August 2012

ABSOLUTELY kensington

Food & drink special Rowley Leigh

Bill Granger Cookery schools

eye for an Eye model scout fiona ellis’ interior life

AUGUST 2012 £3.95

a manner of style lessons with alex longmore

Jasmine Guinness The toyshop princess

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

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

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City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

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3456 5039 7282 5198 9417

struttandparker.com

Observatory Campden HillGardens Square 1665 sq ft (154.68 sq m) 3,244 sq ft (301.37 sq m)

Kensington || W8 W8 || Kensington

An impressive two bedroomhouse ground maisonette with the advantage of its garden, own private street An outstanding six bedroom withfloor excellent entertaining space, a west facing entrance, 24 hour porterage and an underground parking space. views and access to the beautiful garden square.

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| | | | || | | Share Price Upon Application, of Freehold Terrace Front and rear gardens Access to square gardens | | Kensington Sales 020 7938 3666

Entrance hall Drawing room Kitchen Dining room Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Entrance hall Drawing room Sitting room Dining room Kitchen Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Second bedroom with enSecond suite bathroom area 24 hour porterage Underground parking space Five further bedrooms bathroom Cloakroom Two en suiteUtility shower rooms Study Utility room Cloakroom

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Price Upon Application, Freehold

Kensington Sales 020 7938 3666

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St Alban’s Grove 540 sq ft (50.17 sq m)

| Kensington | W8

A charming and very special one bedroom freehold house over three floors, with the advantage of having a lovely terrace.

Drawing room

| Dining room | Kitchen | Bedroom | Bathroom | Terrace

Asking price ÂŁ995,000 Freehold

Kensington Sales 0207 938 3666

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eggersmann new London flagship showroom

Exclusive appliance partners

redefining kitchens since 1908

eggersmann london, 555 kings road, london sw6 2eb 0207 371 8800 sales@eggersmannlondon.com

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ABSOLUTELY AUGUST 2012

7 EDITOR’S LETTER 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

40

Absolutely’s top ten this month

36 PROFILE

Jasmine Guinness interviewed

CULTURE 13 WHAT’S ON August’s diary

22 ROAD STORIES

An exclusive short story for Absolutely by Eleanor Thom

STYLE

28 FASHION SHOOT Luxe sportswear

42 FASHION FACTORY

W11’s youngest designers

FOOD & TRAVEL 54 ROWLEY LEIGH

The kitchen interview

70 COOKERY SCHOOLS Rounding up the skills

INTERIORS

76 FASHION PLATES

A selection of lovely saucers

79 ELLIS EYE

26

A model interior

PROPERTY

98 IN THEIR OWN WORDS 108 PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

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COVERS

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NOTTING HILL

KENSINGTON

NEON YELLOW TOP, £35 BY NIKE GREEN SHORTS, £77 BY SPLENDID STRIPE, CHUCK TAYLOR OX NAVY, £43 BY CONVERSE RUCKSACK, £239 BY RABEANCO

SARAH WEARS: BLUE TOP, £315 BY MARC BY MARC JACOBS XARA TROUSERS, £790 BY ROHMIR GYPSY QUEEN MULTI CHAIN CRYSTAL BRACELET, £36 BY MARTINE WESTER SHOES, £590 BY GIANMARCO LORENZI

ABSOLUTELY

ABSOLUTELY

FOOD & DRINK SPECIAL

FOOD & DRINK SPECIAL ROWLEY LEIGH

AUGUST 2012 £3.95

NOT TING HILL

ROWLEY LEIGH BILL GRANGER COOKERY SCHOOLS

IN FULL BLOOM

PLAYTIME WITH JASMINE GUINNESS

KENSINGTON

BILL GRANGER COOKERY SCHOOLS

AUGUST 2012 £3.95

A MANNER OF STYLE LESSONS WITH ALEX LONGMORE

FASHION FACTORY

W11’S YOUNGEST DESIGNERS

Look sharp

EYE FOR AN EYE STYLE SCHOOL

MODEL SCOUT FIONA ELLIS’ INTERIOR LIFE

Jasmine Guinness

THE TOYSHOP PRINCESS

LESSONS WITH ALEX LONGMORE

Sporty styles for the Olympics

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DESIGNSALE Great savings on sofas, tables, wall systems and lots more!

Visit our professional Design Consultants in store and ask about our Free Interior Design Service or see all the great offers on www.boconcept.co.uk

ALSO SAVE UP TO 50% ON ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS.

BoConcept Notting Hill · 18-24 Westbourne Grove · London · W2 5RH · 020 7792 4111 · notting-hill@boconcept.co.uk

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EDITOR’S LETTER

E

arlier this month, Prince Edward visited The Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street to admire publican Gerry O’Brien’s amazing flowers. They’re the ones that routinely win all the borough’s flower prizes, even though they are starting to look slightly extreme. Last time we checked, there was hardly a scrap of building not obscured by hanging baskets bearing flowers so bright and lush that they’re more tropical oasis than English garden, since all that rain has left them supersized. Anyway, Gerry does a marvellous job with those flowers and we congratulate him.

This issue of Absolutely has a foodie feel to it. We meet Rowley Leigh and uncover his kitchen pet hates (froth and foam, actually, and quite understandably, since he’s a no-nonsense type of guy) – and he shares his recipe for Greek salad with us. We’ve been eating burgers all over the borough, and testing a variety of beautiful looking gadgets (thank you, Lavazza, for supplying the office with delicious coffee from a bright pink machine) and we have a four-page spotlight on local eateries and watering holes. A small concession to the Olympics comes in the form of our fashion shoot, which focuses on sportswear for beyond the stadium. And we meet Jasmine Guinness too, probably the world’s most glamorous toyshop owner.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

Pendle Harte Editor

EMAIL: PENDLE@ZEST-MEDIA.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY NOTTING HILL’

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harriet Compston EDITOR Pendle Harte TRAVEL EDITOR Priscilla Pollara EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katie Randall EDITORIAL INTERNS Hope Calnan, Amber Carter, Esther Smith EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Pearl Boyd, Hattie Edmonds, Juliet Kinsman ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lisa Davis SENIOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Rochelle Streater BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Greg Cole GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER Anna Hutton-Potts HEAD OF DESIGN Ray Searle SENIOR DESIGNER Stewart Hyde DESIGNERS Andrew Mavin, Jaqui Palmer FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid MARKETING MANAGER Jessica Batten DIRECTOR Greg Hughes MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscriptions@zest-media.com.

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Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Published by ZEST MEDIA LONDON, 213 WESTBOURNE STUDIOS, ACKLAM ROAD W10 5JJ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

www.zest-media.com

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SUPPERCLUB OLYMPICS It’s not going to be easy to avoid the Olympics this month, even if you don’t have tickets. For a truly decadent approach, try Supperclub, which will be channelling the ancient Greeks with a month-long Olympics special. There will be chariots, ancient games and people dressed as Greek gods and goddesses, as well as a reenactment of the first ever Olympic Games opening ceremonies.

10 things we

Absolutely LOVE BELLE EPOQUE

CARNIVAL! Love it or hate it, Carnival is back, so whether you plan to vacate the area or stay and embrace the noise, there’s no denying it. Notting Hill is about to be stormed with the sights, sounds and smells of Europe’s biggest street party.

Ooh la la, nous adorons this beautiful new edition bottle for Perrier-Jouët’s Belle Epoque. Designed by the renowned floral artist Makoto Azuma, it is the first new look since Emile Galle’s definitive 1902 edition. But hurry: it’s available for a limited time only at Harvey Nichols, from September. C’est tres jolie indeed. perrier-jouët.com harveynichols.com

CUT IT OUT Charlotte Hewson started out selling her greeting cards on Portobello Road and now her London-themed greetings cards for long-term NW6-based Roger La Borde are everywhere. We love the precision of the laser-cut images and the dinky details. rogerlaborde.com

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ON THE WIRE Children need beautiful furniture too, and these Sebra metal chairs are perfectly proportioned and come in fun candy colours turquoise, lilac and yellow. £85, kidsen.co.uk

OXFORD BLUES On the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week was Paul Smith’s new Westbourne shoe, a collaboration with John Lobb. With dyed-to-match laces, the stylish Oxford brogue comes in leaf green, lapis blue, iris purple and pebble grey. Never wear a black shoe, we say. paulsmith.co.uk

BOX BAGS

GUIDE BOOKS

Diane Von Furstenbergs new, limited edition fetish box bags are veritable – and highly covetable – works of artwe feel a bit of accessorising with Gaga-style lobster head pieces and the like… from £653. dvf.com

These delightful new volumes from Vivays Books are brilliant guides to the quirkiest shops and boutiques in London and Berlin. Secondhand and Vintage London has a large section devoted to Notting Hill – which of course we always love. vivays-publishing.com

SERIOUS SEATING Donna Wilson’s beautiful pouffes for SCP in Westbourne Grove are named Frank, Ernest and Henry. And very fittingly too, we think. From £184, scp.co.uk

BOOT CAMP Was your long-awaited event cancelled due to bad weather?

Anyone with any sense of humour left might like this gold welly charm, by Bayswater’s Astley Clarke. £75, astleyclarke.com 11

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west london’s ultimate club for health, sports & relaxation

for you, for familes, for a wonderful summer

www.theparkclub.co.uk For further information and to arrange a club tour

call 020 8740 4599

The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB Untitled-22 1

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CARNIVAL SPECIAL 25 AUGUST

FLYOVER

August

The old Inn on the Green has been revived as the Flyover. Its Roll out West carnival special features the Rotten Hill Gang and friends, including a rumoured special appearance from Mick Jones..

3-5 Thorpe Close, W10 020 8969 1136 theflyover.co.uk

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW AND THE TEMPEST 15 UNTIL 21 AUGUST

KENSINGTON PALACE

Whether it’s Prospero’s magical shore, sharp-tongued Katherine or butterwouldn’t-melt Bianca, Kensington Palace has a Shakespearian treat for you this August. Two of the bard’s most famous comedies are to be performed in the open air this month, on alternative nights. Doesn’t the Tempest start with a storm? The rain – if the heavens do decide to open – will place you at the heart of the performance, as Shakespeare intended. Forget about method acting, it’s all about method performance these days. gbtheatrecompany.com

GRAFFIK GALLERY GRAFFITI WORKSHOPS

ARTHUR BISPO DO ROSÁRIO V&A

GRAFFIK GALLERY Try your hand at a spot of legal graffiti art with Graffik’s special workshop. Masters of the marker pen, stencillers supreme and admirals of the simple aerosol, Graffik Gallery sets simple tools to great ends. Workshops normally cost £75 per person, but Graffik have an exclusive offer for Absolutely readers at £30 a head throughout the month. To book email art@graffikgallery.co.uk and quote Absolutely Notting Hill.

284 Portobello Road, W10 graffikgallery.co.uk

This display brings together over 80 artworks ranging from sculptures, handembroidered banners and garments, showcasing the variety and creativity of Arthur Bispo do Rosario (1909-1989), one of Brazil’s most recognised artists.

Admitted to a psychiatric hospital at the age of 29, Bispo’s creations were made in complete isolation from the art establishment. The work on show demonstrates his fascination for the reappropriation of objects such as buttons, bottles, paper, card and cutlery, which he manipulated to create elaborate sculptural pieces. Vam.ac.uk

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGHOUT AUGUST

FROM 13 AUGUST

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st

NOMAD FILM SCREENINGS: THE GOONIES 18 AUGUST

QUEEN’S PARK Classic cinema fare is due a makeover this summer courtesy of the Salt Yard food group and Nomad Cinema, who are going to be showing some of their favourite cult movies under the stars in Queen’s Park.

Queens Park, NW6; whereisthenomad.com

BAT WALK FOR KIDS 31 AUGUST

HOLLAND PARK

A bat walk is a brilliant way to see London at dusk and explore local green places.

This event, aimed at a younger crowd teaches children about the natural history of the nocturnal creatures before letting them search for bats using detectors in the park. Nothing like some educational fun to get the kids through those long summer holidays.

Holland Park Ecology Centre, The Stable Yard, Ilchester Place, W8; rbkc.gov.uk/ environmentandtransport/ecology

GLYNDEBOURNE: RAVEL DOUBLE BILL 19 AUGUST

THE GATE PICTURE HOUSE

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This production of Ravel’s only two one-act operas reunites director Laurent Pelly and conductor Kazushi Ono, who made their Glyndebourne debuts in 2008 with Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel.

Absolutely cannot wait.

87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 picturehouses.co.uk

PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL 30 AUGUST – 16 SEPTEMBER

WESTBOURNE STUDIOS This fi lm festival launched in 1996 to provide a forum for new fi lmmakers and to give exposure to movies on different formats.

Portobello Film Festival shows tomorrow’s fi lms today, and every fi lm submitted will be screened at a pop up cinema in Westbourne Studios, W10 and The Muse, W11. Admission is free. portobellofi lmfestival.com

THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL 7 - 11 AUGUST

NINJA TUNE PRESENTS: CARNIVAL SUNDAY 26 AUGUST

PARADISE Extend the festivities at Paradise’s blowout after-carnival party. With Ninja Tune enlisting Coldcut (Dj set), 2 Bears, Adrian Sherwood, Sticky, Ross Allen and an elusive special guest. Book early to ensure you’re dancing all night to the beat of Paradise’s, timelessly cool, drum. 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 theparadise.co.uk

OLYMPIA GRAND HALL Swig from a selection of cask and bottled real ales and 800 foreign beers and ciders over a five day festival at Olympia this summer.

Technically, to try all of them would mean averaging out at 160 sips per day. There is also a mix of exciting foods and music on tap too.

Hammersmith Road, W14; gbbf.org.uk

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there’s nothing like good food, good wine, and a bad girl

COCKTAILS, CHAMPAGNE, TAPAS AND DREAMS BRUNCH SERVED ALL DAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WESTBOURNE HOUSE CAN ARRANGE PARTIES, CORPORATE EVENINGS AND BESPOKE EVENTS FOR 20 TO 250.

WE HAVE AN EXQUISITE TAPAS MENU OR OUR CHEFS WILL CREATE A BESPOKE MENU TO ENHANCE YOUR EVENT. t. 0207 2292233

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www.westbournehouse.net

65 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UJ

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ABSOLUTELY | A RTS & CULTURE

LONDON C A LLING

Taschen’s stylish new book on London is a photographic symphony to the city and its past. From Victorian London to the swinging 60s; from the Battle of Britain to Punk; from the Festival of Britain to the 2012 Olympics; from the foggy cobbled streets to the architectural masterpieces of the millennium; from rough pubs to private drinking clubs; from Royal Weddings to raves, from the charm of the East End to the wonders of the Westminster; from Chelsea girls to Hoxton hipsters; from the power to glory: in page after page of stunning photographs, reproduced big and bold like the city itself, London at last gets the photographic tribute it deserves.

London: Portrait of a City by Ruel Golden is published by Taschen, £44.99

Agenda

HE A R T OF GL A SS

SCREEN SAV ER

Vessel is exhibiting a show of new glass works by Elle Décor New Designer award winner Hanne Enemark until 19 August.

Work ranges from contemporary decorative pieces to functional tableware and it’s all beautifully formed and fascinating for glass aficionados.

Vessel, 114 Kensington Park Road W11

This month’s highlights

The space under the Westway is home once again to the brilliant Portobello Popup cinema, brainchild of local face Tim Burke. Made entirely out of reclaimed materials and featuring a programme laced with local people and places (Franc Roddam presenting Quadrophenia, Barney Platts-Mills, Bedknobs and Broomsticks) plus a quirky selection of seasons including ‘Blow your mind’, ‘London Lo-fi’ and ‘British films that can’t get shown’, this is west London’s hottest summer ticket. And thanks to the motorway, it’s always dry. portobellopopup.com

SECRE T HIS TOR IE S

The Secret History of Our Streets has been the best thing on television recently and the accompanying book’s chapter on Portland Road W11 tells the story of this street of extremes. ‘The history of the area features a range of pungent and colourful characters’ and the street has ‘an ugly sense of salubrious and insalubrious worlds grating against each other’. Read all about its unique social geography in this fascinating volume. BBC Books, £20

TAK E NOTE

Everybody needs a notebook. Keeping with the agenda is easy as long as you write everything down. We love the Trellick notebook by People Will Always Need Plates, Lulu Guinness’s delightful leather-bound one for Noble Macmillan and the graphic range from 1973, stocked at Golborne Road’s lovely new Lali.

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C E L E B R A T I N G

T H I R T Y

Y E A R S

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ELIZABETH RADFORD, CHARLOTTE BEESLEY, SARAH BELLINGHAM

AITA IGHODARO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

KK Communictions held their first birthday party at Supperclub guests sipped on bellnis, dabbled in canapés including mini goat’s cheese tarts and smoked salmon cones, and enjoyed some truly unusual entertainment, including a girl bathing in champagne.

ABSOLUTELY

Social

Reporting from all the best parties in our area

TEAM KK

RECOVERY BRUNCH

Kelly Hoppen’s daugher Natasha Corett celebrated her birthday with close friends and family at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, enjoying the famed Recovery Brunch with lots of delicious roast dinners and DIY Bloody Marys, before heading into the karaoke room, where Beyonce’s tracks were a real favourite.

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SMALL STEPS

A tea party to launch Step2wo’s new range of children’s shoes, designed by Jasmine Guinness, Rachel Stevens and Charlotte Church. On hand were cookies and cakes, balloons and Photography by Andy Paradise

ABSOLUTELY

Social

Reporting from all the best parties in our area

BRYAN FERRY

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

ARUN NAYER

MASTERPIECE

Masterpiece hosted the most glamorous launch in town at the Royal Hospital. Three years since its inaugural fiar, it’s now one of the major events in the arts and antiques calendar. Bryan Ferry, Vivienne Westwood and man of the moment Eddie Redmayne were all there.

THEO FENNELL

EDDIE REDMAYNE

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ON THE ROAD

Exhibition Road’s large-scale refubishment is celebrated this month with a book of specially commissioned short stories by a range of writers, including Londoner Eleanor Thom.

She has written this story exclusively for Absolutely, set in the NW6 of her childhood

THE TROLLS There were kids that played out and kids that didn’t, but Max and I were always out the latest. I was swinging on the gate, and Max had just climbed over the brick bin house that stood between our gardens. His garden seemed emptier, darkened by the high hedge that belonged to his other neighbours, the Trolls. Their daughters never played out. We had never even seen them. We just heard their music, Sonatas, Nocturnes, and tonight, a Concerto for two violins. We called to them through the walls once, but they didn’t reply, and now we just ignored them.

Race you to Nautilus! We raced on our bikes to the end of the road and wandered into the restaurant doorway to stare through the counter at the battered sausages and golden chickens. Back outside, the fare from the Nautilus restaurant merged with the countryside air of the police

stables. We stood breathing it in for a while, and then we went to the Camel newsagent opposite to buy Garbage Pail stickers.

We walked slowly back down the street, chewing on the cheap pink gum that came with the stickers.

We pushed our bikes by the handlebars and shuffled through the stickers, trying not to drop them. Max got two we didn’t have yet, 4-Eyed Ida and Larry Lips.

We kept the collection in a white shoebox, and that night we had left the box in the garden, pushed out of sight, behind some weeds and close to Max’s steps. We always took it in turns to look after it.

I didn’t like to play on Max’s steps. From here you’d see yourself reflected in the Trolls’ windowpane, your face right there in the black gap between the curtains. The curtains were tattered and they never so much as twitched, and even turning my back I could sense the dark window. I didn’t know whether it was worse to look or to not look.

That night, when we got back down the road, the box of stickers was gone, our whole collection.

We suspected the Trolls. A few weeks later, Max dared me to climb into their garden and peer through the gap in the curtains, but I was too chicken. I could picture the daughters sitting after their long hours of violin playing, tasting the gum they had never been allowed, calloused fingers stroking the gloss of the Garbage Pail portraits.

Road Stories Edited by Mary Morris A collection of short stories celebrating Exhibition Road Paperback £9.99; published in association with Faber & Faber Kamila Shamsie; Ali Smith; Clare Wigfall; Iain Sinclair; Abdulrazak Gurnah; Hanan Al-Shaykh ; Eleanor Thom; Deborah Levy; Russell Hoban exhibitionroadshow.co.uk

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THE LOOK Absolutely’s favourite catwalk trend

Temperley London Web embellished tulle top, £895, net-a-porter.com

Reiss Trinity jacquard cigarette pants, £139, reissonline.com

Tamzin Lillywhite Mallory belt, £60, tamzinlillywhite.co.uk

Marc By Marc Jacobs Light toffee Verushka coat, £575, my-wardrobe.com

Luxe Layering

Erickson Beamon Alchemy gold-plated crystal necklace, £535, net-aporter.com

Vera Wang AW’12

Sandro Juste doublelayered tulle skirt, £175, sandro-paris.com

Moschino Cheap & Chic Jewel embellished silk top, £295, my-wardrobe.com

Layer yourself in gauzy chiffon and billowing blouses whilst dripping in diamonds and sparkle

IMAGE OF CROWS NEST RING BY CARATIME

Crow’s Nest Caught in the web ring, £6,120, crowsnestjewels.com

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Temperley London Lottie dress, £595, temperleylondon.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Embellished blouse £415, net-a-porter.com

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FASHION NOTES L A LI BOUTIQUE

The new place is a beautiful, stylish store that’s very much the new Golborne Road in terms of new stock rather than vintage, no clutter and muted grey walls. Nelli Turner’s new boutique concentrates on a variety of new labels (‘we’ve had lots of compliments from people glad to see a shop that’s not selling vintage on Golborne Road’) and the designer is working on her own collection now, mostly jersey pieces, which will launch in the autumn. The label is timeless, more a style than seasonal pieces. They also have lots of jewellery (including Tatty Devine), and a few vintage Dior scarves, plus the beautiful range by Beck Sondergaard, pictured.

Lali, 101 Golborne Road, W10

BENNE T G IRL

The new face of LK Bennett is Notting Hill-bred Emily Mortimer, who despite being a Hollywood actress, remains a local girl in spirit.

AM Y H A LL

Amy Hall’s fourth collection is designed and made in east London, and stocked exclusively at W11’s Wolf & Badger. After a stint at Agent Provocateur, the designer found herself more at home with knitwear; the handcrafted range is a favourite of east-turned west Londoner Paloma Faith. amy-hall.co.uk

IN BRIEF

Amid all this focus on sportwear, it’s important to remember that Stella McCartney’s underwear is divine too. Bra, £90 and brief, £55, foxandrose.com

ABSOLUTELY LOVES...

MICROTREND

Miu Miu Glitter Sunglasses £225, net-a-porter.com

SUNGLASSES Five of the best Phillips Floral Sunglasses, £161, a-morir.com

Finest Seven 04 Sunglasses £595, finestseven.com

Tom Ford Malin Sunglasses £193, my-wardrobe.com

Tatty Devine Sunglasses £126, tattydevine.com

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Fashionable feet head for Portobello Road Like a river of delights Portobello Road runs from Notting Hill to Golborne Road via the Westway and Portobello Green.

Famous for antiques, vintage and fashion markets, amazing food, unique shops and the North African delights of Golborne Road.

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

Bag a bargain, uncover a hidden treasure, or just enjoy the atmosphere of London’s most bohemian street.

Find us under the Westway at: Portobello Green Arcade 281 Portobello Road London W10 5TZ Sasti, Unit 6 Tel. 020 8960 1125 Email: sales@sasti.co.uk www.portobellodesigners.com

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

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

COOL RUNNINGS

Fashion gets sporty for a look that’s street but chic

PHOTOGRAPHY: DOMINIC STORER STYLIST: KIMBERLY THROWER

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 28

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SARAH WEARS MARCELLA SLEEVELESS TOP, £59 AND KNIGHT PANTS, £309 BOTH BY NARICSS SKULL LACE SCARF WITH LEATHER FRINGES, £265 BY AHILYA ‘KATIE’ BRACELET, £115 BY MARC BY MARC JACOBS

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 29

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FRANCESCA WEARS STEPS DRESS, £381 BY NARCISS ICEFLOW BRACELET, £495 BY SIMON HARRISON

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SARAH WEARS GREEN AND LEATHER DRESS, £255 BY NICOLE MILLER VERENA SHOES, £560 BY JEROME C. ROUSSEAU WATCH SILK BRACELET, £170 BY CORALIA LEETS POST STONE LARGE FRAME EARRINGS, £390

BY CORALIA LEETS

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 31

26/07/2012 17:14

SARAH WEARS PURPLE CROP TOP, £30 AND PRINT BOWERY LEGGINGS, £35 BOTH BY NIKE LIGHT PURPLE HOODED TOP, £135 BY SPLENDID NEON REINA BANGLES, £240 BY JADA FINE JEWELLERY

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 32

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FRANCESCA WEARS KNIGHT JACKET £439 BY NARCISS WOOL LEGGINGS, £339 SEE BY CHLOÉ NAVY VEST TOP, £53 BY SPLENDID OVAL RING, £350 BY CORALIA LEETS

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 33

26/07/2012 17:15

FRANCESCA WEARS TUXEDO JACKET, £381 BY NARCISS PALE PINK TOP, £318 AND WHITE SKIRT, £492 BOTH BY RACHEL GILBERT GALAXY BRACELET, £495 BY SIMON HARRISON PINK SUCKER MC SHOES, £362 BY CLEO B

STOCKISTS Ahilya at www.ahilya.com Coralia Leets at www.giftlab.com www.cleob.com JADA Fine Jewellery at www.astleyclarke.com Marc by Marc Jacobs at www.my-wardrobe.com Narciss at www.wolfandbadger.com Nicole Miller at www.WishWantWear.com Nike at www.nikestore.com Rachel Gilbert at www.rachelgilbert.com Jerome C Rousseau at www.jeromecrousseau.com See by Chloé at www.harrods.com Simon Harrison at www.simonharrison.com Splendid at www.asos.com Sports equipment courtesy of deancallispersonaltrainer.tumblr.com

CREDITS Photographer: Dominic Storer Stylist: Kimberly Thrower Stylist Assistant: Natasha Blumson Make-Up: Linda Wallsten Hair: Maki Tanaka Models Francesca Frame ES at Premier Sarah Warnaar at Next Shot on location at Ruby House www.castlegibsoncom

FASHION SHOOT AUG 2012.indd 34

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JASMINE GUINNESS.indd 36

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MINE’S A GUINNESS Jasmine Guinness has turned her hand to shoe design. Notting Hill’s most glamorous shopkeeper opens up to Pendle Harte

J

asmine Guinness, model-turned-designer and shopkeeper may be luminously beautiful and belong to an epic dynastic family, but she’s surprisingly un-princessy.

She’s a mother of three who runs a thriving toyshop, interrupting shop life at regular intervals to undertake design commissions ranging from fashion collections to her latest project, a line of children’s shoes for Step2wo.

You certainly don’t get the sense that she’s after an easy life of privilege, despite growing up in a fairytale-esque Irish castle.

Jasmine’s shop, Honeyjam, is the quirky Blenheim Crescent toyshop that provides stylish local parents with interesting and unusual toys for their demanding offspring.

Which might seem an odd business venture for a successful model, but as she says, ‘being a model is just like being a shopgirl, you’re trying to flog clothes and make them look good.’ Whether it’s a couture frock or a pumpkin costume, Jasmine’s sales are pretty successful. The shop moved last year from Portobello Road to Blenheim Crescent and it stocks a parent-pleasing range

that’s free of Barbie and Nintendo, thanks to a combination of factors ranging from Jasmine’s innate good taste to the economic impossibility of competing with, say, Argos. ‘I’m quite nostalgic and my favourite toys are always the classic ones like the cookers and the castles. They are beautiful to look at, work well in most homes and provide years of fun for children.’ At the moment, the best-seller is a French art kit. ‘It’s an amazing ink painting set called

pushchairs and dolls – needless to say she’s quite a girly girl. The boys, on the other hand, are all about fantasy figures and guns, things that explode – and bugs, of course. Most of their toys are from Honeyjam but their more regular purchases are definitely the sweets from the local sweet shop,’ she says.

Actually, Jasmine didn’t really grow up in a castle, just in the grounds of the one belonging to her father Patrick Guinness’s famous brewing clan.

‘Until the age of 11 I grew up in a cottage with my parents and when they separated I sort of moved in with my grandparents. The best thing about it was actually being able to disappear where no-one could find you, through I was usually up a tree or at my friend’s house.’

Family gatherings of the Guinnesses seemed huge to her and she remembers going to big weddings full of strangers who turned out to be related to her. ‘I’m always meeting new Guinnesses – there are thousands of us,’ she says. Are there any disadvantages to carrying the name? ‘The only disadvantage is that people tend to have very preconceived ideas about you and

‘I’m quite nostalgic and my favourite toys are always the classic ones like the cookers and the castles’ Aquarellum. You paint the pictures with ink onto waxed paper and the results are always beautiful. It is aimed at children aged six and up but it really works across any age group, which is why it has made such a popular gift idea in the shop.’

Guinness has sons aged 11 and six and a two-year old daughter.

Toys-wise, are their interests very different? And do they play exclusively with tasteful playthings?

‘I had no idea this would be the case, but having a girl is so different.

Ruby is much more caring than the boys are – she’s all about babies,

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who you are, but mostly I am very proud of my heritage and how well we looked after our workers,’ she says, referring to a television documentary which a few years ago traced her heritage and gained the family some criticism in the Irish press for its treatment of workers, centuries ago. Diana Mitford, who died in 2003, was her glamorous great-grandmother (‘very beautiful, clever and incredibly well read.

A classic Mitford, really’) who, notoriously, left Bryan Guinness for fascist leader Oswald Mosley.

Despite her pedigree, Jasmine claims to have no trust fund and started working at the age of eight, when her first modeling job for Laura Ashley earned her £50 in cash.

And she’s still in the business: ‘I do enjoy designing more now, although I do still do some modelling from time to time. I enjoy the creative outlet and getting to wear your own designs is every girl’s dream. When I do modelling now, I enjoy it more than before as it is more of a treat and a day off from the kids.’

The new range of children’s shoes is a diversion from her normal work.

Why shoes?

‘I was asked to design a small collection of children’s shoes for Step2wo and the British Heart Foundation to help raise funds for their Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

I loved designing the shoes, as I have never turned my hand to kids shoes before and I was given a free rein. I dreamed of what I would have wanted when I was young so the collection includes lots of fab pumps in various colourways (pictured, right) as well as some two-tone unisex brogues.

I think the shoes turned out pretty well and I will be getting lots for the significant kids in my life.’

Can she describe her own style? ‘I was lucky to grow up with lots of stylish women around me and they all had completely different styles, so I would say that mine is eclectic. When you have kids you don’t have the luxury to spend time planning outfits so these days I tend to just throw on the first thing that grabs my eye in the morning but I do still enjoy getting dressed up for a party.’

The Guinness family tree, with its aristocratic branches of lawyers, bankers and brewers and their related offshoots, is a glamorous one. Jasmine, with her signature

‘When you have kids you don’t have the luxury to spend time planning outfits’ 1940s-esque silhouette, red lipstick and flower in her hair, brings a movie-star quality to the dynasty and a playfulness that has found its home in a toyshop.

Seek her out next time you’re in the market for a toy castle. step2wo.com

JASMINE GUINNESS’S PORTOBELLO I love Portobello! It has such a great selection of independent shops and a great market too. It has a charm that cannot be replicated and has been a destination for the locals for a few hundred years. It needs support though, not just from the local shoppers, but from the Council too.

I love going to Mr. Christian’s. You can’t beat the breakfasts at Mike’s Café.

Essenza does great Italian food and the Spice Shop has every spice you could possibly want. Everything you need can be found in Portobello, all combined with a totally unique atmosphere.

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SUPER STYLING

Absolutely drops in on Notting Hill-based stylist to the stars, Alex Longmore, whose Style School trains the next generation of fashion hopefuls

MAIN PICTURE AND BOTTOM RIGHT: SHOOT STYLED BY ALEXLONGMORE AND SHOT IN NOTTING HILL..

BELOW: ALEX LONGMORE

You set up your Style School in the summer of 2011.

What sparked the project?

There were a few little seedlings that sparked my inspiration. The first came years ago when I started my first job as a fashion assistant. I had two horrible bosses who could have been characters straight out of The Devil Wears Prada. I vowed then (among piles of clothes) that I would try and make a difference when it was my turn to be at the top of the pecking order. The second seedling came from an old assistant of mine

who was working as an intern for me on a placement set up by a reputable London college. One day she came to work and broke down crying, saying that she said she could not afford to pay her college fees and still work for me. I wanted to start the school to give young people an affordable yet informed insight into the fashion industry.

Styling is an incredibly competitive business.

How do you help your students get a foot in the door?

My contacts list, for starters. Included as part of the course is a unique ‘mentoring scheme’ where each student after completion of their course gets one on one time with me where we try to build and shape each students career path. All the students graduate with masses of confidence and are taught by such esteemed industry experts that they are armed with insider knowledge .

Do you have any favourite personalities to style?

My favourite personality is Julie Walters, hands down.

She is great fun, a living legend and always open to my suggestions. We always have such a laugh working together.

Do you prefer working on TV or in print?

I really enjoy both, as they are so different. Styling for print is all about being unique and creative. I get nervous when it’s just me presenting but if I’m with a group of people on screen I am fine. I find learning lines takes time as I’m so dyslexic. I learn them when I’m walking my dog in Hyde Park – people must think I’m a complete nutter.

What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not working?

At the moment it’s all about box sets – I’m addicted to Californication! When I’m not glued to the screen I’m hitting BodyWorksWest’s Pilates and spinning classes.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love trawling Portobello market for vintage tea dresses and The Cross is one of my favourite shops, going in there is like visiting a friend, it’s such a relaxed shopping experience.

I shop for my goddaughter at ilovegorgeous on Ledbury Road.

Where do you find inspiration for fashion shoots?

I can be inspired by anything, films, music, novels, cooking, seeing an old postcard or visiting an art exhibition. Anything that stirs my soul gets me thinking creatively.

I’m an all-or-nothing person so I tend to get quite carried away.

I find travel very inspiring, seeing different cultures, colours and soaking up the atmosphere.

By Katie Randall; styleschool.co.uk 41

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FACTORY

GIRLS

Notting Hill’s youngest fashionistas modelled their own catwalk creations at the 20th Century Theatre.

Absolutely applauds them Photographs by Chris Moore

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Suzy Menkes is in the front row. Celia Birtwell too. Fashion show regulars they may be, but though we are talking about a catwalk, this is no big name show. And the models are even younger than seasoned catwalk photographer Chris Moore is used to, because this is Notting Hill’s most glamorous children’s event, an annual catwalk show featuring home-made pieces by tots as young as eight, using proper tailoring techniques to realise their own designs and model them themselves.

Amanda Riley’s Fashion Factory teaches children how to make their own clothes using recycled materials and upcycled textiles. Riley made her own first dress aged eight and her classes include lessons in patterncutting, sewing machine techniques and surface patterns. Students work on several different projects at once to produce entire self-made collections. On the catwalk at Westbourne Grove’s 20th Century Theatre are appliqué sweatshirts and patchwork bags, quilted dresses with exposed zips, dresses made from jeans, tie-dyed playsuits, patchwork dresses made from old bedding and Victorian linen plus other styles, all made with different techniques and all showing different skills in playful, fun ways. amanda@fashionfactory.org.uk

MAIN PICTURE: ISABELLA FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ANTONIA, CECE, JESS, JESSICA,HONOR

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ABSOLUTELY | K IDS

Absolutely TINIES How to keep them amused

FESTIVAL IN MINIATURE Lollibop – the festival exclusively for children – returns to Regents Park on 17,18 and 19 August with its crazed mix of live CBeebies characters, storytelling, magicians, a disco tent, theatre, games, Moshi Monsters, Shrek the Musical, The Gruffalo live on stage and more, all devised for the under-10s and their long-suffering parents. And there’s no camping required.

Don’t miss Alice in Wonderland’s tea party and the chance to meet Tiny the dinosaur.

Lollibopfestival.co.uk

ARTY KIDS Director of Cornellison’s Art Shop in Great Russell Street, Bayswater resident Nicholas Walt kindly donated a series of vouchers to NW10 primary school Princess Frederica as prizes for its Art Week. Pupils embarked on a variety of projects and workshops with artist-in-residence Sean Michael, alongside activites including cake decorating, puppet making, textile design, pottery, picture book making and architectural drawing.

TOP 3 NEW READS Sarah and Simon and No Red Paint by Edward Ardizzone was unavailable for 40 years but has now been reissued by Tate Books. The story follows the fortunes of an artist’s family as he runs out of paint with which to finish his masterpiece. £8.99 My Fashion Lookbook by Jacky Bahbout is a fantastic workbook for children with an eye for style. Work on textures, prints and silhouettes in this creative handbook for the over-eights. Thames &Hudson, £12.95.

Bird spotting is a good, wholesome summer activity – and here’s how to do it with stickers too. RSPB: Spot the Bird, published by DK, £6.99.

IN THE FRAME Anorak Press is selling two new posters illustrated by iconic French illustrator Alain Grée. At £10 each, Elves in the Forest and My Happy House are joyful additions to all bedroom walls. shop.anorakmagazine.com/category/prints

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

BEAUTY NOTES

MORE JUICE

The new Freshly Squeezed manicure at Bliss Spa is named after the spa’s very own new shade of varnish specially made by Essie, which is the brightest of oranges.

All products used are citrus scented and accompanying the treatment is (you guessed it) a glass of the freshly squeezed stuff itself. Oh, and a bottle of Essie’s Freshly Squezed is yours to take home too, whether you’ve chosen it for your nails or not. But hurry, because it’s a limited edition offer.

Manicure/pedicure £32; both £60. blissworld.co.uk

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Liz Earle’s new make up range includes the brilliant Sheer Skin Tint, which is light enough to be comfortable and weighty enough to cover your flaws. £21, uk.lizearle.com

Label M’s new range for hair includes white caviar, which is effective in rejuvenating agechallenged hair, apparently.

From £13.75, available at branches of Toni&Guy.

Aromatherapy Associates Triple Rose Moisturiser is a light yet effective moisturizer comprising three different roses, from Morocco, Turkey and Bulgaria to keep the complexion looking youthful and radiant. £51.50/50ml, aromatherapy associates.com

LIGHTEN YOUR LOCK S

Balayage is the method that Urban Retreat’s meister colourist Samuel specialises in – and it’s the key to natural-looking highlights. The problem is that it’s really only suited to super healthy hair. But if you’ve already got over-highlighted locks, he’ll guarantee you the Balayage effect using the regular foil method, just more cleverly. On a recent visit, results were impeccable and the new highlights were glossy, subtle and expensivelooking. Oh, and Samuel’s very entertaining too.

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BRUSH OFF

Michel Mercier’s new Untangle Your Day detangling brush is perfect for matted beach hair. Available in three varieties for fine, normal or coarse hair and featuring 428 bristles, this brush really gets the job done. £14.95, michelmercier.co.uk IN TR A INING

Want to get back your beach body? Six years without any exercise and three kids, I had almost given up hope. Then I met fitness guru Luke Marshall. He tailors fitness packages to suit your specific needs and budget. One of his specialities is TRX suspension training, the new craze that is definitely here to stay, beloved of celebrities and athletes alike. Luke runs a TRX body blast class in Queen’s Park (Monday 12.15pm and Wednesday 7.30pm) that truly hits every muscle. It incorporates strength, stability, power, cardio and most importantly it is great fun and very motivating – you can see and feel the results in a matter of weeks.

I’m going shopping for a new bikini.

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BEAUTY NEWS_V2.indd 47

26/07/2012 11:20

ABSOLUTELY | STY LE

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08 06 09 07 1. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, £19, clarins.co.uk 2. Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB with SPF 20, £80, omorovicza.co.uk 3. Cowshed Slender Cow Extra Firming Body Butter, £28, cowshedonline.com 4. Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation, £28, yslbeauty.co.uk 5. Ioma Optimum Moisture Cream Day and Night, £49, harrods.com 6. Estée Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle/Lifting Firming Serum 50ml, £68, debenhams.com 7. MAC Electric Cool Eyeshadows, £14.50 each, maccosmetics.co.uk 8. Oribe 24k Gold Pomade, £47, uk.spacenk.com 9. Becca Lip Butter Balm SPF20, £22, beccacosmetics.com 10. Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion, £18, renskincare.com

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ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

Sculpt Your Body Slim in Six Weeks Louise Parker and her dedicated team are ready to bust your body into shape for spring

THE INTENSIVE PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME was devised by celebrity trainer Louise Parker over 12 years ago and has since changed the body shape of hundreds of individuals. Her experience ranges from helping clients recover from long-term obesity, to taking care of some of the most beautiful bodies in the world.

The unique programme combines six hours a week of her exercise method, alongside a rigorous dietary overhaul, for a six-week period.

“Each week we train you in four 90-minute sessions in the comfort of your own home – bringing the gym to you and saving precious time,” says Louise. “Some clients choose to do three 90-minute sessions over an eight-week period and the results are still exceptional.”

The Intensive employs exercise and diet methods that radically shift body fat and totally re-sculpt the body, without compromising metabolism. “It’s so important to teach our clients how to boost their metabolism so that once they have lost the weight they can easily keep it off,” she notes. “So many diets will get the weight off but your metabolism will come to a grinding halt or they are just not sustainable.”

The programme’s emphasis on resistance work and an intelligent eating plan ensure the results that clients achieve are long lasting and, most of all, easy to maintain. “No aspect of what we do is extreme,”

she explains. “Every element of the plan is sensible, researched and proven to work. But what we do is put it all together to create massive transformations in our clients’ bodies and lifestyles.

“My team are world class and without doubt some of the best in the country. Most come from a Sports Science background and we have two Olympic athletes amongst us. We all share a friendly, no-nonsense approach and between us we offer an unrivalled service to our clients. I’m hugely proud to have such a talented and committed team behind me.”

with, and what has to be done to return you to your former glory.”

Louise Parker designs each programme with one of her team before the programme commences, based on the individual’s requirements and deadlines. A rigid, yet balanced food plan is devised, ensuring optimal results.

Louise personally monitors your diet diary on a daily basis to ensure you are on the right track and that you get all the support and motivation you need to succeed. In six weeks, you will emerge looking better than you thought you ever could. What Louise Parker does isn’t gimmicky, it is instead an intelligent combination of three factors – nutrition, training and lifestyle – delivered in just the right combination.

“Providing you have made the decision to change and are willing to let us guide you,” she asserts, “You simply cannot fail – clients routinely drop two dress sizes on the Intensive.”

There are many bespoke programmes available, and following a telephone consultation, Louise will advise a suitable programme and schedule to suit any objective, lifestyle and budget. Louise asks that new clients commit to a minimum of three hours per week to ensure that they achieve amazing results.

You simply cannot fail clients routinely drop two dress sizes on the Intensive Louise Parker believes anyone can have a fantastic body – regardless of age, body type and starting point: “By following my method, you really will be blown away by how you can change your body shape, overall fitness and exceed your own expectations.”

Her programme is suitable for anyone wanting exceptional results, in record time. The Intensive is hugely popular with clients needing to be what she calls ‘red-carpet ready’ – whether that’s for a wedding, new job-role or even the school run.

“I love helping post-natal mums,” she explains. “Since I had my daughters in quick succession, I fully understand the challenges new mothers are faced

Louise Parker Personal Training, 2 Eaton Gate, SW1W 9BJ 0800 084 2828 49

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ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

BE A MIDSUMMER BEAUTY QUEEN

August is the season of sleeveless tops, high hemlines and skimpy swimsuits. A trip to EF MEDISPA will give you a body you’ll want to bare.

T

here’s nothing like a hot summer’s day to show off a beautiful, toned body but if you’re not ready to bare just yet, award winning clinic EF MEDISPA has a top-to-toe menu of tailormade treatments that will give you the body you always wanted. Where other clinics merely address beauty from an external perspective, EF MEDISPA’s advanced aestheticians will take a 360-degree approach to getting the best results possible by addressing your individual concerns from the inside out. Whether you’re on a pre-holiday pretox or back-fromabroad detox, EF MEDISPA’s resident nutritionist, Kim Pearson has created 12-day and month-long plans to help you eat your way to having better skin, more energy and dropping those pounds – without the deprivation. Combine this with colonic hydrotherapy to beat bloating, tackle toxins from the inside and help you on your way to a washboard stomach.

When a little outside help is required, EF MEDISPA’s high-tech Vaser Lipo treatments have the miracle-working action of made-tomeasure lingerie. Tailored to suit your body shape, they precisely lift and sculpt your silhouette in a minimally invasive way to contour the kind of curves you’ll be dying to show off. If you’d like help with building up your bust book in for one of their 21st century breast enhancement options. From subtle lifts to natural-looking augmentations that will bump up your confidence and your bust, EF MEDISPA’s team of experts will give you the breasts you’ve always longed for – minus the stress or

an overnight stay in hospital that accompany traditional surgery.

Achieving a perkier behind will also prove easy with their extensive range of cellulite and stretch mark solutions. Whether it be non-invasive radio frequency, ultrasound or LED light therapy, EF MEDISPA will diagnose the cause of your trouble spots and rectify it with the best resultsdriven treatment plan for you.

Leaving you to check in for some Permanent Laser Hair Reduction that will leave you fuzz free for the rest of the summer – and well into the next.

Once you’ve got your dream beach body sorted, then turn your attention to creating a more youthful looking you.

EF MEDISPA offers a range of the latest injectibles to sharpen up your jawline and cheekbones and smooth the way for a more radiant, crease-free forehead – all administered in a subtle way that will leave everyone guessing as to how you achieved it. If you tackle beauty the EF MEDISPA way the only thing you’ll need is a new

bikini to show off your gorgeous new body.

TOP TIP! Why settle for one high-tech treatment when you can double-up with two? The new radiofrequencymeets-microneedling MicroFirm can reduce pores, tighten jowls, banish spots and melt away wrinkles for better than ever results no matter what your age or skin type!

69 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7NL 020 7449 6925 29 Kensington Church Street London W8 4LL 020 7361 1005 193 Kings Road London SW3 5ED 020 7368 7674 www.efmedispa.com www.twitter.com/estherfieldgras www.efmedispa.com/news/ www.youtube.com/user/EFmedispa

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ABSOLUTELY | HEA LTH

just one

Diary of

touch

Shakti Ananda

Marcela’s Marcela’swelcomes welcomesyou youtotoexperience experienceour our luxurious luxuriousSouth SouthAmerican AmericanManicures Manicuresand and Pedicures, Pedicures,accompanied accompaniedwith withour ourdazzling dazzling Essie Essiespring/summer spring/summerseason seasoncolours. colours.

YOGA TEACHER FROM PORTOBELLO Shakti Ananda (38, real name Annabel) used to work in fashion PR. But after reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, she had an ‘A-ha’ moment and gave it up. After completing her TTC at the Sivananda Centre in Madurai, she’s now a fully accredited yoga teacher. She’s also a Reiki Master and Lightworker. Her mission, aside from becoming enlightened in this lifetime, is to heal those around her and help humanity in its transition from fear to love.

AsAsthe thesun sunstarts startstotoshine, shine,it itis istime timetotohithitthe the beach! beach!Our Ournew newhighly highlyexperienced experiencedBeauty Beauty Therapist TherapistTara Tarahas hasgreat greatexpertise expertiseininbeauty beauty treatments, treatments,including includingwaxing. waxing.For ForBrazilian Brazilianand and Hollywood Hollywoodtreatments, treatments,we werecommend recommendthe the painless painlessFrench FrenchHot HotWax Waxwhich whichis iscarried carriedout outinin 15-20 minutes, getting for 15-20 minutes, gettingyou youready forsummer! summer!

Marcela’s welcomes you toready experience our

6.05 am Wake early. Am so excited for this evening’s ‘Working with your Power Animal’ workshop which Colin, my shaman, is holding at my place. Have strong feeling my Power Animal will be snow leopard or unicorn.

6.45 am Do two hour Asana practice incorporating Eka Pada Rajakapotasana or pigeon pose. The buttocks store a lot of emotions and I can feel them being released.

8.49 am Have a good cry, then drink some Chi Coconut water to cleanse and rehydrate my system.

10.03 am Ring Jagadambai to check if she is still coming tonight. We haven’t spoken since Goan yoga pant debacle.

10.34 am To Portobello market to find suitable outfit for tonight. Spot second-hnad green Yogandu t-shirt but stall owner wants £30. Tell her that charging so much is not in spirit of yoga; she tells me to go to Primark.

6.12 pm Colin arrives. He’s charging people £50 for the workshop. Manage to haggle him down to £32.50 for myself.

6.54 pm Jagadambai arrives with Lakshmi. Lakshmi has very googly eyes – suspect she suffers from thyroid problem.

7.03 pm A small guy arrives, having seen my advert in Portobello Wholefoods. He looks like a ferret. We begin workshop with grounding exercises. Then Colin leads us in a guided visualization through the Amazon rainforest.

7.53 pm Colin says that we should have met our Power Animal by now. I can’t see anything.

8.12 pm Spot small black crow near purple plant. Ignore it.

8.32 pm Colin tells us we can leave rainforest now.

8.41 pm Jagadambai says she saw a white wolf. Lakshmi had a bear. Small man saw a snow leopard. Liar. I only saw a crow. Colin says that this is my Power Animal. Tell him that he’s mistaken. And anyway there aren’t any crows in the rainforest – nor wolves, bears or snow leopards.

8.53 pm Jagadambai and Lakshmi are giggling and making crow noises. Feel headache coming on.

9.31 pm Finally everyone goes after eating all the Nairn’s mixed berry biscuits I’d provided while gloating about their Power Animals. Retire to bed for a cry.

luxurious South American Manicures and Pedicures, accompanied with our dazzling We aapremier Wehave have introducedEnviron, Environ, premier Essie introduced spring/summer season colours.

quality qualitybrand brandthat thatoffers offersoutstanding outstandingresults results for skin types and ages. forallall skin types and ages. products As the sun starts to shine, itEnviron isEnviron time toproducts hit the provide essential nutrients ininsufficient provide essential nutrients sufficient beach!

Our new highly experienced Beauty Marcela’s inviteshas you great to discover the best South American Therapist Tara expertise in result beauty doses totobe truly effective, which doses be truly effective, which resultinin Manicure and Pedicure treatments accompanied with our vibrant treatments, including waxing.

For Brazilian and aaplumper, younger looking complexion. plumper, younger looking complexion.

Essie & Duri Summer season colours.

Hollywood treatments, we recommend the painless French Hot Wax which is carried out in PrepareAfter yourself for you beach holiday atservice, Marcela’s, off ershave relaxing and 15-20 minutes, getting you readywho for summer! years ofof we have Aftermany many years service, we

pampering beauty treatments at the highest standard, using top of range products. experienced experiencedstaff staffand andthe thebest besthospitality hospitalitythat that For Brazilian and Hollywood depilation Marcela’s offer strip and pain- free hot We have introduced Environ, a premier maintains our fabulous reputation maintains ourrelaxed fabulous reputation and client Parisian wax. Also feel with our beauty therapistsand Nafi saclient and Tara, quality brand that offers isoutstanding results loyalty.

Each treatment to loyalty.

Each treatment istailored tailored toones ones who have a great healing touch for facials and body massage, leaving Marcela’s as for all skin types and ages. Environ products need, your visit more new to again to combat the stress daily life. personal. need,ininorder order tomake make your visit more personal.

provide essential nutrients in sufficient

We ininthe heart Weare arebased based the heartof ofKensington.

Kensington. doses to be truly effective, which result in a plumper, younger looking complexion.

After many years of service, we have experienced staff and the best hospitality that maintains our fabulous reputation and client loyalty. Each treatment is tailored to ones need, in order to make your visit more personal.

We are based in the heart of Kensington.

Marcela’s has recently introduced Eye LashHours: Lift ; an amazing treatment that lifts Opening Opening Hours: and maximises yourMonday: natural lashes 10am the root. e results are impressive; - 6pm Monday:from 10am - Th 6pm lashes are visibly lifted and separated in order to give you wide eyes look which Tuesday Tuesday- Friday: - Friday:9am 9am- 8pm - 8pm last from 6-8 weeks. Feel free without make -up during your holiday! After Saturday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm many years of service, we have experienced staff and the best hospitality that 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm maintains our fabulousSunday: reputation and client loyalty.

Each treatment is tailored Opening Hours: to ones need, in order to make your visit more personal. We are based in the Monday: 10am - 6pm heart of Kensington.

- Friday: 9am - 8pm W8 77Holland Street, Kensington, HollandTuesday Street, Kensington, W84NA 4NA Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 10am1555 -1555 5pm 0207 938 0207 938

www.marcelas.co.uk

www.marcelas.co.uk Hours 7Opening Holland Street, Kensington, W8 4NA

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Baba Ganoush

Monday: 10am- 6pm

Tuesday-Friday: 9am -8pm

0207 938 1555 Sunday: 10-5pm

Saturday: 9am-5pm

As seen by Hattie Edmonds

www.marcelas.co.uk

7 Holland Street, Kensington, W8 4NA / 0207 938 1555 / www.marcelas.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

SUMMER SKIN OFFER

THE CLINIC: Tucked away just behind Harley Street, visitors to the Waterhouse Young clinic would be forgiven for thinking they had stumbled across an exclusive members club, such is the elegant façade. Scaling the staircase up from the grand entrance does nothing to disabuse one of the notion, until, at the top, you are greeted with smiles and a genuine sense of welcome. Waterhouse Young’s eminently experienced team specialises in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Sound intimidating? It shouldn’t. Between its registered aesthetic nurses, doctors and surgeons there is no team in London with more expert knowledge of facial structure.

WATERHOUSE YOUNG IS OFFERING ALL ABSOLUTELY READERS A COMPLIMENTARY COMPUTERISED SKIN ANALYSIS, A FULL SKIN CONSULTATION AND 20 PER CENT OFF THEIR TREATMENT PLAN UNTIL 30 JULY. QUOTE ABSOLUTELY. BOOK ON 020 7486 3849; WATERHOUSEYOUNG. COM

TOP 3 OTHER TREATMENTS: 1. Botox: The clinic specialises in administering Botox, the muscle relaxant which minimises the appearance of lines on the face, can tighten jaw lines giving a lift to the neck and is great for eliminating excessive sweating. The effects can last for three to six months. Each person is given a full consultation before-hand to determine exactly the effect they hope to achieve.

2. Dermaroller: Advanced micro-skin needling which catalyses the regeneration of collagen and elastin and as such is perfect for treating acne scarring, sun damage, facial and décolleté lines, stretchmarks and overall skin rejuvenation.

3. Dermal Fillers: A treatment which plumps the skin, immediately reducing the signs of ageing. The effects typically last six – 12 months, and at Waterhouse Young, the team uses a range of Juvederm and Restylane products.

SKIN DEEP

Absolutely checks in at the Waterhouse Young clinic for one revelatory HydraFacial THE WELCOME: The warmth of the reception is the first thing to strike visitors. As you reach the top floor – which is flooded with natural light – you are ushered into a comfortable waiting room, complete with copies of Vogue et al, and even iPads – and offered nuts with an anti-oxidant drink of your choice; detox, age defying, multi vitamin or energy.

THE PEOPLE: Norman Waterhouse is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons. He has held a number of senior posts including President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Richard Young is a specialist in craniofacial surgery with a particular interest in cosmetic surgery and facial rejuvenation. The most recent addition is Dr. Michele Engel, chosen to complement the team for her unsurpassed understanding of facial structure. She is renowned for her personal approach, which is entirely in keeping with the clinic’s culture. For her the art is in subtlety and enhancement, as opposed to radical change.

THE ETHOS: It is all about holistic care at Waterhouse Young. The onus is on treating individual needs, and rather than affecting a perfect symmetry or an identikit frozen face, the team focuses on augmenting natural beauty and looking at overall skin health.

Treatment options available include Botox, Dermal Fillers, Dermaroller, HydraFacial and Obagi; all patients are offered a computerised skin analysis prior to treatment to identify underlying issues such as UV damage, together with the visible ones. Using this alongside a thorough skin examination, the team formulates the correct treatment plan to fit each client’s lifestyle and get the results.

THE TREATMENT: I opt for the HydraFacial, which is aimed at re-surfacing the skin without lasers. Using a spiral shaped tip, my aesthetic nurse Chantelle expertly

extracts the impurities that have built up in my skin. Though slightly scratchy it is far from painful, and contrary to most skin treatments, I actually feel like it is doing something to ameliorate my skin.

The beauty of the treatment is it cleverly infuses hydrating antioxident serums. After, Chantelle shines red LED lights on my skin to increase collagen and elastin production.

THE VERDICT: Unequivocally the best facial I’ve ever had. My skin was instantly brighter, cleaner and fresher, and following the stream of compliments I got, I will certainly be back, perhaps even for Botox, a treatment I’d until now discounted.

53

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26/07/2012 11:00

54

FOOD INTERVIEW Rowley.indd 54

26/07/2012 13:24

ABSOLUTELY | FOOD A ND TR AV EL

LOCAL

HERO

Chef Rowley Leigh has been at the helm of local restaurants for 25 years, first at Kensington Place and now at Le Café Anglais. Absolutely catches up with him Your latest project is Cooking with Rowley. What is it all about, and who’s involved?

Cooking with Rowley is an opportunity for a chef – possibly one from outside conventional commercial kitchens - to come and paint on the large canvas that is Le Café Anglais. As a chef, it’s always highly stimulating to be exposed to another cook’s way of seeing things.

We’re also curious about the Lounge [Whiteleys’ luxurious cinema with its own menu devised by Leigh]. Are people enjoying their cinema suppers and what are they eating?

Do you honestly approve of eating in front of a screen?

I can never believe how snooty people are about the concept – until they experience it for themselves. Everybody loves it and in ten years’ time we’ll all be talking about those old-fashioned cinemas where you couldn’t get

anything to eat or drink apart from fizzy drinks and popcorn.

Le Café Anglais has a number of iconic dishes that are permanently on the menu. Can you talk us through them and why they work so well?

Parmesan custard with anchovy toast combines two of my favourite tastes, both rich in umami.

They counterpoint each other to produce a very savoury and quite sensual effect.

Our pike boudin, another staple, translates a difficult and bony fish into a little poem of old-fashioned gastronomy.

We’re also known for our rotisserie.

Our roast chicken combines the best chickens produced in Britain (Label Anglais, from S J Frederick) with the best way of cooking them – spit roasting. Surprisingly few people are used to ordering this kind of thing in a restaurant, so debased is the idea of ‘chicken’ to them. They are missing out.

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD A ND TR AV EL

What is in your fridge at home?

You don’t want to know.

In 10 years’ time we’ll look back at oldfashioned cinemas where you couldn’t get anything to eat apart from popcorn What are your favourite summer dishes?

Peach and tomato salad, salade Niçoise, sea trout with cucumber salad, grilled lobster, Mirabelle tart, grilled sardines…

The list goes on.

Have your own tastes changed over the course of your career?

They must have, but I’m not sure

And what are your kitchen pet hates?

Let’s start by throwing the whole gamut of modern mannerisms – the foams, spherifications, smears, smoke and mirrors – of contemporary cooks into Room 101, along with their vacuum packers, their water baths and their plastic bags. That’d be a start.

COOKING WITH ROWLEY: The visiting chefs

I could say how. These things evolve slowly and gradually.

1 August Florence Knight

Do you have fond memories of Kensington Place?

Of course. At Kensington Place there were five of us having a ball and we caught the wave, giving people exactly what they wanted at that particular point in time. It wasn’t really work.

12 September Lucas Hollweg 6 November Gizzi Erskine 23 January Rose Prince

RECIPE

GREEK SALAD (SERVES 6) 4 LARGE, RIPE TOMATOES 1 LARGE CUCUMBER OR 2 SMALL ONES 250G FETA CHEESE 1 RED ONION OR 6 SPRING ONIONS 2 TABLESPOONS BLACK OLIVES 1 TEASPOON ROUGHLY CHOPPED MARJORAM OR OREGANO 4 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL Needless to say, really good, ripe tomatoes are needed here. Look also for the little Italian cucumbers that are firmer and less watery than ours.

The Greeks certainly would not peel the tomatoes and I recommend authenticity on this occasion.

Slice the tomatoes and spread them in overlapping rings over a large plate. Peel the cucumber, cut it in slices the thickness of a pound coin and distribute them on top of the tomatoes.

Slice the feta thinly and spread it on top. Cut the onion in thin rounds and place these on top in turn.

Sprinkle with the olives and marjoram or oregano, season with pepper and anoint with the oil. Take to the table and then cut the salad up with a knife and fork before serving.

No Place Like Home: Seasonal English Cooking by Rowley Leigh Published by Clearview Books £9.99 56

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Early Even

ing Offer

Buy any p izza and g et the seco price! Mon nd half day to Thu rsday 5.00 – 7.00pm Cheaper p izza will b e discounte d to 50% This is a lim ited offer.

Not valid on Bank Holid ays.

PIZZA (all 12”)

EXTRA TOPPINGS

Traditional Pizzas

Speciality Pizzas

MARGHERITA Tomato sauce & mozzarella

7.50

KIDS’ MARGHERITA (9”) Tomato sauce & mozzarella

5.50

NAPOLI Tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies, oregano, capers & olives

9.30

CAPRICCIOSA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, cooked ham, mushrooms & artichokes

9.80

QUATTRO FORMAGGI Tomato sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Taleggio & Parmesan

9.80

MONOPOLI Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spinach, egg & Parmesan

9.80

TONNO Tomato sauce, mozzarella, tuna, capers & red onion

9.80

QUATTRO STAGIONI Tomato sauce, mozzarella, cooked ham, mushrooms, olives & artichokes

9.95

VESUVIO Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami & fresh chilli relish

10.40

PHILADELPHIA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, cooked ham & Philadelphia PIZZA PARMIGIANA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, aubergines, Parmesan & goat’s cheese TROPEA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, roast peppers, roast red onions onions & goat’s cheese MONTAGNA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, peas, Gorgonzola & crispy pancetta CARNIVORA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, cooked ham, fresh Lucanica sausage & chicken

Choose from the freshest ingredients

9.30 @ 1.00 each Mozzarella; capers; olives; mushrooms; roast aubergines; red onions; Philadelphia; free range egg; sweet peas; chilli relish; tuna fish; 9.80 rosemary potatoes; truffle oil @ 1.50 each Cherry tomatoes; spinach; roast peppers; 9.80 grilled chicken; cooked ham; anchovies; rocket; Taleggio; pancetta; Gorgonzola; pesto; fresh Lucanica sausage 10.40 @ 2.00 each Parma ham; Speck; porcini mushrooms; buffalo mozzarella; Bresaola; ‘Nduja’ soft spicy sausage; spicy salami; Parmesan shavings; 11.50 goat’s cheese; artichokes Add extra tomato sauce topping for 50p

ASSISI Mozarella, grilled chicken, roast peppers & pesto

10.95

BOSCO Mozzarella, porcini mushrooms, fresh Italian sausage, Parmesan & rocket

11.50

GASTRONOMIA

LASAGNA BOLOGNESE AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA SALUSBURY FOODSTORE FISH CAKE BUFALA 10.95 CAESAR SALAD Tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, buffalo Grilled chicken, baby gem lettuce, mozzarella, D.O.P., basil & Parmesan croutons, parsley & Caesar dressing BRESAOLA 11.50 Mozzarella, Bresaola (cured beef), rocket & cherry tomatoes

7.25 7.25 3.20 7.50

SIDES

MESSAPICA Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spinach, roast peppers, roast aubergines, artichokes & mushrooms

10.40

CRUDO Tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham & rocket

10.95

CALZONE 10.50 Folded pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, cooked ham, mushrooms & artichokes

PORCINO Tomato sauce, mozzarella porcini mushrooms, sausage & Gorgonzola NDUJA Tomato sauce, mozzarella ‘Nduja’ soft spicy sausage, roast peppers and olives

MARINATED OLIVES GARLIC PIZZA BREAD GARLIC PIZZA BREAD with mozzarella 11.50 ROCKET SALAD ROCKET & PARMESAN MIXED SALAD Baby leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onion 11.50 and house dressing

3.50 3.50 4.00 4.00 4.50 4.50

11.50 ALBA Mozzarella, fresh Lucanica sausage, rosemary potatoes, Taleggio & truffle oil

Any of our pizzas can be made gluten-free (add 2.00).

SALUSBURY.2.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Granger & Co Absolutely checks out an Antipodean offering

175 Westbourne Grove W11, 020 7229 9111 grangerandco.com

I

t was only a matter of time before Aussie chef Bill Granger attempted to infiltrate the Pommies.

Already flying high with his Sydney restaurant, Bills, as well as numerous TV shows and cookbooks, he’s a firm Antipodean favourite. And now he’s gathering a Brit fan base too, especially around these parts.

London was always going to be a tough nut to crack – with all the Polpos and Ceviches popping up – yet Granger has proved his salt and come out singing with Granger & Co. Opening late last year, the restaurant runs along similar relaxed lines to Bills, and has family chic down to a fine art with its sunny yellow awnings and airy, light-filled look.

The menu is well developed and cleverly thought-out, covering all bases. Showcasing classics with an Aussie twist, dishes have been whipped into inspired elegant affairs, such as the semolina

crusted calamari – well portioned, tender with a generous amount of harissa mayo. For main course, the crispy duck with plums, star anise and citrus salad proved an instant hit, flavoursome with a clever marriage of ingredients.

The parmesan crumbed chicken schnitzel with fennel slaw was equally impressive, succulent with tangy lemon mashed potatoes.

The highlight was dessert – with spice biscuit ice cream sandwich with butterscotch sauce, it’s hard to go wrong. Pure indulgence, pure perfection.

In addition, the wine list displays a good range and is served brilliantly by attentive staff. Plump for the Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay which boasts a fruity finish that cuts through dishes with knife-like precision. Or for teetotallers, ask for the homemade lemonade, rosehip and mint punch which hits the spot perfectly.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW GRANGER.indd 58

26/07/2012 12:15

The

Queensbury SERVING CONTINENTAL LAGERS TRADITIONAL ALES COCKTAILS AND A WIDE SELECTION OF SPIRITS ALONGSIDE FRESH, SEASONAL, HOMEMADE FOOD.

110a Walm lane | Willesden green | London | NW2 4RS | 0208 452 0171 www.thequeensbury.net | info@thequeensbury.net Queensbury.indd 1

20/07/2012 10:30

2 PORCHESTER PLACE, LONDON W2 2BS t: 0207 706 2210 - w: www.connaughtkitchens.co.uk - e: design@connaughtkitchens.co.uk

CONNAUGHT KITCHENS

Summer Sale now on Connaught Kitchens.indd 1

23/07/2012 15:57

ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL

BYRON

SIX PACK

6 local burger bars LUCKY 7 Tom Conran’s ever-popular pastiche of a 1950s diner, on the site of a notorious 1950s speakeasy. Probably the coolest burgers in west London.

127 Westbourne Park Road W2 020 7727 6771 GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN Home of the 8oz burger, and currently boasting the UK’s poshest burger, made with beef from the Royal Farms in Windsor, and simply called The Windsor.

Truly the queen of burgers.

160 Portobello Road W11 020 7243 6597 THE DINER Kensal Rise’s family hangout/cocktail bar. The food may be a bit hit and miss, but with classy shakes and staff patient enough to tolerate large groups of small children, who’d complain? The burgers are filling enough.

64-66 Chamberlayne Road NW10 020 8968 9033 BLACK AND BLUE Made by their own butchers, the Black and Blue burger recipe hasn’t changed in 25 years. For extra class, add foie gras.

215 Kensington Church Street W8 020 7727 0004 THE REGENT On Best Friend Tuesdays, it’s buy-oneburger-get-one-free at this popular watering hole.

5 Regent Street NW10 020 8969 2184 STICKY FINGERS Bill Wyman’s long-standing Kensington diner is loved by families and fans of the rock’n’roll burger, the red hot chilli pepper burger and the supersized sticky stack burger.

1a Phillimore Gardens W8 020 7937 8690

BUN TIMES The verdict on Westbourne’s new Byron Burger – and a roundup of the competition

The Byron Burger movement started in Kensington High Street and quickly spread. Now there are 23 branches in London – but though this is a burger chain, it’s not an identikit outfit and certainly a far cry from those golden arches.

Now inhabiting the former Elbow Room, Byron’s Westbourne Grove burger joint is stylish and well-designed, feeling quite New York-like with its airy, contemporary colourful look, luxe leather booths and fancy wire lampshades. We visited for an early dinner and found it totally transformed from the formerly cavernous billiard bar into a clean, open space with a central diner-style kitchen and a stylised look.

The burger menu promises, simply, ‘proper hamburgers’ and it is an uncluttered list.

We ordered cheeseburgers with extras of avocado and jalapenos, and they were satisfyingly juicy and fi lling. At 6oz, they may be slightly smaller than some of the competition, but you’d have to be pretty hungry/greedy to let that bother you. Skin-on chips were tasty, as was the coleslaw; and the children’s meal was a pared-down burger with a cute side dish of carrot and cucumber batons, a concession to healthy eating.

Less healthily, the milkshakes were supersized and seemingly entirely made of ice cream, while the menu also offers root beer or cream soda floats for extra authenticity (more appealing to the local palate is Camden Hells lager, brewed in north London).

Desserts, again, are more the type of thing you’d expect across the pond, with an oreo sundae smothered in an outrageous quantity of cream. You couldn’t eat here every day, but for a feast in stylish surroundings, tended to by enthusiastic and attentive staff, you certainly can’t go wrong. byronhamburgers.com 61

BURGERS.indd 61

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Banana tree.indd 1

26/07/2012 10:51

ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL

FOODIE NOTES POT HE ADS

Le Creuset has just opened a stand-alone store on Ledbury Road, a fabulous destination for those whose kitchens need another stylish casserole. With new colours arriving every season, you can never have too many. lecreuset.co.uk

S TEP UP

The dining room at the First Floor has been redecorated in a rich soane yellow and with its crisp white linen and silver candelabra, this is a place to dine in style. New young head chef James Lidsey comes to the First Floor from L’Escargot and is keen to make his mark in his first job as Head Chef.

The emphasis is on fine dining and wonderful fresh ingredients at a price that won’t leave you weak at the knees.

Lidsey will complete his team with sous chef Yanni, formerly of the Notting Hill Brasserie. firstfloorportobello.co.uk

TE A IN N A RNIA

The Royal Garden Hotel has devised a special tea package for visitors to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, available throughout the summer holiday and every weekend while the show lasts. On offer is a Narniathemed menu of Aslan apple and almond slice, white raspberry witch’s hat, Beaver Dam Battenberg and fluffy Lucy lemon tart. There’s even a range of non-alcoholic cocktails including Aslan the Great and Narnia Surprise. parkterracerestaurant.co.uk

GRE AT TA S TE

The Great Taste Awards celebrates the best of British produce and local winners include Fulham Road chocolatier Demarquette (all chocolates are made in its W10 kitchen) with its Imperial China creation, a ganache chocolate made with single origin cacao from Vietnam and infused with Jasmine White Monkey Tea. demarquette. com. Also winning for London was Lidgates, with its English Wagyu Sirloin Steak - English Wagyu beef, vivid marbling with a velvety, buttery consistency. lidgates.com

UNDERGROUND DINING

From Bejing dumplings to German sausages: the best of German, British and international supper clubs will come together in August for a four-week festival of private and underground dining at the Supperclub Summit at South Kensington’s Goethe-Institut. This Supperclub Summit is curated by Florian Siepert of Foodtri.ps, coordinated by Edward Smith of Rocket and Squash, and ticketed by Edible Experiences. Yum. Supperclubsummit.com 63

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OBIKÀ The grandiose arched windows and chic interior provides the perfect setting for new Obikà restaurant in South Kensington. Specialising in fresh, hand-produced mozzarella (an absolute favourite which Obikà imports twice a week from selected artisan producers), the restaurant serves a whole range of delicious Italian dishes, from tasty caprese classica to the more unusual pizza salmone e ricotta - a 48-hour proofed pizza with a smoked salmon and ricotta topping. Whether for a quick bite after work or a dine out meal, Obikà is top of our ‘to visit’ list.

Opening Hours Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm 96 Draycott Avenue, SW3 020 7581 5208 southken@obika.co.uk

EAT SUSHI Eat Sushi is a culinary hub at the heart of Kensal Rise. It serves a vast selection of fresh, delicious sushi and despite the name, a whole range of other authentic Japanese dishes including rice, noodles and curries. Dine in the cosy surroundings of the (unlicensed) restaurant, or, if you fancy staying in, make the most of Eat Sushi’s take away service and get it delivered to your door. There’s an outside catering service too.

16 Station Terrace, NW10 5RX 020 8969 4386 / 020 8964 0217

Absolutely FOOD & WINE The finest local establishments

ZAIKA

PARK TERRACE Visit the Park Terrace Restaurant for Sunday lunch and enjoy fresh, seasonally prepared cuisine. Try the traditional roast beef with all the trimmings, impressively carved at your table, while enjoying views over Kensington Gardens.Served from 12.30pm to 3.00pm every Sunday. £21 for 2-courses or £26 for 3-courses.

Royal Garden Hotel Park Terrace Restaurant 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT T: 020 7361 0602 parkterracerestaurant.co.uk

With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply eastern flavours with a western twist. Zaika does a cooking course every month. The Perfect ‘gourmet’ seasonal gift experience, learn how to use a fabulous combination of traditional and contemporary Indian cooking techniques and enjoy a five course menu with wine and champagne for only £95.

Zaika Restaurant, 1 Kensington High Street, W8 020 7795 6533, reservations@zaika-restaurant.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

GOODE AND WRIGHT Portobello Road’s destination bistro mixes British and French culinary influences. They have a fervently seasonal menu that always includes plenty of imagination: choose from breakfast favourites with a twist, hearty or light brunches and - when the candles come out - complete dinner courses. Their slow-cooked Sunday roast is reason enough to make a visit.

271 Portobello Road W11 020 7727 5552

THE QUEENSBURY The Queensbury boosts an array of welcoming treats.

A spacious, heated beer garden welcomes you to a cosy bar area serving an impressive array of spirits, cocktails, continental lagers and traditional, well kept cask ales. The restaurant is light, airy and charming. The food speaks for itself, simple, elegant and beautifully homemade with fresh seasonal produce. The heart and soul of Willesden Green.

110a Walm Lane, NW2 020 8452 0171 thequeensbury.net

MARKET THAI The first Thai restaurant to open on Portobello in the mid-nineties, The Market Thai is hardly new, but this established restaurant has one goal: to serve delicious food in a unassuming comfortable environment. Relax and enjoy food made from high quality produce that retains its authentic Thai heritage, and is always served as fresh as possible. Whether you are being adventurous and trying a new dish or just having a old favourite, The Market Thai will transport you to Thailand while keeping you in the heart of Notting Hill.

240 Portabello Road, W11, 020 7460 8320

THE CHAMBERLAYNE

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN

Whether you are on the go or have time to linger, Le Pain Quotidien is the perfect place to catch a break from city life.

The homey interior matches its organic farm food roots; a splendid display of everything from tarts to tartines can be found here at any time of day. And there’s always enough fresh bread to go around.

30- 31 Kendal StreetLondon W2 2AW Tel: 020 7262 8391

Serving ten different cuts of steak from Scotland’s finest Millers of Speyside, the Chamberlayne restaurant really is the only place to go when you’ve got a hankering for red meat. Enjoy steaks, oysters, traditional pies, Scottish seafood and lots more.

The restaurant pride itself on breaking the mould of the standard gastro pub, sourcing the finest beef in the country…. and they offer customers great value for money.

Chamberlayne Pub & Steak House, 83 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 020 8960 4311 thechamberlayne.com 65

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FLYOVER W10’s newest live music and arts venue. Expect to hear the most up-front electronic sounds, the heaviest reggae baselines, historic folk ballads, mind-expanding jazz improvisation; soulful music from all corners of the globe and everything between. The well-curated line-up of events will be matched with a bar that features an equally eclectic array of boutique wines, hand-crafted beers, soft drinks and friendly staff. They are keen to involve local people both as customers and in other ways. If you want to be involved, get in touch. You can’t miss the sign!

Contact huey@theflyoverco.uk for details of music or promotional opportunities; theflyover.co.uk

NEDS NOODLES

LIDGATES Danny Lidgate is the fifth generation of his family to run Lidgate’s, the 160 year old Butcher/Charcuterie Shop in Holland Park Avenue.

Danny personally hand-picks organic and grass-fed beef, lamb and pork from selected farms and estates. Lidgates offers homemade sausages, award-winning pies and quick and easy ready dinners.

Online shopping now available. Lidgates Deliver Daily Order before 5.00 pm for next day delivery –If you call early enough, same day London deliveries can be arranged.

110 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UA 020 7727 8243; lidgates.com

For delicious fresh noodles and a wide array of authentic Chinese dishes, Neds Noodles is your go-to place on Westbourne Grove. From sweet and sour chicken to Thai seafood salads, you are spoilt for choice and guaranteed to find something that will whet your appitite. All dishes are served in an original American-style take-out pailor box, which makes it easy to meander through the streets of Notting Hilll while enjoying your tasty Asian cuisine.

Alternativley make the most of the online delivery service and get Neds Noodles delivered straight to your door.

95 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UW 020 7034 0089 nedsnoodlebar.com

LE PICCOLO La Piccalo Deli stocks a wide range of hand-made, quality products, from fine wines to fresh vegetables, sourced from all regions of Italy. They deal directly with their suppliers, most of whom are small independent businesses. With delis in Kensington and Maida Vale, they have a true rustic feel with a warm friendly atmosphere. If you want delicious Italian food, you should make La Piccolo Deli your local. lapiccoladely.com 20 Stratford Road, W8 6 Laudardale Parade, W9

THE ALICE HOUSE A fusion of vintage glamour and contemporary socializing. With its retro brick interior, quirky light fittings and chunky wooden furniture, The Alice House offers a chic, cosy and characterful mix. Serving fresh British sourced food every day with an extensive wine and innovative cocktail list to match. Always worth checking out their weekend brunch and lunch menus. qp@alicehouse.co.uk, 020 7624 0008, 53-55 Salusbury Road, NW6

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CHAKRA The Chakra mantra is based not solely on great food but the combination of mind, body, soul and nourishment, extending a full appreciation regarding how food makes us feel not just that it’s delicious to indulge yourself in. Chef Andy Varma really does know a thing or two about Indian cuisine, reinventing the delights of Indian street food, and raising humble dishes to new culinary heights, it comes as no surprise that Madonna and Woody Allen are confirmed lovers of the restaurant. Be transported from the heart of Notting Hill to the bustling streets of Delhi, the venue is fine dining but the food is nothing but authentic.

Chakra 157 - 159 Notting Hill Gate, W11 020 7229 2115, chakralondon.com

FENG SUSHI at Feng Sushi there’s a brand new menu that’s perfect for summer: fresh, light and, as you’d expect, includes all the very best seasonal ingredients starting with these tasty salmon tartar bites (pictured) - delicious scoops of minced Loch Duart salmon served in a crisp piece of gem lettuce. Other hightlights include chilled chilled ramen noodles, Cornish sardines in various guises and an improved version of the fabulous Feng Sushi fish cake. Order online or eat at one of the eight London branches. 101 Notting Hill Gate, W11, fengsushi.co.uk

THE CHURCHILL ARMS The Churchill Arms A beautiful old Kensington pub with a twist of the unexpected.The Churchill Arms serves up a pint of London Pride with a side of spicy Kaeng Par Thai curry – and you will be competing for space due to the popularity of this venue.

With the combination of eclectic decoration (hanging baskets overflow with flowers) and a friendly atmosphere there’s an overwhelming urge to never make the journey home. The kitchen is a family business and cuisine consistently stays true to their Thai heritage.

The unanticipated combination never tasted so good, all served in a butterfly- themed conservatory.

119 Kensington Church Street, W8 020 7727 4242

BUMPKIN A taste of Seasonal Britain....bountiful breakfasts, lazy lunches, best Sunday roast, children’s menus, bar, delicious dinners with cool summer music, The Queen’s Room for private dining and Notting Hill’s best kept secret: the Attic, with live music every Friday until 1am.

209 Westbourne Park Road, W11 020 7243 9818 bumpkinuk.com .... to book or simply stroll in

CAFÉ NOVA Portobello’s only not-for-profit cafe., helping local people to develop skills and confidence. Professionals and volunteers work together to produce an exciting daily-changing menu of dishes from North and EastAfrica, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Caribbean. Meat and fish dishes are £4.50 and vegetarian meals £3.85. Monmouth Coffee – free Wi-fi – homemade cakes – children’s area – lovely balcony overlooking Portobello Green. Open Monday - Friday 10am5pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm, Cafe Nova is run by NOVA new opportunities and supported by Westway Development Trust.

3 Thorpe Close W10 67

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL High Street Kensington tube station, 123 Kensington High Street, W8 5SF tel: 020 7937 3150

now available in high street kensington...

urt g o y n e z o r * 20% off f s e i h t & smoo

Mr and Mrs Skött’s W11 diaries In which they go and see a hairdresser in a boxing ring

I

...it’s udderly delicious!

NoorJ

• frozen yogurt • smoothies • fresh juices • breakfasts • hot drinks

t was a time to reminisce for Mr Skött when he headed down to Westbourne Studios to see his old friend, ex-hairdresser Martyn Gayle in a charity boxing match.

It was Martyn who brought Mr Skött over from Copenhagen to work for him in his first salon in 1989. Boxing not quite Mrs Skött’s cup of tea, he went with an old friend visiting from Copenhagen. Back to the reminiscing, they lived together in student digs in Denmark some 26 years ago. Martyn did a great job in the ring, with a draw against a guy some 30 years younger.

Since meeting Jeremy Gilley at a seminar last year we have been proud supporters of his amazing Peace One Day initiative, so were delighted to be invited to the launch of the Art Dinner by Debut Contemporary on Westbourne Grove, held in support of Peace One Day. We met some fantastic artists and love the idea of introducing art as a lifestyle to consumers and as a business to the artists.

Another trip to Westbourne Studios, this time Mr and Mrs Skött went together to view the finalists in the BikeMinded Cycle Shorts competition. We enjoyed all the films, what a great initiative to spur people to get on their bikes. The screening was scheduled to be at The Electric but an extractor fan fire in the Brasserie kitchen put paid to that – and last time we looked, the place was still shut. Another local closure was Sainsburys on Westbourne Grove, closed down by the council for an infestation of mice – I suppose we can only be assured that it will now be one of the cleanest Sainsburys around.

Mr Skött has been in Bordeaux this week photographing the Tour de France. Perhaps he should have taken the new Doggy Ride trailer with him. Keep an eye out for him wizzing around on the Brompton with the Skött dogs happily ensconced in the trailer. Meanwhile, we are escaping the Olympics madness and heading to Mr Skött’s mother country – hoping for some summer there.

*Terms and conditions apply. Please present voucher at time of purchase. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

Offer is valid at High Street Kensington only. No photocopies accepted. Offer expires end August 2012.

2

ahan

Finest

Indian Cusine

The last 49 years Noor Jahan are serving traditional style north Indian food prepared using only fresh ingredients and ground spices, no artifical colourings or preservatives are added to the original Indian flavours.

Set on two floors with a terrace, also with a private party room. It is the perfect location for business lunches or romantic dinners.

26 Sussex Place, Hyde Park Estate, Paddington, London W2 2TH www.noorjahan2.com  020 7402 2332 / 020 7402 5885

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ABSOLUTELY | STY LE

TOTALLY WIRED

Eclectic electrics Absolutely’s selection of the most glamorous gadgets around

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: DUALIT BLENDER, £149, DUALIT.COM; KITCHENAID MIXER IN GRAPE, £429, HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK; GENEVA SOUND SYSTEM MODEL LARGE, £1,099, CONRANSHOP.CO.UK; LAVAZZA SAECO EXTRA IN RED, £119, LAVAZZA.CO.UK

COMPETITION

THE REVOLUTIONARY VORWERK KOBOLD VC100 HANDHELD VACUUM CLEANER SCOOPED ONE OF THE HIGHEST ACCOLADES IN THE DESIGN COMMUNITY, A RED DOT PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD 2012.

IT’S A STYLISH AND EFFECTIVE PIECE OF KIT, INVALUABLE FOR ATTACKING CRUMBS AND DUST, WHILE LOOKING GOOD IN YOUR KITCHEN. HAPPILY, IT’S SUPER EASY TO USE TOO. SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT, IT’S THE FINEST IN SLEEK GERMAN DESIGN. THERE’S ONE UP FOR GRABS FOR A LUCKY ABSOLUTELY READER AT VKDIRECT.CO.UK/ABSOLUTELY - BUT HURRY, THE COMPETITION CLOSES ON 31 AUGUST.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: RUARK AUDIO R1 MKII DAM/FM RADIO, £159, JOHNLEWIS.COM; OTTO BAMBOO FAN, £175, HEALS.CO.UK; MULTI-TEMP JUG KETTLE, £85, CUISINART.CO.UK

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TRAVEL ROUND-UP

FEAST YOUR EYES

Absolutely enjoys cookery schools in the sun KEMPINKSI HOTEL

BARBAROS BAY, BODRUM, TURKEY One would definitely be forgiven for thinking that, when surrounded by a stunning private marina, a helipad, a Six Senses Spa, an idilic infinity pool, a long stretch of sandy beach and a whole host of tempting restaurants on the brilliant-blue Aegean coast, getting busy in the kitchen would not be in your thoughts. In fact, it’s perhaps fair to say that it would be the furthest thing from your mind. However, at the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, the opposite is true; there are an array of brilliant and inspiring cookery workshops.

Included in these fun lessons, guests learn about authentic Aegean ingredients and the various delectable vegetables and fruits that are sold at lively local markets.

The stand out speciality is its three-day course, where guests are instructed how to prepare an impressive four-course meal with fresh food purchased at the Bodrum

farmers’ market that very morning. The second day dawns and does not disappoint either, starting with a morning visit to the local farm. Then, there’s a rare opportunity to prepare and cook freshlycaught fish under the supervision and expertise of top chefs inside the hotel’s kitchens. On the third and final day, guests are given a chance to cook with pastry chef Tunca Onat. He leads a class instructing how to cook the all-important Turkish rice pudding with accompanying mint saruch. The experience is not complete without the inevitable foodie finale; as things are topped off with a scrumptious private meal. Live music on the terrace provides the final seasoning to this fabulous three day feast of culinary inspiration.

Rates start from €215 per room, per night including breakfast. +90 252 3110303; kempinski.com/bodrum

THE BERTINET KITCHEN

BATH, ENGLAND Chef and baker Richard Bertinet originally hails from Brittany, but since his move to the UK, he has revolutionised the gastronomic scene in idyllic Bath. Back in 2005, he opened the eponymous Bertinet Kitchen, an award-winning cookery school slap bang in the centre of the historic city.

The school runs an array of courses for food-enthusiasts of all ages and levels, so there is truly something to cater for all people and tastes. Gift vouchers can be purchased as special gifts, which you may well need to help you navigate the wide range of options on offer. There are useful bread-making classes and vienoisserie tutorials, as well as lessons in how to make moist croissants, perfect pasta and mouth watering chocolate treats. The list continues, with instruction on how to make dishes for the vegan diet, and, of course, more classes on the gamut

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THE BERTINET KITCHEN MAMMA AGATA

BODRUM, TURKEY

of French, Italian and British cuisine.

If you’re still searching for something that appeals and is perhaps a little more niche, there’s also instruction specifically focusing on Caribbean food (taken by Levi Roots) and even sushi (with Silla Bjerrum, founder of the Feng Sushi chains). Without a doubt, the list at the Bertinet kitchen is eclectic. Meanwhile, at the nearby Queensberry Hotel, the eccentric bolthole run by husband and wife team, Laurence and Helen Beere, is an ideal place to bed down after a day at the stove.

Classes start at £150pp, classes with Richard Bertinet start at £195pp, and those with Michelin-starred chefs start ta £215pp; 01225 445531; thebertinetkitchen.com A night at the Queensberry Hotel starts at £130; thequeensberry.co.uk

MAMMA AGATA

RAVELLO, ITALY With endless views across the azure waters below, there couldn’t be a more beautiful place to get to grips with Italian gastronomy than at Mamma Agata’s School in Ravello. The words ‘hidden gem’ come emblazoned on all aprons, and couldn’t better suit this Amalfi Coast school, run by a trio made up of matriarch Agata and her daughter and son-in-law, Chiara and Gennaro. The school also doubles as their family home and together, they effortlessly engineer a day of fun, laughter, teaching and innumerable rounds of exquisite food.

It’s incomparably idyllic too; to access the school’s entrance, guests have first to walk through the family’s rich and heavenly orchards, lemon trees and tomato plants.

In the house, the large table in the kitchen is laden with tempting dolce al limone to tuck in to when you fancy. A day with Agata (who cooks) and Chiara (who

usefully translates) is nothing short of unique: both the kitchen and the open veranda dining area overlook the stunning coast below. There’s their award-winning cookbook and some of their very own pasta and olive oil to walk away with, too, just in case parting becomes all too much. Don’t miss Gennaro’s home-made tangerine limoncello, which is a fantastic twist on the original.

The nearby magnificent five star Hotel Caruso Belvedere provides the perfect spot in which to relax after all those lavish spreads.

A day courses at Mamma Agata costs €160 per person. +39 (0) 89857019; mammaagata.com Rates start from €418 including all taxes, per room, per night, based on two sharing. 0845 077 2222; hotelcaruso.com 71

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL

THE TOWN: The impact the Stein empire has had on this picturesque fishing village of less than 4,000 inhabitants is immeasurable. Rick’s much loved television shows have made Padstow a gastronomic rite of passage for all visitors to the chocolate-box county of Cornwall.

Although extremely busy during the summer months, when the harbour is flooded by international tourists, Padstow is a working fishing port which keeps itself busy all year round. Visitors can be forgiven for expecting a Stein-opoly, but are always pleasantly surprised to discover plenty of dining alternatives (perhaps one too many Cornish pasty shops) and a number of authentic pubs to while away days on the glorious north coast.

UK GETAWAY

Prospect House Padstow THE HOTEL: Prospect House is in the old part of Padstow, which means the fourroom bolthole, attached to the larger St Petroc’s Hotel and Bistro next door, has delightful vistas over the estuary and old town.

This minute gem is the latest addition to the highly-regarded group of hotels owned by Rick and Jill Stein, the celebrated chef’s former wife and current business partner. Wonderfully private, secluded and cosy, Prospect House is that very rare of finds: contemporary, yet respectful of its location and very pretty indeed. Nothing seemed too troublesome for the attentive staff: a WIFI issue, for example, was solved instantly by an IT department. Definitely not a simple B&B; this is a slick operation.

THE RESTAURANT: The main foodie event for any stay in Padstow is without a doubt, The Seafood Restaurant. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private dining lesson with Mr Stein himself, during which he lamented today’s obsessive pursuit of the Michelin star, convincing us that there is more to gastronomy than laboratory precision and technique. Dishes such as hot shellfish with parsley, chilli, olive oil, garlic finished off with squeezes of lemon juice and the standout local cod and chips typified the simple approach that serves him so well.

PRICE TAG: Bed and Breakfast ranges from £225-£285 per night. For all reservations telephone 01841 532700 or visit rickstein.com

THE BEDROOMS: Designed by award-winning interior designer Jill Stein, these are solid, comfortable rooms.

At the centre of the solid oak floor, a large, soothing fireplace and accompanying ornate wood stack divides the room to create two spaces, bedroom and sitting room. Each area comes with mounted LCD TV screens, while entertainment and temperature can be controlled by a nifty touch screen control panel. French windows open up to the reassuring smells and sounds of the sea and within minutes, you’re back ensconced within rustic Cornwall.

THE BATHROOM: It is tranquillity itself. Choose to linger in the large bath set up in front of a garden-facing window, or relaxing in the walk-in rainshower, whose powers to soothe are helped along by the Molton Brown products that line its walls.

The heated mirrors bring another comforting level of sophistication.

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD & TR AV EL

Licensed to chill Angela Sacre finds that there is no place like an all-inclusive spa resort to get rid of all those stresses and strains

W

ho wouldn’t jump at the chance of an escape to the five star resort of Le Blanc Hotel and Spa in popular Mexican resort, Cancun?

Well, normally, I wouldn’t. I never stay at all-inclusive resorts. It’s the fear of feeling incarcerated in the confines of a sinister complex, like something out of The Prisoner, forbidden to visit any local sights or experience anything of the world around me. And in Cancun, my fears turned out to be quite founded. Though I can’t blame the hotel (and certainly no large balloon). Nothing was preventing

me from venturing further – nothing other than my own growing sense of deep relaxation and contentment. I hadn’t figured on that. But when you consider that Le Blanc ranked at number three in a recent poll of the world’s top ten all-inclusive resorts, perhaps I shouldn’t have been so surprised.

This is what it’s all about.

For a start, comfort is paramount here. Every night, the Le Blanc Spa Resort team surprises us with a turndown service, where our own personal butler, Alex, there to indulge our every whim, runs us a Jacuzzi bath and offers a pillow menu that spans orthopaedic, goosefeathered and extravagant

lavender or chamomile pillows.

During our time here, I sleep much more deeply than I normally do.

With a Caribbean breeze floating in from the balcony and petit fours at bedtime, the sense of serenity is truly overwhelming.

The resort’s list of activities includes ‘relax in plush lounge chairs on the private white sand beach’ or ‘sip on cocktails served by the pool concierge’ – which is about as much activity as you need here – though you could go scuba diving or indulge in a bit of poolside volleyball, with the right motivation.

Days pass in a blissed-out haze of relaxation and comfort. The Le Blanc Spa features a unique blend of Asian and European tradition

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Le Blanc ranked at number three in a recent poll of the world’s top ten all-inclusive resorts providing guests with all-inclusive activities ranging from sun-bathing beside three luxurious pools, (including two infinity pools with swim-up bars), a fully-equipped fitness centre and a health spa.

My therapist Angelica gives me the most thorough and de-stressing massages I’ve ever experienced, using lavender and camomile to calm my mind and body.

There are eight on-site restaurants offering an impressive global selection and with a staff-toguest ratio of almost one-to-one,

this adults-only resort is the epitome of luxury. Despite signing up to an ‘all-in’ package, we did manage to escape for a trip to the Mayan temples of Chichen Itza, but in the event, we couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel Jacuzzi.

I am a convert, it seems, not a prisoner and ‘just chilling’ won out in the end.

To book a stay at Le Blanc Spa Resort, please visit www.leblancsparesort.com or call (877) 753-2526.

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ABSOLUTELY | I NTER IORS

INTERIOR LOOKS SELECTION OF HANDMADE PLATES BY LISA NEIMETH, £14 – £88; AVAILABLE AT ANTHROPOLOGIE.EU

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ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY | INTERIORS

INNER BEAUTY

Famed model agent Fiona Ellis has shifted her focus from faces to interiors.

She tells Absolutely how it happened, and why Portobello market has a lot to do with it PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL YATES

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ABSOLUTELY | INTERIORS

You are one of the original model agents and you’ve worked with some of the biggest names. How did it all start?

My working life began in the fashion industry and my job was my first passion. Starting as a Girl Friday, I found my niche very quickly, finding, nurturing and developing new talent. Together with up-and-coming photographers and makeup artists (at the time Mario Testino and Pat McGrath were just starting out in the industry themselves) we worked to build portfolios for them and for the girls. Out of this teamwork came some of the biggest names in today’s fashion industry.

You are known as the woman who discovered Erin O’Connor. How did that happen?

I discovered Erin at the Birmingham Clothes Show Live. She was bending over the bargain bin. It was the back of Erin that I saw, her long hair and her languid silhouette. I then caught a glimpse of her strong, striking nose and went straight over to her. Erin was so overwhelmed that she started to hyperventilate, but I was so sure that I was on the phone to her parents within five minutes of meeting her.

Erin always says that on that day her life was changed forever.

THE FLAT IN CAMPDEN GROVE W8, RECENTLY DESIGNED

BY ELLIS

You have lived in Notting Hill in the past. What did you like about it and why did you move?

I loved living in Notting Hill. At that time all my friends lived in the area and we were regulars at Portobello, The Globe and the infamous Fresh and Wild too. I was at the market every Friday, and that’s where my parallel love for fashion and interiors began. I would divide my time between the clothes stalls and the vintage fabrics and antiques.

The traders became my friends, it was a social occasion. I’d bump into editors, stylists and even scouted a few models there too – Lorraine Pascale and the Saxby twins come to mind but there were many more too. My favourite shop was Sheila Cook Textiles, she sold clothes and beautiful vintage fabrics. I moved away simply because it was time

for change in my life. I wanted a garden, to be closer to my family and to bring my daughter up where I grew up.

Now you are moving away from fashion and into interiors. What prompted this?

I have always loved interiors. If you ask any of the models I looked after, they will tell you that my office was the womb of the agency – all of the girls would come in if they wanted to talk or just wanted a moment of calm. Whether it’s my working environment or living space, I love to make a place cosy and create a mood within a room. The skills I learnt in the fashion industry have followed me: when I used to be hunting for faces, now I’m scouting antique fairs for beautiful one-off pieces. I used to go to antique fairs with my mum from the age of 10 and went to my first auction at 11: I bid and won a beautiful old box filled with oddments. I have always loved finding treasures.

How would you describe your own style?

My style is an eclectic mix of antique, modern, deco and jungle.

I love luxurious textiles and my favourite colours are dark and moody. A huge influence in both my fashion and interior style was Biba. My first trip to the store on High Street Ken, was aged 10, with my mum, and I have never forgotten it. The leopard skin has remained a favourite and Venetian mirrors have followed me from home to home. I just remember an exotic, glittering mix of colours – heavy printed wallpaper, beautiful fabrics on the couches and the rainbow room on the top floor was just WOW. Animal print is a huge favourite of mine, a huge majority of samples in my office are prints and skins, you’d think you were in the jungle. I have just done a client’s hallway in crocodile skin and it looks incredible.

What’s your favourite recent purchase?

My Diane von Fustenburg Panther

Rug from The Rug Company and my Nike Elite Vintage BRS – fluro trainers!!

Could you talk us through the Campden Grove project?

Louise came to me as she knew my style and loved it. It is her first home in London, and she wanted something cosy but fun. She didn’t want a total knock down and rebuild, so I had to work with the existing kitchen and woodwork.

When I first went to see her the whole place was white, so I just added the Ellis touch. We went dark on the walls to cosy it up.

She loves a bit of glitz, so we went with gold and black cobra skin on the walls and a black diamante skull. Louise wanted to keep her chandelier so I hand-dyed some small antique lampshades. I was able to bring in fluro, which I want to use more in my work. I’m determined to bring a splash of colour into the design industry.

What are you working on next?

I’m working on some great projects at the moment – a beautiful house in St John’s Wood, an old farmhouse in Manchester and I’m prepping for a big commercial job that starts at the end of the year. As well as homes, I am also in talks about working on a bar/club, which I am really looking forward to. Oh and, I’m also currently working on setting up an online store. elliseyeinteriors.com

Ellis’s favourite interiors shops: Ochre – Britton Street, EC1 The Rug Company – Holland Park Road, W11 Tom Dixon – Portobello Dock, W10; Ollie and Bow. Birgit – Fulham Road, SW3 Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, SW10 Antique Fairs – love Ardingley and Newark 81

INTERIORS ELLIS_v2.indd 81

26/07/2012 12:29

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multi-fold timber doors

Best Paw Forward The next step

Updates from the Best Paw Forward campaign which raises money for Cancer Research UK with sponsored dog walks

S

ince we announced Best Paw Forward in last month’s magazine lots of things have been happening, for one thing, we now have a brand new web site bestpawforward.org, where your doggy can log in and register for the exciting event.

The other good news is that Simon Dale has agreed to be our master of ceremonies on the day. Simon is a DJ who has a weekly show on HeartFM and is a well known dog lover as well as a great supporter of Cancer Research UK via his work with Race for life.

As all of you know Best paw forward is a sponsored dog walk in aid of Cancer Research UK and is taking place on Saturday September 29th. What you may not know is that the venue, Wormwood Scrubs Park, is adjacent to Hammersmith Hospital where Cancer Research UK has one of its many research facilities and undertakes cutting edge research and clinical trials into many aspects of cancer and its treatment - particularly breast, ovarian and lung cancer.

Hammersmith Hospital is also the place where one of the individuals from the group who organised Best paw forward underwent treatment twice for cancer in the 1980’s and being involved with the fund raising brings to story full circle.

So keep your eyes open for more updates on twitter, Facebook and online and don’t forget to get you pampered pooch to signed up and start raising money today.

Come and visit us at the showroom: 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD Telephone 0208 877 8920 www.ayrtonbespoke.com

84

NU LINE EDIT.indd 84

26/07/2012 12:47

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY AUGUST 2012

WESTBOURNE CRESCENT, BAYSWATER, W2 An impressive, spacious apartment situated on the second floor of a Grade II listed stucco fronted building with south facing views and just moments from Hyde Park.

Reception room, Dining area and kitchen, 2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Lift, Very good decoration

Guide Price ÂŁ995,000 Share of Freehold

NH PROP COVER AUGUST 12.indd 85

020 7402 1552 hydepark@carterjonas.co.uk

26/07/2012 10:58

Knowledge is the name of the game.

Know-how is staying ahead of it.

Recently voted the best in the business, we go to great lengths to get the best results for our clients.

At Marsh & Parsons, we’re the leaders in the field when it comes to knowing the area in which we compete. With our experience, determination and raw energy, we are on track to get the best price for your property.

Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk marshandparsons.co.uk

Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Scarsdale Villas W8 ÂŁ6,000,000 This superb family home has been beautifully refurbished throughout, providing substantial living accommodation with off street parking and a south facing landscaped garden. The property comprises a modern kitchen leading onto the garden, two reception rooms, five bedrooms including a master with en suite bathroom and a further family bathroom.

Scarsdale Villas is a wide tree lined street south of Kensington High Street. Freehold. Joint Sole Agent.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

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

SALES

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

Holland Park W11 ÂŁ2,350,000 Created from a nineteenth century private billiard hall, this truly unique property boasts an atrium that operates as a dining hall, a grand, beautifully proportioned drawing room, a kitchen and a guest cloakroom. The bedroom accommodation provides a fabulous master suite, a further double bedroom and an additional bathroom. Located in the heart of Holland Park, the property backs onto Holland Park Mews and overlooks its own mature courtyard garden. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

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

Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Alba Place W11 £1,699,000

Durham Terrace W2 £1,495,000

This charming, superbly located mews house comprises a large first floor reception room with a contemporary, open plan kitchen/dining room, a stunning master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a roof terrace, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Freehold.

Arranged over two floors, this stunning property boasts a wonderful open plan reception/dining room, a smartly designed kitchen, a large master bedroom with en suite bathroom, a second double bedroom, a further bathroom and a private south facing terrace. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

NORTH KENSINGTON: 020 7313 8350 lets.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Lexham Gardens W8 £1,425,000

Pembridge Villas W2 £875,000

This amazing property is flooded with natural light and offers excellent living/ entertaining space throughout including a large reception room, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Located close to extensive amenities of both Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

Presented in immaculate decorative throughout, this superb apartment boasts a fabulous open plan reception room with glorious high ceilings, a separate kitchen/dining room, a large bedroom with fabulous views over gardens, WC and a bathroom. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.ken@marshandparsons.co.uk

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

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

We thought it only sporting to open the doors to our A showcase of our award-winning performance.

Overall Supreme Agency of the Year

Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2011 GOLD

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Best Medium London Lettings Agency

Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2011 SILVER

Best Customer Service

Denbigh Close W11 £2,800,000 Located on a sought after central Notting Hill mews, this fabulous house boasts excellent reception space including a well proportioned living room leading to an open plan kitchen/dining room. The bedroom accommodation comprises two generous bedroom suites, one of which occupies the entire second oor. Freehold. Sole Agents.

Estate Agency Leader of the Year Peter Rollings Chief Executive

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Marketing Team of the Year

marshandparsons.co.uk/awards NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

SALES

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

Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

With so many awards we needed another It’s a track record we’re really proud of.

Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2012 GOLD

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Best Medium London Letting Agency

SILVER

Best Property Management Agency 501 - 1000 Properties

Overall Winner of UK’s Estate Agency of the Year Award 2010 GOLD

Estate Agency of the Year

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times OVERALL WINNER

of the UK’s Estate Agency of the Year

National Lettings Agency of the Year

Estate Agency of the Year Best Medium Awards 2010 London Estate In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Agency

Carlton Mansions W14 £1,375 per week UK Best Medium Estate Agency

marshandparsons.co.uk/awards

This stunning garden apartment is set in a desirable mansion block, moments from Holland Park tube station. The property comprises a modern eat-in kitchen, a large reception room, three very well proportioned double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and access to a patio garden.

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

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

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

LETTINGS

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

Forbra House W11 £1,350 per week

Pembridge Villas W11 £995 per week

This exceptionally well presented lateral apartment offers the ultimate in style and luxury, the accommodation comprises an open plan kitchen/ reception/dining room, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and excellent built-in storage, a guest bedroom and a separate WC.

This second floor apartment is located in a stunning Victorian conversion in the heart of Notting Hill. The property comprises a large split level reception room with high ceilings, an open plan kitchen, two large bedrooms with great storage and two beautiful bathrooms.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 6910 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 6910 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Strathmore Gardens W8 £675 per week

Ladbroke Grove W11 £575 per week

Located in a handsome period conversion close to the amenieties of Kensington High Street, this charming flat comprises a bright, open plan reception room with high ceilings and wooden floors, two double bedrooms and two modern bathrooms.

Having been recently refurbished, this stunning one bedroom apartment offers a separate fully fitted kitchen, a large, bright reception room, a quiet double bedroom and a superb shower room. The flat is perfectly situated for the amenities of Notting Hill and Portobello Road.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 lets.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

NORTH KENSINGTON: 020 7313 8350 lets.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk

Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

NOTTING HILL

Pembridge Square W11 A bright, spacious apartment extending to approximately 1,423 sq ft and boasting fantastic vaulted ceilings.

Reception room • Semi open-plan kitchen • Cloakroom 2 double bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) • Access to communal gardens (subject to the usual consents)

Guide price £2,500,000 Leasehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas.indd 2

24/07/2012 18:28

HOLLAND PARK

Queensdale Road W11 A superb three bedroom 1930’s house situated in a prime location just off Norland Square.

Reception room • Study • Kitchen/dining room • 3 double bedrooms • Bathroom • Garage • Garden

Guide price £1,950,000 Freehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK

Holland Park W11 A spacious lower ground floor flat, situated within an impressive Italianate villa, in the heart of Holland Park.

Reception room • Kitchen • Dining room • 2 double bedrooms • En suite bathroom • Separate shower room Patio

Guide price £1,160,000 Share of Freehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas.indd 3

24/07/2012 18:28

Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park Square W2 An immaculately presented duplex apartment with enviable south facing views over Hyde Park Square, situated in a grand Grade II listed white stucco fronted building.

Reception room • Dining room • Kitchen • 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • 2 private patios • Porter • Private entrance Access to communal gardens

Guide price £2,800,000 Share of Freehold

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7402 1552 hydepark@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas.indd 4

24/07/2012 18:28

HOLLAND PARK

HOLLAND PARK

Oakwood Court W14

Holland Park Mews W11

A spacious, newly refurbished apartment set over approximately 1,550 sq ft.

A charming house tucked away in this attractive cobbled mews.

2 reception rooms • Kitchen • 2 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Lift • Access to communal gardens

£825 per week

Unfurnished

2 reception rooms • Kitchen/dining room • 2 double bedrooms Bathroom • Balcony • Garage

£1,100 per week Part furnished

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK

HOLLAND PARK

St James’s Gardens W11

Abbotsbury Road W14

A delightful garden maisonette overlooking St James’s communal gardens.

An attractive double fronted red brick period home located in the heart of Holland Park.

Reception room • Kitchen/dining room • 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Private garden • Access to communal gardens

Reception room • Dining room • Kitchen • 6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms • Playroom • Utility room • Roof terrace

£1,150 per week Unfurnished

£2,750 per week Unfurnished

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Carter Jonas.indd 5

24/07/2012 18:28

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

‘‘

Matthew Harrop and Rollo Miles of John D Wood & Co PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD CLARK

he Olympics are now in full swing and the attention of the world is once again on London and perhaps the property market. There is currently a real lack of properties for sale and we are fi nding that the market is price-sensitive. To achieve an exceptional price it is better to start with a reasonable one. This can seem counterintuitive to sellers, and demands that they take a leap of faith with their chosen agent. This is where our company’s longevity, professionalism, local expertise and global reach kick in.

For an agent to fi nd the best value for your home, it is essential that there is a trusting relationship between the two parties. Often when an offer has been made sellers may feel that their agent is over-zealous in encouraging them to accept it.

As your home is most likely your most valuable asset, you want to make sure you do not undersell and that you are getting the best price possible, having tested the market to the full.

The relationship of trust is not only with the seller but also with the buyers.

They don’t want to be passed from pillar to post, but have their needs understood.

They want to build a relationship with the agents and know their agent will deal with them effectively and fi nd them a new home. This is where it is vital for offices to work together and teams to know each other’s properties and buyers. Someone who started looking in Notting Hill/Kensington will consider Holland Park and possibly move to North Kensington, for instance.

As a joint team of two closely associated offices John D Wood & Co.’s Kensington and Holland Park branches work as one. Matthew Harrop and myself share market intelligence on a daily basis. We continue to do viewings and handle sales, building relationships with buyers. This enables us both to keep our fi ngers on the pulse. Our in-depth knowledge of London and its villages, what makes one Garden Square different to another, which communal garden has the best fi rework display, which are the best local schools and specialist shops, all makes us true experts in the areas we work.

If this year is anything like 2010 and 2011 when we agreed a record number of sales, August will be far from quiet. If you are thinking of selling in September it might be wise to come to the market in August and not compete with the September rush when more properties are traditionally brought to the market and buyers have more choice.

98

PROP IN THEIR OWN WORDS.indd 98

‘‘

020 7727 2233; rmiles@johndwood.co.uk

26/07/2012 13:12

ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

99

PROP IN THEIR OWN WORDS.indd 99

26/07/2012 13:09

LEINSTER MEWS, W2 Freehold ÂŁ3,950,000

A complete refurbishment of a spacious mews house moments from Hyde Park.

On three floors, this fully comprehensive property offers fantastic accommodation in a peaceful cul-de-sac. Modernist styled with polished cement floors, beautiful wood floors and sky lights, the property also comes with the latest appliances by Bulthaup, Sub Zero and Wolf. In brief, there is a ground floor kitchen-dining room, large top floor reception room opening onto a roof terrace, three double bedroom suites, laundry, patio and garage suitable for a Range Rover.

17 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU

Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei at the 2012 Serpentine Gallery

DOMUS NOVA_1st DPS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 26

26/07/2012 16:51

HILLGATE STREET, W8

Freehold ÂŁ8,250,000

A new build contemporary house designed

by Seth Stein Architects.

Set behind a traditional façade within Hillgate Village in Notting Hill Gate, the plan extends 26 metres (85 feet) in length and provides accommodation on four floors, arranged around a courtyard that steps back on each level. The house consists of three principal bedroom suites and a guest/ housekeeper suite. It provides two separate living areas on two levels for formal and less formal living. There is also an integral garage and in total, four terraces.

DOMUS NOVA_1st DPS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 27

26/07/2012 16:52

LEAMINGTON ROAD VILLAS, W11 ÂŁ3,500 per week

Affectionately refurbished by De Matos Ryan Architects and interior designed by Carden Cunietti.

Encompassing five luxurious floors, the lower level offers incredible entertaining space and beautiful landscaped gardens, alongside a smart guest bedroom, en suite dressing room and guest shower/cloakroom. There is a stylish mezzanine dedicated entirely to a contemporary fitted kitchen whilst on the floor above, is the formal reception room. The remaining floors consist of the master bedroom suite with sizeable dressing room and en suite bathroom, three further bedrooms and additional family bathroom.

17 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU

Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: summer drinks at The Westbourne on Westbourne Park Road

DOMUS NOVA_2nd DPS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 26

26/07/2012 16:53

WESTBOURNE PARK VILLAS, W2 ÂŁ2,500 per week

Jaw-dropping minimalism and immaculately presented throughout.

Comprising a generous 33’ reception room, the first floor of this two bedroom maisonette features stylish white wood floors, high ceilings and floor to ceiling sash windows. Furthermore, there is a modern white kitchen fully-fitted with all appliances, a utility room and a study. Two spacious double bedrooms and two bathrooms occupy the upper floors, in addition to a wide south facing roof terrace that provides incredibleviews of the surrounding area.

DOMUS NOVA_2nd DPS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 27

26/07/2012 16:53

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales

020 020 020 020 020 020

7225 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

3866 7100 3666 9959 1111 1010

Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings

020 020 020 020 020 020

7589 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

9966 7100 3866 9959 1111 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 020 020 020 020

7600 7318 7629 7318 7052

3456 5039 7282 5198 9417

struttandparker.com

Chepstow Road 994 sq ft (92.34 sq m)

| Notting Hill | W2

A beautifully presented two bedroom maisonette with good entertaining space and a charming patio garden.

Entrance hall

| Drawing room | Kitchen | Two bedrooms | En suite bathroom | En suite shower room | Cloakroom | Garden

Asking price ÂŁ1,350,000 Freehold

Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111

|

| |

Campden Palace Court Hill Square Bayswater Kensington W2 3,244 702 sqsq ft ft (65.21 (301.37 sq sq m) m)

| W8

A beautifully An outstanding presented six bedroom one bedroom house with flat located excellent close entertaining to the park, space, whichahas west generous facing garden, entertaining space views anda access including lovely high to the ceilinged beautiful drawing garden room. square.

Sitting room Bathroom bedroom with en suite bathroom | Drawing room | Kitchen | Bedroom | Dining| room | Kitchen | Master Study | | | | Utility room | Cloakroom | |

Entrance hall

Five further Second Asking pricebedrooms ÂŁ850,000 Share of bathroom Freehold Two en suite shower rooms Terrace Front and rear gardens Access Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111to square gardens Price Upon Application, Freehold

Kensington Sales 020 7938 3666

STRUTT AND PARKER_Notting Hill_Aug_1st DPS.indd 1

25/07/2012 12:05

Palace Court 1,149sq ft (106.74 sq m)

| Bayswater | W2

A charming and well presented two bedroom flat, with good entertaining space and a lovely drawing room.

Entrance hall

| Drawing room | Kitchen | Two bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower room | Storage vault | Patio | Porter

Asking price ÂŁ995,000 Leasehold

Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111

Sarda House

| Bayswater | W2

1, 528 sq ft (141.95 sq m)

A beautifully presented three bedroom penthouse, with a wonderful terrace and secure, off-street parking.

Entrance hall Terrace

| Drawing room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Three bedrooms | Three bath/shower rooms | Cloakroom | Lift

| Private parking

Asking price ÂŁ1,800,000 Share of Freehold

Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111

STRUTT AND PARKER_Notting Hill_Aug_1st DPS.indd 2

25/07/2012 12:05

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales

020 020 020 020 020 020

7225 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

3866 7100 3666 9959 1111 1010

Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings

020 020 020 020 020 020

7589 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

9966 7100 3866 9959 1111 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

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7600 7318 7629 7318 7052

3456 5039 7282 5198 9417

struttandparker.com

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Campden Hill Petersham Lane Square SouthKensington Kensington W8 SW7 3,244 166 sqsq m1782 ft (301.37 sq ftsq m)

A simply An outstanding stunningsixhouse bedroom tucked house awaywith in a excellent charming entertaining and quiet location. space,Converted a west facing fromgarden, an electricity subviews and station in 1997, access theto property the beautiful comprises garden of beautiful square.accommodation boasting a wealth of features throughout.

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Entrance hall Reception roomDrawing Mezzanine roomlevel Sitting Semi-open-plan room Diningkitchen room Kitchen Master bedroom Master bedroom with en suite with bathroom en suite bathroom Two further bedrooms

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Five further bedrooms Second bathroom Two en suite shower rooms Bathroom Garage Terrace Front and rear gardens Access to square gardens ÂŁ1800 per week Furnished/Unfurnished

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Price Upon Application, Freehold Kensington Lettings 020 7938 3866

STRUTT AND PARKER_Notting Hill_Aug_2nd DPS.indd 1

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Queensborough Terrace 164 Sq metres 1764 Sq Feet

| Bayswater | W2

This modern and neutrally furnished apartment has been refurbished to an excellent standard and is situated with in a new stylish development just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. It includes a well-appointed modern fitted kitchen.

Reception room

| Kitchen | One en-suite bedroom | Two double bedrooms | bathroom | Terrace | Lift

ÂŁ1,150 per week, Furnished.

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7221 1111

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BLOMFIELD ROAD W9

A rare opportunity to let this charming houseboat formerly home to Richard Branson while he set up Virgin Records. Docked in the Regent’s Canal, the boat has been extensively refurbished to an exacting standard, with oak wood flooring throughout and is set within a large plot with a pretty garden. 2/3 bedrooms, shower room, reception room, kitchen, separate utility room/storage room, roof terrace, garden. £1,100 per week; Bective Leslie Marsh 020 7221 4805

PROPERTY

PORTFOLIO Absolutely’s monthly overview of the market

HOLLAND PARK AVENUE W11

A rare opportunity to purchase a Holland Park villa. The property is in need of modernisation, but retains a number of period features.

Currently arranged as flats, but has the potential to be converted back to one single residential home.

Fantastically located for the green open spaces of Holland Park, the shops & restaurants of Holland Park Avenue, while Portland Road, Notting Hill and Westfield shopping complex are within easy access. The nearest Underground Station is Holland Park (Central Line). £POA 020 7727 7227; anscombes.co.uk

PORTLAND ROAD W11

A beautifully presented three bedroom house on the western terrace of this popular Holland Park address. The house has great entertaining space including a lovely drawing room and a west-facing conservatory on the raised ground floor, along with a large kitchen/dining room on the lower ground floor. The west-facing patio garden also offers the potential for off-street parking accessed from Pottery Lane behind. £ 2,950,000; Strutt & Parker, 020 7221 1111

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

LANSDOWNE COURT, LANSDOWNE CRESCENT W11 A tremendously light first floor apartment in this well regarded Art Deco block, in a prime W11 location.

Of particular note is the dual aspect reception with views over tree-lined Lansdowne Road. £625,000 Beaney Pearce 020 7221 9044

HIPPODROME MEWS W11

A conveniently located three bedroom mews house, presented in excellent condition throughout. The house offers a spacious kitchen / dining room, ideal for entertaining, on the ground floor.

The master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, and bathroom occupy the first floor. A westerly facing reception room, with doors leading to a well-proportioned terrace complete the second floor. £1,250,000 Jackson-Stopps and Staff 020 7727 5111

HOLLAND PARK W11

Accessed through a Radford designed Holland Park villa this exceptional property offers secure, private space in one of the most sought-after locations in Holland Park. The reception space is arranged over the ground floor and includes an atrium that operates as a dining hall leading onto a beautifully proportioned, grand drawing room.

A well-designed kitchen and guest cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

Bedroom accommodation arranged on the first floor includes a master suite consisting of a large double bedroom with a fabulous en suite bathroom.

A further double bedroom is served by an additional bathroom.

This delightful house overlooks its own mature courtyard garden. £ 2,350,000, Marsh and Parsons 020 7605 6890

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Wilfords London is an independent estate agency based in the heart of Kensington. We sell and rent Kensington & Chelsea’s finest properties offering you a bespoke service and outstanding results

6 Holland Street W8 4LT I +44(0)20 7361 0400 I www.wilfords.com I info@wilfords.com

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Pont Street Mews, SW1X

ÂŁ5.25m

1550 Sq. Ft./ 144 Sq. M. | 2 Bedrooms | Freehold | Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea A stunning house on a quiet mews in the heart of Knightsbridge.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

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Rede Place, W2

ÂŁ4m

2445 Sq. Ft./ 227 Sq. M. | 3 Bedrooms | Freehold | City of Westminster An incredible contemporary house located close to Westbourne Grove. The property has been built to the most exacting standard throughout with every detail wonderfully designed and executed.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

WILFORDS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 3

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Brunswick Gardens, W8

ÂŁ900 per week

967 Sq. Ft./ 90 Sq. M | 2 Bedrooms | Long Let | Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea A lovely two bedroom flat with private garden in the heart of Kensington.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

WILFORDS_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 4

+44(0)20 7361 0400

25/07/2012 09:52

PORTLAND ROAD W11

Portland Road W11 was the subject of a recent documentary in the Secret History of our Streets Series, tracing its roots from Charles Booth’s 1890 report (“vicious, semi-criminal”) to today’s hypergentrified enclave. Curtis Sloane is selling a totally redeveloped townhouse at the affluent end of the street for £335,000 curtis-sloane.com

WILFORDS

MARKET COMMENT

PROPERTY

Absolutely’s monthly overview of the market OGF Banner @ 25% 2012 3

29/6/12

12:11

Page 1

NOTES

Oxford Gardens Primary School Summer Fair 12pm-3pm Sat 14th July

Proudly sponsored by

Like our wonderful British summer, the rental market continues to bamboozle landlords and tenants alike.

Each week, I read a differing view of market conditions, from reports of record prices being achieved through to more negative press detailing falling demand and lower prices.

I am happy to report that the rental market in Kensington is in good shape, but the supply and demand factors have changed.

We have seen an increase in the number of rental properties available, coupled with the financial sector, a major influence on demand in this area, experiencing trouble times, meaning demand is slightly lower.

This has led to a reduction in price.

On average, we are achieving 5% - 10% less than last year, but transaction numbers, particularly at the lower end of the scale, remain strong.

We are now in the busiest time of year for new tenants registering, and with the Olympics providing a wonderful distraction I feel that the rental season this year will extend far into October. wilfords.com

PRIMARY SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Mountgrange Heritage sponsored the Oxford Gardens Primary School Summer Fair. The event raised funds to equip the new Creative Arts Block, focusing on a currently sparce cookery room which is currently sparse and lacking any utensils or cooking equipment. The new area is due to be opened in September 2012 and a group cooking skills class will be launched. The aim is that every child will learn basic cooking skills so that they can make a meal as well as understand the importance of a balanced diet and how to creatively combine foods and flavours to make tasty recipes. Mountgrange also ran an art competition for the kids to paint their dream house; the winner was five year-old Lily Mae Ryan. mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

THE

D&G diary

S

o since my last entry, we’ve had the Jubilee, Queens, Euro 2012, then Wimbledon and the British Open, not to mention the hype of Bradley Wiggins becoming a hero overnight after winning the Tour de France.

All pretty meaty events and within this two month period, do I or don’t I mention the miserable summer we’ve had so far!? As I write it’s 26 degrees thank you very much, not a drop of rain in sight.

With all this going on, you’d think the market would be quiet – not so, we’ve had a storming three weeks although admittedly I think we’d all resigned ourselves to having a damp summer.

Properties have come to the market and sold, old chestnuts are getting some good press and prices are still achieving good levels. All rather encouraging from where I’m sitting and I’m not going to question it.

The Olympics are upon us and I would suggest for all those extremely lucky professionals who have been ordered to ‘work from home’, that you take this precious time to look for a property (douglasandgordon. com, of course), and remember: the early bird catches the worm.

Maddie Lewington, 020 7727 7777; dng.co.uk

UP YOUR STREET

Absolutely

W11

Alexandra Mathew, Sales Manager Cluttons LLP

BEST RESTAURANT: Cote Brassiere, Great food reasonably priced, good atmosphere, great wine and the service is fantastic, a great place for a girlie dinner.

MOST STYLISH SHOP There are to many to choose from.

Although I do love Portobello market, you can pick up some great bargains and some amazing vintage clothing.

FINEST COCKTAIL

E&O does a great berry drop martini.

I would definitely recommend you try one asap.

with Kate Marquart from Winkworth

Lancaster Road W11

BEST KEPT SECRET

S

et in the heart of the trendy Portobello area this beautiful one bedroom apartment is perfect for an individual who enjoys the highlights this vibrant area has to offer.

The property is on the top floor of a period building and includes a fabulous decked roof terrace perfect for evening drinks!

The interior is designed well having been recently refurbished with wooden flooring throughout. The kitchen is modern and contemporary which is open plan to the reception room which boasts large sash windows flooding the apartment with natural light. At the back of the property is a decent sized bedroom again with sash windows and the shower room is immaculate. Both Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill underground stations are within a short walk of the apartment.

Priced at £450 per week. 0207 792 5000; winkworth.co.uk

The Japanese Garden in Holland Park is perfect for a moment of calm and reflection.

FABULOUS PROPERTY

11 Addison Avenue £2.950,000.

020 7371 3600 cluttons.com/ london

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Refreshingly different estate agents | bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

We believe in raising the bar We feel that by constantly raising our standards, we can give you the best possible service when it comes to renting or selling your home.

Kate Flynn, lettings manager in Notting Hill, is a stickler for detail and with her scientific background brings a near forensic approach to her work. This is especially important in residential lettings and in continuing to raise the bar. “My clients recognise the combination of talent, local knowledge and energy my team bring to renting their property and the results we achieve. It may be why so many of our clients – 97% in fact, are happy to recommend us.�

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Victorian Elegance

Westbourne Park Road Notting Hill W2 A magnificent white stucco fronted town house (269 sq m/2,896 sq ft approx. inc. eaves) in this excellent Notting Hill location. The property boasts an imposing position on a large corner plot with a wrap-around patio garden and benefits from a triple aspect allowing an abundance of natural light to flow throughout. Master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing room, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), shower room, cloakroom, double reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, balcony, roof terrace, garden.

Refreshingly different estate agents

Freehold ÂŁ4,500,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805

Architect Designed

Westbourne Park Villas Notting Hill W2

Freehold ÂŁ3,650,000

A charming three bedroom period house (184 sq m/1,980 sq ft approx.) in this Notting Hill office wonderful Notting Hill location. The property boasts many features including high bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk ceilings, period fireplaces, wooden floors, floor to ceiling windows and original 020 7221 4805 shutters. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 cloakrooms, double reception room, dining room, kitchen, front and rear garden, roof terrace.

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Artesian Gem

Northumberland Place Notting Hill W2 A delightful Victorian house (168 sq m/1,803 sq ft approx. inc. vaults) with off-street parking in this pretty street at the heart of Artesian Village. A rare opportunity, having been in the same ownership for over forty years, the property is presented in good order but does offer the scope for improvement for anyone seeking to make their own mark.

2/3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 cloakrooms 1/2 reception rooms, kitchen, study, dining room, conservatory, patio, roof terrace, garden, off street parking.

Refreshingly different estate agents

Freehold ÂŁ2,650,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805

Designer Chic

Westbourne Park Road Notting Hill W2 A charming three bedroom period house (184 sq m/1,980 sq ft approx.) in this wonderful Notting Hill location. The property boasts many features including high ceilings, period fireplaces, wooden floors, floor to ceiling windows and original shutters. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 cloakrooms, double reception room, dining room, kitchen, front and rear garden, roof terrace.

Freehold ÂŁ2,500,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Park Life

The Avenue Queen’s Park NW6 A rare opportunity to acquire one of the original Victorian houses (310 sq m/3,670 sq ft approx.) on this popular street just north of Queen’s Park. The property has been comprehensively refurbished yet retaining much of its original charm and is truly a wonderful family home. Master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing room, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cloakroom, reception room, reception room/dining room, kitchen, utility room, store, cellar, terrace, garage, 150 ft garden, off street parking.

Refreshingly different estate agents

Freehold £2,750,000 Ladbroke Grove office mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 0330

Garden Views

Kelfield Gardens North Kensington W10 A beautiful Edwardian house (187 sq m/2,013 sq ft approx.) that enjoys one of the largest gardens on the St Quintin Estate. The house is presented exquisitely throughout, having been extended into the loft and into the side return and further enjoys a charming home office at the bottom of the garden. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), cloakroom, reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, conservatory, courtyard, office, garden, eaves storage.

Freehold ÂŁ2,250,000 Ladbroke Grove office mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 0330

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Excellent Entertaining

Christchurch Avenue Queens Park NW6 A substantial family house laid out over two floors, the property has been extensively refurbished with special attention to detail whilst maintaining period features. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, hallway, cloakroom, utility room, garden, balcony, garage.

Cobbled Mews

Golden Cross Mews Notting Hill W11 A contemporary mews house with a large open plan living space on the first floor, ideal for entertaining. The property benefits from good natural light and a south facing roof terrace.

3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen, family room/playroom, utility room, roof terrace, allocated off street parking.

Refreshingly different estate agents

Unfurnished ÂŁ2,750 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

Unfurnished ÂŁ1,150 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

Lateral Living

Pembridge Place Notting Hill W2 A stunning, newly refurbished property finished with exceptional attention to detail.

The flat offers hard wood flooring throughout, high ceilings and fantastic space ideal for entertaining. Off street parking is available by separate negotiation. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, conservatory, cloakroom, garden.

Modern Delight

Colville Gardens Notting Hill W11 A contemporary styled flat located on the second floor of this impressive period conversion. The property benefits from excellent storage which can accommodate bulky items, underfloor heating in the bathroom, is wired for surround sound and boasts wood flooring throughout. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, roof terrace.

Furnished ÂŁ995 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

Unfurnished ÂŁ895 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

PRIME PURCHASE

A fabulous upper maisonette in Linden Gardens W2 is this month’s best buy

A

fabulous upper maisonette occupying the entire top three floors of a beautifully kept period building.

This large and spacious apartment, which is entered on the third floor, has been sympathetically maintained and refurbished by the current owner and comprises a wonderfully large and bright front to back double reception room with formal dining area and separate beautifully fitted kitchen

all on the third floor. Sleeping accommodation on the fourth floor comprises a sumptuous mastersuite with fitted wardrobes and en suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms(one of which is currently arranged as a study) and there is also a beautiful family bathroom. The spectacular roof terrace with panoramic views occupies the whole of the fifth floor (on the roof) of the building and is accessed via a conservatory which was added by the current owner.

The open aspect of the terrace allows sunlight to flood it from all angles and there is an automatic water irrigation system for the planters.

Linden Gardens is a quiet tree-lined cul de sac just off Notting Hill Gate.

The property is

situated in one of the quietest parts of the street and not disturbed by road or other noise. Despite its W2 postcode, it has the advantage of being in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and there is ample residents’ parking in Linden Gardens. All local amenities are just a short stroll away, including Notting Hill Gate Underground station, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, the numerous bars, shops and restaurants on and surrounding Notting Hill Gate as well as Portobello Road market.

The location also offers easy access to London’s major attractions. £2,250,000 faronsutaria.co.uk 020 7229 2404

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We love supporting this pioneering festival of film and are proud to be sponsors for the 5th year running.

FREEY ENTR

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Entry to all films is FREE – full listings and locations can be found at www.portobellofilmfestival.com

PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL

30 Aug –16 Sept 2012

26/07/2012 22:30

Oakley Street, SW3 £675 per week Stunning and immaculately presented flat situated just minutes from the restaurants and boutiques of the Kings Road. Two reception rooms, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 mollie @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Alma Terrace,W8 £5,900 per week A truly magnificent family house in the very heart of Kensington which has been redesigned to optimise space and light throughout. Three reception rooms, kitchen, seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and a garden. Unfurnished.

020 7937 9976 amanda @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Hereford Road, W2 £5,000 per week Contemporary house in Notting Hill with a stunning landscaped garden. Available for short lets. Two reception rooms, kitchen, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garden. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 henrietta @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Ladbroke Terrace, W11 £590 per week

Lexham Gardens, W8 £1,300 per week

Fantastic ground floor flat with excellent space, wooden floors in the reception room and retaining many original features. Reception room, eat-in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Furnished. Sole Agents

A beautifully presented flat that has been refurbished and interior-designed to the highest standard with surround sound throughout. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and three bathrooms. Unfurnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7937 9976 mollie @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Liz Thomson Head of Lettings

The response to the opening of our new office on St Helen’s Gardens in North Kensington has been incredible and the locals have made us feel very welcome. We have a huge list of applicants waiting for properties to come available in the area. The summer has been wet but fun; we

Michael Wilson Head of Sales

Kensington Office 020 7937 9976 Notting Hill Office 020 7221 2277 North Kensington Office 020 8960 0181

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Abingdon Road,W8 £1,300,000 Leasehold Split-level second and third floor maisonette with plenty of natural light, beautiful wood floor throughout and ample storage. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 julia @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Palace Court, W2 £995,000 Leasehold Beautifully presented apartment on the lower ground floor with sole use of a patio garden and located just moments from Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Gardens.

Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and patio garden. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 holly @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kings Road, SW6 £1,100,000 Leasehold Well-presented maisonette with its own private entrance situated on the fashionable Kings Road. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and large roof terrace. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 chloe @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Dalgarno Gardens, W10 £475,000 Leasehold

Iverna Court, W8 £2,500,000 Share of Freehold

Delightful flat on the first floor of this stylish Grade II Listed building re-configured over three floors with great character. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, study and off-street parking.

A spacious apartment on the third floor of this portered mansion block with wonderful light and generous entertaining space. Double reception room, kitchen, five bedrooms, two bathrooms, balcony and communal gardens. Sole Agents

020 8960 0181 helen @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7937 9976 julia @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

supported the St Helen’s Jubilee Festival, sponsored the Oxford Gardens Primary School Summer Fair and now have the Portobello Film Festival to look forward to – hope to see you there! mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

…values that you’ll love Untitled-6 5

26/07/2012 22:31

ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

LUXURIOUS LETTINGS

Absolutely covets a newly refurbished house in lovely St James’s Gardens W11

A

bsolutely couldn’t resist a little look around this Grade II listed property in St James’ Gardens. really is fabulous, comprising four or five bedrooms set over four floors, and very versatile living space has great versatility for entertaining.

The lower ground floor consists a of modern kitchen/dining room where large double doors open onto

a vast west-facing garden, plus a fifth bedroom/study/playroom with en suite shower room. Flowing between two levels, a newly landscaped patio space extends into a lawned area and the ample garden space holds a secret seating area that would be perfect for late night al fresco dinner parties.

The upper levels of the property are bursting with character, with a raised ground double reception room extending into a spacious roof terrace that has access to the main garden.

The first floor is reserved solely for a luxuriously sized master bedroom and en suite bathroom, while the third floor holds a further three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The location is practical yet maintains an exclusivity: set right in the heart of the Norland Conservation area, you are within perfect proximity of the boutiques of Notting Hill yet surrounded by the greenery of Holland Park.

Available for rent at £4,250 per week unfurnished (to include garden maintenance) 020 7602 2352 johnwilcoxandco.com

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Back

Principal Penthouse

Ltd

EC1

Front

Rooftop Development Consultants

Tony Osbourn Mob. 07824 486826 t.osbourn@principalpenthouse.com

Principal Penthouse Limited Suite 19013, Lower Ground Floor 145 – 157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PW. Tel. 0207 608 5674 www.principalpenthouse.com

Delivering successful projects for over 20 years Principal Penthouse is a small team of

to experience significant growth, this is fuelling the

the successful handover of the project on

experienced and qualified professionals

demand for residential space in the capital. We

completion. Our small team of professional staff

who specialise in the development of under-

work in partnership with our clients to guide them

have been designing and managing projects

utilised rooftops across London. With only

through the full project from developing their initial

in the capital for over 20 years. We form

a small percentage of the capital’s rooftops

brief, through the development appraisals, planning

trustworthy relationships with our clients and

already developed, this is a cost effective way

and building regulations approval processes,

it is this approach together with our drive for

of gaining additional high valued residential

design and tender documentation, the selection

excellence which contributes to our success.

space. As London property values continue

and appointment of contractors and through to

www.principalpenthouse.com

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w w w. p r i n c i p a l p e n t h o u s e . c o m

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S u i t e 1 9 0 1 3 , L o w e r G ro u n d F l o o r, 1 4 5 – 1 5 7 S t J o h n S t re e t , L o n d o n , E C 1 V 4 P W

23/07/2012 14:52

PEOPLE YOU TRUST, HOMES YOU LOVE

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL OR FOR A NO OBLIGATION CHAT ABOUT OUR SERVICES

R E A L E S TAT E S 85 Salusbury Road, Queens Park NW6 6NH 020 7372 5950 www.queensparkrealestates.co.uk Zoopla.co.uk I Primelocation.com I Findaproperty.com I The Property Ombudsman

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24/07/2012 14:04 22/02/2012 15:05

LANDLORDS London’s going crazy this summer so take time out and let us handle your property for you We offer: Free pre-purchase lettings advice Full lettings service Property management Furnishing and window dressings Refurbishment

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Nine offices open six days a week: Beaufort Park | Canary Wharf | City | Hampstead | Highgate Hyde Park | Imperial Wharf | Kensington | Knightsbridge

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Call us now on 0800 092 9656 or email info@brlets.co.uk | www.brlets.co.uk

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18/06/2012 14:46

London’s Letting Agency www.brlets.co.uk www.brlets.co.uk

West End West End West West West End End

£400 pw Furn/Unfurnished £400 pw Furn/Unfurnished £400 £400 pw Furn/Unfurnished £400pw pwFurn/Unfurnished Furn/Unfurnished

Studio/1 Bedroom Bathroom Period Conversion Studio/1 Bedroom Bathroom Period Conversion Studio/1 Studio/1 Bedroom 11 Bathroom Period Conversion Studio/1Bedroom Bedroom|||||11 1Bathroom Bathroom|||||Period PeriodConversion Conversion Close To Two Tube Stations | Regent’s Park Nearby Close To Two Tube Stations | Regent’s Park Nearby Close To Two Tube Stations | Regent’s Park Close Nearby Close To To Two Two Tube Tube Stations Stations || Regent’s Regent’s Park ParkNearby Nearby Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 HydePark Park020 0207402 7402 9866

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk

£500 pw Furnished £500 pw Furnished £500 pw Furnished £500 pw £500 pwFurnished Furnished

Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion || Garden Garden 11 11 Bedroom 11 Reception 11 Bathroom Period Conversion Garden 1Bedroom Bedroom|||||11 1Reception Reception|||||11 1Bathroom Bathroom|||||Period PeriodConversion Conversion| ||Garden Garden Prime Location | Hyde Park, Tube & High Street Closeby Prime Location | Hyde Park, Tube & High Street Closeby Prime Prime Location Hyde Park, Tube High Street Closeby PrimeLocation Location|||Hyde HydePark, Park,Tube Tube&&&High HighStreet StreetCloseby Closeby Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 79383522 3522

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

£650 £650 pw pw Furnished Furnished £650 pw Furnished £600 pw Furn/Unfurnished £650 pw Furnished

Bedroom Bedroom Reception Bathroom Apartment 21 Reception Bathrooms Apartment 11 Bedroom 111 Reception Reception 121 Bathroom Apartment 1Bedrooms Bedroom |||| 1 Reception ||||| 1 1 Bathroom Bathroom |||||Apartment Apartment Lift | Porter | Parking | Portobello Market, Tube Amenities Nearby Lift ||| Porter Porter |Parking Parking| |Porter Portobello Market, Tube|& & Amenities Nearby Underground | Terrace | Parking Close To Tube Lift Market, Tube && Amenities Nearby Lift Porter || Parking Parking || Portobello Portobello Market, Tube Amenities Nearby

Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522

Nine Nine offices open six days week: Nine offices open six days week: Nineoffices officesopen opensix sixdays daysaaaaweek: week: Beaufort BeaufortPark Park 020 020 8732 8732 7980 7980 Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 Canary Canary Wharf 020 7517 6088 Canary Wharf 020 7517 6088 CanaryWharf Wharf 020 020 7517 7517 6088 6088 City 020 City 020 7213 9700 City 020 7213 9700 City 020 7213 7213 9700 9700

BENHAM & REEVES_Notting Hill.indd 1 BENHAMS4.indd 1 Untitled-9 1 BENHAMS4.indd BENHAMS4.indd 11 Untitled-9 1 BENHAMS4.indd 1

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead Highgate Highgate Highgate Highgate Hyde Hyde Park Hyde Park HydePark Park

020 020 7435 7435 9681 9681 020 7435 9681 020 7435 9681 020 8341 020 8341 2335 020 2335 020 8341 8341 2335 2335 020 020 7402 9866 020 7402 9866 020 7402 7402 9866 9866

Notting Hill Gate Notting Hill Gate Notting NottingHill HillGate Gate

£450 £450 pw pw Furnished £450 £450 pw Furnished pw Furnished Furnished

Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion 11 11 Bedroom 11 Reception 11 Bathroom Period Conversion 1Bedroom Bedroom|||||11 1Reception Reception|||||11 1Bathroom Bathroom|||||Period PeriodConversion Conversion Close To Portobello Road Amenities | Two Tube Stations Nearby Close To Portobello Road Amenities | Two Tube Stations Nearby Close to Portobello Road Amenities | Two Tube Stations Close Nearby Close To To Portobello Portobello Road Road Amenities Amenities || Two Two Tube Tube Stations StationsNearby Nearby

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 HydePark Park020 0207402 7402 9866

Hyde Park Hyde Park Park Hyde HydePark Park

hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk

£550 pw Furnished £550 pw Furnished £550 pw Furnished £550 £550pw pwFurnished Furnished

Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Converted Period Building Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Converted Period Building 22 22 Bedrooms 11 Reception 22 Bathrooms Converted Period Building 2Bedrooms Bedrooms|||||11 1Reception Reception|||||22 2Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Converted ConvertedPeriod PeriodBuilding Building Recently Refurbished | Close to Hyde Park | Amenities & Tube Nearby Recently Refurbished | Close to Hyde Park | Amenities & Tube Nearby Recently Nearby Recently Refurbished Close Hyde Park Tube Nearby Recentlyrefurbished Refurbished| ||Close Closetoto toHyde HydePark Park| |Amenities | Amenities Amenities&&&Tube Tube Nearby

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde 9866 HydePark Park020 0207402 7402 9866

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk

£750 £750 pw pw Furn/Unfurnished Furn/Unfurnished £750 pw Furn/Unfurnished £650 pw Furnished £750 pw Furn/Unfurnished

Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms |||| Period Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Period Mansion Building 13 | ||1|| 2 Bathroom | Apartment 33 Bedrooms 11 Reception 22 Bathrooms Period Mansion Building 3Bedroom Bedrooms| ||1|| 1 1Reception Reception 2 Bathrooms Period Mansion Mansion Building Building Apartments | Porter | Amenities & Tube Closeby Apartments Porter ||||Amenities Amenities &Market, Tube Closeby Closeby Lift | Porter ||||Parking Portobello&& Tube & Amenities Nearby Apartments Porter Tube Apartments Porter Amenities Tube Closeby

Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522

Imperial ImperialWharf Wharf Imperial Wharf Imperial Wharf Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Knightsbridge Knightsbridge Knightsbridge Knightsbridge

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

020 020 7348 7348 7620 7620 020 7348 7620 020 7348 7620 020 7938 020 7938 3522 020 3522 020 7938 7938 3522 3522 020 020 7581 2112 020 7581 2112 020 7581 7581 2112 2112

24/07/2012 16:58 20/06/2012 20/06/2012 10:47 10:47

Unt Unt

Hyde Hyde Park Park Hyde Park Hyde Park

£900 Furnished £900 pw Furnished £900 pwpw £900 pw Furnished £900 pwFurnished Furnished

22 Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Town House Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Town House 2 22 Bathrooms Town House 2 Bedrooms Bedrooms ||||111 1Reception Reception|||||22 2Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Town TownHouse House Recently Refurbished | Near Tube & Amenities Patio | Recently Refurbished | Near Tube & Amenities Patio | Recently Refurbished | Near Tube & Amenities Patio Patio || Recently Recently Refurbished Refurbished || Near Near Tube Tube && Amenities Amenities

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 HydePark Park020 0207402 74029866 9866

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk

£925 pw Furnished £925 pw Furnished £925 pw Furnished £925 £925pw pwFurnished Furnished

11 Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion Bedroom Reception Bathroom Period Conversion 1 11 Bathroom Period Conversion 1 Bedroom Bedroom ||||111 1Reception Reception|||||11 1Bathroom Bathroom|||||Period PeriodConversion Conversion Porter | Parking | Communal Garden | Residents Pool Gym Porter | Parking | Communal Garden | Residents Pool Gym Porter Parking Communal Garden Residents Pool && Gym Porter ||Parking Parking|||Communal CommunalGarden Garden|||Residents ResidentsPool Pool&& &Gym Gym

Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington Kensington020 0207938 79383522 3522

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

£1,295 £1,295 pw Unfurnished £1,295 pw Unfurnished £1,600pw pwUnfurnished Furnished £1,295 pw Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Period Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Period Building 4 Apartment 33 22 Bathrooms Period Building 3 Bedrooms Bedrooms ||||111 1Reception Reception|||||32 2Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Serviced Period Building Building Lift | Garden | Near High Street & Amenities Lift ||| Garden Garden Near High High Street & Amenities Amenities Porter | Lift | |Terrace | Parking | Garden Lift Street && Lift Garden || Near Near High Street Amenities

Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 79383522 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington Kensington 020 7938 3522

International International Offices: Offices: International Offices: International Offices: Hong Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Kong Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore

10:47 10:47

BENHAM & REEVES_Notting Hill.indd 2 Untitled-9 Untitled-9 1 1

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

£900 pw Furnished £900 pw Furnished £900 £900 pw Furnished £900pw pwFurnished Furnished

3 11 Reception Bathrooms Modern Building Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Modern Building 33 Bedrooms Bathrooms Modern Building 3 Bedrooms Bedrooms |||| 1 1 Reception Reception||||222 2Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Modern ModernBuilding Building Balcony | Porter | On-Site Parking Balcony | Lift | Porter | On-Site Parking Lift | Porter | On-Site Parking Balcony Balcony || Lift Lift || Porter Porter || On-Site On-Site Parking Parking Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 79383522 3522

Hyde Hyde Park Hyde Park Hyde Park Park

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

£1,100 pw Furnished £1,100 pw Furnished £1,100 pw Furnished £1,100 £1,100pw pwFurnished Furnished

3 11 Reception Bathrooms Period Town House Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Period Town House 33 Bedrooms Bathrooms Period Town House 3 Bedrooms Bedrooms |||| 1 1 Reception Reception||||222 2Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Period PeriodTown TownHouse House Garden | Terrace | Newly Refurbished | Close To Tube & Amenities Garden | Terrace | Newly Refurbished | Close To Tube & Amenities Garden Newly Refurbished Close To Tube Amenities Garden || Terrace Terrace ||Newly NewlyRefurbished Refurbished|||Close CloseTo ToTube Tube&&&Amenities Amenities Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 Hyde Park 020 7402 9866 HydePark Park020 0207402 74029866 9866

Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk hyde@brlets.co.uk

£1,600 £1,600 pw Furnished Furnished £1,600 pw Furnished £4,700 pw pw Unfurnished £1,600 pw Furnished

4 11 Reception Bathrooms Serviced Apartments Bedrooms Reception Bathrooms Serviced Apartments House 44 Bedrooms 33 Bathrooms Serviced Apartments 4 Bedrooms Bedrooms |||| 1 1 Reception Reception||||43 3Bathrooms Bathrooms|||||Town Serviced Apartments Porter | Lift | Terrace | Parking | Garden Porter ||||Lift Lift Terrace Parking Garden Terrace Patio | Amenities & Tube Nearby Porter ||| Terrace ||| Parking ||| Garden Porter Lift Terrace Parking Garden Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington020 0207938 79383522 3522 Kensington 020 7938 3522 Kensington Kensington 020 7938 3522

kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk kens@brlets.co.uk

Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai India India India India

24/07/2012 16:59 20/06/2012 10:44 20/06/2012 10:44 20/06/2012 10:47 20/06/2012 20/06/2012 10:44 20/06/2012 10:44 10:47

Hormead Road, W9

ÂŁ1,695,000 freehold

A substantial Victorian terraced family house on a quiet residential street in Westbourne Park. The property is presented in exceptional condition throughout and offers flexible living space over four floors. To the ground floor is a large double reception room leading to a bright kitchen and secluded patio garden. The upper floors offer 4/5 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a utility room.

St Quintin Avenue, W10

ÂŁ650,000 Share of the Freehold

Winkworth are proud to present this fabulous two bedroom garden flat set within a beautiful Edwardian house in the heart of the St. Quintin conservation area. This apartment is on the ground floor and offers a south facing open plan living area with conservatory, leading through to two bedrooms. The property has been recently refurbished to an exceptional standard throughout and offers rare opportunity to obtain a beautiful property in a fantastic location in North Kensington with private off street parking.

WINKWORTH_Notting Hill_Aug.indd 86

20/07/2012 09:24

CROMWELL CRESCENT, KENSINGTON

PARK MANSIONS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

A 4 bedroom mid-terrace family house (2357 sq.ft – 218 sq.m).

Entrance Hall : Reception Room : Dining Room : Family Room Kitchen : 4 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : Cloakroom : Off-Street Parking : Rear Garden

A good sized 2 bedroom apartment situated on the 3rd Floor of a landmark residential building in the heart of Knightsbridge.

Entrance Hall : Reception Room : Kitchen : 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms : Porterage : Lift

FREEHOLD

LEASEHOLD

£2,750,000

£1,550,000

WARREN HOUSE, KENSINGTON

CROMWELL CRESCENT, KENSINGTON

A 2 bedroom apartment situated on the 3rd Floor of this popular modern building benefiting from Wood Floors throughout.

Entrance Hall : Reception Room : Kitchen : 2 Bedrooms : 2 Bathrooms :Terrace : Lift : Gym Facilities : Porterage : Parking

A selection of apartments, offered individually with 990 Year Leases or the entire building may be purchased as a Freehold house. Consists of 3 x 2 bed flats and 1 x 3 bed flat, refurbished to a high specification over four floors in a lovely Victorian House.

LONG LEASEHOLD

PRICES ON APPLICATION

£765,000

OAKWOOD COURT, HOLLAND PARK

BALMORAL HOUSE, WINDSOR WAY

A 2 bedroom apartment situated on the 3rd Floor of this prestigious mansion block enjoying a South-facing aspect.

Entrance Hall : Reception Room : Kitchen : 2 Bedrooms : Bathroom Lift : Communal Gardens : 24 Hour Porterage

A bright 2 bedroom apartment situated on the Ground Floor of this modern residential development.

Entrance Hall : Reception Room : Kitchen : 2 Bedrooms : Bathroom 24 Hour Gated Security : Underground Parking

LEASEHOLD

LEASEHOLD

JSA – Wilfords

£965,000

£615,000

296 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NZ Tel | 020-7603 7121 Fax | 020-7603 8065 sales@wedgewoodestates.co.uk

WEDGEWOOD.indd 1

18/07/2012 17:18

Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5111 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

Lettings: 020 7727 5222

Inverness Mews W2

jackson-stops.co.uk/London

ÂŁ2,450,000 Freehold

Commercial unit with B1 use, planning permission granted to convert into a large three bedroom house, approximately. 3313 sq ft. As an alternative, there may be potential to create two smaller two/three bed units, subject to the usual consents. Situated close to Bayswater and Queensway underground stations.

Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5111 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

Fast find 46446

41 offices covering the UK London: office 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU

JACKON STOPS-AUGUST.indd 1

25/07/2012 11:23

Denbigh Close W11

ÂŁ1800 per week Unfurnished

A stylishly refurbished three double bedroom (two en-suite) mews house, set within this pretty mews in the heart of Notting Hill and moments from the buzz of Portobello Road. The house has undergone complete refurbishment to an exacting standard.

1619 sq ft, open plan kitchen/dining, reception room, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms (two en suite), guest WC. Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5222 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

JACKON STOPS-AUGUST.indd 2

Fast find 48648

25/07/2012 11:23

Paul Willcox Champion Hurdler and Chairman In the top 5 of veteran athletes in the country, one time South of England Champion Paul is still hurdling at 60. Our people are what make us great, and Paul always goes for gold.

douglasandgordon.com Extraordinary people

6486_D&G_Archant & Absolutely (August).indd 3

15/06/2012 15:53

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

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,300,000 Share of Freehold Palace Court, W2 A stunning garden apartment positioned in this popular mansion block. The property has under gone extensive refurbishment and re-design, which in turn has created an extremely light well-proportioned and stylish apartment.

2 double bedrooms, En-suite bathroom, Shower room, Open plan kitchen/reception room, Cloakroom, Communal decked terrace.

Kensington Sales 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

DOUGLAS SALES.indd 1

24/07/2012 17:03

increase the valu your propeerof ty

You have to decorate to accumulate Call our specialist refurbishment department now on 020 7225 0234.

ÂŁ925,000 Share of Freehold Bassett Road, W10 A charming raised ground floor apartment in this wonderful bustling location in North Kensington.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen.

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

DOUGLAS SALES.indd 2

24/07/2012 17:03

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

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ625,000 Share of Freehold Cornwall Crescent, W11 A fantastic garden apartment with private entrance. The flat has been refurbished in recent years to a high standard finished in a stylish and contemporary design.

Master bedroom, En-suite shower room, Further bedroom, Shower room, Open plan kitchen/reception room, Patio, Garden.

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

DOUGLAS SALES.indd 3

24/07/2012 17:03

Over 2,250 messages of love We have just received our 2,250th testimonial.

Who needs a Jennifer Aniston film, see real cases of gushing sentiment at douglasandgordon.com (PS Thank you!)

ÂŁ5,000 per week Unfurnished Palace Gardens Terrace W8

The most wonderful family house situated on this popular tree lined street.

ÂŁ1,250 per week Unfurnished Highlever Road W10

An outstanding family house, presented in immaculate condition with extremely light and spacious accommodation.

Kensington Lettings Office: 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Dressing room study, Double reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Utility room, Garden.

Notting Hill Lettings Office: 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Study, Kitchen, Utility room, Garden.

D&G LETTINGS_Notting Hill.indd 1

24/07/2012 17:01

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

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

£950 per week Furnished Chepstow Road W2

A beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom second floor flat with wooden floors throughout and views overlooking Dawson Place.

Notting Hill Lettings Office: 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, Lift.

£595 per week Furnished/ Unfurnished Ossington Street W2

D&G LETTINGS_Notting Hill.indd 2

A stylish 2nd floor flat presented in immaculate condition with wooden floors and contemporary interior.

Kensington Lettings Office: 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen.

24/07/2012 17:01

Three’s a crowd?

Not if you’re looking for property in South Kensington. D&G’s new Harrington Road office, working alongside the nearby Chelsea and Kensington Gate offices, can offer unprecedented coverage of the local landscape.

New South Kensington Office 25 – 27 Harrington Road London SW7 3ES Sales Email Lettings Email

020 7581 8888 sthkensales@dng.co.uk 020 7584 8888 sthkenlets@dng.co.uk

douglasandgordon.com

6486_D&G_Archant & Absolutely (August).indd 5

18/07/2012 16:45

6486_D&G_Archant & Absolutely (August).indd 6

15/06/2012 17:32

Knowledge is the name of the game.

Know-how is staying ahead of it.

Recently voted the best in the business, we go to great lengths to get the best results for our clients.

At Marsh & Parsons, we’re the leaders in the field when it comes to knowing the area in which we compete. With our experience, determination and raw energy, we are on track to get the best price for your property.

Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk marshandparsons.co.uk