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FEBRUARY 2019 / £3.95
LOVE STORY All the loveliest gifts for your Valentine
Swinging
FEB RUARY 2019
LONDON SIMPLE COOKING
Revisiting the 1960s at the Fashion & Textile Museum
New recipes from Jane Hornby
Pretty in
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BRIGHT SHADES OF BLUSH AND ROSE
ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 21/01/2019 17:04
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26 Contents ABSOLUTELY
FEBRUARY 2019
82 12
C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES
FOOD & DRINK 46 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
AGENDA
54 RECIPES
SWINGING LONDON
INTERIORS 58 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS
10 things we’re coveting this month
16
Diary dates for February
18
The Fashion and Textile Museum's new show
News from the industry
Jane Hornby's Simple and Classic dishes
News and views from the world of design
FA S H I O N 24 THE HOUR
62 THE FAMILY HOME
26 LOCKET LOVER
67
How plus-size became fabulous
This month’s best beauty buys
PERFUME
Warming scents for cold months
HUNG UP
Everyone wants a mobile on their ceiling
T R AV E L 82 SUMMER SLOPES Summer in Austria
PROPERTY 98 LIVING THE DREAM
The most luxurious London properties
ABSOLUTELY Chiswick
FEBRUARY 2019 / £3.95
LOVE STORY All the loveliest gifts for your Valentine
Swinging
LONDON SIMPLE COOKING
Revisiting the 1960s at the Fashion & Textile Museum
New recipes from Jane Hornby
Pretty in
PINK ZEST.LONDON
41
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.
FEB RUARY 2019
H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 39 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
Yoko Kloeden's design for family life
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
CHISWICK
Create your own personal locket with this stylish new jewellery brand
46
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ON THE COVER
BRIGHT SHADES OF BLUSH AND ROSE
ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 21/01/2019 17:03
meandem.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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THE EXPERTS IN TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGER CHARLOTTE RISSBROOK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO
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We b si t e
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5 LETTER YOKO KLOEDEN
Editor’s
ABSOLUTELY’S February issue highlights
1
THE HOUR LONDON
Beautiful clothes, in larger sizes. page 24
F
We wish she had designed our home. page 62
ebruary is widely agreed to be the most dismal of all months. It's dark, it's cold, there's no fun to be had. And then there's Valentine's Day, which can go either way. It can cheer us up or it can make us feel worse. A bottle of pink fizz, an earring or a little chocolate heart can sometimes be enough to renew one's faith in humanity, while the absence of these things can, on a bad day, be devastating. Still, we are featuring lots of delightful pink presents in these pages, along with other joyous things. There's the Fashion & Textile Museum's new exhibition, opening this month, which focuses on London in the 1960s, looking at fashion, design and culture with a large focus on Terence Conran and Mary Quant. We're hoping for an invitation to the opening party, which is rumoured to be fancy dress... also on the subject of clothes is a very contemporary phenomenon: actual stylish clothes for curvy women. We met a fascinating medic-turneddesigner who is pledging, with her brand The Hour London, to make larger clothes with tailoring and detail that we might actually want to wear. Interiors-wise we admire Laura Fulmine's small but perfectly formed apartment, and Yoko Kloeden's design for the ultimate family home. Enjoy February.
PENDLE HARTE EDITOR
2
SWINGING LONDON
Mary Quant rules the Fashion and Textile Museum page 18
4
THE CHOCOLATE LIBERTINE
Chcolate? Hearts? It must be Valentine's Day. page 35
3 VOLTA
Mobiles are the new obsession. page 67
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
Natu ral wonde rs Zarvich is the fashion brand of the moment, specialising in demicouture and leather clothing. It’s the collective work of two designers who met while fi nishing their fashion design studies in Uruguay. Expect luxury pieces handmade from noble, natural materials. zarvich.com
SHUT EYE Featuring a bold floral print in hues of plush rose and poppy red and made from crease-free stretch silk, these Marianne Scarlet silk pyjamas are Yolke’s most sumptuous yet. £470; yolke.co.uk
VE LVET TOUCH Style up your look with these sumptuous velvet pouches from Graham and Green. Add to any outfit as a chic clutch purse, or use to hold makeup, stationery or other valuables. From £11.95; grahamandgreen.co.uk
SPIRITED SCENT Silent Pool Distillers have teamed up with Feather Edge to create a range of luxury, handcrafted candles inspired by the romantic botanicals used in Silent Pool Gin. Choose from citrus blends including Kaffi r Lime and Bergamot Orange. £30; silentpooldistillers.com
COMPILED BY
H E L E N B R OW N
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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES Sharp lines Buyer-turned-designer Racil Chalhoub takes inspiration from the smoking jackets she fell in love with as a young girl. Combining Savile Row materials with influences from her native Beirut, her collections feature sleek, sharp tailoring that will transcend the seasons. racil.com
EARN YOUR STRIPES The Get 'Em Girl maxi dress from Maggie Marilyn is made from ethicallyproduced silk-satin which is lowimpact on the environment. It’s a fun choice for a formal event or easily styled with trainers. £395; net-a-porter.com
EDITOR’S PICK
TAILOR-MADE Carolina Herrera’s Resort ‘19 collection takes inspiration from Palm Springs in the ‘60s. Tailored from wool in a shade named 'Flamingo', this blazer looks even more spectacular with the matching trousers. £2,319; net-a-porter.com
JET SET Say goodbye to winter blues with luxury accessory label, Tila March. The brand embraces a multitude of elegant yet practical handbag silhouettes as well as small leather accessories that will have you dreaming of some summer sun. £94; farfetch.com
HANDBAGS AT DAWN UNDER COVER Not content with merely shaking up the beauty market, Rihanna has turned her hand to our underwear drawers. Her Savage x Fenty lingerie is a celebration of the female form in all shapes and sizes. £43.99. zalando.co.uk
With its triangular silhouette and candy pink acrylic fi nish, The Kofo clutch bag from LarAllan is quite the statement-maker. Take yours from the office to the afterparty. £630; larallan.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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C U LT U R E ANA JAKS, NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL; THE POSTER PRIZE FOR ILLUSTRATION 2019: LONDON STORIES; LTMUSEUM.CO.UK
What’s On 16 • Swinging London 18 • Top Theatre Picks 21 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
T H E AT R E
Cougar From 1 February O R A N G E T R E E T H E AT R E Leila wants to inspire global change. John needs to get his life together. They have an arrangement, but managing an affair isn’t easy when the world around you is falling apart. From author Rose Lewenstein who also brought us Darknet and Game of Life, this is a compelling new play about what - and who - we consume. Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk
T H E AT R E
BABYLON F RO M 4 F E B RUA RY • BUSH THEATRE
Not-to-be-missed this month, Bush Theatre presents Babylon, a two-week celebration of the global minorities influencing British culture today. Week one welcomes a series of music gigs, cabaret, live podcasts and workshops, with headliners including gal-dem and The Cocoa Butter Club. Week two sees the world premiere of BABYLON: Beyond Borders, an international collaboration between four theatres as they explore land, exile, migration and language. 7 Uxbridge Road, W12; bushtheatre.co.uk
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T H E AT R E
Leave to Remain Until 16 February LY R I C Obi and Alex are a young gay couple leading busy London lives. When Alex’s visa comes into question, their relationship takes a turn, forcing them to confront their unsettling pasts. Told through a mix of music, movement and drama, Leave to Remain is a tender portrait of love in the face of an uncertain future. Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk
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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS
D AY
O UT
KEW ORCHIDS F E S T I VA L
From 9 February KEW GARDENS Kew’s annual festival of orchids returns to celebrate to world’s most biodiverse county, Columbia. Visitors will follow a curated route of orchid-laden displays that bring to life the breath-taking rainbow river Caño Cristales and Colombia's incredible forests - complete with life-sized jaguar Richmond, TW9 3AB; kew.org
AROUND
TOWN T H E AT R E
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: TOTEM Until 26 February R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L Cirque du Soleil is back with another spectacular showcase of jaw-dropping circus acts and high-flying acrobatics. Totem takes its audience on an exhilarating journey into the evolution of mankind. Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com
T H E AT R E
RUTHERFORD & SON 8-16 February Q U E S T O R S T H E AT R E When Rutherford’s glass-making business comes into trouble, a battle of wills between father and son ensues as both make individual attempts to save the factory. Fading power, dashed hopes and family secrets take centre stage in this gripping portrayal of two generations as they struggle with class, feminism and freedom. 12 Mattock Lane, W5; questore.org.uk
E XHI B I TI ON
CHRISTIAN DIOR: DESIGNER OF DREAMS
This Month’s Must See
IMAGE CREDIT: LEWIS HINE.
EALING MUSIC & FILM FESTIVAL
T
13 - 17 F E B RUARY • VARIOUS EALIN G VEN UE S
he Ealing Music & Film Festival returns for a seventh successive year with an impressive line-up celebrating the area’s cultural heritage. Expect a delightful array of music, from classical to blues, plus an unmissable roster of films guaranteed to enrich and engage audiences of all ages.
From 2 February V& A Spanning 1947 to the present day, this unmissable exhibition traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house and Dior’s relationship with Britain. Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk
C E L E B R AT I O N
CHINESE NEW YEAR IN LONDON 5 February C H I N AT O W N & THE WEST END As usual, Chinese New Year will be one of the most exciting events in London’s calendar. Join in the spectacular celebrations - the largest outside of Asia - and see the colourful parade, watch free performances and marvel at the pyrotechnics displays.
ealingmusicandfilmfestival.org
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THE SWINGING
CITY London in the 1960s is the subject of a new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Absolutely has a preview Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T
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Model wearing Pattern No. 3288, set against the Houses of Parliament. Taken from the feature announcing the launch of Quant’s designs for Butterick Paper patterns, August 1964. Photo by John Walcott. Image(s) taken from Conran/ Quant: Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution, published by ACC Art Books.
ARTS & CULTURE • PREVIEW
The flat of Colin St John Wilson, architect of the British Library, 1952, with furniture by Terence Conran. Photo by Michael Wickham. Copyright Denny Wickham. Image(s) taken from Conran/Quant: Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution, published by ACC Art Books.
S
winging London: A Lifestyle Revolution presents the fashion, design and art of the Chelsea Set, a group of radical young architects, designers, photographers and artists who were redefining the concept of youth and challenging the established order in 1950s London. At the forefront of this group of young revolutionaries were Mary Quant and Terence Conran. Spanning the period from 1952 – 1977, the exhibition includes fashion, textiles, furniture, lighting, homewares, ceramics and ephemera, exploring not only the style but the socio-economic importance of this transformative period. Key pieces include rare and early examples of designs by Conran and Quant, plus the avantgarde artists, designers and intellectuals who worked alongside them, such as designers Bernard and Laura Ashley, sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi and artist and photographer Nigel Henderson. PVC coats, OP Art and Space Age dresses by Mary Quant are seen alongside the early smocks, textile designs and dresses of Laura and Bernard Ashley and the modern wicker, steel and glass furniture of Terence Conran. The exhibition also includes the textiles, ceramics and furniture of Eduardo Paolozzi and Nigel Henderson, who were founding members of the Independent Group and together created innovative designs under their company, Hammer Prints, set up in 1954. The exhibition spotlights not only the design of the period, but also the creation of trailblazing shopping experiences from Mary Quant’s rebellious London boutique ‘Bazaar’ (opened in 1955) to Terence Conran’s Habitat (opened in 1964). These shops were not just about
Mary Quant by Vic Singh, c.1961. Courtesy of a Private Collection.
designing for a new youth generation, but also promoting a new way of shopping and living. With Bazaar, Quant irreversibly altered the traditional approach to fashion design and retailing and outraged the all-powerful French fashion establishment. With Habitat, Conran created a retail environment that was a total work of art; ‘a Gesamntkunstwerk’, combining the theatre of The Chelsea Set’s London, with the relatively new phenomenon of ‘serve yourself’, supermarket-style shopping. The influence of France (Conran first visited in 1953) can be seen in Conran’s informal, light and bright styling, with merchandise piled high, reminiscent of
the hustle and bustle of a colourful street market. Early designs by Quant for Bazaar are plain, unadorned and unstructured; simple pinafores with dropped waistlines often worn with coloured stockings. A remarkable cotton, red and white Broderie Anglaise lounging ensemble by Quant (1955/56), will be shown alongside a range of furniture, fabrics, enamelware and ephemera from the first days of Habitat. In order to spotlight not just the fashion, but the lifestyle and design of the time, Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution is presented in the form of detailed tableaus. During the mid 1950s, the increasing availability of inexpensive foreign package holidays and of films with exotic European settings inspired the eruption of coffee bars, bistros and other such distinctly continental establishments on British high streets. Throughout the exhibition, individual sets are inspired by these new and exciting continental trends, utilising fashion, furniture, textiles, ceramics and more to highlight how changes in social attitude intertwined with new ways of shopping, to create the designs that are now synonymous with 1960s life. There’s also an insight into the lesserknown early work of Laura and Bernard Ashley, whose ideas were influencing culture long before their iconic florals. Bernard Ashley’s textile design, Jazz Players, was probably the first example of a ‘Pop’ textile, whilst Laura’s simple hardwearing striped smocks, aprons and the easy to wear ‘basic dress’ would go on to become design classics. Furnishing fabrics by Laura and Bernard Ashley will be shown alongside ceramics by W.R Midwinter, jewellery by Wendy Ramshaw, textiles by David Whitehead, lighting by Bernard Schottlander, untouched makeup palettes and accessories by Mary Quant and myriad other ephemera, which will together create a comprehensive insight into the period.
SWINGING LONDON A Lifestyle Revolution runs from 8 February to 2 June at the Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 ftmlondon.org
Illustration PHIL COUZENS
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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CULTURE • THEATRE
ROUND UP
Best in SHOW Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month By H E L E N B R O W N
MUST SEE
All About Eve From 2 February
NOEL COWARD THEATRE
Starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James, All About Eve is the chilling story of female jealousy and ambition made famous as the 1950 classic Bette Davis film. Directed by Olivier award-winning Ivo Van Hove and with new music by PJ Harvey, the play asks why our fascination with celebrity, youth and identity never seems to get old. 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; allabouteveplay.com
Home, I’m Darling Ongoing
DUKE OF YORK'S THEATRE
Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems. Katherine Parkinson of The IT Crowd and Humans fame plays Judy in this piercingly funny new comedy about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950's housewife. Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1; national theatre.org.uk
Nine Night
NINE NIGHT
Until 9 February
TRAFALGAR STUDIOS
Natasha Gordon takes to the stage in the role of Lorraine as her debut play transfers from the National Theatre. Gloria is gravely sick. When her time comes, the celebration begins; the traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake. But for her family, marking her death with a party is a test. Nine Night is a touching and funny exploration of the rituals of family by way of nine rum-fuelled nights of music, food and storytelling. 14 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A; atgtickets.com
Waitress
From 8 February ADELPHI THEATRE
Waitress is the toe-tapping musical adaptation of the hit 2017 film of the same name. It follows Jenna played by Katharine McPhee, a small-town waitress trapped in an abusive marriage but dreaming of escape - which she seeks to effect by winning the big bucks in a pie-making contest. Strand, WC2R; waitressthemusical.co.uk
Only Fools & Horses: The Musical From 9 February
THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET
John Sullivan’s iconic Only Fools and Horses has been turned into a brand new, West End musical spectacular. With a script and original score by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most loveable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life once again through 20 ingenious and hilarious songs. 18 Suffolk Street, SW1Y; onlyfoolsmusical.com
WAITRESS
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N ONLY FOOLS & HORSES: THE MUSICAL
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FASHION
BEST DRESSED ZA RV I C H
Zarvich’s embroidered tulle dress is part of the delicate and conceptual SS19 collection from this Uruguayan label. zarvich.com
Curvy fashion from The Hour London 24 · The shoot: individual jewellery 26 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Q&A
curve LEARNING
Absolutely meets Nana Rasoeva, whose brand The Hour London is redefining the world of plus-size fashion W o r d s P E A R L B OY D
N I founded the brand to liberate women like myself with more options 24
ana Rasoeva found luxury plus size women’s clothing uninspiring, which prompted her to launch a collection of elevated essentials. As a trained doctor, Nana has empathy and an understanding of the female form. This proved invaluable when she launched her second career, dedicated to creating wardrobe solutions for curvy women. Nana studied patternmaking and design at London College of Fashion. Together with one of the industry’s most experienced luxury pattern cutters she devised a way of using her knowledge to create clothes that are empowering and lend confidence. Honed to perfectly serve women with curves, the brand focuses on elegant, beautifully executed designs. Q Plus size isn’t normally design-led. Why is this? How are you making it work? A I strongly believe that style is about expressing yourself, and making sure you look
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FASHION • Q&A
I am not afraid of creating a strong silhouette or adding a bit of flounce that involves ingenious pattern cutting techniques and a preference for French seams. Finish is also hugely important. We use textures that feel soft and unrestrictive against the skin such as silk, viscose and wool mixes of the finest quality. Q You used to be a doctor – we’ve never encountered a doctor-turned- fashion designer before. How did this come about? A I started out as a gynaecologist and obstetrics doctor. After having my third child I put my career on hold and dedicated my time raising my boys and, as sometimes happens when you are a busy mum, I went up a couple of dress sizes. This, inadvertently, led me in a new direction. I have studied patternmaking and design at London College of Fashion. Together with one of the industry’s most experienced luxury pattern cutters I devised a way of using my knowledge to create clothes that are empowering and lend confidence. Q Were you always interested in fashion? In my early years I always had an interest in art and fashion. I had a good eye for proportions and my friends would always ask for my help and advice in putting outfits together. Q What has feedback been like so far? A Our customers were delighted to find us
and feel great regardless of size or age.I found plus size women’s clothing uninspiring, often shapless and made of cheap polyester. The more I continued to try and shop for luxury plus-size clothes, the more I realised they were nearly non-existent. I founded the brand to liberate women like myself with more options. I am not afraid of creating a strong silhouette or adding a bit of flounce. I think that sometimes women with curvy shapes are afraid of adding any volume anywhere, but it’s precisely a bit of volume in the right places - such as on the sleeve - that brings balance to the overall look.
because the choices for plus size clothing are so limited. They are emailing back to thank us for the quality of the clothes and for all the compliments they are receiving when wearing The Hour. We are getting repeat orders from our loyal customers from the UK, Europe, US and Middle East (they sometimes order two of the same item). We count Dawn French as our celebrity customer, she loved our Square Neck Dress.
thehourlondon.com
Q How do you approach tailoring? A Precision, proportion and careful
sculpting have helped us put shape back into plus size women’s clothing. We are adept at cutting for curves whether it’s balancing proportions or shaping the waist to accentuate the sweeping arc of the female form. Ours is a bespoke approach A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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CHARM SCHOOL WHEN YOU CREATE YOUR OWN LOCKET , THE RESULTS ARE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE LO Q U E T LO N D O N .CO M
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British Fine Jewellery Label, Loquet London is the brainchild of best friends Sheherazade Goldsmith and Laura Bailey. Part charm necklace, part Loquet, the classic clear crystal face can be filled with personal gems, birthstones and trinkets so each pieces of jewellery are completely different and personal to the wearer. Styled by Cathy Casterine, shot by Jesse Jenkins, hair and make-up by Siddhartha Simone and modelled by Amber Anderson
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FASHION • JEWELLERY
Heart’s desire Pieces you’ll love for Valentine’s Day
SWAROVSKI
GUCCI
ROSA DE LA CRUZ
Oxo Necklace, £119
Heart necklace in silver, £315
Rose Gold and Diamond Heart Ring, £550
swarovski.com
farfetch.com
farfetch.com
JOMA JEWELLERY
BENTLEY & SKINNER
LUCY JADE SYLVESTER
Wishing Bracelet, £15.99
A Regency gold heart locket pendant, £7,750
Twig Heart Pendant, £65
jomajewellery.com
bentley-skinner.co.uk
lucysylvester.co.uk
VERSACE
MISSOMA
TIFFANY & CO.
Embossed heart necklace, £870
Folded Pace Heart Bracelet, £69
Love Pendant, £2,250
farfetch.com
missoma.com
tiffany.co.uk
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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FASHION • VALENTINE
DRAJEE Gold arrow drop earrings, £200 drajee.com
CHOCOLATE LIBERTINE Chocolate heart lolly, £4.49 selfridges.com
VICTORIA CATOR La Vie en Rose candle, £55 victoriacator.com
EDITOR’S PICK JO MALONE LONDON Valentine's day floral box, £140; selfridges.com
NATIVE UNION CLIC Terrazzo iPhone X case, £50; conranshop.co.uk
TIFFANY Ball wire bracelet, £1,400 tiffany.co.uk
I HEART YOU
DIPTYQUE Centifolia, £53 diptyqueparis.com
POMMERY Brut Rose Royal gift box, £47.99 ocado.com
Valentine’s gifts galore By P E N D L E H A R T E
SNIPH Valentine's giftbox , £25 sniph.co.uk
HARVEY NICHOLS I Heart Emoji U Chocolate Box, £17.95 harveynichols.com
BLOOM AND WILD Wild at Heart letterbox flowers, £34 bloomandwild.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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B OOK YOU R
TWO WEEK
EXPERIENCE only
£39
Come and train like the stars at F45 Training RAVENSCOURT PARK 0208 222 8261
0207 251 8062
150 King St | London | W60 QU
Basement, 9-13 Cowcross St, (Rear entrance) | EC1M 6DR
ravenscourtpark@f45training.co.uk
farringdon@f45training.co.uk
www.f45training.co.uk/ravenscourtpark F45.indd 1
FARRINGDON
www.f45training.co.uk/farringdon 19/11/2018 16:59
HEALTH & BEAUTY
CHANCE EAU TENDRE CHANEL
With Chance Eau Tendre eau de parfum, Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge reinterprets the floral-fruity signature in a bold and intense adaptation. More feminine than ever, its floral heart accentuates the fullness of exotic jasmine absolute, enriched with an essence of rose. chanel.co.uk
Beauty Notes 39 • Perfume 41 • Fitness 43 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES
BEAUTY NOTES
Skin scrubs, sultry new scents and a skin palette with a difference B y H E L E N B R OW N
FITNESS SPOTLIGHT
ALL ORGANIC
BHUTI
Eco-wellness escape and studio
AU ST I N AU S T I N
Made in East Anglia and only tested on humans, all of Austin Austin’s products are certified organic by the Soil Association and COSMOS. Free from GM ingredients, SLS, silicones, parabens, mineral oils and artificial colours and fragrances, we love their soothing neroli and petitgrain body soap. £16;
B
austinaustinorganic.com
EDITOR’S PICK
WITHOUT A TRACE TO M F O R D
This hydrating foundation from Tom Ford glides on effortlessly for blendable, buildable coverage. Portable and precise, the Traceless Foundation Stick is always beautifully natural and with nine brand new shades added to the line, is set to be the most undetectable thing you’ll put on your face this year. £66;
BRUSH AWAY TRUTHBRUSH
Every year over a billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away worldwide, ending up in landfill, in the sea or washed up on our beaches. Created from 100% biodegradable organic bamboo and dipped in REACH approved paint, the Truthbrush makes a stylish and guilt-free addition to your bathroom shelf. £4;
tomford.co.uk
huti is an eco wellbeing centre, day spa, yoga studio, fitness members’ club and vegan cafe located on Hill Rise. Sanskrit for
“wellbeing”, the word bhuti refers to our inner voice - the one we don't always listen to but that tells us what we really need to do to be happy. Offering over 60 yoga and Pilates classes a week, 50 hi-tech holistic spa treatments, complementary therapies, as well as wellness events, bhuti is the realisation of a long-held dream by local mum, Sama, who wanted to create a place of everyday escapism for all. At bhuti, guests can indulge in treatments, such as Ila Kundalini, Crystal Sonic Rejuvenation, a facial treatment which applies crystals and sound therapy to acupressure points, Ayurveda, an ancient healing ritual from India, and even astrology readings. bhuti uses luxury organic British brands, including Oskia, Ila, and Neom. Bhuti membership (Fearne Cotton and Jessie Wood included) is available on a yearly or monthly basis and includes an annual wellbeing consultation with a qualified therapist, free events and classes. Visitors and members alike can also enjoy the venue’s organic, Soil Associationcertified vegan kitchen, which serves up delicious gluten and sugar-free dishes. Or, for an ethical gift, head to the bhuti shop which stocks local producers including ILU, No Balls, Salt Yoga, and wanderlust jewellery. What better way to kick off 2019? BHUTI 50 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10
bhuti.co
thetruthbrush.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT
PERFUME
HOT STUFF Perfumes to warm the cockles B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N
F
ebruary is notoriously our coldest month and, as I write, it is predicted that the ‘Beast From The East’ will return to British shores. So to warm you up and leave your skin and nose aglow I thought it would be appropriate to suggest a collection of olfactory winter warmers. From woods and spices to amber-resinous scents, each and every one of these cosy fragrances will envelope you in a comforting, security blanket, adding an extra layer of defence against harsh winter chills. One of our best-selling, toasty perfumes is Amber by Laboratory Perfumes. We usually have a waiting list for this one once the temperatures plummet. The fragrance conjures a stroll along the East Anglia coastline, with fresh green notes of the diverse grasses carried by the breeze across the windswept plains of the Fens, adding energy and vitality. The heart, of woods and spices, delivers the gloves and scarf but it is the wool greatcoat of amber that really delivers a sense of rosy wellbeing. Labdanum is one of my favourite winter notes. A sticky resin obtained from a species of the rock rose, it was used in ancient Egypt and is mentioned in the Bible twice. It is also the main ingredient in the Amber perfumes. My favourite incarnation is Grey Labdanum by Abel, a 100% natural fragrance which utilises the dark incense to perfection. Combined with earthy patchouli and clary sage, plus a dash of winter sun in the form of bitter orange at the top, this is a smouldering scent of great quality. Feu Secret by San Franciscan Bruno Fazzolari imagines the secret fire of the alchemists: the elusive scent of iris root smoulders with spice, cedar and smoke in a transformative hidden blaze. Bright, joyful and ardent, this one makes your toes curl in the good way.
Chambre Noir by Olfactive Studio is a sultry and enigmatic fragrance that looks to the shadows for inspiration. Intense and slightly spicy, it's a deep, rich scent, redolent of leather, incense, and patchouli. With a lightly spiced opening of pink peppercorn in the top notes, the floral, smoky heart gently dies away and we are left with a classic base of musk and a striking vanilla accord. It’s daring and naughty - the 'Eyes Wide Shut' of fragrance! We are introducing a new collection called Bon Parfumeur from Paris this month. The range uses what we in the industry call ‘short formulae', which means that they are minimal in terms of the ingredients they use. I think less is more and simplicity can really work. It allows us to recognise and connect with almost all of the notes. 902 from this range uses coffee and armagnac over tobacco and cannelle to create a deliciously gourmand fragrance, it imagines a ski chalet before a roaring fire. The leather of the sofas and the pousse-café blend into a post-piste cloud of privilege and comfort. Berlin Im Winter from Baruti is a stunning scent that captures the energy and effusive welcome of the city. Cassis and mastic oil over iris, plum, frankincense and myrrh are hypnotising and a clever urban collation of whiskey with amber, tonka bean and leather would not be out of place at Soho House. Modern and moving. Finally the Dante-esque Fuoco Infernale or Hell Fire from Linari takes us to the very gates, with an enticing blend of carnation and labdanum, warm cinnamon, herbal marjoram and tar-like birch. A simple heart of bittersweet tonka bean and olibanum descend into a firy pit of spicy gurjan balsam, backed by clean white musk and premium atlas cedar, before meeting opulent ambergris for a luxurious and sophisticated finish. Devilish. February should be about indulgence so wrap yourselves up in a warm and wonderful fragrance - the olfactory equivalent of a toasted crumpet. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE
FITNESS NOTES By H E L E N B R O W N
2019 FITNESS E V E N T S TO B O O K N OW
S W E A T
PULLMAN LONDON ST PANCRAS X TRACK LIFE LDN performance running set to W ith be one of the biggest fitness trends of 2019, Pullman London St Pancras has teamed up with Track Life LDN to invite Londoners to train like an athlete. The monthly Running Club see attendees meet at Pullman London St Pancras for a pre-run warm up before heading to Regents Park, with a route that will take in a number of London’s iconic landmarks. 5 February 6:30pm – 9:00pm. To register, e-mail your name and telephone number to H5309-SL@accor.com. BRUNCH, YOGA AND BONNARD AT TATE MODERN Tate Modern is collaborating t with FRAME to host a morning Yin Yoga class and post-yoga brunch. Suitable for all levels, Yin Yoga invites you to embrace the natural daylight and breathtaking view overlooking St Paul’s and the Thames, before tucking into a healthy brunch. As part of the yoga and brunch package, there will be the opportunity to visit The C C Land Exhibition: Pierre Bonnard. February 2 & 9; tate.org.uk LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON he London Landmarks Half t Marathon takes runners through both the City of London and the City of Westminster and is jam-packed with entertainment, music and cheer stations. In 2018, the inaugural event raised £4.98m for over 102 different charities. The target for 2019 is £6 million. 24 March 2019; llhm.co.uk 30 DAYS OF WELLNESS AT SOUTH PLACE HOTEL outh Place Hotel has curated a s ’30 Days of Wellness’ programme to keep your food and fitness goals on track throughout the cold winter months. Expect healthy non-alcoholic cocktails from Seeplip, inspirational talks and yoga, strength and flexibility classes guided by Oitoo Fitness. Follow @ southplacehotel on Instagram for exclusive health and fitness tips, and to be in with a chance of winning 30 days of Wellness goodies each week; southplacehotel.com
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I T We try out the latest in London’s line-up of boutique gyms
S
Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N
weat It in Aldwych is one of the latest boutique gyms adding to London’s wellness landscape with its unfiltered, raw approach to functional training. The Sweat It approach combines targeted strength training with intervals on the treadmill. If you’ve ever been to Barry’s Bootcamp or 1Rebel, you’ll know the drill. However the equipment is more
high-tech, so first-timers are advised to get in early to catch a demonstration. The studio is centred around the mecca that is the bespoke functional rig, with a custom line up of equipment including landmines, free weights and resistance bands. The gym itself is a luxury, urban space lined with a fleet of treadmills. Each class works on speed, strength and endurance sessions with the promise to constantly
switch up the class content to ensure each muscle group is targeted. I’m here to try Engine Room, but I could have chosen from a range of inventively-named classes (Heart & Hustle, Machine Guns, Guts & Glory, Pillar Killer, Compound60). Engine Room is an explosive lower body session that works on the largest muscle group with speed and stamina. First up, it’s floor work. The landmine is a really effective piece of equipment and our coach is brilliant at ensuring we use it to its fullest potential. The session involves a range of weighted exercises including Hungarian split squats, lunges and deadlifts. With heavy legs we jump onto the treadmill where we complete interval sprints and hill climbs. We go through three rounds of this before leaving high on endorphins and pouring with sweat - the clue is in the name. This is a class that can torch fat and sculpt muscles. Sign us back up.
SWEAT IT 4 Lean Street, WC2B; sweat-it.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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FOOD & DRINK
KRICKET WHITE CITY
This month, Absolutely eats out at Indian restaurant Kricket's latest installation in the iconic Television Centre. It’s the largest to date and does not disappoint. kricket.co.uk
Food Notes 46 • Recipies 48 • Food Review 53 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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WHAT TO DRINK
GRAPE news
TASTING NOTES
London’s food news and most exciting openings this February By FLORA THOMAS
Wine recommendations for the month By MICHAEL NADRA
Lapilli Falanghina £30 An ancient grape, cultivated in the province of Naples. This straw yellow Falanghina is an excellent summer wine: dry, fruity and very refreshing with notes of tangy citrus and sweeter tropical hints of pineapple and white peach.
Verso Rosso £34 This is a rich and inviting wine from Puglia. It has ripe and dried fruits, dark chocolate and black pepper spice. Full bodied, mouth filling and velvety, sweet dark fruit balanced with some bramble characters and welcome tannins. Very easy drinking.
2018 Verus Sauvignon Blanc £36 Owned by three friends, the vineyards are located around Ormoz in the appellation of Styria (Stajerska). The Wine has vibrant fruit with the classic gooseberry, passionfruit and nettles aromas; good depth of flavour and length. Crisp and elegant on the palate.
RESTAURANT MICHAEL NADRA Combining excellent produce with elegant service in sophisticated surroundings, the restaurant offers an innovative dining experience within an intimate and relaxed environment of a neighbourhood restaurant. 6/8 Elliott Rdm Chiswick W4 1PE
restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk
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OUT with the OLD F R O G BY A DA M H A N D L I N G
...in with the new as the award-winning Frog by Adam Handling launches a complete revamp and refinement of the menus. Guests are treated to an array of brand-new dishes to celebrate the best of British ingredients. But fear not, Adam’s legendary chicken butter, cheese doughnuts, and celeriac ‘Mother’ dish will remain as longstanding guest favourites. 34-35 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HG frogbyadamhandling.com
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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best
VALENTINE'S HOT SPOTS
ANGLER
Sound bites
The renowned restaurant is serving a Valentine's tasting menu full of seafood treats. To start, enjoy a glass of rosé champagne alongside aged Beaufort and truffle gougeres. The final course involves a suitably pink Yorkshire rhubarb and Sable Breton with stem ginger and Greek basil. anglerrestaurant.com
DYSART PETERSHAM
Edible and audible treats are in store at Dysart Petersham this month. On 10 February guests at the family owned and run restaurant will be graced by pianist Reinis Zariņš. The Head Chef and his team emphasise freshness, well balanced flavours, ethical sourcing and country values. 135 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AA thedysartpetersham.co.uk
TURKISH DELIGHT YENI
From the banks of the Bosphorus, Yeni Lokanta brings the food and culture of Istanbul to Soho. Drawing influence from the different ethnicities that unite on the streets of chef Civan Er’s hometown, vegetable dishes such as aubergine filled manti with goats’ yoghurt and fish dishes like sea bass with raki and feta are on offer. 55 Beak St, Soho, W1F 9SH website in development
4 5 J E R M Y N S T. The interiors at this award-winning restaurant set the scene for romantic dining with old-school glamour décor, low lighting and intimate booths. Don't miss the starter of oysters, the ultimate aphrodisiac. Go on to indulge in show-stopping mains like lobster spaghetti, flambéed tableside before guests eyes. 45jermynst.com
Barre & brunch
ALYN WILLIAMS AT THE WESTBURY
ORRERY
FRENCHIE
If your dream weekend consists of a barre class followed by brunch, then you're in luck. Orrey have teamed up with Xtend to offer guests an hour-long class at the boutique fitness studio where they will be guided by founder Catie Miller. Post workout, it’s a short walk to Orrery, to enjoy a brunch carefully curated by Chef Patron Igor Tymchyschyn. 55 Marylebone High St, Marylebone W1U 5RB orrery-restaurant.co.uk
Celebrate Parisian style at Greg Marchand’s intimate brasserie. The five-course tasting menu created for the evening lends itself perfectly to the romance of the day. For a sweet finish indulge in a special baked Alaska using Guittard chocolate as an indulgent Valentine’s Day treat. frenchiecoventgarden.com
Animal products have been shunned at this French Michelin-starred kitchen. A creative and elegant seven course vegan menu begins with an earthy beetroot tartare and ends on a sweet note with blood orange, rhubarb and custard. 37 Conduit St, Mayfair, W1S 2YF alynwilliams.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Butternut curry with spinach and cashews Colourful, fragrant, and full of texture, this dish shows you don’t need meat to make a good curry. Lentils, chickpeas, and nuts add protein to the melting pot of vegetables and spices for a healthy, balanced meal.
INGREDIENTS •medium butternut squash, about 21⁄4lb (1kg) • 1 onion • 4 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil • 1 tbsp butter • 2 cloves garlic • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger • 1 small hot green chile • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 tsp ground coriander • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 tbsp freeze-dried curry leaves (optional) • 1⁄2 cup (100 g) red lentils • 3 or 4 ripe tomatoes • 1 (14-oz/400-g) can chickpeas, drained • 3⁄4 cup (100 g) cashew nuts • 2 large handfuls baby leaf spinach • salt and pepper
METHOD 1 Peel the squash and cut into 4 pieces. Scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into large cubes about 3cm across. 2 Halve and slice the onion. Put a large frying pan, or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and butter, wait for 30 seconds, then add the squash and onions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are starting to soften.
Simple &
CLASSIC Well-explained and reliable recipes for cooking perfection Wo r d s J A N E H O R N B Y
3 Thinly slice the garlic and finely grate the ginger. Slit the chile, without cutting through the stem (stalk) end. 4 Boil a saucepan of water. Stir the garlic, ginger, chile, spices, and curry leaves into the pan and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant. 5 Stir in the lentils, then pour in 400 ml boiling water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring a few times. Preheat the oven to 180°C and coarsely chop the tomatoes. 6 Stir the tomatoes in with the chickpeas, then simmer for another 10 minutes Season the curry with salt and pepper. 7 Sprinkle the nuts over a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 5 minutes. 8 Stir in the spinach leaves and sprinkle the nuts over the top. Serve with chapatis, naan breads, or rice and your favorite relish or chutney.
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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES
Shrimp Pad Thai Give tofu a try in this quick Thai café classic. Leftover cold roast chicken could be added to the noodles, too.
INGREDIENTS • 14 oz (400 g) wide rice noodles • 1 (9-oz/250-g) pack firm tofu, drained • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 bunch spring onions • 1 small bunch fresh coriander • 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil • 3 tbsp tamarind paste (optional) • 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce • 3 tbsp nam pla (Thai fish sauce) • 11⁄2 tbsp sugar • 1 handful roasted peanuts (optional) • 4 large (UK medium) eggs • 200 g (7 oz) uncooked large shrimp (prawns), shelled and deveined • 1⁄2 tsp dried chili flakes (or more if you like) • 2 limes
METHOD 1 1 cup (100 g) bean sprouts Boil a saucepan or kettle of water. Put the noodles into a large heatproof bowl, then
pour over enough just-boiled water to cover. Stir gently and let soak until you get to step 8.
chili flakes, and half the scallions. Cook for a few seconds, stirring, until the garlic and scallions smell fragrant.
2 While you wait, cut the tofu into cubes about 3⁄4 inch (2 cm) across. Crush the garlic and thinly slice the scallions (spring onions). Pick the leaves from the cilantro (coriander).
6 Transfer the shrimp to a plate, then add the beaten eggs to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, moving the eggs around the pan a little with a wooden spoon until just set, like an omelet.
3 Put a large nonstick skillet, frying pan, or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the tofu. Fry for 6 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the tofu is golden all over. Lift the tofu onto paper (kitchen) towels using a slotted spoon. This will absorb any excess oil.
7 Lift the omelet out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Roll it up like a pancake, then cut across the roll to make long thin strips. Take the pan off the heat if you feel you need to concentrate on this part.
4
Meanwhile, put the tamarind paste, chili sauce, nam pla (Thai fish sauce), and sugar into a small pitcher (jug) and stir together. Coarsely chop the peanuts, if using. Crack the eggs into a bowl and loosely beat them with a fork. 5
Put the pan back over high heat. It shouldn’t need more oil. Add the shrimp (prawns) and fry for 2 minutes, until they turn completely pink. Now add the garlic,
8 Return the pan to the heat, drain the noodles, and add them to the pan. Add the sauce, most of the cilantro leaves, the shredded egg, tofu, shrimp, the remaining scallions, and a squeeze of lime juice, then toss well. 9 For an authentic look, serve the peanuts and bean sprouts in little piles alongside the noodles, then sprinkle with the rest of the cilantro. Cut the remaining lime into wedges and put a wedge on each plate.
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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES
There’s no secret –all that’s needed is the patience to wait 5 Spoon the hoisin sauce into a serving dish. Serve the sauce, shredded duck, sliced cucumber, scallions, and pancakes separately and let everyone assemble their own. To assemble, spoon about 1 teaspoon of hoisin sauce onto a pancake, then spread it out with the back of the spoon. Arrange a couple of sticks of cucumber, a few shreds of scallion, and a little duck in a line across the middle of the pancake. To roll, tuck the bottom of the pancake up, then roll the sides over, leaving the top open.
TIP
CHINESE PANCAKES
Crispy duck pancakes There’s no secret to making this classic Chinese dish—all that’s needed is the patience to wait while the duck slowly cooks to crisp, melting perfection.
INGREDIENTS • 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder • 2 tsp salt • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper • 4 duck legs • 1 large cucumber • 2 bunches scallions (spring onions) • 24 Chinese pancakes • 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) hoisin sauce
METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C/ Gas Mark 3. Mix the five-spice powder with the salt and pepper. Put the duck legs into a roasting pan. Rub the duck legs all over with the salty spice.
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2 Roast the duck for 11⁄2 hours, or until the skin is dark golden and crisp and the meat is tender. The fat will have run out of the skin. A convection or fan-assisted oven will give a really crisp result, so if you have the option, use a convection oven, not forgetting to reduce the temperature by 25°F/20°C.
If you can’t find thin Chinese pancakes in the store, try flour tortillas instead. Chinese pancakes are also made with flour, so the flavour is similar. If the tortillas are larger, cut them in half and wrap around the filling in a cone shape instead of a roll.
3 Meanwhile, cut the cucumber into thin sticks and trim, then finely shred the scallions (spring onions). Cutting the scallions into thin strips can be difficult, so slice into rounds if preferred. 4 When the duck is cooked, cover the pancakes with aluminum foil and put into the oven for 10 minutes to warm through (or follow the package instructions). Use 2 forks to pull the duck flesh and skin away from the bones. They should come away from the bones very easily. Keep the duck warm on a plate in the oven. Don’t cover it with foil, or the skin will lose its crispness.
SIMPLE & CLASSIC 123 Step-by-Step Recipes by Jane Hornby is published by Phaidon phaidom.com
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Great value Express Lunch & Early Dinner Menu - Mains £12.50 • Starters & Desserts £6.50 Delicious Sunday Roast A la Carte & 6 Course Tasting Menu Extensive Wine List Vegan/Vegetarian Party Bookings
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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW
ABSOLUTELY eats out…
“The fish melts into the vibrant, warming coconut curry”
Kricket
Creative, Indian small plates that eschew authenticity in favour of exceptional flavour and culinary flair
FOOD Innovative Indianinspired sharing plates
B y H E L E N B R OW N
W
hen you start out life in one of south London’s most celebrated culinary hotspots, you can only expect things to go one way. It was around two years ago that Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell opened Kricket in a tiny shipping container at Pop Brixton and since have gone on to open two permanent sites, one in Soho and the latest in White City. This third Kricket is roomy enough for 100-plus covers, a cocktail bar and counter dining, without losing the bustling atmosphere that diners come to expect from the name. The menu is no bigger but quite different
DECOR to those of its sister sites with more focus on larger plates. We begin with the Keralan fried chicken with curry leaf mayonnaise which will be familiar to long-standing Kricketgoers and certainly lives up to the hype, followed by a generous bowl of crispy samphire pakoras. Though the simplest in its execution, this dish is an absolute knockout. The pakoras are crisp and salty until you get a big tangled forkful of them clumped together with a jammy tamarind dressing and they become saccharine and succulent. Utterly addictive. Next we go for a new addition to the menu: chunky curls of pumpkin are roasted until soft, sweet and charred, before being placed on a velvety bed
Grand and airy with industrial touches
PRICE Small plates from £6, larger plates from £12
of thick makhani sauce and crumbled paneer. A scattering of hazelnuts and puffed rice deliver bite, resulting in a dish that is well-balanced in texture and rich and comforting in taste. With this arrives the Cornish cod in a Malabar sauce, finished with langoustine oil, kokum and fennel. By plating sauce first and then the cod, the chef has been careful to ensure that its crispy skin remains just that. The rest of the fish melts into the vibrant coconut curry which is warming without being hot, luscious and thick with softened onions. Dessert is a piece of magic. On the waiter’s recommendation we go for the gulab jamun - a dense and syrupy deep-fried cake that is matched with carom seed crumble and milk ice cream. This is an exercise in flavour balancing; the cake sweet, the crumble savoury and the ice cream tangy. It all comes together in perfect harmony and leaves us marvelling at the creativity of the evening. They say all good things come in threes and this is certainly true of Kricket. We’ll be first in line for the fourth.
VERDICT
KRICKET TELEVISION CENTRE
Exuberant dining full of creativity and flair
2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, W12;
kricket.co.uk
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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES
DRINKS CABINET
What to drink and how to drink it
fabulous
FIZZ
By PENDLE HARTE
GIN PALACE
THREE OF THE BEST PINK CHAMPAGNES B y T H E C H A M PAG N E G U R U
M A N C H E ST E R G I N
Along with Dandelion and Burdock Root, Manchester's award-winning signature gin is made up of ten other specially sourced botanicals including orange and lemon, liquorice and ground almond. There's also a delicious raspberryinfused version in pink. manchestergin.co.uk
Bruno Michel champagne This deliciously fresh Champagne perfectly expresses its complexity on the palate as an outstanding organic cuvée, loved not only for its elegant ruby colour but also for its beautiful, full aromas with hints of strawberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry.
Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve N.V This stylish and powerful Rosé Réserve Champagne, full-bodied in the Charles Heidsieck style, retains an elegance that makes this a delicious drink. Alongside the rich smoothness there are aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, wild rose and apple blossom.
VIVA ITALIA F R A N C I AC O R TA
Less well-known than Prosecco is Franciacorta, the Italian fizz from Lombardy that's vastly superior to its more popular sibling. Made in the traditional method, Franciacorta's Ferghettina Rose is fruity and light with notes of cherry. £26.95;
De Venoge Louis XV Rose Millesime 2006 Champagne
ndjohn.co.uk
SPIRIT OF LOVE CÎROC
CÎROC invites you to add a little extra to your Valentine’s celebrations this year with a CÎROC Vodka limited-edition design for the big day. The design is available in CÎROC Red Berry which oozes aromatic fresh berry flavours with a smooth and silky finish. £45 getitinkd.com
This vintage rose Champagne is full of vibrant red currant and wild berry flavours. Cherries and almonds emerge in the aftertaste making it a delightfully structured champagne from the Grand Cru region. THE CHAMPAGNE GURU The Champagne Guru is a champagne and food pairing expert, specialising in hosting special champagne events in luxurious surroundings.
thechampagneguru.com
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Photography by Paul Craig
Engineered Walnut Pre-lacquered
Beautiful flooring, designed to last Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m 2 of stock | Express delivery SHOWROOM 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771
w w w.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
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INTERIORS
MODERN LOVE MINI MODERNS
Mini Moderns’ new wallpaper collection, Culture! draws on the design duo’s love of mid-century art design and architecture. Pictured is Lucky Lantern, a Chinese lantern design, inspired by the Eastern styles prevalent in the aesthetic movement as displayed in the Geffrye Museum’s 1890 drawing room. minimoderns.com
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INTERIORS NOTES
Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE
M ATC H UPS IITTALA
Iittala's Raami is a new tableware collection designed by Jasper Morrison.The carefully composed pieces in ceramic, glass and wood are intended to work together to promote a good atmosphere at the table. iittala.com
IN SHAPE EMMA LACEY
Emma Lacey designs and makes ceramic tableware from her studio in North London. Most work is currently hand thrown using a fine stoneware clay and then assembled, manipulated or finished to take into account the tactility and function of the piece. conranshop.co.uk
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INTERIORS • NOTES
TOP PA S T E L S A selection of our favourite pieces EDITOR’S PICK
SCHNEID STUDIO Eikon Shell lamp, £326 connox.co.uk
GOOD CUP
THE GLAZE
OLIVER BONAS
MILO MADE CERAMIC S
This large sculptural ceramic jug with a circular black handle detail and a white glazed inner and unglazed outer design is designed and made by Hackney's Milo Made Ceramics and stocked at nearby A New Tribe, £120 anewtribe.co.uk
GOOD DESIGN WORKS Concrete desk clock, £25 hurnandhurn.com
Highstreet staple OLiver Bonas is currently stocking a beautiful collection of ceramics and tableware. We love the Tarina blue pieces for their stylish curves and bautiful packaging. oliverbonas.com
WALL SAUCE Pastel wallpaper mural, £26 per m2 wallsauce.com
DANETTI Senn chair, £39 danetti.com
PLANT LIFE ALBERT & MOO Memphis plant pot, £11 albertandmoo.com
LAPUAN KANKURIT
SUE PARKINSON
Artificial houseplants are a huge trend right now and Sue Parkinson's assorted green succulents is an attractive and entirely maintenance-free addition to any window ledge or shelf. sue-parkinson.con
Sade print towel, £53 lapuankankurit.fi
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Grate Expectations - A Family run business established for over 30 years The UK’s leading suppliers of luxury gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves and bioethanol fires manufactured by DRU, Spartherm, Ebios, Dik Guerts, Gazco, Stovax and many more.
1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateexpectations.com | grateexpectations.com
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INTERIORS • KITCHENS
Colour
CODE Absolutely admires the bright shades in Plain English’s newest kitchen project Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T
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lain English was conceived by accident 25 years ago when Katie Fontana and her husband Tony Niblock swapped life in the capital for a rural idyll in Suffolk. “We decided to move to Suffolk and take the time out to build our own house, so it was an interesting year of living in a caravan. When it came to the kitchen, I assumed that I’d be able to find something and just buy it. But there was nothing I liked. Everything had twiddly bits or was too look-at-me flashy. In the end I found a local joiner and we did it ourselves.” That might have been the end of the story had it not been for the nudge from a friend to enter the house into a Telegraph competition for the best self-build house in the country. “We came runner up and were later featured in a magazine. People kept calling to ask where we’d got our kitchen. So without thinking things began to take shape.
Plain English is the cognoscenti’s favourite for its honest craftsmanship
I was quite resistant at first; to me, as an interior designer, just doing kitchens seemed quite limited, but Tony insisted.” Twenty-five years on, Plain English is still the cognoscenti’s favourite, its incomparable honest craftsmanship and its spare simplicity outstripping other, slicker, contenders. Plain English Kitchens are so versatile, as at home in country homes as they are in more urban settings. “I think it’s because we’re selling good, honest, non-branded cupboards, so you can dress them up or down. I am very anti-ostentation and I hate this obsession with logos emblazoned everywhere. Historically, kitchens were just functional, which is why I’ve always liked the below-stairs kitchen quarters of stately homes. Ultimately, I like the elemental things in life: marble, slate, wood. I think subconsciously it’s all about stuff that will stand the test of time.” On Fontana’s watch, the likes of pantries and sculleries are afforded their place once more, rescued from the wasteland of upstairs-downstairs period dramas. “In the 1960s, everyone wanted to be so modern and get rid of the larder and you can understand it. They’d all been to the Ideal Home Show! But it’s like a pendulum swinging, now we’re seeing the value in those rooms again.” This brightly coloured kitchen features handcrafted Plain English Spitalfields cupboards with a contemporary Osea island and theatrical woven lighting taking centre stage. The open plan space is perfect for cooking, entertaining and family life. Cupboards are painted in a variety of bright and bold Plain English colours: Starched Apron, Boiled Dishcloth and Pretty Pickle. plainenglishdesign.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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P R I VAT E l i v e s Everyone has their dream space in this London house designed by Yoko Kloeden
By EVE HERBERT
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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR
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oko Kloeden Design has recently completed the interior design and decoration of a 1930s three-story terrace house in southwest London. The clients, a couple who both work in finance with two young children, completed a major house renovation including the ground floor rear extension and loft conversion when they moved into the house; however, having moved from a one-bed flat and both working full-time, they still didn’t feel at home a year later as most of the rooms were still bare and underused. After having interviewed five interior designers, the couple engaged Yoko and her team. The brief was to pull the family together in the open-plan family area, while the husband and wife each have a break-out room that reflects their individual needs and personalities. Yoko and her team used colours and textures to express each individual’s style while giving a practical solution for the young family. The result is an elegant and contemporary family home that still feels comfortable and practical while everyone has a space of privacy and aspiration . ‘Knowing that our clients now have a home they will enjoy for decades to come keeps us going every day‘, says Yoko. The clients embraced dark and moody colours and their bold choice of colours starts with the hallway. With the inky blue colour as a background, Yoko selected an abstract landscape painting that reflects the clients’ love of nature but in a contemporary and stylized expression. Slender frames and legs of powder-coated steel furniture give a chic and airy appearance. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR The bespoke kitchen from Wooden Horse London was designed to fit the space with lots of storage. A marble island takes centre stage and plain white surfaces were chosen for other cabinets and worktop to let the island stand out. The dining table and chairs sit at the centre of the open-plan area and they had to be elegant, understated, and unique. A bespoke live edge oak dining table with classic Wishbone chairs demonstrates the philosophy of using real materials and understated elegance. The family includes two children under three, so the space had to be practical and safe without compromising on sophisticated aesthetics. Yoko schemed the area around two key features – a framed artwork of bespoke wallpaper from Calico Wallpaper and a bespoke media unit made of black stained oak with brass detailing. She says: ‘In Japan, we have a culture of developing taste buds at a very early age. The concept of kids menus in restaurants is nowhere as ubiquitous as here in the UK as people believe babies and toddlers need to eat real foods that adults eat. In the same way, children need to grow up with real materials to develop their senses. Family rooms shouldn’t be all about wipeable surfaces.’’ The bespoke rug is made of soft jute that is hardwearing but soft to crawl on. Coffee tables of different sizes are made of mango wood. Yoko’s team designed a media unit that consists of low units to store children’s books and toys and a slim tall unit to store files etc. The starting point of for the reception room, also as known as ‘Her Room’, was an Art Deco-inspired drinks cabinet bought by
the client at the beginning of the project. This is her grown-up haven where she winds down with a glass of wine after the children are finally asleep, where she entertains her friends on weekends and during her maternity leave. Yoko custom-made a Millennial pink velvet sofa and selected an artwork from a Sydney-based British artist Caroline Collom to anchor the colour palette. The team filled the room with sumptuous, tactile and real materials such as marble, brass, steel, velvet, wool and sourced indoor plants to liven up the room. ‘His Room’ is referred to as the ‘games room’ and this is where her husband winds down by playing a computer game at the end of his long day at his demanding job in finance. Originally a garage, it is the smallest living room and he opted for the darkest shade of grey to feel cozy and cocooned as he uses ‘His Room’ mostly in the evenings. A Fornasetti mural makes a perfect backdrop and the rich moss green of the velvet sofa pops against the dark walls. The newly converted loft houses a master bedroom with an ensuite shower room. The wall behind the bed hides a walk-in wardrobe and dressing table. Here again, the inky blue was chosen for the calm and serene haven. Dreamy white waves and a dawn sky of a photography art shot on a remote beach in Iceland sums up the mood. The alcove above the bed is a practical alternative to a pair of bedside tables in this tight space.
Children need to grow up with real materials to develop their senses. Family rooms shouldn’t be all about wipeable surfaces
yokokloeden.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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WINTER SALE - UP TO 40% ON MANY RANGES
20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY | Tel: 020 8742 2236 | www.osborne-interiors.co.uk
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INTERIORS • MOBILES
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RHYTHMIC F LOW FLENSTED
T H E O F
In production since 1955, Christian Flensted's iconic Flowing Rhythm mobile is red on one side and black on the other. Its interplay of shape and colour in movement is hypnotic and relaxing to watch – and it casts an intriguing shadow too. £37
H A N G I T
skandium.com
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GO FISH FELI X SA LUT
Floats is a bright and colourful hanging structure that repurposes fishing floats and string to create a geometric modernist aesthetic — echoing Oscar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus dance performance, The Triadic Ballet. €225 felixsalut.com
MOBILES ARE HAVING A MOMENT. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST MESMERISING
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Handcrafted in small quantities and inspired by the abstract art of the 1950s and Scandinavian design, the Volta Le Grand Etourdi Mobile has a beautifully balanced design with a vibrant primary colourway. Volta was founded in Paris and now creates all its elegant mobiles in Barcelona. £275 conranshop.co.uk
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L I G H T WO R K
THE SHOP FLOOR PROJECT
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Hand crafted in Germany, each Shop Floor Project mobile is made with skill and precision to create just the right balance between the shapes and light. Mobile No 1: Morning Light is hand-made in polished brass with iron arms. £325 theshopfloorproject.com
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LINE SHEET NEDGIS
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Michael Anastassiades' sumptuous Chandelier 9 mobile is signed by the Cypriot designer. Its minimalist design and graphic and uncluttered forms create lines in the air with several sources of warm light and diffusers in opaline blown glass. €18,384 nedgis.com
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INTERIORS • FOCUS
IN A NEW BOOK ON LIVING IN SMALL SPACES, STYLISH LAURA FULMINE SHOWS OFF HER COLOURFUL YET DIMINUTIVE EAST LONDON FLAT
ive in a small apartment but love color? Take inspiration from interior designer and stylist Laura Fulmine, who used an expertly executed palette of rich shades to define the different areas of her 57 m2 (614 ft2) apartment, which is located in a turn-of-the-century mansion block in east London. “Creating different identities for each room makes the flat feel like a much bigger space,” explains Fulmine, who lived in the apartment for two years before decorating it and let the trajectory of the sun inform the colors she chose. Now, a luxurious green provides the backdrop for a mix of collected treasures in the living room, while the cheerful study is painted in a heritage pink. The bedroom, which gets the least light, features a restful dark blue, while the bathroom and kitchen are bright white to make the most of the morning sun.
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P E T I T E P L AC E S Clever Interiors for Humble Homes edited by Robert Klanten, published by Gestalten
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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AUSTRIA
GALAPAGOS
10/04/2018 15:05
AZORES
GOZO
BORNEO
CROATIA
PORTUGAL
SLOVENIA
MOMENTS SHARED, EXPERIENCES LIVED! This summer, pick Activities Abroad for your family-approved adventure and spend your time creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Hear the kids screech in delight as you navigate the rapids on a rafting adventure; watch as your family dive into the sea and explore a mystical underwater world; join an expert and wander through rainforests to encounter some of the world’s most fascinating animals; or simply, enjoy stopping for ice-cream and soaking up local sights on a bike ride!
BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER 2019 ACTIVITIESABROAD.COM OR CALL 01670 333 091 AA.indd 1
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INTERIORS • MOODBOARD
My Style ZO E A N D E RS O N , FOUNDER O F S H O R E D I TC H I N T E R I O R S B O U T I Q U E WA G R E E N wagreen.co.uk
MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART… For scale and colour The Snail by Henri Matisse – if I ever need a pick me up I’ll nip into the Tate Modern to say hi to it. It always restores me.
MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER… Don’t make me pick! Tina Vaia is pretty special. She makes huge planters. She has a really refined understanding of colour and combined with the scale of her pieces this makes her work interesting.
MY SIGNATURE SCENT…
M Y ST Y L E IC ON... CO Elizabeth Taylor in her kaftan era.
Byredo Oud Immortel is my current obsession. It’s a great scent for the winter as it reminds me of hot summer nights. Abd El Kader by Cire Trudon is my go-to year round scent in the home. We spray the room spray in the store and the beautiful smell lasts all day. If I have a party I’ll spritz the whole house in it. For the depth of winter you can’t beat Ernesto by Cire Trudon.
MY FAVOURITE PIECE FROM MY CURRENT COLLECTION… Obviously, I love everything but I think it has to be the new Utopia Hip Hop Jars by Jonathan Adler. They are such fun pieces and would look incredible absolutely anywhere in the house.
MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION IS… California. The coastline is stunning and Palm Springs in the desert is just so much fun.
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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DISCOVERMORE
Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.
Open Days
Our state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre
November 1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) November 15th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) November 29th (9.30am)
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
ANIMAL MAGIC FERM LIVING Ferm Living's new kids' collection features London-based, internationally renowned illustrator Katie Scott. In her wallpaper collection she explores the balance of wildlife and nature in her three designs: Shells, Trees, and Animals. fermliving.com
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Happy Confident Curious
Open Mornings
Regular open mornings from February 2019. Register at acs-schools.com/opendays
Co-ed | Ages 4-18 | IB Diploma | International curriculum | Extensive busing
‘Pupils’ personal development is excellent.’ ISI Report ACS.indd 1 4300_1212_ACS_AbsolutelyChiswick_Hill-LS_OpenDay-210x297_Ad_AW.indd 1
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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES S H OW P R EV I EW
PACK UP AWAY
Away's brilliant wheelie cases are some of the best on the market – strong, easy to manoeuvre, full of clever interior details and even nice to look at. And best of all, there's a special kids version of the Carry On, which comes in a variety of colours with a shorter handle and a built-in charger for their inevitable devices. awaytravel.com
SMALL TALK Cases for tots, Berlin fashion, book reviews and lots of Lego
ECO CHIC MONKIND
Ask the husband and wife duo behind Berlin-based brand MONKIND what inspired them to launch their own clothing label and they’ll tell you that they wanted to prove that sustainability can be stylish. Mostly made from GOTS certified organic cotton, we love the simple shapes, muted colour palette and design-led prints. monkind.com
BRICK WONDERS
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pening at the Horniman Museum this month is Brick Wonders, an interactive exhibition of Lego structures. Incorporating 500,000 bricks, the creations include amazing wonders from around the world, from an ancient Egyptian pyramid to Old London Bridge and from the natural wonder of a coral reef to the modern marvel of the international space station. More than 50 models will be on show, from individual pieces that will inspire visitors to build them at home, to awe-inspiring dioramas and mosaics. Visitors can build their own brick wonders in interactive play areas – including a graffiti wall, a tower-building challenge, a magnetic mosaic puzzle and big bricks for little hands – and the exhibition includes a mini-cinema showing short Lego animations.
Brick Wonders runs from 16 February to 27 October at the Horniman Museum, 100 London Road SE23; horniman.ac.uk
EDITOR’S PICK
PUPPY LOVE
FEEL IT
T H E D O G W H O S AV E D
B OY U N D E R WAT E R
T H E WO R L D
By Adam Baron
Ross Welford’s fourth novel takes an astonishing sci-fi concept and explores how it might actually work in the ordinary world. It's an exciting read for anyone aged 10+. £6.99;
Why won't Cymbeline's mum let him go swimming? Something has happened in the past but what is it? This award-winning book for ages 10+ takes a sad story and makes it entertaining, funny and charming. £6.99;
harpercollins.co.uk
harpercollins.co.uk
By Ross Welford
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Hawkesdown House School
For Boys & Girls aged 3 to 11 years
Dolphin School
unlocking each child’s full and unique potential 4–11 years Co-ed 106 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW 020 7924 3472 ext 2 admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk
www.dolphinschool.org.uk
27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk
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OPEN MORNINGS Open Days on Thursday mornings Thursdays 09.15-10.30 by appointment with the Registrar 09.10 - 10.40 by appointment with the Registrar Bursaries also available
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littledippers.co.uk
17/01/2019 12:21
01273 229390
Teaching young babies key water safety techniques in a fun and nurturing environment. As well as great exercise building physical and cognitive skills, it’s a great opportunity to have special bonding time with your baby. Classes take place in the warm water pool at the The London School of Diving with a max of 7 babies in a class. Free Trial Sessions Available at the London School of Diving’s warm water pool in Chiswick LITTLEDIPPERS_V1.indd 1
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EDUCATION • FOCUS
Left
BEHIND Do left-handed children get the support they need to thrive in a right-handed world or are they being let down? Absolutely investigates Wo r d s L I B B Y N O R M A N
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enius or challenged – being left-handed still singles you out for labels. Parents of any child who favours left may be concerned that their offspring will have a bumpier journey, with more obstacles to overcome, because – let’s face it – the world is designed for right-handers. Parents are likely to have read eagerly the stories of famous southpaw creatives – Picasso and Einstein, et al – and read (less eagerly) that left-handers have a lower life expectancy. Misinformation is still common and both of the above widely circulated stories are not true, according to Professor Chris McManus, author of Right Hand, Left Hand.
McManus, Professor of Psychology and Medical Education at UCL, has a long-term interest and academic specialisation in handedness and lateralisation (the study of left and right brain functions). He devotes a whole chapter of his book to some of the more persistent myths surrounding left-handedness. Picasso and Einstein were both extensively photographed during their lives and every photo shows both to be right-handed, and with no other recorded evidence to suggest otherwise. Today most estimates of left-handedness place it at around ten per cent of the population. The increase is put down to a societal shift – left-handedness is no longer a source of shame in most societies so most children are not ‘retrained’. Lefthandedness was once closely associated
with otherness, even witchcraft, but if you imagine that idea had vanished by the 20th century, then think again. The English Dialect Survey, conducted on living subjects between 1950-61, unearthed only two terms for right-handed (one of which was right-handed), as opposed to at least 87 distinct dialect terms for left-handers. Many were obscene or scatological. Others, such as southpaw – which looks to have first emerged in Cumbria rather than on the baseball field or boxing ring – tap into the idea of ‘not from around here’. While the left-hander largely escapes negative labels today, parents who are investigating what being a ‘leftie’ means for their child’s future would be wise to read around the sources with a sceptical mind. Inaccurate information and dubious A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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KEW GREEN preparatory school
An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”
Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”
Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015
Open Morning Open Mornings
9.15am Wednesday, 15th ‘19 November 9.15am Wednesday 6th February 9.15am Wednesday 6th March ‘19 9.15am Wednesday, 17th 9.15am Wednesday 15th May ‘19 January 2018 9.15am Wednesday 12th June ‘19 9.15am Wednesday, 7th February 2018
To register your attendance at one of our open mornings,
To register your 020 attendance at oneorofmail our secretary@kgps.co.uk open mornings, please please phone 8948 5999 phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk
Kew Green Preparatory School
Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF
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RAVENSCOURT PARK
preparatory school
An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”
Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”
Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” ‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’ Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016
Open Mornings Open Mornings
9.15am Tuesday 14th November
9.15am Tuesday 5th February 2019 9.15am Thursday 7th March 2019 9.15am Thursday 9th May 2019 9.15am Tuesday 11th June 2019
9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018 9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings,
To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk phone 020 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk
Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL
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EDUCATION • FOCUS
A LEFT-HANDED PUPIL
methodologies are still out there. Implied causal links between left-handedness and illness or cognitive/development issues are unproven and raise more questions than answers. What we can be certain of is that the incidence is currently somewhat higher in boys (around five boys to every four girls). The first concern for most parents of lefthanded children is development of writing skills. Children typically start to display hand preference by the age of two. In early years settings, the current practitioner focus is on all the fine motor skills. Dr Paulette Luff, Course Leader for the MA in Early Childhood Education at Anglia Ruskin University, says it’s about a head down approach. “It’s not just about hand
“Most children start to display their hand preference by around the age of two, but it can take longer to show a dominant hand”
dominance, but also arm and foot.” She also suggests we may be in danger of labelling children too early – they may take a while to show a dominant hand. So, early-years settings should offer a range of equipment so they can watch how children interact with it and let them experiment. “Children try to do things like the people around them, so sensitivity and awareness of all possible differences are key. Children who are struggling can be encouraged to try the other hand,” says Luff. “Part of the problem is that children are taught to write when their fine motor skills are still developing”. Mark Stewart of Left ’n Write, a lefthanded shop in Worcester, believes we are not doing enough. He and his wife Heather, a
teacher, have created handwriting practice books and guides, delivering courses and advice to individuals, schools and early years settings as well as retailing lefthanded equipment. Their work grew out of a quest to find functioning scissors for their “very left-handed” son. They have campaigned via their MP to get more information on teaching left-handers included within the teacher-training curriculum. Stewart is particularly exercised by writing. He says: “It takes five to ten minutes to sort out a good technique and correct grip”. Children have come from as far afield as London for his guidance – his oldest pupil was in her late 60s, and she had never been taught how to use a pen left-handed. Here, I should declare my own hand – left – and my recollection that even in my dim and distant schooldays at a small rural primary school I had lots of guidance. So teachers have long been helping lefthanders overcome their individual learning challenges – although there’s no doubt some have slipped through. Katie Paynter, Head of Pre-Prep and SENCO lead at St Nicholas Prep, says that today left-handedness is often handled by SENCO staff as they have specialist training, and know the adaptations that help. The good news for parents, she says, is that these small changes are easy to implement. The most important part of school and home support is to ensure children are encouraged to experiment, rather than made to feel awkward or different.
4 really simple aids for left-handers Sitting on the left so they don’t bump elbows with their classmates • Slanting paper to stop smudges – a writing mat may help • Specially designed pencils and pens – and a left-handed nib for fountain pens • Left-handed craft scissors – so they can see what they are cutting out
* Anything Left-Handed; anythinglefthanded.co.uk. Left ’n Write; leftshoponline.co.uk. Right Hand, Left Hand by Chris McManus (Phoenix, 2002).
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TRAVEL
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE AUSTRIA
For something active and uplifting, the Tyrol region in Austria is one of the best holiday destinations for families with kids. Absolutely takes a trip to the mountains.
Austria: Summer in the mountains 82 • Weekend Getaway: Dublin 87 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Mountain
HI G H There are few places more beautiful – or more fun – than the Austrian Tyrol in summer. Absolutely takes the family to the mountains Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E
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hen I tell my Austrian friend proudly that we’re going to the place where they filmed James Bond, I’m expecting her to know exactly where I mean. She doesn’t: “Oh they filmed Bond all over the place.” It’s true that a lot of Austrian ski resorts show off about their 007 connections, but nowhere apart from Sölden has a special Bond museum built at 3,000 metres at the exact location of much of the action in Spectre. And nowhere else has a glass cube structure at its highest peak, housing a restaurant with a Tom Dixon interior and spectacular 360 degree views. For Austria, Sölden is prime Bond territory. But that’s not really why we came. Sölden is an alpine resort in the Tyrol’s Otztal Valley, south of Innsbruck and near the Italian border. Nearby Obergurgl is a popular
ski area for British people, but Sölden, home to the skiing World Cup opener, is more popular with Dutch and German skiiers. In the summer it’s quieter but there’s still a lot to be said for it, and not just the low season rates, the vast beauty of the landscape, the clarity of the air and the enormous range of activities. We are here as a family with two daughters aged 12 and 9 and the family suite at Das Central is perfect: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cosy seating area, two balconies. Half-board means breakfast and dinner every day, and they seat you at the same table every time, which instantly makes you feel like a regular. Staff wear traditional dirndls and the buffet breakfasts are as huge and generous as you would imagine. It’s all wooden chaletstyle with a contemporary slant. One of the best things about staying here is that you are automatically issued with a Premium Card for the region, which allows you free or discounted entry to so many things that there’s a weighty booklet to list them all. Ski lifts, swimming pools, mountain bike school, public transport, museums. We pledge to try everything. On day one we turn up bright and early at Bike Republic, the mountain bike centre where we are introduced to an instructor from the Ride On bike school, who promises that we’ll be speeding down the mountain after a bit of gentle practice on the town’s pump track. Her three-year old daughter can do it, she says. We are confident urban cyclists: we’re sure we’ll be fine. The pump track looks small but quickly it becomes clear that in our family at least, fear levels are directly proportional with age. The nine year-old is entirely comfortable with tight hairpin bends and a tilt that leaves her knee perilously close to the ground, while the adults are significantly less comfortable, and A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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TRAVEL • EUROPE ICEQ.AT
In our family at least, fear levels are directly proportional with age less nimble. We struggle to get around the track. Still, an hour in and we are ready to take our bikes into the cable car and up: a fortifying plate of dumplings at the middle station’s Tirolerstube prepares us for a steep and bumpy downhill bike ride. Taking our positions: standing up in the saddle, forefingers only on the brakes, knees bent, we hurtle down the path with varying degrees of confidence at speeds that range
from fast to hypersonic, or at least feel that way. We are proud of ourselves Day two: let’s go to Italy. It’s only about 70km from Sölden to Merano but the drive is likely to take more than two hours over the spectacular Timmelsjoch mountain pass. Open only during the snow-free months between April and October, this is one of the world’s most beautiful roads, twisting and turning to reveal ever-more impressive vistas and countless viewpoint stops. In the light of our mountain biking experience we admire all passing cyclists – the ascent looks calf-wrenchingly impossible, the freewheeling descent terrifying. Despite the intense beauty, it is a long drive, especially when you know that you need to be back before the road closes at 8pm. We drive into beautiful Merano, which is German-speaking despite being well into Italy (the South Tyrol retains a strong Austrian identity that defies the border). Finding a lovely public pool, we spend happy hours on the slides and diving boards, enjoying the views of mountains around us. We drive back before the curfew, happy not to have to tackle the mountainous terrain in the dark. There’s some rain the next day so we head to the Aqua Dome, a vast indoor and outdoor swimming world that features heated outdoor pools (rain no problem) as well as a saltwater pool, a pool with a strong current, some amazing waterslides (one, a dark hole, even shows a live broadcast of its current inhabitant on a screen) and lots of indoor sun loungers. But the best watersports activities in the area are to be found at Area 47, a large lake near a rapid river where you can try out all the watersports you’ve ever heard of, as
well as many that you haven’t. So there’s blobbing (hilariously), and canonball, wakeboarding and more slides than we’ve ever seen, some of them improbably high. There’s a slackline across the lake which we happily fall off repeatedly, a climbing wall from which you can fall into the water and a restaurant terrace allowing great views over everything. We spend the whole morning entering and exiting the water by different means before assembling for our rafting afternoon. We are kitted out in full body wetsuits with boots, hats and life vests and given a detailed introductory talk (the instructor is English; most staff here are students who have found the best summer job ever) and we set off down the river, 12 of us all clinging to our paddles (it's a 50 euro fine for each lost one) and shrieking with laughter as we cascade down the river. It’s the most fun we’ve had as a family in a long time (or certainly since mountain biking). We were having so much fun that we’d almost forgotten about James Bond. Our last day dawns misty and significantly cooler: we don layers and head up in the high tech gondola all the way to the top. At 3,000 metres the Ice-Q, the glass structure that so impressed Spectre’s location scouts, is impressive and next to it is a new concrete bunker that’s home to the museum. It’s a high tech exhibit focusing on the history of Bond and the creative feats involved in making the films. Enthusiasts will love it, and it’s accessible for the less obsessed too. So whether you’re a 007 disciple or not, and whether you ski or not, there are many reasons to visit the Otztal.
DA S C E N T R A L H OT E L Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria has double rooms available from €153 per person/ per night (summer) and from €200 per person / per night (winter), based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Save 60% at Dubai’s #1 All-Inclusive 5 JA Palm Tree Court
JA Palm Tree Court is one of the best places to go all-inclusive in Dubai. This fabulous five-star hotel offers the widest range of onsite activities in the emirate. ✓ 9-hole golf course, spa, fitness centre, 4 swimming pools, horse riding, kids club, private beach and water sports included ✓ Dine-around at 14 restaurants and bars without restrictions ✓ Easy access to Dubai’s main attractions
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21/01/2019 15:33
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short flight from London, it’s easy to see why Dublin is a popular city break destination. Convenient to get to, compact enough to explore by foot and rich in history, this gregarious city offers its visitors a wealth of attractions including churches, museums, a thriving restaurant scene and over 1,500 bars packed into its snug streets. Whether you’ve a proclivity for a pint of the black stuff or not, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse is a must. This seven-storey journey begins at the bottom of the world’s biggest pint glass and ends with a perfectly-poured pint in the world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. We also explore Phoenix Park - one of the world’s largest city parks - take a walk through the Temple Bar district to find great pubs and live music and take a sneak peak around Dublin Castle.
THE HOTEL
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f impeccable service and being really close to Dublin’s city centre are your top priorities when it comes to accommodation then The Westbury Hotel will be right up your street. Set between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green, this 5 star hotel was voted Number 1 Hotel in Ireland at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2018. On the doorstep lies Grafton Street, revered
for its colour, street artists and luxury shopping, while the vibrant network of streets filled with lively bars, restaurants and independent shops that is Dublin’s Creative Quarter, is just a short stroll away. The hotel is opulent without being too extravagant; a sense of ease and informality is brought about through stately hues of cream and light grey, wood pillars and swathes of light drawn in from wide bay windows. Rooms are expansive and fitted with a Nespresso coffee machine, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, crisp linens, a duck down duvet and a wide screen TV.
THE FOOD
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weekend
THE CITY
DESTINATIONS
TRAVEL • EUROPE
he Westbury's gorgeous gallery - a Dublin institution in itself - serves one of the most decadent afternoon teas you’ll try in a long time. Breakfast is a sunny affair, served from the terrace at Wilde, an attractive space that fuses 1930's elegance with an abundance of greenery. Come dinner time, Wilde puts traditional dining on its head with a menu that celebrates the finest Irish produce in an exceptional menu of traditional local dishes interspersed with plates from around the world.
THE WESTBURY HOTEL DUBLIN By H E L E N B R OW N
Exceptional service and understated luxury in the heart of the city THE WESTBURY Rates at The Westbury start from €260 bed and breakfast, based on two adults sharing. doylecollection.com /hotels/the-westbury-hotel
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Dream away. Rest assured.
Exceptional villas, local knowledge, personal service All our villas are available exclusively through us - you won’t find them anywhere else. We have in-depth, first-hand knowledge of them all, and our team on the ground assures their quality personally.
Reach out to our Villa Specialists and discover why our clients have voted us their favourite villa company three years running. thethinkingtraveller.com +44 (0)20 7377 8518 S I C I LY •
PUGLIA •
IONIAN ISLANDS
SPORADES ISLANDS •
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TRAVEL • MOTORING
Highway
CODE A new app from France is set to revolutionise car hire as we know it. Absolutely test drives Virtuo
Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E
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ne of the factors we consider every time we consider getting rid of the car is the awfulness of car hire offices. Living in London, most of our daily journeys are by tube, foot or bike, all of them passing our unused yet cash-guzzling car. Our weekly supermarket haul is delivered, our babysitters sent home via Uber. And with new emission charges looming, we’re not the only ones to be asking ourselves whether owning a car is even worth it, once we’ve paid for parking, petrol, insurance, road tax and the never-ending maintenance costs. If we had a smart meter ticking away to reveal the daily tally on our stationary, guilty diesel-burning Mercedes, we’d probably be horrified. But we do like weekends away. We went to Wales last month; we’re going to Norfolk later this month and to Cornwall at Easter, and we’ll need to drive. If we ditched the Merc, we’d be in those terrible car hire offices filling in the frightening forms and forgetting the annoying DVLA code far more often than anyone could bear. Or would we? Newcomer to the UK car hire market is Virtuo, an app that’s already revolutionising our approach to car hire. The idea is to abolish the car hire office (so no queueing at the airport or arriving late to find it closed)
We’re not the only ones asking ourselves whether owning a car is even worth it and allow you to book a car through your phone, using a single account. All your details are stored after you first use the app, so booking a car repeatedly is easy. Choose your dates and times, add more mileage if you need, another driver, insurance – all pricing is clearly laid out. The whole thing is easy in fact, particularly when you know how (psychologically, controlling a car through an app takes some getting used to). We book an A-Class Mercedes to be
picked up from an underground car park in Kensington (there are five pick-up points in London: Kensington, Kings Cross, Marble Arch, Stratford, Victoria and Waterloo) and a series of texts keeps us updated; the number plate and exact location are revealed a couple of hours before pickup. The main thing is the total absence of any key. My phone connects to the car as we approach it, unlocking it and running through a straightforward damage report. To start it up, you place your phone in its docking station and press the dashboard’s start button. The phone is charging as we drive but still, we feel slightly uneasy relying so heavily on a phone battery. What if it dies while we stop for lunch and we can't get back in the car? They’ve thought of that, obviously. The key function can be transferred to a keycard, and there are three of those for extra backup – or for valet parking, say. This is a brand new A Class Mercedes, hardly any miles on the clock, and it drives like a dream. What a treat. The return is seamless – just park it where you found it and press return on your phone. Bingo. And now that we’ve done it once, we’re set up forever – the network covers airports and stations throughout France and is set to grow throughout the UK too. Maybe we’ll finally get rid of the car. govirtuo.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Into the blue Absolutely enjoys some five-star luxury at Masseria San Domenico in Puglia Wo r d s J A S M I N E R O B E R T S O N
THE HOTEL
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asseria San Domenico is a fivestar hotel close to the village of Savelletri in Puglia, set back 500m from the Adriatic coast. A typical Puglian masseria, it is is part farmhouse, part castle - the main building dates back to the 14th century when its watch tower was used by the Knights of Malta as fortification against Saracen attack. Surrounded by 60 acres of ancient olive groves and orchards, the masseria has been faithfully restored and opened as a hotel in 1996. It is now a grown-up - no under 12 year olds - and visually dramatic place to be; its buildings a mix of the Moorish, Greek and Italian influences that Puglia is famous for. Stark white stone buildings and towers are interconnected by a series of arched passageways and spacious, open piazzas. To the south is the Adriatic, viewed over a sea of ancient olive trees; to the north the scenic Appenines. The hotel doesn’t always wear its history lightly - waitresses for lunch under dappled vines wore cod peasant outfits that seemed
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a tad OTT but when you are staring out at the huge seawater pool surrounded by gnarled olive trees, it’s easy to forgive the odd Disneyfied outfit.
THE ROOM
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here are 40 rooms and suites at San Domenico and, as you would expect for a five-star hotel that belongs to the Leading Hotels of the World group, each one is spacious and luxurious with every comfort and mod con possible, plus the obligatory vast bed. Our Junior Garden Suite had double doors leading to a patio area that looked over olive groves. With two sun beds and blazing Puglian sun, it meant there was little temptation to go far beyond the room. The decor in the room, and throughout the hotel seemed a little dated, heavy brocades and furniture, possibly more akin to a Scottish hunting lodge than a Puglian hotel. A cleaner, more modern feel to the rooms would have seemed more suitable, but perhaps this was in keeping with the ‘luxury’ hotel tag.
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THE SPA
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he hotel has a large and well run Spa and Thalassotherapy Centre. Thalassotherapy is based on the ancient traditions of using seawater to purify and detoxify and the spa treatments are based on the essential elements of the thalassotherapy and the beneficial properties of the olive oil. I enjoyed the ‘jewel in the crown’ treatment - an olive oil wrap with chromotherapy. This involved being scrubbed with the masseria’s own awardwinning olive oil scrub and being wrapped in an olive oil lipogel while lying on a heated bed which changed colour. The wrap left my skin feeling silky and deeply nourished. I am yet to be convinced about the health benefits of a colour changing sun bed, however. Many of the olive-oil based beauty products used at the spa are made by the estate. They are available to buy as well as being in all the rooms. The olive-oil shower gel in particular is delicious, a rich, fragrant smell that is perfect for a morning wake-up call.
THE FOOD
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here are many eating options at Masseria San Domenico. Breakfast is a vast buffet affair which you can eat inside or outside on one of the terraces. It was an international breakfast option with all bases covered from cereals to cold meats and even cake was on offer. I was aghast that there was no burrata, the typical creamy Pugliese mozzarella that I have always eaten for breakfast in Puglia. Lunch is al fresco by the pool; the hotel offers a Mediterranean Diet for the health conscious. It is a low-calorie option that
Masseria San Domenico is a grown-up and visually dramatic place to be doesn’t stint on taste, using the best of the Medierrranean style of cooking that is renowned worldwide for its healthiness; so there was lots of fish, vegetables and fruit to eat. Dinner is eaten in the masseria’s vaulted 18th-century dining room. It’s very beautiful but the high ceiling and vast space makes for a strange eating atmosphere. Convivial it isn’t. The dinner menu offers some traditional Apulian dishes with the emphasis on seasonally available ingredients accompanied by a wide selection of regional wines. Vegetables and home-grown products such as olive oil and fruit are grown or produced in San Domenico’s own land and fresh fish and shellfish come straight out of the Adriatic. Another high season option is La Nassa, the hotel’s restaurant at its private beach. It was closed when we visited in September but in the summer months it offers visitors seafood recipes done the local way including crudo di mare (raw), the ancient Apulian tradition of eating slices of raw fish served as a tartare or carpaccio. We were sad to miss it.
ACTIVITIES
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he nearby beach - San Domenico a Mare - is reserved for hotel guests. And as well as the spa, the hotel has two tennis courts, a modern gym and an 18-hole golf course. You can also discover the local villages by bike. A few miles inland are the medieval città bianche (white towns) of Ostuni, Locorotondo and Martina Franco, medieval hilltop towns in the Itria Valley. Further afield is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello famous for its 1,500 iconic trulli, the ancient, cylindrical houses that Puglia is renowned for.
THE VERDICT
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asseria San Domenico is a fabulous place for a grown-up, indulgent holiday. It felt a little ‘vanilla’ however, striving to cover every base for an international hotel crowd. There’s no doubting it’s a luxurious experience but if you want something a little more authentic, a little more Puglian, this might not be the place for you.
T H E D E TA I L S Masseria San Domenico offers a 7-night stay from £1,995 per person when booked with Elegant Resorts 01244 897294; elegantresorts.co.uk • Price based on two people sharing a Deluxe Double Room including breakfast, economy flights, private transfers and UK Airport lounge passes. Based on May 2019
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TRAVEL • PROMOTION
W O R L D
CLASS
EXCEPTIONAL VILLAS The Thinking Traveller’s collection of villas in the heart of the Mediterranean features 5-star oases of fully-serviced luxury, beachfront summer houses, gems of contemporary architecture, sumptuous masserie, chic trulli, romantic retreats, and much more. No property enters the collection until Rossella and Huw have seen it for themselves, and only about 1% of the villas offered to the company make it onto their books.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Discover the exclusive world of The Thinking Traveller
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hen Huw and Rossella Beaugié founded The Thinking Traveller in 2002, they did so with two clear aims: to offer a luxury experience that can’t be sourced elsewhere, and to inspire their clients to say, “That was the best holiday we’ve ever had. We’ll be back.” Judging by the company’s success – it has been voted Favourite Villa Rental Company four times (including in 2016, 2017 and 2018) at the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards – Huw and Rossella’s innovative approach, based on four guiding principles, is fully achieving its aims.
The Thinking Traveller’s team visit and stay at the company’s properties several times a year, experiencing everything that you’ll experience while you’re on holiday. The company’s concierges, meanwhile, are true locals who know the destinations inside out. They have all the right connections and a magical ability to make things happen. You might not need them, but it’s always reassuring to know they’re on hand if you do.
PERSONAL SERVICE The Thinking Traveller’s experts will always go that extra mile to transform your dreams into reality. Excellent listeners, creative thinkers, and resourceful logisticians, they use their first-hand knowledge to give you all the options, suggest possibilities you might not have considered, and conjure up solutions that exceed your brief.
QUALITY THROUGH EXCLUSIVITY Exclusivity is a much misused word in the travel industry. For The Thinking Traveller, it’s a simple concept: the villas are not “shared” with numerous other rental agencies – they are all available exclusively through them. This not only gives clients a truly exclusive experience, but also allows the company to have a hands-on role in quality assurance (something that’s not possible when properties are rented through multiple channels). Exclusivity also allows clients to book online 24/7, whenever it’s most convenient.
T H E T H I N K I N G T R AV E L L E R For more information and to book, visit thethinkingtraveller.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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PROPERTY Living the Dream
CEDARWOOD, CHURCH ROAD TW10
ÂŁ3,950,000
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Prime Property: The Gateway
ehind wrought-iron gates and preceded by a carriage driveway, Cedarwood is an Edwardian family home located between Ham Common and Richmond Park. The six bedroom home is filled with character inside and out, from panelling in the hall to intricate fireplaces in the reception rooms. A secluded garden is surrounded by mature trees mimicking the grandeur of the house itself.
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FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Richmond 020 8940 1575 featherstoneleigh.co.uk
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STRAND ON THE GREEN, CHISWICK A matchless and exquisite wide detached double fronted Georgian house in part dating back as far as 1697. This property boasts fabulous sweeping south-facing views overlooking the River Thames with mature, self-contained and private front and rear gardens. EPC = E
ASKING PRICE
£3,495,000
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CHISWICK 020 8994 6567
09/01/2019 14:55
Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
ST ELMO ROAD, CHISWICK A charming Victorian family home currently arranged as two apartments, easily converted if desired into a four bedroom house with further potential STPP. EPC = D
ASKING PRICE
£1,200,000
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LIVING THE
DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market
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LONG ISLAND HOUSE W3, G U I D E ÂŁ 1 , 5 5 0,0 0 0
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ong Island House is a recently converted building offering loft apartments. Located just walking distance to Turnham Green underground station on the District line. The current owners have connected two separate apartments to create an even larger and more luxurious living space. It boasts two sizable terraces, and it has been stylishly refurbished throughout to exacting standards. KNIGHT FRANK Chiswick, 020 3757 6236 andrew.wilkins@knightfrank.com
FIELDING ROAD W 4 , ÂŁ 1 , 2 2 5 ,0 0 0
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his three bedroom home is perfect for any family to move straight in to. With a double reception room and a dine-in kitchen with doors leading to the garden, this property is ideal for entertaining. The property also has potential to extend (STPP). Fielding Road is in a great location to easily access the transport links and various shops, cafes and restaurants on Chiswick High Road. FLETCHERS Chiswick, 020 8987 3000 fletcherestates.com 1
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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET
BUTE GARDENS
W6, GUIDE £2.35M
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wonderfully light five bedroom Victorian house situated in one of Brook Green’s premier residential streets. There is a fantastic full width kitchen and reception on the ground floor The first floor is dedicated to the master suite while there are four other bedrooms and a study on the upper floors. This well configured house enjoys a great open aspect to the rear. FINLAY BREWER Brook Green, 020 7371 4171 salesteam@finlaybrewer.co.uk
ADMIRALTY WAY
CULMINGTON ROAD W 5, £ 1 , 8 0 0 P C M
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stunning two bedroom ground floor conversion just moments from Walpole and Lammas Parks. The property, extensively refurbished to a high specification, offers bright and airy accommodation including fitted kitchen with dining area, west facing lounge, modern shower room, utility room, two double bedrooms, 70' rear garden and there is off street parking. JOHN MARTIN ESTATES
Ealing, 020 8998 3333 johnmartinestates.com
T W 1 1 , £ 1 , 4 9 9,9 5 0
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substantial four-bedroom townhouse overlooking Bushy Park, within the catchment area of Collis Primary School & Teddington Secondary. French doors offer quick access from the light-filled living space to a private terrace with unobstructed park views, leading down to a private garden. Under 10 minutes by foot from the station, residents can be in Waterloo in just 45 minutes. FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Teddington, 020 8977 8118 featherstoneleigh.co.uk
THE DOUBLE RECEPTION ROOM AND DINE-IN KITCHEN MAKE THE PROPERTY IDEAL FOR ENTERTAINING
A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N
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Sutton Lane North, W4
£1,900 per week Burlington Road, W4
Set close to Chiswick High Road, an attractive and substantial five double bedroom Victorian home with two reception rooms, off-street parking and a west facing garden, energy rating d.
Located in the heart of Chiswick, a stunning six bedroom Victorian house set over four floors. There is a double reception room and off-street parking for three cars, energy rating e.
020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com
Heathfield Terrace, W4
£1,700 per week
020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com
£1,575 per week Homefield Road, W4
£1,385 per week
This four double bedroom house has two reception rooms, an eat-in A four bedroom family home set in this beautiful tree lined road in kitchen with great entertaining space and patio doors leading to a central Chiswick. Set over three floors, there is a double reception garden. There is a balcony and three bathrooms, energy rating e. room, front and rear gardens and a balcony. 020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com
020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com
Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 for a professional check in (All inc of VAT).
fletcherestates.com
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Fielding Road, W4 This three bedroom house is the perfect family home. There is a double reception room and a kitchen/dining room with doors leading to the garden, ideal for entertaining both family and friends. There is also potential to extend (STPP), energy rating d.
Hazlitt Mews, W14 Set in a private gated development in Brook Green, a modern mews house presented in excellent condition throughout. The house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is also the added convenience of parking within the mews.
ÂŁ1,225,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com
ÂŁ1,000,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com
fletcherestates.com
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PROPERTY • FEATURE
THE GATEWAY The Gateway by L&Q in Chiswick is perfect for those looking to get their foot on the property ladder in the sought-after area
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aunching Saturday 2nd February within one of the capital’s most desirable postcodes, The Gateway by L&Q is bringing 68 one and two bedroom homes to Chiswick, offering a selection of properties through London Help to Buy. The newly opened Marketing Suite and dedicated show home is located on the western stretch of Chiswick High Road, just a short walk from Kew Bridge station and the River Thames. Cathy Lloyd, Sales and Customer Services Director for L&Q’s North Region, comments, “This is L&Q’s first major development for west
London. The average value of apartments in the area has grown by 26% over the past five years, so it’s clear demand is strong here, which in turn, is making homes increasingly out of reach for many buyers. Help to Buy will assist first time buyers trying to get their foot on the property ladder in this sought-after area.” Each with a private balcony, the new homes centre around a podium landscaped communal garden, promoting community living, with full-length windows allowing plenty of natural light into the apartments. The majority of homes offer an allocated parking space in the secure underground car park.
Inside, the apartments feature bright open-plan living areas with integrated appliances, while pristine bathrooms have smart white sanitary ware by Roca and porcelain floor and wall tiles. Underfoot, floor finishes include quality engineered flooring in Oak Amtico to living areas and entrance halls, with luxurious carpets in soothing neutral tones in the bedrooms. Ideal for commuting in and out of the capital, The Gateway offers easy access to the M4, with Heathrow Airport accessible in just under 20 minutes and Central London in less than 40 minutes. Kew Bridge Station runs regular direct trains services into Waterloo taking less than 30 mins, while Gunnersbury station is just a ten minute walk away, connected to both the London Overground and District Line. Stamford Brook station, on the 24-hour Piccadilly Line, is also a 10-minute bus ride away, granting locals quick, direct access into King’s Cross and Piccadilly Circus. The first launch of homes will include one bedroom apartments, with prices from £460,000 and two bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £575,000. Help to Buy is available on all homes under £600,000. The Marketing Suite and show home is open Monday 10am – 5pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm To find out more, call 0208 557 2034 or visit thegatewayw4.london
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A spacious, family home in Bedford Park.
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Abinger Road, Chiswick W4 A detached, five bedroom house which benefits from a generous, landscaped garden and beautiful period features. • • • •
Andrew Wilkins looks forward to helping you. andrew.wilkins@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6236
Accommodation set across three floors Master bedroom with ensuite French doors lead onto garden Approximately 2,638 sq ft
Guide price
£3,400,00 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
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An apartment in a highly regarded mansion block.
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2 The Orchard, Chiswick W4 This bright, spacious three bedroom apartment is located on the first floor of a popular mansion block, in the heart of Bedford Park. • • • •
Oliver Spanswick looks forward to helping you. oliver.spanswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6235
Master bedroom with ensuite Communal garden Close to Turnham Green underground station Approximately 1,481 sq ft
Guide price
£1,500,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
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A beautiful home in Richmond.
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2 Evelyn Road, Richmond TW9 An attractive period house offering beautifully appointed accommodation arranged over four floors including a double reception room, spacious eat-in kitchen/dining room and separate studio in the garden. • • • •
Edward Adler looks forward to helping you. edward.adler@knightfrank.com 020 8033 4138
Finished to an excellent standard Studio office in the garden Close to Richmond Station Approximately 1,766 sq ft
Guide price
£1,675,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
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A beautiful apartment with river views.
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2 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 An impressive apartment opposite the stunning Terrace Gardens. The apartment comprises a large reception room/kitchen, master bedroom to the rear of the apartment, second bedroom and a bathroom. • • •
Moments from Richmond Park Exposed brickwork design Approximately 811 sq ft
Our Richmond expert, Debbie, looks forward to helping you.
020 8939 2811 debbie.pinkham@knightfrank.com
Guide price
£2,750
per calendar month knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank. co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.
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NOW SELLING NEW HOMES AT FILMWORKS Be part of the big picture – arrange a visit to the new Show Apartment Prices from £529,950*
Filmworks features a stunning collection of art-deco inspired 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, ideally located in the heart of Ealing. The new homes will be centred around a vibrant new piazza, home to an impressive eight-screen Picturehouse cinema and an exciting mix of shops and restaurants including Planet Organic and Vapiano.
Take centre stage, enquire now 020 8023 7268 or email sales@filmworks-ealing.co.uk *Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Computer generated images are indicative only.
www.filmworks-ealing.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
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SALES
5 -7 Tur n h a m G re e n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W4 1R G Te l 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 8 0 0 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E-m a i l i n fo @wh i t m a n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m
FAIRLAWN ST PETERS AVENUE, SQUARE,W4 W6
£465,000 £3,250,000
LETTINGS
St Houselight, is an exciting contemporary St added Peters Square taking spaceThree and generous bedroom AnPeters amazingly well presented triple house aspectover flat looking with the benefitwith of abreath balcony andentertaining private garden. bedrooms, luxurysuites. bathroom, Spectacular galleried x 21’ Reception room, height dining room with meter windows, Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, Utility room, 14' reception room, hall, fully21’ integrated kitchen, gasDouble fired central heating, share in5the freehold, balcony and private garden with side access. Ideally Summer Four double bedrooms, Four station bathrooms, 3500 sq ft, Limestone andrestaurant oak floors,facilities Under floor situated room, withinCloakroom, close proximity of Chiswick Park tube and Over the extensive shopping and on heating, ChiswickGated High access Road. with video entry phone. Ideally situated in this historic square close to all amenities. No chain.
LINDEN GARDENS, W4 LAMB COTTAGE, DALE STREET, W4W4
£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1,650,000
A newly decorated lowerperiod ground floorfinished gardentoflat withhigh private westinfacing garden. Large bedroom with wardrobes, room with A stunning, fully extended house a very standard this most sought afterdouble location. The house comprises; Four reception double bedrooms, wood floors, with shower over, with fittedwalk kitchen, garden. The flat is on one of Chiswick's best located roads, from the shops, Luxury ensuitebathroom shower room, Large bathroom in shower, 24’ Double reception room, Stunning kitchen/breakfast roommoments with feature glass roof and restaurants cafésthe on landscaped the High Road andExtensive 5 minutes from Turnham Green The property is available September, bifold doors onto garden, storage throughout. The station. house situated in the popular ‘Glebeearly Estate’ moments furnished. from Devonshire Road’s boutique shops, cafes and restaurants and also very close to Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Station.
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LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE,W4 TW8 FAIRLAWN GROVE,
£350 PER WEEK £1,675,000
An immaculately presented bedroom Victorian housefloor offering balance of living entertaining space in this centralaChiswick Beautifully presented twofive double bedroom second flat an in excellent this highly sought after and riverside development. Boasting stunninglocation. open plan Five bedrooms, Luxury family bath/wet room, Shower Large entrance reception room, room with doors, 25’ Bespoke kitchen reception room, a river side balcony and a room, masterCloakroom, ensuite bedroom. Large hall, openDouble plan reception fullydividing fitted kitchen with granite work kitchen/breakfast room opening onto private garden, Rearspace Access, Cellar/Utility room, Extensive built in storage. Situated in a quiet leafy enclave tops, fitted wardrobes and riverside views. landscaped Underground parking included. offering close proximity to Chiswick Park Station and the extensive facilities on Chiswick High Road. EPC-D
QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNESROAD, GROVE, W4 LAMB W4W4 BERRYMEDE
£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £750,000
large, two lightbedroom and beautifully presented flat on room, this highly road in the heart ofsecure Bedford Park, just Master minutes from AAunique mews property with two largedouble vaultedbedroom ceiling reception privatedesirable south facing patio garden and gated access. Turnhamwith Green underground Top floor ensures beautifulLuxury viewsbathroom, from the reception and bedrooms. bedroom ensuite wet roomstation. and dressing area,position Second double bedroom, 19’x17’ Reception room with feature vaulted ceiling, Fully integrated kitchen, Private south facing landscaped garden, Freehold, Ideally located in this quiet cul de sac road offering close proximity to all amenities, No chain. EPC-D.
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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?
Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts. You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.
We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light. Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house. The premium online estate agency.
London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk
housepartnership.co.uk
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www.johnmartinestates.com
EALING W13
ÂŁ425,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD
A fantastic bright and airy first floor conversion flat close to West Ealing and Scotch Common and a stone’s throw from Drayton Green which has been beautifully updated and modernised throughout. The property offers a large double bedroom, spacious lounge with bay window, modern well-arranged fitted kitchen/diner and family bathroom. The property also benefits from double glazed double hung sash windows, gas fired central heating, new carpets and loft windows. Energy Performance Certificate D
82 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QX jmesales@johnmartinestates.com JOHN MARTINindd.indd 1
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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”
EALING W13
£1,800 PCM (*Fees apply)
A stunning two bed ground floor conversion flat situated just a stone’s throw from both Walpole and Lammas Parks, extensively refurbished throughout to a high specification. The property offers fully fitted kitchen with dining area, west facing lounge, modern shower room, utility room, two double bedrooms, 70’ rear garden and off street parking. There is also gas fired central heating, wood flooring or tiled flooring with underfloor heating in all living areas and carpets in the bedrooms. Energy Performance Certificate TBC
*In addition to rent, tenants pay deposit (usually six weeks’ rent per property) and administration fee of £120 (inc VAT) per tenant plus check out fee (determined by size of property) at end of tenancy. Any guarantor required pays administration fee of £60 (inc VAT). No renewal fees are payable.
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MADE
TO M E A S U R E W I T H O U T T H E B E S P O K E P R I C E TA G
Come in store to discover our February offers
Call now for more details 020 3714 6000 Or Visit – 323 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 9NH manager@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk www.homedesign.schmidt
Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday Sunday by appointment only
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