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30 Contents ABSOLUTELY

JANUARY 2019

50

82 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK 50 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

AGENDA

52 RECIPES

STAGE NEWS

INTERIORS 64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

Diary dates for January

18

Theatre highlights for the month

News from the industry

Five ways with the humble carrot

FA S H I O N 26 SWEATER GIRL

68 COLOUR SCHEME

30 THE SHOOT

T R AV E L 82 SAND AND SPICE

Jessica Schuhle-Lewis of Orwell + Austen on knitwear and slogans

This month’s best beauty buys

'Tis the month to treat yourself

Luxury in Zanzibar

94

PROPERTY LIVING THE DREAM

ABSOLUTELY City & East JANUARY 2019 / £3.95

IRIS

Skin DEEP

APFEL Homeware from the style icon

New Year beauty solutions

IN THE

STUDIO Bella Freud’s

The most luxurious London properties

stylish vision for TV Centre

ZEST.LONDON

40 NEW YEAR BEAUTY

Bella Freud's vision for Television Centre

JAN UARY 2019

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 39 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

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

CITY & EAST

Chic skiwear at Net a Porter

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

News and views from the world of design

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Let it SNOW

ON THE COVER

W I N T E R F A S H I O N S TAT E M E N T S ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

17/12/2018 16:27

celticandco.com

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGERS CHARLOTTE RISSBROOK, REBECCA FLEUR, TOLGA SAYLAN ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY

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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 @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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Editor’s

ORWELL+ AUSTEN

Slogan knitwear is the best. page 22

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S January issue highlights

1

H

appy new year! Now that we have made it through Christmas and into 2019, we're filled with optimism for the year ahead. This issue is bright, cheerful and eclectic, enthusiastically embracing a wider than ever variety of topics. This month we are excited about everything from ski fashion to champagne via stylish and eco-friendly lightbulbs, vegan recipes and cashmere sweaters, taking in personalities as diverse as Iris Apfel and Bella Freud. We have perfume inspired by motorbikes, jewellery inspired by the zodiac and a Dutch fairytale park; we have been to Kent on the beautiful vintage Belmond Pullman train, as well as to Zanzibar, Belfast and the Cote d'Azur (not by train). And still we have found time to be focusing on maintaining our beauty regimes and looking after our skin the way we mean to go on. And laughing in the face of traditional alcohol avoidance at this time of year, we are launching a regular new drinks page. Here we'll be recommending champagnes and looking at interesting spirits, beers, bars and glassware. Cheers to 2019.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S RUMPELSTILTSKIN

We love a dark fairytale, especially with a large dose of the surreal. page 16

BELLA FREUD X RETROUVIUS

Two of our favourite visionaries team up to design a dream home for Television Centre. page 66

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4 CHAMPAGNE C HAMPAGNE

Who cares if it's January? The champagne is still flowing. page 57

3

I RIS APFEL

Our favourite fashion icon page 65

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Wish LIST

Dress u p It’s time to banish your slouchy jumpers to the back of the wardrobe because Borgo de Nor’s maxi dresses are the perfect antidote to cold weather dressing. Thick, tailored and versatile, we love them with boots and a biker jacket. borgodenor.com

SOFT TOUCH We’re coveting everything from the latest Madeleine Thompson resort collection, but nothing is more comforting for the colder months than this beautiful cashmere cardigan; £305. madeleine-thompson.com

Eye SPy

TALKING POINT In typical Tom Dixon style, this abstract cushion is effortlessly cool and will add a talking point to your interiors.

Inspired by urban perspective sketches, it features a tapestry-style cityscape made with hand-crafted linen-blend pile; £100. selfridges.com

Favoured among the fash-pack, this Matisse-inspired bag is set to be a hero piece for emerging British leather goods brand, Paradise Row. With its petroleum blue leather and gleaming gold lines we’re pairing ours with everything from denim to evening wear; £395 youngbritishdesigners.com

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

10

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES CIT Y SLICKe r We’re down to the last remaining Quality Street and our jeans are feeling snug, but thankfully new hybrid brand PERFF Studio looks just as stylish in the gym as it does in the city. On offer are timeless athleisure pieces manufactured with luxury fabrics and recycled materials. perff.com

COAT TALES Saint Laurent has been perfecting the pea coat since 1962 and this shrunken version epitomises the timelessness of the brand. Layer yours with one of the label’s marinière sweaters.; £2,855. net-a-porter.com

EDITOR’S PICK

LITTLE LUXURY The Wolseley have called on an established chocolatier with a Royal Warrant to create this indulgent drink. Swirl yours into a generous mug of hot milk and pile on the whipped cream to replicate the way it’s served to guests at 160 Piccadilly; £15.99. selfridges.com

A DATE WITH DESIGN Favoured for its hand-printed processes and breathtaking designs, home-grown brand Esmie harnesses its appreciation for traditional Japanese aesthetics with the Flying Cranes diary; £25. libertylondon.com

MAD HATTER With a hat a near-permanent feature of any outfit during January, we’re favouring the neutral grey of this Lipsy for Next number; £14. next.co.uk

FOOT WORKS Designed for wear in the city, Moncler’s Patty boots are a year-round timeless accessory to wear with a minimalist or sporty outfit; £480. harveynichols.com

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

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C U LT U R E MAGENTA GAZE, LISA WRIGHT; COURTESY OF LONDON ART FAIR, 16 - 20 JANUARY 2019, LONDONARTFAIR.CO.UK

What’s On 14 • Top Theatre Picks 16 • Theatre Review: Uncle Vanya 19 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

PHOTO BY MANUEL HARLAN

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

T H E AT R E

The Merry Wives Of Windsor Until 5 January BARBICAN Down on his luck in the suburbs, Sir John Falstaff plans tot hustle his way to comfortable retirement by seducing the wives of two wealthy men. But unknown to him, it’s the women of Windsor who really pull the strings. This hilarious Shakespearean classic is given a fun and unmissable twist for modern audiences.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.or.uk

T H E AT R E

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS F RO M 8 JA NUA RY • NEW D I O RAMA THEATRE

Almost 80 years to the day since the original broadcast was reported to have caused widespread panic after being mistaken for true events, Orson Welles’ classic radio play is radically reimagined for the era of fake news. Expect layer upon layer of story, woven through different time frames and narratives as if moved by the dial of a radio: atmospheric, absorbing and disorientating.

15-16 Triton Street, NW1; newdiorama.com

14

D AY

O UT

City Of London Dolls House Festival 3 February T H E TOW E R H OT E L See every aspect of our world spectacularly downsized as the Dolls House Festival arrives in Tower Bridge. Discover breathtaking levels of skill and explore a variety of stands selling beautifully handmade miniatures, models and dolls houserelated items. St Katherine’s Way, E1W; dollshousefestival.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EX H IB ITIO N

SMALL IS B E AUTIFU L Until 5 January F LOW E R S GA L L E RY The annual Small Is Beautiful exhibition is back for a 35th edition, offering purveyors of fine art the chance to purchase smaller pieces by internationally known names and emerging talents. Established at Flowers Gallery in 1974, the exhibition invites selected contemporary artists working in any media to present works with a fixed scale of 7 x 9 inches.

21 Cork Street, W1S; flowersgallery.com

AROUND

TOWN C E L E B R AT I O N

BURNS NIGHT IN LONDON 5 January VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S Eat, drink and dance to celebrate the life and work of Scotland’s national bard. From poetry readings and slap-up dinners to traditional dancing and whisky toasts, the capital’s restaurants and bars are going all out for Burns Night.

BA L L ET

MAT THEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE

This Month’s Must See

Until 27 January SADLER’S WELLS Matthew Bourne is back to give Swan Lake a fresh look for the 21st century. While sticking to the iconic elements of the original, this production is perhaps best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble.

Thrilling and emotive, Bourne’s powerful interpretation is a masterpiece for our times.

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R; saddlerswells.com

SLEEPING BEAUTY

D

2- 6 JAN UARY • SADLER’S WELLS

azzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring the glittering Sleeping Beauty ballet to life. From Let’s All Dance, the company who brought you The Princess & the Frog, The Owl & the Pussycat and Alice in Wonderland, this brand new production is the perfect winter treat for the whole family.

E XHI B I TI ON

CATS ON THE PAGE Ongoing BRITISH LIBRARY In this unmissable offering for families, cats and their capers are celebrated in rhymes and stories familiar to us from childhood.

Whether raising a smile, solving a crime, wreaking magical havoc or even performing in theatre, cats take centre stage in this free exhibition. 96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk.

F I L M

LONDON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 11-20 January VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S Enjoy short film screenings, discover emerging talent and attend industry events as the London Short Film Festival returns for 2019. Now in its 16th year, this celebration of short films showcases the best in the industry. Various locations; shortfilms.org.uk

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R; sadlerswells.com

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in SHOW Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month

MUST SEE

Rumpelstiltskin ★★★★★ Until 6 January

QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL

In its UK premiere, this beloved family fairy tale is reimagined with lashings of magical mayhem and unmissable music.

Rumpelstiltskin is a ground-breaking theatrical spectacle that is anything but traditional.Expect visually stunning costumes, a modern set and largerthan-life characters. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

By H E L E N B R O W N

Switzerland ★★★★★

Until 5 January AMBASSADORS THEATRE

It’s 1995 in the Swiss Alps. Patricia Highsmith, the queen of the thriller, now ageing and ailing, hides away in her study, surrounded by her books and her cats. A polished young man turns up to persuade the great writer to pen one final instalment of her best-selling series, but it soon becomes clear that the charming stranger is set on a far more sinister mission. West Street, WC2H; theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

Summer & Smoke ★★★★★

Until 19 January

SUMMER & SMOKE

Circus 1903 ★★★★★

DU K E O F YO RK’ S TH E ATR E

Until 5 January

Trapped between desire and a life of obligation, Alma meets John and her would turns upside down. With cleverly stripped-back staging and themes of love, loneliness and self-destruction, Rebecca Frecknall’s exquisite production of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke transfers to Duke of York’s Theatre. St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; summerandsmoke.co.uk

ROYA L F E STI VAL HALL

Rosenbaum’s Rescue

Experience thrills and daredevil entertainment as Circus 1903 makes its European premiere. Expect sensational puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse, jaw-dropping and dangerous acts, high wire performers and more. This show transports audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus. Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

★★★★★

From 9 January PAR K TH E ATRE

In the October of 1943, seven and a half thousand Jews flee Denmark in fishermen’s boats, crossing the water to Sweden and to safety from the Nazi regime. Armed with a new perspective and information unavailable at the time, this miracle rescue is re-examined for a modern audience in Rosenbaum's Rescue.

Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

ROSENBAUM’S RESCUE

CIRCUS 1903

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THEATRE • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Uncle Vanya Chekhov returns to the Hampstead Theatre B y D O N N A M AC A F F E R T Y

T

erry Johnson's modern rewrite of this Chekhov classic is an aesthetically beautiful play with touching moments. Johnson presents us with a play brimming with beautiful moments, superb acerbic wit and real honesty. Quite refreshing for a piece that is regular in any Chekhov programming.

The crowning glory of the show is the authenticity of the actors, with a stand-out performance from Alan Cox as Vanya.

Set in 1890s Russia, Uncle Vanya amplifies a multitude of themes and topics that are still relevant today. It opens with a delicate atmosphere where we instantly get a feel for the secluded country estate life the characters are inhabiting. Beautifully created by designer Tim Shorthall,

These characters are longing for lives they cannot achieve the forest slowly encroaching upon the elegantly decorated wooden house gives the viewer a sense that the characters, as well as the estate, are returning to their raw, crueler selves. Serebriakov, the owner of the country estate and a well-educated professor who enjoys writing philosophical ramblings, is married to Yeliena, a beautiful woman a great deal younger than himself.

Yeliena finds herself stuck in a love triangle and wonders about the choices she has made in life. “My entire life could occur without me in it” she ponders at one point.

Astrov the local doctor, who is coming to

terms with his age, speaks passionately about saving the forests and the impact this has on the future generations. Existential themes persist, questioning time, death and purpose throughout. The play is full of beautiful motifs, some very subtle and fragmented much like the lives of the characters themselves. Reflecting the environment they are in, the characters are quite melancholic and all longing for a life they cannot achieve living. Points of great sorrow are contrasted by many wonderful touching moments such as Marina the witty Nan sharing a peaceful moment knitting with Telyeghin, a gentle soul who often holds his guitar close to him. The connection between them is powerful and yet they are simply enjoying their final stages of life. Cox’s performance throughout is extraordinary, especially as Vanya’s journey progresses from broken man dealing with harrowing regret to him finding the strength to endure what life has yet to put on his path. Sonia his niece played by Alice Bailey Johnson, is a very truthful, intimate yet strong woman of her time. Sonia, like her uncle, is longing for companionship and dreams of the afterlife proving to be in their case, a much more enjoyable experience.

VERDICT

Aesthetically beautiful and touching ★★★★★ U N C L E VA N YA UNTIL 12 JANUARY Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, NW3;

hampsteadtheatre.com

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FOR YOUR NEAREST SALON VISIT WWW.SASSOON-SALON.COM

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FASHION

SOFT CENTRE MANDKHAI

Mandkhai cashmere is underpinned with complete control of the supply chain from free roaming goats on the plains of Mongolia through the dyeing process and creation of yarn to the making of the garment in the brand’s very own factory. mandkhai.com

Orwell + Austen's cashmere story 22 · The shoot: ski style 24 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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JESSICA SCHULE-LEWIS

Q&A

Wool WO R KS Orwell + Austen’s contemporary cashmere is top of our Christmas lists this year. Absolutely quizzes founder Jessica Schuhle-Lewis Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

Q How did Orwell & Austen come about?

A The brand started five years ago, just

before I turned 30. I was working as a lawyer in the city, in a job I hated. Long hours, zero creativity, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction. I always loved designing (in what little spare time I had), and had wanted a career in fashion, but knew I didn’t have the qualifications needed to move from law. So I decided to set up my own thing. At the time cashmere tended to come in plain neutral shades only, and fun, vibrant knitwear was often made from cheap man made materials. I decided I wanted to produce playful, vibrant pieces using luxurious fabrics. I ran it alongside law work, so I could self-fund the brand. If it worked, then I would I have my dream job, and if it didn’t, I would have gained a lot of skills (in design, manufacturing, marketing, logistics, social media, marketing), that I could hopefully use to get a design job with someone else, and leave law behind. Luckily, it worked.

Q Where do you source your cashmere?

A Our yarns come from Outer Mongolia,

22

but our pieces are made in Nepal, which is the home of artisanal cashmere. We found a great little factory there, who have allowed me to grow the brand slowly, who pay a fair wage and support the Nepalese artisans who make our pieces, and who source our yarns ethically, and as sustainably as possible.

Q What makes an Orwell & Austen sweater?

A Playful design, bold use of colour, statement knitwear, with quirky slogans, and natural materials.

Q You have a collaboration launching with Kat Farmer. Tell us about that.

A Kat was a really early supporter of the brand. She reached out a couple of years ago when she was writing a press piece on slogan sweaters, and wanted to use our ‘Je Ne Regrette’ sweater (which was one of the first sweaters we did). Since then we have worked with her a number of times, and always love how she styles our pieces, and how she champions small brands. Our sales agent from The Brand Ambassadors

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FASHION • Q&A

SLOGAN SWEATERS

that they would resonate with people. They launched a couple of years ago, are based on David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane album cover, and are a consistent best seller. As part of our core collection, they never go into sale, and each year we bring out some new colours. We’ve also had an amazing response to our ‘Love’ sweaters, and have a feeling our new DISCO design will be a big hit. That one is getting a lot of instagram love, and has a long waitlist.

Q Who are your favourite designers?

A When it comes to clothes, being a mum of

Our pieces are made in Nepal, which is the home of artisanal cashmere

met Kat at a number of events, and the idea for a collaboration grew from there. The sweater is a slogan sweater, with stripe cuff detailing and the slogan ‘True Colours’. The sweater is inspired by one of Kat’s favourite songs, which reminds her of her son who has Asperger’s. We worked closely with Kat to design something that she would love to wear, and be her go to sweater. We have six bold colour-ways available to buy through our website. We will be donating a percentage of our profits to The National Autistic Society, a charity chosen by Kat. Kat will also be donating her share of the profits to the charity. We hope it becomes a new classic.

Q What are your best-selling styles?

A Our lightning bolt sweaters have been

a huge hit. I knew when I designed them

two small children, I like practicality. I live in jeans and sweaters. Handbags are my great weakness. I love Anya Hindmarch, Hill & Friends (both of whom made fun, playful, practical pieces), Chloe, and Gucci (who are making amazing handbags and ready to wear at the moment). Rixo for dresses, Air & Grace (who we share a sales agent with) for the comfiest trainers, and places like Arket, APC or Sunspel for basics.

Q What’s next for Orwell & Austen?

A We are working ahead on new designs

for next year, and will be dropping more styles that are exclusive to our online store.

We are expanding our t-shirt range, and introducing printed 100% organic cotton sweaters, to complement our cashmere and fine wool pieces. We would also love to start doing children’s and men’s versions of some of our most popular designs, and are looking into a range of homeware pieces. So lots going on! orwellausten.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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SLOPE STYLE For the ultimate in ski chic this season, visit Net a Porter’s new Ski and Snow Shop S H O P T H E C O L L E C T I O N AT N E T- A - P O R T E R . C O M

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FASHION • LOUNGEWEAR

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S O F T TO U C H MADELEINE THOMPSON

L O U N G E L O V E R S DON’T WE ALL WANT TO GET COSY FOR JANUARY?

Madeleine Thompson's stylish cashmere collection includes ultra-comfortable cashmere joggers in colours and patterns to match her sweaters. madeleine-thompson.com

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HOME A N D AWAY HEIDI KLEIN

Your Heidi Klein bikini might be relegated to the back of the wardrobe at this time of year, but the swimwear brand has launched a cashmere collection designed specifically with travel in mind, featuring relaxed cuts and clean lines. The dove grey pieces start at £350. heidiklein.com

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WO O L WO R K S SMALLS

Smalls' merino base layers for adults have been long-awaited by everyone whose children have enjoyed the mini versions. Studies show that sleep improves while wearing merino and it's a magic material that keeps you warm and cool, never sweaty and anti-bacterial too. From £62; smallsmerino.co.uk

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T H R OW B AC K OY U N A

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Oyuna's collection of cashmere for living is beautifully soft and spans trousers, sweaters and lots of gorgrous throws in lovely muted shades. From £345; oyuna.com

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N O R T H S TA R MOSHI MOSHI MIND

Danish brand Moshi Moshi Mind has brought its collection of mindful fashion to London. Each style is carefully designed to take you from yoga class to dinner with its simple, functional yet stylish shapes and fabrics. moshimoshimind.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEOSOUND EDGE

In spire th e i m a gi nat i on. A s ound revol ut i on design ed for i nt u i t i ve touc h a n d m ot i on.

BANG & OLUFSEN OF EALING 17 BOND STREET | EALING | W5 5AP | 020 8840 1010 | ealing@bang-olufsen.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

HIT THE BARRE BARRECORE Barre-based exercise is on the rise thanks to its ability to deliver the svelte limbs and impeccable posture of a dancer. Read our review of leading studio, Barrecore, on page 37. barrecore.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Skin scrubs, sultry new scents and a skin palette with a difference B y H E L E N B R OW N

FITNESS REVIEW

Barrecore

GENDER NEUTRAL

Drop the HIIT and head to the barre

J E C CA M A K E - U P

The first product from cool, new brand Jecca Make-Up is a genderneutral, oil-free, matt Correct & Conceal palette, available in two shades (light and medium). Founder and make-up artist, Jessica Blacker, says: “Make-up has no gender. At Jecca we overlook gender and celebrate individuality.”£20;

B y H E L E N B R OW N

jecca-makeup.com

MORNING BREW

EDITOR’S PICK

I S L A A P OT H E CA RY

Isla Apothecary’s Coffee + Cinnamon Body Polish takes advantage of the natural benefits of green coffee oil.

It’s full of linoleic acid and vitamin E, which boost cell-turnover, tighten and smooth, as well as protect against free radicals. £34; islaapothecary.com

SEASON OF SCENT J O M A LO N E LO N D O N

This month sees purveyor of heavenly scents, Jo Malone London, add a new fragrance to the Cologne Intense collection.

Bronze Wood & Leather is smoky and warm with vibrant juniper, fresh grapefruit and a mysterious twist of vetiver to evoke the scent of sultry leather encased in wood. From £75;

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ith a fan base comprising Jourdan Dunn, Poppy Delevingne, Darcey Bussell and a troop of Victoria’s Secret angels, it’s no wonder that barrebased classes made serious waves in the world of wellness last year, with the trend looking set to stay long into 2019.

The workout is built around a series of small repetitive movements designed to improve posture, lengthen and strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Sold by the many benefits, I head to leading studio, Barrecore to try it out. Having been a longtime adherent of HIIT and classes focused on explosive, compound movements, the isometric exercises and tiny motions of barre take some getting used to. Minimal movement and pulses burn out the muscles at a specific joint, working to lift, tighten and strengthen without straining the joints. My muscles burn in a way I am not used to and I leave each class with wobbly limbs and a lightness that only comes after a vigorous massage. The end of each workout also brings on an overwhelming tiredness and I spend the last few minutes stretching and trying to conceal yawns. I think this comes as the tension of a long day at work is released; it feels incredibly satisfying. Pair this with Barrecore’s enthusiastic instructors and slick studios, it’s easy to see why the workout becomes addictive.

BARRECORE Various locations around London

barrecore.co.uk

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

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Beauty

FIXES Essential treatments for a whole new you in 2019 B y H E L E N B R OW N & P E N D L E H A R T E

SALO N

HAIR A NEW SHADE ST I L

● Stil is the successful salon run by stylish Swedish-born Christel Lundqvist, whose eye for colour is famed. When she’s not styling fashion shoots or considering possible sites for more salons, she can be booked to cast her magic over your hair: for me she recommended her newlyinvented Prism Lights method, which is neither highlights not balayage exactly, but a subtler, light-reflecting touch of colour that’s designed to restore brightness and vibrancy.

Christel hand-paints strands of lighter colour through my locks, aiming to create a halo of light around my face. The results? Shiny, bouncy hair with renewed vigour and brightness.

Exactly right for a new year revamp.

2A Chepstow Road, W2; stil-salon.com

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NAILS COWSH E D

● Cowshed's lovely Clarendon Road site is a beautiful spot on a sunny day. Windows on both sides of this corner building make it a light-filled space and though small, it's cosy and filled with the sounds of coffee-making and chat. I am here for an Ultimate Manicure, which is a much-needed treatment for my dry, flaky hands. My cuticles are ragged and my nails unloved. This is a lengthy treatment that takes in a hand scrub and a moisture masque as well as an

aromatherapy head massage. I sit back in my armchair and enjoy the calm while my hands take on a revived look. More than an hour later I emerge with impossibly shiny and neat nails painted in an elegant dark grey, with my hands feeling softer and looking entirely revitalised. The kind and competant therapist recommended fortnightly manicures to combat my dry skin; I am going to keep coming back here as often as possible. cowshed.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NEW YEAR

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SKIN

EDEN SKIN CLINIC WIMBLEDON

SALO N

HAIR CONDITION GA SA LON

● Gennaro Dell’Aquila is an awardwinning stylist who pioneered his own 100% natural, plant-based hair colouring treatment. It begins with a wash and a heavenly head-massage.

Next comes the colour, a herbal infusion which Gennaro mixes with hot water to form a substance that looks not unlike a traditional dye, but without the acrid smell of ammonia.

The recipe is bespoke for all, mine is a blend of chamomile, rhubarb, cassia and henna for a rich chocolate brown.

This is applied to the roots as is, but then Gennaro adds a pot of yoghurt yes, really - and works from midway to tips. This added dose of protein helps mend damaged ends. This is left to work its magic under a heat lamp for 20 minutes before my fabulous new look is unveiled. I leave smug in the knowledge that I’ve achieved it without compromising the health of my hair. gennarodellaquila.co.uk

PHARMACY

HEALTH

● Winter months do nothing for a glowing complexion. With skin dryer than it’s been in a long time, I book in for the Agera Oxy Bright Facial. Designed to remedy ailing winter skin, it's an oxygen-generating enhancement treatment that promises to banish dull, lack-lustre complexions. It begins with a discussion between me and the therapist about my current skin care regime – minimal – and problem areas – enlarged pores around the t-zone. Next comes a thorough cleanse and a two-step Microderma Crystal System with Vitamin C crystals and an activating gel to gently buff away old skin for a smooth, radiant complexion. The products feel lovely - especially a peptide serum that promises improved collagen and elastin production. As I leave the salon my skin feels squeaky clean and has a definite glow; the texture is smooth, plump and dewy for many days after. edenskinclinic.co.uk

T H E O R GA N I C P H A R M ACY

● The Organic Pharmacy now offers a half-hour Express Health Assessment. A BioEnergetic device scans the body and outputs profiles on adrenal function, serotonin, immune function, hydration and pH level – as well as levels of systemic toxicity. A full assessment also audits vitamin and mineral deficiencies, organ function, hormone balance, viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, digestive disorders and food intolerance. My adrenal function was low, which didn’t shock me, but I was surprised to see low hydration levels. I’m advised the quality of water is important, even in hot drinks; heavy metals can block the uptake of minerals. Positive news is my immune function is good. I was prescribed holy basil for stress, calcium and magnesium to improve sleep, and Omega 3/6. And also provided with a list of natural cleansers, as well as important vitamins and minerals. theorganicpharmacy.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

This machine delivers results in 14 minutes. And once you’re on, it’s pretty addictive

Home is where the health is Fitness Superstore is here to get your New Year off to a flying start with the latest in must-have fitness equipment

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ith 10 showrooms, including two in London, we house an unrivalled product range that’s perfect for both fitness newbies and exercise veterans. Featuring everything from treadmills, cross trainers and exercise bikes, to the full strength-training spectrum including multi-gyms, power cages and weights, you’ll find equipment you can’t buy anywhere else in the UK. Offering a premium service from start to finish, we pride ourselves on providing

an unbeatable shopping experience. Every customer is greeted in-store by our expert staff members who strive to ascertain your goals and requirements before helping you select the right equipment. What's more, all the products are available to try before you buy, so you know in confidence that you are making the best choice for you.

One of these products, is the Bowflex MAX Trainer. Combining the power of an elliptical and a stepper, this machine delivers results in under a quarter of an hour. And once you’re on, it’s pretty addictive.

Why? Because it’s a fun, motivational machine that provides you with not just

quick results, but MAX results. Blitzing 2.5 times more calories than any other cardio machine, and engaging 80% more upper body muscles, you get the same results you’d get in 35-45 minutes on a treadmill in less than half the time. What's more, the MAX Trainer is easier on your joints than a treadmill, meaning it’s the perfect introduction to fitness for beginners.

There are three models – the M3, M5 and the M7 – and they all feature the innovative 14-minute MAX Interval™ Workout.

Intervals are proven to scorch more calories than steady pace exercise by getting your heart rate right up for energetic bursts between short recovery times. Not only is it incredibly effective, but it’s far more motivating than a long slog on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. We know that feeling motivated can be a struggle, but the beauty of 14 minutes is just that – it’s only 14 minutes!

Made for working out at home, the MAX Trainer is compact and will fit pretty much anywhere, meaning you can get fit from the comfort of your own home – it really is the ultimate fitness resolution companion.

Exclusive to Fitness Superstore, you can experience the MAX Trainer for yourself at our stores at The Hyde in Colindale or on Wandsworth High Street - we look forward to seeing you soon.

F I T N E S S S U P E R S TO R E 167-173 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 4JB; 0203 3708 856 Hyde House, The Hyde Colindale, NW9 6LH; 0203 3708 855 fitness-superstore.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

THE DIRTY FLOWER FACTORY Motorbikes and perfumes aren’t natural partners but the new Kerosene collection is intriguing B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

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recently experienced one of those Hallelujah moments that all perfume zealots pray for. One of those rare occasions when we discover an outstanding talent that reinforces our adoration of perfume and makes us want to shout their name from the rooftops.

The House Of Kerosene is the olfactory vision of John Pegg from Michigan. John is actually a motorcycle mechanic or wrencher by profession – Michigan is the capital of the automotive industry and, as John tells it: “Where I’m from, if you didn’t work in the automobile field, you were most likely unemployed. While each factory may produce a different car part, every factory was exactly the same: production and numbers. To get out of that scene, I learned how to paint and wrench on motorcycles.”

I took this to be a sign. I too love the smells of oil, leather, petrol and a day’s labour and in my debut collection for St Giles I released a fragrance called, prophetically, ‘The Mechanic’.

There are currently a handful of selftaught perfumers emerging as the leading lights of a new generation and John is certainly among them. These are the rulebreakers who make scent simply for the joy of it and indulge in the daring and the different. They have no marketing teams or shareholders to please and with this autonomy comes the freedom to create the extraordinary and to raise the bar in terms of the olfactory experience.

I love the smells of oil, leather, petrol and a day’s labour

The Kerosene fragrances are exciting, transporting conflagrations that engulf the senses and wrap them in a warm embrace.

My first encounter was with Black Vines, which John originally made for himself. The central note is liquorice, an ingredient much feared by the mainstream perfume industry, is both exotic and familiar, blended with balsam of Peru, incense and star anise, a dash of green fig and a dusting of vanilla.

It is a cashmere sweater of a scent, enveloping you in its soft, comforting layers. Copper Skies envisions the early evening, with sweet basil wafting over cedar trees with tobacco leaves beneath the bark. The dark, spicy notes of amber, clove and honey add a nuanced sweetness to the smokey air. The truly remarkable R’Oud Elements completely redefines the ingredient of the decade, Oud, inviting us to enjoy the sunset with smouldering cedar and sandalwood dancing across the flames of oud and amber and all viewed through a haze of titian orange bitters. Broken Theories takes us further into the night as inky clouds of agarwood and incense drift over spiced skin while occasional firey flashes of blood orange illuminate the warm forest floor of sandalwood and vanilla. And finally we emerge into the light with Pretty Machine the scent of crisp, spring air with uplifting notes of lime and linden blossom, a hymn to rebirth, resonant with expectation. Further energising scents include Walk The Sea, a bracing combination of sea salt, white florals, ambergris, cedar and musk that imagine a memory of hide tide clinging to the skin and, for those that don’t want to smell ‘pretty’ all of the time, I would choose Dirty Flower Factory, a fallen angel of jasmine, rose and orange blossom attractively sullied by chilli pepper, peppercorns and musk.

Kerosene is a collection of exceptional scents, handcrafted by a singular talent whose raison d’etre is to create complex perfumes that both seduce and transport.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

IMAGE SKINCARE Hydrating recovery mask, £9 each imageskincare.co.uk

JURLIQUE Signature Serum, £55 jurlique.co.uk

ORIGINS Drink Up 10 Minute Mask, £27 origins.co.uk

VOTARY Super Seed Facial Oil, £70 votary.co.uk

MARIO BADESCU Silver Powder, £12 urbanoutfitters.com

ALGENIST ALIVE Prebiotic Moisturiser, £40 spacenk.com

SISTER & CO Instant Moisture Mist, £22 sisterandcoskinfood.co.uk

CLEAR WINNERS PREVISE Hydrating Skin Cleanser, £32 wolfandbadger.co.uk

Look fresh-faced this January with these skincare solutions B y PENDLE HARTE

ORGANIC YOUNG BY GREEN PEOPLE My Skin Goals, £30 greenpeople.co.uk

CAUDALIE AESOP XDamascan Rose Facial Treatment, £51 aesop.com

Vinopure collection, from £18 uk.caudalie.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

FITNESS NOTES

By H E L E N B R O W N

POINT ZERO ZERO ONE

The activewear brand to know now WHAT IS IT? tyle meets functionality in new brand, Point Zero Zero One which recently launched with a range of premium, functional sport and athleisure pieces for men and women. The sports performance range comprises bra tops, leggings, men’s tights, functional t-shirts and vests, while leisure pieces include hoodies, sweatshirts and lightweight jackets.

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WHY IS IT FOR YOU? oint Zero Zero One pivots around quality design and everything has been thought out down to the tiniest technical detail. Created in partnership with design studio IID, the brand fuses quality technical fabrics with style and detailing for overall comfort and performance.

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WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT IT? he brand palette is purposefully monochrome so that it can be mixed, matched and layered no matter what your activity. Point Zero Zero One has fussed over over the smallest details to create garments you’ll want to wear again and again.

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Prices from £45; pointzerozeroone.com

NEW FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2019 From at-home fitness to 20-minute training, there’s lots to look forward to from the world of wellness.

By H E L E N B R O W N

STREAMING FITNESS CONTENT

ROWING GOES MAINSTREAM

With Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV more popular than ever, it’s no surprise that the rise in streaming services has reached the wellness industry. Autumn 2018 saw Peloton arrive in the UK, the New Yorkbased fitness phenomenon that took spinning to dizzying new heights. These high-tech, at-home spinning bikes are equipped with a 22-inch HD that let you tune in and experience all of the action and adrenalin of 14 daily live and 8000+ on demand-classes - from your living room. Others getting on board with the trend include Fiit.

TV’s influencer led fitness platform and Mirror, the interactive home mirror which tracks and corrects your workouts. Get fit without even leaving your house.

Last year saw a boom in indoor rowing, which is expected to continue into 2019 as the wellness industry continues to recognise the power and efficiency of it as the ultimate full-body workout.

Research by British Rowing states that the activity utilises 85% of the body’s muscles across nine major

muscle groups. Running on the other hand, only targets five major muscle groups. Recognising a gap in the market, personal trainer Chris Heron launched the first integrated rowing studio in the UK in November 2018, The Engine Room, and a number of others are set to pop up in the capital throughout 2019.

GAMIFICATION OF FITNESS Gamification is becoming increasingly prominent in the fitness world, favoured by personal trainers for its ability to provide a more socially connected and motivating workout. It works by tapping into your dopamine neurotransmitter which controls your brain’s reward and pleasure centre. More and more prominent are studios fitted with large screens to run a variety of classes, from sunrise spinning to group competitions. Classes can include features such as realtime ranking and race highlights, individual racer profiles and immersive backgrounds for activity.

HIIT FUSION 2018 saw an outburst of HIIT classes designed to get you working at your maximum intensity for short, explosive intervals. For 2019, a mix of flexibility-based fitness classes will incorporate the principles of HIIT for an all-round workout that will test strength and endurance in one session. The HIIT element burns fat and boosts the metabolism quickly, while practises from pilates, yoga and barre increase flexibility, strengthen all major muscle groups and de-stress. You’ll be getting the benefits from each technique in one routine.

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Located at One Tower Bridge. Prosecco House is London’s first prosecco-specialist bar. It stocks Prosecco DOCG, from Veneto, the home of the drink, a creation of owner Kristina Issa, bringing the excellence of Italian prosecco to London. Kristina works with small family-owned vineyards, while the bar has over 20 varieties on the menu, hand picked by Kristina herself, from wineries such as Marchiori, Rivalta, Cirotto, Tasi Bio and Andreola.

PROSECCO HOUSE 1 Crown Square One Tower Bridge London, SE1 2SE @proseccohouse ProseccoHouseLondon

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020 3034 1718 www.proseccohouse.com info@proseccohouse.com

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FOOD & DRINK

LIGHT TOUCH

BRASSERIE OF LIGHT Contemporary, artistic and elegant.

Richard Caring's Brasserie of Light replete with 24-foot, crystal-encrusted Damien Hirst Pegasus statue - is open for business in Selfridges. The destination restaurant and bar is set to be teeming during January's sales season. brasserie-of-light.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this January

By FLORA THOMAS

Wine recommendations for the month

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2011 Ch. du Pavillon, Canon-Fronsacu  £19.95 A full bodied red with a rich bouquet and velvety texture. After six years in bottle (following a year’s barrel-ageing), it remains fresh, but has developed enticing leathery aromas. Ideal with hearty casseroles to warm you during dark January days.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster  £10.25 This off-dry Riesling is made from grapes grown on the slate-rich slopes of the beautiful Middle Mosel. Strikingly approachable this crisp, fresh white wine has a searing acidity at its core with lime and floral notes.

2016 Mâcon-MillyLamartine, Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon  £22.95 A delightfully pure and mineral white wine. Its aromas lean more towards ripe citrus (grapefruit) than stone fruit, and are altogether more grown-up, with smoke, a chewy texture and promising youthful bitterness on the finish.

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

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CHEFS in RESIDENCE CA R O U S E L

Carousel has treats in store for us this January. Chantelle Nicholson, champion of plant-based cooking and vocal ambassador for the food waste movement, takes residency from the 3rd-5th. Then, Romy Gill from the 8th-12th: we’re looking forward to her tamarind spiced octopus. Finally, Matt Ravencroft celebrates Mexican food from the 15th-19th.

71 Blandford St, W1U 8AB carousel-london.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

DESK-DELIVERY LUNCHES

FA R M E R J

Light fantastic

Known for bringing the best of the fields to the city, Farmer J's fieldtrays make for a stellar lunch, comprised of a base, a main, two sides and a sauce. For a failsafe combo try brown rice, charred flank steak, grilled broccoli and farmer’s salad, all served alongside a tasty red pepper sauce. farmerj.com

BRASSERIE OF LIGHT

A true destination restaurant if there ever was one, Selfridges's Brasserie of Light boasts a 24-foot crystal-encrusted Pegasus statue by Damien Hirst.

An eclectic mix of British and internationally inspired dishes is on offer, alongside extensive wines and cocktails. A suitable antidote to sales madness.

Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB brasserie-of-light.co.uk

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT LINO

Housed in a former linoleum and carpet warehouse, clad in brown glazed tile, find Lino. The menu is inspired by low-waste ingredients and what’s available seasonally. Even left-over pastries are recycled for a croissant ice-cream with brown butter, blood orange and coffee. Yum. 90 Batholomew Close, EC1A 7BN linolondon.co.uk

BY R U BY Freezing food is the most efficient way to preserve nutritional content without using any scary additives. By Ruby is available nationwide and uses packaging made from sheep’s wool: recyclable and biodegradable. Firm meal favourites include the black bean chilli, Keralan vegetable curry and the comforting fish pie. byruby.co.uk

PICTURE THIS EARTH KITCHEN

Love local CHARLOTTE’S BISTRO

K A R M A CA N S

Little sister to the longstanding Charlotte’s Place in Ealing, Charlotte's Bistro is the less formal outpost.

The food is strictly seasonal, so for those whose jeans are feeling a little snug post-Christmas, the nutritious menu will restore a sense of health and balance. And for those feeling the January blues, the cocktail bar welcomes you with open arms.

6 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP bistro.charlottes.co.uk

Just as karma aims to balance good and bad actions, so do Karma Cans balance delicious meals and highly nutritious ingredients. That means protein, lots of greens, healthy fats and wholegrains. Their menu changes weekly, and we can’t wait for wasabi cured salmon during January. karmacans.co.uk

Auro Foxcroft and Chris Gillard (of the St John Group) open a new restaurant this month on the bustling Stoke Newington Road, set in an Art Deco former cinema.

Food will reflect a strong emphasis on provenance and seasonality.

11-17 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BH earthackney.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Squidgy organic carrot and courgette cake Moist and delicious – this easyto-make organic carrot and courgette cake will be a hit with your family and friends!

Serves 14 (approx) Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 150g butter • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange • 3 large eggs, beaten • 340g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 1 rounded tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1 rounded tsp baking powder • 1 rounded tsp ground ginger • 225g light muscovado or soft brown sugar • 200g British organic carrots, peeled and grated • 150g courgettes, grated Frosting: • 200g low fat soft cheese • 1/2tsp vanilla extract • 1 small organic carrot, grated • 1tbsp light muscovado or soft brown sugar

METHOD

Rooty

CALL

They’re cheap, nutritious and have a lower carbon rating than any other vegetable.

So don’t forget the humble carrot this month Re c i p e s B R I T I S H O R GA N I CCA R R OT S .CO.U K

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1 Preheat the oven to fan 180°C, fan oven 160°, Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 23cm square cake tin with baking paper, using a little butter. 2 Melt the remaining butter in a large saucepan over a low heat, without letting it get too hot. Remove from the heat, then add the orange juice and beaten eggs.

Reserve the orange zest for the frosting.

3 Sift together the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and ground ginger in a mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar, organic carrots and courgettes, then add the melted mixture and stir together well. 4 Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a fine skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then turn out carefully. Cool completely on a wire rack. 5 Make the frosting by beating the low fat soft cheese, vanilla extract and reserved orange zest together.

Spread on top of the cooled cake. Put the grated organic carrot into a frying pan with the sugar and heat gently to melt and caramelise. Cool, then scatter over the cake.

Cook’s tip: Keep the cake refrigerated, though serve at room temperature. You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months without the frosting. Use organic ingredients where possible.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Spiced organic carrot and ginger soup This soup is super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients and three easy steps.

Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 600g British organic carrots, peeled and chopped • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 celery sticks, sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 5cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated • 1tsp medium curry powder • 1.2 litres vegetable stock • 100g low fat soft cheese • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4tbsp low fat plain yogurt

METHOD 1 Put the organic carrots, onion and celery into a large saucepan with the garlic, ginger, curry powder and stock. 2 Bring up to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 3 Blend the soup to a puree using a hand-held stick blender, or transfer to a food processor or blender and whizz until smooth. Add the soft cheese and blend again until it is thoroughly mixed in. Reheat gently, and season to taste. 4 Serve, topped with a swirl of natural yogurt and a little extra black pepper.

Cook’s tip: Cover, cool and refrigerate the soup, using it within 3 days of making it, and re-heating it thoroughly when ready to serve.

Use organic ingredients where possible.

Organic carrot, sage and taleggio risotto Creamy and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a delicious risotto!

Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 2tbsp olive oil • 400g British organic carrots, peeled and cut into small cubes • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 350g risotto rice (arborio or carnaroli) • 200ml dry white wine • 1 litre hot vegetable stock • 1tbsp chopped fresh sage • 100g Taleggio cheese, cut into small chunks • 30g Parmesan cheese, finely grated • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Sage leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, to garnish

METHOD 1 Heat the oil in a large sauté pan or saucepan and add the organic carrots and onion. Cook gently, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir over a low heat for 2-3 more minutes, without browning. 2 Add the wine and let it bubble up for a moment or two. Pour in half the stock. Stir well, then cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3 Cook until the rice is tender, gradually adding the remaining stock, and stirring often. This will take a further 10-15 minutes. Check that the rice is done to your liking – it should be soft, with just a hint of ‘bite’. 4 Stir in the sage, Taleggio and grated Parmesan cheese. Check the seasoning, adding a little salt and pepper if needed. Serve, garnished with fresh sage leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, with a little extra black pepper.

Cook’s tip: If you like, serve the risotto with a few torn-up slices of Parma ham scattered over the top. You could use Brie instead of Taleggio cheese. Use organic ingredients where possible.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Oaty organic carrot and oregano muffins These savoury muffins make a tasty home-from-school. Or why not pop one into a packed lunch?

Serves 8 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Glazed organic carrot, feta and red onion tart It’s amazing how much f lavour there is in the not-so-humble organic carrot Serves 6 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 300g British organic carrots, peeled and cut into batons • 2 red onions, sliced • 1tbsp olive oil • 2 sprigs rosemary • 2 sprigs thyme • 500g pack puff pastry • A little flour, for dusting • 1 small egg, beaten with 1tbsp water • 1tbsp balsamic vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4tbsp pesto sauce • 100g feta cheese • Rosemary or thyme sprigs, to garnish

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METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan oven 200°C, Gas Mark 7. 2 Put the organic carrots and onions into a roasting tin and add the olive oil, tossing to coat.

Add the herb sprigs and roast for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

3 Meanwhile, roll out the pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 35x25cm. Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a border about 3cm from the edges of the pastry, without cutting right through. Brush this border with the beaten egg mixture.

4 Allow the organic carrots and onions to cool, removing the herb sprigs. Stir in the balsamic vinegar with a little salt and pepper and toss together. While the carrots are cooling, bake the pastry for 20-25 minutes until risen and golden. 5 Gently press down the pastry within the border.

Spread the pesto sauce over this area, then arrange the roasted carrots and onion on top. Crumble over the feta cheese and bake for a further 5 minutes. Serve, garnished with rosemary or thyme sprigs.

Cook’s tip: Use regular onions if you don’t have red ones. Use organic ingredients where possible.

• 125g butter, melted and cooled slightly • 2tbsp milk • 2 large eggs, beaten • 200g British organic carrots, peeled and grated • 100g wholemeal self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder • 2tsp dried oregano or mixed dried herbs • 75g porridge oats • 1/2tsp salt

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan oven 160°C, Gas Mark 6. Line a muffin tin with 8 paper muffin cases or squares of baking paper. 2 Mix together the cooled butter, milk and eggs. Stir in the grated organic carrots. 3 In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, dried herbs, porridge oats and salt. 4 Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, taking care that you don’t over-mix. Share the mixture between the muffin cases and bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and golden.

Cool on a wire rack.

Cook’s tips: The secret of successful muffins is to avoid over-mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Freeze some of the muffins in a freezer bag or box – they will keep for up to 3 months. Use organic ingredients where possible.

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Michael Nadra Restaurant & Bar

Primrose Hill’s best kept secret Book your Christmas party now New great value Express Lunch & Early Dinner Menu 2 - for - 1 on all Cocktails every day from 4 - 6pm A la Carte & 6 Course Tasting Menu Extensive Wine List Vegan / Vegetarian Party & Event Bookings

@michaelnadra | facebook.com/MichaelNadraRestaurant

020 7722 2800 | 42 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 8JD | primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk

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WE’VE RELOCATED TO: IL BORDELLO METROPOLITAN WHARF 70 WAPPING WALL, LONDON E1W 3SS TEL: 020 7481 9950 • FAX: 020 7378 6341 IIBORDELLO.indd 1

17/12/2018 14:17

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Each flavour shines through... it takes real skill to get this dish right”

Michael Nadra Primrose Hill’s answer to high-end local dining

FOOD Seasonal British classics cooked with a contemporary twist

B y C H A R LOT T E R I S S B R O O K

DECOR

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ichael Nadra is certainly doing something right because his Primrose Hill outpost is the Chef Patron’s second in London. The elegant, exposed-brick space is home to a chic Martini bar, an intimate fireplace room and a Grade II listed horse tunnel providing a quirky twist. Our coats are whisked away on arrival and we’re introduced to our waiter for the evening: he’s accommodating and urges us to try the six-course,

wine-paired tasting menu. Neither myself nor my guest have had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant before, nor Michael Nadra Chiswick, and we’re excited to see what the noise is about.

To start, we indulge in sautéed scallops, octopus with courgette and mint croquettes served alongside Altano Douro, a Portuguese wine with a limey zing and a clean, refreshing finish. The mint croquettes are particularly good, crispy on the outside with a wellseasoned, creamy filling. Fresh mint lifts the scallops and brings a modern

Light bright and airy with quirky features

PRICE Six-course tasting menu for £65, wine pairing at £35

VERDICT Highly recommended - perfect for a celebration

twist to the classic dish. Now for the game course: wood pigeon with a delectable bone marrow jus - very Masterchef, and very good. The jus is as glossy as they come, deep in flavour and silky smooth.

For me, the star of the meal is the fourth dish of beef fillet steak, Welsh braised cheek, with vegetables and truffle mashed potatoes. Each element is cooked exceptionally well, washed down with an excellent Malbec, it’s a robust, well-seasoned savoury dish. A selection of sorbets to cleanse the palette is followed by an assiette of delectable desserts and a glass of Chilean Riesling.

It’s worth noting, finally, that a vegetarian tasting menu is also on offer and features delights such as the beautiful saffron tagliolini. As the evening comes to a close we leave as fully fledged members of the Michael Nadra fan club.

R E S TAU R A N T M I C H A E L N A D R A PRIMROSE HILL 42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JD

restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

fabulous

FIZZ

What to drink and how to drink it

By PENDLE HARTE

NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE RECOMMENDATIONS

GLASS SYSTEM L S A I N T E R N AT I O N A L

LSA's balloon glasses are decorated with sophisticated patterns of cuts inspired by the ocean. These generouslyproportioned, versatile goblets are ideal for serving gin and tonic as well as other aperitifs and cocktails. From £28; lsa-international.com

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

Bollinger R.D 2004 • £180

The RD is a unique champagne. Grapes are sourced exclusively from 16 of the best premier and grand cru parcels in thte Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. Notes include dark chocolate, tobacco, black truffles, orange peel and sweet spice.

De Venoge Louis XV 1996 • £205

The new prestige cuvee from De Venoge is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, matured in the cellars for 10 years to develop its aromas. It offers a complex, mature and vinous bouquet: nutty, mushroom, ripe citrus, pear and brioche.

ISLAND LIFE HARRIS GIN

Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires 2004

Produced on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, distilled in a small copper still, Harris Gin is infused with nine botanicals that capture the maritime influences of the island. Sugar kelp is key to the subtle coastal notes. £37

• £175

harrisdistillery.com

SPIRIT OF LUXURY MORUS

Distilled from the leaves of a single, ancient Mulberry tree, a single batch of this exquisite cask-strength (64% ABV) gin takes more than two years of careful work to produce. This makes it, at £4,000 per bottle, the world's most expensive gin.

You'll find it at Harvey Nichols. morusgin.com

The first new vintage for the cult all-Chardonnay cuvée in almost a decade, this exceptionally textured cuvee is fresh, elegant and floral with notes of lemon, apple blossom and salted butter as well as a toasted buttery nuance of Crème Anglaise.

THE CHAMPAGNE GURU The Champagne Guru is a champagne and food pairing expert, specialising in hosting special champagne events in luxurious surroundings.

STOCKIST & DISTRIBUTOR: Highleigh Ltd, 39 Bromley Common Kent BR2 9LS, +44 (0)7956124806

thechampagneguru.com

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FOOD & DRINK • SPOTLIGHT

ON THE CHAMPAGNE TRAIL How husband and wife team Serge and Malin Ngoie founded @thechampagneguru

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hampagne brings people together. Top champagne expert Richard Juhlin says it is the "chameleon of all wines" because it tastes different in different surroundings and has so many layers. Champagne is an art form, the champagne houses and their Chefs de Caves are true artists who spend an immense amount of time perfecting their craft.

Our story began five years ago when we lived in Italy for a year. Serge had a work assignment in Milan and we would travel back and forth from London, driving through the Champagne region. We fell

Wo r d s M A L I N N G O I E

in love with the area and stumbled upon a 300-year old house in a little village in Haute-Marne. We ended up buying it, with a plan to open it up for unique, tailormade champagne experiences. The dream of working together with what we both really love started to take shape. Serge’s passion for champagne is legendary and was a good complement to my media, photography and styling background to initiate The Champagne Guru project.

After attending several trade and public champagne events, we realised that there was a gap in the market. We started to look for opportunities where we could add value, bring consumers and producers together in a more exclusive, intimate and relaxed

environment to enhance personal and long-term relationships. Our idea is to work closely with different champagne houses, support them with marketing strategies and create unique and spectacular events in unexpected venues and surroundings.

For our launch event we set the stage on the Thames in an Art Deco boat moored by the London Eye Pier. We teamed up with Richard Juhlin, the World's leading champagne expert, to talk about his recent book Champagne Hiking. We wanted to have fun with the event, to take champagne out of the cellar, add class, expertise and glamour.

On 1st December the red carpet was rolled out. No expense was spared as guests and champagne houses were treated to an unforgettable and magical Gatsby-styled evening with a six-course gala dinner paired with champagnes.

The evening started with a welcome drink

by Champagne Frèrejean Frères – quoted

by Richard Juhlin as one of the best Blanc de Blancs on the market. Imperial caviar canapés were paired with the relatively new house Paul Launois Cuvée Monochrome.

This was followed by a charcuterie platter with foie gras and Parma ham paired with Champagne Billecart-Salmon Rosé NV served from Jeroboams. Seabass carpaccio was excellently paired with Champagne Bonnaire Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 09, followed by a steak tartar served with the amazing Champagne Bollinger RD 2004.

Pan-seared cod, creamed ratte potato and champagne beurre blanc, paired with Charles Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Blanc des Millénaires 2004, was served as the main course. For the grand finale, outstanding De Venoge Louis XV 1996 was paired with aged Comté, Parmesan and Mimolette cheese.

For the future we would like to engage more champagne houses, to explore marketing avenues and opportunities by tapping into our knowledge of the UK and European markets. The ultimate goal is to expand our business of connecting more people with and through champagnes.

T H E C H A M PAG N E G U R U For more info or to enquire about organising a bespoke champagne event, please contact us on thechampagneguru@gmail.com or +44(0)7956124806

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INTERIORS

RED ALERT ANGLEPOISE

This special Russet Red Edition of Sir Kenneth Grange’s Type 75™ Mini desk lamp will make even the coldest North-facing room feel warm and welcoming. Earthy reds may be right on trend at the moment but they’re also remarkably versatile. Introduce as a bold colour statement into a neutral interior, or in striking contrast to primary or classic tones. £130 anglepoise.com

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

WORLD CUPS SUNNJU

Sunnju’s artisanal ceramics, glassware and titanium vessels are all designed for considered tea and coffee consumption.

Produced by a small team in East Asia, the range is stocked at insidestore. insidestoreldn.com

DRIP FEED THE BARISIEUR

Wake up and smell the coffee... this is a premium alarm clock that eases you into your morning with the soothing sounds of bubbling water along with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The mix of Scandinavian design and chemistry set chic makes this a stylish piece. ÂŁ345 barisieur.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

EDITOR’S PICK

FA N TA S T I C CERAMICS A selection of our favourite pieces

NICOLA FASANO FOR THE CONRAN SHOP

TOP

Oval Splatter Platter, £110 conranshop.co.uk

LOCK UP FORNASETTI

N'La Chiave Nero' essential oil-based diffuser by Fornasetti is fragranced with the label's signature 'Otto' scent. It's printed with a dual-sided key and lock design featuring opera singer and muse Lina Cavalieri. £355 net-a-porter.com

SHOP SUCH AND SUCH

Such & Such is an online store offering a carefully curated selection of original homeware and lifestyle goods. They source unique, well made and beautifully designed products that tell a story. suchandsuch.co

FERM LIVING Muses vases, from €79 fermliving.com

KARLSSON Original ceramic wall clock, £35 hurnandhurn.com

HABITAT Buzz vase, £35 habitat.com.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Druggist small canister with lid, £POA jonathanadler.com

BROSTE COPENHAGEN

TRAVEL STORY CARAVANE

From raw French linen to Indian block printing, Caravane's edit reflects the travels of its owners, Véronique and Jack-Eric Piedeleu, bridging cultures and decades with timeless products. The beautiful new shop in Coal Drops Yard is full of covetable items. caravane.fr/en

Blue Amalfi vase trio, £20 featherandmarble.com

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tiles etc. www.tilesetc.com | angel@tilesetc.com | 020 7607 2700 4 Shillingford Street, London N1 2DP

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

APFEL WAT C H

Style icon Iris Apfel has teamed up with Nude Glass for a quirky new range of products. ABSOLUTELY can’t wait Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

Paperweights feature the American fashion hero’s iconic glasses and lipstick

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o celebrate the launch of their yearlong partnership with American businesswoman, interior designer and style icon Iris Apfel, global design brand Nude is launching an Inspired by Iris collection of striking designs which draw on Iris’s indomitable style at Maison & Objet in January.

Working with Nude’s design team, Iris has added her own unique touch to existing Nude collections in the only way she knows how: by adding layers of decoration and colour. Tomas Kral’s iconic Beak collection has been reimagined in acid bright colours and bold stripes. Suitable for water or wine, this whimsical collection is the perfect dinner party accompaniment. The once simple Mono Box, originally designed

by Ayse Birsel for Nude, has similarly undergone an Iris Apfel transformation, with clashing colours and elegant patterns being added to the vase’s curved exterior.

An art piece in itself, the multifunctional Mono Box can be used as a vase to complement a beautiful floral arrangement, as a bowl or even as an ice bucket. Other new pieces include a pair of lead-free crystal Iris Apfel paperweights which feature the American fashion hero’s iconic glasses and red lipstick.

Nude’s ethos of ‘simple is beautiful’ might not seem an obvious match for Apfel’s bold, challenging and decidedly unsimple style, but the two agree on one core message: ‘simple is beautiful’. Apfel says: “As you can see I am hardly a minimalist. I love to layer accessories and dress in colour, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think simple. Nude is my simplicity, simplicity is a state of mind, and I think simple is beautiful” The new collections will be available in spring 2019 at nudeglass.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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This super stylish apartment in Television Centre is the product of a collaboration between Bella Freud and Retrouvius’ Maria Speake.

ABSOLUTELY admires it Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

C LO S E TO H E R H E A RT

INTERIORS • DESIGN

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here’s something intriguingly atmospheric about the Television Centre flats.

Windows in the circular Helios building face inwards, allowing residents to look into each other’s rooms in a Rear Window-esque way, which of course gives the site excellent cinematic potential.

This slightly surreal element is put to brilliantly stylish effect by Bella Freud, who together with Retrouvius’s Maria Speake has devised a complete interior for the penthouse apartment. Their inspiration for it came from cinema, the 1970s and porn – and the result is glamorous, retro and colourful.

Bella Freud, daughter of Lucian, greatgranddaughter of Sigmund, epitomises west London cool, not just because of her heritage but because of her enduring and timeless style. Her iconic Word jumpers remain objects of desire season after season.

The Grade II-listed Helios building is an icon on the west London skyline, its midcentury aesthetic

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HEALTH INTERIORS & BEAUTY• •DESIGN NOTES

“Their inspiration came from cinema, the 1970s and porn – and the result is glamorous, retro and colourful” lovingly restored in its conversion to a residential development. She said: ‘It was great to work in a place with so much history – that has been so entwined with my life and my interests – and to imagine how I would live there.’

The seventh floor penthouse’s layout is upside down, with bedrooms on the lower floor as you enter, and a large open plan living/dining area and kitchen upstairs, on top of the world. Impressive views stretch for miles over west London on one side of the building – on the other side you can see directly into the neighbours’ lives. Residents have been instructed to keep their laundry out of sight (literally and figuratively) and sliding glass doors open onto large terraces. The living area is decadent – think rich shades of rust, green and gold with stylish lacquered sofa frames in black – and walls range from murky green to ochre to neutral. Vintage light fittings are large in scale: above the glass dining table is a 1960s chandelier arrangement in gold and frosted glass, and a collection of Marcel Breuer cantilever cane chairs.

MARIA SPEAKE (LEFT) AND BELLA FREUD IN THE PENTHOUSE

A small snug room leads off the kitchen area, designed with Bella’s teenage son Jimmy in mind and simply furnished with an outsize screen and a gold corduroy sofa, with cork wall tiles and more gold light fittings.

Downstairs, the bedrooms are cosier and darker.

The master bedroom is painted deep, dark red and a low, metal-framed bed is arranged with Bella’s slogan blankets and cushions. The second bedroom has a thick golden carpet - Bella calls the shade ‘marigold’ – and woollen wall hangings create a luxurious, rich feel.

Maria Speake – dressed on brand in a red 1970 sweater – explains the design process: “We kept saying, ‘is it porny enough?’” Artworks include photographs from Lorena Lohr, sexy, colourful and subversive plates by Eliza Hopewell, and op-art prints by Jacob Wolff.

This isn’t the first time Freud and Speake have collaborated: they have worked on two successive London homes for Bella, as well as her flagship store on Chiltern Street. Speake said: ‘This was a fantastic excuse to work with Bella again. An extraordinary skyline, a historic building... we had a lot of fun.’Helios 710 was imagined by Maria and Bella as a sanctuary for the designer and her family, creating private as well as social spaces leaving their use flexible, ready to adapt to changing needs.

The apartment is for sale at £3.925m, fully furnished; televisioncentre.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

Call 020 7486 1248 to make an appointment at your nearest showroom 120 Wigmore Street, London W1U 3RU 509 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield HP9 1LX

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

It’s time to forget everything you thought you knew about black. Dark and dingy? Never!

High TRENDS 2019’s top home and interior trends from LLAC Construction B y H O P E WA R R E N

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hinking of a loft conversion but need some design inspiration?

From black bathrooms to bright botanicals, make note of these five key trends to take you through to 2019 ahead of the style curve.

M O D E R N B L AC K BAT H R O O M S

Black may not be the first colour that springs to mind for your bathroom, but think again in 2019. A few splashes of black against more traditional bathroom colours makes for a stunning contrast in your ensuite. It works particularly well on metals - think taps, showers, storage shelves - to create an industrial look that’s bang on trend for the New Year. Featuring hints of black in your wall or flooring patterns is another fabulous way to incorporate this trend. It’s time to forget everything you thought you knew about black. Dark and dingy? Never!

B OTA N I CA L B E AU T Y

It’s a well known fact that plants are good for the soul - whether they’re real, faux, or even just printed on the wallpaper. Don’t

worry if you haven’t got green fingers; botanical prints can add a fun twist to the most minimalist rooms. From monochrome to neon, big to small, this trend can work anywhere. Why not try juxtaposing colours and textiles against one another? Framed botanical wall art contrasted against leafy bedsheets and cushions will create a striking focal point in your loft bedroom.

B O L D CO LO U R S

Relax, we’re not going to suggest painting your walls fluorescent yellow or laying shocking pink carpets. The key thing to remember with this trend is that less is more, especially when space is limited.

Just a pop of unexpected colour can be fabulously effective. You can incorporate it in to your loft conversion in all manner of ways; consider a brightly coloured door, a feature wall or even some standout tiles in your en-suite. Accentuate the theme by coordinating with accessories around your loft, from rugs and pillowcases to more subtle inclusions on ceramics and soap dispensers.

V I N TAG E F U R N I S H I N G S

Vintage style might feel tricky to curate, but don’t be put off. The trick to avoid looking like a mismatched jumble sale is to stick to pieces from the same era. For instance, 1970s vintage is totally on trend for 2019, and with just a few carefully chosen staple pieces you can transform your London loft conversion to a bohemian San Francisco style attic.

And the best part? You can pick up vintage pieces for a total steal from plenty of London markets, so keep your eyes peeled and you can start your collection right away.

DA R K E XT E R I O R S

As the saying goes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts... but when it comes to a loft conversion, the outside is pretty important too. Dark exterior walls on a loft conversion are one of the hottest design trends for 2019, with black rendering or wooden panelling proving popular. Black makes a dramatic statement, especially when contrasted against the rest of the property - and the neighbours. It’s one way to stand out from the crowd, that’s for sure.

L L AC C O N S T R U C T I O N For more information visit llac.co.uk

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Tomas R

KITCHEN LIVING

Winter

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CLASSIC MODERN KITCHENS & FURNITURE

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NOW ON !

0800 023 6471 www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk info@tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk

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Tomas London 2 The Market Place Hampstead Garden Suburb London NW11 6JG

Tomas St Albans 65 Catherine Street St Albans Herts AL3 5BP

Tomas Cambridge Showroom & Production Centre 20a Mercers Row Cambridge CB5 8HY

10/12/2018 12:33

My Style

INTERIORS • MOODBOARD

ELLA JONES, FOUNDER OF A NEW TRIBE BOUTIQUE anewtribe.co.uk

MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION...

PAUL SMITH AW18

I love to travel - my highlights have been Japan and a US road trip to California and Arizona, but Morocco is definitely my favourite holiday destination - I could never get bored of it. It’s so beautiful with so many interesting crafts and artefacts everywhere, lovely welcoming people, beautiful weather and culturally so different from the UK. I love the buzz of Marrakech but also the more remote areas outside Marrakech and in the Atlas Mountains.

MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER...

I have quite eclectic taste and so don’t have one particular favourite designer, but the designer that inspired me the most growing up was Paul Smith. He’s from the same area of Nottingham as I am and I always looked up to what he has achieved and have loved his eclectic taste and how he can take inspiration from so many different things all over the world and apply this to his design in an original way.

M Y ST Y L E ICON...

I love Talitha Getty’s style - in particular the images of her taken in Morocco in the 1960s – her style still looks totally relevant today

MY FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT STOCK...

I’m obsessed with Azilal Rug 291 - I love the way that its a slight different take on the classic design and the colour combinations in this are this are rare in Moroccan rugs. I also love the Kana x A New Tribe collaboration (above) as its completely original and one of a kind - the irregular bold pattern on the glaze design combined with the sculptural shapes couldn’t fit in more with the A New Tribe aesthetic.

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART...

Just about everything by Brancusi - I love objects and so the sculptures really appeal to me, combined with the tribal and almost primitive references in lots of his pieces.

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

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

“My time at Dallington has helped me to grow in body, mind and soul – this is something that I am immeasurably grateful for.

Dallington has given me a push in the direction of success and I am thankful for all they have done. I will do the best I can to repay them, the best I can, by leading an honest and dignified life.”

Nick (Year 6 pupil) Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Headteacher, Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION

CHILD'S PLAY OLLI ELLA Olli Ella designs timeless products that are unlike any other. Using natural materials, sourced sustainably, their focus is on craftsmanship and ethical production. olliella.com

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ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

020 7328 6915

67 Abbey Road St John’s Wood London NW8 0AE

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES B RA N D F O CU S

SLEEP TALK CY B E RJA M M I E S

Mother-daugher or father-son twinning is not going away, though arguably the only acceptable time of dressing like your tot is bedtime. Cyberjammies' vast range includes stylish prints and comfortable shapes in all sizes and styles. cyberjammies.co.uk

SMALL TALK Twinning in PJs, real princess fashion and enlightening reads

SHAPE UP COS KIDS

New from Cos kids is a collection of voluminous pieces in cotton poplin.

This cute burgundy skirt and top set is stylish and wearable, while accessories including bags and raincoats are practical and covetable. cosstores.com EDITOR’S PICK

MOUSE STYLE

MARIE CHANTAL

H

oused in a dreamy pastel-pink building (and perfectly at home among its neighbours, including Christian Louboutin, Eres and Caroline Bucci), is the luxurious new Marie-Chantal boutique on west London’s Motcomb Street.

It’s a space befitting of its owner, the Crown Princess of Greece, who founded her eponymous childrenswear line in 2001. Designed by Fran Hickman (the creative talent behind Moda Operandi’s showroom, Goop’s recent pop-up and the Emilia Wickstead store on Sloane Street), you’ll find soft blush cabinets, gilded furniture and the sweetest outfits hanging from the walls, illuminated by the soft glow of low-hanging lampshades.

The launch comes at a busy time for mother-of-five Marie-Chantal, who has recently started a book project and redesigned the brand’s website and packaging. However, she always has time to spend in store, so make a visit and you might just find a princess ringing up your purchases at the till.  mariechantal.co.uk

FEEL IT

M O L LY M O O N ’ S M I S S I O N

W H E N SWA D N E S S

By Duncan Beedie

C O M E S TO CA L L

Molly the moth lives in the back of an old wardrobe. She loves her home and her family but she yearns for adventure. By day she helps her mother look after the larvae, and by night she prepares for her space mission to the moon. £6.99;

By Eva Eland

 templar.co.uk

 penguin.co.uk

When “Sadness” arrives, try not to be afraid – give it a name, and spend some time together. Maybe all it wants is to know that it’s welcome. This beautiful debut takes a poignant yet uplifting look at uncomfortable emotions. £11.99;

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

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GORDON’S SCHOOL SIXTH FORM BOARDING IN SURREY

Ranked in the top 1% of all schools in England and Wales over the past 3 years at A Level.

Sixth Form Residential Boarding places available from £5,378 per term.

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CROSSING THE

DIVIDE The Deputy Head of Gordon’s School on sending his own children boarding B y R O B PAV I S

A

s someone who has spent their entire working career in boarding education, I have lauded and advocated the benefits of boarding to hundreds, if not thousands of families over the years. But transition from boarding professional to boarding parent was not quite as straightforward.

Firstly, while I was always aware of the financial sacrifices that parents make in order for their children to attend a boarding school, having not previously experienced it for myself I was unprepared for what this actually meant. Having been through the last four years of sacrifice and compromise myself, my

respect and admiration for many of our boarding parents has risen exponentially. I now understand why parents want the very best outcomes for the investment they are making. Certainly any thoughts I might have had about replacing my 12-year-old car were quickly shelved and I found myself a good mechanic instead.

The second surprise I then had was the sense of detachment. Again, I have spent 25 years working with parents and their families, dealing with the tears at drop-off time – and I mean the parents’ tears rather than the child’s. As we well know, a child is very quickly distracted and will find a game of football or a Wii dance-off to immerse themselves in within five minutes of their parents driving out of the school

I have spent 25 years dealing with the tears at drop-off time - the parents’ not the child’s

EDUCATION • OPINION

gates. To be the parent whose eyes were still welling up 45 minutes later on the long, silent drive home after dropping-off was something of a shock – and it didn’t get any easier for a very long time. Again, my understanding of a parent’s sacrifice was heightened.

Finally, the bit I always knew and trusted. The enormous amount of fun and achievement that my children experienced from their time as boarders is something that I just can’t put a price on. The idea that they would be weekly boarders soon fell by the wayside as the weekly phone calls on Thursday evenings asking if they can “stay in boarding this weekend” meant that we resigned ourselves to them being full boarders very early on. That weekly phone call spoke volumes about how much they were enjoying their new independence and all the opportunities that were open to them.

Where are we now? Both of my children achieved their full academic potential (without me being the one to do the nagging – something that has been worth so much more than I ever imagined) and are now at their first choice universities.

More than that, they became the confident, independent, go-getting young people that I had always seen (and envied) in my Year 13s when bidding farewell to them at the end of every year. As for me, well the car is now 16 years old and with university education to pay for, the search is on for an even better mechanic.

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

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CUTTING YOUR OWN PATH The The Royal Royal Hospital Hospital School School is is aa leading leading co-educational co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds olds located located in in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the the River River Stour.

Stour.

The The School School provides provides aa full full and and broad broad education education fit fit for for the the modern world where every child is nurtured, guided and modern world where every child is nurtured, guided and supported supported towards towards happiness happiness and and success. success.

FOR FOR MORE MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION & & TO TO BOOK BOOK A A VISIT VISIT OR OPEN MORNING PLEASE CONTACT OR OPEN MORNING PLEASE CONTACT

01473 326136 OR EMAIL ADMISSIONS@ROYALHOSPITALSCHOOL.ORG OR EMAIL ADMISSIONS@ROYALHOSPITALSCHOOL.ORG NAVIGATING SUCCESS NAVIGATING SUCCESS

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TRAVEL

SUN,SEA & STYLE ZANZIBAR

Zuri Zanzibar is the first Design Hotel member on the Tanzanian archipelago and guarantees the most stylish of stays. Read about it on page 104. zurizanzibar.com

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TRAVEL • WINTER SUN

Spice of

LIFE We head to Zanzibar in search of winter sun and some serious R&R at one of the spice island’s newest resorts Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

M

ost people head to Zanzibar for its pristine white sand, calm waters and sensational sunsets.

If that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. It would be fairly plausible to add ‘Zanzibar’ into the dictionary definition of paradise, so perfect is the scene. In true island life style, the pace is slow and stress is minimal. “Hakuna matata”, of Disney’s The Lion King fame is commonplace, iterated by everyone from the flight attendant to the taxi drivers. You’ll most definitely hear a song or two during your stay too, though not that song. Swahili is the native language and the locals love to welcome travellers with musical expressions from the island’s rich heritage and culture. Here, Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean in what’s got to be one of the world’s most fascinating cultural melting pots. There’s certainly much to be explored.

SPICE HERITAGE

Zanzibar has quite the history. In the 19th century it was an important port for two of the world’s most traded commodities: spices and slave, with spices being the island’s main export for the last thousand years. A spice tour will teach you everything there is to know about this precious commodity, from the picking to the shipping, before treating you to a feast of island culinary specialties.

You’ll no doubt be inspired by the experience and vow to take home your new knowledge and put it to use. You'll have numerous opportunities during your trip to restock your spice cabinet as traders are plentiful.

STONE TOWN

Stone Town is the island’s main city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the Sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses and the Turkish baths of the old city. Allow time to get lost in its alleyways and admire its ancient doorways: majestic, tall and A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • WINTER SUN

Prepare to put your dancing skills to the test against the talents of the locals grand, they'll have you reaching for the camera in no time. While you're there, it's worth getting a snap of Mercury House, the once-family home of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. His father worked for the British colonial service and the family lived in various locations in Stone Town, including this house which stands as a sight of pilgrimage for Mercury devotees.

BEACHE S

You’ll find some of the world’s best beaches on Zanzibar’s coastline but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. Up north, swimming conditions are more favourable as they are less affected by the tides; smooth beaches and white sand make for dreamy days in the sun. Top spots are the northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, and if your visit falls on the full moon, you’ll get the chance to party on the beach till the small hours. Don’t worry, this is far from Thailand’s party on Koh Phangan. Frequented by islanders and with a soundtrack of local African beats, prepare to put your dancing skills to the test against the talents of the locals.

DE SIGN DE STINATION

Kendwa has become something of a resort destination in recent years, thanks to its stretches of white sands and the archipelago’s year-round sun, but none has a beach to beat Zuri Zanzibar’s, the newest hotel on the block and the first Design Hotel member on the Tanzanian archipelago. Sustainability is at the heart of this newly finished, beach-side property comprising 55 stylish villas and bungalows which have been clustered into mini villages named after the spices that give Zanzibar its spice island moniker. A commanding and seemingly endless staircase stretching up from the beach to the reception area works as an axis around which the rest of the resort is staggered. With everything set on a west-facing slope, guests are afforded

direct sea views at all times, whether dining in one of Zuri’s three restaurants or enjoying a morning meditation on the yoga deck.

For the interiors, Prague’s Jestico + Whiles studio have combined modern design with traditional African and Asian pieces so that the finish is both ecologically and socially sensitive. Expect to find natural materials and traditional craftsmanship throughout, from thatched roofs and wooden beams to locally-curated furniture and East African artwork. Finished with hammocks, private sun decks and outdoor showers, it doesn’t get more zen than this. Unless, that is, you take yourself to the spa which comprises three massage rooms and a salon offering a wide range of treatments, from manicures to hairdressing.

The final activity to be ticked off on the itinerary is snorkelling. Zuri’s WIMBI Water Sports Centre offers all the rental equipment you’ll need and the experienced instructors are more than happy to take you out on an expedition around nearby Tumbatu Island.

The centre can also organise a brilliant sunset cruise on a traditional Dhow boat - a must - fishing trips and a Ngalawa boat trip.

With its tropical tableaux, billowing sailing boats, smiling locals and fascinating culture, Zanzibar is a slice of paradise that must be explored.

ZURI ZANZIBAR Rooms at Zuri Zanzibar start from £349 per room, per night for a garden bungalow on a half board basis.

For further information, please visit zurizanzibar.com.

• Stay 7 nights at Zuri Zanzibar from £1,859 per person with Turquoise Holidays. This includes accommodation in a Garden Bungalow on a half board basis, international flights and transfers.

For more information visit turquoiseholidays.co.uk • Qatar Airways operates a daily flight to Zanzibar, with round-trip tickets starting from £670 for Economy Class. qatarairways.com

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

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

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esigned as an ode to Belfast, the Grand Central cuts an impressive figure and delivers all of the warmth and the welcoming spirit that the city is renowned for. Having originally opened on Royal Avenue in 1893, the hotel as it stands today - now on Bedford Street - is a contemporary reincarnation of its Victorian predecessor comprising 23 floors and 300 luxurious bedrooms and suites. The building itself is vast while the decor is glamorous with rich fabrics, royal hues and marble.

THE FOOD

C

onvivial and contemporary, The Grand Cafe is the hub of the hotel, perfect for a latte, a bistro bite or a glass of Sauvignon. The gastronomic gem of Grand Central is Seahorse Bar & Grill. The space itself has been finished to the utmost quality and the food is phenomenal. Art Deco nods and impressively high ceilings create a sense of drama as you dine on the likes of rabbit and chicken terrine, truffle risotto and beef wellington. The desserts are just as tantalising - Bakewell tart, salted caramel chocolate torte, lemon posset

- but for something especially decadent, the afternoon tea is a must. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones, ginger cake and decadent pastries is served from a gorgeous tea trolley, and the drinks menu is extensive.

The Observatory is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Beautiful on the inside and with an unmatched cocktail menu, this is Ireland’s tallest bar and as such, offers spectacular views of Belfast and beyond.

THE LOCATION

L

ocated in the heart of the city, in the up-andcoming Linen Quarter,

weekend

THE HOTEL

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

Grand Central is primely placed for exploring the city’s many attractions. Don’t leave without getting lost in the charming cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and discovering a fascinating aspect of the city's history at Titanic Belfast. St George’s Market is another must; this extensive food hall exhibits Belfast’s finest producers and suppliers and is made all the more enjoyable with a tour from Taste & Tour. Purveyors of all things delicious, Taste & Tour will take you on a brilliant fourhour expedition of the city’s finest foodie hotspots. Stretchy trousers required.

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL B E L FA S T

Irish charm meets city chic

By H E L E N B R OW N

For more information on Belfast visit ireland.com and for more information on Taste & Tour visit tasteandtour.co.uk GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL BELFAST Rooms from £190 grandcentralhotelbelfast.com

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DESIGN PROPOSALS

INTERIORS

PLANNING CONSENTS

COST ESTIMATES

BUILDER SELECTION

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

AFTER CARE

THE COMPLETE HOUSE REMODELLING SERVICE FOR HOME OWNERS

CREATING SPACES FOR LIVING TAG ARCHITECTS 14 Belsize Crescent, London NW3 5QU For more information please contact us on 020 7431 7974 or tag.arch@virgin.net or visit our website at www.tag-architects.co.uk

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TRAVEL • DIVING

THE

DEEP

DIVE

4. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH Another top-end choice, One&Only Reethi Rah does have a house reef, accessible by a short canoe ride, but the best diving spots are a short boat ride away. The hotel boasts the Maldives’ only PADI National Geographic Dive Centre, and one of the region’s best sharkspotting sites is nearby. There’s the chance to take part in more advanced diving situations, with strong currents, drift, wreck and night diving all on offer – as well as more relaxed sites for less experienced divers. The resort also runs a Reef Project, encouraging visitors to transplant pieces of coral onto frames, before planting it in new location on the reef.

Long after you’ve left the island, you can log onto the website where the resident marine biologist periodically uploads photographs, allowing you to keep an eye on its progress.

Award-winning travel specialist, Let’s Go 2 shares the must-visit Maldivian destinations for exceptional diving

I

f you ask anyone who’s planning a trip to the Maldives why they’ve chosen to visit that particular part of the world, one of the most common reasons is for the unbeatable snorkelling and diving experiences. The Maldives are renowned for excellent visibility, crystal-clear waters and pleasant, warm temperatures – making underwater sightseeing top of the to-do list.

With so many different island resorts to choose from, deciding exactly where to stay can be difficult. Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in the Maldives offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities:

1. CONSTANCE MOOFUSHI

This resort is home to one of the best house reefs for snorkelling in the Maldives. There’s also access to some great nearby diving spots, including Shark Point – where tonnes of sharks (up to 6ft long) gather above a steep drop-off point. Dive scooters are on offer to help you reach patches of reef that would otherwise be a challenge to access, and instructors are on hand to give lessons if you’ve never used one before.

2. OBLU BY ATMOSPHERE AT HELENGELI Oblu is renowned for its colourful house reef, located just metres away from the island. It’s another great option for snorkelling as well as diving – you’ll see all manner of fish, octopus, eels, turtles, sharks and stingrays close to the surface. There are two house reefs, one either side of the harbour. Nearby there are some good opportunities for drift diving – an exhilarating experience, which feels like flying underwater as you’re carried along by the current. It’s also one of the more affordable Maldives resorts to visit (relatively speaking), with a great value all-inclusive package.

5. PARK HYATT MALDIVES HADAHAA The house reef at this resort is very memorable; they’ve done a great job of preserving it (it’s very healthy – teeming with life). You’ll spot many different types of marine creatures – including fish, shark, turtles and even octopus. There’s no need to take a boat; great snorkelling is accessible by jumping right in from the end of the jetty. Ask anyone who’s been to this resort, and they’ll almost inevitably start raving about the spectacular underwater scenery. The snorkelling is so varied at the house reef there’s almost no need to venture further afield, but experienced divers may wish to take a boat trip to some nearby sites. There’s even the chance to see whale sharks – if you visit at the right time of year.

3. JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI Aside from being one of the most luxurious island resorts in the region, the main attraction here is the house reef – one of the best of any resort in the South Male Atoll. Stretching out 500m on either side of the island, you don’t have to swim out far before you’re greeted with an abundance of captivating coral and shoals of reef fish. For more experienced divers, there are five other decent dive spots nearby. The resort has been working hard to take care of their house reef, bringing in an inhouse Marine Biologist as well as independent organisations to nurture and protect the coral, ensuring it’ll stay beautiful for years to come.

LETS GO 2 For more information on any of these resorts, visit letsgo2.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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PROPERTY Living the Dream

PARSIFAL ROAD NW6

ÂŁ4,250,000

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ffered for sale is this stunning link-detached house. The property has been extended and renovated to an extremely high standard, with an eye for attention to detail. Extending to approximately 3,348 sq.ft. this fantastic home offers state of the art technology, set in spacious and flexible accommodation. Further features include a gym, an impressive wine cellar, a large terrace in the master suite along with off-street parking for up to five cars.

O

KNIGHT FRANK Hampstead 020 7431 8686 www.knightfrank.com

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K I N G S H A L L R OA D | B E C K E N H A M | B R 3 1 F D

Bower Place brings together three beautifully designed homes in one stunning location.

The prestigious new detached homes enjoy at least Âź acre plots all within an exclusive gated community. Located on the highly soughtafter Kings Hall Road, the properties provide the perfect balance between living amongst mature trees and parkland but with a two minute walk to nearby New Beckenham Station.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES info@bowerplace.co.uk 01737 236 150 bowerplace.co.uk

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Did you know?

70% of all prime London developments are for sale with Knight Frank.

Kingwood at 55 Hans Place, Knightsbridge: a development by Finchatton

Register with us for the widest choice of exceptional new homes. We’d love to help you.

Contact Rupert des Forges, Head of Prime Central London Developments, on +44 20 3463 0234

knightfrank.co.uk Statistic based on developments that Knight Frank are directly mandated on in London zone 1 at an average list price in excess of ÂŁ2,000/sq ft.

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

BELSIZE PARK

N W 3 , ÂŁ 8 , 6 5 0,0 0 0

GLENMORE ROAD N W 3 , ÂŁ4 ,75 0,0 0 0

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T

KNIGHT FRANK

KNIGHT FRANK

Belsize Park, 020 3815 3354 orly.lehmann@knightfrank.com

Belsize Park, 020 3815 3354 orly.lehmann@knightfrank.com

ffering 8755 sq. ft. of internal accommodation, this family home has been designed to a bespoke interior specification, with the latest in smart home technology. Osel Architects were employed by Galliard Homes to undertake the required development of the house. The stucco frontage was first built in the 1850s when the original Victorian villas were constructed in classic Italianate style.

his stunning family home has been comprehensively designed to provide bold, stylish accommodation, combining contemporary finishes with period charm. The house comprises a light filled, open-plan ground floor entertaining space, including a bespoke kitchen with Gaggenau appliances and polished concrete floors. The property also benefits from a cinema room and private bar.

1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

MUSWELL HILL N 1 0 , £ 1 , 49 0,0 0 0

T DUKES AVENUE

CHATTERTON ROAD

N 4 , £ 1 , 3 75 ,0 0 0 F R E E H O L D

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his exceptional three double bedroom penthouse apartment has been created to the highest standard. Located on the top two floors of an exclusive development in Muswell Hill, the apartment boasts spectacular views over London’s skyline from two private balconies, access to a private fitness suite and underground car park, along with 24-hour concierge.

his exceptional house has been extensively renovated and extended by the current owners and genuinely offers the perfect home.

Chatterton Road is located on a desirable tree-lined street in Highbury, the property has been tastefully decorated throughout and seamlessly blends the best contemporary materials whilst sympathetically improving upon the classic Victorian design.

KFH

WINKWORTH

Muswell Hill, 020 8883 0123 kfh.co.uk

Highbury, 020 7989 7000 highbury@winkworth.co.uk

N 1 0, £ 2 , 5 0 0,0 0 0

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panning over 3,400 sq. ft, this stunning six bedroom Edwardian family home has three reception rooms, a stylish en-suite bathroom, a vast landscaped rear garden and excellent décor throughout.

It is also conveniently situated within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and boutiques of Muswell Hill’s famous Broadway.

Dukes Avenue has been updated to a high standard with an array of period features.

BESPOKE KITCHEN WITH GAGGENAU APPLIANCES AND POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS

KFH

Muswell Hill, 020 8883 0123 kfh.co.uk

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

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Passions don’t retire.

Visit our show home to see more - by appointment only.

Discover the perfect place to spend time on the things you love at Hampstead Green Place.

Designed to foster creativity and wellbeing, this vibrant collection of 59 apartments is just a short stroll from the Heath. On site, you can relax in your private wellness centre including lap pool or simply enjoy the selection of local produce available in the cafe. Retirement never looked more enviable.

PRICES start from ÂŁ792,500

Exclusively for the over 60s

My life is for Living My address is Hampstead Green Place To experience Hampstead Green Place call Angela on 02079 808 729 PegasusLife.co.uk/HGP | Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2AD Destinations Nationwide: London: Hampstead, Purley, Westminster North: Wilmslow East: Harpenden, Sevenoaks West: Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Portishead, Tetbury South: Brockenhurst, Falmouth, Poole, Seaford, Woking

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Properties of character

14/11/2018 15:54

NOW SHOWING NEW HOMES AT FILMWORKS Ealing’s thrilling new lifestyle quarter Filmworks features a stunning collection of art-deco inspired 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, ideally located in the heart of Ealing. The new homes will be centred around a vibrant new piazza, home to an impressive eight-screen Picturehouse cinema and an exciting mix of bars and restaurants.

Prices from ÂŁ529,950* Take centre stage, enquire now 020 8023 7268 or email sales@filmworks-ealing.co.uk www.filmworks-ealing.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

*Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Computer generated images are indicative only.

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Move This Autumn get back to what you love sooner by selling or letting with Knight Frank.

Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 8033 5441 islington@knightfrank.com @KF_NorthLondon

We’d love to help you. knightfrank.co.uk

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Connecting people & property, perfectly.

16/10/2018 16/10/2018 12:57 12:29