WIMBLEDON NOVEMBER 2014

ABSOLUTELY

WIMBLEDON NOVEMBER 2014

ROBIN O’NEILL CONDUCTOR ON THE

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

RIEDEL’S NEW VERITAS CRYSTAL COLLECTION

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

THE GRAPE & THE GOOD

SATURDAY KITCHEN’S JANE PARKINSON ON WINE & FOOD

BUTTON UP THIS SEASON’S WINTER WARDROBE STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT B&C_Oct_COVER.indd 3

08/10/2014 19:14

Wimble Raynes P Mor Lett

ww

Passionate About Property

Wimbledon, SW19

ÂŁ965,000

A beautiful example of a South Park Gardens Wimbledon, close to Wimbledon British Rail Station and high-street shops.

This four bedroom family home, with period features such as sash windows, working fireplaces and cornices. This cleverly extended Victorian house has plenty of light, two bath/shower rooms, cloakroom, attractive garden with patio and 1416 sq. feet of accommodation. The property is being sold with no onward chain. Viewing highly recommended. EPC D.

Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Lettings T 020 8944 8626

www.ellisons.uk.com

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02/10/2014 16:49

Wimbledon’s Sales and Lettings Agent

Raynes Park, SW20

£875,000

A beautiful & substantial Victorian three/four bedroom semi detached family home. Providing an elegant front aspect reception, a second reception ideal as a study / children’s play room, downstairs W/C, kitchen/dining leading onto a south facing garden. To the first floor are three/four well proportioned bedrooms & family bathroom. There is also a large loft which could be converted, subject to planning. Two detached garages. Offered with no onward chain. EPC D. Ellisons_logo_contact_footer_Layout 1 11/01/2013 08:31 Page 1 Ellisons_logo_contact_footer_Layout 1 11/01/2013 08:31 Page 1

11/01/2013 08:31 Page 1

perty

Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Wimbledon T 020 8944 9494 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Lettings T 020 8944 8626 Raynes Park T 020 8944 9595 Lettings T 020 8944 8626 Morden T 020 8543 1166 Morden T 020 8543 Passionate 1166 About Property Lettings T 020 8944 8626 www.ellisons.uk.com Lettings T 020 8944 8626 Passionate About Property www.ellisons.uk.com

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www.ellisons.uk.com

02/10/2014 16:49

Your SW19 Kitchen Experts

19 High Street,Wimbledon Village, SW19 5EG +44 (0) 20 8946 3539 INFO@KONIGKITCHENS.COM

KONIG_SEPT.indd 2

04/08/2014 16:05

www.konigkitchens.com

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contents

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Nove mbe r 2014

86 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES Absolutely’s top picks this month

14 17 18

ART & CULTURE WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for November

CATASTROPHE IN COLOUR

Commemorating WW1 with the release of a new colour photo compendium

MUSIC MAN

Robin O'Neill talks Mozart and Wimbledon's International Music Festival

26 BEAUTY 38 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL Our edit of the best beauty product launches, news and trends

45 CATWALK COIFFEUR

Learn about AW14 biggest hair trends

50 FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL

All the coolest new kit to keep you motivated

FOOD & DRINK 54 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings around town

ST YLE 26 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

58 ON THE CASE

28 SEE RED

62 THE DEVIL’S WINE

Find out about the newest trends Wear this season's hottest trend

Saturday Kitchen's Jane Parkinson on James Martin, champagne and fish ‘n’ chips Julia Brandon explores the elegant and newly accessible world of Champagne

66 MEXICO

Tasty tacos and tostadas from Thomasina Miers’ new cookery book

Cover Image liquorice

TRAVEL 78 GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM Discovering Hoi An

7 WIM_Nov_Contents.indd 7

58 86 ISLAND LIFE

Jamie Theakston explores Langkawi

INTERIORS 97 PRODUCTS

Kit out your home like a chalet

100 CLEAR CUT

We meet Georg Riedel

PROPERT Y 119 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 16:15

ABSOLUTELY EDITOR Romy van den Broeke EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Elizabeth Hutton EDITORIAL INTERN Will Dugdale CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Charlie Gilkes, Robbie Honey, Arabella Preston

ADVERTISING MANAGER Luke Webb ACCOUNT MANAGER Debra Taylor, Terri Weyers PROPERTY DIRECTOR Anna Hutton-Potts SOUTH PROPERTY EDITOR Lucie Pearce ART DIRECTOR Ray Searle SENIOR DESIGNER Phil Couzens PRODUCTION MANAGER Stewart Hyde MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER Tahir Kapucu PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER Andrew Mavin DESIGNER Ekrem Yilmaz JUNIOR DESIGNER Rebecca Noonan PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Christine Mann FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid PA TO DIRECTORS Marianne McFadden Pilates Clinic, well situated TheThePilates Clinic in The Pilates Clinic, in Wimbledon, is awell brand new,in Wimbledon has asituated Wimbledon, is a with brand new,new stunningatmosphere studio pristine friendly stunning studio with pristine new equipment and acan wall ofrely windows where stunningclients studio with pristine new that take inand the light and onequipment feeling accepted a wall of allow for a great view. windows that take in the light and valued and have and allow for a great view. confidence in the Keeping up with popular instructors’ expertise to Keeping up with popular demand, and wanting to have give them demand, andwhat wantingthey to have something tooffer offerpeople people who need.

Session styleswho are something to arelooking looking tolose losechoice weightand and are to weight varied with a cardio increasetheir theirsemi-private cardiovascular vascular ofincrease private, fitness and general strength and (with 1 on 2 or 3 where toning, The Pilates Clinic runs toning, The Pilates Clinictheir runs small each client does small group reformer classes of 5 reformer classes of 5 or 6 own unique workout) or orgroup 6 people per class.

These people perchallenging, class. These classes classes are but the group reformer with 5

are challenging, but the results clients all participating results aresame undeniable from one arethe undeniable from one session in workout session perand week, and dramatic per week, dramatic from together. from two sessions a week! two sessions a week!

Pilates improves tone, strength and flexibility; and her very Lamberti andexperienced her team of itLisa also increases ones team of instructors haveyears the of teachers all have many body awareness, expertise required to deal with experience as Pilates teachers aiding functional use many types of rehabilitation, most and are strong on rehabilitation of core strength. commonly back pain, butThe also with many conditions, most post surgery rehab,isknee or hip or Pilates clinic athe good commoninjuries, of which back shoulder other physical place to goorifare: you are conditions from illnesses. pain, knee resulting injuries/operations, hip experiencing back For these typesshoulder of clients,injuries/ as well replacements, pain, needing rehab as for pregnant ladies, and for operations.

For these conditions (post surgery injury), those wanting moreor personal The Pilates offer private or tailoring of Clinic theiror sessions, we offer pregnant, simply for semi-private (2 people) private andconditioning. semi privatesessions. sessions. athletic

DIRECTORS Greg Hughes, Alexandra Hunter MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout For editorial enquiries please email: editorial@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscriptions@zest-media.com.

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Foll ow Us O n T wit t er @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c eb o ok ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

www.thepilatesclinic.com

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08/10/2014 09:17

EDITOR’S

letter

S

ummer, it would seem, is officially over. But to be honest, I’m not feeling all that sad about it. For one, autumn means I can reintroduce all those chunky roll necks, lump and bumpconcealing coats and durable boots into my wardrobe. What’s more, London’s many parks transform (if briefly) into a beautiful sea of burgundies, burnt oranges and yellows; while London’s equally numerous pubs become as welcoming as our front rooms (with added wine).

This month, make up artist to the stars, Charlotte Cave, shares her top three effortless hair trends for Autumn/ Winter, as well as her top product for keeping your locks looking lustrous in the cold. Achieve this season’s hottest beauty trend - blue eyelids - with our edit of the top products and shades.

The worlds of food and wine are a big focus this month, as we catch up with Saturday Kitchen’s new wine presenter, Jane Parkinson, following the release of her book, Wine & Food. We also take a trip to Raymond Blanc’s famous cookery school Belmond Le Maison aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire to learn how to cook up a few French classics.

If Franco fare isn’t your thing, try knocking up one of Thomasina Miers’ authentic Mexican tacos or tostadas from her recipes found on page 66. And finally, learn all about the effervescent world of champagne with Julia Brandon just in time for the party season.

Phew.

See you next month for some proper festive cheer!

Romy van den Broeke Editor

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:58

ROCK & ROLL

Georgia May Jagger is back as the face of Thomas Sabo this AW with their new Glam and Soul collection.

Proving that bigger really is better, we're lusting after the statement making Karma Beads ring.

From £450; thomassabo.com

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY

DON’T BE SHEEPISH

Get fuzzy with Fendi this AW. Their iconic 2Jours tote is now as playful as it is sophisticated with bright geometic blocks of shearling. £2,480; matchesfashion.com

CE-REAL??

Oh, we do love a bowl of Coco Pops. But for a guilt-free version of your favourite childhood cereal, get your mits on the nostalgically designed club by Anya Hindmarch. We think they're greeeeat! £995; anyahindmarch.com

SOMETHING’S FISHY Oh, the irony. In a vessel decorated with smelly sardines sits Fornasetti’s most sensual scent, ‘Otto’. An ethreally dreamy fragrance we don’t want to live without. From £295; selfridges.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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10 07/10/2014 17:06

ABSOLUTELY / LOVES FROST BITTEN

Exclusively at Selfridges for Christmas, Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir comes in a bottle inspired by winter frost. With a cherry red cap and ribbon, the fragrance looks as pretty as it smells. £86; jomalone.co.uk

BOLD BALMAIN

Addictive and heady, this Balmain fragrance is a brilliantly golden version of the original eau de parfum. £79 for 90ml; selfridges.com

THAT BOTTLE

Strikingly opulent, Donatella’s dressed Disaronno up in a look that is so obviously Versace.

We love it. £15; disaronno.com

DRAW THE LINE

The season that sparkles is fast approaching so make sure you colour the town metallic with these new pencils from Caran d'Ache. £2.99 each; carandache.com

BEST KEPT SECRET

VERY PUNNY

Inspired by the dog collar, the Médor Rose Gold watch is ingeniously designed to conceal the clock face. Does it put style slightly before practicality? We don't care. It's super chic. POA; hermes.com

What a poster. Designed by East Londoner Pâté, we're going to get Wim-ball-don . Naturally. From £50; placeinprint.com

11 WIM_CLAP_Abs_Loves.indd 11

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 17:06

Feel at Home at

CAFE ROSI PASTICCERIA PANINI ~ COLAZIONE ANTIPASTI ~ ARANCINE SICILIANE ~ PIZZE PESCE ~ CARNE PASTA ~ INSALATONE

At Cafe Rosi Eleanora and Alessandro will look after you..., 8 Leopold Road Wimbledon London, SW19 7BD

020 8944 7594 | www.caferosi.com CAFE ROSI.indd 3

03/06/2014 09:42

p. 17

MUSIC MAN

p. 18

SIGMAR POLKE 1963 - 2010, TATE MODERN, TATE.ORG.UK

> HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 09:52

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MUSIC FESTIVAL

8 ~23 No ve m b e r S ou th We st L ondon ocusing on the theme of ‘War and Peace’ the International Music F Festival centre-piece will be the costumed, narrated and danced performance of Stravinsky’s A Solider’s Tale. Thoughtprovoking and emotional, this is a beautiful way to celebrate the WWI centenary. ◆ Various Wimbledon locations; SW19; wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk

LEON BLANCHARD

24 No ve m b e r - 5 D e c e m b e r Wi m b le don C olle ge of Ar t elebrating the life of WCA's undergraduate Leon Blanchard, this C exhibition of his work is loosley framed around a theme of memory and the urban landscape. A beautiful and fasinating collection of emotional pieces.

TURNER PRIZE 2014

◆ Wimbledon Space, Merton Hall Road; SW19; events.arts.ac.uk

3 0 September~ 4 Jan uary Tate Br itain

The Turner Prize hits the big three-zero this year.

Widly recognised as one of the most influential and prestigious awards for the visual arts in Europe, past prize winners include Martin Creed and Damian Hurst. 2014's winner will be announced of the 1st of December so make the most of being a Londoner - go and choose your own favorite from the shortlisted artists: Duncan Campbell, Ciara Phillips (above), James Richards and Tris Vonna-Michell.

Millbank, SW1P, 020 7887 8888; tate.org.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

WIM_Nov_Whats_On_use 2.indd 14

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

5 No ve m b e r Wi m b le don Park emember, remember the fifth of November in Wimbledon Park. Grab R a drink from the bar, a burger from the food stalls and watch the fireworks go off in time to the music. Fancy. ◆ £8 for adults, £6 under 16s (under 5s go free).

Tickets available from 020 8545 3956, SW11; merton.gov.uk

14 08/10/2014 15:40

ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS BOOK PICKS

MALGOSIA AT HOME

Nove m b e r’s Top T h re e Fo o d ie B o o k s

Fro m No v em b er 26 T h e Ci t y Pad his permanent but evolving installation by T Polish artist, designer and ex-model, Malgosia Stepnik, is neither a home, gallery, shop or showroom, it's a hybrid of all these things. Inviting the viewer in to her creative space, Malgosia wants visitors to be inspired by the combination of interior design, painting, fashion and fantasy. Pick up something you love and take it home. ◆ 46 Webb's Road, Clapham, SW11; malgosiaathome.com

RAPPER’S DELIGHT Jo esph I nnis s

Dokument P ress, £9.8 3

Get low with hop-hop cookbook and make some seriously punny dishes. While our favorite is the Ludacripy Duck with Ho-Sin sauce, we wouldn't say no to some Notorious P.I.G Feat. 2Pak Choi.

◆

WALLS OF WATER 26 Novem b er~ 1 5 Fe bruary T he Na tiona l G a l l er y he was the first National Gallery Artist in S Residence and now, 34 years later, Maggi Hambling is back with a brand new, neverbefore-seen, series of oil paintings.

With purposeful brush strokes of bold and intense colour, Hambling’s work stands out against the traditional landscapes and seascapes that the National Gallery is famed for. Inspiring stuff. ◆ Trafalgar Square; WC2N nationalgallery.org.uk

MEXICO

©MAGGI HAMBLING

Ma rga r i ta C a rril l o Arro nte Phiadon, £29.95

We love to travel. We love to eat. With Mexico: The Cookbook we (kind of) get to do both. Taste the fresh, vibrant and authentic flavours of Mexico with Arronte's tamales, fajutas and moles.

◆

must see

must read

3D PRINTING

Un ti l 4 Ja n u a r y Science Museum rinting is the future and this exhibition proves it.

P With 600 3D prints on show, the exhibition includes the ground breaking mechanical hand replacement 'Robohand', aeroplane parts and space probes as well as an awe inspiring nylon printed scuplure of St. Pauls Cathedral by Tobias Klien. ◆ Exhibition Road, SW7; sciencemuseum.org.uk

15 WIM_Nov_Whats_On_use 2.indd 15

PLENTY MORE Yo ta m O tto l e nghi Ebur y, £27

For four years we've been in love with Yotam Ottolenghi's award-winning vegetarian cookery book Plenty. So, to say that we are excited about his new release Plenty More is a huge understatement. Big on flavour, this book will revolutionise the way you cook.

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 09:50

Lantern Arts Centre presents...

Miracle

ON 34TH STREET

The Musical Book, music and lyrics by Meridith Wilson Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Story by Valentine Davies Screen Play by George Seaton 7:30pm Wen -Sat 10th -13th Dec (Sat Mat 3pm)

Box Office 0208944 5794 Tickets £12.50/£10.50

Tolverine Road, Rayne Park, SW20 8RA Charity No. 1098680

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ARTS ARTS & CULTURE & CULTURE / FEATURE / XXXX

CATASTROPHE IN COLOUR Absolutely previews Transport for London’s official Year of the Bus wo r d s G e m m a B i l l i n g t o n

C

ommemorating 100 years since the breakout of World War One, Taschen have published this extraordinary collection of over 320 rare colour photographs taken by pioneering photography talents of the time.

The First World War in Colour is a visual account of all aspects of the Great War, from the mobilisation of 1914 to the victory celebrations in Paris, London and New York. The remarkable colour and clarity of the images brings the horror of events that happened a century ago seem not that long ago at all.

The images have been compiled from archives in Europe, the United States and Australia, which collectively give unparalleled insight into the most important developments of the time.

The book includes a range of remarkable works from leading autochrome pioneers of the period including Paul Castelnau, Hans Hildenbrand and Charles C. Zoller. ◆

The First World War in Colour by Peter Walther, £34.99; Taschen

17 B&C_Nov_Culture.indd 17

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 16:03

ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE

Q&A

MUSIC

MAN Absolutely catches up with Wimbledon International Music Festival’s artist in residence Robin O’Neill I n t e r v i e w b y r o M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

ABSOLUTELY Tell me a bit

about you and your career...

ROBIN O’NEILL I’m a bassoonist, conductor, teacher (of both) and arranger. I have been principal bassoonist with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the English Chamber Orchestra and currently the Philharmonia Orchestra. I am also Visiting Professor of Bassoon at the Royal Academy of Music. As a conductor I have worked with orchestras here in London, the UK, Europe and also in Asia and in South America. I am also professor of conducting at the Royal College of Music.

A How long have you been playing the bassoon?

RN The bassoon is quite a big

instrument so it’s hard to start young because your hands aren't big enough! I played the piano from 9 years old then started the bassoon at 13.

A What piece of music is most emotive for you?

RN There are quite a few but the enduring ones has to be

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Elgar’s 1st Symphony. This was the first great work I played in in a good orchestra (the National Youth Orchestra of GB when I was 14) and it still touches me very deeply.

Mozart is the composer who moves me more than any other. There is an extraordinary sense of completeness about his music.

The opening of his Piano Concerto No 25 in C makes my hair stand on end - such confidence in what he’s saying.

Then there are moments of heart stopping beauty, such as Soave sia il vento from Così fan tutte. This music is so great that it makes you a better person for having heard it.

A How does it feel playing live on a stage?

RN It’s all about concentration,

you have to try to get into the zone where the sounds you are making and the sounds of your colleagues around you are the only thing that you are aware of. You have to reach a place of total focus.

18 08/10/2014 15:20

ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:21

Dining Out? Think Southside.

FREE

Wi-Fi now at Southside Look for ‘O2 Wifi’

southsidewandsworth.com

Open ‘til late 6 days a week | 14 screen cinema | 1180 secure parking spaces 70+ great stores & restaurants | Virgin Active Health Club

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW A You've worked with many musicians,

which collaboration was the most memorable for you?

RN There are many but one in particular is relevant to this year’s festival and that is the clarinettist Michael Collins. We’ve been playing together solidly since we were 13 years old! Mike is appearing this year with the wonderful Borodin Quartet as well as my Soldier’s Tale and, of course, London Winds, the group we’ve been playing in together for a long time.

A How is it being the Prinicipal

Bassoonist for the Philharmonia?

RN The Philharmonia is a great orchestra

full of great people. It has a grand tradition but is also very forward thinking. It plays the Classical and Romantic repertoire with enormous style but it also plays 20th century and contemporary music with great expertise and relish. I’m very proud of being part of such a hugely prestigious organisation.

A You are a conductor: can you explain the process and importance of it?

RN When I’m conducting I’m wearing a

totally different hat from when I’m playing.

As a conductor you have to be obsessed by everything to do with the music you conduct - the person who wrote it, the piece itself, its structure, its orchestration, its harmony, its texture and balance but also its history- its reason for being.

Conducting is the art of musical leadership, the basis of which is enabling the players to do their job to the best of their ability. The conductor has to set the tempo, encourage the flow, keep the energy, guide the orchestra through any transitions and make sure that the approach to the climactic moments is well judged and the high point itself is beautifully crowned.

In my opinion the conductor doesn’t ‘interpret’, he ‘serves the composer’.

MOZART’S MUSIC is so great it MAKES YOU A BETTER PERSON for just HAVING HEARD IT A You travelled to Baghdad in 2005

with Andrew Steggal for inspiration for Stravinsky’s ‘A Soldier’s Tale’, which played at the Old Vic Theatre in 2006. Tell us about this experience...

RN I cannot tell a lie - it was very strange and scary but we had to meet the wonderful Iraqi actors and musicians who would form half of our production. We had to show them solidarity and friendship and encourage them into our vision.

The show itself was very controversial - we were trying to tell the tale in two languages and with two totally different musical genres simultaneously. It was sort of ‘cubist theatre’.

This was helped by superb acting in the two massively contrasting languages in which the story was told; English and Arabic. Add to that Stravinsky’s music, Iraqi folk music and a set like a recently bombed building in Baghdad with smoke, flickering lights and graffiti and you can imagine how disturbing but compelling it was.

A Kevin Spacey was the artistic director of the Old Vic at the time: did he support the adaptation?

RN He was incredibly supportive and went out of his way to help us.

A You are the artist in residence at this

year’s Wimbledon International Music Festival, what does that involve?

RN The festival director Anthony Wilkinson and I have talked long and hard about our

21 Wim_Nov_SRobin O’Neill .indd 21

musical and artistic loves and the result has been three concerts which show me in my different capacities as conductor, chamber musician, bassoon soloist and arranger. So, at the beginning of the festival on November 9 I will conduct a production of Stravinsky and Ramus’s The Soldier’s Tale with an outstanding group of hand picked musicians. Then on November 14 I’ll be playing with the wonderful London Winds in a programme which includes my arrangement of Beethoven’s ‘Pathetique’ Sonata for wind octet. My last concert, the festival finale, is on November 23 with the Philharmonia Orchestra. I will conduct Mozart’s Symphony No 29 and one of Richard Strauss’s greatest works, his Metamorphosen for 23 Solo Strings, a meditation on the cultural desecration and madness of war.

A What is it about the Wimbledon

International Music festival that excites you?

RN It’s so great to have such high quality and such diversity of music making going on in this area which has always had a fine musical tradition. Now with Anthony Wilkinson’s Wimbledon International Music Festival there is the possibility of taking it to another level. Anthony has huge plans for the future which are very exciting not only for Wimbledon but for the whole area. I’m a great supporter of his vision.

A Which artist are you most looking

forward to seeing during the Wimbledon International Music Festival?

RN Don’t miss Denis Kozhukhin’s piano recital on Nov 10, the Borodin Quartet on the 15 and 16 and Wolfgang Holzmair and Imogen Cooper doing Winterreise on the 17. These will be exceptional concerts in an exceptional festival. u wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:03

Antipodium

World Clique Shorts

SORAYA.indd 2

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> COSY COLOURFUL

p. 25

FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

p. 26

BAG IT UP American bag brand Coach are headed in a whole new direction thanks to new creative director, Stuart Vevers. Forget the brightly coloured bags of old, this season is all about muted totes and fringed crossbody messenger bags.Prices vary; coach.com

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:07

£98 for prescription lenses including beautifully styled frames 020 3289 0265 | WWW.BAILEYNELSON.CO.UK | 36 PUTNEY HIGH STREET, LONDON, SW15 1SQ, UK

BAILEY NELSON.2.indd 2

07/10/2014 15:27

FASHION / PRODUCTS LANVIN,

Ribbed Wool-Blend Peplum Jacket, £1,650; harrods.com

L.K. BENNETT,

Bursa Colour Block Shirt, £155; lkbennett.com

TARA JARMON,

TEMPERLEY LONDON,

Monochrome Printed Crepe Jumpsuit, £280; harveynichols.com

Wool Turtleneck Poncho, £595; net-a-porter.com

J BRAND,

801 Leather Skinny Jeans in Noir, £875; donnaida.com

JIGSAW,

Autumn Floral Silk Shirt, £129; jigsaw-online.com

MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC,

Printed Satin A-line Dress, £295; harveynichols.com

ELIZABETH AND JAMES,

Trenton Black Wide Leg Trousers, £295; harveynichols.com

1205,

Wool Fishing Jumper, £480; brownsfashion.com

MARY KATRANTZOU,

Stretch Crepe Roulette Skirt, £770; brownsfashion.com

COSY COLOURFUL Wrap up in wools and get comfy in cashmere BURBERRY PRORSUM,

Wool And Cashmere-Blend Cape, £895; net-a-porter.com

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, Parasol Satin Shoe Boot, £885; harrods.com

25 B&C_Nov_FASHION PRODUCTS.indd 25

PETER PILOTTO,

Bek Printed Asymmetric Crepe Skirt, £890; harveynichols.com NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:08

st y l e c e n t r a l

THE BIBA YEARS 1963~1975

This season's top trends and our favourite autumnal essentials

Wo r d s h e l e n b a r o n

words helen baron

arbara Hulanicki and Martin Pel as a boutique mailB Founded order service in 1963 by Polish designer Barbara Hulanicki and her husband Stephen Fitz-Simon, Biba quickly gained cult status, outgrowing several London premises before landing at 99–117 Kensington High Street in 1973 as ‘Big Biba’, ‘the most beautiful store in the world’.

This new book marks 50 years of the iconic brand, charting its success from the first creations and through the four legendary London shops to the eventual flourishing of a lifestyle brand that revolutionised British retail and fashion culture.

The book also features previously unpublished material, including early fashion illustrations by Hulanicki and fullcolour facsimiles of the six luxurious Biba catalogues, exploring all the while the ethos of a company which effectively became the first retailer to bring affordable fashion to the youth markethis.

The Biba Years is a comprehensive insight into the Biba fashions of the time and those iconic pieces whose influence can still be felt on the fashion industry today. u

Sugar Coated luisaviaroma

● T H E B I BA Y E A RS : 1 96 3 –1 9 75 £35, V&A Publishing, out now

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov_Fashion_Notes.indd 26

Ready-to-wear Italian label Vivetta's new collection combines contrasting hues such as powder pinks, baby blues and bright orange. The collection showcases girly shapes and fluffy textures, but is given an edge with the addition of metallic shoes and punchy coats, like the orange one pictured. Prices vary; available at luisaviaroma.com

26 08/10/2014 10:12

FASHION / NOTES

HIGH LIFE farfetch

These badass heels from contemporary shoe label Toga Pulla are at the top of our wishlist this month. And will add some serious wow factor, not to mention edge, to our working wardrobe. A necessary purchase, of course. £385; farfetch.com

TOP AutuMnal accessories

MIDNIGHT FLORALS net-a-porter

Dolce & Gabbana’s dark floral prints are the most sophisticated examples of AW14s fairytale mood.

This Italian-made emerald matelassé dress is designed with ladylike elbowlength sleeves and a flattering A-line skirt. It’s fully lined in stretch-silk too, so it feels as elegant as you look. Dolce and Gabbana printed matelassé mini dress, £1,575; net-a-porter.com

01

02

PARKA LIFE jigsaw

If there is one coat to get this winter it's a khaki parka. Not only will this parka from Jigsaw make you look bang on trend, the faux fur collar will keep you suitably warm for the coming winter months. £249; jigsaw-online.com

03

04 05

CLUTCH CONTROL

06

victoria beckham

Victoria Beckham’s style credentials show no sign of stopping. Her new ready-to-wear collection and faultless accessories are proof. The sleek bags and clutches are testament to her eye for style; the only trouble is choosing just one. £425; victoriabeckham.com

27 B&C_Nov_Fashion_Notes.indd 27

07

1. AUSTIQUE, iPad Case, £40; austique.co.uk 2. VICTORIA BECKHAM, Leather Shoulder Bag, £495; net-a-porter.com 3. BRORA, Felt Trilby in Forest, £69; brora.co.uk 4. HOBBS, Rosie Cat Belt, Navy, £39; johnlewis.com 5. ASPINAL OF LONDON, Ladies Fur Cuffed Leather Gloves, £125; aspinaloflondon.com 6. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, Silk Gancini Logo Scarf, £219; harrods.com 7. TD TOM DAVIES, 07453 Gold Leaf Sunglasses, £395; tdtomdavies.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:12

Red Silk Cropped Top, £560, and matching Long Fishtail Skirt, £1,250, Sophia Kah Leather Shoes, £139, Underground

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08/10/2014 17:48

See

RED You may be out on the town or staying in, but wherever you are, there’s only one colour to wear and it’s this…

Photography Helen McArdle Styling Charlie Moore

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Burgundy and Pink Printed Wool Top, £650, and matching Skirt, £595, Issa Leather Gloves, £295,Corlette London

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Mohair Coat, £1,600, Marni

Bow bikini top, £49, by Princesse Tam Tam; princessetamtam.co.uk Crochet pencil skirt, £399,

by Sea Ny at my-wardrobe.com Cream coat, £175,

by Pepe Jeans; pepejeans.com

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08/10/2014 10:49

Burgundy Dress Coat with Cropped Sleeves, £785, Pavane at Fenwick Leather and Stone Embellished Fingerless Gloves, £99, Karl Lagerfeld

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08/10/2014 15:47

Cashmere Roll-neck Sweater, ÂŁ325, Issa

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08/10/2014 10:49

Tomato Red Top (with 3/4 Sleeves), £540, Marni Fishtail Scuba Skirt, £500, Pinghe

Photographer – Helen McArdle Stylist – Charlie Moore Model – Xin Jie at d1 models Hair and Make-up – Fabio at Frank Agency using Chanel Christmas 2014 and Chanel Body Excellence and Ojon STOCKISTS issalondon.com corlette.co.uk Karl Lagerfeld – 020 7439 8454 Marni – 020 7245 9520 bypinghe.com sophiakah.co.uk underground-england.co.uk fenwick.co.uk With thanks to The Coastguard pub and restaurant, St Margaret's Bay, Kent

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08/10/2014 10:49

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07/10/2014 16:45

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 38

BLUE CRUSH

p. 40

AW14 HAIR TRENDS

p. 43

LUSCIOUS LASHES It-girl-about-town Alexa Chung is the face of eye make up expert Eyeko’s new collection.

Finally there are tools to help us get Chung’s perfect 60’s liner flick. Prices vary, eyeko.com

37 Nov_Beauty_Opener_Eyeko.indd 37

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:51

SA LO N R e v i e w

PETER PENNY’S SALON Putney

Wo r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

Chanel's new lip colour, heavenly scents and professional advice on barE-faced beauty W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

utney is a trove of hidden gems. boutiques tucked off the P Small main road, artisan cafés on residential roads and salons where you’d least expect them. Peter Penny’s is one of the latter. Although chiefly a hair salon - since the owners, Peter and Penny, are both hairstylists - but also specialises in everything from massages to manicures.

The salon itself opened in 1995 and is situated just along Putney Bridge Road. The bright blue front may draw you in, but the inside is white-washed walls, natural woodframed mirrors and climbing wall plants.

Head downstairs to the treatment rooms and you’ll pass a sweet terrace with a mosaic table where the staff head for lunch on a summers day.

I was there for an anti-stress massage, followed by a wash and blow-dry. I was taken downstairs to a small room where Indian relaxation music chimed. I requested medium-firm pressure as my back was feeling tight. Afterwards she exfoliated my back, placed a hot towel over me and wiped it all off. A quick reshuffle and it was time for some reflexology. I know very little about reflexology, but it is the notion that by working on different areas on the foot you are also working on areas and organs in the body, which can ultimately help with particular health problems. Onto my shoulders, neck and head and I was verging on sleep and on waking felt strongly inclined to ask for it all over again. u

Lip Talk Chanel

Adding to their ever-growing make up essentials, Chanel have launched a new range of lip colours, Rouge Allure Gloss. The colour is as vibrant as a lipstick but has a sheen keeping lips moisturised and full. £26; chanel.com

●PETER PENNY’S SALON 277 Putney Bridge Road, SW15, 020 8780 5512; peterpennys.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov_Beauty_Notes.indd 38

38 08/10/2014 10:57

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES editor’s

PICK NAILED IT christian louboutin

Fashion icon Christian Louboutin's beauty debut is this suitably dramatic Rouge Louboutin nail colour.

Christian Louboutin Beauté, Nail Colour, Rouge Louboutin, £36; christianlouboutin.com

RED HOT clarins

Been looking for the perfect red lipstick to complete your autumnal look? Clarins new Red Fuchsia lipstick from their Rouge Eclat collection is not only the perfect hue, its Nutri-Youth Complex keeps lips young and full. £19.50, clarins.com

COCO NUTS! Jax Coco

Yes Coconut Oil is all the rage in kitchens but it can also be used as a beauty product. Jax Coco’s recently launched EVCCO Oil, when applied to hair and skin, acts as a natural moisturizer, with high levels of lauric acid to promote healing and cleansing. That’s why we’re totally nuts for it. £10 for a 400g jar; store.jaxcoco.com

DAHLIA DIVIN givenchy

The must-have scent for autumn, Dahlia Divin from Givenchy is a refined concoction of Mirabelle plum, white flowers and jasmine with subtle tones of vetiver, sandalwood and patchiouli within. 50ml, £64; givenchybeauty.com

39 B&C_Nov_Beauty_Notes.indd 39

Nude for Fall Make Up Wo r d s C h a r l o t t e C av e

ake-up for Autumn Winter is fresh, clean nude. We want to channel the M and romantic and the feminine this season – and for that we need a good hydrated base. I would go for the Sisley Black Rose Oil facemask and a really good moisturiser. Trust me, if you haven’t had one for a while, take the opportunity to get a professional facial as we head into winter.

For those who know me, the “Less is More” philosophy (for make up at least) is something I always champion. My ‘Style by Ten’ philosophy is about finding your ten perfect products and then use seasonal trends for minimal accents. Keep your base simple for glowing and effortless skin.

Nude palettes dominated all the catwalks - from creams and peaches to dark gold and browns.

Illuminators such as Benefit High Beam and muted blushers are the key tools of choice and provide the light and shade for the face. With a nude face you need to concentrate on the cheeks and the eyes.

Mascara is king this season - my favourites are

by MAC and Maybelline - coupled with the reliable Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream – an old favourite that never goes out of fashion – which can be used on both eyes and lips. For a touch of extra sass, use a perfect red lip or a block of colour – either from Chanel or Bourjois.

Charlotte Cave is a hair and make up artist with over 20 years experience working with everyone from Lady Gaga to Chris Martin. Charlotte has created the key AW looks for UK Glamour magazine.

Her eponymous Clapham Old Town salon celebrates its 4th Anniversary later this year. ◆ ● C H A R L O T T E C AV E www.charlottecave.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 10:57

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS M.A.C.

CLARINS

Eye Quartet Mineral Palette 04 Indigo, £32; clarins.co.uk

Chromaline Eye Liner, £14; maccosmetics.com

BOBBI BROWN

Eye Shadow in Blue Bell, £17.50; debenhams.com

EYEKO

Black Magic Mascara in Midnight Blue, £18; eyeko.com

LA PRAIRIE

M.A.C.

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, £304; selfridges.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR PARIS FASHION WEEK AW14

Eye Make Up Brushes, prices vary; maccosmetics.com

SISLEY

Phyto-Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Sky Blue, £29; sisley-paris.com

BLUE CRUSH

BOBBI BROWN

Eye Shadow Brush, prices vary; bobbibrown.com

NYX

Eye Shadow in Baby Blue, £1.95; thebeautystore.co.uk

Our edit to help you wear this season’s ’’s hottest trend ZOEVA

Graphic Eyes in Blue Lotus, £5; zoeva-shop.de

CHANEL

Illusion de Ombre in Apparition, £25; chanel.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Eye Lash Curlers, £18; charlottetilbury.com

40 08/10/2014 11:01

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HEALTH & BEAUTY / MAKE-UP INSIDER ELEMIS

Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, £33, timetospa.co.uk

NARS

Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Andromeda, £21, narscosmetics.co.uk

NARS

Angled Eyeliner Brush, £24, narscosmetics.co.uk

D&G AW14

NARS

FASHION FACE

Black Valley Eye Paint, £18.50, narscosmetics.co.uk

BY TERRY Cellularose

Blush Glace in Rose Melba, £38, uk.spacenk.com

Everyone’s after the universally flattering Dolce and Gabbana look. Here’s how it’s done BLINK

Brow Pen in Indian Chocolate, £18, blinkbrowbar.com

Wo r d s A R A B E L L A P R E S T O N

C

reated by make-up icon Pat McGrath, Dolce & Gabbana’s catwalk look has the strongest signature style of all fashion’s big hitters. It’s instantly recognisable, season to season, and is one of the most asked-for looks from my clients. The top-heavy black flicked liner, defined, wide brow, perfect skin and precise highlighting and contouring is universally flattering and perennially chic.

Skin is everything here - start with a primer or serum that evens and plumps. I love the Elemis Illuminating Flash Balm for an instant pick-me-up. Smooth, don’t rub it into your skin. If you have any problem areas then the Cover FX Blemish Treatment Concealer will heal as it conceals.

Pop a little gel or cream blush on the apples of your cheeks, then using a wide brush sweep a matte contouring powder

(this Kevyn Aucoin one is simply the best) under your cheekbones and around the edge of your face. With a smaller brush, use the same powder to softly contour your eye socket. A subtle pink highlighting shadow popped onto your eyelids and tear ducts really brightens and freshens the look.

For the flick itself, practice makes perfect. Start with a small fine line that you pull out just a small way, then build up to something more dramatic. Mark the flick gently, then close and fill-in. The NARS angled brush is great for softening the edges of liquid liner. Load on the mascara and add lashes that are heavier at the outer corners if it’s evening.

Dolce & Gabbana girls often rock a strong lip, but this season they had rosybalmed lips. You can achieve a similar effect by rubbing lip balm into your lips then patting a strongly pigmented lipstick like this NARS one into the centre of your lips and blending out using a finger. 

43 B&C_Nov_Makeup_Insider.indd 43

KEVYN AUCOIN

Sculpting Powder, £35, uk.spacenk.com

NARS COVER FX

Blemish Treatment Concealer, £20, houseoffraser.co.uk

Audacious Lipstick in Julie, £24, narscosmetics.co.uk

EYLURE

Texture 153 Lashes, £5.25, eylure.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:02

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07/10/2014 16:04

HEALTH & BEAUTY / TREND REPORT

Catwalk

COIFFEUR AW14 Hair Trends W o r d s c h a r l o t t e c av e

T

he Autumn Winter 2014 catwalk was full of contradictions. From tailoring to comic books, florals to feathers, duvets, blankets, normcore and leopard print. What’s a girl to do this season when it comes to her hair? I'll tell you.

Keep it low-key and light on styling products so that it looks clean, fresh and modern. Keep your colourists on track with minky browns and muted blondes, putting the dip dye away till next summer.

If you spent your pre-teens spending hours learning how to plait then remind yourself how it's done as this season the plait and the ponytail are king! To get the low-down on how to get the looks for this season check out the Charlotte Cave Hair and Make Up Facebook page.

THE UNDONE-DONE

sabel Marant and Stella McCartney were both channelling a young and wistful Charlotte Gainsbourg for autumn winter.

The “just got out of bed” look is meant to say “I look this great with no effort” (in French of course!) However this undonedone look needs some preparation. Less sometimes is more.

To get the look, towel dry the hair Spray the hair from roots to the ends with Shu Umuera Detail Fixing Spray.

Use a paddle brush and a good hairdryer and dry hair upside down and side to side. Create a loose middle parting with a comb – nothing too straight here.

Separate three large sections: one to the back and two on either side. Take each section and twist it anti-clockwise on itself and clip it tight at the end. Repeat though each section and then lightly spray with more fixing spray. Allow the hair to cool and then release and gently shake out, using your fingertips so you don't flatten out the waves.

I

PLAITS & PLAITED BALLET BUNS

id I mention the plait was big this season? Well it is and it is everywhere. The plait offers an interesting texture to hair when the face is nude. One of the best ways to show off the plait was in the ballet bun. Great idea for evening and for those who think loose braids are a little juvenile.

D

45 B&C_Nov_AW14_Hair.indd 45

Keep it LOW-KEY and LIGHT on STYLING PRODUCTS so that it looks CLEAN, FRESH and MODERN. Place two elastic bands around your wrist. Brush your hair so its light and then add some Orbie Dry Texturizing Spray which will give the hair grip and fullness. Draw the hair back into a soft ponytail and use one of the bands to hold it tight. Do a simple three strand plait to the end and use the second band to secure at the bottom. Take the end and wrap the plait around he base of the braid and tuck in. Secure with grips – a tip is to

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:47

TIME TO FIRE UP THE PARTY

www.molvino.co.uk Firestartervodkauk @firestarteruk sales@molvino.co.uk Molvino Fine Wine & Spirits Company Ltd., Shaweld House, Benson Street, Leeds LS7 1BL

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HEALTH & BEAUTY / TREND REPORT try to hide them underneath the plait so it looks as effortless as possible. Using your fingers, pull the hair lightly through the front to soften and to add texture. If you want to do the double braids, remember to use brushed, but not washed hair. This is a great look to do on Day 2 or 3 before you wash your hair again. I am a strong advocate of not over-washing and plaits are a great way to look stylish and groomed all the way through to Day 5. Finish off the plaits – whether you are pinning up or keeping loose braids - with some Elnett normal hold spray.

Elnett, Satin Hold Hair Spray, £6.45; lookfantastic.com

Macadamia Natural Oil Nourishing leave-in cream, £18.75 for 300ml; macadamiahair.co.uk

Orbie, Dry Texturizing Spray, £14; orbie.com

Charlotte Cave’s top hair products Moroccanoil treatment, £31.85; moroccanoil.co.uk Christophe Robin, Soin Nuanceur de Couleur Blond PurChristophe Robin, £40; christophe-robin.com

Mason Pearson, Natural Bristle Brush in dark ruby, £110; masonpearson.com

PONYTAILS & PARTINGS

nother of the key looks this season was the ponytail – slicked tight into a middle parting, loosely held at the nape or with my favourite, the deep side parting. If you do nothing more this season than moving your hair into a deep parting, you will look bang on trend. To get the perfect deep side parting and ponytail, start with freshly washed hair and blow dry with a paddle brush. Place a band around your wrist. Don’t put in any products at this point. Take a pair of straightening irons, my personal choice is Cloud 9, and softly straighten the hair section by section.

Then take a comb and create a side parting. Be bold and go deep. For the most flattering angle for a side parting, use the line from the arch of your eyebrow to the parting point. Use a touch of dry texturizing spray at the roots. Take A

Move your HAIR

into a DEEP PARTING and you will LOOK

BANG ON TREND

Leonor Greyl, Huile de Leonor Greyl, £27.54 for 95ml; net-a-porter.com

Ogario London, Restore and Shine Hair masque, £28; ogariolondon.com

the brush and smooth one side section of the hair into a ponytail. Take the other side and brush to meet and join at the nape of the neck and secure. Use a light spray of Elnett and using the fingertips clean along the hair line to smooth out any hairs and give a clean edge. If you have layers or a fringe then use a simple thin hair-band to secure the front in place. ◆

47 B&C_Nov_AW14_Hair.indd 47

Bumble and Bumble, BB Tonic Lotion, £7 for 50ml; bumbleandbumble.co.uk

Philip Kingsley, Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo, £21; philipkingsley.co.uk

Cloud Nine, The Wide Iron, £129.95; cloudninehair.com Orbie, Masque for Beautiful Color, £37; orbie.com

● C h ar lot t e Cav e is a hair and make up artist with over 20 years experience working with everyone from Lady Gaga to Chris Martin.

Charlotte has created the key AW looks for UK Glamour magazine. Her eponymous Clapham Old Town salon celebrates its 4th Anniversary later this year. charlottecave.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:19

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07/10/2014 16:47

10/06/2013 10:00

08/10/2014 09:44

PROMOTION / ABSOLUTELY

So Me proudly introduce SOPRANO ICE LASER HAIR REMOVAL

SO SMOOTH…

guaranteed to provide better results than any other machine on the market.

The laser is attracted by melanin, the dark pigment that gives colour to hair.

The laser tracks this pigment to the root of each hair and then releases heat energy, causing the damage that hinders growth.

Soprano Ice laser hair removal is virtually painless and suitable for all areas of the body, all skin types even tanned skin as well as coarse or fine hair.

Treatments can be performed at any time of the year and are spaced over a few months to catch the hair follicles in their growth stage.

For best results, treatments should be received every four weeks for facial hair and every six weeks for anywhere else.

This brings about a gradual reduction in hair growth giving your skin that perfectly smooth ‘baby-skin’ feel.

If you've not yet tried laser hair removal now is a very good time. Give them a call or head to their website to book. u

Clapham's premier beauty clinic So Me introduce Soprano Ice to their treatment list outhwest London isn't short of salons, but S there are few that offer practically every beauty treatment you can think of under just one roof. One such clinic, So Me is Clapham’s main beauty hub where you can indulge in almost every type of treatment that springs to mind.

From pedicures to massages, hair cuts to facials; the team is comprised of a group of experts in their specialist field. There is even a local GP to carry out aesthetic treatments.

Alongside the more traditional beauty experiences, So Me proudly announce the introduction of Soprano Ice laser hair removal, the most high-tech and innovative hair removing systems on the market.

Don’t fight hair without calling in the big guns!

There are a number of treatments that will get rid of unwanted body hair long term, but most only produce temporary results and then have to be repeated time and time again. Soprano Ice prevents the re-growth of hair permanently,

49 B&C_Nov_So_Me_Adv.indd 49

Don’t fight hair without calling in the big guns ● From £40 So Me proudly introduce Soprano Ice Laser Hair Removal 43 St. Johns Road, Clapham Junction, SW11, 020 3441 4450 21 Clapham High Street, SW4, 020 7720 3330 so-me.me

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:33

SWA P S H O P Clapham-based personal trainer and nutritionist Sarah O’Neil shares her top alternatives for a healthy start to winter

Fitness

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the top fitness trends, tips and gear Wo r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

S WA P Pasta for vegetable spaghetti Purchase a spiraller and pull down the length of a squash or courgette for a delicious and tasty alternative to spaghetti. Top with any of your favourite toppings – bolognaise, arrabbiata or pesto – and you will have cut your calories and carbs down by around 75%. u

S WA P Rice for caulif lower rice.

Grate a cauliflower and either steam in a pan or in a steam bag in the microwave. It’s quick, simple, low carb and a perfect alternative to rice. Serve it with curries or chilli con carne. u

S WA P Jacket potatoes for new or sweet potatoes As a potato gets older the starch within turns to sugar, which isn't good for the waistline. Opt for new potatoes instead as they have more starch, slowly release carbs and are low GI. Sweet potatoes are even lower GI. u

S WA P

Flexie Lexie Lexie Sport

Fruit juice for f lavoured water A medium glass of fruit juice contains around 20g of sugar. Instead, add fresh mint, lime, lemon, strawberry or orange to water for a subtle hint of flavour. u

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov_H&F_Notes.indd 50

British athletic designer Lexie unite style and functionality with its effortless workout gear. From geometric leggings to metallic detailed shorts, Lexie is for the go-to brand for the fashion-conscious fitness lover. lexiesport.co.uk

50 08/10/2014 15:27

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

Anamaya

Keep your mind heathy with Anamaya’s new meditation app. The app has 360 meditations, mindfulness exercises and learning resources for optimal wellbeing. £15 annual subscription

CLOUD 9

Swiss athletic brand On has launched its newest and most innovative trainer yet, the Cloud.

brand f o c u s

MOBILE MIND

Wo r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e ’m a keen runner. I run regularly for fitness and to clear my head. As running has gradually become more of a hobby I’ve begun investing in kit to help me improve. But I hadn’t found a pair of trainers that felt like they were protecting my joints and keeping me buoyant, until now.

Introducing On, the Swiss sportswear brand revolutionising the running world. The newest launch is the Cloud trainer, which showcases a new patented technology on the sole of the shoes. Sixteen cloud-like cushions cover the sole that not only keep the shoes light but also help them relieve pressure on joints. Each individual pod, or cloud, on the sole of the shoe is hollow and stretches on impact, before reforming into a more solid shape to help with a powerful push-off. This clever technology allows for fast, light and agile running, providing optimum comfort and maximum injury protection.

A fan of the brand’s new shoes is Olympic Gold medallist Nicola Spring, “I have been testing the Cloud over the last few months and love the shoe. It is a hidden performer. Stylish and relaxed in appearance, it turns out to be an astonishing fast and flexible running shoe that I now use regularly in my running training. I even got a new PB in my first race after the Olympics in it.” If that isn’t a reason to get them, we don’t know what is. ◆

I

LUCAS HUGH Lucas Hugh

Functionality and style collide with luxury athletic brand Lucas Hugh’s new AW14 collection.

Aztec patterns, slouchy tee’s and fashionable leggings are surely the best motivation for winter workouts. lucashugh.com

editor’s

PICK TORY BURCH X FITBIT Tor y Burch

Taken from Tory Burch and Fitbit’s exclusive collaboration, we love this chic brass metal-hinged bracelet that doubles as a Fitbit Flex to track workouts and sleep patterns. 149 New Bond Street, W1S; toryburch.com

SWEET VIRTUES Sweet Virtues

There’s little more indulgent than a chocolate truffle, but that was before health food brand Sweet Virtues launched its superfood truffles. Available in Chia Seeds & Lime, Baobab & Vanilla and Maqui, each truffle is bursting with nutrients. £13.95, sweetvirtues.co.uk

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●ON RUNNING on-running.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:28

CHILLI BEES cater for birthday parties, anniversaries, informal and formal dinner parties,reunions and even romantic dinners for two.

Whatever your requirements, numbers or budget, we can help cater everything from food, to crockery, to marquees and flowers in a relaxed and professional way.

We aim to provide energetic , attractive service combined with delicious food to help ensure you enjoy your party from beginning to end with not a worry in the world.

22 THE SWAN CENTRE ROSEMARY ROAD LONDON SW17 0AR

WWW.CHILLIBEESCATERING.CO.UK | 020 8946 3311 CHILLI BEES_FEB.indd 1

07/10/2014 15:53

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

p. 54

REVIEW: COMENSAL

p. 57

ON THE CASE

p. 58

DO IT LIKE DABBOUS Ollie Dabbous has released his inaugural cooking compendium, Dabbous: The Cookbook.

The book is divided by the seasons and showcases recipes similar to the ones served at his eponymous restaurant. ÂŁ50. dabbous.co.uk

53 B&C_Nov_Food_Opener.indd 53

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:39

R EC I P E t o t r y a t h o m e

TRADITIONAL GALICIAN OCTOPUS

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL London’s latest food news, served with all the trimmings

B r i n d i s a Ta p a s K i t c h e n s Executive Chef Joesp Carbonell

W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E

Serves:4

INGREDIENTS • 1 Octopus 1.5kg -2kg • 3 Medium potatoes • 1 onion, peeled • Spicy paprika • Maldon sea salt • Olive oil METHOD 01 The octopus should have been frozen in advance (and then defrosted) so once it is boiled, the fibres from the octopus‘ muscles will break and the octopus will be more tender.

02 Place onion in a large pan of boiling water.

03 Add the octopus and then take it out slowly, repeat this process three times. You will notice that the octopus is slowly shrinking in size. This process is called “asustar el pulpo” which means “scare the octopus”. 04 Place back in the water, turn down the heat and leave to simmer for 40/45 minutes. 05 Drain the octopus, but reserve the water, and cut the legs into 1 cm slices.

06 Boil the potatoes in the same water used to cook the octopus. 07 Peel and cut the potatoes into 0.5 cm slices and spread on a plate, and pace the slices of octopus on top. 08 Finally, add a good splash of olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and sea salt, and serve. u

Tea For Two Harrods

Harrods introduce its newly revamped restaurant, The Georgian. The venues new afternoon tea includes everything from traditional scones to fresh strawberries served with a Pimm’s syrup. How very British.

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X; harrods.com

● B R I N D I S A TA PA S K I T C H E N S brindisatapaskitchens.com

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54 08/10/2014 11:45

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES co c kta i l

editor’s

LIGHT AS A FEATHER

of the month

PICK

The Carapace

Barú

Barú marshmallows are decadent, handmade fluffy bites of delight covered in Belgian chocolate.

With flavours like maple cashew and fleur de sel caramel, they’re definitely the most grown-up marshmallows on the market. baru.be

Created by Francesco Medici Head Barman at Mr Foggs

FULL OF FLAVOUR B rixton Flavours festival

New food festival Brixton Flavours takes place on the 26th October.

The one day tasting event will allow guests to explore the host of fantastic restaurants and bars across Brixton by paying £15 and receiving 20 flavour tokens to use in participating places. brixtonflavours.com

RECIPE

25ml cardamom infuse vodka • 15ml rose liquor 20ml Simple syrup • 15ml lime • 20ml Pomegranite juice • Top up with champagne ◆ METHOD

Shake all the ingredients in a shaker and then pour into a champagne glass and top up with champagne ◆ Method for the cardamom vodka

30 cardamom pods left to macerate for 48 Hours in 1lt of vodka which is then finely strained to get rid of the pods.

ÜUTENSIL Putney

Putney-based kitchen designer Gavin Reay redesigns modern kitchen classics, such as the potato masher and spatula, and transforms them into stylish culinary kit.. Prices vary; uutensil.com

Best new

OPENING FOOD FOR THOUGHT Melrose & Morgan

The new cookbook from high-end grocers Melrose and Morgan reveal some of their signature recipes, as well as information and kitchen staples to ensure you are clued up about all things food. £25, melroseandmorgan.com

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WC Clapham

Despite standing for Wine and Charcuterie you could be forgiven for thinking it was named after a Water Closet as it occupies the old Clapham Common toilets. Don’t let that deter you; the wine is great and they even have outside seating.  wcclapham.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:45

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

Cannizaro House Awarded 3 Rosettes

Cannizaro House is delighted to receive this celebrated and rare honour.

Only ten percent of restaurants within the AA Restaurant Guide achieve standards which demand recognition and only a mere 10% of the restaurants within the guide have Three Rosettes and above, making Cannizaro’s restaurant now one of the top 150 restaurants in the UK.

Lead by talented Head Chef Christian George, Cannizaro’s signature restaurant has warranted this honour by consistently and creatively offering the finest in British seasonal organic cuisine within a truly elegant setting. Whether it be the perfectly poached lemon sole with crab mash or a 28 day aged Herefordshire cote du boeuf with a delectable truffle dauphinoise; the food soars.

Experience your local 3 Rosette restaurant Reservations: 020 8970 2772 or book online

Cannizaro House, West Side Common, Wimbledon Village SW19 4UE 020 8879 1464 www.cannizarohouse.com

FULL PAGE 2.indd 2 cannizaro WWP OCT14.indd 1

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

07/10/2014 18:09 15:50 16/09/2014

FOOD & DRINK / RESTAURANT REVIEW

Comensal Absolutely discover authentic Mexican fare in Clapham W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

A

sk me my favourite food and I’ll probably dither between Indian, Italian and Lebanese for longer than you care to listen. One cuisine that tends to slip my mind, however (despite the fact that I can’t get enough of it), is Mexican.

So when an email inviting me to try the latest Mexican joint to hit South London popped into my inbox, I made like a jumping bean and hot footed it over.

Comensal is a ‘Modern Mexican Bar and

Restaurant’ situated on Clapham’s pretty Abbeville Road. Decorated in traditional style with colourful tiles, plentiful rustic details and more bottles of mezcal and tequila than a gringo can handle, first impressions were promising.

Comensal’s co-owners John Sim and Cati Bego first met in Mexico City when Bego was overseeing a string of successful restaurants. The pair joined forces and brought their flair for Central American faire over to the UK in June 2014. Specialising in enchiladas, ceviche and taquitos, the pair have consciously steered clear of burritos on the menu -

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perhaps a response to the glut of sub-par burrito joints to hit the capital of late.

We kicked things off with some tequiladrenched margaritas and a sombrerosized ceramic bowl of guacamole to share. Whipped to a shine and spiked with lime, coriander and jalapeño, Comensal’s guacamole is a must. The homemade tortilla chips are the perfect accompaniment.

Share everything to get a proper feel for the food. Once you’ve gorged on guacamole, top yourself up with a bowl of sharp and sweet ceviche. Finely chopped citrus-marinated cod and tilapia come served in a cocktail glass mixed with coriander, onion, green chilli, avocado and chipotle-infused oil. The taquitos dorados, or crispy chicken tortillas, are fair, while the carnitas tacos are tasty - packed with braised pork mixed with spices, onion and salsa.

We also ordered some Enchiladas Sulzas, corn tortillas with shredded chicken and creamy green tomatillo sauce, coriander and melted Mexican Oaxaca cheese. It was as unusual as it sounds. The sweet sauce on the enchiladas combined with tangy cheese made for a more challenging plate than the rest.

The dessert menu is Comensal’s Achilles Heel. There are only two to choose from, a traditional Mexican corn cake, Pastel de Elote and Arroz con leche de Mexico, or Mexican-style rice pudding, which was nice but could’ve been a touch sweeter.

That said, with margaritas, guacamole, carnitas tacos and ceviche like these on the menu, I think we can forgive Comensal the odd teething problem. Who goes to Mexican restaurants for dessert anyway? u ● COM EN SAL 32 Abbeville Road, SW4, 0208 673 7272; comensal.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:47

INTERIORS / PROFILE

FOOD & DRINK

On The Case Absolutely catches up with Saturday Kitchen’s new wine expert Jane Parkinson to talk James Martin, Battersea and Aldi wines W o r d s R o M y va n d e n B r o e k e

I

met Jane Parkinson one sunny Monday morning at Birdcage on St John’s Hill in Battersea.

Birdcage is one of my favourite brunch spots in the Southwest of London, and so the thought of avocado, slow-cooked eggs and sweetcorn fritters made it the perfect spot to meet bon vivant, Jane Parkinson She has become a bit of a name on the wine scene. Young, blonde and charasmatic, Parkinson is taking on the white, male world of wine one £4.50 bottle of Aldi plonk at a time, and we love her for it. Recently employed as Saturday Kitchen’s new wine presenter, Parkinson truly has her glass half full. ‘It’s so much fun,’ she enthuses, ‘I’ve not been doing it for long and have taken over from someone who was the resident wine expert for seven years.’

Although Saturday Kitchen is filmed and aired live from Cactus Studios in Clapham, Parkinson films her snippet every Wednesday in different locations across the UK to keep the show national.

‘I cook the dish prior to filming so that I’m properly clued up for matching the wines.

I have found that this is an important part of the process as you need to pick up all the flavours. Some of the dishes are quite complicated.’ There is a guideline she has to stick to when selecting the wines and that is that every wine is available from a supermarket and costs no more than £10, making each of her suggestions widely accessible. ‘The trouble is, every Saturday I sit there biting my nails wondering what

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The PINOT NOIR i chose got JAMES MARTIN going wild they are going to say about the wines and if they are going to like them. They properly critique the wines on the show, so if the chef doesn’t think the wine works then they will say so.’

How does she go about choosing wines, and avoiding disagreement from the chefs? ‘Well, an example would be this week we had Jose Pizarro cooking.

He is quintessentially Spanish and so when I was choosing the wine I kept this in mind. There was a brilliant wine from the South of Italy that went wonderfully with his dish, but it was between that and a Spanish wine that was very good too. I went for the Spanish wine because I know that he would’ve preferred it.’

Discovering budget wines that have to satisfy top chefs must be hard, but Parkinson has had some amazing responses from the wines she has chosen.

‘I had the most incredible reaction to a wine the other week. It was a £4.50 bottle from Aldi,’ she says proudly. ‘Aldi are doing great value for money. They have their own range called the Exquisite range. It’s their own limited edition range and they source them from some good, classic producers. This Pinot noir I chose got James Martin going wild!’

Parkinson’s interest in wine came when she was studying French at University.

She travelled to Dijon to live and immerse herself in the language. When she asked what she should write her dissertation on, during her year at Dijon, her tutor laughed and told her that in Dijon there are only two options: food or wine. Like most students, the notion of studying, and ultimately drinking plenty of wine for research purposes, appealed most.

After discovering a genuine interest in the subject she went on to study her WSET wine qualifications and worked for the Institute of Masters of Wine as their communications officer, before taking a leap (with all her newly acquired wine knowledge) into TV.

58 08/10/2014 12:00

FOOD & DRINK / PROFILE Despite starting on Saturday Kitchen only recently, Parkinson has already reaped the rewards. Her first book, Wine & Food, was published last month.

Parkinson’s eyes light up when discussion turns to her book, ‘I am so excited that I’ve been able to write this book. It’s essentially an introduction to wine and wine with food, written in a way that should engage the most uneducated of wine drinkers.’ The book is led by grape variety and region to keep things simple, avoiding the more complicated references to location, altitude and climate. ‘It’s more about the conversations you’d have at dinner. Anecdotal writing, each with a collage or pictures of the fruits, spices and foods each particular wine evokes. For example, the page on Syrah has images of crispy bacon, blackberries, cherries, buttered toast and coffee beans to try and help people remember what flavours to expect from that particular wine.’

The book also seeks to dissolve urban myths about wine, the kind that have made wine an untouchable topic unless you’re a master of wine or a keen collector.

One myth that really gets to Parkinson is red wine and fish. ‘It really does work sometimes! Obviously you need to apply common sense: a massively heavy Shiraz isn’t going to pair well with a delicate, flaky seabass. But lighter grape varieties like Pinot noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc can work beautifully. Particularly with pink fish like salmon or trout.’

There’s also a section, albeit small, dedicated to wine and takeaways. As Parkinson quite rightly stipulates, sometimes you cannot be bothered to cook and want something naughty, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want a good glass of wine to accompany it. So, on the takeaway section she shares some options to pair with pizza, fish and chips and fried chicken. In fact, one of her personal favourites is fish and chips (from the fish ‘n’ chip shop, Fish Club, on St John’s Hill – one of her favourites) paired with a good glass of Champagne. There’s also a section dedicated to sauces and condiments, as they can be ‘a total game changer.

If you have a fiery, rich or powerful sauce or condiment then you need to pair your wine with that, not with the carbohydrate or the lump of protein.’

Parkinson lives in Battersea, and has been on the hunt for great restaurants with good wine lists. ‘I went to WC the other day. It’s really cool. I also love the Dairy.” Battersea regeneration is clearly

59 B&C_Nov_JANE PARKINSON.indd 59

exciting her as she lists off a host of great new restaurants in Battersea Rise, ‘Cornish Tiger is fantastic. British food with an Asian twist and a decent wine list.

Soif is great and is from the guys behind Terroir, and I love Ben’s Canteen. Oh, and there is another place that no one ever seems to know about, but I love. Gazette.

It’s French and there are lots of French people in Battersea so I guess it makes sense. They do amazing steak frites.’

Speaking to someone so enthusiastic about wine and the experience it can create is electric. Jane Parkinson embodies the evolution of the wine world, particularly in London, from something stale to a cosmopolitan subject avaiable to all. u

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:53

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28/08/2014 14:29

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION MY AMBITION is to take ENOTECA TURI to a HIGHER level of EXCELLENCE and to gain a MICHELIN STAR for the RESTAURANT What is your ambition? ● I aspire to gain the respect of customers, my bosses and the kitchen team alike, and my ambition is to take ET to a higher level of excellence, and – I don’t deny it – to gain a Michelin Star for the restaurant.

How would you achieve this?

By creating unique, beautiful and interesting dishes that it is only possible to eat here, but dishes with substance, character and above all taste.

MICHELIN MAN

What is your favourite dish?

It is a typical wholesome dish from my city, Milan, - “Ossobuco alla Milanese” which is veal shank with saffron risotto and gremolata. It fully expresses Milanese cultural heritage. I see cooking as an art form, and I love the creation of pastry where my artistic expression has no limits. ◆

Absolutely interview the new Head Chef at Enoteca Turi

Who is Michele Blasi? ● I was born in Milan and started work in deluxe hotels at the age of 16, after which I joined the team at Sadler’s Restaurant in Milan right from the beginning. During the 7 years I was there, I developed my skills from Commis Chef to Head Chef, and helped the restaurant achieve first 1 and then 2 Michelin Stars.

Why did you choose Enoteca Turi? ● The reason I chose ET was based on the 25 year track record of its owners, Giuseppe and Pamela Turi. The restaurant has constantly grown and

succeeded in providing its clientele with an authentic gastronomic experience in both food and wine.

What was the attraction of London? ● I have worked abroad since 1994 in Tokyo, Dubai and Singapore and have been enriched by the different cultural cuisines of those places. London is the gastronomic capital of the world, and the perfect city for my next challenge.

I feel that here I can express the high level of excellence that it is possible to achieve in Italian cuisine, and ET is the ideal platform for me to fulfil my ambitions.

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● Recipe Ossobuco alla Milanese enotecaturi.com/recipes/osso_buco.html Book yourself in for a treat! ● Enoteca Turi Restaurant 28 Putney High Street SW15 1SQ, 0208 785 4449; enotecaturi.com

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 11:54

FOOD & DRINK

THE DEVIL’S WINE Once the beverage of choice for kings of France, now enjoyed the world over for its distinctive taste — champagne is in a league of its own Wo r d s J U L I A b r a n d o n

F

or most, champagne is the epitome of luxury and success.

It’s a celebration of the finer things in life, an indulgence to be appreciated and savoured on the palate, and a fitting way to toast or mark an occasion. For the remaining few it is the moniker of extravagance, and a beverage often sprayed in the face of Formula One podium winners. But then again champagne has always been the preferred beverage of the elite.

The vineyards in northeast France date back to the 5th century when the Romans first set about planting them. The wine produced was traditionally served as part of the French kings’ coronation festivities when anointed in Reims, and this royal link has been successfully leveraged by the champagne houses ever since. For example, the family-owned house of champagne Laurent-Perrier founded in 1812— one of the foremost brands in champagne — promoted its vintage in late 1890 as a favourite of Leopold II of Belgium, George I of Greece and the Marchioness of Cambridge, to name but

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The FEELING of FRIENDSHIP is like that of being

COMFORTABLY FILLED with ROAST BEEF; LOVE, like being ENLIVENED with CHAMPAGNE. Samuel Johnson

a few. But more importantly, champagne was also marketed as a luxury enjoyable by anyone, for any occasion, and by the turn of the 20th century most champagne consumers were made up of the middle class.

So what exactly is champagne? In essence, it’s a sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France that undergo a second fermentation to create carbonation, i.e. the fizz! The name itself has been vehemently defended over the years against other vineyards throughout the world producing sparkling wine and calling it champagne, and like gorgonzola, parmigiano-reggiano and Melton Mowbray pork pies, is now protected under appellation law. These laws dictate the geographic region where the grapes are grown, the types of grapes used — primarily black pinot noir, pinot meunier and white chardonnay — and the length of time for laying down the finished product.

However, rather ironically, the first sparkling champagne that was ever created in France was done so by accident. The end product has, over time, undoubtedly proven to be a happy

62 08/10/2014 12:02

FOOD & DRINK/ FEATURE

DID YOU KNOW Champagne is mostly fermented in two sizes of bottles, standard bottles (750 millilitres), and magnums (1.5 litres). Sizes larger than Jeroboam (3 L) are rare, while Primat sized bottles (27 L) and as of 2002 Melchizedek sized bottles (30 L) are exclusively offered by the champagne house Drappier, which boasts some of the oldest and most extensive wine cellars in Europe. u In 2009, a bottle of 1825 PerrierJouët champagne was opened at a ceremony attended by 12 of the world’s top wine tasters. This bottle was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest bottle of champagne in the world. The contents were found to be drinkable, with notes of truffles and caramel in the taste. There are now only two other bottles from the 1825 vintage in existence. u Prior to insertion a champagne cork is almost 50 per cent larger than the opening of the bottle. Over time their compressed shape becomes more permanent and the distinctive ‘mushroom’ shape becomes more apparent. w Champagne is usually served in a champagne flute, whose characteristics include a long stem with a tall, narrow bowl, thin sides and an etched bottom. The Victorian coupe – which according to legend was designed using a mould of Marie Antoinette’s left breast as a birthday present to her husband, Louis XVI – tends to disperse the nose and over-oxygenate the wine. u

mistake, but back then the unexpected pressure created by the bubbles caused the inferior bottles to explode or the corks to pop spontaneously.

The disturbance caused by one bottle exploding could create a chain reaction with it being routine for cellars to lose 20 to 90 per cent of their bottles this way, earning champagne the rather tempting nickname of ‘the devil’s wine’.

Today, the most favoured style of champagne is Brut, a non-vintage wine defined by its very high proportion of chardonnay, which provides a natural purity, freshness and elegance to the flavour, and is deemed to be fairly dry. In terms of aroma it’s generally delicate yet complex, fresh and well balanced with hints of citrus and white fruits.

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“In every glass of champagne there has to be flavour, texture, complexity, elegance, freshness, length and fine bubbles; in one word, pleasure!” says Sara Bachiorri, head sommelier at Michelin-starred restaurant Chez Bruce in Wandsworth. “Good grapes as per any good wine are paramount to what makes a good champagne. At Chez Bruce we offer quite a few different types, including Non-Vintage, Vintage, rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Brut (mostly), some extra Brut and Rich. We have 35 to 40 references in total between bottles, halves and Magnums, but our highest seller is the house champagne, Serge Mathieu.”

The trend towards drier champagne first began when Perrier-Jouët (which

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:02

Italian cuisine and Edible owers have landed in Clapham High Street, London!

A very warm welcome to Lotus London, a unique Italian cuisine and cocktail bar with a difference..

Living up to the Lotus originally meaning of creation and rebirth, Lotus London brings new twists, rebirthing the Classic girl about town cocktails and Italian dishes. The experience within its self will have you coming back for more.

See website for Christmas Menu

www.lotusbar.co.uk

Phone: 020 7720 2516 - 07506 881041 Email: info@lotusbar.co.uk Address : 76 Clapham High Street London, SW4 7UL

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07/10/2014 17:05

FOOD & DRINK/ FEATURE STYLES OF CHAMPAGNE lanc de blancs is a French term that means ‘white from whites’, and is used to designate champagnes made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, or on rare occasions from Pinot blanc.

B

lanc de noirs is a French term that means ‘white from black’ for a white wine produced entirely from black grapes. The colour, due to the small amount of red skin pigments present, is often described as white-yellow, white-grey, or silvery.

B

uvée de prestige is the finest champagne that a producer makes, from the finet grapes in the best vineyards. The French term for prestige cuvee is Têtes de cuvée.

C

osé champagne (or pink champagne) is produced by either leaving the clear juice of black grapes to macerate on its skins for a brief time (known as the saignée method) or, more commonly, by adding a small amount of still pinot noir red wine to the sparkling wine cuvée. The conformists will enjoy their rosé with a fine meal of poultry and charcuterie, while the daring will pair it with Asian cuisine.

R

in September this year unveiled its celebrated Cuvée Belle Epoque Rosé in a limited-edition bottle designed by internationally-acclaimed Brazilian visual artist Vik Muniz) decided not to sweeten his 1846 vintage prior to exporting it to London, and Brut, so to speak, was born. Laurent-Perrier, known in the last century for its ‘Grand vin sans Sucre’, has taken it one step further with its Ultra Brut. This totally natural champagne, without sugar, is a great favourite with connoisseurs who appreciate its combination of vigour and delicacy. Made from 55 per cent chardonnay and 45 per cent pinot noir, it is fruity on the palate, with flower and minerals flavours that mingle to create a wonderfully pure and crisp taste.

At the other end of the scale is cuvée de prestige — a proprietary blended wine that is considered to be the top of a producer’s range. Famous examples include Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle, Moët & Chandon’s Dom Pérignon, and Louis Roederer’s Cristal, today the champagne of choice for Hip Hop artists

The first CHAMPAGNE that was ever CREATED IN FRANCE was done so

by ACCIDENT but in 1876 was strictly for the private consumption of the Russian tsar.

“There is more awareness today about small growers, and there is a bit more curiosity about types and varieties,” says Sara, commenting on how the trends within champagne consumption have altered over the years. “But most people remain linked to a specific brand that they trust, and which is linked to

65 B&C_Nov_CHAMPAGNE FEATURE.indd 65

celebratory memories for them.”

As pleasurable as it is to enjoy flute after flute of unadulterated champagne, it is often best complemented by a plate of perfectly well matched food. While the sweeter notes of cuveé rosé make it an extraordinary partner for red fruit desserts, the drier notes of ultra Brut make it an excellent choice for enhancing the distinctive flavours of seafood or goat’s cheese.

And Sara’s personal favourite? “It’s too hard to narrow down to just one champagne! I can name at least three: Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs for its fresh purity and texture, Henri Giraud Hommage for the richness and opulence of it, and Agrapart Terroirs, for its complexity and elegance. And the list could go on and on…” u

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:03

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK TACOS A L PA STO R

SHEPHERDS’ TACOS R eg i on : Fed eral D i str ict

Preparati on ti m e: 3 0 m inu tes 5 h ours m ari n ati n g Cooki n g ti m e: 3 5 m i n utes S erves: 6 I n g re di e n ts • 5 guajillo chiles, membranes and seeds removed • 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 3 cloves garlic, peeled • pinch of ground cumin • 2 cloves • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional), plus extra for serving • 1 (1 lb 2-oz/500-g) pork leg or rump, thinly sliced • 2–3 tablespoons corn oil • 1 large onion, thinly sliced • sea salt

To s e rv e

Mexico Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers’ shares three hot taco and tostada recipes to keep you warm as the winter draws in

P h o t o g r a p h y F i a M M a P i ac e n t i n i

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• 12 small Corn Tortillas (page 36) • ½ pineapple, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 4 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (coriander) • Salsa of choice (pages 496–514) • Put the chiles into a saucepan, add the vinegar, and simmer for 15 minutes, until the chiles are soft. Add the garlic, cumin, and cloves, then transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and process to a paste. Add more vinegar, if necessary, and pineapple juice, if using, and strain.

ME T HO D 01 Transfer the paste to a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking. Remove from the heat and let cool. 02 Spread a thin layer of chili paste over the slices of meat.

Stack them on a plate, cover them with plastic wrap (clingfilm), and let marinate in the refrigerator for 5 hours or overnight.

03 Heat the oil in a frying pan or skillet.

Add the pork slices and cook for 2 minutes, turn them over, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until partially cooked. Remove from the pan, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pan. Add the onion and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer the meat to a serving plate. 04 Put the tortillas, one at a time, into the pan and cook for 20–30 seconds on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Divide the pork among the tortillas, add the pineapple slices, onion, and cilantro (coriander), and top with salsa. Serve immediately. u

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FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES TOSTADAS D E TI NGA DE P OL LO

CHICKEN TINGA TOSTADAS Re gio n : P uebla

P re p a ra ti o n time : 1 h o ur, p l us 15 m i n u tes s o a k in g C o o k i n g ti me : 2 – 2 h o urs S e r ves : 8 I n gr e d i e nts • ½ onion • 2 cloves • 1 (3-lb/1.4-kg) whole chicken • 2 cloves garlic

TO S E RV E sour cream • ¼ romaine (Cos), shredded (optional) • 1 cup (4 oz/120 g) grated queso fresco or feta cheese

• 1 bay leaf • 1 sprig thyme • 1 sprig marjoram • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Me t ho d

For th e ti n ga sauce: • 3 large tomatoes • 2 dried chipotles chiles, soaked and drained • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 3 tablespoons diced chorizo, fried • 1 onion, sliced horizontally • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 smoked chipotles chiles in adobo, sliced

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• 3 tablespoons piloncillo or packed brown sugar • 2 bay leaves • 2 thyme sprigs • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed sea salt • 1 (14 oz/400 g) bag tostadas or 20–24 Corn Tortillas (page 36), fried or dry-roasted

01 Pour 6¼ cups (2½ pints/1.5 liters) water into a saucepan. Stud the onion half with the cloves. 02 Add the chicken, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, and salt to the pan.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1–1½ hours or until the chicken is cooked.

03 Remove the pan from the heat and lift out the chicken. Reserve the cooking liquid. Let cool, then take the meat off the bones. Discard the skin and the bones and shred the meat finely. 04 Meanwhile, make the tinga sauce.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C/Gas Mark 6). 05 Put the chiles and enough hot water to cover them and soak for 15 minutes. 06 Put the tomatoes into a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.

07 Put the tomatoes and soaked chipotle chiles into a food processor or blender and process to a smooth consistency, then strain the mixture into a bowl and set aside, discarding the skin and seeds. 08 Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add the chorizo and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. 09 Add the onion and continue to cook for an additional 8 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the garlic, tomato and chipotle mixture, sliced chipotles with their liquid, the bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup (9 fl oz/250 ml) of the reserved cooking liquid and the sugar and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the chicken has warmed through. 10 Divide the tostadas among serving plates and spread them with sour cream. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture to each, garnish with the lettuce, if using, and cheese. 11 Serve immediately. ◆

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:13

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FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES TOSTADAS DE JA I BA

CRAB TOSTADAS Re gio n : G ulf

P re p a ra ti o n time : 2 0 min utes

For th e sauce

C o o k i n g ti me : 1 5 min utes

• 1 ¼ cup (10. oz/300 g) mayonnaise • 4–6 smoked chipotle chiles in adobo

S e r ves : 10 –1 2 I n gr e d i e nts • 4 tomatoes • 3 cloves garlic • 1 white onion • 2 bay leaves • pinch of dried oregano • 3 peppercorns • 4 tablespoons corn oil • 3 ½ tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped • 1 cup (3. oz/100 g) green olives, chopped • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander) • 1 lb 10 oz/750 g crabmeat • 1 bag tostadas (14 oz/400 g) or 20–24 small Corn Tortillas (page 36), fried or dry-roasted until they are crispy

To garn i sh

• lettuce, finely chopped ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced Red Onion Escabeche

ME T HO D 01 Put the tomatoes, garlic, onion, bay leaves, oregano, and peppercorns in a food processor and process until smooth and strain into a bowl.

Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the tomato mixture and cook for 10 minutes over lowmedium heat. Add the capers, olives, cilantro (coriander), and crabmeat, mix then season.

Remove from the heat and set aside. 02 For the sauce, put the mayonnaise and chipotle chiles in a food processor and process. Put in a serving bowl and set aside. 03 Spread the sauce over the tostada shells and put the crab mixture on top.

Garnish with some lettuce, avocado, and red onion escabeche. Serve immediately. u

MIXIOT ES DE NOAL ES Y CA M ARO NE S

CACTUS PADDLE & SHRIMP PACKAGES R eg i on : C en tral Mexico & Gulf

Preparati on Ti m e: 20 minu tes Cooki n g Ti m e: 40 minu tes S erves: 6 I n g re di e n ts • 6 maguey leaves, soaked and cut into 10-inch (25-cm) squares (optional) • 1 tablespoon corn oil • 3 ½ oz/100 g chorizo, skinned and crumbled • 1 bay leaf • 2 sprigs thyme • 1 large white onion, finely chopped • 5 oz/150 g raw shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined • 8 cactus paddles, cooked and cut into thin strips • 3 smoked chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped sea salt • Roast Tomatillo Salsa (page 510), to serve (optional)

m e t ho d 01 Spread out the leaf squares or cut six 10inch (25-cm) squares of parchment paper. Set aside. 02 Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring frequently, for 5–6 minutes. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and onion and saute, stirring frequently, for an additional 5–6 minutes until the chorizo is browned. 03 Add the shrimp (prawns) and stir. Then add the cactus paddles and chipotle chiles, and cook for anadditional 2–3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and remove the pan from the heat. Remove and discard the bay leaf. 04 Put 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the center of each wrapper. Fold in the sides of the wrappers to make packages and tie with kitchen string.

Put the packages in the top of a steamer and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the packages to a serving platter. Serve immediately with the salsa, if using. u

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:13

INTERIORS / PROFILE

SPOTLIGHT

BOILING POINT Absolutely head to Raymond Blanc’s famous cookery school at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Wo r d s s a r a h r a e

A

lthough only a short 45 minute train ride from London, The Raymond Blanc Cookery School feels worlds away from the hubbub of urban life. Set in the tranquil Oxfordshire countryside, the cookery school is hidden within Raymond's two Michelin Star restaurant and hotel, Belmond Le Manior aux Quat’Saisons.

Over the past twenty years, Raymond Blanc has commanded our attention and nurtured the nation's interest in cooking as a regular face on television.

His hard work has not gone unnoticed, since he's clocked up a myriad of tributes throughout his lengthy career.

We were invited to the Autumn Blanc Vite course, where we were taught some of the skills and techniques used

by Raymond and his team, to create delicious, seasonal dishes. The school is reflective of his many accolades as high quality and excellent tutoring are at the forefront.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov_LE MAISON_02.indd 70

RAYMOND BLANC oozed ENTHUSIASM, and it was INFECTIOUS.

On arrival we were each handed a pencil, recipe folder and chef’s jacket.

Taken under the wing of Raymond’s first apprentice, Mark Peregrine, we entered the compact teaching kitchen, which can hold no more than ten hands-on students.

The room has all of the state-of-the-art ovens, as well as large television screens to capture every movement of cooking.

This is then aired to guest's rooms, so that they can learn a little without getting too hands on.

Mark, who worked with Raymond to win the first Michelin star, is the life and soul of the course. Our nerves were quickly quashed when we watched Mark cook up a heavenly smoked salmon omelette using three locally sourced eggs. From the off, you can’t help but be consumed by Raymond’s vision to create simple and delicious seasonal dishes.

Throughout the day, we were let in on gems of culinary wisdom. Not only were we guided by Mark, but were also let loose in the kitchen to cook up the dishes ourselves. With our minds, and stomachs, slowly filling up, we were also advised by the on-hand nutritional expert,

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FOOD & DRINK / FEATURE

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:48

AQUUM.indd 2

06/10/2014 10:31

FOOD & DRINK / FEATURE

RECIPE

SMOKED SALMON OMELETTE A simple yet delicious technique that can be enjoyed for a nourishing healthy breakfast.

S e rv e s 1 Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 4 minutes

Natalia Traxel. She educated us on the nutritional benefits of cooking seasonal dishes, and the positive impact it can have on our health.

As with all the recipes we cooked that day, the success of each rested on the quality of the ingredients. The Poulet Au Vinaigre, another seasonal recipe we happily washed down with a glass of wine, demonstrated Raymond’s vision.

The chicken was plump and organic, juicy tomatoes, fresh tarragon and flat parsley made up the rest, and a splash of the ‘Forum’ red wine vinegar (available at most Waitrose stores), made this dish a real highlight.

Next up was a tour of the grounds, where we met Raymond himself.

Flitting around the 2.5 acres of organic vegetable gardens, Raymond Blanc oozed enthusiasm, and it was infectious. He spoke fervently about his inspiring vision to create dishes based on the seasons, and the importance of this with regards to flavour.

Don't be deterred by the fact that the cookery school is stamped with Raymond Blanc's name, the school is open to people of all culinary abilities. They give you confidence and gems of knowledge along the way. If that’s not enough, you can even walk away from the day with a framed certificate with your name on.

Courses on offer are regularly updated on their website.

Demand for most courses is high so early booking is recommended.

Choose from courses such as wine masterclasses, children's cookery class, seasonal dinner party and nutritional classes. u  01844 278 881; reservations.mqs@belmond.com belmond.com

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I n g r e d i e nt s 5ml / tsp Olive butter or Butter (the higher the % of saturated fat the better!) • 3 medium sized eggs (three is the key) – Organic / free range / fresh eggs • 30g / 2 tbsp Smoked Salmon, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper M e th o d

01 In a mixing bowl, gently beat the eggs together with a pinch of salt and pepper.

02 In an omelette pan heat the olive oil or butter until it begins to foam. 03 Pour in the mixture and cook for a few seconds, allow the omelette to set lightly before stirring the set part inwards, repeat this motion 5 times until the omelette has formed completely but is still soft and creamy in the center. 04 Add the pieces of salmon in the middle of the omelette and fold the sides towards the centre. 05 Turn out onto a plate and serve immediately. 06 Brush the omelette with olive oil or butter and serve.

Chef’s (Raymond Blanc) notes Egg freshness is important, as fresh eggs will have more texture than an old egg. A fresh locally sourced egg is heavy and should feel well filled. As eggs become older, moisture moves out through tiny pores in the shell and air moves inside creating an air space inside the egg – sometimes you can feel this by shaking the egg. Keep eggs out of the fridge – they will last longer. Battery chicken eggs last for 2-4 weeks. Organic / free range last for 16-18 weeks. u

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:31

COCKTAIL HOUR Our pick of the best bars and restaurants in Southwest London

DOWNSTAIRS AT HARRISON’S Tucked away in the basement of Harrison’s is Downstairs - a cocktail bar with old school glamour. Exposed brick walls, distressed timber, bright red stools and deep buttoned leather banquette booths make Downstairs the perfect place for intimate cocktails with friends.

Downstairs is open Wednesday – Saturday from 6pm until late. 15-19 Bedford Hill SW12, 020 8675 6900; harrisonsbalham.co.uk

Rise 46

BEN’S CANTEEN

Rise 46 are a 1920’s influenced cocktail bar known for delicious cocktails, live music and weekend DJ’s. There are several areas that can be booked for parties, birthday celebrations or even the fast approaching Christmas party. To book a table or an area give them a call. 46 Battersea Rise, London SW11, 020 7228 7676; rise46.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Ben’s Canteen is known for its food, particularly its top-notch brunches and juicy burgers. On top of that they serve an array of great cocktails and wines, as well as a vast selection of craft beers.

Head to either their Battersea or Earlsfield bars and try for yourself. Both bars are open daily from 10am and are the perfect spot to drink and be merry this party season. 140 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SL - 020 722 83260, 422 Garratt Lane, SW18, 020 8944 0452; benscanteen.com

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LOTUS EXPERIENCE

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A unique Italian cuisine and cocktail bar, the Lotus brings shake up classic cocktails and Italian dishes. The sleek interior and live DJs makes it the perfect backdrop for a night out or an after work rendez-vous. Every day brings different entertainment, like the edible cocktail flower masterclass. Why not book for a christmas shindig? 76 Clapham High Street, SW4, 020 7720 2516; lotusbar.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Clapham, SO.UK is a cool new cocktail bar and music venue.

They serve light bites and a vast selection of wines, beers and cocktails. They also have DJs regularly playing in the evenings for a wild night out. They take bookings for private parties too, just in time for the Christmas season. 165 Clapham High Street, SW4, 020 7622 4004; soukclapham.co.uk

AQUUM Aquum is an elegant spot for an afterwork or weekend drink and a bite. Aquum also makes the a great choice for a festive celebration. This year they are also introducing a cocktail masterclass.

Whether you are seeking a decent dining experience, a night of cocktails or an evening entirely tailored to suit you, Aquum is ideal for fun this festive season. They are hosting a NYE party too, so for further information call them on.

68-70 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL, 02076272726; aquum.co.uk

THE TOY SHOP

HEMINGWAYS

If Willy Wonka had the night off, you’d find him at The Toy Shop bar & restaurant. From quirky cocktails garnished with roasted marshmallows, to main courses served in old school lunchboxes, The Toy Shop sees life with child like wonder. Get in touch if you need a venue for your christmas party or dinner. 32 Putney High Street, SW15, 020 8704 1188; thetoyshopbar.com

Voted best cocktail venue in Southwest London, Hemingways lounge bar is a great independent bar in Wimbledon. The bar is elegant and friendly and has become one of the Wimbledon Village's most beloved drinking spots. They can also host tailored parties to suit your needs. For any party enquiries give them a call. 57 High Street, SW19, 020 8944 7722; hemingwaysbar.co.uk

BAR 366 Bar 366 is a cool cocktail bar that regularly hosts live music, DJs and stirs up some of the most delicious and innovative cocktails.

Recently awarded 'Best Service' award in Southwest London by Time & Leisure, Bar 366 make a great spot for a Christmas or New Years Eve party. 366 Garrat Lane, SW18, 020 8944 9591; 126 St John's Hill, SW11, 020 7924 4196; bar-366.com

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:50

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

04/09/2014 09:23

> DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HOI AN, VIETNAM

p. 78

UK GETAWAY: DORSETT SHEPHERD'S BUSH

p. 85

ORIENTAL EXPRESS Be transported to another world with Holly Baxter's guide to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, Vietnam (pictured). Closer to home, Asian hotel chain Dorsett have opened in Shepherd’s Bush.

Read our review on page 83...

77 B&C_Nov_Travel_Opener.indd 77

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 12:55

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

SPOTLIGHT

Good Morning,

VIETNAM Holly Baxter returns to the highlight of her backpacking days, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, Vietnam W o r d s H o l ly B a x t e r

V

ietnam is not the first place you might choose to take your mother.

But it was for me, one freezing February morning when I’d just negotiated another difficult phone call. As I clicked off the phone, the idea that we should visit Hoi An reared its head for the first time.

It had been a tough year for us both.

Work was demanding, and she had undergone a divorce; my younger sister was in full technicolour teenage brat mode. Usually so close, we now argued regularly. I was yearning to return to the South East Asian landscape that had amazed me in my backpacking teenage years. She was yearning for a luxurious yet affordable escape from a deluge of teen tantrums and divorce drama.

Travelling to a small Vietnamese town with a middle-aged mother in tow seemed completely ridiculous and absolutely out of the question. Yet, almost as soon as the idea occurred to me, we were both dead set on making it a reality.

Six weeks later, our plane touched down after 18 hours onto the underused tarmac at Da Nang Airport. Hoi An is a

small town, flanked by the metropolises of Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, with miles of dirt roads and rice paddy fields in between. Travelling by road is possible, but notoriously slow; the only realistic method of reaching Hoi An is by touching down at its local airport half an hour away in the adjoining town. From there, a taxi for the half hour ride to Hoi An hovers around the $15 mark – and yes, the drivers (as well as everyone else in Vietnam) will accept American dollars as readily as they do Vietnamese dong.

From what I’d heard from fellow travellers while in Ho Chi Minh City on my last few trips, Hoi An is the town that has it all: picturesque countryside vignettes hovering unbelievably close to ancient Chinese and Japanese architecture, unspoilt beaches only minutes away from markets filled with merchants who will churn you out a completely bespoke silk dress or wool suit in a matter of hours, lantern-covered rivers running through a town where residents range from elderly women in conical hats selling fruit from wooden wagons to their spritely grandchildren navigating the streets on pink mopeds and catching pictures of the tourists with

We DISCOVERED a PALM TREE lined beach and RAUCOUS SEA

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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TRAVEL / HOI AN

79 B&C_Nov_Vietnam 2.indd 79

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:07

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TRAVEL / HOI AN their iPads. It’s hard to believe that Hoi An can be all these things, and such high praise risks condemning it to saccharine hyperbole. And in many ways, it would be untrue to say that this small part of Vietnam seems like paradise, when our first glimpse of it through a taxi window was of hundreds of honking motorbikes bellowing their way through dusty streets. Yet, once you have been here, you can’t imagine a better place to return to.

As my mother left for her plane at the end of our ten day trip, she was moved to tears by the thought that she might never have the chance to return.

But what is it, specifically, that makes Hoi An so special? Partly, it’s the sheer diversity of terrain: our small boutique hotel at the edge of town (5* suites for £26 each per night) looked over paddy fields populated with rice pickers and water buffalo on one side, and an urban scene of street hawkers advertising

TRADERS tell you to be ‘HAPPY & LUCKY’ as you PASS grilled coconut crisps on the other. Like most hotels in Hoi An, the Essence lent us bicycles and maps of the surrounding area for free; fifteen minutes down the road astride them, we discovered a palm tree lined beach and a raucous sea to cool down in. A further five minutes from there, we came across the vegetable village of Tra Que: acres of lush green land as far as the eye can see, tended into neat lines of every herb and vegetable possible. Everywhere we looked, there was a strikingly different scene.

Those who live in the town are evangelical about its charms. Women on their way home from dropping children at school or taking a break from selling fruit and handmade wares in the town approached us as we wandered the winding streets, asking why we were visiting and what we thought of the place.

They told us about their families, one weaving us a tale about her renegade sister who had married a German tourist and moved to Hamburg.

Two minutes off the main tourist walkways, adventurous tourists can find their way into the semi-chaotic local cloth market, where an unbelievably small Vietnamese woman stood on an upturned box to reach my 5’3” mother’s shoulders with a tape measure, and tailor-made

a Chanel copy suit for her for $45. Her friend took us to a stall out of the sun and expertly threaded our eyebrows and painted our nails for $5 as we perched on tiny plastic seats. We bought handmade bags to our own proportions, and were even offered bespoke reading glasses.

‘There is nothing that cannot be made in Hoi An,’ one waitress told us proudly.

Due in no small part to its lovingly tended architecture, Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

UNESCO describes it as ‘an exceptionally well preserved example of a South East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.’ The ancient buildings, adorned with lanterns made by silk-sellers sat in shopfronts that line the streets, are kept in good repair by mainly local donations: residents’ pride in the area

81 B&C_Nov_Vietnam 2.indd 81

is strong. It’s hard to believe that, as recently as 1968, this area of Vietnam was infamous for shocking coverage of the My Lai Massacre, a violent purging of a nearby village by American soldiers.

The Vietnamese of today have not forgotten that war: charity boxes collecting for the victims of Agent Orange punctuate the winding streets, but there is no bitterness toward western visitors.

Instead, westerners are welcomed without suspicion (and often photographed as exotic curiosities.) Meanwhile, the happygo-lucky atmosphere – where traders quite literally tell you to ‘be happy and lucky’ as you pass – is infectious: my usually cautious mother hopped readily onto the back of a motorbike and asked a local boy to drive us down the road to the herb village, to my immense surprise.

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:07

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TRAVEL / HOI AN

Hoi An is dissected by the Thu Bon river, which – despite the food and cloth markets jostling for attention further in – is its own centre of commerce. Rather than visiting merchants, now Vietnamese children selling candles line the banks, while the riverside proper is abundant with fishing boats waiting to take you anywhere you could possibly hope to visit.

My mother and I took a private $10 boat to a village one day, and a $5 ride down

the river at night with candles on our last night. We were lucky enough to have our final night fall on the monthly lunar celebration, where all traffic and electric lighting is banned, and the town lights up with the candles of a thousand lanterns and the burning of incense sticks at tiny impromptu shrines outside homes and businesses. We let our paper lanterns float down the river from our small wooden boat, and made silent wishes. u

BEST OF THE REST

S

outh East Asia is an incredibly diverse region with surprisingly well connected flight paths, so it makes sense to spend your time there in more than one country. One underrated city is Manila in the Philippines, best accessed via Hong Kong from Da Nang Airport at Hoi An on Cathay Pacific Airlines.

By far the most decadent choices in Manila are Raffles and its sister hotel the Fairmont, both situated in the upmarket Makati district. Luxury comes at a more-thanreasonable price for the western traveller, due to the fact that the Philippines suffered a downturn in tourism after Typhoon Haiyan.

One night in a room at the Fairmont Makati comes in at around £135, even in peak season, so if you’ve been budgeting your way around the region this is a great place to set down your bags, collapse onto a queen-size bed and enjoy glass of champagne while watching the sun set.

Quality really does come cheap in the Philippines – but renewed interest in the region means these prices won’t last forever.

● fairmont & raffles

For prices and info see: raffles.com; fairmont.com

83 B&C_Nov_Vietnam 2.indd 83

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:07

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08/10/2014 09:51 08/10/2014 09:51

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY HOTEL

I

t’s rather telling that when luxury Asian hotel chain Dorsett decided to expand into Europe, their first port of call was not London’s glittering West End or trendy Soho, but Shepherd’s Bush. It’s a clever move given the area’s growing appeal – its location a veritable stone’s throw away from Westfield Shopping Centre and a few doors down from the famous Empire. Residents will have noticed construction work going on for some time now and their curiosity will be rewarded when, this November, the hotel throws its enormous revolving doors open fully, following a soft launch earlier this autumn. By keeping the beautiful original Gradelisted façade, Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush is a sophisticated feat of architecture that appears both striking and imposing whilst remaining oddly subtle. It almost feels like it’s been in the area for years. 

DORSETT HOTEL S H E P H E R D ’S B U S H

Wo r d s G E M M A B I L L I N G T O N

RESTAURANT

VIBE

ictures, the in-house restaurant, boasts predominantly British fare with a spattering of Asianinspired dishes. I started with a quinoa, pomegranate and haloumi salad followed by flat noodles and prawns. The brownie I had for dessert served with pecans, raspberries and ice cream was absolutely delicious.

The best part, however, is the fact that the prices are very reasonable and the portions, satisfyingly large. It’s a smart way to attract the crowds and compete with the many eateries popping-up in Shepherd’s Bush. Afternoon tea and specialist sandwiches served at lunchtime are sure to prove stiff competition too. 

n keeping with its Asian roots, the Dorsett look is contemporary East meets West, and despite the ostentatious sounding décor (gold, velvet, diamanté, traditional print feature wallpaper and mirrored furniture) it stays well and truly on the right side of good taste. It’s business appropriate but not in a cold, distant way and the staff are extremely cheerful and only too willing to help. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with a luxuriously big shower and bath combo. One of the highlights of the hotel is to sup a pleasingly boozy cocktail in the Atrium bar. Its ingenious layout enables the visitor to take-in the hotel’s spectacular design, with a vertiginous, dazzling view of all seven floors from the inside, right up to the ceiling skylight. 

P

I

THE DAMAGE Rooms at the Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush start at £103 per night 58 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12; dorsett.com

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08/10/2014 14:09

ABSOLUTELY / TRAVEL

SPOTLIGHT

Island Life Presenter Jamie Theakston’s guide to the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi, Malaysia words ja mie the akston

LANGKAWI

L

M a l ays i a

angkawi is one of only four populated islands out of Malaysia’s 99 island archipelago, located 30km off the northwest coast. This much I learnt from my 6-year-old’s school project ahead of our trip. In fact, by the time we limped off our 12 hour flight via Kuala Lumpur, there wasn’t much I didn’t know about this jewel in the Andaman Sea. Being almost adjacent to the Thai border, visitors to Phuket or Koh Samui will be familiar with the Langkawi vibe and the island is fast becoming a bustling tourist mecca.

Back in the day, Langkawi attracted seafarers and traders bringing spices and silks from China and India.

Langkawi’s hidden coves were also a haven for pirates who ruled the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. It is a land steeped in legends and shrouded in mysteries. Its past is filled with legendary tales of wronged maidens and lovelorn princes. The bestknown legend is that of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who lived here some 200 years ago. She was wrongly accused of committing adultery and sentenced to death by those who were envious of her. With her dying breath, she laid a curse upon the island that it should remain barren for seven generations.

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:20

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST WHEN TO GO

void June – its very wet. I’d say the best times to visit is at the start of the year, around January or February time. I was warned by one of the locals that it can get busy during the Malaysian school holidays, when holidaymakers flock from the mainland.

A

WHERE TO STAY

here are plenty of top notch hotels on Langkawi, most notably The Datai and The Andaman, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better base for your holiday than the luxurious Four Seasons’ Resort, with its stunning pavilions and unrivalled service.

The hotel is a village of pavilions, pools and beautifully landscaped gardens. We stayed in a Family Beach House, accessed via a quiet garden path that led to a private plunge pool and reflecting pond overlooking the Andaman Sea. The outdoor deck caters for lazy days with a large dining area and a sprawling daybed. The airy interiors accommodate two large living areas, a four-man spa bath, indoor and outdoor tropical shower rooms and a family-size walk-in closet.

The children’s bedroom has an LCD screen television with a PS3 game console, with additional family-friendly amenities extending from beach toys and sandcastlemaking kits to toiletries and board games.

T

LANGKAWI’S HIDDEN COVES were also a HAVEN for PIRATES who RULED the TURQUOISE

waters of the

ANDAMAN SEA.

The Kids for All Seasons programme is a complimentary kids club that, whilst based in the childrens centre, uses the entire island as its playground. If our four and six-year-old boys weren’t flying kites or playing football on the beach, they were face painting or playing local instruments (thankfully, just out of earshot of one of the three restaurants on the resort that we frequented).

WHAT TO DO

f jungle trekking and rock climbing aren’t your thing, there’s not an awful lot to do on the island. We spent an afternoon on bikes riding through the rubber plantations and paddy fields, stopping briefly to watch the fishermen return with their catch at the village of Kuala Teriang.

I

The Mangrove and Eagle Safari (an excursion organised through the Four Seasons) was a particular hit with the kids. In 2007 it was declared southeast Asia’s first UNESCO World Geopark.

550 million years of geological history have created an exciting natural habitat for walking fish, fiddler crabs, majestic eagles and kites, coiled snakes, otters and monitor lizards. It’s an ancient maze of limestone cliffs and tangled mangroves - a nature experience straight out of National Geographic, and we loved it.

The kids fell in love with the mischievous macaque monkeys!

If you want to get the best views of the island, you should head to the cable car at the foot of the Machincang mountains.

Whilst on board the dizzyingly steep ascent you will see the Telaga waterfall and, if you’re lucky, hornbills and eagles. By the time we got to the top the cloud had moved in, but we still had a stunning panoramic view of Kedah and southern Thailand.

One of the most beautiful places on the island is the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, a fifteen minute walk through the jungle. According to legend, a celestial princess married a mortal prince and gave birth to a baby, which died soon after. Heartbroken, she buried the baby in the lake, and before returning to her celestial home, she blessed the lake so that any maiden who wishes to conceive and who bathes there would become pregnant. It didn’t deter my wife who, as far as I am aware, isn’t pregnant. u

● The Details

Original Travel (www.originaltravel.co.uk /020 3582 4990) offers 7 nights at the Four Seasons Langkawi for 2 adults and 2 kids in a family beach house on a B&B basis with flights from the UK in economy and airport transfers: £10,995. fourseasons.com/langkawi

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:20

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CHALET CHIC

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:23

10 of the best

London inspired interiors 01

Giltzy accessories and Art Deco inspired lighting

ELLA DORAN

Buses Tray for London Transport Museum, £29.99; ltmuseumshop.co.uk

Wo r d s G e m m a B i l l i n g t o n

PLACE IN PRINT

Clapham North Station Limited Edition Print; £50; placeinprint.com 02 03

HINTON HOME

Legendary London Streets Limited Edition Print, £35; hintonshome.com

04

ANOTHER STUDIO

London City Clips, £6.75; another-studio.com 05

Starry Night Star by Julien Macdonald

HOME CANDY

Iconic London Wallpaper; £125 per roll; homecandy.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Flamboyant fashion designer Julien Macdonald has turned his hand to homeware, designing the exclusive Star by Julien Macdonald range of decadent accessories for Debenhams. Go all out glam without breaking the bank. Prices vary; debenhams.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES 06

MUSEUM OF LONDON

Wooden Skyline Coat Hanger; £50 museumoflondonshop.co.uk

TO THE WIRE Ben Rousseau

New from innovative furniture and interior designer Ben Rousseau is the quirky wire bubble chair, pictured here alongside the new Moon lights showcased at Ben’s Chiswick home. POA; benrousseau.com

07

LONDON KILLS ME Hand Printed London Landmark Slate Coasters, £24; rockettstgeorge.co.uk

editor’s

PICK DECO DELIGHTS Christiane Lemieux

DwellStudio founder Christiane Lemieux continues her collaboration with House of Fraser with the launch of a new range for AW14. The theme is a continuation of the Spring-Summer collection, which included citrus colours and Art Deco shapes. houseoffraser.co.uk

08

CATH KIDSTON

London Kitchen Clock, £35; cathkidston.com 09

YONI ALTER

London Poster, £8; shop.tate.org.uk

MIRROR IMAGE Richard Brendon

The Reflect collection of handpainted cups and saucers by British bone china specialist, Richard Brendon, are a unique take on traditional china sets and are sure to liven up your afternoon tea. richardbrendon.com

FASHIONABLE FLAT-PACK A m b r o s e a t H e a l ’s

The new Ambrose collection at Heal’s is designed with modern Londoners in mind. Cleverly engineered furniture that's practical, easy to assemble and mobile - whilst still looking great – it’s flat-pack furniture but not as you know it. heals.co.uk

CATH KIDSTON

London Buses Stanley Mug, £6.50; cathkidston.com

10

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:27

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

Ideal

HOME From Raphael to Showroom Wo r d s C H R I S T I N A M A S T E R M A N

N

eil Norton is the man behind Open Plan Designs, a kitchen design company where visionary ideas, craftsmanship and the latest modcons meet splendidly, beautifully, harmoniously. Neil is a modest man, whose love of great design is evident as soon as you walk into the studio. His showroom is a hub of creativity and the place where Neil and his team work on bringing concepts to reality. Neil overlooks his projects with the zeal of a fine artist, taking care of the smallest detail, masterfully bringing alive his client’s vision.

The new showroom in Wimbledon Park is a testimony to Neil’s passion for his profession and life’s work - sketches lie strewn on desks, laden with design equipment. The atmosphere is that of a creative family hub, where everyone who steps through the door is made to feel warmly welcome. Neil’s four-month-old puggle Buster is the newest member of the Norton family, greeting each visitor with equal enthusiasm and affection.

Showrooms can feel uninviting and clinical. Open Plan Designs feels more like a home from home - a place where life meets art. It all comes together in a completely magical way.

Neil’s ancestors are carpenters and joiners, which explains his love for fine materials and furniture. Alongside learning practical skills, Neil has the eye and training of a fine artist. Encouraged by his mother and father, Neil is a keen

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OPEN PLAN DESIGNS feels like a HOME FROM HOME - where LIFE MEETS ART artist and began drawing at a very young age. By the time he hit his teens, his work was being commissioned and sold locally by his mother to raise money for charity.

His eye for detail, as well as love for architecture, is evident when looking at the sketches and blueprints he produced whilst living in his home country,

Northern Ireland. Neil went on to work in an Art Gallery, restoring works of grand masters such as Raphael and further honing his eye for detail. Whenever he had an idle moment, he would pull out his sketches from the desk drawer and refine his own work. Drawings which he went on to successfully sell at a market stall. All of this personal experience has taught him to become highly adept at interpreting clients’ design dreams and desires.

Following a degree in Graphic Design, he worked for 15 years on high value projects and renovations, including the new kitchen design for Holkham Hall in Norfolk, where he worked hand in hand with top interior designers and architects. With his exceptional

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ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

eye for detail, he hired a backsmith to successfully recast the original old handles for the kitchen at Holkham Hall and turned them into a feature of the room. “Historical buildings provide a wonderful opportunity to emphasise the link between something old, something new”, adds Neil.

His own personal taste is eclectic, lying somewhere between the traditional and the contemporary, which is evident in Open Plan Design’s portfolio. Neil is, in his own words, ‘a master of experimentation’ and loves working with the unconventional, using new technologies, such as liquid metal. A shark detail design that he created fast became a best seller. Competition from established bigger brands may be tough, but in a world of high street uniformity and faceless internet shopping, Open Plan Design is a great example of how innovative independent retailers and designers are the trailblazers of today.

Handmade furniture, previously discounted by home improvers, is now

far more affordable. Having furniture custom-made to fit your home and desires can sometimes be less expensive than purchasing something from a mass manufacturer.

Having the option of designing furniture to reflect your own vision and taste enables you to bring alive your own inner artist.

The kitchen is the heart of the home.

Open Plan Designs take this simple

● Our showroom 167 Arthur Road, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8AD, 020 8715 5575 info@openplandesigns.com openplandesigns.com

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philosophy to a much higher level. The kitchens are design-led with bespoke details, yet their purpose very much multi- functional. The result is a welcoming homely space for family and friends to congregate and celebrate, as well as work, rest and play.

Neil Norton’s philosophy is to grow organically within the local community and is passionate about collaborating with like-minded design visionaries. In the design and custom-made furniture field, Open Plan Designs is one of a kind.

What makes them stand out is one man’s vision and craftsmanship leading the way to a whole new field of co-creation.

Go visit and free your inner artist, whilst Neil Norton sketches as you speak. You may just be amazed. u

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:33

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HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS HABITAT

Knot Natural Knitted Round Pouf, £95; habitat.co.uk

NORDIC HOUSE

Marbelled Pillar Candle, £11; nordichouse.co.uk

ONE FINE STAY

Islington Park Mews; onefinestay.com

NORDIC HOUSE

Vintage Wooden Skis, £85; nordichouse.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Leon

Dining Table, £1,468; sweetpeaandwillow.com

CHESNEY'S

SWANKY MAISON

Broughton Steel & Leather Log Holder; £390; chesneys.co.uk

Heart Shaped Wooden Coasters Set of 6, £9.99; swankymaison.com

JAN CONSTANTINE

Christmas Collection, Prices Vary; janconstantine.com

PULLMAN LIMITED EDITIONS

St Moritz: Downhill Skiers, £395; pullmaneditions.com

OKA Home, Piste Season Bedroom; okadirect.com

WEWOOD

Kundera Armchair, £1,185; luxdeco.com

IITTALA

Tsaikka by Iittala Clear Glasses, £11.50; skandium.com

CHALET CHIC Go off-piste this month with warming alpine-inspired interiors EICHHOLTZ

Horn Chandelier, £1,065; luxdeco.com

ALEXANDER & PEARL

Woodland Set Of 3 Storage Trunks, £295; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

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NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:35

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08/10/2014 09:53

PROMOTION / ABSOLUTELY

ART ATTACK

Wimbledon Art Studios Art Show returns this month for a four-day extravaganza his month, art collectors and gallery owners from T all over the UK will flock to Wimbledon Art Studios (WAS) where the 36th Open Studios Art Show is taking place. For the four day exhibition, 250 of the UK’s newest emerging artistic talent will turn the space, which is one of the largest singlesite art studio complexes in Europe, into their own by building and recreating their personal studio and gallery.

A rare and unique opportunity, art lovers will be able to meet the artist and gain a deeper insight into the creative mind

behind the canvas, meaning that you can truly understand the emotion of the piece hanging up on your wall at home.

Reconnecting the maker and the buyer in such an informal and relaxed setting makes art shopping much more personal and pleasurable, so much so that over 4,400 visitors are expected to attend, many of whom will be children.

It makes perfect sense to introduce children to the art world in such an easygoing and unpretentious environment, the event is hands-on and, with fun activities specifically designed with kids in mind, would make for a really great school

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trip or family day out. From paintings to sculptures, ceramics to textiles, printmaking and photography, the free event will really exhibit it all and, with acquisitions and commissions exempt from gallery premiums, the show is attractive to art collectors, gift buyers and nosey-parkers alike. u Wimbledon Art Studios 13-16 November 2014 10 Riverside Yard, Riverside Road, SW17; 0208 947 1183; enquiries@wimbledonartstudios. co.uk; wimbledonartstudios.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:40

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Clear Cut WINE

Glass manufacturing stalwarts Riedel introduce new glasses to its repotoire.

We talk to Georg Riedel about crystal and improvingcoca cola I n t e r v i e w b y R o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

T

he world of fine wine has long been considered a elusive and exclusive world for the wealthy. Recently this has changed. London's food revolution has meant wine has penetrated into peoples everyday lives.

With people championing great wine by the glass or unknown wines from obscure corners of the globe, wine is something everyone can now enjoy. With this in mind, glass manufacturers Riedel have produced a range of machine-made glasses to replicate, in so far as they can, the feel, look and quality of handmade glasses, which inevitably come with a higher price tag. Absolutely take a moment to sip some wine with a 10th generation Riedel, Georg, to discuss the new collection, Austrian wine and aerating coca cola.

ABSOLUTELY Tell me about yourself...

GEORG RIEDEL I am Georg Riedel. I am 10th generation of the Riedel family, which goes back to 1673. We originate from the Sudetenland, once part of Czechoslovakia, but during WW2 my family moved and settled in Kufstein, Austria, where my grandfather and father restarted the business. We had the business since 1756 when 3rd generation Riedel started his first workshop. And Maximillian, my son, is 11th generation and CEO of my company.

A So did you always know you were going to get involved in the family business?

GR I am the first-born child of Klaus Riedel.

My father was a very determined man and

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wave, which we perfectly served. Wine became popular in the new world and this gave us new emerging markets, and wine consumption has been growing so the demand of glasses has increased. I had a very fun time from seventies until today and am looking back to an amazing 40 years.

A day without a GLASS OF WINE Is like a day WITHOUT SUNSHINE

always thought that I needed to follow his footsteps. So I was trained and brought up to run the operation in the factory. After many years I don’t regret it anymore. At the beginning it was a little tough working with your close relatives, especially your father, in such a close environment.

A How has company developed since you took the reins?

GR We became global. We have opened subsidiaries around the globe and we definitely took great advantage of the wine

A Riedel is one of most famous and highend glass manufacturers in world. How have they achieved that status?

GR It was the 9th generation; my father Klaus Riedel was the first to create wine friendly glasses. He had a very different approach to consumers. The consumer before was approached by only aesthetics, which means the more beautiful, the more ornate the glass is, with gold rims, etching and engraves, these are the types of glasses that attracted the consumer’s eye. Meanwhile Klaus Riedel changed this subject to talk about the content. Talk about why different shaped glasses go with different wines. Whether it’s red or white, when we look at them, what makes the difference in those categories. This has come about from being very involved in the wine industry and learning, studying and creating glasses which have made us famous and made us the wine glass company. That said, we are still learning. For example, a project for Central Otago Pinot noir has gone through so we are making a special Central Otago Pinot noir glass which we are not going to commercialise. But they will source it from us and we will flood the region with them. We are also working on Malbec glasses in Mendoza. So there are different glasses that will not be in our

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INTERIORS / PROFILE

commercial collection but will obviously round off and create this fame for the company, making specific glasses for specific regions. They all want something very special and our talent allows us to make them the right type of glass.

A You must be very knowledgeable about wine?

GR I have been drinking wine for 50 years and have tasted some of the most unbelievable wines. I have a very rich knowledge about wine. I live it and I love it.

A day without a glass of wine is like a day without sunshine.

A Can you reveal the most incredible wine you’ve ever drunk?

GR I cannot give this away! It is definitely not a commercial wine, but a very rare wine. Although I cannot say, these wines have stayed on my palette and have set a benchmark. The fun part is that these are old wines, one of them was 180 years old. Wine has an amazing lifespan, it’s the reason a bottle of wine does not come with an expiration date.

A Since the big scandal in the 80s when antifreeze was being used in Austrian wine, which embarrassed the industry, Austrian wine has pulled it back and is having a quite a moment?

GR Excuse me! That was in 1985! [laughs] But yes, Austria now produces some of the most amazing white and red wines and this is long forgotten. The scandal meant there was an interesting purification of the whole wine industry. The generation changed, peopled retired and handed it over. There is always advantage to follow this kind of disadvantage, and yes it was a huge mistake, but came with long-lasting advantage and totally remodernised the way they produce Austrian wines. Switching from sweet wines to completely dry wines and showing off the beautiful microclimate and soils we have to create these really beautiful wines.

A Riedel have a new collection – what is different about it?

GR The aim of the new collection Veritas was to create a machine-made glass that has the lightness of a handmade glass.

Machine-made glasses, when they first were introduced in 80s, were quite heavy but we have been able to fine tune machines and technology and now are able to produce glasses of this finesse and delicacy by machine. It is a new technology being able to create seamless glasses. We have a handmade background so we know how handmade should feel and we know that consumers want. Why not make something that is somewhat affordable? This glass costs a third of the price of a handmade glass but has similar satisfaction of handmade glasses. We took our most classic shapes and put them onto this beautiful delicate stem. We are aiming for this glass

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line to sell on premise as well as retail. We also believe fine restaurants can deal with it and have sent glasses to many different restaurants asking them to test the glasses and they say they've held up beautifully.

A What does the future hold for Riedel?

GR The next step is a new world of opportunities in water, soda and tea industries. We have started with coca cola… this is the first way of stepping out of the realm of alcoholic beverages. We have just finished a product with Nespresso where they are going to introduce two coffee glasses which we have developed. There are many different products we haven’t yet started producing but we are considering.

It’s an exciting time for us. u riedel.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 14:42

58 St John’s Hill, SW11 1AD. 020 37641844 www.Raftfurniture.co.uk #RaftClaphamJunction

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06/10/2014 12:21

Clapham Junction Showroom

NOW OPEN Interior Design service available

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EXTRA 10% OFF ALL ORDERS FOR ABSOLUTELY READERS USE CODE: WF10ABR UNTIL MIDNIGHT 31ST DECEMBER 2014!

Discover your perfect style this season...

PHOTOGRAPHED: VINTAGE WOOD PLANK - BIANCO TILES

Leading Tile Specialists FULL PAGE.indd 2

www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

Walls and Floors Tile Studio

Shop 2, 135 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1EZ Phone: 020 87885 900 Email: putneysales@wallsandfloors.co.uk

08/10/2014 09:55

HOMES & INTERIORS / GARDENING NOTES THIRST QUENCHER

The Insider

Alessi Keep yourself well-watered with Alessi's outdoor water pitcher, designed by Mario Botta. £122; alessi.com

R o bbi e Hon e y g iv e s h i s t op t ip fo r t h e m o n t h

MAHONIA ‘C h a r i t y’

ahonia “Charity” blooms with radiant crowns of yellow scented flowers from November through to March and makes a wonderful addition to a garden.

The yellow flowers brightens up a garden during the winter.

Mahonia x media Charity is a very easy plant to grow and grows well in either full sun or semi-shade and thrives in most soil types. Although officially a shrub, Mahonia can actually grow up to 4 metres high and looks wonderfully festive with dark green holly shaped leaves.

The yellow flowers, which give off an exquisite scent similar to the smell of lily of the valley (a note sometimes used in women's fragrances) then turn into dusty purple berries better known as “grapes of Oregon”.

The berries are edible, but I find them rather tart! ◆

M

GARDEN NOTES The best products, furniture and flowers for the garden CONNOR STEFANISON - THE FLIGHT PATH

NATURAL SELECTION Wildlife photog rapher of the year

Now in its 50th year, the celebrated Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is a celebration of global photography talent and innovation and the best that Mother Nature has to offer. The exhibition debuts at the Natural History Museum on October 24 and tours over 60 cities in the UK and across the world. nhm.ac.uk

THE WANDERER Wa l k i n g H o m e

● Robbie holds floristry classes in Vauxhall’s New Covent Garden; robbiehoney.com

editor’s

PICK

Following from the success of her debut novel, My Animals and Other Family, Clare Balding is back with a second book that documents her attempt to conquer the Wayfarer’s Walk. Walking Home: My Family and Other Ramblings, £20, Viking Adult

A gift voucher from West Cornwall based Rocket Gardens entitles the lucky recipient to a range of beautifully boxed-up baby herbs and vegetables. rocketgardens.co.uk

105 B&C_Nov_Garden_Notes.indd 105

BOX IT UP Rocket Gardens

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:00

Christmas Carol Concert able in your aree!a!

New spaces avail . Get in touch to find out mor Due to popular demand

• Acres of private fenced fields • Constant supervision • Swimming pools • Agility course

To book tickets visit battersea.org.uk/carolconcert or call 020 7627 9295

• Socialisation

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St Luke’s Church Adults £20 Children £10 Sydney St London SW3 6NH Join Battersea’s canine family and friends to sing carols and celebrate Christmas in beautiful St Luke’s Church. Mulled wine and mince pies will also be served.

• Heated indoor areas

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Monday 8 December 2014 Doors open at 7pm

Registered charity No. 206394

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> KIDS NOTES

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CUCKOO FOR CHLOÉ With soft palettes – light blues, pale pinks – the Chloé childrenswear AW14 collection captures the romanticism of autumn. The Patch Pocket Shorts (£105) and Tweed Dress (from £140) are our favourite pieces. Available from Harrods, 020 7730 1234; harrods.com

107 B&C_Nov_Kids_Opener.indd 107

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:02

Kids

10 of the best

KIDS PRODUCTS JONATHAN ADLER

Soft Giraffe, £68; alexandalexa.co.uk

CONFIDENTIAL The best pencil cases, beautiful backpacks and a miniature Porsche to keep your kids entertained Wo r d s E L I Z A B E T H H U T T O N

PEANUT & PIP

Watermelon Wall Stickers, £29.95; peanutandpip.com

LES GAMBETTES Regine Desk and Little Suzie Chair, from £68; alexandalexa.co.uk

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Incy Kitty Flat, £195; harrods.com

5

Pencil cases we love

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1. CAROLINE GARDNER, Muchly Lovely pencil case, £12; johnlewis.com 2. HARRODS, Alphabet Cats & Dogs pencil case, £7.95; harrods.com 3. KIPLING, Bobble Fruit Pi Duo Box, £32 ; kipling.com 4. BETTY & WALTER, Plum Posset, £9 ; bettyandwalter.com 5. PAPERCHASE, Unicorn Pink pencil case, £6; paperchase.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

B&C_Nov_Kids_Notes_NEW.indd 108

Spanish Style La Coqueta

When former psychologist Celia Muñoz had her first child (of five!), her Spanish relatives sent bundles of beautiful clothes for the newborn from local designers. Her daughter received countless compliments, and Celia realised that London had a gap in the market for stylish Spanish childrenswear. And so, in 2012, La Coqueta was born. The new collection is just as gorgeous and vintage-inspired as we’ve come to expect. lacoquetakids.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

3

baby grows we love

TOP GEAR 911 Carrera Car

Your kids will be the envy of all their friends with this amazing Children’s 911 Carrera Electric Car - sure to shoot to the top of their Christmas wish lists this year. You can pick one up in-store from the Porsche West London Centre… and you may be tempted by the grownup version too. £390; shop1. porsche.com

02

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1. REGGIE, Organic cotton babysuit, £39.95 ; bonniebaby.co.uk 2. PETIT BATEAU Rabbit print all-in-one, £63 ; petit-bateau.co.uk 3. PETIT BATEAU Striped all-in-one £63 ; petit-bateau.co.uk

editor’s

PICK GRAFEA Backpacking

Pack them off to school with these beautiful (and durable) leather backpacks by Grafea. Proudly made with love and care, their collection of limited edition satchels are too cute not to buy - the only problem is that we want one too.

It's okay to copy your child, isn’t it? £220 each; harrods.com

PETIT BATEAU AW14 clothing; petit-bateau.co.uk

REBEL KITCHEN GREAT LITTLE TRADING

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Blue and White Stripe Wigwam, £85; gltc.co.uk

Box Upon a Time

New subscription service Box Upon a Time offers parents an innovative shopping experience. Each month or quarter, subscribed parents will receive a thoughtfully curated box of designer kids clothes taken from brands such as David Charles, Little Duckling and Olivier Baby.

Boxuponatime.co.uk

OPAL PLUMSTEAD

COS

Doubleday Books

Jacqueline Wilson is back with a new book that draws inspiration from England's past. Opal Plumstead is a plain but clever 14-year-old girl, whose aspirations of university are shattered when her father is sent to prison. £12.99; Doubleday Children’s Books

109 B&C_Nov_Kids_Notes_NEW.indd 109

Naturally flavored coconut mylk, £85; selfridges.com

MISSONI

A-line Wool Coat, £55; cosstores.com

Pink Zig Zag Blanket, £85; gltc.co.uk

MAISY'S CASTLE

Written and illustrated

by Lucy Cousins, £11.99; Walker Books

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:04

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29/08/2014 12:56

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Pupil Premium

With private schools becoming increasingly unaffordable for the British middle classes, should they charge foreign students more?

Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

P

rivate schools should charge foreign pupils higher fees than children from Britain, an education entrepreneur has claimed.

Alexander Nikitich, who set up the Oxford-based Carfax Tutorial Establishment, says private schools should follow the model used by universities and ask overseas parents to pay more for their offspring to attend Britain’s top feepaying schools to prevent British families being priced out of the market. The idea of a graded pay system has long been mooted in independent school circles but Nikitich’s comments follow a study published earlier last July, that claimed a four-fold increase in school fees in the last 20 years, has outstripped wages. Private schools are ‘increasingly unaffordable’ for the middle-classes and becoming the preserve of super-rich foreigners.

Nikitich, who is originally from Russia, says: ‘It seems wrong that billionaires from Russia and the Far East are paying the same as British dentists, doctors and solicitors who are seeing their income plummet in real terms.’

A number of independent schools ask wealthy foreign parents for donations and offer means-tested bursaries to British children but this does not go far enough, says Nikitich, who called for an ‘open and transparent approach’.

‘Private schools overseas are entirely open about charging more to foreign students. It seems foolish for it to be a problem in England.’

But William Stadlen, managing director of super-tutors Holland Park Education, disagrees. ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea necessarily. I think there should be means-tested support based on income

THE TYPE OF FAMILY that can

afford private schools HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY

levels and not based on nationality.’

The popularity of Britain’s private schools overseas is clear from the rising number of foreigners, with the number of pupils arriving from Russia up by more than a quarter last year, while there was a 16% increase in students from Nigeria and 5% rise in Chinese admissions. In some schools, the number of foreign students has crept above the 25% mark – many boarding schools wouldn’t have survived the economic downturn without them.

But Janette Wallis, senior editor of The Good Schools Guide, said schools were, ‘increasingly aware that if they do not want to end up with their schools stripped of British children they need to rein in

111 CH_Oct_Education2.indd 111

fee increases’. The report into the rising costs of school fees – commissioned by the stockbroker Killik & Co – found that the type of family that could afford private schools fees ‘has changed dramatically since 1990’.

‘It is less likely to be the archetypal middle-class professional and more likely to be high net worth individuals, increasingly international. Many established independent schools like Eton and Harrow educate the children of some of China’s wealthiest multimillionaires.’

Figures in the Killik study, carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, suggest that an infant enrolled at a private day school this academic year will ultimately cost their parents £271,000 in fees and added extras by the time they take their A-levels in 13 years’ time. A boarding education will stand at £435,000, it was claimed, and approach close to £1m for two children.

Parents in traditionally well-paid careers such as accountancy, law, finance and academia are now less likely to afford an independent education than plumbers were in the early 1990s. Families taking the ‘state till eight’ route – with pupils enrolled in state primary schools for the first three or four years – will save £94,000, the report said. The ‘state till 11’ option saves almost £175,000 per child.

Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, has defended private school fees.

‘Independent schools remain affordable to a wide range of families via our strong bursary programmes. Last year, ISC schools provided over £320 million in means-tested bursaries and the total value of bursaries at ISC schools has risen by 27% since 2010, well above the rate of any fee rises.’ u

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:36

Raynes Park Health Centre World Class Healthcare now at your doorstep St. Anthony’s Hospital is now operating an outpatient consulting suite in the purpose built Raynes Park Health Centre. This allows us to hold 8 consulting rooms in addition to the 12 already located at St. Anthony’s in North Cheam.

Patients in surrounding neighbourhoods such as Wimbledon, New Malden, Kingston and Raynes Park can now benefit from the excellent levels of care associated with the hospital in a location more convenient to them.

The centre was built specifically with healthcare in mind, lending a calm environment for the provision of high quality medical services; offering patients the best of modern medicine in the caring and welcoming nature expected of St Anthony’s.

Clinics are held Monday – Saturday by a number of top consultants from a wide range of medical specialities.

To give immediacy of service and increased convenience to the patient, we provide ECG and blood testing services at Raynes Park, with a range of outpatient diagnostic tests available on-site.

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Bookings: 020 8099 2222 Enquiries: 020 8099 2020 Email: raynespark@stanthonys.org.uk

Raynes Park Health Centre

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Raynes Park Health Centre is situated on the one-way system of Lambton Road, within 100 yards of Raynes Park train station. There is a bus-stop directly outside the centre and public parking is also available nearby.

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How to reach us

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St Anthony’s Hospital, North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9DW.

www.stanthonys.org.uk ST ANTHONY.indd 2

03/10/2014 10:45

PROMOTION / ABSOLUTELY It is OUR DUTY

TO FIND THEIR STRENGTHS & show

them they have the ABILITY TO ACHIEVE

MAKING THE GRADE Because to shine, one must believe that they are capable of shining. was catching up with a friend over coffee when I got a I phone call from one of my students.

“Where are you? I need to speak to you!”

He had just collected his GCSE results.

Moments later, he rushed into the cafe with a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates in hand. He looked taller and his smile brighter, he was excited to tell me his story.

“Do you want to know my results?” he asked with a cheeky grin.

The end of summer is always a difficult time for me, I want my hardworking and dedicated students to have achieved their very best and get what they deserve.

“Well in English Language I got an A,” he proclaimed.

I gulped another sip of coffee and said, “I knew you could.”

My friend congratulated him and a

113 B&C_Nov_NUMBERWORKS ADVERTORIAL.indd 113

woman at the adjacent table gave him an affirming smile.

I contained my joy as I asked for the English Literature result.

“A, two marks off an A*”. He blurted.

My emotions bubbled. I felt so very proud of him.

He told my friend that he had achieved those results because I believed in him, and that my belief had encouraged him to believe in himself.

My student felt as though he had had a lack of support from his previous educators. I was happy to know that we had made a difference for him at NumberWorks’nWords.

I have learnt, over many years working as an educator, that it is important to find the good qualities in young people and support them.

Students are not only developing physically but also intellectually.

It is our duty to find their strengths and show them that they have the ability to achieve. Yes, we help them with any gaps in their knowledge but crucially, we must teach them how to believe in themselves. Young people can do great things. If they want to achieve then they can achieve! But, and this is important, if they are told from an early age, that they are without potential, their journey towards success will be impeded.

A teacher needs to find the “light” in students and guide them down the path of self belief toward success. A good teacher is essential to a student’s future success.

Let us never forget that the first teacher of a child is the parent. So parents must also to find the “light” and ensure that their child is taught well.

That way, your child will shine from the inside out with both confidence and pride. u Julia and Ken Directors, Numberworks’nWords Wimbledon, 020 8543 7333; numberworks.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:06

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08/10/2014 09:59

KIDS & EDUCATION / MUM-TO-BE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A new regular column tracking the highs and lows of pregnancy from the first inkling to the final push Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N Illustration Annie Smith

T

he second trimester is supposed to be when you glow. All those positive pregnancy concepts suddenly come into play, and if you’re lucky you’ll have all and sundry describing you as ‘radiant’ and ‘dewy’. In my case, though, ‘dewy’ seems a short step away from ‘greasy’, and entering the fourth month hasn’t meant the downsides have simply disappeared. Peeing for England is a given, as your baby grows and puts the squeeze on your other internal organs, bladder included.

Many women see their morning sickness fade away at this stage only to be replaced by stints of digestive trouble and bloating.

Whether pregnancy ‘becomes you’ or not is largely down to the hormones swarming through your system, so try not to get too worked up about it. The simple fact is, the beginning of your second trimester will hopefully see you settling into your pregnancy, and is therefore a good time to take stock and pay some attention to your rapidly changing body.

Tackle stretch marks now by oiling up after a bath or shower: the Estelle and

Thild body oil is a new beauty best-seller.

It’s also important to keep up with some form of exercise – not only can this improve your endurance during labour but it will help with maintenance, so there’s less to do post-baby. Remember, it’s unlikely you’ll get to do much at all immediately postpartum, so you want to keep your strength up for as long as possible before the sprog pops. I visited TenPilates for a special prenatal Reformer Pilates class, which I preferred to a prenatal yoga session.

Truth be told, I was being a little over-cautious turning up to the latter (I hadn’t worked out in a while). All the other mothers were fit to burst and I was barely showing; and while I was impatient to get on with more dynamic moves, everyone else was tuning in to baby and extending the odd limb. I must have looked like I’d taken the class by mistake. At the four-month mark, I’d recommend sticking to regular yoga classes – with some slight adjustments.

It’s just a case of informing your instructor that you’re preggers.

I also went to the Aveda Institute for a special pregnancy massage designed to relieve tension built up in the first

115 C&A_Oct_Mum.indd 115

3

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trimester and stave off puffy ankles. Many health and beauty treatments are not recommended for pregnant women, but if you shop around you’ll find therapists trained to work safely with expectant mothers. And while abstention from some things is necessary during pregnancy, pampering isn’t one of them. Now more than ever you have good reason to keep stress levels down and spirits up, so seek out the best practitioners and products, lay back and enjoy... 

NOVEMBER 2014

08/10/2014 15:37

Sacrifice never tasted sweeter.

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Southern Shutters & Blinds Beautiful hardwood Plantation shutters from a company providing you with personal service and competitive prices.

Call free today on

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BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL BATHROOMS BY GLASSTRENDS

We are a local well established company offering traditional service and values alongside well known high quality brands at very competitive prices. Please feel free to call into our showroom for a chat about your bathroom and frameless shower enclosure requirements where one of our experienced advisors will be happy to guide you through your desired bathroom design.

Visit our showroom at 163a St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TQ or CALL 020 7223 4017 to receive our brochure.

Alternatively visit www.glasstrends.co.uk

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08/10/2014 09:53

Property Absolutely

November 2 0 14

> LIVING THE DREAM p. 126 PRIME PURCHASE p. 141 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 144 NEWS p. 152 ASK THE EXPERT p. 135

Opening doors in London since 1856 From the moment you walk through one of our doors, you’ll only deal with someone who lives and breathes your local property market.

Someone who knows exactly which buttons to press to sell or let your home. And someone who understands that determination and integrity will open more doors for you than any other approach.

Union Road, SW4

So why not visit one of our 22 London offices? As we’ve been saying since 1856, our door’s always open...

£1,695,000

A substantial semi detached family house, offering 3,011 square feet of living space beautifully arranged over three levels and ideally located for the amenities of Clapham Old Town. Refurbished by the current owners to the highest of standards throughout, this wonderful five-bedroom family house is wider than average for the area and has a tremendous sense of grandeur.

Marsh & Parsons, Clapham marshandparsons.co.uk

020 7501 3666 marshandparsons.co.uk

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NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 14:41

ALLFARTHING LANE, SW18

BARMOUTH ROAD, SW18

A beautifully presented, mid-terrace, Victorian home. Approx. 2,497 sq ft.

Energy Rating: E. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, garden, cellar/utility, garden.

A generously proportioned family home that exudes character with period features throughout. Approx. 2,110 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room.

Freehold Guide Price £1,600,000

Freehold Guide Price £1,550,000

BARMOUTH ROAD, SW18

STONEMASONS YARD, SW18

This is a very well presented and extremely spacious contemporary family home. Approx. 1,855 sq ft. Energy Rating: C. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, garden.

A beautifully designed and impeccably presented townhouse, set securely behind electronic gates. Approx. 1,850 sq ft. Energy Rating: B. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room.

Freehold Guide Price £1,450,000

Freehold Guide Price £1,450,000

SOLD

Bucharest Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £1,075,000 Ellerton Road, SW18

SOLD

Guide £1,495,000 Anchor House, SW18

WANDSWORTH 020 3151 6344 wandsworth@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 1 November14.indd 1 Absolutely SW

SOLD

Guide £675,000 Inman Road, SW18

Guide £1,150,000

johndwood.co.uk

02/10/2014 02/10/2014 15:01 13:53

KNOWSLEY ROAD, SW11 An extremely well presented Victorian family house which offers excellent accommodation, situated in a popular area of Battersea. Approx. 1,289 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £1,050,000

EVERSLEIGH ROAD, SW11

ALBERT PALACE MANSIONS, SW11

Situated within the heart of the Shaftsbury Estate, this Victorian house is immaculately presented throughout and has been designed in a very contemporary style. Approx. 1,059 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

A delightful apartment situated on the top floor of this popular Victorian mansion block located close to Battersea Park.

Approx. 720 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room.

Freehold Guide Price £950,000

Freehold Share Guide Price £695,000

SOLD

Abercrombie Street, SW11

SOLD

Guide £1,150,000 Prince of Wales Mansions, SW11

SOLD

Guide £895,000 Valiant House, SW11

BATTERSEA 020 7293 0347 battersea@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2 November14.indd 2 Absolutely SW

SOLD

Guide £795,000 Albany Mansions, SW11

Guide £1,250,000

johndwood.co.uk

02/10/2014 02/10/2014 15:01 13:53

NO ONE VIEWS CLAPHAM LIKE SIMON

Meet Simon Hardie who runs our Clapham sales office. Based close to Clapham Common and with 9 years property experience, Simon knows the area intimately. If you are selling a house or flat and would like a knowledgeable view of the market, Simon and his team are here to help.

Sales & Lettings 020 3151 6240

johndwood.co.uk/hardie

JDW.indd 3 November14.indd 3 Absolutely SW

02/10/2014 02/10/2014 15:01 13:54

GRANVILLE ROAD, SW18 Having undergone a major works program, great consideration has been taken to provide an exceptional family house.

Approx. 1,380 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, south aspect 57 ft rear garden, off-street parking.

Freehold Guide Price £995,000

ASTONVILLE STREET, SW18 Found on a well regarded residential street within the popular Southfields ‘Grid’, a top floor apartment providing excellent access to local shops, the District Line and the green space of Wimbledon Park. Approx. 1,112 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, rear garden.

Freehold Share Guide Price £735,000 SOLD

Astonville Street, SW18

SOLD

Guide £735,000 Astonville Street, SW18

SOLD

Guide £715,000 Lavenham Road, SW18

SOUTHFIELDS 020 3151 6317 southfields@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 4 November14.indd 4 Absolutely SW

SOLD

Guide £995,000 Scott Avenue, SW15

Guide £575,000

johndwood.co.uk

02/10/2014 02/10/2014 15:02 13:54

Lavender Gardens

£1,950,000 Freehold

This stunning elegant family house measures well in excess of 2600sqft. The accommodation has been recently refurbished to an extremely high standard incorporating good quality materials and fittings throughout. On the ground floor there is a reception room with feature fire place and built in units flanking the chimney breast. The reception room also boasts a square bay window and attractive ceiling mouldings.

• Five bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Kitchen/ family room • Reception room • Utility room • Downstairs WC • Cellar • Garden

Stormont Road

£1,850,000 Freehold

An extremely impressive Victorian town house measuring well in excess of 2500 square feet. The property has been extended on the ground floor, to the side and to the rear of the original building. The property has also been extended on the third floor with a front and rear mansard. The accommodation is presented in excellent decorative order with a contemporary theme.

• Six double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen dining room • Separate wc • Two ensuite shower rooms • Family bathroom • Shower room • Garden

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ON WHITE

ON GREEN

LONDON

RAMPTON BASELE Y Wakehurst Road

131 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6PS, T 020 7228 5111 E batterseal@ramptonbaseley.com www.ramptonbaseley.com

Rampton and Baseley Ltd. Registered office as above. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registr

£1,625,000 Freehold

RAMPTON BASELE Y

An extremely impressive family house positioned on a sought after residential street between the commons. The overall finish is exceptional and the house has been almost entirely rebuilt.

The incoming purchaser will be acquiring a property that has been stripped back to the party walls and the façade. The floors, the roofs, the windows, the plumbing and electrics are all new.

• Four double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen / Dining room • Master ensuite bathroom with dressing area • Family bathroom • Downstairs wc • South facing patio garden • Cellar • **Chain free**

Tregarvon Road

£1,450,000 Freehold

An attractive Victorian house positioned on a sought after residential road in the area known locally as Northside.

The property has been extended on the ground floor into the side return and on the top floor into the loft space. The accommodation is presented in immaculate decorative order throughout and retains lots of its original features.

• Five double bedrooms • Double reception room • Kitchen breakfast room • Study/Fifth bedroom • Shower room • Ensuite shower room • Family bathroom • Cellar • Garden

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Living the Dream The MOST LUXURIOUSLY appointed PROPERTIES on the market

PRIME LOCATION.COM

SUGGESTS If you’re thinking of selling or letting your home in 2014, make sure you choose an agent that will advertise your property on PrimeLocation. The vast majority of agents (over 80%) do advertise with us and understand the importance of making sure that your property gets the exposure it deserves.

Park Hill, SW4

£3,850,000 Freehold

This Victorian semi-detached house boasts incredibly grand proportions

Average asking price £956,977 Average asking rents £2,517 pcm

The property has been remodelled to provide a wonderful family home with contemporary living and entertaining space whilst retaining a period feel. The house has been totally refurbished by the current owners and has been finished to a very high standard throughout.

Average property value £803,788 Data provided by

Douglas & Gordon, Clapham 020 8675 4400; douglasandgordon.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Spotlight on SW18

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PROPERTY | IDEAL HOMES

Holmewood Gardens, SW2 £950,000

The Ram Quarter, Ram Street, SW18

An end of terrace period house situated on a quiet residential square within close distance of Brixton's amenities. The property offers generous living accommodation comprising a double reception room with a host of original features, bay window to front & french doors to side return, there is a large kitchen/breakfast room leading to conservatory and a secluded rear garden.

The Ram Quarter, London’s most exciting new development south of the Thames, will provide 661 new homes on the site of the former Ram Brewery (most recently run by Young’s until the brewery’s closure in 2006) in the centre of Wandsworth. The first phase of the Ram Quarter development will include 312 studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and duplexes across six new threeten storey buildings. Residents will enjoy shared gardens, public squares, views of the River Wandle and dining and shopping on their doorstep. First completions from 2017. Prices start at £300,000.

Pedder, Herne Hill 020 7738 5926; pedderproperty.com

theramquarter.com

Stuart Road, SW19

Currie Hill Close, SW19

This four bedroom property has recently undergone a major works programme and offers a wonderful family home finished to an exacting standard. Providing a high level of accommodation, the ground floor of the reception space is cleverly designed to maximise space and light, with defined living, dining and kitchen areas, with a useful separate utility room and cloakroom.

An impressive contemporary family house, finished to a very high specification, offering generous living/entertaining space, and five bedrooms. Situated in a sought-after cul-de-sac, the property includes an integral garage, off-street parking for two vehicles and garden plus two terraces.

John D Wood & Co., Southfields 020 8870 8811; johndwood.co.uk

Hamptons International, Wimbledon 020 8946 0081; hamptons.co.uk

£1,250,000

£3,500,000 Freehold

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Completely at home in SouthWest London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With a network of 14 branches in South West London and over 50 across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated South West London branches include • Balham • Earlsfield • Battersea • Putney Hill • Battersea Park • Southfields • Clapham • West Putney • Clapham Common • Wimbledon

KFH.indd 1 brand adverts_September October.indd 7 KFH MASTER

02/10/2014 09:35 11:34 24/07/2014

Mordaunt Street, Clapham, SW9 £899,950 Clapham Common 020 3700 8555 Email scc@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 11.14 KFH 2 Absolutley Clapham.indd 2

A fantastic three bedroom family home presented in excellent decorative order throughout and benefiting from an extended kitchen/ dining room and a sunny south west facing garden.

Mordaunt Street is a quiet residential road in an excellent location, moments from vibrant Brixton Village and the Victoria line, with the green open spaces of Clapham Common close by.

• • • • • • • • •

Attractive terrace Bay fronted double reception South west facing garden Cellar Sash windows Heated tile flooring 15ft master bedroom Freehold EPC rating D

11:35 02/10/2014 10:15

Kingsway Square, Battersea, SW11 £1,600,000 Battersea Park 020 7924 1944 Email sbp@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 11.14 KFH 3 Absolutley Clapham.indd 3

An exceptional split level penthouse apartment offering in excess of 1,600 sq ft of accommodation with stunning double height ceiling and an abundance of natural light in its dual aspect reception room.

This beautiful property is located in a sought after converted college development, moments from Battersea Park.

• • • • • • • • •

Spacious penthouse Secure allocated parking Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Further WC Potential third bedroom Sought after location No onward chain Leasehold

11:35 02/10/2014 10:17

Burntwood Grange Road, Wandsworth Common, SW18 £1,200,000 Earlsfield 020 8944 6464 Email sea@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 11.14 KFH 4 Absolutley Clapham.indd 4

A stunning newly refurbished and remodelled house set in a fabulous location close to Beatrix Potter school and Wandsworth Common.

This stunning house offers 1,570 sq ft of exquisitely refurbished accommodation, has fantastic living space and boasts a pre wired Sonos system throughout.

• • • • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Stunning kitchen/diner Large reception room Under floor heating Family bathroom En suite shower room Garden Freehold EPC rating D

11:35 02/10/2014 10:18

Felsham Road, Putney, SW15 £1,200,000 West Putney 020 8785 3433 Email slp@kfh.co.uk

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Ideally located in a quiet residential road in West Putney is this beautifully refurbished and extended family house offering 1,530 sq ft of accommodation arranged over four floors.

The property benefits from a south facing rear garden and is within close proximity of both the River Thames and nearby Putney and Barnes Commons.

• • • • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Newly refurbished Family bathroom En suite to master bedroom Bi folding doors South facing garden Prime West Putney School catchment Freehold

11:35 02/10/2014 10:20

South Park Road, Wimbledon, SW19 £1,250,000 Wimbledon 020 8944 4000 Email swm@kfh.co.uk

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This beautifully presented semi detached four bedroom period house boasts a stunning extended kitchen/breakfast room looking onto a large south facing rear garden. This impressive property is perfect for the growing family.

• • • • • • • • •

Four double bedrooms Double reception room Family bathroom En suite shower room Kitchen/dining room Utility room Downstairs cloakroom Freehold EPC rating E

11:35 02/10/2014 10:21

Manville Road, Balham, SW17 £1,600 pcm

A spacious two double bedroom period conversion located on the Heaver Estate, close to Tooting Bec Common and numerous local amenities and transport links.

• • • • • •

Heaver Estate period conversion Two equal double bedrooms Close to Tooting Bec Common Available now First floor Furnished

Balham 020 8675 3639 Email lbc@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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11:35 02/10/2014 10:22

PROPERTY | AGENT ADVICE

Ask the Sales Experts

Our panel of PROFESSIONALS give you the edge in the property market

1.How long does the average sale take to complete?

There really is no quick answer to this. Sales vary in length as there are so many factors to consider – some of which include:• • •

•

The length of the chains below or above you.

Whether you are purchasing the property with cash or with a mortgage.

If the property is freehold or leasehold. Freehold sales can be as fast as 4 weeks. Leasehold properties around 6 – 8 weeks but both can move faster.

Solicitors – we always recommend using a well-established local solicitor

2.What factors go into your valuation?

H

onesty, knowledge and experience go into mine.

Valuing armed just with a floor plan and a calculator, as some agents do, is as accurate as

taking a crystal ball and sticking a finger in the wind. Open ears and eyes help a great deal (or failing that finding out what other agents have said!). A clear understanding of the market's supply and demand including seasonal and wider economic factors counts for a great deal. We focus on the specific property's highlights (including rarity or potential) rather than just its square footage or comparable evidence which only gets you so far.

3.Is the sales market slowing down?

N

ot more than expected at this time of year. In fact, given that schools are now back in session, over the last few weeks we have seen a big surge in activity with both buyers and sellers seeking to move before Christmas. The reported slowdown that you may have read about is more reflective of prices starting to flatten off given the sharp spike in prices seen earlier in the year. Therefore we are entering a far more stable and sustainable market where buyers have a decent chance of securing a home without a sealed bid situation.

4.What factors go into your valuation?

I

t very much depends on what you are buying, as new build flats will come with a multitude of warrantees/guarantees/ certificates etc. so a lot of buyers don’t commission a full structural survey.

Given that buyers are often making the biggest financial investment of their lives, I would always recommend a full survey as it such a small cost when you look at the bigger picture and could highlight problems that will either affect your decisions or give you an idea of what you will need to spend over the next few years in upkeep/maintenance.

5.How can you help me achieve my asking price?

W

ith the best proactive staff, extensive exposure and extensive London office network. Our London offices work from a single database, which means you have the best chance of achieving the highest price possible.

CONTACT

1. JAMES CASTLEMAN

Sales Manager of Featherstone Leigh, Battersea 020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

4. MARK HUTTON

2. AUSTIN THOROGOOD

Director at John Thorogood 020 7228 7474; john-thorogood.co.uk

Manager of Douglas & Gordon, Battersea Park Sales 020 7720 8077; douglasandgordon.com

5. TIM PHILLIPS

Associate Director Sales of Chestertons, Battersea 020 7924 4400; chestertons.com

135 ASK THE EXPERT.indd 1

3. JUSTIN DIBBEN

Branch Manager of Jacksons, Clapham 020 8875 7995; jacksonsestateagents.com

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 14:46

Local know-how. Better results.

Askew Road

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Marylebone & Mayfair

Richmond

Balham

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Camden

East Sheen

Kensington

Notting Hill

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Chelsham Road SW4 ÂŁ1,750,000 This superb five-bedroom Victorian family house provides generous living space and large garden, located on a popular residential road close to Clapham High Street and the wide-open spaces of Clapham Common. The house offers in excess of 2,460 sqft of living space including a large kitchen leading out to a private 51ft garden, a double reception room, guest WC and a 28ft cellar ideal for storage. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666 sales.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

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07/10/2014 16:00

Follow us on Twitter: @marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Franciscan Road SW12 ÂŁ550 per week Located on a sought after road in Tooting, this immaculate three-bedroom house has been finished to a beautiful standard throughout. The property comprises a large double reception room with stunning original oak floors, high ceilings and two feature fireplaces. The separate eat-in kitchen boasts slick white units and integrated appliances with patio doors leading out to a private patio garden and side return. Upstairs there are three large double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 lets.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Longbeach Road

Clapham Common Northside SW11

A fantastic opportunity to purchase a rarely available corner property on one of Northside’s most popular roads. Commanding over 2,200 sq ft this end of terrace home benefits greatly from a larger than average footprint & large south facing garden. Longbeach Road is a residential street located between Lavender Hill & Clapham Common. It is well placed for the excellent local shops & restaurants on Battersea Rise, Northcote Road & Clapham Junction & the open expanses of Clapham Common.

EPC rating E

CHESTERTONS.indd 1

ÂŁ1,795,000 freehold

Battersea

020 7924 4400 sales.battersearise@chestertons.com

02/10/2014 17:33

Battersea Rise

Battersea SW11

A stunning & completely refurbished 2 double bedroom split level flat with approx. 1,083 sq ft of living space. The property comprises large open plan kitchen/reception room with feature fireplace, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a large roof terrace. There are commuter links from Clapham Junction (mainline station), Clapham Common (Northern line underground station) & numerous bus routes. Local bars, shops & restaurants can be found at Lavender Hill, Battersea Rise & Northcote Road.

EPC rating D

ÂŁ775,000 leasehold

Battersea

020 7924 4400 sales.battersearise@chestertons.com

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Morella Road

£435 per week

Battersea SW12

This property has been refurbished throughout & is brought to the market with new modern integrated kitchen & new bathroom. There is a spacious & bright reception room shown previously as an additional bedroom & 2 double bedrooms. Situated between the Commons, Clapham South station & the many bars & restaurants of Northcote Road are close by.

EPC rating D

Additional tenant charges apply. Administration: £222 (VAT included).

References per tenant/guarantor: £42 (VAT included).

Inventory check (approx. £95 - £250 dependent on size of the property). chestertons.com/property-to-rent/applicable-fees CHESTERTONS.indd 3

Battersea Lettings

020 7298 5630 lettings.battersearise@chestertons.com

chestertons.com 02/10/2014 17:33

PROPERTY | ASPIRATIONAL LIVING

Prime Purchase

A stunning detached family home that has been completely refurbished by the current owners.

T

his exceptional house has been substantially extended, rewired and replumbed and boasts a through reception, spacious, bright and airy kitchen breakfast room with under floor heating and hand crafted kitchen

units, laundry room and cloakroom.

The first floor offers two double bedrooms, a single bedroom, and a modern bathroom. On the top floor there is a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and ensuite shower room. Outside there is an attractive south west facing rear garden.

Brudenell Road, SW17 ÂŁ850,000 - ÂŁ890,000 Freehold Lauristons, Balham 020 8772 9373; lauristons.com

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NOVEMBER 2014

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sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

TUNLEY ROAD SW17

£700,000 F/H

Pretty, light, warm and inviting, this beautifully presented garden flat has exceptionally well • 2 Double Bedrooms thought out accommodation to suit families, sharers and investors.

• Bathroom

• Basement • En Suite Shower Room

• Kitchen/Family Room

• Lawned Garden

• 4 Bedrooms

• Large Country Garden

• 2 Reception Rooms

• Outside Studio

• 3 Bathrooms

• Private Driveway

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

TRINITY ROAD SW18

£3,500,000 F/H

With Wandsworth Common on two sides, a beautifully screened private front driveway, an amazing ‘country’ garden and an abundance of rooms, this is a perfect family home.

Wandsworth Sales: 020 8767 7711

Part of a network of 9 offices in London and a further 19 across the country

SULLIVAN THOMAS.indd 1

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WAKEHURST ROAD SW11 £800pw/£3,467pcm* Wonderful five bedroom house situated in Clapham, ‘Between the Commons’.

• 3 Double Bedrooms

• Modern Fitted Kitchen

• 2 Single Bedrooms

• Patio Garden

• 3 Bathrooms

• Unfurnished

• Double Reception

Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121 *Rent excludes administration fees. For further information please contact your local office.

TRINITY ROAD SW17

£300 pw/£1,300pcm*

Excellent 1 bedroom self-contained flat with own front door and over two floors.

Wandsworth Lettings: 020 8682 3121

• 1 Bedroom

• Spiral Staircase

• 1 Bathroom

• Ideally Situation

• Reception Room

• Ground Floor

• Over two floors

*Rent excludes administration fees. For further information please contact your local office.

sullivanthomas.co.uk | carterjonas.co.uk

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Austin Thorogood Director of ohn Thorogood

I

Photography: rebecca noonan Being independent for us means going even further. We sponsor numerous local events but we don’t just hand over money and sit back. We fully involve ourselves (every one of our staff turned out at the recent Northcote Road Summer Fete to serve drinks and snacks to the locals and we went the extra mile beyond being the premium sponsor and put on two of our own additional events).

We love doing this because we're a family business - we have two sons in the local schools and we all live in the area too.

We adhere to the latest industry codes and redress schemes but Cara and I are passionate about setting our own high standards of conduct which the likeminded and long-standing members of our team uphold. We're also pioneering with technology and marketing. Just as we were founding members of Primelocation in 2001, so we will be when OntheMarket.com launches in the New Year as our industry witnesses its biggest marketing shake-up for 15 years. It's just another example of our willingness to adapt so we can continue to offer the best service at all times.

Without this approach we could not succeed.

And success, in my humble opinion, is not about counting the number of sales or lets we complete in a year (these statistics seem to have become an obsession for some). Success is staying the distance over time; it’s knowing that at the end of each day we have done our best by every client and that hopefully we've made them happy. That's what makes us proud to be independent.

've always been one for speaking my mind. In my formative years it frequently landed me in trouble.

But these days, running a company without being shackled to corporate red tape and targets, it's less of a problem. In fact it helps a great deal.

Nearly half a century ago my dad, John Thorogood, helped launch one of the first estate agencies between the commons. Sadly it became a chain and lost its soul. So I will never forget the sheer joy he felt breaking away to set up his own firm in 1991. Two years later, after using two seasons in the Alps to ski the law degree out of me, I gladly accepted an opportunity to join up for service. It had never been my plan – I was aware of the awful stereotype, and I knew firsthand how hard my father worked. On the flip side, I had witnessed the success his hard work had brought and the strong reputation he had fostered through integrity and speaking his mind.

He was proud to be an estate agent. And after more than 20 years of my own here – learning, then modernising and strengthening our service, together with my wife, Cara – so am I. But make no mistake, having your name above the door is far more than just having freedom to make your own decisions or choosing not to wear a suit and tie in the office. To Cara and me, it's about standing out from the norm – by going the extra mile to change people's perception of agents. As a firm we like to be progressive and flexible, and to continually set the bar higher than everyone else in standards of service. We aim for quality over quantity, hence the single office; it’s enormously satisfying to be able to treat people fairly and to act honourably in a profession that is still viewed with suspicion by many.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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020 7228 7474; john-thorogood.co.uk

144 07/10/2014 14:50

PROPERTY | PROFILE

145 ITOW.indd 3

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 14:50

Perseverance noun.

continued steady efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence.

Maximising the value of homes determinedly for 20 years

lauristons.com

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03/10/2014 14:47

Since 1994

LAURISTONS CORP.indd 3

03/10/2014 14:47

Balham

Battersea

Merton Park

Putney

Wimbledon

New Homes

020 8772 9373

020 7978 5800

020 8417 8054

020 8780 8780

020 8946 9468

020 8879 9099

balham@lauristons.com

battersea@lauristons.com

mertonpark@lauristons.com

putney@lauristons.com

wimbledon@lauristons.com

newhomes@lauristons.com

Dorset Road, SW19

£8,500 pcm

Stanthorpe Road, SW16

£4,000 pcm

An absolutely stunning six bedroom house located in Merton Park. This semi-detached corner property is arranged over four floors and has a magnificent entrance leading to a substantial reception/dining room and kitchen/breakfast room. EPC EER C

A large six bedroom house on a well-kept street close to Streatham High Road and British Rail Station. The property benefits from its generous size and smart finish. Available immediately, this property is perfect for either professional sharers or a family. EPC EER F

Wimbledon Lettings: 020 8405 5340

Balham Lettings: 020 8772 9373

LEASEHOLD

Sesame Apartments, SW11

£1,850 pcm

Carlton Gate, SW15

Prices from

£885,000

Situated 0.5 miles from Battersea park and with views of the Thames, we have several luxury 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments available.

Benefiting from high specification fitted kitchens, spacious open plan living rooms and access to the residents only roof terrace. EPC EER B

A collection of 27 stunning apartments and penthouses by award winning London developers, Henley Homes. Situated on Putney Hill 0.3 miles from the tube and train stations, these spacious high specification homes range from 925 - 1650 sq ft. Completion due late 2015.

Battersea Lettings: 020 7978 5800

New Homes: 020 8879 9099

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03/10/2014 14:45

FREEHOLD

Haldon Road, SW18

ÂŁ1,295,000

A contemporary and beautifully presented four bedroom house within 0.6 miles of East Putney station, comprising a spacious reception room, stunning kitchen breakfast room incorporating granite work surfaces and bi-fold glass doors out to the rear garden, master suite with en-suite shower as well as a further double bedroom and contemporary bathroom. The top floor comprises two further double bedrooms serviced by a large family bathroom. The property has a low maintenance, fairly secluded garden. EPC EER D

Putney Sales: 020 8780 8780

Dorincourt, Kingston Vale, SW15

ÂŁ4,950 pcm

A magnificent classical Victorian family house recently restored with a beautiful sense of style off Kingston hill and close to Richmond Park with excellent reception space and gated parking. The property consists of five bedrooms, modern kitchen and breakfast room, double reception room, 2 bath/shower rooms (one en-suite), guest cloakroom, 2 terraces, balcony, landscaped garden and off street parking. A spectacular house ideal for a family who are looking for a modern property with a period twist. EPC EER E

Putney Lettings: 020 8780 8780

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Balham

Battersea

Merton Park

020 8772 9373

020 7978 5800

020 8417 8054

balham@lauristons.com

battersea@lauristons.com

mertonpark@lauristons.com

Putney

Wimbledon

New Homes

020 8780 8780

020 8946 9468

020 8879 9099

putney@lauristons.com

wimbledon@lauristons.com

newhomes@lauristons.com

FREEHOLD

Courthope Villas, SW19

ÂŁ1,625,000

A simply stunning four double bedroom semi-detached Victorian Villa located within this highly desirable residential cul-de-sac 0.3 miles from the mainline BR & district line tube station. This spacious family home boasts a beautiful extended kitchen/ family room with bi-folding doors leading onto the landscaped rear garden, off road parking, under floor heating throughout the ground floor, and with the benefit of a down stairs WC we feel this property will make an excellent family home. EPC EER D

Wimbledon Sales: 020 8946 9468

www.lauristons.com LAURISTONS.indd 4

03/10/2014 14:46

PROPERTY | FIRST LOOK

London Lettings Stamford Square, SW15 £2,050 Per Month A beautifully presented apartment in the brand new & prestigious Stamford Square Development Located in central Putney and only a few moments to the Tube station, Putney High Street and all local amenities.

Offering two double bedrooms, both with access to a large private balcony, two bathrooms (one ensuite), an incredibly spacious lounge and a modern kitchen with state of the art appliances.

Chamberland Residential 020 8704 1313; chamberlandres.co.uk

LOWDOWN FOR LANDLORDS

How quickly can you arrange maintenance work to be carried out?

O

Clapham Common North Side, SW4 £485 Per Week Located on the corner of Elspeth Road and Clapham Northside in an immaculately presented Victorian building The property features two double bedrooms with built in storage and a modern bathroom including bath and shower. There is an open plan reception and kitchen room, with the kitchen including integrated appliances. Gilmore House is ideally located for access to Lavender Hill and also Clapham Junction.

Chestertons, Battersea, 020 7298 5630; chestertons.com

FRASER ALLEN

Associate Director at Featherstone Leigh, Battersea

020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

151 USE.indd 3

ver the years we have built up strong relationships with lots of reliable contractors who know that they have to respond quickly and professionally when things need doing at rented properties. Emergencies have to be dealt with immediately to avoid collateral damage to a property and to maintain good relations with the Tenant. Quotes for non-routine work which is not an emergency are sent to Landlords for their approval first but all our approved contractors know that they need to put our jobs at the top of their list to keep the business.

Some Agents charge Landlords “extra” commission for organising any work at a property but Featherstone Leigh do not do this or take commissions from the contractors they instruct.

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 14:57

Property News

HOUSE HUNTING

with...

JASON CORBETT

Partner, Residential Sales at Sullivan Thomas with Carter Jonas, Wandsworth Common 020 8767 7711; sullivanthomas.co.uk Most satisfying transaction I've had: There are so many answers to this question, but I suppose that every transaction where

Better Choice For Buyers As Market Re-adjusts SEAN PURTILL

Owner of Ellisons 020 8944 9494; ellisons.uk.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NEWS.2.indd 2

I exceeded my client’s expectation is incredibly gratifying.

Most interesting property I've been involved with: Having sold a lot of properties over the last 24 years, there are many interesting properties for all sorts of reasons whether it was the complexity of the sale, the unusualness of the property or the location. Most recently we sold a house with no vehicular access off Elsynge Road that used to be the janitors house of the then local school.

The property I'd most like on our books is: The property that attracts the most attention! Dealing with popular or unusual properties can be a lot of fun and is almost always satisfying.

A

fter a quiet two months of July and August where the Scottish Referendum, talk of interest rate increases and a lack of buyers halted price increases in London, the Autumn market has sparked into life with buyers returning and more properties available. Pricing at the correct level is essential for an early sale and the feeding frenzy of open days that occurred in February and March due to a lack of properties has disappeared. Mortgage rates are still historically low with some great

Most unusual interior: This is a really subjective question and can have countless answers. We do seem to have reached a phase over the last 15 years where many properties follow the same theme.

I never thought I'd see: I have seen all sorts of things over the years, from couples enjoying the bathroom to houses for sale as a result of incredibly serious crimes.

Finest property showcase: It is impossible to select our finest as we deal with properties from £250,000 to £4,500,000 from this office and to no limit within the company. However, we have a house in Mallinson Road that is appealing to developers, investors and end users. All see its potential and it is receiving viewings and offers in huge numbers.

fixed rates available, so in many area it is cheaper to buy than to rent!

152 07/10/2014 15:10

PROPERTY | ABSOLUTELY HIGHLIGHTS

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area CURRELL’S

CULTURE CORNER

Looking for family fun but on a budget? The Battersea Arts Centre hosts free family days on the last Saturday of every month, including face painting, clothes swaps, art classes and music. A great chance to meet other local families.

VICTORIA FARRAR

Advice for buy to let investors MILI MENDEZ Lettings Director of Aspire in Balham 020 8673 6111; aspire.co.uk

C

hoosing the right property is key to a profitable investment. Before you start looking, it is best to talk to a lettings professional as they are able to advise on rental demand in your chosen area. Prospective landlords looking for a good buy to let in London should be aware of three things in particular; location, transport links and size of bedrooms. To let your property successfully and safely there are a number of health and safety guidelines you have follow to both prevent tenants being injured and you being sued or prosecuted. So, be sure you know all the

with...

Sales Manager of Battersea Power Station Estates 020 7501 0730; bpsestates.co.uk

Battersea Park is again hosting its annual fireworks display with all the usual food stalls, music and bars. Get there early to avoid the crowds and bag a good spot.

Saturday 8th November, tickets from £6.

legal requirements for rental properties from a Landlord Gas certificate by a Gas Safe registered engineer, PAT test (Portable Electrical Testing) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to installing smoke alarms, making sure soft furnishings comply with 1993 Fire Safety regulations and that you have a Landlords Buildings insurance. Balham is becoming a very popular and trendy area for professionals to live in as prices in central London are too expensive and sometimes unaffordable for those just moving into the capital. Listed as the best area to live in London in “ The Sunday Times 101 best places to live in Britain” in March 2014, it is only a matter of time before more people will decide to move south of the river. The average rental yield for a three bedroom property is 4.1%, making it the highest amongst the SW postcodes. It certainly appears now is a very good time for landlords to start investing in Balham.

153 NEWS.2.indd 3

MINUTES

CATHERINE SCOTT

Director at Curell, Battersea 020 3668 1000; currell.com Beat the winter blues by keeping in healthy and in shape. Local gym Reach has a great programme of classes including the Raw, Warrior and Rebel Fit classes, as well as a ‘Christmas Blaster’ special to keep you in shape as the cold weather sets in. Reach Fitness, Clapham North Arts Centre, SW4 6DH.

5

Why this area? Battersea Power Station is going to be one of the most exciting developments in the world. Our plan is to focus all our attention and drive towards knowing this product like no one else.

What is your company ethos? How do you translate that into giving the best customer service possible?

Being the only agency with exclusive access to the Battersea show apartments, we offer buyers choice and knowledge and have the understanding and facilities to properly advise a buyer to find the right unit for them whilst being as stress free as possible.

What properties are you most excited about having on your books?

We are lucky enough to have a great selection of units making choice the most exciting part. We have choices of beautiful river views, the striking Power Station or Battersea Park and can offer variety like no other local agent.

What do you predict for the property market in autumn/winter 2014?

Although there has been some thoughts of the London market 'softening' there will always be demand for a good product and Battersea Power station offers not only that, but the excitement and vision to live and be a part of one of Britain’s most iconic buildings of all time.

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 15:10

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Strathblaine Road, Battersea

£750,000 This spacious and unique split level top floor Victorian conversion is situated on one of the finest roads off of St Johns Hill. No onward chain and share of the freehold. EPC = D.

t: 020 7228 2378

Clapham Common West Side, Battersea

£2,700 pcm Stunning three double bedroom, ground floor conversion flat opposite Clapham Common with stunning open plan kitchen and rear garden.

Available immediately. EPC = C.

t: 020 7228 2378 TENANT FEES: • £48.00 (including VAT) per person for referencing

• £195.00 (including VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement

An independent estate agency with 13 offices working together throughout south-west London

FSL.indd 1

29/09/2014 15:31

Altenburg Gardens, Battersea

£875,000 A fantastic three bedroom split level flat with allocated parking in a beautiful period style development on this premier road close to Clapham Common. EPC = C.

t: 020 7228 2278

Lavender Sweep, Battersea

£2,708 pcm Stunning three bedroom period garden flat refurbished to a very high standard. Available from early to mid October. EPC = D.

t: 020 7228 2378

It’s our area...

FSL.indd 2

29/09/2014 15:31

Offices throughout London

Silverthorne Road, SW8

£330,000

Clapham High Street, SW4

£475,000

Superbly located and well-presented throughout is this second floor, one bedroom apartment. The bright property is a must for the viewing list and available now. EPC = D

Located in the heart of Clapham next to Clapham Common tube station, is this top floor two double bedroom flat. No onward chain. EPC = F

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Pulross Road, SW9

Kingswood Road, SW2

£799,950

£500,000

Situated in a fantastic location a short walk from Brixton High Street and tube station is this three bedroom, freehold house boasting wellpresented accommodation and private rear garde. EPC = E

A great opportunity to acquire this Victorian apartment, boasting two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms and a large loft space. EPC = E

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead

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03/10/2014 10:18

bushells.com

Lyham Road, SW2

£429,950

A superb two bedroom 1950’s pub conversion with its own private balcony, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, large eat-in kitchen, bright reception room and a share of freehold. Situated on a popular road between Brixton and Clapham. EPC = C

Clapham Office 020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead

BUSHELLS.indd 3

03/10/2014 10:18

PROPERTY | UPSCALE LIVING

Luxurious Lettings

An exclusive two double bedroom apartment to rent in the heart of Clapham Junction.

T

he property boasts a high spec open plan kitchen reception room with integrated appliances and Juliette balcony, two good size double bedrooms, one family bathroom and one additional ensuite shower room.

The property further benefits from ample storage, a communal roof terrace and

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

LL.indd 156

secure underground parking. This apartment is located moments from the amenities found along Lavender Hill and is within easy reach of the shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that Clapham Junction, The Northcote Road and Battersea Rise have to offer. The open spaces of Clapham Common are also minutes away.

Lavender Hill, SW11 ÂŁ500 Per Week Jacksons, Battersea 020 7924 2255; jacksonsestateagents.com

158 07/10/2014 15:04

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON Balham

Battersea

Clapham North

Clapham South

Fulham Central

Fulham South

Furzedown

Tooting

020 8673 6111 020 7381 7381

020 7801 3400 020 7736 6110

020 7840 3700 020 8769 7900

020 8675 1222

020 8772 7080

Briarwood Road, SW4 £1,625,000 Enviably located next to Abbeville Village, this magnificent five bedroom Victorian house offers a wealth of bright and beautiful living space presented to a very high standard.

• Double aspect reception room • Beautifully presented throughout • Super location next to the village • Stunning kitchen • 2,500 sq ft living space

Aspire Clapham South 020 8675 1222 s.clapham@aspire.co.uk

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03/10/2014 15:26

OffICEs thrOuGhOut sOuth wEst lOndOn Balham

Battersea

Clapham north

Clapham South

Fulham Central

Fulham South

Furzedown

tooting

020 8673 6111 020 7381 7381

020 7801 3400 020 7736 6110

020 7840 3700 020 8769 7900

020 8675 1222

020 8772 7080

Shellwood Road, SW11 OIEO £800,000 A unique two/three double bedroom house which is double fronted on the ground floor.

Shellwood Road is a highly desirable road in a peaceful triangle of roads located moments from Battersea Park and within walking distance to Clapham Junction Station.

• 2/3 bedroom • Garden • Ideal family home • Close to transport links

Aspire Battersea 020 7801 3400

battersea@aspire.co.uk

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03/10/2014 15:27

Ellison Road, SW16 £1,150,000 An incredible double fronted detached Victorian family home offering a wealth of accommodation extending to in excess of two and a half thousand square feet and arranged over three floors.

• Double fronted • Detached • Driveway parking • Six double bedrooms • Close to Transport, Schooling and Recreational amenities

Aspire Balham 020 8673 6111

balham@aspire.co.uk

ASPIRE.indd 3

03/10/2014 15:27

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON Balham

Battersea

Clapham North

Clapham South

Fulham Central

Fulham South

Furzedown

Tooting

020 8673 6111 020 7381 7381

020 7801 3400 020 7736 6110

020 7840 3700 020 8769 7900

020 8675 1222

020 8772 7080

Market Watch from Balham

A

s we approach the final quarter of 2014 Clifford Harvey, director of Aspire’s Balham office gives us his predictions for the property market over the coming months and why Balham is such a popular area to live in.

Over the last few months we have seen a settling down in house prices with more choice of stock in the Balham area. This cooling off period comes after strong house price growth in the first half of the year, hit in part by tougher checks on mortgage applicants and more sellers putting their

ASPIRE ADVERTORIAL.indd 2

properties on the market.

Although speculation continues about an interest rate rise, along with the recent Scottish independence referendum and forthcoming elections, buyers are nevertheless active in Balham and keen to move in and settle into their new homes this side of Christmas. The mood is less frantic reflecting a move to a more sustainable market in the capital.

With its exceptional transport links, Balham is perfect for people who want easy access to London but don’t want to live in the middle of it. On the Northern Line, Balham is popular amongst professionals as well as

families. Bank and London Bridge are only 20 minutes away and and a National Rail Station takes you to Victoria in 15 minutes. In fact, many Balham commuters cycle to the City as it is only just over five miles away.

Balham has been up and coming for a number of years, riding off the back of the popularity of Clapham and has a growing number of cafes, bars and restaurants that bring a vibrant community feel to it. There is also a good mix of independent shops.

With its increasing popularity and its prices ten per cent behind Clapham, many buyers who initially head for Clapham and Battersea divert to Balham because they get

06/10/2014 09:56

more for their money. Younger professionals are drawn to the more affordable one or two bed apartments of ‘central’ Balham or Bedford Hill close to local eateries and watering holes.

Young families flock to the affluent ‘Nightingale Triangle’, a pleasant corner of London offering good schools and late Victorian and early Edwardian houses with period features and good space in - and outside.

Aspire Balham 020 8673 6111

balham@aspire.co.uk

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06/10/2014 09:56

PEDDER.indd 1 PDR047_ad_migration_AW.indd All Pages

03/10/2014 16:59

www.pedderproperty.com

Planning to upsize?

There are many reasons why you might want to increase your living space, but in SE London you will find more than just greater square footage. There are also exceptional nurseries, leading schools, expansive parks and a burgeoning café culture, not to mention direct transport links into central London. And all at a lower price than our more established neighbours.

So if you’re looking for more for less, we believe there’s no better people to talk to than the local experts.

Pedder. Nobody knows SE London like we know SE London.

Pedder. SE London’s premier agent PEDDER.indd 2

03/10/2014 16:50 16:59 03/10/2014

Christopher Cady, Associate Director

Double fronted

Semi detached

p r e m i e r

Dalebury Road, SW17 A delightful double fronted, semi detached late Victorian house, situated within a popular road and having been owned and occupied by the same family for over 40 years.

The house is arranged on ground, first and second floors and has a beautiful 65 X 37 South facing rear garden.

Dalebury Road runs off Trinity Road approx. 1/4 mile south of the open spaces of Wandsworth Common. ÂŁ2,250,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

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03/10/2014 14:42

Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Victorian family home

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

p r e m i e r

Four storeys

Rossiter Road, SW12 An impressive semi-detached Victorian family home which exceeds 2500 sq ft and is arranged over four floors. This lovely family home is light and airy throughout and retains an abundance of period features. The 60 ft South facing garden has side access and is mainly laid to lawn with mature borders. The first and second floors offer four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large loft. ÂŁ1,750,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

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03/10/2014 02/10/2014 14:42 11:56

Sophia O’Carroll Tilly, Sales Manager Christopher Cady,&Associate Director

Semi detached

Superbly maintained

p r e m i e r

Abbotswood Road, SW16 Located in one of the areas premier roads and within easy reach of Tooting Bec Common, this wide and handsome five bedroom semi detached house has been sympathetically improved and meticulously maintained by the current owners. The generous and versatile accommodation is further enhanced by original features and provides a very comfortable home for any expanding family. ÂŁ1,750,000 Freehold

Streatham 020 8677 9900

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03/10/2014 14:42

Balham 020 8675 6565

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

Wandsworth 020 8875 8899

Battersea 020 7924 2255

Streatham 020 8677 9900

Clapham 020 8875 7995

Tooting 020 8767 0522

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

East Dulwich 020 8875 7999

Wimbledon 020 3195 9111

Beautifully extended

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

p r e m i e r

Original character

Narbonne Avenue, SW4 A particularly bright and spacious terraced house which has been extensively modernised and updated, whilst retaining a wealth of its original charm and character. There is still scope to personalise if desired and extend subject to the necessary consents. Situated in the favoured section of Narbonne Avenue south of Abbeville Road, Narbonne Avenue dissects Abbeville Road, with its extensive array of independent shops, coffee shops, restaurants and bars. ÂŁ1,595,000 Freehold

Clapham 020 8875 7995

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03/10/2014 11:56 14:43 02/10/2014

currell.com

£480 per week Sisters Avenue, SW11 • Two bedrooms • Close to Clapham Common • Balcony • Communal gardens with bike storage • Good storage

£1,100 per week Nine Elms Lane, SW8 • Two bedrooms • 24 hour concierge • Riverside development • Residents gym & atrium pool • Parking *tenancy fees will apply. For more details on our fees please visit our website www.currell.com/knowledge-base/our-letting-fees

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03/10/2014 11:36

Currell £825,000 Share Freehold Lavender Sweep, SW11 • Three double bedrooms • Roof terrace • Features include exposed brickwork • Split level property • EPC - C

£750,000 Share Freehold Barnard Road, SW11 • Three double bedrooms • Garden • Planning permissions granted • Private entrance • EPC - D

020 3668 1000 battersea@currell.com CURRELLS.indd 2

03/10/2014 11:36

Wherever

Reaching out to buyers a

The independent boutique Putney estate agent WARREN_CORP.indd 1 1 Warren Visuals ALISON.indd

07/10/2014 07/10/2014 15:40 10:00

s and tenants wherever they are

Tel: 020 8780 1100 sales@warrenputney.co.uk

warrenputney.co.uk WARREN_CORP.indd 2 2 Warren Visuals ALISON.indd

07/10/2014 07/10/2014 15:41 10:00

A substantial detached period family home with a carriage driveway and a tranquil south facing rear garden, positioned on a popular West Putney road.

Montserrat Road, SW15 ÂŁ2,675,000

Reception room | Family room | Dining room | Separate study | Cloakroom | Boot room & pantry | Bespoke kitchen/diner | Master suite | Five further double bedrooms | Three bathrooms (one en-suite) | 83 X 60 Ft South facing garden | Carriage driveway | EPC rating D

A highly impressive and elegant semi-detached family home, beautifully and comprehensively renovated by award winning builders, situated on one of central Putney's most sought-after residential roads.

Chartfield Ave, SW15 ÂŁ3,500,000

Over 3000 Sq Ft | Reception room | Dining room | 26 Ft Kitchen/family room | Master bedroom suite | Four double bedrooms | Cellar storage | Bicycle store | Private rear garden | Off street parking | EPC rating C

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ WARREN.indd 2

02/10/2014 10:43

T: 020 8780 1100

Amerland Road, SW15

warrenputney.co.uk

£1,599,950

Fanthorpe Street, SW15

£1,425,000

Freehold Victorian house | 27 Ft double reception room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | 63 Ft South West facing garden | Five double bedrooms | Cellar | Family bathroom | Two modern shower rooms | Eaves storage | EPC rating D

Terraced Victorian freehold house | 1806 Sq Ft | Open plan feel | 25 Ft double reception room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Cellar | West facing garden | Close to transport and amenities | EPC rating E

Ashlone Road, SW15

Lower Richmond Road, SW15

£1,250,000

Double reception room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Three double bedrooms | Large family bathroom | River road | 36 Ft garden | 1262 Sq Ft | Period features | EPC rating C

£825,000

Victorian Conversion | Two double bedrooms | Private front door | 1119 Sq Ft | Master bedroom | Two modern bathrooms (one ensuite) | 27 Ft open plan kitchen/reception | Separate W.C. | West facing courtyard | Utility room | EPC rating C

Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk

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02/10/2014 10:43

AG L R ET EE D

AG L R ET EE D

Campion Road, SW15

£5000 PCM

£4,000 PCM

Modern terraced house | Reception room | Conservatory | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master suite | Four further bedrooms | Two further bathrooms & guest W.C. | 2 Off-street parking spaces | Gated development | Close to high street | EPC rating C

AG L R ET EE D

AG L R ET EE D

Semi-detached house | Double reception room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Conservatory/dining room | Utility room | Cloak room | Rear garden | Side access | Five double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Close to transport links | EPC rating F

Fairfax Mews, SW15

Putney Hill, SW15

£3,750

Modern house | Large reception room | Fantastic kitchen/ dining room | Study/fourth bedroom | Master suite | Two further bedrooms | Luxury family bathroom | Private garden | Off-street parking | EPC rating C

Hotham Road, SW15

£3,500

Stunning Edwardian terraced house | Drawing room | Sitting/ family room | Kitchen/dining room | Five bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower room | South facing garden | Off-street parking | Sought after location | EPC rating D

194 Upper Richmond Road SW15 2SH / 139 Lower Richmond Road SW15 1EZ Tel: 020 8780 1100 / sales@warrenputney.co.uk / warrenputney.co.uk WARREN.indd 1

02/10/2014 10:43

PROPERTY | FIRST LOOK

New to the Market VENDOR ADVICE

What is building insurance and do I need it?

Y

es, Building Insurance is an essential insurance which protects the bricks and mortar of your property, along with its fixtures and fittings, in case of unforeseen circumstances such as fire, flooding, explosions, escapes of water, falling trees, vandalism and subsidence (and will also cover garages and outbuildings). If your property is mortgaged, your lender will most likely insist on seeing the Building Insurance Policy before they release funds, so if there was an accident or subsidence problems, repairs can be made and they can recover their losses. Policies can be also extended to cover possessions away from the home.

Union Road, SW4 ÂŁ674,950 Share of Freehold A well presented three double bedroom Victorian flat.

The first floor conversion boasts three double bedrooms, separate kitchen, bright

reception room with a beautiful feature fireplace and built-in cupboards with shelving above, and a good size modern bathroom. There is also off street parking to the front of the building for one car.

Bushells, Clapham, 020 7627 8084; bushells.com

ELLA COCKERTON

Manager of John D Wood & Co., Wandsworth

020 3151 5920; johndwood.co.uk

Cathles Road, SW12 ÂŁ1,150,000 This three bedroom period property has been tastefully renovated and now offers an immaculately presented family home.

The ground floor accommodation comprises of a spacious double reception room with sash windows and original cornicing and a kitchen/dining room with French windows leading to the paved rear garden, as well as access to a useful cellar

from the hallway. There are three double bedrooms located on the first floor, served by a family bathroom.

John D Wood & Co., Clapham 020 8673 2854; johndwood.co.uk

177 USE.indd 5

NOVEMBER 2014

07/10/2014 15:03

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Wimbledon Village, SW19 £9,990 pcm Unfurnished (charges apply)* Stunning contemporary, newly built detached 4 bedroom home, finished to a high specification, in a prime Village location, with well designed, energysaving accommodation over three floors, a patio garden and gated driveway parking. EPC: B

West Wimbledon, SW20 £6,500 pcm Unfurnished (charges apply)* The detached 5 bedroom family house is quietly located on a sought after residential road close to Wimbledon Common. It has been beautifully refurbished to a very high standard and offers spacious family accommodation, a lovely landscaped garden, garage and off street parking. EPC: E

Hamptons Wimbledon Lettings. 020 8454 7629

HAMPTONS.indd 2

*Tenant Charges: Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

07/10/2014 14:37

Wimbledon Village, SW19 A handsome 5/6 bedroom family home positioned in a small cul-de-sac and offering good access to Wimbledon Village and Common. The period property has a spacious garden studio with a bathroom and plumbing for a small separate kitchen. EPC: F

£2,850,000 Freehold • • • •

Period Property 5/6 Bedrooms Garden Studio Close to Village

Hamptons Wimbledon Sales. 020 8454 7249

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07/10/2014 17:22

Smart knows what the neighbours paid.

See over 19 million sold prices

ZOOPLA.indd 1 Zest Adverts_Jan2014.indd 2

30/09/2014 04/04/2014 10:51 15:18

“Proving that BIG isn’t always better...”

Bangalore Street, SW15

£3,500 pcm

Keswick Road, SW15

£2,150 pcm

This stunning four double bedroom house offers more than just accommodation. Located in West Putney and within the catchment area of many sought after schools, this property is moments to the Tube and Train stations as well as the High Street, the river and the trendy restaurants of Lower Richmond Road and Embankment.

A truly stunning two double bedroom apartment set within this sought after development. Located only a few minutes’ walk to East Putney Tube station as well as the High Street with all shops and restaurants, this property is perfect for the professionals who prefer an easy commute and want to be in the heart of Putney.

Upper Richmond Road, SW15

Wimbledon Park Side, SW19

£1,650 pcm

A newly refurbished two bedroom apartment located in this sought after period block and only a short walk to Putney High Street and transport. Features include real wood flooring, a brand new modern fitted kitchen, a contemporary bathroom with shower, built in storage and excellent natural light throughout

£1,400 pcm

A well maintained two double bedroom apartment set within leafy Wimbledon Park Side and is across the road from Wimbledon Common for those who enjoy walking or need running trails. This property offers an incredible amount of space and natural light with excellent storage throughout and modern fixtures and fittings.

www.chamberlandres.co.uk | 020 8704 1313 lettings@chamberlandres.co.uk | sales@chamberlandres.co.uk 212 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TD

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03/10/2014 10:24

PROPERTY | ABSOLUTELY HIGHLIGHTS

Property News UP YOUR STREET

Lavender Sweep, SW11 £1,285,000

A superb wider than average family home, located on a one-way tree lined street in the heart of Battersea. Meticulously renovated by the current owners, this stunning home boast 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception room and cellar. Lavender Sweep takes its names from the Lavender Fields that covered Battersea until the industrial revolution.

Chestertons, Battersea Rise 020 7924 4400; chestertons.com

ABSOLUTELY SW17

NOEL LAWRENCE

Sales manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Tooting 020 8767 1400; kfh.co.uk

Favourite restaurant – The Chicken Shop, a South London branch of the Soho House restaurant group, offers a simple, yet tasty menu of grilled chicken, sides and delicious apple pie.

Best kept secret – Furzedown is a lovely little village-like area located between ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NEWS.2.indd 4

GEORGE FRANKS

Sales Director of Douglas & Gordon 020 7924 2000; douglasandgordon.com

O

ur latest ‘Investor View’ clearly shows that last year’s historic capital gains have plateaued, showing we have a vibrant market tempered by sensible buyers. A slowing rate of growth does not equal falling, and the extraordinary fact that £1,000 per sq. ft. is now not frowned at, shows how the area has been re-rated with sensationalist bubble talk vanished.

Shifts are discernible though insofar as smaller units seem to be more in demand with the lettings market strong and up the price chain lifestyle decisions seem to have been subjugated to investment ones as bigger houses saw the biggest gains in the last year. This has prompted many to hang on to their houses after comparing the values of friend’s houses who sold up and moved to the country years ago.

Renting out in London and then renting in the country seems to be in vogue right now so finding a good house is also tough, unless you’re happy to rent. The Investor View shows Q1 growth at 9.5% (!), Q2 c.

2.5% which clearly points to a flat end of the year, and with an election next year and a mature market that shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

The Raven Art Society

J

ohn D Wood & Co. are pleased to be sponsoring an exhibition at the Raven Art Society. English rock and roll royalty photographer, Carinthia West, young Australian photographer Nick Delaney and Spanish photographer Curro de los Rios – who is presenting his inaugural London show – will all be displaying their work.

The exhibition was sponsored by John D Wood and Speechly Bircham.

07887 951605; ravenartsociety.com

Tooting and Streatham and is very near to local transport links.

fashion, hair and nail salons, furniture and food.

Finest cocktail - The Imperial Durbar is a great new cocktail bar with an Indian style decor. They have a great partnership with a local Indian takeaway who deliver to the bar in Indian Tiffin tins.

An exceptional property – Mantilla Road, Tooting. A unique four bedroom period terrace house benefiting from a stunning master suite spread over two floors and a newly refurbished contemporary kitchen.

Stylish boutique – Laal Boutique is a bridal boutique with over 20 years’ of experience in British-Asian bridal wear. They offer a bespoke service with all outfits being made to measure.

A lost hour - Tooting Market is a great place to lose an hour. It hosts a variety of indoor market stalls including

Mantilla Road, Tooting, SW17£1,050,000 Freehold

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CITY

TOWN 30 minutes from the City.

30 seconds from the high street.

Beautifully crafted studio, 1,2,3 & 4 bed apartments.

Marketing suite now open 08000 886 777 Joint selling agents

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theramquarter.com

A development by

02/10/2014 10:39

Spot the difference...

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07/10/2014 09:52

You can always spot a John Thorogood client.

It might be the price we’ve achieved for them or the perfect home we’ve helped them to find.

Or it could just be that our friendly and determined approach made their move happy and stress-free.

At John Thorogood you’ll always be treated as an individual and never just one of the crowd.

And we’ll always aim to make you smile...

john-thorogood.co.uk

@JTEstateAgents

140 Northcote Road London SW11 | 020 7228 7474 | sales@john-thorogood.co.uk

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FOR SALE

Blenkarne Road

Wandsworth Common, SW11 £3,250,000 | FREEHOLD Possessing one of the largest gardens (70’ x 55’) and leafiest locations between the commons, this substantial Victorian house (3248 SQ.FT / 301.7 SQ.MT) is a rare treasure. One of only a few semi-detached properties set back in this prestigious crescent, it offers wonderful scope for expansion.

Wandsworth Common, its station, fashionable Northcote/ Bellevue Roads and excellent schools are close by. EPC - D.

• Built c. 1885 • Front Garden With Side Access • Entrance Hall With Galleried Staircase • 2 Large Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Extensive Basement • Terrace • Outside WC/Washroom

• Store • 5 Double Bedrooms • 3 Bath / Shower Rooms • Roof Terrace • Loft Space • 70’ x 55’ Rear Garden • London Borough of Wandsworth • 3248 SQ. FT. / 301.7 SQ. M + LOFT

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

john-thorogood.co.uk | 020 7228 7474 | info@john-thorogood.co.uk | 140 Northcote Road SW11 6QZ

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03/10/2014 09:52

FOR SALE

Spencer Park

Wandsworth Common, SW18 GUIDE PRICE £4,950,000 | FREEHOLD One of four exceptional new homes that combine a ‘state of the art’ finish with a classical and contemporary exterior in one of the most exclusive locations south of the River. Each offers approximately 4600 square feet of refined family living space, private gated parking, a large landscaped garden and direct access into glorious Spencer Park, (just under four acres of privately owned and managed parkland). 10 year NHBC guarantee.

• Access to Spencer Park (3.8 acre private park) • Gated Off-Street Parking • Drawing Room • Study • Kitchen/Dining Room • Family/Media/Games Room • Utility Room

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• Cloakroom/WC • Plant Room • 6 Double Bedrooms • Dressing Room • 5 Bathrooms (4 En Suite) • Large Garden • 3 Terraces • JSA Savills

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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FOR SALE

Kyrle Road Between the Commons, SW11 £1,595,000 | FREEHOLD Featuring a wraparound kitchen extension and converted loft, this five-bedroom Victorian home offers impressive square footage and a wonderfully secluded south-facing garden. It retains much of its period detail and has been lovingly maintained over a long period of ownership. Situated on the south side of this popular street just off exclusive Clapham Common West Side, it offers excellent access to the City via Clapham South tube, and is close to schools and fashionable Northcote Road. EPC - E.

• Entrance Hall • Double Reception Room • Extended Kitchen/Family Room • Secluded South-facing Garden • 5 Double Bedrooms

• 2 Bathroom/WCs • Head-Height Cellar • London Borough of Wandsworth • Residents’ Parking • 2131SQ.FT. / 198 SQ.M.

FOR SALE

Wroughton Road Between the Commons, SW11 £925,000 | SHARE OF FREEHOLD This magnificent 3 double bedroom apartment is packed with wow-factor and offers outstanding living/entertaining space courtesy of its huge floor area of 1453 square feet (135 sq m). Positioned on the upper floors of a substantial Victorian property, it has been beautifully extended and meticulously designed in contemporary style. Situated between the commons close to excellent transport facilities, good schools and fashionable Northcote Road. EPC - D.

• Entrance Hall • Head-Height Cellar • Huge 27’ x 17’ Reception/ Kitchen • 3 Double Bedrooms • Bathroom/WC • En Suite Shower Room / WC

• Separate WC • Utility Room • L B Of Wandsworth • Share of Freehold • Resident’s Parking • 1453 SQ.FT/ 135 SQ.M

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

@JTEstateAgents

john-thorogood.co.uk | 020 7228 7474 | info@john-thorogood.co.uk | 140 Northcote Road SW11 6QZ

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FOR SALE

Honeywell Road Between the Commons, SW11 £1,995,000 | FREEHOLD Exceptionally spacious thanks to its extra width, this substantial semi-linked, 5 bedroom, Victorian house offers a sunny south-facing garden and highly prized location close to Honeywell School and Wandsworth Common. With loft and side return extended, it boasts impressive proportions throughout, as well as handy side access. EPC - D.

• Semi - Linked • Front Garden • Entrance Hall • Double Reception • Extra-Wide Rear Reception • Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Utility Room

• Cloakroom/ WC • South-Facing Garden • 5 Double Bedrooms • 3 Baths/Showers • Cellar With Potential For Conversion • 2388 Sq Ft / 221.9 Sq M

FOR SALE

Calbourne Road Nightingale Triangle, SW12 £1,325,000 | FREEHOLD Boasting an outstanding 80’ garden, this beautifully renovated Victorian house is an extremely rare opportunity and has fantastic potential to create a substantial family house. Stylishly modernised and packed with original features it is situated in one of the most popular streets in The Nightingale Triangle close to Wandsworth Common, Bellevue Road and excellent tube/train facilities. EPC - D.

• Entrance Hall • Open-Plan Double Reception • Integrated Kitchen • 80’ Landscaped Garden • 3 Double Bedrooms • En Suite Dressing Room

EXCLUSIVE, HD FILMS FOR EVERY PROPERTY

• Bathroom/WC • Wet Room/WC • Cellar • Large Unconverted Loft • Potential to Extend • 1883 Sq Ft / 175 Sq M INC LOFT

@JTEstateAgents I N N O VA T I O N

SINCE 1991 INTEGRITY

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Dryburgh Road SW15 £2,500,000 Freehold West Putney Sales 020 8785 6666 | wputneysales@dng.co.uk

Franconia Road SW4 £1,650,000 Freehold Clapham Sales 020 8675 4400 | claphamsales@dng.co.uk North

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Chelsea

Fulham

This family house is located ideally for the open spaces of Putney and Barnes Commons. The house is arranged over three floors and has a front garden which incorporates off-street parking.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Family room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Utility room, Off-street parking, South-facing garden, EPC: F.

A beautifully presented home on this extremely sought-after road in the heart of the Abbeville Village. The house has been extended to provide fantastic living and entertaining space as well as a stunning 51ft award winning garden.

5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Cellar, 2 balconies, Garden, EPC: D.

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

02/10/2014 10:35

douglasandgordon.com

Atherton Street SW11 ÂŁ1,600,000 Freehold Battersea Park Sales 020 7720 8077 | battpksales@dng.co.uk

Heythorp Street SW18 ÂŁ1,250,000 Freehold Southfields Sales 020 8874 8822 | sthfldssales@dng.co.uk South

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Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

Located just moments from Battersea Park and the River Thames, is this family home stretching to over 1,800 sq ft.

Concertina doors lead out on to the private south-west facing garden, the perfect space for entertaining.

5 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite), Double reception room, Kitchen/dining room, South-west facing terrace, EPC: D.

A beautifully designed, larger-thanaverage, family home situated within the Southfields Grid. A wonderful downstairs space provides a stunning integrated kitchen with doors on to a south-west facing garden.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Utility room, Cloakroom, South-west facing garden, EPC: C.

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

02/10/2014 10:35

Gatwick Road SW18 £950,000 Freehold

A mid-terrace family home which has been extended and refurbished by its current owners. The property's eat-in kitchen opens on to a pretty garden.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Cloakroom, Garden, EPC: D.

Situated in the 'Nightingale Triangle' is this two double bedroom garden flat covering close to 1,000 sq.ft. The property is in immaculate condition having recently been refurbished throughout to a high standard.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Garden, Large cellar storage, EPC: C.

Southfields Sales 020 8874 8822 | sthfldssales@dng.co.uk

Tantallon Road SW12 £795,000 Leasehold Balham Sales 020 8673 0191 | balhamsales@dng.co.uk North

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Chelsea

Fulham

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

02/10/2014 10:36

douglasandgordon.com

Nansen Road SW11 ÂŁ725,000 Leasehold Battersea Sales 020 7924 2000 | battsales@dng.co.uk

Putney Hill SW15 ÂŁ475,000 Leasehold East Putney Sales 020 8788 3000 | putneysales@dng.co.uk South

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Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

A unique two double bedroom flat offering a fabulous balance of living and entertaining space. The property boasts an architecturally designed double height vaulted ceiling in the reception room with the kitchen situated above.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, EPC: D.

A stylish and well-presented penthouse apartment with fantastic views across London. The property, which is situated on the fourth floor of this purpose-built block, is well-proportioned and benefits from an abundance of natural light.

Bedroom, Bathroom, Open-plan kitchen/reception room, Large balcony, Off-street parking, Communal gardens, EPC: C.

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

02/10/2014 10:36

Ramsden Road SW12 £1,150 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Clapham Lettings 020 8675 0888 | claphamlets@dng.co.uk

Bramfield Road SW11 £950 per week Fees apply Unfurnished

A spacious semi-detached family home situated in the heart of the Nightingale Triangle. The generous double reception room boasts an original fireplace and immaculate period features.

5 double bedrooms, Family bathroom, 2 shower rooms (1 en-suite), Double reception rooms, Large kitchen, Utility room, Cellar, Garden, EPC: D.

A beautiful family home ideally located just off the popular Northcote Road within easy walking distance to local schools and Clapham Junction station.

5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Shower room, Double reception room, Extended kitchen/breakfast room, Patio garden, Cellar, EPC: E.

Battersea Lettings 020 7924 2002 | battlets@dng.co.uk North

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Chelsea

Fulham

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

02/10/2014 10:36

douglasandgordon.com

Weiss Road SW15 £738 per week Fees apply Unfurnished

A beautifully presented family home, ideally placed for the facilities of Putney High Street, the Lower Richmond Road and some of West Putney’s best schools.

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, Patio garden, Cellar, EPC: D.

A fantastic family home offering an open-plan, eat-in kitchen with French doors out to a south-west facing garden.

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/family room, Cloakroom, Garden, EPC: D

East Putney Lettings 020 8788 3333 | putneylets@dng.co.uk

Heythorp Street SW18 £692 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Southfields Lettings 020 8874 8844 | sthfldslets@dng.co.uk South

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Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

02/10/2014 10:36

Click with us at jacksonsestateagents.com

Richard Turner, Senior Manager

Wimbledon Park Golf Club

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14:44 02/10/2014 09:22