ABSOLUTELY
CHISWICK WEST RICHMOND APRIL 2017 / £3.95
WHEELS OF FORTUNE POTS AND PIECES AT CERAMIC ART LONDON
Clash City ROCKER
SOLE LOVE
TRACEY NEULS AND THE SCULPTURAL SHOE
HENRY HOLLAND'S NEW COLLECTION FOR HABITAT
A fresh
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BELMONT ROAD, TWICKENHAM A magnificent and rarely available Victorian detached residence situated in one of Twickenham’s most prestigious roads. EPC = D.
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£1,995,000 TWICKENHAM 020 8744 0595
PERCIVAL ROAD, EAST SHEEN An immaculately presented semidetached family house situated in this most sought after Parkside location close to both Sheen Common and Sheen Mount School with the benefits of a beautiful west facing rear garden and off street parking. EPC = D.
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ASKING PRICE
£1,800,000 SHEEN 020 8876 4567
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Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
FEATHERBED VILLAS, HAMPTON HILL An impressive development of 9 beautiful family houses in an enchanting gated setting. Each house is individually designed and includes two off-street parking spaces. EPC = TBC.
33% SOLD PRICE FROM
£1,250,000 TEDDINGTON 020 8977 8118
KINGS ROAD, RICHMOND An impressive newly built family home comprising over 7000sqft of accommodation. Complete with cinema, golf simulator, office, gym, studio annex and separate 1 bed flat. EPC = D.
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£20,000 RICHMOND 020 8940 2332
TENANT FEES
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£60.00 (incl VAT) per person for referencing
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£250.00 (incl VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement.
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Apr il 2017
53 c u lt u r e
20 fa s h i o n
10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES
20 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
14
WHAT’S ON
22 SOLE SISTER
CERAMIC ART LONDON
27 CHECK MATE
10 things we really want this month
16
Diary dates for April The leading international fair for ceramic art returns and is bigger and better than ever
This month’s hottest trends and products We meet shoe designer Tracey Neuls
Gingham gets the high fashion treatment
28 ROCK OF AGES
Rock 'n' Roll fashion from the 70s
H E A LT H & B E AU T Y
36 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL The month's best beauty buys
39 GLITTER BALL
We're loving high octane shimmer this month
Food & Drink Cover: ELLIE LINES SS17 collection ellielines.co.uk
44 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
Tasty happenings from the local area and three of the best places to drink, dine and dance
7 CHIS_April17_Contents.indd 7
43 T r av e l
54 ISLAND PARADISE Luxury living in the Maldives
interiors
62 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the designers
64 HENRY HOLLAND
A peek at his latest collection for Habitat
PROPERTY
90 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area
absolutely.london
03/03/2017 11:25
MADE TO MEASURE, MADE AFFORDABLE
*On selected kitchens and appliances only, see conditions in store. SCHMIDT GROUPE SAS - RCS COLMAR B 326 784 709 - Photo credit : Atelier Marc BARRAL BARON and Preview - Non-contractual photographs
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS IN MARCH
SCHMIDT APR.indd 1
Visit www.schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk to find out more, or come see us in store at 323 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 9NH Schmidt Hammersmith | 0203 714 6000 | Design@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk
01/03/2017 16:03
EDITOR PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY ARTS & CULTURE WRITER HELEN BROWN SALES DIRECTOR ROLLO DENNISON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR LEAH DAY-ABALOS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR TAMAR VANDERHOEK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER NEFELI KRITIKOU FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com
First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’ T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e
a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n
EDITOR’S letter
S
o with Easter on the horizon and the impending influx of chocolate eggs (not to mention chocolate chicks, chocolate dolls and chocolate bunnies) we're taking Lent very seriously and giving up lots of things. One thing we haven't been able to give up however is shoe shopping, especially now that we've discovered designer Tracey Neuls. She won't countenance anything uncomfortable or ugly, which means that her shoes come with a guaranteed spring in their step. Handy for spring, we thought, particularly the lovely green ones. More colour comes from Henry Holland, whose long-awaited collection for Habitat has just been
9 Chis_April16_Eds_Letter.indd 9
revealed (it's as bright and brazen as you'd expect) – we chatted to him about fashion, interiors and his own home. In this issue we also celebrate female chefs with Bonny Porter and investigate the new generation of ceramic artists. All this and the usual mix of local events, shopping advice and property news. Enjoy the magazine. ◆
Pendle Harte Editor
absolutely.london
03/03/2017 11:18
10
VINTAGE VIBES
Neil Barrett’s SS17 collection marries retro vintage with modernist cuts and is based on the free spirit of Americana. His lightly tailored pieces make great spring staples heading into the warmer weather. neilbarrett.com
Things We
ABSOLUTELY
WILD BY NATURE
Upholding ancient traditions from the far north of the world, this spirit is distilled from the sap of the birch, harvested just once a year in early spring. It’s full of flavour with the wild, natural character of the birch. £34; masterofmalt.com
Compiled By
H E L E N B R OW N
SOUND LISTENING
Monster has become synonymous with the highest quality audio technology. Theses headphones are designed for comfort and have three listening modes. £279.99; selfridges.com
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BRONZE AND GLOW
Slim, sculpt and enhance your features with this contouring duo compact; the bronzer mimics a sun-kissed complexion while the peach powder adds luminosity. £49; charlottetilbury.com
10 02/03/2017 16:26
ABSOLUTELY / LOVES
BACK TO NATURE
SUSTAINABLE SCENTS
Sweet and fruity with a hint of spice, this luxury candle is sourced from Australia and is completely natural and sustainable. £36; selfridges.com
Delam London is a modern, knitwear brand which celebrates the art of ancient Persian dye techniques. These enchanting shades of pink and purple are created using rhubarb flowers and madder root water. delamlondon.com
VINTAGE VIEWS
Inspired by styles from the Linda Farrow archives, the retro round-frame silhouette of these sunnies will add a touch of vintage glamour when the sun shines. £720; net-a-porter.com
SPRING STEPS
Brit-girl cool meets Parisian glamour in these pink tea and tan leather Mia sandals from Chloé.They are elegant enough for evening but will add a touch of bohemia to day-time looks. £395; farfetch.com
ICONIC EDGE
This glossy design is trimmed with Valentino’s iconic 'Rockstuds' and is perfect for adding an edge to spring wardrobes. £1,755; net-a-porter.com
LA BOHÈME
Simple is not about being plain. This minimal design from Cluse adds elegance while the colour will give outfits a quirky finish. £79; clusewatches.com
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:26
TOM O’CONNELL PRODUCTIONS, DEBBIE HICKS PRODUCTIONS and LAURENCE MYERS present
SHAUN WILLIAMSON SUE HOLDERNESS ANDREW HALL SUSIE AMY JAMES HOLMES ARTHUR BOSTROM TOM O’CONNELL PRODUCTIONS, DEBBIE HICKS PRODUCTIONS and LAURENCE MYERS present
SHAUN WILLIAMSON SUE HOLDERNESS ANDREW HALL SUSIE AMY JAMES HOLMES ARTHUR BOSTROM
MON 3 – SAT 8 APRIL
0844 871 7651* www.atgtickets.com/richmond* *Fees Apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
MON 3 – SAT 8 APRIL
0844 871 7651* www.atgtickets.com/richmond* *Fees Apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
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> WHAT'S ON
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CERAMIC ART LONDON
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LOVE, FAME, TRAGEDY A once-in-a-lifetime Picasso exhibition has been announced at Tate Modern, bringing together his greatest works in a landmark exhibition for both the artist and gallery. 8 March - 9 September 2018 tate.org.uk
13 CHIS_April17_Culture_Opener.indd 13
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02/03/2017 15:17
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THE TWITS 5 -16 Ap r i l Ro s e T he a tre Ki ngs to n oald Dahl’s most spiteful and R revolting couple are brought to life by Rose Theatre Kingston and Curve Leicester. This mischievous new production promises to be just as disgusting and repulsive as earth worms disguised as spaghetti - the perfect Easter treat for all the family. u 24-26 High Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org
GREASE
DIANA: Her Fashion Story On goin g Ken sin gton Palac e
From the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances to the glamour of her later life, Diana captivated as a trendsetter. Now, 20 years on from her death, see her extraordinary collection of garments – from the glittering ball gowns of the 80s to the chic tailored suits of her 90’s ‘working wardrobe.’ Kensington Gardens, W8; hrp.org.uk
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24 - 2 9 Ap r i l Ne w Wi m b l e do n T he a tre ust off your leather jackets and take a D trip to a simpler time as Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original high-school musical, featuring the unforgettable songs from the film and with The Wanted’s Tom Parker in the leading role. u 93 The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com
SYMFUNNY NO. 2 1 9 Ap r i l Ro y a l Al b e r t Ha ll his spectacular evening of T live music and comedy welcomes a stella lineup of musicians and comedians to London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Highlights include performances from award-winning recording artist, Katie Melua and show-stopping comedians Josh Widdicombe and Jack Dee, with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s research. u Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com
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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS
CITY OF GLASS 2 0 Ap r i l L y r i c Ha m m e rs m i th hen reclusive crime writer W Daniel Quinn receives a mysterious call in the middle of the night, he unwittingly becomes the protagonist in a thriller of his own. This bold and ground-breaking production uses stagecraft, projection, magic and illusion to bring this seminal American novel to life. u Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk
GUARDS AT THE TAJ
must see
From 7 April B u sh T h e atre
It’s 1648. Agra, India. Two imperial guards and best mates keep watch as the final touches are put to the mighty Taj Mahal behind them. The emperor has decreed that no one, except the masons, labourers and slaves shall turn to look at the building until it is complete. The temptation to steal a glance at the world’s most beautiful monument is strong. But beauty has a price and the guards are about to learn its true cost.
BFI RADIO TIMES TELEVISION FESTIVAL 7 - 9 Apri l BFI S o uthb an k e are living in a new golden age W of television drama. Acclaimed shows such as The Crown and Sherlock are transfixing viewers across the globe. This glittering new festival will bring you the inside story on all your favourite programmes. Expect exclusive premieres, hidden gems from the BFI archive and a host of talent, including Dame Maggie Smith, Mark Gatiss, Sir Ridley Scott and Rowan Atkinson. u Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1; bfi.org.uk
7 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12; bushtheatre.co.uk
EVENT OF THE MONTH
ALICE’S ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND Fro m 1 5 Apr i l T h e Vau l ts umble down the rabbit hole and make a series of choices in a theatrical adventure like no other. Interact with the magical and bizarre inhabitants of Wonderland as you hunt for the missing Alice. Take tea at the biggest un-birthday party with the
T
15 Chis_April17_Whats_On.indd 15
maddest of Hatters; let the Cheshire Cat take you hither or thither and finish the evening with a cocktail in the Wonderland Bar. Logic will fail you and nonsense will overwhelm. u Launcelot Sreet, SE; alice-underground.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:19
HOT POTS
London welcomes the return of Ceramic Art London, a showcase from the world’s most talented ceramicists. Wo r d s H e l e n B r o w n
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W
ith primetime TV exposure, packed courses and record sales, it seems we are a nation going potty for ceramics. As one of the most ancient industries on the planet, ceramic artistry boasts an impressive history. There’s an inherent magic in the craftsmanship that has always appealed so it’s no wonder that the potter’s star is rising. From the urns of antiquity to the cereal bowls of today, the technology and techniques have undoubtedly changed but the basics remain. Ceramic Art London is the leading showcase for contemporary ceramic art and one of the most dynamic displays of the industry’s finest from across the globe. This year’s instalment returns to it’s home at Central Saint Martins in King’s Cross from 31 March to 2 April. The fair, now in its 13th year, will display over 90 artists and a varied selection
16 02/03/2017 15:20
ARTS & CULTURE / AGENDA A chance to PURCHASE exclusive, handmade PIECES directly from the MAKERS
works will encompass the full range of ceramic-making techniques and with prices ranging from £25 to £8,000, the event caters to all budgets and interests. Ceramics have echoed the natural world for millennia and so it’s fitting that this should be a recurring motif in the showcase this year. Pieces to look out for
of exciting and ambitious work. For the artists, Ceramic Art London offers a unique platform to showcase and sell their work. For gallery owners and collectors, it’s a chance to snap up new talent and for the public it presents a compelling snapshot of the global contemporary ceramics market and a chance to purchase exclusive, handmade pieces directly from the makers. Situated in the heart of the thriving King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter, Ceramic Art London is conveniently located for creators, collectors and the curious. Visitors will enjoy meandering through the vivid displays in the beautiful Grade II listed Victorian
Granary Building. The venue last year underwent a £200m renovation from Stirling Prize-winning architects Stanton Williams, and offers natural light radiating from a glass ceiling three stories high. An idyllic, historic setting that is just as astounding as the art housed within. The show brings a plethora of dynamic, up-and-coming artists hailing from the UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Denmark, South Korea and Japan. Items on sale range from contemporary twists on functional every-day homewares to sublime sculptural pieces and experimental work that pushes the boundaries of this ancient craft. Exhibited
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include Nichola Theakston’s haunting primate sculptures and Charlotte Pack’s detailed models of endangered species, teetering on the lids of slipcast vessels. The event will additionally host an exceptional display of work by current Central Saint Martins ceramics students, offering an additional platform for emerging talent. The relationship between the school and Ceramic Art London is bolstered further with a lively programme of events including CLAYTALKS@CAL, a series of free talks and workshops providing insights into the pervasive world of pots. u 31 March -2 April Central Saint Martins, 1 Granary Square, N1; ceramicartlondon.com
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02/03/2017 15:20
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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL
p. 20
TRACEY NEULS, SHOE DESIGNER
p. 22
TREND: CHECK MATE p. 27
PRINTS PLEASE Dividing time between Fendi and his own eponymous label, Marco de Vincenzo is part of a new wave of designers leading the way in Italian design. His latest collection offers an eclectic spectrum of colour and texture, mixing photographic prints with Prince of Wales check and rainbow faux fur. marcodevincenzo.com
19 CHIS_April17_Fashion_Opener.indd 19
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:25
st y l e C e n t r a l
Parisian apparel, urban florals and quirky zebra print reign this April Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y
BRAND PROFILE:
ATTICO The brand bringing boudoirinspired styles to the street WHO
You may recognise them from the street style stage: a dynamic duo whose effortless fashion sense and raven-haired beauty can’t help but draw the camera’s lens. Attico (which translates to “penthouse” in English) is the hot new fashion brand created by young, stylesavvy women for young, style-savvy women. Conceived in the back of a cab at New York Fashion Week in 2015, Ambrosio and Tordini have risen to fame with their cohort of ‘it’ girls, many of whom appear on Attico's Instagram feed draped in the brand's signature looks. With a dedicated following and burgeoning reputation as taste makers, Attico has gone from strength-to-strength, most recently releasing an exclusive line with Net-a-Porter. u
WHAT
Inspired by the classic peignoir (a woman’s light dressing gown), Attico’s signature robes look to the opulence of traditional smoking jackets. Rendered in rich fabrics, these statement pieces reject the low-key nonchalance of athelsiure trends. Instead, they usher in a new love for decadence, drawing on the sumptuous hues, fabrics and embroidery of vintage interiors and furniture. Ambrosio and Tordini do, however, keep their designs from becoming nostalgic by styling their floorgrazing robes with cropped flares, silk camis and loose-fitting shirts. For SS17 Attico has composed a collection of wearable yet design-led looks. Interchangeable separates, including ruffled blouses and embroidered cardigans, are worn alongside the brand's iconic gowns, which are rendered in luxe silks and embellished with Schiaparelliinspired animal motifs. Lobsters included. theattico.com
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Say It In Silk Ellie Lines
Launched in 2014, Ellie Lines is the British label that creates statement dresses in 100% silk. Inspired by the jet-set era of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Ellie’s collections embody this season's maximalist mood, with everything from tea dresses and pussy bow blouses to floor-skimming maxis created in colourful abstract florals. Summer here we come. ellielines.co.uk
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FASHION / NOTES
VALENTINO
Paneled appliquéd midi dress, £6,640; net-a-porter.com
editor’s
PICK
6
DRESSING UP Va l e n t i n o
The fashion crowd are going wild for the romantic appeal of the midi dress: high neck, long-sleeves, floral prints and all. Forget country weddings - these floral frocks were born to live in the urban jungle. Pair yours with biker boots and a leather jacket for Laura Ashley meets Agyness Deyn swagger. net-a-porter.com
of the best
ZEBRA PRINT PRINTBUYS BUYS JUNYA WATANABE
ERDEM
Zebra print cotton-jersey t-shirt, £225; net-a-porter.com
Georgie lace-trimmed crepe de chine dress, £1,230; net-a-porter.com
HERE COMES THE BRIDE Topshop bridal
It’s the news frugal, fashion-conscious brides have been waiting for: Topshop has announced the launch of a new bridal fashion line. Arriving in stores this month, the capsule collection will include bridal and bridesmaid dresses, lingerie and accessories, ensuring all your sartorial wedding needs are met. topshop.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Zebra jacquard jumper, £670; stellamccartney.com
PARISIAN PRINTS Être Cécile
Co-founded by the ever-stylish Yasmin Sewell, Être Cécile is the ultimate wardrobe staple for the fashion-conscious girl. Born from the timelessness of French style, the brand fuses casual wearability with quirky-cool designs emblazoned with whimsical slogans. Wear yours over a slim polo for spring and tucked into boyfriend jeans come summer; £80. etrececile.com
ELENA GHISELLINI
Zebra print shoulder bag, £766; farfetch.com
MARC JACOBS
TASTE-MAKER Sophie Bille Brahe
Royal College of Art graduate Sophie Bille Brahe is the queen of understated luxury jewellery. Her single earrings have garnered a cult following, offering a fresh and contemporary spin on traditional motifs. We love this single drop pearl earring which will add sculptural elegance to any outfit. sophiebillebrahe.com
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ISABEL MARANT
Zebra print stretchjersey dress, £1,245; marcjacobs.com
Zebra print jacket, £1,646; farfetch.com
GUCCI
Two-tone fringed leather pumps, £610; net-a-porter.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:22
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S sO L E ister
Designer Tracey Neuls makes footwear like nobody else. Absolutely meets her to discuss form, function and emotion in the world of shoes Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e
B
“Is this an art gallery?” It’s a common question when people walk into Tracey Neuls’ shop. Not for her the shoes-on-shelves merchandising option. For Neuls, a shoe needs to be seen from all angles and ideally, in motion. So in her stores, they dangle from the ceiling, surrounded by a changing conceptual display that may recreate a tea party, a forest or a library. “Next I think I’m going to do an old-fashioned office, Barton Fink-style,” she says. We are in Redchurch Street, in Neuls’ second shop. The first one opened in Marylebone, originally as a wholesale outlet, but people kept coming in to buy shoes. Canadian-born Neuls has a unique approach to shoe design and her shoes inspire great loyalty – everyone knows about a woman’s special relationship with her footwear, and Neuls’s shoes particularly seem to be ones that people feel real affection for. Why is that? She
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thinks it’s because they exist slightly outside fashion. “A lot of the trendy shoes, you have to wear them in certain ways but these have so many different ways to wear them. Design is very emotional,” she says. “We made a conscious decision to associate ourselves more with the design side than fashion.” Her shoes are sculptural and slightly theatrical; their shapes range from simple to elaborate but
22 02/03/2017 15:23
FASHION / INTERVIEW
For Neuls, a shoe needs to be SEEN FROM ALL
ANGLES AND IDEALLY, IN MOTION
childhood and enables the non-angular, fluid look that characterizes her pieces. “When I started my first collection I was thinking about the feeling of body shape you have with clothes, while in shoes there were box shapes and pointy shapes, but no foot shapes. I thought, let’s bring the shape of the foot in.” This was over 15 years ago now and people still come in to the shops wearing shoes from the first collections, she says. The comfort factor is key. Neuls’ pet shoe hate is ‘the ones that make women look impaired. I can’t stand it when women hobble and it’s not just heels, it can be cheap flat lace ups that give you blisters, or anything.’ Her moulded rubber soles are cobbler-free in that they don’t have those tips that wear away and need replacing, and they’re very robust. “For five years I was walking between my two shops [Shoreditch to Marylebone and back] and it barely even shows in the soles. You could buy five pairs of Converse in that time,” she says. The ‘Geek’ Derby shoe has a rounded toe and a slight whiff of the pixie to it – it’s firmly designed for walking, and also for cycling: Neuls has become known for her Bike collection that features strong, practical shoes with robust soles and reflective strips. Not that she’s much of a
they all share a roundedness, a balance and a wearability that’s down to comfort as well as aesthetics. Neuls started designing shoes when she was nine. “I would make them out of cardboard boxes, cutting and stapling Kellogs’ cornflakes packages and then I’d go for a walk around town in them. I remember looking at people’s faces and wondering if they were going to notice.” This was in Canada, where she says there was no kind of design school, so it wasn’t until she came to England and went to Cordwainers that her shoemaking began in earnest. And by then she had worked in fashion for some time, making swimwear for Nike and other pieces with a bodycon feel, which contributed to her individual approach to shoes. Her preferred method of working is to mould each shape in plasticine, a material that reminds her of
23 NH_March17_TRACEY NEULS.indd 23
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:23
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03/03/2017 09:54
FASHION / INTERVIEW
Inside the heel is an inch and a half of
HARDCORE RUBBER, SO YOU have a literal spring IN YOUR STEP
cyclist herself – but she had spotted women cycling in her shoes and noticed that they’d ruined the lovely wooden heel construction. “I realized that because the shoes were so comfortable and people were wearing them from day to night, people were biking in them from day to night too, so I thought I had to do something.” Not wanting to give people anything to ruin, she designed the single piece, integrated shoe. “You never lose the pad, the leather’s dyed through so if you do scuff it on a pedal you can just buff it up. Normally sports shoes end up being chunky, but I don’t think that has to be the way.” The Bike collection overlaps with the regular collection, and Neuls points
out that the reflective strips appeal to clubbers too. Inside the higher heels she might have an inch and a half of hardcore rubber, so when you’re walking you have a literal spring in your step. “It’s quite disconcerting at first but you soon get used to it.” Coming from provincial Canada, Neuls had high hopes for London, then found it disappointing that the retail experience was so homogenous. “You could go from shop to shop and find that they’re all flogging the same stuff. So even though it was different from Canada, it was all the same. So that spurred me on to do something different. I don’t know if you can call it an epiphany and I don’t know if that’s what fashion is, but it doesn’t need to be this way.” Some of her proudest shoe moments are connected to people’s personal stories. “After 9/11 we had a woman write in telling us that she’d walked for more than 15 kilometres from Manhattan through the tunnel in our mid-heels while other women were carrying their shoes with their feet bleeding. She wanted to thank me for making such amazing shoes.” Shoe shopping can create a confessional atmosphere and women will often come into the store with their daughters and spend an hour choosing and chatting. That’s why the wholesale plan became a retail store. Buyers just aren’t as interesting to deal with. “They’ll complain that, say,
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platforms are in and you’re not doing them, while actual customers just want you to make their feet happy.” Ultimately, for Neuls, it’s about design and craftsmanship. Each component in her shoes is designed by her, unlike many big designers’ pieces which might be put together from prototype components laid out by the factories as if they’re shoe making kits. “I feel like we’re holding onto one of those crafts like old perfumery or something,” she says. ◆
traceyneuls.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:23
Little Bird, 1 Station Parade, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 3HD and Little Bird, 1 Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1HG Tel Chiswick (020) 3145 0894 Email chiswick@littlebirdchiswick.com LITTLE BIRD.indd 1
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FASHION / TREND MSGM Sleeveless ruffle-trimmed cotton-gingham dress, £335; matchesfashion.com
WAREHOUSE Gingham ruched sleeve top, £35; warehouse.com ZAC ZAC POSEN Eartha gingham straw soft top handle bag, £403.52; shopbop.com
SANDY LIANG Accord gingham & lace dress, £625; farfetch.com
PASKAL Red gingham cotton frill dress, £280; avenue32.com
ZARA Embroidered gingham shirt, £29.99; zara.com
H&M Off-the-shoulder dress, £19.99; hm.com
VICTORIA BECKHAM SS17
A.W.A.K.E Jellychess gingham culottes, £416; matchesfashion.com
CHECK MATE SANDY LIANG Checked shirt, £365.88; farfetch.com
Gingham gets the high fashion treatment for SS17 B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
MIU MIU Quilted gingham shoulder bag, £870; matchesfashion.com
MARQUES ALMEIDA Gingham mules, £435; farfetch.com
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CAROLINE CONSTAS Gabriella off-the-shoulder gingham top, £364; matchesfashion.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:26
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R o ocf k Ages Be inspired by the high-octane, rock n’ roll glamour of the 1970s this season Stylist: Victoria Sekrier P h o t o g r a p h e r : B i l l a l Ta r i g h t
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R a c i l S S 17 a v ai l ab l e a t ra c i l .c o m
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ABSOLUTELY london
www.absolutely.london is now live
Your guide to inspirational London living From the team behind Absolutely Magazines
FOLLOW US AT @AbsolutelyMagazines @absolutely_mags
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> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL
p. 36
TREND: GLITTER BALL
p. 39
FLORAL FANCY Fall in love with Jo Malone’s Red Roses Cologne this April. Inspired by a blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses, this scent speaks of modern romance. With crushed voilet leaves and a hint of lemon, it recalls a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. A perfect celebration of spring. jomalone.co.uk
35 CHIS_April17_BEAUTY OPENER.indd 35
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:28
fitness R e v i e w
New guard fragrances, facial fitness and ballet workouts for April W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
BARRECORE Chiswick, W4 W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
L
aunched in 2011, Barrecore was the first specialist barre fitness studio in the UK. After moving from Los Angeles to London in 2009, founder Nikki Rein noticed a gap in the market for intelligent workouts that fit into the lives of timepoor city dwellers. Inspired by ballet techniques, Barrecore uses a mix of so-gruelling-it’sgood floor and barre work, focusing on balance and strength through small but testing movements (the 'barre burn' is a prized affliction of class-goers). The pain, however, pays off, and the instructors are walking adverts for the long, lean and strong ballet dancer-like physique Barrecore offers. As Barrecore virgins, my colleague and I entered the workout space with intrepidation, however we were quickly made to feel at home by our friendly instructor. We started with floor work, focussing on arms and back, using deceptively simple movements - including the plank and bench presses - and small hand weights. We then moved onto legs and abs, using a range of equipment including the barre, resistance bands and balls, incorporating squats, crunches and dorsal raises. We struggled to keep up with the regulars who held every position or move till the end of each section, however we were assured that it gets easier after each class. We woke up the next day with a satisfying full body ache and the knowledge that we had worked hard. ◆ BA R R ECO R E 12 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP, 020 8996 0401 barrecore.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_April17_Beauty notes.indd 36
Law Of Attraction Iris Law for Burberr y
When you’re blessed with the combined genetics of Jude Law and Sadie Frost it seems inevitable that you should be offered the prestigious role of Burberry beauty ambassador at the tender age of 16. Iris Law’s first campaign is shot by Angelo Pennetta and reveals the brand’s new Liquid Lip Velvet range: a new statement-making matte cream colour with a non-drying, whipped texture. uk.burberry.com
36 02/03/2017 16:28
HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES
5
FACIAL FITNESS D e c l é o r Fa c i a l P i l a t e s
Facial massage is an age-old technique that has recently gained popularity in the mainstream market with its sculpting and recushioning effects. Decléor have developed their own Facial Pilates treatment, which includes deep cleansing and three facial massages to leave skin glowing. Available at participating stores. decleor.co.uk
FACE CLEANSERS
GOLDEN EYE Louboutin Beauty
In 2014 Christian Louboutin ventured into the world of luxury beauty, offering a line of lust-worthy nail polishes. For 2017 the brand are expanding their oeuvre to eye make-up. Inspired by Kathakali, a form of classical Indian dance, the edit features an amplifying mascara, luminous ink liner, velvet eye definer and brow pencil, all encased in the brand’s signature opulent packaging. eu.christianlouboutin.com
editor's
PICK
Le Labo fragrances
Part of a new cohort of niche fragrance brands taking the lead from celebrity scents, Le Labo is the fine perfumer offering beautiful blends in chic, minimalist packaging. Launched in New York in 2006, their small edit of vegan scents can be bought online and, if you visit one of their boutiques, freshly blended in front of you. lelabofragrances.com
SAVING FACE D r L e v y fa c i a l a t O M N I YA
Health and beauty mediclinic OMNIYA London have joined forces with Dr Levy Switzerland, to offer an exclusive bespoke stem cell facial. This tailored treatment offers a combination of cleansing, light facial peel, LED therapy, massage and mask. A brightening wakeup call for your skin. £250 for 90 minutes omniya.co.uk
37
2
LIZ EARLE Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser, £15.50; johnlewis.com
3
DR LEVY DEEP Cell Renewal Micro-Resurfacing Cleanser, £39; cultbeauty.com
SCENTS & SENSIBILITY
Chis_April17_Beauty notes.indd 37
1
of the best
5
ZELENS Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm, £50; net-a-porter.com
4 CLINIQUE Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, £16.50; clinique.com
CLARINS Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser, £21; clarins.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:29
A World of Sophisticated Beauty Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the “Stay with Armani� philosophy delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually. www.armanihoteldubai.com
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HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS NUXE
STILA
Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse® Or, £20; uk.nuxe.com
Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, £23; stila.co.uk
BURBERRY
BECCA
Nail Polish - Ruby Glitter No.306; net-a-porter.com
Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured, £30; spacenk.com
MICHAEL KORS Liquid Shimmer Dry Oil Spray, £41; lookfantastic.com
JOUER COSMETICS
Long-Wear Lip Topper, £13.50; cultbeauty.com
SMITH & CULT
Teen Cage Riot, £19; selfridges.com
ILIA
Lip Gloss - White Rabbit, £19.26; beautylish.com
JINSOON
Nail Polish Verismo, £15; net-a-porter.com
BEAUTY BAKERIE
VERSACE SS17
Sprinkles, £9.50; cultbeauty.com
URBAN DECAY
Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner - Spandex, £15; debenhams.com
NYX COSMETICS Face & body Glitter Brilliants, £5.50; selfridges.com
GLITTER BALL
High-octane shimmer is the look to love this April
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Eyes To Mesmerise - Jean, £22; charlottetilbury.com
B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y
TOPSHOP BEAUTY
NARS COSMETICS
The Lip Kit, £18; topshop.com
Eye Paint - Baalbek, £19; narscosmetics.com
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MAC COSMETICS
Glitter - Red, £16; maccosmetics.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:28
TPC Absolutely MEDiSpa coolsculpt 20% female_Westside Coolsculpt advert aug 15 04/01/2017 16:03 Page 1
Eating the right food and exercising sometimes isn’t enough to get rid of stubborn fat so let the CoolSculpting procedure do the work to get you back into shape. With more than 2 million procedures performed on men and women worldwide CoolSculpting isn’t a fad – it’s the scientifically supported FDA cleared way to eliminate stubborn fat with no surgery.
Call The Park Club MediSpa team on 020 8003 2933 and quote: Absolutely and book your FREE consultation and up to 20% off your Coolsculpt treatment. Parking available at The Park Club MediSpa The Park Club, East Acton Lane, Acton, London W3 7HB
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HEALTH & BEAUTY / TRIED AND TESTED
The GOOD NEWS IS THAT 15 minutes of HIGH INTENSITY
bursts can deliver the SAME RESULTS AS a two-hour WORKOUT
TAKE OFF THE INCHES Xero Lipo is the route to a toned physique without the effort
I
’ve always had my fathers’ words echo in my mind since he shared his anecdote about the talkers, thinkers and doers. The talkers merely talk about their problems, the thinkers take a purely philosophical approach, whereas the doers are so busy doing everything they never have a chance to talk or think about it. So when I was considering my New Year’s resolution it dawned on me that this year I really needed to do something and make it stick. Faddy diets are everywhere and we all know that they are usually too unbearable and impractical to work long term. Exercise is an obvious idea but with an
increasing workload and family life to balance, the only thing getting trimmed is the time to spend at the gym. So imagine my relief when I got to learn about getting a more toned physique but without so much effort. I know it sounded too good to be true but still I contacted the West London Dermatology Centre and put myself forward as a guinea pig to see for myself if it could work. Despite years of crunches and workouts to target the abs, I have never achieved the washboard look. I accept that some of this is genetics, but the rest is down to my Achilles heel tripping me up whenever I am presented with something sweet.
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So what’s involved? Just two hourly sessions a week for four weeks can be all it takes. The first thing I was told was that the treatment allows me to not really alter what I eat (phew!) as it works by letting science and technology take quite a lot of the burden. You simply lie down and have the low intensity laser pads placed on the zones for a few minutes as they target fat cells that refuse to budge, helping to break them down and getting the body to use the energy stored in them rather than in what you’ve just eaten. Once you’ve completed this you have the pads switched to electrical pads that stimulate the muscles in an efficient way for a few minutes more. But if you thought you could just lie there and let science do everything for you, you’re wrong. Sadly, as with most things, you do have to help yourself. The good news is that 15 minutes of high intensity bursts can deliver the same results as a two-hour workout. To assist you further you are given a couple of dietary supplements to help flush out the toxins and keep your sugar levels even. Moreover, effects of the treatment last for up to 36 hours, so if you really want to shift a few extra pounds then you can do more workouts and speed up the process. In just over a month I’ve managed to shave off over three inches in total and the motivation for me is knowing that each inch I lose will extend my life expectancy. The other result is that I am far more conscious about what I consume. ◆ Xero Lipo, £150 per treatment or £840 for a course of eight sessions; WEST LONDON DERMATOLOGY 227-229 Chiswick High Road, W4 020 8742 2204 westlondondermatology.co.uk
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:37
TAKE A LOOK. OUR RESTYLED RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN...
Our redesigned restaurant has now reopened and we cannot wait to welcome you! Expect chic design, our welcoming atmosphere alongside modern British cuisine and of course, our famous River Thames view. Come and see for yourself, simply get in touch on 020 8939 1084 to make your reservation.
020 8939 1084 petershamhotel.co.uk/restaurant Nightingale Lane, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6UZ
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> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL: VENUES TO DINE, DRINK & DANCE IN
p. 44
ALL FIRED UP The heat is on with the release of Chiltern Firehouse: The Cookbook. Founder AndrĂŠ Balazs and chef Nuno Mendes have condensed their vision into a title brimming with recipes and inhouse secrets. Our chance to create Chiltern charm at home.
43 Chis_April17_Food_Opener.indd 43
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:35
What to drink
GRAPE NEWS
Wine recommendations
kitchen
CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and delicious things to see you through April Wo r d s J U L I A K R U P S K A
By B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D
2015 PICPOUL DE PINET, DOMAINE FÉLINES JOURDAN £11.25 With vibrant grapefruit, green apple and white flower aromas, this has a good level of concentration, balanced with a nervy acidity and mineral backbone. Pair it with fish and seafood dishes like oysters, mussels, prawns, salmon fillet or fish soup. ◆
2014 BERRY BROS. & RUDD NEW ZEALAND PINOT NOIR BY GREYSTONE WINES £17.50 A bright, fresh and lean red wine with sweet red cherry fruit and an appealing savoury character. A herbaceous note lifts the finish and the tannins are fine, adding definition. This is a fresh, pure, mineral style of Pinot Noir which leaves the palate feeling cleansed, ready for another sip. Very easy to drink and works with a range of dishes, including duck. ◆
2013 BERRY BROS. & RUDD ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE BY GUSBOURNE ESTATE £25.95 Produced for Berry Bros. & Rudd by Kent based Gusbourne Estate, this sparkling wine is created from a blend of 72 percent Chardonnay, 22 percent Pinot Noir and six percent Pinot Meunier. It has an attractive mid-gold hue, with ripe aromas of orchard fruit and a citrus zest. ◆ bbr.com
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
Chis_April17_Foodnotes.indd 44
Coffee Stop Over Under
The newly opened Over Under in Earl’s Court takes inspiration from cafe culture in Dublin, New York and New Zealand. Founder Ed Barry has utilised his travels to create a diverse and intimate space. It boasts expert baristas and nutritious food. 181A Earls Ct Rd, SW5 overundercoffee.com
44 02/03/2017 15:32
FOOD & DRINK / NOTES editor’s
PICK
3 P L AC E S T O
SCHOOL’S OUT
DRINK, DINE & DANCE
Mr Black Liquor
Ever had to pass a test before your morning caffeine fix? Mr Black becomes the first drink to make prospective buyers sit a written exam before purchasing its liqueur. Priced at £115 and made of the world’s most expensively-rare Panama Geisha coffee, you can see why. mrblack.co
UNDER ONE ROOF
Here are three swanky under one roof venues to see and be seen Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S
BIRD’S EYE VIEW London In The Sky
Tickets are now on sale for London’s third open-air dining experience. This July, Chelsea Embankment will host the 100-foot suspended sky table for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. With an all-star chef line-up and sensational views of the capital, it’s one event to tick off the bucket list. eventsinthesky.co.uk
01 MNKY HSE
This one-stop party palace oozes cool, with all the elements of a good night out — bar, restaurant, nightclub — under a single roof. Expect upscale South American fusion cuisine, DJS and live music. 10 Dover St, W1; mnky-hse.com
WILD THING Lobos Soho
Dishing up prime Iberico pig and champion cuts of beef, with a name that translates to the Spanish for ‘wolves’, Lobos is not for the faint-hearted. A meat-lover’s paradise, this quirky tapas joint has fast become a London hangout for Spaniards and is sure to follow in its sister site’s footsteps. 48 Frith Street, W1D lobostapas.co.uk
02 MONDRIAN LONDON
Inspired by the glamour of 1920s cruise ships, this ultra-contemporary hotel near Waterloo packs in a luxe rooftop bar, a seafood-centric restaurant, an award-winning drinking den and a chic cinema. 20 Upper Ground, SE; morganshotelgroup.com
WINE AND DINE Albertine
Albertine is set to reopen with a new upstairs dining room and Allegra McEvedy at the helm. The chef, whose mother founded the Wood Lane wine bar, will partner with head chef Roberto Freddi to add an appetising element to the famous drinking spot. 1 Wood Lane, W12 albertine.london
45 Chis_April17_Foodnotes.indd 45
03 PARK CHINOIS
A Chinese banquet can melt into cabaret and clubbing until dawn at Park Chinois in Mayfair. Worth a visit for the opulent, posh decor alone, this is one night out you won’t forget. 17 Berkeley St, W1; parkchinois.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:32
... because your mum is your treasure
tell her right from the heart
www.leonidas.com
LEONIDAS.indd 1
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FOOD & DRINK / EASTER
BOOJA BOOJA
Hazelnut Crunch Small Easter Egg £9.99; boojabooja.com
CHOCOCO
HARRODS
Dorset Dinosaur Studded Egg £10.95; chococo.co.uk
Camille Walala Limited Edition Easter Eggs £350 each; harrods.com
PIERRE MARCOLINI
Milk or Dark Chocolate Egg £50; uk.marcolini.com
PAUL
Chocolate Hen £3.95; paul-uk.com
WILLIAM CURLEY
PIERRE MARCOLINI
Milk and dark eggs filled with a selection of couture truffles from £25; williamcurley.com
Animal Box of Chocolates £29; uk.marcolini.com
PIERRE HERME
La Poule D’Apres François Pompon £36 each; pierreherme.com
HENRI LE ROUX
Infinite Waves Easter Eggs £40; harrods.com
OPULENT EGGS Gourmet chocolate Easter treats for all ages
PIERRE HERMÉ
Ouef Dentelle Dark Chocolate from £46; pierreherme.com
By Pendle Harte
PRESTAT
PIERRE MARCOLINI
Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle in a Real Eggshell £4.95 each; prestat.co.uk
The Kimono Doll £125; uk.marcolini.com
47 Chis_Apr17_EASTER EGGS.indd 47
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:30
GOODE & WRIGHT BISTRO s e r vi n g c r ea t i v e c a s u a l f oo d Brunch • Lunch • Dinner Bottomless Sunday Roasts 271 Portobello Road | Notting Hill | London | W11 1LR 02077275552
GW.indd 3
hello@goodeandwrightbistro.com www.goodeandwright.co.uk
24/02/2017 12:21
FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW
WITH BRITS FITTING ‘hygge’ AND ‘ fika’ INTO THEIR LIVES, it seems only FITTING THAT THE
Aquavit
The critically acclaimed and two-Michelin starred New York restaurant hits London Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s
B
ritain has embraced Nordic culture with open arms, buying books about how to employ ‘hygge’ in their daily lives and enjoying some time out for ‘fika’, so it seems only fitting that the capital’s food scene is following suit, as a flurry of Nordic restaurants open up. Based in the St. James’s Market redevelopment, Aquavit is one of them. Headed up by Emma Bengtsson, Executive Chef of the two Michelinstarred Aquavit New York, it showcases the best of Nordic cuisine and design and
is a delight to the eyes as well as the taste buds. Already gaining a cult following for its brunch menu - smoked eel Benedict anyone? - it also provides the perfect opportunity to have a fika moment, with an array of cinnamon rolls, cardamon rolls and croissants on offer from breakfast to brunch, best washed down with a Scandi Mule. At dinner, Instagrammers are well catered for with colourful dishes, served up on intricately decorated crockery. Kick things off with a smörgåsbord of small sharing plates that celebrate the Nordic region’s traditional seafood dishes,
49 Chis_April17_FOOD REVIEW.indd 49
capital’s food scene is FOLLOWING SUIT.
including shrimp skagen; herrings; gravadlax; and vendace roe. Then tuck into venison tartare with wild blueberries, as well as main courses including Turbot with horseradish and brown butter and Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and pickled cucumber. For dessert, you cannot miss Emma Bengtsson’s signature Arctic Bird’s Nest and the oh-so-elegant rosehip soup with almond ice cream, almond cake and rum. Standout cuisine aside, you need to visit to see the stunning interior. Overseen by the design studio of Swedish-born Martin Brudnizki (The Ivy, Scott’s and Sexy Fish), the whole place has been inspired by Gunnar Asplund’s design of Gothenburg City Hall in Sweden, and the result is a laid-back yet sophisticated environment that exudes all things Nordic. On the night we visited, the handsome marble bar was packed with punters sampling aquavits and Nordic-inspired cocktails. A sign of things to come... ◆ AQ UAV I T St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, SW1; 020 7024 9848 aquavitrestaurants.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:36
Chef Bonny Porter
The Women in White
An International Women’s Day meal at Balls & Company will bring together the UK's best female chefs. Founder Bonny Porter gives us the lowdown Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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HANNAH HOPKINS: Do you think it can be tough for female chefs to get into the restaurant industry? BONNY PORTER: Being a chef is no longer a man’s world – there are plenty of talented and hardworking women in the industry. In saying that, like in many industries, there is a glass ceiling and there are instances when men get the job over women. HH: If you were to cook a dish inspired by the woman who's had an impact on your life, who would that be and what would you cook? BP: My mum of course! She has an emerging allergy to Mammalian Meat which was caused from a tick bite. So, the dish would be free of mammal meat and its by-products to ensure that she could enjoy it! HH: Which other chefs are you most inspired by? BP: Kylie Kwong is an Australian Chef and Restauranteur of Billy Kwong in Sydney. If you’re in the area – go! She is not only one
50 02/03/2017 15:38
FOOD & DRINK / INTERVIEW From left, Freddie Janssen, Margot Henderson, Emily Dobbs, Roz Bado, Tania Steytler and Bonny Porter
The interior of Balls & Company
of the kindest chefs I know, but is extremely talented at pairing native Australian fauna & flora with Chinese regional dished. HH: Whose food or restaurant have you been blown away by this year? BP: Temper in Soho hands down. HH: What do you love most about the London food scene? What's it like in comparison to the Australian food scene? BP: I love that London food scene is a bit selective in the fads that it is willing to follow. It’s almost old fashioned and doesn’t dive head first into a craze without reason. The Australian food scene is very different – it gives everything a go. HH: What are your biggest restaurant bug-bears? BP: People haven’t caught on that labour is money. Being a chef is a tough gig and it pays poorly considering the long standing hours, pressure and heat. People complain that something costs an amount and rarely think about the labour involved in creating that dish. HH: You competed in Masterchef Australia. What was the experience like, what was most challenging and how has it helped you in the industry? Balls & Company in Soho
Bonny hard at work in the kitchen
THERE ARE PLENTY OF talented women IN THE INDUSTRY
HH: You place huge emphasis on local and family run suppliers. Why is this so important to you? And how do you go about finding your sources and suppliers? BP: I firmly believe that producers are the unsung heroes of this industry. If we get a premium product that is reared with care, and continue to do it justice in the kitchen, then there is very little that can go wrong. Balls & Company is an independent business – we have our ups and downs and family run suppliers understand this. I find my suppliers through good old fashioned research and word of mouth.
BP: I loved filming as it was the sheer logistics of a single episode was fascinating! The actual experience was stressful and was meticulously planned to make the contestants as emotional as possible. There is only a one ten minute phone call a week to the family and no knowledge of current events and little sleep with long hours. I set up my own company when I was 25 years old – as a young woman, deaf and an expat, having Masterchef under my belt made it easier to take me seriously.
HH: What is your favourite cuisine to eat and cook? BP: Asian food. Each cuisine finds a balance or harmony in each dish slightly differently – Vietnamese add fresh herbs, Malaysian cuisine is grounded in harmonious spice base and Chinese cuisine uses ferments to find a balance. It fascinates me and I strive to add different ingredients in the quest for balance in my food too.
CHEFFING IS NO
longer a man's world -
HH: Your restaurant Balls & Co is meatball-focused. How did that come about? Did you see meatballs emerging as the next big food trend over here? BP: The Australian industry is very different from that in the UK. As such it was easy for me to see a gap in the market. Meatballs had been well received in Sydney, Melbourne & New York and had yet to be realised here. I wanted to take the idea of meatballs and make it my own.
51 NH_March17_BONNY PORTER CHEF.indd 51
HH: What inspired the delicious array of chosen balls for the menu? BP: Balls & Company is all about doing the simple stuff well. Our suppliers are mostly family run, UK based businesses with a commitment to provenance and traceability. Producers are really the unsung heroes of this industry. It is their premium products which means that creating different flavours really just comes down to how to showcase each ball in the best way. Every dish is made to order, as such freshness and simplicity is key.
HH: What advice would you give to aspiring chefs? BP: Passion is important. Drive is too. Being a chef is hard but if you love what you do and can keep pushing yourself it can be an incredibly rewarding profession. ◆
The International Women’s Day Dinner will be held on 8 March at Balls & Company, 58 Greek Street, W1; ballsandcompany.london
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:38
GF SEAT, A330, BKK & DXB.pdf
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2/12/15
10:29 AM
12/02/2015 15:00
> WINTER SUN IN THE MALDIVES
p. 54
HAMPTON MANOR
p. 59
PICTURE PERFECT Hannah Hopkins discovers two very different, but equally majestic resorts in the extraordinary Maldives.
53 Chis_April17_Travel_Opener.indd 53
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:53
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX
Island PARADISE The Maldives’ first luxury resort and its latest next-level opening combine the best of both worlds Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s
W
ith infinite stretches of stunning, white sandy beaches and glistening azure lagoons, the Maldives is the ultimate choice for a romantic island getaway. But with so many villa retreats and high-end hotels to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to stay. Just a 25-minute boat ride from Male, Baros Maldives is a castaway atoll, famed for being the ‘original’ luxury resort in this stunning cluster of islands. Opened in 1973 (when tourism in the Maldives was just getting started), it’s not only one of the best places to dive in the Indian Ocean , but it has an old-school hospitality that cannot be matched. We stay in elegant, secluded villas with palm thatched roofs over the water and steps leading down to the ocean. Firsttimers to the Maldives should opt for a water villa for a truly show-stopping experience, but if you love being steps from white sand the beach villas are your
best bet. A short walk along paths of flowering hibiscus and bougainvillea leads you to the hotel’s three eateries. The Lighthouse - the hotel’s signature overwater restaurant - gets booked up weeks in advance. One our first night we dine privately by the water’s edge. This is just one of the unique, personalised experiences you can have at Baros - including intimate trips to a private sandbank - and was one of the factors that contributed to them winning Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort 2015 in the World Travel Awards. Testament to this is their huge number of returning guests. The diving isn’t bad either - the house reef is easy to access for novices and is packed with colourful fish, turtles, rays and an abundance of healthy coral. You can even try ‘Fluo Night Diving’ - a night dive where you can see illuminated plankton. The golden touch though is the Baros family, who greet you as one of their own and go out of their way to make your trip truly special. It feels like a home from home (albeit a very upgraded one) and when we leave, the whole team comes to
THE MALDIVES IS
a close to paradise AS YOU CAN GET
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST Baros Madlives, set in the secluded North MalĂŠ Atoll
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:59
WEDDING SHOWCASE
Inspiration for your wedding SATURDAY 22ND A PRIL , 11A M - 4 PM
Join us at our very first wedding showcase dedicated to inspiring you to create the wedding of your dreams, whether at Chiswick House & Gardens, within London or further afield. A must-have wedding planning experience for you and your bridal parties.
Pre-register for free entry C HG T. ORG . UK /SHOWC AS E Chiswick House & Gardens, London. W4 2RP
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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST
Ocean views at Baros' signature Lighthouse restaurant
Ba'theli restaurant at Milaidhoo offers Maldivian cuisine
A beach pool villa at Milaidhoo Island Maldives
YOU DEVOTE your days to TOTAL RELAXATION
wave you off until your boat is far into the distance. It’s so magical, don’t be surprised if you well up a little... A visit to the Maldives is not complete without a ride on a seaplane. Pilots frequently fly barefoot - but despite their laissez-faire attitude they’re perfectly safe and offer extraordinary views. Our second stop is at the hottest new hotel opening in the UNESCO protected Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Island Maldives. Sister to the Baros resort, it’s locallyowned and proudly rooted in authentic traditions. When you arrive, you’ll feel you’ve stepped into a dream. But when you pinch yourself, you’ll discover the reality is even better. The villas - either set beside the beach or out over the water - have been designed by a local Maldivian architect and are made for Instagram - think honeycomb tiles in the bathroom, colourpop sunbathing areas and the most curated drinks cabinet we’ve ever seen. We loved the added extras that made the room stand out, from Acqua di Parma toiletries to a soporific outdoor swing seat. Each guest gets their own discreet ‘Island Host’ who can help with everything and anything. There are incredible views from the bath - with doors that open out straight onto the
ocean and even from the toilet - the chance to spot rays and fish makes things a whole lot more interesting. If you’re lucky you might even spot a friendly whale shark or two… If you can bear to leave your villa, go snorkelling to explore vibrant marine worlds, or try stand-up paddle boarding. From catching tuna with local fishermen to crafting traditional Dhoni boats, the resort has plenty to immerse you in Maldivian life. Food is also central to the resort, with no fewer than three incredible restaurants, including the beachfront Shoreline Grill and the more casual Ocean. At Ba’theli - the only Maldivian restaurant in the Maldives - you dine on the ‘deck’ of three Dhoni sailing boats where, underneath starry night skies, the team of chefs deliver an island influenced menu of locally inspired and sourced dishes. You can even take part in a cookery class with said chefs, who divulge their time-honoured recipes. Mostly though, you devote your days to
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total relaxation: drift in your private pool, take a meditation class, watch a film under the stars and indulge in a spa treatment. Sip fresh fruit juices from the Pool Bar, which becomes a laid-back cocktail lounge by night. They say that the Maldives is a close to paradise as you can get, and after a trip to Milaidhoo and Baros we can confirm that they are above and beyond expectation. ◆
BAROS MALDIVES & MILAIDHOO ISLAND MALDIVES
Kuoni offers three nights with breakfast at the five-star Baros Maldives in a deluxe villa and four nights on half board at the five-star Milaidhoo Island Maldives in a Water Pool Villa including flights with Qatar Airways from Heathrow and transfers in resort. Lead-in prices for low season in 2017 (June) are from £3,650 per person, based on two sharing. 01306 747008; kuoni.co.uk
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 15:59
THE APP FOR MODERN BRIDES Download the Absolutely Weddings App to receive every issue before it hits stores
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TRAVEL / UK
Country life
Hampton Manor combines the rural idyll with Michelin-starred dining Wo r d s e v e h e r b e r t
H
ampton Manor is part of Birmingham’s successful foodie story. Last year was a memorable year for the hotel’s restaurant Peel’s with a Michelin Star, the Michelin Welcome and Service Award, and four AA Rosettes awarded in the space of a week. Peel’s is home to simple dishes cooked using seasonal ingredients and modern cooking techniques under Head Chef Rob Palmer. The hotel is home to a vast kitchen garden and the menus include A La Carte and four and seven course tasting menus. Food alone is a great reason to make a visit.
Located in the picturesque village of Hampton-in-Arden served by direct trains from London, Hampton Manor is a serious weekend destination. Hampton Manor’s most famous resident was Sir Frederick Peel, son of 19th century Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel who established the police force. Frederick was a proud industrialist and his home reflected his beliefs. ‘Industria’ is engraved on the staircase and a crest of a lion, carved in myriad locations across the building, features a weaving shuttle. Its decorative details impose a fascinating contradiction between the celebration of industry and a focus on craftsmanship, advocated by William
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Morris and the Arts and Crafts trend of the time. Today, Hampton Manor is an independent family-run business with 15 individually designed bedrooms and suites that exude the warmth and hospitality of a luxurious country house retreat, but the place has the feel of a super relaxed members club. Built in 1855, Hampton Manor had fallen into decline when husband and wife team James and Fjona Hill embarked on an extensive 18 month restoration project with the support of James’s parents who themselves had worked in hospitality. Fjona Hill acted as interior designer, drawing on her photographic background and sharp visual eye to ensure her first hotel project was a triumph. She transformed the Manor with a unique concept that drew on the building’s original features as inspiration. Stained glass windows, magnificent oak panelling and a staircase finished with intricate carvings are vestiges of the Arts and Crafts style of the period. The beautiful manicured gardens inspire colours and textures. Victorian design features are juxtaposed with luxurious materials and contemporary finishes. ◆
B&B priced from £180 per room per night hamptonmanor.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:00
LONDON
0333 011 3333
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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS – COPPER ACCESSORIES AND MORE
p. 62
AT HOME WITH HENRY HOLLAND
p. 64
WELL HUNG Curiousa & Curiousa design and manufacture hand-blown glass lighting in Derbyshire and designer Esther Patterson's first collection was picked up by Liberty soon after she graduated. We love these chintz pendants. POA, curiousa.co.uk
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:04
10 of the best
copper pieces
Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e
GANT
Concrete pendant light with copper; £699; limelace.co.uk
CATCHPOLE & RYE
Copper bateau bath, £4,500; catchpoleandrye.com
FIONA MCDONALD
1960s Italian copper and resin ceiling light, £1,245; fionamcdonald.com
DEVOL
Sebastian Cox kitchen, £POA; devolkitchens.co.uk
Luxe leather FIONA MCDONALD 1950s Italian copper framed mirror, £720; fionamcdonald.com
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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McCarron & Co Leather is no stranger in the world of luxury and this curved breakfast bar from McCarron & Co is a beautiful example of how it can be incorporated into your kitchen design, making use of its versatility and beauty and avoiding the obvious. mccarronandco.com
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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES
BYZANTINE BLUE
We d g w o o d Wedgwood’s new Byzance collection in fine bone china wonderfully combines the eclectic, geometric designs of Byzantine architecture dating back to 300 AD. A striking colour palette of sapphire, ruby and gold make it stand out. wedgwood.co.uk
TOM DIXON
Bell table light, £420; tomdixon.net
editor’s
PICK
OCEAN SHADES
Brabantia Even rubbish can be decorative with Brabantia’s new, sustainable bins in daisy yellow, clay pink and moss green. Their environmental credentials are strong, because they are made from 40% recycled materials, – and for every newIcon pedal bin sold, Brabantia donates to The Ocean Cleanup to help rid the oceans of plastic. brabantia.com
THE CONTEMPORARY HOME Copper hanging basket set, £40; tch.net
FIONAMCDONALD
1960s Danish Copper Light fitting by Jo Hammerborg for Fog and Mourn, £850; fionamcdonald.com
BRUSH STROKES
must
Anthropologie New at Anthropologie is a made-toorder service where you can choose chair and sofa shapes and have them upholstered in fabrics of your choice. This Losange chair works particularly well in the painterly Brushstroke print. £998, anthropologie.com
HAVE
FIONAMCDONALD
1980s Russian Copper wall Sculpture, £720; fionamcdonald.com
MIAMI DREAMING
Gemini Tiles The Reflections collection from Gemini tiles is inspired by Miami Beach’s Art Deco architecture and pastel shades, which is just where we'd like to be transported to now please. geminitiles.co.uk
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JOHN LEWIS
Copper cookware, from £60; johnlewis.com
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:14
XXXXXX / XXXXXXX
HOORAY for HENRY
Fashion designer Henry Holland’s new collection for Habitat is an anti-minimalist riot of colour, pattern and texture. Absolutely quizzes him about it Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e P h o t o g r a p h y D av i d T i t l o w f o r H a b i t at
PENDLE HARTE: This is your second collection for Habitat. How does it differ from the first one? HENRY HOLLAND: The first collection went really well for us. It was so exciting to see our aesthetic and our prints translated into pieces for the home. So with the second collection we wanted to continue lines that really worked for us, such as the rugs and soft furnishings. Then we added bedding, to make it more boudoirish for the bedroom. PH: Is there a theme for it? HH: Our prints for the SS17 fashion were inspired by Romany travellers with a mixture of florals and ginghams with lots of frills and flounce. We looked at Josef Koudelka’s photography of traveller communities from the Eastern Bloc. I love the brazen mix of bold pattern used to express personality through their clothing and how a clash of materials and colour makes a bold personal statement. I wanted to capture this idea for the home. There are lots of different textures and patchworking, so we brought that to the interiors range. We’ve also fitted out a room at the Hoxton Hotel with the collection, so people can stay in it and try before they buy.
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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HOMES & INTERIORS / Q&A
MAXIMALISM is, obviously, ONE OF MY favourite TRENDS
PH: What are your favourite pieces? HH: The wool rug is my favourite. It’s hand-woven in India and the pile is cut at different heights to create a 3D effect, which is really clever. It’s been really exciting for me getting to work in different techniques. Floral embroidery is used on punchy gingham cushions - a hand-knit ‘net’ throw in lime overlays the pattern of our digitally printed Boho bedding in a homage to Noa Eshkol. The hand-carved Folklore rug – which takes five days to make - has 3D florals leaping out from the floor. We’ve also introduced our first ‘slogan’ cushion in a nod to House of Holland’s 10th birthday and completed the collection with the retro Misty armchair reimagined in a hot pink velvet with blue trim. PH: Why Habitat? HH: I love Habitat. I think when you start
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:18
CURTAIN CALL Stunning Designs for Glamorous Girls Sizes 14 - 30 open Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.30 267-269 Coombe Lane SW20 0RH FREE local parking
NEW LUXAFLEX SHOWROOM
NOW OPEN
Warm up your rooms with lovely new fabrics. Come and see a wonderful collection of fabrics for blinds and curtains and a large range of Nearly-New curtains on sale at half their original cost.
New designs of Reading Glasses Jellycat toys Luxaflex blinds made to measure Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm • Sat 10am-6pm
52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk Nigel_Hare_Absolutely_Horizontal_Half_Page.pdf
1
19/08/2016
Award Winning Boutique
www.bakou.co.uk
15:07
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HOMES & INTERIORS / Q&A Maximalism is obviously one of my favourite trends, which I think expresses escapism and shows a reaction against people feeling fed up of not being listened to. It’s also part of the British tradition of over-the-top eccentricity. I’d love to do our Rave Nana collection from 2013 as an interiors collection, with lots of acid lap blankets and throws. PH: What do you do to relax? HH: Sleep! And exercise. PH: Where do you like to shop, eat and drink? HH: I don’t really do shopping. Working in this industry does skew your brain a bit in terms of fashion shopping. PH: What’s next for House of Holland? HH: I’m going to do some sportswear in collaboration with Umbro, and I’ve got a Woody Woodpecker project with Universal coming up. And I don’t know - maybe we’ll do children’s rooms, fun vintage ones. I hope we’ll be doing more for Habitat. There are lots of areas to explore. We could do wallpapers and upholstery fabrics and lots of prints. There is so much scope! ◆ habitat.co.uk/henry
going to Habitat – and stop going to Ikea – you really start to feel like a grown up. PH: Where do you live and what is your house like? HH: My home is in Victoria Park. The house is much less mental than you’d imagine. I’ve got white walls and sanded floors – all the colour and texture is in the artwork – apart from a multi-coloured marble parquet floor in the bathroom, inspired by Martin Creed’s pink parlour at Sketch and his amazing Scotsman Steps in Edinburgh. I love him. My mum is an antiques dealer and she has a chateau in France so she brings me back lots of 50s pieces from markets. I like vintage and modern pieces mixed together; I like putting things together that you wouldn’t usually. PH: How does fashion translate into interiors? HH: I think lots of trends extend into various areas of life, reflecting social changes and the world around us.
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:18
DISCOVERMORE
Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.
Open Days March 28th (9.15am) May 16th (7pm) June 28th (9.15am)
Currently recruiting into the Sixth Form with a new Sixth Form Centre opening in 2017. T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London
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27/02/2017 10:55
> SMALL TALK – COLLABS AND GIFT IDEAS
p.71
EDUCATION – NETWORKING FOR PARENTS
p.75
LINEN LOVE Natural fabrics and neutral tones lie at the core of this brand’s timeless appeal, and their SS17 collection manages to combine the two with simplicity and grace. Softly understated clothes that nonetheless deserve to be in the spotlight. Available at harrods.com
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absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:24
KEW GREEN preparatory school
An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”
Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”
Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015
Open Mornings 9:15am Wednesday, 15th March 2017 9:15am Wednesday, 10th May 2017 9:15am Wednesday, 14th June 2017 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk
Kew Green Preparatory School
Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF
www.kgps.co.uk KGPS.indd 1
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RAVENSCOURT PARK
preparatory school
An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”
Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”
Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” ‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’ Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016
Open Mornings 9.15am Thursday, 4 May 2017 9.15am Tuesday, 13 June 2017 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk
Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL
www.rpps.co.uk RPPS.indd 1
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KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES
BRAND FOCUS
DREAM TEAM T he B right C om pa ny
The SS17 pyjama collection features two new prints: ‘Calder’ and ‘Spotty Arrows’, inspired by the eponymous sculptor. We love that there are adult versions too, so your whole team can match. thebrightcompany.co.uk
PIUPIA Quirky Portuguese design for babies
SMALL TALK Exciting collaborations, gift ideas and togs for mother and child
HOOD DREAMS
Molly & Moo The only thing snugglier than a freshly bathed baby is a freshly bathed baby in a hooded bunny rabbit towel. There just aren’t enough cuddles in the world. £24; mollyandmoo.co.uk
C
laudia Carvalho hails from Guimarães, a small town in the north of Portugal known for two things: being the birthplace of Portugal (the Portuguese call it the nation’s crib) and being a major textile manufacturing hub. After a career as a graphic designer in Barcelona and a 3D artist in London, Carvalho turned to designing children’s clothing. Under her watchful eye, garments are made to the highest specification. The adorable baby bonnets are made from 100% organic cotton and lined with repurposed fleece. From knitted baby cardigans to organic sweats, the colour palettes are seasonal and sumptuous. Comfortable, ethical but also stylishly designed, Piupia is one of the quirkier brands to bookmark this year. ◆
piupia.co.uk
UP IN THE AIR
IT’S A WRAP
Little Lulubel ¢ Balloons don’t come better than these giant examples. Filled with star confetti, they’re the perfect addition to your little’s birthday. Head to the website for more natty decorations. £15 for a giant balloon kit; littlelulubel.com
Organic Zoo ¢ We love a baby kimono – easier to get on and off (less annoying for baby) and more stylish than a romper, chiming as they do with the trend for Japanese minimalism. ◆ £24; ministylin.com
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absolutely.london
03/03/2017 11:14
WEEKLY BOARDING, FULL BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11-18
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HAPPINESS FIRST ACHIEVEMENT FIRST INDIVIDUALITY FIRST FRIENDS FIRST ENRICHMENT FIRST PROGRESS FIRST ALWAYS FIRST HEATHFIELD SCHOOL, ASCOT Boarding and Day for Girls 11-18
VISIT US FIRST
OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 20 MAY SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 10am - 12 noon
TO BOOK A PLACE PLEASE CONTACT:
registrar@heathfieldschool.net
heathfieldschool.net
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ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a
m i n i m i s
i n c i p e
Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18
Additional Year 6 class now available
Open Mornings Senior School Thursday 04 May Nursery & Junior School Thursday 18 May Thursday 15 June
New Nursery & Pre-Prep building opening September 2017
View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk ST BENEDICTS.indd 1 absolutely_chiswick_west_richmond.indd 1
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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK
MAKING the GRADE
Some GCSEs will receive numerical marks this summer. But some will still be letters. Confused? Absolutely makes sense of the changes Wo r d s a m a n d a c o n s ta n c e
GRADE 9 is being referred BY SOME AS AN A**- it will be awarded TO ONLY 3% OF PUPILS
IMAGE IVAN QUETGLAS
W
hen this year’s GCSE students receive their results this summer some will be the ‘old-style’ grades of ABC and some will be numerically graded 1-9. Pupils sitting exams in English Literature, English Language and Maths will receive a grade between 1 and 9 with 9 being the highest grade awarded. These are the first GCSEs of a new system that is replacing the current system of A*-G, with 9 as the highest achievable grade and 1 as the lowest (although there will also be a grade U for those who fail to achieve the minimum requirements for grade 1). These three ‘new’ GCSEs have been taught since September 2015 as linear courses taken over two full years, rather than by modular assessment and finishing with written exams. Others have since been launched; by summer 2019, all GCSEs that are sat will be the new GCSEs graded by the numerical system.
A pupil at Oundle
In this new system, Grade 5 will be considered a ‘good pass’, with performance tables focusing on students achieving grades 9-5. The old system takes a grade C as a benchmark for a ‘good pass’, but the new grade 5 will be equivalent to a low B or high C - thus a ‘good pass’ mark will become harder to achieve than previously. The current top two grades (A* and A) will be replaced with three top grades (7,8 and 9). Grade 9 is being referred to by some as an A**, as it will
75 Chis_April17_Education.indd 75
only be awarded to approximately the top 3% nationally. This, the Government says, will bring the UK in line with some of the top performing education systems around the world. The changes aim to restore lost faith in GCSEs. Results have risen year on year which, according to a Dof E source, has masked “the fact that standards were stagnating”. A* and A grades have become a devalued currency awarded to students, which in turn has devalued the B grade. The reforms are also an attempt to do away with ‘resit culture’ which often saw pupils sitting
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:19
O
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Sa EN tu rd M ay O R 6 M N ay IN 20 G 17
Discover Dauntsey’s
“Dauntsey’s is ... Fab”
The Good Schools Guide
Boarding & Day School Co-educational 11-18 www.dauntseys.org West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE T. +44 1380 814500 DAUNTSEYS.indd 1 Absolutely Education Spring 2017.indd 1
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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK
PARENTS are concerned THAT THE NEW TOUGHER
GCSEs could devalue THE OLD ONES
units repeatedly until they had achieved the desired grade. Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council and a board member of exam regulator Ofqual says the experiments with continous teacher assessment in the past few years “as been disastrous”. “Many teachers hate it because they come under huge pressure to get good marks for all pupils (where do you think grade inflation came from?) and because these ‘controlled assessments’ have been found to be intensely dull.” Those in favour of the changes see them as returning some rigour and discipline to the exam system. In this year’s Maths GCSE, for example, pupils will be expected to learn key formulae by heart and there will be greater emphasis on non-calculator work. Whereas previously, as little as 25
per cent of exams were ‘non calculator’, new GCSEs will need to include between 30-50 per cent non-calculator work. In the English language GCSEs students will be required to read a greater range of challenging literature and non-fiction texts and there will be greater emphasis on the correct use of spelling, punctuation and grammar. In English literature, which will no longer be compulsory, pupils will have to assess a 19th century novel, a Shakespeare play, a selection of poetry since 1789 and a British fiction or drama from 1914 onwards. There will also be emphasis on ‘unseen texts’ in the exam. Some parents have voiced concerns that these ‘tougher’ GCSES will devalue those that have gone before them. Will those awarded GCSEs in 2016 or 2015 be viewed less favourably in the job market for example? And some parents have questioned the bias that final year exams have towards boys. Girls naturally perform better with continuous assessment. And some think it’s putting too much pressure on young shoulders. Two petitions against the reformed GCSEs had garnered 130,000 signatures by mid-February. The petitions said that GCSE students should not be expected to memorise formulas and quotes during their exams this year with one demanding pupils should be allowed to use a formula sheet for their Maths GCSE. And the other petitioned against closed book
Students: facing confusion?
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GRADING NEW GCSES FROM 2017 NEW GRADING STRUCTURE
CURRENT GRADING STRUCTURE
9
A*
8
A
7 6 5 4
GOOD PASS (DfE)
5 & above = top of C and above
B
AWARDING
C
4 & above = bottom of C & above
3
D E F G U
2 1 U The Ofqual chart of GCSE changes
exams for the English GCSE stating: “Exams shouldn’t be a test on the student’s memory, but how we interpret texts.” And there is concern about that running old and new grades alongside each other will cause confusion. Nigel Lashbrook, Headmaster of Oakham School, says: “The introduction of a new grading system (1 - 9 ) for the new GCSEs which runs alongside the old grading (A* G) for the legacy GCSEs is frustrating for everyone, regardless of whether you teach in a maintained or independent school. Two grading systems which do not directly correlate (a grade 9 is above not equivalent to an A* grade, for example) makes it very difficult for those outside education to make sense of what they really mean, employers, for example. At Oakham we have communicated very carefully with all of our parents with regards to the two systems but there will inevitably be some confusion until the assessment at 16+ evolves into one grading system - but that will not happen for some time.” But Barnaby Lenon dismisses these concerns. “”There should be no confusion. A grade 4 is the same as an old grade C. A grade 7 is the same as an old grade A. For more information, the Ofqual chart (pictured, above) is a useful guide which details how the grades read across.” Lenon insists the changes are “a very good thing”, particularly because “there is now greater differentiation at the top end of the ability range. This is important because too many pupils have been getting A and A * grades which has meant that the more selective universities have been unable to select on the basis of GCSE grades.”◆
absolutely.london
02/03/2017 16:20
What are they going to see from down there, really?
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The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.
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40 Years experience “A level of service I believe goes above and beyond. Thank you Roger!” Louise, W4 • Fully qualified installation professionals • Project managed - design conception to completion • CAD (Computer Aided Design) • A proud member of the KBSA
OSBORNE INTERIORS.APR.indd 1
Call us on: 0208 742 2236 or visit our showroom: 20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY
www.osborne-interiors.co.uk
27/02/2017 17:42
PROPERTY NEWS
p.90
PERCY ROAD W12
£1,395,000
NIGEL LEWIS: FAMOUS PLACES
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
p.110
A
well planned and proportioned three storey Victorian family house in a quiet and convenient location near parks and transport. The property offers easily workable family space where kitchen/dining and reception space are kept separate and a useful utility/downstairs WC runs off the kitchen. The garden offers a patio/outside dining area and good area of lawn with a favoured westerly aspect. u
S H E P H E R D ’ S B U S H / 020 8811 2929 / philipwooller.com
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03/03/2017 10:18
HARTINGTON ROAD, CHISWICK An exceptional Edwardian family home, set back from the road therefore quietly situated with a large front garden and off-street parking. This elegant house is one of eight turn of the century houses in the estate by H. Stewart Taylor and they retain much of their original character. EPC = D.
6
3
2
ASKING PRICE
£2,750,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567
SHIRLEY ROAD, CHISWICK A beautifully presented Edwardian terraced family home meticulously refurbished and extended throughout. The house has an attractive façade, and is one of only two along this road offering a larger than average garden. EPC = E.
5
2
2
ASKING PRICE
£1,600,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567
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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea
Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond
Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston
featherstoneleigh.co.uk
BURLINGTON LANE, CHISWICK A modern and incredibly spacious detached family house with a secluded garden, an outdoor heated swimming pool & gated off-street parking for three to four cars. The overall foot print comprises of c4,500 square feet of living accommodation. EPC = C.
9
5
2
ASKING PRICE
£3,650,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567
LINDEN GARDENS, CHISWICK A rare to market townhouse beautifully refurbished and remodelled throughout. Linden Gardens is ideally located immediately off Chiswick High Road where there is an abundance of local shops, restaurants and excellent access to public transport. EPC = D.
5
3
2
ASKING PRICE
£1,999,950 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567
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THE BEST OF WATERSIDE LIVING APARTMENTS READY FOR OCCUPATION
Battersea Reach SW18 1TX Prices from £679,950* batterseareach.co.uk
Chelsea Creek SW6 2FS Prices from £2,850,000* chelseacreek.co.uk
Fulham Reach W6 9GD Prices from £1,999,950* fulhamreach.co.uk
Please contact the Battersea Reach Marketing Suite for further information or to arrange a viewing Tel: 020 3627 7963 Email: batterseareachsales@stgeorgeplc.com Address: Unit 3 Kingfisher House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1TX
Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
Photography and CGIs are indicative only. *Prices correct at time of sending to press.
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LOCAL INDEPENDENT INVOLVED
At Finlay Brewer, we’ve been deeply involved in the local community since 1992. We know the area, and we understand our clients.
www.finlaybrewer.co.uk 020 7371 4171 info@finlaybrewer.co.uk
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BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB SHEPHERDS BUSH 113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS ACTON 27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD
www.finlaybrewer.co.uk
LORIS ROAD W6 £1,500PW / £6,500PCM • • • • •
5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS DOUBLE RECEPTION WITH WOOD FLOORS LARGE BRIGHT KITCHEN/DINING ROOM 2 BATHROOMS & SHOWER ROOM GOOD STORAGE THROUGHOUT
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
• WONDERFUL GARDEN • WELL LOCATED FOR HAMMERSMITH & SHEPHERDS BUSH • EPC RATING E 51
FAROE ROAD W14 £1,150PW / £4,983PCM • • • • •
5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS 2 FLOORS OF LIVING SPACE BATHROOM 2 EN SUITE SHOWER ROOMS DECKED GARDEN
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
• PRIME BROOK GREEN LOCATION • EPC RATING C 69
LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED
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RAVENSCOURT ROAD W6 £1,845PW / £7,995PCM
ST STEPHENS AVENUE W12 £995PW / £4,312PCM
• 5 BEDROOMS • SPACIOUS RECEPTION • SIEMATIC KITCHEN
• 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • RECEPTION • STUNNING KITCHEN
• SEPARATE DINING AREA • PATIO GARDEN & OSP • EPC RATING B 84
• 3 BATHROOMS (2 EN SUITE) • WESTERLY FACING GARDEN • EPC RATING F 32
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
BRACKENBURY ROAD W6 £475PW / £2,058PCM
EMLYN ROAD W12 £370PW / £1,603PCM
• 2 DOUBLE BEDROOM FLAT • LARGE RECEPTION • FITTED KITCHEN
• 1 BEDROOM • BRIGHT RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
• BATHROOM • PATIO GARDEN • EPC RATING C 72
• BATHROOM • DRESSING ROOM • EPC RATING C 72
LETTINGS 020 7371 4071
LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED
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BROOK GREEN 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB SHEPHERDS BUSH 113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS ACTON 27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD
www.finlaybrewer.co.uk
ELLINGHAM ROAD W12 GUIDE £2.275M FREEHOLD
FLANCHFORD ROAD W12 GUIDE £2.050M FREEHOLD
• 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • FORMAL RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 5/6 BEDROOMS • RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• RECEPTION 2/BEDROOM 5 • GARDEN & ROOF TERRACE • EPC RATING C 77
• STUDY/BEDROOM 6 • GARDEN WITH VERANDAH • EPC RATING E 42
ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719
ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719
KEITH GROVE W12 GUIDE £1.375M FREEHOLD
VALETTA ROAD W3 GUIDE £950,000 FREEHOLD
• 4 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • 2 RECEPTIONS • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 3 BATHROOMS • SOUTHERLY GARDEN • EPC RATING D 59
ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719
• SHOWER ROOM • GARDEN • EPC RATING D 60
ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719
LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED
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CAITHNESS ROAD W14 GUIDE £2.8M FREEHOLD
HAMMERSMITH GROVE W6 GUIDE £2M FREEHOLD
• 5 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 3 BATHROOMS • WESTERLY GARDEN • EPC RATING E 40
• MEDIA/PLAYROOM • 82' GARDEN & OSP • EPC RATING D 60
BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171
BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171
FRITHVILLE GARDENS W12 GUIDE £1.975M FREEHOLD
ANLEY ROAD W14 GUIDE £1.425M FREEHOLD
• 4/6 BEDROOMS • DOUBLE RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• 4 BEDROOMS • RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
• RECEPTION 2/BEDROOM 5 & 6 • WESTERLY GARDEN • EPC RATING C 71
BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171
• 3 BATHROOMS • 2 ROOF TERRACES • EPC RATING D 66
BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171
LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED
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PROPERTY R O U N D U P
THE INSIDE SCOOP IN YOUR AREA
Most satisfying transaction
HOUSE HUNTING
The sale of a house on Holyport Road, when I was based in Fulham. After receiving twenty eight offers my team secured the sale, agreeing the sale price 20% higher than the guide price.
Most interesting property by JAMES WAIGHT BRANCH MANAGER John D Wood & Co.
It was the sale of a house in Fulham. We found a buyer who exchanged contracts within 24 hours, she gave her solicitor the authority to exchange contracts whilst she was in labour!
I never thought I’d see SHE GAVE HER SOLICITOR THE AUTHORITY TO EXHCHANGE CONTRACTS WHILST SHE WAS IN LABOUR!
Donald Trump president of USA… In relation to property, selling a flat in Walham Grove, Fulham at the start of 2014 for £810,000 at then selling an almost identical flat in the same building at the end of the year for £1,100,000.
Finest property showcase Keith Grove, Shepherds Bush W12, £2,750,000. A five bedroom house that would make an ideal family home.
SHEPHERDS BUSH / 020 8740 7766 / johndwood.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT ON
WEST LONDON
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3 year change
£35.28 +2% +10% 1 year change
2016
Let by price per square foot per annum – whole years
90 03/03/2017 11:01
PROPERTY / NEWS AG E N T ON DESIGN
SULGRAVE ROAD W 6,
Guide Price:
£1 ,9 0 0,0 0 0
A beautifully presented Victorian home, comprising six bedrooms, a double reception room, a further kitchen/breakfast room and two bathrooms. MODERN EXTENSION properties that cleverly combine contemporary style and period elegance are always popular with buyers. The architecturally striking wooden clad addition to the rear of this house compliments the property’s original features.
New Build
News
FEATHERBED VILLAS
2017 has followed a pattern for the early part of the year that I have seen many times. We re-opened after the seasonal break and the first 2 weeks were pleasantly busy, this was followed by a quieter period that normally ends once the half-term is finished.The market normally swings into full action for the spring that this year will not be adversely effected by a General Election or a Referendum. by GARY SINTON
T W 1 2 , f r o m £ 7 75 ,0 0 0 This gated development of just 9 stunning new two, three, four and five bedroom homes offers a unique and very special opportunity to own a true piece of local history. Formerly the residence of the Norton family ‘The Old House’ has been lovingly restored, encapsulating the perfect marriage between old and new.
FOUNDER
Sinton Andrews Ealing, 020 8566 1990; sintonhomes.com
FEATHERSTONE LEIGH
Teddington, 020 8977 8118; featherstoneleigh.co.uk
GLASS The property also incorporates sheets of glass windows throughout the extension, an effective way of creating a seamless flow between the inside and outside, while also providing plenty of natural light. The glass roof compliments this, giving a better perception of volume and space.
EXPERT ADVICE by EUAN ROLLO MANAGER
“Much is often said about centrally based buyers flocking to West London due to the perceived value per square foot, when compared to areas such as Notting Hill and Chelsea. This is a reasonable assumption, particularly as we have has double the amount of buyers registering to move here from W11 and SW3 than in the same period last year 2016. However, the popularity of the area means that once people settle in Chiswick, they like to stay local! A recent sale is a great illustration of this. We sold a house for a customer on Ravenscourt Road who bought on Ravenscourt Gardens, less than 100 metres apart with and only the beautiful park separating the roads! The combination of these two profiles of buyers is the perfect recipe for a successful house sale in Chiswick.”
“The popularity of the area means that once people settle in Chiswick, they like to stay local!” JOHN D WOOD & CO.
Chiswick, 020 3151 4309; johndwood.co.uk
MEET THE TEAM KNIGHT FRANK
SAVILLS
Brook Green & Shepherds Bush 020 3618 3777l; savills.co.uk
MATHEW HAHN
NATASHA HOWE
ASHLEIGH MUTIMEAR
ASSOCIATE
LETTINGS MANAGER
LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR
I’ve worked in property for 15 years, mainly in Central and South West London, I have been with Knight Frank for the last 5 of those. I live and breathe the area, having also lived here myself for those 15 years. Now with my wife, three children and dog, I loving nothing more than a walk in Richmond Park.
Having lived and worked in South West London all of my life, I have amassed 10 years of experience in the property industry, 5 of which have been in Richmond. I have an extensive knowledge of the lettings market in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Assisting landlords and tenants in both private and corporate positions.
Originally from Hampshire, I relocated to London 4 years ago to further my career in property. Predominantly based across Richmond and Teddington and joining Knight Frank in November, I have developed a strong network of local businesses and corporate clients.
RICHMOND / 020 8939 2800 / knightfrank.co.uk
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absolutely.london
03/03/2017 11:01
77 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8EH sales@kerrandco.com
020 8743 1166 www.kerrandco.com
FRITHVILLE GARDENS, W12 £2,000,000 FH An exceptional four story, five bedroom, Victorian family home which has been sympathetically extended and re modelled by the current owners. The result is an eclectic mix of restored period charm with modern architectural features which fill the house with natural light and provides a wonderful sense of space including a sensational double height atrium over the dining area.
CATHNOR ROAD, W12 £799,950 LH An exceptional two bedroom duplex flat conveniently located for the broad spectrum of transport and recreational facilities at Westfield London. This stunning apartment has recently been extended and fully refurbished and now offers highly stylish accommodation. It provides a master bedroom suite, an additional second bedroom, reception room with open plan kitchen. Separate shower room and delightful West facing roof terrace.
INDEPENDENT. LOCAL. EXCEPTIONAL.
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77 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8EH sales@kerrandco.com
020 8743 1166 www.kerrandco.com
JEDDO ROAD, W12 £1,250,000 FH An exclusive development of contemporary mews houses and apartments. Linen Mews is a pair of semi-detached three storey 3-4 bedroom houses with large roof terraces, offering 1,503 sq. ft. of accommodation. This beautifully designed modern house offers naturally light accommodation with a large, airy, open-plan kitchen/ reception room and accessed through a private courtyard off Jeddo Road.
PENNARD ROAD, W12 £1,550,000 FH A fantastic opportunity to acquire this spacious mid terraced Victorian house currently providing 1,730 sq. ft. of accommodation over three floors as well as a useful cellar. This house has a current certificate of lawfulness to extend into the side return area of the garden (detailed drawings and structural calculations available on request). There is also scope to extend in to the loft space under current permitted development legislation.
INDEPENDENT. LOCAL. EXCEPTIONAL.
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SPENCER ROAD, W4 £450,000 Leasehold A 1 9 3 0 ' s ' D e c o ' a p a r t m e n t o f f e r i n g f l ex i b l e accommodation including 2 bedrooms and 15' reception room. There is scope to fur ther i m p r ove a n d t o p u t y o u r o w n m a r k o n t h i s f l a t and therefore your earliest inspection of this ve r y f a i r l y p r i c e d p r o p e r t y i s h i g h l y recommended.
194 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD
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LONDON
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• Original 'Deco' bathroom • Second floor position • L o c a t e d m o m e n t s f r o m C h i sw i ck s t a t i o n • Hot water/par t central heating included • Residents parking • N e w l e a s e p o t e n t i a l l y av a i l a b l e o n completion
W4 1PD
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ESTATE AGENTS
LETTING & MANAGING AGENTS
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DORCHESTER GROVE, W4 £375,000 Leasehold S w o r n a n d C o. a r e d e l i g h t e d t o o f f e r t o m a r ke t t h i s Vi c t o r i a n o n e b e d r o o m g r o u n d floor flat w hich is cur rently let and producing an income of £15,480 pa. Situated on the ground floor of this period building, there are c o m m u n a l g a r d e n s t o t h e r e a r. C o u l d a l s o b e of fered with vacant possession.
194 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD
LONDON
• 14' reception room • White 3pc bathroom • 12' light oak fitted kitchen • Ground floor position • Gas fired central heating • Cur rently producing an income of £15,480 pa.
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VALUERS
ESTATE AGENTS
LETTING & MANAGING AGENTS
ESTATE MANAGEMENT
02/03/2017 16:19
LIVING THE
DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market
1
PARK HILL, EALING W 5 ÂŁ 3 ,9 9 9,9 5 0
BOX COTTAGE, PETERSHAM
TW1 0,
Guide Price:
ÂŁ4,1 5 0,000
L
A
FOXTONS Ealing, 020 7579 2929; foxtons.co.uk
SAVILLS Richmond, 020 8614 9100; savills.com
ocated on a prestigious road within the centre of Ealing, set back from the road by a driveway, and benefiting from a huge garden with heated pool, an eight bedroom detached family home, with attached granny flat. The house is in great condition with impressive designs, versatile elegant interiors and high ceilings. A beautiful conservatory space opens onto the garden. u
charming Grade II* listed detached Queen Anne family home situated within Petersham. There are a wealth of period features, particularly externally with lovely fenestration and an ornate corbelled entrance canopy. The property comprises of five bedrooms and four reception rooms, a walled garden and swimming pool as well as a separate two bedroom coach house. u
1
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96 03/03/2017 11:02
PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET
DOVER HOUSE ROAD SW 1 5 £ 1 , 89 5 ,0 0 0
T
KEITH GROVE
EDGEHILL ROAD W 1 3 , £ 2 , 3 0 0,0 0 0
T
his stunning detached four bedroom house is located close to both Putney Heath and Richmond Park. The house comprises a beautiful and light reception room with a large bay window with a window seat and an amazing original Louis 16th working fireplace. The reception room has plenty of storage space with floor to ceiling shelving with cupboard space. u
his delightful six bedroom family house is thoughtfully designed offers stunningly spacious accommodation. Recently extended the home benefits from double glazing throughout, controlled central heating, central vacuum system, remote controlled camera security, under floor heating and secure off street parking. u
DOUGLAS & GORDON Putney, 020 3553 3708 douglasandgordon.com
SINTON ANDREWS Ealing, 020 8566 1990; sintonhomes.com
W 1 2 , £ 1 , 3 75 ,0 0 0
A
beautifully renovated and presented four bedroom and three bathroom family house situated in a quiet tree lined cul-de-sac. The ground floor comprises a double reception with wood flooring and a fireplace, whilst to the rear is the full width contemporary kitchen/breakfast room with French doors to the garden. This bright and airy family home is in superb order and ready to move in to. u
A BEAUTIFUL CONSERVATORY SPACE OPENS ONTO THE GARDEN
FINLAY BREWER
Shepherd’s Bush, 020 8749 7719; finlaybrewer.co.uk
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03/03/2017 11:02
FO R SALE
AS H C H U R C H T E R R AC E W 1 2 GUIDE PRICE £1,600,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •
• PW.indd 1
Elegant family house to modernise 4 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms Cloakroom 2 reception rooms
• • • • •
58' NW facing garden Numerous original features intact Close to Askew Road and Ravenscourt Park On street resident parking permits available 1701 sq ft / 158 sq m approx. EPC - D
02/03/2017 16:07
FO R SALE
P E R C Y R OAD W 1 2 £1,395,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •
• PW.indd 2
A well planned Victorian family house 4 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms Cloakroom / utility Double reception room
• • • • •
Kitchen / dining room 30' west facing garden Discreet solar panels at roof level On street resident parking permits available 1679 sq ft / 156 sq m approx. EPC - D
02/03/2017 16:07
ARE YOU GETTING THE CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU DESERVE? The ESTAS is the largest independent customer service awards scheme for estate agents, mortgage brokers and conveyancers in the UK property industry. Companies who sign up to The ESTAS are committed to giving YOU the best possible service they can. So if you’re searching for an estate or letting agent, conveyancer or mortgage broker look out for the official ESTAS logo to give you peace of mind and the service you deserve. Whatever your experience, you’ll have the chance to give your feedback, helping us recognise firms that provide excellent customer service throughout the home moving process. To find out more visit our website
theestas.com
Because Service Matters ESTA.indd 0048 ESTAS1Absolutely Magazine Ad Oct 2016 AW.indd 1
02/11/2016 12:42 10:35 19/10/2016
For you, the family (and the 30 second commute to work). A collection of beautifully finished 4 and 5 bedroom family homes with an additional mews studio space (to create the perfect home office). Prices from £2,150,000
Developer
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Sales Agents
A S H C H U R C H V I L L A S .C O M 020 3582 5510
ASHCHURCH.indd 1
@ASHCHURCHVILLAS
03/03/2017 11:29
PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE
BECKENHAM £1.395M
FA M O U S P L AC E S by N I G E L L E W I S
London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market
LINCOLN SQUARE STARTING FROM
£900,000
TV HOTEL HEAVEN
T
he world of luxury hotels during the 1940s has been on our television screens recently during The Halycon, the ITV series starring Kara Tointon, Beverley Knight and Olivia Williams. The fictitious hotel is set in Lincoln In Fields although the interior scenes were shot in the Land Registry’s former headquarters around the corner. Fans may recall one of the recent episodes in which the characters
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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endure the horror of London’s wartime Blitz bombing raids. The scenes were filmed on a building site that had recently been cleared to make way for a new block of luxury flats. When finished, the Lincoln Square development by developer Lodha UK will include luxury one, two three and four bedroom apartments set within this central oasis, rich in famous academic, legal and cultural institutions. Prices start at £900,000. More information from joint agents Knight Frank and CBRE on 020 7004 0910 or visit www.lincolnsquare.co.uk.
JANE’S HOME SWEET HOME
M
illions of TV viewers watched Jane Beedle nearly win the most recent Great British Bake Off, and now she’s selling her Beckenham home to escape to the country or, to be more precise, Kent. Jane is selling her six-bedroom home in Beckenham, SW London which she and her husband bought six years ago, as refurb project. The property used to be the local Conservative Party constituency office and the first thing they had to do was convert it from office to residential use, which took six months. “During that time the only cooking facilities I had was a kettle and a plugin frying pan; it’s amazing what you can cook with one of those,” she says. Jane says that now their children have flown the nest, it’s time to downsize and top up their retirement fund. It’s for sale at £1.395m with Foxtons on 020 7579 2929.
“He drew inspiration from the area when writing subsequent Hitchhiker books including taking the name of local estate agent Hotblack Desiato for a character's name”
102 03/03/2017 10:59
PROPERTY / STAR HOMES
TEESDALE, SURREY £3M
HITCHHIKING HOME
D
ouglas Adams is best known as the author of world-wide publishing phenomenon The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which was firstly a radio play then later five bestselling books, a TV series, play and, in 2005, a Hollywood film. He was also a script writer and editor for Doctor Who, appeared in and wrote for several Monty Python TV shows, worked as a radio producer, penned a travel book and appeared on stage with Pink Floyd. He went on to sell 15 million copies of his Hitchhiker books, the early proceeds of which he used to buy this house on Duncan Terrace in Islington during the late 1980s. He drew inspiration from the area when writing subsequent Hitchhiker books. Adams’ house, which includes two large reception rooms, four double bedrooms and a small rear garden, is for sale at £5.95m with Savills (020 7226 1313).
HODGSON’S LONDON FLAT
Y CHELSEA HARBOUR £2.95M
ou’ve got to have sympathy for former England manager Roy Hodgson, whatever your thoughts on England’s ignominious defeat at the hands of Iceland during Euro 2016. Until he embraced the poisoned chalice of the England team he had enjoyed a stellar international career as a manager. This included spells at clubs in Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, London, and Liverpool before joining England in 2012, after which it is agreed it generally all went wrong. Hodgson has said he’s ready to make a return to management, but probably not in London if this two-bedroom apartment in Chelsea Harbour is anything to go by. The 69-year-old is selling the property for £2.95 million. More information from Knight Frank on 020 3597 7670 or www.knightfrank. co.uk.
103 Chis_April17_Famous Places.indd 103
GOLDFINGER’S SURREY ADDRESS
E
rno Goldfinger was a controversial architect whose name was borrowed by author Ian Fleming for his villain in the seventh and eponymous James Bond spy novel. The book was published in 1959 and later turned into the film. It was reported that the author used Goldfinger’s name in anger following a planning dispute over the architect’s modernist house in Hampstead. He left a small but rich architectural legacy behind him when he died in 1987. Including several apartment blocks, government ministry buildings, schools and a clutch of houses. One of them, a Grade II listed villa called Teesdale in Surrey, is currently for sale and is the only post-war private house designed by Goldfinger in its original condition. It’s for sale with agent Savills (01344 626 162) at £3 million.
absolutely.london
03/03/2017 10:59
www.sintonhomes.com ESTATE AGENTS & SURVEYORS
www.sintonhomes.com
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EALING'S ESTATE AGENTS Since opening in 1981 we have maintained our position as Ealing's leading and fully independent estate agency. As this Still successfully selling Ealing properties small selection shows, even in today's more challenging market years we35 continue to lead whether others can only dream of following.
after
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EALING'S ESTATE AGENTS Still successfully selling Ealing properties after 35 years IN LD 17 SO 20
IfEALING'S you are thinkingESTATE of selling yourAGENTS home then please give us a call so we can advise and guide you to ensure you maximise the Still successfully selling Ealing properties value and minimise your stress. Our valuations and advice are 35 yet years free, our experience invaluable. We look forward to hearing from you
after
Y RT PE 017 O 2 PR N S? IS D I UR H L T O YO S IS
IN LD 17 O S 20
www.sintonhomes.com / 020 8566 1990 / 8 Springbridge Road, Ealing Broadway, London W5 2AA SINTON.indd 2
02/03/2017 17:17
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27/02/2017 26/01/2017 16:29 08:19
LINDEN GARDENS, W4 A superb one bedroom house with a contemporary interior, situated just off Chiswick High Road. The accommodation is arranged over three floors. Linden Gardens is conveniently located for Turnham Green Underground station (District line) and the excellent array of shops, bars and restaurants on Chiswick High Road. Approx. 680 sq. ft. Energy Rating: D. Bedroom, en suite bathroom, reception room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom. Freehold Guide Price ÂŁ750,000
CHISWICK 020 3151 6225 chiswick@johndwood.co.uk
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02/03/2017 16:00
SUTTON COURT ROAD, W4
ÂŁ2,500,000
An exceptionally spacious and imposing detached period house offering an excellent balance of living and entertaining space, large garden and off street parking for up to three cars. The house comprises; Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, Additional ensuite bedroom with roof terrace, Four further bedrooms, Two further bathrooms, First floor WC, Two reception rooms, 26'x20'3 Kitchen/Breakfast room, 74' Garden with summer house, Study, Entrance Hall, Utility Room, WC, Spacious full height cellar, Driveway with parking for three cars, Secure electric gates, Extensive storage. The house is well located for local shops, cafes and restaurants with Chiswick High Road's extensive facilities close to hand. Chiswick House and Grounds and Strand on the Green Riverside are within a short stroll. EPC-E.
MARLBOROUGH CRESCENT, W4
ÂŁ1,750,000
Rarely available this detached three bedroom Grade II listed cottage attributed to EJ May is ideally located in the heart of Bedford Park Conservation area close to all amenities. Master bedroom with luxury ensuite, Two further bedrooms, Luxury bathroom, Large entrance hall, Two reception rooms, 17' Anthony Mullan bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, Cloakroom/Utility room, Host of original features, Extensive built in storage, Private 32' Garden. Situated in this prestigious residential road offering close proximity to Turnham Green Tube Station and the extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on the High Road. No chain.
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SUTTON COURT, W4
ÂŁ775,000
A charming and characterful property situated on the second floor of this sought after red brick mansion block with lovely views of the communal gardens. The property comprises; Three bedrooms, Reception room, Dining room, Fitted kitchen, Bathroom, Separate W/C, Spacious hallway, Extensive communal gardens, Share in the freehold, Porter, Private road parking, Very well located for both The River and High Road facilities. Chiswick House and Grounds is a few minutes' walk away. Transport links include Chiswick (Mainline) Station, Gunnersbury (Overground and District Line) station, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London.
THORNEY HEDGE ROAD, W4
ÂŁ1,995,000
A substantial five bedroom semi detached Victorian house over four floors with magnificent garden and off street parking. Five bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Large entrance hall, 32' Double reception room, Fully integrated kitchen, Music/TV room, Study, Utility room, Cloakroom, Store, Private Landscaped garden with summer house, Off Street parking, Host of original features. Ideally situated in this quiet tree lined residential street offering close proximity to all amenities. EPC-E.
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ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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PROPERTY / PROFILE F E AT H E R S T O N E L E I G H
I N T H E I R OW N WO R D S
Mani Sheibani The Associate Director in Chiswick reveals his culinary past and the current residential climate in one of London's leafy districts Photography by R E B E C C A N O O NA N
I
was born in the North West near Blackburn, which is where I spent my childhood and teenage years. I am one of two sons, and we could not be more unalike in our career paths. I went to Manchester University where I obtained a degree in Accountancy and Finance, initially expecting to get into one of the big City institutions. It was 2007, the year Northern Rock got into trouble and the start of the crash. I plumped for a career in property instead, not a bad move as it subsequently worked out, and I still get to number crunch. At the age of 22, I came down to London and joined a London agent at their Angel branch in Islington. It was not the easiest of times to be starting in estate agency, but I was a great believer in getting the best out of a challenging situation and thrived in that company’s legendary hotbed atmosphere. But then life took me on a slightly different course as I decided to go travelling for a year. I started in the States moved across to Asia, and ended up in Australia. Here I took on a few jobs to keep the coffers topped up, which spanned from a stint at UBS, which made use of my accountancy skills, to working as a chef and deckhand on maxi yachts sailing around The Great Barrier Reef.
I learned to cook professionally during my university days, as the income helped fund my ‘hedonistic lifestyle’ in Manchester. I nearly stayed in Oz, as any other backpacker will tell you, the weather, the lifestyle, the people, are all very seductive, but it was a long way from home, and my family, so returned and searched for a new job in property. This led me to Featherstone Leigh. In 2010 I was invited to the Richmond HQ for an interview for a position at their Chiswick office. I was immediately impressed by the company, the directors, and their appetite for excellence - it is infectious! It is a very busy office, and there were plenty of opportunities to prove myself when I started here as a negotiator. After a successful initial year, I was promoted to senior negotiator and eventually took over as manager in 2013. This year I became Associate Director. I feel valued in this company, and am lucky to have a great team working with me, in probably one of the current hottest residential areas in London. We appear to be maintaining a steady success rate for our vendor clients. Already this year we have sold three houses within yards of each other on the salubrious Hartington Road, two were magnificent period homes which went for just under £3m. Chiswick, although just 20 minutes from the West End, has an incredible aura of calm about it. The residential
“CHISWICK, ALTHOUGH JUST 20 MINUTES FROM THE WEST END, HAS AN INCREDIBLE AURA OF CALM ABOUT IT” streets are mostly tree lined, with Chiswick House Park and Turnham Green within easy walking distance. The people who are now moving into the area, although reasonably affluent, seem to be getting younger. Which isn't surprising, as this is the perfect place to bring up a family while still having fun. With the warmer weather approaching, I shall be looking forward to some fun myself in my spare time. I am fortunate to be living locally in a house on the river and share two RIB speed boats with my housemates. These speedy little vessels can take us up or down the river to our favourite pub haunts swiftly and safely, so roll on summer! u
CHISWICK • 020 8994 6567 • featherstoneleigh.co.uk
111 Chis_April17_ITOW.indd 111
absolutely.london
03/03/2017 10:14
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
FRITHVILLE GARDENS, W12 £1,975,000 FREEHOLD A GRAND AND MAGNIFICENT VICTORIAN TOWN HOUSE IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION ON THIS SOUGHT AFTER STREET. Fully refurbished, substantial and yet pouring with charm, this four/six bedroom home offers all a family could need. The house is located moments from the wealth of amenities and transport links the area has to offer.
27ft Double Reception Room | Extended Kitchen / Dining Room | 4/6 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 35ft West facing Garden | Roof Terrace | Planning Permission For A Basement | 2373 Sq Ft / 220.5 Sq M | EPC Rating Band C
SHEPHERDS BUSH & ACTON | 020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk
winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush
• WINKWORTH.indd 1
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:44
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
BROOKFIELD ROAD, W4 £1,300,000 An Edwardian terraced house with many original features. Brookfield Road is a desirable road located in the Bedford Park Conservation Area in Chiswick. Well placed for Turnham Green tube station (District Line) and also benefits from nearby bus routes for easy access into Central London. Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Terrace are within reach, where there is a wonderful range of individual shops, cafes and restaurants. No onward chain.
Four Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Marble Fireplaces | Conservatory | Private Garden | EPC: D
CHISWICK | 020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk
winkworth.co.uk/chiswick
• WINKWORTH.indd 2
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:44
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
LORD NAPIER PLACE, W6 £1,250,000 FREEHOLD A FABULOUS HOUSE IN A PRIVATE ROAD, JUST MOMENTS FROM THE RIVER THAMES. Offered in extremely good order throughout with versatile accommodation arranged over three floors. Lord Napier Place is a private gated road just moments from the River Thames. Numerous well-regarded schools are within easy reach, whilst some superb pubs can be found along this section of the river. the nearest underground stations are at Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook and Hammersmith.
1/2 Reception Rooms | Kitchen | 3/4 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Garage | Garden | EPC Rating Band C
HAMMERSMITH | 020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk
winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith
• WINKWORTH.indd 3
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:45
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
WOODFIELD ROAD, W5 £3,200,000 FREEHOLD An architecturally striking detached house located on one of Ealing's prime streets, this house is on the market for the first time in over a third of a Century. Inside the house has original features in abundance with many classical hallmarks typical of the period and with suitable refurbishment would create one of the finest homes in the area. The house is approached via a gated front garden and enjoys a 100 foot West facing garden with a garage to the rear of the house accessed via Lanark Close. Woodfield Road is ideally located within reach of Pitshanger Lane and close to Pitshanger and Cleveland Parks and schools of repute. Detached House | Original Period Features | Seven Bedrooms | 100 ft West Facing Garden | Garage At Rear | EPC: E
EALING & ACTON | 020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk
winkworth.co.uk/ealing-and-acton
• WINKWORTH.indd 4
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:45
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
SEDGEFORD ROAD, W12 £750 P/W
A spacious four five bedroom two bathroom Edwardian house with a est facing garden of over ft. Rent PC . Bedrooms | | Garden |
Reception Rooms | Kitchen Diner | S Ft
. S
Bathrooms | Cloakroom
|Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: D
Bedrooms | Reception Room | Kitchen Diner | Ft
For more information on this property call Shepherd s Bush Acton Office | 020 8735 3255
. S
Bathrooms | Garden |
S
| Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: D
For more information on this property call Shepherd s Bush Acton Office | 020 8735 3255
EDMUNDS HOUSE, W4 £545 P/W
Stunning fourth floor apartment situated in this popular brand new development moments away from Chiswick Park Station District Line . wo Bedrooms | wo Bathrooms | Concierge |
GALLOWAY ROAD, W12 £525 P/W
A beautifully presented and spacious four bedroom Edwardian house in the popular area of Shepherds Bush. Rent PC .
ooden Floors hroughout |
DEVONSHIRE ROAD, W4 £346 P/W
A rarely available ground floor garden flat perfectly located for Chiswick High Road. One Bedroom | Large Private Garden | Original Features | Eat-In Kitchen |
Ample Storage | EPC: B
Separate Living Room | EPC: D
For more information on this property call Chiswick Office | 020 8994 7096
For more information on this property call Chiswick Office | 020 8994 7096
WITH 60 OFFICES IN THE CAPITAL ALONE. WE’VE GOT LONDON COVERED winkworth.co.uk
• WINKWORTH.indd 5
OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:45
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
ADDISON PARK MANSIONS, W14 £630 P/W
A beautifully presented three bedroom apartment set within a sought after mansion block, in the heart of Brook reen. Rent £2, 0 PCM. Bedrooms | Reception Room | itchen | 2 Bathrooms |
ADDISON GARDENS, W14 £425 P/W
A stunning one bedroom flat on the raised ground floor of a midterrace Victorian house in est ensington. Rent £ , 2 PCM.
2 S Ft / 22 S M |
nfurnished | Fees Apply | EPC:
ouble Bedroom | Reception Room | itchen | En Suite Bathroom | Cloakroom | 6
For more information on this property call Hammersmith Office | 020 7371 4466
S Ft / 62. S M | Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC:
For more information on this property call Hammersmith Office | 020 7371 4466
THE RIDINGS, W5 £1,153 P/W
FITZGERALD HOUSE, W5 £611 P/W
A stunning and spacious five bedroom detached house with a large landscaped garden and off street parking. Rent £ , PCM.
Fantastic four bedroom house located near Ealing Broadway, providing excellent access for shops, transport and parks. Rent £2,650 PCM.
Substantial iving Space | Ideal For Modern Family iving | Set Over Three Floors
Four Bedrooms or Three Bedrooms & Office/Study | Three Bathrooms (Two En-
| Off Street Parking | arge andscaped arden | Fees Apply | EPC: C
suites) | Internal Viewings Highly Advised | Fees Apply | EPC: C
For more information on this property call Ealing & Acton | 020 8896 0123
For more information on this property call Ealing & Acton | 020 8896 0123
winkworth.co.uk
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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY
02/03/2017 16:45
PROPERTY / FEATURE Why London l a n d l o r d s l ov e A i r b n b by N I G E L L E W I S
Airbnb has attracted both celebrities and controversy during its nine-year life. And now traditional landlords in London are using it too
Y
ou may recall the birth of Airbnb. In 2013 the relatively little-known home sharing website’s fame soared after it was revealed that actor Ashton Kutcher had used it for a year to find homes to live in after his divorce from Demi Moore. His sofa surfing came to light after the No-Strings Attached star revealed he was to invest in the company, which to seasoned start-up watchers wasn’t a surprise; he’s also invested in Skype, Foursquare and Fab.com. That was four years ago, and now Airbnb is gaining not fame, but notoriety. Several cities have attempted, and sometimes succeeded in preventing home owners from renting their properties out via Airbnb, after the website was blamed for a shortage of traditional rented property in the US, Europe and beyond. The maths involved illustrate why. On average Airbnb landlords earn £106 a day from their rentals for a two-bedroom apartment, or £2,226 a month based on a 70% occupancy, says letting agent Portico, which recently launched a premium Airbnb management service. The company also says that it expects to achieve 80% occupancy
for some properties, and that landlords can expect to start earning within a week of listing on the site. Portico says Airbnb day rates in London range from £65 in Bexley to £224 in Westminster, but crucially – and here’s why some worry that Airbnb is sucking a lot of property out of the London rental market – the average rental figure of £2,226 is £449 more than the average price paid by traditional, longer-term tenants. The protests went global and several cities, including New York, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam as well as London have begun to either levy a tourist tax on Airbnb landlords or restrict who can rent out their homes via the site. For example, in San Francisco, you can only rent out your home via Airbnb if you’re a
full-time resident of the city. In Santa Monica, landlords must live in the house to rent it out. Then Airbnb made its own move late last year, restricting all its landlords from renting out properties for more than 90 days. This has gone some way to placate those think the company is helping reduce the supply of affordable housing in urban areas. The scale of the Airbnb operation in London is surprisingly large. There are just over 48,000 Airbnb hosts in the capital and the City of Westminster harbours the most at 5,631 followed by Tower Hamlets (5,076) and Hackney (3,572). But it’s not all about central London. Portico says some outer suburbs also have a lot of Airbnb hosts including Brent, mainly because it has Wembley Stadium within it; Newham (the Excel Centre) and Merton (Wimbledon). “Londoners in their thousands are turning to Airbnb to generate extra income,” says Robert Nichols, managing director of Portico. “And despite the 90-day limit, even seasoned landlords are coming round to the fact that a combination of Airbnb and traditional tenancy will maximise their return on investment. “If your property becomes vacant in the quieter months, we recommend listing your property on Airbnb and synchronising your tenancy to start a long-term let in the summer or late summer when demand from tenants and therefore prices are highest. “Or, if your property is already on the market, why not earn on Airbnb until you let or sell it? Every day it’s sitting vacant is potentially losing you money, so it really does pay to get on board with Airbnb in short-term.”◆ More information from portico.com/airbnb
“On average Airbnb landlords earn £106 a day from their rentals for a two-bedroom apartment, or £2,226 a month based on 70% occupancy” ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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Introducing Beechcroft’s beautifully converted homes THE CHAPEL AT FITZROY GATE Located in a private, gated, parkland setting on the banks of the River Thames, Fitzroy Gate is a collection of just 23 exclusive two and three-bedroom houses and apartments resulting from the sensitive conversion of The Chapel, The Mews and the Grade II listed White House, as well as the newly-built Isabella House. Each of the four exquisitely appointed threebedroom period houses in The Chapel feature a wealth of original features and detailing, complemented by contemporary fixtures and fittings and bespoke kitchens and bathrooms.
SHOW HOME OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM TO 5PM The Chapel from £1,350,000 The Mews from £725,000 Please call for an appointment to view:
020 3326 1233
www.fitzroygate.co.uk
Fitzroy Gate Sales and Marketing Suite Richmond Road, Old Isleworth TW7 7BP
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Think London property. Think KFH. kfh.co.uk
London-wide reputation. Local expertise.
Our local branches include:
With 40 years’ experience and 60 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.
• Brook Green
Visit kfh.co.uk to contact your local branch.
• Ealing
• Chiswick • Hammersmith
FB.indd 1 Brand adverts.indd 1 02 February
02/03/2017 15:46 16:03 05/01/2017
Dalling Road, Hammersmith, W6 Guide price £1,350,000 Hammersmith 020 8563 9633 hammersmith.sales@kfh.co.uk
FB.indd 04.17 KFH2 Chiswick and West.indd 2
A stunning and spacious home boasting a beautifully designed kitchen and bathrooms finished to the highest standard. Additionally benefiting from a large reception room and private garden. Set on a popular street bordering Brackenbury Village and moments from the shops and amenities of King Street, this property is also a short walk from the open space of Ravenscourt Park, the River Thames and multiple tube lines.
• • • • • • • • •
Three double bedrooms Stylish kitchen diner Large reception room Exquisite bathroom Modern shower room Private garden Close to tube Freehold EPC rating C
02/03/2017 15:27 16:03 24/02/2017
Castlebar Road, Ealing, W5 £900,000
A stunning two bedroom ground floor flat in the heart of the Broadway, incorporating bi-fold doors to a large south facing private garden and sliding doors to a charming internal courtyard.
Ealing 020 8799 3890 ealing.sales@kfh.co.uk
This property is an exclusive five apartment development, situated in an unrivalled location with Ealing Broadway station moments away. The property has undergone extensive refurbishment with attention to detail and intricate design throughout.
FB.indd 04.17 KFH3 Chiswick and West.indd 3
• • • • • • • • • •
Victorian conversion Under floor heating Schuller kitchen Smeg appliances Two bathrooms Utility room Bespoke built in wardrobe Incoming Crossrail 2019 Leasehold EPC rating D
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Sutton Lane South, Chiswick, W4 £4,766 pcm Chiswick 020 8987 0099 chiswick.lettings@kfh.co.uk
An architect designed four bedroom, three bathroom Victorian family arranged over three floors. This property is located within the pretty Fauconberg Village area of Chiswick, a short walk from the River Thames and multiple transport options.
• • • • • • • •
Stunning open plan kitchen Large separate reception Two bathrooms and downstairs cloakroom Arranged over three floors Lovely garden Fauconberg Village area Rent includes bills Furnished
£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees
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CITYSCAPE.indd 1
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Richmond Hill 12 minutes drive from Richmond Chase. Richmond Park is 0.4 miles from Richmond Chase.*
S H OWHO M E L AU N C HIN G 11TH MA RC H Nestled alongside Royal parkland, Richmond Chase offers exceptional living, built by award-winning developer, Berkeley. Once inside the gates, Richmond Chase comprises a luxurious collection of three, four and five bedroom houses each with off street parking and private gardens.
Prices from ÂŁ 1,440,000 To book your appointment or to find out more information, please call our Sales Consultants on 020 3642 9993 or visit www.richmond-chase.co.uk Details and prices are correct at time of going to press and subject to availability. Photography of local area is indicative only. Computer generated images depict Richmond Chase and are indicative only. *Source: google.co.uk/maps
Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
BERKELEY.indd 1
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NOW OVER
70% SOLD
Richmond living in
GRAND STYLE
Computer generated images depict The Star and Garter and are indicative only. Photography depicts The Star and Garter Show Apartment. Details and prices are correct at time of going to press. February 2017.
Exceptional two bedroom apartments from £1,750,000 A spectacular leisure suite, Harrods concierge, private cinema, glorious gardens, breathtaking views of the Thames, and Richmond’s exclusive shops and restaurants at your fingertips. The ultimate lifestyle can be found exclusively at The Star and Garter, the iconic Grade II listed landmark being beautifully restored by London Square.
Viewing by appointment only, please call 0333 666 0102 to confirm. The Sales Suite and Show Apartments are open daily. The Star and Garter Sales Suite, Richmond Hill, TW10 6RR.
Selling agents
thestarandgarter.london
LDNSQ.indd 1
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Easy modern living by the River
Apartments to rent at Kew Bridge from £365 per week
1 Beds from £365 per week
2 Beds from £510 per week
Premier waterfront development 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments Residents Gym, 24 Concierge, Parking 2 mins walk from Kew Bridge station Chiswick Park Tube and Kew Botanical Gardens nearby
Call us now on 020 3417 4316 or email kew@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk Unit 15, 8 Kew Bridge Road, Kew, TW8 0FJ
London branches: Canary Wharf | City | Colindale Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith Hampstead | Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Kew Knightsbridge | Nine Elms | Surrey Quays | Wapping International: Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore
Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo
• BR_CHISWICKNEW.indd 2
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Kew Bridge
£625 pw Furnished
2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment 24hr Concierge | Gym | Parking | EPC – C Kew 020 3417 4316
kew@brlets.co.uk
Sixteen branches open six days a week Monday - Saturday Canary Wharf | City | Colindale | Ealing | Fulham | Greenwich | Hammersmith | Hampstead Highgate | Hyde Park | Kensington | Kew | Knightsbridge | Nine Elms | Surrey Quays | Wapping Additional charges apply: Tenancy Agreement, Credit Check & Inventory Report. For details visit www.brlets.co.uk/tenantinfo
• BR_CHISWICKNEW.indd 3
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To arrange a viewing or for more information call
020 7319 9783
Ealing
£285 pw Furnished
London’s Letting Agency
info@brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk
Ealing Broadway
£485 pw Furnished
1 Bedroom | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment Communal Garden | Nearby Amenities | EPC – D
2 Bedrooms | Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment 24hr Concierge | Gym | Pool | Amenities Nearby | EPC – B
Ealing 020 3302 5763
Ealing 020 3302 5763
Brentford
dy@brlets.co.uk
£580 pw Unfurnished
Ealing Broadway
dy@brlets.co.uk
£580 pw Furnished
2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment 24hr Concierge | Parking | Close to Rail Station | EPC – C
2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | House 24hr Concierge | Pool | Gym | Parking | EPC – C
Kew 020 3417 4316
Ealing 020 3302 5763
kew@brlets.co.uk
dy@brlets.co.uk
Hong Kong | India | Malaysia | Singapore
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INTERVIEW
Who builds London? Meet Russell Bond, the man responsible for the huge Aldgate Place development under construction on the Commercial Road in E1
Y
ou know something unusual is being built when the marketing suite for a development is more upmarket than most five-star hotels. This is the case at Barratt London’s Aldgate Place development which when finished will be a mixed-use, six-building community of apartments, offices, shops and a hotel on the junction of Whitechapel Road and Commercial Road. It’s hard not to miss when you step out of Aldgate East tube station. In the reception, a gaggle of young and tightly-tailored women who look after the reception give the place a British Airways gold-card travellers lounge feel, while the marketing suite on the fifth floor – which the women whisk you up to via a lift straight out of a Gucci shoot – is a cross between an Apple Store and a handbag boutique. In charge of delivering the level of luxury and marble-lined quality promised by the marketing effort is Russell Bond, who has the nail-bitingly responsible job of ensuring the scheme sticks to its £250m budget. As well as a 150-bedroom hotel and offices plus ground-level shops, restaurants and cafés, his team of 500 builders are also constructing 463 homes ranging from studios to fourbedroom apartments. He must also keep it green – part of the planning approval granted in 2013 is that 25% of all materials on the site must be recycled. We nailed down Russel to an interview to find out what it takes to manage such a huge project.
school so a combination of the two things led me towards construction engineering. I completed a degree in construction engineering management and then spent 15 years building hospitals, offices and shops before going out to work in Dubai for a while. When I came back from there I worked on the Athletes’ Village within the Olympic Park. Then five years ago, I joined Barratt and here I am now. Are high buildings like Aldgate East a bigger challenge? What’s more of a challenge here is the site’s location. We are surrounded by tube lines as well as a Red Route that runs all around the site plus we’ve only got one entrance. The site is also riddled with underground services that had to be diverted before we could start building. But because we’re working at height, safety is really the No.1 concern for me.
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What’s it like running a site like this? I feel like it’s a huge train running at full speed and I’m the driver. At any one time, I’ve got 30 Barratt staff on site plus a further 13 team site managers and in total 500 people working here. How long will you be working here? Five years. This project started in September 2013, started the first piling in March 2014 and had our first completions in June 2016 on the first block, while the second phase will finish in March 2018. What are the key skill sets you need? My major skill is to lead the construction teams and the site managers. It's all about planning and organisation including monitoring and reviewing what the workers and teams are doing. I am responsible for budgets and schedules, but one of my main concerns day-to-day is managing people. The other two skills you need are to see the bigger picture while also paying attention to the small details. More information Apartments for sale at Aldgate Place start at £695,000. Each property comes with a free all-zones travel card for three years. Search online for Barratt Aldgate Place for more information or call 0844 358 3270. u
What qualifies you to do the job? Well, my dad was an accountant so he told me to get a job that was outside and not stuck in an office. I excelled at everything technical at
ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
“It's all about planning and organisation including monitoring and reviewing what the workers and teams are doing”
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