Absolutely South West : Wimbledon December 2017

SOUTH WEST

ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon DECEMBER 2017 / £3.95

Paloma

FAITH Talks music and motherhood

DECEM B ER 2017

Wish

LIST Christmas gifts for everyone

FESTIVE POP-UPS Holiday happenings for the awhole family

Time to Timeto

SHINE HERE’S TO A STYISH SEASON

ZEST.LONDON

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT SW_COVER_December17.indd 6

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The heart wants what the heart wants.

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Open House

We would be delighted to show you how we turned a victorian terrace house into a bright contemporary design home at Lysia Street, SW6

Viewing times

on Saturday and Sunday: 27th-28th/ Jan - from 10am to 12pm For booking your visit just call us on 0203 405 6820 or email us at info@yourarchitect.london Your Architect London is an award-winning Fulham architectural firm. We offer a range of architectural services, from planning permission, project management, design and build, through to completion, specializing in contemporary design and modern architecture.

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Open house 27th-28th/ Jan

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2017

96 14

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

18

WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for December

28 CHRISTMAS POP-UPS Festive fun in the capital

FA S H I O N 34 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL 36 LADY IN RED 47 WISHLIST

Gifts for the girls and guys who have everything

The month’s best beauty buys

FOOD & DRINK 58 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

65 BAKING UP A STORM Bread-making at Leith's

72

INTERIORS INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views

81

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

WREATH APPEAL

Your ultimate DIY guide

DECEMBER 2017 / £3.95

Talks music and motherhood

Wish

LIST Christmas gifts for everyone

FESTIVE POP-UPS Holiday happenings for the awhole family

Time to Timeto

Discover South Africa's stunning towns

The most luxurious London properties

South West

FAITH

T R AV E L 96 CITY-SLICKER

PROPERTY 122 LIVING THE DREAM

ABSOLUTELY Paloma

SHINE HERE’S TO A STYISH SEASON

ZEST.LONDON

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 52 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

Christmas party essentials

DECEM B ER 2017

This season's traffic-stopping trend

54 DANCEFLOOR HITS

SOUTH WEST

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

34 60 SW_COVER_December17.indd 1-2

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 23/11/2017 16:30

ON THE COVER

COAST CHRISTMAS AVAILABLE AT COAST-STORES.COM

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITOR HELEN BROWN DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ACCOUNT MANAGER TAMAR VANDERHOEK PROPERTY DIRECTORS JAMES FUSCHILLO & ANDY ELMER ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGIST LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEMOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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

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Editor’s

LETTER

T

Here's what the ABSOLUTELY team is hoping for this Christmas...

1

THE CONCORD GIFT KIT

The packaging, the heavenly scents, the top-to-toe care....

Aesop’s bodycare kits tick all the boxes for a festive pamper.

Aesop The Concord Gift Kit, £45; aesop.com/uk HANNAH HOPKINS DIGITAL EDITOR

UZMA BOZAI SWEATSHIRT

I am seriously coveting the lovely Uzma Bozai’s sequin sweatshirts at Anthropologie because they're both subtle and sparkly, if that’s possible. Fox sequin sweatshirt, £170, anthropologie.com PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

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is the season, once again.

Time to trim the tree and scoff mince pies. Whether your gifts are nearly all packed and wrapped with a ribbon on top, or you’ll be tackling Oxford Street in a festive frenzy with the rest of us, we’ve got a wealth of shopping inspiration for everyone. From the house-proud design-lover to the guy who has everything; we have gifting ideas for all. Trying to liven up your own look this year? Nail this season’s style with our red-hot shopping edit on page 39 and get Christmasparty ready with the latest dance-floor beauty staples on page 57, guaranteed to make you look great under the mistletoe.

We’ve also got enough seasonal content to keep you entertained all month. Head to page 28 where we’ve uncovered the best things to do locally and around London to get you in the Christmas spirit. From food fairs and icerinks, to ski-themed cabin bars and seasonal masterclasses, there is something for the whole family. Speaking of, Paloma Faith tells all about the latest edition to hers. We caught up with the singer to hear how motherhood has brought a new focus to her music on page 20. All of this, plus our usual culture, food and interiors, each given a sugar-plum sprinkling of festive spirit for the season. Enjoy the issue and have a very Merry Christmas!

RIXO LONDON - IRIS PRINTED CREPE WRAP DRESS

I love the sparkling celestial print on Rixo London’s wrap dress. It's the perfect party piece for New Year’s Eve and, come January, will layer nicely over a roll neck and dark denim; £245; net-a-porter.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

4

5

LUCY WILLIAMS X MISSOMA

This necklace has amassed quite the cult following and I'm desperate to jump on the band wagon. I promise I’ve been good this year... Large Horn Necklace, £139; missoma.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

HARRODS OF LONDON WEEK-TO-VIEW DIARY

This gorgeous diary will make my resolution to becomes less reliant on technology that much easier; and there can’t be a more stylish way to do it. A5 Week-To-View 2018 Diary, £99.95. harrods.com

HELEN BROWN EDITOR

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GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

3

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

14

BOUNDARY BLURRING Cool kid AMI blurs the boundaries between casual and chic with its relaxed approach to design. The AW17 collection perfectly captures Parisian nonchalance with slouchy tailoring and androgynous style. amiparis.com

Sharing Champers

Ever at the centre of festivities, Moët & Chandon’s Imperial Golden Sparkle Jeroboam captures the season’s spirit of splendour and generosity. Perfect for sharing. POA; selfridges.com

SHINING SAYINGS

Katie Loxton’s elegant notebooks now come in a selection of metallic fi nishes, perfect for the festive season.

Our Christmas list has never looked so chic. £14.99; katieloxton.com

Festive Fragrance

Cire Trudon’s Lumière candle encapsulates the alluring scents of Japan to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of Oriental exuberance. £78; net-a-porter.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

BEST FOOT FORWARD Luxury shoe brand Alexander White is renowned for its elegant designs with a playful twist. The SS18 collection is inspired by the English countryside with rosy hues and ruffled silhouettes. alexander-white.com

STARLI GHT E X P RE S S Add elegant luxe to your look with the starlight half-studs from Missoma, fi nished in 18ct gold. Exactly what we want to see under the tree this year. £69; missoma.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BAG S O F GO L D We’re coveting Anya Hindmarch's cross-body bag for it’s versatility; small and compact, yet ultra glam, it’ll take you from desk to disco. £595; farfetch.com

SWEET DREAMS

The Matchstick eyemask from Asceno’s AW collection epitomises Parisian cool. Pair it with the matching pjs for a truly luxurious trip to the land of nod. £45; ascenco.com

Deck the Halls The time has come to deck the halls and trim the tree. Dial-up the opulence of your Christmas tree theme with this plush bauble, fi nished in velvet and pearl. £15; harrods.co.uk

B E L L E OF T H E BA L L MAC’s Snowball collection is sure to dazzle and delight under the Christmas tree; we’re lusting after the Elle Bell lipstick, a glossy berry for times of merry(ment). £16.50; maccosmetics.co.uk

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

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CULTURE What's on

18 • Paloma

CURTAIN CALL HAMILTON

We've waited patiently for Broadway smash-hit Hamilton to cross the pond and finally its time has come. Arriving at the Victoria Palace Theatre, the show is set to be a belter. Encores at the ready. hamiltonthemusical.com

Faith talks motherhood & music 20 • Christmas pop-ups

28

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The Agenda

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

SHOPPING

Female Founders Present 9-10 December ECCLESTON YARDS From Female Founders Present comes an extravaganza shopping weekend that brings to the forefront London’s amazing small businesses, while raising money for Women for Women International.

Choose from salvaged gold jewellery to ceramics, silk pyjamas and more.

Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, SW1; femalefounderspesent.com

EXHIBITION

Volker Kuhn SOLO SHOW

18

EXHIBITION

FROM 6 DECEMBER • PLUS ONE GALLERYGALLERY

Fulham Palace Through Postcards

Volker Kuhn is renowned for his series of three-dimensional wall pieces, ‘Art in Boxes’. Populated by small figures and animals, his sculptures are informed by object art and the work of assemblage artist Joseph Cornwell. Experience them in this solo show which is both zany and thought-provoking.

B&C Trafalgar House, York Road, SW18; plusonegallery.com

Ongoing FULHAM PALACE Not so long ago, postcards were effectively a form of social media, with millions sent every week during their golden age. This latest exhibition explores the ‘postcard mania’ in relation to Fulham Palace and highlights how the Palace and society have both changed.

Bishop’s Avenue, SW6; fulhampalace.org

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

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

T H E AT R E

SNOW WHITE and the Red Rose

From 29 November BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Battersea Arts Centre has teamed up with acclaimed theatre company RashDash for the perfect family festive treat. Snow White likes to tell stories and paint while sister Red Rose likes to race with the deer and wolves. When a friendly bear knocks on the door, the mischievous pair embark on a brave and magical adventure with fun songs and plenty of festive touches.

Lavender Hill, SW11; bac.org.uk

Around Town T H E AT R E

ROME MMXVII ★★★★★ Ongoing BARBICAN CENTRE Throw yourself full-throttle into the sweat of Coriolanus’ battlefield or loose yourself in the love story of Antony and Cleopatra; this thrilling London Season from the Royal Shakespeare Company, offers something for all. Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

EXHIBITION

WINNIE THE POOH:

Exploring a Classic

This Month’s Must See

From 9 December V&A He’s the hero of children’s fiction and Britain’s best-loved bear, now Winniethe-Pooh will star in an exhibition that celebrates the life of this childhood favourite. Experience the timeless and universal appeal of Pooh Bear and his friends as they are brought to life through sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion.

Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

T H E AT R E

MODIGLIANI ★★★★★

LOCAL EVENT

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

F

FROM 9 DECEMBER N E W W I M B L E D O N T H E AT R E

or the first time in over 15 years, fe-fi-fo-fum will be heard in Wimbledon.

Britain’s outspoken publican Al Murray and Olivier award-winning Clive Rowe will lead the cast in the giant pantomime adventure, Jack and the Beanstalk. With laugh-out-loud comedy, magic beans and oodles of audience participation, this is one the whole family can enjoy.

93 The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com

Ongoing TATE MODERN Modigliani's emotionally intense portraits and seductive nudes, though controversial during the 1900’s, are among the best-loved paintings of the 20th century. See them under one roof, alongside his portraits of his friends, lovers and supporters including Picasso and Brancusi.

Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk

BALLET

MATTHEW BOURNE’S CINDERELLA ★★★★★ From 9 December SADLER’S WELLS New Adventures return with Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella. Expect a wartime romance with sumptuous costumes, award-winning sets and Bourne’s glorious talent for story-telling.

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R; sadlerswells.com

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

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faith HEALER Absolutely discusses music, motherhood and privacy with Paloma Faith Wo r d s N E I L B A R S T O N

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ecoming a parent is just about the biggest event in anyone’s lives, bringing with it a raft of challenges and unforeseen scenarios that potentially pose the sternest of tests.

For Paloma Faith, the experience of being a new mum may have left her wondering where her next night’s sleep might ever be coming from, yet it’s brought a renewed sense of purpose and focus to her music.

“I’m trying to juggle being a mother and a singer. I have no idea how I am managing, but I am somehow,” she laughs, recounting her whirlwind existence recording her fourth studio album.

The 36-year old Londoner has already amassed an enviable career over the past decade that has seen her become the only female artist beyond Adele to have three double platinum recordings to her name.

While it’s been a road requiring plenty of hard graft, her artfully soulful sound and quirky style have undoubtedly played their part in propelling the Hackney-born star to success.

The singer’s latest offering, The Architect, follows boldly in its predecessors’ footsteps, showcasing her distinctive powerful vocals that have earned comparisons with everyone from 60’s icons such as Etta James and Billie Holiday through to the late Amy Winehouse.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

“I do feel that my approach to music has changed since becoming a parent”

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE As she admits, she’s hoping her latest work, partly recorded in America, might yet crack the elusive holy grail of top slot in the album charts. If the slick, yet lyrically reflective lead single Crybaby is anything to go by, then the signs are indeed looking promising.

It seems the singer is enjoying a comparatively settled phase of her life living with French boyfriend Leyman Lahcine, and it’s apparent that starting a family has directly influenced her music.

“I do feel my approach to music has changed since I’ve become a parent - which does have an impact. With difficult things that are happening in the world, you feel protective and want to make things comfortable for your family.

“I think things are changing in our history and maybe not for the better, which is something I’m concerned about. I feel there’s a sense of duty to talk about events.”

Much like any other artist in the limelight, her rise has come with the perhaps inevitable burden of being followed around by the ever-hungry paparazzi.

Everyone from Hello magazine through to the red-top national papers has been waiting to secure pictures of her new youngster, whom she is keen to shield from unnecessary public attention.

“I value my privacy more than ever now, as it’s a real responsibility being a parent, and I want my child to know itself first rather than everyone else feeling that they know all about them.”

Such determination to do things on her own terms has proved a consistent theme throughout her career, and something that has helped her stand out from the crowd.

As she recalls her childhood in East London, the half-Spanish artist says that she always had something of a creative streak.

However, it was far from obvious that she was destined to become a singer, with her initial studies being at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

“Growing up in Hackney, I was surrounded by lots of different types of music - from my mum, I remember listening to plenty of revolutionary music from the 60s such as Bob Dylan, while my dad was really into jazz, which is where my interest in all that comes from.

“Later, when I was studying, I got into R and B dancehall as well, and originally I wanted to be dancer. Then I did my musical theatre, and I think that music just chose me,” she explains of her formative years.

From her early CV that spanned everything from being a life model, cabaret dancer and bartender, to a gig as a magician’s assistant, her rich experiences have offered plenty of

tales and adventures to fuel her inventive songwriting.

As if to underline her determination, she famously walked out on a deal for a record contract when the agent watching her refused to stop texting on his phone.

Needless to say, it was very much his loss and the wider music industry’s gain, for Paloma then secured a major deal that set in motion her strikingly memorable debut album.

To her credit, Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? blazed a trail into the top 10, and proceeded to lodge in the album charts for the next 100 weeks. But how does she look back on it now?

“Well, that was nearly 10 years ago, and

it was what it was. But I think it is great that I’ve managed to sustain a career as unfortunately not many people get to make more than one or two albums these days,” reflects the singer on what she feels is now an over-saturated market.

By her own admission, trying to sustain a fanbase and avoiding the trap of merely recreating a formula for previous hits has offered plenty of challenges.

But as she enthuses, she is not one to rest on her laurels, and ‘likes to mix things up a bit’ which is certainly the case with her latest material.

While her towering vocal abilities have continued to garner contrasts with the late Amy Winehouse, it’s something Paloma is entirely at ease with.

“I’m flattered by comparisons to Amy. It’s not something I am offended by, though I am quite different. When she met me once, she asked if I played an instrument, but I said no, and she said that was a shame as she would really have liked someone like me in her group.

“I was a massive fan of hers, and after watching the documentary about her life,

I actually wrote a song for her, Price of Fame, which is on the new album. Her death was such a tragedy,” adds the vocalist with a note of sadness.

Her down-to-earth manner is a breath of fresh air in an industry awash with egos, and her willingness to give something back was seen with her time on The Voice series.

Beyond being a vocal mentor, she was determined to help those under her wing with additional songwriting classes.

As for her own career, having been nominated several times for a Brit Award, persistence paid off two years ago as she claimed a long-awaited win in the best female solo artist category. Being in an industry that is often quick to cast judgment, she felt there was a real sense of vindication in claiming the coveted accolade.

“It was amazing to win the Brit Award and finally to gain some acknowledgement. I come from a long line of people that haven’t really been acknowledged for what they did. I think there are a lot of people out there doing important work, like doctors and nurses who don’t get that recognition they should.”

With a major award to her name, there has been plenty of hype surrounding her latest release, bolstered by notable additions including an appearance from Samuel L Jackson and a duet with singer songwriter John Legend in the mix.

Besides the album, fans will have to wait a little longer for her next UK tour, which kicks off next March. It’s destined to feature some of Paloma’s trademark self-designed sets to spark the tone for a hit-packed series of shows.

“The only reason I do what I’m doing is because I love touring – as when I’m out there I am excited and feel that I’m in the right place,” adds the engaging singer, who may well have a little more to think about with a young child in tow, yet it won’t stop her from enjoying every single moment.

PALOMA FAITH

New album The Architect is out now on RCA Records

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Christmas in Kingston.

A surprise behind every door.

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ABSOLUTELY ROUND UP CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

MUST SEE

SHOW

Spend a cosy evening in Theatreland with our top stage picks for the month

By H E L E N B R OW N

PINOCCHIO

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

★★★★★

From 1 December LYTTELTON THEATRE On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket on an electrifying adventure that takes them from alpine forests to the bottom of the ocean. From the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this well-loved tale is brought to life with unforgettable music from the classic Walt Disney film.

Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

★★★★★

5-11 December ALMEIDA THEATRE Between light and shadow, science and superstition is a dimension of imagination. An area known as the Twilight Zone. Directed by Olivier award-winning Richard Jones, this world premier of the acclaimed CBS series marries stage magic and fantasy as the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Almeida Street, N1; almeida.co.uk

BELLEVILLE ★★★★★

From 7 December DONMAR WAREHOUSE High-flying doctor, Zack and his actresscome-yoga-teaching spouse, Abby are leading the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris. Bit it’s all a little too perfect. James Norton and Imogen Poots star in this story of a romantic dream gone sour, written by Amy Herzog who was recently praised as ’one of the brightest new talents in the theatre.’

41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

CELL MATES

TITUS ANDRONICUS

★★★★★

From 7 December BARBICAN CENTRE In Shakespeare’s most brutal and bloody play, the decay of Rome reaches vicious depths as Titus, exhausted by war relinquishes power. Rape, cannibalism and severed body parts fill the moral void at the heart of this tale which poses questions about the nature of sexuality, family and society.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

CELL MATES ★★★★★ From 30 November HAMPSTEAD THEATRE “Spies betray people. That’s what we do. It becomes a habit. Difficult to break - even when it’s not strictly necessary.”

Simon Gray’s deftly funny play explores how personal freedom is an illusion and even friendship must have carefully circumscribed limits, especially in the world of a 1961 London prison where deception is a reflex response.

Eton Avenue, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com TITUS ANDRONICUS

BELLEVILLE

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

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

10 – 15 July 2018

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

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Witness for the Prosecution The new courtroom production of Agatha Christie’s classic keeps us guessing…

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

E

njoy the trial,’ say the ushers. As we take our seats in the courtroom, there’s an expectant murmuring that comes through small speakers in the rows, and a great sense of expectation. Somehow it feels more formal than a regular theatre, and very intimate. Playing out in an actual courtroom in County Hall, this production of Witness for the Prosecution has an extra layer of drama in the venue itself. We sit

around a central stage, and the bewigged judge presides over all of us.

Director Lucy Bailey’s version of Agatha Christie’s much-loved and widely adapted short story keeps its audience guessing until the very end, with a final twist that’s unique to this production. Leonard Vole – ‘a bit of a dish’ – stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow who had very recently altered her will in his favour. He professes innocence; his alibi for the night in question lies with his wife Romaine, but her behaviour is very peculiar. All the

“The audience is kept guessing until the very end”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

CULTURE • THEATRE

signs seem to point to his guilt, but why is his wife changing her story?

The main flaw in this otherwise clever and entertaining production is the wife’s terrible German accent.

It’s so exaggerated that the audience could be forgiven for assuming that we are supposed to think she’s putting it on, that she’s not really German at all but an imposter; maybe not even really his wife at all.

I am waiting for this all to become part of the final resolve – and while her ability to manipulate her voice does turn out to have some plot significance (no spoilers here), it appears that all along we were supposed to be believing in the ‘Allo ‘Allo style chatter, which created (for me) an accidental and distracting red herring.

Otherwise, the casting is impeccable. Jack McMullan is makes a credible helpless-seeming Leonard, while David Yelland and Philip Franks are intensely English as the QCs and Patrick Godfrey’s Justice Wainwright is fiercely sharp in his wig.

And the verdict? Even diehard Christie fans won’t have predicted the final twist, which makes for a successful courtroom drama.

VERDICT

We were gripped...

Agatha Christie would ceratainly be proud. ★★★★★

Witness for the Prosecution continues at County Hall until September 2018. witnesscountyhall.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WINTER HOUSE

From ice skating to food markets: discover all the festive fun and frivolity London has to offer this December

CHRISTMAS in the city

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CULTURE • CHRISTMAS POP-UPS

Skate Somerset House

Ongoing

SOMERSET HOUSE

● The stately surrounds of this iconic house have once again been transformed into the ultimate winter destination. Somerset House’s icy extravaganza is one of the most magical rinks in London. Warm up after in the Fortnum & Mason Lodge with a Double Chocolossus Hot Chocolate and a spot of rinkside shopping. Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

The Winter House

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ongoing

HYDE PARK

● No Christmas round-up would be complete without Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. This annual gathering of gifts, food and fun boasts the UK’s largest ice rink at its centre. Not even Scrooge could fail to feel festive after spending a day within this seasonal set-up.

Hyde Park, W2; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Ongoing

THE WELSH CHAPEL

● Purveyor of all things beautiful and entertaining, Bourne & Hollingsworth are inviting Londoners to discover The Winter House and lose themselves in a world of fine food, delectable drinks and incredible interiors. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed chapel in the heart of the West End, this limited edition restaurant, bar and club is the perfect setting for a memorable night out.

136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D; winterhouse.com

Dolce & Gabbana Christmas Market Ongoing

HARRODS

● This year, Londoners can expect D&G under the tree as the brand goes all out for Christmas. The Dolce & Gabbana Christmas market brings Sicilian magic to the fourth floor of Harrods. Spread out like an Italian piazza, visitors will be able to stock up on designer puppets, perfume, suits, dresses, cheeky stocking fillers and yuletide trinkets.

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1; harrods.com

Christmas by the River

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER

Christmas in Leicester Square

SKATE SOMERSET HOUSE

From 10 December

LEICESTER SQUARE

● From Underbelly and Westminster City Council comes an enchanting programme of entertainment for all the family. Enjoy Cabaret at Christmas, Al Murray’s Festive Saloon, Santa’s Grotto, The Showstoppers Christmas Kids Show and more mulled wine and pretzels than you can could ever need. There is something for everyone.

Leicester Square, WC2; christmasinleicestersquare.com

From 30 November LONDON BRIDGE

● London’s most picturesque Christmas market returns to the banks of the River Thames for its fourth year, offering not only a view of London’s most-loved landmarks but also a place to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a true Christmas market. Whether you’re looking to fill your loved ones’ stockings with artisan gifts or simply settle in to eat, drink and be merry, Christmas by the River is the place to soak up some festive spirit.

London Bridge, SE1; londonbridgecity.co.uk

CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF BIG GAME HARLEQUINS v NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

TWICKENHAM STADIUM ON 30TH DECEMBER 2017 TICKETS FROM £24 FOR ADULTS & £14 FOR CHILDREN - BOOK NOW AT QUINS.CO.UK

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CULTURE • XXXXXX

ROUND UP

Local SCENE Keep it close to home with these regional Christmas happenings

UNCLE BARTS

Winterville

Nutcracker Icing Party

Ongoing

CLAPHAM COMMON

● After a year off, the pop-up town of Winterville heads south of the river to Clapham Common for a brilliant extravaganza for all ages. Skate on Clapham Common’s first-ever ice rink, enjoy sensational street food from Street Feast, play crazy golf, ride the big wheel and grab gifts from an alternative Christmas market; the offering is endless. Windmill Drive, SW4; winterville.co.uk

Pear Tree Christmas Market

10 December BISCUITEERS

Uncle Barts Enchanted Winter Garden UNCLE BARTS

PEAR TREE CAFE

● Uncle Barts is sprinkling some seasonal sparkle into his hideout year.

Make your way through a hidden apartment decked with boughs of holly and into a candle-lit Christmas grotto.

The garden is also transformed into a whimsical wonderland with glittering fairy lights, faux fur and mistletoe.

87 Sloane Avenue, SW3; barts-london.com

Christmas in the Village

PEAR TREE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Ongoing

2-3 December

● Nestled amongst the twinkling trees of Battersea Park, the Pear Tree Christmas Market is an enchanting spot for festive shopping. Expect live carol singing and a fantastic selection of handmade luxury gifts. A midday BBQ will satiate hungry appetites with Pig in Blanket Hot Dogs, while the Pear Tree Cafe will be putting on a spectacular evening supper.

Battersea Park, SW11; peartreecafe.co.uk

● Iconic biscuit brand, Biscuiteers are showering south west London with a sugar-plum sprinkling of festivity. Learn to master the art of the Nutcracker biscuit collection during a twohour session, before packing your treats in a tin to take home.

13 Northcote Road, SW11; biscuiteers.com

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

3 December

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE

● With myriad fun, games and festivity for the whole family, Christmas in the Village ensures that there is yuletide spirit aplenty in Wimbledon this year.

Not-to-be-missed are gingerbread decorating workshops, Santa’s Grotto, facepainting, fairground rides and carols around the Christmas tree.

1 Lambton Road, SW20; wimbledon-village.com

WINTERVILLE

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1 Bellevue Parade, Wandsworth Common SW17 7EQ • 020 8767 7294 • olivierslounge.co.uk Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm • Sun: 12pm - 5pm

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FASHION

A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND SWAROVSKI This Christmas, diamond specialists Swarovski are hosting a number of famous faces for their #GiveBrilliant campaign. Celebrating diversity and empowerment, this sparkling shoot includes everyone from Naomi Campbell to Chiara Ferragni.

Wish lists at the ready. swarovski.com

Fashion Notes: Clutch bags and military style 34 • Trend Page: Lady in Red

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FASHION NOTES

Put on your party shoes and don your military jacket.

It’s time to celebrate Christmas in style

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

HILLIER BARTLEY

Gold Fringe Lantern, £895; hillierbartley.com

JIGSAW

Alba Medium Clutch Bag, £45; jigsaw-online.com

5 OF THE BEST PA R T Y C L U T C H B AG S

EDITOR’S PICK

UTERQÜE

Marble-Effect Minaudière Clutch, £120; uterque.com

BRIT SCHOOL

ZARA

Minaudière with Fuchsia Details, £49.99; zara.com

B U R B E R RY

MANGO

Floral Embroidery Clutch, £49.99; shop.mango.com

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British fashion brand Burberry has recruited homegrown talent Cara Delevingne and Matt Smith for their whimsical winter campaign.

Shot by Alasdair McLellan, the snaps celebrate the unique character and charm of good ‘ol Blighty. The perfect farewell for outgoing Creative Director Christopher Bailey. uk.burberry.com

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FASHION • NOTES BRAND PROFILE

MILITARY DRESS

Khaite

BURBERRY X

NET-A-PORTER

Who needs The Nutcracker this Christmas when you’ve got Burberry’s military jacket?

Part of the brand’s exclusive capsule collection for Net-aPorter, the stand-to-attention collar and gilded frogging will give Clara’s handsome prince a run for his money; £2,995. net-a-porter.com

The brand redefining wardrobe 'basics'

WHO?

GREY LADY KITRI

SAY MY NAME SOPHIE HULME

What do you give the girl who has everything?

A personalised designer bag, of course. Head to Burlington Arcade this December for Sophie Hulme’s new personalisation service, which allows you to embellish your bag with everything from leather letters to gold embossing. sophiehulme.com

Born from the frustration of not being able to find well-made designs at purse-friendly prices, KITRI is the label making the high street a little more exclusive. Each design is produced in limited quantities, making outfit clashing a thing of the past; £125.

Khaite is the new fashion label created by womenswear designer Catherine Holstein.

The brand, which means ‘long flowing hair’ in Greek, only launched in 2016, yet within 18 months has attracted over 50 influential global stockists, including Matchesfashion and Net-a-Porter.

WHAT? After noticing a gap in the market for strong, feminine design, Holstein set about creating a brand that offered ‘buy now - love forever’ pieces. Eschewing fashion’s love of fleeting trends, Khaite’s polished staples balance functionality with luxury. The result? Sharp ’90s-inspired suiting, slouchy, butter-soft cashmere and fluid slip dresses.

kitristudio.com

Well heeled JIMMY CHOO

The festive season is the perfect opportunity to wear those inadvisable shoe purchases that have sat unworn in your wardrobe for months. You know the ones we’re talking about. Jimmy Choo’s South Pumps might get stuck in air vents and look like drowned creatures when wet (we're looking at you pompoms). But do we care? Nope, not even a little bit; £750.

brownsfashion.com

WHERE? Based in New York, Khaite has garnered international acclaim amongst the fashion community - Caroline de Maigret and Lily Aldridge are known fans. The brand’s jeans have been a particular hit, however we’ve been won over by Khaite's surprisingly chic collection of bodysuits, which will prove an invaluable layering tool this winter.

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

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FASHION • PRODUCTS MARC JACOBS Plissé Crepe de Chine Midi Skirt, £445; 24sevres.com

Heart Whisper Ribbed Wool Sweater, £350; net-a-porter.com

EMILIA WICKSTEAD AW17

MAGGIE MARILYN

BIMBA Y LOLA Red Chequered Coat, £395; bimbaylola.com

JOSEPH Cavalry Twill Ferrandi Trousers, £395; joseph-fashion.com

SEE BY CHLOÉ Tiered Ruffle-Trimmed Crepe Dress, £400; matchesfashion.com

VALEXTRA Iside Mini GrainedLeather Bag, £1,750; selfridges.com

MANGO Metal Pendant Earrings, £9.99; shop.mango.com

THE ROW Adela Velvet Mules, £880; matchesfashion.com

LADY IN RED

LA LIGNE Asymmetric Wrap-Effect Crepe Skirt, £390; net-a-porter.com

Stop traffic in this season’s hottest hue. Santa’s suit never looked so stylish B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VICTORIA BECKHAM AW17

EDITOR’S PICK

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PRADA Feather-Embellished Satin Sandals, £705; mytheresa.com

BALENCIAGA Oversized Ribbed Wool Turtleneck, £815; net-a-porter.com

BOYY Bobby 23 Leather Tote Bag, £725; brownsfashion.com

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Naughty or nice, Amélie’s Follies can help you find the perfect stocking filler...

LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR Gift wrapping and gift vouchers available Mon - Sat 10.00am - 5.30pm • Sun in December - 11.00am - 4.00pm

Call for late night openings 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF

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Tel: 020 7924 3826

www.ameliesfollies.co.uk

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Christmas

SPARKLE

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JENNIFER MEYER

DE BEERS

VANRYCKE

18-Karat Gold Diamond Necklace, £2,495 net-a-porter.com

Talisman Essence Pendant, £2,100 debeers.co.uk

Coachella Ring - Rose Gold 18k & Diamonds, £2,150 harrods.com

RAPHAELE CANOT

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Set Free Diamond & Yellow-Gold Earrings, £2,600 matchesfashion.com

Tropical Palm Crystal Clip-On Earrings, £460 farfetch.com

SELIM MOUZANNAR

CARTIER

TIFFANY

Diamond & Pink-Gold Beirut Ring, £2,248 matchesfashion.com

Tank Francaise Steel & Diamond Watch, £6,300 selfridges.com

City HardWear Ball Hook Earrings in 18k Gold, £1,175 harrods.com

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Bespoke Fine Jewellery

Sparkle & Dazzle Exceptional Piece s for every Occasion Specialist Bespoke Goldsmith and Jeweller Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken in store by Master Jewellers

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

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MODERN ROMANCE Escape to a world of fashion fantasy this party season with Jenny Packham’s ethereal gowns

Jenny Packham SS18 available at jennypackham.com and the brand’s flagship store: Mount Street, Mayfair W1K

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Swiss-made Swiss-made limited limited editions editions

Daphne Daphne Signature Signature GoldGold

View View the full thecollection full collection at www.dumaurierwatches.com at www.dumaurierwatches.com from £440 from £440 Tel: 01460 Tel: 01460 220720 220720

Classic Classic time time for creative for creative mindsminds du Maurier du & Maurier the du & Maurier the du logo Maurier are registered logo are registered trademarks trademarks of du Maurier of du Watches Maurier Watches Ltd. © 2016 Ltd.du © Maurier 2016 du Watches.

Maurier Watches.

All rightsAll reserved. rights reserved.

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Credit: Coast aw17

FASHION • GIFT GUIDE YOLKE

Blossom Silk Lounge Suit, £335; yolke.co.uk

JO MALONE

English Oak & Redcurrant Body and Hand Wash, £30; jomalone.co.uk

CLUSE

Lizard and Pearl Watch, £79.95; clusewatches.com

ABRAMS

Yves Saint Laurent by Farid Chenoune and Florence Muller, £50; net-a-porter.com

BELLA FREUD

Grey Cashmere 1970 Jumper, £390; farfetch.com

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTY

MULBERRY

Darley Small Grain Leather Bag - Oxblood, £550; johnlewis.com

Les Yeux Noirs Lash Amplifying Lacquer, £55; selfridges.com

GIFTS FOR HER WAREHOUSE

Disc Chandelier Earrings, £10; warehouse.co.uk

GUCCI

BEE GODDESS

Star Drop Earrings, £1,525; harrods.com

EDITOR’S PICK

What to give the girl who has everything...

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

NO.22

Bookshelf Scented Candle, £39; conranshop.co.uk

Leather Belt, £320; gucci.com

BLAZÉ MILANO

Jealousy Everyday Velvet Blazer, £1,295; matchesfashion.com

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

Christmas for cooks, covered.

Whether they’re a kitchen novice or a globetrotting gourmet, Leiths School of Food and Wine has a perfect present for the foodie in your life.

For skills-based, cuisine-focused and guest chef cookery courses, cookbooks, knife sets and gift vouchers, visit the Leiths website.

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FASHION • PRODUCTS PULLMAN EDITIONS Murder on the Orient Express poster, £395; pullmaneditions.com

KENT & CURWEN Men’s shearling coat, £1,895; Exclusive to Covent Garden store

MATT SMITH FOR BURBERRY AW17, photographer: Alasdair McLellan; burberry.com

BELVEDERE Limited edition red vodka, £38; clos19.com

MASTER & DYNAMIC MH 40 Over-ear headphones, £369; masterdynamic.co.uk

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Cashmere reversible scarf, £165; johnstonscashmere.com

PENHALIGON’S Blenheim bouquet shaving soap, £36; penhaligons.com

MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

GIFTS FOR HIM

Striped rollback sweater, £295; mrporter.com

PENHALIGON’S

Boys toys the guys will love B y H E L E N B R OW N

Nickel Shaving Set, £146; penhaligons.com

JO MALONE 154 Cologne, £90; jomalone.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK JOHN LOBB

THE BOATYARD DISTILLERY Old Tom Gin, £55; harrods.com

Larry suede Chelsea boots, £1,260; mrporter.com

BERLUTI Jour-off leather travel bag, £2,490; berluti.com

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

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3 Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Road, London SW17 7EG

020 3475 6644 • anthonylabanhome.com

For latest news & offers join us @LabanHome

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

TULLE COOL ESTÉE LAUDER

Make like Kendall this Christmas and give the gift of glamour. Estée Lauder’s giftsets will win over any beauty-lover. Our top pick? Worth over £298, The Blockbuster Collection contains all the cosmetics you could ever need; £65. esteelauder.co.uk

Beauty Notes: Glow-boosting beauty and Yuletide treats 52 • Party-ready makeup 54.

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BEAUTY NOTES

Usher in December with glow-boosting beauty, facial fitness and Yuletide treats

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

1 2 BEST BUY

5 OF THE BEST B E AU T Y C H R I ST M A S C R AC K E R S

3

4

Merry & Bright

5 1. Caudalie Vinosource Christmas Cracker Skincare Gift Set, £10; lookfantastic.com. 2 Decléor Surprise Cracker Gift Set, £12; johnlewis.com. 3. Cowshed Body Care Cracker, £12; libertylondon.com. 4. Molton Brown Exquisite Treats Cracker, £20; boots.com. 5. Fresh Skincare Gift Set, £24; johnlewis.com

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JO MALONE LONDON

There’s no mistaking Jo Malone London’s packaging: cream and black, finished with an elegant grosgrain ribbon. This year, the iconic box gets a high fashion makeover with the help of Jonathan Saunders. Bursting with colour, these one-off designs will bring some glamour to your dressing table.

jomalone.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

FACIAL FITNESS

SALON REVIEW

Tori Hartman

FACEGYM

FaceGym is the world’s first face training studio which set the industry abuzz with its twist on the traditional facial. This season, the brand is extending its expertise to skincare with a range of customisable serums.

The three-step process allows you to choose from a number of skin-loving ingredients - from cacau to coffee bean - to create a truly personalised formula.

The perfect present for beauty buffs.

Discovering the art of intuition W o r d s H E L E N B R OW N

W

ouldn’t it be nice to know that you are on the right path? To not be searching for insight from others? In an age where millennial self-doubt is rife, I find myself increasingly needing a boost of reassurance. Looking for the answers even though the questions themselves aren’t clear. Tori Hartman has made it her life purpose to teach people how to tap into their intuition. When I meet her in the nondescript lobby of an east London hotel, her energy is palpable. I didn’t know what to expect upon meeting my first clairvoyant, however the stereotypical image I had in mind swiftly disappeared.

There are no draped scarves or beaded

facegym.com

5-A-DAY ALPHA-H

VITAMIN C SERUM

One for all TO M F O R D B OY S & G I R L S

50 boys meets 50 girls for Tom Ford’s latest lipstick line. Inspired by the original Lips & Boys concept, this collection of 100 clutch-sized lip colours are inspired by the individuals in Tom Ford’s life. From matte pinks to glossy, pigment-packed reds - there’s a look for every occasion; £29. tomford.com

As winter descends, it’s important to up your vitamin intake.

The same applies to your skin. AlphaH’s Vitamin C serum blends botanicals with hydrating hyaluronic acid to provide an antioxidant boost; £43.50 qvcuk.com

SLEIGH BELLES M AC C O S M E T I C S

Christmas is the only time of year when you can justifiably go crazy for all things gold and glittery without looking like a five-year-old. Luckily for us, MAC’s holiday collection is a veritable celebration of all things bling. From lipstick sets to mascara kits, there's plenty of festive beauty to keep your makeup bag happy.

maccosmetics.co.uk

turbans - to my great relief. She is confident with a sharp sense of humour; I feel relaxed in her presence. And aside from the glossy streaks of teal in her dark hair, there are zero indicators to suggest that her occupation is a little less conventional. A professional clairvoyant and psychic for over twenty years, Tori has developed the awareness and abilities to empower others to do readings for themselves. She uses her deck of Charkra Wisdom Cards to give me a reading which is insightful and emotional in parts. My meeting certainly lifts the shackles of self-doubt slightly, though her mission is to eliminate it.

The cards come as part of a Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit which carries the reader through a 52-week journey of self-discovery.

It’s a handy addition to the armoury that will set you straight on your path through life.

Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards: The Complete Spiritual Toolkit for Transforming Your Life, £10.51; amazon.co.uk torihartman.com

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

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Moschino AW17

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

BENEFIT Bad Gal Lash, £18.50; benefitcosmetics.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Instant Eye Palette, £60; charlottetilbury.com

BENEFIT Hoola Quickie Contour Stick, £19.98; lookfantastic.com

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter, £32; johnlewis.com

VIOLET VOSS Super Sparkles, £9.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

ZOEVA

ESTÉE LAUDER

Calli Graphic, £7.50; selfridges.com

Double Wear Makeup, £32.50; houseoffraser.com

ZOEVA Opulence Blush Palette, £12.50; zoevacosmetics.com

DANCING QUEEN Get the party started with these dancefloor-ready staples

NARS Powermatte Pigment in American Woman, £23; narscosmetics.com

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

TOM FORD Bronzing Powder in Terra, £52; harveynichols.com

KJAER WEIS Lustrous Bronzer, £41; cultbeauty.co.uk

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick, £16.50; maccosmetics.co.uk

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SOUTHSIDE | WANDSWORTH

@skylerlondon

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WHITLEY NEILL GIN & TONIC RECIPE

• 50ML WHITLEY NEILL GIN • LAMB & WATT ORIGINAL TONIC WATER • ORANGE WHEEL GARNISH. ADD 50ML OF WHITLEY NEILL GIN TO A LARGE BALLOON GLASS HALF-FILLED WITH ICE. TOP WITH LAMB & WATT ORIGINAL TONIC WATER AND GARNISH WITH A DEHYDRATED ORANGE WHEEL.

Made with organic blue agave and spring water

lambandwatt.com whitleyneill.com

from the Lake District.

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FOOD & DRINK

STOCKING FILLERS BISCUITEERS

If you're looking for hand-made, unique presents that will make an impression, head to Biscuiteers. Their illustrated gift tins, stocking fillers and secret santas are ideal foodie gifts for friends and family.

13 Northcote Road, SW11 biscuiteers.com

Festive wine 58 • Best food hampers 59 • Recipes to try 60 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

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

By HANNAH HOPKINS

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

Kyperounda, Commandaria, Pitsilia Mountains, Cyprus  £21.50 Commandaria is an ancient wine, documented as far back as 800BC. The wine is unctuous, with an array of flavours including liquorice, caramel and orange. This is a wine for sipping while nibbling nuts or to accompany puddings.

2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd New Zealand Pinot Noir by Greystone Wines  £17.95 A generous pinot noir, full of rich, ripe red fruits (raspberry, cranberry, cherry), but counterbalanced by an herbaceous freshness. A juicy accompaniment to roast beef and a good partner for turkey.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd White Burgundy

by Collovray & Terrier  £12.50 A classic Chardonnay with delicate floral aromas, flavours of vibrant citrus and peach fruit and a finishing smoky note. This wine's fresh, crisp profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to lighter meat dishes like roast turkey or chicken.

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

bbr.com

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Turkey Burger B E N ' S CA N T E E N

Don your festive bib at Ben's Canteen, where they have two Christmas specials - sage brined turkey breast burger packed with all the trimmings and loaded roasties stacked with duck fat potatoes, sausage, sage and onion stuffing, crispy bacon, Brussel sprouts, and drizzled in red wine gravy. Don’t miss the DIY doughnuts with Christmas fillings.

140 St John's Hill, SW11; benscanteen.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

EDITOR’S PICK

CLARIDGE'S Mayfair Hamper, £895, gift shop.claridges.co.uk

PAXTON & WHITFIELD

OTTOLENGHI

NEW OPENING

The Ultimate Paxton's Collection, £1,000, paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

Sweet Hamper £120, ottolenghi.co.uk

FIUME

For an alternative festive meal head to Francesco Mazzei’s latest restaurant, Fiume, which has just launched at Battersea Power Station. Based right on the bank of the Thames, menus pay homage to the Mezzogiorno, the Southern area of Italy that holds a special place in the heart of Calabrian native, Francesco. We can’t wait to try the lamb ragout fettucine and zucchini Fritti.

Battersea Power Station, SW11 fiume-restaurant.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS Our pick of the best

ABEL & COLE The Big Hero Hamper £120, abelandcole.co.uk

SELFRIDGES Cheese & Wine Hamper £165, selfridges.com

FESTIVE FEAST BALANS CLAPHAM

There’s not much better than a festive feast and Balans Clapham have just that. Lighting its huge open fire, they’ve created a snug setting for diners to huddle around while enjoying a sumptuous Christmas menu and a cocktail cabinet’s worth of yuletide drinks. Ideal for large Christmas parties or an intimate festive dinner, the three-course set menu is only £30 per person.

16A Clapham Common South Side, SW4 balans.co.uk

CARLUCCIO’S Il Grandioso Hamper £255, carluccios.com

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A taste of India

Authentic Indian cuisine can be found in the heart of Wimbledon at Sai Restaurant

Wo r d s G A B R I E L L E H E R N A N D E Z

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I

ndian food is a favourite of Londoners.

Little do they know, they are missing out on authentic cuisine. In the heart of Wimbledon, Vinod Trivedi is treating people’s palates to the true taste of India.

Sai creates authentic Punjabi cuisine and the core values of the restaurant are found in head chef Trivedi’s heritage. “Where I am from in India, the food is very flavoursome, the spices are prominent,” he says. “My Punjabi background enhances this. We believe strongly in ‘eat, drink and be merry.'”

He says his skills in the kitchen derive from his family. “I’ve never been to culinary school, I

learned plenty of cooking from my mum when I was younger.”

Though his passion for food has always been prevalent in his life, he says it was not his initial career move.

“I qualified as a pharmacist. I was practicing medicine and working in hospitals.

But I’ve always wanted people to try my cooking.”

Trivedi says he would often go out looking for new restaurants. “I love to explore food and wines.” The chef soon decided that this was his true calling. “I told myself I should showcase food with my Indian background. I needed to create my own restaurant to show what Indian food really tastes like.”

At the start of his restaurant venture, Trivedi was working as both a pharmacist and chef. His pharmacy neighboured the restaurant, so he would tend to patients on one side and create Indian food on the other.

When the initial head chef at Sai stepped down, Trivedi took his ultimate place in the kitchen. “It was a bit of a struggle initially, but I was passionate about it. I changed the menus and started cooking my way, in a traditionally Punjabi style.”

Thus the unique legacy Sai carries was born. “The dishes I create you won’t find anywhere else,” he says. The capital boasts ethnic diversity, but the chef says the dining options are not as numerous as people might think. “In London we don’t have a lot of Indian restaurants. They are Pakistani or Sri Lankan, but not typically Indian restaurants.

We have maybe 15 or 20 true Indian restaurants in the entire city.”

Some people are caught off guard by the flavours and will tell him his food isn’t what they are used to. Trivedi says he simply asks them, “Where have you been eating?” He says the dishes Londoners assume are Indian are tailored specifically to the English rather than relying on the Indian influence.

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“I haven’t anglicised my food at all. It is not a curry house,” he says.

The chef stresses the importance of their preparation methods. “We cook everything fresh to order. People have to come and wait for their dish. It won’t be prepared in five minutes. Once the food comes, then they will understand.”

Not only will you be surprised by the incredible food, but the actual design of Sai is also not what you would expect from an Indian restaurant. Upon entering, you probably wouldn’t be able to make an initial assumption on what type of food the establishment serves based simply on decor. Trivedi says this is not on accident.

“The interior is majorly designed by myself,” he says. He wanted to take a step back from the overly Indian influenced interior designs of other restaurants so as to not take away from the actual food. “I wanted to give it a fresh look and a bit off-beat. It is a western look with Indian soul.”

Though he has plenty of regular customers, new visitors are welcomed for a delicious dining experience. If seeking recommendations, a board containing the chef’s specials is updated daily and features new recipes as well as old favourites. Trivedi says he also tailors a dish to each person’s specifications. He takes into consideration meat choice as well as level of spice to ensure that each meal is a pleasurable dining experience.

This intimate setting accompanied with expertise cooking creates an Indian delicacy haven. Trivedi sets out to share not only the tradition of Punjabi cuisine, but also his philosophy for enjoying life through food.

S A I R E S TAU R A N T 193 Worple Road, SW20 sairestaurant.co.uk

“A philosophy of enjoying life through food”

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Butter Chicken for two

Chili Paneer for two

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

 ½ kg chicken breast, cut into cubes  2 chopped onions  2 tbsp ginger/garlic paste  4 tbsp tomato puree  2 tsp corriander powder  1 tsp chilli powder  1 tsp turmeric  2 tbsp oil  2 tsp cumin powder  ½ cup of yogurt  2 tsp dried fenugreek  ½ cup of cream

 1 slab of paneer cubes  1 red and 1 green capsicum, cut into cubes  1 red onion/1 white onion, cut into cubes  ½ tsp chilli flakes  ¼ tsp chilli powder  salt to taste  2 tbsp tomato ketchup  1 tsp soy sauce  2 tbsp ginger/garlic paste  2 tbsp oil  Coriander/spicy onion, to garnish  2 tsp corn flour

METHOD Marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices for two hours. Grill it in the oven at 250° for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile add oil to a pan and cook the onion, ginger/garlic paste with tomato puree and chillis. Cook for 40 minutes and add salt if needed. Add cream and cook for a further ten minutes. Add the chicken and let rest for ten minutes.

METHOD Coat the paneer cubes with corn flour and soy. Add oil to a wok then cook the ginger and garlic paste. Add capsicum and onion, then the spices, ketchup and finally, soy sauce. Add the fried paneer and toss it well.

Garnish with chopped spring onion and coriander. Serve.

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Quality ingredients, fresh flavours and a generous dose of homemade comfort”

FIUME A little slice of the Mediterranean in south west London

F

FOOD Classical Italian fare with a gourmet twist

Wo r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

iume is the new Italian eatery from internationally renowned chef Francisco Mazzei.

Meaning river in Italian, the restaurant is, fittingly, located right on the banks of the River Thames in the shadow of the hotly anticipated Battersea Power Station development.

Opening its doors last month, Fiume’s menu is inspired by the traditional food of Mazzei’s homeland, the Mezzorgiono, and is

DECOR centred around wholesome, hearty dishes made with fresh, vibrant ingredients from the Med. Mazzei is overseeing proceedings but has handed over the day-to-day running to head chef Francesco Chiarelli.

Elegant and stylish, the interiors are the creation of Macaulay Sinclair, the brain behind Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Pitt Cue. His signature low-key aesthetic and use of natural materials complement the floor-toceiling windows that look out onto the restaurant’s spacious piazza which offer fantastic views of the riverside.

Natural materials and low-key elegance

PRICE Starters from £4.50, mains from £8 and puddings from £5

VERDICT Simple, good quality ingredients done really really well

We start our meal with a delectable selection of breads, including a warm bread roll topped with melting cheese and tomato puree (think gourmet mini pizza).

We then move onto our starter of octopus and cannellini beans, which sets the tone for the night: simple, good quality ingredients done really, really well. The octopus is wonderfully crisp and tender, offering a textural contrast to the creamy beans and fresh leafy salad.

Next up is our main: a sea bass guazzetto (which, for the uninformed, is a sort of Italian stew).

Sitting in a pool of flavoursome tomato broth, the sea bass is beautifully seasoned and topped with expertly crisped skin. Close your eyes and you’re instantly transported to sunnier climes. We finish our meal with a classically Italian tiramisu.

Served in an elegant glass, we plunge our spoons into the layers of creamy goodness, which offer just the right hit of alcohol, sponge and hint of amaretto. Dreamy.

Quality ingredients, fresh flavours and a generous dose of homemade comfort - for a little (read: a lot) of Italian sunshine in south west London look no further than Fiume. ● FIUME Circus West, Battersea Power Station SW8; 020 3904 9010 fiume-restaurant.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year

WINNER ‘’BEST EATING EXPERIENCE’’ FADA 2016

Book now for December and New Year’s Eve to make a booking call 020 8944 6338 offer available until the end of december.

Christmas opening hours - open 24th lunch - closed 25, 26 & 27.

SAN ZO L O R E19N 69 since

Seasonal cooking at its best

bookings 0208 946 8463

www.sanlorenzowimbledon.com

www.lighthousewimbledon.com 75-77 ridgway wimbledon SW19 4ST

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08/06/2017 09:40

to book please call

020 8946 3031 mon to fri - 8am - 10.30pm sat - 9am - 10.30pm sun - 9am - 3.30pm

Authentic Punjabi Restaurant

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year

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

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193 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW20 8RE 020 8947 2212 info@sairestaurant.co.uk www.sairestaurant.co.uk

Three course Christmas set menu with coffee £28.50 lightwimbledon.co.uk | 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX offer available until the end of december.

Christmas opening hours - open 24th lunch - closed 25, 26 & 27.

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Get set...

Bake

Need a bit of encouragement in the baking department? Try a day course at Leiths

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

S

lide to the left, then roll to the right. "You need to move with your dough," we're told, watching our teacher demonstrate a swift, neat, repetitive rolling action. It's harder to replicate than it looks, but once you get into the swing of it, it's quite a satisfying way to spend eight minutes. We are at Leith's Cookery School, making bread. This is a one-day beginners

course, aimed at people who have never been near yeast before, or who have tried and failed. We are here to experiment with basic bread recipes and to demystify the process.

We're not here to make Californian sourdough with Galapagos lava salt, but to produce a simple white loaf.

It's a sociable class, with 10 of us in all. There's a couple from out of town, celebrating an anniversary, a few people who have been gifted the class and a few others who are just keen to learn. It feels informal

It’s aimed at people who’ve never been near yeast before

FOOD & DRINK • SKILLS

and gentle, starting with coffee and pastries and finishing off with salads, charcuterie and wine for lunch.

Civilised, in fact.

So, I've mastered kneading and my eight minutes are up. We leave our white bread dough to rise and set to making a foccaccia, which is an even simpler mix with olive oil, and one that we're assured is incredibly simple to whip up for an impromptu dinner party. It rises quickly; we decorate it with rosemary and olives and there it is. Next we're doing a fruit soda bread, which is entirely different because it uses no yeast at all, so there's no rising and no proving – just mix and bake, like a cake, only it's a bread. With its dried fruit and hazelnuts this one is particularly good with cheese, we're told. While that's in the oven we quickly learn how to make breakfast muffins before our lunch arrives. An impressive spread of salads, cured meats and – of course – house bread appears. Our white loaves are proved and oven-ready so while those bake, we sit to discuss our achievements and further baking ambitions. Soon, sated and full of plans, we pack up our creations (one white bloomer, one olive foccaccia and one fruity soda bread), collect our certificates (a nice touch, this) and leave. I'm looking forward to enrolling on breadmaking part two – and I'll be giving loved ones some course vouchers for Christmas too.

Leiths offers cookery classes in a wide range of subjects. How To Cook Bread – Part 1 is next scheduled for 18 February. The day course lasts from 10am to 2.30pm and costs £155.

Vouchers are available at leiths.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Free Range.

Well bred. Grass fed.

www.provenancebutcher.com Notting Hill

Chelsea

West Hampstead

33 Kensington Park Rd 0207 229 8814

247 Pavilion Rd 0207 730 5243

West Hampstead Square 0207 625 1067

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THE WOLSELEY

FOOD & DRINK • GIFTS

Preserves & Spreads Gift Set, £18.75 thewolseley.com

HAWKSMOOR

LAURENT-PERRIER

Restaurants & Recipes, Preface Publishing, £30 penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Cuvée Rosé Robe Métal Avec Bouteille, £55 thechampagnecompany.com

CARELESS BISCUIT CO. Christmas Tree Biscuit, £10 harrods.com

CARLUCCIO’S Hanging Stocking Fillers, from £2.95 carluccios.com

HARRODS Dark Chocolate Roasted Hazelnut Biscuits, £9.50 harrods.com

CARLUCCIO'S Panettone, £9.95 carluccios.com

FESTIVE FOOD

CANNON & CANNON The Ultimate Christmas Tin, £65 cannonandcannon.com

Gifts to impress gastronomes this Christmas

By HANNAH HOPKINS

RÈMY MARTIN XO, £140 thewhiskyexchange.com

SIPSMITH Martini Mixology Set, £95 sipsmith.com

PIERRE MARCOLINI 'Journey To The Moon' Collection, from £15 uk.marcolini.com

EDITOR’S PICK

THE IVY Set of Six Limited Edition Crackers, £50 The Mount Street Deli

CARLUCCIO'S Cherry Liqueur Chocolates, £9.95 carluccios.com

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Gift Guide

DIAMOND AND VIOLET SPINEL EARRINGS IN ROSE GOLD

Get Christmas-ready with the help of London's top business talents

MICHAEL PLATT Visit Michael Platt, jeweller and goldsmith in Wimbledon Village. Discover exclusive jewellery sets with sparkling diamonds and exquisite gemstones, as well as a dazzling range of engagement rings. A complimentary in-store design consultation is offered for new jewellery, remodelling dated or inherited jewellery, also complex restoration work and valuations on existing pieces.

1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW; 020 8947 4772 michaelplatt.co.uk

PULLMAN EDITIONS PULLMAN EDITIONS designs striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their newly-commissioned posters feature glamorous winter sports and summer resorts around the world, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their modern take on the Art Deco classics make super original gifts.

There are over 100 designs available to view and buy online at pullmaneditions.com. Priced at £395 each.

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PINES AND NEEDLES Trees, festive decorations and decoration services from £233.85. Shop online or instore for premium real Christmas trees and decorations. Come and select your own tree at pop-up stores, available at: Wandsworth High Street, Wimbledon Park, Battersea Park, Kingston & Barnes For further information visit: pinesandneedles.com

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

GINA CONWAY

DU MAURIER

Gina Conway salons and spas offer the very best hair and beauty experiences to make you gorgeous this Christmas season. Achieve perfect party hair with naturally derived Aveda colour and a luxury blow-dry, or brighten your skin with an indulgent Tulasara facial. Also available in the salons are limited edition Aveda gift sets filled with the purest flower and plant products and packaged with handmade paper from Nepal.

21/23 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 7NE ginaconway.co.uk

AMÉLIE'S FOLLIES The lovely ladies at Amélie’s Follies will help you find the perfect present for that special someone in no time thanks to their wide range of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear. They will even gift wrap it for you. Call us for our late night shopping opening times. Gift Vouchers available.

34 Webbs Road, SW11 6SF 020 7924 3826 ameliesfollies.co.uk

WATC H

Look stunning this Christmas with the Daphne Signature Ladies Watch by Du Maurier. This timeless, Swiss-made piece looks fabulous at any occasion. What's more, Du Maurier's companion jewellery and variety of strap colours means there's no risk of clashing with your Christmas jumper. dumaurierwatches.com

QUAIL LONDON Quail's founder appeared on MasterChef 2012 before developing his own range of canapés.

Based in Chiswick, Quail London provides corporate and private clients with anything from canapés to a fully integrated party. We focus on striking presentation and high quality ingredients often with an Asian twist. Absolutely readers will receive 3 bottles of Harrow & Hope to get the party started. Minimum spend £500.

89 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, W4 2EF quaillondon.com

HARRIET KELSALL Since 1998 Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has been designing beautiful jewellery for people all over the world. We’ve won over 20 UK and international awards for design, business, ethics and innovation, including ‘Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year 2016’ at the UK Jewellery Awards. Our online read- to-wear collections offer an extensive range of hand-crafted designer jewellery. Perfect if you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, or simply a treat to yourself. hkjewellery.co.uk

J E W E L L E RY

Known for their stunning Swiss-made watches, Du Maurier have recently launched a capsule collection of desirable jewellery. The Sylvia Collection, featuring gorgeous aqua chalcedony and citrine in a gold setting, adds the perfect finishing touch to everyday outfits. dumaurierwatches.com or call 01460 220720

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

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OAK AGED PARQUET

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

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INTERIORS

DECORATE THE SUBTLE CHRISTMAS We're looking at a more stylish, pared-back Christmas this year.

Decorations are conceptual rather than tinselly and we're loving the Scandi styles. A vase, some twigs, a few baubles. Repeat all over the house. fermliving.com

Interior inspirations 72 • Cosy winter home essentials 85 • Stylish decorations 86 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

In the DETAIL AILANTO DESIGN The Juggler Quietly Enchanting is a wonderful name for a wallpaper. This design by Amanda Ferragamo is something you can stare at endlessly; it's child-like but sophisticated, magical but also subtle. Ailanto Design was founded earlier this year by Amanda Ferragamo and her style is original and captivating. ailantlodesign.com

VELVET REVOLUTION BROSTE COPENHAGEN

Velvet is everywhere this season and the soft, luxurious fabric brings a touch of class, sensuality and warmth to any room. Broste Copenhagen has a great range of products in a plush velvet in this winter collection, including their first furniture range. brostecopenhagen.com

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INTERIOR • NOTES O

F AV UR

CA

OR

ITE

LE D N

S

ACQUA DI PARMA Silver gems Christmas candle, £90 johnlewis.com

DIPTYQUE Frosted forest Christmas candle, £48 spacenk.com

APOTHEKE BROOKLYN

IT'S A DATE

Bamboo candle, £36, Sonder Living at Harrods

INKY HUES FARROW AND BALL

Dark walls come into their own at Christmas, when nothign is cosier than a roaring fire and a heap of presents. Farrow and Ball's beautiful inky shades will create a luxe feel for any interior this winter. farrow-ball.com

FERM LIVING

Embrace the passing of time in 2018 with this large wall sticker calendar.

Decorative diarising is the best way to do it, and with no paper to throw away, the wipe-clean chalkboard is totally sustainable too. fermliving.com

JO LOVES Plum Pudding candle, £55 joloves.com

RONNY COLBIE Lake Muskoa candle, £70 ronniecolbie.com

EDITOR’S PICK

THE CHAPEL Noctula scented candle, £65 thechapel.co.uk

RIFLE PAPER CO Holiday candle, £30 papermash.co.uk

URBAN APOTHECARY Bay Berry candle, £30 urbanapothecary.com

MADE IN BERLIN

STUDIO HAUSER

The Link shelving system is our favourite new German export; its flexible design and endless combinations make a stylish and practical storage solution. studiohauser.com

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

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www.theradiatorgallery.com

www.simply-burlingtonbathrooms.co.uk

www.simply-lefroy.co.uk

www.freestanding-baths.co.uk

Head office showroom: 140 Hermon Hill, South Woodford, London E18 1QH Tel: 0208 530 7555 Brentwood showroom: 5-7 Coptfold Rd, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4BN Tel: 01277 233378 (closed Mondays) Wandsworth showroom: 621 Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4SX Tel: 0208 944 2001

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INTERIORS • GARDENING

Hit the DECK Composite Decking Project

by PM Landscapes Wo r d s PAT R I C K M A R T I N Gardens PM LANDSCAPES

W

e have recently completed a project using composite decking in a slate grey colour.

The house had been subject to a complete refurbishment program including the installation of bi-fold doors to a new kitchen extension and the design and construction of the garden was to be the final phase of the project.

At the initial consultation, our clients specified that they wanted the outside garden surface to be a seamless continuation of the internal tiled kitchen floor. They did not want a natural stone or tiled patio nor a traditional timber deck because of the associated maintenance requirements that

go with it, so we opted for ecodek composite decking as the ideal solution.

It worked for several reasons.

From a design point of view, the slate grey colour is a perfect match for the colour of the bi-fold doors and window frames which are a prominent feature of the back of the house. While at the same time, the colour is an interesting contrast to the white raised timber flower beds at the end of the deck which lead out onto the lawn area. Also the clean lines of the composite decking very

“the colour is an interesting contrast to the white raised timber flower beds” much enhance and accentuate the contemporary design that is working through both the house and the garden.

From a practical point of view, the carefree aspect of composite decking and its resistance to rot, splitting, fading and cracking was also important as our clients did not want to be left with a situation that required frequent cleaning, repair or maintenance.

We wanted to create some kind of 'break' between the deck and the rest of the garden to create a 'room' feel to the deck area.

We suggested two treated timber raised beds with a framed top, finished in white.

The timber construction gives a lighter feel then brick or block and render so does not act as a barrier to the rest of the garden. In the same way, we kept the planting light by using a mixture of lavender, ornamental grasses, and a variety of flowering evergreen hebes.

We also installed some 'Chelsea' trellis panels on to the new fencing out as far as the two raised beds again to enhance the whole deck area.

The design was completed with round recessed lights on the front and sides of the raised beds with the light shining down at 45% on to the deck.

PM LANDSCAPES offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects.

pmlandscapes.co.uk

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IMMERSIVE DESIGN Absolutely tours the new Skandium Townhouse, London’s new Scandinavian dream home Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

T

he notion of Scandinavian style is definitely in danger of overexposure. Last year’s frenzy over hygge and the eternal popularity of pale spaces has led to the most universal of looks being credited with having a Scandinavian influence.

Well over a million instagram posts are tagged #scandinaviandesign and most of them show allwhite rooms with angular furniture, lit candles and maybe a plant. Is that really what Scandinavian design is about? Has the whole idea lost its meaning?

Design store Skandium has quietly been selling Scandinavian furniture and homeware in London for nearly 20 years, since way before hygge and is best described as the ‘United Nations of Scandinavian Design’, in the words of co-founder Christina Schmidt. The store showcases the best of Scandinavian modernism in different forms; furniture and textiles are found alongside toys and kitchenware, including mugs with the loveable Moomin characters. Christina Schmidt and Magnus Englund founded the store in response to having a design epiphany over a cooking pot in Finland. The pot (made

by Iittala) seemed to them to epitomise simplicity; it was a pot like a child’s drawing of a pot, combining quality

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

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

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For beautiful homes, inside and out

Transform your home Full Refurbishments Building & Construction Kitchen & Loft Extensions Bathrooms Bespoke Joinery Interior Design Painting & Decorating

For over two decades Rupert Lines and his team have prided themselves on attention to detail and professional craftsmanship for all types of building and renovation in South West London.

R&M Lines’ experienced Project Managers provide home owners with a dedicated point of contact ensuring the entire process runs smoothly, to plan and with minimal inconvenience.

T 020 7978 7840 E info@rmlines.com W www.rmlines.com

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

~ “This design is

beautiful and relevant, existing outside of fashion and relying on craftsmanship and quality”

~

Skandium’s new homeware mecca, in a two-storey building at 35-36 Thurloe Place – directly opposite the Townhouse - showcases a range of soft furnishings, accessories and one of the largest collections of Scandinavian lighting in London. skandium.com

materials with perfect proportion to create a fully satisfying piece of functional design with no excess, no frills, no fuss. It was the essence of potness. And from this they devised their philosophy of design that is beautiful and relevant, existing outside fashion and relying on craftsmanship and quality.

And now Skandium has rolled out its vision in the form of an entire home.

The pioneering retail vision sees a four-storey house at 31 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, transformed into a fully shoppable, Scandinavian-inspired home, with living rooms, dining areas, a reading nook, a children’s bedroom and even a Scandinavian garden. Skandium’s design team explained: “Working within the natural scale of a residential property, we are able to demonstrate exactly how our customers can capture the unique character of Scandinavian living in their own homes. The residential-meets-retail space has been populated with our engaging mix of modernist masterpieces and future classics, expertly curated for the design conscious and the curious.”

Walking round, it is impossible not to wish this was your actual house. Everything fits together but doesn’t feel overly matching; it feels individually created rather than put together by a brand.

If Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, that doesn’t translate into it being boring because there’s a wide variety of shapes, materials, textiles and influences on show, with pieces dating to all periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Fritz Hansen chairs, Örsjö Belysning lamps, and Iittala glassware are able to shine like never before. Schmidt explains ‘Scandinavian design is perceived by many people as rather boring if they don’t understand it, because it is not made to impress you, it is made to live with you like an old friend. It’s just comfortable and easy.’

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

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Grate Expectations - A Family run business established for over 30 years The UK’s leading suppliers of luxury gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves and bioethanol fires manufactured by DRU, Spartherm, Ebios, Dik Guerts, Gazco, Stovax and many more.

1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateexpectations.com | grateexpectations.com

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS 1

SCORES ON DOORS All the finest Christmas wreaths

By PENDLE HARTE

2

1 3

Fragrant fancy

Wildabout A contemporary twist on the traditional wreath at Wildabout adds succulents, limes, blossom, and berries as well as fragrant cinnamon, oranges and eucalyptus. Wreaths come in three sizes and range from £80 to £270. wildabout.co.uk

2 3

Do It Yourself

White Christmas

Lavender Green Lavender Green Flowers is encouraging customers to put their creativity to the test, with wreath-making classes and ‘Pick Your Own’ wreath sets to be assembled at home. The Chelseabased florist also has lots of chic decoration ideas too. lavendergreen.co.uk

4

5

Faux Fabulous

Abigail Aherne Nature-inspired faux botanical stems make the basis of Abigail Aherne's impressive wreaths, and her wreath-making workshops are playful, fun and enlightening. £90 for 90 minutes in the Islington store; booking is required. abigailahern.com

4

Pulbrook & Gould Wreaths are borderline surreal at luxury florist Pulbrook & Gould, where non-standard embedded items include plastic dinosaurs, toy hippos, antlers and – our favourite – white forest animals in this Narnia-themed one, £495. pulbrookandgould.co.uk

5

Style Guide

Floom Online florist Floom will be donating a percentage of each collaborative wreath sale towards Make-A-Wish, the charity for children fighting life-threatening conditions. There's a wide selection of creative pieces to choose from, starting at £45. floom.com

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Specialist in Chimney flue systems, wood burning stoves and gas fireplaces

Registered GAS SAFE and HETAS approved retailer Please call us for a complimentary survey and any advice you would like

Special offer Chimney Sweep for: £65.00 Inc. VAT & Free Site Survey

Our exceptional service is the reason our clients stay with us

Feed the fire, Break your vision 0208 417 1010 l info@thelondonfireplaces.co.uk l www.thelondonfireplaces.com LONDON_FIREPLACES_HALFPAGE.indd 1

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CREATORS OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE FIREPLACES Winner of the HOMES & GARDENS PALMES D’OR design awards, we created our unique open flame flueless gas fires in 1999 using cutting edge burner technology

CVO Fire | Unit 4 Beaumont Square Newton Aycliffe | County Durham | DL5 6XN 01325 301020 | sales@cvo.co.uk www.cvo.co.uk

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BLEU CARMIN

INTERIORS • PRODUCTS

Toucan lamp yellow, £125 conranshop.co.uk

HAY Tree trunk vase, £49 utilitydesign.co.uk

FERM LIVING Wall Wonder Clock, £129 graceandgrey.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Acrylic chess set in neon, £795 uk.jonathanadler.com

MARIMEKKO Oiva Pakkanen plate, £16 skandium.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NATIVE UNION Eclipse three-port USB charger, £69.99 nativeunion.co.uk

BJORN WIINBLAD Jug Gobelin, £55 skandium.com

CHISEL & MOUSE Buckingham Palace model, £150 chiselandmouse.com

LIBRATONE One Style bluetooth speaker, £149 libratone.com

MODERN LOVE Christmas gifts for design enthusiasts

By PENDLE HARTE

DASHEL Orange gloss cycle helmet, £170 dashel.cc

ROBERT WELCH Hobart Candlestick Medium, £36 robertwelch.com

KINDLE

ANGLEPOISE Type 75 Mini Desk Lamp Paul Smith Edition Two, £145 anglepoise.com

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LOUIS POULSEN

Waterproof Kindle Oasis, £229.99 amazon.com

PH5 Mini Pendant Lamp, £420 skandium.com

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

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HELPING NATURE LOOK STYLISH

• 18 Years of experience • Turnkey Solutions • Complete Design and build service • Post build maintenance • Offices in London and Cape Town Patrick Anhaeusser 07894 985 775 patrick@urbanxteriors.com

www.urbanxteriors.com

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PMLandscapes Garden design & construction

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

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INTERIORS • ACCESSORIES

COSY UP

Turn up the heating and get comfortable. Here are some essentials for winter nights at home

By PENDLE HARTE

GREAT YARNS AESSAI

Manos del Uruguay is widely acknowledged as an early pioneer of fair trade, producing yarns, scarves and other handmade pieces in high quality materials, including extra fine merino wool, alpaca, silk and linen. Rebecca Kramer is embracing these skills with her new brand Aessai and its range of hand-woven scarves, ponchos, throws and blankets.

These luxe pieces are impossibly soft and special.

Luxe lounge D O N N A I DA

Donna Ida's denim boutique is expanding with a lifestyle collection of candles and loungewear. We are coveting these stylish silk PJs that are guaranteed to make you feel both comfortable and chic. £325, donnaida.com

aessai.com

Scents of calm LAXMI

Beautiful Indian block printing with cushions filled with Provence lavender and chamomile with the essential oils of lavender and frankincense, all blended in the UK, make these herbal sleep cushions a great source of comfort. Squeeze to release the scent, which can be topped up with provided oils. £30

SPUN GOLD M E L I N T R E GW Y N T

The Welsh blanket hasn't changed much for centuries and this classic wool piece

by Melin Tregwynt in the St David's cross design is a historic pattern, based on early 18th century weaves. It's fully reversible and incredibly soft in 100% wool. Welsh blankets remain in families for generations so there's no denying their worth. £165, eclectdesign.com

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ROU N D RO BI N Festive robin napkins will add a touch of graphic cheer to the table. thornbackandpeel.com

THE TREE Keep it minimal. DeďŹ nitely no tinsel. Stelton's decorations in brushed brass are stylish, minimal and come in two sizes. stelton.com

JOY O F S P RO U TS

No frills

Thornback & Peel's new designs for Christmas include the delightful tukey and sprout print, which adorns everything from tea towels to crackers via aprons, napkins and oven gloves. thornbackandpeel.com

Decorations don’t have to be garish.

Absolutely selects the most stylish festive pieces for design-conscious households

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS WE L L H U N G Ferm Living's hanging candelabra can serve as an alternative place to hang your baubles, bypassing the need for a tree altogether if your space is limited or you just don't like trees. fermliving.com

SP ELL I T O U T Anthropologie's felted alphabet decorations can spell out any greeting you choose. Why not get clever with some anagrams? anthropologie.eu

B RA N C H OU T Skandium's wooden Christmas tree is spacesaving as well as needle-free and probably the prettiest artificial tree there is. skandium.com

PA IN T IT B L AC K Monochrome comes into its own with this delightfully minimalist –but satisfyingly big – hanging advent calendar. Fill the ample pockets with any gifts you like, monochrome or not. cissywears.com

FOL K DA N C E This one might not be minimal but it's still tasteful in all its folk art glory. Polish Pajakis have been hand-made in the same styles for 400 years and they're not just for Christmas... rajtentclub.com

GO F I GURE This wooden nativity set by Lucie Kaas will appeal to all ages. We love the baby Jesus' tiny halo. skandium.com

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Keep them safe… Childhood vaccinations available Meningitis B and chicken pox (Limited availability on the NHS)

Wimbledon Private GP Clinic 39 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon, SW19 3SG Ridgway Mews, 18A Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4QN 020 8540 1009 www.wimbledonprivategpclinic.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION

RED ALERT

WILD AND GORGEOUS

This elegant warm red star and planet flocked net girls party dress has a softly shirred waist, round neck, short sleeve and hot pink embroidered star bodice detail.

Solar dress, £79 wildandgorgeous.co.uk

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Inspired | Intellectual | Individual | Independent | Inclusive

Discover more about the Wellington Identity at wellingtoncollege.org.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

T RY I T OUT

Let them shine V E LV E T E E N

Velveteen works with fair-trade organisations and their beautiful clothes are finely crafted and hand-embroidered. velveteenclothing.com

FASHION FACTORY Christmas craft

SMALLTALK Scooter stunts, the truth about turkeys, Christmas craft and the Grinch

SCOOT SCOOT M I C R O S C O OT E R

It might seem as though every child in London is already in possession of a scooter – but Microscooter has options. Why not upgrade to the stunt version this Christmas? If the pavement model is deemed too boring for your tot, this will add a new dimension of excitement. For ages 5-12. £124.95; micro-scooters.co.uk

A TURKEY TALE

COPAS PIC

EDITOR’S PICK

A

manda Riley's fashion upcycling classes have been delighting the children of west London for several years, and her successful book continued the focus on making new clothes and accessories out of existing and neglected pieces. Her classes for children aged nine and above leave everyone with excellent sewing machine skills as well as great ideas and enthusiasm. Now in the run-up to Christmas she is hosting a week of decorations workshops, where she will help kids customise and create upcycled stockings, tree decorations and gifts, all while honing their sewing and creative skills. Follow her on instagram at thefashionfactory.uk or email amandariley1@icloud.com for more information and to book.

Workshops take place in Kensal Rise from 18 to 22 December.

THE GRINCH

C O PA S

DR SEUSS

A sweet look at turkey farming, this picture book celebrates the life and times of the family and helpers, including alpacas and turkey dogs, at Berkshire-based turkey farm Copas. copasturkeys.co.uk

A new slipcase edition of perennial favourite How the Grinch Stole Christmas is set to introduce a new generation to Dr Seuss's wonderful story as it celebrates its 60th birthday. harpercollins.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LONDON

International Catholic Day and Boarding School for Girls

Education that is formed from our past and transforms for the future.

LONDON

•

PARIS

•

ROME

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NEW YORK

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LOS ANGELES

www.marymountlondon.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION • CHRISTMAS WINDOW STICKER Nutmeg, £10; notonthehighstreet

EDITOR’S PICK

WOODEN TRAIN TABLE Mothercare; £150; elc.co.uk

GIRL'S TRAINERS

DOLLS HOUSE

Clarks, £30; clarks.co.uk

Djeco, £49.99; tickety-boo.co.uk

POETRY BOOK Pan Macmillan, £16.99; panmacmillan.co.uk

SCOOTER Smartrike T1, £49.99; argos.com

SMART GLOBE Oregon Scientific, £129.99; amazon.co.uk

COZMO ROBOT Anki, £229; amazon.co.uk

GIFTS FOR KIDS

ARTIST'S BAG Stella MacCartney, £115; harrods.com

Spark their imagination with these inspiring and creative gifts B y M O R AG T U R N E R

DESIGN YOUR OWN HEADPHONES KIT Street Art, £34.95; harrods.com

HEADDRESS Hedgehog, £37.50; hedgehogshop.co.uk

NOEL DECORATION Marks And Spencer, £15; marksandspencer.com

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REACH YOUR PEAK

Experience the ultimate in fitness and relaxation at The Peak Health Club & Spa, Knightsbridge’s exclusive urban retreat. Enjoy unrivalled views of London whilst working out in the state-of-the-art gym, unwinding with a dip in the heated indoor pool or being pampered by one of our expert spa therapists.

To find out more about our range of memberships including short-term, pool-only and under-30s, call 020 7858 7300 or visit peakhealthclub.com.

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TRAVEL

CITY SLICKERS From the sun-drenched vineyards and dramatic mountain ranges of Cape Town to the exciting urban renaissance and hipster neighbourhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa is a country of astounding diversity. This month we explore these two very different but equally incredible cities.

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ELEGANT OCEAN VIEWS AT ELLERMAN HOUSE HOTEL

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

A TALE OF TWO CITIES The new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art has put Cape Town on the map again - but don’t overlook Johannesburg

Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

Y

ou really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town.

It has everything, from jawdropping mountain backdrops and stunning stretches of coastline, to centuries-old architecture and a cool urban edge. Factor in worldrated restaurants, hip bars, design-savvy shops and, of course, exceptional wine, and this singularly beautiful city encompasses everything you could want in a holiday.

Cape Town is a perennial favourite, but the opening of the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) has put it firmly back on the tourist map. Based in a converted grain silo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the museum has been designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick and is one of the most striking buildings to have been constructed in Africa, housing an extensive collection of artworks. Also, towering above the vaulted cathedral of the museum, is the new Silo Hotel, a bulging building of faceted windows with 28 bedrooms and the jaunty Willaston bar, which accepts walk-ins if you’re thirsty after all that artwork.

For first-time visitors to Cape Town, the Mountain Aerial Cableway, which zooms you up to the top of Table Mountain, is an absolute must. The views are best at

sunset, but as the saying goes, you can go through all four seasons in one day in Cape Town, so if the weather looks good, get up there. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years before the fall of apartheid, should also be on your must-see list.

We visited these on our first day in Cape Town, feeling fresh due to minimal time difference from London (see you later jet lag), and an excellent night’s sleep at Ellerman House - an elegant Cape Edwardian mansion hotel with beautiful ocean views, once the home of shipping magnates. As well as elegant boutique rooms, the hotel also boasts a library, dining room, spa, brandy lounge, wine gallery, contemporary art gallery, champagne cellar and three dining terraces - one of which we dined on as the sun set. There’s so much to see, and that’s just on the hotel grounds.

Later into the holiday we went on a full-day peninsula tour - a great way to get your bearings and see some of SA's most picturesque spots. Following Chapman’s Peak Drive, you pass the urban areas of Camps Bay and Clifton and venture out to the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point National Park and Boulders Beach - home to a vast colony of African penguins. That evening we ate at Nobu in the Only&Only hotel. Luckily we’d developed one hell of an appetite, because their tasting menu of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, with accompanying wines, was dazzling.

If big hotels and urban chic are your bag, then One&Only will be right up your street. Nestled within a natural amphitheatre shaped by the vertical cliffs of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, rooms have jaw-dropping views.

Its location on the fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront makes it ideal for visiting wellness hub The Watershed, as well as some of the city’s other ohso-trendy restaurants, including Test

“Follow Chapman’s Peak Drive from Camps Bay to Boulders Beach - home to a vast colony of African penguins”

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Looking for an unforgettable Christmas party?

Get into the Christmas spirit at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush!

Whether it is family, friends or colleagues, our 4 star hotel has all the trimmings to make your Christmas Party extra special during one of the most wonderful times of the year!

Indulge our exquisite 3 course Christmas Menu and more from only £27.50 per person! *Minimum 10 people

Dorsett Shepherds Bush. London

Book Now:

58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8QE

T: +44 (0) 203 262 1026

W: www.dorsetthotels.com/london/shepherdsbush

E: reservations.shepherdsbush@dorsetthotels.com

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN, FRAMED BY CLIFFS STEENBERG'S ROOMS ARE SIMPLE AND STYLISH

Steenberg Wine Estate, where you can while away a sunny afternoon tasting some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Méthode Cap Classique in South Africa - it doesn’t get much better than that.

From Cape Town we flew to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, which has a completely different rhythm. Hop on the Gautrain (£26 for a return journey) to get from the airport EXPLORE THE WINELANDS, to the centre of town in just 15 minutes.

STARTING AT STEENBERG Our destination was The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa. Renowned for its worldclass service and strong sense of place, it’s Kitchen (book well in advance) and Pot Luck nestled in a peaceful tree-lined corner of Club. We recommend a Marine Mountain Johannesburg’s Sandhurst neighbourhood, suite, and make sure you get breakfast a stone’s throw from the city’s shopping delivered to your room to really take in the and business districts. It has played a key vista. role in South African history, having hosted After a few days exploring central Cape many high profile guests over the years, Town, we drove 30 minutes to Steenberg including Nelson Mandela, who completed Estate, based in idyllic Constantia. his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom Established in 1682, it has come a long way there. As well as a spa which was featured in from its humble beginnings and is now home Conde Nast Traveller (we rate the intensive to an 18-hole championship golf course, anti-ageing La Prairie facial and Margaret an understated hotel and spa and two Dabbs pedicure) and a beautiful pool, it also exceptional restaurants. The contemporary has several restaurants - our favourite was Catharina’s cooks food beautifully, but it was Qunu for traditional South African dishes. the more casual Bistro Sixteen82, headed The sumptuous suites, which come with up by chef Kerry Kilpin, that really blew us your own personal butler, are an oasis of away. We went back twice the food was so calm and an excellent base from which to good - we’re still dreaming of the tempura explore sprawling Johannesburg. prawns with red cabbage, coriander and For getting around the city, the red tour peanut noodle salad. Then of course, there’s bus is your best bet. It takes in Nelson Mandela Square, THE SAXON'S EDITOR-APPROVED SPA Carlton Centre, Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum, which takes a good two to three hours to get around. Arty types should take a detour to street food and creative hub, Joziburg Lane, and foodies shouldn't miss Marble - a hip, grill-centric restaurant with an outdoor drinking terrace - ideal for taking in the city’s rapid urban renaissance. Though Cape Town is frequently cited as

the most scenic of South African cities, Johannesburg has been named by Rough Guides as the number one city in the world to visit, with good reason. Its trending hubs of Braamfontein and Maboneng are friendly and unstuffy with heaps to see.

So, if you’re planning to delve into South Africa, make sure you experience the buzz of a city undergoing an incredible rebirth, as well as one that already has it all.

CA P E TOW N Ellerman House Rooms at Ellerman House start from £305 per night; ellerman.co.za One&Only Cape Town An ‘Artfully Luxurious’ package includes a private tour of the Zeitz Museum, cocktail mixology lessons, an art kit, the art of power excursion to the Lalela Project, and an exclusive meal at Nobu.

Minimum two nights’ accommodation in a Marina Harbour room including breakfast, from £705 per night; oneandonlyresorts.com Steenberg Farm Rooms start from £158 per night, including breakfast in Catharina’s Restaurant and a winetasting and cellar tour at Steenberg Vineyards; steenbergfarm.com

JOHANNESBURG The Saxon Villas and Spa Rooms start from R7,400 (approximately £442) based on two people sharing a luxury suite including breakfast, complimentary minibar, WiFi and sparkling wine on arrival; saxon.co.za

GETTING THERE Return flights to Johannesburg from London start from £599, including all taxes and fees. With double daily overnight flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg, South African Airways offers flights to the largest route network within Southern Africa.

Book now on flysaa.com or call 0844 375 9680.

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7-11% 3 year ÂŁ7,000 IRR PA

Return

Investment

Minimum Investment

Buy2LetCars Car leasing funded by people for people

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T

weekend

THE ROOMS

here are six bedrooms, all ensuite and individually decorated. Our double bed was large enough to set to sea in and there was a freestanding bath complete with Bramley bath goodies (another local company) from which you could watch the telly. The pub pitches itself as very family and dog-friendly, but being able to stretch out on the huge bed and watch Strictly without children was in the words of Mr Mastercard ‘priceless’.

THE HOTEL

S

ince opening the Kingham Plough in 2007, Emily Watkins and Miles Lampson have probably had to build a new mantelpiece to cope with all their awards. Michelin, AA and Good Pub Guide have all doffed their caps to this awesome twosome whose ethos is that the best food is locally sourced food.

Situated around the corner from Daylesford Farm and near to Chipping Norton, Kingham Plough is just the right side of proper country pub, unlike the sanitised Daylesford. The pub was apparently once the unofficial HQ for the court of King David Cameron, but those days are long gone and things are much quieter now - ideal for a weekend getaway.

THE FOOD

T

he main event at Kingham is the food.

Chef proprietor Emily Watkins trained under Heston Blumenthal and brings modern wizardy to traditional, seasonal ingredients ably helped these days by head chef Tom Waller.

Dinner was divine; Venison Wellington from Cornbury Park and properly hung Hanger Steak were good but what lingers in the memory wasn’t the fancy cooking but the bread and butter. The butter is made with milk sourced from next-door Holmleigh Dairy; it was deep yellow and wickedly delicious – as was a platter of local cheeses for pud.

As is so often the case with a weekend away, breakfast can be the more enjoyable meal, and so it was the case at Kingham.

Great coffee – not easy to get out of London, all the papers and a full English with every ingredient impeccably sourced from local providers and packed with calorific flavor.

That butter again, too.

“Kingham Plough is just the right side of proper country pub”

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

KINGHAM PLOUGH An award-winning pub with rooms in the Cotswolds that welcomes both dogs and children B y A M A N D A C O N S TA N C E

From £145 a night based on two sharing on a B&B basis.

Two night stay minimum at weekends. Dogs are an extra £10.

THE KINGHAM PLOUGH The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD, 01608 658327 book@thekinghamplough.co.uk

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INTO THE WILD TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

Sumptuous solitude and extraordinary game viewing. Safari doesn’t get much better than at this luxury eco-lodge

F

Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

or many, an African safari is a oncein-a-lifetime experience, a bucket list trip that takes time to plan, and most probably, requires a bit of a splurge.

If you’re going to splash the cash, you want to do so on a failsafe place, where incredible wildlife sightings pair with luxurious surroundings. Enter Singita Sweni Lodge.

Recently redesigned, Sweni has all the hallmarks of a high-end eco-lodge experience. Tucked into a verdant riverbank and surrounded by ancient trees, this intimate hideaway sits within Singita’s private 33,000-acre concession where, due to its proximity to the water, guests are treated to up-close sightings of the incredible number of animals and birds that come to drink or wallow at its edge.

Guests to Sweni take a private charter flight from Johannesburg. The Federal Airlines lounge puts you in the African spirit immediately, with locally-made photos and prints and a shop with safari-wear, in case you haven’t brought enough. After just over an hour of flying you’ll be transferred to the Singita lodge of your choice. Lebombo Lodge is ultra-cool and buzzy with an excellent bar area, but we loved Sweni Lodge for its cosy and peaceful vibe, due in part to the fact that it has only seven suites.

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

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Sweetpea & Willow L O V E T H E WAY Y O U L I V E POP IN TO OUR SHOWROOM FOR YOUR L AST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PURCHASE. A L L S T O C K AVA I L A B L E T O TA K E AWAY I N DECEMBER!

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OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY* 9.00 - 4.30PM *Open Saturday 9th December 10.00 - 4.00PM

20/11/2017 15:38

TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

South African design team Cecile & Boyd have worked their magic on its revamped suites, combining neutral tones that bring in light - think gold and bronze ore, polished mud, recycled timbers and richly hued marble - with bold pops of teal, emerald, citron, yellow and pale pink. The open-plan layouts have panoramic game-viewing decks that seem to hover in the branches, outdoor showers that overlook the river, and outdoor day beds where you can spend a night under the stars. We stayed in the wow-worthy Pool Suite, which also has a private swimming pool and can be connected to the adjacent suite for families and honeymoon couples.

The main lodge exudes glamour, with a revamped show kitchen, outdoor dining deck, indoor dining area and winter lounge, a pool with views over the Sweni River and a fire pit. It’s an enticing visual experience before you even venture into the bush and a soulful place to slip into reverie and contemplation after the thrill of a safari.

The business at hand - game viewing - is as superlative as ever on Singita’s private concession that borders Kruger National Park. Giraffes, hippos and zebras were visible on the approach road from the airstrip; game drives with a knowledgeable ranger and tracker yielded a rare sighting of a white rhino, several lion prides with cubs, elephants, buffalo and more (the leopards

(barbecue), where under lamplit trees there was traditional choral singing and a South African feast. For those who get peckish between meals, the open air lounge had glass refrigerators with savoury snacks and sweets to take whenever you like. Another highlight was a personalised wine tasting in the lodge’s temperature-controlled cellar, where we tried some of the most soughtafter bottles in Singita’s collection.

Food is at the heart of some of Singita’s most impactful conservation projects, including the Singita School of Cooking, where each year a highly competitive 12-month course enrolls eight members of the local community to complete an introductory course in hospitality. There is also a new exchange programme for lodge chefs to train at a famous Cape Town restaurant, Chef’s Warehouse. Alongside this, Singita as a conservation company has been protecting large areas of African wilderness for two decades, partially funding the preservation of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, not to mention helping to create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves. As a nature lover, it’s reassuring to stay somewhere with impressive conservation credentials, where you can contribute to the legacy of Africa.

“New arrivals were invited to a magnificent bush barbecue and treated to traditional choral singing and a South African feast.” however, remained elusive), and on afternoon drives, we enjoyed traditional sundowner cocktails and biltong (dried, cured meat) accompanied by a gold and rose-coloured sunset. Aside from the game drives, there’s a plethora of other activities available, from walking safaris and mountain biking to stargazing safaris and archery.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included as part of your stay. It’s lucky then, that the food is out of this world. Bold North African and Middle Eastern flavours punctuate many of the dishes, though at breakfast it was the eggs Benedict that stole our hearts. Lunches comprise of eight different dishes, with cooking techniques including char-grilling, smoking, curing, marinating, pickling, fermenting and wok firing. In the evening, a sharing plates menu highlights the five different tastes - umami, bitter, salt, sweet, and sour - and encourages daring wine pairings. Even well-travelled types will come across ingredients they’ve never seen before, including gemsbok, kudu, kingklip and waterblommetjies - yes, you may well have to Google them.

On our first night, like all new arrivals, we were invited to a magnificent bush braai

It’s not hard to see why safari-goers love Singita. As well as the expansiveness and beauty of the reserves, limited guest and vehicle numbers and extraordinarily consistent game viewing, each guest gets personalised service. Sweni may be the smallest of the Singita lodges, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in thrills. Book in for a few days or a few weeks - whatever you do, you’ll still want to stay longer.

S I N G I TA SW E N I Rates for the brand new pool suite at Singita Sweni Lodge start from £1,709 per person per night. Includes full-board basis, twice-daily Land Rover safaris, walking safaris, mountain biking safaris, archery and return road transfers between Satara airstrip and the lodge. singita.com

GETTING THERE Return flights to Johannesburg from London start from £599, including all taxes and fees. With double daily overnight flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg, South African Airways offers flights to the largest route network within Southern Africa. Book now on flysaa.com or call 0844 375 9680.

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

”

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

• Wimbledon

• Southfields

• Wandsworth

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

• Raynes Park

Contact us now to arrange a free dog consultation. . .

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• Earlsfield

• East Putney

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

23/11/2017 17:20

PET PAGES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PHOTO COURTESY OF GANDEE VASAN

Gifts for animal lovers 111 • Pet Notes: News & views from the animal kingdom 115 • A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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top

DOG We meet the Chelsea girl behind London’s leading dog cashmere brand, Ruby Rufus

Wo r d s E L I Z A B E T H H U T T O N

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Stylish sweaters and snoods for the welldressed dog. rubyrufus.com

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hen your chihuahua is shivering from the cold, what do you do? If you’re anything like fashion designer, business woman and Chelsea-girl Ruby Rufus Isaacs, you’d start designing a collection of cashmere jumpers for him.

“I could never find a nice sweater for my dog so I started making up a few, just for fun. Then many of my friends and family just fell for them.” Things changed when the owner of online pet boutique petspajamas. com came into the Austique boutique on the King’s Road where Ruby was designing womenswear at the time.

“Denise Elphick saw me dressing up the store’s little dapple dachshund, Frank.

When she saw him in one of my pieces she wanted to stock us right away.”

Now, four years later, Ruby Rufus’ cashmere has been seen on many notable dogs including Marc Jacobs’ staffy Neville, Kylie Jenner’s Italian greyhound Bambi and the 1.7m follower-strong, Instagram-famous chiweenie, @tunameltsmyheart. As a result, popularity for the stylish doggie cashmere has skyrocketed.

“The type of person who’ll buy my sweaters is so varied. Some are young, really cool girls who are into fashion and Instagram, others are women who live in the country and just want a simple cable knit that’ll keep their dog warm and happy.”

The thing all of Ruby’s clients have in common, however, is that they want to spoil their dogs. “When people buy Ruby Rufus they know they’re not only buying something stylish but practical too. In the last couple of years, the way people treat their pets has changed and because each jumper is 100% Mongolian cashmere we know it’s the softest material - it won’t irritate the dog.”

And, while some clients will invest in one piece, others buy the entire collection.

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

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PET PAGES • FASHION

“When people buy Ruby Rufus they know they’re not only buying something stylish but practical too” “Some people buy one of each jumper so that they can dress their dog in a different outfit every day. It depends on what you want really, but everyone recognises the high quality.”

But which breed does Isaacs design for?

“My family have a chihuahua, a pinscher and an Italian greyhound so my designs work on a variety of shapes and sizes. We

dress so many frenchies though it’s crazy.

We also have a bespoke line for bigger dogs - we once made a jumper for a dog so big not even my boyfriend could wear it.”

Considering her profession, you’d expect Ruby to come toting her own little pup but the seriously ironic part of all this is the fact that she doesn’t own one. “I wish I did but I’m always travelling. It would be so unfair.

One day, when I’m properly settled I will but until then I’ll just keep borrowing them from my friends and family.”

The lack of a canine companion certainly hasn’t slowed Ruby down. Having launched in Selfridge’s Pet Boutique, the brand is expanding fast. Next up? Leather leashes and collars. All of which are so fashionforward you’ll end up wishing Ruby Rufus came in your size too.

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

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ALPHABET presents...

The most flexible dog walkers London has to offer, accompanied with complete peace of mind.

No more rushing home to meet the dog walkers strict time table, at Alphabet you can enjoy our relaxed drop off approach where we tailor a time to suit you. An Alphabet walk is much more than just a dog walk, it’s a fully interactive experience where we send you beautiful imaginative in walk photos of your pups adventures, a happy dog, a happy you. We also notify you at the beginning and end of each walk with a text message.

07443 643217 alphabetdogwalking@gmail.com alphabetdogwalking.com

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B AC K AND SIDES

SHORT

DOG AND CAT GROOMING

DOG SITTING

PICK UP AND DROP OFFS

20% OFF FIRST VISIT | FANTASTIC LOYALTY PROGRAM

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Weybridge (0)1932 842000

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PET PAGES • PRODUCTS

BY MUSA Lluna collar, £70: Lluna lead, £90: Lluna poopurse, £60 bymusapets.com

AUDENZA Black pug vase, £41 audenza.com

JONATHAN ADLER Terrier salt and pepper shakers, £48 uk.jonathanadler.com

PET PORTRAITS Personalised pet portrait by Adam Regester Design, £49; notonthehighstreet.com

BISCUITEERS Days of the week doggy treats, £35; biscuiteers.com

ANIMAL MAGIC

MUNGO & MAUD Safari weekend bag, £129.50 mungoandmaud.com

EDITOR’S PICK

HUNTER X NATIONAL TRUST Norris tall boot, £110 hunterboots.com

Fantastic presents for pet-lovers B y H E L E N B R OW N

MUNGO & MAUD David Hockney's Dog Days, £8.95 mungoandmaud.com

DOTCOMGIFTSHOP Make your own dog treats gift set, £6.95; dotcomgiftshop.com

GETTING PERSONAL Personalised bone china bauble, £9.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk

THE GREAT GIFT COMPANY Dachshund garden seat, £185 thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

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

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London’s dog friendly, black tie fundraiser T

LAS

E

NC A H C FOR

S

ET ICK

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5 T H D E CEM BE R 201 7 , 7P M Dress code: Black Tie The Grand Connaught Rooms, London WC2B 5DA For tickets and info visit www.themayhew.org/tinsel-tails or email events@mayhewanimalhome.org Registered Charity No 1077588

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PET PAGES • EVENTS

Q&A

WALKIES We caught up with Mark Scott at Dogstroll to discover why this premium doggy day care is one you can rely on.

Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N ABSOLUTELY: Tell us a bit about Dogstroll, where did it all start?

MARK SCOTT: I started off dog walking eight years ago and soon realised there is a need for a daycare centre that focuses on the dogs needs rather than filling a field with as many dogs as possible.

ABS: What sort of training can you

appropriate “ mature “ dogs from a young age sets them up for a more solid understanding of communication and gaining confidence in a controlled environment. As this is an important learning stage in their development it needs to be closely supervised at all times. By having limited puppies we are able to monitor progression closely and step in when needs be.

provide for dogs?

ABS: What are the most important

of your dog is of utmost importance.

Our training involves: lead walking, socialisation, scent work, agility, recall, not jumping up, impulse control .

MS: It’s important to consider

MS: The development and well-being

ABS: Why do you only take two

puppies at anyone time ?

MS: People assume having lots of

puppies playing together is sweet and beneficial, only one of those is true. Dogs learn from one another so we believe interaction with the

created after I took part in a zoopharmacognosy workshop which is the study of how dogs self medicate.

Our Sensory garden is a calming area and good for building confidence.

We have a variety of edible plants, trampoline, tunnels, straw pit, bamboo forest and a willow dome which has become very popular with the dogs.

For more information visit dog-stroll.co.uk or email info@dog-stroll.co.uk

ABS: What’s the Dogstroll

carefully selected by myself and the dogs. We are a team that is passionate, knowledgable and want the best for your dog. There are 4 of us, Mark (trainer and founder), Sandra (trainer and manager), Sharon ( groomer to be ) and Carys (behaviourist).

Dogstroll Sensory Garden?

MS: The Sensory Garden was

in how daycares should be run and want to educate people in the correct way of making sure their dogs are looked after. We want to keep the personal ethos so our next venture would be to have a puppy and adult/ mature dog combined school. This will ensure that when puppies come to us they will get individual attention which will help them to become well balanced adult dogs and graduate to “big school”.

Dogstroll to other doggy day care services?

MS: Dogstroll provides a unique and personal experience for you and your dog from the initial free consultation to the quality time your dog spends with us. We achieve this by having well trained, passionate staff, and by keeping the ratio of dogs per handler to a minimum. team like?

ABS: What’s the idea behind the

ABS: What’s next for Dogstroll?

MS: We are setting the benchmark

ABS: What’s different about

MS: The Dogstroll team has been

socialisation to burn off some energy.

During the day we vary the training schedule to specific dogs needs, country walks, agility and sensory garden. We believe down time is important so from 12-12:30 all dogs are made to rest either by sitting in the cabin , van or being outside with us chewing on a delicious kong filled with goodies. The dogs are dropped off anytime after 3pm to welcome you home and recoupe for the next days activities.

aspects of choosing a daycare ?

whether the staff are qualified, to think about the ratio of dogs per handler and the structure of the dog’s day. The facilities available and the activities for your dog should also be a priority, and it’s a good idea to get an initial consultation.

ABS: Talk us through a typical day

in the life at Dogstroll?

MS: The day always starts with

them having toilet time and general A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Subscription

FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Home, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings.

Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features covering inspiration from London’s top interior designers and influencers.

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelyhome

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01/11/2017 12:16

PET

PET PAGES • NOTES

NOTES

News and views from the animal world

By HELEN BROWN

BARK! THE HERALD B AT T E R S E A D O G S & CAT S H O M E

Christmas is just around the corner and tickets for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Carol Concert are being snapped up faster than the last mince pie left on the plate. The stunning St Luke’s Church in Chelsea is once again getting ready to throw open its doors on Monday 4 December for Battersea’s annual event, which raises vital funds to help the charity care for thousands of homeless dogs and cats.

Tickets available at battersea.org.uk/carolconcert

Woof O’Clock A B B OT T LYO N

Abbott Lyon has teamed up with Dogs Trust to raise pounds for homeless hounds. Milo is the furry face of the collaboration, which aims to raise awareness for stray and abandoned dogs. Look out for Milo’s paw print on selected products as 10% of the sale price of these items will be donated straight to Dogs Trust. abbottlyon.com

POPPIN’ BOTTLES PAW S E C C O

What’s Christmas without some fizz? Pawsecco is the purrfect treat for those on four feet, meaning it’s festive frivolity all round. Owners can now raise a glass with their four-legged friend with this healthy, alcohol-free herbal infusion. Guaranteed to get tails wagging.

Pawsecco White and Rose Gift Pack, £7.99; petpavilion.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

KITCHENS REVOLUTION.APR.indd 1

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

06/03/2017 15:15

PROPERTY Living the dream 122 • Nigel: Famous places 12

HENDERSON ROAD SW18

ÂŁ3,950,000

he property opens into a lovely wide entrance hall with solid wood flooring running across the ground floor. To the front is an elegant bay-fronted double reception room with an attractive gas fire place and intricate ceiling plasterwork. To the rear is a wonderful open-plan kitchen/dining/living room which offers a multi-purpose living space. On the doorstep of Wandsworth Common.

T

KNIGHT FRANK Wandsworth 020 3797 2029 knightfrank.co.uk

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Baskerville Road, Wandsworth SW18 Direct gated access on to Wandsworth Common A rare opportunity to buy a grand Victorian semi-detached family house of substantial proportions located on the much sought after “Toast Rack”. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, conservatory, downstairs cloakroom, laundry/2nd kitchen, large cellar, 52 ft garden. EPC: E. Approximately: 312.06 sq m (3,359 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £4,250,000

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

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WND170160

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Absolutely magazine - December 2017 2

22/11/2017 16:24

16/11/2017 17:11:05

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

Share of freehold

Guide price: £1,200,000

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

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BAT170137

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Absolutely December Issue 2017

22/11/2017 16:24

16/11/2017 13:39:45

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? If you are thinking of moving then now is the time to speak to one of our property experts.

We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 418 offices across 60 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience.

Contact us today on 020 8022 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: £1,900 per month

Macaulay Road, Clapham SW4 This superb ground floor flat offers excellent entertaining space and retains many period features. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen.

EPC: D. Approximately 61.22 sq m (659 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6118

-->

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

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,950,000

Abbeville Road, Clapham SW4 An exceptional family home meticulously refurbished throughout in the desirable Abbeville Village. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, dining area, guest cloakroom, cellar, garden. EPC: D Approximately 206.4 sq m (2,222 sq ft). clapham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8115 4912

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Absolutley December Sales & Lettings

22/11/2017 16:24

21/11/2017 14:52:38

DISCOVERY HOUSE

FINAL PHASE OF BATTERSEA REACH NOW LAUNCHED Battersea Reach is an award-winning development situated on the banks of the River Thames.

With excellent transport links into the City and a host of on-site facilities and amenities this thriving community is the perfect place to enjoy London riverside living.

A selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available in Discovery House.

Prices from ÂŁ565,000*

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

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

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

LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

STIRLING ROAD SW 9, £1,200,0 0 0

A

stunning four bedroom family home which is arranged within this handsome Victorian house situated close to Clapham North and Stockwell tube stations. This beautiful house boasts four spacious double bedrooms, a double reception room leading onto a bright and airy kitchen with access to a sunny garden, two modern bathrooms, cellar and loft which could be converted STPP. KFH Clapham, 020 3199 3068 kfh.co.uk

GOWRIE ROAD

SW 1 1 , £1, 5 0 0,000

T

his stylish, Victorian family home has been refurbished and extended by the current owners to create an elegant home with a clever use of natural light, and well-balanced family living space.

It’s a beautiful five bedroom townhouse with a rear garden and roof terrace located between Clapham Common North Side and Lavender Hill. The ground floor also boasts a beautiful bay fronted double reception room.

KNIGHT FRANK Clapham, 020 3858 3167 knightfrank.com 1

122

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE SW 1 9, ( £ 1 7, 5 0 0 P C M )

SW 2 0 , £ 3 , 5 0 0,0 0 0

T

A

FOXTONS

SAVILLS

Wimbledon, 020 8605 2900 foxtons.co.uk

Wimbledon, 020 8971 8111 savills.com

his is a phenomenal seven bedroom detached family home which has been newly built and finished to an exceptional standard, benefiting from an open-plan kitchen with high end appliances, cinema/gymnasium room and private garden. Key features also include gated offstreet parking for six or seven cars and underfloor heating throughout.

CORAL ROW

CRESCENT ROAD well presented sixed bedroom family house with a spacious open plan kitchen/ living area and wonderful landscaped garden, suitated along a quiet street on the slopes of Wimbledon Hill. The property benefits from high ceilings throughout, which immediately offers a fresh airy feel upon entering the reception hall. Close access to Wimbledon Village.

SW 1 1 , £ 1 . 2 5 M

T

his unique riverside family home has a combined 2500 square feet of living space, set between two self-contained units. The property benefits from a large private roof terrace balcony, partial river views and three parking spaces. The property can be used as one large house, one live/work space or two separate dwellings. The property is situated in the desirable Plantation Wharf development.

PHENOMENAL SEVEN BEDROOM DETACHED FAMILY HOME WHICH HAS BEEN NEWLY BUILT AND FINISHED TO AN EXCEPTIONAL STANDARD

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH

Battersea, 020 7228 2278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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

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ELAND ROAD, BATTERSEA Well presented period cottage in the popular Shaftesbury conservation area.

Situated close to all the amenities of Lavender Hill and Clapham Junction.

This is a beautiful house in a great location and viewings are recomended immediately. EPC = D.

2

1

1

ASKING PRICE

£800,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

NORTH SIDE, WANDSWORTH COMMON This unusually large apartment offers the discerning buyer a light, bright open plan living space and private parking. Located a short walk from Clapham Junction station and the amenities of St Johns Hill and Battersea itself this is a particularly striking apartment for an owner occupier or BTL investor. EPC = C.

2

2

1

ASKING PRICE

£750,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

VICENTIA COURT, BATTERSEA A spectacular Penthouse Apartment located on the 10th & 11th floors of this sought-after development on the Battersea Riverside. The property features a large open-plan reception and kitchen area with imposing ceiling heights, glass walls and breath-taking views, this then provides access to a large terrace with further views over the River Thames and the London Skyline and comes with two secure parking spaces, viewings are highly recommended. Available Immediately. EPC = D. 3

TO LET PCM

£7,800 TENANT FEES

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•

£60.00 (incl VAT) per person for referencing

3

1

BATTERSEA 020 7228 2378 •

£250.00 (incl VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement.

16/11/2017 18:22

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

IT’S A SHORE BET

A

QUEEN OF MEAN’S SOFTER SIDE

L

inda Plant is best known as the ‘Queen of Mean’ judge on the BBC1 show The Apprentice, always ready to rip contestants’ business plans to shreds.

A long-term friend of Sir Alan Sugar, she too established herself in business from nothing, founding her clothing empire from the back of a market stall.

Now, having retired from the

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fashion industry, Linda runs an interior design company, Homerun, which specialises in doing up the homes of the wealthy.

Her latest project is this sevenbedroom Art Deco house in Primrose Hill. She's given it a luxury makeover and added several features, including a his and hers treatment room, integrated music and video system in every room, gym, temperaturecontrolled wine cellar and an entrance hall with a glass chandelier.

It’s for sale at £28.5 million with Aston Chase (0207 724 4724).

lex Garland is best known for his 1996 book The Beach and the film of the same name based on it, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Its depictions of a young backpacker’s hedonistic, drugfuelled experiences on a lonely beach in Thailand were at the time a revelation, but getting wasted on a Phuket beach have now become a standard part of many gap year itineraries.

The film was directed by Danny Boyle and Garland has gone on to form a successful partnership with him, writing the screenplay for Boyle’s 2002 film 28 Days Later and 2007’s Sunshine. Garland is currently working on another science fiction film called Annihilation, due out next year and starring Natalie Portman.

But before Hollywood beckoned, Garland resided in a former piano factory in Primrose Hill. He lived in the five-bedroom corner portion of the property, which is an open-plan home with a workspace and roof terrace.

Primrose Hill is often regarded as a highly residential part of London, making it easy to forget that Regent's Park lies less than a ten minute walk away, London Zoo resides within that, and Camden market is an equidistant walk on its other side.

Perhaps due to this, alongside the price-tag of £21,450 a month, the piano factory failed to find tenants with deep-enough pockets, and was taken off the market. It is now being offered by its current owners to prospective tenants via informal channels - in much the same way as Leonardo DiCaprio stumbled upon the beach.

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

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

MARGOT’S STRICTLY REFURB

A

mberwood House was one of the most glamorous addresses in the UK during much of the 1950s and 1960s.

Princess Margaret, John Wayne and Yves Saint Laurent were among those who visited here, then home to the greatest British female dancer to ever wear ballet shoes; Dame Margot Fonteyn.

Fonteyn had a colourful life off stage as well as on. In 1955 she married Roberto Arias, a Panamanian diplomat, and they quickly became the toast of Knightsbridge society. Their passionate relationship saw her enduring his multiple infidelities, alongside helping him in his attempt to organise a coup against the Panamanian government in 1959. Fonteyn died in 1991.

The five-bedroom mansion has recently been lavishly renovated by developer K10 Group. It’s for sale at £75 million. www.k10group.com.

"Princess Margaret, John Wayne and Yves Saint Laurent were among those who visited here"

THE REAL NEVER NEVER LAND?

T

he story of Peter Pan has been the staple of many a childhood since the original novel was published in 1911.

JM Barrie wrote the story of a boy trapped in eternal youth after he befriended the LlewellynDavies family while walking in Kensington Gardens in 1897.

When both of their parents died he was named guardian to their five sons, who became the inspiration for the ‘Lost Boys’ in the book.

But they had mixed fortunes in reality. Peter struggled with the fame of being the ‘real Peter Pan’ and committed suicide in 1960. Michael and George also died young.

In happier days, Barrie spent time with the Llewellyn-Davies' at their home, 31 Kensington Gardens, which they moved out of in 1904. The house was later converted into flats; one of which is now for sale.

It has two-bedrooms with a combined lounge, kitchen and dining area as well as a large entrance hall.

The property is up for £1.375 million with Strutt & Parker (020 7221 1111).

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

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