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IN THE

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MARCH 2019

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents

34

MARCH 2019

94 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK 54 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

AGENDA

56 RECIPES

CERAMIC ART LONDON

INTERIORS 66 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

Diary dates for March

18

The international pottery show returns for 2019

26 DREAMING OF DIOR The V&A's fabulous new fashion show

FA S H I O N 32 CHALK FACE

News from the industry

Spring dishes from The Borough Market Cookbook

News and views from the world of design

68 DECO DELIGHTS

Art Deco is never out of style

74

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 43 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

THORNBACK & PEEL

In the studio with the design duo

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 89 DINNER DRAMAS

How to eat out with children... and enjoy it

94

T R AV E L SURF STORY

Hitting the waves in North Devon

ABSOLUTELY Chiswick MARCH 2019 / £3.95

POT

LUCK The return of Ceramic Art London

IN THE

STUDIO Print tales from Thornback & Peel

Night WATCH ZEST.LONDON

This month’s best beauty buys

The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

MARCH 2019

Dramatic eveningwear at Net-a-Porter

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

CHISWICK

Architect Malaika Carr's graphic jewellery

34 THE SHOOT

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ON THE COVER

S T Y L I S H LO O K S F O R A F T E R DA R K ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

19/02/2019 09:59

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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 ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER

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5 LETTER HABITAT

Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S March issue highlights

1

THE CHALK HOUSE

Jewellery by architects. page 32

Y

Bauhaus-inspired looks for 2019 page 78

ou know that the worst is over as soon as the first daffodils go on sale. And now that we're into March, spring is officially here, and with the onset of spring also comes Ceramic Art London, the contemporary ceramics event that grows popularity and scope every year. This year will see more than 90 potters and ceramicists from around the world gathering at Central Saint Martins to show their wares, which range from classically beautiful pieces to bizarre, conceptual creations that stretch the boundaries of what we might expect from ceramics.

Also stretching boundaries is architect Malaika Carr, whose fixation with architectural details and angles has led to her creating a collection of jewellery based on bits of buildings. We were fascinated to talk to her about designing both houses and earrings. Also in this issue we are admiring the amazing Gillian Anderson and Lily James, on stage together in the fantastic All About Eve (for which everyone should book tickets now), swooning over the V&A's marvellous Dior exhibition (anyone looking for mother's day gifts could do worse than giving tickets for that) and loving the current taste for Art Deco. We hope you enjoy the issue.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

2

CERAMIC ART LONDON

Pots for pot heads page 18

4 MINI RODINI

A new London store for Sweden's finest kidswear page 87

3 ALL ABOUT EVE

Gillian Anderson and Lily James together on stage. page 25

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

St yle icon TV presenter and fashion icon Laura Jackson lends her standout style to Warehouse in a versatile collection for spring. The exclusive edit mixes fresh colours on delicate fabrics, perfect for day-to-night dressing and urban city living. warehouse.co.uk

SPRING BRIGHTS This wonderfully golden blouse from Joie is the perfect transitional piece to add to your spring capsule wardrobe. We love it with pale denim. £275; harveynichols.com

Out of this world Endlessly versatile yet fashion forward, Marcella London’s Moon bag is the perfect style piece for everyday outfits. The champagne colour-way is easy to style, day or night. £275; marcellalondon.com

WILD AT HEART Take a fragrant voyage along a winding river with the Wild Flowers & Weeds collection from Jo Malone London. The tangy sting of nettles, weeping willow and alluring hemlock all feature in the collection made of five gorgeous limited edition scents. £49; jomalone.co.uk

H E L E N B R OW N

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES In the Know The brand on everybody’s lips is Zeynep Arçay. Based in Istanbul, Zeynep Arçay is a smart, sophisticated collection of edgy silhouettes, created for the modern woman. Expect a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that is both strong and feminine. zeyneparcay.com

CASHMERE COMFORTS Madeleine Thompson combines the sumptuousness of cashmere with a contemporary silhouette in this ultrasoft Akiva jumper. £295; madeleine-thompson.com

EARN YOUR STRIPES De La Vali's 'Suki' dress has already been seen on the likes of Behati Prinsloo and Pandora Sykes. Made from silk-satin, this version from the Spring '19 collection is updated with a striking tiger print. £325; net-a-porter.com

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS Beautifully complex and aromatic, this Chamomile Gin Liqueur blends an exceptionally smooth gin with a carefully selected recipe of flowers and herbs. Sweet honey and delicate florals add character and depth to a variety of cocktails. £18; silentpooldistillers.com

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EDITOR’S PICK

SHEARLING CHIC The Chaos Shearling Clutch Bag is crafted from beautifully soft champagne sheepskin and has been generously designed to house all of the essentials. £550; shop.chaos.club

ABOUT FACE Parisian label Isabel Marant works lavish pieces into the modern woman's wardrobe. Conversationstarting and stylish, these gold-tone brass face stud earrings will add a pop to any ensemble. £95; farfetch.com

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

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KEEP IT CLASSIC Our menu features modern European classics (with a twist).

Join us at the bar or book a table for breakfast, lunch or dinner. percyandfounders reservations@percyandfounders.co.uk

1 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7EY

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C U LT U R E ANDY WARHOL, LIZA MINELLI, 1977, © 2018 THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY DACS, LONDON. COURTESY BASTIAN, LONDON

What’s On 16 • Ceramic Art London 18 • Theatre Review: All About Eve 25 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

Blood Knot

From 8 Mach O R A N G E T R E E T H E AT R E Morrie and Zach share childhood memories of their mother but have wildly contrasting life experiences due to their different fathers.

It’s been a year since Morrie returned to Port Elizabeth, but he’s back to take them away to make a new life. Can they free themselves from the prejudices provoked by the different shades of their skin? 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9; oramgetreetheatre.co.uk

EXHIBITION

DAVID BAILEY

THE SIXTIES 14- 3 0 MA RC H • GAG OSIAN

David Bailey’s bold and iconoclastic style has made him one of the world’s most renowned living portrait photographers, raising him to the same starry heights of his stellar sitters. This carefully curated selection of Bailey’s works embodies the effervescence and energy of London in the 1960s.

17-19 Davies Street, W1K; gagosian.com

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T H E AT R E

Evolution 2019 1-13 March LY R I C H A M M E R S M I T H The Lyric’s annual emerging artists festival is back with another diverse offering from the industry’s up-and-coming stars of the stage and screen. From well-oiled centrepiece shows to those on the starting blocks and in the early stages of development, audiences will be astounded be the talent on offer.

Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

AROUND

EX H IB ITIO N

MUSCLE M EM O RY Until 17 March ELEPHANT WEST Painter Anna Liber Lewis and musician Kieran Hebden come together as Four Tet to create a newly commissioned body of work, produced in tandem and in response to each other’s work. Muscle Memory aims to disrupt the idea of the ‘white cube space’ exhibition, presenting itself as a multi-sensory experience though which audiences should feel able to move freely.

62 Wood Lane, W12; elephant.art/west

TOWN C E L E B R AT E

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8 March VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S International Women’s Day takes place every year to celebrate and commemorate the countless achievements of women around the world. As ever, there’ll be events taking place across the capital including the unmissable WOW Festival at London’s Southbank Centre. southbankcentre.co.uk

EX H I B I T ION

ANDY WARHOL POLAROID PICTURES

This Month’s Must See

Ongoing BASTIAN Andy Warhol Polaroid Pictures is the inaugural exhibition at Bastian’s London space showcasing a series of over 60 portrait and self-portrait Polaroid photographs by Andy Warhol. Featuring artists, actors, politicians and friends of his eccentric Factory entourage, the exhibition offers an intimate portrayal of New York in the 1970s and 80s during the establishment of a new visual culture. 8 Davies Street, W1K; bastian-art.co.uk

F E S T I VA L

LONDON BOOK AND SCREEN WEEK

THE LADY VANISHES

11-17 March VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S With hundreds of events taking place in one jam-packed week, London Book and Screen Week is the capital’s biggest celebration of books, films, TV and the written word in all its forms. londonbookandscreenweek.co.uk

11- 16 MARCH • RICHMON D THEATRE

W

hen socialite Iris’ unexpected travelling companion suddenly disappears, Iris is perplexed to find that all the other passengers deny ever having seen her. But with the help of musician Max, she turns detective, and together they try to solve the mystery in this quick-witted thriller based on the 1939 Hitchcock classic. Little Green, Richmond, TW9; atgtickets.com

C E L E B R AT E

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL 15-17 March T R A FA L G A R S Q U A R E Join the Irish as they celebrate St Patrick’s Day with lively celebrations, events and activities in Trafalgar Square. Expect flamboyant pageantry, elaborate floats, marching bands and more. Trafalgar Square, WC2N

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

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JILL SHADDOCK Individual Vessel Grouping Multilayered slipcast. Parian, body stain and transparent glaze.

From £25

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ARTS & CULTURE • CERAMICS EDDIE CURTIS Kurinuki Technique (hollowed from solid) Vessel; Stoneware; Frosted celadon glaze; £1400

DEREK WILSON Constructed Vessels.

Thrown and assembled stoneware/porcelain with coloured engobe exterior. £790-£1400

PAULA BASTIAANSEN untitled porcelain work

HOT P OTS Ceramic Art London returns with its vast display of all things clay

I

ROGER COLL TRIAS REDSL1801 Modelled, slipcast and sanded Stoneware

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Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

n recent years, the ceramics world has exploded any lazy preconceptions of being a crafty backwater, with booming markets and rising demand for everything from unique, hand crafted tableware to highly collectable art pieces. Returning for its 15th year this spring, the hotly anticipated Ceramic Art London is the ultimate fair to see and buy the finest ceramics being made in the world today.

Organised by the Craft Potters Association who have invited over 90 of the best makers from around the world - including from the UK, Ireland,

Germany and Spain and as far afield as South Korea and Japan - the fair takes place in the spacious central concourse of Central Saint Martins’ Grade 2 listed Victorian granary building. Visitors can also take time out from shopping and meeting the makers to attend the always fascinating ClayTalks series which, this year, features a keynote speech by V&A Director Tristram Hunt and an appearance by celebrated ceramic artist Kate Malone. In a new event for 2019, visitors get to see sparks fly at The Kiln House, a temporary outdoor kiln which will be located at the nearby Skip Garden.

This year sees a shift towards showcasing more work by makers whose practices are deeply rooted in the sculptural. First time exhibitors to look out for include self-taught Korean ceramist Miho Inagaki, whose textural, wall-based mesh works resemble cracked earth and Paula Bastiaansen, whose translucent porcelain creations have an ethereal fragility about them.

Among the returning artists are David Binns, who draws on contemporary A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ARTS & CULTURE • CERAMICS

SASHA WARDELL Group of 3 Bone China 'Shoal' pieces Slip cast double-layered and incised technique £250 & £150

MIHO INAGAKI Red Hanging Reduction firing by wood; Stainless mesh, Clay, Chamotte. Iron glaze, £340

THIS YEAR SEES A SHIFT TOWARDS SHOWCASING MORE WORK BY MAKERS WHOSE PRACTICES ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE SCULPTURAL RICHARD PHETHEAN Oval teapot and beaker black earthenware, brushed slips, clear glaze, £275 and £40

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architecture and natural forms to create expertly glazed vessels in gorgeous hues of jade, Nuala O’Donovan, whose anemone-like forms are inspired by nature’s irregular beauty and Sewon Minn with her gloriously eccentric designs. Rowena Brown presents her ceramic house sets inspired by abandoned crofters’ cottages in the Hebrides, while the multi-award winning Grainne Watts returns with her sensually shaped and intensely coloured vessels and sculptures.

Prices start at £27 for one of Yuta Segawa’s miniature vases, or £35 for one of Elly Wall’s hand painted pastel cups, to £6.5K for one of Ashraf Hanna’s sublime vessels. ClayTalks, a dynamic talks series featuring prestigious names from the world of ceramics and beyond, is programmed in partnership with Central Saint Martins and takes place throughout the weekend.

IKUKO IWAMOTO Pofupofu & Spiky Tall vases slipcasting with hand decorations & Lucie Rie base glaze £1,600 each

Booking in advance is essential for this popular series. Past speakers have included Grayson Perry, Keith Brymer Jones and Phoebe Cummings.

ClayTalks highlights include a Keynote Address by V&A director Tristram Hunt, and talks by celebrated ceramic artist and Great Pottery Throwdown judge Kate Malone, design and craft writer Grant Gibson, ceramic artist Mella Shaw, gallerist Joanna Bird, ceramics collector Preston Fitzgerald, terracotta specialists Darwen Terracotta and artist and maker collective Haptic Tacit.

Over the weekend, The Kiln House – located at The Skip Garden, the sustainable urban garden adjacent to Central Saint Martins – offers visitors the chance to witness ceramic firing in an outdoor setting.

C E R A M I C A R T LO N D O N 2 0 1 9 22-24 March, Central Saint Martins, 1 Granary Square, N1 ceramicreview.com

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BEOVISION ECLIPSE

Our gift of sound to you Buy a Beovision Horizon or Beovision Eclipse TV and get a gift of up to £1,800 to spend* on our multiroom or flexible living speakers – So you can enjoy sound everywhere.

*Receive £1,800 if purchase is of a Beovision Eclipse 65”: RCP from £11.795. Receive £1,300 if purchase is of a Beovision Eclipse 55”: RCP from £7,795. Energy class A. Receive £600 if purchase is of a Beovision Horizon 48”: RCP from £4,495. Receive £400 if purchase is of a Beovision Horizon 40”: RCP from £2,995. Energy class B. Prices exclude installation and wall bracket/floor stand starting from £460. Beoremote One included. Offer non-transferable and non-convertible to cash discount. Offer can only be redeemed when purchasing a multiroom or flexible living speaker together with Beovision Eclipse or Beovision Horizon. Offer cannot be combined with other promotions. Products included in the offer: Beosound Edge, Beosound 2, Beosound 1, Beoplay A9, Beoplay M5, Beoplay M3, Beolit 17, Beoplay P6, Beoplay A1, Beoplay P2 (all variants except Bronze).

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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

The Importance of Being Earnest 27 February - 16 March

MUST SEE

TARA THEATRE

Mistaken identities, confusion and cucumber sandwiches come together in this innovative new take on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

Two British-African women bring to life the 19th century witty classic which on the surface is a light jib at the nonsensicalness of the upper class, but at a deeper level, is a profound plea for sincerity in the face of adversity.

356 Garrett Lane, SW18; tara-arts.com

By H E L E N B R O W N

Emilia

From 8 March VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

Following a sell-out run at Shakespeare’s Globe, Morgan Lloyd Malcom’s entertaining new play returns to tell the tale of writer, teacher, poet and mother, Emilia Bassano.

Said to have been The Dark Lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets and one of literature’s first female voices, her story, until now, has gone untold for centuries.

404 Strand, WC2R; nimaxtheatres.com

Richard III 13-31 March

ALEXANDRA PALACE

Tom Mothersdale (The Glass Menagerie; Cleansed; John) will take on Shakespeare’s iconic villain, Richard III in a brand new collaboration production between Headlong, Bristol Old Vic and Alexandra Palace. Decades of civil war leaves the nation hanging in the balance.

With his sights set on the crown, so begins the bloody and manipulative campaign of Richard, in his attempt to change the course of history.

Alexandra Palace Way, N22; headlong.co.uk

EMILIA

Betrayal From 5 March

HAROLD PINTER THEATRE

Two of the country’s most exciting young stars, Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox, will join Golden Globe, Olivier and Evening Standard Awardwinner Tom Hiddleston in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. With poetic precision and rich humour, the production charts a compelling seven-year romance in reverse chronological order.

Panton Street, SW1Y; pinteratthepinter.com

Equus

Until 23 March STRATFORD THEATRE EAST

Award-winning director Ned Bennett brings Peter Shaffer’s psychological thriller Equus to the stage in a bold new production. When teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses, psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering his motive.

Inspired by a true story, Equus explores the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality.

Gerry Raffles Square, E15; stratfordeast.com

BETRAYAL

EQUUS

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THEATRE • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

All About Eve Ivo van Hove reinvents the 1950 cinema classic for the stage, starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James

By PENDLE HARTE

T

he 1950 film All About Eve belongs to the cinematic canon for its story of ego, friendship and rivalry and for Bette Davis’s unforgettable performance as Margo Channing. This stage version by Ivo van Hove is at once a faithful rendition and a new imagining, with its clever use of live filming and projected images adding a further dimension to the stage format. It’s an exciting and stylish show, full of excellent performances and clever staging.

Gillian Anderson’s Margo may be a little hard to accept as a fading beauty – she looks amazing – but Lily James is youthful and suitably innocent-seeming as Eve. The script is near enough exactly the film’s, and

at two hours with no interval, it’s about the same length too. From the start, knowing the film doesn’t detract at all from the intense emotion conveyed throughout, with the audience at all times in tune with Margo’s insight into Eve’s motivation even while nobody else is. Monica Dolan gives a standout performance as Margo’s best friend Karen, an outspoken personality who is ultimately blackmailed by Eve in an intense and cleverly crafted bathroom scene that takes place offstage yet is projected to the audience while the other characters have dinner on stage, in a stage equivalent to a split screen scene.

In many ways it’s a story about the fear of ageing, highlighted by a terrible scene where Margo’s face, magnified in close-up on a projector, appears to age rapidly as

Knowing the film doesn’t detract at all from the intense emotion she watches in horror. Anxiety over being replaced by a younger generation is an eternal theme and in all, the production conveys a sort of timelessness, even though its fundamental concepts of ego and self read very differently now. “It is just as false not to blow your horn at all as it is to blow it too loudly,” says Addison DeWitt when he sees through Eve’s act, revealing a presocial media attitude that seems sweetly innocent in our world where people blow their own horns loudly all the time.

VERDICT

Stylish, entertaining and clever ★★★★★ ALL ABOUT EVE UNTIL 13 JULY Noel Coward Theatre;

allabouteveplay.com

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YVES SAINT LAURENT IN FRONT OF CHRISTIAN DIOR LONDON, 11TH NOVEMBER 1958 © POPPERFOTO/GETTY IMAGES

J ’A D O R E

DIOR A Absolutely previews the V&A’s new look at Christian Dior Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

CHRISTIAN DIOR BY JOHN GALLIANO (B.1960), HAUTE COUTURE, AUTUMN/WINTER 2004 PHOTO © LAZIZ HAMANI DIOR HÉRITAGE COLLECTION, PARIS

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s the V&A’s first major fashion exhibition since McQueen in 2015, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams has been highly anticipated. The first show in the V&A’s new Sainsbury’s wing, this is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior. Based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition is reimagined for the V&A by curator Oriole Cullen, with an entirely new section dedicated to Dior’s fascination with British culture.

Dior is of course most famous for inventing the waist and revolutionising the established silhouette with his New Look in 1947, and it is the well-known Bar Suit – part of the V&A’s permanent collection – which opens the gallery. But there are several focuses to the exhibition, which traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him, to explore the enduring influence of the fashion house.

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• XXXX FASHION XXXXX• FOCUS

CHRISTIAN DIOR WITH MODEL LUCKY, CIRCA 1955 COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN DIOR

BACCARAT CRYSTAL BOTTLE DESIGNED BY CHRISTIAN DIOR FOR DIORISSIMO PERFUME, 1956 PHOTO © LAZIZ HAMANI CHRISITIAN DIOR PARFUMS COLLECTION

ROYAL PORTRAIT OF PRINCESS MARGARET ON HER 21ST BIRTHDAY PHOTOGRAPH BY CECIL BEATON (1904–1980) © VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British-designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary. He also had a preference for Savile Row suits. His first UK fashion show took place at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in 1952 he established Christian Dior London. The exhibition investigates Dior’s creative collaborations with British manufacturers. It also focuses on his most notable early British clients, from author Nancy Mitford to ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn.

A highlight is the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday, on loan from the Museum of London.

Drawn from the extensive Dior Archives, the exhibition presents over 500 objects, with over 200 rare Haute Couture garments shown alongside accessories, fashion photography, film, vintage perfume, original make-up, illustrations, magazines, and Christian Dior’s personal possessions.

Dior’s total design vision encompassed garments, accessories and fragrances. Flowers are emblematic of the Couture House and have inspired silhouettes, embroidery and prints, but also the launch of Miss Dior in 1947, the first fragrance created alongside the very first show.

From horticulture to global travel and 18th-century decorative arts, the show reveals the sources of inspiration that defined the House of Dior’s aesthetic.

From the daring designs of Yves Saint Laurent to the rational style of Marc Bohan, the flamboyance of Gianfranco Ferré, t he exuberance of John Galliano, the minimalism of Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s feminist vision of fashion, the exhibition shows how each successive artistic director has stayed true to Dior’s vision of Haute Couture, while bringing their own creative sensibilities to the House.

CHRISTIAN DIOR WITH MODEL SYLVIE, CIRCA 1948 COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN DIOR

C H R I ST I A N D I O R DESIGNER OF DREAMS continues until 14 July; vam.ac.uk

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

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The home of the

HOUSE PROUD

New Roman Blinds Collection Our exciting new collection of Roman Blinds opens up a whole world of style choices. All backed by a service we’re pleased to say is second to none; with the highest quality products expertly made to measure and fitted beautifully.

So whatever the design, window or room we will do your house proud.

luxaflex.co.uk

Luxaflex® Showrooms: Belle Vue Interiors, Egham: 01784 471 122 • Curtain Call, Richmond: 0208 332 6250 Abbott’s, Roman Road: 0208 980 4158 • Ashtead Interiors, Ashtead: 01372 271 010

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FASHION

GIRL POWER K AT E S PA D E

Kate Spade's joyous spring campaign took actresses Julia Garner, Kiki Lane and Sadie Sink to upstate New York for a girls' weekend away.

The resulting pictures are colourful, fun and girlie. katespade.co.uk

Architectural jewellery from The Chalk House 32 ¡ Stylish evening looks 34 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Melody Maison Furniture | Mirrors | Home Décor www.melodymaison.co.uk Call: 01302 741000 Use Code: MMAL10 for 10% Off!

Expires 30th June 2019

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Pearly queen Celebrate this Mother’s Day with a pearl

ALIGHIERI

TIFFANY & CO

ALIGHIERI

Passione di Napoli Earrings, £420

Signature Pearls Earrings, £1,800

La Jetée Earrings, £240

alighieri.co.uk

tiffany.co.uk

alighieri.co.uk

TIFFANY & CO

BOODLES

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Aria Bracelet, £14,100

The Knot Long Diamond South Sea Pearl Necklace, £17,500

Clam Shell Earrings, £179.48

tiffany.co.uk

boodles.com

oscardelarenta.com

BY PARIAH

BOODLES

TIFFANY & CO

Sidetracked with Pearl, £1,065

Circus Small Yellow Gold Pearl Earrings, £5,500

Aria Necklace, £28,300

bypariah.com

boodles.com

tiffany.co.uk

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

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P U E P A S

H

Absolutely quizzes architect and jeweller Malaika Carr about the interaction between buildings and bling

32

Q: How did you start incorporating architectural elements into jewellery design?

A: Having studied architecture, my mind has been trained to see things in a particular way. I tend to see buildings as a puzzle, a series of components that can be broken down. I extract these components and start forming shapes. I rotate, dissect and adapt the elements until they start to look like something that can be worn.

Q: Which came first, architecture or jewellery design?

A: Architecture came before the jewels – it was only while studying for my masters in architecture that I realised I wanted to design jewellery.

I used the modelling techniques and skills that I learnt at university to start testing jewellery ideas.

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

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FASHION • Q&A

I see buildings as a puzzle, a series of components that can be broken down. I extract elements and start forming shapes

Q: What is it about Ricardo Bofill that translates into jewellery?

A: I discovered Ricardo Bofill’s building, Walden 7, on a trip to Barcleona and really admired its boldness. I was amazed by the volume, the intimate balconies, the imaginative use of colour, materials and sculptural forms – and I instantly saw shapes that I started sketching which later translated to the collection Shaped Objects. I was heavily influenced by curves, vertical lines in the tiles and colour palette.

Q: Which other architects are you interested in?

A: I love the work at the practice I am currently working at, Michaelis Boyd (not just being biased). I really enjoy the projects I work on. I am also really into Studio Ashby’s work – I love what she has done to her husband Charlie Casely Hayford’s shop and their new home. I also adore Carlo Scarpa’s work and I used his works as inspiration to my Arco pieces which are made from precious metals.

Q: In your own work as an architect, are you thinking about jewellery?

A: In some ways yes: the skills of designing a piece of jewellery and, say, a joinery piece are totally transferrable. I like details and try to bring this into the architectural spaces I work with.

Q: Which materials do you like to work with?

A: I am known for using walnut, acrylic and formica. The walnut forms the structure and gives it a rich warm texture, and this contrasts with acrylic, which adds a pop of colour to animate the piece.

I think the two work well together as a material palette. I have more recently started to use sterling silver to experiment with more three-dimensional pieces.

Q: And can you describe your signature style?

A: Chalk is known for its bright bold statement pieces that elevate a look. I like to think Chalk is unique, eclectic and contemporary. thechalkhouse.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DRESS TO IMPRESS HEAD-TO-TOE RED CARPET LOOKS WITH NET-A-PORTER N E T- A - P O R T E R . C O M

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ALL AVAILABLE AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

MODERN MUSE ARMANI BEAUTY Multi-award-winning actress and UN goodwill ambassador, Cate Blanchett is the ultimate modern day role model. She also plays beauty muse for Giorgio Armani as the first global beauty ambassador of the house and face of Sì fiori, the brand's latest eau de parfum launch. armanibeauty.co.uk

Beauty notes 43 • Anti-pollution skincare 45 • Fitness 47 • Mother's Day 49 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Come and train like the stars at F45 Training RAVENSCOURT PARK 0208 222 8261

0207 251 8062

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Basement, 9-13 Cowcross St, (Rear entrance) | EC1M 6DR

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Brightening masks and the site making K-beauty accessible B y H E L E N B R OW N

FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

K-BEAUTY

Core Collective

TO N I C 1 5

K-Beauty is the movement revolutionising our make-up bags, but from glass skin to snail slime and everything in between, there’s a lot that needs demystifying.

TONIC15 brings simple K-Beauty methods to the western market, bypassing the gimmicks and the fuss. Best-sellers include this Radiance Me. Mild Essential Peeling Gel which reveals radiant and glowing skin without irritation. Make P:rem, £24;

B y R AC H E L AV E R Y

tonic15.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SKIN FOOD

I R E N E F O R T E S K I N CA R E

Every ingredient in Irene Forte Skincare - from the olive oil to the fruits and flora - are grown on Rocco Forte’s Organic Farm. We love this face mask enriched with pomegranate extract, aloe vera and avocado oil for its hydrating and brightening properties.

Pomegranate Face Mask, £99; ireneforteskincare.com

PASSING OF TIME CHANEL

This season Chanel is celebrating the year 1957 with an elegant new scent of the same name. Why 1957?

It's the year of Gabrielle Chanel’s consecration in America, but also 19, the day of her birth, and 57, to signify the reopening of the East 57th Street New York City boutique.

Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1957 Eau de Perfume, from £155;

Take your yoga up a gear with a Power Yoga class at Core Collective

WHAT IS IT? This is exactly the first question we had when we were invited to try the class. In fact, we broke into a sweat just thinking about it... But, put simply, it’s a more intense version of a normal yoga class. The same flows, but with a few harder moves thrown in, along with longer holds.

WHY TRY IT? If you find yourself leaving your usual yoga class wanting a little bit more and you’re ready for a challenge, this is the class for you. It’s a great way to work on strength and flexibility at the same time. And, let’s face it, a class that can do two in one is a winner, right?

WHERE? Power Yoga classes are held at both Core Collective studios and timetables can be found at core-collective.co.uk

INTRO OFFER FIVE CLASSES FOR £50.

Knightsbridge: 23 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0HD. Kensington: 45 Phillimore Walk, W8 7RZ

chanel.com

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

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Eating the right food and exercising sometimes isn’t enough to get rid of stubborn fat - so let the CoolSculpting procedure do the work to get you back into shape The scientifically-supported, FDA-cleared way to eliminate stubborn fat with no surgery

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND CHANEL D-Pollution Essentiel, £48; chanel.com

SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic Acid Face Serum, £135; skinceuticals.co.uk

SUNDAY RILEY CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, £70; cultbeauty.co.uk

NATURA BISSĒ Diamond Cocoon Deep Cleansing Mousse, £77; net-a-porter.com

PAULA’S CHOICE Defense Cleanser, £19; paulaschoice.co.uk

DR. BARBARA STURM Anti-Pollution Drops, £105; harrods.com

DRUNK ELEPHANT

SARAH CHAPMAN SKINESIS

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, £54; cultbeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

Liquid Facial D-stress, £42; lookfantastic.com

URBAN JUNGLE

DR. BARBARA STURM Anti-Pollution Food, £85; spacenk.com

The best beauty products to protect your skin in the city B y ROSIE REYNOLDS

LIXIRSKIN Vitamin C Paste, £32; libertylondon.com

ALPHA-H Vitamin B, £39; cultbeauty.co.uk

ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE® City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield, £55; johnlewis.com

ALLIES OF SKIN KIEHL’S Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque, £34; spacenk.com

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1A All-Day Pollution Repair Mask, £87; harrods.com

KYPRIS Antioxidant Dew Hydrating Serum, £69; contentbeautywellbeing.com

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

FITNESS TECH The latest apps making at-home workouts easy

FIIT

ringing the best elements of a boutique fitness studio straight into your living room, FiiT allows members to choose from hundreds of workouts, with live feedback visible on the dashboard as you workout, via an app that connects to your TV. Encouraging people to venture out of their comfort zone, trying new workouts, pushing them to workout harder, FiiT has something for all abilities. fiit.tv

B

THE

G IXO

ixo makes live trainers available throughout the day and night for 15, 25 or 40-minute sessions, guiding you through running, walking, HIIT, or strength routines that you can do without having to leave your apartment. Your coach will also be available to offer advice, answer questions and keep up a constant stream of motivation. gixo.com

G

YOGA WAK E U P

his app prompts you to start your practice as soon as you roll out of bed by playing calming audio sequences that eases you into 10 minutes of morning stretches. Jump on it as soon as you open your eyes and before you start scrolling on Instagram. yogawakeup.com

T

DA NIE L LE PEAZER

eebok, DW Fitness First and MTV have joined forces to create a series of new dance-inspired workout videos starring professional dancer Danielle Peazer. Each video workouts incorporate the ‘Danielle Peazer Method’, which tones the body in the same way as a professional dancer.

Classes are fun, confidence-boosting and can be completed in 10-minutes. dwfitnessfirst.com/inside-track/

R

ENGINE ROOM

We try rowing, the latest workout making waves in the fitness industry Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

T

ypically found collecting dust in the corner of the gym, the rowing machine is having a resurgence thanks to a rise in rowing-only studios and classes from some of London’s most forward-thinking instructors.

Heading up the movement is The Engine Room, so called for the strongest team members in a rowing boat. This new studio - set

up in a Grade II listed converted church - can be found on Central London’s Albany Street. It takes me five minutes to find the door, but once inside I see that the place has been transformed by Bergman Interiors; think neon lights, dark, straight stretches of wall and sleek surfaces. I’m signed up to Row 101 taught by The Engine Room founder Chris Heron. It's the ideal starting point for someone like me who has consistently skirted the

rower in favour of the treadmill and bike. This class is about nailing the technique. I learn that it’s all about pushing with the legs rather than yanking with the arms - a common mistake that can put the back out.

I learn to regulate stroke rate and increase power before completing a 2km stretch. Success is shown via a cinema screen up-front to which each machine - a state-ofthe-art Technogym Skillrow - is connected. You’re stats are up there for you and the class to see, but loud music and strobe lights act as a distraction. Using 85 per cent of the body’s muscles across nine muscle groups, rowing provides a full-body resistance workout, is brilliant for cardio fitness, flexibility and strength, torches calories and is pleasingly low-impact. It’s a wonder there isn’t more of a queue at the gym. Once you’ve got the technique down, other classes at the studio will have you complete rounds of squats, lunges, slam balls and the likes for a workout that will challenge you more than most.

THE ENGINE ROOM St Bedes Hall, Albany Stremt NW1; theengineroomlondon.com

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

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AK

ArlingtonKitchensLtd

Keep your high street local Phone us and arrange a free consultation and design

Visit our showroom 48 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1PD 020 8614 5757 | info@arlingtonkitchens.co.uk | www.arlingtonkitchens.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

VERDANT ALCHEMY Drift Off Bath Oil, £32 verdantalchemy.co.uk

HAECKELS Hand Care Rituals Gift Set, £49 haeckels.co.uk

AXIOLOGY Vegan Lipsticks, £25; gloworganicbrighton.co.uk

LOQUETLONDON.COM

GORGIAS LONDON Complete Night Repair Oil, £44.95 gorgiaslondon.com

EYM Rose, Geranium and Camomile Candle, £39 eymnaturals.com

MERCI MAMAN The Duchess Necklace , £119 mercimamanboutique.com

MOTHER LOVE

NAZAN SCHNAPP Sublime Hydrating Treatment Essence, £61 jolie.co.uk

Don’t forget that allimportant Mother’s Day gift SOL Hand-blown Reusable Coffee Cup, £19; trouva.com

LIEWOOD Dora Weekend Bag in Rusty, £42 beyondthestork.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

PARCEL LONDON Girl’s Night £57 parcel.london.com

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

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GROUT GROUT TILES TILES -- high high quality quality porcelains, ceramics & porcelains, ceramics & GROUT TILES - high quality accessories at prices. accessories at excellent excellent prices. porcelains, ceramics & ChoosingTILES tiles can be a daunting GROUT - high quality Choosing tiles can be a daunting accessories at excellent experience soceramics we are committed to porcelains, & prices.

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T: 020 3005 2955 store to offer a friendly and attentive contact@grouttiles.com contact@grouttiles.com service - to both Trade and Retail. www.grouttiles.com T: 020 3005 2955 www.grouttiles.com contact@grouttiles.com T: 020 3005 2955

www.grouttiles.com contact@grouttiles.com www.grouttiles.com

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EAST SHEEN SHOWROOM EAST SHEEN SHOWROOM

OPENING HOURS OPENING HOURS

315 Upper Richmond Rd W 315 Upper Richmond Rd W East Sheen EAST SHEEN SHOWROOM East Sheen London | SW14 8QR SW14 8QR EASTLondon SHEEN| SHOWROOM 315 Upper Richmond Rd W East Sheen Rd W 315 Upper Richmond London | SW14 8QR East Sheen

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14:01 14:01

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19/09/2018 17/08/2018 13:20 14:01

BEAUTY • MOTHER’S DAY

1

1

P E R F E C T LY P R E S E RV E D

M A G I C F L O W E R C O M PA N Y

The Magic Flower Company offer real, preserved flowers and other foliage, which promise to last for an entire year. Their plants are sourced from around the world, then they're arranged in-house.

Finally, an organic formula is used to preserve them, meaning you can have real flowers, all year round, totally hassle-free. magicflowercompany.co.uk

I N

2

B L O O M

PEDDLE ON P E TA L O N

Petalon’s speciality is delivering flowers (a choice of two bouquets each week) by bicycle across London, on the same day that you order them (as long as it’s before 12 noon). They do also send flowers across the UK via post, but it’ll take a day or two. Plus, all their packaging is biodegradable. petalon.shop

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE PRETTIEST SPRING FLOWERS

2

3

3

F LO R I S T- B O R N FR ED D I E’ S FLOWER S

Freddie Garland, of Freddie’s Flowers, grew up with florist parents. He was inspired by a job with Abel & Cole, the veg box people, to start delivering flowers door to door. Subscribers recieve a bunch of flowers along with plant food and instructions for care as well as tips on how to arrange them. freddiesflowers.com

4

FAU X F LO R A GISELA GRAHAM

Another faux-flora specialist, Gisela Graham has a different approach to long-lasting bouquets. Customers can choose individual flowers to make their own bunch, or opt for prearranged bouquets which are for sale via various stockists. giselagraham.co.uk

5

AT O D D S

TH E O D D FLOWER

4

5

The Odd Flower company offers a range of services. Customers can choose to subscribe to monthly, fortnightly or weekly deliveries of seasonal bouquets. Or, send a bunch as a gift, just choose between a box of blooms or a hand-tied bunch. theoddflower.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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FOOD & DRINK

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED KANISHKA

Celebrated restaurateur Atul Kochbar (Tamarind, Benares) will open Kanishka in Mayfair this month, showcasing the cuisine of Indian territories previously unexplored by London’s restaurants.

Food notes 54 • Recipies 56 • Food review 61 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this March

By FLORA THOMAS

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chianti Classico

by Badia a Coltibuono  £15.95 Perfumed aromas of red cherry, wild herbs and a spicy complexity lead to a dense palate laden with ripe fruit and freshness. The tannins are integrated and polished, framing a generous finish.

Perfect with grilled meats or pasta dishes.

2017 BeaujolaisVillages, Lantignié, Alexandre Burgaud  £13.50 Expect lifted aromas of violets and red berries, lashings of juicy fruit on the palate, and a long, mineral finish – a nod to the protrusions of blue granite throughout Alex’s vineyards. It makes a mouth-watering apéritif.

2016 Ca’ del Magro, Custoza Superiore, Monte del Frà, Veneto  £14.50 Produced from a blend of grape varieties including Trebbiano, this wine is golden with an enveloping bouquet of grilled nuts and yellow peach. The white stonefruit character is lifted by mineral notes - would work well with roast chicken.

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

bbr.com

54

SKY’S the LIMIT S K Y LO N R E S TAU R A N T

A new menu has arrived at riverside restaurant, Skylon. Not only has the food been revamped, the interiors have been refreshed, following executive chef Helena Puolakka’s arrival in September last year. Diners can expect expertly-sourced produce from around the UK, like the Cobble Lane Cured charcuterie platter, featuring meats cut, cured and smoked in Islington.

Belvedere Road, Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX skylon-restaurant.co.uk

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

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

FEMALE CHEFS FOR IWD

E M I LY R O U X

Back with a bang

Emily Roux, daughter of Michel, opened Caractère late last year with her partner, Diego Ferrari. Born in 1991, Emily is the youngest of the Roux dynasty to make her mark on the culinary world. Emily runs frontof-house at Caractère: “Two head chefs in the kitchen is just too much.” caractererestaurant.com

TAMARIND MAYFAIR

It opened in 1995 and was the first Indian restaurant to win a Michelin star in 2001. Now, after a considerable eight-month rebuild, Tamarind Mayfair is open for business. The new interior boasts hand-painted glass ceilings and an elegant, members-club aesthetic.

Highlights from the menu include fiery tandoori prawn balchao and pistachio crusted grilled lamb chops.

20 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR tamarindrestaurant.com

NICE TO MEET YOU THE MEET

Following a highly successful threemonths, the plant-based pop-up has opened a permanent restaurant in Clapham. Designed for a spectrum of tastes, the menu offers a selection of boisterous dishes for committed vegans, experimental foodies as well as the health-conscious. Also on offer is an extensive list of vegan cocktails.15-16 Lendal Terrace, London SW4 7UX the-meet.co.uk

SELIN KIAZIM Selin Kiazim is a Londoner of TurkishCypriot heritage. The chef opened Oklava in Shoredtich in 2015 with Laura Christie to critical acclaim; it's an open-kitchen, stone-oven, charcoal-grill affair. Kyseri is Selin and Laura's latest venture, this time in Fitzrovia, in their effort to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine. oklava.co.uk / kyseri.co.uk

SEVEN WONDERS

Jungle fever

THE PETERSHAM

YOPO AT THE MANDRAKE

S K Y E GY N G E L L

Brand new Yopo has replaced Serge et Le Phoque at The Mandrake Hotel. The menu takes inspiration from the Venezuelan jungle plant the restaurant is named after; expect a fiery selection of gutsy dishes, served in a modern space flooded by light and flora. Look up to see the hand-painted ceiling mural; look out to see hanging jasmine and passion flowers in the courtyard.

20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG yopo.london

The Australian chef cut her teeth as food editor at Vogue. She went on to work at The French House, then in 2011 won a Michelin star at Petersham Nurseries Cafe. 2014 saw the opening of Spring at Somerset House where Gyngell and her team serve a distinctively seasonal menu. springrestaurant.co.uk

Embark on a journey of taste and texture with a brand-new tasting menu.

Try the playful chicken parfait lollipop canapés or get ‘Lost in the Forest’ - a wintry dish comprising pickled mushrooms and crispy black rice.

Nightingale Lane, Surrey, TW10 6UZ petershamhotel.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Market

PORTERS Spring recipes from the Borough Market cookbook Wo r d s E D S M I T H

56

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

LAMB MEATBALLS IN YOGHURT, PEA AND HERB BROTH S E RV E S 4

T

hese minted lamb meatballs in a light broth, studded with sweet sugar snap and mangetout peas, feels exactly like the kind of thing we ought to be eating at this time of year. Serve the broth with something savoury and nutty like quinoa, or wholemeal grains such as pearl barley or bulgur wheat. Light pasta such as orzo or linguine work well too.

F O R T H E M E AT B A L L S • 500g lamb mince • 100g ricotta • 50g dry breadcrumbs • 1 garlic clove, crushed • finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 1 large egg • leaves picked from 30–40g mint, finely shredded • ½ teaspoon sea salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper

FOR TH E B ROTH • 600ml vegetable stock • 3 bay leaves • 1 garlic bulb, cut in two through the middle • 350g mixture of sugar snap peas, mangetout and freshly podded peas • leaves stripped from 15g chervil, roughly chopped

METHOD Mix together all the meatball ingredients in a bowl, keeping a quarter of the shredded mint to one side, then get your hands dirty and roll the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut: 20–25g each if you’re into measuring. Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray and, if you have time, refrigerate for 1 hour or more. 2 Around 30 minutes before you plan to serve, heat the oven to 150C fan/170C/325F/gas mark 3. Once the oven’s hot, bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. 3 At the same time, bring the vegetable stock, bay leaves and garlic to the boil in a wide saucepan, then reduce the temperature and simmer for 5 minutes. 4 Transfer the baked meatballs to the stock and poach for 5 minutes before adding the sugar snaps, mangetout and fresh peas. 5 Simmer for a further 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and leave the greens to warm through and the broth to cool a little. 6 Stir the chervil and remaining mint through the broth and meatballs, then serve with a grain, seed or pasta of your choice, and a dollop or two of yoghurt to stir through the broth.

GOAT’S CHEESE REDCURRANTS AND PISTACHIO CRUMB SERVES 6

1

G

oat’s milk and goat’s cheese are well represented at Borough Market.

This dessert is akin to a build-your-own cheesecake, where sharp and tangy fresh goat’s cheese is sweetened and rounded by floral honey, and joined by tart redcurrants and a calming, green pistachio crumb.

INGREDIENTS • 100g shelled unsalted pistachios • 40g plain flour • 25g caster sugar • 50g salted butter, melted • 30g icing sugar • 200g soft, fresh goat’s cheese (chèvre) • 230ml double cream • 60g runny honey (something floral) • seeds from 1 vanilla pod • 1 punnet of fresh redcurrants

METHOD 1 Start by making the pistachio crumb.

Preheat the oven to 120C fan/140C/275F/

gas mark 1. Put 80g of the pistachios, all the fl our and caster sugar into a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 2 Combine with the melted butter, then use a fork to spread the crumbs out in the baking tray – they should be about 50 per cent loose, 50 per cent packed into tight clusters. 3 Bake for 45 minutes–1 hour until dry and firm. Remove from the oven and leave to cool, then mix the crumb with the remaining whole pistachios and store in an airtight container until required (these will keep well for a few days at least).

4 Put the icing sugar and goat’s cheese in a bowl and use a spatula to beat until smooth.

Add half the cream and whip this into the mix, then the second half, together with 30g of the honey and the vanilla seeds. 5 Beat until well combined and thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 6 Encourage everyone to build their own cheesecake, beginning with a heavy spoon or two of the cream-cheese mix, then drizzling with honey and scattering with redcurrants and a few spoons each of pistachio crumb.

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amma

ia

The home of classic Italian cuisine

Mamma Mia is a restaurant in the heart of Sheen that serves authentic and delicious homemade Italian cuisine paired with a delectable selection of regional wine.

We are a friendly, relaxed environment and the perfect place to entertain family and friends.

Be sure to book with us this Mother’s Day! Call us now on 020 8878 6725 to book a table for that special occasion or simply casual fine dining.

459 Upper Richmond Road West | East Sheen | SW14 7PR

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

WHIPPED HOT-SMOKED SALMON WITH SPRING CRUDITÉS S E R V E S 6 -1 2 A S A D I P

A

number of the market’s fishmongers stock thick wedges of hot-smoked salmon, which sit proudly like rose gold bullion – like those of Oak & Smoke, from a centuryold smokehouse in Arbroath, Scotland.

Though ready and willing to be flaked into a salad or sandwich, the salty, smoky edge is particularly good when whipped up with dairy to something akin to a taramasalata, and served with fresh and crunchy vegetables or thin crackers. As such, this dish makes an excellent canapé or informal start to group feasting.

INGREDIENTS • 200g hot-smoked salmon • 200g full-fat crème fraîche • 2–3 tablespoons full-fat Greek yoghurt • grated zest and juice of ½ lemon ¹⁄5 nutmeg

TO S ERVE • selection of seasonal crudités, such as chicory leaves, radishes and their leaves, 1–2cm-thick slices of fennel, cucumber, young carrots or other bright and crunchy fresh vegetables • cracker bread

METHOD Peel the skin from the salmon and discard. Flake the flesh into a food processor and add the crème fraîche, 2 tablespoons of the yoghurt, the lemon zest and juice. 2 Blitz for 30 seconds or more until light and smooth. 3 Taste, then season with freshly grated nutmeg, black pepper and salt (take care with the latter). 4 Blitz again, taste and season for a second time, adding the remaining yoghurt if you think it could be a touch looser.

Serve with a selection of seasonal crudités and cracker bread.

1

“This dish makes an excellent canapé or informal start to group feasting”

Recipes taken from The Borough Market Cookbook by Ed Smith, published by Hodder & Stoughton

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German kitchens

Azco Interior s 94 Heath Road Tw i c k e n h a m TW1 4BW

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0208 892 9906 18/02/2019 11:52 09:58 18/09/2018 11:50 19/03/2018

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“If there’s one thing you must order, it’s the parfait”

Bistro Union A quintessentially British neighbourhood bistro in Clapham

FOOD British/European sharing plates

B y LUCIE PEARCE

A

rriving on a cold, lateJanuary evening, we bustle into the warmth of Bistro Union eagerly anticipating some comforting winter grub. The restaurant is located on Abbeville Road, and it’s the sister site of Trinity, located close by in Clapham South. Enthusiastically greeted on arrival, we hungrily ask for our waiter’s recommendations on starters. The list is somewhat exhaustive, which is how we manage to begin with three plates of food.

Life is for living, afterall, especially on gloomy winter evenings.

All three dishes (la latteria burrata, homemade pasta of the day

DECOR and chicken liver parfait) arrive at the table beautifully presented. The burrata, which is locally sourced, is accompanied by blood orange, chilli and mint making it very attractive, but the sprinkling of coriander seeds is what really elevates the dish. It’s sweeter than usual with a more distinctive taste. The homemade pasta of the day is an indulgent, creamy dish, of wild mushrooms and parmesan - it’s exactly the thing we were looking forward to, and goes down a treat.

So far, so good. But, if there is one thing you must order, it’s the parfait.

Served with crunchy toast and piquant chutney, it is wonderfully flavoursome. Our serving is

Elegant and rustic in equal measure

PRICE Small plates from £7; Large plates from £15

VERDICT A well-rounded neighbourhood restaurant

generous, the flavours develop in your mouth, providing a rich, smooth and utterly exquisite starter.

Next up is the main event. We opt for the chicken, leek and tarragon pie; a classic. The menu warns us that the it is made for sharing, and you’d do well to believe it. It’s huge.

No complaints here, though. The crust is golden and flaky, with not a soggy-bottom in sight. Although it’s a traditional pie, it’s not as heavy as one might expect. It tastes deliciously of bittersweet tarragon; the chicken distribution is even and generous, and the meat is juicy.

We have a side of seasonal root vegetables to accompany the main, which is served crushed and wellseasoned with chunks of roasted garlic.

We conclude with a couple of glasses of Côtes du Rhône and a chocolate cremosa, served with toffee popcorn (not for me) and ice cream.

Light and fluffy, it’s the opposite of how I feel at this point. Perfectly sated, we head back into the blustery evening fully warmed up.

BISTRO UNION 40 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9NG

bistrounion.co.uk

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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 • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

What to drink and how to drink it

fabulous

FIZZ

By PENDLE HARTE

THREE OF THE BEST CHAMPAGNES

PERFECT PAIRING

B y T H E C H A M PAG N E G U R U

Dom Pérignon Vintage Rose 2005, £250 With 96 Points from Robert Parker, UK’s no 1 Wine Advocate, this Champagne has a bracing vinosity. It has remarkable length in the mouth, with a touch of licorice, bitter blood orange, fig and strawberry. As the wine breathes and grows it later reveals taste of guava, violet, vanilla, cocoa and toasted spices.

B E R RY B R O S X FA R M I S O N

Farmison & Co’s award-winning heritage breed meat from the north of England makes for a perfect pairing partner to some of Berry Bros. & Rudd’s enduring and enticing wines. Pictured is the Farmison & Co’s Pork Rack Box, containing a trimmed rack of free range pork partnered with Berry Bros. & Rudd’s 2017 Chablis by Domaine du Colombi, £40 farmison.com

Beau Joie Champagne Special Cuvée Brut, £74 This champagne is encased in a 100% recyclable copper armour design that means once cold, this bottle does not need to be kept in an ice bucket. With 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, it has a perfect balance of dryness and sweetness resulting in a clean, crisp taste from start to finish.

BRIT POP H U S H H E AT H

The home of award-winning Balfour Brut Rosé is open to visitors and wine lovers to experience tours and tastings. Hidden away in beautiful Kent countryside near Staplehurst, the Estate produces one of England's most delicious sparkling wines using the Traditional Method.

Champagne Bonnaire Vintage 2009, £38

hushheath.com

SCENT BOTTLE MUYU

Muyu, a new range of luxury liqueurs. combines a boutique perfume attitude with a cocktail philosophy. Muyu is created in an entirely unique way offering a fresh, clean flavour profile.

The three flavours are Jasmine Verte, Chinotto Nero and Vetiver Gris pourdrink.org

This family-owned champagne estate has made its own champagne since 1932. Their vintage 2009 is an excellent champagne with a nose full of candied fruits and fresh white flowers, combined with mineral and buttery hints.

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

PATTERN LOVE M A N U E L CA N OVA S

New from Manuel Canovas is Castillon, an embroidery inspired by a suzani from Afghanistan. This all-over design of large medallions surrounded by stylized flowers and leaves is embroidered on a linen ground in bold colours. manuelcanovas.com

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR WATC H FARROW & BALL X THE RUG COMPANY

New to the collection of rugs in Farrow and Ball shades is this carefully devised mid-tone Bay Blue rug that comes in three different textures, all hand-loomed in Nepal.

Other new additions include Portobello Pink and Leighton Teal. therugcompany.com

STATEMENT

PIECE

BELLA FREUD X GILLIAN WEARING

Bella Freud and Gillian Wearing came together to work on pieces inspired by Suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett and her campaign, from which partial profits are donated to the Fawcett Society. So for International Women's Day, why not treat yourself to a Suffragette City teapot? plinth.uk.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

EDITOR’S PICK

MONOCHROME A selection of our favourite pieces

DECOVILLE Amsterdam neutral wallpaper, £150 decoville.co.uk

BLOOMSBURY SHADES

FLOCK FABRIC

ANNIE SLOAN

ERCOL X FLOCK

Ercol has teamed up with forward-thinking British textile brand, Flock, to create a collection of limited-edition chairs. Showcasing two brand-new fabric designs on ercol’s awardwinning Marino chair, the range will be available to buy at Heals in spring. £1,995. ercol.com

CARAVANE Segaya cushion, £70 caravane.co.uk

Annie Sloan's collaboration with Charleston has resulted in three colours inspired by the incredible home of the Bloomsbury group. highly decorated rooms within the British farmhouse: Rodmell, Firle and Tilton. anniesloan.com

TULIBEE Yay knitted blanket, £79 tulibee.co.uk

CARAVANE Jaspero crockery, from £27 caravane.co.uk

POTTERY POLITICS BREXIT WARE

WHITE BLACK GREY Geometric tile coasters, £20 whiteblackgrey.co.uk

CARAVANE Neroli crockery, from £15 caravane.co.uk

Hard, soft or scrambled?

Brexitware is a collection of ceramics launched soon after the 2016 referendum. What will you have for breakfast on 29 March?

Egg cup pair, £21 brexitware.com

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INTERIORS • STYLE ROSS & BROWN

BEAUMONDE

Gold round mirror with black frame, £144 rossandbrownhome.co.uk

Coral glass vase, £18 beaumonde.co.uk

ATKIN AND THYME Toledo console table, £349 atkinandthyme.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Malachite vases, £198 jonathanadler.com

SWOON EDITIOS Ziggy sideboard, £649 swooneditions.com

BAR CRAFT Art Deco brass finish ocktail shaker, £19.99 ocado.com

THE GIFTED FEW Light green arch vase, £39.95 thegiftedfew.com

DECO DELIGHT Art Deco is always in style. Here are some contemporary pieces

SUE PARKINSON Antique gold palm leaf table lamp, £225 sue-parkinson.com

B y PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

MINIFORMS Celia sideboard, £3,160 gomodern.co.uk

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BETHAN GRAY Jade Shamsian Nizwa cabinet, £9,420 wagreen.co.uk

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

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18/02/2019 16:51

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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The

ESS ENC E

OF HOME

The contemporary Danish design retailer BoConcept is launching their spring collection of furniture, home furnishings and accessories 70

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

B

oConcept’s latest spring and summer collection are based on two trend inspirations the “Simple and Essential” and “Nostalgic Dreams”. Get inspired with their calming palette of colours and natural tones with splashes of soft pastel hues. Everyone loves the transformative effect of statement Danish furniture. The Simple and Essential look is pared back, giving your home a calm expression. Nostalgic Dreams give spaces soft minimalism. Warm touches arrive through near-pastel hues of pink, ochres and delicate greens.

C U S TO M I S E YO U R INTERIOR

When browsing through BoConcept’s designer furniture, there is a whole line of unseen possibilities behind everything you see. You can create your very own unique home with a wide range of customisation available for each product. Customise every detail with BoConcept’s staggering selection of high-quality fabrics and a vast range of finishes. With more than 140 finishes for sofas, dining chairs and bed headboards. As well as a variety of sizes and options across wall cabinets, wardrobes, dining and coffee tables - the combinations are almost endless. There’s no doubt you will be spoilt with choice.

Warm touches arrive through near-pastel hues of pink, ochre and delicate green F U L LY C O O R D I N AT E D COLLECTION

BoConcept world famous international designers work closely together to create a totally coordinated look across their collection of furniture and home accessories.

All their products suit a large variety of moods and express current trends.

S PAC E S AV I N G S O L U T I O N S

Becoming clutter-free can be a challenge in the modern way of living. BoConcept is constantly focusing on finding new clever space-saving solutions. The amazing Rubi table can be transformed with a simple action into a working desk and then extend into a dining table seating 8 persons. The Xtra footstool can transform from footstool to become a very sturdy bed. Plus, BoConcept’s range of beds offers excellent hidden storage facilities. These are just a few examples of BoConcept’s transformative furniture.

FREE DE SIGN SERVICE

Whether you need some advice furnishing your entire home or would like some inspiration as to which sofa will work in your living room, BoConcept’s team of highly experienced interior designers are ready to help you create a unique home that matches your personal style. Perhaps you want to create a Nordic mood in the dining room with Scandinavian style sideboards, elegant

dining tables and dining chairs - or a hotel vibe in your living room with sofas, recliner armchairs and daybeds in leather, velvet or your preferred fabric. BoConcept’s design team will advise you in store, or come to your home, take measurements of your space, listen to your needs suggesting fabrics and finishes and produce full 3D renderings showing you how your space could look.

WA L L PA P E R S , C U R TA I N S , RUGS AND HOME AC C E S S O R I E S

In addition to BoConcept selection of Danish furniture and accessories, they offer a coordinated collection of contemporary bespoke curtains and blinds combined with a measuring and fitting service. To complete your stylish home BoConcept have many stunning wallpapers to choose from, the collections are a mix of modern classics, opulent silks, delicate florals and bold geometrics. Finally, you can discover rugs such as luxurious shag and lustrous cowhide or classics like rounds and freeform abstracts to suit all homes.

Visit one of their stores and see their wide range of multifunctional design furniture, and get professional advice about modern living and interior design. Stores located at Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Harrods, Kingston, Guildford and now Westfield London or online at boconcept.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • BRAND FOCUS

Sheet music

W

hat do we expect from our bed sheets? Comfort is an obvious primary demand, but sustainable and ethical production is a growing concern for most of us. Then there’s the issue of choice – too many options and we can be left baffled. And not least, sleeping in a comfortable bed may make us consider the increasing numbers of people who don’t have a bed at all as homelessness in London becomes more and more visible.

When Jed Coleman - co-founder of Caravan Restaurants - and Will Coulter former management consultant - founded Rise and Fall as a simple supplier of high quality, fuss-free bedlinen, homelessness was high on their agenda. Built into the business model was a commitment to supporting homelessness charity Centrepoint and now £3 from every set of sheets sold goes directly to the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, helping to get young people off the streets.

Rise & Fall sells two types of sheet only – one softer, the other crisper. Both come with a 100 day risk free trial, so if you don’t find their sheets the ‘most comfortable sheets you have ever slept in’, they’ll refund you fully.

The founders work with a partner in Southern India that runs entirely on wind energy, recycles 99% of its water and offers free education and upskilling to its predominantly female workforce. Instead of plastic packaging, the sheets are sold in recycled and reusable materials.

Jed Coleman said: “The idea for Rise & Fall came at a time when we were both working long hours – sleep was invaluable,

Absolutely discovers Rise & Fall’s new comfortable and sustainable bed linen Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

but hampered by uncomfortable sheets that had been treated with harsh chemicals and didn’t fit the bed properly. Further, the whole process of buying sheets (in store, with endless confusing choice) seemed like it could use an overhaul. We just thought there had to be a better way.

“After thousands of hours of research, 100s of samples and four continents we settled on two different types of sheet and by cutting out the middlemen and selling online only we have been able to keep prices where they should be.. We’ve also put a lot of time into the smaller details – specially designed thick elastic bands to keep your bottom sheet pulled tight at night, thoughtfully placed labels ensure making the bed is as painless as possible, duvet covers that have extra strong button closures that are easy to do up and pillow cases that use generous envelope flaps to ensure no pillow spillage.”

R I S E A N D FA L L www.riseandfall.co | @riseandfallco on Facebook | @ __riseandfall__ on Instagram

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IN THE STUDIO Thornback and Peel, in their own words I n t e r v i e w F LO R A T H O M A S

JULIET THORNBACK AND DELIA PEEL are a British design duo. I visited their studio in Bloomsbury to quiz them on their success.

How did you meet?

DP: We were set up by a mutual friend - I was in the middle of a set-design job at a theatre and there was some down time between shows. I wanted to do some printing and I’d heard that Juliet was brilliant at making bags. So we met at The French House in Soho and decided to design and sell a collection of bags.

JT: We invited all our friends to a private view. We’d made tote and evening bags, printed with anatomy: we had brains, gold teeth… we used lots of gold foiling and geometric prints. Lots of little beetles and bees. I was working in a florist, and on days off we’d do some printing and I’d go home and start making it up. But it was too labour intensive. We thought about what might be marginally less labour intensive - what’s flat?

Deckchairs came next.

DP: We did some tea towels. We were still printing everything ourselves. We did so for a really long time, way beyond when we should have stopped. When we had children we started to get some help; I was on maternity leave so we had an assistant

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- Juliet was pregnant at the time as well.

She could barely reach the press over her pregnant belly. Over the course of five years we passed the business between us. Once with just two weeks of handover.

Where were you selling your items?

DP: Initially we continued to do private views. They’re great. People are kind but they’re honest! Then Liberty approached us.

JT: We were in Deptford at Cockpit Studios, they do an Open Studio twice a year and a buyer from Liberty came along one summer and saw our work, they asked us for some cards, then we did our first trade show.

DP: We sold to Family Tree in Exmouth Market too, initially it was lots of little shops which allowed us to understand the structure and the process of selling to stockists.

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INTERIORS • Q&A

DELIA PEEL AND JULIET THORNBACK

How did people react to your work?

JT: We were slightly out there with our designs.

DP: I think now people would immediately take to it but it wasn’t mainstream back then. We had an American agent who said that one buyer literally picked up a cushion, saw what she thought was a cockroach and chucked it across the aisle at a trade show.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

JT: It might be that we’ve been away for the weekend and seen something we love… and thought ‘that’s it’. Or we’ll think ‘right, we need to do something seasonal’ and go from there. We can only have one or two new designs a year, so it’s about editing what we have down to something we can make rather than coming up with ideas.

DP: Sometimes we look at our collection and think it’s not an obviously coherent mix of designs, and that’s fine by us. We love it. The ideas always come during downtime. Take our blackbird, there’s heaps of nostalgia in it. It comes from walking the kids to school: there’s a little blackbird on our route. The new cactus and bird print, as well as the pineapple, came from looking at Victorian hothouses and going to Kew. The inspiration for the rabbit and cabbage was obviously Beatrix Potter. I grew up with a walled garden, so memories from my childhood end up on the page.

Ideas often come when reading stories to our children. The tea cup design is inspired

by Alice in Wonderland. Tell me about the design process.

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WINTER SALE - UP TO 40% ON MANY RANGES

Rigid GERMAN kitchen inc appliances and worktops; £4,900

Bring us your kitchen quote, and we’ll beat it

20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY | Tel: 020 8742 2236 | www.osborne-interiors.co.uk

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• XXXXX • Q&A CULTURE INTERIORS

JT: Some of it is existing imagery that we doctor. 19th century engravings, for example, which are copyright-free.

DP: Then we draw into them. So take our blackbird, for example: when we found him he was very long – far too long – so we’ve squashed him up a bit. With our pea print, we found a beautiful old engraving and added the curly tail which is actually a from a pig in a previous design. It’s all very Frankenstein. Sometimes we have to redraw things because it’ll be too fine to print. Then it goes back and forth from page to table to computer.

Placing designs on products takes up a lot of our time. While some designers make a print, usually a fairly small repeat, then make heaps of fabric to cut up to make different things, we need the quality of line to be spot on, so we design each item individually.

JT: We’ve really thought about the placement of things. It’s slightly a rod for our own backs. We like to think it sets us apart. When the samples come in and they’re beautiful it’s a lovely moment. Our cactus has been a really easy ride, because it came out perfectly first time.

Tell me about your collaborations and limited editions.

DP: Over the years we’ve collaborated with lots of really exciting people. One of our first collaborations was with the wonderful Conran Shop. We did a couple of seasons: the first was a utensils range, then some products on the theme of gardens.

JT: They were exclusives for Conran so they came and went. The designs were of spoons, weighing scales, sugar tongs… on tea towels, aprons and placemats. Some elements were mixed up, so you’d have a fork where a fork is meant to be, but pliers in place of a knife. It was a really exciting time. We designed some banners for their shop which was really Delia’s forte - very theatrical.

DP: We designed deckchairs for Sarah Raven; exclusives for Oliver Sweeney; we’ve worked with GOOP, designing some bespoke tea towels.

JT: Gwyneth (Paltrow) asked us to create exclusive designs for her shop. It was a knife – her father’s knife, an apple, an American flag and a pirate.

What are you most proud of?

DP: We continue to work with Fortnum and Mason on exclusives. It’s brilliant, it’s lovely going into the shop and seeing our designs.

JT: It was an amazing brief - they have some beehives on top of their shop and they asked us to create a design featuring them. We love it and it has continued to sell really well.

What are your plans for the future?

JT: We want to do a cookbook! Our styling is so food-orientated.

DP: We’re working on a wallpaper and fabric project for this year, which we hope to launch in September, so we’ll see.

Sometimes we look at our collection and think it’s not an obviously coherent mix

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

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WI DE ANG LE MINI MODERNS

Mini Moderns' new wallpaper collectino, Culture! draws on the design duo's love of midcentury art, design and architecture. This Bauhaus design features some of Walter Gropius’s most well-known architecture, as well as symbols of the Bauhaus movement - the circle, triangle and square. minimoderns.com

BAU HAU S ST YLE 100 YEARS AFTER THE B A U H A U S S C H O O L O P E N E D, I T S I N F L U E N C E I S S T I L L F E LT Words P E N D L E H A R T E

S POT ON DAR LIGHTING

If the Bauhaus ambition was to unite the principles of fine art with those of functional design, then this pendant lamp is a good illustration. The simple yet precise aesthetic combines works well with decorative bulbs. Sion chandelier, ÂŁ78 wayfair.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

M ETAL H EADS HABITAT

Cooper is Habitat's new statement armchair with a skinny metal frame that easily allows light to flow through the design, giving the sense of more space within a room.

It follows the Bauhaus principle of minimal and clean lines in a distinctive colour. £495 habitat.co.uk

G ET TH E G LOW DAR LIGHTING

The Black & Opal Glass Izyan pendant has a simple and authentic Weimar feel. £89 oceanlighting.co.uk

SQUARE DANCE NATUZZI

The Dalton armchair's rigorous design is embellished with visually striking solid wood side frames. It is a result of a collaboration between Professor Roberto Tapinassi and architect Maurizio Manzoni. POA natuzzi.com

COOL CH ROM E ORIGINAL BTC

The London table light features a spun aluminium semi-sphere shade available in black, putty grey, red and yellow with a solid chrome base.

Cotton braided flex is woven through the curved chrome arm for a cleanlined, neatly tailored finish. Very Dessau, £469 originalbtc.com

B IG STEEL NATUZZI

With its minimalist lines and special steel frame giving it lightness and harmony, the Cammeo armchair has an urban aesthetic and a morernist feel.

POA natuzzi.com

OFF THE WALL DAR LIGHTING

The Andre contemporary wall light features aged brass framework and opal white glass to form a globe, producing a soft and warm light output. The light is operated by a pull cord with matching aged brass ball detail. £38 dusklights.co.uk

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E T

D U

I O

S N I Absolutely celebrates the most colourful, dramatic and exotic interior of all: Leighton House Wo r d s N A N C Y A L S O P P h o t o g r a p h y Š L E I G H TO N H O U S E M U S E U M , R B KC

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INTERIORS • FOCUS THE NARCISSUS HALL IMAGE COURTESY OF WILL PRYCE

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he image of the 19th-century artist starving in a garret is an attractively romantic one. But, as attests the Kensington home of aesthete and neo-classicist Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton, a serious fortune awaited the more successful painters of the age. (A title too, of course, always proved persuasive to the art-buying cognoscenti of the day; and it is unlikely to have been a detracting factor in his appointment as President of the Royal Academy).

Whether or not visitors are acquainted with the oeuvre of Lord Leighton, an exploration of the house that was purpose-built for him by architect George Aitchison speaks of his penchant for the eclectic, the exotic, the colourfully dramatic and the exquisite. Leighton would go on to tinker with it irresistibly over the three decades he lived there, right up to his demise; his was, after all, one of the most talked-about houses in the country. He called it his ‘private palace of art.’

The interior is the more striking for the surprises it presents. For Leighton House’s exterior – all plain, even austere red brick– is most reminiscent of a vaguely forbidding Italianate museum; the sole architectural flourish is a dome (also in red brick), the only hint at the thrilling treasures that lie inside.

The sheer scale of those treasures magnifies the surprise and delight once inside. For quite beside his own works, the most famous of which reside elsewhere (Flaming June in Puerto Rico, Cimabue’s Celebrated Madonna Carried in Procession through the Streets of Florence in the National Gallery), Leighton House is, as it was always intended to be, a repository and showcase for collections amassed from Leighton’s extensive travels, for his art and taste, as well as being his workplace.

The whole house is inspired by the artist’s travels in Italy and the Middle East, but the pièce de résistance must, inarguably, be the Arab Hall, which was inspired by

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

meanwhile, was Lord Leighton’s. Having seen a similar ‘Narcissus room’ among the excavated remains of a house in Pompeii, he once again sought to marry the Italian influence with Syrian, Turkish and Persian touches. At the foot of the staircase stands a stuffed peacock, an embodied metaphor for the house, and a symbol of the Aesthetic Movement to which Leighton subscribed.

Also on the ground floor is the dining room, whose jewel box-like theatrical red provides a stage set for Leighton’s ceramics, which hang decoratively on the walls. And it is this that best articulates the purpose of the house; its creation was to house artefacts so avidly amassed over a life. This is not a place that simply accommodates them; they are the point, not least because they so inspired Leighton’s work.

While Lord Leighton’s more official entertaining took place downstairs, his guests were, perhaps later in the evening, frequently led upstairs to his studio, the powerhouse of his creativity. In stark contrast to the ornate flourishes and sultry darkness of the more formal ground floor rooms, his studio on the first floor is cavernous and airy, all the better to stretch out his often vast canvases and to see his models, who were provided with a screen and a fireplace behind which to prepare in comfort. It was befitting of a man whose sitters were often eminent themselves, and whose visitors – who counted among their number Queen Victoria herself – even more so. It was here that he held famous musical soirées, and it was, to Leighton, an assembly room of sorts, complete with a minstrels’ gallery.

THE DRAWING ROOM IMAGE COURTESY OF KEVIN MORAN

THE SILK ROOM. IMAGE COURTESY OF JUSTIN BARTON

Lord Leighton was a man of whose interior life little is known; so consummate an entertainer and public persona was he that researchers have uncovered scant details of private passions. But then, perhaps, the clues to his internal machinations are all here, his calling card presented for all to see: his elaborate relics of a welltravelled life, his wit and the comfort he provided as a professional host as contrasted to the plainness of his own bedroom, where a single iron-frame bed differs little from the one in the butler’s bedroom, a cocoon from which a butterfly would emerge daily.

Twists and turns of fate led to Leighton House today coming under the auspices of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Following Leighton’s death in 1896, his sisters Augusta and Alexandra attempted to sell it; but an enormous house with only one bedroom had, it transpired, limited appeal. To meet the generous legacies set out by his will, they dispersed much of his collection around the world – Constables and Delacriox paintings were bade farewell to – and so stripped of its raison d’etre, the house fell into a number of odd uses, including as a children’s library for a time. Restoration in the 1980s and 90s, allied with a much larger scale on-going project to reinstate its erstwhile glory have re-established Leighton House as a monument to the tastes and mores of one of the leading figures in Victorian art.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

PLAY TIME LITTLE CREATIVE FACTORY Little Creative Factory built the soul of their company around the spirit and innocence of childhood, consistently inspired by the creative, curious minds of all the little people around the world. Their collections encourage children to express themselves and have fun. littlecreativefactory.com

Small Talk 87 · Eating out with children 89 · Education 91 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 • NOTES

SUNSHINE DAYS BOBO CHOSES

Inspired by carefree days in the countryside, the new collection from Bobo Choses is like a dose vitamin D. There’s apple and pear prints, smiling cherries, picnic ginghams and even a playful reference to Paul McCartney’s dog. We love the accessories too, which include wicker baskets and the sweetest clogs. bobochoses.com

B RA N D F O CU S

KAOS

SMALL TALK Mini Rodini comes to London, furniture for climbing and surreal reading

PRINT PARTY

EDITOR’S PICK

MINI RODINI

Mini Rodini is one of Scandinavia's fastestgrowing brands for children, launched in 2006 by illustrator and artist Cassandra Rodini – and now it is opening its flagship UK store at 237 Westbourne Grove this month. Expect new collections and exclusives as well as recycled bits from previous collections. minirodini.com

ON SAFARI

F

ounded by two Swedish mothers in their spare time, Kaos is often billed as an interiors company, but the diversity of its product range suggests that there is much, much more to it than that.

We discovered the brand through its signature product, the Endelos wall bars.

Featuring a patented mounting system, these wooden bars are essentially a minimalist climbing frame that can be attached to a wall in your home. Kids love clambering up them, and when not in use they can be accessorised with an assortment of stylish storage modules, including canvas pockets, storage bags and a hook-on tabletop (all of which Kaos also produce). The fixing system avoids any damage to your wall or floor, and the bars can support up to 100kg in weight.

Rainy days indoors never looked so good.

Elsewhere, the brand make beautiful wooden high chairs that fold almost completely flat when not in use.

Kaos is a form-meets-function Scandinavian dream come true. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next. itskaos.com

LISTEN IN

H E L LO M R S E L E P H A N T

THE EAR

by Sam Boughton

by Piret Raud

Little ones will love saying hello to a whole host of amazing African animals, brought to life with deft humour and, vivid illustrations and memorable comparisons in this lift-the-flap book. £8.99

When van Gogh cuts off his ear, it’s left alone and headless. This weird and and wonderful story book, accompanied by beautifully intricate illustrations, invites you on a bizarre journey of selfdiscovery. £9.95.

 templarco.co.uk

 thamesandhudson.com 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 9.15am Wednesday 6th March ‘19November 9.15am Wednesday 15th May ‘19 9.15am Wednesday, 17th 9.15am Wednesday 12th June ‘19January 2018 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 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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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOOD

Happy Meals

SANTO REMEDIO

L

BYRON BURGER

Eating out with children can be fraught.

Absolutely tries some restaurants that make it work

BYRON BURGER

T

his is an obvious one and it comes with a perfectly good if unsurprising kids menu. But we weren’t here for that - we were here for the relaunch of the B-Rex burger which is a monster creation that includes bacon, onion rings, cheese, jalapenos, pickles and bbq sauce. It was good to see our generally bird-like eaters enjoy spicy and supersized burgers in all their sloppy glory, washed down with freakshakes that bordered on the ridiculous, filled with insane mixes of sweets, cream and unidentified additions. Byron is the original and best. byronhamburgers.com

Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

E

ating out with children can go either way. A good experience can result in family bonding, the acceptance of new foods and good moods all round, while when things go wrong you can find your own meal ruined as you grapple with anger and embarrassment before going home and making fishfingers from the freezer. Badly behaved children in restaurants is something nobody wants. But as parents we would welcome a slightly wider repertoire than the obvious kiddie choices, and it’s important for children to learn to enjoy eating new foods. So here we visit three very different places with a view to introducing new things, but without taking them too far from their comfort zones.

SANTO REMEDIO

COMPTOIR LIBANAIS

T

his chain is full of appeal. We are in the South Kensington branch and inside it’s colourful, all Fez hats, colourful baskets hanging from the walls and patterned tiles. There are lots of children here and feel is busy, relaxed and informal. There’s an aptly named feast menu that includes all the highlights: baba ghanuj, hommous, falafel and other dips and starters, followed by aubergine tagine, a mixed grill plate, tabbouleh, delicious cheese pastries, gilled halloumi and spiced potatoes. Our children order their own chicken wraps from the extensive kids menu, but are instantly enamoured of the hommous as well as the baba ghanuj and even the beetroot dip. They are suspicious of aubergine tagine but reluctantly give it a go, and we have to stop them from eating all our grilled meat.

A children’s puding of rose-flavoured milk pudding goes down very well, as does the home made lemonade. In all, this is a winner: authentic food that’s child-friendly without being dumbed down. comptoirlibanais.com

ike Lebanese food, much of Mexican food has an obvious appeal for children. Tacos, tortilla chips, melted cheese and guacamole are all crowd-pleasers, but a good Mexican eaterie is heavier on flavour than stodge. Santo Remedio started life as a pop-up before finding a permanent home in Tooley Street and it’s a stylish outfit with a strong focus on authenticity.

We’re here for the new Sunday brunch menu, which is small and the children are instantly gorging themselves on chips and intensely good guacamole before cheerfully ordering small dishes that we’re told have been popular with children in the past. So there’s a blue corn egg taco with chorizo, melted cheese and a fried egg, and a corn parcel filled with black beans, mole negro and cheese. Both are moreish and tasty, as are the messy but delicious chicken mole enchiladas and the biggest offering, a pork belly baguette with salsa and pickled onions. But best of all are the sweet pan de muertos brioches and the doughnuts. santoremedio.co.uk

COMPTOIR LIBANAIS

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AUSTRIA

GALAPAGOS

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

03/01/2019 16:26

littledippers.co.uk

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 • OPINION

KENSINGTON PARK SCHOOL STUDENTS

SUCCESS The Head of English at Kensington Park School on why many private schools have opted for the modular IGCSE

I

n the 2015 GCSE reforms, all coursework elements in English Literature were removed resulting in the entire GCSE English Literature grade being based on the final summer examinations. The change has generated a lot of debate over whether a pupil’s grade should be based solely on examinations.

Arguably it should not, which is why Kensington Park School, like many independent schools, has opted to teach the International GCSE (IGCSE) instead, highly valuing its flexibility and suitability for preparing pupils for a modern future.

One of the greatest strengths of the IGCSE courses available is the option for pupils to complete coursework. For schools, coursework allows pupils the opportunity to practise their skills in drafting, analysis, and creativity. At

Kensington Park School, we champion imaginative thinking and academic excellence. Coursework allows for pupils to shine, as they can demonstrate their independent learning and creative potential.

Equally, it is an element of the IGCSE course which prepares pupils for their later education, as A-Level and university courses will both demand coursework style tasks. I have watched pupils engage passionately with coursework, considering their planning and construction carefully. They enjoy the process, because they understand the purpose for it. After all, our focus as educators is to prepare our pupils for their future; limiting them to an exam-only route arguably does not do this.

In a modern education system, we need to be moving back towards an IGCSE system, where flexibility allows teachers to more readily

“Coursework means students walk into exams with more confidence”

ON COURSE FOR

adapt their curriculum and teaching choices to fit the students they care for.

Furthermore, an exam-only route in a handful of subjects may be suitable, but if students are limited to this option in all subjects, they can be left facing 20 or so examinations in the summer, where all their work over two years is judged over a period of two or three weeks. This puts an intolerable amount of pressure on pupils. The modular approach of the IGCSE allows for pupils to complete aspects of the course prior to their final examination, removing some pressure. Coursework gives students the opportunity to walk into the exam knowing that they have already achieved a specific percentage in their subject, building their confidence and managing expectations. Equally, teachers have an accurate working grade as a result of their coursework, which we use to differentiate and adapt their teaching throughout the year.

Predicted grades are grounded in more clear evidence, and data is more accurate and usable.

In summary, alongside the more practical benefits of coursework, it is undoubtedly the case that schools have a duty of care to consider the wellbeing of their students. Arguably, an exam-only route for assessment creates a more pressurised environment, and it can feel like a one-size-fits-all structure that does not benefit all pupils for whom we care. We believe that an excellent education should be grounded in variety, choice, and outstanding opportunities, not limitations. A diverse range of curriculum options and routes allows schools to create an exceptional education, and the modular approach of the IGCSE is focused on just this.

STEFANIE JONES Head of English Kensington Park School

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

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TRAVEL

CITY SPOTLIGHT ZURICH

Culturally rich, exceptionally efficient and affording attractive views across to the Alps, Zurich is one of central Europe's hippest destinations.

Absolutely spends a sunny weekend there.

Surfing in Devon 94 • Weekend Getaway: Zurich 97 • Provence 98 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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wave

CATCHERS Learning to surf as a family is a challenge, but a fun one. Absolutely heads to North Devon’s Saunton Sands Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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hen people get the surfing bug, it eclipses everything else.

Friends of ours from London felt the pull of the sea so strongly that within a year of riding their first wave, they had bought a caravan in North Devon and were driving down at every available opportunity. Another year on and they had sold up, left London and moved permanently to be near the water. They even refurbished their new coastal home with surfing in mind, modifying the garage to include surfboard and wetsuit storage and installing an outdoor shower. That’s how addictive surfing can be. So while we were ready to be taken by it, we weren’t quite ready for the reality of it.

Our destination is Saunton Sands, a beach known for its surf and particularly its suitability for beginners. None of us has ever surfed before and there are four of us – two adults and two children, aged 12 and 9.

We arrive late on Friday night and our first lesson is scheduled for Saturday morning.

Arriving in the dark means that while we’re

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TRAVEL • UK

What our friends hadn’t told us is that surfing, for all its compelling qualities, is exhausting

impressed with the spot, it’s not until the next day that we are blown away by the amazing view.

The owner of Chalet Saunton is a bit like our London friends in that he has designed the building with surfing practicalities as a priority. Between the beach and the house is a surf shelter for boards and wetsuits, and a shower. Nobody wants to trail sand into their house, and nobody wants to be cold, especially not anyone who has opted for the luxurious surroundings of Chalet Saunton.

The house is divided into six apartments and a penthouse, all of them spacious and with spectacular views of the beach. In fact, when the sun comes up, it’s possibly the best beach view we’ve ever seen, and Saunton Sands is certainly one of the UK’s most spectacular beaches in terms of its sheer size, soft sand and reliable surf. The chalet’s interiors are minimal, tastefully muted in shades of grey and neutral, with acres of space and no superfluous furniture

or decoration, yet very well equipped in terms of practicality, comfort and tech.

In the kitchen, for instance, there’s an integrated wine cooler, a nespresso machine complete with electric milk frother and a welcome hamper of local produce (plus avocados). The living room has a vast smart TV, a Sonos speaker and lots of sofa space; there are impressive power showers and underfloor heating throughout.

So all of this means that after our first surfing lesson – Walking on Waves runs classes on the chalet’s doorstep – we can recover in warmth and comfort. Because what our friends hadn’t told us is that surfing, for all its compelling qualities, is exhausting. At least it is for us beginners.

Our group lesson lasts two hours, during which we go to battle with the waves and, on the whole, lose. Inevitably the children are better at it than we are, and standing up for more than a split second eludes me.

Our instructors are vigilant and instill us with lots of enthusiasm and a good sense of what we are trying to do – and the addictive pull lies in the constant sense that the next wave will be the one. After the session we are all desperate to return, but immediately we head for the comfort of the chalet’s hot showers, fluffy towels and sofas. There is no better way to spend a post-surf evening in October than fish and chips in front of the television, with full sea views in the distance.

When we return it will be summer, and we’ll drink in the views from the vast terrace.

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR FOR A WEEKEND?

N

orth Devon is definitely pushing it as a weekend destination for Londoners.

Only the most dedicated surfers will brave it with any regularity. For the rest of us, the four or even five hour drive is something we dread, especially when you’re looking at Friday evening traffic and especially when you have children in the car. The only variable we have control over, and the thing that can make the drive bearable, is the actual car. We took a spanking new secondgeneration Volvo V60 for the ride and comfort levels were off the scale.

Not only is the space and upholstery especially generous for passengers but driving this is a delight, and almost entirely effortless. Special programs verge on the fully automated – parking, for instance, is something that can be done for you simply by pressing P for Park Assist, which triggers a scan search for a space before a skilful parallel park, while a variety of driving modes allows you to pick your preferences. When the surf calls, the V60 definitely offers a sweeter ride.

C H A L E T SAU N TO N Book a stay at Chalet Saunton from £350 per night in a three-bedroom apartment (sleeps six) on a self-catering basis. This includes a welcome hamper of local produce, in addition to amenities by British organic skincare brand ila apothecary. chaletsaunton.com; 01271 890 514 walking-on-waves.com

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MARBLEHILL FIREPLACES THE MOST IMPRESSIVE & EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF FIREPLACES IN THE UK

WITH OVER 7 DIFFERENT SHOW AREAS AND MORE THAN 55 MANTELS ON DISPLAY WITH 14 ACTUALLY UNDER FIRE, MARBLE HILL IS ONE OF THE LEADING LONDON SHOWROOMS FOR ALL YOUR FIREPLACE NEEDS. WE ARE CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE AND NEW DESIGNS.

70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BE

Tel: 020 8892 1488 info@marblehill.co.uk www.marblehill.co.uk

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teeped in 173 illustrious years of tradition but with a polished finish and an unimpeachable reputation for world-class service, the fivestar Baur au Lac is about as luxurious as it gets. 199 rooms and suites exhibit individual style - from Art Deco to English Regency - while downstairs, Le Hall, the popular spot for afternoon tea, is a decadent showcase of royal hues, rich upholstery and plush carpets.

Trees pillaring the room’s four corners and a domed ceiling lend the aesthetic of a giant and ornate aviary. The hotel’s history is as impressive as its interiors; opened in 1844 by Johannes Baur, the property hosted the world premier of Wagner’s Die Walküre, conducted by the composer himself. Six generations later and Baur au Lac remains in the family’s keeping, today attracting a cast of royalty and celebrities.

THE FOOD

H

aving won its second star in the 2019 Michelin guide, adding to the city’s weighty clutch of Michelin accolades, Baur au Lac’s Restaurant Pavillon is a gemstone in Zurich’s culinary crown. Chef de Cuisine Laurent Eperon creates dynamic, global interpretations of classic Swiss

and French haute cuisine.

Menu highlights include whole roasted sole, beef fillet with a Béarnaise sauce and Swiss veal. Interiors-wise it’s an ode to purple with squashy velvet chairs, carpets and vivid blooms creating a regal air. The room is expansive due to high ceilings and a rotunda looking out across the spectacular (and sunny during our stay) grounds.

Breakfast is served here and, like everything else, it does not disappoint. No where will you find sharper service or flakier viennoiserie.

THE AREA

B

aur au Lac commands an enviable spot, steps away from the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s famous downtown boulevard and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues.

Once you’ve dropped a small

fortune treading the denselypacked 1.4km stretch that runs from the main railway station to the lake, take a relaxed stroll around the picturesque old town with over 2,000 years of history settled on the banks of the River Limmat. The Ironman triathlon creates a real buzz around Lake Zurich during our stay in the city but other highlights in Zurich’s calendar include the Sechseläuten Spring Festival in April, the summer Street Parade and the Zurich Film Festival in September.

DESTINATIONS

THE HOTEL

weekend

TRAVEL • EUROPE

BAUR AU LAC Zurich

By HELEN BROWN

5-star luxury overlooking Lake Zurich and The Alps

BAUR AU LAC Rates start from CHF 520 per night bauraulac.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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A FINE ROMANCE Gretel Baron enjoys a French hotel with the personal touch: Maison d’Ulysse

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TRAVEL • FRANCE

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bout 90 minutes northwest of Aix-enProvence region lies the small, extremely pretty town of Uzès; think treelined market squares, local restaurants, old bookshops, late-opening cafes and a cathedral in the centre. And only ten minutes outside of Uzès lies the village of Baron, where French rural life remains in many ways just as it was 50 or 60 years ago.

It’s the kind of place where a typical day starts with a stroll to the boulangerie for a baguette and croissants, continues with a couple of idle hours spent reading and sipping café au lait, and welcomes the twilight with a snooze by the pool before dinner.

If it sounds picture-perfect, that’s because it is: not least because of the petite yet beautiful Maison D’Ulysse; a 17th century farm tastefully restored to create a nine-bedroom boutique hotel. Owned by French-Belgian couple Gauthier and Guy, who stumbled across the house in 2006 and spent three years renovating it, it provides an intoxicating blend of private-villa tranquility and luxury hotel amenities.

The rooms are airy and contemporary, with modern design and vintage finds mixed harmoniously against a backdrop of stone walls, wood beams and olive-green shutters. Our room was its own little turret, overlooking the garden and courtyard – so cute that even when it rained, we were perfectly happy to stay inside, cosy as

Our room was its own little turret, overlooking the garden and courtyard anything, looking out at the picturesque landscape and browsing the hundreds of books in the library.

The hotel itself, while small enough to feel like you’re alone in the countryside, is also large enough to allow for little luxuries like Bamford toiletries, an honesty bar, a relaxing hammam with the option for a massage and my favourite part of any holiday – delicious food.

Which brings me to the lovely homecooked (yet restaurant-quality) cuisine provided by resident chef Jonathan Michel.

Breakfast consisted of eggs, fresh bread, Gauthier’s homemade plum jam and crêpes, while lunch was a classic selection of charcuterie and cheese. Although I have to stress here that this was not the French food of old; as a pescatarian I normally struggle for food in France, but every single meal at Maison d’Ulysse was fresh, delicious, beautifully considered… in short, among the best I’ve ever had.

During the day, there is much to do in the area – from wine-tasting and long, scenic drives to touring the local chateaux. But our favourite part had to be the tours curated

by Gauthier himself; a 30-minute stroll around the local church or a couple of hours cycling around neighbouring vineyards and villages.

One such foray took us up a small hill through the woods to an abandoned, romantically derelict chateau – it felt straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Once at the top we were met with stunning views of the green and golden countryside before descending back down the winding path.

In the afternoons, we spent most of our time soaking up the sun by the heated pool in the pretty garden, which is filled with wild flowers and lavender. It’s the details at Maison d’Ulysse which really transport you – the garden benches are reclaimed from Marseille train station, the walls are made out of natural sand and water (so they’re in keeping with the local architecture) and there are sustainable features throughout, from sun panels on the roof to rainwater collection systems.

To top it off, Gauthier himself is charmingly sweet and dedicated to his guests. He’ll provide you with a ton of recommendations for restaurants or activities – and at 4pm, even remind you to have a glass of wine: “In France, we start in the afternoon”.

Dinner was a three-course meal served in the candlelit courtyard, consisting of classics like filet de boeuf accompanied by interesting additions such as avocado gazpacho. Everything was prettily garnished with edible flowers and the meal concluded with fresh strawberries, rosé and champagne in the garden – with nothing left to do but to enjoy the stillness, the starfilled sky, the clean air and the calm.

Pure bliss.

M A I S O N D ’ U LY S S E Rates start at 244€ per person per night, including breakfast lamaisondulysse.com

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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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Create a Spa in your own Home Balancing Energising De-stressing Create a Spa in your own home that can be fully automated to your personal preferences, assuring: Balancing, Energising and De-Stressing Water in the form of rain; water as a clear powerful cascade; powerful pulsing water or gently enveloping jets.

Walton Bathrooms, The Hersham Centre, Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL. (Easy parking next to Waitrose) Opening Times: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm INTERNET & CONTRACT SALES TEL: 0208 481 7970 SHOWROOM TEL: 01932 224 784

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PROPERTY The Gateway by L&Q

BROOM WATER WEST, TEDDINGTON TW11

£3,850,000

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n impressive 5-bedroom home with private 60ft boat mooring close to Teddington Lock. This is the perfect family home comprised of 5,000 sq ft of living space spread across 3 floors. An open-plan kitchen and dining room connects to a spacious drawing room, with contemporary bi-fold doors extending across the ground floor to provide views of the expansive garden.

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FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Teddington 020 8977 8118 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

18/02/2019 16:57

Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

BARROWGATE ROAD, CHISWICK An exciting opportunity to purchase this substantial semi-detached six bedroom house situated on a vast plot with a 100ft (approx.) south facing garden offering excellent scope for expansion and remodelling.

This charming house is set back from the road with off-street parking for three cars. EPC = E

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ2,400,000

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CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

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Homefield Road, W4

£1,385 per week Burlington Road, W4

Set in this beautiful tree-lined road, a four bedroom family home with a double reception room and a modern eat-in kitchen with French doors opening onto a garden.

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

Brackley Road, W4

£1,700 per week

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£999 per week St Marys Grove, W4,

Arranged over four floors, a beautiful four bedroom house with two reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room and two bathrooms.

There is also a balcony and a garden, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£1,050 per week

This semi-detached house is located in the Grove Park area with five bedrooms, two reception rooms and a large eat-in kitchen leading out onto a secluded garden, energy rating e.

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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Riverview Grove, W4 Located close to the River Thames, an attractive four bedroom house set on this highly sought after road. The property has an extended open plan kitchen/dining room with bi-folding doors which open onto a west facing, two tier garden, energy rating d.

Heathfield Gardens, W4 This Victorian house has three double bedrooms and one family bathroom. There is a double reception room and an eat-in kitchen which both lead onto a garden through French doors. The property has potential to extend into the loft (STPP), energy rating e.

ÂŁ1,150,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

ÂŁ990,000 020 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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TWICKENHAM ROAD, TW11 A delightful family house of approx. 1,787 sq ft, with potential to extend or convert the loft space (STPP), located 0.8 miles from Teddington Station.

• RECEPTION ROOM • DINING ROOM • KITCHEN • GUEST WC • 4 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • SOUTH-FACING GARDEN • OFF STREET PARKING • EPC RATING E

TEDDINGTON

020 8943 9777 teddington@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

£1,295,000 FREEHOLD

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PICTURE PERFECT NEW HOMES AVAILABLE NOW AT FILMWORKS 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

Heathrow Airport

Ealing Broadway*

14 mins

Bond Street

Tottenham Court Road

Liverpool Street

11 mins

13 mins

18 mins

Prices from ÂŁ599,950**

Imagery for illustrative purposes only. *Travel times are approximate only and incorporate the opening of the Elizabeth Line (expected December 2019).

Source (www.tfl.gov.uk). ** Price correct at time of going to press.

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 AVENUE, W4 HALYARDS COURT, TW8

£465,000 £550,000

LETTINGS

A two light, bedroom withflat large balcony over looking The Brent with added benefitThree of secure allocatedluxury parking.

Dual Anstunning amazingly wellwaterfront presentedapartment triple aspect with the added benefit ofRiver a balcony and the private garden. bedrooms, bathroom, aspect master suite with dressing roomkitchen, and luxury Secondheating, double bedroom, Luxury bathroom, 23’ Reception room, 11’ Riverside balcony, Fully 14' reception room, fully integrated gasensuite, fired central share in the freehold, balcony and private garden with side access.

Ideally integrated kitchen, Video entry phone, Automatic Secure allocated parking, 240 Year lease, and Building warranty.

Ideallyon situated in this prestigious situated within close proximity of Chiswick Parklift, tube station and the extensive shopping restaurant facilities Chiswick High Road. water front development offering close proximity to all amenities. No chain. EPC-B.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 LAMB W4 MULBERRY PLACE, W6

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £899,950

A newly decorated lower ground floor garden flat with private west garden.

Large double bedroom with wardrobes, reception room with An immaculately present two bedroom period cottage benefiting from an facing inspirational architectural makeover to maximise light and space.

Two double wood floors, bathroom with14’shower over, fitted garden.

The flat is on onePrivate of Chiswick's best located roads, moments from the shops, bedrooms, Luxury bathroom, 11 Reception room, kitchen, 15’ Bespoke kitchen/Breakfast room, west facing patio garden, Extensive built in storage, restaurantsheating, cafés onHard the wood High Road 5 minutes Turnham Green station. property September, Underfloor floors,and Ideally located from on this pedestrian street withinThe a stones throwisofavailable The Riverearly Thames.

EPC-C furnished.

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LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE,W4 TW8 BEAUMONT ROAD,

£350 PER WEEK £1,595,000

An immaculately presented town house private West facingafter landscaped garden situated in Boasting this sought residential Beautifully presented twosix/seven double bedroom bedroom period second floor flat with in this highly sought riverside development. a after stunning open plan area closereception to all amenities.

Three bathrooms, 26’ Through reception room, 16’plan Bespoke kitchen/breakfast Private 38’ work kitchen room, Seven a riverbedrooms, side balcony and a master ensuite bedroom.

Large open reception room, fully room, fitted Cloakroom, kitchen with granite West with rear access.

Ideally located in this space tree lined residential street offering close proximity to tube, bus and high road tops,facing fittedlandscaped wardrobes garden and riverside views.

Underground parking included. facilities. EPC-E.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 W4 ABINGER ROAD,

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £3,400,000

large, light five andbedroom beautifully presented double on first thistime highly desirable road theadded heartbenefit of Bedford Park, just 75’ minutes AAtruly unique detached familytwo house beingbedroom marketed flat for the in over 30 years withinthe of a magnificent West from Turnham Green underground station.bedrooms, Top floorThree position ensureslarge beautiful views from reception and26’ bedrooms. facing landscaped garden. Five double bathrooms, entrance hall, Twothe reception rooms, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cloakroom, Cellar, Private 75’ West facing landscaped garden with far reaching views and side access. Ideally situated on this prestigious residential road in the heart of the Bedford Park area, close to Turnham Green Tube Station and the extensive facilities on Chiswick High Road. EPC-E

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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

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www.johnmartinestates.com

EALING W5

ÂŁ450,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

An excellent sized two bedroom second floor apartment in a prime location close to award winning Pitshanger Village and also Ealing Broadway. The property, whilst in need of updating throughout, presents an excellent opportunity to get onto or move up the property ladder. It comprises large lounge, fitted kitchen, two good sized double bedrooms, shower room and separate W.C. There is gas fired central heating, double glazed windows, communal gardens and a 999 year lease. 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 BORDERS

£1,600 PCM (*Fees apply)

An outstanding extended semi-detached family home located just ten minutes from Hanger Lane offering spacious living accommodation and modernised to a high specification throughout. To the ground floor is a beautifully planned and well fitted kitchen, bright and airy reception room, study, utility room and cloakroom.

To the first floor are four bedrooms, the master with en suite bathroom, and a separate family shower room.

Other benefits include underfloor heating, built in Electrolux vacuum system, shutters in most rooms, gas fired central heating, heat exchange ventilation system and expansive rear garden. Energy Performance Certificate C

*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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T: 020 8998 3333 18/02/2019 10:00

SCHMIDT GROUPE SAS - RCS COLMAR B 326 784 709 - Photo Credit: Atelier Marc BARRAL BARON and Visiolab - Non-contractual photographs

Ex display offers on now

Call now for more details 020 3714 6000 Or Visit – 323 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 9NH manager@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk www.home-design.schmidt

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KITCHEN INTERIOR BATHROOM SOLUTIONS MADE TO MEASURE

Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday Sunday by appointment only

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