ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon AUGUST 2017 / £3.95
GLAM QUEEN Style talk with Jess Morris
CI T Y SW IM S
City
KIDS FAMILY FUN FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
London’s best lidos
Beach
CHIC U LT I M AT E S U M M E R E S CA P I S M ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT SW_August17_COVERS.indd 1
19/07/2017 14:29
FB.indd 5
14/07/2017 16:27
61 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 4NT
Collier Bristow Corporate logo guidelines
FB.indd 6
22/06/2017 17:04
London +44 (0) 208 675 4808 www.indian-ocean.co.uk
INDIAN OCEAN.indd 1 1 Ab IO - SWG / SEG.indd
12/07/2017 16:47
INDIAN OCEAN.indd 2
12/07/2017 16/06/2017 16:47 09:59
After 8 years in the Cotswolds, Symes is now operating in London and the Home Counties. Specialising in bespoke kitchens and joinery, fine interiors and renovation works, we are dedicated to your vision of creating a beautiful home. Offering full design services, we compliment this by also providing a complete design and build option. Whether you are wishing to add a bespoke kitchen, a climbing frame in your garden or undertaking building and interior works, we will not only create the look you want, but deliver your project with the greatest attention to detail, efficiency and professionalism.
SYMES.indd 5
15/06/2017 20:31
For a complete and comprehensive tailored solution to your property needs, please contact us. info@symesinteriors.co.uk 02085422334 07917086199 www.symesinteriors.co.uk
SYMES.indd 6
15/06/2017 20:31
BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM
LOAF.indd 1 210x297mm-FP-ABSOLUTELY-LOAF.indd 1
BATTERSEA
NOTTING HILL
NEW! SPITALFIELDS
03/07/2017 14:14 10:05 29/06/2017
Aug ust 2017
74 c u lt u r e
22 fa s h i o n
12 ABSOLUTELY LOVES
22 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
16 WHAT’S ON
24 ROCKINS STAR Meet fashion's coolest designer 35 FESTIVAL FASHION Grown-up style for the summer line-up
10 things we really want this month Diary dates for August
19 CITY SWIMMING
Cool down this summer in London's best outdoor pools and lidos
SOUTH WEST
ABSOLUTELY
This month’s hottest trends and products
H E A LT H & B E AU T Y The month's best beauty buys
AUGUST 2017 / £3.95
AUG U ST 2017 ARTS & CULTURE • FASHION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOOD & DRINK • INTERIORS • KIDS & EDUCATION • TRAVEL • PROPERTY
Style talk with Jess Morris
CIT Y SWIMS
City
42 GOLDEN GIRLS
Bronzing products to get your glow on
KIDS FAMILY FUN FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
interiors
London’s best lidos
Beach
ZEST.LONDON
CHIC
48 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
U LT I M AT E S U M M E R E S CA P I S M
SW_August17_COVERS.indd 1-2
News and views from the designers
ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 12/07/2017 17:38
G RAC E LOV E S L AC E g ra c e l o ve s l a c e .c o m .a u
58 FASHION'S INTERIORS Two worlds of design meet in the middle
Photographer: Jennifer Stenglein a t je n n i fe r s te n gl e i n .c o m
9 SW_May17_Contents.indd 9
Food & Drink
64 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings from the local area and London's best new bars
40 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
South West
GLAM QUEEN
71
66 RECIPES Dishes to impress from London's best restaurants T r av e l
74 ITALY Lazy lakeside frolicking around Lake Como 79 UK GETAWAY We head to The Smoked & Uncut Festival as it returns to Lime Wood for summer
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 11:26
Here comes the sun
Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully
EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITOR HELEN BROWN DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY ACCOUNT MANAGER EVAN JASTREMSKI GROUP SALES MANAGER CRAIG DAVIES GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER JAMES FUSCHILLO PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR TAMAR VANDERHOEK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH For editorial enquiries please email: helen.brown@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
AYRTON.indd 1 SW_July17_FLANEL.indd 8
07/07/2017 15:01
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 ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’ 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
14/07/2017 11:32
Editor’s LETTER
A
ugust is the best month in London. Not everyone agrees, but for me the lack of traffic, the lack of people on the pavements and the noticably slower pace of life creates a holiday vibe right here at home. Also, August is by extension just slightly anarchic. Our magazine is featuring a wide variety of different things this month, maybe not anarchic but perhaps a touch random. We meet Jess Morris of Rockins to discuss her retro rock'n'roll look and discover what happens when two worlds of design come together. Spoiler; incredible interiors that will have your home looking like a Pinterest snap. We also address the annual problem of what to do with the children during the summer holidays. We've found a few choice urban activities to entertain them, and you'll find these along with our usual mix of local events, fashion, beauty, travel and property in the following pages. We hope you enjoy the issue. â—†
Helen Brown Editor
11 SW_July17_Eds_Letter.indd 11
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:43
BIMBA Y LOL A
Bimba Y Lola’s luxe separates have made the fashion industry sit up and take note. The SS17 collection effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. bimbaylola.com
Lighten Up
White trousers are this summer’s tricky-to-pull-off statement piece. Dip a toe into the trend with Rejina Pyo’s denim pair. With a high waist and wide leg, simplicity is key with these. £325; farfetch.com
PATISSERIE PLAY
The slogan tee gets a tasty twist with this croissant number from Moulin. Perfect paired with weekend denim and summer slides. £45; farfetch.com
Riviera Chic
Compiled by
H E L E N B R OW N
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_August17_AbsLoves.indd 12
Growing up in Oman, Sophie Anderson became fascinated by traditional craftsmanship and vibrant fabrics. Her ‘Ana’ bag is woven from raffia in Rivierainspired stripes for a touch of that coveted mediterranean chic. £190; net-a-porter.com
12 14/07/2017 11:46
ABSOLUTELY / LOVES COS
COS creates fashion pieces that are made to last beyond the season. The SS17 collection is simple and structured. A minimalist flare sends a statement. cosstores.com
THE BOTANIST
Nine classic gin botanicals and 22 hand-foraged herbs and flowers come together to create this floral gin with an outstanding finish. £34.99; waitrose.com
EYE SPY
Tom Davies' London collection provides a modern twist to the classic aviator. With a delicate metal frame and multiple colourways they suit all face shapes and styles. POR; tdtomdavies.com
Celebrating Scent
To celebrate 50 years, Diptyque has created a special range blended with damp mosses, crumpled blackcurrant leaves and sun-dried fig. The intriguing scent perfectly encapsulates the brand’s rich heritage. £190; selfridges.com
STEP BACK
The 90s mule has made a comeback and with Mansur Gavriel’s walkable block heels and stylish crisscross straps, what's not to love? They add the perfect pop of colour to elevate mono-tonal looks. £325; net-a-porter.com
Colour Pop
Simplicity at it’s best, this minimal design from Cluse adds a trend-lend, playful detail to any outfit. The brand’s new summer '17 collection delivers interchangeable straps and a wideranging colour spectrum. £79; clusewatches.com
13 Chis_August17_AbsLoves.indd 13
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 11:47
MC.indd 1
14/07/2017 16:37
King of Nowhere, Grayson Perry, 2015
> WHAT'S ON
p.16
OUTDOOR SWIMMING
p.19
THE MOST POPULAR ART EXHIBITION EVER This summer, Grayson Perry presents a groundbreaking exhibition of new work at the Serpentine Gallery. Aptly titled, The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever, this one is not-to-be-missed. 9 June-10 September. serpentinegalleries.org
15 CHIS_August_17_Culture_Opener.indd 15
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 11:59
XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX
PRIDE & PREJUDICE 2 - 3 Au g u s t Ro s e T he a tre Ki ngs to n hen two wealthy bachelors arrive in town, Mrs Bennet becomes set on W marrying off her eldest daughters. Jane Austen’s classic masterpiece is brought to life in a sparkling new adaptation performed in the stunning gardens of Manor House School. u 24-26 High Street, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org
WIMBLEDON PARK FOOD FESTIVAL 26 - 2 8 Au g u s t Wi m b l e do n Pa rk imbledon Park Food Festival returns with 50 stalls offering artisan bread, W pastries, crepes, cheese, charcuterie and more. The tasting hub is back, along with a great line-up of chefs, activities for kids and enough samples to feed a small army. u Wimbledon Park, SW19; fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com
Grayson Perry On goin g Serpentine G aller ies
Grayson Perry presents this major exhibition of new work that touches on themes of popularity and art, masculinity and the current cultural landscape. Working in a variety of media such as ceramics, cast iron, bronze and tapestry, Perry is best known for his ability to combine delicately crafted objects with scenes of contemporary life. Ken sin gton G arden s, W2; serpen tin e galler ies.org
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Batt/Wimb_Aug17_Whats_On.indd 16
SUMMER’S FINEST O n go i n g Fo ss Fi ne Ar t oss Fine Art showcase the best of the summer season with their annual F group show. This brilliant exhibition of contemporary art delivers a variety of exciting colour, textures and mediums, centred around an environmental theme. u 113B Northcote Road, SW11; fossfineart.com
16 14/07/2017 12:04
ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS
OLIVER TWIST
Un ti l 5 Au g u s t Re ge nt’s Pa rk O p e n Ai r T he a tre lease sir, can I have some more? P Take a riotous journey through the streets of London to discover the original story of Victorian London's most famous orphan. Directed by Caroline Byrne, Oliver Twist created for everyone aged six and over is fun for the whole family. Royal Court playwright Anya Reiss' adaptation brings Dickens' story to a whole new audience. It will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. u Inner Circle, NW1; openairtheatre.com
MACBETH
must see
3-5 August B atte rs e a Arts C e n tre
Immerse yourself on a journey through rugged Scottish landscapes and encounter storms, betrayal and murderous plot in the preview of Paper Cinema’s groundbreaking show, ahead of its run in Edinburgh. Shakespeare's tragedy is vividly told with illustration, masterful puppetry and a live score.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
O ngoi ng Ap ollo T he at re ienna Miller stars as Maggie S alongside Jack O’Connell as Brick in this poetic story of a family’s fight for survival. On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather at their cotton plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The summer heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out? u Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D; youngvicwestend.com
Lavender Hill, SW11; bac.org.uk
SHOW OF THE MONTH
THE TEMPEST Un ti l 18 Au g u st T h e B arb i c an
n a distant island a man waits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man, and this no ordinary island. Simon Russell Beale plays Prospero in
O
17 Batt/Wimb_Aug17_Whats_On.indd 17
this ground-breaking production that uses today’s most advanced technology in a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s magical play. A truly unforgettable theatre experience. u Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 12:04
ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS
Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms.
Priced at £395 each.
Private commissions are also welcome.
Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com
Our central London gallery
All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2017
View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com PULLMAN.indd 1
03/07/2017 10:08
ARTS & CULTURE / OUTDOORS
Make a
SPLASH
5
Cool down when the city warms up this summer in one of London’s most popular outdoor swimming areas Wo r d s H e l e n B r o w n
1
5 • S E R P E NTI N E LI D O ang smack in the heart of London is the Serpentine Lido, carved out of the main pond in Hyde Park. Like Hampton Ponds, regulars to the waters include some of the city's finest wildlife. But don't let the ducks deter you. This place is open all year long and has a nearby playground, paddling pool and deckchairs so you can chill out all day. Hyde Park, W2; serpentinelido.com
B
1 • B R O C K W E LL LI D O his Grade II listed lido boasts an Olympic length pool, gym, hydrotherapy zone and an indoor cycling studio. It's the perfect outing for a day trip with an awardwinning cafe serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Dry off after your dip in front of an al fresco film from Luna Cinema. They have a summer programme of screenings including Jaws, The Graduate and Splash. Dulwich Road, SE24; brockwelllido.com
T
2 • TO OTI N G B E C LI D O t a whopping 90m x 30m, Tooting Bec is the largest freshwater open-air pool in the UK. Despite this, the place can still get pretty crowded so an early start is advised. There’s a café to rest and refuel once you're done swimming. Tooting Bec Road, SW16; slsc.org.uk
A
3 • OA S I S S P O RT S C E NTR E mere five minutes from Holborn, this is one of the West End's only outdoor swimming areas. The location is prime and it tends to pack out on warmer days and stays open until 10pm during the week. When you're done with your dip, there are three squash courts and two fitness studios to enjoy. 32 Endell Street, WC2H; better.org.uk
A
4 • LO N D O N F I E LD S LI D O f you're not one to brave the chill - this is British summertime after all - you'll want to hit up London Lido Fields. This 50-metre pool is heated and gets packed during summer. Besides swimming, they host workout sessions, yoga and aquarobics. There's also a cafe and a sundeck, perfect for an afternoon doze sunshine. London Fields West Side, E8; better.org.uk
4
I
2
19 SouthWest_Aug17_swimming_single.indd 19
3 absolutely.london
14/07/2017 12:11
c ihnce
COpule
Bespoke Couture
beautifully designed for your moment to shine!
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE AND
SPECIAL OCCASION OUTFITS EVENING AND COCKTAIL WEAR
BESPOKE HATS & BAGS
Katja
N u u t i n e n COUTURE LONDON
Katja Nuutinen Couture t. 020 8944 8848, info@kncouture.com 7 Leopold Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7BB
WWW.KNCOUTURE.COM KATJA.indd 1
13/07/2017 16:13
> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
p.22
ROCK'N'ROLL STYLE WITH JESS MORRIS
p.24
BLUE SKY THINKING Nothing says ‘holiday’ better than MARCH11’s richly embroidered blouses and dresses. Inspired by wanderlust and memories of travels past, the brand’s stunning pieces are inspired by local artisanal techniques. Buy now and love forever. march11.us
21 CHIS_Aug17_Fashion_Opener.indd 21
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 12:12
st y l e C e n t r a l
Alexa Chung’s long-awaited collection, kimono chic, white jeans and lace-ups Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y
B R A N D T O WAT C H
NADYA SHAH
W
hen it-girl Poppy Delevingne was papped wearing an intricately embroidered Aztec print cape, the fashion world sat up. The designer, it transpired, was the relatively unknown Nadya Shah. Covering dresses, tops, coats and capes, Nadya Shah’s designs are characterised by a contemporary spin on folkloric embroidery. Sourcing ethical, handwoven fabrics from her native Pakistan, the designer is passionate about championing sustainable fashion. Her label provides long term employment opportunities for artisans in her hometown. “From architecture to flocked wallpaper, old Cecil Beaton books to vintage ornaments, I’m constantly inspired by the old and the new”, Shah explains. “Although my creative process has evolved over the years, I’ve always worked very visually. Starting with sketching ideas and creating mood boards, my research has developed onto the treatment of materials and constructions of silhouettes. I love experimenting with techniques and embroidery, constantly challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of what can be done.” Spotted on a number of famous faces, Shah’s designs act as a pièce de résistance to any ensemble. Make like Poppy and pair the Dhalia Cape with dressed-down denim and a billowing blouse for festival-ready style. Or, for a cool alternative to a summer cocktail dress, try the Lina Fuchsia Nomad Jacket. The chinoiserie embellishment gives a nod to this season’s oriental trend - all it needs is an crisp shirt, culottes and heeled sandals. ◆ nadyashah.com
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_August17_Fashion_Confidential_02.indd 22
Brit Girl Alexa Chung
After months of anticipation, Alexa Chung’s eponymous fashion label has officially launched into the fashion sphere. Described as a combination of “Parisian chic with a New York edge”, plus a “very British sense of humour”, there’s no doubt that Chung’s transatlantic collection packs as much charm and character as the woman herself. alexachung.com
22 14/07/2017 12:14
FASHION / NOTES editor’s
PICK ROBED IN STYLE Zara
This season Hillier Bartley and Attico have both embraced the decorative charm of the kimono. The SS17 look is all about fusing the traditional Japanese silhouette with the aristocratic eccentricity of a silk dressing gown. Zara’s stunning blue iteration will look a million dollars with tasseled, shoulder-grazing earrings and kitten heels; £59.99. zara.com
of the best
LACE-UP BUYS & OTHER STORIES
Cotton Lace-up Dress £65; stories.com
SCANDI COOL Arket
From the people that brought you H&M comes Arket, the new lifestyle label that everyone's talking about. Meaning ‘a sheet of paper’ in Swedish, the brand will focus on sustainability, durability and quality in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion and homeware. The brand’s Instagram page reveals shots of chic yet simple separates – but all we can say is, watch this space. arket.com
EQUIPMENT
Knox Lace-Up Striped Cotton Shirt £230; lyst.com
MARQUES' ALMEIDA
Asymmetric Lace-Up Cotton-Jersey Top £240; net-a-porter.com
ARTHOUSE Pe o p l e T r e e x V& A
Ethical fashion brand People Tree have joined forces with the V&A to create an eight-piece capsule collection that celebrates the beauty of the museum’s eclectic archives. Inspired by 1930s style, the limited edition line will be made from printed organic cotton and features a number of timeless and elegantly grown-up pieces; from £75. peopletree.co.uk
TOPSHOP
Moto Lace-Up Cropped Wide Leg Jeans £46; topshop.com
WHITE OUT DL 1961
Forget sloaney skinnies and school run mums, because white jeans have been given a cool-girl makeover this season. They key is to stick to rigid denim and wide leg, high-waisted silhouettes to avoid any Liz Hurley connotations. DL 1961’s white Hepburn jeans tick all the boxes. Style with a retro, colour-match tee, heeled mules and sculptural earrings; £180. asos.com
23 Chis_August17_Fashion_Confidential_02.indd 23
SEA
Lace-Up Stretch-Canvas Midi Skirt - Blush £1,320; shopstyle.co.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 12:14
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX
&
ROCK ROLL QUEEN Absolutely meets Jess Morris, one half of the design duo behind fashion brand Rockins Wo r d s b y j oy m o n t g o m e r y
I
against the neighbouring brands; a fashion microcosm that transports us to a world of glam rock, groupies and 1970s Bohemia. In non-stretch denim, white tee and skinny scarf, Morris is a pure personification of the brand. ‘We were going to do vinyl for next season’, she muses, spotting my high shine vinyl trousers. ‘About six months ago Julia Hobbs from Vogue told me “do vinyl and do it quick!” I just didn’t do it quick enough’, she adds with a throaty laugh. This casual name-dropping of the stylish and the starstudded turns out to be a recurring theme throughout our conversation, littering her memories and offering a glimpse into the impressive social network of this fashion PR-turned-designer.
f you thought rock and roll was dead then clearly you haven’t met Jess Morris and Tim Rockins. Both tousle-haired and denim-clad, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d just stepped off the Glastonbury stage. In fact, this inimitable couple are the brains behind fashion brand Rockins. Eat your heart out Kooples, because these guys are the real deal. I meet Jess Morris, one half of the design duo, in the sartorial melting pot that is a fashion PR’s headquarters. We pass rail upon rail of high-end wares before finding Morris standing sentinel beside a line-up of Rockins’ latest designs. Even in such neutral surroundings both designer and collection stand out
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
NH_July17_Rockins.indd 24
24 14/07/2017 12:17
FASHION / INTERVIEW
Jess Morris
The Rockins love affair began after Tim and Jess met in Notting Hill, working as an illustrator/DJ and fashion PR, respectively. Fast forward a few years and they find themselves at home with two kids wondering what to do next. Describing themselves as ‘very Good Life’, the creative pair were known for their homemade Christmas presents - everything from Monopoly boards to bespoke vinyl music covers - and one year they created a small run of 1920s inspired silk scarves. Little did they know that Rockins had just been born. 'The scarves were our entry point into the fashion industry’, Morris explains. ‘Tim and I were always looking for those old 1920s scarves that people wore in the 1970s - it’s the aesthetic we love and what our rock and roll heroes were always wearing - but they just weren’t available. Within two to three seasons our scarves were in so many stores. We caught the wave’. It’s worth noting that among the group of friends who received the first Rockins scarf were fashion royalty Kate Moss, Jamie Hince and Katie England. As a result Rockins appeared in high profile fashion editorials and even around the neck of Mossy herself. Now that’s what you call promotional gold dust.
The collection is a visual MASH-UP of morris’ love of VINTAGE FASHION and her HUSBAND'S URBAN AESTHETIC
25 NH_July17_Rockins.indd 25
Following the success of the scarves, in 2016 Rockins moved into ready-to-wear, selling everything from printed tees and silk shirts to waistcoats and non-stretch denim. Irreverent yet stylish, luxe yet laid-back, the collection is a visual mashup of Morris’ love of vintage fashion and her husband’s urban aesthetic. ‘We’re heavily influenced by music, it inspires everything we do’, Jess explains. ‘Tim is an ‘80s kid and brings a street vibe to the brand, while I’m stuck in the ‘70s'. This love for all things retro can be traced back to Morris’ childhood,
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 12:18
XXXXXX FASHION//XXXXXXX INTERVIEW spending Saturdays working at her Mum’s vintage store. ‘I always loved going to jumble sales - you would put your hand in and come out with all these 1950s fabrics and Victorian lace’, she recalls. ‘This was the 1970s and everyone looked fantastic because they were wearing second-hand clothes. It was like an amazing dressing up box’. It’s clear that this immersion in the world of time-worn objects has become embedded in the brand’s DNA. How does Jess reconcile this nostalgia with the fast pace of the modern fashion industry? ‘Originally we said we’d only do two collections a year, all our denim would be well worn in and we’d spend time on customisation’, she says with a wry smile. ‘But it’s tricky when you have an agent constantly asking “what’s next?” and stores wanting newness every month. There’s an impatience and demand in the fashion world that is unavoidable. We’re just trying to keep our charm in a commercial world without selling out’. Navigating the demands of a contemporary fashion brand might be tricky, but Jess and Tim have fought to hold onto their ‘charm’. From the packaging, which sees scarves folded into cassette boxes and 7-inch vinyls, to the ‘brandzine’, a print magazine inspired by
old music fanzines, you can’t help but be impressed by their dedication. Rockins husband, Rockins home and even Rockins kids - yup, check out the brand’s Instagram page - Jess Morris is certainly living the Rockins life. ‘I had dinner with Vivienne [Westwood] on Monday night in Paris and she couldn't believe I was doing my own clothes line’, she says with unwavering casualness. Yet, despite her obvious successes, Jess still suffers from that all-too-familiar feeling of imposter syndrome. ‘Sometimes I feel like a fraud because I didn’t go to St Martins or train as a designer’, she explains. With such distinctive style, intuitive design skill and impressive contacts to boot, something tells us she’s going to be just fine. u rockins.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
NH_July17_Rockins USE.indd 26
26 14/07/2017 12:23
LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR Lingerie and swimwear measuring and fitting service available all year round without appointment from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk
AMELIES _FOLLIES_AUG.indd 1
14/07/2017 16:56
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 28
14/07/2017 15:22
Made in
BRAZIL Waft around in Adriana Degreas’ tropical swimwear and floaty cover-ups adrianadegre as.com P h o t o g r a p h e r R a f a e l P ava r o t t i
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 29
14/07/2017 15:22
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 30
14/07/2017 15:23
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 31
14/07/2017 15:23
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 32
14/07/2017 15:23
CHISWICK_August17_Shoot_use 2.indd 33
14/07/2017 15:23
THE APP FOR TODAY’S STYLISH MAMAS Download the Absolutely Mama App to receive every issue before it hits stores
The Absolutely Mama app, updated bi-monthly with each issue of the magazine, offers the freedom to seamlessly glide between articles and features from parenting experts, top influencers and some truly inspirational mamas.
ZENITH
Download the app to discover, learn and share the latest MAMA trends and news
Dry Cleaners & Launderers EST. 1982
Quality Clothes Deserve Quality Care
OR Through our preferred partner
Silk • Satin • Sequins Beading Ball Gowns • Wedding Gowns
Follow Us On
@ABSOLUTELYMAMA
Ample parking at the corner of Pirbright Road 203 Replingham Road SW18 www.zenithdrycleaners.co.uk
020 8874 8651
ZENITH_JUNE.indd 1 _SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 2
MAMA HP VERTICAL.indd 1 14/07/2017 15:32
13/07/2017 12:22 14/07/2017 15:36
FASHION / TREND ZARA Brown Suede Jacket, £179; zara.com
CHLOE Hudson Small Leather Shoulder Bag, £1,315; chloe.com
MANGO Printed Cotton T-Shirt, £15.99; shop.mango.com
TOPSHOP Montana Western Ankle Boots, £55; topshop.com
MIH JEANS Halsy Raw Denim MidRise Shorts, £145; matchesfashion.com
SAINT LAURENT Striped Breton Top, £408; farfetch.com
HUNTER Mini Top Clip Backpack, £225; hunterboots.com
& OTHER STORIES Rik Rak Top, £45; stories.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY Rowan Denim Shirt, £454; matchesfashion.com
ROCKINS SS17
TOPSHOP Feminist Sweatshirt, £24; topshop.com
ROCKINS Guns ‘N’ Rockins-Print Super-Skinny Scarf, £117; matchesfashion.com
ROCK N’ ROLL QUEEN MADEWORN The Rolling Stones Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £140; net-a-porter.com
Camp in style with Absolutely’s grown-up festival fashion edit B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
35 Chis_Aug17_Fashion_Products.indd 35
HUNTER Garden Party Womens Original Tall Wellington Boots, £90; hunterboots.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 14:02
FASHION / JEWELLERY
Pearly Queen 1
2
3
4
8
5
6
7
1 ANNOUSHKA, DIAMONDS AND PEARLS RING, £2,800; annoushka.com • 2 AURÉLIE BIDERMANN, CHEYNE WALK PEARL AND GOLD-PLATED EARRINGS,£265; matchesfashion.com • 3 UTERQÜE, VINTAGE PEARL BRACELET, £55; uterque.com • 4 MIZUKI, 14-KARAT GOLD PEARL CUFF, £2,285; net-a-porter.com • 5 GOLD PHILOSOPHY, DELPHINE COLLAR, £256; goldphilosophy.com • 6 LAURENCE COSTE, AUGUSTA EARRINGS, GOLD AND PEARL, £325; laurence-coste.com • 7 THEO FENNELL, FRESHWATER PEARL AND DIAMOND BEE DROP EARRINGS, £3,800; theofennell.com 8 SAMMIE JO COXON, CALENDIS HALF HOOPS, £1,210 - £2,420; sammiejocoxon.com
36 Chis_Aug16_JEWELLERY PAGE.indd 36
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 14:14
Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery
Hand Made with love
For You
Specialist Bespoke Goldsmith and Jeweller Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken on-site by Master Jewellers
www.michaelplatt.co.uk
Goldsmith & Jeweller in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London | SW19 5DW Tel. 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk
MICHAEL PLATT.MAY.V2.indd 1
05/04/2017 12:03
M
B CLU
54
N
T H E WI
18
BLEDO
A multisport Members’ Club in the heart of SW19
ST.MARYS.indd TWC advert1.indd 1 1
14/07/2017 13/07/2017 16:32 15:18
> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
p.40
BRONZE AMBITION p.44
GOOD TO GLOW For her first cruise collection Lucia Pica has created a make-up line which encapsulates the beauty and warmth of summer. A tribute to the brand’s inimitable founder, Les Indispensables de L’ete is composed of glowing face, lip, eye and nail products inspired by the earthy tones of sun-baked landscapes. chanel.com
39 CHIS_Aug17_BEAUTY OPENER.indd 39
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 14:16
t r e atm e n t R e v i e w
Quirky girl fragrance, Nars Orgasm, brow perfection and redness eliminators... W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
COSMEDICS SKIN CLINIC Putney, SW15 Wo r d s L U C Y B U T T E R F I E L D
C
osmedics clinics are 100% Harley Street. Don’t expect artfully distressed wood and scented candles. Cosmedics is all white, all spotless, its sharp edges tempered by scant vases of flowers. I headed to the Putney clinic to try the ClearLift treatment, which uses a laser to stimulate collagen deep within the skin and encourage cells to regenerate. Primarily used to treat lines, wrinkles and sun damage (and occasionally marks or scars) ClearLift aims to mimic the tightening effects of botox, but with blessedly fewer needles. My therapist, Anna, was a straighttalking hive of advice. She chastised me for using beaded exfoliators on sensitive skin, frowned at my long-regretted nose piercing scar, and even recommended a Notting Hill pharmacy for its range of skin product testers. She swiftly put to bed my hopes of zapping said scar into oblivion during the session, explaining it could take a course of treatments to fade. The treatment itself was largely painless, even on skin as sensitive as mine, and left no redness or sore areas in the days following. Clearly it’s a slow burner, and takes a course of treatments for results to really show, but my skin definitely looked a little brighter and glossier after just one session. If anything, half an hour busting problems and myths with such a clued-up therapist was the real highlight. ◆ COSMEDICS SKIN CLINIC
4 Disraeli Rd, Putney, SW15 2DS; cosmedics.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_Aug17_Beauty notes.indd 40
MoveYourBody Whistles
Sport meets style for Whistles’ new activewear collection. Made of lightweight, performance stretch fabrics, the 17-piece collection is designed to blend seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe. From striped co-ords and Aztec detail bra tops, to dance sweats and easy all-in-ones, exercise never looked so appealing. whistles.com
40 14/07/2017 14:20
HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES
6
editor's
BLOOMIN’ LOVELY
PICK
Gucci Bloom
of the best
Alessandro Michele, Gucci Creative Director and king of quirky girl chic, has released his first fragrance. ‘Bloom’ contains notes of tuberose and jasmine, offering a complex, woody finish. This chic, millennial pink bottle is one to display on the dressing table; £72. gucci.com
REDNESS NEUTRALISERS
SKIN SCIENCE Nior London
Founded by Anika Patel, Nior London is the under-the-radar brand that has won our hearts with its beautiful packaging and results-driven skincare. Each product addresses a specific concern and the Radiate SPF20 antiageing cream is our hero buy with its light, nourishing formula. nior.london
1
SMASHBOX, Photo Finish Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Primer, £28; smashbox.co.uk
2
YVES SAINT LAURENT, Touche Éclat Neutralizer, £25.50; yslbeauty.co.uk
34
URBAN DECAY, Naked Skin Colour Correcting Fluid, £19; urbandecay.co.uk
BLUSHING BEAUTY Nars Orgasm
Introducing Nars’ new Orgasm Liquid Blush. Inspired by the brand’s cult powder blusher, the silky formula is ideal for layering to create a perfectly natural flush. Infused with Monoi and Tamanu oils, this will stay on as long as you stay out; £23. narscosmetics.co.uk
HIGH BROW Beauty Edit Mayfair
Formulated to deliver effortlessly defined brows, this 10-piece collection uses pure pigmented shades to neutralise brassiness. The result? Game-changing products that work in harmony with our natural colouring. nailsandbrows.me
41 Chis_Aug17_Beauty notes.indd 41
6 5
BECCA, Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector, £21; cultbeauty.co.uk
NYX, rofessional Makeup High Definition Finishing Powder, £9; boots.com
DIOR 2-in-1 Prime & Colour Correct, £23.50; dior.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 14:21
ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION
DR SAM AFSHAR
DENTAL IMPLANTS last for MANY YEARS and
are not designed to BE REPLACED
WHITE NOW Dr Sam Afshar of Principal Putney Dentists promises new teeth within a week
W
hy suffer from an aged, toothless appearance when modern medicine provides for dental implants, which bring back teeth into the mouth and smiles to the face? In the past, dental implantation procedures took over a year to complete and included a number of treatments and surgical procedures prior to the final outcome. Today, thanks to advanced technologies, it is possible to gain new and beautiful teeth within a week.
H ow d o e s i t wo r k ?
The patient arrives at the clinic to undergo a series of imaging sessions
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
SW_May17_Putney_Dentist.indd 42
and measurement procedures. The dentist then proceeds to design the exact structure of the patient’s dental implants. This design takes into account factors such as the state of the patient’s gums, jawbones, facial structure, age, medical condition. The objective is high-end aesthetic value, coupled with a natural, harmonious smile and proper, healthy dental function. The implants are fitted in the mouth, data is processed in the lab by the next day when the patient arrives to be measured. A week later, the patient receives their new teeth and leaves the clinic with a beautiful smile on their lips. Following the implantation, the teeth restore their healthy, proper function. The mouth feels comfortable and natural and within a week, the patient will feel
42
DENTAL IMPLANTS
as though his implants were there from the beginning. Chewing ability improves tremendously, as well as the capacity for speech, which may have been previously disrupted due to broken or crooked teeth, or due to gaps separating the teeth. Teeth play a role in chewing and speech, but they are also important aesthetically. When teeth are missing, the lips sink in, the face loses volume and grooves are formed. The result – a gloomy, aged appearance. Correct oral rehabilitation will restore the face's lost youth. Dental implants can be fitted with white, straight, healthy and beautifullooking teeth, far surpassing the quality of the earlier teeth. These teeth lack fillings, gaps, height differences and dark complexion. Dentists who employ this method report very high success rates. It is important to mention that the more experienced, qualified and skilled the dentist you choose for the procedure, the better, more precise and more impressive the outcome will be. Dental implants last for many years and are not designed to be replaced. Experience shows that patients who have had dental implants for 20 years, still have beautiful, firm and stable implants. Implants help women and men look better and more attractive, and their new smile illuminates their features, adding grace and beauty to their face. u Dr Sam Afshar Principal Putney Dentists; 020 8785 6772 reception@putneydentists.co.uk putneydentists.co.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 14:25
DISCOVER THE UK’S FIRST COLOUR ONLY SALON
COLOURING YOUR HAIR WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN Sign up for an exclusive invitation to preview the UK’s first colour only salon before our official public opening! Learn more at SKYLERLONDON.COM
SH.indd 1
OPENING SOON AT SOUTHSIDE WANDSWORTH
15/06/2017 20:12
HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS BUTTER LONDON
TAN-LUXE
The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops, £35; tan-luxe.com
BronzerClutch Palette in True to Form, £28; lookfantastic.com
JAMES READ
Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face, £25; feelunique.com
NARS
Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer in Laguna, £29; narscosmetics.co.uk
ZOEVA
Nude Spectrum Blush Palette, £15; selfridges.com
TAN-LUXE
The Butter, £20; qvcuk.com
ELIZABETH ARDEN
Sunset Bronze Prismatic Lip Gloss, £18; elizabetharden.co.uk
CHANTECAILLE
Chrome Luxe Eye Duo in Monte Carlo, £48; spacenk.com
PIXI
Quick Fix Bronzer Velvet Bronze, £18; lookfantastic.com
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask, £38; charlottetilbury.com
Golden Girls
LAURA MERCIER
Sunset Bronzing Crayon, £25; spacenk.com
Get your glow on with the best bronzer buys B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
VITA LIBERATA
BENEFIT
Trystal Minerals Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals in Sunkissed, £35; vitaliberata.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_Aug17_BeautyProductsUSE.indd 44
Hula Bronzing Powder, £24.50; benefitcosmetics.com
44 14/07/2017 14:37
ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION
With his DEDICATED TEAM and loyal client FOLLOWING, ANDY’S SALON was an instant SUCCESS
eliminates frizz, adds shine and maintains body. This gives you the ability to have ‘wash and wear’ hair for up to four months.
ALICE YANEVA
HAIR HERO
If you’re looking for subtle soft highlights tailored to your skin tone, Alice Yaneva is the go-to colourist. Her super fine weaving techniques using L’Oréal Professional colour result in a softer regrowth, while maintaining the condition and shine of your hair.
SONAL MEPANI Extension specialist Sonal Mepani trained with Great Lengths hair extensions for five years. Using individual keratin bonds they are extremely versatile in creating various styles. Extensions allow you to add fullness, extend length or experiment with your colour without permanently dyeing your natural hair. u
Beauty comes from the inside… inside the hair salon. Welcome to Andy’s Salon
A
ndy Sharma has just celebrated the opening of his first salon in Wimbledon Village; a place he refers to as “his home from home.” His lifelong passion for hair began 16 years ago on the Brompton Road. His unbelievable flair and charming personality meant he became a leading stylist on Kings Road and a renowned celebrity hairstylist to the likes of Hugh Jackman, Filipe Luis, Robin Williams and the cast of Made In Chelsea. In 2013, Andy became director of a leading salon in Parsons Green, and three years later, the opportunity to open his own salon and begin his very own legacy came about. With the help of his
dedicated team, loyal client following and support of the residents around SW19, Andy’s Salon was an instant success. Andy’s incredible drive for perfection in meeting every client’s specific needs and requirements has now made him a firm favourite in the Village. Leading by example, Andy creates a fierce workforce. He personally trains each member of staff to ensure his skills, standards and professionalism are reflected. Meet the team
SULTAN SHARMA With 15 years’ experience, senior stylist Sultan Sharma is the salon expert for the Keratin treatment. Produced with the most up-to-date technology and highest quality ingredients, the treatment
45 B&C_May17_WhiteHouse.indd 45
Quote “Absolute Andy” to receive 20% off your first cut or colour service 89 High Street, Wimbledon Village SW19 5EG, 020 8605 2453 andyswimbledonvillage.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:18
Our exceptional service is the reason our clients stay with us
Specialist in Chimney flue systems, wood burning stoves and gas fireplaces
Protecting yourself and your family from carbon monoxide Have your chimney flue swept and appliance serviced by professional GAS SAFE & HETAS engineers 0208 417 1010 info@thelondonfireplaces.co.uk www.thelondonfireplaces.com
Feed the fire, Break your vision Please call us for a complimentary survey and any advice you would like Special offer Chimney Sweep for: ÂŁ65.00 Inc. VAT & Free Site Survey
LONDON_FIREPLACES.indd 2
registered GAS SAFE and a HETAS approved retailer
16/06/2017 15:11
> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
p.48
FOCUS: WOOL STORY p.53
WICKER MEN Graham and Green’s lovely rattan pieces might look too lovely to expose to the elements, but they’re a summery addition to any room. grahamandgreen.co.uk
47 Chis_Aug17_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 47
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:04
10 of the best
GARDEN pieces
Ideas, designs and styles for your home
JOHN LEWIS
Havan sofa, £200 johnlewis.com
Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
ANNABEL JAMES
William Morris enamel mug, £9.95 annabeljames.co.uk
TOLLY MCRAE
Lemon curd picnic rug and leather strap, £119 tollymcrae.co.uk
SCP
Tornaux chair by Henrik Pedersen, £920 scp.co.uk
Hanging Around STUDIO WAWA
Folding rocking chair, £298 wawa.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_Aug17_Interiors_NotesUSE.indd 48
M u r a l s Wa l l p a p e r It's not just tents and marquees at the Raj Tent Club, though they have those too. The new range of garden furniture includes lots of beautiful pieces in rattan and wrought iron with a colonical feel. We are coveting this delightful dangling chair in rattan. Fill it with cushions and just - literally - hang. You could spend an entire summer that way. £250,
rajtentclub.com
48 14/07/2017 15:10
HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES
BLUE MONDAY
MY ADELE
Habitat There’s a lot of monochrome around in Habitat’s simple shapes and sleek pieces, so why not paint a wall in a striking colour to show it all off? Bright blue is set to be the new navy. You red it here first. habitat.co.uk
Garden vases, from £28 myadele.de
PIZZA AL FRESCO Delivita
Outdoor cooking doesn't have to involve a barbeque. Delvita's new pizza ovens are small enough and stylish enough to fit even the smallest balcony, while heating up hot enough to cook a mean wood-fired pizza in literally seconds. The ovens come with dough recipes and lots of information to help you perfect your pizza-making skills. £950, delvita.co.uk
MIAFLEUR
Parisienne garden bench, £158 miafleur.com
BERRY RED Butterfly jug and cups, from £25 berryred.co.uk
must
HAVE
editor’s
PICK STAND UP
Sweetpea & Willow This stunning black and gold planter mixes contemporary style with elegant glamour. Raised from the ground by a set of black painted legs, it puts your planr on a pedestal. sweetpeaandwillow.co.uk
JOHN LEWIS Sunnylife ice cream tumblers, £10 johnlewis.com
INDIAN SUMMER
East L ondon Parasol Co These are parasols to celebrate under, hand-made in colourful Indian fabrics using traditional techniques. Make an occasion out of a patch of shade. From £295, eastlondonparasols.com
49 Chis_Aug17_Interiors_NotesUSE.indd 49
LAGOON
South American blue and violet double hammock, £149.90 vivalagoon.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:10
• 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 info@pmlandscapes.co.uk
www.pmlandscapes.co.uk
PM.indd 1
16/06/2017 15:20
INTERIORS / BOOKS
BOOK
CLUB Five of the best new interiors tomes Wo r d s s a b r i n a n u n e z
URBAN PIONEER
With housing in high demand, anything and everything can be converted into a residential space, which is where Sara Emslie’s book comes into play. Exploring renovations and discovering how to define key elements of an urban space, Emslie brings together the old with the new in a historical context that shows how much she understands about transforming a space. Exposed brick and worn wooden panels are some of the robust features of the book, while polished light fixtures and table tops offer balance. £19.99, rylandpeters.com
MODERN VINTAGE STYLE
Broken up into two parts, Emily Chalmers brings together examples of textiles, lighting and furniture before showing you how to incorporate vintage pieces into a space while simultaneously ensuring they also serve a purpose. Practicality
THE SCANDINAVIAN HOME
Crafted around the idea of embracing light to enlarge and enliven space, the minimalist appearance of Scandi interiors is having a massive moment. Blogger Niki Brantmark displays interiors that fit the trend, but throw an individual spin with dark walls, mismatched furniture and shelves brimming with books. Brantmark also showcases accessibility by showing that Scandi style isn’t limited to central city flats; farmhouses, mountain cabins and beach houses can also be the perfect backdrops for the clean lines and warm wooden textures essential to this design craze. £19.99, rylandpeters.com
reigns supreme in this book in Chalmers’ approach to selecting and styling interiors. Her understanding of how shapes, colours and spaces can transform a vintage piece and modernise it takes form in advice that’s easy to understand and apply. The scrapbook design of the pages further emphasises Chalmers’ desire to communicate the importance of surrounding yourself with things you love. £19.99, rylandpeters.com
A BEAUTIFUL MESS
Claire Bingham humanises a space by sharing the stories that make up the eclectic and truly lived-in homes she visits. The book looks at homes around the world and has text in both English and German. Bingham brings together everything: from modern to industrial, vintage to IKEA classics, and bold colours with muted pastels and neutrals. The images are beautiful and the interiors are anything but minimalistic, choosing organised clutter over clean lines. teneues.com
51 B&C_July17_BOOKS - Interiors.indd 51
CREATIVE LIVING COUNTRY
Leave the busy city streets behind and join Chloe Grimshaw as she takes you on a journey to the spacious British countryside. Half of the book focuses on dreamy interiors that take advantage of the larger rooms offered by the country, but the other half recounts stories of hopeful career moves made by artists, architects, makers and designers. Grimshaw shows how beneficial a move from city to country can be for an artistic and creative mind, both financially and intrinsically. The book explores 25 houses across the UK and celebrates how innovatively these pioneers have worked the countryside to their advantage, proving that a London address isn’t the only aspect of success. £19.95, thameshudson.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:15
The Art of Flooring Bespoke flooring • Engineered wood flooring Range of soft carpets • Add robust tiles to your kitchen
For beautiful new flooring that will last, give us a call on 020 8543 9083 258 - 260 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB
abbotswoodflooring.co.uk
ABBOTSWOOD.JAN.indd 1
08/12/2016 10:13
HOME & INTERIORS / FOCUS The Woolroom is dedicated to promoting the benefits of wool for sleep. Their experts say: “Wool is a natural insulator to keep you warm in winter and naturally breathable to keep you cool in summer. Wool fibre helps to keep your body at the optimal temperature zone for comfort and rest. When used in blankets, synthetic fibres, down and even cotton fibres do not breathe as well as wool, and are more likely to trap heat in your bed. Wool buffers the extreme cold or hot air on the outside, keeping your body in the ideal comfort zone.” Additionally, wool is naturally absorbent and can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp. Its ability to repel moisture also protects it from mildew and enables it to resist dust and dirt. ◆
FLEECE FACTS TH E DUVET
herdysleep.com
WHY WOOL? Sleep quality is heavily affected by the fabrics surrounding you. Absolutely is converted to the power of wool Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
H
aving a beautiful bedroom is all very well but will it actually help you sleep? Because ultimately, a good night’s sleep is the single most important thing a bedroom can offer you. And though colour schemes and aesthetics will go a long way towards creating a relaxed and conducive environment, what you really want to think about is fabric.
Everyone knows that natural fabrics are breathable and comfortable. Cotton and linen duvet covers combined with down duvets are a popular combination, but one material that is often overlooked is wool. Though it’s enormously versatile and probably the best allround performer, it’s commonly – and mistakenly – held to be an exclusively winter thing. Not so. Wool is a fantastic material for duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and even entire mattresses.
53 Chis_Aug17_Wool.indd 53
Handmade in their Devon workshops and something of a change from traditional plump duvets, Natural Mat’s quilted wool duvets have a much lower profile and are brilliant at regulating temperature. They are also something of a treat for those who crave simple, sleek bedding. We say: warm enough but never too warm and super cosy, wool is a good alternative to down. naturalmat.co.uk
TH E MATTRES S
Herdysleep is the first mattress of its kind to combine the luxury of craftsmanship with the compact convenience of a bed-in-a-box. Traditionally tufted and finished by hand, each mattress contains an industry leading number of pocket springs of up to 6,000, topped with a cloud-like blend of cotton, cashmere and wool from local Herdwick sheep. We say: firm, breathable and comfortable, this mattress is luxurious with just the right amount of bounce. herdysleep.com
TH E TOPPER
The Woolroom’s deluxe wool mattress topper claims to be the UK’s most comfortable and hypoallergenic topper, suitable for year-round use. We say: it adds a layer of softness and comfort, transforming our mattress. Toasty in winter and cool in summer, it has vastly improved our sleep quality. thewoolroom.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:19
CREATORS OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE FIREPLACES We created our unique FIRE RIBBON BURNER technology in 2003 with a large, glamorous and distinctive flame quality
CVO Fire | Unit 4 Beaumont Square Newton Aycliffe | County Durham | DL5 6XN 01325 301020 | sales@cvo.co.uk www.cvo.co.uk
CVO FIRE HP.indd 1
25/04/2017 12:48
Co-educational Boarding and Day (for pupils aged 13 – 18) Outstanding facilities Beautiful location A choice between the IB and A levels in the Sixth Form Open Day Saturday 7th October
+44 (0)1684 581 515 registrar@malverncollege.org.uk www.malverncollege.org.uk MALVERN.indd 1
_SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1
30/06/2017 11:25
14/07/2017 15:36
HOME & INTERIORS / FOCUS
Masters of
LUXURY
Traditional craftsmanship with heritage is very much of the moment Compiled by pendle harte
VILLARI
Inspired by the Italian Baroque style, every single Villari figure is finished in the finest detail using paint based on special oils extracted from fir trees and lavender. They are enhanced with 18-carat gold and platinum, and some pieces are further embellished by applying Swarovski crystals to give them a unique shine and elegance. All Villari items are signed by the artist, Cesare Villari, as a gurantee of their authenticity, and bear the fireimpressed trademark “Porcellane Villari”. villari.it
LALIQUE
Lalique's new Muses collection comprises glass vases paying tribute to the female form, a major source of inspiration of the house since its origins. The female was both the object and the subject of René Lalique’s masterpieces. He used the female form as a means of beautification, following the example of the Renaissance artists. He often depicted women as an allegory, gracious and ethereal or voluptuous with an arresting sensuality and mysterious demeanour.
MOSER
Luxury Bohemian crystal glass company Moser recently celebrated 160 years since its founding. To celebrate, contemporary master glassmakers joined forces with glass artists to create an anniversary collection, showing the most beautiful and stylish examples of the company's work, revived by contemporary masters. The new collection uses methods that have been used for more than 100 years.
lalique.com
moser-glass.com
55 B&C_Aug17_Masterclass.indd 55
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:39
OPEN DAY DATE SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER 9AM-12NOON Bookings at - www.westonbirt.org/admissions/open-days From Sept’17: Day Fee £4,995/term; Boarding Fee £9,750/term. E: admissions@westonbirt.org T: 01666 881301 www.westonbirt.org WESTONBRIT.indd WBS - Absolutely Mag1 - 210x297h - 22.6.17.indd 1
14/07/2017 22/06/2017 16:26 16:11
HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENING
TOP DECK Patrick Martin of PM Landscapes outlines all the decking options w o r d s pat r i c k m a r t i n
A
nyone with an interest in gardening may remember a time some years ago when there was a massive increase in the use of decking in garden design and construction. Heavily promoted and over used by one particular popular garden make over programme - it seemed that decking was the solution to any garden design challenge. Had the craze continued, there was a risk that half the country would be covered in mile after mile of garden decking. As with many popular trends, the backlash, when it came, was both swift and sharp - it got to the point where one was hesitant to recommend decking at all in any proposed garden project. The main objection was the fact that it was prone to being slippery in the winter months, particularly the treated softwood variety. This was exacerbated when the decking was located in a shady aspect such as a north-facing garden, under trees or between tall buildings. It also became apparent that decking
Varieties such
as IPE AND BALAU HAVE A reddish brown tone
required maintenance that was beyond the capacity of all but the most avid DIY enthusiast. That said, there is definitely a place for even treated softwood decking located in a bright, open and sunny aspect and the problems and pitfalls mentioned above have largely been overcome with the introduction of composite decking. There are essentially three categories of decking available on the market - treated softwood, hardwood and composite. Treated softwood is the cheapest and most readily available including from most DIY stores. Hardwood often originates from Africa and should be certified as being from a sustainable source. Varieties such as
57 SW_AUG17_Garden ADV.indd 57
Ipe and Balau have a reddish brown tone which can be enhanced by applying two or three coats of decking oil after installation. Composite decking is formed by mixing hardwood pulp with various recycled materials with the colour dye added in at the fabrication stage making the colour much less prone to fade. Also, the reduction in wood fibre in comparison to real woods discourages the growth of moss and algae greatly enhancing its non-slip qualities. In general, composite decking is probably the most stable and durable of the three. The advent of bi-fold doors has in many ways enhanced the relevance of decking as a good option in garden design. The colours available in composite decking in particular work well with the typical greys and blacks found in bi-fold door frames and continue the contemporary aspect out into the garden. In addition, if the right frame profile is specified in the bi-fold door, it is possible to set the decking flush level with the internal floor giving a seamless threshold from one to the other. u PM Landscapes offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects including decking and will supply samples of decking to view. pmlandscapes.co.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:42
DESIGNER ROBERTO CAVALLI
S FASHION HOUSE
Two worlds of design collide when fashion turns its hand to interiors: we explore the best high street and high-end offerings Words J OY M O N TG O M E RY
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
B&C_Aug17_PETERSHAM.indd 58
ynonymous with high octane, glossy glamour, Roberto Cavalli is the king of exotic prints and bohemian silhouettes. The brand has maintained a distinct character throughout its 40 year history and maximalism is the order of the day. Roberto Cavalli home offers all the high impact decadence of the fashion line. Drawing on different fabrics set off by a single bold print, dye or effect, this is not a look for the faint-hearted. ‘When I create a dress I want it to emphasise the femininity of a woman; and so as with designing for the home,’ Cavalli explains. The brand’s signature animal print pervades Cavalli homes’ Signature Line, alongside flashes of molten gold, while the wallpaper and linen look to the ornate frivolity of rococo style. A Cavalli home for the Cavalli woman.
robertocavalli.com
58 14/07/2017 15:53
HOMES & INTERIORS / TRENDS
ZARA HOME
O
riginating in northwest Spain, Zara is the biggest brand from the Index group, the world’s largest apparel retailer. Founded in 1974, the brand now manages up to 20 clothing collections a year and is famously known for its incredibly responsive supply chain, which ships products to stores twice a week. The result is an international brand constantly on the edge of the latest fashion trends. Zara Home launched in 2003 and won the hearts of the public with its affordable approach to homewear. Stocking pieces for every area bedroom, bathroom, dining room and home fragrance - Zara have created a platform from which interiors can be sold like ‘fast fashion’. With platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest democratising the world of interiors, there’s no doubt that this high street giant is onto something within a previously inaccessible market.
zara.com
59 B&C_Aug17_PETERSHAM.indd 59
HIGH STREET
Image: Zara Home La Grande Illusione by Tim Walker
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:53
Absolute JULY 17_Layout 1 19/06/2017 15:44 Page 1
SPW.indd 1
03/07/2017 10:12
HOMES & INTERIORS / TRENDS
HIGH STREET
FRENCH CONNECTION
F
ounded in 1972 by Stephen Marks, French Connection has solidified its position in the high street hall of fame. The brand become popular in the ‘90s with t-shirts emblazoned with the FCUK logo. Fast forward two decades and French Connection has positioned itself at the top end of the high street. After a short homeware run in the early noughties, the brand took a second shot at the market in 2012 with the help of Irish designer Lorraine Brennan. French Connection Home is composed of tasteful pieces, with clear nods to interiors trends - from industrial style to mid century modernism. frenchconnection.com
ELEY KISHIMOTO
H
DESIGNER
usband and wife team Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto's prints have graced the world’s catwalks for decades. Founded in 1992, this eclectic fashion and design company gained prestige as a result of its first womenswear collection in the mid 90s and has continued to produce their own line ever since. Following the success of its clothing line, Kishimoto developed a variety of innovative design products, all identified by their timeless geometric prints. The brand is now known for its ability to decorate anything and everything. ‘The world has many surfaces and we as surface decorators are happy to cover these with our aesthetic’ is the manifesto the brand stands by. Its interiors line offers mid century modernity, intersected with tessellating shapes and vibrant hues. Passing trends and fads are rejected in favour of iconic prints such as chevron and houndstooth. eleykishimoto.com
61 B&C_Aug17_PETERSHAM.indd 61
4 OF THE BEST I N T E R I O R S & FA S H I O N C O L L A B O R AT I O N S
ANGLEPOISE X PAUL SMITH Anglepoise® + Paul Smith fuses the iconic lamp with the style of Britain’s foremost designer. anglepoise.com
IITTALA X ISSEY MIYAKE Scandinavian and Asian craftsmanship fuse in this range of high quality ceramics, glass and textiles. iittala.com
VISP RING X MISSONI As part of the Harrods Art Partners campaign, Vispring has partnered with Missoni Home to create three limitededition beds in colourful fabrics. vispring.com
HABITAT X HEN RY HOLLAND Henry’s second Habitat collection is a riot of frills, florals and flair. habitat.co.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 15:53
A R E A SON TO
GET TOGETHER At Hotel du Vin Wimbledon
CO MC PL OI M M PE LNI TMAERNYT A R Y
ROO RO MOHMI RHEI R E The p e r f e cThe t e xcp ue rs fee tcto e xcu n j oys egtre o aetnfjooyo dg, re g re a t aftowi o dn, eg re a t wi n e a n d gre a t acom n d gpre a ny a t acom t Hpoat eny l daut V Hiont.e l d u V i n . All the things Allyou thelove things about youdining love about at Hotel dining du Vin at Hotel but in duthe Vin but in the privacy of your privacy own of dining your room. own dining Perfectroom. for a Perfect family gathering, for a family gathering, special celebration, special dinner celebration, or party, dinner andor forparty, not aand penny for not extra. a penny extra. PRIVATE PRIVATE D I NI NG D £4 I NI 5 NG PER£PERSO 4 5 PERN PERSO N
Enjoy a glassEnjoy of Prosecco a glass on of Prosecco arrival, on arrival, a three course a three meal course and half meal bottle andofhalf wine bottle of wine
Call to bookCall a table to book a table HOTEL DU VIN HOTEL WIMBLEDON DU VIN WIMBLEDON events.wimbledon@hotelduvin.com events.wimbledon@hotelduvin.com 0330 024 0706 0330 024 0706
HOTELDUVIN.com HOTELDUVIN.com Terms and conditions: Subject to availability. Minimum of 8 people. Must be in a private dining room. Valid Sunday to Thursday (excluding Sunday lunch). Valid on new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
CH.indd 1
14/07/2017 16:52
> 5 OF THE BEST NEW BARS TO VISIT
p.64
LONDON LOVE-IN Featuring gastronomical delights and signature dishes from the city’s best restaurants, coffee houses, cocktail lounges and hole-in-the-wall gems, The London Cookbook packs in recipes from The River Café, Moro, Tom’s Kitchen, The Ivy, Ottolenghi, Smoking Goat and many, many, more. The London Cookbook by Aleksandra Crapanzano, Sphere, £20, littlebrown.co.uk
63 SW_Aug17_Food_Opener.indd 63
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:00
What to drink
GRAPE NEWS
Wine recommendations for the month
kitchen
CONFIDENTIAL Make the most of balmy summer evenings with our pick of the best places to eat al fresco W o r d s G A N T C H I N AV I C H A R A N A
By B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D
2015 BERRY BROS. & RUDD COTES DU RHONE ROUGE £11.45 The Perrins have added their not inconsiderable skill to the already outstanding 2015 Rhone vintage and have crafted a delicious wine which is a rich, spicy and indulgent. This versatile foody wine will work with most red and white meats, cheese, and it's perfect for a
2016 DOMAINE LYRARAKIS, ASSYRTIKO £11.95 Clear varietal character with mouth-watering freshness. On the nose, there’s a subtle stone-fruit character – more like the skin of a peach than the flesh – as well as aromas of ripe lime and melon. A fitting accompaniment to fillet of sole. ◆
2016 ETNA ROSATO, GRACI, PASSOPISCIARO, SICILY £18.25 A vibrant, balanced wine with plenty of zest and mineral freshness. Its citrus and floral aromas, like all good Italian wines, work perfectly with a range of dishes, from antipasti, to light creamy pasta dishes. ◆
NEW OPENING Minnow
B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D
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
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
B&C_August17_Foodnotes.indd 64
This new restaurant has a terrace overlooking Clapham Common and a garden which seats ten people. Dishes include squid with lemongrass, lime and ginger and baby octopus. 21 The Pavement, SW4 minnowclapham.co.uk
64 14/07/2017 16:09
FOOD & DRINK / NOTES
LOCAL FAVOURITE San Lorenzo
The large garden and walled courtyard at San Lorenzo feels a world away from London, especially with its exceptional food and charismatic owner, Ghigo. Only traditional methods are used by the chefs and everything is prepared to order. 38 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 sanlorenzowimbledon.com
TO P 5
THAI STREET FOOD Patara
Looks can be deceiving, and Patara is much more spacious than you'd think. Large windows that open up allow diners to enjoy Thai street food right on Wimbledon High Street, and there's a spacious wooden deck terrace too. 18 High Street, SW19 pataralondon.com
NEW BARS The best places to sip cocktails around London this month... Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N
01 JAILHOUSE BAR
Set within the five-star Courthouse Hotel, the Jailhouse Bar puts this Grade II listed building’s prison cells to use. Live DJs and an innovative cocktail menu make this one of London's latest and greatest nights out. courthouse-hotel.com
FAST FOOD
02 THE BOTHY
The Bothy is the latest addition to the renowned Drake & Morgan bar group, springing up in bustling busy Canary Wharf. The place promises a medley of seasonal dishes and quirky cocktails, with mixology classes on offer and an alfresco area to enjoy drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Five Guys
Who doesn’t love a good burger every now and again? Fast-food chain Five Guys has landed in Clapham, satiating SW residents with madeto-order burgers, fries and hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait. Bag yourself a seat outside to catch some rays while you indulge in classic all-American dishes. 182-184 Clapham High Street, SW4 fiveguys.co.uk
03 SUPER LYAN
Ever ahead of the trend, Ryan Chetiyawardana and Iain Griffiths created ripples throughout London’s bar scene when they opened White Lyan in 2013. Now, this groundbreaking Hoxton bar has had a transformation with the launch of Super Lyan serving a collection of “Bitchin’ Classics”. superlyan.com
editor’s
PICK
CONSERVATORY DINING Hotel Du Vin
Soak in the natural beauty of Cannizaro Park and dine al fresco at the Orangerie. Located in the large conservatory, it merges the ambience of the outdoors with the comfort of the interior of Hotel Du Vin. It’s a tranquil place for anything from lunch and afternoon tea to evening drinks. Cannizaro House, West Side Common, SW19 hotelduvin.com
65 B&C_August17_Foodnotes.indd 65
04 DEAD RABBIT
Irish founders, Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, describe the Dead Rabbit as ‘an Irish bar for the 21st Century’. It combines a neighbourhood taproom serving craft beer, punch and Irish whiskey, with a super refined cocktail parlour. claridges.co.uk
05 THE PRINCE OF PECKHAM
Prince Of Peckham is a pub for the people, featuring bottomless jerk wings, bottomless brunch and specially designed jerk roast by White Men Can't Jerk. Set to be a local favourite... princeofpeckham.co.uk
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:09
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX
ROASTED CORN & CHORIZO CHOWDER From Josep Carbonell of Brindisa Ser ves 4
aking chowder from scratch is such a treat and the end result is fantastic. Finish with a dollop of crème fraiche to make this homely dish even more comforting.
M
I n g r e d i e nt s • 3 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 pound fresh Spanish chorizo sausage • 1 cup peeled and diced potato • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, preferably homemade • 2 cups sofrito • 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped roasted piquillo peppers • 1 cup crème fraîche • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives • 1⁄2 clove garlic, minced • Hot paprika or sweet smoked paprika, to taste • Red chile flakes, to taste • Salt and pepper, to taste If using thawed frozen corn kernels, pat them dry with paper towels. To Serve: Ladle into warmed bowls, dollop with some of the remaining crème fraiche, and lightly dust with paprika.
Capital Gains The London Cookbook shares dishes to impress from the city’s best restaurants Wo r d s A l e k s a n d r a C r a pa n z a n o
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
SW_AUG17_RECIPES.indd 66
M e th o D 1 Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2 Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3 Toss the corn with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and then spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast the corn for about 10 minutes, until the edges are starting to turn a golden brown. Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate, and set aside. 4 Slice the chorizo or remove from its casing and crumble. 5 Warm the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. 6 When hot, add the chorizo and sauté until browned. Transfer the chorizo to another plate. If it has rendered a lot of fat, discard some and leave roughly 2 tablespoons. 7 Toss the potato into the pot and cook, stirring, letting it absorb some of that chorizo goodness. 8 Add the stock, sofrito, piquillos, and roasted corn and bring to a boil. 9 Lower the heat and simmer about 20 minutes, until the vegetables soften but haven’t yet lost their texture. 10 Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the crème fraîche with a fork to loosen it up a bit. Stir in the chives, garlic, paprika, chilli flakes and season with salt and pepper. 11 Slide the chorizo into the soup, stir in half of the crème fraîche mixture, and cook for 5 minutes longer. ◆
66 14/07/2017 16:19
FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES all over the skin, squeezing as you rub until all of the juice has been squeezed out. Sprinkle 2 1⁄2 tablespoons of the salt evenly over the skin. 3 Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, rotating the roasting pan halfway through cooking and gently piercing any bubbles on the skin if they form. Remove from the oven. 4 Scrape off and discard the salt and then sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 1⁄2 tablespoons salt. You need to add more salt as the first batch will have stopped absorbing moisture. 5 Roast for 30 minutes longer, until the skin is crisp and golden brown. 6 Turn down the oven to 350°F and carefully pour the white wine and 1 cup water around the pork, avoiding the skin. 7 Roast for 45 minutes and then turn the oven to 200°F and cook for 45 minutes longer, until the meat is completely tender. 8 Remove from the oven and set aside, covering the pan with aluminum foil so that the pork stays warm.
PORK BELLY WITH APPLE & YUZU PUREE AND BLACK BEAN SAUCE From Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully of NOPI Ser ves 4
Ingredients • 4 pounds pork belly • a few sprigs lemon thyme • 1 (5-inch) knob fresh ginger, unpeeled and thinly sliced • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise and broken roughly by hand • 1 small lemon, halved • 5 tablespoons coarse sea salt • 3 1/2 cups dry white wine • 1 cup of water Puree: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 Bramley or Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar • 1 1⁄2 tablespoons yuzu juice • 3⁄4 teaspoon salt Black Bean Sauce: • 11⁄2 tablespoons peanut oil • 1 (3-inch) knob fresh ginger,
peeled and julienned • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 2 small fresh red chillis, seeded and julienned • 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar • 1⁄2 cup Shaoxing wine • 1⁄2 cup Chinkiang vinegar • 1⁄3 cup light soy sauce • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sesame oil • 1 1⁄4 cup water • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 12 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps thinly sliced • 3⁄4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained • 2 spring onions, the white and pale green parts, thinly sliced M e th o D Pork: 1 Preheat the oven to 475°F. 2 Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Spread out the lemon thyme, ginger, and garlic in a large high-sided roasting tray and place the pork belly, skin-side up, on top. Rub the lemon halves
67 SW_AUG17_RECIPES.indd 67
Puree: 1 Warm the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is smoking hot, add the apples and fry for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown. 1 Add 1 1⁄2 tablespoons of the butter and cook for 1 minute, basting the apples with the butter once it has melted. 1 Add the sugar and cook for 1 minute, until the apples start to caramelise. 1 Add the yuzu juice, and cook for 1 minute, until the apples are soft. Remove from the heat. 1 Transfer the apple mixture, the remaining 2 1⁄2 tablespoons butter, and the salt to a food processor and blitz until you have a smooth puree. Set aside somewhere warm until ready to serve. Black Bean Sauce: 1 Warm the peanut oil in a skillet over high heat. Once the oil is smoking hot, add the ginger, garlic, and chillis and fry for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden brown. 2 Add the sugar and cook for 30 to 60 seconds and then add the Shaoxing wine, Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and 1 cup of the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 minutes. 3 Place the cornstarch in a small bowl with the remaining 1⁄4 cup water and stir to form a paste. Add the cornstarch paste to the pan along with the mushrooms and black beans. 4 Cook for 1 minute, until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the green onions. Set aside somewhere warm until ready to serve. To serve: Lift the pork out of the roasting pan and discard the lemon thyme, ginger, and garlic. Trim the edges of the pork belly and cut crosswise into 4 equal rectangles. Divide the warm puree among the plates and lay the pork belly on top. Spoon the black beans onto the side. Serve immediately. ◆
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:19
early evening set menu offer
3 courses £23.95 order before 7.30pm - monday to thursday offer available until end of august.
Authentic Punjabi Restaurant
to make a booking call 020 8944 6338 Wimbledons favourite neighbourhood restaurant. Great value set menus.
Vin and his team specialize in the finest, most authentic Punjabi cuisine, using traditional Tandoor cooking methods and family recipes passed down from generation to generation Try our magnificent champagne beer as well, Curious Brew, the perfect accompaniment to wash down our delicious food
~
“This is the best Indian in London. I work in central London and haven’t found anywhere that compares, brick lane falls way short in comparison…” J. Macdonald,Wimbledon
193 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW20 8RE 020 8947 2212 info@sairestaurant.co.uk www.sairestaurant.co.uk
Seasonal cooking at its best www.lighthousewimbledon.com 75-77 ridgway wimbledon SW19 4ST
LIGHTHOUSE.indd 1 13/07/2017 16:05
SAI.indd 2
13/07/2017 16:19
Authentic tradition and striking modernity combine at Patara Wimbledon to provide an unrivalled dining experience. Join us in the elegant comfort of the restaurant or sun-drenched terrace to enjoy our classic speciality and a la carte menus. Or, for those who want something truly unique, take a place at the 12-seater Yum Bar where our Thai tapas-style smaller plates find a natural home.
Open 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday Instagram: @pataralondon Twitter: @pataralondon Facebook: @pataralondongroup
www.pataralondon.com PATARA WIMBLEDON 18 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5DX For reservations: 0203 931 6157 & infowimbledon@pataralondon.com Patara.indd 2
_SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 3
13/07/2017 15:56
14/07/2017 15:37
FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOORS
PICNIC PERFECT Save yourself the horrors of the soggy sandwich with these top picnic packing tips from The Arch Hotel. Wo r d s G a r y D u r r a n t
01
M I X IT U P Ensure a combination of sweet and savoury options are included in your picnic spread. Avoid sticky puddings and instead opt for easy to eat cakes or desserts. We send our guests off with slices of Battenberg and miniature raspberry and pistachio trifles, along with the appropriate cutlery.
02
Q UA LIT Y N OT Q UA NTIT Y There’s a tendency to overpack when it comes to picnics, but the trick is to focus on quality not quantity. For example, crisps are a picnic staple but why not ditch the unhealthy shop-bought bags and instead bake some potato slices yourself? Not only are the baked variety healthier, your fellow picnic-ers will value the effort you’ve put in. We provide homemade crisps in our hampers which our guests really appreciate.
03
SEASONAL SPECIALS Just because picnic hampers are typically packed with finger food, this doesn’t mean your spread needs to be simple. Do some research into seasonal summer recipe ideas featuring ingredients such as tomatoes and potatoes and prepare accordingly. For example, our hampers include a delicious potato salad with apple and mustard dressing.
There’s a
TENDENCY
to overpack, so the TRICK is to FOCUS on quality not QUANTITY
69 SouthWest_Aug17_Picnic_single.indd 69
04
A D D S O M E S PA R K LE It’s easy to solely focus on food, but the choice of beverage is just as key for a successful picnic. English sparkling wine is wonderfully refreshing on a hot day and complements a wide variety of snacks. We offer Camel Valley, Brut, 2012, a lovely English sparkling wine.
05
AVO I D M E S S There’s nothing worse than discovering a smashed salad dressing bottle inside your hamper on arrival at your sunny spot. Ensure all components are individually wrapped and securely fastened. There’s no harm in double-bagging! It helps if your hamper is easy to carry, as this way the contents will not be disturbed.
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:40
to book please call
020 8946 3031 mon to fri - 8am - 10.30pm sat - 9am - 10.30pm sun - 9am - 3.30pm
Tasty, Seasonal Cooking lightwimbledon.co.uk | 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX
three course evening set menu £22.50 or two courses with a glass of house wine offer available until the end of august - monday to friday. mention offer when booking.
tuesday nights - 2 rib-eye steaks, chips, salad and a bottle of house wine - £45
LIGHTHOUSE.indd 2 14/07/2017 15:09
GF.indd 1
13/07/2017 16:20
Ideal for small London gardens, Beautiful design blending into the landscape Transform your outside space for all year enjoyment Built-in heating and Jacuzzi Versatile and safe with small children around Secure “walk on” covers, key lock and optional alarm. 020 7228 7276 E: INFO@URBANPOOL.CO.UK
Visit us today WWW.URBANPOOL.CO.UK urbanpool
URBAN POOL HP AD.indd 1
_SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 4
@urbanpool.london
14/07/2017 09:28
14/07/2017 15:37
FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW
The mackerel was
EXPERTLY GRILLED, with CRISPY SKIN, MOIST FLESH and a TROUT ROE TOPPING
Hotel Du Vin
Overlooking Cannizaro Park, Hotel Du Vin puts a modern spin on al fresco dining W o r d s G a n t C h i n av i c h a r a n a
E
legant is the word that comes to mind at Cannizaro House, a charming 19th Century manor home to Wimbledon’s Hotel Du Vin. The Orangerie, an expansive conservatory in the rear of the house, is a popular spot for visitors to experience the culinary offerings of Hotel Du Vin. The view of Cannizaro Park from the Orangerie is grand, and the abundance of natural lighting from the skylight and large windows, truly brings the outdoor, al fresco experience, indoors.
The food at the Hotel Du Vin’s bistro can be described as brasserie classics with a contemporary spin, with the Fruits De Mer platter coming highly recommended. Following the recommendation of the Fruit De Mer, I select the Seared Galician Octopus with Braised Lentils for starter, the Grilled Cornish Mackerel with Trout Roe and Waldorf Fregola Grossa for my main, and Peach Melba for dessert. The seared octopus was cooked perfectly, with no hint of that telltale seafood scent nor the rubbery texture that plagues most octopus dishes in even the most established seafood restaurants. Braised lentils
71 SW_Aug17_FOOD REVIEW.indd 71
complement the soft texture of the octopus, and the watercress garnish gave the dish a fresh summer flair. A main of grilled mackerel topped with trout roe was excellent. The mackerel was expertly grilled, with crispy skin and moist flesh. The trout roe makes the dish more visually striking, adding vivid orange which shines elegantly. Waldorf fregola grossa is combination of the Waldorf salad with fregola pasta - the mild flavour, with bursts of sweetness from grape pieces, is a perfect accompaniment to the naturally savoury mackerel. Last, but not least, is peach melba for dessert. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is the centerpiece, surrounded by freshly poached peach pieces, raspberries, meringues, and jelly. The various components of this dish all blend together to create a delightful summer treat, and a cold remedy to the summer sun. The luxurious and elegant accommodation, coupled with the excellent culinary experiences provided by a team of experienced and in-house trained chefs, makes Hotel Du Vin and Cannizaro House a memorable place to visit. u ● ● Hotel Du Vin Wimbledon Cannizaro House, West Side Common, SW19, 0330 016 0390 hotelduvin.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:16
A World of Sophisticated Beauty Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the “Stay with Armani� philosophy delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually. www.armanihoteldubai.com
ARMANI HOTEL.indd 1
13/10/2016 11:10
> LAZY WEEKEND IN LAKE COMO p.74 UK FESTIVAL BREAK p.79
LA DOLCE VITA Spectacular backdrops and world-famous villas make Lake Como a hit with European aristocracy and curious travellers alike.
73 NH_July17_Travel_Opener.indd 73
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:15
In summer the spa offers welcome shade
Lazy Lakeside
FROLICKING Lake Como is a favourite of the aristocracy, but it’s not just for the rich and famous... Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
NH_July17_ Italy.indd 74
74 14/07/2017 16:14
TRAVEL / WANDERLUST
A
rriving at Grand Hotel Tremezzo arguably the best hotel on Italy’s breathtaking Lake Como - is like stepping into something akin to Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel. Grand and awe-inspiring, it perches right on the front of the lake, towering above passers-by and making them stop in their tracks to admire its opulent art nouveau frontage. Even the reception area reached via a gilded lift - is flawless. We are checking in for a three-night stay at Lake Como - an upscale resort in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, set against the foothills of the Alps and know for its dramatic scenery and of course George Clooney, who owns a home there (NB. we later found out from a local taxi driver that he’s now put the house up for sale). Though it may be famed for its swanky restaurants and A-list visitors, Lake Como is also perfect for lazy lakeside frolicking and family holidays, especially if you go off-peak when it’s so beautiful and peaceful. Surprisingly, there are frequent cheap flights to various airports in Milan - about an hour’s drive away from the lake.
The awe-inspiring Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake views make dinner a real occasion
We are based in the commune of Tremezzo - an excellent choice if you want to be near the key towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia (all reached via ferry), without being surrounded by tourists. We start with a trip to Bellagio, one of the most popular with a buzzing quayside and steep, cobbled steps packed with local shops, followed by Varenna - a fishing village which dates from the eleventh century. Like Bellagio, Menaggio is known for its café-filled piazzas and winding cobbled streets, while Cadenabbia is slightly quieter. After a packed day of exploring we retire to our lake view room at Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Newly refurbished, they have elegant interiors in delicate colours, luxurious marble bathrooms and a terrace looking out over the brilliant blue water. We loved the special touches - sumptuous robes, fresh fruit and chocolates left each day and ESPA bath products. Along with a grand table dedicated to every kind of sweet you can imagine, there are no fewer than five restaurants in the hotel - we were blown-away by lunches at La Terrazza where Italian classics like tiramisu are done justice.
75 NH_July17_ Italy.indd 75
The wondrous
GRAND TREMEZZO
towers above PASSERS-BY
For dinner we enjoyed L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar, the newest addition to the food offerings. An homage to the symbols of Italian dining – the trattoria, and the wine bar, it’s ideal for informal dining with a warm, relaxing atmosphere. The menu features traditional and local flavours, with cold cuts and cheeses from the mountains surrounding Lake Como, homemade pasta, risottos and fun toshare fondues. Breakfast is served on the front terrace of the hotel, with views of the lake that are so good, you might forget all about the epic buffet and à la carte breakfast menu, which includes eggs any way you like, waffles and crepes, cakes and pastries, hot food and every fresh juice you can imagine. There’s even prosecco if you want to start as you mean to go on... The next day we check out the hotel’s three pools, because one is never enough. Instagrammers frequently opt for the suspended pool which hovers on the lake,
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:14
FITNESS • SURFING • GOLFING • CYCLING WALKING • COSTEERING • EATING • CHILLING
Make the most of the dramatic north Cornish Coast and the buzzing surfing beach of Polzeath
With a stunning 18-hole golf course, North Cornwall's top Health Club, featuring an indoor pool, Spinning® room, fully equipped state-ofthe-art gym, dedicated new studio, tennis courts, restaurant with top reviews, accommodation ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses together with 7 NEW contemporary apartments, The Point at Polzeath is a favourite destination for both short breaks and family holidays. thepointatpolzeath.co.uk • holidays@thepointatpolzeath.co.uk 01208 863 000 • The Point at Polzeath Cornwall PL27 6QT
THE POINT AT POLZEATH.03.indd 2
03/07/2017 11:18
‘‘Bringing out the best in boys’’
A day in the life of Aldro... come and see for yourself If you would like to attend an Open Morning, request a prospectus, or arrange an individual tour, please contact the Admissions Office on 01483 813535 or email: admissions@aldro.org Aldro, Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS www.aldro.org
_SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 5
14/07/2017 15:38
TRAVEL / WANDERLUST
Lounge at the peaceful Villa Lario
Book a rooftop room for instagram views
but we fell for the the Piscina dei Fiori (the pool among the flowers) tucked away in a quiet spot at the back of the hotel. There’s also a pool in the spa, which offers treatments from one of the world’s most exclusive, distinguished beauty providers, ESPA. Right next door to the hotel is Villa Carlotta - a museum famed for its resplendent gardens, whose art collection includes works by Canova, Thorvaldsen, Migliara and Hayez in addition to pieces of furniture from the time of the various owners. Five minutes from Lenno, a short boat ride from Tremezzo, you'll find the magnificent Villa Balbianello,
rooms come in an authentic italian style
VISIT BALBIANELLO,
where Casino Royale WAS FILMED
a Franciscan monastery where Casino Royale was filmed. You can also take a longer trip to Como itself for designer shops, plenty of gelato and a funicular ride to the top of the mountains. On our final night we venture to the quieter, less touristy side of the lake to Villa Làrio. The boutique property - previously owned by the renowned Lombardi family - has recently reopening its doors with a new Head Chef, Michele Tamburrino, and is quickly becoming a dining destination, sought out even by those who aren’t staying nearby. With a glamorous location overlooking the lake, you’d expect fine dining, but refreshingly Tamburrino’s menu is packed with authentic Italian home cooking, including fish freshly sourced from Lake Como itself (and the nearby Mediterranean) and tomatoes picked fresh from the hotel gardens. The interior is contemporary, candle-lit and intimate
77 NH_July17_ Italy.indd 77
- a complete change from the typically extravagant style of most places in Lake Como. Reflecting the menu, it’s comfy sofa-style seating and calm atmosphere makes you feel like you could be at home, albeit with a killer view. After an introductory Aperol Spritz - an essential on any trip to Italy - we sample the likes of homemade pasta with ragu, a local fish not dissimilar to salmon and the most incredible desserts - the chocolate mousse topped with sea salt was a particular favourite. Driving back at night, with the spectacular backdrop of the Grigna mountains and countless world-famous villas illuminated, it’s not hard to see why Lake Como has long been favoured by the European aristocracy and curious travellers alike. ◆
Villa Lario is becoming a dining hotspot
GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO Rooms at Grand Hotel Tremezzo start from £308 including breakfast; grandhoteltremezzo.com A three-course dinner at Villa Lario starts from €45; villalario.com
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:14
admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk | www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk | 01344 629920
OPEN MORNING
Friday 6 October 2017, 9.00am Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18. Private transport available for day girls and weekly transport service to and from Central London for London boarders.
e l b a tt e g r o f n U St Catherine’s, herine’s, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info Absolute Education01 July 2017.indd 1
_SW_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 6
03/07/2017 14:58:45
14/07/2017 15:38
TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY WHAT’S ON?
N
ot your average weekend in the country, The Smoked and Uncut Festival has returned to Lime Wood for summer, giving us yet another excuse to visit this seriously grown up hotel. Taking place 22-23 July, a ticket gets you access to Chef Angela Hartnett’s Italian banquet with live music, rock 'n' roll and copious other street food stalls. For full-on festival vibes, you can try glamping, but we’ll be booking into the lovingly-restored classical structure of the hotel itself and recuperate in the spa.
THE ROOMS
R
SMOKED & UNCUT FESTIVAL AT LIME WOOD HAMPSHIRE
ooms range vastly from quirky attics tucked up in the eaves of the main house, with beautiful views looking out over the grounds and forest, through to full-on suites, lodges or cabins - some based in the forest and some nearer the main building. For honeymoon-perfect privacy, go for Pavilion 1 – it’s separate from the main house and has a dramatic black vaulted ceiling, four-poster bed and a roll-top bath in an alcove overlooking green pastures outside. Unwind post-festival at Herb House, the three-storey hotel spa. Dedicated to natural wellbeing, it has raised the bar for destination spas around the world and is pretty hard to beat. Inspired by its forest surroundings, there's a state-of-the-art gym, ten treatment rooms as well as hot pools, thermal rooms, the Hands and Feet Room and private soak baths in changing rooms that feel like decadent suites fit for royalty.
Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s
THE FOOD
I
f you’re only spending one day at the festival, then a visit to Harnett Holder & Co on your second night is a must. A joint venture from Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, its USP is Italian dishes with a respectful nod to the seasons. Kick things off with a cocktail and some arancini, followed by hare lasagne, hake with Salcombe crab and zabaglione for pudding. Post-dinner, retire to the Courtyard Bar for a freshly shaken cocktail or to the Library for a nightcap by a roaring fire. Breakfast is served in the Scullery with a buffet of champions including porridge, granola, ham, cheese, a variety of fresh fruit and pastries.
THE DAMAGE Smoked & Uncut Festival takes place 22– 23 July 2017. Rooms start from £330 per night for room only. Festival tickets can be included in your room rate or choose a glamping ticket package (£995 for two for the weekend). Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest National Park, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ 023 8028 7177; limewoodhotel.co.uk
79 CHIS_Aug17_UK Getaway.indd 79
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:11
A DISTINCTIVE ROUTE TO HIGH ACHIEVEMENT FOR YOUR DAUGHTER
‘EXCELLENT’ in all 9 areas ISI Inspection 2016
GSA Girls’ Boarding and Day School 11-18 Open Event: Saturday 30 September 10.00am - 1.00pm Call now to book your place or request a private tour
PRIORS FIELD.indd 1
01483 810551 priorsfieldschool.com
14/07/2017 16:09
> SMALL TALK
p.83
SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
p.84
EDUCATION
p.87
LOOK SHARP Stella Mccartney's SS17 collection for tots is all colourful sunglasses, clashing prints and quirky looks. Perfect for stylish urban tots. stellamccartney.com
81 Chis_July17_Kids Opener.indd 81
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:09
WALHAMPTON.indd 1
14/07/2017 17:20
KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES
BOOK REVIEW
CAPED CRUSADERS
These limited edition capes are bound to be dressing up box staples forever. As an added bonus £10 from every piece goes to charity TOMMY's. £60 • thefmlystore.com
TILLY AND THE TIME MACHINE Adrian Edmondson’s first children’s book
SMALL TALK Essential glittery capes, unicorns, monsters and time travel...
GO GLOBAL
Outside the Lines Making beautifully tailored clothes for girls affordable, we adore the latest Outside The Lines summer offerings. Inspired by global nomads, they're fresh out of the box for holiday season. ◆ outside-the-lines.co.uk
A
drian Edmondson – comedian, actor, musician, national treasure – has published his first children's book and it's a sweet, funny and clever story with a courageous young heroine. Tilly's mother is dead and her father spends his time in the shed tinkering with his time machine, having been 'let go' by his job (to Tilly's great bafflement) while Tilly is left to fend for herself. One day the time machine actually starts to work, though it functions unpredictably and a long journey ensues, taking in the Battle of Trafalgar and Queen Victoria's parlour as well as the streets of Victorian London. It's an excellent debut, marking Edmondson out as a children's writer with great promise. ◆ £6.99; P uffin Books
NO MYTH
SCARY BINGO
Mini Rodini ¢ With the inexplicable unicorn craze showing no signs of abating (and in the wake of an official unicorn leggings shortage) Mini Rodini's unicorn collection is very welcome. We love this vibrant red print with its oversized unicorns. ◆ £35; alexandalexa.com
Laurence King ¢ Everybody loves a game of bingo, especially a scary one. This brilliantly illustrated game involves marking off a variety of bizarre, comical and terrifying monsters from your card before calling 'bingo'. ◆ £14.99; laurenceking.com
83 Chis_Aug17_Kids_Notes.indd 83
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:08
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX
School’s Out How to entertain children (and their parents) in the city this summer Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
gangsta granny
Garrick Theatre
T
his is the most popular of all David Walliams' stories for children and the Birmingham Stage Company's production is set to be a highlight of the summer. The story takes in cabbage soup, jewellery theft and a beautiful inter-generational relationship, with lashings of action, comedy and character. This award-winning production comes from the company behind the excellent Horrible Histories Live on Stage and has received lots of encoragement from Walliams himself, so it's set to be a good one. 26 July-3 September; nimaxtheatres.com
go ape
Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park and other locations
M
ost children are fearless – at least while they're putting their harnesses on. Send them half way up a tree to complete an assault course of ropes, swings and moving platforms, however, and they quickly lose their bravado. Go Ape offers a real adventure, requiring courage, strength and confidence, and once you've got over the initial shock of being much higher up than you thought, it's really fun – and the bravest ten-year-olds can join the even more challenging grown-up ropes if they like, while adults can join the juniors too. Ages four and up; goape.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
C&A_April17_EASTER ACTIVITIES.indd 84
84 14/07/2017 16:06
KIDS & EDUCATION / HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES OUT OF TOWN
OPEN AIR THEATRE Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens will be playing host to fairies, Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad this summer as part of a series of enchanting live, outdoor theatrical performances. The Australian Shakespeare Company is visiting with two energetic shows: The Wind in The Willows and The Dream Fairies – Adventure through Bubble Land, designed for children of all ages. 22 July - 29 August ;
theatreonkew.co.uk
bowood house Calne, Wiltshire
The house and grounds at Bowood are full of attractions, not least the marvellous adventure playground with its vast slides. There's also a children's farm and a programme of trails. bowood.org
jaguar first Allianz Park
T
hought you had to wait until you were 17 to learn to drive? No longer. Jaguar First is offering driving experiences for children aged 11 plus, where they will spend a minimum of half an hour having an actual lesson in a real Jag. Watch their confidence increase as they gain skills super quickly – and then break the news gently that they actually can't take their test yet. They can however come back for more lessons and fill a log book with their skills. jaguarfirst.com
f o r e s t h o l i d ay s Blackwood Forest , Hampshire
Check into a wooden cabin inside the forest for a weekend and enjoy den-building, walking and cycling before returning to your private hot tub. Fun for parents too. forestholidays.co.uk
gorilla circus
Regent's Park, Kensington Gardens
Y
ou might think that trapeze isn't for amateurs. But put your trust in Gorilla Circus because after a two-hour session you'll be swinging, hands-free, from a trapeze, back flipping onto a safety mat and even grabbing a partner's hands in the air. Children's small bodies and fearless approach make them ideal candidates for this, though our session included a 75-year old as well as several primary school tots. This is the only professional trapeze school and their summer park pop-ups are unmissable. Ages eight plus; gorillacircus.com
p o r t e l i o t f e s t i va l Cornwall
Bohemian fun for all the family at this relaxed, arty festival includes treasure hunts, craft workshops and wildlife drawings as well as music, performance and food. 27-30 July; porteliotfestival.com
85 C&A_April17_EASTER ACTIVITIES.indd 85
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:07
Individually known, Individually nurtured. Boarding & day school for girls aged 9 - 18
Introduction and Information Evening The London Oratory Brompton Rd, SW7 2RP
Thursday 28th September 2017 6pm - 8pm
St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9LP +44 (0)1747 852416 enquiries@stmarys.eu
www.stmarys.eu
ST.MARYS.indd 1 Advert (July).indd 1 69294 A4 Full bleed
14/07/2017 13/07/2017 16:14 13:48
KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK
High Fives The public school game of Fives is branching out into the state sector Wo r d s A M A N D A C O N S TA N C E
W
estway Sports Centre in North Kensington is possibly the last place you would expect to find a sport mainly played at our most elite public schools. Hunkered beneath the A40 flyover, its location growls of grimy, urban inner city – and that was before the sports centre became the focal point for the relief effort for neighbouring Grenfall Tower. But here, amid the scrawling graffiti and hum of traffic, the historic sport of Eton Fives is played by local children as young as ten. Ryan Perrie ended up first playing Fives at Westway simply because he was late for his tennis lesson. Fast forward a decade and Perrie is one of the UK’s top Boys playing Fives at Eton ten players and he’s made his career out of the sport, teaching it at Berkhamsted prep school. The Westway Sports Centre has the only public Eton Fives courts in England. Until now the sport has been mainly confined to the public schools that have built courts, where old boys and new boys (and recently girls) are able to play. “It is a source of enormous frustration to us that the vast majority of our courts are in schools so we can’t open them to the public,” says Gareth Hoskins, Secretary of the Eton Fives Association. But this is set to change as the Fives community looks to expand its sport beyond the public school walls. Winchester and Eton. Pupils at these schools The EFA have just launched the Five Star have played for hundreds of years, but the Project, a seven-year strategy to create new rules were formalised in the late 19th century centres for Eton Fives across the country. “We and the first match was between Eton and are looking to produce a huge increase in the Harrow in February 1885, with Eton emerging number of courts and players through clubs, as victors. schools and universities,” says Hoskins. Rugby and Winchester Fives, with their So what exactly is Fives? There are three simpler, more straightforward court shape, forms of the Fives game in this country, each place more of a premium on power and named after their originating schools: Rugby, fitness. Eton Fives has a little more subtlety
The Fives community is EXPANDING ITS SPORT beyond the public SCHOOL WALLS
87 Chis_August17_EDUCATION.indd 87
and nuance; its distinctive buttress is derived from the side of the chapel at Eton College where boys first played. “It’s strategically quite different,” says Hoskins. Fives’ great plus points is that it’s easy to play and accessible to anyone aged 8 -80. In recent years the sport has seen enormous growth in the girl’s game. “Eton Fives is a fantastic game for girls,” says Hoskins, “as it places emphasis on skill and placement rather than brute force.” Teamwork is also very important in Eton Fives: “It’s to do with the geography of the court,” says Hoskins, “you simply can’t win on your own.” The major stumbling block to widening the Fives game is the cost of the courts. But John Reynolds, 11 times Kinnaird Cup winner (the national trophy) thinks he might have found the answer to this problem. He is developing a ‘flatpack’ Eton Fives court with the help of a German company who make squash courts. They are adapting the pre-fab technology to create Eton Fives and Rugby Fives courts that can arrive on the back of a lorry. Because they are made in a factory, they can go up in a week so it slashes the costs. This is the “Holy Grail” says Reynolds, “getting the cost down so people don’t gulp and swallow at the price”. As a ballpark figure, three traditionally built concrete Eton Fives courts will cost around £250,000. Reynolds says he’s “hoping to halve that”. Reynolds’ first ‘flat pack’ courts are soon to go up at Skinners Academy in Manor House, Hackney. He hopes they will just be the first of many courts for state schools. “It’s too good a game to keep to the private sector," he says. ◆ Eton Fives Association: etonfives.com Rugby Fives Association: rugbyfivesassociation.net JPR Courts: jprcourts.com | 07980 844906
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 16:05
What are they going to see from down there, really?
PL.indd 1
03/10/2016 12:05
The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.
PL.indd 2
03/10/2016 12:05
MADE IN GERMANY TO MEET YOUR DESIGN NEEDS Built in Kitchen Specialist
KITCHENREV.indd 1 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
14/07/2017 15:15 10:52 06/03/2017
PROPERTY NEWS
THURLEIGH ROAD SW12
p.96
LIVING THE DREAM
NIGEL LEWIS: RIVIERA
p.108
four-bedroom house that opens into a deep, wide entrance hall with a tessellated tiled floor and intricate ceiling plasterwork. Off the hallway to the front is a generous bay-fronted reception room. To the rear is a second reception space with an original fireplace which flows through to the kitchen/dining room. French doors open onto a paved terrace, overlooking a landscaped walled garden. u
A
£2,150,000
KINLEIGH FOLKARD & HAYWARD 020 3792 4499 kfh.co.uk
91 SW_Aug17_PFC.indd 91
p.97
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 17:32
Crieff Road, Wandsworth SW18 Located close to Wandsworth Common A beautifully presented partially linked semi-detached Victorian house. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (2 en suite), reception room, family/playroom, study, kitchen/dining room, larder, downstairs cloakroom, utility room, south west facing garden. EPC: D. Approximately: 292.76 sq m (3151 sq ft). Freehold.
Guide price: £2,400,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 3589 2850
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/WND130229
KF.indd 1
Absolutely magazine - August2017 1
14/07/2017 10:56
11/07/2017 10:39:23
Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms SW11 3 bedroom flat for sale in Capital Building A rare 12th floor 3 bedroom apartment situated in Capital Building, Embassy Gardens. This apartment is presented in superb condition and enjoys a dual aspect. The apartment further benefits from a separate laundry room, 2 bathrooms, 1 ensuite and a south facing balcony along with an open plan kitchen. Approximately 120 sq m (1,292 sq ft) Leasehold: approximately 994 years
Guide price: £1,795,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Battersea Battersea@knightfrank.com 020 8033 9673
@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/BAT170077
KF.indd 2
Absolutely August Issue 2017
14/07/2017 10:57
03/07/2017 09:53:13
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 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. Contact us today on 020 8022 6491 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: £900 per week
Gowrie Road, Clapham Common SW11
-->
A beautifully stylish family home, ideally situated on the doorstep of Clapham Common. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, garden, roof terrace. EPC: D. Approximately 174 sq m (1,873 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: £7,850,000
Clapham Common North Side, Clapham SW4 An exceptional early eighteenth century house with spectacular views over Clapham Common. 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, library, study, utility, roof terrace, garden, garage. EPC: E Approximately 739.11 sq m (7,956 sq ft). clapham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6491
KF.indd 3
Absolutley August Sales & Lettings
14/07/2017 10:57
03/07/2017 16:04:53
Galliard_MetCres_FPC_AbBattersea_12.5.17 08/05/2017 10:13 Page 1
Metropolitan Crescent Clapham’s finest new 1 & 2 bedroom apartments five minutes’ walk from Clapham Common
Fabulous
spacious & welcoming Gated private development in a quiet one-way residential street, blending historic sophistication with practical living. You will love your new home with a choice of gardens, patios or terraces.
1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments Prices from £675,000
refined living
Two magnificent penthouses available both with large terraces and balconies.
Sales & Marketing Suite Crescent Lane, Clapham, London, SW4 9RS
CrescentHouse@galliardhomes.com
020 3409 2304 galliardhomes.com/clapham GALLIARD.indd 1
14/07/2017 10:03
PROPERTY / NEWS
PROPERTY R O U N D U P EXPERT ADVICE by ANNA CZABAN PARTNER LETTINGS MANAGER
T
he private rented sector has more or less doubled in the SW area within the last 10 years and is expected to continue growing this way into the foreseeable future. More and more people are opting for a way of living which gives them greater flexibility of choice and for many, choosing to own their own homes might still be a few years away. This is coupled with growth of multi-unit housing and large corporations investing in build-torent schemes. The knock-on effect is beginning to change market behaviour and what tenants are seeking in a property in turn. We are seeing an uplift in applicants asking for brand new properties or properties which have been fully refurbished within the last few years due to an influx of brand new apartments. Location of an investment will remain key, along with transport links, highly rated schools, local amenities and green spaces.
THE INSIDE SCOOP IN YOUR AREA
GLENDARVON ROAD
5 minutes with
SW 1 5 , £ 1 , 4 9 5 ,0 0 0
S
situated just off the Putney Embankment, this four double bedroom period house has been architecturally designed by the current owners. The open plan kitchen/dining room/ reception area and the use of skylights creates a feeling of space. The bi-fold doors off the kitchen provide a seamless connection to the garden and the staircase leading through to the first floor, with its clear bannister, adds to the design element and provides a feature in the living area. The roof terrace off the master bedroom offers a welcome retreat, and there is also a hidden library on the lower ground floor.
THE CURRENT WIMBLEDON MARKET according to Sales Manager Thomas Lebbern
D
espite uncertainty in the wider London property market, demand for Wimbledon as a place to live remains high. SW19 and its surroundings continue to be sought-after for a variety of reasons - good schools, great transport links, impressive selection of shops and restaurants, and plenty of green open spaces. The Village retains a consistent level of price growth, but it is equally seen as an aspiration rather than a reality by most buyers. As a result, we are also seeing growth in the neighbouring and peripheral areas.
KNIGHT FRANK
KFH
FOXTONS
Clapham, 020 3667 6756; knightfrank.co.uk
West Putney, 020 3792 4551; kfh.co.uk
Wimbledon, 020 8605 2900; foxtons.co.uk
LAVENDER GARDENS SW 1 1 , £ 2 , 5 0 0,0 0 0
DANIEL COWLING N E G O T I AT O R KNIGHT FRANK BATTERSEA
How long have you been in this area? My move to join the Knight Frank Battersea and Nine Elms team three months ago was a relatively easy one. Five years of living in the area has allowed me to become very familiar with its nooks, crannies and hidden gems.
What is your ethos? Very simple really: treat others how you would like to be treated by offering honest and personable advice to buyers and sellers alike.
What are your favourite properties right now? I am a sucker for the beautiful cottages of the Shaftesbury Estate. Whether they have been fully renovated and extended, or a wreck crying out for love, there is something for everyone.
Market predictions for the coming months? Lately, Battersea in particular has seen a price correction bringing it in line with the expectations of the masses. We now have synergy between buyers and sellers. Along with a dissipation of Brexit uncertainty, we are beginning to experience an exciting market for all going forward.
I
nitially on the market for £2,700,000, we rejected a few lower offers. The market changed and we had to act quickly if we were to secure a successful sale for our clients, who were very nervous about the prospect of a bold price reduction to £2,500,000. Within three weeks, we had competitive interest, which resulted in a sale above the guide price. This is a prime example of how in a buyers’ market, we need to price sensitively to coax the right amount of interest and achieve the best results for our clients.
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
BC_Aug17_PRU.indd 96
JOHN D. WOOD
KNIGHT FRANK BATTERSEA & NINE ELMS
Battersea Park, 020 7228 0174; johndwood.co.uk
020 3866 2932; knightfrank.co.uk
96 14/07/2017 17:30
PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKETPROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET
LIVING THE
DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market
1
GOLF CLUB DRIVE K T 2 , £ 7,0 0 0,0 0 0
S
COTTENHAM PARK
1
SW 2 0 , £4 , 5 0 0,0 0 0
T
et in wonderful landscaped gardens of over an acre and backing onto the renowned Coombe Hill Golf Club, this detached house comprises over 9,000 square feet and has been designed and built to the highest quality. In addition to nine bedrooms, the property has a playroom, large study, cinema and an indoor swimming pool complex with changing room and sauna. u
his simply stunning five-bedroom period house situated over three floors benefits from expansive accommodation and a superb wraparound garden. Other features include a stunning reception room with exposed beams, large eat-in kitchen with integrated appliances, superb second reception room with French doors, three stylish bathroom suites and secure gated entrance with parking. u
KNIGHT FRANK Wimbledon, 020 8115 9703; knightfrank.com
FOXTONS Wimbledon, 020 8605 2900; foxtons.co.uk
URSULA STREET SW 11, £1,72 5,0 0 0
F
inished to a high standard throughout, this beautiful period house comprises a spacious reception room, modern kitchen/dining room, ample storage and three double bedrooms, one with en-suite. Situated only a short distance to the open spaces of Battersea Park, this property also boasts its own well-maintained private garden, perfect to escape the busy London lifestyle. u
KFH Battersea Park, 020 7924 1944; kfh.co.uk
97 SW_July17_LTD.indd 97
AUGUST 2016
14/07/2017 17:24
Think riverside property. Think KFH.
With 14 branches covering locations along the river, we know exactly what makes your Thames-side property such a sought after investment – and understand what it takes to sell or let it. Trust London’s property experts to deliver the result you need.
kfh.co.uk/riverside
KFH.indd 1 Absolutely_Riverside_Brand Ad_art.indd 1
14/07/2017 11:41 10:40 29/06/2017
R iv er sid e
Clove Hitch Quay, Battersea SW11 £1,395,000 Battersea Park 020 7924 1944 batterseapark.sales@kfh.co.uk
KFH.indd 08.17 KFH 2 SouthWest.indd 2
A superior three bedroom, two bathroom penthouse apartment set within a highly sought after development offering uninterrupted views of the River Thames. Boasting 1,676 sq ft of living space, the property offers spectacular river views from the roof terrace and two balconies, with a nearby river taxi at Plantation Wharf Pier.
• • • • • • • •
Three double bedrooms Nearby river taxi Private terrace Mezzanine level kitchen On site concierge Secure parking Riverside apartment EPC rating C
14/07/2017 12:20 10:40 29/06/2017
Elms Crescent, Clapham SW4 ÂŁ769,950 A truly impressive two bedroom flat for sale arranged over the first floor of this handsome double fronted converted Victorian house in the heart of Abbeville Village. This lovely property boasts generous dimensions, a private balcony with a southerly aspect and a recently renovated eat in kitchen. Share of Freehold. EPC rating E. Clapham 020 8675 5436 clapham.sales@kfh.co.uk
Engadine Street, Southfields SW18 ÂŁ1,195,000 A fully extended wider than average end of terrace Edwardian house centrally located on the Southfields Grid. This brick fronted house offers easy access to Southfields Station for the District Line, as well as Earlsfield Station for train links. Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Park are also nearby. The property is offered to market chain free. EPC rating E. Southfields 020 8871 9655 southfields.sales@kfh.co.uk
KFH.indd 08.17 KFH 3 SouthWest.indd 3
14/07/2017 12:21 10:41 29/06/2017
St. Albans Road, Kingston KT2 £1,599,950 A truly stunning example of a well extended detached family home situated on one of north Kingston’s most popular residential roads, close to outstanding local schools. Boasting a large open plan living space on the ground floor leading to a large well kept garden with summerhouse, the property is located close to Kingston town centre. EPC rating D. Kingston 020 8939 8191 kingston.sales@kfh.co.uk
Tennyson Street, Battersea SW8 £3,878 pcm A wonderfully presented four double bedroom house arranged over four floors. The entrance hall leads onto a wonderful double reception room with large bay window and a dining room with glass sliding doors leading to the kitchen. The first and second floors host three good sized double bedrooms with plenty of built in storage. Transport links include the Overground Stations of nearby Queenstown Road and Wandsworth Road. There are also a number of bus routes to take you directly into central London, Oxford Circus and more. EPC rating D. Clapham Common 020 3700 6300 claphamcommon.lettings@kfh.co.uk
£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees
KFH.indd 08.17 KFH 4 SouthWest.indd 4
14/07/2017 12:21 10:41 29/06/2017
PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE
PRIMROSE HILL £7.5M
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
RENT A HOME WITH BANKSY OUTSIDE
PORTOBELLO ROAD £2.3 MILLION
THIS STUDIO APARTMENT IS BONKERS
I
f you want to know where Mercury-prize winning Dizzee Rascal bangs out his hits then look no further than this ordinarylooking back street in Forest Hill. Famed for a string of chart toppers such as Bonkers and Dance wiv me, Dizzee Rascal has based his
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
NIGEL_AUG_Famous Places_USE.indd 102
T
here was a time when no one wanted graffiti daubed outside their home, but now it’s a selling point for one development just off the Portobello Road. Enstar Capital is refurbishing a property there into luxury flats, which for several years have had a Banksy on its exterior side wall. Call ed‘The Artist’ the graffiti remains, albeit framed behind bulletproof glass, on Acklam Road. It’s a 7ft by 14ft piece that is said to be worth £2.3 million, which is now the centrepiece of a Enstar Capital’s £6.5 million upgrade of the threestorey building. Properties within Sartoria House – which also used to be home to fashion designer Ozwal Boateng – are not for sale but instead will be rented out at £1,000 a week. More information at enstarcapital.com
recording studio and business here for several years. One of the artist’s homes next door to Dizzee has come up for sale. It’s the studio and home of Turner Prize nominated David Mach, who is most famous for his 1989 installation of tumbling red telephone boxes in Kingston upon Thames. His home and workshop is for sale at £2.7 million. More information: themodernhouse.co.uk (0207 581 5234).
“Famed for a string of hits such as Bonkers, Dizzee Rascal has based his recording studio and here for several years.”
102 14/07/2017 17:27
PROPERTY / STAR HOMES
PALATIAL MANSION £2,000 PW
WHERE MARTIN HIT THE MONEY
A
uthor Martin Amis is famous for his 1980s novels Money and London Fields and in 2008 was named as one of the UK’s 50 greatest writers since 1945. But the 67-year-old author and intellectual also likes stirring up controversy. He recently described Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as lacking education, humour and a grasp of the British national character, which set social media alight as Corbynistas rallied to his support. Amis witnessed a different sort of blaze earlier this year when his New York home caught fire. But despite the inferno, Amis decided to stick with New York, even though he could have returned to England and bought his old home, which is now for sale at £7.5m. It’s in Primrose Hill and has five bedrooms, three reception rooms, four bathrooms and a self-contained studio apartment. More information from yopa.co.uk
CLAPHAM COMMON £835K
WHERE A GREENE AFFAIR NEARLY ENDED
IT’S A KNOCKOUT ADDRESS
F
B
or fans of Graham Greene there are plenty of properties to visit where the Brighton Rock author left his mark. But his best-known former home is a Queen Anne house at 14 Clapham Common Northside which he rented for his family for five years during the war. Many of the local landmarks near the property, which has a Blue Plaque, were included in his book The End of the Affaire, including nearby St Mary’s Church and The Windmill pub. The house was bombed in 1940 but luckily Greene’s family had already evacuated to Sussex and he was out that night with his lover in central London. No. 14 Clapham Common Northside, which was rebuilt after the war, was subsequently split into apartments. Its top-floor two-bedroom flat – where Greene wrote many of his most famous novels – has just sold for £835,000 via website onthemarket.com
103 NIGEL_AUG_Famous Places_USE.indd 103
oxing fans around the world were on the edge of their seats recently for the sensational WBA heavyweight title fight between Brit Anthony Joshua and Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko. The match at Wembley Stadium ended in the 11th round when Joshua knocked out his opponent with a left hook. After the match Joshua returned to his mother’s home in North London, and was also soon back in the ring training for his next bouts. But before his Klitschko fight, Joshua holed up in a palatial rented mansion to escape the world’s media and to prepare for the fight with his sevenstrong management team. The house, which has seven bedrooms, a huge private back garden and a cinema, indoor swimming pool, gym and steam room, was rented by the boxer for £20,000 a week. More information from Knight Frank (020 7483 8353)
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 17:27
WW_SOUTHWEST.indd 1
14/07/2017 11:55
GIVING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES. FIVE DOUBLE BEDROOM FAMILY HOME OFF CLAPHAM COMMON NORTH SIDE, SW11
JEDBURGH STREET, SW11
ASKING PRICE £1,425,000
A beautifully presented, five double bedroom, fully extended, Freehold house on one of Clapham Common North Side’s premier roads. Located just off Clapham Common with its green open spaces and also within easy walking distance of the bars, shops and restaurants of Battersea Rise and the Northcote Road. This exceptional house would make a lovely family home or a great investment.
Five double bedrooms | Lovely condition throughout | Stunning period features | Sought after Clapham Common Northside road | Fully extended property | EPC: E
BATTERSEA | 020 7228 9265 207-217 Lavender Hill, SW11 5SD | battersea@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/battersea
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
NB: In accordance to the 1979 Estate agency Act we bring to your attention that a member of staff part owns this property. WW_SOUTHWEST.indd 2
14/07/2017 11:58
BUCKMASTER ROAD, BATTERSEA Victorian family house located between the commons and moments from the popular Northcote Road. The property comprises an extended kitchen with access to the pretty garden with patio area. Available immediately. EPC = D.
4
2
2
ASKING PRICE
£1,250,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
ALTENBURG GARDENS, BATTERSEA An immaculate period house just minutes walk from Clapham Junction. The property is in excellent decorative order, the garden, which reaches back thirty five foot, is west facing and has been well maintained and offers space for a home office or garage STPP having the added benefit of rear access. EPC = TBC.
4
3
1
ASKING PRICE
£1,695,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278
FSL.indd 1
14/07/2017 09:49
Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
CLONMORE STREET, BATTERSEA Well-presented period house in the ever-popular Southfields grid located within easy reach of Southfields station. The property an extended kitchen to the rear leading out to the large garden. Available from early August on a furnished or unfurnished basis. EPC = D.
4
1
1
TO LET PCM
£2,860 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2378
LARKHALL RISE, BATTERSEA Spacious house ideal for either a family or sharers located close to Clapham old Town as well as the transport links of Clapham North tube station on the Northern line, and the Overground service from Wandsworth Road. Well presented throughout with private gardens to front and rear. EPC = F.
5
2
1
TO LET PCM
£3,683 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2378
TENANT FEES
FSL.indd 2
•
£60.00 (incl VAT) per person for referencing
•
£250.00 (incl VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement.
14/07/2017 09:49
MARBELLA, SPAIN £6.68 MILLION
Riviera Rooms with a view by N I G E L L E W I S
Luxury property in Europe’s glitzy seaside resorts
I
f you haven’t watched the current Sky Atlantic series Riviera then you’ll probably have seen the flurry of posters for it plastered all over London. It follows the gilded life of art dealer Georgina Clios played by Julia Stiles, whose life begins to unravel when her rich husband is killed in mysterious circumstances. Panned by some critics despite being written by The Crying Game’s Neil Jordan, Riviera is nevertheless a feast for the eye. It’s set in the heart of the shimmering Cote d’Azur in France, a fitting façade for the dark world of organised crime Georgina finds herself immersed in.
In the real world, if you ignore the bling and the traffic jams, the French Riviera is an astonishingly beautiful place. In many places, on a bright summer’s day, the land slips coyly into an azure sea. The centrepiece of the TV show is Georgiana’s home, called Villa Carmella. It’s actually Chateau Diter, a recently-built mansion that’s the home to a French businessman who rents it out for filming and upmarket weddings. The property is near the small town of Grasse, in the hills above Cannes and is an extraordinary little micro-market of large villas, most of which have rolling views over the Mediterranean below.
GRASSE, FRANCE €3.9 MILLION
Ignore the bling and the traffic jams, the French Riviera is an astonishingly beautiful place
“The Riviera is hugely varied in terms of landscape, attitude, cuisine and people. I think some people have pre-conceptions of the Riviera being brash and glitzy when actually this really isn’t the case at all,” says agent Tim Swannie of Home Hunts. “We work with clients from all over the world and from a huge array of backgrounds, from retired couples to celebrities, and even the odd royal, but the majority of our clients are families or couples who are looking for a holiday home in the sunshine with easy access to restaurants and culture. Tim says the market for property
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
NEWChis_Aug17_NIGEL-Riviera V.2.indd 108
108 14/07/2017 17:26
PROPERTY / FEATURE
PALMA, MALLORCA £2.63 MILLION
Here are three more luxury properties in the hills of some of Europe’s other glitzier seaside resorts. LAGOS, PORTUGAL £1.76 MILLION
Lagos, Portugal £1.76 MILLION A six-bedroom villa with two guest cottages in a hectare of grounds with views over Meia Praia, the best beach in Lagos, to the east of the port town. More information from Knight Frank on 020 7861 1109. 1
Marbella, Spain £6.68 MILLION A four-bedroom hilltop mansion overlooking Marbella in Andalucía, Spain in a peaceful neighbourhood not too far from the fast lane of central Marbella. It comes with a separate snooker room, a beautiful terrace with amazing views over the coast, and a swimming pool. More information from Mark Harvey (07825 732032). 2
in the area where Riviera was filmed has been flat for the past three years, but now prices are starting to rise once more. And while wealthy buyers with a taste for modernist edifices graduates towards Cannes, Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer, inland areas such as Grasse and Valbonne, are where those who yearn for a traditional, stone-built property go. A good example of such a home is this 18th century stone bastide with six bedrooms overlooking the coast, around the corner from Chateau Diter.
It’s for sale at €3.9 million with Home Hunts (+33 970 446643) and comes with a terraced garden and a swimming pool below the property. Should you have the deep pockets to buy the property, then you’ll be in starry company. Tim says he’s sold properties locally to both celebrities and the “occasional minor royal” so popping down to the shops for milk should be interesting. But the French Riviera is not for everyone, and there are plenty of competing resorts around Europe that offer similar levels of luxury and sea views.
109 NEWChis_Aug17_NIGEL-Riviera V.2.indd 109
Palma, Mallorca £2.63 MILLION An extraordinary mountain-top villa overlooking the heart of road cycling country in Mallorca and its capital, Pollensa – where Bradley Wiggins hangs out and trains. Visit Tolos, a local restaurant =where his bike and signed shirts can be enjoyed over a glass of local wine and seafood. The property has six bedrooms and a panoramic terrace. More information from Engel & Volkers (+34 971 532050). ◆ 3
absolutely.london
14/07/2017 17:26
BR I XTON, SW 2
A COLLECTION OF JUST SIX 4 BEDROOM NE W HOMES IN BRIXTON, SW2 FROM ÂŁ799,0 0 0
A PLACE TO CALL YOUR OWN Elm Park Gardens is located between Brixton, Herne Hill and Streatham. The development is made up of 6 four bedroom townhouses, all with private gardens. Each of the houses offers a master suite, as well as a family bathroom. The ground floor provides large open plan kitchen,
0207 738 6839 info@peddernewhomes.com
PEDDER.indd 1 elm park gardens advert may 2017 PRINT.indd 1
dining and living with a separate WC and direct access to the garden. With modern, integrated appliances the flexible living space is ideal for entertaining and day to day family living.
05/05/2017 16:31 04/05/2017 06:30:38
Feel like you need more space?
One of the best things about living in SE London (not including the public parks, great schools, cafÊ culture and access to central London) is the amount of space you get for your money. If you’re looking for more room to grow in to, you may be interested to know that at Pedder we sell and let more property than anyone else in the area. Pedder. Nobody knows South East London like we know South East London.
Residential Sales | Residential Lettings | Property Management | New Homes Specialists | Mortgages Commercial Property | Land / Development | Chartered Surveyors | Property Maintenance
www.pedderproperty.com
PEDDER.indd 1 PDR161_migration_ad.indd 1
16/06/2017 12/06/2017 16:19 18:13
THE LARGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT EVENT FOR EMERGING MARKETS GLOBALLY
Visit the show for EXCLUSIVE D DISCOUNTS AN OFFERS!
THE HOME OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Cityscape Global 2017 is the largest and most influential real estate investment and development event for emerging markets globally. Bringing together investors, developers, government officials and real estate professionals, there is no better place to find investment opportunities and new business partners.
REGISTER ONLINE +9714 336 5161
»
CS DUBAI.indd 1
Strategic Partner
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
SAVE AED100
info@cityscapeglobal.com
Foundation Partners
Projects Marketing Sponsor
11 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2017
www.cityscapeglobal.com Platinum Sponsors
Official Business Website
Business Partner
Official Classified Partner
Official Russian Partner
Organised by
14/07/2017 12:14
HACKBRIDGE • LONDON
CGI is indicative only > Not representative of the final product.
LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET
NOW LAUNCHED LUXURY 2 & 3 BEDROOM HOMES AT MILLFIELDS, HACKBRIDGE Millfields – an exclusive collection of luxury new houses nestled in a tranquil neighbourhood in the beautiful Wandle Valley, South West London. Houses from £470,000 To find out more please call: 0208 712 9765 or email: millfields@redrow.co.uk
REDROWMILL.indd 1
04/04/2017 11:40
PROPERTY / FEATURE Where Vicky’s been C o o k i n g l i k e M u m m yj i by N I G E L L E W I S
Vicky Bhogal on her path to success, getting on the property ladder and her move to France
V
icky Bhogal found overnight fame during the early noughties when her debut Indian cookbook became a surprise best seller. But it was her ability to make her own luck that helped her turn the book into a food empire. Called Cooking Like Mummyji, it tapped into what was then a growing trend for ‘real’ Indian food rather than the anglicised version most Tandoori restaurants cook up. Published in 2003 when Vicky was just 24 years old, the book won several gongs including ones from the Guild of Food Writers and the Glenfiddich Awards. It also won praise from leading foodies including Nigella Lawson, who said she was “mad about this book” while writer India Knight and actress Meera Syal also went on record in praise of her recipes. Vicky says the idea for the book came to her when she was working in advertising in London and many people, including fellow British Asians, would constantly ask her for advice and recipes to make home-cooked Indian food. After the success of the first book, a follow-up Mummyji book was published in 2004 while her third book, A Fair Feast, is said to have graced the kitchen of Elton John. It was written as a fundraiser and pulled in £100,000 for The Fairtrade Foundation and Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign. All this also opened doors within big business. After the success of Cooking
Like Mummyji, Vicky wrote a letter to then Tesco CEO Terry Leahy and suggested that the supermarket should sell real homecooked style Indian food. “My agent was furious with me because I had written a letter direct rather than go through them, but I was soon proved right; I got an email back from one of the Tesco product team asking to meet,” she says. The resulting deal created a new line of products for Tesco, which helped Vicky eventually build up a business worth several
million pounds. The flourishing business also helped Vicky get her foot on the property ladder. She bought a two-bedroom apartment on the Finchley Road in Hampstead within a converted Victorian house. She also persuaded the vendor to knock £30,000 off the asking, because otherwise it was beyond her maximum budget and she couldn’t afford it. Vicky then set about doing up the flat. This included the kitchen where she has done all her recipe research for many of her subsequent books, and more recently also for the updated version of Cooking with Mummyji, published last year by Grub Street. It includes some 100 Punjabi recipes “as cooked in British Asian homes”. But she is now taking a different culinary path. Her Hampstead flat is on the market at £850,000 and she and her partner have bought a run-down farm in Burgundy, France, which after it’s been renovated will be used to host cooking courses – and be somewhere quieter for Vicky to do her recipe research for future books. “When my parents arrived in the UK they plunged headlong into a completely foreign country where they had to learn a new language, and me moving to France fells like a similar story – so I’m taking French classes like they did English ones,” she says. “I have a completely different life now – last week I was driving a tractor up and down a field instead of battling the tube.” Vicky’s flat has a lounge, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom as well as a garden at the back. It’s about 10 minutes on foot from Finchley Road Station for the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines. ◆ More information from mgmfrenchproperties.com/property
“Vicky has bought a run-down farm in Burgundy, France, which will be used to host cooking courses” ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
BATT&CLAP_Aug17_interview.indd 114
114 14/07/2017 16:51
LOMBARD.indd 1
12/07/2017 17:21
MUST END SOON
DESIGN SALE. SAVE UP TO 50%
Make your design dreams come true in our Summer Design Sale. Save up to 20% on a wide range of furniture and accessories for living, dining and sleeping, plus unmissable savings of up to 50% on our ex-display furniture and accessories, but hurry these offers must end soon! Our interior design team offers a free design service and will be delighted to meet you to discuss any of your needs. Ask in-store for further details.
Battersea Reach I Finchley Road I Harrods I Notting Hill I Tottenham Ct Road I Guildford I Kingston I boconcept.com
BO.indd 1 boconcept_absolutely_SDS_Full_Page_Ad_07_17.indd 1
17:21 12/07/2017 17:13