October 2011

OCTOBER 2011

ABSOLUTELY not ting hill

Celia Birtwell A life in prints

Orlando Hamilton’s flowers for W10

West London beauty

Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley on the merits of Maida Vale

Fall in FASHION The hunt for red October

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY

Welcome Welcome

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ELLO and welcome to the very first issue of Absolutely, a brandto new Notting ELLO ello and and welcome welcome to the themagazine very very fifirst rst for issue issue of of Hill, Holland Park, Bayswater, Ladbroke Grove, Absolutely, Absolutely, aa brand brand new new magazine magazine for for Notting Notting Kensal RisePark, and Queens Park.

We planGrove, to be Hill, Hill, Holland Holland Park, Bayswater, Bayswater, Ladbroke Ladbroke Grove, absolutelyKensal the most and exciting magazine Kensal Rise Risestylish and and Queens Queens Park.

Park. We We plan plan to toinbe bethe area, offering intelligent articles, beautiful photography absolutely absolutely the the most most stylish stylish and and exciting exciting magazine magazine in in the the and local insights, all in lavishly designed and glamorous area, area, offering offering intelligent intelligent articles, articles, beautiful beautiful photography photography glossy with and and and local localsplendour, insights, insights, all all in inup-to-the-minute lavishly lavishly designed designedinformation and and glamorous glamorous ELLO and welcome to the very fi rst issue of a sense of humour too. glossy glossy splendour, splendour, with with up-to-the-minute up-to-the-minute information information and and Absolutely, a brand new magazine for Notting We’reof on fashion, as you’ll see from our autumn shoot sense ofbig humour too.Holland aa sense humour too.

Hill, Park, Bayswater, Ladbroke Grove, that features lots of lovely local clobber, andWe we’re We’re big on on fashion, fashion, asRise you’ll see fromPark. our autumn shoot We’re big as you’ll from our autumn Kensal andsee Queens plan busy toshoot be seeking out the most interesting local people to absolutely most local stylishclobber, and exciting in the that that features features lots lots of ofthe lovely lovely local clobber, and andmagazine we’re we’reinterview. busy busy area, offering intelligent photography This month we meetinteresting the veryarticles, beautiful Rosieto Huntingtonseeking seeking out out the the most most interesting local localbeautiful people people to interview. interview. and local fan insights, all inLondon, lavishly designed and glamorous Whiteley, a new of west to talk about her new This This month month we we meet meet the the very very beautiful beautiful Rosie Rosie HuntingtonHuntingtonglossy splendour, with up-to-the-minute information and acting career; the eternally lovely and about very famous Whiteley, newand fanhumour of west west London, Whiteley, new fan of London, to to talk talk about her her new new aaasense of too.

Celia career; Birtwell, a long-standing Notting Hill resident whose acting acting career; and and the the eternally eternally lovely lovely and and very very famous famous We’re big on fashion, as you’ll see from our autumn shoot new Birtwell, book is features causing a big stir.Notting In future there will that lots of lovely local clobber, and we’re busy Celia Celia Birtwell, aa long-standing long-standing Notting Hill Hillissues resident resident whose whose be profi les of writers, artists, actors, designers, musicians out the most interesting local people to interview. new new book bookseeking is is causing causing aa big big stir. stir.

In In future future issues issues there there will will This month we meet the very beautiful Rosie Huntingtonand all sorts of creative types who populate this part of be be profi profiles les of of writers, writers, artists, artists, actors, actors, designers, designers, musicians musicians Whiteley, a new fan ofout westall London, to talk about her new town, and we’ll be seeking the best local shops and and all all sorts sorts of of creative creative types types who who populate populate this this part part of of acting career; and the eternally lovely and very famous and businesses too. town, town, and andCelia we’ll we’llBirtwell, be be seeking seeking out out all all the the best best local local shops shopswhose a long-standing Notting Hill resident we’re on aa whole journey and andSo businesses businesses too. too.is causing newembarking book big stir.new In future issueshere thereatwill Absolutely and les we’d love reader input, so please profi of writers, artists, actors, designers, musicians So So we’re we’rebeembarking embarking on on aasome whole whole new new journey journey here here at at do and all sorts of creative types who populate this part of get in touch and tell us what you think.

Our team is do made Absolutely Absolutely and and we’d we’d love love some some reader reader input, input, so so please please do town, and we’ll be seeking out all the best local shops upin people who andyou lovethink. the area so please send Our–team team is made made get get inoftouch touch and and tell telllive us us in what what you think.

Our is and businesses too. us your thoughts.

Absolutely! up of of people people who live in and and on love the area area so please please send up in love the –– so send Sowho we’relive embarking a whole new journey here at us your your thoughts. thoughts.

Absolutely! us AbsolutelyAbsolutely! and we’d love some reader input, so please do

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get in touch and tell us what you think. Our team is made up of people who live in and love the area – so please send us your thoughts. Absolutely!

Helen Baron absolutely@zest-media.com Helen Baron absolutely@zest-media.com

Helen Baron absolutely@zest-media.com

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ABSOLUTELY not ting hill

o ACTING Editor Helen Baron

Editorial Assistant Gemma Billington Beauty Editor Helen Rance Feature Writers Eloise Baumann, James Luxford, Andrew Hodgson Head of Design Ray Searle Senior Designer Cat Barylak Picture Editor Colin Streater Production Assistant Lauren Giles Photographer Mike Blackett Finance Director Alexandra Hvid Marketing Manager Jessica Batten managing Director Sherif Shaltout

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ABSO OCT 11 FLANNEL PANEL.indd 3

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OCTOBER 2011

ABSOLUTELY NOT TING HILL

Contents

Knit beret £45 Toast.

Crop knit Isabel Marant sweater £110 The Mechant.

Photography: Mike Blackett Stylist: Charlotte Kewley Model: Katia E @ IMG London OCTOBER 2011

ABSOLUTELY not ting hill

CeLia biRtWeLL

West London beauty

A life in prints

Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley on the merits of Maida Vale

ORLANdO HAmILTON’S FLOwERS FOR w10

Fall in FASHION the hunt for red october

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY

ON THE COVER

14 ROSIE HUNTINGTONWHITELEY The model talks about acting and missing London

32 FALL IN FASHION

Autumnal shades and shapes in our exclusive eight page fashion shoot

46 CELIA BIRTWELL

A new book and a new range for the W2-based designer

FEATURES

REGULARS

22 ROUGH TRADE

8

W11’s trusty local record shop tells its tale

28 POSTMODERNISM

The V&A’s exciting new show

WHAT’S ON

10 LOCAL NEWS 31 FASHION

52 BIG TABLE

42 INTERIORS

83 ORLANDO HAMILTON

71 HEALTH & BEAUTY

W9’s favourite bed shop fights the developers

W10’s fabulous florist on seasonal blooms

58 FOOD & DRINK 80 TRAVEL 85 PROPERTY

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY ABSOLUTELY OCT 11 CONTENTS.indd 3

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DIARY

ART

ANRI SALA EXHIBITION THROUGHOUT OCTOBER THE SERPENTINE GALLERY

Anri Sala is a leading contemporary artist working primarily in film. For his exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, Sala will present a series of echoing works in which sound relocates throughout the space. Winner of the Young Artist Prize at the 2001 Venice Biennale, Sala is known for his exhibitions that question our relationship to moving image and that highlight the influence of sound and language on the creation of physical and political space. Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA serpentinegallery.org

What’s on

October Absolutely the best of the month ahead DANCE

THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE 12 - 22 OCTOBER THE GATE THEATRE

Enjoy the world premiere of The Difference Engine, a vital and captivating interplay between dance, live and electronic music, video and theatre.

Loosely inspired by Chris Marker’s 1962 short film La Jetee, this new work manipulates time and memory by exploring the world’s primordial past, its physical present and its technological future. 1 Pembridge Road, W11 3HQ, danceumbrella.co.uk, gatetheatre.co.uk

MUSIC

CHAPEL CLUB 18 OCTOBER SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE

One of the hottest new bands on the UK scene in years, these boys mix depth with dynamics to create some of the lushest soundscapes and loveliest lyrics we’ve heard in years.

Catch them in their biggest headline show to date with support from the fast-rising Clock Opera and Other Lives. O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

KIDS

FUNDAY SUNDAY HALLOWEEN EVENT 2 OCTOBER WHITELEYS SHOPPING CENTRE

At Funday Sunday, children can make ghostly puppets and monster masks using recycled materials. Show off your Halloween costumes at a special fancy dress parade, prizes will be given for the best outfits. Queensway, W2 4YN, whiteleys.com

TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT WALK 29 OCTOBER PADDINGTON

Treat the kids to a Halloween-themed walk, with spooky story-telling and some tasty treats along the way. Ideal for children and those young at heart wanting a change to Trick or Treating. Fancy dress is welcome. inpaddington.com

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DIARY ART

SARAH ANDERSON: STILL TRAVELING UNTIL 2 OCTOBER THE TABERNACLE

NATURE

LONDON HONEY SHOW 10 OCTOBER LANCASTER HOTEL

The Lancaster Hotel is the first central London hotel to house bee hives on its roof and this month sees the first ever London Honey Show in the newly refurbished Westbourne Suite. Entry is free with a host of bee-related activities: talks, stalls, equipment exhibits, demonstrations and a raffle as well as honeythemed cocktails. Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY, lancasterlondon.com, bbka.org.uk

After selling the Travel Bookshop, Sarah was able to spend more time painting – these works on paper reveal her love of travel and of colour.

While her still life works show that the most ordinary things can be made to look extraordinary, these other works have an air of mystery and intrigue. 5 Powis Square, W11 2AY, tabernaclew11.com

FOOD COURSE

EDIBLE LONDON WITH ROBIN HARFORD 16 & 23 OCTOBER THE IDLER

Robin Harford runs wild food walks and foraging courses that are a unique and pleasurable way to reconnect back with nature. Having foraged daily for his supper for the past eight years, Robin’s knowledge of the edible larder comes from his deep, intimate connection with plants and landscape. He has taught at The Eden Project and been featured in the BBC Good Food magazine, Guardian, GQ, Green Parent and Ecologist. On this one-day course you’ll uncover a secret world of unique edible possibilities in London and discover how to identify wild edible plants to prepare, preserve and cook and be immersed in the history and folklore. eatweeds.co.uk, The Idler Academy, 81 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH

VINTAGE

ANITA’S VINTAGE FASHION FAIR 23 OCTOBER THE 20TH CENTURY THEATRE Anita’s Vintage Fashion Fairs have been a permanent fi xture on the London vintage scene for over eight years and have gained a prestigious reputation, attracting designers, stylists, celebrities and others from the fashion industry.

Anita’s Fairs are not only located in exquisite and inspirational settings but are renowned for showcasing the very best in vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and textiles dating from 1800 to 1980. 291 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA vintagefashionfairs.com

TALK

LEE HARRIS & THE MOONLIGHT CONVENTION 20 OCTOBER THE PARADISE

Playwright, actor, musician and political activist Lee Harris has worked with the likes of Orson Wells, Nelson Mandela and Dame Flora Robson. At this exclusive event he will be reading from his latest book Echoes of the Underground and hosting his album playback ‘Angel Headed Hip Hop’ 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE theparadise.co.uk 9

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o NEWS

Local architects chosen to design W10 academy Hammersmith-based Studio E architecture practice has won the Royal Borough’s competition to design a new academy and leisure centre for North Kensington. Studio E is the company behind the award-winning Emslie Horniman Pleasance Gardens (pictured) and the impressive Classroom of the Future at St Francis of Assisi Primary School. Shortlisted designs were on show to local residents at an exhibition earlier this month. Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure and Chairman of the selection panel, said: “The shortlisted designs showed some real energy and ingenuity. We drew great encouragement from them that we will be able to deliver a fine new school and leisure centre for the people of North Kensington.” Designs for the new centre will be submitted before Christmas and the planning application is set to be submitted in April 2012.

In the news Current affairs in the area

Public inconvenience Finally, the Talbot Road loos have reopened, after years of wrangling. To celebrate, there was live music and handing out of commemorative badges in the presence of the Mayor. But it’s not the victory that market traders were hoping for, since the stylishly tiled new conveniences are only to open on weekends, serving the tourists rather than the traders. And with £500,000 of public money spent on them, it’s caused a bit of a local fuss.

Not the Travel Bookshop The Travel Bookshop, over 30 years old and loved for its quirky stock of travel-related books, is still open despite a lengthy process that threatened to close it. But it’s no longer the Travel Bookshop – its new signage crudely removes the word ‘travel’, leaving just ‘the bookshop’.

The owner lives in France and wants to sell the shop, and although an enthusiastic campaign arose to save it as an independent, it’s been bought by discount store The Book Warehouse. A group of local writers led by poet Olivia Cole and Simon Barraclough offered to work in it for free if someone would buy it and keep it open as the Travel Bookshop – and their enthusiastic Twitter campaign gained support but failed to find an independent buyer. The Book Warehouse has 22 shops in London and is owned by brothers James and Howard Malin, who live near the Blenheim Crescent site.

Farewell Barnes and Kingsland Kingsland butchers on Portobello Road closed down after over 160 years on the site. A huge rent increase from landlord Octavia Housing Trust led them to flee to Walton on Thames, where they have a new shop, though they are still offering a local delivery service in Notting Hill. Meanwhile, building work is under way on what was Westbourne Grove’s oldest shop.

Family-run EJ Barnes bike shop is now an empty shell, destined to become a gallery, according to the plans submitted by developer Warren Todd.

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west london’s ultimate family club

new indoor sports dome now open

Quote: “Abolutely” to receive £100 of Club Vouchers on joining.

Terms & conditions available on request.

For further information and to arrange a club tour

call 0203 411 4754

The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB www.theparkclub.co.uk

Park Club.indd 1

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DIANA VICKERS AND GEORGE CRAIG

VALERIE BRIN AND DAVID SOULARD

VALERIE BRIN

ABSOLUTELY

Social

Reporting from all the best parties in our area

Gautier

Celebrating the opening of French furniture giant Gautier’s first London store in Westbourne Grove, crowds enjoyed macaroons and champagne. Ooh la la.

Photographs by George Ramsay

DAVID SOULARD

The Wrangler party

Everyone was out in style at Wrangler’s VIP Party, which took over all four floors at Bumpkin with a beautiful and enthusiastic crowd.

JAMIE WINSTONE

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PA RT I E S

Paradise

Garage queen Ms Dynamite held court at Paradise along with Stereo MCs and Jack Beats, all in celebration of the end of the summer – though noone wanted it to end at all.

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o

I N T E RV I E W

An English

Rose

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, supermodel-turnedTransformers star talks to James Luxford about fame, LA and how to fight robots in heels...

W

ith her statuesque figure and unmistakable looks, it’s hard to believe that 24-year-old Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley never considered herself ‘pretty’ enough to go into modelling.

However, a chance meeting led her to become one of the biggest models in the industry, working with almost every major fashion brand.

Born in Devon, she came to London hoping to work in the industry she grew up loving – but in 2003 she was discovered and signed to a modelling agency, which over the next five years would lead her to the top of her industry. And this summer, she added a new facet to her career – acting. Starring alongside Shia LaBeouf, Patrick Dempsey, and some

giant computer-generated robots, Rosie appeared in the hit action blockbuster Transfomers: Dark of The Moon. But instead of the usual story of countless auditions and waiting by the phone, HuntingtonWhiteley’s casting experience was relatively instant. “It all happened so fast,” she recalls. “I was in my hotel room in LA and I’d just had a terrible day at work, modelling, and I picked up a phone call from the casting director and she said, ‘look, this is the situation, we are casting for a new female lead, it’s very hush-hush at the moment, is this something that you would be interested in? If so then we’d like you to meet Shia this evening and Michael (Bay, director) is going to call you in five minutes.’

I was like, ‘can I have a moment to think about this?’ I literally got off the phone and I didn’t even realise

“All my running scenes were in high heels. Michael kept asking me if I knew how to run, and I said ‘well, yes of course I do’.

But it’s a very different thing to have to run on camera. it’s quite difficult actually”

that I’d kind of been offered this role and I was so confused and baffled.

I remember picking up the phone and calling a friend and being like, ‘what the hell? Is this what they are saying?’ About a week later I did a screen test and after the screen test it was like ‘she’s great, let’s get her a visa.’ And then once that was sorted out I was on set. It all happened in about three weeks.”

Having to fill the shoes of Megan Fox, star of the first two films, was a huge task, but once she got on set it was her shoes that proved the biggest challenge. “All my running scenes were in high heels!” she laughs.

“Michael kept asking me if I knew ‘how to run’, and I said ‘well, yes, of course I do’. But it’s a very different thing to have to run on camera, it’s quite difficult actually, and on top of that they gave me these gorgeous heels to wear. I was able to switch to flats for some of the scenes when we were using different camera angles, but a lot of the time I was running around in heels which is not only really hard, but quite dangerous.

But I was up for the challenge – all that running and jumping - and it was fun for me.”

Although her model life has led to her live all over the world, Huntington-Whitely currently shares her time between LA and Maida Vale 15

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I N T E RV I E W

but feels most at home in London, “There’s nowhere like London, especially for someone working in the fashion industry” she says. “LA is also my home right now, because that’s where the work is, and that’s fine. But London and England will always be my real home and there are times when I miss it dreadfully.

I miss the people more than anything. I miss my British friends, the TV, the food and everything that makes England what it is. I try and watch all the British TV over here and I’ve got (BBC) Radio One on in my car wherever I go. It’s so important to try and stay connected with the country. But the opportunity opportunity for me to be abroad might not always be here so I have to do it while I can.”

She continues, “When I was young and living in Devon, London seemed so exciting, and it still is in a lot of ways; there’s always something going on. I started out here when I was 15 and got a work experience placement in a modelling agency.

I thought I would be going off on

and Teen Elle and Tommy Hilfiger jeans. So really everything sprang up from that office in the West End.” Fashion will always be her first love, and she assures us the future will see her divide her time between the movies and modelling. “In many ways, fashion and film go hand-inhand” she explains, “but it wasn’t something I was focused on because I was driven by my career as a model.” The future looks bright, as the success of Transformers has led to interest in a sequel, and possibly other film offers, but HuntingtonWhiteley knows exactly what role she would like to tackle next. “I’ve always dreamed that I might get the chance to be a Bond girl” she says enthusiastically. Pay attention, 007.

these great photo shoots and meeting photographers and models and seeing all the wonderful clothes and of course, I ended up in this tiny little West End modelling agency where everyone was smoking cigarettes and drinking wine at 11 in the morning.”

As fate would have it, that tiny little West End agency would lead to her being discovered and achieving her dream. “I worked there for a week, making coffee and being star-struck by all the models walking through the doors” she says. “Later that summer I went back to London and dropped into the agency to say thank you to them for giving me the work experience. There was a new agent in the office who said, ‘would you like to be a model?’ And I just thought, ‘well you know what, here’s a way for me to see the industry finally, here’s how I can get onto a photo shoot.’ And the next day I was on my first shoot and then by that Christmas I was shooting with Carter Smith and doing Japanese Vogue – and that spring I was in America doing Teen Vogue

ALTHOUGH HER LIFE AS A MODEL HAS LED TO HER LIVING ALL OVER THE WORLD, HUNTINGTON-WHITELY CURRENTLY SHARES HER TIME BETWEEN LA AND MAIDA VALE BUT FEELS MOST AT HOME IN LONDON 16

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C U LT U R E ON THE CARDS

A new range of 3D pop-up cards featuring local attractions is designed by a pair of Notting Hill-based graphic designers, Nia and Rytis. The cards are their first big paper engineering project since graduating from St Martin’s and already they’re selling well all over the area – look out for them at Rough Trade, The Idler bookshop and Ceramica Blue among other spots. www.niapaper.com

Agenda On the

NOTTING HILL SHOPPING BAG

This month’s highlights FROM W10 TO DOWNING STREET

French Fashion blogger Valentine Vanesse (pictured) has picked up on the clever and stylish Notting Hill Shopping bag, the bag that launched a year ago to raise funds for local charities. These handy shoppers, for sale all over Portobello, feature a range of images drawn by local schoolchildren, including maps by pupils at Bevington, market stalls from children at Oxford Gardens, and coloured houses from Colville School. And now they’re looking for a new cause and would like to hear your thoughts on who or what should benefit. Email Natasha@natashacourtenaysmith.com with your ideas, or tweet @nottinghillbag.

Anyone who looks forward to the Guardian on a Thursday for the next hilarious instalment of Mrs Cameron’s Diary, the riveting account of a life in handbags and politics, is in for a treat. Samantha’s life as seen by the uber-clever Catherine Bennett has just been compiled in an elegant volume by Virago and it’s a hoot.

MURDER IN NOTTING HILL

This new book by Mark Olden solves the famous mystery of Kelso Cochrane’s murder in 1959.

The racist attack took place outside the then Earl of Warwick pub in Golborne Road (now the Earl of Portobello, bearing a plaque to the event) and nobody has ever been convicted of it. Olden tracks down people who were around at the time and eventually reveals the killer’s identity.

It’s a well-told tale, all shebeens, slum housing and nostalgia revealing Notting Hill in the 1950s to be a whole different world from today. Zero Books, £11.99.

PLUS

PRINT RUN

Celia Birtwell’s gorgeous new range of prints for the home launched at Decorex last month – and a new book about her life is published by Quadrille this month.

Read all about it in our interview with her on page 46 – and don’t miss the opportunity to meet the lady herself and get your copy of the book signed on Wednesday 19 October from 6-8pm at her beautiful little local shop.

71 Westbourne Park Road W2.

TAKING OVER THE FORMER FIREHOUSE SITE IN SOUTH KENSINGTON, DORSIA (AND IN FACT, THE NAME OF THE FICTIONAL RESTAURANT IN AMERICAN PSYCHO) – A MEMBERS’ CLUB, BAR AND RESTAURANT OPENED IN SEPTEMBER. IT IS A JOINT VENTURE FROM NICK ANDREEN AND FRASER CARRUTHERS WHO BOTH WORKED AT BOUJIS. DORSIA.CO.UK 3 CROMWELL ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7 2HR

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Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour The world’s most highly pigmented paint. Unmatched for purity, quality and reliability.

Available in 120 colours.

www.cassart.co.uk

Scarlett Raven, painter MA Central Saint Martins 96-99 www.scarlettraven.com Photographed by Nadav Kander

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o C U LT U R E

Junkies VINYL

We meet Peter Donne of legendary London record shop Rough Trade, to talk about punk, Portobello and why the independents are the future of music retail...

WORDS: HELEN BARON IMAGES: COLIN STREATER

T

he original Portobello shop (there have been two; the current Talbot Road store opened in 1982) opened in Kensington Park Road in 1976, the year that punk broke, and has to be one of the world’s most famous record stores.

How does it feel to be a part of something with such an amazing heritage?

I’ve worked for Rough Trade since 1979, so in the original shop in Kensington Park Road, three years after it opened. I was there when we took over the shop in Talbot Road, the present location. I think everyone who works here is proud to be part of a company that’s true to its independent roots. I don’t think people work here for the money; it’s very much an emotional thing and an attachment to the independent ethic.

Rough Trade the record label split from the shop many years ago, but the two businesses still seem to share a lot in terms of outlook and approach. What is the Rough Trade ethos? What is the store’s mission?

As I say, I think being independent is at the core of both the store and the label. I think particularly for the store, there is a DIY ethic, the

approach that if you have a creative idea, you have the power to bring it into being. I think the concept of Rough Trade was in founder Geoff Travis’ mind before punk, so in effect it ran parallel to the movement. That ethos of ‘making it happen’ was fundamental to how the shop started and the label after that. It’s perhaps less true of the label today because they’ve had to evolve to survive within the music industry. I think because the shop is a smaller retail outlet we’ve been able to maintain that sense of single-mindedness about what we’re doing. Even though we have the big East London store now, we retain our DIY philosophy throughout. It’s nice to have the two shops actually: with East, the flagship, allowing us to grow – and West still with the old records on the wall.

Portobello is home to some of London’s best-loved independent

businesses – how important do you think the West London location has been to the store’s longevity?

It’s getting harder to exist on an independent level in any part of London, particularly for shops with a small margin, like record shops.

West London is a very different place to what it was in 1976. Although Portobello is close to a number of independently run shops, the chain-store presence has had its effect. Whereas there used to be so many antique shops, Notting Hill now has a lot of high-end outlets to cater for the new clientele. In a way, the clientele in East London now is comparable to that of Notting Hill in the late seventies. Having said that, it’s still a vibrant area for music, thanks to its history, and many of the labels are still based here. For that reason, it still has a sense of place within the industry. Rough Trade has been here throughout all the area’s incarnations.

“I think the concept of Rough Trade was in founder Geoff Travis’ mind before punk, so in effect it ran parallel to the movement. That ethos of ‘making it happen’ was fundamental to how the shop started and the label after that” 23

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o C U LT U R E

The music industry has changed so much over the last decade and high street retailers are struggling to adapt.

How is Rough Trade doing in the context of the online revolution?

It’s had a huge impact on the music industry in the last five to even years and will continue to do so. Independent shops all over the country have had the same challenge competing with ostensibly iTunes, which owns the digital market and online retailers with their aggressive pricing strategies. We learnt a long time ago, culminating in the opening of our East London shop, that we had to compete on a different level.

We’re about service and added value in the same way that a cheese or wine shop is. I think people still value the true expertise that an independent store can offer.

We’re not luddites either; we’ll be launching a new website with digital

Any stories to tell?

I recall not long after working in the original shop being confronted by Johnny Rotten coming up to the counter to listen to reggae pre-releases.

I was a bit green at 19, down in London from the Home Counties; he was swigging from a bottle of brandy at 11am and I was slightly nervous. Years later (an appropriate memory what with the 20th anniversary of the release of Nevermind a little while ago) I remember Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love coming into the shop and buying up all the Nirvana bootlegs. Those sorts of things happen all the time. The shop has a relationship with Lily Allen; Keith Allen’s been a friend of the shop for years, all those things continue to happen. It wasn’t long ago that Adele was doing work experience at Talbot Road. t

“I remember Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love coming into the shop at Talbot Road and buying up all the Nirvana bootlegs” capability next year. We move with the times like everybody else; we are a passionately specialist supplier that wants to take their product to a wider audience. That’s what great shopping areas like Notting Hill and Brick Lane thrive on.

What’s the best thing about Rough Trade Portobello?

The best thing is the intimacy – the relationship and conversation with the customers. We have customers, characters who’ve been coming for years, and they’re like members of my family. When the commercial process is translated into something that is pleasurable, it’s fantastic.

Roughtrade.com, Rough Trade West, 130 Talbot Road, W11 1JA

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Portobello puff

Hattie Edmonds’ new blog for the Huffington Post takes Portobello as a background. Here’s a taster

H

annah and Geoff aren’t your typical Notting Hill dwellers. Hannah lives above Poundland in Portobello Road in a rent-subsidised flat barely bigger than a Bran Flakes box. She freelances from home for a health and wellbeing website, suffers from chronic fatigue and the psoriasis on her left elbow is spreading rapidly.

Her best mate Geoff has had three novels rejected, can’t afford to liberate his only suit from the dry cleaners and survives on a diet of fried egg sandwiches…”

Having lived in Portobello for 16 years, I know quite a few struggling freelancers in the area like Hannah and Geoff (myself included): late

30/40 somethings still pursuing their passions while trying to pay the rent. Since rejection and frustration are pretty standard whether you’re a writer, painter or musician, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone. So a few of us meet twice a week in Coffee Plant to have a little vent and give each other a bit of support. The weekly blog came out of these get-togethers and the sort of conversations we have; how publisher’s rejection letters are often so similar that it’s probably just one person writing them all; how galleries have an uncanny knack of misplacing portfolio photographs, and how an egg and sausage sandwich from the market café makes for a very satisfying lunch.

If you do happen to be a struggling freelancer with a passion, Portobello is a good place to be. There’s a lot of inspiration to be drawn from the neighbourhood – whether from the history, the familiar street characters or the daily little scenes that unfurl on the market.

So the blog is not only a tribute to all of those who, despite pretty long odds, refuse to let go of their dreams, but also to this charismatic little corner of London. t Follow the blog at www.portobellopuff@ HuffingtonPost.com 27

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HOMAGE TO LÉVI-STRAUSS DRESS AUTUMNWINTER COLLECTION 1983–4 BY CINZIA RUGGERI © V&A

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C U LT U R E

SUPREMELY BLACK, HAIM STEINBACH1985 PRIVATE COLLECTION

Styleand

Subversion What is Postmodernism? asks the V&A’s major new show GRACE JONES MATERNITY DRESS,JEAN-PAUL GOUDE, 1979. © JEAN-PAUL GOUDE

What do conceptual furniture

by Italian design collective Memphis, Jeff Koons’ stainless steel bust of Louis XIV and David Byrne’s big suit from Stop Making Sense have in common? On the face of it there’s no immediate connection but they are all exhibits in the V&A’s new exhibition.

That’s the problem with Postmodernism – nobody really knows what it is and this show goes in search of a definition.

To 15 January 2012; Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7; vam.ac.uk

CONSUMER’S REST’ CHAIR ARTIST: FRANK SCHREINER (FOR STILETTO STUDIOS).

1990 © V&A IMAGES

SUPER LAMP MARTINE BEDIN © V&A IMAGES

WET MAGAZINE © APRIL GREIMAN AND JAYME ODGERS

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ABSOLUTELY

Fashion Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns – George Eliot

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The

Hunt for

Red

October

Deep reds, intense mustards and cool camel colours; welcome the return of October with rich autumnal tones and luxurious fabrics Photographs by Mike Blackett Styled by Charlotte Kewley

Orange Tara Jarmon dress £235 Sub Couture.

Christian Dior flower bracelet £495 from The Merchant.

Knit scarf £29 Toast.

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Lime tee £38 Whistles.

Cord trousers £145 and red belt £89 both from By Malene Birger.

Necklace £210 By Alona at Wolf & Badger.

Black patent YSL heels £195 The Merchant.

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Red military coat ÂŁ345 LK Bennett.

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Brown knitted sweater £319 Brora.

Printed skirt £125 Whistles.

Brown belt £89 By Malene Birger.

Gold bracelet £147 By Alona at Wolf & Badger.

Boots £450 LK Bennett.

Sunglasses £427 Maison Martin Margiela at Village Bicycle.

Rings £450 each Pippa Small.

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Camel Patrizia Pepe oversized sweater £270, heart Sophie Harley necklace £485 and black Patrizia Pepe wedge boots £249, all from Sub Couture. Black tights £16 Falke at Mytights.

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Charcoal maxi dress £159 Baby Ceylon. Camel blazer £395 LOFT. Knitted scarf £140 Twenty 8 Twelve.

Rings as before. Embellished Hoss Intropia necklace £85 and black Patrizia Pepe over the knee boots £415 Sub Couture.

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CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Blackett (info@mikeblackett.com) STYLIST: Charlotte Kewley HAIR: Riccardo Andrenacci Using Bumble and Bumble MAKE-UP: Anna Gibson (annargibson@googlemail.com) model: Katia E @ IMG london --------------------

Stockists:

Baby Ceylon www.babyceylon.com Brora 0845 659 9944

By Malene Birger 0207 486 0486 LK Bennett www.lkbennett.com LOFT www.loftdesignby.com Mytights www.mytights.com Pippa Small www.pippasmall.com Sub Couture 020 7229 5434 The Merchant 020 7229 1057 Toast www.toast.co.uk Twenty 8 Twelve www.twenty8twelve.com Village Bicycle 020 7313 9031 Wolf & Badger www.wolfandbadger.com Whistles www.whistles.co.uk

Aubergine velvet Marc Jacobs dress £245 The Merchant. Earrings £3200 Pippa Small.

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ABSOLUTELY

Fashion A behind the scenes look at our Autumnal fashion shoot, featuring the seasons hottest trends, sourced from local shops and boutiques.

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Cool Autumn

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October brings with it a new colour palette; accessorise your workwear wardrobe with burgundy, camel and shades of dusk

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1. BARBOUR CAMBRIDGE CABLE KNIT JUMPER DRESS £249 my-wardrobe.com 2. PEGGY TORTOISESHELL GLASSES £137 blackeyewear.com 3. AQUASCUTUM BRAMPTON SILK SHIRT £200 aquascutum.co.uk 4. MULBERRY CONKER RED POLLY PUSH LOCK WITH SHOULDER STRAP £850 my-wardrobe.com 5. LEATHER BAGPOD £70.95 reddogbags.com 6. MIRIAM BAG £398 allycapellino.co.uk. available at Tonic 276 Portobello Road, W11 7. DEREK LAM FLEECE WOOL COAT £1,470 brownsfashion.com 8. DIANE VON FURSTENBURG DINN SKIRT £220 DVF, 83 Ledbury Road W11 9. SMYTHSON LAPIS JOTTER £180 Smythson, 214 Westbourne Grove W11 10. D&G BLOCK HEELED PATENT SHOE £270 my-wardrobe.com 11. MARC BY MARC JACOBS BEATRICE BROWN TWEED JACKET £416 Matches, 60 Ledbury Road W11

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Sexual Be inspired by minimalist Scandinavian and retro American style 7 5

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1. CAFÉ LAMP IN CREAM £60 pedlars.co.uk, 128 Talbot Road, Notting Hill W11 1JA, 2. NEWGATE CLOCK £75 selfridges.com, 3. 1950’s DINER PHONE £68.95 pedlars.co.uk, 4. COBRA TABLE LIGHT BY GRETA GROSSMAN FOR GUBI £295 scp.co.uk, 87 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UL, 5. LAMINO CHAIR BY YNGVE EKSTRÖM £1,750 87 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UL, 6. DANISH TERRACOTTA LEATHER SWIVEL ARMCHAIR £425 guideninteriors.com, 7. “AWESOME” PRINT POSTER Price on request pedlars.co.uk, 8. ALONSO OUTDOOR PATIO SET £399 made.com

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C E L E B R A T I N G

T H I R T Y

Y E A R S

120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS Telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

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Re-defining Kitchens Falken Kitchens Oct11.indd 1

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A DV E RT O R I A L

Prêt à Vivre can create unique curtains & blinds for your windows using different headings and adding borders& trims without costing a fortune.

Discover more at their showroom. Prêt à Vivre 20 All Saints Road. W11 www.pretavivre.com

The S-Box taking up just a square metre or so of bathroom space, lets you step into a world of relaxation and revitalising treatments including overhead shower and spay nozzles, a removable solid teak bench seat with massage nozzles for back and chest. Also available in a larger sizes.

Available at Edwins Bathrooms Tel. 0207 221 3550

Looking for fabrics for curtains, blinds or upholstery? Choose from a wide range of cottons, linens, silks, checks & stripe; prices from £14 per metre; all at Prêt à Vivre 20 All Saints Road. W11, www.pretavivre.com

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Create your own bespoke stripes for curtains and blinds using our wide range of plains; this and other great design ideas at Prêt à Vivre 20 All Saints Road. W11 020 7243 3833

Edwins Bathrooms are a flagship dealer for Svedbergs, displaying the most recent of their produst range. Using Svedbergs means you can rely on colours matching, shapes working together, materials that last and foremost your bathroom will be complete and harmonious when finished. www.edwinsbathrooms.co.uk

Baths and massage baths, from simplicity to sophistication. They all share Svedbergs’ commitment to quality and finish, combined with a perfect balance between form and function. Available to view at Edwins Bathrooms, 19 All Saints Road W11

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INTERIORS

CELIA BIRTWELL BACKGROUND SHOWS CHA CHA CHA FABRIC © KEN ADLARD

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Life in

print

This month, the unstoppable Celia Birtwell launches a book about her life as well as a new collection of fabrics for the home. Pearl Boyd visits her W2 base to talk fashion, interiors and Mr Hockney

C

elia Birtwell is having a moment, again.

Having collected her CBE in June, she is now launching a wonderful new book about her life as well as returning to Decorex with a new range of prints for the home. And that’s just this month. All of which is no mean feat for someone who’s pushing 70.

It’s no wonder there’s so much interest in Birtwell’s life. Even though she’s not one to dwell on the past and says she’s tired of being asked about the 60s, people will never stop asking because she was part of an era that continues to inspire so much interest and nostalgia. Even among her contemporaries – “I do have friends who at dinner parties want to talk about 1975 and get very excited and I just want to yawn. David’s always saying that really there’s only now.”

That’s David Hockney, her lifelong friend, referred to repeatedly, usually and comically as ‘Mr Hockney’.

Birtwell is enormously proud of the new book, though she’s given away her only copy. “Mr Hockney was a bit cross he hadn’t got the first one.

He was making a big fuss so now he has my copy, which I posted to Bridlington.” Thankfully, he liked it.

“Yes, he thought it was rather good.

SOFA IN BIRD SONG FABRIC FROM THE NEW COLLECTION

He said in some ways it looks like yesterday and in other ways like a long time ago.” The book is designed, she explains, like a scrapbook, laid out in a collagey way with lots of blown-up photographs of her patterns used as backgrounds or borders, every page with a different style.

“I wanted it to be amusing and not just a coffee table book,” she says, and it is. Written by Dominic Lutyens, she says they laughed a lot over it (“he’s got a good laugh”).

It starts with Birtwell’s childhood in Lancashire “and my teenage life as a beatnik, then there are the Ossie

days in Manchester and here at the Royal College – and then there’s Mr Hockney and his drawings of me over the years.” There’s a lovely chapter about the shop which celebrates all the characters that used to populate Westbourne Park Road before all the bankers moved in (and when The Cow was “a scary Irish pub” where no Conran would ever dream of drinking) – “there was my bearded lady and the pigeon man”.

For someone as successful and respected as Birtwell in the glossy worlds of fashion and interiors, she’s 47

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BELOW: CELIA IN HER WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD SHOP BEFORE IT WAS DECORATED IN 1984 ; RIGHT: A LABEL ON A CELIA/OSSIE DRESS FEATURING HER PINEAPPLE PRINT © KEN ADLARD, COURTESY SHIKASUKI

‘‘I DID MY LITTLE ANIMALS AS A FIRST PRINT AND IT’S STILL GOING NOW, 30 YEARS LATER. IN FASHION IT WOULD HAVE GONE AND COME BACK, GONE AND COME BACK’’ enormously modest, which might be to do with being Northern. You can barely hear the north in her accent, after all these years in London, but Birtwell grew up in unglamorous postwar Lancashire and went to Salford Art School; when she first came to London she felt like an outsider. After the fame of her Ossie Clark days, she spent 20 years working quietly and unfamously in interiors, designing textile prints and keeping her shop in Westbourne Park Road until she quite suddenly became a household name in the world of fashion again in 2006, when she designed a collection for Topshop. Which, to her surprise, had people queuing around the block.

And since then, with her business managed efficiently by her younger son George and his wife Bella, her name has become huge – she has done several collections for Topshop and some for John Lewis and licensed

her designs to everything from tents for Millets to gardening gloves, crockery and wellies. Next, she’d like to do some clothes for people her age.

“People tend to say that people of my generation don’t buy clothes but I think that’s ridiculous – we all live a lot longer now and you don’t want to feel like you’ve had it.”

But really, home suits her better than fashion, she says. “It’s much slower and more thoughtful.” And the longevity is satisfying - “I did my Little Animals as a first print and it’s still going now, 30 years later.

In fashion it would have gone and come back, gone and come back.

So I realised that home suits my life better, it’s quieter and more low key.”

She has a strong sense of fashion and interiors belonging to separate worlds – interiors welcoming quieter, faded colours and traditional notes, while fashion is shoutier but more

MODEL GALA WILLIAMS IN A CHIFFON LILY MARLENE PRINT DRESS

ephemeral. “People always try to overlap home and fashion and they think they’re linked, but they’re not the same world,” she insists. Research for patterns for home takes her to the V&A’s textile rooms and her new prints are inspired by medieval houses, 18th century documents and Mexican florals. “I like traditional and I like symmetry,” she says – and she likes colour too, though neutrals work better for her commercially.

“I’ve always liked decorating rooms and playing with colour. When I lived in Addison Road I used to be known for moving the wardrobe around.

And when I first did what I call my Portobello Collection with my paisleys and little pagodas and beasties, I did it in rose and navy blue which I thought was very classic, but it wasn’t until I did white and cream that it started to be more commercial.

Nobody really wants too much colour.

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INTERIORS

ABOVE: LATE 1960S SKETCHES BY CELIA COURTESY CELIA BIRTWELL

LEFT AND RIGHT: CELIA BIRTWELL AND OSSIE CLARK’S WEDDING AT KENSINGTON REGISTRY OFFICE IN 1969, WITH HIS SISTER KAY AND DAVID HOCKNEY COURTESY CELIA BIRTWELL

Anyway now I like yellow, it’s my new colour.” The new prints include Sugar Plum (“a big mad spot”), Halleluiah (“a nice big stripe with a ginghamy check”) and David Hockney’s Grand Punchinellas in new colours, plus there’s a new line in dinky cushions with bobble borders (“I’ve always liked a bobble. I had blinds with bobbles on them in Linden Gardens”).

Birtwell’s manner is entirely charming but she’s not sugary. What did she think of Philip Green? “Oh I quite liked him actually. He’s quite something to behold. You need guys like that in the business.” Is he very loud? “He’s very… positive,” she says, making ‘positive’ into a subtle but devastating slight. Very clear about what she likes and what she doesn’t, she’s not keen, for instance, on

green, and is a bit rude about it (“but we mustn’t say that”) – her lovely and distinctive turn of phrase making something quite innocent into something quite pointed. “It’s a bit quiet for me,” she says (of green). “In the wrong way.” Another pattern is “a bit fidgety”. And when she recalls someone coming into her shop wearing a handmade dress in one of her home fabrics, her disapproval is unashamed. “I could have cried, it just looked stupid.

None of the side seams joined up. I thought, oh take it off.”

So woe betide anyone using her fabrics wrongly. Birtwell

may look sweet and gentle but she’s sharp and funny too, complaining quite a lot about parking and remembering the terrible décor of what was once Rosa’s café next door.

She speaks proudly of her six little grandchildren, and enjoys gardening and you can imagine that she likes a bit of gossip. “I like to keep a cheerful spirit if I can,” she says.

And she spreads one too.

All photographs are taken from the book.

Celia Birtwell will be signing copies of Celia Birtwell by Dominic Lutyens (Quadrille, £30) at her shop, 71 Westbourne Park Road W2 on Wednesday 19 October, 6-8pm.

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INTERIORS THE ICON

ALVAR AALTO VASE Finnish-born Alvar Aalto was not only one of the 20th century’s most important and influential architects, but was also a leading modern furniture and interiors designer. Aalto’s work is synonymous with modernism, yet his creations were not concerned with mere aesthetics and were inspired by the more permanent models of nature. The fluid form of his iconic vase, first unveiled in the 1937 Paris World’s Fair, is a simple, modern and timelessly stylish piece. From £74 at Vessel, 114 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PW, vesselgallery.com

Interior

Gemma Billington rounds up the best trends, local gems and designers this month LOCAL GEM BRISSI

In 2001, Arianna Brissi opened her first eponymous interiors store in Marlborough.

Three years later, a Westbourne Grove store followed. Brissi offers a mix of pretty, contemporary pieces and eclectic French country-house style with a personal edge; despite celebrating ten years in business, each piece is still sourced personally by Arianna and Siobhan. Brissi, 196 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH, brissi.co.uk

DESIGN DESIGN

GRAHAM AND GREEN Letterpress printing design has been cropping up everywhere, from stationery to clothing and furniture. This quirky sheesham and mango wood chest from Graham and Green’s new autumn collection is a typographer’s dream. £995 Graham and Green, 4 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX grahamandgreen.co.uk

DRPD BIRDS ON A WIRE SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER Drpd is a London based studio designing gifts and tableware with a quirky graphic twist. Their products have a distinct British style – Queen’s guards, bendy buses and the London skyline – in sleek black and white. We love the simple silhouetted birds on a telephone wire salt and pepper shaker and the continuity as they sit together. £16.95 drpd.co.uk 51

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o

INTERIORS

little James Saltire meets Kim Macrory and Stephen Bond of W9’s Big Table, who are fighting the Crossrail giant to keep their site

A

David versus Goliath clash continues in W9 over a property situated between Westbourne Park tube station and the canal. David is Big Table, for 29 years a manufacturer of hand-made beds and mattresses at 56 Great Western Road. Goliath, aka Crossrail and massively fortified by an Act of Parliament, has given David notice to quit by the end of January. Originally the location was selected for a site office, though now the intention is to demolish Big Table to make way for an electrical sub-station.

Manufacturing sites with passing retail trade are difficult, if not impossible, to find, Big Table directors Stephen Bond and Kim Macrory say, adding that plenty of railway or TfL land is adjacent or just across the road. “What, if anything,” Stephen asks, “makes our site uniquely suitable for an electricity substation?”

Meanwhile, an industrial heritage enthusiast is in the process of having the building listed by English Heritage. Erected in 1901 by the Temperance Society as a Coffee Tavern for Great Western Railway employees, the charming, brick-front building is thought to be the only one of its type still standing.

It also had a meeting room, the Carlton Hall, below street level, for educational betterment. Other GWR Coffee Taverns were built in Bristol, Cardiff, Newport, Reading, Smithfield and Swansea.

Erected in 1901 by the Temperance Society as a Coffee Tavern for Great Western Railway employees, the charming, brick front building is thought to be the only one of its type still standing “All that could mean little in view of Crossrail’s powers,” Kim says, “but I’d like to think its stance will shift once it grasps that the building is part of our national heritage.”

Meanwhile, for those interested in sleeping easily at night (including, perhaps, decision-makers at Crossrail), Big Table continues to make and sell its excellent beds and mattresses at 56 Great Western Road.

“I hope we’ll be here for another 30 years,” Kim adds. “After all, aren’t we – as a small manufacturing business – exactly what economists and politicians want? Crossrail should surely see the sense, fairness and feasibility of changing tack and seeking an alternative site for their substation.” t For those wishing to add messages of encouragement and support for Kim, Steve and staff, a book is open in the showroom. sales@bigtable.co.uk

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Bonjour Londres!

L i v i n g r o o m – D i n i n g r o o m - B e D r o o m - P L ay r o o m - ac c e ss o r i e s

Designed and made in France for over 50 years, Gautier’s modern, eco-friendly furniture is now available from our first London store in Notting Hill.

www.gautier.co.uk

37-41 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UA Tel. 020 7221 2393 opening hours - Monday to Saturday : 10.00 - 19.00 - Thursday : 10.00 - 20.00 - Sunday : 12.00 - 17.00

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Local bathroom stores

Tub of love

edwins bathrooms Designing bathrooms for the area for over 25 years, Edwins has three shops and can supply everything.

17, 19, 26 All Saints Road W11 020 7221 355; edwinsbathrooms.co.uk

Finding serious bathroom inspiration at W10’s Nu-line showroom

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he unassuming entrance to the Nu-line bathroom showroom hardly prepares you for what awaits you inside.

Located in Malton Road, just down the side of Ladbroke Grove tube station, you can even park outside for free.

The ground floor is taken up with the trade counter and displays of sinks, taps and ranges of stunning looking radiators. But when you walk upstairs to the main showroom, you soon forget you’re under the Westway.

The bright and spacious showroom is an absolute cornucopia of bath and shower displays and accessories of every conceivable style. Walking through, you might encounter Jackie and Dave discussing bathroom layouts with customers or Michael seated at a desk pouring over plans and catalogues. The room-sets won’t fail to impress, with displays ranging from the traditional (Victoria & Albert) the elegant (Lefroy Brooks) to the stunning (Duravit Mirrorwall). If you’re after new ideas for the bathroom, this is where to come. t

Nu-line Bathrooms, Unit 12-14 Malton Road W10 020 8206 5177 nulinebathrooms.com

cp hart Beautiful bathrooms from the world’s leading designers.

235 Westbourne Park Road W11 020 243 3300, cphart.co.uk

colourwash London’s local bathroom boutique is now part of CP Hart but there’s much inspiration to be had in the Kensal Rise showroom.

165 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 colourwash.co.uk

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West End Fulham Islington Notting Hill Richmond Cheltenham Guildford

Roundhouse Oct11.indd 1

020 7297 6220 020 7736 7362 020 7704 8260 020 7229 2123 020 8744 9993 01242 521 900 01483 573 584

New Brochure www.roundhousedesign.com

Made in Britain, Built to Last

26/09/2011 13:14

LONDON UNDERGROUND Take a tour of the London streets, one of, if not the, finest metropolis in the world and what do you think you are going to see?

Can’t see anything?

Then look... beneath you!

INTERVIEW BY JANE TARRANT

Basements that’s what you’ll find; hundreds of them, all over London.

There are so many basements being built around London that you would be forgiven for thinking we are becoming a subterranean species.

Some high profile celebrities are so against them, when even more of the glitterati are having them built.

So, we thought we would ask our old sparring partner, Steven McDicken from Metropolitan Basements, to justify the upheaval, the digging , the dirt and the bad press!

Why do people hate basements?

The only people who hate basements are the ones that don’t need them. Everybody else I know loves them.

So… why do people love basements?

Simple… more space! and at a fraction of the cost of moving home.

At a fraction of the cost… please explain?

Well if you wanted to move home it would cost you say £800 to £1500 per square foot for that extra floor space and if you build a basement it only costs you, £400 per square foot including the VAT. In fact, what you would save on the stamp duty you have to pay when moving house, goes a long way to buying a large part of your basement!

So are you saying it’s purely for money?

No… more space!

But, by doing so you just happen to create rather a lot of equity in your home. It ‘coincidently’ makes good financial sense. Unless you just sell it on, of course.

What about the bad press?

People will always be people; they will make a mountain out of a basement, then they will turn around and build one themselves.

No one wants to live next door to a basement being dug… the noise for a start, do you think they will ban them eventually?

They can’t, they’re largely permitted development and you can’t see them.

As for the noise, they are no less noisy than digging your garden and they are a million times quieter than someone digging up the road. Traffic noise in London is more than the sound of a basement being dug.

Anyway, we work 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, when everybody is at work.

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Planning is not an issue then?

There is no reason why it should be. Except listed buildings and even then it can be done.

How long to build one?

Depends on the size but let’s say 1220 weeks for the majority of houses in London.

Who designs them?

We have an architect who is rather experienced with them. He wrote a book: Architect Your Home by Hugo Tugman. There is a section in there all about basements too. You can buy it from www.anovabooks.com Don’t be put off by his picture, he is actually one of the nicest architects I’ve ever met.

So what’s your parting shot to the basement critics and lovers alike?

Well, not a parting shot - just a statement that the majority of people will eventually get a basement dug to gain that extra space, especially in the more affluent areas of London. Even if you are against it now, you will succumb in the months or years to come or the people that move into your house after you are gone will get one done.

It’s just going to happen, like it or not, and it’s going to be widespread, just in the same way double glazing stated in the 70’s, but much less intrusive or visible because it’s underground!

Unit 39 Sheraton Business Park, Wadsworth Close, Greenford UB6 7JB Tel: 0845 402 6799

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FOOD&DRINK

food spotlight

Brasserie NOTTING HILL

In search of the best brasserie in the west

S

ome inventions are so ingenious that they quickly become essential to our lives.

The innovations which at first seem so revolutionary soon become the standards and conventions of tomorrow – and their resulting ubiquity makes them a source of wonderment.

Just as strange to consider, however, are those less revolutionary ideas that add to the colour of our lives without quite altering the course of history. One might see the classic brasserie as such an idea.

Outside of its native France, the idea of an upmarket but informal

WORDS: HELEN BARON bar-restaurant has gone in and out of fashion - Britain in particular, for many years seemed resistant to its charms. Perhaps it’s because as a nation we have a taste for plain speaking. So for a long time we had pubs and caffs at one end of the spectrum and The Savoy at the other – with not a great deal in between. But modern Britain is about confidence. The affluence of the 1980s opened our eyes to the advantages of the brasserie, before Terence Conran began to fly the flag for the form in the 1990s; nowadays, London is the proud home of quite a few relaxed but classy establishments of the sort that throng the streets of Paris and New York.

Notting Hill, however, has lagged behind a little in this department.

Of course, W11 is hardly starved (if you’ll pardon the pun) of great places to eat. We have legions of gastropubs, kid-friendly cafes and coffee houses, world cuisine chains from Itsu to New Culture Revolution and some amazing independent, eateries. But if you’ve been hankering for a darkly stylish drop-in joint boasting classic décor and a dash of vintage atmosphere… well, pickings have hardly been rich. So for a place with the jazzy vim of a Hemingway haunt and no need for brash celeb chef branding, our saving grace is the Notting Hill Brasserie. This AA Gill-approved 59

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“The restaurant is a fine example of how a brasserie should be done, and as a diner you can feel the love and attention to detail that’s gone into making it what it is” eaterie is a local gem that’s second to none.

The restaurant’s entrance leads directly into the bar – an intimate space that benefits from ceilingheight Georgian windows. The last remnants of the late-summer light trickle in as the first piano notes of the evening reach my ears: the Notting Hill Brasserie features a live pianist every night of the week and at Sunday lunch.

The chrome-topped bar curves around a wall stacked high with bottles that glow enticingly. My companion and I start the evening

with characteristically cool libations – a White Lady Cocktail and a Floral Nar Bellini (complete with stalk of lavender). The drinks menu is enough to bring out the adventurous in anyone, straddling as it does favourites from the Jazz Age, the art of the Modern Mixologist and the Georgian and Victorian eras to boot.

Having polished off our cocktails we head to the brasserie for the main event. The food served is gratifyingly delicate: the emphasis here is clearly on packing an intensely flavoursome punch. We loved the artichoke with egg beignet (fancy), truffle pesto

and a delicious goat’s curd, halibut and wild mushroom risotto with red wine shallots and lamb loin, fillet and sweetbreads with herb gnocchi and summer vegetables. Each dish is astutely proportioned and the presentation is top notch, all of which means the enjoyment of the meal is about far more than just filling your belly - this must be how the Parisians stay so chic. With food like this you could dine out every night, remain trim and still manage your five-a-day. Dessert of cocoa bean crème brûlée with coffee ice cream and salt caramel truffle and panna cotta is complemented by the Sauterne – almost apricot in flavour and embodying the same sweetness as the dessert.

The restaurant is a fine example of how a brasserie should be done, and as a diner you can feel the love and attention to detail that’s gone into making it what it is.

A handy tip for anyone considering a visit: though a stalwart of the vibrant west London scene for a good few years now, the bar was refurbished around a year ago – so it’s worth earmarking if you haven’t visited in a while. Also, anyone attending an exhibition at the neighbouring St Peter’s Gallery are invited to a complimentary cocktail when taking up the Notting Hill Brasserie’s set lunch offer.

I can recommend one or two if need be… t nottinghillbrasserie.com 92 Kensington Park Road W11 2PN 020 7229 4481

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T BOOU UR RN U SUES E W EWSETSB NEE HHOO p e r, C o c k t a i l s , E v e n t s B r e a kB rf eaasktf ,a s Lt ,u Lnucnhc ,h , SSuupp p e r, C o c k t a i l s , E v e n t s

WESTBOURNE HOUSE WESTBOURNE HOUSE B r e a k f a s t , L u n c h , S u p p e r, C o c k t a i l s , E v e n t s B r e a k f a s t , L u n c h , S u p p e r, C o c k t a i l s , E v e n t s

Opened in October 2007, Westbourne house is quite simply the best bar in town.

From intimate midweek get-togethers to hedonistic weekends, the Westbourne House experience has something to offer whatever the occasion. Already nominated for new bar of the year, Westbourne House can arrange parties, corporate evenings and bespoke events for 20 to 150

“What cocktails will not cure, there is no cure for”

Opened in October 2007, Westbourne house is quite simply the best bar in town.

Westbourne Grove, W2 4UJ Opened in October65 2007, Westbourne houseLondon, is quite simply the best bar in town.

From intimate midweek get-togethers to hedonistic weekends, the Westbourne 0207 2292233 From intimate midweek get-togethers to hedonistic weekends, the Westbourne Opened in October 2007, Westbourne house is quite simply the best bar in town.

House experience has has something whatever occasion. www.WestbourneHouse.net House experience somethingto to offer offer whatever the the occasion.

Already Already From intimate midweek get-togethers to hedonistic weekends, the Westbourne nominated for bar new bar of the year,Westbourne Westbourne House can arrange parties, nominated for experience new of the year, can arrange House has something to offer whateverHouse the occasion.

Already parties, corporate evenings and bespoke events for 20 to 150 corporate evenings and events to 150 nominated for new bar of the year,bespoke Westbourne Housefor can20 arrange parties, corporate evenings for is 20 no to 150 “What cocktails will and notbespoke cure,events there cure for” “What“What cocktails will not cure, there is 65 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UJ no cure cocktails will not cure, there is no cure for” 0207 2292233 65 Westbourne London, 65 WestbourneGrove, Grove, London, W2W2 4UJ 4UJ www.WestbourneHouse.net 0207 0207 2292233 2292233 www.WestbourneHouse.net www.WestbourneHouse.net

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FOOD&DRINK

FOOD REVIEW

Little Italy Gretel Baron seeks out the most authentic Italian restaurant in Notting Hill and finds Osteria Basilico

K

ensington Park Road is home to several Italian restaurants sitting pretty much side-by-side, each competing with its brethren for the honour of tickling your tastebuds.

We’re here to pay a visit to Osteria Basilico – and first impressions are resoundingly good. From the outside, two important boxes are immediately ticked: those marked ‘charming’ and ‘authentic’. Osteria Basilico positively radiates warmth and welcome, and crossing the threshold only increases the sensation: it’s like being transported into a real rustic trattoria back in the Old Country, the stripped wooden tables and stained glass in the windows shown in their best aspect by the flickering light from the dozens of candle-lanterns. To say it’s romantic doesn’t quite do it justice – but what of the food itself?

The menu is perfectly sized, with the daily specials listed on the first page almost acting as a stumbling block: they sound so delicious that it seems churlish to move past them. When you do, however, you’re rewarded with the very best of classic Italian fare – from buffalo mozzarella with tomatoes and seafood linguini to pizza with Parma ham.

My companion and I wasted no time in ordering our starters – a light, fresh beef carpaccio tinged with lemon and served with pesto, rocket and shaved parmesan, and an oven-baked aubergine strung with melted mozzarella and delicate tomato sauce. We’re off to a flying start – and the main courses continue the theme of homespun dishes, perfectly prepared. My companion’s chargrilled lamb cutlets arrive on a bed of tender sliced aubergine and garnished with a beautifully full-flavoured rosemary sauce. My own main comes from the specials selection – a seafood taglioni filled with prawns and crayfish. It’s a fresh, succulent dish, not too fishy, retaining a lovely lightness and fragrance.

At this point, Osteria Basilico owner Adolfo (born and bred in Rome) introduces himself and gives us the lowdown on the restaurant.

It opened in 1992 and its instant success prompted Adolfo to open two other Italian restaurants nearby.

Nowadays, he owns two while the third is run by his brother. He tells us that Osteria is the place to go for an authentic Italian meal. One sister restaurant, Mediterraneo,

specialises in great fish, while the other, Essenza, offers a more contemporary atmosphere with simple but superb pasta dishes.

This genial fellow has created his own Little Italy right here on Kensington Park Road.

We bid Adolfo farewell just in time to get stuck into the dessert menu, and despite feeling sated already, we can’t miss out on the raspberry cheesecake. We’re cheesecake fanatics, and the Osteria effort doesn’t disappoint: the mascarpone is light yet indulgently creamy and the raspberry coulis so fresh that I squint from its zingy tang.

Eventually, we polish off the bottle of classic chianti that has accompanied our meal and take our leave. It’s a reassuring sight: the skill and devotion of a local family business showing the garish, soulless chain restaurants how it’s done – and people responding by turning up in droves. Upbeat and pleasantly full, we wander back out into the Notting Hill night. osteriabasilico.co.uk, 29 Kensington Park Road, W11 020 7727 9372

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The new show from the creators of the smash hit INTO THE HOODS T I ON ’ S A N O ZO

“ONE OF THE UK’S HOTTEST DANCE COMPANIES” The Independent

DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS, SEASONAL & SUSTAINABLE Feng Sushi is committed to serving the finest food with the least possible impact on the environment – from our eco-friendly packaging to friendly cycling delivery service.

“THE MASSIVELY TALENTED ZOONATION ARE GENUINELY MESMERISING” Metro

THU 20 OCT SAT 19 NOV S A DLER’S WELLS I N THE WEST END

Eat healthily, tread lightly…

Eat healthily, tread lightly…

Eat In | Take Away | Deliveries

Notting Hill Gate 7727 1123 Kensington 7937 7927 Order online fengsushi.co.uk

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La dolce vita Valentina’s Fine Foods are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and the expanding business will be opening its fourth branch in Notting Hill Gate this month. We chat with owner Bruno Zoccola about his roots, Valentina’s success and the upcoming launch

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n a grey Monday morning, the Putney branch of Valentina’s is filling up nicely.

The stylish 4,000sq foot, glass-fronted building is filled with goods - pasta of all varieties, sauces, vinegars and oils – and a tempting deli brimming with fresh food that stretches across the back of the space. Commuters and families pop in for coffee or a spot of breakfast. Bruno and I take a pew in the 150-seat restaurant upstairs and, over coffee, he tells Valentina’s story.

“It was named after one of the partner’s daughters” Bruno says.

“We originally opened in Sheen in 1991 and people described it as a bit of an Aladdin’s cave of Italian food.”

Indeed, a quick glance around the establishment on first entry is enough to assure me of its authenticity. Some Italian eateries veer precariously into garish, stereotyped territory – but the broad yet exclusive range of produce is undoubtedly Italian and contemporary in presentation. Bruno proudly admits: “we’ve had Italians come in who say we have a bigger selection of Italian goods than they can get back home.”

During my tour, I’m given the background on the sepia photographs of various members of the two founding families that cover the walls; each one tells a nostalgic (often cheeky) story. “My parents came over in 1958,” Bruno begins. “There was no work in Italy. The two principal families involved in Valentina’s are mine (the Zaccolas) and the Arcaris.

My parents were arable farmers from a place called Casino, situated between

Rome and Naples.” It is clear that this is a story Bruno has recounted many times, but it doesn’t diminish his enthusiasm nor his obvious pride in his heritage. “My parents started their lives very humbly,” he continues, “my father was a chef and they eventually got enough money together to open a small snack bar on St John Street.” From an early career in sales at Smithfield Market, Bruno eventually returned to his dream of owning a delicatessen. “My family history in farming equipped me with the knowledge to successfully open restaurants and delis over here. Most of the products we sell are homemade.” The range of own brand olive oil is still made by the family in Casino and the stock of Valentina’s own products – currently over 110 items – is growing steadily.

2011 marks Valentina’s 20th anniversary and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. A perfect time, it would seem, to open a new branch. But why Notting Hill? “We’d been looking around for a new site for some time” Bruno admits, “What we needed was an upscale area with people who like to lunch in the afternoon. Notting Hill is a nice, vibrant area and there are actually quite a lot of Italians who live here so we thought, why not?” The new branch will showcase everything that Valentina’s is currently known for.

This includes, along with fresh Italian produce and a new pizzeria, a rather impressive stock of wine; around 200 bottles sourced straight from Italy.

Valentina’s also hosts numerous events including a traditional pasta-making

course held on weekday afternoons.

Says Bruno: “The Valentina concept is that you can get as much out of it as you want; from a take-away cup of coffee to fresh ingredients that you can use at home. Of course, you can also come in for a sit-down meal or for pre-prepared meals to take home. We can provide catering too and pride ourselves on having over 2,000 products on our online delivery service.” He continues: ‘In restaurants in Italy, the staff are always friendly and happy to see you. They don’t care if you go in for a cup of coffee or spend £200 on a meal. It’s the same with Valentina’s. The idea is that you enjoy the experience and want to come back because you might not be spending £200 this time, but you might next time.’

Valentina’s Italian authenticity stretches to the staff, mostly of whom are Neopolitans. Chef Massimo Grippa, who has experience in Milanese restaurants, is effusive about the menu, citing his grandma as the inspiration behind many of the recipes.

The Notting Hill launch is obviously an exciting step in Valentina’s story, and with Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show off their delicious produce – including the Great Taste award-winning panettone and hampers of all shapes and sizes created by Bruno’s wife, Maria.

The store may be new to Notting Hill, but it’s sure to become your favourite local. t 145 Notting Hill Gate W11 020 7702 1181 valentinafinefoods.com 65

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Glamorous

F E AT U R E D R E S TA U R A N T

Julie’s 35 Portland Road W11 4LW 020 7229 8331 juliesrestaurant.com

A stalwart of the local dining scene and selfproclaimed magnet to the hippie generation years ago and now, to the ultra-cool London set, Julie’s is affectionately referred to as the rock chick of the restaurant world. Opened in 1969, the originality of the various dining rooms décor remains intact - a menagerie of eclectic themes and furnishings, alcoves and banqueting rooms, making it perfect for private dining functions. Numerous menus are available (set, canape, tea, Sunday, breakfast etc) and nearby Portobello Hotel is owned by the same people, should you care to stay the night too. t Opening times: Open Mon-Sat 9am11:15pm; Sun 9am10:15pm

le cafe anglais Rowley Leigh’s super stylish Art Deco style restaurant on the top floor of Whiteleys has everything from an oyster bar to a children’s entertainer on Sundays. 020 7221 1415

THE electric brasserie A 1930s feel with its ocean liner style interior, the Electric’s vast brasserie menu and great seafood makes it a perennial favourite.

020 7908 9696

THE dock kitchen Heavy on style thanks to the Tom Dixon connecion, the Dock’s experimental kitchen now has a regular menu in addition to the fixed feasts. 020 8962 1610

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The Garden Bar and Grill has the largest garden in Notting Hill.

We can arrange parties, corporate evenings and bespoke events for 20 to 400.

We have a Kensington and Chelsea wedding licence and our garden marquee can accommodate up to 200.

The beautiful garden is always open for alfresco drinking and dining. Relax with a freshly prepared Mojito from our thatched bar or sample the delights of our seasonal sizzling weekend BBQ.

"without doubt the most beautiful garden in central London" "a hidden gem" "The perfect place to while away a lazy day"

0207 2291111

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www.housebars.co.uk

Garden Bar 41 Bramley Road Notting Hill W10 6SZ

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Local bars F E AT U R E D B A R

The Shop, NW10 75 Chamberlayne Road NW10 020 8969 9399 theshopnw10.com The Shop is a community cocktail bar.

Its short life has already seen it play host to cupcake workshops, sales of vintage clothes, art exhibitions and a range of random happenings in a space that’s designed to evolve with its folk.

It’s even been the subject of a rave in the Telegraph and uniquely, everything in it is for sale.

Like the pictures on the walls?

They could be yours. Fancy the chairs? Make an offer.

Cocktails, served in recycled jamjars and milk bottles, include the Shop Assistant (tequila, lime, honey, raspberries, lager), Once Loved (rum, coco, pineapple and crème de abricot) and the purist Size Zero (prosecco, peach puree) while snacks include scotch eggs and pork pies.

Owners Luke Allen and Ben Magid launched the venue in response to a lack of cocktails in Kensal Rise and the place has a happy, easy vibe with a creative edge.

Don’t miss the beery celebrations for Oktoberfest – this shop will be a keeper. t

Trailer happiness This dive bar with a tiki theme and a kitch feel has a thing for rum cocktails and who could resist?

177 Portobello Road W11 020 7065 6821

Paradise With its variety of different drinking spaces and very own karaoke room, Paradise is the ultimate cocktail venue. All quirky furniture (wonky lamps, old pieces of taxidermy) and gothic glamour, this is a venue for all occasions.

19 Kilburn Lane W10 020 8969 0098 Portobello Star Launching its very own gin distillery imminently, Portobello Star is a small but serious watering hole soon to become a gin palace. Watch this space. portobellostarbar.co.uk 171 Portobello Road W11 020 7229 8016

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FOOD&DRINK COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Black Madzik

The Black Madzik cocktail is a dark and spooky concoction based on the Savoy Cocktail Book’s temptingly named Corpse Reviver No 2, but replacing the absinthe (too lethal) with Babicka vodka. Don’t be fooled though – this is still no tame tipple, thanks to Babicka’s wormwood extract – and its heart of darkness comes from a dash of squid ink. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s available over the Halloween weekend at Portobello Road’s Ground Floor Bar and Ledbury Road’s Beach Blanket Babylon. Or make your own with this witchy recipe.

• 50ml Babicka vodka • 25ml triple sec • 25ml vermouth • 25ml fresh lemon juice • dash of squid ink • Shake well with ice and strain into a martini glass • Garnish with a black (of course) cherry

CHris tM As in

plan a break from Christmas shopping on the high street and join us in babylon restaurant for a winter feast.

Book a table for lunch between Monday and Friday to enjoy 2 courses for £20 or 3 courses for £23. Ask about our Christmas menus for groups of 6 or more.

T: 0207 368 3993 babylonchristmas@roofgardens.virgin.com www.roofgardens.virgin.com

99 Ken sin gton Hig HigH H st, Lon don W8 5sA

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Do it Your Way

At the Club that gets Results

60% OFF JOINING FEE IN OCTOBER

There’s an offer for everyone at the Club that cares, from joining London’s best fitness network to fantastic off-peak offers for local mums.

Plus weight loss programmes with individual support from specialist staff and a great selection of classes.

Come down to Portobello this October and as well as a great joining discount we’ll give you a free gift if you mention Absolutely magazine.

3-5 Thorpe Close . London W10 5XL. For more info contact us at info@pgfc.org.uk or call us on 020 8960 2221

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ABSOLUTELY P R O M OT I O N

Autumn skin Autumn is the perfect time to start tackling skin issues such as sun damage, pigmentation and melasma. Your starting point should be a complimentary skin consultation at EF MEDISPA who can offer you an extensive menu of treatments to help solve any skin issues you may have. This may include the latest pixlelated and fraxel lasers, or high-tech serums using the latest stem cell technology from the United States, delivered via an advanced dermaroller sytem. Just call for your complimentary consultation now.

Breast is best At EF MEDISPA you can have natural looking breast implants and breast reduction, tailored to perfectly suit your body shape.

This is an ideal solution if you want to choose from a range of naturally textured implants and find the best shape and size to suit your frame. Esther explains why EF MEDISPA has become a popular first choice for breast augmentation and breast reduction: “We will only offer the highest quality most reliable implants, carefully selected by our medical team. My clients don’t want general anaesthetic and overnight hospital stays, and my surgeons are used to carrying out breast augmentation using local anaesthetic and sedation, so this becomes a walk-in walk-out same day procedure.”

Autumn Skin Saviours

Absolutely Notting Hill reveals EF MEDISPA’s beauty must-have treatments for this season!

Start your course of pain-free hair removal now!

Autumn is an ideal time to start your course of laser hair removal.

EF MEDISPA only offers Superior laser, which uses “in motion” technology to deliver a totally pain-free permanent hair removal. Working on any part of the body, this new treatment is excellent for delicate and intimate areas. Men and women should book now for a free Superior patch test The gentle body cleanse The EF MEDISPA hot tip for Autumn is a colonic for a gentle body cleanse. An ideal way to detox your system after a summer of excess, EF MEDISPA offer a menu of colonics for you to choose from. The Californian Colonic uses the superfood Wheatgrass as a power detox and inner cleanse.

Undetectable facial enhancements Facial aesthetics and injectible treatments have come of age.

Today’s advanced techniques allow you to have botox and dermal fillers yet still retain a natural look. EF MEDISPA have pioneered a facial revolution with highly skilled nurses who have been trained in the latest techniques being used by Hollywood’s celebrity surgeons. Esther Fieldgrass, EF MEDISPA’s founder reveals some of the secrets used by her medical team: “We are achieving understated anti-ageing tweaks and delicate lip and cheek plumping by using carefully measured dilutions and combinations of products.” Call to book your injectible treatment now!

Micro-surgical enhancements EF MEDISPA offer anti-ageing surgical treatments which are equally subtle, including ‘bleph’ removal surgery, a method of upper and lower eye bag removal and loose skin reduction that minimises any possible scars. The blepharoplasty procedure corrects drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes, with a natural looking result. At EF MEDISPA the procedure is performed by renowned international plastic surgeons, under local anaesthetic, so there is no need for an overnight stay.

Create curves where you want them For a fast, effective way to create your perfect curves, EF MEDISPA offer the most advanced form of body sculpting; VASER Lipo! EF MEDISPA’s surgeons use VASER technology to remove fat from difficult to shift stubborn areas.

This technology is especially effective for larger volumes of fat, which other lipo techniques can’t handle. VASER zaps the areas that the gym can’t reach, such as thighs, jowls, banana roll and batwings. VASER High Def goes one step further and allows men to sculpt the perfect six-pack and ladies to achieve a definition that was previously only available with airbrusing! At EF MEDISPA, twilight sedation is offered instead of general anaesthesia, which means VASER can be a walk-in walk-out procedure, resulting in considerably less downtime and no overnight hospital stay. It also means that no one need know you have chosen VASER instead of the personal trainer.

Beauty 24/7 If you’re looking for hassle-free, fuller, more defined looking lips and eyeliner which doesn’t budge, try semi-permanent make-up. No hours in front of the mirror in the morning, just beautiful, natural looking make-up. EF MEDISPA’s make-up technicians are skilled at creating the natural look and/or correcting facial asymmetries.

69 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7NL 020 7449 6925 29 Kensington Church Street London W8 4LL 020 7361 1005 193 Kings Road London SW3 5ED 020 7368 7674 Website: www.efmedispa.com Online shop: www.efmedishop.com

Follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/estherfieldgras Read diet blog: http://www.efmedispa.com/news/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EFmedispa

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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y P ROMOT IO N

water

Wellness through Treatments at W11’s Hydrohealing are all based on the healing powers of water. Here’s how

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ydrohealing is not your typical day spa. With a ‘wellness through water’ ethos and an extensive range of innovative hydro-based therapies, it’s no surprise to learn that the centre has long been a favourite of the likes of Fearne Cotton and Kate Moss.

Hydrohealing’s contemporary and clean-cut interior produces an instantly calming atmosphere and oozes professionalism. Catering to every need of its clients, from holistic and hydro therapies to full detox programmes, Hydrohealing’s emphasis on the rejuvenating power of water offers a more salubrious alternative to obtrusive, chemicalbased therapies.

AT HYDROHEALING, THE IDEOLOGY IS THAT WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE WILL SHOW ON THE OUTSIDE

Known as colonic hydrotherapy experts, Hydrohealing also specialises in popular Hydroblitz procedures, the less invasive alternatives to endermologie and anti-cellulite chemicals. The Hydroblitz face treatment combines the soothing elements of a typical facial with a cutting-edge oxygen suction pen to stimulate and increase circulation, resulting in fresh, plumped-up and glowing skin. The effects of the pen are invigorating, akin to spending a very windy day by the sea, but the overall effect is therapeutic and provides instant results. The Hydroblitz Body is a highly effective toning and anti-cellulite treatment that uses a combination of massage, minerals and oxygen suction to attack fatty deposits and stimulate circulation for firmer and noticeably healthier-looking skin. The body, beauty and detox treatments are popular choices around New Year, when those resolutions start to bite, but also work great as a pre-summer body prep. That said, the clinic’s treatments are not just concerned with aesthetics – at Hydrohealing,

the ideology is that what’s going on inside will show on the outside. The client’s well-being, both physical and emotional, is the spa’s main priority – and the extensive pretreatment questionnaire examines everything from diet and stress levels to existing health problems in order to aid staff in producing tailor-made packages that offer the best solutions for the individual.

The notion that what occurs on the inside shows on the outside is certainly not a new one; neither is the idea that water is a vital element in our well-being. But in an age when fast-track, pill-popping and frequently invasive solutions are commonplace, it’s refreshing to find a place that keeps the simple yet highly effective power of water at its heart. For anyone seeking long-term changes for optimum health, inside and out, a visit to Hydrohealing is a step in the right direction.

Hydrohealing 16a Kensington Park Road W11727272 020 7727 2570 hydrohealing.com

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B E AU T Y 2

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Look your best with our best local beauty buys this month

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1. Phyto Mascara Ultra-Stretch £37, houseoffraser.co.uk, 2. Payot Les Correctrices Skincare For individual prices see payot.com/GB/en/, 3. Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturising Masque Tube £20 aesop.com, 227A Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE, 4. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum £36.50, clinique.co.uk, 5. Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum £45.00 origins.co.uk, origins.co.uk 6. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Scrub £50 tomford.com, 7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream £49 timetospa.co.uk, 8. Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask £46, spacenk.co.uk, 127-131 Westbourne Grove Notting Hill W2 4IP 73

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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Pain-free permanent hair reduction at EF Medispa

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t EF MEDISPA you can have pain-free laser hair removal with the Superior Laser on any part of the body. A highly effective, safe and FDA approved system, EF MEDISPA’s experienced team of professionals are highly trained to use this revolutionary treatment.

How does it work?

The laser gently passes through the dermis allowing the laser light to be absorbed into the hair root, destroying the cells so they can no longer produce hair. Although hair regrowth has been prevented, the laser does not injure the surrounding skin and the procedure is totally pain-free.

How does it differ from traditional laser technology?

The laser technology previously available emits laser light using a pulse method. This process can be painful, time consuming and may not work on all skin and hair types.

By contrast, the advanced diode laser technology of the Superior laser uses low-fluence, high average power and repetition rate so the application of light is constant.

This allows for the ‘in-motion’ technology to be quick and efficient as it is delivered in a sweeping paint brush motion over the skin as opposed to the pain-staking and time consuming pulse method. Furthermore, the superior cooling head that is used means there is only a warming sensation during the procedure as opposed to pain and discomfort from traditional laser technology.

Come in for a complimentary test patch and take advantage of this month’s special offers: 1. Book a course of full leg and receive a course of bikini FREE 2. Book a course of half leg and Receive a course of under arm FREE offers valid until 31 October efmedispa.com EF MEDISPA 29 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4LL, 020 7361 1005 EF MEDISPA 69 St John’s Wood, London NW8 7NL, 020 7449 6925 EF MEDISPA, 193 Kings Road, London SW3 5ED, 020 7368 7674

Autumn Hair Trends

Top hair tips from Kell Skött

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olour trends this season are rich and earthy, with a glistening glow of amber, honey gold, caramel and toffee shades.

Glossy brunette shades work well with most skin tones, but it’s all about finding the perfect one for your complexion. Your colourist will be able to pick a shade that is perfectly suited to yours.

From bold vibrant reds to lighter copper tones, red hair is still a big trend this autumn. Blondes are softer this season; honey blondes will flatter your skin tone and give a softer feel.

Short hairstyles always create great impact and this season they range from soft and sexy to androgynous, with boyish styles making a big impact. A versatile short and spiky crop can be styled smooth and straight for smart occasions.

Bobsare going a little shorter this season, so why not take a few inches off for an edgy look? Or try an angular bob with a dramatic blunt fringe, which was so popular on the catwalk.

If short, blunt fringes do nothing for your features, opt for a longer, eye- skimming one for a softer look.

Ponytails are the hairstyles of the season and are seen on so many catwalks. Anything goes, from super sleek to mussed up. Take it one step further and put your ponytail up in to a side bun for an effortless sophisticated look.If ponytails are too harsh, then a great way to soften your look is with soft feminine curls, create the look easily with heated rollers or a curling tong, before pulling the curls out gently. t Kell Skött Haircare 93 Golborne Road W10; 020 8964 3004 2-4 Lambton Place W11; 020 7229 1671

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Services Manicure | Pedicure | Fish Spa Gel Enhancements - Axxium Gel & Shellac | Nail Enhancements - Snake Skin & Minx Glitzy Lips | Threading | Massage Chairs Bar serving - Champagne, Wine & Cocktails Brands Used Chanel | OPI | Essie Retail Products Ancienne Ambiance Candles | Nail Tek | Butter London | OPI | Essie Pre-book your appointment or simply drop-in Call us for Mummy & Baby mornings and Xmas Party bookings Coco Nail Bar, 267 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR | 0207 243 1113 | www.coconailbar.com As recommended by

Follow us on Twitter & Facebook COCO Oct11.indd 1

for weekly deals 30/09/2011 16:49

KIDS LITTLE DUCKLING

From Copenhagen via Kensal Rise, Little Duckling’s autumn range reworks the past – the feel is Edwardian with a splash of the 1970s.

For girls, dresses are robust with pretty pleating and tucking, while boys will love dungarees and a slight hint of the wild west. little-duckling.co.uk

Absolutely

Tinies Autumnal styles – in miniature

NANOS

Just opened in Westbourne Grove is Nanos, Spain’s most stylish childrenswear company and its range spans babies through to teenagers. Think old-fashioned: it’s all breeches, tartans and bonnets, with smart smocks and dinky pintucks as well as darling little shoes. Very much the Sunday best.

183 Westbourne Grove W11 2SB

MINI A TURE AT KIDSEN

Everybody knows that NW10’s Kidsen is the most stylish place to kit out your kids and it’s stocking the new range from Mini a Ture with its delightful prints, clever detailing and practical cuts.

111 Chamberlayne Road W10 3NS

POLARN O PYRET

Everybody loves the unfussy and refreshingly unisex clobber at Polarn O Pyret.

Bold, childish prints, strong colours and the classic stripe characterise the collection, and the clever range of robust outerwear is available all year round. polarnopyret.com

TROTTERS

Trotters celebrates its 21st birthday this month and its new range of childrenswear is nostalgic and practical too. Tartan pinafores and appliqué animals are all the rage.

Happy birthday! 127 Kensington High Street W8 5SF

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Cool Kids Everyone looks better after a visit to Portobello Green Arcade.

Fashion, gifts and accessories for men, women and children.

Sasti is where you’ll find Rosie Life’s great R.Life kids label. From stylish babywear to fun pieces for boys and girls up to 10. Plus fantastic original gifts for new mums and children.

One o f

Time Top 5 Out’s 0 Sho ps in Lo ndon

www.sasti.co.uk Find us at: Portobello Green Arcade 6 Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Road London W10 5TZ Tel. 020 8960 1125 Email: sales@sasti.co.uk

www.portobellodesigners.com

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Portobello Green’s 20 boutiques include: A Creative Unit Adam of London Baby Ceylon Isis Leblon Haizhen Wang Studio In Bloom Philmore Clague Preen Lunetier

Sarah Bunting Sasti Steve Bell The Chinese Tea Company Trapstar Valli Colpani Verde What Katie Did Zarvis Plus: Le Petit Café Mo’s Café

20/09/2011 14:07 18:55 01/10/2011

LUXURY GETAWAY

Tasmania DUE SOUTH Though the beauty of the Seychelles and the Maldives is undeniable, those honeymoon hotspots with their pure white beaches and postcard-perfect tranquil seas have grown a little passé.

For something different, Australia’s southernmost and smallest island state, Tasmania – “the island of inspiration” – has lost its ‘isolated’ stigma and is fast becoming an attractive alternative.

Ideal for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and those seeking rest and relaxation alike, Tasmania’s natural beauty and resources have inspired exclusive wildlife and wilderness activities as well as a growing spa industry. Australia’s most decentralised and geographically diverse state enjoys a variety of natural beauty from vast, uninhabited swathes

of wilderness to rainforests, glacial lakes and mountains, to white beaches and bountiful wildlife in its numerous National Parks. Unlike the rest of Australia, Tasmania is compact, its top attractions accessible. It’s an ideal

self-drive destination, offering the opportunity to stand atop a mountain peak in the morning and paddle in an azure sea in the afternoon.

It is also home to five of Australia’s World Heritage convict sites.

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T R AV E L

WHERE TO STAY

SAFFIRE FREYCINET Designed by award-winning Tasmanian architects Circa Architecture, Saffire Freycinet is a hotel like no other; capturing the essence of Tasmania and connecting with its environment to bring an authentic experience to guests. The hotel design is unique and the curved roof inspired by waves.

Situated on Tasmania’s east coast, the site enjpys stunning views with the Freycinet National Park and deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches on its doorstep. Plus it offers exclusive signature experiences to

little-known areas of the Freycinet Peninsula, including wildlife tours and quad-biking.

Saffire features 20 accommodation suites, each with views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains.

Spa Saffire has three retreat rooms; experienced therapists use a mixture of eastern and western techniques and the latest technology including a steam and bespoke massage sanctum.

The hotel restaurant, Palate, takes advantage of natural produce and specialises in outstanding local wines

and seasonal menus. Due to its unique micro-climate, Freycinet benefits from a long growing season and boasts more than a dozen wineries. saffire-freycinet.com.au

Saffire Freycinet is a hotel like no other; capturing the essence of Tasmania and connecting with its environment to bring an authentic and enriching experience to guests.

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F I NA L WO R D SIXTY SECONDS WITH

Orlando Hamilton W10’s florist to the stars

You’re not in St Helen’s Gardens any more. Where are you?

We moved to a studio in Barlby Road earlier this year – a new landlord took over the parade in St Helen’s Gardens and shut everything down. Most of our work is contracts or calls, so it makes sense for us to be here.

What is your favourite flower?

I love gloriosa. It’s a striking pinkish yellow and looks like a butterfly.

What’s next for you?

We’ve been hired by an amazing Chinese entrepreneur for a lifestyle brand in Amsterdam (pictured, below) which is great, though it smacks of coals to Newcastle to me.

So how did you get into flowers?

Ten years ago I was working as a reinsurance broker when a friend’s mother, who was a formidable lady called Jennifer d’Abo, asked me to come and work for her. She ran Moyses Stevens in Sloane Street and was looking for someone to give the place a younger vibe, so I went to work there. Jennifer was an amazing character. I took her to lunch when I’d written my book Hip Houseplants, in which I’d described her as formidable and she said, “Darling you mustn’t say that, it makes me sound like an old owl.”

Where do you eat, drink and shop around here?

I love falafels from Falafel King (below), eggs benedict at the Electric and chocolate brownies at Ottolenghi.

I like browsing at Daunts, Pedlars and Ceramica blue. And the Last Place on Earth on Portobello Road for an unusual container or a retro vase.

Can you give us some gossip?

We’ve done flowers for Madonna, P Diddy, Elle McPherson, Victoria Beckham and sometimes we are privy to a few things but what makes us different is that we never tell. We get to go to some fun places, which compensates for the early mornings and getting your fingers cut by thorns. We did a party in a beautiful house in Regents Park last weekend on a Casablanca theme, all monochrome, a big neon sign saying Café American and pontoon tables, so we had huge bowls of hydrangeas and silver urns, lots of old school glamour.

That’s what I love, going into these amazing spaces and interpreting clients’ ideas into flowers. Our style is trying to be as bold as possible while keeping to the setting. t

I used to do flowers for the Prince of Wales and I issued a ‘no carnations, no chrysanthemums’ edict

And how did you get started on your own?

We were in a basement in Mayfair with a wrought iron staircase that would snap a stiletto. We were near Vogue House, so they picked up on us and so did the Evening Standard.

It’s nothing to do with the fact that 1 people confuse us with Orlando Bloom, of course.

What’s hot in the world of flower fashion?

For autumn, Tom Pierce is a wonderful burning flame colour with reddish leaves, and it’s part of the carnation family.

I was never a fan of

3

carnations or chrysanthemums but now the growers have upped their game and are making them in different colours. I used to do flowers for the Prince of Wales at Moysey Stevens and I issued a ‘no carnations, no chrysanthemums’ edict but now there are some really amazing varieties.

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A fitted kitchen that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.

By taking an architectural approach to the use of space and light, and working with you to gain a deeper understanding of your lifestyle, we help you create a kitchen that becomes a living environment.

A Modus kitchen is designed to be the centre of the home; a place for recreation as well as a place where you can create.

Our commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the tiniest detail.

MODUS.indd 1 C999_Modus Advert_A4.indd 2

By combining the uncompromising standards of award winning German kitchen manufacturers with the Modus approach to design, we create exceptional kitchens that fit in flawlessly with the way you live. That’s why you’ll never want to leave them.

Visit our showroom on the rise opposite the train station at Kensal Rise, or visit us online at www.moduskitchens.com

OFFICIAL DEALER

Modus GB Limited

95 Chamberlayne Road Kensal Rise London NW10 3ND T +44 (0)20 8969 8848 F +44 (0)20 8969 6125 E info@moduskitchens.com

20/09/2011 20/09/2011 10:20 09:41

ABSOLUTELY

Property

Kensington Park Road Designed with imagination and elegance, five bedrooms, four bathrooms and three distinct entertainment areas. £4.8 million

John D Wood & Co · Kensington Park Road · Notting Hill W11 · 020 7908 1100 · www.johndwood.co.uk

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

BEDFORD GARDENS, W8 A house set over two levels of this former Artists Studio in the heart of Kensington. Refurbished to an exacting standard with high quality finishes which combine with the unique space to create a special home. Benefiting from secure underground parking in Kensington Heights and a patio courtyard. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room.

Freehold ÂŁ2,750,000 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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SALES & LETTINGS

COLVILLE MEWS, W11 A beautiful architect designed mews house of approx. 2,068 sq ft., over three floors, with too many features to individually mention and finished to a high and exacting specification and standard. Colville Mews is situated between Portobello Road and Ledbury Road close to the fashionable district of Westbourne Grove. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms.

Freehold ÂŁ2,950,000 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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SALES & LETTINGS

CAMPDEN HILL GARDENS, W8 A fabulous 1st floor split-level apartment situated in an impressive corner period property offering contemporary living spaces and featuring a wonderful double aspect reception room. Available for the first time in 20 years.

4 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, shower room, reception room.

Leasehold ÂŁ1,495,000 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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SALES & LETTINGS

AIRLIE GARDENS, W8 A wonderful 1st floor apartment offering particular emphasis on entertaining space and further benefits from a south facing reception, balcony, terrace and access to communal gardens. Situated in a cul-de-sac in the heart of Kensington and close to Holland Park. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room.

Share of Freehold ÂŁ1,495,000 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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SALES & LETTINGS

Kensington ParK road, W11 This flat is located in a prestigious portered block located in the heart of Notting Hill Gate. Including a spacious reception/ dining room and parquet wood floors throughout. Available for a long let. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room. ÂŁ795 per week Unfurnished 020 7243 1352 nhl.lets@faronsutaria.co.uk

CamPden grove, W8 Newly refurbished garden flat situated between Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington. Comprising its own entrance, reception/dining room, modern bathroom and utility room. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception, cloakroom. ÂŁ670 per week Furnished 020 7243 1352 nhl.lets@faronsutaria.co.uk

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SALES & LETTINGS

Chepstow CresCent, w11 The newly refurbished flat located with own garage and extra parking space is located in the heart of Notting Hill. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, conservatory, garden, parking. ÂŁ1,750 per week Furnished 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 If the centre of elegance in London is Notting Hill, this elegant property in the centre of Notting Hill is one of London’s most glamorous of addresses The contrast could not be greater. The supreme tranquillity of this period town house tucked away in the peaceful epicentre of Notting Hill. Yet just yards away, the hustle and bustle of restaurants, bars and cafes and the eclectic mix of Notting Hill society.

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Double reception room Kitchen/ breakfast room & dining room Further reception room or playroom / office Master bedroom suite 3 guest bedrooms, bathroom & shower room Walled garden, roof terrace & balconies 2,778 sq ft / 258 sq m Guide Price ÂŁ3.95 million Freehold

Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH

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Specialists in Selling

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Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 Three magnificent floors – each with a unique view on one of the most vibrant and sought-after areas in London A maisonette on three floors, right in the heart of Notting Hill that has been designed and decorated with supreme style and with well-planned and balanced accommodation. A unique property with a triple aspect providing eye-popping views over the ever-changing, never-ending, electrifying fun, shop and dine world of Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road and Kensington Park Road.

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Living room Kitchen / breakfast room & dining room Master bedroom suite Guest bedroom & en suite shower room Third guest bedroom & guest bathroom Private entrance hall, designed roof terrace The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 2,183 sq ft / 202.8 sq m Guide Price ÂŁ3.35 million Leasehold

Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH

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Hewer Street, Ladbroke Grove, W10 Cul-de-sac? Or Cool-de-sac? Rather depends if you consider this stylish property to be in The Royal Borough – or touching on the fabulously fashionable Notting Hill Two floors of gloriously luxuriant and fabulously cool space, behind a late Victorian façade, fashioned into one exemplary individual residence.

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Large open-plan living space Master bedroom suite & walk-in wardrobe Guest bedroom & en suite shower room Commercial office space The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 2,624 sq ft / 243.7 sq m Guide Price ÂŁ2.5 million Freehold

Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH

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Baker Ross is Company built on the understanding that absolute discretion and the very highest levels of service are paramount when buying or selling any property.

In a hugely completive market that constantly changes, having the right advice and experience behind you can make all the difference.

Our extensive experience of Notting Hill, Holland Park and Kensington means that if you have any requirements for buying or selling then please do give us a call.

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ABSOLUTELY

In their own words Laurence Lai of Faron Sutaria

“

F

aron Sutaria has been successfully acting for clients in Notting Hill for over 30 years. We originally opened our first Notting Hill office at 89 Notting Hill Gate directly next door to the Gate Cinema. This office now solely concentrates on lettings, offering a high level of service to landlords and tenants alike. In 1999, due to our continued success in the area, the company needed more space and bigger premises and decided to move our sales department to 129-131 Notting Hill Gate, just seven doors from the Coronet Cinema. The office here has grown from strength to strength and now offers buyers a huge selection of some of the finest and best property available in the area and we consistently achieve record prices for our clients while delivering an excellent level of service.

I have been working for Faron Sutaria for 21 years, 17 of which have been in the Royal Borough. During this time I have seen Notting Hill come to global fame in Richard Curtis’ 1999 film and the area’s reputation as a highly desirable place to live strengthen further. It has long been popular as an elegant place to live with attractive terraces of large Victorian townhouses set around garden squares and an association with artists and alternative culture dating back to its development in the 1820s. This remains today and is very much part of the area’s charm and attraction.

Portobello Market, with its privately run vintage clothes stalls, antiques, curiosities and fruit and vegetable stands sitting side by side with corporate high street brands and plentiful eclectic cafes, pubs and restaurants, is intrinsic to the area. Its vibrancy culminating in the annual Carnival which has continuously taken place since 1965 and is now one of Europe’s largest street parties.

Excellent transport links are also part of the area’s enduring popularity. There are four tube stations here, with Notting Hill Gate offering travel to Bank in just 18 minutes, making properties within a 10 minute walk of the station particularly desirable for those working in the City.

Architecturally, Notting Hill has properties to suit all types of property purchasers with large Victorian houses set around private squares for which only residents have keys, charming pastel-painted Victorian cottages, mews houses, flats in period conversions and newly built apartments on Portobello Docks. The bredth of properties available for sale through Faron Sutaria in Notting Hill, from a studio on Blagrove Road with a guide price of £299,950 to a five bedroom family house on Ladbroke Road with a guide price of £4.5 million, can be viewed on our website www.faronsutaria.co.uk.

If you are looking to move into the area and would like advice, thinking of a move or perhaps are on the market without success, please contact me on 020 7229 2404 or call into my office at to 129-131 Notting Hill Gate.

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INTELLIGENT AGENCY

+ 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

INTELLIGENT AGENCY manchester square, MARYLEBONE W1 An important Grade II Listed Georgian house extending to circa 8,500 square feet, situated in the north east section of this beautiful small garden square, located in the heart of Marylebone (a short walk to the north of Oxford Street and to the west of Marylebone High Street). Numerous features include the spectacular first floor drawing room with a set of four sash windows providing a superb view over the garden.

freehold

ÂŁ16,000,000 + 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

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INTELLIGENT AGENCY INTELLIGENT AGENCY + 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

+ 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

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3862 – KFH The Hill Mag A4_Layout 1 06/09/2011 15:44 Page 1

Completely at home in London Whether you want to buy, sell, let or rent, we’re completely at home in London and best placed to help you.

Visit kfh.co.uk or your local KFH branch in Bayswater.

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Leinster Gardens, Bayswater, W2 ÂŁ1,150,000 A beautifully presented split level apartment within a handsome period conversion. The property comprises a substantial 1,464 sq ft and includes a wonderfully large reception and dining room, two generous bedrooms with the master possessing an excellent en suite bathroom, a further double shower room, study area and a beautifully appointed kitchen/diner. Situated moments to Hyde Park. Shared freehold.

Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

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P R O P E RT Y

Old and new world is divided says Savills world class index

T

here are ten world cities in a class of their own when it comes to residential real estate. The new ‘World Class Index’ of premier global residential property locations by the international real estate adviser claims that average values across the index have risen by 77 per cent since December 2005, despite the intervening financial crisis.

Growth of 6 per cent was seen in the first six months of 2011 but, says Savills Research, the index average hides a big difference between emerging ’new world’ economies and the indebted ‘old world’. A clear gap can be seen between what might be called the ‘old’ economies of Tokyo, London, Paris, Sydney and New York and the ‘new’, or emerged, economies of Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Moscow and Mumbai which grew, on average, by 123% over the same period. “It becomes apparent that the debt-induced crisis of 2008 was suffered most by the ‘old world’ cities,” says Yolande Barnes, head of Savills Residential Research.

“The biggest ‘old world’ value rebounds have been experienced in the cities most open to new world investment, notably London and Paris.”

COST RANKING A shift has occurred in the global real estate premier league since 2005. Hong Kong remains the most expensive and values are now 107 per cent above the 10 cities index average, and 63% more expensive than second place London, which is grouped alongside Tokyo, Singapore

and Paris. “With its strategic location in a time zone between Europe and North America, Hong Kong has emerged as one of the world’s elite financial centres, and as a gateway to China has prompted increased capital and talent inflow over the past decade,” says Simon Smith, head of Savills research in Asia Pacific.

At the other end of the scale, Mumbai is the least expensive world class city, costing 43% less than the average of all the 10 cities. On an individual basis, cities have performed very differently. Against Mumbai, Singapore and Shanghai’s stellar growth, New York grew by just 7% and now along with Sydney represents the best value by a considerable amount in the ‘old world’.

Savills Research has used pioneering new methodology to analysis relative values. Their new index ranks cities on the relative cost of the Savills Executive Unit (SEU), a basket of

properties required to house an executive group of people that might start up or expand a global business in any country, where real estate costs become an important element of doing business.

All change for Rental Rankings Fundamental visitor business and relocation activity shows that of the ten cities, London has the highest rents and Mumbai the lowest. For any relocating or expanding business, these are sums worth noting as they will impact on rental and relocation allowances for ex-pat staff.

Rents have moved across all cities at a slower pace than capital values, thereby suppressing yields. There is an old world/new world difference in the growth of rents but it is not as pronounced as with capital values.

This highlights that strong capitalgrowth-motivated investment activity is driving capital values in the ‘new world’ and means that yields are moving in much faster in these cities.

CONCLUSION “Increasingly, our cities have more in common with each other than with the domestic, mainstream markets in which they operate,” Barnes says.

“We anticipate that the efforts being made to cool the markets in some parts of the ‘new world’ will take effect in the second half of 2011, so, although we expect their values to continue rising this year, it will be at a slightly more subdued rate.

“It seems likely that, for wealthy, globally-footloose investors, prime residential property in London and Paris will remain a favoured ‘safe haven’ for wealth created in the ‘new world’ economies.”

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16 Lambton Place Notting Hill London W11 2SH t: 020 7243 3535 m: 0777 910 3237 e: info@homesite.co.uk

estate agents

Pottery Lane W11 £1,300,000

Contemporary three bedroom town house in one of the beautiful lanes of Holland Park. The open spaces of the Park plus the tube station (Central line), delightful deli’s, restaurants & shops of the area are all on your door step. Westfield Shopping district, Notting Hill Gate & Portobello Road are also close at hand.

The property has permission for a flat roof that can be accessed via a staircase in the reception room.

Orsett Terrace W2 £480,000

Stunningly refurbished one bedroom apartment finished to an exceptional standard with vaulted ceilings and an additional separate sleeping platform. This particularly bright & spacious apartment has mood lighting, built in speaker system, stylish fully fitted kitchen, contemporary bathroom & access to communal gardens.

The bars, restaurants & shops of both Westbourne Grove & Notting Hill are a short walk away.

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Award winning service

this month’s

kensington home to buy

Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010

holland Park avenue w11

ÂŁ895,000 leasehold

This flat features a garden that most people dream of with a water feature, wood decking, paving, gravel & mature plants. There is a large communal front garden leading to your own front door. The flat itself is large with wood flooring, contemporary shower rooms & a conservatory off the kitchen. Positioned half way down Holland Park Avenue it is ideal for local shops, bars & restaurants together with Holland Park Underground Station.

Kensington & Notting Hill Sales 020 7937 7244 v sales.kensington@chestertonhumberts.com Chestertons Oct11.indd 1

chestertonhumberts.com 29/09/2011 15:05

holland Park avenue w11

£2,950 per week

Magnificent Victorian House in a prime Notting Hill location that has undergone extensive refurbishment. 5 bedrooms, grand reception room, bespoke kitchen with conservatory breakfast area leading onto patio garden, cinema room. Self contained annexe to the lower ground floors offering a reception, bedroom, shower room & kitchen.

Thornbury CourT w11

£650 per week

A newly refurbished 2 double bedroom ground floor flat situated in this well maintained mansion block in the heart of Notting Hill. The property has wood floors throughout & benefits from a paved patio off the reception.

Kensington & Notting Hill Lettings 020 7937 7260 v lettings.kensington@chestertonhumberts.com

observaTory Gardens w8

£575 per week

A fabulous apartment situated in this prestigious development located between Notting Hill & Kensington. The property is on the top floor & boasts direct lift access, small terrace with fabulous views, parking space & 24 hour porterage.

norland square w11

£475 per week

A fantastic 1 double bedroom flat positioned on the second floor of this striking Victorian house on one of Holland Parks most desirable garden squares.

The property has been newly refurbished & comprises open plan kitchen to bright reception & a good size double bedroom & bathroom.

Kensington & Notting Hill Lettings 020 7937 7260 v lettings.kensington@chestertonhumberts.com Chestertons Oct11.indd 2

chestertonhumberts.com 29/09/2011 15:05

Monmouth Road, Notting Hill W11 £4,250,000

Master bedroom with en suite and roof terrace, 2 further bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Double reception, Kitchen/ family room, Conservatory, Reception hall, Larder, Laundry room, Study, 2nd kitchen and reception Attic room, Cellar, Garden.

Knight Frank LLP 020 7229 0229

Property

Round Up Westbourne Park Villas, Notting Hill, London, W2 £3,950,000

This charming property occupies the largest plot in the St. Stephens enclave and offers, in refurbishment, the opportunity to create a magnificent family home.The house currently provides two reception rooms on the raised ground floor, two further reception rooms and a kitchen on the lower floor, three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

Marsh & Parsons Notting Hill Office 020 7313 2890

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Royal borough of Kensington & Chelsea £1,600 per week Unique opportunity to let this architecturally designed flat in the heart of Notting Hill. The property is a stones’ throw away from the boutiques and cafes of Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road and boasts two large living areas, a bright terrace and sleek finishing throughout.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, roof terrace. Furnished or Unfurnished Bective Leslie Marsh 020 7221 5388

Thornwood Gardens, W8 £11,995,000

A superb and immaculate 5 bedroom apartment with fantastic proportioned entertaining rooms overlooking its own private gardens. The apartment has 2 underground parking spaces in this contemporary development with 24 hour poterage.

Entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, reception room, cloakroom, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, bedroom 2 with en suite bathroom and dressing room, bedroom 3 with en suite bathroom, bedroom 4 with en suite bathroom and dressing room.

Savills Kensington 020 7535 3300 111

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ISO 9001 :2000 GB00411

The closest thing to a

The closest thing to a licensed licensed agentagent in an in an unlicensed unlicensed world.world.

£2,750,000 Freehold Lansdowne Rise, W1

£2,175,000 Freehold Darnley Terrace, W11

A wonderful townhouse situated in this popular and well regarded location.

An excellent mid terrace townhouse adjacent to St James Gardens in this popular Holland Park location.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), Reception room, Kitchen, Dining area, Cloakroom, Front and back gardens, Terrace.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), 2 reception rooms, Kitchen/breakfast room, Garden.

Notting Hill Sales: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

Notting Hill Sales: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

£850,000 Share of Freehold Ladbroke Square, W11

£950,000 Share of Freehold Palace Court, W2

A fourth floor apartment (with lift) in this highly desirable building with stunning views overlooking Ladbroke Square Gardens

An unusual and exceptional 1-2 bedroom apartment of over 900 sq ft situated within this well maintained red brick building.

2 bedrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Dressing room, Storage, Lift, Access to communal gardens, Balcony.

Bedroom, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Office.

Notting Hill Sales: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

Notting Hill Sales: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

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Text dng to 84840 for details of properties near you now.

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

£1,925,000 Freehold Adam & Eve Mews W8

£1,495,000 Share of Freehold Lexham Gardens W8

An immaculately presented mews house with a stunning roof terrace located immediately off Kensington High Street.

A wonderful two double bedroom flat overlooking this beautiful garden square with a lift.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception/dining room, Drawing room, Kitchen, 2 terraces.

2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Balcony, Access to communal garden, Lift.

South Kensington Sales: 0207 581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

South Kensington Sales: 0207 581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

£1,035,000 Share of Freehold Elvaston Place SW7

£945,000 Share of Freehold Eardley Crescent SW5

A well presented third floor flat with two bedrooms, presented in good condition throughout, on this prestigious road in South Kensington.

A quite unique and immaculately presented flat arranged over the first floor of this attractive building in Earl’s Court.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception/dining room, Kitchen.

Bedroom, Bathroom, Shower room, Reception/dining room, Kitchen, Study.

South Kensington Sales: 0207 581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

South Kensington Sales: 0207 581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

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“Knowledge raises one man above another.�

Know-how raises the value of your property.

Marsh & Parsons Oct11.indd 1

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Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook/marshandparsons.co.uk

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

SALES

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

Clarendon Road W11 £8,250,000 This stunning family house has a wonderful sense of volume, space and light. The accommodation includes an elegant double reception room with high ceilings and doors that leads out to a westerly aspect terrace. The lower floor features a fully fitted Chef’s kitchen with a dining/family room leading directly out to the garden. Upstairs, the accommodation includes a large master suite, a guest suite, two further double bedrooms, a family bathroom, large studio room and a further bathroom. Joint Selling Agent: Savills.

HOLLAND PARK: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@marshandparsons.co.uk

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