 020 8946 0026

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

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Absolutely SW - January 2018 - Wimbledon sales

20/12/2017 10:26

19/12/2017 15:14:59

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? If you are thinking of moving then now is the time to speak to one of our property experts. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 418 offices across 60 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. Contact us today on 020 8022 6118 to arrange a free market appraisal or visit KnightFrank.com/clapham All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an

Guide price: £475 per week

Gauden Road, Clapham SW4

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This superb ground floor flat offers excellent entertaining space and is well lit by natural light. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room/ kitchen. EPC: E. Approximately 64.41 sq m (693 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6118

administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,000,000

Garfield Road, Clapham SW4 An exceptional family home of substantial proportions that retains a wealth of period features. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, study, cellar, garden. EPC: E Approximately 216 sq m (2,325 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6118

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Absolutley January Lettings

20/12/2017 10:27

19/12/2017 14:09:02

DISCOVERY HOUSE

FINAL PHASE OF BATTERSEA REACH NOW LAUNCHED Battersea Reach is an award-winning development situated on the banks of the River Thames. With excellent transport links into the City and a host of on-site facilities and amenities this thriving community is the perfect place to enjoy London riverside living. A selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available in Discovery House. Prices from ÂŁ565,000*

Please call the Battersea Reach Marketing Suite now for further information or to arrange an appointment: Tel: 020 3930 2792 Email: batterseareachsales@stgeorgeplc.com Website: www.batterseareach.com Unit 3 KingďŹ sher House, Juniper Drive, Wandsworth, London SW18 1TX

Photography is of Battersea Reach and is indicative only. *Price correct at time of going to press.

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21/11/2017 20/11/2017 16:17 15:28

LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

BOSCOBEL PLACE SW 1 W, ÂŁ8,500,0 0 0

remarkable four bedroom mews house in the centre of Belgravia. The property features an exceptional first floor reception room with an elegant study through double doors. The kitchen has a dining area with built in seating, and the ground floor bathrooms have en-suites. The entire top floor is laid out as a unique master suite, with a spacious bedroom, large dressing room and a luxurious bathroom. KNIGHT FRANK Belgravia, 02078817721 knightfrank.com

VAUXHALL GROVE SW 8 , ÂŁ3,0 0 0,000

his is a charming Georgian house that mixes period features with modern luxuries. The house has high ceilings and wooden floors. There are five bedrooms, a large kitchen, ample dining space, and a garden. Vauxhall Grove is just a stones throw from good transport links, cafes and convenience stores. Also the peaceful tranquillity of Bonnington Square sits at the end of the street. FOXTONS Vauxhall, 020 3841 4200 foxtons.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

SPENSER ROAD

S E 2 4 , £ 1 , 5 9 9, 3 0 0

SW 1 1 , £ 6 9 9,9 5 0

PEDDER

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH

Herne Hill, 020 8702 9555 pedderproperty.com

Battersea, 020 7228 2278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

his five double bedroom house is situated on a quiet tree-lined residential road within the 'Poets Corner' area of Herne Hill. The property offers a bright double reception room and a stylish kitchen. Spenser Road is a sought after location, close to Brockwell Park, with its lido and cafe, and the restaurants & shopping amenities of central Herne Hill.

TRINITY ROAD

LONGBEACH ROAD onverted from a Victorian villa, this ground floor apartment features three well sized bedrooms and a large living room and kitchen. The property is well presented throughout, with a private patio garden and a cellar for storage. It is just a short walk from Clapham Common and the bars and restaurants of Battersea Rise and Northcote Road.

SW 1 8 , £ 3 , 6 0 0,0 0 0

family home situated moments from Wandsworth Common. The property has six bedrooms and an abundance of space for entertaining guests. The kitchen and breakfast room is attached to a large conservatory, which floods the property with lights, and dark wood flooring runs throughout. It is situated back from the road, has off street parking, and to the rear a landscaped garden.

THE BREAKFAST ROOM IS ATTACHED TO A LARGE CONSERVATORY WHICH FLOODS THE PROPERTY WITH LIGHT

SAVILLS

Battersea, 020 3430 6900 savills.com

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ROWENA CRESCENT, CLAPHAM A generous 5 bedroom double fronted house situated at the end of a quiet road in the ever popular little India. Situated a short walk from the river Thames, Battersea Park and Clapham Junction. EPC = TBC.

GUIDE PRICE

£1,000,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

CORAL ROW, PLANTATION WHARF We are proud to market a unique riverside family home offering a combined 2500 square feet of living space. The property benefits from a large private roof terrace balcony, partial river views. EPC = TBC.

GUIDE PRICE

£1,250,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

IVELEY ROAD, CLAPHAM Fantastic four double bedroom house in this popular Clapham Old Town location. The property is within walking distance to Clapham North tube station, the green open spaces of Clapham Common and the shops, bars and restaurants that Clapham High street has to offer. Available mid December. EPC=E.

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ3,466 PCM

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BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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FA M O U S P L AC E S by N I G E L L E W I S

London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market

COMES WITH BAGGY TROUSERS

SPITFIRES AND PIANOS

his extraordinary building was originally the home of a famous piano manufacturer that made instruments for Beethoven as well as Strauss and Sibelius. Then, during the Second World War the factory is where canopies and propellers were made for the iconic Spitfire fighter. After the war its owner Chappell & Co returned to making pianos but by 1970 had lost out to cheaper instruments made in the Far East. During the 1970s and 1980s the premises became a studio complex for photographers and modelling agencies and it’s here that many famous photo shoots for Vogue, Tatler and Harpers & Queen

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magazines were completed. During the late 1990s the property, which is in the fashionable area of Camden in London, was bought by developer Hallmark Property Group which, in 2013, began a four-year conversion of the building into ten loft-style apartments. That has now been completed and the penthouse has already been sold. Buyers of the remaining properties will enjoy a shared residents’ Club Lounge which includes a bar, cinema, 17-metre long pool, a spa area and a gym. Its history and luxurious surroundings do not come cheap. Prices at Chappell Lofts start at £3.25 million and rise to £8.5 million. More information from joins agents Savills (020 3425 5615) or Aston Chase (020 77214 4724).

op band Madness is still going strong despite 37 years having passed since their first hit album, One Step Beyond, was released. The band’s mix of ska, thoughtful lyrics and outrageously silly videos has given the band a loyal following across the generations, helped by a relentless gigging schedule and regular album releases. Much of its ‘nutty boys’ persona is down to lead singer Suggs who, as well as regular appearances on TV, writes much of the band’s material. He, like the rest of Madness, hails from Camden in North London and despite fame and fortune hasn’t wandered far. And now one of his early homes in the area is for sale. It’s a mews house lived in by Suggs during the early years of Madness. Bought by the current owner off the singer during the late 1980s, it has subsequently been expanded and now includes a fully fitted kitchen, large reception room, three double bedrooms and three bathrooms. Camden Mews is a highly sought after location just off Camden Square. This cobbled mews is famous for its diverse architecture and onward travel links to the City and Kings Cross St Pancras. Suggs bought the property in 1981 and in his autobiography, recalls how he “finally arrived at my newly purchased house in Camden Mews. It had been part of the stables for the bigger houses at the back. It was pretty, but tiny.” It’s for sale at £1.95m. Call Savills on 0203 428 2900 for more information.

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

THE DUNKIRK BEACH STAR

unkirk, this year’s blockbuster about the rescue of British troops during WWII, marked the acting debut of One Direction singer Harry Styles. But the film enlisted some much older talent. One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk’s producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge. The 86ft long and 18.5ft wide barge was built in 1926 and worked the waters off the East Coast of England until 1977. What viewers won’t have known is that Xylonite is a four-bedroom luxury home normally moored at St Katherine’s Dock in Tower Bridge. As well as being certified to be sailed at sea she has a wealth of original maritime features plus all the modern fixtures you’d expect of a luxury home. She is being sold via Riverhomes.co.uk for £395,000.

"One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk's producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge"

BAKEWELL EXITS PRIMROSE HILL

oan Bakewell is one of the nation’s best-known writers and broadcasters and has a remarkable track record in campaigning journalism under her belt. Despite all her work, for which she was made a Baroness in 2011, Bakewell is also well-known for her relationship with Harold Pinter. Throughout Joan's career, she has lived in the same house in Primrose Hill, north of central London, which she bought in 1963 when the area was a bohemian neighbourhood. Neighbours since have included playwright Alan Bennett, poets Ted Hughes and his wife Sylvia Plath, TV presenter Jon Snow and Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin. But now Bakewell is downsizing and has put her home on the market for £6.25 million. Overlooking a pretty green, the large Victorian house includes a selfcontained two-bedroom flat, a garden and four bedrooms.

More information from David Birkett Estate agents, 020 3641 2618.

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Are you a migrating variety? If you’re looking for property with more space, greater investment potential and a competitive price tag, you might be looking in the wrong place. South East London has all of these attributes and house prices are lower than our more established SW neighbours. At Pedder, we have a greater choice of SE London property than any of our competitors, so maybe it’s time to have a look. You never know, the grass may just be greener this side of the fence. Pedder. Nobody knows SE London like we know SE London.

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BRIGHTON’S BIG CLEAN UP Every Londoner’s favourite seaside retreat has been working hard to polish up its once seedy reputation, says Nigel Lewis.

nce famous for its dirty weekends, Brighton’s seedy image is long gone and the smuttiest sight these days are the slogans on hen parties’ t-shirts as they sway arm-inarm along the prom. This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles. You might bump into David Walliams, Steve Coogan, and Fat Boy Slim, who all have homes near the beach, while for younger celeb-spotters, YouTubers

such as PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg) and Zoella (Zoe Sugg) call it home. A British version of New York’s Venice Beach in the summer, the lawns by the multi-coloured beach huts host personal trainers, football teams or early morning tai chi groups, while middle-aged skateboarders hang out on the seafront, and paddle boarding and surfing are increasingly popular. Known for its nudist beach and vibrant gay scene, Brighton’s a tolerant place, where drinkers from the seafront bars and clubs spill out onto the pebbles. While there’s still a few old-school boozers to

be found in the back streets, many have been reinvented as gastro pubs or craft breweries. There’s also a growing foodie scene with interesting eateries such as hip 64 Degrees and zero-waste restaurant Silo, which is all industrial-chic with drinks in jam jars. It hasn’t got a Green MP for nothing; Brighton is one of the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly cities in the country. It’s also just started a bike rental scheme and a slew of new bike lanes mean it’s easier to get around. It’s a good job as parking right in the heart of the city is at a premium – it’s difficult and expensive to park on the

“ This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles.”

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

street and car parks fill up fast on busy shopping days. Many day-trippers are attracted to put down roots in ‘London-by-the-sea’, says Mishon Mackay branch director Steve Neocleous, as they can get a lot more for their money. “Here you can buy a three-bedroom Victorian house in one of the most popular areas for £500,000£550,000 whereas in London you might only get a two-bedroom flat for that,” he explains. Schools are a big draw for young families, as Brighton is full of pretty decent primaries - 94.2% of them are good or outstanding (particularly good ones are Westdene and St Andrew’s in Hove), although great secondaries are thinner on the ground.

Neolceous adds that it’s inundated with London buyers who hanker for a better quality of life. “They like the fact that – train strikes aside – they can get to work in London in the same time it can take from somewhere on the edge of the Tube line.” Ongoing industrial action on Southern rail is still a big problem, while Brighton’s popularity can also work against it as the beach is shoulder-to-shoulder on sunny weekends. But that doesn’t put most people off moving south, as they don’t move again. Brighton’s two universities provide thousands of graduates who’ve decided to settle down, in fact, there’s so many different people from all over the country who’ve moved to the city, that at dinner parties it’s often rare to sit next to someone Brighton born and bred. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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PROPERTY • NEW HOMES

THE SOUTH BANK This buzzy area of London sparkles during the busy winter period

he South Bank has become a hive of activity this season as “Wintertime”, the Southbank Centre’s annual programme, gets into full swing. Regarded as the busiest period of the year for retailers, winter is also fast-becoming a popular time for property buyers to find their perfect home. Christmas is a time when families have more spare time and get together to make property decisions, resulting in record levels of traffic on property websites. Buyers looking during the beginning of

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“With festivities taking over many parts of London, the South Bank perfectly captures the capital’s enchanting winter atmosphere”

the New Year are serious and committed to transacting, which combined with the magical scenery, makes for a much swifter sales process. With festivities taking over many parts of London, the South Bank perfectly captures the capital’s enchanting winter atmosphere. Belvedere Gardens, the latest phase at Southbank Place, is ideally located for some of London’s finest scenery and winter activities, with two and three-bedroom apartments available from £2.145m. For more information please go to southbank-place.com

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New show homes at Kings Hundred Come and visit our two stunning 5 bedroom show homes at Kings Hundred The Marlborough & The Sandringham: With generously sized bedrooms, open plan living and en-suite bathrooms there is plenty of room for the whole family. Book your appointment today and talk to us about incentives available including contribution towards Stamp Duty on selected plots. 4 & 5 bedroom homes available from ÂŁ609,950. Images are indicative only. Details correct at time of going to press.

Kings Hundred

Queens Road, Bisley, Surrey GU24 9BJ

Open Sat to Mon, 10am - 5.30pm Call: 01483 667212 Visit: redrow.co.uk/kingshundred

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The TFG Bespoke Group cater for every construction service you may require New Builds Architectural & Structural Services Basements Swimming Pools & Jacuzziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steam, Sauna & Spa Rooms Bedrooms & Private Studies

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Pioneers of luxury development The full portfolio of companies under the TFG Bespoke Group can be viewed on our website, along with the full suite of construction services we provide.

0207 268 4968 www.tfgbespokegroupltd.com H E A D O F F I C E : D E V O N S H I R E H O U S E , 1 M AY FA I R P L A C E , M AY FA I R , L O N D O N , W 1 J 8 A J

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OAK AGED PARQUET

Beautiful f looring, designed to last Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m2 of stock | Fast delivery SHOWROOM 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

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ENGLISH & OR ENTAL CARPETS MAKING YOUR HOME MORE

BEAUTIFUL AT A GREAT PRICE! NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN RAYNES PARK Welcome to our company

We would love to come to your home to see the areas you would like to cover, We can the take all the measurements, so we can ensure your left buying the right amount of flooring, el nating the need for waste, we might even come up with some ideas you hadn't considered! can also bring samples to your home so you can see them in situ.

SURBITON

020 8390 0839

surbiton@englishandorientalcarpets.com 5 Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4JU Opening Times: Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm

CHESSINGTON

RAYNES PARK

020 8397 1092

020 8942 4999

chessington@englishandorientalcarpets.com 34 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, SW20 0LA Come down to KT9 one showrooms 328 - 330 Hook Road, Chessington, Surrey, 1NUof our threeOpening Times: Opening Times: Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm

WE HAVE SAMPLES FROM ALL THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS IN FLOORIN

www.englishandorientalcarpets.com SURBITON

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020 8390 0839

surbiton@englishandorientalcarpets.com

CHESSINGTON

020 8397 1092

chessington@englishandorientalcarpets.com

RAYNES PARK

020 8942 499

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