ABSOLUTELY OCTOBER 2013 £3.95
OFF THE RAILS
URBAN MYTH
HOXTON’S MINISTRY OF STORIES
WILLA KESWICK’S BRICK LANE BOUTIQUE
ALPINE ADVENTURES
MOUNTAIN HIGH WITH BLUR'S ALEX JAMES
BAG LADY MIMI BERRY'S STYLE INSPIRATIONS
Stylish
START
Smart picks for your autumn wardrobe SS TT Y Y LL II SS H H .. II N N TT E E LL LL II G GE EN N T. T. E E LL E EG GA AN N T. T. A AB B SS O O LL U U TT E E LY LY
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ABSOLUTELY
CONTENTS O C T O B E R 2 013
05 EDITOR’S LETTER 07 WHAT’S ON
Local
12 BOUTIQUE, C’EST CHIC Willa Keswick moves The Village Bicycle to Brick Lane
14 MONSTER’S INK
Hoxton’s Ministry of Stories
Style
16 ON TREND
Must-have autumn buys
19 FASHION NOTES
Stylish addresses you need to know
22 AW13 REPORT
What’s trending on the catwalks
Food
41 THE ROUND UP
Ten of the best local burger joints
42 FOOD NOTES
Anna Barnett’s top pop-up tips
49 COOK BRITANNIA
Marcus Wareing’s Great British recipes
Interiors
52 ART HOUSE
Stoke Newington’s Ashlyn Gibson’s debut interiors book
57 ALL MAPPED OUT
Nine map-inspired interiors
Travel
69 THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Fun days out and country breaks for the family
Find us online @ www.zest-media.com
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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
CATHERINE HALES
EDITORIAL INTERNS
VICTORIA MABEY ANNIE CAMPBELL
PROPERTY EDITOR
LUCIE PEARCE
FEATURE WRITERS
DANIEL AGNEW GARETH FITZGERALD
ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER EDITORIAL DESIGNER
STEWART HYDE ANDREW MAVIN GEMMA ISTEED
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
TAHIR KAPUCU
ART WORKER
EKREM YILMAZ EDWARD TAYLOR REBECCA NOONAN
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER
CHRISTINE MANN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
GEORGE RAMSAY
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER
with bespoke bi-fold and French doors
RAY SEARLE
MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER
JUNIOR DESIGNER
Bring the outside in...
HELEN BARON
GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR
TOLGA SAYLAN ALEXANDRA HUNTER
PROPERTY DIRECTOR
ANDY ELMER
FINANCE MANAGER
MARIANNE MCFADDEN
FINANCE DIRECTOR MARKETING MANAGER DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
ALEXANDRA HVID LEAH DAY GREG HUGHES SHERIF SHALTOUT
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www.zest-media.com
20/09/2013 18:32
EDITOR’S
LETTER OCTOBER 2013
A
s October hits its damp and earthy stride, the shorter days and creeping shadows bring about a change of mood. Autumn has its own crisp focus, the languorous last days of summer giving way to a renewed vigour for getting down to business. But not just any old business, I hasten to add, because around these parts originality is key to enterprise. I am continually impressed by our neighbourhood’s commercial inventiveness, which manifests itself in a constant stream of new things to see and do. One example is The Village Bicycle. There’s certainly no shortage of boutiques in our area, but this one is flying the flag for all things sui generis. Owner Willa Keswick is insistent that her quirky, kitschy shop will remain independent and unique in the face of ubiquitous chain stores, and with its eclectic array of gifts and up-and-coming fashion brands it’s hard not to fall for its rebellious spirit. Our area celebrates initiative, and I love how ingenious we city-dwellers have become in our use of space – from rooftops to basements, warehouses to car parks, pop-up festivals and restaurants to secret cinemas, railway arches to canal boats, every available plot is liable to be transformed into a buzzing hive of activity. If you’ve ever thought about launching your own pop-up, elsewhere in the magazine Independent columnist and food blogger Anna Barnett gives her top ten tips for a successful supperclub. The Gilbert Scott is another singular destination. Very few spaces achieve such a balance of grandeur and intimacy while still managing to look like something from a bygone era. Marcus Wareing pulled off a magnificent feat with this restaurant and we think you’ll enjoy some of the garlanded chef’s simple but inspired Great British recipes – especially as it becomes acceptable once again to hunker down with some classic stodgy grub. One very unique endeavour has its home on Hoxton Street, and we thought it was about time we featured it in these pages. Nick Hornby’s Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is the capital’s only dedicated emporium for ghouls, ghosts and other grotesques, and does a fine line in beastly treats. Behind it sits the even more impressive Ministry of Stories, where youngsters are encouraged to develop their imaginations and hone their creative skills. It’s the ideal destination for little horrors – and an apt note on which to bid you a happy Halloween. I do hope you enjoy the issue.
Helen Baron, Editor
TWEET ME @absolutelyedhel Email: helen.baron@zest-media.com Follow us on Twitter @Absolutely_Mags Facebook ‘Absolutely Magazines’
#CHECKONIT
We’ve gone a bit mad for checks this month. Never before has it been so hip to be square, and the runways saw designers making the most of the new direction. Personally, I don’t know why we left it so long: a walking melting pot of texture, tone and colourfully clashing plaids, the end result is a sort of rebellious ruffian chic. Here I’ve gone for a classic kilt from Moschino but made the combo meeting-friendly with a Stella McCartney intarsia and virgin wool jumper. Add elegance with an unexpected pair of heels, like these from Zara.
’s
tor
Edi
K
PIC
ON THE COVERS: City & Angel: Lickerish; Borough & Docklands: Lickerish; East: Jack Wills jackwills.com
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Concept Kitchens
Bath Sorts
38 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk
The Tile box Bathsorts 2013.indd 1
40 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk
40 Offord Road, Islington, London, N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk
20/09/2013 14:52
gohardorgohome.info
What’s
ON
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UP AND DOWN
HACKNEY PICTUREHOUSE 11, 13 & 15 OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Based on the much-loved children’s book by Oliver Jeffers, Up and Down is the debut production from GaGa Theatre. Adapted and directed by award-winner Matt Aston and scored by acclaimed composer Julian Butler, the play tells the funny and touching story of a penguin who dreams of flying – and the boy who tries to help him achieve his unlikely goal. Combining traditional theatre with modern technology, GaGa Theatre aims to make children’s theatre accessible to local communities as well as creating a fun experience for all the family. 270 Mare Street, E8; picturehouses.co.uk
LIU XIAODONG LISSON GALLERY THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
For his first UK exhibition, renowned Chinese artist Liu Xiaodong will immerse himself in a nearby community and document his interactions with the people he meets, producing a whole new body of work. Xiaodong has previously gone through this process in Tibet, Japan, Cuba, Israel and Italy, each time compiling a journal of notes, pictures and photographs before establishing a temporary studio and getting down to business. Xiaodong’s work is characterised by a sense of proximity – and who knows, some locals may even find themselves in one of his canvases! 52-54 Bell Street, NW1; lissongallery.com
MIDLAKE
ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL 23 OCTOBER
Following the release of their fourth studio album, Antiphon, Midlake will be performing at Islington Assembly Hall before embarking on a UK tour in 2014. The Texan band’s eclectic tastes and manifold influences have given each of their albums its own distinct style; Antiphon promises a blend of psychedelia and prog rock that moves away from the folky sound of earlier work. Upper Street, N1; midlake.net
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DR MARTENS PRESENTS SPECTOR
GO HARD OR GO HOME THE RAG FACTORY FROM 29 OCTOBER
Bringing together some of the most skilled and irreverent outsider artists working in London today (including Pure Evil, Cyclops, Mambo and others), this exhibition seeks to explore how street art became a global phenomenon. Located just off Brick Lane, the Rag Factory provides an incredibly appropriate backdrop considering the area’s long relationship with alternative art. 16-18 Heneage Street, E1; gohardorgohome.info
BIRTHDAYS 26 OCTOBER
Fresh from a stint headlining the Festival Republic Stage at Reading Festival, Spector are kicking off their latest UK headline tour, which will take in twenty-one cities across Britain. Fans of the ‘Dalston Kaiser Chiefs’ will be treated to special gigs in intimate venues, where they will have the chance to hear brand new material. Catch them at trendy club Birthdays for their only London date. 33-35 Stoke Newington Road, N16; birthdaysdalston.com
YE HONGXING SCREAM GALLERY 25 OCTOBER
Fresh from a recent collaboration with shoe designer Christian Louboutin, artist Ye Hongxing now stages her own solo exhibition at the weird and wonderful Scream Gallery. Continuing in the art/fashion crossover vein, Hongxing’s new work consists of striking collages made from stickers, diamante, glass beads and stones. A true clash of East and West, Hongxing’s work offers a commentary on the conflicts of modern China. Eastcastle House, 2728 Eastcastle Street, W1; screamlondon.com
WELCOME ITALIA ROYAL HORTICULTURAL HALL 18–20 OCTOBER
Admittedly, we rarely advise leaving our corner of London, but for once we encourage you to travel further afield (well, to Westminster) to taste the finest food and wine Italy has to offer. For three days only, the Old Country’s best food and beverage producers will converge on Vincent Square to offer up regional specialities from all over the boot - as well as cooking classes and wine tasting. We recommend skipping breakfast as delicious food and drink will be available to buy all day. Perfetto! 80 Vincent Square, SW1P; welcome-italia.co.uk
TALES OF TERROR 40 WINKS 16 OCTOBER
All Hallows Eve is fast approaching, and for those looking to do something more than just donning a costume and eating too many pumpkin-shaped chocolates, 40 Winks is planning a night of spooky stories. The boutique hotel will play host to Robert Lloyd Parry and the Nunkie Theatre as they perform Oh, Whistle..., a show inspired by two ghostly tales by the late, great MR James. Perfect for anyone in search of supernatural scares this Halloween. 109 Mile End Road, E1; 40winks.org
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Cupboard W'House FP Absolutely Sept 17_Layout 1 17/09/2013 15:32 Page 1
The Cupboard Warehouse
now online
All enquiries: Telephone Emma on 01932 779 677 (Mon-Fri) Louise or David (Sat) 0207 704 0455 or Roy Griffiths on 07930 338 444
www.greenandfaykitchens.co.uk The Cupboard Warehouse PLC is owned by Green and Fay
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A BSO LU T ELY PRO FI L E
BOUTIQU E C ’E S T C H I C AS THE VILLAGE BICYCLE EXCHANGES WEST LONDON FOR EAST, HELEN BARON MEETS OWNER WILLA KESWICK…
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W
illa Keswick’s world is a kitsch one, bright pink and brash, toeing the line where cool meets quirky. Her Village Bicycle boutique, which has just upped sticks and moved east from its original home on Ledbury Road, is an edgy amalgamation of British youth culture and hyper-real Japanese decora, stocking a singular range of unusual gifts and up-and-coming fashion designers. Keswick always wanted to own her own shop, and after a brief stint running a West End nightclub (which landed her It Girl notoriety she is the daughter of billionaire businessman Simon Keswick) she finally gave up the late nights three years ago to pursue a career as a shopkeeper. ‘I’m too homely and family-orientated,’ she says when we meet at her new store, located in the Old Truman Brewery complex just off buzzing Brick Lane. ‘I’m an early riser and in the end it was just too tiring. I wanted to own a space where people could go and hang out. Sometimes, in high end boutiques, it’s not actually an enjoyable experience to shop in there.’ Though managing a club did stand Keswick in good stead for running her own company (that, and a course at the Portobello Business School), it can’t have reflected her personality so perfectly as does her boutique. Much of the way the shop looks springs from Keswick’s own childhood. ‘As a child,’ she tells me, ‘I would go to [legendary toy shop] Frog Hollow on Kensington High Street every day after school; it stuck with me and I wanted to recreate that sense of fun.’ Even the name was born in earnest, conjured up by Keswick and a friend before they even knew what the phrase meant. Keswick’s dad registered the company name when she turned 15, no doubt in the hope that she would prove a successful businessperson in her turn. The boutique that sprung from Keswick’s youthful imaginings is a kind of homage to her travels around the world, a wonderland of Mexican skulls and Day of the Dead paraphernalia, Baz Luhrmann-style neon crosses and a retro Spiderman armchair
picked up at a flea market. The fashion too, is entirely on point, although Keswick says she’s not too focused on trends. She loves street brands like Opening Ceremony and Mink Pink and is looking good today in hi-tops and tracky b’s. She has a low-slung, casual air that suggests she doesn’t take herself too seriously. ‘I figure if something makes me smile,’ she says, ‘it will make someone else smile.’ Keswick goes on to show me some of the design quirks of her prized Brick Lane space – she occupies a prime position on Dray Walk,
next to Vision hair salon and opposite the Rough Trade East record store. Alongside the Spidey seat, custom-made pink cabinets with built-in fairy lights adorn the walls, while a selection of scarves and t-shirts sit prettily on what was once a butcher’s trolley. It’s clear she’s in love with the store and its location, but as a born and bred West Londoner, why the move east? ‘West London has changed,’ she tells me. ‘Don’t get me wrong: I love it, I grew up there. But the area and our original customers have grown up, and what we’re doing fits much better with an East London crowd. We’re in a great space; Brick Lane is perfect for locals as well as tourists and
I WANTED TO OWN A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD GO AND HANG OUT. SOMETIMES, IN HIGH END BOUTIQUES, IT’S NOT ACTUALLY AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE TO SHOP IN THERE.
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A BSO LU T ELY PRO FI L E
students… and the students round here have money.’ Keswick has big plans for her brand, though she would like to expand abroad rather than allow it to become too obviously commercial an enterprise in the UK. ‘I wouldn’t want chain stores at all,’ she confides. ‘Once the company is going strong, I’d like to expand via collaborations and by breaking new designers.’ She’s also concentrating on online sales, with a punkedup website and active blog. Personally, I’m completely wooed by the unique products and striking décor, and end up trying on dresses before the interview is even over. I’m not the only one trying things on at this early hour in the morning; if that’s anything to go by, Keswick has hit on a winning formula. Unit 7, 91 Brick Lane, The Old Truman Brewery, E1; iamavillagebicycle.com
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A BSO LU T ELY C U LTU R E
HOXTON:
M NSTER CAPITAL
OF
THE
WORLD
MINISTRY OF STORIES EXCLUSIVE LEWIS JAMES UNRAVELS THE MYSTERY BEHIND A FLURRY OF RECENT MONSTER SIGHTINGS
O
nce the site of Victorian slums that housed some of the poorest, most desperate people in the capital, history lies heavy over Hoxton. In recent times, however, stranger things than the ghosts of days long past have been seen wandering these streets and alleyways. Reports have reached Absolutely of vampires abroad in Victoria Park and wraiths drift ing at daybreak along the Regent’s Canal. Hordes of zombies may be spotted every morning at Angel tube, while the howls of werewolves wake slumbering citizens each night in their beds. Asked by my editor to uncover the source of all these spooky goings-on, I set out to investigate by speaking to local residents – and it wasn’t long before they set me on the right track. All the clues led to Hoxton Street, and to a single, strange shopfront bearing a sign that read ‘Hoxton Street Monster
Supplies.’ At this point, many investigators would have turned back, but my editor had forbidden me to return without solving the monster mystery. I summoned up all my courage and went inside. As I pushed the door open, a bell tinkled, and I looked up to see a shopkeeper in an old-fashioned apron standing in front of a startling array of odd yet inviting goods. I quailed a little, I admit, under his steely gaze, but my fears were misplaced: he proved to be a friendly sort who reassured me that the monsters who visit his emporium are actually a very pleasant bunch. Of course, you don’t have to be a monster to buy monster supplies, and the shop also welcomes across its threshold swarms of children, who flock to buy spectacular specialties available nowhere else – things like Fang Floss, edible bars of Impacted Earwax and tinned Collywobbles (‘corrects and relieves all symptoms of Comfort, Confidence and Contentment’). Best of all, every product is as splendid to look at as the shop itself. Indeed, amid the fine wooden furnishings and jars of sweets and colourful salts (the latter harvested, naturally, from human tears), I half expected to see Harry Potter stumble out from under his invisibility cloak
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A BSO LU T ELY C U LTU R E
clutching a handful of Banshee Balls. As if all this wasn’t astonishing enough, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies has another secret up its sleeve, for behind the shop lurks its sister institution, a body with an equally respected reputation among fans of all things fantastical and fun: the Ministry of Stories. Established in 2010 by a group of creative types (including best-selling author Nick Hornby) the Ministry of Stories is unlike any other ministry in London. While many of its government cousins are dull and dreary places concerned with dusty, fusty things like money and laws and agricultural subsidies, the Ministry of Stories deals with something far more fascinating: the power of the imagination. Inspired by the US novelist Dave Eggers’ San Francisco-based charity 826 Valencia (and its affiliated shop for pirates), Hornby and co-founders Lucy Macnab and Ben Payne set about establishing the Ministry of Stories as a way to encourage local youngsters’ creativity and, in Macnab’s words, ‘to foster a love of stories and storytelling’. Macnab goes on to explain that ‘all money raised from sales [of monster supplies] goes straight back into providing free workshops for young people in the local area.’ The scheme has been a real success: in the few years since it launched, over 5000 youngsters have taken part in a wide range of volunteer-led workshops – the fruits of which include the recently published A Story You Never Tasted Before, an anthology of short stories
written by children attending the ministry over the summer of 2013. Needless to say, the discovery of such a singular and striking organisation on Absolutely’s doorstep – not to mention the breathtaking range of weird and wonderful items on display at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies – shocked and delighted me, and all my previous qualms about confronting ghouls and werewolves dissolved away. I didn’t meet any monsters during my visit, but if I had I am fairly sure they would have been nothing but nice. Perhaps we would have shared a packet of Zombie Fresh-mints. As I stepped out onto the pavement into the dying summer sun, I wondered whether I had witnessed everything
there was to witness here, and concluded that there was still much, much more to experience. I made a mental note to visit again as soon as possible – and I recommend that anyone with a love of stories (or Impacted Earwax, which tastes strangely like fudge) do the same. Yours is one of many tales just waiting to be told… Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is open Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Access to the Ministry of Stories is through the shop. More details on the charity and its work (plus details on how to donate) can be found at ministryofstories.org, while there’s a well-stocked online emporium at monstersupplies.org. 159 Hoxton Street, N1
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AW13 PRIMROSE HILL T:02077222478 ISLINGTON T:02077040043 WWW.SPICESHU.CO.UK FULL PAGE.indd 2
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A BSO LU T ELY FA S H I O N
FASHION
NOTES
MOD FOR IT Jack Wills has pulled out all the stops for its Autumn collection. Transitional pieces are inspired by our fair city, with more than a nod to the sixties. The smarter togs, heritage fabrics and rich tonal palette make for a perfect newseason workwear wardrobe, and the slim-flit parka is the current object of our affection. Alwyn Parka in Navy, £98.50, 359 Upper Street, N1; jackwills.com
STYLE TIP
This hip cat is rocking the textured trend to great effect. Forget being matchy-matchy, she’s layered up to the max, combining a lace top with a pull-over, leather jacket and the pièce de résistance : a granny-cool cardi that looks simultaneously thrown-on thrift-store and well puttogether – all the while keeping out the chill. The bobble hat is a touch of geek chic genius too.
WOOLLY MAMMOTH BRITISH BELLE
Bella Freud has created a capsule collection of signature-style women’s knitwear for heritage brand Barbour. In a limited edition of six collectable pieces (sweaters, hoodies, oversized knits and sweater dresses), Freud indulges her childhood obsession with nature, using elemental intarsia images (think lambs and rabbits, lavender and moonlight) inspired by her memories of growing up close to Ashdown Forest. 113 Commercial Street, E1; barbour.com
It’s getting nippier out and that means that woolly knits are back on the scene. With pastel pinks and blues being reworked in autumn fabrics, we’re feeling this fully knitted-out ensemble. And remember how much you loved a Zap as a kid? Now you can pay homage to the ice cream van favourite with this skirt, courtesy of Topshop. Sweeeet. Westfield Stratford City, E20; topshop.com
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E H T GET
K O LO A NIMAL
MAGIC
ACCESSORIZE
ANIMAL CLAMP BANGLE, £12; ACCESSORIZE.CO.UK
PREEN
BY THORNTON BREGAZZI £615; NET-A-PORTER.COM
INGENUE LONDON
MYLENE BLOUSE, £72; INGENUELONDON.COM
SIMONE ROCHA BURBERRY PRORSUM
BURBERRY
ANIMAL PRINT CALFSKIN BAG, £1,350; UK.BURBERRY.COM
RIVER ISLAND
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LIU KNITTED JUMPER, £40; RIVERISLAND.COM
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A BSO LU T ELY FA S H I O N
OVER SIZED COATS
CARVEN
COCOON COAT, £880; MATCHESFASHION.COM PER UNA
SPEZIALE COAT, £149; MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
PRÉ CATELAN RING IN PINK GOLD WITH DIAMOND AND PINK QUARTZ, £3,300;
DIOR.COM
ALEXANDER WANG
DEGRADE COAT, £1442; MATCHESFASHION.COM
SIMONE ROCHAS
CARVEN
SWEAT TOP PINK MELANGE, £105; SUNSPEL.COM
PRETTY INPINK
BOTTEGA VENETA
EAST WEST CLUTCH, £880; MATCHESFASHION.COM JIGSAW
OVERSIZED PINK COAT, £265; JIGSAW-ONLINE.COM
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A BSO LU T ELY FA S H I O N
MY
BAG DESIGNER MIMI BERRY SHARES HER INSPIRATIONS
STYLE FAVOURITE BAG FROM YOUR OWN COLLECTION:
Last season it was Frank in navy, which I used practically every day for almost nine months, as the style is just perfect. It holds everything I need, is light enough to carry without making your shoulder ache, can be worn across the body, or on one shoulder if I need to look smart, and fits wallets, keys, diary, iPad, phone etc. Th is summer I’ve been wearing a new style we made for SS14 called Hebe in bright red. It’s a wonderful small hard leather top-handle bag, and I can’t wait to see it out next spring. It’s going to be huge!
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION:
It’s a toss up between St.Ives, Capri and Naples. My mother in law lives in St.Ives and we go about twice year. As a town it has everything going for it: fantastic sunlight, a terrific approach on the
FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART:
The Alex Katz paintings of his wife, Ada. I fi nally saw them in the flesh in Tate St.Ives last year and they just made me so happy.
FAVOURITE SHOE DESIGNER:
Lanvin for high heels, when I can afford them, and French Sole for the best ballet pumps. I have lost track of how many pairs I have got through over the years. I have had them in black, red, white, brown, patent... The difference is that they actually have a drawstring around the top, the lace is better quality and they are cut lower on the front. Much sexier than a high street shape.
MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: train, beaches, cafes, cliffs, the Tate, the Barbara Hepworth museum. Capri, being Italian, wins weather-wise, and of course with the food too, but it also holds lovely memories. My fiancé and I went there while I was pregnant, and we had such a lovely day, we missed the ferry back to Sorrento and had to catch a massive night ferry back to Naples, which took hours. It sounds like a nightmare but it was really funny at the time, and sort of made the holiday!
I have so many things, naming one above all else would be impossible. If pushed, I’d say my Rob Ryan paper cut of a small boy on a kissing gate, and a gold ring my dad gave me for my 18th birthday.
MOST INSPIRING EXPERIENCE:
Travelling across China on a train 15 years ago. It was the most unbelievable experience. We spent three days on train eating dry biscuits and green tea, and a further two or three weeks taking 18-hour bus journeys full of chickens and holes in the floor. Some of the more remote towns had only been opened up to Westerners 18 months previously, and the locals had no qualms about coming up to me, and my Mandarin-speaking English friend, and pinching her arms. They told us we smelt sweet, like milk, as we ate so much dairy.
STYLE ICON:
Currently Diana Vreeland. We watched the biopic recently and she’s at the forefront of my mind. What an icon.
FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Diana Vreeland
Marni
If I could currently wear Marni all the time, I would. I bought a sundress this year, with a circle print of orange, cream and navy. It makes you feel beautiful and confident. It also makes me stand up straight, which is good thing! Unit 1, 7 Winkley Street, E2; mimiberry.co.uk
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TREND REPORT FROM PRETTY PINKS TO ANIMAL PRINTS, ABSOLUTELY PICKS THE TOP TRENDS FROM THE AW13 CATWALKS
PHOTOGRAPHY: OLLIE PORTER STYLING: CHARLIE MOORE
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CHUNKY KNIT Wrap up warm in this season’s ubiquitous chunky woollen sweaters. White and black alpaca melange sweater, £475, by Nicole Farhi. Beige gold and diamond ring, £3,225 by DK01 at Dover Street Market. Black spotty tights, £20, by Falke. Chair by Byply.
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THE OVERSIZED COAT Big, warm and cocooning – when it comes to coats, make sure you go supersize. Checkerboard wool coat, £560, by Paul & Joe Black. Wool dress worn as a top, £505, by Paul & Joe. Charcoal and white pinstripe wool trousers, £165, by Wood Wood. Black leather and fabric shoes, £179, by BOSS ORANGE. Black velvet socks, £12.50, by Wolford at mytights.com. Black printed leather folio case, £240, by Tusting. Brushed yellow gold tube ring, £2,460, by DK01 at Dover Street Market.
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HERITAGE Houndstooth, pinstripe, check – heritage fabrics add a traditional touch to the season’s ladylike separates. Grey merino and mohair sweater, £330. Flannel check skirt, £705. Black suede belt, £330. Black nappa leather gloves, £435 all by Gucci.
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PINK The prettiest addition to winter wardrobes, pink dominated the catwalks this season. Invest in outerwear: a pink coat is the key piece for AW13. Pink mohair coat, £399, by Jaeger London. White cotton roll neck bodysuit, £99, by Falke. White patent leather and jersey skirt, £658, by Fyodor Golan. Black spotty tights, £20, by Falke. Left hand: Brushed Yellow gold tube ring (on thumb), £2,460, brushed yellow gold ring (on little finger), £1,285. Right hand: beige gold and diamond pinky ring, £3,225, all by DK01 at Dover Street Market.
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PINK continued ORANGE & YELLOW MAXI DRESS, Lilac£165, boiledDOLLY wool top, £459, by DIAMOND J. JSPATENT Lee at Dover Street BLACK FLATS, £79,Market. DUNE ponyskin and leather£169, bag, ROUNDBlue BLACK SUNGLASSES, £195, byWALKER Kurt Geiger. Black KAREN AT ASOS twillNECKLACE, trousers, £169, by WHITE cotton BEADED £124, The Fold. Brushed yellow gold & YELLOW JEWELLED STATEMENT tube ring (onBOTH thumb), £2,460 EARRINGS, £55, MALENE and brushed yellow gold ring BIRGER AT NET-A-PORTER (on little finger), £1,285YELLOW both by FINE FLURO PINK AND DoverPRIYANKA Street Market. BRACELETS,DK01 £112atEACH, AT MATCHES FASHION
CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY: TIFFANY MUMFORD STYLING: ALEX LONGMORE MAKE UP: MICHAEL GRAY @ DWM USING ROCOCCO NAIL VARNISH HAIR: LUKE @ SAKS SAKS.CO.UK STYLING ASSISTANTS: LUCY DOWNING & REBEKAH ABSALOM MODEL: JUSTINA V @ PREMIER
STOCKISTS 1KIND.CO.UK ASOS.COM ATELIER-MAYER.COM DIDIILSE.COM DOLLYDIAMOND.COM DUNE.CO.UK GATHERING GODDESS 020 3441 2428 GOLDENLANEBAG.COM KIRSTINGOSS.COM MATCHESFASHION.COM MERCHANT ARCHIVE 020 7229 9006 MONAMARA.COM OFFICE.CO.UK NET-A-PORTER.COM RELLIKLONDON.CO.UK
STOCKISTS falke.com fyodorgolan.co.uk gucci.com harrods.com hugoboss.com jaegar.co.uk doverstreetmarket.com kurtgeiger.com mytights.com netaporter.com nicolefahri.com paulandjoe.com thefoldlondon.com tusting.co.uk Photography: Ollie Porter at Kayte Ellis Photographic Agency Styling: Charlie Moore Hair: Jennie Roberts at Stella Creative Artists, using Paul Mitchell Make up: Angela Davis Deacon at Sue Allatt Creative, using DH Model: Nathalie at Storm
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PIC: REBECCA NOONAN
A BSO LU T ELY FA S H I O N
FANCY
FOOTWORK HOT-STEPPING WITH SPICE SHU’S AUTUMN/WINTER 13 COLLECTION
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? The shop in Primrose Hill has been open since 1985 and Islington since 2004, but we were selling shoes even before that! We used to have a stall in Camden Lock Market. In fact, my mother who started the business had one of the first stalls in the original market. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? I think over the years we have achieved the right balance. Our look and brand mix is contemporary yet wearable, our price point premium but also affordable. Our shops are fresh and airy and the merchandise is displayed in a clean minimal style, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy. Believe me, this takes years of experience (and some mistakes) to get it ‘just right.’ HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE DESIGNERS YOU STOCK? THERE ARE SO MANY OUT THERE?
Before I took over the business, I had worked on the shop floor and freelance for several leading European shoe and accessories brands. Not only did this give me invaluable experience, it afforded a fantastic insight into how the business works. I began to paint a picture in my head of how I wanted the shop to look, what price/brands/designers would work in that environment and, most importantly, what customer this would appeal to. So now, when sourcing new brands, everything has to fit the look, price, quality etc. WHAT STYLES CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FOR AW13? WE HEARD A RUMOR YOU WERE INTRODUCING CLOTHES TO THE STORES AS WELL; HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? AW13 styling has something for everyone. From very sporty platforms and wedges, to striking, pointed pumps. Key colours are navy, ruby, green and grey. Yes, we are doing a new clothes line and it’s all very exciting. We’ve
actually been approached many times before, but I resisted as I didn’t want us to lose focus. But other shoe shops like LK Bennett and Hobbs have done it very successfully. So far there’s been a great reaction, so watch this space. WHAT MADE YOU SETTLE IN YOUR PRIMROSE HILL AND UPPER STREET LOCATIONS? When we first opened in Primrose Hill, the area certainly wasn’t what it is today! Although over the years, it has become more trendy and affluent, I still believe it retains a unique charm. We decided on Upper Street after our lease in Highgate came to an end. It was a massive step; the shop was larger, the area more of a real high street and the rent much higher! However, when I first saw the space, I knew straight away it was right. Islington has also changed, but it still has a quirky, trendy feel to it. There is always a buzz here. 162 Regent’s Park Road, NW1, 309 Upper Street, N1; spiceshu.co.uk 31
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ch 19288 Bibliotheque advert Fish Media_1 08/07/2013 08:56 Page 1
SUPPLIERS OF MAN MADE STONE & WOOD, PORCELAIN & ECO GLASS MOSAICS
North London Showroom: 0208 365 2084 Hertfordshire Showroom: 01707 649932 Email: info@bibliotheque.co.uk
www.bibliotheque.co.uk New Series of Metallic and High Gloss Wall Tiles
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A BSO LU T ELY FA S H I O N
F OR
HIM BE PREPARED FOR THE ONSET OF AUTUMN WITH THE VERY BEST OF BRITISH MENSWEAR
KEEP WATCH
Elegant but not overwrought, the 302 Series chronograph by young Brit brand Uniform Wares is not just a thing of beauty – beneath its handsome surface lies a Swiss-made, 23-jewel mechanism that measures time to an accuracy of 1/10th of a second. Available in a variety of brushed steel finishes. £620, available at oki-ni.com
ZIG-ZAG WANDERER
Burberry remains British fashion’s greatest global ambassador, and this silk and wool jumper is a fine reminder of the brand’s talent for blending classic styles with a sharp contemporary aesthetic. £695; mrporter.com
GREAT EXPLORATIONS This autumn sees high street institution John Lewis unveil something unexpectedly exciting: its own line of menswear, inspired by no less intrepid a soul than Scott of the Antarctic. Expect contemporary heritage pieces in classic fabrics - sourced, for the most part, from the best textile producers in Britain. Westfield Stratford City, E20; johnlewis.com
LOU DALTON X GRENSON
GET SHIRTY
We love how YMC strikes a delicate balance between classic, careless bohemianism and a more modern and graphic exactitude. This shirt is no exception: immediately eye-catching but not in-your-face. £125, 23 Hanbury Street, E1; youmustcreate.com
Ladder laces, brass detailing, workwear heft and a ‘night prowler’ edge: these monkey boots tick boxes we didn’t even know we had. The first-glimpsed fruit of a soon-tobe-launched collaboration between London designer du jour Lou Dalton and heritage footwear brand Grenson, they won’t stay in the shops long. Keep your eyes peeled… £TBA, loudalton.com 33
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A BSO LU T ELY K I DS
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HUBBLE BUBBLE
Make the most of Halloween with Biscuiteers’ Wicked Witch biscuit card. And guess what? It’s wickedly delicious too. £9; biscuiteers.com
ON A MISSION’S TOP TIPS FOR GHOULISH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES • Who Dares, Wins - Create your own, slightly lower-tech version of these old fairground booths. Cut a fist-sized hole in the top of a cardboard box and fill with water crystals; when hydrated they feel exactly like eyeballs. Or try stuffing a surgical glove with flour to create a severed hand for a real ghoulish fright! • Unlucky Dip - Buy a packet of red Gelli Baff instant goo and fill a container with it along with some cooked spaghetti and treat-sized sweets and chocolates. • Ghost Train - Create your own ghost train experience by setting a trail around the house or garden with rope. Enlist some helpers to brush the blindfolded brave with feathers, throw cornflakes at them and even squirt them with water to a ghostly soundtrack. • Beastly Bobbing - A very simple twist on the traditional favourite of bobbing for apples. Add red food colouring to the water and sprinkle a couple of packets of Angel Delight over the surface for a more ‘disgusting’ experience. Hannah Swain runs On a Mission, which hosts parties for children and adults. On a Mission parties use code-cracking, sensory and logic clues (with a bit of technology thrown in) to create unique experiences for party-goers. onamissionltd.com
ROLL WITH IT
Taking inspiration from the Scandinavian wilderness, luxury British children’s brand Hibou Home has launched this beautiful ‘into the wild’ print, a sweet and subtle pattern that’s perfect for children of all ages and tastes. £70 per roll, hibouhome.com
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KIDS HOW TO KEEP LITTLE ONES AMUSED
HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? MAGIC KINGDOM
Add a little magic to your child’s bedroom with one of these limited edition prints from the Printorium. Created by the graphic designers from the Harry Potter movies, each showcases original designs used in the films, from the Marauder’s Map to Weasley’s Skiving Snackbox. theprintorium.com
Remember these light-up lamps from your childhood? White Rabbit England bring new vigour to the magical lanterns we all used to love. As well as the classic toadstool and cottage, the sisters who founded the company have expanded the selection to include white fine bone china animals; there’s an owl and a rabbit, but if your little one loves dogs, he’ll like having this illuminated terrier stand guard at bedtime. £78; whiterabbitengland.com
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A BSO LU T ELY E D U C ATI O N
ALL
ABOARD State-funded boarding schools are back in fashion with Eton’s headmaster leading the way, reports Amanda Constance
T
he English boarding school. For many, it’s a term that conjures up Dickensian institutions where the upper classes send their offspring to be trussed up in top hats and tails, deprived of love and decent food, before they are released, years later, to run the country. Tony Little wouldn’t agree. The headmaster of Eton College is a vociferous advocate of a form of schooling that many regard as archaic. He believes that boarding encourages the development of both self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Though few would dispute that an Eton education is the best money can buy, the money in question is an awful lot, with basic annual fees coming in at more than £32,000. But Little believes state-funded boarding schools can deliver much of what Eton can – and for far less money. To that end, he is currently in talks with ministers about the creation of a national network of state boarding schools. ‘In Britain, we have an internationally recognized approach to education through boarding. In the state sector, it has only been in the last year or so that there has been a growing realisation of how well this can work for young people. ‘I think we would benefit nationally from having a good quality boarding network across the country, close to where young people live. With such a network, there’s a good chance exam results would go up.’ At present, there are 34 state boarding schools in Britain. The buzz about opening more can be seen in the marked rise in applications for boarding status from academies, educational charities and free schools. In the first four months of 2013, the State Boarding Schools’ Association (SBSA) said it had received more than 20 applications from those interested in opening new institutions. This compares
with just one application a year in the past five years. These new schools differ from traditional fee-paying boarding schools by charging only the cost of boarding, reducing the demands on parents’ bank accounts from an average of £30k a year to a more manageable £10k. According to Janette Wallis, senior editor of the Good Schools Guide, the recession is forcing cash-strapped parents to shop around and many of them ‘feel there are better state
There is a recognition that boarding has changed dramatically from the days of ‘fagging’ and flogging opportunities available than in the past’. Ten thousand a year is still a substantial outlay, but it often cancels out childcare costs. There is also a recognition that boarding has changed dramatically from the days of
‘fagging’ and flogging. The new, modern institutions take pastoral care as seriously as academic achievement and most offer weekly boarding. And this arrangement can work well for 21st century families. Hillary Moriarty, director of the Boarding Schools’ Association, suggests that changes to parents’ working lives have increased the appeal of boarding. ‘It is an attractive proposition for many families, particularly if mum and dad both work. It creates the idea of “On Monday we all go to work, see you on Friday.” If you’re on a train at 7am, get home at 7.30 or 8pm, there’s very little time for the kind of ideal vision of family life that we had 30 years ago.’ Three academies opened boarding facilities last year, with five more announcing plans to do the same. The Wellington Academy in Tidworth, Wiltshire, sponsored by the £30,000-a-year Wellington College, also offered boarding places to 100 pupils in 2012, while Durand Academy in Stockwell, south London, has plans to open a £17m ‘Eton of the state sector’ for 600 inner-city pupils in the village of Stedham, West Sussex. And next September, Eton will open Holyport College, the first free school sponsored by and modelled on Eton, in the village of Holyport, near Maidenhead, Berkshire. Eight miles away from Eton itself, it will eventually take 225 boarders and 275 day pupils, who will use many of Eton’s facilities, including its magnificent sports grounds. Not surprisingly, more than 700 families have registered their children – even though some are only two years old. ‘If I could bottle it, what I want to come out of Holyport is exactly what I see here [at Eton],’ says Tony Little. ‘Young people coming out with this sense of self - worth who are going to be engaged citizens, who believe in the realm of the possible, who roll up their sleeves and get things done.’ For more information visit sbsa.org.uk
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BEAUTY
EDIT COOL CUTS The creative team over at Radio Salon have proved their cutting-edge credentials yet again with their Andy Warhol/Super 8 stills-inspired looks. Led by Corrado Tevere, the collection is the salon’s second, drawing on the artist’s screen tests during the 1960s, in which he interviewed musicians, celebrities and socialites of the era. Undone textures and washed out colouring with simplistic styling are the key to these cool cuts. 93-97 Redchurch Street, E2; radiohairsalon.com
IN HEALTH FRUITBROO Forget peppermint tea. As lovely as it is, it’s not nearly as yummy as these brand new fruitflavoured brews made from real fruit juices, herbs and spices. With flavours ranging from banana and coconut to elderflower and lime, these caffeine-free varieties are a must-buy for Autumn, especially if you’re trying to curb an unhealthy coffee addiction. Seeing as your daily cappuccino is also surprisingly calorie-laden, those on a weight-loss diet or a new season health-kick can enjoy a low-calorie (a mere 15 to be precise), non-fat beverage as a satisfying alternative and they’re 100% natural. £2.25, available at Sainsburys
IN BEAUTY
CINETIC LIFT EXPERT An alternative to cosmetic surgery, this exclusive procedure combines micro-currents, ultrasound and LED futuristic technologies to reduce crow’s feet and fine lines and boost radiance. Tailored to individual skin concerns, you can expect visible results after just one treatment. Available at Bouton De Rose, 2 Cochrane House, Admirals Way, E14; boutonderose.co.uk
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A BSO LU T ELY BE AU T Y
LUNCH-TIME FIX
3
OF THE
BEST
CITRUS FACE PRODUCTS
IN FITNESS
KICK STUDIO
1. Urban Veda Purifying Daily Facial Wash with Orange, £7.99; urbanveda.co.uk 2. Dr. Renaud Lime Purifying Concentrate, £24.95; drrenaud.co.uk 3. Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Collagen Booster with Vitamin C, £71; selfridges.com
Pushing the boundaries in exercise, Sophie Pittaway’s new studio aims to take students on a ‘rollercoaster of vigour and repose’, all the while burning maximum calories. A great way to mix stretching with more hardcore cardio, the focus is on short, sharp bursts of high-intensity but low-impact exercises. There’s a boxing ring for Kick classes, Kickasana (a fusion of Thai boxing and martial arts with yoga, ballet and dance), traditional yoga or the Kick 4 x 4 classes – circuit training with a boxing twist and the mother of all workouts. Gymbunnies, step AWAY from the treadmill and prepare to SWEAT. Arch 2, 274 Richmond Road, E8; kickstudio.co.uk
ASK FOR? Oxygen Infusion Facial WHERE? Karidis Clinic THE LOWDOWN Wow. This facial treatment uses a high pressured oxygen delivery system that pushes light molecules of hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin and feels, literally, like a breath of fresh air; a host of boosters such as vitamins A, C and E can also be added for cellular repair. Using Intraceuticals products, pressurised oxygen (which feels amazing) is applied to the face, aiding delivery of of age-defying actives to the deeper dermis layers. Throw in antioxidants or a botanical brightener (a plant-based equivalent to Botox called Atoxelene) for additional oomph, depending on your skin’s needs - or if you’re prone to blemishes, acne or redness, combine with the Clarity support product. The great thing about this facial is that it can be used around the eyes (an area lasers can’t touch), so you can smooth out fine lines and get a little eyebrow lift while you’re at it. The facial doesn’t tackle the neck, so it’s ideal for clients in their 30s, ironing out beginner wrinkles completely. The advanced products lock in hydration so for the first hour or so afterwards, your skin feels plump and firm beyond belief. Six sessions are recommended and you can go as often as once a week. The result is, in a word, astonishing. From £125, Karidis Clinic, Hospital Of St John & St Elizabeth, 60 Grove End Road, NW8; karidis.co.uk
MIRROR MIRROR
Full of exotic charm, and depicting a pretty flamingo, we love this vintage-style compact mirror by Wild and Wolf. A perfect little gift, or pop it in your clutch/ hangbag and you can check your pout and peepers on the run. There’s also a sparky selection of wash bags in the collection too. £9.95, available from Gill Wing, 194-195 Upper Street, N1; allgoodgifts.co.uk
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A BSO LU T ELY BE AU T Y
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IN TREATMENT ISLINGTON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC WORDS: HELEN BARON
T
his beautiful clinic is the salvation of many a local office worker. My chiropractor Francesca tells me that, with people’s lives becoming increasingly sedentary, she treats an ever more diverse client base. Many of her patients are City workers living in the Islington area, but she also sees her fair share of construction workers, cab drivers, athletes, pregnant women and babies, too. The Goswell Road clinic - which goes by the name Clerkenwell Being - also treats lots of graphic designers and architects, which makes sense; all that hunching over blueprints and scale models must cause no end of problems with the musculoskeletal system. Fortunately, helping to cure such disorders (back or joint pain and reduced range of movement) is Francesca’s speciality. I’m only here for an initial consultation, but Francesca is immediately able to predict what spinal adjustments she would make going forward, based on an assessment of my posture (normally she would x-ray my spine). It seems my pelvis is slightly uneven and has caused some imbalance in my upper back, which has led to weakness and sensitivity in the shoulder muscles. Francesca recommends yoga to redress the imbalance, although (because I find some yoga postures much harder than the regular person, probably as a result of the aforementioned imbalance) she also suggests taking up a treatment plan to identify weak spots and work to lengthen the muscles while restoring an optimal range of motion. As well as chiropractic services, both clinics also offer podiatry and chiropody, acupuncture, herbal remedies and a vast range of massage and homeopathic therapies. There’s even a handy bike rack in reception for avid City cyclists.
Conditions treated: Chiropractic can help with a variety of conditions including: • Back pain • Neck pain • Neck related headaches • Prevention of migraines • Frozen shoulder • Tennis elbow • Hip and knee pain • General joints aches & pains
OPEN DAY: Head to the clinics on 16 October for an open day of taster sessions and mini-massages. 15 Prebend Street, N1; islington-chiropractic.co.uk 178 Goswell Road, EC1; clerkenwellbeing.co.uk
We offer: • Chiropractic • Acupunture • Massage Therapies • Chiropody Podiatry • Homeopathy • Nutrition • Psychotherapy Other therapies available at the clinic can help with a wide range of health conditions including: Nutritional imbalances and digestive disorders, Foot health such as ingrowing toe nails, fungal conditions, corns, verrucas & flat feet. Stresses of modern living including anxiety, depression, addictions and self-esteem issues. Clerkenwell Clinic 178 Goswell Road Clerkenwell EC1V 7DT Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm Sat 9am-1pm-Sun 10am-2pm Islington Clinic 15 Prebend Street, Islington N1 8PQ Mon-Fri 8am to 7pm-Sat 9am -1pm
020 7490 4042
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.clerkenwellislingtonclinics.co.uk
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A BSO LU T ELY FO O D
GOT BEEF? HACHÉ 24 Inverness Street, NW1 & 147-149 Curtain Road, EC2 hacheburgers.com This small but growing chain of ‘burger connoisseurs’ offers a huge range of Scotch steak creations, from the ‘Bavarian’ (with smoked cheese and caramelised onions) to the ‘All-day Breakfast’ (with bacon, Portobello mushroom and a fried egg). Price of a cheesburger: £8.95 BEST FOR? Choice: the menu even has three veggie burgers. DIRTY BURGER 78 Highgate Road, NW5 eatdirtyburger.com The people behind Dirty Burger (who are also behind Pizza East) don’t make a song and dance about it, they just make amazing cheeseburgers. The menu is short and sweet and the ethos unpretentious: just turn up and tuck in. Price of a cheesburger: £5.50 BEST FOR? A spontaneous stop-off.
TOMMI’S BURGER JOINT 30 Thayer Street, W1U burgerjoint.co.uk Tommi’s is like a little slice of the USA right here in London. Success as a pop-up led to this more permanent Marylebone outpost – and the burgers are as generously proportioned as the restaurant is dinky. Price of a cheesburger: £6.50 BEST FOR? American spirit. MOTHER FLIPPER KERB Food Market, King’s Boulevard, N1C motherflipperburgers.com Already legendary among devotees of the capital’s burgeoning street food scene, Mother Flipper serve up a bunch of inspired burger creations from their ramshackle market stall – and have won some major fans among the culinary cognoscenti. Price of a cheeseburger: £5 BEST FOR? Great value and quality. BYRON Various Addresses byronhamburgers.com One of the first proponents of a better quality burger, Byron launched in 2007 and now has restaurants across the UK. The company’s size may have ballooned, but its fare remains simple, squishy and delicious. Price of a cheesburger: £7.95 BEST FOR? A family night out. TOM MI’S BURGER JOINT
THE ADVISORY 161 Mare Street, E8 facebook.com/advisoryhackney The first dedicated burger joint in Hackney, this place opened a few months back and served so many customers that at one point they ran out of brioche buns. Equally famed for their indulgent Canadian poutine. Price of a cheesburger: £6 BEST FOR? A laid-back, ‘neighbourhood favourite’ vibe.
BYRON
TEN OF THE BEST LOCAL BURGER JOINTS
POSH BANGER BOYS 8 Stoney Street, SE1 Snugly ensconced in a converted railway arch, Posh Banger Boys take a short menu and streamlined list of ultra-fresh toppings and send gobsmacked punters
away in raptures. Borough Market’s burger kings, bar none. Price of a cheeseburger: £5 BEST FOR? Impressing friends with a ‘hidden gem’. THE HAPPENSTANCE 1a Ludgate Hill, EC4M thehappenstancebar.co.uk Not strictly a burger joint, but this City establishment’s burger bar has won a lot of plaudits – and it’s not hard to see why. Try the roasted teriyaki Atlantic salmon burger and discover why the Happenstance has the Square Mile drooling. Price of a cheeseburger: £9.95 BEST FOR? A burger that’s a little more elegant – and inventive. LUCKY CHIP The Sebright Arms, 31-35 Coate Street, E2 & Netil Market, Westgate Street, E8 luckychipuk.com A cult favourite on the cusp of the big-time, Lucky Chip has Hackney hipsters dragging their hungover heads out of bed each weekend to slouch down to Netil Market and get their hands on the goods. Greasy, sloppy and absolutely delicious, this street food favourite is here to stay. Price of a cheeseburger: £6.50 BEST FOR? Instagram snappage and hipster credentials. SLABS 19 New Cavendish Street, W1G slabslondon.com This family-owned restaurant does a fine line in specialist burgers (among other things), including prime Japanese Wagyu beef and lobster varieties – and don’t forget the mini sliders. Last orders aren’t until 11pm, either, so it’s perfect for an ‘elite meat’ fix after a late one at the office. Price of a cheeseburger: £8.45 BEST FOR? Executive eating. 45
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& OUTOUT
AB
BERMONDSEY STREET FESTIVAL
Last month saw the return of the ever-popular Bermondsey Street Festival. A fashion show and doggy parade featured alongside a kaleidoscope of stalls from some of the best designer-makers in the area. Americana and ska-reggae could be heard from the music stage with special acoustic performances from local singer-songwriters, while Tanner Street Park was the ideal spot for al fresco dining, with all the best local restaurants turning out to present their wares. The Marquee, meanwhile, was hosted by no less trendy a London institution than Village East. bermondseystreetfestival.org
ABSOLUTELY
FOOD NEWS GIN CITY
In the late 18th century, the area around Barbican was regarded as the gin capital of the world - which explains the name of Gin Lane, for one thing. And here’s a littleknown gin fact for you: in the 1750s, Londoners drank an astounding 11 million gallons of gin per year. To that end, Searcy’s have opened Gin Joint, offering 40 different gins, including one chilled on tap – the first bar to do this in London. If that’s not enough to wet your whistle, there will be gin-inspired goodies on the food menu too. Chin chin to gin. Level 2 Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2; searcys.co.uk
GET IN MY POP-UP
The supper club returns this month, teaming up with Dalston’s newest hot spot, Jones & Sons, for a Latin American-inspired feast. The best British produce from top local suppliers will get a unique ‘GIMP’ twist, with food served tapasstyle and special cocktails to accompany key dishes. Anna Barnett - the chef behind Get In My Gob and the Independent’s Reluctant Vegetarian - will take charge of the kitchen; all you need to do is eat. 24-26 October; getinmygob.co.uk, jonesandsonsdalston.com
DAILY BREAD
The story of Euphorium bakery began when a simple store opened on Islington’s Upper Street way back in 1999. At that time, the baking revolution was in its infancy and Euphorium was among the first to reintroduce the notion of top quality goods made fresh each and every day. The shops and cafes flourished and spread to various locations around North London - and now a City branch is set to open, bringing gourmet cakes and pastries, a hot new carvery and a handy graband-go section to busy bankers. 60 Threadneedle Street, EC2; euphoriumbakery.com 46
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A BSO LU T ELY FO O D
TOP 10 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUPPER CLUB BY ANNA BARNETT
There are definitely rules to which you can adhere when putting on a pop-up. Whether you’re creating as much chaos as possible or keeping it sophisticated, take note of the following: 1. Keep it in the family. Rope in mums, friends’ mums, mates and more mates. You know you can trust them to make sure everyone is looked after. 2. Ensure your corner shop (as well as your freezer) is well stocked with ice. You can never have enough, whatever the season. 3. It’s better to overfeed than to underfeed: no one should go home hungry. I always offer seconds if there’s enough. 4. Feed your staff. No one’s pleasant when they’re hungry. 5. Make sure you always include a rich chocolate dessert option. Who can pass on a good sweet? 6. No bright lights. Keep things candle-lit. 7. Kill the curfew; you don’t want to be kicking people out early. 8. Do it differently. Offer a bit of the unexpected, whether it’s a twist on a classic dish, a surprise performance or an unusual setting or theme. 9. Catch it on camera - people love to see pictures or footage from the night. 10. Ensure it’s not a closed shop. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the experience.
A WORD ON…
OYSTER SEASON AT GOW’S
I don’t claim to be an oyster aficionado; in fact, I’d only tried the aphrodisiacs once before this and it hadn’t gone well. Despite this unfortunate initiation and the fact that I was unaware that raw oysters are alive when you eat them, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience – although I must admit to preferring the cooked variety. The Oysters Kilpatrick and the Tempura Oysters were both heavenly and we even came up with a name for the chef’s new oyster dish: The Royster. Try asking for it when you go… Catherine Hales Gow’s Restaurant, 81 Old Broad Street, EC2; ballsbrothers.co.uk
MENU OF THE MONTH Michael Nadra Primrose Hill’s six-courser...
• Scottish salmon ceviche with chilli, red onions, sweet potato puree and garden radishes • Sautéed foie gras with grilled quail, pomegranate and orange salad • Cornish John Dory, monkfish & red mullet with fresh borlotti beans, truffled leeks, cauliflower puree and lemon vinaigrette • Aged Scotch fillet steak with braised cheeks, wild mushrooms, baby spinach, truffle mashed potatoes and Madeira jus • Selection of sorbets • Selection of desserts 42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1; restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk
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IL BORDELLO RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
The finest Italian food made to order with the freshest ingredients. This festive season add sparkle to your celebrations with our warm ambience, sumptuous food, seasonal tipples and enough cheer to last well into 2014. From lunches to dinners, we invite you to indulge in a feast of festivity. Rest assured we’ll take care of every detail to make it a truly unforgettable occasion.
0207 481 9950 | www.ilbordello.com | 81 WAPPING HIGH STREET LONDON E1W 2YN
Lunch daily Monday to Friday : 12 Noon to 3pm | Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm to 11pm | Sunday: 1pm to 10:30pm
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20/09/2013 16:20
A BSO LU T ELY FO O D
FOOD REVIEW ANGLER
DANIEL IVOR TESTS THE WATER AT SOUTH PLACE HOTEL’S ACCLAIMED FISH RESTAURANT
T
he City is replete with dining ‘destinations’, and Angler – the restaurant perched on the seventh floor of the swanky South Place Hotel – offers an elegant experience that’s easily the equal (and in many instances the superior) of its rivals in the Square Mile. A French fish restaurant where, on warmer days guests can dine al fresco on a magnificent terrace where potted olive trees, lavender and herb plantings fill the air with the fragrance of the Mediterranean. Those inside the restaurant are similarly spoiled by the architect-designed glass roof that ensures every drop of sunlight is captured and diffused about the room. Nonetheless, this remains the heart of the City, and the Gherkin towers serenely over the sunset skyline. Angler offers a set menu with the usual play of soup (minted broad bean), terrines (ray wing and salmon) and salad for starters as well as various fish mains. My partner opted for crab and watermelon salad, crab bonbons and lime curd followed by a Cornish fish stew simmering with mussels, prawns, salmon and monkfish. The latter was accompanied by saffronbraised potatoes and chard delicately arranged within a silvery bowl. I indulged in the a la carte selection, choosing a wellseasoned yellowfin tuna tartare with lime and chilli and a delicious Cornish cod over wilted gem lettuce, peas and basil. Other mains on the menu included Dover sole, turbot, halibut, wild bass and lobster – as well as various crustacea, oysters and caviar. Dessert called for sorbets (lemon, passion fruit and apricot) with raspberry jam purée and dried raspberries. My partner’s almond macaroons with blood peach and raspberry were just as fantastic. The East End has come a long way from fish and chips in newspaper. 3 South Place, EC2; anglerrestaurant.com
PUBLIC HOUSE
ALEXANDRA JONES BOOZES IT UP AT COCKTAIL CAVERN, PUBLIC HOUSE
I
’ve been woken by a sound so grating that it feels as if the world’s tiniest but most effective fog horn has been erected just inside my ear canal. The shock of it starts me straight out of bed. Standing, as I am now, dazed in the middle of my room, I notice two things. 1) I am wearing the same clothes I wore to dinner last night, jacket included and 2) I am ruinously hung over. I also have an ominous message on my phone: ‘I blame it on the devil thimbles.’ Public House has long been a favourite of mine. When I have friends new in town it is where I take them because it is the kind of place they expect a person who has lived in the area for five years to know about. It is stylish and warm and makes you feel like you actually want to, you know, spend time there. It has charm, like Cheers, but for
people who work in media (alright, people like me who shudder at the thought of the B@1 down the road or the student pub round the corner). It is grown-up fun. Though that’s not to say that things don’t get silly sometimes. The starters (we had scallops with pancetta and pea puree and Dorset snails with broccoli, garlic and tarragon butter) were punctual and picked by our waiter. Might sound oddly informal, but the three of us, my friend, the waiter and I, chatted and he got the gist of what we wanted. The snails were a delight, earthy, soft and garlicky and the scallops well cooked, though slightly overpowered by the pancetta, of which there was a generous portion. Our mains, again a surprise,were piping hot and prompt. The sea bass came complete with crispy golden skin and the duck was just the right amount of pink. Served with a sweet and punchy orange sauce that cut through the rich meat, it was bold, tangy, comfort food heaven. The desserts came with accompanying cocktails, delicious and deadly in equal measure (the ‘devil thimbles’ of my friend’s text). It’s hard to say when we tipped from pleasantly sozzled to totally trashed, but then it always is with Public House. It is the kind of place that comes into its own at Christmas (I’ve had a sneak peak at their menu and it looks like a glutton’s ruin) when it is acceptable, expected even, to be sucked in by the rosy glow of good food and one drink too many. Until then, go, just don’t expect anyone’s sympathy the next day. 54 Islington Park Street, N1; boutiquepubs.com 49
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20/09/2013 17:48
HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME AT THE N1 CENTRE THIS HALF TERM COMING TO ISLINGTON
Ahoy me hearties! Discover a pirate’s paradise at the N1 Centre on 1st November when an inflatable 50ft whale and some sea-faring friends are marooned in the central piazza from 11am-3pm.
”
Lynne Glover, N1 Centre Manager said We thought we’d push the boat out for the school holidays this November, so kids are certainly in for a whale of a time this half term! If you fancy a life on the ocean wave and some free chocolate coins as treasure to take home, sail on down to the N1 Centre and join us.
Follow us into the whale’s belly, where a stunning seascape is revealed. Once inside, meet a shipwrecked pirate and a treasure-hoarding mermaid. Gather round and listen to their enchanting fishy-tales.
”
Hungry pirates can enjoy a fishy feast at wagamama Islington. Tuck-in to delicious Japanese-inspired cod cubes with rice and vegetables, or enjoy the mini grilled fish noodle dish. Perfect for little pirate appetites, the children’s menu is available from just £3.15
The fun doesn’t stop there! Check out one of Vue
Cinema Islington’s latest releases. Catch up with Disney’s ‘Thor: The Dark World’, showing in 3D and including the voice of Snoop Dogg. From the makers of Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, ‘Turbo’ is a high-velocity 3D comedy about an underdog snail who kicks into overdrive when he miraculously attains the power of super-speed. Don’t hang around, book your seats today!
Make your half term one to remember with the N1 Centre Islington.
* For further information visit www.n1islington.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/n1shoppingcentreislington or tweet with us @n1centre. N1centre_Oct.indd 1
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ublic House’ is a neighbourhood restaurant and bar specialising in seasonal British food. Our menus change regularly and there is always a mix of old favourites and something a little more unusual. There are Sunday Roasts every week with damn fine Bloody Marys.
Christmas Party Bookings: We can arrange dinner parties for up to 50 and canape & cocktail soirées for up to 150: 3 course dinner menu for £30 per person with a free glass of fizz -Cocktail and canape packages from £20 per person
Public House, 54 Islington Park St, London N1 1PX www.boutiquepubs.com 020 7359 6070
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A BSO LU T ELY FO O D
FOOD REVIEW HIGHBURY BARN
CATHERINE HALES DISCOVERS
A WELL-LOVED LOCAL WATERING HOLE
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he Highbury Barn Pub has been a local favourite for 270 years. Its history is reflected in the architecture of the building, with its beautiful brick facade and beams criss-crossing the ceiling inside. The a la Carte menu left us spoilt for choice, but I eventually settled on the chicken liver paté with pear chutney and toasted brioche, while my companion opted for fresh sweet potato soup with crusty bread. My paté was creamy and rich and served in such a liberal portion I had to ask for more brioche. The restaurant has a wonderfully intimate feel, and the understated and tasteful decor was a lovely accompaniment to our meal. There was also no clash between the modern interior and the antique exterior; instead, the polished wood and muted colour palette inside appeared to pay homage to the building’s rich history, and gelled well with the existing aesthetic. For our main course we decided to go the route of pub classics (the best pub food is always about the best quality ingredients, simply prepared), so for me it was the beer-battered line-caught cod served with hand-cut chips and crushed minted peas, while my companion chose the 31-day matured sirloin of beef served with hand-cut chips, homemade onion rings, roasted cherry tomatoes and Portobello mushroom. The portions were generous to say the least – to say the most, they were epic – and it was with relish that I tucked into my gargantuan main. The cod was wonderfully flaky and fresh tasting; the batter, which has to be crispy, did not disappoint. Both my companion and I agreed that the thick hand-cut chips were far superior to the usual skinny offering found in pubs. The steak was juicy and full of flavour, not at all tough to cut with very little fat to it. My only criticism (and it isn’t much of one) is that by the end of our mains we were defeated. Contented and full, dessert was a mere dream. If fish and chips and steak are the best way to judge pub food, then Highbury Barn passes with flying colours – the portions provided are fabulously generous and the standard of the food incredibly high, especially considering the reasonable prices. 26 Highbury Park, N5; thehighburybarnpub.co.uk
NEW STREET GRILL
EMMA GOODE ON THE CITY RESTAURANT THAT HAS MEAT FREAKS GOING GAGA rriving at New Street Grill, you can only envy the City boys and girls who have this on their doorstep. Situated in what’s believed to be the oldest surviving warehouse in the City, the decor is a stunning mix of modern industrial and more historic styles. The menu is similarly impressive, prompting a lot of ‘Ooh’ moments as we nibbled on sourdough bread and scoured a long list of tempting dishes. Aged, grass-fed, corn-fed, large, not-solarge… this is carnivore heaven. Decisions finally made, my partner started with oysters while I chose a lobster cocktail, each dish accompanied by a glass of champagne. When Head Sommelier Virgile Degrez woke on the morning of our visit, he probably didn’t realise quite what a challenge lay ahead. As he led us through
A
his award-winning wine list, his passion for his art was evident – and his pride in matching grape to grub infectious. I, however, have never been much of a wine drinker… would Degrez succeed in converting me where so many others had failed? In short, yes, he would. We sampled wines from Europe, Asia and the New World and, by the time we reached our journey’s end, my partner had a wine soulmate. Meanwhile, our steaks arrived, a fillet for me and sirloin for my partner – both 28-day dry-aged and complemented by an indulgent quota of carbs in the form of mac ’n’ cheese and triple-cooked chips. Melt-in-yourmouth tender, accompanied by a perfect Bordelaise sauce, the meat was superb: clearly, New Street Grill has chosen its suppliers well, and understands how to get the best out of each cut. For me, dessert had to be the enticing marriage of salted caramel ice cream and chocolate sauce. A wise choice, as it turned out, with the perfect ratio of salt to sweet and a luxurious topping that had me in raptures. Not wanting the night to end, we plumped for some post-prandial drinks on the terrace of the Old Bengal Bar next door, where we felt we were sitting in a kind of stylish cocoon at the very heart of the City. New Street is fortunate to have an array of recent establishments offering some of the finest drinks and dining in the capital and New Street Grill has a strong claim to be first among them. 16 New Street, EC2M; newstreetgrill.co.uk 51
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Concept dining has arrived in Islington; be inspired, indulge your senses and experience something new at Como 3 Cantina Chic.
Alfresco Dining Martini Bar & Garden Over 200 different wines A la Carte Menu
Como 3 Islington Cantina Chic
6 Course Tasting Menu Prix Fixe menu 2 Courses Lunch ÂŁ15 all week, Dinner ÂŁ18 Mon to Fri all evening, Sat 6-7pm
A unique and creative selection of delectable Spanish and Pan-Asian tapas, with a menu of carefully selected wines to complement your every bite and brought to you from the minds of imaginative and highly skilled chefs from Spain & Japan.
020 7722 2800
11-13 Theberton Street N1 OQY T: 020 7354 2341 E: islington@como3.com www.como3.com
primrose@restaurant - michaelnadra.co.uk Michael Nadra Primrose Hill, 42 Gloucester Avenue London, NW1 8JD
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20/09/2013 18:49
A BSO LU TELY FO O D
GREAT Scott! ENJOY SOME THOROUGHLY BRITISH FARE WITH THE RECIPES FROM THE GILBERT SCOTT BOOK OF BRITISH FOOD, BY CHEF MARCUS WAREING
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INGREDIENTS
Quail Mulligatawny
25g butter 2 onions, peeled and chopped 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated 2 tbsp mild curry powder 2 tbsp plain flour 300ml chicken stock 1 x 400ml tin coconut milk 100g peeled sweet potato, cut into into 1cm dice 50g Puy lentils, cooked QUAILS 1 litre chicken stock 1/4 bunch of thyme, tied together with string 3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed 4 quails 2 tbsp vegetable oil 25g unsalted butter sea salt and freshly ground black pepper GARNISH 4 onion rings, breadcrumbed and deep-fried to garnish, leaves from a small bunch of coriander, chopped
SERVES 4
Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onions and apple with a pinch of salt. Cook, without colouring, for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the curry powder and flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Pour in the stock and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to remove the sediment. Simmer for 2 minutes, then pass through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the coconut milk and sweet potato and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sweet potato is cooked and the soup is thick. Add the cooked lentils, heat through and season to taste.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the quails. Place the chicken stock, thyme and garlic in a pan over a moderate heat and bring to a simmer. Add the quails and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove the quails with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. When cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the quail breasts away from the bone in one piece, and take the legs off. Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the oil and butter. Once the butter is foaming, season the quail breasts and legs and place them, skin-side down, in the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes, until there is moderate resistance when the thickest part of the breast is squeezed (or until completely cooked through and firm if you prefer) and the legs are crisp. Remove the quail pieces from the pan and leave to rest in a warm place. To serve, spoon lentils and sweet potato into the bottom of each dish and place the quail legs on top followed by the quail breasts. Ladle over the soup. Garnish each serving with a deepfried onion ring and chopped coriander.
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Recipes taken from The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food by Marcus Wareing, £25, Bantam Press. Photography by Sergio Coimbra
Kendal Mint Cake Choc Ice INGREDIENTS
Ice Cream 300ml milk 300ml double cream 25g honey 1/2 x 400g tin condensed milk Leaves from 25g bunch of mint 20g Kendal Mint Cake, chopped fi nely, plus more to decorate if wanted 100g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids), broken up
to the length of the tin, leaving an overhang that will cover the ice cream. Place the tins in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes.
Stir the ice cream mix again, then spoon into the chilled tins. Using a palette knife, smooth the top, ensuring the mix has gone into all corners and edges. Fold the paper overhang on top of the ice cream. Return to the freezer to freeze solid.
Cut six parchment paper rectangles 9cm wide and 18cm long. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer of chocolate over each paper rectangle.
One by one, turn the frozen ice cream bars out of the tins and peel off the parchment. Starting 3cm in from the edge of the chocolate, place the side of the ice cream bar on the chocolate, then roll the ice cream over to wrap up in the chocolate-lined paper. Return to the freezer. When set, carefully peel off the paper and trim the ends using a hot, sharp knife. Garnish the ice cream at the open ends with some microplaned Kendal Mint Cake if you wish.
SERVES 6
Long used by mountaineers for instant energy, Kendal Mint Cake was carried by Sir Edmund Hilary and his team on their first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. We use it at the restaurant in our popular choc ice (an ice cream bar covered in chocolate), where it gives a minty crunch.
Make up the ice cream base by mixing all of the ingredients together in a bowl and blending with a stick blender. Pass through a fine sieve, then churn according to your ice cream machine manufacturer’s instructions. Scoop into a chilled stainless steel bowl and fold through the mint cake. Place in the freezer to firm up. Spray six mini loaf tins (3.5 x 9.5 x 6cm) with baking spray, then line the longer sides and the bottom with baking parchment cut exactly
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timeless
Crouch End 128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY Telephone 020 8341 2020
Islington 42 Cross Street London N1 2BA Telephone 020 7359 4041
www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk
Funktional Kitchens.indd 2
12/09/2013 10:04
ABSA O BL U T EL LUYT EI LNY T T ER A IO SO V RE SL
SHINE A
LIGHT ILLUMINATE YOUR HOME IN STYLE WITH THIS QUIRKY LETTER LIGHTING FROM GRAHAM & GREEN
METAL LETTER LIGHTS, £330; GRAHAMANDGREEN.CO.UK
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ARCHITECTURAL
Living in Space is the home of innovative interior design, build and architecture. Our interior designers are committed to creating a home environment tailored to suit your individual needs. Whether you are looking to furnish your new home, remodel a bathroom, or a whole house refurbishment we will guide you through the process with creative ideas and a skilled design team.
www.living-inspace.co.uk
LIVING IN SPACE.indd 2
020 7722 3131
INTERIORS
Interior Architecture Design + Build Extensions, Basements, Loft Conversions Kitchen + Bathroom Design Bespoke Joinery Soft Furnishing Design
43 Englands Lane NW3 4YD
20/09/2013 18:52
A BSO LU T ELY I NTE R I O R S
ART HOUSE
FORMER CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR RED OR DEAD AND FOUNDER OF LONDON BOUTIQUE OLIVER LOVES ALFIE, INTERIOR STYLIST AND STOKE NEWINGTON RESIDENT ASHYLN GIBSON PUBLISHES HER FIRST BOOK THIS MONTH, ON IMAGINATIVE SPACES FOR MODERN FAMILY LIVING. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL WHITING
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A BSO LU T ELY I NTE R I O R S
T
IT IS ALSO A GLOWING EXAMPLE OF A FAMILY HOME THAT CAPTURES A SPIRIT OF WONDER AND DISCOVERY and other objects are propped up on the mantelpiece, evoking memories both recent and distant. The children’s rooms are all very different but add further charm and interest. Thanks to a bold choice of wallpaper, Asa’s room is wrapped in an enchanted blackand-white forest landscape where it’s easy to imagine disappearing for hours into a world of make-believe. Louise has a collection of sewing boxes, picked up from car boot/yard sales, that she uses as side tables and toy boxes throughout the home, and Asa’s book box is a perfect example of her imaginative approach to storage – taking items out of context and reinventing them is a key part of the irreverent aesthetic of this family home.
£19.99; Ryalnds, Peters and Small
he London home of Garth and Louise Jennings resonates with the sound of play and laughter from four lively boys under the age of ten: Oscar, Leo, Casper and Asa. The family walks its own path and encourages self-expression. Behind the offbeat green front door of the tall Victorian house, the Jennings’ home is in a glorious state of evolution. It is also a glowing example of a family home that captures a spirit of wonder and discovery. Music, storytelling, drawing and design make up Garth and Louise’s work, and it’s immediately evident how their creative interests influence the choice of play of their four young boys. Each and every wall in the house displays an eclectic collection of much-loved pieces that draws you into the Jennings’ world. Favourite books and other treasures nestle alongside vintage finds and family photos, each item telling a story and creating a unique family style. Purposeful but not precious, there is a strand of humour that runs through this home from top to bottom. Framed by a wall of bookshelves, the living room is a relaxed and cosy space in which to curl up and read a book or hang out with the rest of the family and watch a movie. A cornucopia of styles – 1930s armchairs, a collection of graphic contemporary cushions, an elegant vintage chandelier and a huge convex mirror over the mantelpiece – sit happily together. As Asa says, ‘It’s a magical room that is small and cosy. I like hiding away in it. It feels like a forest den.’ The adjoining living room is home to Garth’s piano, ukulele and guitar, and is often used as a music room. Music is a major part of this family’s life, but this is less a space for formal tuition and more one for spontaneous music-making. Large skylights and an extension at the side of the house have opened up the ground-floor space. Retaining the original full-height shutters at the back of the living room provides a grandiose sense of proportion before you step down into the retro-inspired kitchen/dining room. To add an element of fun, Louise has sourced an eclectic mix of chairs that creates an interesting patchwork of colour and style around the table. Each member of the family naturally gravitates to a different style of chair. For this space, Louise chose a childfriendly Dalsouple rubber flooring that is hard-wearing enough to withstand bike races around the kitchen table. Upstairs, the master bedroom doubles as Garth’s workspace. An old school desk sits in one corner, and a selection of pictures hangs in a constantly evolving display. In the same manner, frames
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HWC-GROUP HWC is the premier designer, manufacturer and fitter of glazed structures, windows and lanterns. Stunning bespoke, British-built glazing is created from an understanding of each of our discerning clients’ homes and gardens, tastes and aspirations. High Quality and bespoke at an affordable price, please contact us and arrange for a visit to provide you with a quotation. 020 8945 5320 www.hwc-group.co.uk
HOME IMPROVEMENT WANT TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE MORE HOMELY? BE INSPIRED BY ABSOLUTELY’S BEST LOCAL SPECIALISTS
THE ARCHITECTURAL FORUM “Based in Islington, the Architectural Forum has been a treasure trove of architectural salvage for over twenty-five years. Specialising in antique fireplaces and original cast iron radiators, the Architectural Forum is an essential destination for those seeking original features for their home. The large showroom houses everything from retro furniture and industrial lighting to precious antique curiosities. The yard, located just around the corner, offers reclaimed flooring, bathroom fittings, and pub, school and church fittings.” 312-314 Essex Road, London N1 3AX 02077040982 www.thearchitecturalforum.com
ABBOTTS Abbotts specialise in all types of flooring, including solid woods, laminates, luxury vinyls and carpets. They have been providing expert advice and quality fitting for over 100 years. Still a family run company with a wealth of knowledge and extensive choice of options, they can offer a personal bespoke service to cover all your flooring and interior needs. They also specialise in all types of curtains and blinds and have the largest Luxaflex blinds showroom in the UK. The company provides expert service using quality materials and represents outstanding value for money. 470- 480 Roman Road,London E3 5LU 0208 980 4158 www.abbottsflooring.co.uk
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A BSO LU T ELY PROMOTI O N
MY HOME
“Why not let the professionals at Myhome take care of your housework leaving you free to enjoy your precious free time. It’s teams of highly-trained, fully-insured, experienced cleaners are on hand throughout North London offering first-class domestic cleaning at sensible rates. The Spring Clean package is perfect for getting ready for Autumn as it covers the entire home – from ceilings to skirting boards, resulting in a truly sparkling fi nish and a pristine home. Call 0845 644 9063 for a free quote!”
BIBLIOTHEQUE
If you’re looking for high quality, innovative and beautiful tiles, look no further than the carefully selected Italian Tiles from Bibliotheque, in a range of incredible fi nishes. Using the latest technology, fabricated tiles replicate the luxury of wood, marble and stone while providing incomparable quality, consistency and durability. And, with beautiful eco glass mosaic also available, there’s bound to be a design that’s right for you. Arch 2 The Viaduct, St jame’s Lane, Muswell Hill, London N10 3QX 020 8365 2084 www.bibliotheque.co.uk
LIVING IN SPACE Living in space provides interior design, architecture, project management, build and soft furnishing procurement for private residences across London. Our dedicated team of talented designers will respond to specific requirements to create a unique interior which suits ones exact lifestyle, whilst maintaining a financial overview on each project. Our strong reputation is a direct result of continued performance and ability to exceed client expectations. ’Living in Space,43 Englands Lane, London NW3 4YDTel: +44 (0)20 7722 3131 www.living-inspace.co.uk
WANDSWORTH SASH WINDOWS Wandsworth Sash Windows is a sash window expert, offering a range of services for the maintenance and upgrade of windows in the heart of London. From fi xing a broken cord to installing new double glazed traditional sashes, no job is too small or too big for us. Email us at info@wandsworthsashwindows.com or call us on 0207 924 7303 to receive a free no obligation quotation.
TIM MOSS KITCHENS & FURNITURE Every project is truly bespoke, designed & considered to fulfill each customers needs & desires& has the quality & character that is expected from hand crafted furniture. All our cabinetry is hand made on site at our North London workshop by an experienced team of traditional joiners. 326 Dukes Mews London N10 2QN 020 8444 9911
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A BSO LU T ELY I NTE R I O R S
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Rapid appointments Don’t wait. For same day and next day appointments, including evenings and Saturdays, call 020 7390 8203.
Best in class When it comes to making children better, The Portland Hospital has the highest levels of paediatric expertise and the most advanced technology in the UK. Discover how your child can benefit from the country’s leading experts in children’s health today. Story by Stacey Jackson
C
ommon sense tells you that, if your child gets ill, the best person to treat them is a leading paediatric consultant experienced in their condition.
Our dedicated children’s unit is home to the largest group of private paediatricians in the UK, covering over 50 different clinical specialties. They are among the best in the world at diagnosing and treating both common and complex childhood conditions from birth to age 18. Using the very latest technologies, they treat over 40,000 children each year.
Many of our consultants hold senior posts at leading NHS trust hospitals such as Great Ormond Street and St Mary’s Hospital. They’re supported by a team that includes specialist children’s nurses and play specialists. We don’t treat any adult patients in our children’s unit and the child-friendly environment can help relieve your child’s anxiety about visiting hospital, enabling them to make a speedy recovery. When you’re thinking about private healthcare for your child, safety will of course be an important consideration. Do bear in mind that some private hospitals don’t offer any on-site critical care facilities. Our children’s unit is fully equipped and, should the need arise, we have a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit staffed by a dedicated team of critical care experts. You’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need to join a queue for this exceptional service. Our convenient and rapid appointments give your child the care they need at a time that suits your family and lifestyle.
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Revision notes: * The largest group of private paediatricians in the UK * Leading experts in common and complex childhood conditions * Full critical care facilities * No waiting lists * Same day, next day, evening and Saturday appointments * Part of HCA Hospitals, which has invested £500 million over the last ten years in the latest technologies and facilities
You don’t need medical insurance to take advantage of our world-class facilities, and our prices are very competitive. An initial consultation to assess your child’s condition and determine the best course of action only costs £250. Please quote ‘self pay 250’ when you contact us. To find out more, call us now on
020 7390 8203 Visit www.theportlandhospital.com
part of HCA Hospitals | World-Class Healthcare
06/09/2013 14:03 17:34 30/08/2013
the sec ret co med ia ns BOUTIQUE COMEDY NIGHTS IN LONDON’S EAST END
★★★★★ Inter:Mission Magazine
GIGS THIS MONT H:
12th September - Next gig: at Paper Dress Vintage, Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH Want to know more? Check us out and our line-ups at
thesecretcomedians.wordpress.com Organised by comedian Elf Lyons ‘expect her to be a major star’
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For more than 100 years in Italy, Marinella has been the place to buy ties, scarves, bow-ties, knitwear, shoes and all the accessories a gentleman could desire.
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Visit its new boutique in the heart of Mayfair for the perfect gift for ladies and gentlemen any time. Browse its collection of handcrafted ties, or choose from a wide range of accessories including leather goods.
DOLLAR GRILLS AND MARTINIS An American themed restaurant and cocktail bar renowned for serving the best burgers and steaks in London. We’re obsessed with the quality of our burgers, with The Forest Grande, White Truffled Mushrooms and Dorstone Goats Cheese being just some examples. We believe that our USDA beef from Nebraska gives you more flavour and texture and beats any steak anywhere.
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e: marinella@marinellanapoli.co.uk / www.marinellanapoli.it
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2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 4PX www.dollargrills.com / 020 7278 0077
DOLLAR.FINAL.3.indd 1 17/10/2012 12:34
30/07/2012 17:13 20/09/2013 17:39
HIGH The
LIFE
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A BSO LU T ELY TR AV E L
BLUR BASSIST ALEX JAMES DISCOVERS THE DELIGHTS OF THE DOLOMITES THANKS TO SOME FAMILY MOUNTAINEERING IN THE ALPS
I
t’s a rare thing, glamour. I never really know when it is going to strike. I say this because we were staying in a log cabin with no electricity or mains water, no internet or coffee gadgets and none of the standard cues of twenty-first century luxury. The kids didn’t even have their iPads or any of their toys. Instead, they’d spent most of the previous evening running up and rolling down the mountainside until they were exhausted, and then one by one we’d fallen asleep telling stories around the fire. And it was glamorous. The Dolomites, the mountain range in Northern Italy where the cabin lies, are a pristine wilderness – think Heidi, but with Michelin starred restaurants and you’ve got it. The alpine slopes were in their summer glory, a mass of flowers and cascading streams – quite the setting – and the log cabin itself, despite lacking mod cons, was a beautiful thing crammed with other beautiful things: soft blankets, bathrobes and candles. The cabin is an outpost of The Rosa Alpina where we were staying in nearby San Cassiano. The hotel has a couple of these traditional huts, way up on the slopes, that guests are free to use. The previous evening a porter had delivered everything we needed for a spectacular banquet: marinated steaks and chops, part-cooked aubergines and artichoke hearts for the barbecue along with endless salads and sides, a spectacular strudel and a couple of bottles of wine that I’d taken some pleasure in choosing from their extensive cellars. They’d offered to send a chef up too, but the kids all wanted to help with the cooking so I lit the torch paper on the outdoor range and twenty minutes later we were cooking in the free world: appetites sharpened by fresh air and exercise, the warmth of the fire in the twilight, not a soul for miles around. It was the feast of a lifetime. After breakfast in the morning (also brought up by the porter) we wandered down the hillside, stopping at one of the many adventure playgrounds that pepper the area. The tourist infrastructure in Alta Badia, the immediate local area, is extensive without ever intruding on the natural beauty of the mountain range (the Dolomites are a World Heritage Site). In winter, it’s a world-class ski resort but the cable cars, bars and restaurants all run throughout the summer months too, and unlike many tourist destinations, it really works all year round. It’s paradise for kids. Children never tire of basic, elemental stuff: splashing around in mountain streams,
poking fires, looking for bears. That’s why I wanted to bring them here, for a big slice of nature. It’s one of those places that would be fine even if there was no organised activity – but there is so much to do. Mountaineering was a big hit. The guide came to meet us at the hotel, dug out climbing shoes and harnesses for everybody and half an hour later I watched my nine-year-old scale a vertical cliff face like a spider. Even the four-year-old got half way up the sheer mountainside before abseiling down. Once the kids had been up and down a couple of times I had a go – they were much better at it than I was but I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most. And that was the best thing about Alta Badia. Its delights are universal. I’m not sure who was happier in the spa at Rosa Alpina, the three-year-old or her mother. Rosa Alpina is a very rare thing, a spectacular hotel that has been in the same family for generations. It felt like home, largely due to the diligence of Hugo Pizzinini, the current proprietor who was always in evidence. The family touch makes it feel small and friendly but is big enough to have all the bells and whistles – one of the restaurants has two Michelin stars and there’s a full-on spa. It’s exquisite in every detail but what really set it apart was the service. There was always somebody making a helpful face, puffing up a pillow or asking if we needed anything. We stayed in the penthouse with a key operated lift that, to the children’s endless delight, opened directly into the room. The best definition of holidays I’ve ever heard is ‘any time you put on weight,’ but we walked so much we all came back looking pretty buff, despite gorging ourselves. One
of the best walks was up to Scotoni – about a mile vertically and roughly three along. We were ravenous by the time we got to the restaurant hallway up the mountainside, a
simple hut knocking out dazzling barbecued mixed grills, polenta and pasta – the simple wholesome food at which the Italians excel. I don’t think it is possible to get bad food anywhere in Italy, or at least you’d have to try very hard. There are twenty Michelin Stars in Alta Badia. We only managed to tick off the two at St Hubertus, one of the restaurants at Rosa Alpina. I can only take a napkin wafting, chair-pushing-in type affair once or twice a year but it was bliss to put the kids to bed with the babysitter, walk into the hushed dining room and whisper candlelit conversations. We had the ‘chef’s special’ and it certainly was, with all the psychotic attention to detail that is historically the hallmark of haute cuisine: minuscule carrots and teeny rack of suckling pig. One of the countless courses came with six vintages of a local wine to taste, just a mouthful of each. An embarras de richesses if you will, but then that’s the area in a nutshell. We didn’t even get around to white water rafting, which was top of my list, or tandem hang gliding… Next time. 7 nights for the price of 6 at Rosa Alpina from £3840 per family, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing two Deluxe Double Rooms, including breakfast and return flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck with Carrier (0161 492 1357 or www.carrier.co.uk). For further information on Rosa Alpina, please visit www.rosalpina.it. For further information on the area please visit the South Tyrol Tourist Board at www.suedtirol.info
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THE SASH WINDOW WORKSHOP HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURING THE HIGHEST QUALITY TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS For a free, no obligation survey, call us on:
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SASH WINDOWS.indd Absolutely FP Oct13.indd2 1
19/09/2013 19/09/2013 18:05 16:11
OCTOBER 2013
ABSOLUTELY
PROPERTY
Amhurst Road, E8 A charming two double bedroom Victorian conversion perfectly located within walking distance of the transport links and amenities of Hackney Central and Stoke Newington.
Guide Price £450,000-£475,00 Leasehold Felicity J. Lord / 020 8986 2698; fjlord.co.uk/hackney
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CurrellResidential
£375 per week Hoxton Wharf, N1 • Stunning 1 bed • Situated on the canal • Located between Angel & Hoxton • Unfurnished
£425 per week Navarino Road, E8 • Two bed • Period flat • Available early Oct • Property will redecorated
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£850,000 Freehold Shurbland Road, E8 • Beautiful house • Three bedrooms • Two receptions • Two bathrooms
£950,000 Freehold Stanford Mews, E8 • Flexible accommodation • Freehold house • Gated mews • Private parking
020 7241 4111
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hackney@currell.com
www.currell.com
16/09/2013 11:25
CurrellResidential
£1,200,000 Freehold Southborough Road, E9 • Three storey freehold house • 55 foot garden • Lauriston Catchment area (intake dependent)
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£675,000 Leasehold George Hudson Tower, E15 • Duplex Penthouse Apartment • Commanding views from the 21st floor • Three bedrooms plus mezzanine study • 300 sq ft roof garden
020 3222 5555 victoriapark@currell.com
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www.currell.com
16/09/2013 15:56
PROPERTY
ROUND UP
PROPERTY OF THE
MONTH
FOULDEN ROAD, N16
7
£635,000 Set over the raised ground and first floor of this three storey period house is this larger than average three bedroom garden maisonette. Measuring in excess of 1,300 sq ft, the property boasts a wealth of period charm, bright interiors and wonderfully proportioned rooms with high ceilings. Comprising three large double bedrooms, bay fronted reception room, separate kitchen/dining area, master bathroom, roof terrace and its own mature garden. Stirling Ackroyd, Hackney 020 7749 3807; stirlingackroyd.com
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ABSOLUTELY Property
Kye Wheatley CEO & Co-Founder, Keatons � 020 8709 5686; keatons.com
T
Alex Neil, Bow/East London 020 8980 7431; alexneil.com
7
BARNET GROVE, E2 £840,000 Freehold This stunning three bedroom terraced period house is situated in the sought after Jesus Green conservation area. Offering a contemporary feel throughout while still retaining many original features, the property comprises of three double bedrooms, with the master bedroom boasting an en-suite bathroom, spacious reception room leading to a stylish fitted kitchen, family bathroom and a patio garden. The property is located in the heart of Bethnal Green and is within close proximity to the vibrant bars, restaurants of Brick Lane, Shoreditch and the excellent transport links.
DOWNS PARK ROAD, E8 £625,000 Leasehold Located on a residential street in Dalston is this excellently presented 1200 sq ft period maisonette. The property offers three double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen diner with glass doors to a landscaped garden, a three piece bathroom suite & separate shower room. The property also offers plenty of storage space and features such as wooden floors, high ceilings & sash bay windows.
Blake Stanley 020 7254 7554; blakestanley.co.uk
he year to date has proven to be very exciting and prosperous for the London property market, with price increases around 7%. At last the ripple effect is reaching the rest of the country, with many areas now posting positive price increases. This goes some way towards balancing how it has been for the last couple of years, a tale of two very different stories with London and the rest of the country seemingly in completely different markets. On the ground level there has been strong demand from existing property owners and encouragingly first time buyer numbers are increasing again. The latter is being helped with more availability in the mortgage market place and the Government’s help to buy scheme. Property stock levels have been decreasing since late 2012 and we are now seeing signs of this levelling off which would indicate that the bulk of price growth has already taken place this year. The letting market has been healthy all year and there are certainly many new entries joining the buy to let market. Rents have pulled back slightly this year, which does marry up against the particularly strong sales market, but the best located properties have been unaffected by this. Tenant demand still remains buoyant, with the quality of tenants remaining high. In conclusion, the London property market remains one of the very best to be involved with and one with a bright future going forward. There are so many new schemes, developments and improvements going on in our great Capital that we are sure London will remain as one of the world’s premier cities.
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020 8985 0106
hackney@castles-estateagents.co.uk
www.castles-estateagents.co.uk
Hackney Sales & Lettings
Glenarm Road, E5
Nightingale Road, E5
£500,000 LEASEHOLD
£720,000 FREEHOLD
Reighton Road, E5
Glenarm Road, E5
£295,000 LEASEHOLD
£425,000 LEASEHOLD
• Newly refurbished • Three bedrooms • Split level • Own rear garden
• Beautiful split level conversion • Newly refurbished • One double bedroom • New lease
· Deceptively spacious · Four Bedrooms · Two Large receptions · Double garage to rear
· Two bedrooms · Split level · Luxury bathroom · En-suite
44 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0RN CASTLE_C&A_OCT.indd 2
17/09/2013 12:48
020 7254 7554
BlakeStanley
Greenwood Road, E8
ÂŁ1,050pw
A stunning four bedroom house to rent on Greenwood Road, this property has just been tastefully renovated to an extremely high standard throughout. The property consists of a large double reception room leading to a bright kitchen opening onto a balcony with steps down to a garden, on the first floor there are two good size double bedrooms with built in storage, and a stunning bathroom with marble tops, on the top floor there is a huge master bedroom with ensuite toilet and an office area. Outside is an outhouse which acts as the fourth bedroom, it is a selfcontained studio, with a functional kitchen and shower and toilet. Available now.
Unfurnished
info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE_STANLEY_OCT.indd 1
11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 18/09/2013 12:21
BlakeStanley
Warburton Street, E8
£350,000
Situated on the first floor of this 1940’s, brick-built, ex-local authority block is an excellently presented three double bedroom flat. The property benefits from a separate kitchen to reception, original wooden floors and double glazed windows throughout. There is no onward chain and off-street parking available for an annual charge. Located close to London Fields, moments from Broadway Market.
Leasehold
All Nations House, E8
info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE_STANLEY_OCT.indd 2
£475,000
Located along Regents Canal, moments from Broadway Market is this top floor apartment. The property comprises of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and a south facing open-plan reception / kitchen with doors to a small balcony overlooking the canal. Offered in good decorative order and chain free. Excellently located for numerous local amenities and transport links.
Leasehold
£445pw
A fantastic opportunity to rent this spacious two bedroom apartment on the ground floor of this popular development which overlooks London Fields and is right next to London Fields overland station. The property consists of a large open plan lounge and kitchen, which leads on to a private patio area, there are two good sized double bedrooms one with an ensuite shower room, there is also a family bathroom. Available 12th October. Unfurnished
Andrews Road, E8
Brougham Road, E8
£625pw
A fantastic opportunity to rent this stunning two bedroom house. The property has been tastefully refurbished to a high standard, there is a large double reception with solid wood flooring and sash windows, this leads through to a light and airy galley kitchen, with a dining area leading onto a decent sized garden. Upstairs leads to two double bedrooms and a lovely family bathroom. Available 8th October. Part-furnished
11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 18/09/2013 12:21
www.blakestanley.co.uk
Graham Road, E8
020 7254 7554
£600,000
BlakeStanley are pleased to offer to the market this three bedroom maisonette with roof terrace. The property is split over three floors and comprises of three double bedrooms, a kitchen diner, south facing reception room, three piece bathroom suite and a roof terrace. With a total floor space of over 1300 sq ft the property offers generous proportions throughout plus sash windows, wood floors and plenty of storage. Within walking distance to the open space of London Fields and amenities of Dalston including the London Overground. Share of Freehold
Foskett Mews, E8
info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKE_STANLEY_OCT.indd 3
625,000
Located on a residential street in Dalston is this excellently presented 1200sqft period maisonette. The property offers three double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen diner with glass doors to a 70’ landscaped garden, a three piece bathroom suite & separate shower room. The property also offers plenty of storage space and features such as wooden floors, high ceilings & sash bay windows. Located moments from the transport links and amenities of Dalston / Kingsland. Leasehold
£625pw
A fabulous spacious three bedroom home in this mews development. The property consists of a huge lounge, separate kitchen with dishwasher, upstairs leads to a bathroom, three double bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room. The property benefits from having new carpets and has been freshly painted. There is a gorgeous sunny, secluded garden. Available now. No parking available. Part-furnished
Downs Park Road, E8
Navarino Road, E8
£395pw
Situated in this tree lined residential street is a fantastic two double bedroom apartment to rent on the top floor of this period conversion. Located just North of London Fields, the property offers an open-plan reception with double height ceilings, fully fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and private roof terrace. Broadway Market and Hackney Central are both within easy reach. Available now. Unfurnished
11-13a Broadway Market, London Fields, London , E8 4PH 18/09/2013 12:22
IN THEIR OWN
WORDS JOSEPH EARNSHAW Manager: Currell Residential, Victoria Park Photography: Rebecca Noonan
G
rowing up in Chester, an ancient Roman town, I was surrounded by historic buildings and their sense of heritage. This sparked my passion for property and drove my interest to work in the industry. I moved to London in 2004 and began working for Currell Residential in Clerkenwell before moving to the Hackney office a year later; I was drawn to East London because of its energy and the diverse range of property and green spaces. Victoria Park is a rare environment to find within a city as it provides residents with a village style community alongside one of the largest urban parks in London, despite being in one of the largest cities in the western world. In 2012, I was offered the opportunity to manage our Victoria Park office, which sits in the centre of this community, and jumped at the chance. As little as ten years ago the area felt slightly run down with few local shops and restaurants and had an overall feeling of neglect. Since then the village has seen a huge resurgence in popularity. This has been driven by families taking advantage of highly regarded local schools surrounded by Victorian terraced housing, with the added bonus of a beautiful historic park virtually on the doorstep. This has pushed the gentrification of the area which in turn has created the demand for high quality “traditional” high street shops and they are back with a vengeance. These days the village buzzes with activity, The Ginger Pig butchers and Jonathan Noriss fishmongers often have people
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queuing out of the door. The Deli Downstairs has the best ingredients for a perfect picnic in the park and the cafes and restaurants are packed, with tables regularly spilling out onto the pavement. In fact, alfresco dining this summer has practically become one of my hobbies! The fact that there is no immediate tube station in the area really helps to maintain the village feel, even though the City and Canary Wharf are only a short bus ride away. The park itself has also improved dramatically, in the run up to the Olympics the park underwent a £12 million makeover, which restored its Old English Gardens and created new children’s play areas which are packed daily. The makeover has placed the park back in the heart of the community and really marks out Victoria Park as unique. The property on offer in Victoria Park is generally the type I love; period houses with character and often a story behind them. A good amount of the property is Victorian, generally terraced houses or period conversions with a few Victorian school conversions peppering the area. Ten years ago property prices were obviously significantly lower, but with the development the area has seen in that time, along with increased demand, house values have risen significantly; a typical house in a prime road now costs around £1 million. However, I genuinely believe the area still offers great value compared to other more central areas of London. 020 3222 5555; currell.com
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ABSOLUTELY Property
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£450,000
Willow Tree Close, E3 Four bedroom house Four bedrooms Two bathrooms
Freehold Garden
Garage
Nelson Gardens, E2
£380,000
Two bedroom maisonette
Leasehold
Three bedrooms Juliette balcony
Separate kitchen Great location
Properties for Sale
Considering selling or letting your property?
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East London Office 020 8980 7431
£2825 pcm
Lyal Road, E3 Four bedroom house Four bedrooms
£650 pw Period property
Garden
Original features
£2050 pcm
Senrab Street, E1 Three bedroom flat Three bedrooms
£473 pw Period property
Terrace
Original features Properties to Let
Call 020 8980 7431 to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation.
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ABSOLUTELY Property
Property Development THE BOATYARD, E14 Inspired by its waterside location and parkside setting, Telford Homes is launching its latest residential development, The Boatyard, consisting of two residential buildings – The Boathouse and The Clubhouse – on Cotall Street and Stainsby Road, Poplar London. Comprised of 75 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, The Boatyard offers fantastic views of Bartlett Park, the Limehouse Cut, Canary Wharf and beyond. First completions are expected in spring 2015. Prices start from £240,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Telford Homes, 020 3538 3273; telfordhomes.plc.uk/the-boatyard/
DALSTON CURVE, E8 An opportunity to own a brand new contemporary apartment in the heart of Dalston’s vibrant town centre is coming soon from Taylor Wimpey. A key component of the town centre’s regeneration, Dalston Curve will be a prestigious collection of 106 one, two and three-bedroom apartments split across two sites on either side of Kingsland High Street. Detailed plans and prices for the new homes at Dalston Curve are being kept under wraps until the development is officially launched in Autumn 2013. Taylor Wimpey, 0203 697 3926; taylorwimpey.co.uk/eastlondon
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A home in one of London’s trendiest postcodes
Dalston Curve, Kingsland High Street, Dalston, London E8 2NS • A mixture of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Dalston town centre
• Superb location offering an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues
Register your interest to find out more:
• 106 new Lifetime Homes in a sustainable and sensitive scheme
• Excellent travel connections with Dalston Kingsland station situated close by
taylorwimpey.co.uk/eastlondon
0203 697 3925
* Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Photography used shows a view of the City of London and does not show the exact location of the development advertised. Development plans are subject to planning permission and may be changed. Speak to a Sales Executive for more information. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. September 2013.
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After the umpteenth year, the self-made man rested.
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Stirling Ackroyd All around East London E8
E8
£1,500,000
£475,000
HACKNEY SALES – PARKHOLME ROAD Well-proportioned 5 bed, 2,700 sq ft Victorian house, with grand classic features, garden & potential for further expansion. EPC - E
HACKNEY SALES – QUEENSBRIDGE ROAD Spacious 2 bed with open plan kitchen/reception area, large private south facing roof terrace & off-street parking. EPC – pending
E2
E2
£575,000
£725,000
SHOREDITCH SALES – CLUB ROW Well-presented 2 double bed in this sought after location, comprising large living room, separate fitted kitchen, & bespoke built-in storage. EPC – C
SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838
CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606
HACKNEY 020 7749 3807
WEST END 020 7256 3244
IBIZA 0034 971 326 788
ISTANBUL +90 (0)444 4493
SHOREDITCH SALES – CYPRUS STREET Beautifully presented 2 bed Victorian house within a conservation area, with original period features, & secluded courtyard. EPC - D
BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888
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N16
E8
£395 pw
£795 pw
HACKNEY LETTINGS – SALCOMBE ROAD Newly refurbished 2 double bed apartment within a Victorian mansion block, with fitted modern kitchen, yet retaining original period features. EPC – C
HACKNEY LETTINGS – LANSDOWNE DRIVE Incredible 1,700 sq ft penthouse set over 2 levels in a converted school conversion, with private terrace & City views. EPC – E
E1
E1
£285 pw
£525 pw
SHOREDITCH LETTINGS – KILLICK WAY Fantastic 1 bed within a stylish new development, with floor to ceiling windows, fully integrated kitchen & communal gardens. EPC - pending
SHOREDITCH LETTINGS – HOOPER STREET Bright 2 bed luxury apartment, with dual aspect reception room, balcony, wood flooring & 24 hour concierge. EPC - pending
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the BOATYARD
Limehouse, London E14
JUST LAUNCHED
WATER meets
PARKSIDE 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with fantastic views, on the edge of Bartlett Park just minutes from Canary Wharf and The City.
SALES & MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN
D ROA VE
HOXTON
A
ST
EAST
LANGDON PARK
COMMERCIAL ROA D
SHADWELL LIMEHOUSE
D EAST INDIA
OAD OC K R
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PE
AY THE HIGHW
AS
TOWER GATEWAY
EL T UNN
DEVONS ROAD
the BOATYARD
L BLACK WAL
BROMLEY -BY-BOW
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WH
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MILE END
RO
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MILE END PARK WHITECHAPEL OAD R SHOREDITCH D EN HIGH STREET M IL E
BOW BOW CHURCH ROAD TT BURDE
OAD EEN R L GR NA TH E B
LIMEHOUSE BASIN AD R RO LTE SA
CANARY WHARF
SALES & MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN: Cotall Street, London, E14 6JL Open Daily: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm Contact us to make an appointment: 020 3538 2341 www.theboatyardapartments.co.uk Map not to scale
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