Absolutely South West : Wimbledon March 2018

WIMBLEDON

ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon MARCH 2018 / £3.95

FAR FLUNG ESCAPE TO THE GOLDEN BEACHES OF SRI LANKA

MARCH 2018

HOT POTS

The return of Ceramic Art London

Brush Strokes New works at the Affordable Art Fair

ZEST.LONDON

English ROSE E M B R AC E Y O U R N AT U R A L B E A U T Y STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT SW_COVER_March18.indd 6

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23/01/2018 18:58

ABSOLUTELY

Contents MARCH 2018

106 16

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

42 62

54 TOOLS OF THE TRADE Gadgets to add to your arsenal

20 AGENDA

FOOD & DRINK 62 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

34 AFFAIRS OF THE ART

64 VEGAN VICES

FA S H I O N 38 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

74

40 RODEO DRIVE

T R AV E L 106 EXOTIC ESCAPE

Diary dates for March

Affordable Art Fair is back in Battersea

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

Azure jewels for spring

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

News and views

Discovering sun-soaked Sri Lanka

PETS 119 ANIMAL HOUSE

South West

MARCH 2018 / £3.95

FAR FLUNG ESCAPE TO THE GOLDEN BEACHES OF SRI LANKA

Pet-inspired pieces for the home

PROPERTY 130 LIVING THE DREAM

ABSOLUTELY

HOT POTS

The return of Ceramic Art London

ZEST.LONDON

The month’s best beauty buys

INTERIORS INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

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.

MARCH 2018

49 DEEP BLUE

Healthy recipes from Mildreds

SOUTH WEST

Wild West-inspired style

News from the industry

SW_COVER_March18.indd 1-2

Brush Strokes New works at the Affordable Art Fair

English ROSE

ON THE COVER MARIANA JUNGMANN SS18 AVAILABLE FROM marianajungmann.com

E M B R AC E Y O U R N AT U R A L B E A U T Y STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY LIFESTYLE WRITER MIRIAM CAREY EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ACCOUNT MANAGER OLTIAN RUCI ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA, LINSEY CANNON

Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER ANGIE KOLECI FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

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Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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

22/02/2018 17:10

Editor’s

LETTER

T

ABSOLUTELY’S literary picks for 2018...

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FEEL FREE

ZA D I E S M I TH This year voice of a generation Zadie Smith has returned with another literary winner. Feel Free is a collection of essays that explores the intricacies of modern life. Touching on Brexit and Beiber and everything in between, this is certain to be a conversation starter. penguinrandomhouse.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

WHERE CHEFS EAT:

TH E TH I R D E D I TI O N The fully updated and revised third edition of this critically-acclaimed book comes out on the 21st of March. Containing 4,538 restaurant recommendations in 570 cities, you can be sure that, wherever you are, this book will have the right place. smithandbaxter.co.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

ABS_Eds_Letter_March18.indd 15

here’s something about the clocks going back that brings a sense of optimism. Even the most cynical of us can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement the fi rst time we leave work in daylight.

The start of a new season also provides us with the chance to take stock and remember the things we’re thankful for. On the 8th we’ll be celebrating International Women’s Day which is made even more poignant as 2018 marks 100 years of votes for women - so make March a month to celebrate the ladies in your life.

In this issue we salute the many achievements of women who have shaped the creative industries.

On page 22 we interview the quirky female friends behind London Loom, while on page 76 we meet seven inspirational women working in interior design - all from different walks of life yet united by a passion for their craft.

If blossoming spring is unable to revive your weary soul, then booking a holiday will surely do the trick. In this issue we jet off to Sri Lanka, one of this year’s hottest holiday destinations, for sun-soaked sand dunes and eclectic cuisine. If you want to keep it closer to home, you can’t go wrong with some old fashioned retail therapy. Turn to page 38 for plenty of new season inspiration.

We hope this issue gets you out of your winter funk and excited for everything 2018 has to offer whether that’s female friendships, new and old, or the joys of a new season jacket. Summer is on its way - we promise.

HELEN BROWN EDITOR

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EDUCATED

TARA WE STOVE R I can't wait to read Tara Westover’s journey to receiving a PhD from Cambridge with no formal education in her youth.

The memoir addresses the challenges she faced getting into and attending college at 17, having no understanding of key societal events, such as the Holocaust. This story proves anything is possible with enough determination.

CLARA VAN DUIVENBODE EDITORIAL INTERN

4

5

LULLABY

Heralded as 2018’s answer to Gone Girl, Lullaby is the latest page-turner on everyone’s lips, which sees an idyllic family tableaux shattered upon the hiring of a new nanny.

Faber & Faber, £8.96 on Amazon HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

3

THE FEMALE PERSUASION

MEG WOLITZ ER I’m looking forward to The Female Persuasion, which is published in June.

Meg Wolitzer’s writing is insightful and entertaining and she should be counted among the Great American Novelists.

This may well be the book that gets her there.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

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22/02/2018 17:20

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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knit it The meticulous handiwork and pointelle knit give this 100% cashmere crew neck pullover a feminine feel as well as a graphic and sensual look. The perfect pop of colour for spring. £200; eric-bompard.com

That’s a Wrap

Crafted from lightweight fabric and adorned with Kenzo's signature eye motif, the soft pink colourway of this scarf looks super chic draped across nonchalant daytime looks. €165; mytheresa.com

SILK ROAD

This pink silk-satin blouse was a standout style from Gucci’s Alchemist’s Garden AW17 show. We love it with high-waisted trousers and mules. £1,610; net-a-porter.com

T H E CAT ’S M EOW One for the feline lovers, this geometric print with vibrant background and mysterious moggy is a conversation starter. We suggest framing the print to enjoy the unique piece in all its intrigue. £35; grahamandgreen.co.uk

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

Specs Appeal

Pink peepers are set to be a summer staple so get your fi x with these peach sunglasses from Thierry Lasry with a cat-eye silhouette that suits all face shapes. £637; farfetch.com/uk

SOPHIE’S CHOICE Dagny London’s Sophie blouse proffers a feminine update to the classic button-down; perfect with your favourite pair of jeans or dressed up with a sleek pencil skirt. £175; dagnylondon.com

ROS E GOAL S

It’s a Gin Thing

JW Anderson’s disc shoulder bag is the perfect hue for new spring wardrobes and is ideally sized to take you from desk to disco. £975; j-w-anderson.com

English Rose is a classic gin, combining traditional botanicals and the fi nest English roses.

A celebratory spirit that stands the test of time. £32; silentpooldistillers.com

C H IC S E ATS

PRETTY IN PINK

Perk up every aspect of your spring wardrobe with Amélie’s Follies. Their gorgeous range features a variety of styles and designs, perfect for all shapes and sizes. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Be the sultan of style with this colourful suzani print Alpana Cocktail Chair. With its cool modernist shape and psychedelic suzani print, it'll add real bravura to your interiors. £395; grahamandgreen.co.uk

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

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

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

10 – 15 July 2018

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

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CULTURE

Gas Gallery, Delphine Lebourgeois, ARMY II; Affordable Art Fair; affordableartfair.com

What’s On 20 • Meet The London Loom duo 22 • Ceramic Art London 26 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

EXHIBITION

Coast and Country Until 17 March

PLUS ON E GALLERY

Landscape artist, Steve Whitehead showcases spectacular new works which explore his love for the British country landscape in all its seasons.

Expect his usual renditions of romantic countryside alongside new paintings portraying Anglesey in North Wales and breathtaking Scottish scenes.

B&C Trafalgar House, SW18; plusonegallery.com

EXHIBITION

Midcentury Modern 18 MA RC H • D U LW I C H COLLEGE

Love Scandinavian chic? Looking for American Modernism or European Bauhaus? Look no further than Midcentury Modern, back with a bigger offering than ever before. Home to a huge range of 20thcentury collectables at a variety of price-points, in myriad styles, as well as all the best furniture, lighting and accessories dealers in one place, each edition holds a top spot in the calendars of design-lovers.

Dulwich College, SE21; modernshows.com

20

INTERIORS

New Collection From 3 March

BEN TALLS DEPARTMENT STORE

Whether you're after clever styling or a chic new look for spring, be inspired by the latest homeware launches at Bentalls. With linen from DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger, outdoor furniture from Maze Rattan and La Siesta and cookware from Le Creuset, there is something to suit all styles and budgets.

Wood Street KT1; fenwick.co.uk/kingston

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

George’s Marvellous Medicine

Around Town EXHIBITION

PICASSO 1932: LOVE, FAME, TRAGEDY From 8 March

From 28 March

TATE M OD ERN

ROSE THEATRE KIN GSTON

Journey through Picasso’s year of wonders in this greatly-anticipated retrospective at Tate Modern. With over 100 paintings, sculptures and drawings, as well as family photographs and rare glimpses into his personal life, the myths around the man are stripped away to reveal the artist as you've never seen him before. Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk

George’s Grandmother isn’t like most others. She likes to gobble up slugs and is always bossing George around. So when his parents leave him alone with her, George takes it upon himself to cure Grandmother of her cruelty in this highly imaginative adaptation that brings Roald Dahl’s treasured tale to life.

24-26 High Street, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org

F E S T I VA L

WANDSWORTH ARTS FRINGE Tickets On Sale 5 March VA RI O US WA NDSWO RTH LO CATI O N

This Month’s Must See

Tickets are on sale now for London’s answer to the Edinburgh Fringe, where a jam-packed programme of eclectic arts is sure to inspire audiences from across the city. This year, Wandsworth Arts Fringe takes place May 4-20 and brings together over 150 artists in comedy, theatre, music and more, revealing a Wandsworth you never knew existed. wandsworthfringe.com

OPERA

MACBETH From 25 March ROYAL O P ERA H OUSE

OF MICE AND MEN 19- 24 MA RCH • N EW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

J

ohn Steinbeck’s powerful play about friendship and holding on to your dreams is brought to south west London from the producers of Avenue Q, The Crucible and Flashdance. Still relevant to modern times, the tale follows George and Lenny, two migrant workers who dream of owning their own ranch during the trying times of the Great Depression.

The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com

Shakespeare’s story of ruthless ambition is brought to life as Verdi’s Macbeth graces the stage of the Royal Opera House. Expect a bristling and dynamic score, rich costuming and magnificent cast. An unmissable production that sees Verdi at his most theatrical. Bow Street, WC2E; roh.org.uk

EXHIBITION

TACITA DEAN: STILL LIFE From 15 March N ATION AL GALLERY

See still life through the lens of Tacita Dean in this exploration of the genre’s legacy. From the leading contemporary practitioner comes a diverse selection of her own works in a variety of mediums, alongside those of her contemporaries.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N; nationalgallery.org.uk

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

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22/02/2018 15:11

A Stich in

TIME Absolutely talks to Francesca Kletz and Brooke Dennison, the two founding ladies of The London Loom, about their new book and unique weaving workshops B y MIRIAM CAREY

I

t’s a Tuesday evening in a little studio in Hackney. The walls are covered in brightly coloured rolls of yarn and decorative tapestries. There is a table surrounded by men and women in careful concentration - they are in the middle of an ‘embroider your member’ workshop. A woman is weaving weft in and out of warp, seeking reference from a photograph she has taken earlier for inspiration. Meanwhile, a man is tying up knots of a tapestry he weaved ‘freestyle’.

This scene is a regular genital embroidery evening workshop at The London Loom in Hackney. "Everyone has a shot of tequila at the start to get them warmed up and chatting to the person next to them" explains Francesca Kletz, one of the founders of the business. "People pop to the bathrooms with a pocket mirror and some

22

people bring photographs on their phone".

But this is not a crude workshop, "it’s about making friends and accepting all those lovely, necessary parts of you".

The London Loom run all kinds of weaving workshops - there is a weave your own scarf workshop, a tapestry weaving workshop and an inspirational women badge making workshop for March, which is women’s history month. What is unique to The London Loom is their approach to weaving. They take a freestyle ‘nonprecious’ approach and also what seems to be a more fun, creative and dare I say feminist approach. At least what is clear is there is no other place in London like it.

Francesca and her business partner Brooke Dennis could clearly recognise a good idea when they saw it as the business got started very quickly. It was on a trip to

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

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CULTURE • LOOM WEAVING

Japan Francesca discovered the amazing craft of Japanese freestyle weaving and realised there was nowhere in London you could use this technique. Francesca got on the phone to Brooke immediately and back in the UK the business began. First, they opened a pop-up shop on Hackney Road and after they outgrew this they moved to a larger, more permanent studio in Hackney Downs. Soon came the incredibly entertaining and informative book Weave This, put together in less than a year by Brooke and Francesca.

Explaining how they achieved everything Francesca explains "we just knew we had something to offer the London craft scene we couldn’t find elsewhere". They did not come from a business background - everything they know about running a business they learnt on the job, but "it feels good to be a pair of strong-minded, sassy business women, who also love to knit".

As for the knitting side of the business, the ladies ‘know, love and respect crafts’.

They can’t remember an age when they were not knitting or weaving. Brooke tells A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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22/02/2018 16:05

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CULTURE • LOOM WEAVING

“Weaving has a rhythmic quality to is as you go under the warp thread”

ALL IMAGES TAKEN FROM THE LONDON LOOM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY RITA PLATTS

me "I have always had the urge to pick up wool and to be making something" and that she gets annoyed when she goes somewhere she can’t knit. In fact, they even admitted to arranging long journeys so they can knit.

In an attempt to explain the craft's addictive edge, Francesca tells me "weaving has a rhythmic quality to it as you go over and under the warp thread. Also, it doesn’t have the risk factor of other textile and needle crafts, you don’t really find yourself dropping stitches or unpicking your work to correct it which is more relaxing".

Francesca allows me to try some weaving myself and there is definitely a meditative element to the technique - it takes just the right amount of physicality and focus to keep you in the moment and to distract you from thinking about other things. Also, the freestyle weaving technique Francesca and Brooke teach is about ‘painting with yarn rather than constructing’ and this freedom and creativity can be incredibly satisfying.

What’s more, there is some scientific evidence to back up its therapeutic claims.

Firstly, knitting has the capacity to calm

anxiety and depression in the moment, but also, to associate the tactile object, the scarf or tapestry, with a calmer state of mind. I also think there is something to say for spending time on hobby that gets you away from a phone, computer and tv screen which is great.

In general there has been a rise in the number of people showing interest in craft hobbies, which has been reflected in the rise in craft books being published this year.

Weave This by Francesca and Brooke is an exceptional addition to this offering, filled with bright pictures and sharp humour it makes for an immensely entertaining read.

Further, a complete beginner can pick up a copy and learn to make an abundance of things, from a huge calico tapestry, to a bowl, to a statement necklace or earrings.

Don’t delay in giving the book a read - or even better book yourself on to their next evening embroidery workshop.

THE LONDON LOOM Studio 8, Hackney Downs Studios, E8 thelondonloom.com Weave This is out now, published by Hardie Grant Books hardiegrant.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Throw

DOWN Ceramic Art London returns to King’s Cross, with dynamic displays from over 90 of the world’s most talented ceramicists B y H E L E N B R OW N

W EMILY MYERS; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

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ith packed courses, record sales and prime time TV programmes centred around the stuff, it seems we are a nation potty for ceramics. As one of the most ancient industries on the planet, ceramic artistry boasts an impressive history. From the moment humans discovered clay could be dug up from the ground and fashioned into the ancient urns of antiquity, to today’s commonplace cereal bowl, the technology and techniques in the art have undoubtedly changed but the basics remain the same.

Returning to its home in King’s Cross for a 15th edition, Ceramic Art London is the leading showcase for contemporary ceramic art and one of the most dynamic displays from the best in the business across the globe. This year’s fair takes place from 23-35 March at Central Saint Martins, home to over 100 years of ceramic art teaching.

Guests can expect 91 of the world’s most distinguished ceramic artists and a varied

selection of exciting and ambitious work.

For those already in the know, this is an opportunity to explore further and buy directly from the creator. For gallery owners and collectors, it’s an opportunity to snap up new talent and for the artists, Ceramic Art London offers a unique platform to showcase and sell their work. With pieces starting at just £15, the event offers collectors of all budgets the chance to take something away with them.

A quarter of the exhibiting makers are from overseas this year, with a third of them travelling from Korea. Reflecting the selectors’ desire to showcase CAL favourites whilst introducing new faces, this year’s fair features 20 first-time exhibitors, including well established potters Henry Pim, with his intricately engineered architectural structures, and Monika Debus, whose symbol laden pieces are the product of a practice that focuses on painting, calligraphy, experiment and chance. Rising star newcomers include Marike Jacobs with her multi-textured cups and pitchers and Hilary Mayo whose graceful, paint drip-effect creations subtly satirise the making process.

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

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CULTURE • CERAMIC ART ANELISE BREDOW; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

“The leading showcase for ceramic art and one of the most dynamic displays across the globe” KEITH VARNEY; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

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

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22/02/2018 15:17

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CULTURE • CERAMIC ART ANNA LAMBERT; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

“The fair pops with colour this spring with blooming polkadot vessels in shades of crimson and cobalt”

CLARE CROUCHMAN; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

IN HO SONG; IMAGE COURTESY OF CERAMIC ART LONDON

Ceramic Art London is renowned for traversing the boundary between functionality and fine art as demonstrated

by Alison Gautrey’s shell-like tilting bowls, Ashraf Hanna’s undulating modernist lines and Barry Stedman’s colour-splashed wares that bring to mind abstract painting.

The fair pops with colour this spring with Grainne Watts’ blooming polkadot vessels in shades of crimson and cobalt and Lara Scobie’s vases vividly detailed in red, orange and yellow. Sophie Cook’s impossibly elegant bottles return in luminous hues of lemon and lime, while Roger Coll’s idiosyncratic, twisting forms are rendered in bold palettes of red, blue and coral. Sculpture abounds too in Martin Pearce’s Henry Moore-esque forms, Angela Verdon’s sensual works of abstraction and Joachim Lambrecht’s darkly enigmatic forms. While In Ho Song’s playful clay characters push at the boundaries of tradition, and Anelise Bredow’s cartoon-like designs bring some alien-inspired humour to the fair.

Opening with a keynote speech by Grayson Perry CBE, the always popular

ClayTalks, programmed by the faculty at Central Saint Martins, includes Phoebe Cummings, winner of the Woman’s Hour Craft Prize 2017, Professor Simon Lacey on the history of the Craft Potters Association and artist Keith Harrison, winner of the Jerwood Award for Joyride, to name just a few. Elsewhere, Home from Home celebrates international ceramicists who have made the UK their home, while a number of talks focus on how Stoke-on-Trent is reclaiming its mantle as a global centre for ceramics manufacturing and education. These include lecturer Helen Felcey and Dena Bagi from the British Ceramics Biennial, Lisa Hammond MBE, who recently launched Clay College, and Keith Brymer Jones, who plans to reopen the historic Spode factory.

Also this year, and in a first for Ceramic Art London, CSM students will host a ceramic studio where they will make new work in front of a live audience. As well as gaining insight into all stages of the making process, visitors will be offered the opportunity to comment on the direction the work should take as it is being made.

CERAMIC ART LONDON 23-25 March Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, N1C; ceramicartlondon.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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3 MARCH

Patrick Anhaeusser 07894 985 775 patrick@urbanxteriors.com www.urbanxteriors.com

CHRISTY BRIXTON HAND TOWEL WAS £12 NOW £5

VOSSEN HIGHLINE HAND TOWEL WAS £9 NOW £6.75

020 8546 1001 KT1 1TX

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

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

Good Girl ★★★★★

From 5 March TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

MUST SEE

Naomi Sheldon’s Fringe Festival smash hit, Good Girl transfers to Trafalgar Studios in time for International Women’s Day. Growing up in the 90s, living feels too extreme. GG and her friends obsess over music, vaginas and witchcraft. To be one of the good girls GG learns to make herself numb, but at what cost?

14 Whitehall, Westminister, SW1A; atgtickets.com

By H E L E N B R O W N

His Dark Materials ★★★★★ 20-24 March S O UTH LO N D O N P L AYH O US E

17 years after Philip Pullman’s original trilogy ended, readers are drawn back into Lyra’s universe with his latest radical read, His Dark Materials. SLT Youth Theatre bring to life this modern classic which follows the adventures of Lyra and William as they travel through a multiverse of parallel worlds.

Stanley Halls, 12A South Norwood Hill, SE25; southlondontheatre.co.uk

HIS DARK MATERIALS

Caroline, or Change

The Way of the World

From 12 March

From 29 March

H A M P STE A D TH E ATR E

D O NMAR WAREHOUSE

In a highly anticipated transfer to Hampstead Theatre, this Olivier Awardwinning musical blends blues, soul, Motown, classical music and Jewish folk songs to create a sumptuously uplifting and deeply moving portrayal of America during the social upheaval of the civil rights movement.

Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com

Lady Wishfort’s sprawling, dysfunctional family are driven by desire - there’s everything to lose and six thousand pounds to gain. Watch as a glorious ensemble of characters battle it out in this exposing, satirical comedy where everyone needs to win, just to get by.

41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

★★★★★

★★★★★

A Passage to India ★★★★★

Until 24 March PA RK TH E ATR E

How can we love each other in a world divided by race, power and religion?

E.M. Forster’s masterpiece poses this question as it transports us to Imperial India; conjuring up elephants and caves, courthouses and temples. A Passage to India is one of the greatest novels of the Twentieth Century, thrillingly adapted for the stage.

Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE

THE WAY OF THE WORLD

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Sofas for when they’ve flown the nest* c o p ming hom e e k t u b * e to roost

Armchair critics welcome: Chelsea | Islington | Bankside | Guildford | Bath | Harrogate | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Amsterdam Call us on 0345 400 2222 or, of course, visit us online

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Five Guys Named Moe

The toe-tapping tunes of Louis Jordan in one smash-hit musical marvel B y H E L E N B R OW N

N

early 30 years ago, five funloving guys named Moe burst onto the Theatre Royal Stratford East stage to showcase the toe-tapping hits of Louis ‘King of the Jukebox’ Jordan.

The show, created by The Wire’s Clarke Peters, enjoyed a four-year stint in the West End in 2010 with Peters assuming the lead role, and is now back in an all-singing,

all-dancing revival for a modern audience in Marble Arch.

Five Guys Named Moe tells the tale of Nomax, a whiskey-dependant underdog, played with disarrayed humour by Edward Baruwa, whose life is falling into a loveless downward spiral. Listening to the radio one night, he slips into a booze-fuelled stupor and is visited by five guys - yes, you guessed it - named Moe, intent on setting him on the straight and narrow by way of Louis Jordan songs. The inexplicable appearance of these suave and ghostly music-

“The singing is accomplished and the energy interminable”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

meisters - Big Moe, Know Moe, Little Moe, Four-Eyed Moe and Eat Moe - goes unchallenged as they set off on what becomes a slick and exuberant tribute to the healing power of music. That's it for the plot, which leaves a lot to be desired but that’s besides the point. By definition of a jukebox musical, what ensues is a compilation of some seriously funky tunes connected by a loose lineage of comical dialogue. Much to Nomax’s displeasure, we’re treated to song after song from the depths of Louis Jordan’s career, smartly delivered in part by a brilliant six-piece band led by Steve Hill. Andrew Wright’s choreography is tight and witty, the singing accomplished and the energy interminable. The six stars have charisma by the bucket-load and maintain a feel-good party atmosphere - evocative of smoky, rock ‘n’ roll nights spent in an underground jazz bar - as they leap, dance and shimmy amongst the audience. The performance zings with energy and culminates in a night of total fun.

VERDICT

An energetic and unmissable musical hit ★★★★★ FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE UNTIL 24 MARCH 2018; Marble Arch Theatre, WC1 fiveguysmusical.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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GALERIE DURET; NICOLAS DUBREUILLE, SANS TITRE REF (369)

Affairs of

THE ART The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea with a celebration of artistic innovation and female talent

By H E L E N B R O W N

L

ARTÊRIA GALLERY; CHARLES-ALEXIS GRENIER, PROMENADE DU DIMANCHE

ondon’s favourite four-day frenzy of affordable art is back with a new spring edition and a carefully curated selection of diverse and inspiring works from over 100 galleries. Returning to its home in Battersea Park, the spring edition of Affordable Art Fair takes place this March 8-11 with a stellar line-up of contemporary artists showcasing a mix of paintings, editioned prints, sculptures and photography, all priced between £100 and £6,000 – so no matter your taste or budget, everyone can find a piece to fall in love with.

The spring edition will see the return of the fair’s Platform Projects initiative, showcasing innovative installations by emerging and established artists. The fair will also shine a spotlight on some of its most exciting female talent with a dedicated display in honour of International Women’s Day, featuring Delphine Lebourgeois’ bright ‘Army’ series, championing female creativity

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CULTURE • LOCAL

FRAMES GALLERY; FRANK BOAG, EMILIA

“Guests will be invited into a room where the floor mutates in reaction to their movements” and the recognition of womens’ skills.

Lebourgeois’ playful style and recognisable characters from childhood stories make the struggle for gender equality accessible and relatable to all. Her works celebrate and reinforce the importance of female unity and humour in tackling sexism. The exhibition will also host work by British artist and designer Morag Myerscough, known for her distinct bold and vibrant style, who has previously worked on projects for London’s Design Museum and the Barbican Centre.

Elsewhere, rising star Neus Torres Tamarit will reveal her new immersive work, Biomorpha, on the fair’s opening night. Reflecting the instinctive way humans adapt to sudden changes to survive, guests will be invited into a room where the floor mutates and shifts in reaction to their movements. Working at the intersection between art and science, the work has been created in partnership with computer scientist Ben Murray. Meanwhile, Hermione Allsopp’s Bedlam transforms functional bedroom furniture into dysfunctional sculptures and, by repurposing discarded domestic items charged with memories and meanings, her work tackles issues of consumerism and waste. Husband and wife duo Davy and Kristin McGuire will also be debuting a new collection of film noir-inspired video vignettes. Davy, a theatre professional, and Kristin, a former Cirque du Soleil performer, combine their experience and love for theatrics to create mesmerising scenes with a unique dark humour. Last, but certainly not

least, following on from their debut at the Affordable Art Fair Bristol 2017, exciting new talent Laura Collins and Alice Vaughan will be showcasing their work on a London stage for the first time. Guests of all ages are also invited to get hands-on with Artichoke Printmakers who will be offering expert advice and additional inspiration to help visitors create their own original dry point masterpieces in the drop-in Print Studio.

Also on Saturday, visitors can attend a talk with figurative sculptor Scott Pohlschmidt on artist materials, and learn how to grind pigments to make their very own oil paint.

With all this, plus thousands of pieces to fall in love with and expert gallerists on-hand to guide you through the process, finding that perfect piece of art work has never been more fun - or more purse friendly.

THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 8-11 March Battersea Park, SW11; affordableartfair.com

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0039 ITALY ABRO BAGS ABSOLUTE CASHMERE ALPHA STUDIO ASH CARACTERE CHARLI LONDON CREENSTONE ESSENTIEL ANTWERP GREAT PLAINS HOGL INTROPIA KANNA KENNEL SCHMENGER LOLA CRUZ MAC JEANS OAKWOOD ROSSO 35 SET TOM FORD EYEWEAR UNISA

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

GRAND DESIGNS VILSHENKO

Everyone's favourite Russian-born brand, Vilshenko, has taken a trip to the manicured lawns and lofty interiors of the country manor for SS18.

Think English Romanticism meets Eastern-inspired, folkloric flourishes. vilshenko.com

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FASHION NOTES

Usher in budding spring with sunny suits, statement jewellery and the 2018 cardigan

1

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

J I G SAW S S 1 8 EDITOR’S PICK

2

Last year's suit trend has been given a springtime makeover thanks to Jigsaw. For SS18 the brand has delivered the perfect borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette in a universally flattering shade of yellow: vibrant but not garish, pastel yet not saccharine. Simply add sliders and a tan leather cross-body bag and you’re good to go.

Longline Blazer, £190; Portofino Trouser, £115; Madina Raffia Slider, £75

jigsaw-online.com

5 OF THE BEST

HAMMERED EARRINGS

3 4 Mellow 5 YELLOW 1. JW Anderson, Bird Hammered Earrings, £300; mytheresa.com 2. Annie Costello Brown, Disc Gold-Tone Earrings, £120; net-a-porter.com 3. Isabel Marant, Hammered Gold-Tone Earrings, £130; matchesfashion.com 4. Proenza Schouler, Medium Hammered Earrings, £545; proenzaschouler.com 5. Mango, Embossed Earring, £9.99; shop.mango.com

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FASHION • NOTES

Artistic LICENSE WA R E H O U S E X T H E B A R B I CA N

Warehouse has paired up with leading international arts centre, the Barbican, for a very design-savvy capsule collection. Embellished with bamboo motifs and abstract prints in orange, green and black colourways, the pieces draw inspiration from both the centre’s renowned conservatory and the textured planes of the concrete exterior. warehouse.co.uk

WHAT?

THE KNITTER

RING ON IT

M AYA M AGA L X MM COLLECTIVE

This March, jewellery designer Maya Magal has collaborated with five stylish women - including The Telegraph's Sophie Warburton and Harper’s Bazaar's Charlotte Davey - to create a ring design which expresses both their personal style and Magal's own brand of everyday luxury. We want them all. From £72 mayamagal.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

NU

Modern minimalism meets wearable silhouettes in NU’s new season offering

WOOLOVER PUT A

BRAND PROFILE

Thanks to Muiccia Prada and Alessandro Michele the humble cardigan has stolen the sartorial spotlight this season. Madeleine Thompson’s waisttie iteration offers a nod to Gucci with its collegiate red, white and blue hues. £375

NU is the Turkish fashion brand that has been building an international presence since its inception in 2002.

Shaped around an aesthetic of deconstruction, the brand's collections are created by a collaborative team of in-house designers, pattern makers and manufacturers. The finished article is avant garde yet wearable, statement-making yet timeless. Think dramatic silhouettes in a minimalist, tonal colour palette.

WHO?

The NU woman is a city-dweller looking for a hard-wearing uniform with serious style credentials. She is not defined by age but by a timeless approach to trends; she craves cutting-edge design alongside elegance and comfort.

WHERE?

Operating with 16 stores worldwide, NU has steadily built brand loyalty and consumer recognition through its niche positioning in the market. The brand's first London store will be located at 15 New Cavendish Street Marylebone and a second store is to follow in Chelsea. Watch this space.

selfridges.com

GOODY BAG M AY R A F E DA N E

Forget big name brands and lurid logos, because donning the latest under-theradar label is the real way to get style kudos. Our top pick for 2018? Bag designer Mayra Fedane has won us over with her vibrant, personality-packed designs. The ideal pick-me-up for your spring wardrobe. mayrafedane.myshopify.com

nu.com.tr

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FASHION • PRODUCTS

HUSH

ELLERY

Frayed Star Jeans, £79; hush-uk.com

Nashville Piped SatinCrepe Midi Dress, £1,150; net-a-porter.com

COACH Suede Western Jacket, £1,100; uk.coach.com

TOPSHOP Petra Round Felt Hat, £22; topshop.com COACH 1941 SS18

EDITOR’S PICK OFFICE Abandon High Cut Western Boots, £95; office.co.uk

ETRO Belted Fringed Wool-Blend Gilet, £785; net-a-porer.com

CHLOÉ Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag, £260; chloe.com

Rodeo Drive

LONGCHAMP Silk Scarf With Leather Tassels, £410; uk.longchamp.com

The Wild West gets a high fashion makeover for 2018

DIOR CRUISE 2018

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

COACH Horse Print Pleated Skirt With Side Panel, £595; uk.coach.com

WAREHOUSE

JOSEPH Heart Spot Crosby Dress, £495; joseph-fashion.com

Colour Block Western Shirt, £56; warehouse.co.uk

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Fine Bespoke Jewellery

Will Y u?

Exceptional Pieces for Treasured Moments

Specialist Bespoke Goldsmith and Jeweller Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken in store by Master Goldsmiths

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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R

O

AD T R I P Endless horizons and dust-blown planes provide the perfect backdrop for Zimmerman’s modern bohemianism

Zimmerman SS18 available from UK.ZIMMERMANNWEAR .COM

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giovanniraspini.com

5, South Molton Street - London LONDON MILAN ROME FLORENCE VENICE MONTE CARLO

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Deep Blue Descend into the depths with these ocean-hued jewels

Trillion-Cut Blue Topaz & Diamond Pendant

Blue Topaz & Diamond Drop Earrings

Cabochon Blue Topaz & Diamond Drop Earrings

Bespoke Aquamarine On Double Band Diamond Ring

Oval Fancy Cut Blue Topaz & Diamond Pendant

Bespoke Aquamarine & Diamond Ring

Bespoke Pear-Shaped Aquamarine & Diamond Ring

Fancy Drop Earrings With Blue Topaz & Diamonds

Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring

MICHAEL PLATT, GOLDSMITH AND JEWLLER 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW • 020 8947 4772 • michaelplatt.co.uk

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#LOOKING MINT Welcome to MINT, our fresh new hair and makeup studio at 113 Northcote Road it provides great cuts, colouring and make-up too.

Our talented make-up consultants offer everything from a personal make-up lessons to total glam makeover. You can even bring your own make-up and learn how to create a beautiful new look using your current products.

To make make-up or hair booking, just call 0203 745 3126 Download our booking app minthairlondon at the app store

113 NORTHCOTE ROAD LONDON SW11 6PW 020 3745 3126 HELLO@MINTHAIRLONDON.COM MINTHAIRLONDON.COM @minthairlondon NEW_ANTHONYLABAN_USE.indd 1

23/01/2018 16:49

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Into the

LIGHT ILLAMASQUA

Everyone’s going gaga for 'the glow', and we’ve just found the highlighter holy grail. Illamasqua’s Beyond Power is a no.1 cult best-seller and this year they’re releasing a new shade: Daze. This iridescent pink highlighter is on the right side of shimmery and will certainly have people asking after your skincare secret. illamasqua.com

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BEAUTY NOTES

Strip it back this March with sustainable skincare, workout-ready cosmetics and a glow-boosting base

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

BRIT Girl ALEXA CHUNG FOR

L’O R É A L P R O F E S S I O N N E L

Everyone’s favourite fashion muse, Alexa Chung, has been announced as L’Oréal Professionnel’s International Spokesperson for 2018 and will front two exciting new launches: the Parisian Nudes colour collection and Pro Fiber, a hair repair range.

It-girl tresses here we come. lorealprofessionnel.co.uk SKIN689

MEDIK8

Bio-Cellulose Face Mask, £5.90; skin689.ch

Ultimate Recovery™ Bio-Cellulose Zinc Mask, £60; medik8.com

5 OF THE BEST SHEET MASKS

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Dry Sheet Face Mask, £18; charlottetilbury.com

ESTÉE LAUDER Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, £16.50; esteelauder.co.uk

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SWISS CLINIC Face Dry Mask, £29; swissclinic.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES SALON REVIEW

GAME FACE CLINIQUEFIT

Attention all fitness freaks: Clinique has just released a line of cosmetics that won't compromise your workout.

Suitable for before, during and after exercise, this seven-piece collection is formulated to be longwearing but not poreclogging. From storm-proof mascara to sweat-resistant foundation, these are your new gym bag staples.

EDITOR’S PICK

Jamie Stevens

clinique.co.uk

K

B y MIRIAM CAREY

PURE AND SIMPLE

BY SARAH

Good to Glow

DR BARBARA STURM

Forget contouring and say goodbye to HD brows, because 2018 is going to be the year of low-key beauty.

Step one to achieving that elusive, well-rested radiance?

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Glow Drops. Used on its own or combined with your favourite skincare product, this super serum will refine pores and brighten the complexion. £105. dr-barbara-sturm.com

By Sarah was born after its founder, Sarah, was unable to find any beauty products suitable for her sister who was recovering from leukaemia. The experience inspired her to create her own line of plant-based, honestlylabelled and sustainablysourced skincare. bysarahlondon.com

Postal Perfumes SNIPH

Match your perfume to your mood and discover new niche fragrances with Sniph, the new monthly subscription service. For just £17.99 a month, fragrance-lovers can road test new scents in the form of purse-friendly 7ml dispensers. Ideal for girls on the go. sniph.co.uk

nown as the go-to hair guru for countless celebrities, Jamie Stevens is a firmly established name in hairdressing. Having achieved six consecutive British Hairdresser of the Year nominations, it is clear that Jamie and his team have a unique creative talent. Now he has opened a new salon in Clapham Common - what better time to visit?

Like many people visiting the hairdresser - and as someone who has spent years growing out colour - I am tempted to bail and ask for a trim. However, considering the reputation of the salon, I urge myself to be brave. On arrival, I am greeted by creative director Nikita Fisher. I want a change yet something that still looks natural. With a starting point of natural dark blonde, Nikita explains that balayage, a freehand highlighting technique, would look sunkissed and natural. We also decide on shoulder length for the cut, allowing my fine hair to appear fuller.

I sit back and sip Prosecco as Nikita gets to work. What is clear, over the course of the appointment, is Nikita’s incredible level of experience and passion for her job. After three quick hours, one bleach, two hair washes, a cut, blow dry and styling, the finished product is revealed.

My hair looks gorgeous - not too blonde as I had feared. Despite the balayage technique, the dyed strands don't look out of place. The effect is more a subtle, overall colour change - if my starting point was dark blonde then the result is golden.

Overall, my experience at Jamie Stevens is great - Nikita was incredibly patient and helped me to get the end result I wanted.

JAMIE STEVENS CLAPHAM

79 Abbeville Road, SW4 jamiestevenshair.com

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GHD HAIR

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

YU LING ROLLERS Jade Facial Roller, £18 cultbeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK JULEP Chacoal Kongjac Sponge, £7 julep.com

SWISS CLINIC Skin Roller, £42 swissclinic.co.uk

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE

NU FACE

Spectr Lite Eye Care Pro LED, £168 spacenk.com

TWEEZERMAN Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner, £33 boots.com

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Mini Facial Toning Device, £150 lookfantastic.com

GHD HAIR Soft Curl Tong, £120 ghdhair.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Complexion Brush, £30 charlottetilbury.com

From micro-needling to facial massage: introducing the new gadgets for your beauty arsenal B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

BEAUTY BIOSCIENCE GloPro Micro Stimulation Facial Tool, £240 qvcuk.com

TARTE COSMETICS

FOREO

Five-Piece Limited Edition Brush Collection, £41 qvcuk.com

UFO, £249 foreo.com

CARITA My C.L.E., £399 carita.com

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SOUTHSIDE | WANDSWORTH

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OPENING SPRING 2018 020 7223 7372 | info@theglasshouseclinic.co.uk www.theglasshouseclinic.co.uk • Anti-wrinkle Injectables • Bespoke Skincare • Coolsculpt • Hydrafacial • Microneedling • Medical Grade Peels • Pain Free Laser Hair Removal • Tailored facial treatments • Non Surgical Skin Tightening Treatments

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Skin Saviour Luxurious boutique beauty centre, The Glasshouse Clinic comes to Wimbledon Village to offer south west Londoners the very best in facial aesthetics and laser treatments

B

e good to your skin, you’ll wear it everyday for the rest of your life.” No one takes that maxim more seriously than Alison Telfer, Founder and Aesthetic Director at The Glasshouse Clinic, a luxury medispa which bridges the gap between beauty and medispa treatments. We caught up with her to find out why you need to add the clinic to your little black book right now.

Q: What makes the Glasshouse Clinic stand out?

A: I personally oversee every client’s treatment journey and my team does everything possible to ensure every client experience is flawless. I have also sought out the latest and most effective anti-aging treatments within the industry and brought them to my client's doorstep, making it easy for them to pop in after work, or during the school day without anyone knowing. I'm very proud to be credited in the British media as 'the woman to see for naturally

noticeable results, which will leave you looking like you have never had an ounce of work’.

Q: Why Wimbledon?

A: I have always loved Wimbledon and I was surprised that local residents were having to travel several miles to find the treatments they wanted. Ladies would come from Wimbledon to see us in Clapham, and frequently say ‘if only you had a clinic in Wimbledon’.

One thing I have always prided myself on is listening to the client and what they want. We are hoping now that it will be much easier for our clients from Putney, Barnes, Raynes Park and surrounding areas to have the treatments they choose, slightly closer to home.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A: I get tremendous satisfaction in giving clients what they want, when they want and how they want. Some of our clients are extremely anxious when they first visit the clinic and might be going through changes in their lives, so it's truly fantastic when they leave feeling looked-after, confident and happier in their skin.

The key is making them look like they don’t need treatment, rather than look like they’ve had it.

Q: What's the latest treatment you are bringing to Wimbledon?

A: We are delighted to be bringing CoolSculpt fat-freezing to the village - a safe and effective alternative treatment to liposuction. The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses

LAUCH PARTY Thursday 26 April, 5-8pm - Goody bags worth £100 for the first 50 to RSVP. - To secure your spot, email annmarie.k@ theglasshouseclinic. co.uk

“They leave feeling confident and happier in their skin” controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat. The results are great; it genuinely works, is noticeable and lasting. In 2017, in our Clapham Clinic, we were thrilled to deliver the most treatments from one machine in Europe. What’s also very exciting is that we will be offering ‘Dual Sculpting’ which means treatment times will be halved. We are one of the only clinics outside Harley Street to offer this service.

Q: What makes you different to other clinics?

A: Our personalised approach, treatment journey and service levels are very different to most other clinics. We are constantly taking on new treatments - the best and most innovative in the world, and bringing them to your local neighbourhood. We pride ourselves on being a boutique clinic, so you are remembered from the moment you step through the door. What's more, everything about the clinic is private and discreet. You could be visiting us to simply pick up some sunscreen, collect your favourite skincare, have a hydra-facial, or be spending the day with us for a full body transformation.

THE GLASSHOUSE CLINIC 32 Wimbledon High Street SW19 5BY 020 7223 7372 | wimbledon@theglasshouseclinic.co.uk theglasshouseclinic.co.uk

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skinade.com

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

Discover skinade™ – the skincare drink that nourishes the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.

Available from skincare professionals only.

To find a stockist go to skinade.com To become a stockist, please call us on 08451 300 205 or email info@skinade.co.uk

MADE IN THE UK

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS NOTES

Lucas Hugh The fitness brand to know now…

WHAT IS IT?

● LUCAS HUGH is a London-based women’s activewear brand that incorporates futuristic design with technical performance. Established in 2010 by founder and Creative Director Anjhe Mules, it was the first of its kind to incorporate the fullybonded seam - used in Olympicquality swimwear - into activewear.

F45 TRAINING We try out the latest craze making waves in the fitness industry

WHO IS IT FOR?

● Designed for the woman who won’t compromise on performance or style, Lucas Hugh activewear fills the need for versatile clothing that is sophisticated both in and out of the gym. Cut to complement and engineered to support, each piece enhances form through its use of high compression, body-sculpting fabrics, supportive waistbands and flattering ‘V’ cutouts.

WHAT IS IT? From spinning to strength training, HITT to callisthenics, the fitness industry is big bucks at the moment but no workout has made waves quite like Australianborn, F45. This group-training phenomenon follows a tabata structure and features the most dynamic and effective functional training styles currently in play today. In short, it’s a studio-based, 45-minute, high-intensity, circuit class. The ‘F’ in the name stands for functional, a training practise that mimics everyday actions

like jumping, reaching, lifting and bending so that the body benefits in every aspect of active life.

WHO IS IT FOR? F45 encourages all fitness levels and exercises include squatting, pulling and pushing, meaning that pretty much anyone can do it; from those starting out on an active lifestyle to those looking to refresh their routine.

group workout centred around three stations or pods. Each pod has three exercises which are carried out four times for 20 seconds with a 10 second rest in between. We are required to complete the pod two times before moving onto the next. This format means that the class - although difficult - seems to absolutely fly by. Our instructors are welcoming and take time to ensure that form is correct. This workout includes squat variations, spinning and kettlebell swings, although these might vary from class to class. We leave completely shattered, but having had one of our best workouts in a long time.

WHAT IS IT LIKE? We’re at F45 Farringdon for the Athletica class, a cardio-based,

F 4 5 FA R R I N G D O N 9-13 Cowcross Street, EC1M For full list of studios visit f45training.co.uk

N E W S PAC E S

The latest editions to London’s swankiest gyms offering; here’s where we’ll be feeling the burn this month WHAT’S NEW?

● Lucas Hugh’s SS18 Auto-Glitch collection draws on parallels between the world of highperformance sportswear and the luxury of concept car design. Expect innovative shapes, aerodynamic lines and forward-thinking design. lucashugh.com

ANOTHER_SPACE BANK ● Another_Space has opened a second studio in the city with the same fast and furious HIIT, cycle and dynamic yoga as loved in the original. 40 Coleman Street, EC2R; anotherspace.london

F45 FULHAM ● F45 is the latest group fitness training phenomenon from Australia and is popping up all over London. Try it for yourself in the newly opened F45 Fulham. Dawes Road, SW6; f45training.co.uk.

BLOK SHOREDITCH ● BLOK has opened its second space in Shoreditch. From Cardio Killers to Ballet Fit, there is something to challenge all fitness levels. 2 Hearn Street, EC2A; bloklondon.com

BARRY’S BOOTCAMP SW1 ● Hailed as the world’s toughest workout, cult followers of Barry’s Bootcamp can now get their hit in SW1 where a fourth London studio has opened.

16 Eccleston Place, SW1W; barrysbootcamp.com

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FOOD & DRINK

TAIWAN IN TOOTING DADDY BAO Daddy Bao is the latest venture from the Mr Bao team and will be serving a menu packed with delicious, pillowy bao buns.

Try pork and peanuts or crunchy fried chicken for a true taste of Taiwan in Tooting.

113 Mitcham Road, SW17 daddybao.com

Wines of the month 62 • Our favourite Easter eggs 63 • Food Review: Fiume 71 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 March

By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2013 Berry Bros. & Rudd English Sparkling Wine £25.95 Produced in Appledore vineyards in Hampshire, this sparkling wine is created from a blend of 72 percent Chardonnay, 22 percent Pinot Noir and six percent Pinot Meunier and is the perfect aperitif for Easter.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Old-Blocks Chenin Blanc by Tierhoek £14.25 Brand new to the Berry Bros. & Rudd own-label range, this chenin displays the grapes classic citrus and orchard fruit aromas. It is an elegant and refreshing wine, ideal to enjoy with charcuterie or white meat.

2015 Barbera d’Asti, La Mora, Laiolo Reginin, Vinchio, Piedmont £14.75 Bursting with aromas of blueberry and blackcurrant with a hint of white pepper, this juicy fruity red wine has both refreshing acidity and silky tannins.

Great with tomato-based pasta dishes.

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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Great British Gastronomy F OX A N D T H E G R A P E S

In exciting news for foodies, The Fox and the Grapes has reopened following a superb refurbishment. Owned by chef Paul Merrett and business partner Tim Woodcock, the menu has also had a re-vamp, boasting great British classics to match the fresh new look of the kitchen and restaurant.

9 Camp Road, SW19 foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

EASTER EGGS DAYLESFORD Organic Dairy-Free Rose Petal Egg, £15; daylesford.com

VEGAN VENUE

HARRODS Alistair Birt Chocolate and Salted Caramel Egg, £50; harrods.com

THE RECTORY

HOTEL CHOCOLAT Ostrich Egg, £75; hotelchocolat.com

URBAN EATERY C I N N A M O N K I TC H E N

Fans of Cinnamon Club rejoice for Vivek Singh, the brains behind the Indian fine dining restaurant, has opened his latest venture in Battersea. Cinnamon Kitchen is sleek and urban-inspired, with a menu that is modern. Expect exceptional Indian cuisine and dishes such as a fiery Rajasthani lamb curry and chargrilled sea bass in a banana leaf.

4 Arches Lane, SW11 cinnamon-kitchen.com

Previously known as The Calf, The Rectory is the latest addition to Clapham’s drinking and dining scene.

The pub now comes under the same ownership as Shillibeer’s bar in Islington and it's worth a visit to try their vegan twists on pub classics.

87 Rectory Grove, SW4 therectoryclapham.co.uk

L’ARITSAN DU CHOCOLAT Dark Chocolate Gold Leaf Sculpture, £35; artisanduchocolat.com

BOOJA BOOJA Organic, Dairy-Free, Hazelnut Chocolates in Decorative Egg, £12.99 boojabooja.com

LAKRIDS Chocolate Coated Liquorice in Dulce de Leche or Passion Fruit, £26.99; int.lakrids.nu

ROYAL RAJASTHAN CHOKHI DHANI

PIERRE HERME Ouef Lucio Fontana, £136; pierreherme.com

ARTISAN PIZZERIA

SELFRIDGES Milk Chocolate Easter Egg, £29.99; selfridges.com

PI

Pi is the latest artisan pizzeria to land in Clapham.

Visitors can indulge in pizzas packed with high quality produce - think Isle of Wight tomatoes, Hampshire pork sausage, wild boar salami, piquillo pepper and whole balls of burrata - on light and airy bases with crisp crusts.

4-6a Battersea Rise, SW11 pi-pizza.co.uk

LIBERTY Chocolate Society Fried Easter Egg, £29.95; libertylondon.com

This is the first London restaurant from luxury Indian brand Chokhi Dhani. Guests will experience the same exceptional service as those who visit the regal venue in Rajasthan and can enjoy fine food amongst dazzling interiors - including a two tonne bronze elephant sculpture.

Riverside Walk, SW8 chokhidhani.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Yellow Courgette, Asparagus & Pea Shoot Salad with Red Basil Oil & Cashew Cream Serves 4-6

T

his elegant and simple raw salad is all about letting the natural colours and flavours of summer vegetables shine through. If you can’t get yellow courgettes, you can use regular green ones.

INGREDIENTS

Bright Food, BOLD FLAVOURS Exciting and sustainable recipes from Mildred’s first Vegan Cookbook

B

ack in the late 1980s, when London’s Soho was still edgy, we launched Mildreds on an unsuspecting public. Those were the days when diners were all too accustomed to vegetarian food being brown and ‘worthy’, dished up on earthenware pottery. But our aim at Mildreds was – and still very much is – to deliver an inspiring eating experience with fresh, vibrant vegetarian dishes featuring ideas from a wide variety of culinary styles.

Despite prophecies of early closure from the local community, which gave us six months at the

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most, Mildreds thrived from the start and has gone from strength to strength to become the worldrenowned restaurant it is today.

The original Soho restaurant has now been joined by three sister restaurants in Camden, Kings Cross and Dalston, and in 2015 Mildreds The Cookbook was published, showcasing some of our favourite recipes from the restaurant. We are now extremely proud to present Mildreds Vegan Cookbook, where we have chosen to focus exclusively on vegan cooking.

Vegan cooking is often regarded as a relatively complicated way of preparing food, and it can seem daunting to make the move away from the more traditional approach to working with unfamiliar ingredients. But there is now an abundance of vegan ingredients and substitutes readily available at all major supermarkets, and we show you how a well-stocked larder and refrigerator, together with a little forethought, can help make the process easier.

2–3 yellow courgettes 12 asparagus spears juice of ½ lemon 1/3 teaspoon sea salt flakes 150g pea shoots 4–6 tablespoons Cashew Cream, to serve

Fo r t h e r e d b a s i l o i l 30g red basil, tough stems removed grated zest and juice of ½ orange ¼ teaspoon agave syrup 100ml light olive oil sea salt flakes Using a French-style peeler, slice long thin strips off the courgettes until you reach the seeds, then discard the seedy centre.

Remove the tough part of the asparagus by bending each spear at the stalk end and allowing it to snap where the tender part begins. Cut the tender part into strips as thin as you can manage.

Toss the courgette and asparagus strips with the lemon juice and salt in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave them to stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To make the red basil oil, simply blend all the ingredients in a blender, or in a measuring jug with a stick blender, until smooth.

Give the courgettes and asparagus a little squeeze to remove the excess liquid, then toss with the pea shoots and four tablespoons of the red basil oil.

Put a tablespoon of the cashew cream on each plate and then a small handful of the salad. Drizzle over more red basil oil.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Wash the urid beans and dahl, then leave to soak in cold water overnight. Wash and soak the red kidney beans separately.

Drain the urid beans and dahl and set aside. Drain the kidney beans, wash again and place in a saucepan. Cover with plenty of fresh water, add a little salt and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for a good 10 minutes, skimming off any foam, then drain.

Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan, add the onion with the ginger and chilli and cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown. Add the spices and cook gently for a few minutes.

Stir in the red kidney beans, urid beans and dahl, then pour in enough water to cover by 2cm. Add the remaining ingredients (except the coriander) and simmer over a medium heat for 45 minutes–1 hour, stirring frequently, until the beans and pulses begin to break down. Add water as necessary, but the dahl should be quite thick and with a creamy consistency.

Season to taste with salt.

Mango Chutney INGREDIENTS

Goa Bowl

Dahl

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

ildred's Goa bowl is a bowl full of fresh and filling South Indianinspired goodies – dahl, cardamom and pea basmati, mango chutney, okra, coconut chutney, lime and coriander naan. Here we give you the recipe for Mildred's dahl and mango chutney, but you can find the recipe for the other components in their book.

Madhur Jaffrey says the key to great dahl is the very frequent stirring and we’re not going to argue with Madhur. The urid beans, also known as mungo beans or black lentils, are common to South Indian cuisine and are easy to find in shops with a decent Asian selection and in some supermarkets, or online.

For a quicker-cooking version, you can just use 300g dried chana dahl, thoroughly rinsed.

150g dried urid beans 100g dried chana dahl 150g dried red kidney beans 75ml light oil (groundnut or sunflower) 1 onion, diced 3cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated, then finely chopped 1 green chilli, diced ½ tablespoon cumin seeds ½ tablespoon toasted and ground cumin seeds ½ cinnamon stick ½ teaspoon chilli powder 1/3 teaspoon chilli flakes ½ teaspoon toasted and ground cardamom seeds ¼ teaspoon toasted and ground whole cloves good pinch of grated nutmeg 400g can chopped tomatoes, half blended to a purée 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves juice of 1 lime 20g coriander, chopped, to garnish salt

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50ml light oil ½ small onion, finely diced 5g peeled fresh root ginger ¼ red chilli, finely chopped seeds from 2 green cardamom pods ½ cinnamon stick ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds 1/8 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds good pinch of nigella seeds 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 1 Bramley apple, peeled, cored and diced 1 mango, stoned, peeled and finely diced 100g caster sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 100ml water 50ml cider vinegar Heat the oil in a small saucepan, add the onion and sauté over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned. Add the ginger and cook for a further few minutes.

Stir in the chilli and all the spices except the turmeric and cook gently.

Add all the remaining ingredients and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently.

Leave to cool and store in a sterilized jar or in an airtight sturdy plastic food container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 7–10 days if stored correctly.

TO AS S EM B LE Each serving should comprise a large serving of dahl, a large scoop of basmati rice, a naan bread, a few okra, a small portion of mango chutney. Garnish with spring onions, coriander and a lime wedge.

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to book please call

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

Authentic Punjabi Restaurant

Tasty, Seasonal Cooking

lightwimbledon.co.uk | 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX

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

~

three course set dinner £23.50 offer available until the end of march - monday to thursday. mention offer when booking.

“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…”

tuesday nights - 2 rib-eye steaks, chips, salad and a bottle of house wine - £45

J. Macdonald,Wimbledon

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

2 course set lunch £15.50

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monday to saturday

3 course set dinner £25 monday to thursday

offers available until end of february, mention offer when booking.

to make a booking call 020 8944 6338 Wimbledons favourite neighbourhood restaurant.

Great value set menus.

Seasonal cooking at its best 020 8644 8523 www.annsdesignercakes.com

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

22/02/2018 17:18

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Plum Teriyaki Aubergine INGREDIENTS teriyaki marinade reserved from the Teriyaki-marinated Tofu 3 plums, stoned and diced 1 tablespoon coconut or caster sugar 10–12 baby aubergines or 2 regular aubergines 75ml blended oil (half sesame and half sunflower) salt Add the reserved marinade to a small saucepan along with the plums and sugar and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the plums have softened and are fully cooked.

Remove from the heat and blend in a food processor or with a stick blender. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar if needed.

Cut the aubergines in half and score the cut sides in a crisscross pattern, cutting almost all the way down through the flesh but without piercing the skin. Place in a bowl or colander, sprinkle lightly with salt and leave to sit for an hour. Rinse the aubergines and place in a bowl with the oil, then toss to coat the aubergines well.

Tokyo Bowl Serves 4-6

Teriaykimarinated Tofu INGREDIENTS

Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas Mark 4.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the Plum Teriyaki Aubergine. Spread the tofu out on the lined baking tray. Mix the spice mix, sesame seeds, sesame oil and agave together in a bowl and drizzle the mixture over the tofu. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tofu firms up slightly and the alcohol has been cooked out.

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

Mix the mirin and tamari together in a bowl. Add the tofu and toss to coat well.

Cover with clingfilm and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

MILDRED'S VEGAN COOKBOOK

200ml mirin 50ml tamari 325g pack firm tofu, cut into cubes 2 teaspoons Japanese seven spice mix 2 teaspoons sesame seeds 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon agave syrup

By Dan Acevedo and Sarah Wasserman, published by Mitchell Beazley, £25 octopusbooks.co.uk

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Japanese-inspired feast of fantastic colours and sweet tangy and spicy flavours, the Tokyo Bowl includes spicy tofu, plum teriyaki baby aubergines, pickled daikon (mooli), black rice, a mix of toasted seeds and seaweed and edamame. The dish is finished with a warming cup of miso soup, which can either be drunk with it or poured over the bowl.

Here we give you the recipe for teriayki marinated tofu, plum teriayki aubergine and black rice - you can find out how to make the other components in the Mildred's Vegan Cookbook.

The tofu recipe will make a bit more teriyaki sauce than you need for the aubergines, so save the rest for delicious stir-fries. The plums don’t have to be super ripe – if they are harder, your teriyaki will just be a little more tart. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat a large frying pan to a medium-high heat, add the oiled aubergines and fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side to give them some colour. Transfer to a baking tray and coat with the marinade, spreading it over the aubergines with your fingers to allow the marinade to soak into the flesh. Bake for 20–30 minutes until the aubergine flesh is soft and the sauce has caramelized slightly.

Black Rice INGREDIENTS 200g black Venus rice 450ml water salt Rinse the rice and then drain. Bring the measured water to the boil in a saucepan.

Add the rice and return to a simmer.

Cover the pan and simmer for about 30–45 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.

TO AS S EM B LE Each bowl should get a scoop of rice, some aubergine, a few cubes of tofu, a cup of miso soup and a couple of tablespoons of seed-weed, finishing with a scoop of edamame and spring onions, along with a heaped tablespoon of cold pickled daikon (about 4–5 slices) on the side of the bowl.

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FOOD & DRINK • PREPARATION

Counter

culture

By PENDLE HARTE

“Will it become a life-saver or end up at the back of the cupboard?”

U

nless your kitchen is an enormous glass box newly attached to the back of your house, space in it is probably at a premium. And even if you do have floor space in abundance and countertop inches to spare, there’s no reason to fill it all with things that don’t actually improve your life. But still, open the cupboards in even the most stylish kitchen and you might find a repository of mismatched Tupperware, unused utensils and endless gadgets with their inevitable attachments. So with any new purchase, the questions arises: will it become a life-saver or end up at the back of the unused cupboard?

In my own busy family kitchen, lots of necessary electricals fight for countertop space. A kettle, a toaster, obviously. A nutribullet and an espresso machine (both used daily). A Sodastream (very slim, saves on San Pellegrino bottles), a bread machine (big but worth it for the freshlybaked smell in the morning). On a high shelf there’s a rarely-used citrus juicer; in a cupboard a hand mixer with attachments (I’d love a stand mixer but can’t justify the space). We used to have a juicer but ditched it (too complicated to clean) and never replaced the coffee grinder when it broke (apparently you can use the nutribullet but we just buy ground now). But I got to thinking about slow cookers. Imagine throwing a few ingredients at it in the morning and coming home to a warm curry. We could have soup and stews waiting for us every day. And pulled pork.

But would we really use it? A straw poll of friends is divided – some use slow cookers every day for all the above reasons.

Others are less keen. Just leave it in a casserole in the oven on low, they say. One person is actively sneery. ‘Slow cookers make everything taste like school dinners,’ he says.

Absolutely’s verdict on kitchen gadgets: the slow cooker

The Fast-Slow Pro is not small. About the size of the bread machine in fact, and quite tall too. When it’s on the counter I can barely see inside it without getting a stool. The downside of having lots of promising-sounding functions is that the instruction manual is daunting, but the machine is self-explanatory with settings such as ‘soup’, ‘casserole’, ‘bolognese’ and ‘risotto’. We enjoy the novelty of coming home to chilli con carne after minimal effort in the morning and making soup without standing over a pot. There’s also no steam, so even if it’s on for six hours, the kitchen doesn’t fill with condensation. Pulled pork is a success and we cook a whole chicken in there too – but there are too many functions for us to try all of them.

Our verdict? It’s undeniably a useful machine but by no means a compact one. We’re torn. It’s easy to operate, has reliable results and offers a convenient way of planning meals, so if my counter had space for it, I’d be sold. But I’m not sure that I’d use it every day. I can’t see how they’d make one with a much smaller footprint without sacrificing capacity, but if they could, I’d definitely go for that.

SAGE BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL’S FAST SLOW PRO Available at sageappliances.co.uk for £199.95.

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AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN WAITROSE, MAJESTIC, 31DOVER.COM AND UK DUTY FREE

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The truffle and grana padano doughnut was a delicious savoury take on the deep fried treat”

FIUME Innovative Italian cooking in a stylish riverside setting

F

B y MIRIAM CAREY

iume is a modern Italian restaurant and was one of the first businesses to make its home in the new Battersea Power Station development.

In Italy, Fiume means river so it's fitting that the restaurant boasts a remarkable location, right on the bank of the Thames.

The stylish interiors come courtesy of Macaulay Sinclair, the designer behind Hawksmoor and Dishoom. They compete with the exterior as natural materials such as oak, stone and marble create a

warm, sophisticated setting.

On the menu are many classic Italian dishes alongside more innovative options. To start we order the burrata radicchio and the more unusual truffle and grana padano doughnut. The milky burrata was top quality with a creamy centre, while the truffle and grana padano doughnut proffered a delicious savoury take on the deep fried sweet treat. It is light, crisp and topped with truffle and cheese sauce. Absolute heaven.

For mains I order the crab and Amalfi lemon tagliolini and my dining partner opts for the

FOOD High quality, innovative Italian cooking

DECOR Sophisticated interiors with oak, stone and marble

PRICE A three-course meal for two with drinks: £80

VERDICT A good go-to option for a celebratory dinner

sirloin steak with a simple side salad. The crab and Amalfi lemon taglioni catches my eye as a primi course as soon as I see the menu, but the restaurant are happy to oblige and cook me up a secondi portion. I find sirloin steaks can often be disappointing, but this one is cooked to perfection. Served medium rare, it is charred and flavoursome, while still juicy and pink in the middle.

On the dessert menu there is an intriguing dish called a Zabaione Fruit Gratin, made to be shared.

We order this out of curiosity and I can only describe it as a boozy eggbased custard stuffed with berries and topped with sugar. Certainly intriguing. One of my favourite parts of eating out is the possibility of trying new dishes.

Without a doubt I would return to Fiume. It is a good option for a celebratory dinner - the location is good, the food great and the waiters friendly, knowledgeable and ready to assist. ● FIUME RESTAURANT Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, SW8 fiume-restaurant.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www.castrads.com Book a home consultation or visit one of our showrooms for bespoke heating Cast iron radiators hand made in England UK stores in Chelsea, Wimbledon & Manchester +44 (0) 20 3397 7295 | +44 (0) 161 439 9350

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INTERIORS Interiors Notes 74 • Women in design

fenwicks.co.uk/stores/kingston

76 • Sleep

essentials

84 • Stelton's

legacy

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

British brand BHS

British Home Stores has relaunched as an online store with a large focus on homeware. Stylish lighting, high quality bedding and and a large variety of accessories make it a welcome addition. bhs.com.

VILLA STYLE DEDAR

Lovers of interiors will enjoy Oscar-nominated ďŹ lm Call Me

By Your Name, whose lavish villa interiors feature beautiful Dedar fabrics such as their Dalie Papaveri Tulipani and Abstract.

Look out for them. dedar.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES F AV UR

OR

ITE

CU G EG O

PS

AUDENZA Aniimal egg cups, £10.95 audenza.com

TROPICAL FLORA DESIGNERS GUILD

A new range of wallpapers

by Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild includes this dramatic Birds Sinfonia Crepuscule, pictured, a lavish and colourful fresco. designersguild.com

LUCIE KAAS Bordfolk Danish egg cups, £13.50 brassicamercantile.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ETERNAL FLAME MARBLE HILL FIREPLACES

Specialising in Balanced Flue Gas Fires, traditional and contemporary fireplaces, Marble Hill was established in 1974 and offers the largest and most comprehensive selection of fireplaces in the UK. Mantels range from elaborate antique pieces to minimalist modern ones, and they'll advise, install and service.

SCP Beardy man egg cups, £10 scp.com

marblehill.co.uk

ALESSI Cico egg cup and spoon, £13.50 selfridges.com

OMM Frida egg cup, £16.95 cultfurniture.com

DESIGN LETTERS E for Egg cups, £24 for two, teaandkate.co.uk

TRUE BLUE NORDIC HOUSE

Nordic House's Scandinavian tableware is beautiful and practical.

The blue and white handpainted Maja range is pretty and likeable. nordichouse.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Design by

WOMEN In time for National Women’s Day, HOME celebrates women in design

By P E A R L B OY D Amélie du Passage; her Vertigo light became a remarkable success

Fran Hickman and her design for Chess Club

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mélie du Passage founded design brand Petite Friture in 2009 with the aim of asserting a distinct style and bringing with her an emerging French and European design scene. After its first five years, Petite Friture succeeded in disseminating its style and putting its name to products through more than forty collaborations, including the well-known Vertigo light, designed by Constance Guisset, which became a remarkable success. Recent collaborations include the Jetlag wallpaper

by French illustrator, Lisa Laubreaux, the Dojo collection by AC/AL Studio and Max Enrich’s Thin coffee table; all of which were launched at 2018's Maison&Objet.

Fran Hickman founded her design studio in January 2014. Working with architectural partners and contractors across a wide variety of residential and commercial interiors, as well as on custom products and furniture, Fran’s work is recognised for its bespoke, highly tailored

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

Jessica Mason and her modern rustic bedding brand Piglet

approach. She draws on an extensive art and design vocabulary to create environments that are both elegant and engaging. Before establishing her own studio, Fran worked on interiors across the Soho House Group as well as for Waldo Works, where clients included Selfridges Personal Shopping, Smythson on Bond Street and Temperley. She has worked on residential projects all over Europe and in the United States.

Jessica Mason launched Piglet in January 2017 having worked for six years in PR and marketing in London and Dubai.

During that time she represented a whole host of brands - from Aesop and Ray-Ban to Christian Louboutin - which helped to shape her idea of the kind of company she’s building. Jessica believes this is a really exciting time for e-commerce with more and more ways emerging to connect directly with customers in a meaningful and personal way. Piglet offers modern rustic bedding made from 100% French Flax linen available in a variety of on-trend colours including Sage, Blush, Dove Grey, and White. Jessica believes that a beautiful home doesn’t need to be high maintenance but that with high quality, natural basics

Ursula L’Hoste founded German design brand pulop with her husband

“Her extensive vocabulary creates environments that are engaging” even an unmade bed can be beautiful.

Ursula L’Hoste founded German design brand pulpo, in 2008, with her husband, Patrick L’Hoste. Prior to establishing pulpo, Ursula worked in marketing for various companies in Germany, London, and Basel. Ursula has a keen interest in contemporary art and together with Patrick, collects contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photographs from Frances Bacon and Cindy Sherman, to lesser known, younger and undiscovered artists.

This mutual love for contemporary art inspired the celebration of colour, material, and texture which is at the heart of pulpo.

Today, Ursula is in charge of all client management at pulpo.

Founded by the Essex girl Carolyn Clewer, and Parisienne Tiphaine de Lussy, Paris Essex is the result of years of collaboration between the two knitwear

Essex girl Carolyn Clewer and Parisienne Tiphaine de Lussy founded Paris Essex together

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DESIGNERS GUILD TULIPANI DOUBLE DUVET COVER WAS £105 NOW £35

SANDERSON HOME DAWN CHORUS DOUBLE DUVET COVER WAS £100 NOW £45

JIGSAW WATER STRIPE DOUBLE DUVET COVER WAS £90 NOW £39

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“An ornament should also serve a purpose” mirrors or plates with real flowers, German designer Meike Harde’s pieces of furniture, lighting, and accessories combine constructive as well as intuitive elements, always with a subtle poetic character. “An ornament should also serve a purpose”, says the award-winning designer from Cologne, who deliberately questions and reinterprets common production techniques. Meike’s works have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Holon Design Museum in Tel Aviv, and are distributed through a number of internationally renowned design manufacturers. Meike Harde met pulpo at the beginning of her career, while she was exhibiting in various galleries. Patrick and Ursula from pulpo fell in love with her experimental and methodical approach with colours and materials. Today, pulpo have worked with Meike Harde to produce three different designs, including Miro, Miro on the wall and most recently, the Potpourri glassware collection - all demonstrating her deep and sensitive understanding of shapes, shades, and surfaces.

Cologne-based Meike Hardy deliberately questions and reinterprets common production techniques

and textiles specialists, which began 26 years ago at the Royal College of Art. Paris Essex's Crazy Blankets represent a creative dialogue between Clewer and de Lussy; the two take it in turns to play with crochet and knit, using mohair, wool and super-synthetics. Each blanket takes on its own personality as it grows organically and fluidly, with a process more akin to collage or patchwork than meticulously planned design. With names such as Heebie Jeebie, Zig Zag Bunny and Miss Harlow, each blanket tells its own story, mixing in patterns, shapes and characters.

Defne Koz is co-founder and partner of Koz Susani Design, an award winning, innovative studio based in Chicago where she designs iconic, emotionally engaging and award winning products and experiences. Her idea of design is influenced by her training in Ettore Sottsass’ studio, as well as her Turkish and Italian culture and her curiosity for different product types. To coincide with the recent Milan Design Week, Defne Koz collaborated with Istanbul-based design brand Nude to create the stunning Foresta coloured glass candle holder and the Layers coloured glass vase; both instant successes.

Whether it is textile wardrobes, marbled

Defne Koz collaborated with design brand Nude to create the Foresta coloured glass candle holder and the Layers vase

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

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LA SIESTA ALABAMA HAMMOCK RRP £899 NOW £699

MAZE RATTAN OXFORD 6 SEAT BAR SET RRP £1,799 NOW £1,299

BRAMBLECREST MONTEREY CASUAL MODULAR SOFA SET RRP £2,499 NOW £1,849

BRAMBLECREST MONTEREY ELLIPTICAL DINING SET WAS £2,869 NOW £1,999

Second floor

STARTS SATURDAY

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020 8546 1001 KT1 1TX

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INTERIORS • GARDENING

Composite Deck

PROJECT From style to sustainability, discover the benefits of choosing composite decking over wood Wo r d s PAT R I C K M A R T I N

and glazing panels. The deck was flanked on both sides with rendered raised beds with built in seating finished in the same slate-grey colour as the composite deck. The fencing on both sides was clad in a light pine narrow gauge timber batten with down lighters at intervals.

One of the advantages with composite decking over timber, is that it is much less prone to rot, split, crack and fade, and generally requires the minimum of maintenance in comparison to wood.

This was an important consideration for our clients as they were looking forward to enjoying their new outdoor space, not maintaining it.

At the far end of the garden, there was a very shady area under some large trees which was not

“Looking forward to enjoying their new outdoor space, not maintaining it”

T

he design brief for this project in Wimbledon was to create an extensive outdoor living space to connect with the open plan kitchen and dining area of the house. This was to be via a set of bi-fold doors and glazing panels that were built into the bay of the ground floor extension.

Previously there had been a patio consisting of some rather drab grey paving slabs which were completely out of sync with the high specification design and build of the house.

We decided to build a premium quality composite deck to wrap around the bay and extend out into the garden. Our client opted for a slate-grey colour to match the frames of the bi-fold doors

Gardens PM LANDSCAPES

being used and was essentially dead space in the garden. We designed and built a Brazilian slate patio and enhanced the whole area, again with the pine timber cladding with down lighters so that it could easily be seen from the house.

On completion, the garden now had two separate living areas, designed and built with different materials but with the combining components of the slate-grey shade of the composite deck and the Brazilian slate and the pine timber cladding with down lighters which was installed in both areas.

PM LANDSCAPES Offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects; pmlandscapes.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • STYLE

MY HOME Natalie Cardew of Wonder and Rah shows us around her new house wonderandrah.co.uk

THE MOVE

Last summer we made the move from London down to the south coast of Dorset. It was a huge change which involved selling/buying and relocating jobs so managing the timing of it all did make it super stressful.

MY STYLE

I am such a chameleon and my style changes with my mood. I guess it’s eclectic, alternative, fun and pattern focused. Nothing too matchy-matchy.

PATTERN AND TEXTURE

I love interiors, to a fairly unhealthy degree, and I’m completely obsessed with pattern and texture in rugs, cushions and prints.

NEUTRAL BASICS

Because I know how much I love to play with soft furnishings and switch up the feel of a room with cushions and prints, I keep the basics fairly neutral.

SHADES OF GREY I have a range of grey walls in my house from the very dark to the very light, I love how it allows a print to pop and is so easily adapted. That said I’m about to paint a green/blue half wall in my son’s bedroom, pretty daring for me but maybe it’s a start of something new.

CHILDREN'S ROOMS

Having children has made me more playful with interiors, quite often I will buy something for one of the children’s rooms then decide I like it too much and want it up in the living room.

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BALMORAL 150CM DIVAN SET WAS £3,939 NOW £1,969 PLUS 2 Free Drawers & 150cm for 135cm Price

MARQUESS 150CM DIVAN SET WAS £5,019 NOW £2,499 PLUS 2 Free Drawers & 150cm for 135cm Price

VICTORIA 150CM DIVAN SET AND HEADBOARD WAS £4,739 NOW £3,549 Plus 2 free Hungarian Goose pillows worth £159

MILLENIUM 150CM MATTRESS WAS £1,999 NOW £1,499 Plus 2 free pillows

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A good night’s

SLEEP 16 March is World Sleep Day – but sleep is important all year round. Here are some bedroom essentials

By PENDLE HARTE

1

Italian brand Bonaldo's beautiful Blanket Bed is essentially made out of a blanket, which supports the mattress and rolls up as a headboard. It's both an actual comfort and a symbol of comfort. gomodern.co.uk

Reading for as little as six minutes before sleep can reduce stress levels by up to 68%

Herdysleep’s supportive mattresses combine responsibly sourced natural materials with a level of luxury and craftsmanship never seen before in a rolled mattress. A restful sleep is guaranteed. herdysleep.com

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

3 The Secret Linen Store's 100% linen sets are piece-dyed with a vintage laundered finish, which means that each item is made and hemmed before being dyed and tumbled.

This creates slight irregularities in the colour of the linen - most notably around the edges - that give a relaxed, well-used look that would otherwise take years to achieve. secretlinenstore.com

4

The Headboard Workshop's userfriendly website and free swatch service makes light work of choosing a headboard. Alongside countless styles to choose from there is the option to go bespoke or use your own fabric and with more than 30 years of experience, their craftsmanship is unrivalled. theheadboardworkshop.co.uk

RISE AND SHINE

N

A good night’s sleep is crucial to one’s overall wellbeing – and finding the right mattress will put you on the right track

obody likes an alarm clock.

If it's loud enough to wake you up then it's loud enough to destroy your mood – and waking up grumpy defeats the point of investing in lovely mattresses and linens. Not for me though, because I have been waking up with Lumie's bodyclock all winter. A gentle light mimics the sun rising, rousing me silently and imperceptibly before the sound of birdsong gradually enters my consciousness (you can also choose a kitten purring, or waves lapping, or trains or even traffic, depending on your preference). So I am tricked into thinking I've woken up naturally, even though it's 6.45am on a freezing Monday. It's revolutionary. Bodyclock Luxe 700, £170, lumie.com

ECO LIVING

T

he Fine Bedding Company has launched a new eco bedding range that has all the softness of Hungarian goose down, while remaining animal and allergy-free.

Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, the Smartdown range feels as luxurious as the finest down but its credentials are incomprable. “By using recycled bottles as the source material, up to 66 per cent of energy is saved and 54 per cent fewer CO2 emissions are produced. For every ton of plastic that is recycled, about 6.4 meters of landfill space is saved," they say. finebedding.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • UPDATE

Creative KITCHENS

bulthaup was a driving force behind the contemporary kitchen; and now its famous showroom is having a facelift

O

ften heralded as the kitchen industry’s driving force and trendsetter, the bulthaup showroom on Wigmore Street is undergoing a facelift. Celebrating 30 years of existence as a pioneering brand that has adapted accordingly in the face of massive changes to the kitchen dynamic – years that have seen the development of the trusty workbench, kitchens that encourage communication, and more efficient storage methods – the Bavarian born company is overhauling and restoring its famous showroom; due to reopen this month. The new showroom will display all of the latest and most innovative of the bulthaup creations – as well as offering a bespoke service that fits the kitchen to the client. In short, it is the opportunity for bulthaup to show that the kitchen is the hub of the home: a place that needs to have practicality, functionality and community.

The building itself is steeped in history – predating by years the brand that has made it its name.

The Grade II-listed building was originally a part of the Debenham & Freebody department store,

buried amongst the pharmacies and suppliers for the nearby Harley Street. After its transformation into the bulthaup showroom in 1988, Alex Wrighton, the Managing Director who chose the site for its central location and striking façade, made the first step in their pioneering approach by placing the manufacturer’s brand name above the door; a first for any retail kitchen furniture showroom. And it didn’t

“The kitchen is the most important room in the home”

B y GEORGIA MCVEIGH

stop there. Before long, plenty more kitchen and furniture stores had sprung up around it – making Wigmore Street the showroom destination that it is today.

The new showroom, which has been designed in-house by both the German and UK team, will showcase the four furniture systems that have facilitated the brand’s rise to fame. This will include the most recent, b Solitaire, which includes a wide range of tables, benches and freestanding storage elements, all of which can be placed throughout the living area. The success and adaptability of bulthaup is shown in its longevity. Its understanding that the kitchen is the most important room in the contemporary home is sure to keep it at the top of its game, and the new showroom will provide the perfect opportunity to show off what new and exciting directions it will take the industry next. bulthaup-mayfair.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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L ATE

FLOWERING Neisha Crosland looks back at Tulip, her ďŹ rst textile design from 1976, now reinvented in velvet for Turnell & Gigon

By N E I S H A C R O S L A N D

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

“I just decorated the flower head with stripes instead”

T

Inside Neisha Crosland's studio

he background story of Tulip started when I was a child. I remember seeing a tulip in my stepfather’s garden, a Fritillaria decorated with little gingham checks.

It was covered in dew drops, and, if I had been told that a fairy had hand painted the checks overnight, I would have believed it.

Back indoors on the same day I noticed a pair of elegant drawings of this same tulip.

My stepfather explained that they were drawings for Derby porcelain plates.

This was a seminal moment and probably the reason why I am a surface pattern designer today.

Tulip hand-blocked velvet detail

Patterned tiles in Neisha Crosland's London garden

I went to quite an academic grammar school and found myself alone on the A-Level art course with Miss Jeffries, my art teacher.

This meant that I had the whole art room to myself. I took an old sheet and dyed it pistachio green, cut out some stencils from cartridge paper, and bought some fabric paints. Miss Jeffries helped me make a silk screen, and I printed my first textile not knowing that I would still be at it 39 years later: the design I printed was a Fritillaria tulip, but as the checks seemed too tricky to cut out of a stencil I just decorated the flower head with stripes instead.

Twenty years later, on seeing the design that my mother by now had proudly framed, a friend of mine insisted on taking it to India to have some woodblocks cut of the design.

She came back some months later with a few meters printed on cotton muslin.

Last year, when visiting my studio, Matt Gomez of Turnell & Gigon spotted this length folded up in a corner, and was so inspired by it and its story, that he took the original blocks off to Thailand to print the design for commercial sale.

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

The Legacy Danish brand Stelton’s vacuum jug and stainless steel tableware are classic designs

By EVE HERBERT

A

These products are highly functional while remaining affordable

shoes and furniture, but their business did not really take off until they heard about a small factory in Fårevejle, Denmark, called Danish Stainless.

Danish Stainless produced stainless steel tableware, which was very much in vogue in Denmark’s 1960s. Upon entering into an agreement with Danish Stainless, Stelton began marketing a stainless gravy boat that sold like hotcakes in Danish hardware stores and was also a hit outside of Denmark. In the United States, Stelton products were the epitome of Danish Design and sold at ten times their Danish prices in high-end department stores and design boutiques.

The next important collaboration with a designer was with Erik Magnussen who designed the iconic EM77 vacuum jug. The true DNA of Stelton comes from these wellknown products, which are highly functional while being affordable.

Since then Stelton has elaborated its collaboration with international designers and architects assuring that the form and function of their product families create a synthesis that embodies innovative and different ideas in relation to concept, design and materials.

“Together with our talented and carefully selected designers, our ambition is to create timeless and functional designs that make everyday life a bit more beautiful,” said Michael Ring, Stelton’s CEO. Stelton.com

simple drawing of a teapot on a napkin during a family dinner. That was the starting point for Arne Jacobsen’s tableware design. After three years of intensive development, Cylinda-line was launched in 1967. At that time the cylindrical characteristic profile was avant-garde.

Today the series is recognized as a symbol of classic, timeless style.

Stellan and Carton were two friends who merged their first names in forming one of Denmark’s best-know design brands, Stelton. Niels Stellan Høm and Carton Madelaire were army pals who joined forces more than 50 years ago to start a trading company. They tried their hand at sports

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LOFT CONVERSION AND EXTENSION SPECIALISTS

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

020 8715 0893 beaconlofts.co.uk

BEACON.indd 1 Page Advert.indd 1 Beacon Lofts Full

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KIDS & EDUCATION

SOFT FOCUS PIUPIA

London-based childrenswear brand Piupia was born in 2013 after Claudia Carvalho became a mum to Noah, now four. The collection is characterised by soft colours, playful illustrated prints and simple shapes as well as ethical manufacturing. piupia.co.uk

Small Talk 95 ¡ Tamara Ecclestone on motherhood 96 ¡ Children's parties 103 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“The investment in education for our daughters at Westonbirt has been invaluable.

The growth in their confidence and self-esteem has been amazing.”

Current Parent

OPEN DOOR DAY: THURSDAY 3RD MAY 9AM-12PM Bookings at www.westonbirt.org/admissions/open-days Day Fee £4,995/term; Boarding Fee £9,750/term.

E: admissions@westonbirt.org T: 01666 881301 www.westonbirt.org

Celebrating 90 years of excellent educational provision in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside WESTONBIRT.indd 1 +3mm - 19.2.18.indd 1 Absolutely Ed - full page

19/02/2018 15:30 14:50

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

R EV I EW

Eco fashion C I T Y G OAT S

HONEY PIE

City Goats uses only 100% organic cotton and natural, botanically-derived dyes – think pomegranate, turmeric and onion – and the clothes are super covetable. city-goats.com

Silly Old Bear tea

SMALL TALK Sustainable fashion, Winnie the Pooh, nature fun and colourful clobber

NATURE TOTS H E L LO N AT U R E CA R D S

Children can explore the natural world around them with these beautiful illustrated activity cards based on Nina Chakrabarti’s awardwinning Hello Nature book. This pocket-sized set is perfect to help outdoor adventurers identify a tree from its seed, learn how a frog is different from a toad, where to find the Big Dipper and much, much more. laurenceking.com

veja

EDITOR’S PICK

T

he V&A's Winnie the Poo exhibition is brilliantly designed to appeal to adults who remember reading Winnie the Pooh when they were little as well as to tots. It's even good for little ones who don't care at all about Ernest Shepherd and his wonderful characters, because there's an actual slide, a colouring-in zone and a real bridge for playing pooh sticks. And any visit to the exhibition is enhanced by the Pelham Hotel's excellent themed afternoon tea offering. The special children's tea is served on an elegant treestump and includes a cute tigger-striped macaroon, a darling marzipan bee and a little honey parfait as well as little sandwiches and scones that come in a little basket. Of course it's wildly popular with children – and at £43 per head, it includes tickets to the exhibition too.

Silly Old Bear afternoon tea is available at The Gore and The Pelham hotels until 8 April

ART & SOLE

RAINY DAZE

V E JA X H U N D R E D P I E C E S

BOBO CHOSES

French footwear master Veja has teamed up with Hundred Pieces to create these snazzy (and eco-friendly) kids’ sneakers, featuring easy Velcro fastening and a fun, faintly Eighties colourbar print. From €75 en.smallable.com

The new Bobo Choses collection doesn’t disappoint. We suggest protecting your mini-me from spring showers with this lightweight hooded rain coat, featuring a colourful leaf motif. £103 en.smallable.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

Born to

D O IT Absolutely talks natural parenting and organic products with party girl-turneddevoted mother, Tamara Ecclestone

B y HELEN BARON

A

t first glance, Tamara Ecclestone is not your regular mother.

The daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie and model Slavica, she’s been in the public eye since girlhood. She was educated at the distinguished Francis Holland school and today, aged 33, she calls a £45 million Kensington mansion home. Her professional life has taken in everything from sports presenting for Sky to posing for Playboy.

And for a number of years, she was a favourite of the gossip pages – a socialite with an apparent knack for partying.

Then came Sophia.

It’s fair to say that Tamara Ecclestone’s public life can be divided into two sections, pre- and post-partum. When her daughter Sophia (whom she calls Fifi) was born in 2014, Ecclestone’s life, priorities and public profile changed dramatically – so much so that you can’t help feeling that motherhood is her true calling.

We meet Ecclestone at Harvey Nichols.

She’s there to celebrate the launch of Fifi and Friends – her range of organic children’s bath products – and we want to find out

“I was unprepared for just how much I would love my daughter. It was so immediate and intense” more about what inspired the brand.

Because, let’s face it, few commentators saw this coming: Tamara Ecclestone, bronzed billionairess and some-time party girl, now a leading light in the promotion and development of natural toiletries for kids.

In person, the old image of Ecclestone is even harder to reconcile with her new direction. She’s still a glamour-puss, of course, but the look seems secondary to the spirit; she beams with warmth, welcome A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

and positivity, clearly overjoyed to be launching her products into one of the world’s premier luxury retail spaces. It’s a triumph that seems all the more meaningful because the products weren’t designed with this uppermost in mind. They were, first and foremost, a personal project.

“My daughter Fifi and her cousin Lavinia inspired the brand,” Ecclestone tells us.

“Lavinia has really curly hair and it was hard to find decent products to tame it. I had the idea to do a range for both curly and straight hair, so we developed a detangler that can untangle even the knottiest hair.

From there it grew into swimming haircare, sun-block, nappy cream and even baby wipes – I wanted them all to use organic ingredients and to have the same fragrance.”

The natural approach is core to Fifi and Friends, and Ecclestone’s products outstrip many of their competitors’ by offering recyclable and often biodegradable packaging. We ask why the eco-conscious angle is so important and she replies without hesitation: “It’s really, really important to me. It had to be this way.

A lot of products are misleading [about such things]. And they smell fake. There was no way I was going to use anything harsh or artificial on my daughter.

“It took almost two years to get everything right – and I tested everything on myself.”

It’s all part of a conscious yet apparently never-judgmental embrace of natural parenting – itself inspired by a kind of epiphany Ecclestone experienced after having her daughter. We ask if motherhood is everything she thought it would be.

“Actually, way better!” she enthuses.

“Growing up, I wasn’t desperate to be a mum. When it happened, it blew my mind; I was unprepared for just how much I would love my daughter. It was just so immediate and intense. So far, it’s been an amazing journey and I’ve loved every stage. I don’t think you can know how you’re going to feel beforehand – or even what to plan for. I bought all these bottles and a cot thinking they would be useful, then Fifi came and I breastfed exclusively and we co-slept – I ended up following my gut with those things, so you learn on the job.”

Strange as it seems, being a public figure and endorsing breastfeeding and cosleeping opened Ecclestone up to criticism in some quarters. That must have been

hard, we venture. “I don’t really understand it. There are other things to have opinions about – [breastfeeding and co-sleeping are] such personal choices. For me, breastfeeding was easier for both me and baby, and I enjoyed that bond. Motherhood itself definitely engenders opinions and judgment. Well-meaning people like to give advice and share thoughts, but it’s bizarre that breastfeeding is contentious.”

At this point, Fifi comes over to ask for a blanket and we say how nice it must be that Ecclestone can take her daughter with her when “on duty”.

“Well, she’s so friendly and confident,” Ecclestone says. “She’s been exposed to so many adults and this is her norm.”

But, we continue, balancing work and parenting must still be a challenge? “It’s

“People like to give advice, but it’s bizarre that breastfeeding is contentious”

definitely a challenge. But Fifi does now have full days in nursery, so I get as much done as I can on those days. When she was younger, I utilised nap times. It’s important to have balance. I had to make it work so I could do something for me, too, and keep my brain ticking over.”

With that in mind, we ask for some of Ecclestone’s top advice for first-timers and mums-to-be. “Just to see what happens without planning too much,” she suggests.

“And reserve judgment, because you never know how you will react in similar situations – down to whether your child uses an iPad at a certain age or how they behave in public, and how you choose to discipline them in a moment of meltdown.”

Learning on the job, balancing work and motherhood, and wanting the best for her daughter... in all the most important respects, Tamara Ecclestone is not so different from a regular mum after all.

FIFI AND FRIENDS The range is available now at Harvey Nichols and selected retailers fifiandfriends.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Mayfield B OA R DIN G & DAY SCHOOL FOR GI RLS AGED 11 TO 18

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Open Mornings TUESDAY 13 TH MARCH 2018 THURSDAY 26 TH APRIL 2018

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Prospect

House School Headmaster Michael Hodge on adapting teaching methods to respond to each pupil’s individual learning style

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B y H E AT H E R LYO N S

hinking back, most of us can name that one teacher who was inspirational.

Mine was called Mr Wessels.

Unlike many other teachers, he listened to me and made me feel my opinions mattered. As a result of his encouragement and contagious enthusiasm, my lightbulb moments came thick and fast.

His example taught me far more about being a good teacher than any other professional training I later undertook.

Teaching is so much more than imparting knowledge. To ignite

a child’s curiosity, teachers must first build relationships with their pupils, understanding what makes each child tick and developing mutual trust.

Children are naturally inquisitive and it is through questioning that they gain a deeper understanding, which ultimately drives their desire to learn. But if a child lacks the self-confidence to speak up, many of their questions remain unanswered. What a wasted opportunity.

It is our responsibility to create a learning environment where children feel free to raise their hand to ask a question or voice an opinion, safe in the knowledge this

“If in 20 years from now one of my pupils says ‘Mr Hodge, he made a difference’, then I will have achieved my goal”

EDUCATION • FOCUS will lead to supportive discussion, not derisive criticism.

The positive impact of recognising and rewarding success can never be underestimated.

Regardless of a child’s ability, every small success leads to greater selfbelief, nurturing a confident “can do” attitude.

In today’s environment of instant gratification, my staff and I believe in teaching children the value of perseverance and resilience and giving them the right skills to utilise when things feel difficult.

As teachers we also need constantly to improve and update the way we educate. At Prospect House, we evaluate our own teaching methods continuously, investigating new educational thinking and initiatives. Classrooms should be alive with discussion and activities, not rooms where one person is speaking and the rest are quietly listening. When walking around our school, I expect to see the children engaged, questions being asked, and interesting discussions taking place with everyone participating. As the headmaster of Prospect House, in addition to the teaching of the children, I am tasked with the responsibility to develop and guide the next generation of teachers: the two go hand-in-hand. A great teacher makes a huge difference to a child’s life and it is our responsibility to be great; it is what makes our profession so rewarding.

In the words of William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells.

The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates.

The great teacher inspires.” Amen to that.

PROSPECT HOUSE To see Prospect House’s ethos in action you are invited to the open evening on 10 May, 6-8 PM. Please call Emily Porter on 020 8246 4897 to book a place; prospecths.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Happening history Open Morning 11th May 2018

Independent co-educational preparatory day, flexi and full-time boarding school, ages 2-13.

Contact the school Registrar on 01590 613 303 or email registrar@walhampton.com WALHAMPTON SCHOOL, LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE SO41 5ZG.

www.walhampton.com

Registered charity Number: 307330

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Open Morning Saturday 3 March 2018 9.30 -12.00

Dolphin School

Learn about our creative and nurturing ethos Meet our dedicated and passionate staff Explore our two wonderful sites

unlocking each child’s full and unique potential 4–11 years Co-ed 106 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW 020 7924 3472 ext 2 admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk

www.dolphinschool.org.uk

Wilberforce House Camp Road SW19 4UN 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

7+ Academic Scholarships available for OPEN MORNINGS Year 3 entry in September 2018 Thursdays 09.15-10.30 by appointment with the Registrar

Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.

Bursaries also available

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PARTIES

Children’s party places

T H E IC E S K AT I NG PA RT Y QUEEN S

Ice skating is always a popular choice for tots, pretty much as soon as their feet are big enough for ice skates. Packages at the refurbished Queens Ice and Bowl start at £24, to include an hour on the ice, skate hire and a party menu. queens.london

Sing it back There’s no escaping the annual birthday party minefield – but you can’t go wrong with karaoke for kids

A LL STAR LAN E S

A game of bowling followed by a kids meal (including the ever-popular milkshakes) is £17.50 per head. Bring your own cake; there’s a good choice of cocktails for the supervising adults. allstarlanes.co.uk

T H E B R A I DI NG PA RT Y T HE BRAID BAR

Braiders will come to your house and can do four or five braids an hour each for £100 plus VAT. Little girls love them. thebraidbar.co.uk

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oining 12 screaming pre-teens in a windowless room with inflatable guitars and Taylor Swift turned up loud might not be many adults’ idea of a fun afternoon, but that’s why there’s also a bar. Find a table, order a drink and take advantage of the sound-proofing. Karaoke is perfect for children, whose natural lack of inhibition enables them to make the absolute most of it. All their worst exhibitionism comes to the forefront as they scream into their mikes, clad in wigs and comedy glasses, ecstatic with the volume and the sheer intensity. The playlist has everything they could possibly want – the entire Disney back catalogue is there, all musicals from Grease to Matilda to The Lion King and School of Rock, and everything else too. Our 12 yearolds shift seamlessly between Let it Go, Shake it off and Galway Girl;

By PENDLE HARTE

“One minute they're Katy Perry, the next they're Justin Bieber”

T H E B OW L I NG PA RT Y

one minute they’re Katy Perry, the next they’re Justin Bieber. Fuelled by pizza and mocktails, any child old enough to read is pretty much guaranteed to have a ball here.

Lucky Voice’s children’s party offering is fantastic – just make sure you leave the room quickly.

L U C K Y VO I C E Packages start at £15 per child. luckyvoice.com

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

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OPENING SOON

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1 0 t h M arch 2018 Join us for a glass of Champagne to find out more Services we will specialise in: Face and body Laser hair removal Skin tightening

Medical facials Injectables

Skin peels

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TRAVEL

FAR AND WIDE SRI LANKA

Timeless ruins, endless beauty, wide-reaching beaches and some out-of-this-world accomodation; we discover it all on the trip of a lifetime to Sri Lanka.

Discover Sri Lanka in style 106 • UK Getaway: St Moritz Hotel, Cornwall 111 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BOUTIQUE HOTEL, TRI LANKA OFFERS VIEWS OVER SRI LANKA'S LARGEST NATURAL LAKE, KOGGALA

SRI LANKAN SPLENDOUR TRI LANKA'S ROOMS ARE SLICK BUT COSY

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST CAPE WELIGAMA AFFORDS UNMATCHED PANORAMAS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

This island nation has myriad charms, from timeless ruins to rolling surf

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By HANNAH HOPKINS

DINE IN WILD COAST'S BEACH GARDEN UNDER A SRI LANKAN NIGHT SKY

ri Lanka packs in an astonishing variety of places to visit within its modest size, with a natural environment full of beauty and diversity. Its myriad charms, from timeless ruins, welcoming people and oodles of elephants to rolling surf, famous tea and flavourful food, make it irresistible to travellers.

With this in mind, my friend and I set out on a tea, sea and safari trip across the country – taking in an Instagram-famous hotel along the way. After a ten-hour flight and a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, we arrived exhausted (and ever-so-slightly carsick) at Tea Trails, a bungalow resort tucked up in verdant tea country. Five bungalows, plus one private cottage, are resplendent in their colonial style and stretch along the banks of Castlereagh Lake and down into the Bogawantalawa valley. We stayed in Norwood bungalow, packed with ‘50s character and beautiful communal spaces, including an elegant dining room and lounge where there were roaring fires at cocktail-hour. Rooms are named after past tea planter occupants and, in keeping with the hotel’s concept that the bungalow is your home, there are no keys to lock rooms.

If peace and quiet is your bag, then this is the place for you. Mornings began with Bed Tea – an age-old colonial tradition where a butler serves you tea to gently wake you up. At breakfast, mists roll in off the plantations and the atmosphere is utterly tranquil; there were wide verandas for reading in the afternoon and butler service on tap. Attention to detail is paramount in the service, and even the friendly chef says hello each day to tailor meals to your tastes and preferences.

On our first night, blissfully full after a feast of Sri Lankan curry and hoppers, we passed out as the fresh mountain air took its toll. Next day we strolled the hotel grounds – replete with roses, spring crocuses and croquet lawns, then visited one of the famous Dilmah Tea factories. You really can’t visit Sri Lanka without learning about their most successful export, and at Dilmah you can experience the tea process from picking to packaging.

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

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Sweetpea & Willow LO VE T H E WAY Y O U L I VE OUR CLEARANCE SALE IS NOW ON WITH PLENTY OF ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR SPEEDY DELIVERY!

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FREDERICK SOFA LUXURY LINEN - ZINC 1000’S OF FABRICS!

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST WILD COAST'S COCOON POOL SUITE BOASTS A PRIVATE POOL AND VIEWS OF THE BEACH

WILD COAST SITS ON THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF YALA NATIONAL PARK

MIST ROLLS ACROSS THE TEA PLANTATIONS AT BUNGALOW RESORT, TEA TRAILS

Next up on our travel itinerary was Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake, Koggala – home to boutique hotel Tri Lanka. With its slickly designed rooms, airy spa and treetop yoga (set in a space designed to float above bamboo groves), it is perfect fodder for travel bloggers. Dotted around were rooms housed in a cinnamon-clad water tower and swirling hillside houses with sumptuous suites. Traditionalists might be irked by the pared back, ultra-contemporary interiors and the communal style dining-cum-barcum-reception area, but a swim in the hotel’s beautifully designed pool over the lake might just sway them. Only 25-minutes’ drive away

is the majestic city of Galle, known for its colonial fort, whitewashed sea walls and excellent boutique shopping. On the way, we stopped off to see the stilt fisherman of Kogalla and the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya temple in Unawatuna. Set in the ramparts of Galle Fort is Amangalla – a hotel of stately grande dame period charm that’s well worth booking for lunch in between shopping and exploring. We enjoyed the lobster tagliatelle and tuna tartare.

Travelling further along the coast we reached the breathtaking Bay of Weligama, famed for whale watching and one of Sri Lanka’s most glamorous beach resorts, Cape Weligama. A model village of sorts, it's set on an amazing headland site - we were told that many guests never leave the complex.

It’s no surprise; every curvaceous corner of the resort – masterminded by Thai architect Lek Bunnag – is designed with privacy in mind. Villas were carefully placed in clusters of two or three around generous pools shielded by trees and the iconic cliff-top pool was crescent-shaped to offer 270-degree panoramas of the Indian Ocean, regardless of who was sitting near you. From seafood at the alfresco Ocean Terrace to the more intimate Ocean House Steakhouse (book in advance), the food was delectable. You can visit the Cape Colony Club for Ceylon high tea and sunset cocktails, book into the revamped spa to unwind, learn to dive, go on a bike tour, go whale watching, or, if you really get bored, go to the fully-equipped gym.

There were staff on hand to help at all times and they were the most polite we’d ever encountered. You could want for nothing.

Just when we thought life couldn’t get any better, we arrived at Wild Coast, a brand new wildlife lodge on Sri Lanka’s south east

coast. Set along a pristine beach on the fringes of the renowned Yala National Park, it blends the comforts of a luxury hotel with the back-to-nature excitement of a wilderness safari camp.

Guests stay in tented ‘cocoon suites’ with vaulted ceilings, large windows and colonial chic design – think freestanding copper bathtubs, four-poster beds, teak floors and repurposed metallic hardware.

Some have private plunge pools – ours didn’t, but was clustered around a waterhole – more exciting as you have the chance of seeing wildlife from your private deck. This being a new opening, there were still a few teething problems – most notably copper taps that were too hard to turn and no food or drinks menus at the open-air bamboo-clad restaurant - but those will easily iron themselves out. Kudos though, to the hotel’s safari guides, who were exceptionally wellinformed, friendly and whisked us to the quietest corners of Yala National Park to see elephants, leopards and sloth bears.

At one point, we were within touching distance of an elephant, who was enjoying his dinner as the sun set. When it comes to magical holiday moments, it doesn’t get much better than that.

TEA TRAILS Rooms at Tea Trails start from $722 per night on an all-inclusive basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/teatrails

CA P E W E L I G A M A

Rooms start from $624 per night on a half board basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/capeweligama

W I L D C OA S T T E N T E D LO D G E

Rooms start from $890 per night on an all-inclusive basis, based on double occupancy. resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala

TRI LANKA

Rooms start from $325 per night on a half board basis, based on double occupancy. trilanka.com

A M A N GA L L A Lunch starts from around £18 per person aman.com/resorts/amangalla

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

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The Subscription

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

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

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features that consider every essential piece of advice and info needed for education in the independent sector.

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelyeducation

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weekend

The food

here’s a poolside café offering simple daytime meals and drinks, while the main restaurant offers high class local produce with an emphasis on fish and quite a formal feel. Walking over to Polzeath for dinner is another option. Don't miss the brilliant coffee shack on the beach, if you can get to it for all the sandy wetsuit-clad crowds.

The Hotel

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his sprawling white building has an impressive ocean liner look to it, especially when set against the clear blue skies that we’re all hoping for when travelling to Cornwall. It’s a super friendly and comfortable place, inhabited by returning fans of its fantastic seaside location, indoor and outdoor pool and super friendly vibe. Perfect for families, accommodation includes selfcatering villas and apartments as well as hotel rooms.

The Beach

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ollow the coastal path at the back of the hotel for about 10 minutes and you’ll emerge at popular Polzeath Beach, whose vast expanse of sand is filled with people in high season. Most of them are here for the brilliant surf, and countless schools offer lessons (the hotel can recommend their favourite).

Good coffee, ice creams and fish and chips are all available at this busy spot. Following the path in the other direction from the hotel takes you to the smaller and less crowded Daymer Bay if that’s more your thing. Or keep going and you’ll get to Rock in about 45 minutes; from there it’s a quick boat crossing to Padstow.

The Rooms

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ur garden family room opens directly onto a sunny terrace and to the hotel’s gardens and large outdoor pool. Fold-out bunkbeds accommodate two children; it’s a spacious room with a discreet seaside theme to the décor in shades of acqua and shell.

The Spa

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his outpost of Cowshed gets very busy, so be sure to book in advance.

I enjoyed my manicure for the comfortable chair, easy chat and the neat and shiny nails I emerged with; the spa is a popular destination in itself.

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

“A friendly place, inhabited by returning fans of its fantastic seaside location”

ST MORITZ, CORNWALL A seaside retreat with a fantastic pool, Cowshed spa and a relaxed atmosphere

By PENDLE HARTE

Double rooms from £260 ST MORITZ HOTEL Trebethwick, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6SD; 01208 862 242 stmoritzhotel.co.uk

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

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The VILLA Collective Relax and recoup in the holiday homes of the rich and famous with the new luxury online rental platform

By TA M A R VA N D E R H O E K

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hat day, as we stood on the terrace looking out to the mountains at the astonishing view, with no other sign of human habitation and nature at its most simple and dramatic, Jimmy fell silent. And in the spring of 1986, it became ours.”

The words of Lady Annabel Goldsmith reflecting on the moment she and her late husband Sir James Goldsmith fell in love with their Spanish holiday home Torre de Tramores. Just over 20 years later, the villa is now one of the many lavish holiday rentals available on new online platform, The Villa Collective.

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Not to be confused with Airbnb, The Villa Collective is an exclusive service founded by Nick Cookson with the idea to bridge a gap in the luxury rental market. Where discerning travellers can book holidays directly with property owners and managers who have first-hand knowledge of both the property and destination on offer.

The website allows holidaymakers to search and compare a curated selection of villas and holiday homes across multiple countries and book direct.

It currently hosts a collection of private villas and estates across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France and Morocco with plans to expand further afield to winter sun hot spots like Barbados, with prices ranging from £4,000-£100,000 a week.

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

What sets The Villa Collective apart from other online accommodation platforms is the strict set of criteria that need to be met before being offered a membership. Every property and its owner is screened for authenticity and must have a house manager as a minimum requirement. This provides potential renters flexibility, added security and ease of mind - an offering which its competitors have yet to match.

Like many of the properties on The Villa Collective, Torre de Tramores comes fully staffed with a house manager, chef and housekeeping services. Set on 600 hectares of Andalusian countryside, near the town of Benahavis, the Tramores estate is only a short 15-minute drive

“The original Andalusian farmhouse has been extended into an eleven bedroom stay which cascades down over its hillside setting”

from the madness of Marbella and an hour from Malaga airport. It has been a regular holiday spot for the Goldsmith family since the late 80s and seen both celebrity and royal guests visit over the years, including Princess Diana whose suite has been dubbed the ‘Princess Room’ since her stay.

The original Andalusian farmhouse has been beautifully extended and converted into an eleven bedroom stay, which cascades over different levels on its hillside setting. Finished to an exceptionally high-standard while retaining its country-home charm, the villa is decorated with Andalusian and Moorish antiques, Spanish textiles, artwork, books and family pictures of the Goldsmiths.

The property not only boasts amenities including a tennis court, swimming pool and games room but also features stunning grounds with gardens and water features, powered by a natural stream system from the Guadalmina River. At the base of the villa lies an organic farm and kitchen garden which grows a range of fresh produce all year round.

Guests have a choice of numerous terraces and lounges to relax on throughout the property. Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the outside deck where beautiful views of the mountains and landscape can be savoured. While the evenings are slightly cooler, the Goldsmiths have been known to have a formal dinner

in the dining room, with a menu of favourites including a delicious chicken and prawn paella, followed by a fireside nightcap.

As rented accommodation continues to increase in popularity with holidaymakers around the world, The Villa Collective provides quality, luxurious and safe properties to its clientele and giving villa owners the power to make the most out of their properties by being a member of this elite platform.

TO R R E D E T R A M O R E S is available to book direct via The Villa Collective from €22,500 per week. call 020 3950 1588 or visit villacollective.com or

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

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SELF PAY

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53 Parkside, Wimbledon London, SW19 5NX www.parkside-hospital.co.uk

19/02/2018 12:00

TRAVEL • TREND

Holistic Holidaying Transformative travel is tipped to be the holiday trend of 2018.

Here’s where we’ll be getting a taste of it this year…

KNAI BANG CHATT REFORESTATION PROJECT IN GUATEMALA

ACTIVE ICEL AND EXPERIENCE

Chõsen and Eleven Experience are hosting a series of seven-day active Iceland experiences at Eleven’s Deplar Farm on the remote Troll Peninsula. The exclusive programme is designed to promote experiential learning through a balance of adrenaline-fuelled adventures, diverse fitness modalities, goalsetting and mindfulness, hosted by an expert Chõsen team. The trip includes nutritional and wellness elements with gourmet menus inspired by locally grown produce, as well as daily relaxation sessions.

The seven day Chõsen Iceland itinerary will cost from £12,183 for single occupancy and £10,475 based on two people sharing on a full-board basis (excluding flights). Available on select dates in September 2018. chosenexperiences.com elevenexperience.com

Reflect with silent walks led by mindfulness gurus, stay in traditional homes and hike to monastic caves in the remote Himalayan society of Ladakh. The Shakti Walking Experience by Ampersand Travel is ideal for those seeking seclusion and a remedy for city-frazzled minds.

Situated in India’s far north and with no motorised transport, no rush, no phone signal and travelling at the speed of your own two feet, this walk is a journey of the most personal kind.

Specialist India operator Ampersand Travel offers the 16-day Ladakh Village Walk Experience from £9,995 per person. This includes accommodation at the Trident Gurgaon, Delhi, Shakti, Ladakh and The Imperial Hotel, Delhi, international and domestic flights, private transfers and private guiding. ampersandtravel.

THE SHAKTI WALKING EXPERIENCE

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FIND PEACE IN THE INDIAN HIMAL AYAS

“Ideal for those seeking a remedy for city-frazzled minds ”

ACTIVE ICELAND EXPERIENCE

REFORESTATION PROJECT IN GUATEMAL A

This experience teaches guests the importance of reforestation from local Guatemalan charity, Global Visionaries. Planting season runs from 15 May to 15 October which goes hand in hand with Guatemala’s rainy season. The hands-on experience is a fun way to learn about the nature of Guatemala and to interact with the local community of helpers which includes students from the local schools. Scott Dunn recommends staying at Posada del Angel, a small, charming and intimate colonial mansion located in the centre of Antigua in Guatemala.

0208 682 5040 / scottdunn.com

CONNECT WITH KHMER’S COMMUNIT Y

Knai Bang Chatt is a chic, modernist boutique hotel in Kep Sur Mer – a relatively undiscovered coastal destination on Cambodia’s South Coast, once the 1960’s escape for the elite. The owners realised during their first visit to Cambodia that many neighbouring and impoverished communities were in need of improved health, clean water, more livelihood opportunities, and better education for their children.

Owner, Jeff Moon is committed to empowering the local community, having opened Cambodia’s first official Sailing Club in May 2017 as a means of nurturing homegrown talent.

Rates at Knai Bang Chatt start from approx. £143 per night. This is an accessible coastal location, just over a two-hour drive from Phnom Penh airport and is an integral part of a Cambodia itinerary. knaibangchatt.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Happiness starts at Battersea

At our dogs and cats home in London, you’ll find lots of smiles, just like this one. It’s because we do more than microchip them, vaccinate them and give them full check-ups.

We spend time with each of them, giving them professional training and expert care. That way, when you come to meet them, we know they’re ready, and happy to meet you.

battersea.org.uk

Registered charity no. 206394

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PET PAGES

COUNTRY FILES HUNTER The Refined collection from Hunter infuses urban living with rural styling for a look that is polished and chic.

Along with iconic Refined products - the wellington boot, the trench coat the SS18 includes a new drawstring bomber and a drawstring coat for your most stylish dog walk yet. hunterboots.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Animal House: Top products for the home 119 • Brachycephalic Pets 121 • Pet Notes 123 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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PET PAGES • PRODUCTS GRAHAM & GREEN

GRAHAM & GREEN

Danny Dachshund Planter, £55; grahamandgreen.co.uk

Geometric French Bull Dog Print, £29.95; grahamandgreen.co.uk

QUAIL Panda Pencil Pot, £25; libertylondon.com

BITOSSI Rimini Blu Ceramic Tall Cat Figure, £145; libertylondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

EMMA BRIDGEWATER Dachshund 1/2 Pint Mug, £19.95; emmabridgewater.co.uk

LAURENCE KING Cats & Kittens: A Memory Game, £12.99; preorder on Amazon

DUNELM Monkey Tealight Holder, £16; dunelm.com

ANIMAL HOUSE Pet-inspired pieces for the home B y H E L E N B R OW N

QUAIL Pu Stoneware Salt and Pepper Shakers, £25; libertylondon.com

GRAHAM & GREEN French Bulldog Egg Cup, £12.95; grahamandgreen.co.uk

FENELLA SMITH Dachshund Cushion, £35; fenellasmith.com

OMERSA Standard Leather Elephant, £145; libertylondon.com

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

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NEW OWNERSHIP OF AENEA

JAMIE STEVENS HAIR & BEAUTY

JAMIE STEVENS HAIR LAUNCHES IN CLAPHAM… FIND OUT WHY WE’VE WON SO MANY AWARDS WITH AN APPOINTMENT AT OUR NEW CLAPHAM SALON

RECEIVE 30% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT The Jamie Stevens team offers the ultimate salon experience - the hair of your dreams using the latest innovations in cutting, colour, treatments and extensions, delivered by award winning specialists in each. Led by Jamie, whose accolades include 6 consecutive nominations for British Hairdresser of the Year, the title of Celebrity Hairdresser of the Year, Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year, three-times winner of Men’s Hairdresser of the year and many more, our creative team knows how to deliver the hair that you deserve.

We’ve worked on some of the nation’s biggest TV shows and shoots including The X Factor, This Morning, Lorraine, numerous Fashion Weeks and international shows and have an enviable list of award wins and nominations, so you can feel confident that you’re in safe hands.

HAIR

five star service | bespoke, unique individual consultations | reclining beds for the most enjoyable hair wash experience | relaxation area | comfort colour developing area with complimentary use of iPads | complimentary drinks | food menu | all the latest techniques in cutting, blow drying, colouring, perming, extensions and barbering.

ADVANCED BEAUTY TREATMENTS

manicures | pedicures | facials | massage | tinting | waxing | endermolift facials | HD brows | Russian lash extensions | laser hair removal | Botox | fillers | microblading | LVL Lashes & more *T&C’s cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Available with selected stylists only. A skin test is required 48 hours prior to any colour application. Offers are subject to closure at salon’s discretion.

Jamie Stevens Hair 79 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London, SW4 9JN t: 020 8675 5277 www.jamiestevenshair.com | info@jamiestevenshair.com I: @jamiestevens7 | F: fb.com/Jamiestevenshair | T: @jamiestevens7

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

CUTE...

or not?

Dr Ursula Goetz, Chief Vet at Mayhew, the rescue and animal welfare charity explains the health issues for flat-faced pets

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here has been a huge surge in the popularity of brachycephalic pets recently and Mayhew has seen an influx of these animals arriving at their shelter, taking in more than five times as many in 2017 compared to the previous year. The fastest growing brachycephalic breed is the French bulldog, with pugs and bulldogs close behind. It also affects cats, with Persians and Burmese being popular brachycephalic breeds.

WHAT IS BRACHYCEPHALY? Brachycephalic breeds are animals that are bred to have a flat face which causes their muzzle and nasal aspect to be short, creating a perceived appearance of cuteness. Unfortunately, this comes at a price.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH ISSUES? Breathing problems The nostrils are too narrow to facilitate proper airflow through the nose, resulting in the dog breathing through their mouth most of the time.

They often pant severely after a meal as they were not able to breathe properly during meal times. The soft palate at the back of the mouth is also often elongated in brachycephalic dogs, which means this part

of soft tissue lies over the trachea opening and compromises the air entering the lungs even more.

Dental problems A short nose and jaw often means there is not enough space for the teeth, usually resulting in the dog needing several teeth removed.

Temperature Open-mouth breathing is a dog’s way of regulating its body temperature, but if the dog is not able to breathe properly then heat regulation is compromised, so overexertion can become life-threatening. The stubborn dog that suddenly lies down during a walk could actually be trying to catch his breath and prevent fainting.

Eye problems Flat-faced breeds’ bulging eyes are exposed to more air and can cause the eyes to dry out quicker. Artificial tears may have to be added as a daily, ongoing treatment and the lack of proper tear draining means they can develop constant moist tear stains on their face that may become painfully infectious. Dogs who do not receive the treatment they require may end up losing their sight completely.

Skin diseases The extra skin folds over the nose can cause fur to rub on the eyeballs and stay moist, which is a breeding ground for bacterial and yeast infections.

Neurological problems A pug’s screwshaped tail is often linked to painful spine abnormalities, neurological problems and an inability to give birth without surgical intervention.

HOW CAN OWNERS HELP THEIR FLATFACED PETS? Breathing difficulties are a sign that a dog needs veterinary help. Surgery is recommended for dogs that have moderate to severe breathing problems, however being under anaesthetic carries a greater risk for a brachycephalic dog.

You should also act promptly and contact your vet if your dog has a sore or discharging eye, or sore or smelly skin or ears.

IVY A 15-month-old English Bulldog, arrived at Mayhew last year after being found abandoned on the streets of north west London. Her eyes were sore and inflamed and she was suffering from Cherry Eye and distichiasis, two further eye conditions common in brachycephalic breeds.

Poor Ivy was in constant pain and discomfort and Mayhew’s vet team had to perform surgery to correct the problems and relieve her suffering.

AN INFLUX AT MAYHEW In the last month of 2017, Mayhew took in seven French bulldogs. All seven were suffering with painful or uncomfortable medical conditions including chronic ear infections, skin conditions, dental problems and one had an inverted tail.

In 2017, Mayhew dealt with 162 different breeds of dog and a worrying 5% of those were brachycephalic breeds, showing the popularity and demand for these dogs.

Mayhew is proud to support Vet Emma Milne’s Vets Against Brachycephalism campaign, which strives for better animal welfare and is of the opinion that breeding of extremely brachycephalic animals is fundamentally wrong and should be stopped. vetsagainstbrachycephalism.com

MAYHEW URGES POTENTIAL PET OWNERS TO THINK BEFORE GETTING A BRACHYCEPHALIC PET Please think about rehoming an animal from a rescue centre such as Mayhew instead.

You can see their cats and dogs looking for a home by visiting themayhew.org/adopt

M AY H E W A N I M A L H O M E Mayhew does not judge and is here to assist and give advice on the best course of action for pets and their owners. If you have any concerns, please contact them for help: 020 8962 8000 info@mayhewanimalhome.org

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PET

PET PAGES • NOTES

NOTES

News and views from the animal world

By HELEN BROWN

Getting Personal T E D DY M A X I M U S

New for the Chinese Year of the Dog, luxury British dog accessories brand, Teddy Maximus has launched a gorgeous range of personalised heart dog toys, perfect for spoiling pampered pooches with. The cushion-like toys come in three chic prints with the name of your four-legged friend intricately threaded across the front. £19.99; teddymaximus.com

The Watering Hole DRAKE & MORGAN

Tired of leaving your pup home alone for happy hour? So were the team at Drake & Morgan. That’s why every Drake & Morgan bar and restaurant – including The Happenstance, The Sipping Room and The Allegory – is dog-friendly, with a dedicated drinks offering especially for man (and woman)’s best friend.

With non-alcoholic tipples ‘Pawsecco’ and ‘Bottom Sniffer Beer’ on hand, Drake & Morgan have everything covered for a tail-wagging celebration.

Various locations; drakeandmorgan.co.uk

IN THE DOG HOUSE BLUE CROSS

Blue Cross has come up with a unique fund-raising concept which sees a network of architects, artists, designers and celebrities create a collection of doggy dream homes that will be on display across the capital from mid-March to mid-April. Internationally famous Zaha Hadid Architects, renowned mosaic artist Ivan Djidev and multi-award winning designers Denizen Works Ltd. have all worked on the collection which will be auctioned off in aid of Blue Cross. bluecross.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ABSOLUTELY DIRECTORY THIRTY FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE MATCHING PUPILS WITH TUTORS

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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

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PROPERTY Living the Dream 132 Bishops Row 134 Famous Places 136

ABBEVILLE ROAD SW4

ÂŁ1,950,000

his property is a stylish Victorian terrace in the desirable Abbeville Village. The property has been refurbished to the highest standard yet retains original features and period charm. On the ground floor is a light-filled open-plan kitchen, living space and formal dining area. On the first floor and second floor are the five bedrooms and Juliet balcony overlooking the garden.

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KNIGHT FRANK Clapham Office 020 3667 6753 knightfrank.com

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MOVE Faster. Sell with Knight Frank

Our understanding of the everchanging market enables us to price your property accurately, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call us today on 020 8115 9703 to arrange your free market appraisal.

KnightFrank.com/wimbledon wimbledon@knightfrank.com

Guide price: £3,995,000

Home Park Road, Wimbledon SW19 A beautifully presented detached house on this sought after road. 5 bedrooms (3 en suite, 2 with dressing room), family bathroom, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, garden, off street parking. EPC: D. Approximately 388.5 sq m (4,182 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8115 9703

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £7,495,000

Coombe, Kingston upon Thames KT2 A brand new detached home of immense quality. Master bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms (all en suite), 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, cinema/games room, wine store, cloakroom, utility room, garage, garden, lift. EPC: A. Approximately 754.2 sq m (8,118 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8115 9703

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Tantallon Road, Wandsworth SW12 Located in the Nightingale Triangle This exceptional property has a feeling of lateral space and an abundance of natural light throughout.

5 bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, open plan kitchen/dining room, guest WC, cellar and a south-facing garden. EPC: D. Approximately 205 sq m (2,207 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £1,550,000

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

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WND170115

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Absolutely - March 2018

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19/02/2018 11:45:02

Harbut Road, Battersea SW11 Set within The Sisters close to many excellent schools An impeccable house finished to the highest standards and fully extended, situated on a quiet residential road moments from Clapham Junction. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, cloakroom, w/c, kitchen/dining room, garden, cellar. Approximately 206 sq m (2,217 sq ft). EPC: C.

Freehold

Guide Price: £1,370,000

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

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BAT170034

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Absolutely March Issue 2018

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19/02/2018 10:24:34

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

PRINCE OF WALES DRIVE SW 1 1 , £500,0 0 0

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et on the third floor of a majestic red brick mansion building is this attractive one bedroom flat. The block boasts well-kept communal hallways and the property is situated in a quiet position to the rear of the building. Key features of the property include a dualaspect reception room, a well appointed kitchen, high ceilings and an amazing location near to Battersea Park and the amenities of Battersea Park Road.

FOXTONS Foxtons Battersea, 02078011111 foxtons.co.uk

HAMLET ROAD

S E 1 9, £1, 380,000

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his is an elegant Grade two listed Victorian house, in Regency Style, dating back to 1852.

The four bedroom property has been completely restored and modernised throughout.

Noteworthy features include a large contemporary kitchen and dining area with exposed brick, underfloor heating, skylights and an abundance of natural light.

Externally there is off-street parking and a garden.

PEDDER Crystal Palace, 020 8702 9333 pedderproperty.com 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

ROSENAU CRESCENT SW 1 1 , £ P OA

SW 1 1 , £ 1 , 3 5 0,0 0 0

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A

KNIGHT FRANK

KFH

Battersea, 02038662930 knightfrank.com

Battersea, 020 3792 1088 kfh.co.uk

his is an exceptional family home with many stand out features including high ceilings, an elegant bay fronted reception room, fireplace, oak herringbone timber flooring, marble worktops, and a private balcony overlooking the manicured garden. Further, Rosenau Crescent is well located on the doorstep of BatterseaPark and 200 acres of green space.

LAVENDER HILL

PARMA CRESCENT uniquely renovated Victorian house on a quiet residential road in Battersea.

The property comprises four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and one lounge.

Bonus features include renovated wooden floor boards, a working fireplace, and south west facing garden. The property is also ideally located close to the Northcote Road shops and Clapham Junction station.

SW 1 1 , £ 570,0 0 0

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two bedroom apartment in the heart of Battersea and only a five minute walk from Clapham Common.

The property is sizeable with spacious bedrooms, a large living room and separate kitchen.

The property has also been finished to a high standard, has wonderfully high ceilings and is flooded with light. This property is a beautiful example of modern living in a period build.

AN EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY HOME WITH STAND OUT FEATURES INCLUDING HIGH CEILING AND A PRIVATE BALCONY

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH

Battersea, 02072282278 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

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

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TOWNHOUSES ON THE THAMES Octagon have returned to London to launch Bishops Row, a terrace of nine elegant houses situated alongside the Fulham banks of the River Thames

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hese deceptively spacious townhouses, ranging from 4,375 - 6,150 sq ft, come with 4/5 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms, with access to the river footpath running between Putney and Hammersmith bridges. On the ground floor, the enviable kitchen/breakfast/ family rooms open onto private west-backing walled gardens, and feature modern linear cabinets in a dark satin lacquer finish, quartz worktops and topof-the-range integrated Miele appliances.

Marble effect panelling and bespoke bronze lighting creates a clean, modern finish in

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the open plan space.

To the first floor, the drawing rooms have limestone fireplaces, complemented by herringbone timber flooring and plush inset carpets, each leading onto a private spacious rear terrace. Across the hallway and behind glass doors sits the dining rooms, with two floor-to-ceiling windows allowing even more light into the formal areas.

Additional accommodation includes a gym, wine room and cinema room on the lower ground floors, leading out to a unique covered courtyard garden with “walk on” glass ceiling.

The sizeable master suites span the

entire top level of each home, with large walk through dressing rooms and private balconies, while the marble en suite bathrooms are filled with natural daylight from the overhead light wells.

The fourth floors are home to a family bathroom and the additional double bedrooms, each featuring built in wardrobes and two also enjoying en suites.

Innovative outdoor space includes the covered lower courtyard gardens, landscaped green space to the front and rear, as well as private balconies and terraces. The pièce de résistance in outdoor living comes in the form of the roof top terraces from Plots 8 and 9, which give residents unbeatable views towards the River Thames. Plot 9 will also feature a lift to all floors.

Launching the Showhome within Plot 1 in early February, Octagon brought Kim Harvey of Kim Harvey Interiors onboard to create an aspirational scheme within the London townhouse. In addition to the high quality finishes and specifications synonymous with the Octagon name, each room has been given a personal feel, with bespoke cabinetry and hand sourced artwork throughout.

Kim comments; “This is my first opportunity to work with Octagon since founding my luxury interiors company, and to come on board at the concept stage is exciting, allowing us to create a truly aspirational home to show their potential purchasers.

“The Bishops Row townhouses are surprisingly large inside, so we are focusing on creating free flowing spaces

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

within the show home to demonstrate how flexible the different rooms and levels can be. Using sophisticated tones and textures, from greys, bronze finishes and woven leathers to herringbone and geometric prints, the scheme is contemporary and elegant with a tailored finish, inspired by classical British style and history.”

Bishops Row offers exceptional transport links in to the West End and the City. Nearby Putney Bridge station provides access to Sloane Square and London Victoria, whilst Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green takes 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just half an hour to Canary Wharf. Heathrow Airport is 32

minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground.

Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops Park and the river provide some peace and quiet.

Nearby Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated schools include Fulham Cross Girls School, London Oratory School as well as independent schools such as Fulham Prep School.

Guide Prices from £4.995m. Showhouse open 10am – 4pm Thursday to Monday or by appointment. For further information please contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100.

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FA M O U S P L AC E S

by N I G E L L E W I S

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

PEPYS’ HOUSE

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PHANTOM HOME

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he film Phantom Thread, released this February, tells the story of a bachelor dressmaker in the 1950s whose life becomes difficult when he finds love.

Starring Daniel-Day Lewis in what is said to be his final screen role, the film also features Lesley Manville and Vicky Krieps.

Phantom Thread was filmed on location in the UK in two key places – Lythe in North Yorkshire and in Fitzrovia in central London. In the

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capital, many of the scenes were shot at a Grade I listed, five-storey, sevenbedroom mansion on Fitzroy Square, which in the film is the workshop and home of the fictional Reynolds Woodcock that Day-Lewis plays.

The property where all the fashion and failed love takes place is now for sale. The Robert Adams-designed terraced property, which was built in 1790, also features eight reception rooms, private parking, 3.5m high ceilings and a full height cantilevered stone.

amous diarist Samuel Pepys was born in London and lived in the capital most of his life.

Pepys was born in the Square Mile, living through the English civil wars, the Great Plague, the Great Fire and the threat of Dutch invasion, before dying in Clapham in 1703.

In 1666 Pepys visited a ‘bear pit’ and saw animals including horses and bulls being baited for public amusement, which he described as “a rude and nasty pleasure”.

Bear baiting is both illegal and widely despised these days but when Samuel Pepys was writing his famous diaries during the 1660s it was a popular form of entertainment.

The original bear pit Pepys visited was an octagonal theatre open to the air on what is now London’s South Bank. It sat just behind The Globe Theatre.

The bear pit is long gone but a home was built in 1860 on the site that records his visit called Pepys House, on Park Street.

Excavations of the property’s basement have revealed that elements of the original bear pit remain. The striking four-bedroom house is now for sale for £3.5 million.

It is a beautiful Grade II Listed building, with high vaulted ceilings that expose the original timber trusses, positioned just 90 meters from the River Thames.

“In the area housing stock at this price point tends to be modern apartments so Pepys House offers something different for buyers at this level,” says agent Laura Laws.

It’s for sale at £15 million through Knight Frank (020 3813 3647).

More information from Savills, (020 7456 6800).

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

SCORES ON THE DORS

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he antics of today’s celebrities occasionally shock the nation, but for many decades actress Diana Dors took it to a whole different level. Her fame came from two sources – her reputation as the English Marylyn Monroe and an outrageous personal life.

It included two spells working in Hollywood, an appearance alongside Joan Collins and work on TV. She also liked her houses to be luxurious and, as well as a country manor house, her former home on Burnsall Street in London’s Chelsea is no exception.

The terraced property, which has recently had a blue plaque added in memory of her career, is now for sale.

It’s a double-fronted, four-bedroom house recently extended at the rear, just off the King’s Road.

For sale at £2.85m with agent John D Wood (020 7352 1484).

"Diana Dors liked her houses to be luxurious and her home on Burnsall Street in Chelsea is no exception"

HOME GAMES

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ctress Tara Fitzgerald has enjoyed an illustrious stage, film and TV career, but despite multiple plaudits for her work, she is best known to people as Selyse Baratheon, Lady of Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

But despite her global fame after joining Game of Thrones, the 50-year-old has for some time lived in a modest house in the suburbs of West London. Or at least she used to.

Tara has sold the property for £1.75 million, £145,000 less than she had hoped to get for it.

It has four bedrooms and two reception rooms and a long and wide rear garden, at the end of which is a substantial outbuilding.

“There is a real serenity to this place,” says Tara. “The flow of the house means it is somewhere that people feel comfortable from the moment they cross the threshold, and it has the charm of a country dwelling in the midst of the city.”

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VICARAGE CRESCENT, BATTERSEA Nestled on quiet Battersea street, Cleary Court is a sublime collection of townhouses and apartments set with a private gated mews finished to an impeccable standard throughout.

EPC = TBC

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3

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ASKING PRICE

£1,450,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

HARBUT ROAD, BATTERSEA This beautifully presented spacious 2 bedroom apartment is perfectly positioned at the end of a terrace on this quiet residential road just off St Johns Hill. Well-presented and chain free this is a gem of property. EPC = D

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ASKING PRICE

£699,950 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

ST. JOHN’S HILL, BATTERSEA This fifth floor beautifully crafted Premiere apartment is set within an original grade II listed 1930’s cinema.

A full selection of local amenities is also very close by. Available Early April.

EPC = B

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ASKING PRICE

£2,500 PCM BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

LAVENDER SWEEP, BATTERSEA Stunning three bedroom period garden flat presented to a very high standard and with a private front door and side entrance. The property has been modernised whilst retaining many of its period features. EPC = D

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ASKING PRICE

£3,000 PCM BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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