Absolutely Kensington & Chelsea April 2020 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA

Kensington & Chelsea APRIL 2020 / £3.95

HOME LIFE

Designer’s

Cultural offerings to enjoy indoors

GUILD

Celebrating 50 Years of inspiring interiors

APRIL 2020

Table

MANNERS Recipes from Jessie and Lennie Ware

Strong

LOOKS F A S H I O N A N D I N T E R I O R S I N S P I R AT I O N S

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents APRIL 2020

C U LT U R E 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 55 HAIR CARE

16 ROSALIE CRAIG

57 FITNESS Keeping fit at home

18 STAY IN... How to entertain yourself at home

INTERIORS 62 HOME INSPIRATION

10 things we’re coveting this month

An interview with the actor

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

32 RECIPES Table Manners – podcast dishes from the Wares

This month's best beauty buys

Focus on desks and home comforts

66 DESIGNER'S GUILD Celebrating 50 years of Tricia Guild's trailblazing company

Spotlight on wallpaper

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 83 SMALL TALK

46 SPRING STYLE

89 HOME SCHOOLING

The shoot

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

73 PAPER TRAIL

FA S H I O N 45 PEARLY QUEEN Jewellery from the ocean

Entertainment for children

ON THE COVER anthropologie.com

A headmaster advises

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR ABBIE SCHOFIELD EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ZOE DELMER-BEST MEDIA CONSULTANTS ANABELA KOLECI, JEMMA HAYES, NAVINDER LALL ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS ESRA KANBUR

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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TABLE MANNERS

Editor’s

Jessie and Lennie Ware release a new cookbook featuring all the recipes from their podcast. Matzo balls anyone?

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights

his is not the April that we were expecting. Just a few weeks ago, it felt legitimate to be thinking about our holiday plans, our wardrobes and what colour to paint our nails. But suddenly a new reality makes all of these things seem hideously frivolous. Still, this magazine will be arriving on doorsteps of housebound Londoners and while some of our content will have been rendered irrelevant, we have tried to update it where we can. We can still listen to podcasts, and anyone who has already got through the entire Table Manners back catalogue will love Jessie and Lennie Ware's new cookbook which includes not only all the recipes from the series but also a family album of pictures and memories – we have extracted a few recipes and were lucky enough to chat to Lennie about them. Also in this issue there's a focus on 50 years of Designer's Guild, now a London institution, and a look at stylish home offices as well as a focus on things to do without leaving the house. For our family special we look at life with children, taking in online learning and home schooling. Stay strong, Londoners.

HOT DESKS

Working from home? Here are some inspiring workspaces

HAIR CARE

Hair products for our home salons

DESIGNER'S GUILD

While the exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum is now closed, Tricia Guild's book celebrates 50 years of groundbreaking designs

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

GOOD EGGS

All the most stylish Easter eggs and chocolate treats

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E S T

C H E C K M AT E From oversized woolen cardis to checked blazers, the grandma/ grandpa trend is in full swing for spring. This striking, fully-lined blazer is the perfect piece to make a style statement. Crafted from a luxurious wool blend, the jacket has a close-cut, tailored fit for a smart look. £79; marksandspencer.com

D O T-T O - D O T Go all out with spots. The classic wardrobe staple is a fail safe trend which works just as well in the office as it does at a fancy event. Alexa Chung's take on the polka dot dress features a playful keyhole design, on trend puff sleeves and a flattering silhouette. £300; net-a-porter.com

BIRDS OF A F E AT H E R

OW N I T CHAOS is a young London-based luxury brand boasting a range of super-glossy pop-luxe accessories. Focusing on customisation, technology and playful design, CHAOS lets you personalise to your heart's content. Alphabet Sticker, £45; shop.chaos.club

The classic white shirt never goes out of fashion, but sometimes it needs more oomph. Valentino has added wispy ostrich feathers to an on-trend puffed sleeve for a romanticised take. Feather-embellished cotton-poplin shirt, £1,650; matchesfashion.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES EDITOR’S PICK

IN A FIZZ BOTTLETOP is a British luxury fashion brand with sustainability at its roots. The new Rai slouchy bucket bag is made from a combination of certified Amazon Zero Deforestation leather and hand crocheted upcycled metal tabs. Recycling never looked so good. £295; bottletop.org

JEAN DREAM Full of rebellious style and 90s themes, Natasha Zinko is renowned for her unique designs and emphasis on sustainability. We love these ready-to-wear jeans, £315; natashazinko.com

T O P D R AW E R F R E S H TA K E SPRING SCENTS Riviera Postcard, the new fragrance from & Other Stories, will instantly transport you to the warmer climes and sun-soaked landscapes of the French Riviera. £28; stories.com

Bring a little sculptural design into your home with this beautiful collection from Helle Mardahl entitled Cherry on Top. Bon Bon Medi Vase Mint Violet, £440; couvertureandthegarbstore.com

We love this sensual suit from Amelie's Follies, who have a huge range of beautiful lingerie pieces for you to choose from and a highly trained team to find you the perfect fit. ameliesfollies.co.uk

FA C E U P Ace & Tate specialise in glasses of all types and have a huge range of styles and shapes to suit every face, from reading glasses to sunglasses. With style and durability at the forefront of their designs, these are specs that are made to last. Carter frames in Sage, £98; aceandtate.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cm.

Pullman Editions Ltd

Priced at £395 each.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547

Private commissions are also welcome.

94 Pimlico Road Chelsea

London SW1W 8PL

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info@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

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C U LT U R E THE DREAM 1896 BY AUBREY BEARDSLEY, INK OVER GRAPHITE ON PAPER, THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, FROM AUBREY BEARDSLEY AT TATE BRITAIN

What's on 12 • Interview: Rosalie Craig 14 • Staying in 16 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

BAGS: INSIDE OUT AT THE V&A

T V

Secrets of the Museum Until May B B C I P L AY E R With the exhibition 'Bags: Inside Out' postponed, why not catch up on the behind the scenes documentary series about the V&A? Secrets of the Museum is a six-part documentary for BBC Two that shows the fascinating work of curators and conservators behind the brilliant exhibitions. BBC iPlayer vam.ac.uk

GREGORY. LOS ANGELES. MARCH 31ST 1982, © DAVID HOCKNEY; PHOTO CREDIT: RICHARD SCHMIDT

A RT

David Hockney D R AW I N G FR O M LI FE U NTI L 28 JU NE • NATI O NA L P O RTRAIT GALLERY

Featuring 150 works from public and private collections across the world, as well as from the David Hockney Foundation and the artist himself, Drawing From Life explores Hockney as a draughtsman from the 1950s to the present by focusing on portraits of himself and a small group of sitters close to him. Explore online npg.org.uk

ART

Artemisia

Until 26 July N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y In this ﬁrst major exhibition of Artemisia’s work in the UK, explore her best-known paintings online, including two versions of her iconic and viscerally violent ‘Judith beheading Holofernes’ as well as her self portraits and heroines from history and the Bible. Explore online nationalgallery.org.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

A RT

Technicolour Malaise 9-12 April T R AT E Painting under an alias that refers to the ‘traits’ he explores on his canvases, Candaian artist TRATE will be exhibiting the launch of his second series, ‘Technicolour Malaise’ online. Art lovers will be invited to tune in and navigate their way around the collection of bold, ﬁgurative oil-on-canvas paintings through 3D interactive images. Explore online aliastrate.com

SPRING

FLI N G 3 Gardens to Visit

HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDENS Once the exclusive playground of kings and queens, Hampton Court Palace Gardens now host some of the capital's most spectacular blooms. With over nine gardens to explore, including the elegant Privy Garden and the rambing Wilderness, there’s plenty to see and do. Hampton Court Way, KT8 9AU; hrp.org.uk

O P E R A

LIVE STREAMING

This Month’s Must See

Ongoing R OYA L O P E R A H O U S E For the homebound but culturally curious, the Royal Opera House has launched a programme of online content. Featuring a schedule of free broadcasts and live performances that audiences can access anywhere across the globe, viewers will be delighted by renditions of the most popular ballets and operas. roh.org.uk

THE PRIVY GARDEN

FULHAM PALACE GARDENS

T UDOR S TO W IN DSOR S

O NGO I NG • N ATION AL MARITIME MUSEUM

isit the National Maritime Museum's online platform and search collections, discover epic stories of sea, space and exploration, and get expert insight from the museum's curators and specialists. Plus, get a digital peek into their major new exhibition, Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits. Explore online: rmg.co.uk/whats-on/

Spanning 13 acres, the botanic gardens at Fulham Palace house a plethora of stunning plantings and rare trees as well as a beautiful walled garden. The garden has plenty for visitors to explore, including their drawing room cafe which offer sumptuous afternoon teas. Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA; fulhampalace.org

ISABELLA PLANTATION

Set within a Victorian woodland plantation dating back to the 1830s, the Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park is a relaxed affair sprawling over 40 acres. Full of rare and unusual shrubs and trees, the plantation is an area bustling with nature and is a great spot to catch a glimpse of some unusual animals. Richmond Park, TW10 5HS; royalparks.org.uk

tudors-to-windsors

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CULTURE • PROFILE

TakeTWO Absolutely catches up with City of Angels actor Rosalie Craig Interview: ABBIE SCHOFIELD

or many stage actors, returning to a role after five years would be a daunting task. The fact that the production has moved from the intimate 250-seat Donmar Warehouse to the Garrick Theatre even more so. But for Rosalie Craig, coming back to City of Angels for the second time around is akin to welcoming old friends: “Playing Bobbi and Gabby again is lovely because so much has happened and I’ve changed so much in five years. I’m older and a mother now which brings a different perspective to the piece.” The unique double plot has two settings: 1940s Hollywood, where novelist Stine is trying to turn his book into a masterful screenplay, and the film noir world within his script. Aesthetically, the play oozes glamour with beautiful costumes and a seductive jazzy soundtrack by Cy Coleman and David Zappel to match. Not only do most of the actors play two characters, but the film world is in black and white while the Hollywood world is all in colour. “Half the stage is in black and white and half is normal,” Craig explains enthusiastically, “So if someone passes a drink from one side to the other, it turns from black and white into colour. It’s very cleverly done through lighting, costume and props.”

The musical first appeared on Broadway in 1989 before opening in the West End in 1993. It then returned in 2014 to sell-out audiences, directed by Josie Rourke, who is back in the driving seat for this year’s revival. While some of the old cast are back too, including Craig and Hadley Fraser (who plays Stine, and is Craig’s real-life husband), there are some new faces including Nicola Roberts, of Girls Aloud fame, and Emmy and Tony awardnominated actor Vanessa Williams. “The new cast members have a completely different take on the characters which is gorgeous and gives you something new to play with. It’s great to embrace the new,” Craig says warmly. This will be City of Angels’ third London run - there's clearly something about the show that keeps it coming back around. “We live in a different time but the same issues are still pertinent. The women in film noir are incredibly powerful, which was a surprise to me when I first read the script. I couldn’t believe how strong, vocal and dominant they were. They own their sexuality and look fabulous, and those two things don't contradict each other. But when it flips back to 1940s Hollywood, you get the opposite. The women don’t have much power and it’s all about pressure to sleep with the producers, which is really relevant now with #MeToo.” Craig plays Stine’s wife in the Hollywood

“The women in film noir are incredibly powerful... They're strong, vocal and dominant”

world, Gabby, as well as Bobbi, a singer in the film noir world. “Playing two characters has its challenges. Stine is inspired by his reality and weaves it into his film noir world but my two characters are complete opposites. At some points in the show I have to walk out as Gabby and come back in three seconds later as Bobbi. I love that though because it’s a challenge and you don’t get to settle into a scene for too long,” she says. Craig is no stranger to an unconventional role. Her most recent undertaking was playing the lead, Bobbie, in Marianne Elliott’s genderswitch production of Company. She received critical acclaim, including a 2019 Olivier award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical and won Best Musical Performance at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2018. In 2015, City Of Angels won Best Musical Revival at the Olivier awards, which according to Craig, takes the pressure off this time. “I don’t think we can be nominated twice,” she chuckles. “My agent always laughs at me because I approach everything like I'm starting out in the industry. But I think as an actor, we never sit anywhere comfortably. With Company I felt like I was the main focus, but now there’s less pressure because City of Angels is more of an ensemble piece. And we’ve done it before - I’m not saying that it’s perfect but I have this feeling like I’ve worn the shoes before. Although I’ll probably be quaking in those shoes on opening night!”

CITY OF ANGELS has been postponed until April 26 cityofangelsmusical.co.uk

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CULTURE • STAYING IN

I N

S E M A G HOW TO OCCUPY YOUR BRAIN

D E A D LY G A M E MAFIA

Based on the classic role-playing strategy game, this strikingly illustrated card game pitches between 7 and 24 players against each other in solving a murder. It's a kill or be killed situation. £14.99 laurenceking.com

DON ’T FORGET

A N D Y WA R H O L' S M E M O R Y

Put your brain to the test by matching pairs of authentic colours used by Andy Warhol on his iconic soup can prints. The Andy Warhol Memory Game from Galison belongs next to your favorite art books. £17.99 wordery.com

O N T H E B OA R D L AC RO IX BAC KGAM M O N

New to the family of board games by Christian Lacroix is a stylish backgammon set. The case folds out to reveal the game board, decorated in two-tone shading. The same pink and blue shading is also used on the 30 wooden checkers and dice. £46 abramsandchronicle.co.uk

P UZ Z L E A R T

F R A N K L LOY D W R I G H T P UZ Z L E

The Frank Lloyd Wright Imperial Hotel Peacock Rug 500 Piece Foil Puzzle add shiny new glamour to the rug design. Gold foil embellishments bring the luxurious deco era back to life, piece by piece. Galison puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes. galsion.com

ROLL WITH IT PERUDO

This classic family game is fun for all ages. Noble Macmillan's leather bound cups and matching dice come in an array of colours, from tangerine to ivory. The luxury set is made in Spain, using the finest calfskin leather; your initials can be embossed. £110 noblemacmillan.com

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CULTURE • STAYING IN

9 BOOKS

T O R E A D I N I S O L AT I O N Whether you’re hungry for something dystopian, or just something long, here are our reading recommendations By PENDLE HARTE

THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN If you haven’t yet read Thomas Mann’s epic 1924 bildungsroman, now’s the time to do it. Partly for its sheer size (752 pages) and for its illness themes, but mostly for its vast scope and insightful commentary on the literal entirety of the human condition. It’s a huge work that requires your entire focus as you retreat to a remote mountain sanatorium with Hans Castorp, whose planned threeweek visit becomes a seven-year stay.

THE TIN DRUM

GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER

Another weighty German epic, Gunter Grass’s 1959 novel about Oskar Matzerath, the boy who refuses to grow up, is just as heavily laced with symbolism as The Magic Mountain. Comic and macabre, Oskar beats his drum as the Nazis march – and later narrates his story from the confines of an insane asylum. It’s a sprawling story that will occupy your whole mind, and one you might not have quite found time for before.

Bernadine Evaristo’s joint 2019 Bookerwinning tome is a clever and insightful series of interconnecting and intergenerational stories that focus on what it means to be female and black. Its scope is wide with lots of scenes to savour, rather than a main storyline.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY John Irving’s 1989 novel owes more than a few things to Gunter Grass. A diminutive hero with a piercing voice, whose initals are OM – this is another large and sprawling story of an unusual life. Owen Meany is a boy from New Hampshire who believes that he is God’s instrument; this is another big book with lots of food for thought.

THE GOLDFINCH The elusive Donna Tartt’s 2013 novel won the Pulitzer and at 784 pages it’s even longer than The Magic Mountain. Its vast, sweeping story takes in art theft, antiques and drugs in New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam, with a cast of brilliantly drawn and diverse characters.

THE TESTAMENTS Margaret Atwood was Evaristo’s joint Booker winner with her follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale, looking further into the post-apocalyptic dystopian future where the world is unrecognisable, yet eerily familiar.

THE BOOK OF STRANGE NEW THINGS Michel Faber’s strange and compelling 2014 story of a priest who goes to work as a missionary on a different planet is original and fascinating. This is science fiction for people who don’t really like science fiction.

THE AGE OF MIRACLES Definitely only for people who are feeling strong. This 2012 impressive debut by Karen Thompson Walker describes a world where the rhythm of night and day is disrupted and there is an increasing ‘slowing’. Some believe it’s a government hoax; others blame God.

HIGH RISE JG Ballard’s classic 1975 dystopian fantasy probably has the best opening line of any novel ever. Forget the terrible film version – this is a brilliant look at what can happen when humans live in too much security and luxury.

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Children learning piano perform better academically in school We want to help you give your child the advantage

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Churchill

C U R TA I N C L E A N I N G S E R V I C E S

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CULTURE • STAYING IN

1 L I V I N G O N L I N E HOW TO STAY SANE AND USE YOUR TIME WISELY

LEARN THE GUITAR FENDER

Fender Play is a video-based guitar learning app that promises to get complete beginners playing recognisable riffs in just 22 minutes. Bite-sized video lessons cater for acoustic or electric guitar, or even the ukelele. fender.com/play

V I R T UA L T R AV E L AU STR IAN TO U R I ST B OAR D

The Austrian National Tourist Office's website is now a portal for virtual travel. Watch State Opera performances, browse exhibitions at Vienna museums, explore the giant ice caves in Werfen or visit Carinthia’s lakes with interactive panoramas. austria.info/en

NEW SKILLS THE IDLER

The Idler’s vast range of online courses ranges from Tom Hodgkinson’s Brief Introduction to Anarchism to Harmonica for Beginners via calligraphy, Ghanain cookery, Tarot reading, Latin, Psychotherapy – and, of course, the ukulele. idler.co.uk

S C R E E N YO G A YO G A LO F T

Live stream yoga and mat pilates classes from your living room. Yogaloft's timetable includes mummy and baby classes, pregnancy yoga, restorative yoga, Hatha, Iyenga and meditation as well as mat pilates and yoga for age 60+. yogaloftlondon.com

MAKE BREAD

LEARNING WITH EXPERTS

BBC Good Food’s Barney Desmazery runs an online course on sourdough bread at Learning with Experts. By the end of this fourweek course you will be able to wow your friends and family with your own variety of sourdoughs. learningwithexperts.com

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

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AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2018 marylebonegin

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SEX PISTOLS STUDIO SHOOT, NOTTING HILL

CULTURE • PREVIEW

A R T H O U S E Kensington & Chelsea Art Week – a World of Culture in West London By P E A R L B OY D

K “KCAW is an event where emerging artists can stand shoulder-toshoulder with more established names”

ensington & Chelsea Art Week is back for its third edition this summer, with 10 days celebrating the area‘s unique cultural heritage. The festival comprises an exciting programme of projects and events across a multitude of studios, museums, galleries and cultural spaces, attracting both local and international audiences. Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) is focused on the local creative offering, connecting larger institutions with emerging businesses and independent galleries and artists to come together for a week-long explosion of activity. This year the focus is on the outdoors and exploration of the borough. In consideration of COVID-19, the team has made some amendments to the programme to focus less on public gatherings and group events and more on digital exploration, press and The Public Art Trail. KCAW Director Vestalia Chilton said: “We are looking at how best to support our community rather than give up at the moment when we need each other most.” For the Public Art Trail, KCAW invited local artists via an open call to add ambitious temporary installations and murals to urban spaces throughout

BALL PARADERS AT 2019 ARTY GRAS SUMMER BALL PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH DELAFIELD COOK

CHELSEA ARTS CLUB BALL GIRLS, 1935

the borough. The Chelsea Arts Club’s façade is scheduled to visually mark the start of the week with a giant mural painted by one of its artist members. The festival’s motivation to develop its community and bridge gaps is also reflected in the diversity of characters that sit on its arts committee. Geoffrey Matthews, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Chelsea Arts Club, photographer Richard Young of the Richard Young Gallery, Mark Elie of the inspirational Portobello Dance School and Conrad Shawcross, who recently unveiled a new public sculpture at Chelsea Barracks, have all come together to shine a spotlight on the borough’s unique, rich and diverse culture through this free Arts Festival. KCAW is an event where emerging businesses and artists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more established names through free exchange of ideas – a reflection of the character of Kensington and Chelsea itself, a thriving, inclusive community that has continued to alter dynamically throughout the decades. K E N S I N GTO N & C H E L S E A ART WEEK kcaw.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

MOOD FOOD CARACTÈRE

Husband and wife team Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari's Notting Hill restaurant has a new tasting menu divided into six character traits, from Curious (small plates) to Greedy (dessert). Guests can pick a dish from each character trait, with the option of a wine pairing too. caractererestaurant.com

Food notes 26 • Restaurant deliveries 29 • Recipes 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2013 El Terroir, Domaines Lupier, Navarra, Spain  £22.95 Deep ruby in colour, this pure Garnacha has an expressive nose of ripe black cherry and plum with layers of subtle spice, toast and balsamic. It is concentrated and complex, yet extremely elegant thanks to the benevolent 2013 vintage.

2019 Château Miraval, Rosé, Côtes de Provence  £19.95 For many, Miraval has become the go-to rosé, and if the sun appears for Easter weekend it's a lovely wine to celebrate the start of summer. Very pale in colour, this is fresh, vibrant but perfectly polite, with notes of peach, delicate wild strawberry and ﬂorals.

2018 Dog Point, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand  £18.50 This Sauvignon Blanc has strong citrus characteristics leading into ripe tropical tones, a perfect accompaniment to fresh seafood. Flinty and smoky notes linger in the background providing a complex balance to the primary fruit. BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

Pasta class MORTIMER HOUSE

A series of pasta masterclasses has launched at Mortimer House, with the next session on 28 April. Attendees will learn how to cook eggless pasta, Sicilian ‘Norma’ style, and Tuscan-style panzanella under the expert eye of head chef Lello Favuzzi. Rolling pins at the ready. 37-41 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JH; mortimerhouse.com

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

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

DINING IN Make your own comfort food

PA S TA E VA N G E L I S T S

Magic number SIX BY NICO

Pasta Evangelists' pasta recipe boxes fit through your letterbox and come with the fresh dough, sauce and garnishes, i.e. everything you need to make a delicious pasta dish in a matter of minutes. Choose from a weekly menu of 10 dishes and subscribe for regular deliveries or a one off. From £7.25 per serving; pastaevangelists.com

New restaurant Six By Nico will serve a different six-course tasting menu each week, inspired by places, memories and ideas. The ﬁrst is called 'The Chippie’ and draws on chef Nico Simeone’s Scottish-Italian heritage; it even features a deep fried Mars bar. 33 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RR; sixbynico.co.uk

PERU P L AT E S

LIMA LONDON

Lima London’s head chef Sergio Arocas’ recent trip to Peru has provided the inspiration for the restaurant's new menu, with a focus on the food markets and cevicherias of Lima. Expect a combination of South American ingredients with seasonal British produce. 31 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JH; limalondongroup.com

BREAD AHEAD Borough Market bakery Bread Ahead's founder and master baker Matthew Jones will be offering free baking masterclasses on Instagram and YouTube over the next few weeks. Bring the bakery to you and learn from Matthew's expertise while cooking up delicious treats like doughnuts and sourdough bread. breadahead.com

NAPOLI NOSH LABORATORIO

Wild thing WILD BY TART

The weekend brunch at Belgravia’s Wild by Tart sees the addition of new wholesome and colourful sharing plates like sizzling grilled ﬁsh tacos and spicy crab crumpets with fermented chilli, lemon and samphire. Sweet lovers, don't miss the cardamom buttermilk pancakes with poached rhubarb and rose. 3-4 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ; wildbytart.com

P I ZZA P I LG R I M S Londoners can create their own version of Pizza Pilgrims' Neopolitanstyle pizzas with The Frying Pan Pizza Kits. Available to order from Deliveroo, the kits will contain ingredients to make two pizzas, from the dough to the tomato sauce, and customers can recreate the heat of a pizza-oven using a frying pan. £12; pizzapilgrims.co.uk

Following the success of its sister restaurant on Brick Lane, Laboratorio’s traditional Neapolitan pizzas combine authentic Italian ingredients with artisanal breadmaking in a casual and lively setting. A must-try is the Pizza Fritta, where the topping is sealed between two layers of dough and deep-fried. 110 Great Portland Street, W1W 6PQ; www.laboratoriopizza.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • DELIVERY

Order IN

THE LAUGHING HEART

Staying in doesn't have to mean cooking every meal By ZOË DELMER-BE ST

NANNY BILLS

The Laughing Heart

Offering all of their wonderful cellar, a mixed menu of comforting dishes and some ready meals whilst you’re stuck at home, the Laughing Heart will make sure that you are kept gastronomically entertained during your period of confinement. What’s more, they have also partnered with the wine delivery company Slerp to make sure you are wellhydrated during your homeside banquets.

FOLIE

Give the restaurant a call and they will arrange delivery 020 7686 9535

Nanny Bills

BALA BAYA

Bala Baya

Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant Bala Baya is now offering home deliveries to any London location in reach via Uber. Feast on a hedonistic selection of traditional Israeli dishes from simple yet delicious chickpea hummus to caramelised cauliflower. Every delivery order above £40 will also be treated with a complimentary hummus and home-baked pitta bread. Delivery is free of charge for orders above £100. To order contact 020 8001 7015

Folie

Think self isolation means you have to compromise on luxury? Think again. Folie, the glamorous restaurant on Golden Square is bringing guests a taste of the French Riviera, and is offering Folie at Home to guests. Perfect for anyone who still has an occasion to celebrate or who needs a little escapism.

Get your super dirty burger fix with Nanny Bills from Vinegar Yard. Offering traditional double patty cheeseburgers, moreish rosemary salt fries and a generous selection of extras including mac-n-cheese croquettes and buttermilk fried chicken strips, trust Nanny Bills to have everything your hungover-from-Houseparty body desires. Delivery available from Deliveroo

Casa do Frango

CASA DO FRANGO

Why not spice up your meal times with the famous piri piri chicken from Casa do Frango? Offering takeaways and deliveries, Casa do Frango will bring you a sumptuous spicy fix right to your door. Not only that, the purveyors of piri piri will also be offering free meals to all NHS staff, to thank them for their service and dedication. Delivery available from Deliveroo

To book contact Guillaume Depoix on gd@folie.london A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

TOP PICKS

FREE FROM MARTINI

Vibrante is an Italian-style aperitivo that harnesses MARTINI’s 150 years of expertise in wine and herbs to create a refreshing drink. The twist? It's completely booze-free and infused with sustainablysourced botanicals and natural ﬂavours. Try Non-Alcoholic Vibrante over ice topped with tonic and an orange slice garnish - it's like summer in a glass.

£10; ocado.com

BOTTLE IT UP ZING Cocktail connoisseur and Channel 4's Sunday Brunch food and drink presenter Pritesh Mody is behind Zing, a range of bottled cocktails created with bespoke bitters, liqeurs and aging processes. We love the Persian Lime & Nori Margarita which has notes of sherbert along with the punchy citrus and seaweed.

£24; worldofzing.com

TAKE FLIGHT AV I AT I O N

This craft gin from Portland, Oregon is bursting with citrus and delicate ﬂorals, unlike London dry gins which tend to have a heavy juniper taste. It’s subtle, soft and handcrafted in small 100-case batches - and with Ryan Reynolds as its owner, it’s no surprise Aviation is soaring off the shelves.

£35; asda.com

Special delivery

Get your favourite drinks directly to your door By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

he bad news is, going to our favourite bars and restaurants is off the cards for a while. The good news? Alcohol delivery services have never been more appreciated - winebuyers.com has seen a 75% increase in orders and the ﬁrst two weeks of March saw more sales than the entire month of December. Winebuyers.com sommelier and buyer Sam Tyson recommends the 2017 Mchenry Hohnen 3 Amigos Red (£15.90) as his top pick. Hailing from the Margaret River in Western Australia, it has notes of blood orange, black pepper and raspberry. But there's competition as wine sellers are enticing customers with special deals and discounts in light of increased demand. For example, Hedonism Wines are offering free UK delivery for orders of more than six bottles, and Berry Bros & Rudd will deliver for free with orders over £200. It's not just wine that lucky Londoners can have delivered. Casamigos, George Clooney's tequila brand, has teamed up with delivery service Bevy to offer those living in Zones 1 and 2 delivery in under an hour, so you can shake up margaritas in no time. Bevy can deliver all sorts, from rum and gin to bottled cocktails, mixers, beers and even snacks and cigarettes. Kentish Town cocktail bar Ladies & Gentlemen are also adapting, delivering 'Quarantinis', classic cocktails and Ayurvedic juices to London homes. Bottoms up!

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

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PODCAST

Jessie and Lennie Wareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new cookbook features everything the mother-and-daughter team cooked in their podcasts. Here are three to try Wo r d s J E S S I E & L E N N I E WA R E Photography OLA O SMIT

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

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Lamb with Pistachio Herb Crust Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 2 racks of lamb • French trimmed (fat removed and bones cleaned – ask your butcher to do this) • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 garlic cloves, peeled • 150g shelled pistachios • 30g fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves only • 30g fresh mint, leaves only grated zest of 1 lemon • 75g crustless bread, a day or two old • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard salt and pepper

METHOD 1

Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.

2 Season the lamb. Heat a heavybased frying pan over a medium–high heat, add the olive oil and brown the lamb for 2–3 minutes on all sides. 3 Whizz the garlic, pistachios, herbs, lemon zest and bread in a food processor until finely chopped. 4

Spread a tablespoon of mustard over each rack of lamb and coat in the herb mixture, pressing gently so that it sticks. Roast for 15–20 minutes: 15 minutes will be very pink. Remove from the oven and leave to stand for 10 minutes before carving and serving. 5

Ladle into the warmed bowls, garnish with the spring onions and serve. 6

TIP If serving with tinned haricot beans, drain the beans and tip into a pan, adding a crushed garlic clove, a knob of butter, some chopped fresh parsley and half a chicken stock cube. Cook over a very low heat for about 20 minutes.

Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Vodka and Caviar Serves 4

rather decadent and luxurious pasta dish that requires little effort. Rather than actual caviar, we use the lookalike black lumpfish roe you can find in most supermarkets.

INGREDIENTS • 400g linguine, farfalle or penne • 200g crème fraîche

• 200g sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips • 2 tbsp vodka grated zest of 1 large lemon •2 tbsp chopped fresh dill freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp lumpfish caviar, to serve salt

METHOD 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and put the pasta in to cook for 10 minutes until al dente. 2 Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Add all the remaining ingredients – except the caviar – and stir well until everything is warmed through. 3 Serve in bowls, grind over some black pepper and add half a teaspoon of caviar to each bowl. Alternatively, pile it all into a large serving bowl for your guests to serve themselves, dotting the caviar over the top.

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

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Matzo Balls Makes about 15 balls

n the words of Marilyn Monroe: ‘Isn’t there any other part of the matzo you can eat?’ It has taken me ages to achieve light fluffy matzo balls, but I think after 40-odd years of making them I have finally managed it. Of course, you can cheat and use the ready-made packets, which are sometimes sold under the name ‘kneidl’. Matzo balls are very divisive: some prefer them fluffy like clouds, some prefer them dense like bullets. Some have them in the soup, others

save them till after. But if you start by saying ‘I’ll only have one’ you will always submit to the second. Delicious and crucial to Chicken Soup.

INGREDIENTS • 100g medium matzo meal 1 tsp baking powder pinch of salt •P inch of white pepper •3 large eggs, beaten 1 tbsp rapeseed oil •4 tbsp hot Chicken Soup or boiling water

4 Drop the balls into the boiling water, turn down the heat and gently simmer for about 20–25 minutes until they are soft. They should swell up slightly, rise to the surface and look like little clouds. 5 Lift out with a slotted spoon and serve them in chicken soup.

METHOD 1 Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl, gradually stir in the eggs and oil and then gradually add the chicken soup, mixing until smooth. Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes – it will firm up slightly. 2 Line a tray with baking parchment. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. 3 Wet your fingers and take small pieces of the mixture to make soft balls, about 2cm in diameter, placing them on the lined tray.

Recipes taken from Table Manners: the cookbook by Jessie and Lennie Ware Published by Ebury, £22

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Q&A

Table MANNERS

Absolutely quizzes Lennie Ware on bringing out her first cookbook as a podcast celebrity Interview PENDLE HARTE

Q Did you enjoy doing the book? A I did enjoy it – but I’m not going to lie,

I found it challenging. If you usually cook without recipes, making it up as you go along, it’s hard to write it all down. But we just included everything we’d ever cooked throughout the podcast. We wanted to give the book the feel of a family album – don’t you think Jessie writes well? I’m very proud of how she writes. It’s an easy, accessible cookbook, not tricky, it’s all about family and fun. The podcast has a warmth and I hope that comes through in the cookbook.

Q The podcast become so successful,

making you famous. How do you think that happened? A Am I famous? My daughter is. It’s not down to me – it’s the combination that works so well, not me. People relate to us because that’s how they get on with their own mums – all banter and arguments. The intergenerational element works well. Q What’s it like working

with your daughter?

A We’ve always got on incredibly well and

I’ve also always got on well with her friends. I much prefer young people to old people. I’m very lucky in that I’m close to all of my children. I’d be horrified if I wasn’t. But I do think Jessie finds it challenging for us to work together – and it is tricky because they’ve been living with me since September while they’re having work done on their house. She’s not the tidiest person, which is the only thing that we row about, really.

Q What about your son Alex? A Alex isn’t as involved as he was; he works

long hours training to be an anaesthetist. And he’s looking for a flat. But he has helped and he’s a good pastry chef. My children are great cooks and they’re more adventurous than me – I’d have a roast dinner every day.

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FOOD • INTERVIEW

Q What makes your Matzo

balls so special? A That would be telling! I don’t know. I’ve perfected them. Jamie Oliver said they were the best and I felt very proud of that. Q What have been the podcast’s

funniest moments?

Q Have you made any friendships

through the show? A Well, Jessie’s the more friendly one, really. Nicole Scherzinger invited us to her onewoman show. Scary Spice was interesting. Alan Carr was so funny you couldn’t breathe. In fact everyone I’ve met has been great.

A Probably when I set myself on fire. Poor

Hayley Squires couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. I wanted to recreate a wonderful creme brulée that I had once been served at a lunch with a lot of judges, so Jessie bought a blow torch. It came apart in my hands quite dramatically and I was almost in flames, but funnily enough, at the time I was more worried about the new floor.

Q And the worst moment? A George Ezra and Jessie had

over-marinaded some ribs and wanted to cook them quickly. They were inedible. We couldn’t get our teeth into them at all and they were long, like a caveman would eat. We had to order in that day.

Q Who haven’t you had on

the podcast but want to?

A Marcus Rashford from Man United,

definitely. I love football. Jose Mourino, Gary Lineker – he’s intelligent and political and he loves food, so we’d have a lot in common and could talk football. Jessie would like to have Barbara Streisand and Sade. I’d also love Piers Morgan.

Q Who would come to your dream dinner

party – and what would you serve?

A Nelson Mandela; Barbara Streisand;

Cesaria Evora (she’s a singer from Cape Verdi); Marina Hyde; Boris Johnson. I’m quite political. Didn’t Madonna say that British dinner parties are something she’s never experienced elsewhere? Sometimes they work, other times they don’t. And I’d probably do fish, because we all do have to think about how much meat we consume. People say they’re flexitarian etc – I never know what it means. And I love trifle so we’d have that.

Table Manners: The Cookbook by Jessie and Lennie Ware is published by Ebury, £22

“People relate to us because it’s all banter and arguments”

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

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MINDFUL CHEF

FOOD & DRINK • EATING IN

Box FRESH

Food delivery services are our new reality. Absolutely tests out Mindful Chef's recipe boxes and Oddbox’s ‘wonky’ produce By PENDLE HARTE & ABBIE SCHOFIELD

B “A stint with box deliveries is likely to improve anyone's cooking skills and creativity” MINDFUL CHEF

usiness is currently booming at Mindful Chef, whose clever delivery model is designed to help us expand our meals repertoire while focusing on healthier dishes – all involving very little effort. Choose from their weekly recipes online if you like, or simply order a random box based on your dietaries (because isn’t it a luxury to be spared deciding what to eat?) and specify how many people you want to cook how many meals for. Your delivery will include every last ingredient you will need for each meal, all in separate labelled bags and fully idiotproof. Packaging is recyclable - either for your own recycling bin or designed to be returned to Mindful Chef for reuse (Collect Plus labels are included) and plastic is minimal. Our favourite recipes were: chicken pasanda with red rice and roasted broccoli, which was rich, hearty and coconuty and a lentil and courgette bake; we also enjoyed Cajun chicken and lamb moussaka. Recipes incorporate lots of vegetables and fewer carbohydrates in a drive to be mindful of eating healthily. In all, the only flaw is that the expectation for you to have literally nothing in your kitchen means that tiny quantities of spices and liquids are measured out into small plastic containers which are unlikely to be recycled. But the demographic seems a bit questionable – who has enough interest in food to order a Mindful box yet not enough to have any soy sauce in their kitchen?. Tiny sachets of balsamic, soy and single teaspoon measures of spices in mini plastic pots just don’t seem right. Still, Mindful Chef has a lot going for it and a stint with box deliveries is likely to improve anyone’s cooking skills and creativity. Meals work out at between £4 and £6 per head; full details including nutritional values are specified. mindfulchef.com

ODDBOX

hen I open the huge cardboard box of fruit and vegetables that has just arrived at my door, I’m a bit confused. There are rosy apples, blueberries, three types of potatoes, rainbow carrots, fennel, courgettes, pears and more. But I’d been expecting ‘wonky’ produce, the sort that supermarkets won’t take because it’s not pretty enough, with lumps, bumps and weird skin - this all looks pretty beautiful to me. It turns out that supermarkets reject produce if it’s even slightly too big or too small, so oranges that look perfectly juicy in my eyes might not pass the uber-strict supermarket requirements, which seems criminal. Oddbox also ‘rescue’ (their words) surplus produce. The large box is quite a lot for my family of three, but the fruit is quickly scoffed and we batch-cook vegetable soup and freeze it for a quick lunch solution. We also roast, stew and steam veggies and even try one of the handy recipes, printed on recycled paper, that comes with the box. For a week and a half all of our vegetable needs are more than met, and I’m chuffed that the simple cardboard box comes with no plastic packaging, minus the blueberry punnets.(AS) Large fruit and veg box, £18.49; oddbox.co.uk

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

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FOOD & DRINK • EASTER

EDITOR’S PICK

DOISY & DAM Dark Chocolate Egg with Almond Nuttercups, £6.99; doisyanddam.com

BISCUITEERS Easter Party Luxe Biscuit Tin, £55; harveynichols.com

CLARIDGES Dark Chocolate Egg, £55; claridges.co.uk

EGG HEAD

VENCHI Allegro White Chocolate, Toffee & Raspberry Easter Egg, £45; harveynichols.com

PUMP STREET Milk & Dark Eggs, £8.99; pumpstreetchocolate.com

The ﬁnest chocolate treats for Easter indulgence

COX & COX Bee Pollen & Honey Chocolate Egg, £9.99; coxandcox.co.uk

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

ROCOCO

FORTNUM & MASON

Alcohol-free Milk, Dark and White Truffle Box, £32.95; rococochocolates.com

Dark Chocolate Praline Eggs, 2 for £25; fortnumandmason.com

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DAYLESFORD Organic Vegan Raw Chocolate Eggs, £15; daylesford.com

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

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FA S H I O N

LOOK FRESH COMPLÉT

Tel Aviv-based handbag brand Complét combines bold colour with expert craftsmanship and innovative sillhouettes, like this Rose envelope clutch in mint green, perfect for sunny spring days. complet-o.com

Jewellery 45 • Shoot: Anthropologie 46 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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77 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB 020 7018 2373 www.silkandcashmere.com

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Pearl Girl Jewels from the ocean B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E ST

KAVANT & SHARART

STELLAR 79

ALONA

Alay Akoya Pearl Silhouette Ring, £1,260; kavantandsharart.com

La Perle Ring, £175; stellar-79.com

Lipari Earrings, £160; byalona.com

PACHAREE

KAVANT & SHARART

EDGE OF EMBER

Gold Plated Pearl Earrings, £450; net-a-porter.com

Constellation Pattern 6 Pearl Earrings, £2,750; kavantandsharart.com

Pearl Pyramid Earrings, £175; edgeofember.com

CHARLOTTE VALKENERIE

TIMELESS PEARLY

SORU

Cyto Ring, £148; charlottevalkeniers.com

Mismatched Pearl Blue Earrings, £232; smallable.com

Maia Earrings, £140; sorujewellery.com

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

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S P R I N G F L I N G Fresh shades and shapes from Anthropologie ANTHROPOLOGIE .COM

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

EYE SPY CHANEL

We've got our eye on Chanel's new Eye Collection which features a mascara, eyebrow palette and eyeliners in seven deep shades. The extra-thin flexi felt tip will have you perfecting a razor sharp flick in no time. chanel.com

Beauty products 55 â&#x20AC;¢ Fitness 57 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

KMS Strengthening Fluid, £18.50; gorgeousshop.com

MONPURE Nourish And Stimulate Scalp Mask, £63; monpure.com

FEKKAI Full Blown Volume Shampoo, £22; feelunique.com

FULFILLED HAIR Shampoo and Conditioner, £26 each; wearefulfilled.co

FAITH IN NATURE Dragonfruit Shampoo Bar, £5.79; faithinnature.co.uk

CHAMPO Pitta Volumising Shampoo, £18; champohaircare.com

RITA HAZAN Lock + Block Protective Spray, £21; net-a-porter.com

HEAD STRONG

EDITOR’S PICK

Always have a good hair day thanks to these hero products B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E ST

HEINRICH BARTH No. 07 Mykonos Shampoo, £13; heinrich-barth.com

RAHUA Founder's Blend Scalp & Hair Treatment, £43; rahua.eu

HAER Susinum Luxuriant Hair Oil, £65; haer.co.uk

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

HOME RUN

NOTES

THE BEST VIRTUAL CLASSES

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

DIGME FITNESS Digme has launched digital workouts on its social channels led by head of yoga, Sarah Grogan, and lead trainer of HIIT Matrix Proposition, Ben Davie. Expect HIIT workouts, functional training and yoga flows with no equipment needed. Plus, it’s entirely free. instagram.com/digmefitness

CORE COLLECTIVE Bringing fun and effective workouts to your living room, Core Collective has launched its new on-demand fitness video service, CCTV. Its expert trainers will instruct you in classes varying from five to 45 minutes long and in six different categories: Sweat, Train, Strength, Pilates, Yoga and Extras. core-collective.co.uk

P .V O LV E Meet the elevated at-home workout loved by Victoria's Secret models

T C L A S S PA S S Classpass allows you to try out different fitness classes across London, but did you know they also have digital workouts you can stream anywhere? The online classes don’t use up any of your credits and range from kickboxing and full body HIIT to yoga and barre. classpass.com

rainer to the stars Stephen Pasterino is the brains behind P.volve. It’s a workout method promising to tone the body by activating the hard-to-reach muscles like the inner thigh, lower underarm and deep core. A completely new way of working out, it aims to strengthen without putting stress on the body - no squats or lunges here but slow, controlled moves. The best part? It’s all done in the comfort of your own home via video workouts filmed from Stephen's New York studio; it’s like having a personal

trainer in your living room. The P.volve method was inspired by Stephen’s education in physical therapy and functional science. He’s trained the likes of Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch and Victoria’s Secret models Devon Windsor and Nadine Leopold, so you can trust you’re in good hands. Accessing the workouts is easy. Simply go online, create an account, choose your plan (from £17 a month) and you’re ready to stream. Lots of the workouts don’t require equipment - but you should consider getting your

hands on the revolutionary P.ball. It’s basically a rubber ball in between two straps that you wrap around your thighs for extraintense muscle activation. You’ll feel the telltale burn after your very first session and in tests, 97% of women found the P.ball effective in targeting their glutes, abs and thighs after two weeks of use. There’s also the P.band, a resistance band used to sculpt and tone the upper body while keeping your form in check. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 30-day free trial P.volve is currently running - you’ll be hooked. pvolve.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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T KEEP SMILING Phil Eisenberg, from Sparklysmile, Blackheath explains the simplest ways to improve your smile

hough porcelain veneers can be a quick and dramatic way to change your smile and may be the best way to create your desired look, they do require some complex dentistry and often need replacing every 10 years or so. In some cases, it may be what is needed. But these days there can be more conservative ways to achieve an amazing smile without the expense and maintenance needed that porcelain veneers involve. The concept is called Progressive Smile Design. You are involved in each stage of planning of your new smile and can decide how far you want to go. Of course, your gums need to be healthy and your teeth free from any cavities before you begin. At Sparklysmileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blackheath practice they have the expertise to get your teeth and gums happy and healthy before using the latest cosmetic technology and talent to bring on that true Sparklysmile. Q So how does Progressive

Smile Design begin?

A Phil says it should all begin with a

photo shoot and discussion of what you would like to change. Sparklysmile has a photographic studio where they can take close-up photos of you and your smile. It

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

can be emotional letting people know what you do not like, but they will come up with some options to help you improve your smile. This is a complimentary service and you get to meet Joanne, the knowledgeable treatment coordinator who will help you to explore the different solutions they offer. Q And what can Sparklysmile offer? A The approach of Align, Bleach, Bond

(sometime known as ABB) is a conservative way to improve your smile with as little dentistry as possible. It includes a threefold treatment sequence to solve crooked front teeth, which may also be discoloured, chipped, cracked or worn unevenly. Alignment (straightening) can be carried out using removeable, almost invisible, clear aligners or inman aligners. Bleaching (whitening) is carried out next using gentle gels in carefully constructed soft mouthguards to brighten your teeth. Sparklysmile make the trays, which are designed so that they hold the gel carefully in place, in their office so you can often get started on the same day that you decide to whiten your teeth. There is less sensitivity this way and they also offer an in-house boost to whitening if you have really stubborn staining on your teeth. Sparklysmile also tailor-make the way that you wear the gels so that they are comfortable, and you get the whitening carried out safely. Once the teeth are straighter (in some

“In Progressive Smile Design, you are involved in each stage of planning your new smile”

case in as little as 16 weeks), and whiter, then the edges of the teeth can be shaped using tooth coloured composite bonding to give an amazing outline to your smile. If your teeth are already straight then only two steps are needed to get your new smile - starting with the whitening and then bonding to perfect the look. In its most simple form, it involves no veneers or natural tooth removal and is a faster and more economical solution for people wanting to improve their smile. Phil says that the benefits of the Align, Bleach and Bond approach are that your teeth do not need to be prepared, no injections are used, and it often costs considerably less than a traditional smile makeover with porcelain veneers. If removable aligners are used, then you get to eat, drink and clean your teeth as normal and for special occasions you can also leave the braces out. Most importantly, the more of your own tooth that you are able to keep, the longer lasting the results are likely to be. Being able to evaluate the changes as you go often means that you are happier with your appearance sooner than you think and you can alter your plans accordingly. That is why Sparklysmile call it Progressive Smile Design.

Q How do I know if I am suitable? A Align, Bleach and Bond is perfect for

people with imperfect front teeth who want to improve their smile with as little dentistry as possible. If your teeth are already straight but you have worn or chipped your front teeth then you just miss out the alignment stage. And of course, if you really need a little more help than this, Phil has a talented team to help with implants and veneers if that is the only way to achieve the smile of your dreams.

Q What should you do next? A Call or email in and make time to visit

Joanne, our treatment coordinator. Phil will drop in on the session to say ‘hello’ and you can get started on your own transformation as soon as you like. Whether you need tooth whitening or something more, Sparklysmile will be able to help, and you can relax knowing every brighter smile Sparklysmile create is a product of good, thoughtful, modern dentistry.

S PA R K LY S M I L E Phil Eisenberg 19 Montpelier Vale Blackheath, SE3 0TA; 020 8852 0442 • phil@sparklysmile.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BE HIND TH E BAR RIVER BESPOKE

A husband-and-wife team from Norfolk designed a set of unique shelves for their home, and the Langham Hotel chose to commission some for its Champagne bar. riverbespoke.com

Interior inspirations 62 • 50 years of Designer's Guild 66 • The wallpaper edit 73 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

WORK S PAC E ANTHROPOLOGIE

Getting motivated for home working is easier when your surroundings are both stylish and practical. Anthropologie's exclusive Moroccan inlaid desk is handcrafted using the centuries-old technique of using inlaid bone to decorate surfaces. Made of tropical hardwood, it features an intricately patterned bone inlay design perched on tapered brass legs. ÂŁ1,498 anthropologie.com

SPEAK OUT BANG & OLUFSEN

Beosound Balance is a new Google Assistant wireless speaker with a dynamic acoustic performance designed to be positioned up against the wall on a shelf or side table. Its sound is impressive for its size. ÂŁ1,750 bang-olufesen.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Scented candles

WXY

H OT D E S K

HOME WO R K

Studio 1 candle, £30; wxycandles.com

HAY

Hay's CPH 90 brings classic desk aesthetics into a modern context. The Bouroullec brothers’ simple yet graceful asymmetrical legs coupled with the streamlined tabletop results in a functional, compact and uncluttered design, ideal for working at home. hay.dk

CARPETRIGHT

ST FIZ

A bright and soft carpet is an antidote to a boring workspace and Carpetright's Norfolk Twist in turquoise is a bargain at £17.99 per square metre. carpetright.co.uk

Parlour candle, £28; stfiz.com

VICTORIA CATOR Luxury candle, £55; victoriacator.com

VON NORTEN Balancing candle, £46; vonnorten.se

OFF THE PEG

TIME & TIDE

THE GIFTED FEW

Black Oud candle, £9; timeandtidestores.co.uk

This metal pegboard is a fully customisable storage solution to suit all your needs. All shelves and pegs can be configured to suit, making this a stylish and space-saving solution. £160 thegiftedfew.com

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F O R M a n d F U N C T I O N Absolutely admires Iittala’s useful and beautiful new pieces By P E A R L B OY D

KURU CERAMIC BOWL, £115

“Kuru allows you to organise your personal belongings while displaying them in an interesting way”

KURU VASES, £115

innish design company Iittala’s strong legacy in coloured glass pieces continues with a new collection designed by Philippe Malouin. Kuru, meaning 'gorge' in Finnish, is inspired by natural forms and the collection includes glass and ceramic pieces in smooth, architectural curved shapes. What started as a glass factory in Iittala, Finland, today celebrates generations of essential objects that are made to enrich people’s everyday lives. Iittala believe objects should be distinctive, combinable and multi-functional, with lasting design that inspires individual use and expression. Malouin’s idea was to create pieces that are stylish and useful. He says: “The French word ‘vide-poche’ refers to a bowl kept near the front door which you can empty your pockets into when coming home. Kuru pieces serve that exact purpose. The bowls allow you to neatly organise the personal belongings while displaying them in an interesting way. I wanted to design a collection that helps people create centres of gravity in their homes and provides a place for precious objects and memories, regardless of the size of their living space.” The collection consists of casted, handmade ceramic bowls in three different sizes, a smaller glass bowl and a mouthblown glass vase. Colours vary from KURU GLASS BOWL, GREY £40

PHILIPPE MALOUIN

dark green and seville orange to beige and light grey. The vase comes in frosted clear and frosted moss green glass. SCP founder Sheridan Coakley, said: "Iittala are known for producing works by some of the most talented designers of modern times and Philippe is following in the footsteps of these iconic designers. His Kuru collection beautifully balances sculpture and function and shows all the hallmarks of a modern classic." I I T TA L A The full Kuru collection is available exclusively at scp.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

Tricia Guild is celebrating 50 years of Designer's Guild with a new book and an exhibition By PENDLE HARTE

I TRICIA GUILD

nfluential design company Designer’s Guild celebrates 50 years in the industry this year, and new exhibition Out of the Blue at The Fashion and Textile Museum is dedicated to its pioneering work. When Tricia Guild set up shop on King’s Road in 1970, her vision was to create a lifestyle. Frustrated with the lack of truly contemporary fabrics and wallpapers for interiors available, she produced a range that she considered to comprise components with which people could design their own interior schemes. Since its inception, the brand has grown into a global enterprise, whose products have changed the way we view colour, pattern and texture in our homes. Out of the Blue unravels Tricia Guild’s unique and creative approach, focusing on her inspiration, her intuitive design methodology and the techniques, processes and materials used. Tricia showed people how to put the different elements of a room together; how colour, pattern, texture and form can combine to create a harmonious space; juxtapositions are key to her style. Like an artist employing collage, her judgement of each composition has led to hugely diverse results. However, what has remained consistent is the boldness with which she brings together patterns, colours and materials to striking effect. She has consistently remained true to this vision and her initial philosophy is still paramount to the company’s work today. Visitors will be able to see first-hand where Tricia’s inspiration comes from - her travels to India, Japan, and Scandinavia – and how this is translated into collections of fabrics, wallpaper, furniture and accessories. Her inspiration may come from ancient Indian textiles, Renaissancestyle velvet or a Swedish Gustavian wall treatment, but the resulting interiors are never drawn solely from one traveller’s tale, never just a reworking of an old document. Instead, each is an eclectic amalgam in which a harmony A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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GIARDINO SEGRETO COLLECTION SS18 © DESIGNERS GUILD

exists between East and West, present and past. Designers Guild is perhaps best known for florals and botanicals, but plain fabrics in a multitude of shades and textures alongside a vast range of geometric and abstract designs are also vital to the mix. Tricia is renowned for her confident and vivid use of colour, but the natural and neutral palette enjoys equal prominence in the company’s collections. With a broad and engaging array of designs on display, the exhibition will showcase the variety and constant reinvention that is central to the ethos of Designers Guild. The exhibition also highlights the techniques and processes vital for making these collections happen. How the company has explored various printing methods in the quest for innovation – from hand-block printing in the early days to rotary screen-printing and most recently digital printing. Visitors will see how traditional methods of production, from cut velvets and embroidered brocades, to flocking on fabric and paper have been re-discovered. Designers Guild has re- worked these skills in a bid to create something new and of the moment, yet still infused

with the integrity of age-old techniques. Tricia has collaborated with artists and designers from other disciplines including Howard Hodgkin (1986); Kaffe Fassett (Kaffe’s Pots designed by Kaffe Fassett for Designers Guild 1993-5) and more recently Ralph Lauren and Christian Lacroix. She has designed collections under license for The Royal Collection that are directly inspired by the magnificent interiors and furnishings of the British Royal Family’s residences. Offering unique access to Designers Guild’s archive, with never before displayed original designs and artwork, Out of the Blue tells the story of Designers Guild in settings that capture the changing tastes in interiors over the past five decades. The exhibition charts the transformation of Tricia Guild from an ambitious young woman in business to the influential creative force behind a global brand. Out of the Blue celebrates the work and thought processes of this important and influential designer and reveals her highly successful, innovative and unconventional approach to design.

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

“Designer's Guild changed the way we view colour, pattern and texture in our homes ” DESIGNERS GUILD STUDIO, AW19 ARTWORK © DESIGNERS GUILD

DESIGNERS GUILD Fashion and Textile Museum ftmlondon.org

U P DAT E

PEONIA GRANDE FABRIC PRINT SS19 © DESIGNERS GUILD

The Fashion and Textile Museum is now temporarily closed. The exhibition's accompanying book, Out of the Blue: Fifty years of Designers Guild, is Tricia Guild's 19th book and it includes materials from the exhibition, highlighting the changing tastes in interiors over the past five decades. It's available for £30 at designersguild.com

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

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uniquely yours...

Showroom address: 3 Wigmore St, Marylebone, London W1U 1PB Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 11am – 3pm

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BEDROOMS

LOUNGES

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21/02/2020 20/02/2020 12:35 11:17

INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

Pretty in PINK? How to choose the perfect front door colour with London Door Company

hoosing the perfect front door colour to complement your home and reflect your personal taste is no easy task. Your front door is an opportunity to show your personality and London Door Company are experts in crafting bespoke front doors to reflect the charm and character not only of the home, but also of the people it belongs to. The beauty of bespoke means no colour is off limits. London Door are able to create the colour you want to bring your home to life. Their carefully curated paint range allows you to design a front door that’s truly personal to you. Want your home to look pretty in pink or classic in grey? Your front door – and the colour you choose to paint it – gives you an opportunity to set your home apart from that of your neighbours.

GO BRIGHT AND BOLD Homeowners are increasingly brave with colour, and the front door is the perfect place to express your craving for bold shades. Whether you’re going for a rich blue or a vibrant violet, colours that stand out add wow factor and kerb appeal. Think about what colour says about you and your home. You can get away with going bright on many periodstyle homes, but if you are going to go wild with colour make it a focal point. Embrace new season colour trends and choose a palette that reflects you.

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BE NEUTRAL Grey, taupe and cream are sophisticated and timeless. With a revival in the popularity of period properties and many of us choosing to renovate and modernise, neutrals bring an opportunity to update classic features and characteristics. While the Victorians actually had fun with colour – especially primary ones, the modern taste for neutral shades also stems from this era. A beautifully painted front door in pale grey, sage or heritage green can convey a sense of calm, blending beautifully with surrounding greenery.

BACK TO BLACK Black is associated with power, mystery and calm, so it’s probably no coincidence that

the country’s most famous Georgian front door is painted this strong colour. And, if it’s good enough for No.10 it’s good enough for most late Georgian front doors. Many from this period were typically black or dark green. Black appears stable, giving your entrance a strong focal point, particularly if it’s contrasted with cream or white plasterwork. In Feng Shui, black is often used for doors that face north, east, or southeast to encourage the flow of positive energy.

HAND-PAINTED FOR A FINER FINISH The London Door Company believe that a hand-painted finish gives traditional doors a more authentic look. Unlike spray painting, which can result in a mass-produced, plastic look, handpainted doors have a unique, individually crafted appearance. Whether you opt for a traditional colour, a retro finish or something that’s personal to you, talk to the London Door Company and find the perfect paint for your London Door. LO N D O N D O O R C O M PA N Y To request their latest brochure visit londondoor.co.uk

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

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*Calls will be charged your phone companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access charge only.

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INTERIORS • TREND AVALANA DESIGN Yukata Blossom wallpaper, £150 avalanadesign.co.uk

ABODE LIVING

EDITOR’S PICK

Batik wallpaper Indigo Abstract, £72 abodeliving.co.uk

BORÅSTAPETER 11 Wallpaper Arne 1782 - 1784, £59 cloudberryliving.co.uk

WOODCHIP & MAGNOLIA Broadhead Forest Dove Wallpaper, £85 woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

FLOCK Storm Dust pink wallpaper, £130 dust.ie

KARLIE KLUM Odyssey wallpaper, £30; limelace.co.uk

PAPER PLAY Fabulous wallpapers to hang now By P E N D L E H A R T E FERM LIVING Terrazzo wallpaper, £65 alexandalexa.com

SIAN ZENG Hua Trees in green, £185 sianzeng.com

ABIGAIL EDWARDS Secret Garden Wallpaper in Twilight, £86 abigailedwards.com

FLORENCE BROADHURST Waterfall Gardens wallpaper; florencebroadhurst.co.uk

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

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Green A collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880

LO N D O N S H O W R O O M S M A RY L E B O N E | C H E L S E A | N OT T I N G H I L L

Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com

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INTERIORS • TOP 5

H O T S H O T S

H OT P OT S T E LT O N

The classic Italian Moka Pot espresso maker is a simple way to create a professional, full-bodied brew at home. Stelton's Collar collection designed by Italian design duo, Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri has a stylish silhouette with a Scandinavian design aesthetic. £74.95 stelton.com

IMPROVE YOUR DOMESTIC COFFEE MAKING

GREY SCALE D UA L I T

Dualit's popular 3-in-1 Coffee Machine now comes in a new grey shade. Its retro design inspired by traditional Italian espresso machines, this stylish and versatile model allows users to experiment with a variety of different coffees, thanks to its innovative and patented multi-brew system. £199 dualit.com

SHAPE UP ALESSI

Architect David Chipperfield created a contemporary upgrade to the Moka Express, one of the most successful products to come out of Italy following the second world war. Like the original, this espresso maker is made from die-cast aluminium and features a distinctive faceted body. From £25 alessi.com

ALL IN ONE CUISINART

Cuisinart's Veloce Espresso Machine offers a streamlined solution. Simply add milk, water and beans and watch as the machine automatically grinds and extracts your coffee while adding the perfect blend of steamed and frothed milk, all in one automatic cycle. £600 cuisinart.co.uk

GOLD BLEND L A CA FETIER E

La Cafetiere's stove top is suitable for induction hobs and is double walled, keeping contents hotter for longer. Luxury brushed gold, a brushed chrome base and minimalist shape create an understated premium look. £34.99 wayfair.co.uk

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

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CURTAIN CALL

INSPIRED INTERIORS

Our redesigned and extended showroom is now open, incorporating a large Luxaflex design studio showing the latest motorised blinds, nestled alongside nearly new curtains and a huge choice of fabrics to be made to measure as curtains and blinds

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm • Sat 10am-6pm Evenings by appointment 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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The best under the sun. Even in the evening.

Designer awnings. Made in Germany. Innovative technology and highest quality, outstanding when it comes to relaxing outdoors. Create the most alluring shade in the world. markilux.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

P i c t u r e P E R F E C T Posters can instantly brighten up interiors and bring back fond memories By ZOË DELMER-BE ST

here’s something about a vintage poster that draws you in. Maybe it’s the bold use of colour or the reminiscing of a bygone era, but from the get go, vintagestyle prints have been desirable. So desirable, in fact, that getting your hands on an original can set you back by £30,000 in some cases. Thankfully, Pullman Editions has a solution for those of you who want an original poster to refresh your interiors, but can’t afford the hefty price tag that comes along with it. Pullman Editions posters are all original designs and limited editions - making them collectors’ items in their own right. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, there’s a wide section of styles to choose from depicting glamorous ski scenes, idyllic tropical getaways and vintage car rallies. Georgina Khachadourian of Pullman Editions gives Absolutely some advice on choosing the perfect poster and how to incorporate it into your home's style of interiors.

Make it meaningful

First and foremost, buying art is an investment in pleasure. As such, it makes sense to choose an image that has personal meaning and makes you feel happy. The vast majority of our customers choose posters based on memories from a particular place – it could be a favourite ski resort, a honeymoon destination or a cherished family holiday.

Thoughtful framing

If you have invested in a quality piece of art, it’s really important to have a frame of equal quality. I’d recommend using a generoussized window mount for large-format prints. There is a huge variety of frames on the market and the choice comes down to personal preference. A classic stained wooden frame works in most interiors, or go for a highly-polished lacquer finish for a more contemporary look. It’s always best to ensure that your chosen frame has UV protection as posters can fade in sunlight.

Perfect placement

Poster artwork provides the perfect finishing touch to a space and can be hung on the walls of all rooms within a house, office or even a garage. One should think about choosing something to complement existing colour schemes – it’s often easier to work with neutral-coloured painted walls than bright wallpapers for example. A colourful poster can provide an often much-needed splash of colour to interiors.

“If you have invested in a quality piece of art, it's important to have a frame of equal quality” Top quality

As with most things, it’s always a good idea to purchase the best that you can afford. Lithographs, printed on high quality cotton paper, or giclee prints on canvas, are always going to be far superior in quality than printing digitally onto glossy paper. The quality of inks used on modern printing presses these days are vastly superior to those that were used decades ago, so there’s no reason that your print shouldn’t last for generations to come. PULLMAN EDITIONS pullmaneditions.com

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

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

Shelf LIFE

Norfolk-based independent brand River Bespoke specialises in beautiful, handcrafted shelves B y K A T I E H AY N E S

y husband Tim and I spent years working with high tech start-ups. Our lives started to change when we spent three years lovingly renovating our Grade II* house in Cambridge. Both of us were fed up with the monotony of life and the strains of Tim’s globetrotting, so we decided to consider a move to Norfolk, a place that we have always loved.

THE DECISION: TIME FOR A CHANGE In April last year we decided to make it happen and bought a house in Norfolk. We immediately started updating it to fit our style – and never finding quite the right accessories, we started designing and making our own furniture and shelving so we could achieve a unique finish. People have always commented on our designs and how beautiful they are, but it wasn’t until we had our kitchen fitted and received positive feedback from our kitchen company Harvey Jones that we decided to take a huge leap of faith and start our own business.

BEHIND THE BAR AT THE LANGHAM XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tim, an engineer at heart, loves the creativity and engineering while I get excited talking to potential clients and interior designers about projects and partnerships. We love the fact that we have created something together, exploiting our strengths to achieve a shared goal.

FEATURE WALL INSTALLATION – LANGHAM, LONDON To date we have mostly focused on residential installations, but we’ve always said our bespoke feature walls would work equally well in a commercial setting. We’ve now been able to prove it thanks to a commission from the world-renowned Langham Hotel. The Langham wanted a unique and eyecatching backdrop for their champagne bar in Palm Court, one that would look stunning but also be functional for a busy, customer-facing area. We worked closely

with the Langham Hotel team to design the layout, materials choices and finishing touches. With ambient lighting, wallpaper and antiqued mirrors, we have helped them to create a truly beautiful area to compliment the luxurious Palm Court. The verdict: “A beautiful champagne bar that fits the bill perfectly,” according to Karina Ellias, Director Food and Beverage. She said: “We have been wanting to update the bar in Palm Court for some time and were looking for something different and special. River Bespoke’s shelves fitted the bill perfectly. We now have a beautiful champagne bar completing the stunning Palm Court. River Bespoke were very easy to work with from the initial concept, design and renders to working with our team to install the shelves on the day. Fitting was easy and flawless. Thank you River Bespoke.” I’m sure many of us will take this period of isolation to reflect on the homes we live in. This is when we realise how much we need our homes, and how important it is for them to be beautiful and functional. RIVER BESPOKE For more information or to find out how we can help transform your home with a bespoke feature wall contact us. info@riverbespoke.com • 07572 868549

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Open Days

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. th November 1st/7 (9.30am/care, 9.30am) With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral st Kew House is a place where you would want to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place November 15thof /21learning (7.00pm/ 9.30am) and discovery, laughter and friendship. November 29th (9.30am) please go to the website for open event dates and to book your place: kewhouseschool.com/openevents T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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KIDS & EDUCATION

COUNTRY STYLE U N I Q LO

Uniqlo and JW Anderson have launched their SS20 Collaboration, themed British Country Style. The first from designer Jonathan Anderson to include a kidswear line, the collection is bound by gingham check and fresh summer shades. uniqlo.com

Small Talk 83 • Online learning focus 85 • Coding camps 87 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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LAUNCHING CYPHER CAMPS LIVE ONLINE! > Creativity & coding for children aged 6-12+ > Ideal to keep the kids entertained and motivated at home > Live & interactive: teachers working with our students throughout the session > Creative coding projects, Scratch, Processing, Tynker and Touch Typing

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES BRAND FOCUS

RAIN PROOF TOA ST I E

Outerwear by Toastie is designed to help kids explore the ourtoods freely in practical, comfortable and well-designed waterproofs with an emphasis on sustainability. The collections are super stylish too. toastiekids.com

SMALL TALK

Rain wear, Swedish style and activities for indoors

WEEK BY WEEK THE WEEK JUNIOR

The Week Junior is a brilliant source of news for children, especially now when we are all struggling to explain the inexplicable. The clever team has come up with a range of online resources and activities to help pass the time indoors at theweekjunior.co.uk/ activity-hub.

OII, ALEX AND ALEXA The multi-brand retailer launches their own sustainable childrenswear brand

nline destination for all the coolest kids brands, Alex and Alexa, is launching their very own sustainable childrenswear brand called Oii. Designed in Göteborg, the pieces take inspiration from the west coast city’s varied cultural influences. The industrial heritage and fishman tradition, focus on sustainability and vibrant music scene have all influenced the making of the first collection, named ‘Hi I’m from Göteborg, and you?’. Impressively, most of the collection is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. And the pieces are made to last, promoting a circular approach to consumption – hoping you will pass them on once outgrown. Parents will get on board with the cool, pared-back vibe, while little ones will love the imaginative prints. Which is a win win in our book. alexandalexa.com

EDITOR’S PICK

STORY TIME

CUT IT OUT

WA L L I A M S L I V E

T H I N G S TO C O L L AG E

David Walliams is releasing a free audio story every day until mid-April in a bid to provide entertainment for children currently unable to go to school. His readings from The World’s Worst Children go live at 11am every day and are already proving invaluable for bored tots.

Laurence King’s beautiful new Extraordinary Things to Cut Out and Collage by Maria Rivans is a brilliant resource of over 1500 quirky images for you to cut out and collage. Combine flowers, birds and cats with buildings, eyes, and moustaches. £16.99

 worldofdavidwalliams.com

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

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Prepared for everything.

Prepared. For their future. Register for a place at the new preparatory school designed for the future, opening September 2020. Our new school features high tech science labs and a Maker Space as well as an exceptional environment for your child to grow in the arts, music, sport and drama. It’s also the only central London preparatory school offering 2 acres of private gardens.

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NEW ERA How schools can adapt to going digital overnight

By LEO DUDIN

n the blink of an eye, parents across the world have become teachers, and teachers have scrambled to re-apply their knowledge and skills to teach remotely. Pupils used to being in close quarters with their peers now find themselves alone, in front of a screen. Coronavirus has caused a whirlwind of change, with everyone having to master new technologies and techniques, but as we settle into the realities of this new era of education, there are some ‘on screen’ smiles to be seen.

THE CHALLENGE FOR SCHOOLS

At Oakham, we decided that in this new digital world of education we wanted to prioritise the relationships within our community. We have fully embraced two-way virtual teaching, rather than simply setting work to be done remotely without any interaction

or feedback. Also, Oakham’s timetable has been structured to allow pupils to ‘meet’ daily with their House or tutors, which is even more important than usual. In putting relationships and interactions at the heart of our online learning approach, it was clear that Microsoft Teams fitted our needs as it easily allows video discussions with a whole class of pupils. It's proven up to the job, enabling teachers to share screens as they live-stream lessons, incorporate their pre-recorded content, and for pupils to submit work.

THE CHALLENGE FOR PUPILS

Our new timetable has shorter lessons and longer breaks, giving pupils the time and space to adjust to the rapid changes they are facing. We would strongly advise parents to go gently on children if they are putting timetables in place for their learning.

“We would strongly advise parents to go gently on their children if they are creating timetables”

KIDS & EDUCATION • ONLINE LEARNING

THE CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS

As a boarding school, Oakham is well-versed in offering support to our parents in all areas, so we have created a series of guides to help parents navigate their way. Advising them on everything from how to create a positive learning space at home to how best support children with their studies and their wellbeing. We've signposted yoga resources (Yoga by Tim), mindfulness apps (Headspace) and online support groups (tweentips. co.uk), as well as funny family films that are guaranteed to raise a smile if isolation becomes overwhelming. At times of crisis such as these, it becomes clear what is important. For us, it is that human relationships are at the heart of education. Face-to-face interactions and relationships matter and bring learning to life. By continuing to place a premium on maintaining relationships first and foremost, I believe Oakham has seen success.

LEO DUDIN Deputy Head (Academic) Oakham School A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Please visit our website for more information

24 Lyndhurst Gardens Hampstead London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

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UNLOCKING

THE CODE

Holidays may be a bit topsy turvy this year but online activities are the solution

By E L I Z A B E T H T W E E DA L E

his Easter holiday we are launching Animal Planet Cypher Camps Live Online. These are designed for teachers working with small groups of children in live streamed sessions. With conservation at the top of lots of kids' agendas, Animal Planet camps combine learning to code with learning about nature and having fun with animal-themed projects. Cypher runs creativity and coding camps in all school holidays. In normal times, we hold camps in independent schools, but Cypher Camps Live Online are ideal at this time of restricted movement. Encouraging children to learn to code helps them develop 21st century skills, gives them a greater

sense of wellbeing, builds selfconfidence and enables them to take control of their destinies. Why? Technology is changing the world. Just think about how we use the internet today, the computing power in our smart phones, how Artificial Intelligence is used to solve problems, how we are embracing 3D printing. People who are comfortable with the language of technology will be the leaders of the next generation and the top of their chosen fields. Learning computational thinking nurtures the skills the next generation will need to succeed. Code is the buzz word that everyone has heard about however the real skill we teach is computational thinking. We are familiar with Maths and English being the fundamentals of our educational system, but it is time to add computational thinking as the

“People who are comfortable with technology will be the leaders of the next generation”

KIDS & EDUCATION • ONLINE

third pillar of this firm foundation. Computational thinking is about developing problem-solving strategies that are flexible and adaptive, as citizens of the future will need to be. As the world of work changes, the next generation will be able to embrace new styles of working, multiple careers and more entrepreneurial approaches in a new professional landscape. Young minds already use computational thinking, which is about there being many ways to solve a problem. Every toddler learns to walk in their own way – they try things, fall over, try again. Trial and error and determination are at the heart of coding and computational thinking. We use creative themes to make our camps appealing to as many different kinds of kids as possible - and we make a special effort to encourage girls. We aim to plant the seed of curiosity in every child to nurture their love of learning and discovery. The earlier we get children developing their brains in new, adaptive ways - the more hope there is that the way we programme and use computer science will benefit all members of society. We aim to get your kids future ready.

E L I Z A B E T H T W E E DA L E is a computer scientist, architect, author and founder of Cypher. cyphercoders.com

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • HOME

TOP TIPS for getting home schooling off to a positive start:  Children should work in short bursts of no more than 30 to 50 minutes (age-dependent), especially if their learning is mainly screenbased. This must be interspersed with regular exercise and fresh air.

Try to provide a dedicated workspace at home – i.e. the kitchen or dining room table set up with everything they need to work, a desk is great if you have one or an area that indicates a ‘classroom’ or space for learning, which is used just as that, to give the necessary separation from home and school.

HOME SCHOOLING Headmaster at Edge Grove, Ben Evans, gives advice to parents following news of UK-wide school closures

arents need to understand that they cannot replicate day to day ‘in school’ learning, nor should they feel pressured to do so. Evans explains: “School closures mean that everyone will have to become used to a new ‘normal’ and that will take considerable adjustment for many families who are balancing their jobs with home schooling support. But parents shouldn’t feel pressured to fill their children’s days with a full timetable of lessons. Schools have a duty to support parents with comprehensive computer-based academic plans as well as web-based seminars, which will ensure that pupils are learning and making progress in all subjects.” However, maintaining a routine and providing some structure to

children’s days, is the way forward. “My advice to parents is to agree on a regular time for breakfast each morning, encourage your child to be fully dressed and ready to start the day, to get them into the right frame of mind for learning. So no onesies or pyjamas. This will help towards creating a prompt start to home learning.” “Parents should also try to encourage their children to maintain regular contact and dialogue with their school friends in a safe way. This is so important not only for their mental wellbeing, but also in terms of nurturing relationships and enjoying some light hearted social time together. It’s worth considering that this is also a worrying time for many children who don’t know when they will be returning to school and are looking to adults for reassurance in what is an uncertain world.”

“Children will be looking for reassurance from adults in what is an uncertain world”



 Discuss the routine for each day with your children so they can ask any questions and set out your expectations– just as would happen at school.  We nurture children to be independent learners and teach them to take responsibility for their own learning in school, so this is a great opportunity for them to put those skills into practice, with regular praise and support from parents. Taking ownership of tasks should be encouraged as this also builds resilient learners.  Intersperse ‘lessons’ with learning spellings, reading books, outdoor garden activities or sport, music, art and crafts, cooking or drama-based activities to replicate a busy school day.

B E N E VA N S Headmaster Edge Grove School

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

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Into the

W I L D

Explorer Laura Bingham and her husband Ed Stafford on taking their 20 month old son to live on an uninhabited island in Indonesia for a month I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Q You and Ed are adventurers,

but what made you want to take your family off-grid? A When we first had our son, everyone was telling us that we had to buy this product and that teething ring and we started to wonder if there was a simpler way of parenting and whether we were overcomplicating and over-parenting things. So we went off-grid as a family experiment to see if we thrived or crumbled without our phones and all those baby necessities. Q What were the most positive

things that came out of being away from modern society? A Ran’s development by far – he just blossomed with the amount of attention we were giving him. At home I’m always trying to multitask but on the island the job for either Ed or me was to play

“THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE RAN WAS SAFE WAS TO BE FULLY ENGAGED WITH HIM PLAYING” 90

with Ran. One person would go and get food/water/firewood/scout the island and the other person would watch him. But the best way to ensure Ran was 100% safe was to be fully engaged with him playing and he thrived so well. Q What did you struggle without?

And what did you miss the most?

A Ed and I realised that we were slowly

becoming collectively lonely, we originally thought that having the two people you love most in the world next to you would be enough, but we realised that we missed having family and friends around. It was those moments that Ed would be back at camp with Ran and I’d be collecting wood or scouting that I really wished I had someone to come with me, so that the job would be easier and we would be able to laugh and joke. It became very obvious why we are supposed to live in small communities. I also missed the comfort of my bed! And Ran’s cot. Putting a child to bed on the floor is so hard because Ran knew he could just get up and run off! So the last half an hour of the day would be trying to get Ran to lay down, I had to sing stories and try to engage him on a slightly calmer level so he wouldn’t escape.

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KIDS & EDUCATION • TRAVEL

“I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO SHOW OUR CHILDREN WE LIVE IN THE WORLD AND NOT JUST IN A HOUSE” was doing and what was going on around him. It was extremely liberating knowing that I didn’t have to do 10 things at once, I just had to make sure Ran was safe. Q What were the biggest differences you

noticed in Ran and your family dynamic?

A I found it very interesting how little Ed and

Q Travel with children can be

tough. Do you think the positives outweigh the negatives? A 100%! I think travel is hard for the parents but it’s a necessity for a child. I don’t think we need to take our children to the depths of Africa or the Amazon but I do think it’s crucial we take them camping and walking up mountains and swimming in lakes. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive but I think it’s important to show children that we live in the world and not just in a house. With travel and having time close to nature, they will develop a relationship with it and realise its importance. It also creates a much MUCH nicer child. After camping or spending weeks in nature, my son is a wonderful child to be around –but 30 minutes in front of the TV and I swear he is possessed by the devil. Q Where there any hairy situations? A Like I said, the way to ensure Ran

was safe was simply to play with him. If I was playing with him, I knew what he

I disagreed. Before we left we tried putting up a greenhouse and had a tiff. I thought, jeez, if we can’t put up a greenhouse then how on earth are we going to survive on an island? But what I didn’t realise is that if Ed and I had an argument, we couldn’t storm off on the island like we can at home. We had to get on for Ran’s safety and for our survival, arguments were a luxury we couldn’t afford. We each had our tasks to do in the day and perhaps because the situation was quite stressful, I felt we had greater compassion towards one another and great appreciation for all the effort that went into every daily task. With Ran, I think it really helped me to understand what he needed from me. Our bond was already root-deep but it stripped back all the products and technology to show me that really all he needs is his parents’ love, attention and support. Children are incredibly resilient and adaptable creatures – when we arrived on the island Ran loved crackers and wasn’t fond of coconut. He asked for crackers once and I replied with “Sorry my love, there aren’t any crackers here”, and he never asked for them again because he knew there was no point, there weren’t any. He

then ate coconut like it was his favourite ever food because that’s what we had. He ate crabs, snails, conch, bore, whatever we put in front of him because that’s what we were eating. I knew he was resilient and capable but this was just proof of how resilient and capable children are. Q What are things like now

that you have returned?

A He’s in the garden more and I really

try to block out parts of my day that are purely playtime outside of groups. We try to have ‘no phone’ Sundays.

Q And finally, tell us about

your new children’s books?

A My new children’s books are about

real adventures by real people made digestible for 4-8 year olds. I hope to follow the adventures of four or five different living adventurers so that children can read the book and then meet the people so that they know these adventures are truly possible and done by people who are alive today. Mountains of Dreams is the first book of a five-part series based on my cycling adventure through South America and it focuses on the events in Ecuador. The second book is called A Jungle of Worries and was released in October. My intention is to inspire children to follow more wholesome ways to generate self-validation with adventure than with make-up and clothes. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

Schools

NEWS Sucess stories from the world of education By ZOË DELMER-BE ST

G O L D STA R ArtsEd Independent Day School & Sixth Form’s recent ISI report judged the school as ‘excellent’. After a threeday Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection, the team concluded: “The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent and are enabled by expert teaching.”

Holiday Workshops Yellowbird Education have announced plans to bring their popular workshops online throughout the Easter holidays. Offering children the chance to develop skills in Creative Writing, Handwriting, English Exam Preparation, Interview Skills and Reasoning, content is carefully designed to ensure children are engaged and motivated while providing interactive learning and regular feedback from experienced teaching staff.

TA L E S BY M A I L Book Box Club has launched a new book subscription box for 8-12 year olds called Tales by Mail. Tales by Mail is a bi-monthly delivery which includes two books, a selection of author letters, quizzes, games and more. An accompanying podcast will feature discussions with guest authors and reading group chats with UK schools.

“The workshops will inspire children and encourage creative minds”

Breakfast Club Heinz has teamed up with the charity Magic Breakfast to provide 12 million free school breakfasts for children. As schools have closed for all except the children of key workers, Heinz will ensure that children who usually rely on free school breakfasts will start the day with a proper meal, five days a week for eight weeks.

NEW HEAD The Gardener Schools Group have appointed Mr Will Williams as the new Headmaster of Kew House School, commencing September 2020. They are pleased to have found a candidate that shares their ethos, has a passion for working with young people and the energy to take Kew House onto its next successful phase.

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • BOOKS

We love

BOOKS This month’s new releases to enjoy with your little ones

Wo r d s Z O Ë D E L M E R- B E S T

All Things HERBERT’S GARDEN By Lara Hawthorn

The garden is a beautiful spot full of pretty plants and fascinating animals that create amazing things, such as the spider who weaves a spangled web or the ants who have a wondrous underground world. This book explores how everyone and everything has their own place on the planet. £21.99; waterstones.com

MUMMY LOVE

MY MAMA by Annemarie van Haeringen

Follow a young elephant as he explains his special relationship with his mama. The little elephant tells us his favourite things about his mama, and his least, like when his mama tells him off. Funny, relatable and moving, this is the perfect bedtime book. £11.99; waterstones.com

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • BOOKS

BEAR WITH ANOTH ER BOOK ABOUT BEARS By Laura Bunting

The Bears have gotten bored of being in so many stories that they have gone on strike. This hilarious book looks at some alternatives for all the parts bears play in stories. But what sort of animal could be just right? Illustrations © Philip Bunting £6.99; scholastic.com

O N TH E FA R M TO P SY A N D T I M O N T H E FA R M By Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson

Chill

TIME

S TA R S B E F O R E B E D T I M E By Charles M. Schulz

With so much going on, sometimes it can be difficult for children to switch off before bedtime. This fact fi lled book helps create a bedtime ritual with mindfulness, muscle relaxation, gentle yoga poses, visualisation and other exercises to help kids release stress and get ready for bed. £12.99; agreatread.co.uk

Explore the farm alongside Topsy and Tim as they spend a day meeting the animals, collecting eggs, getting into trouble with geese and even feeding a calf. This edition celebrates 60 years of Topsy and Tim and is sure to be a hit with animal-loving children. £8.99; hive.co.uk

Still

HUNGRY T H E W O L F A N D T H E F LY By Antje Damm

This is an engaging book that doubles as a guessing game, helping to build memory and observation skills. Follow the wolf on his rampage through the nursery where he eats all the toys one after another. Together you can guess which object will be eaten next until everything re-emerges. £6.99; bookdepository.com

A RT Y MY FIRST HEROS By Nila Aye

This book will introduce your little one into the wonderful world of art. Exploring the careers of Artemisia Gentileschi, Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol, this book is the perfect way to meet the greats. Pre-order £5.99; whsmith.co.uk

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l o er o N p h de ou sc gAr gr th s 4 the ol o iN ch s

New seNior school opeNiNg september 2020 A co-educational independent school for 11-18 year olds

“Maida Vale School will be modern and innovative yet reflect many of the traditions and values established over twenty-five years at our schools.” - Gardener Schools Group

book an open event to visit us at www.maidavaleschool.com/openevents wednesday 20th may, 6pm • saturday 13th June, 9.30am tuesday 23rd June, 6pm

www.maidavaleschool.com t. 020 3196 1860

e. admissions@maidavaleschool.com

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Egerton Crescent, Knightsbridge SW3 Guide price ÂŁ3,950,000 Leasehold 127 years

jll.co.uk/primecollection

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jll.co.uk/residential Sales | Lettings | New homes

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Moving day noun

1. The act of moving in or moving on. 2. Packing your entire life into five cardboard boxes, only to unpack them all half a mile away. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, rent or let, we are here to keep things moving every step of the way. We are committed to providing the very best service and achieving the right result for you. Book a sales or lettings valuation today at kfh.co.uk

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Nottingham Place, Marylebone W1U £3,695,000 A stunning three bedroom split level flat forming part of an imposing terrace in the heart of Marylebone Village. Two bathrooms and an abundance of entertaining space with high ceilings. The property has been refurbished by the current owner to an exceptional standard and the attention to detail is fabulous, there is a private patio and an amazing master bedroom suite.

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Three bedrooms Two bathrooms 23 ft reception room Amazing kitchen Split level Ample storage Internal area 1,956 sq ft EPC rating C

KFH Marylebone 020 7486 5551 marylebone.sales@kfh.co.uk

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BINA HOUSE KENSINGTON SW5 A BRAND NEW TURNKEY TWO BEDROOM MAISONETTE Offering a superb investment opportunity, Bina House is a brand-new development offering a newly renovated and fully furnished, turnkey two bedroom maisonette. The ideal space for modern living, each apartment benefits from generous ceiling heights, ample natural light and open plan reception areas. This modern apartment is located on the iconic Old Brompton Road in the heart of cosmopolitan Kensington & Chelsea. Accommodation: Entrance hall, open-plan reception room/kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and dressing room, bedroom 2, guest shower room. Amenities: Smoked oak flooring, marble bathrooms, custom designed walk-in wardrobe.

£1,495,000

Mayfair Sales londonsales@beauchamp.com

Leasehold

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Joint Sole Agents

* Virtual tour available *

LONDON

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27/03/2020 13:01

LYGON PLACE BELGRAVIA SW1 A SUBSTANTIAL GRADE II LISTED FAMILY HOME This magnificent home has been meticulously refurbished incorporating state of the art technology while maintaining many of the property’s period features including parquet flooring, intricate cornicing and feature fireplaces. Lygon Place a secure gated development ideally located in the heart of Belgravia and just moments from many Michelin Star restaurants, boutique shops and links to the rest of prime central London. Accommodation: Entrance hall, double reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 8 bedrooms (3 with ensuite dressing rooms and bathrooms), 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, cinema, guest cloakroom. Amenities: 24 hour security, 2 underground parking spaces, 6 passenger lift Mayfair Sales

£22,500,000

londonsales@beauchamp.com

Freehold

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Sole Agents * Virtual tour available *

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HAMSTONE HOUSE ST GEORGE’S HILL KT13 AN ARCHITECHTURAL CENTERPIECE OF ST GEORGE’S HILL Surrounded by an exceptional 8 acres of grounds, and bordered by St George’s Hill Golf Club, Hamstone House is a magnificent Grade II listed property built in 1937. Refurbished in 2006, Hamstone House boasts English oak flooring, an entirely new air conditioning and heating system, an exceptional newly-fitted kitchen, luxurious fabric wall lining in principal bedrooms, double glazed windows and a redecoration of the entire property. Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception room, drawing room, library, play room, 3 kitchens, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 2 offices, guest cloakrooms, gate house. Amenities: Indoor swimming pool, tennis court, gym & spa, multiple balconies & terraces, parking, 8 acres of land. £9,000 per week

Mayfair Lettings

LONDON

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londonlettings@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Available Immediately

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27/03/2020 13:01

THE FITZ LAKE DISTRICT CA13 A LUXURIOUS COUNTRY HOUSE LAKELAND RETREAT Elegant and plentiful, this country house boasts bountiful acres of woodland and garden. Adorned with plush interiors and stylish designer furnishings, this grand house sleeps up to 24 guests with each room carefully styled to impeccable taste, it’s seven ensuite bedrooms exude a tranquil exquisiteness. The Fitz further benefits from a beautiful wooden cabin, nestled on the edge of the 20 acres of woodland, comprising an indoor fire pit and wood-burning pizza oven. Accommodation: Grand entrance hall, reception room, 2 dining rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 7 ensuite bedrooms, 2 guest cloakrooms, adjoining 1 bedroom apartment, games room, utility room. Amenities: Gated entrance, BBQ house, jacuzzi, approx. 2.5 acre garden. Mayfair Lettings

£5,500 per week

londonlettings@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Available Immediately * Virtual tour available *

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www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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