Absolutely Kingston & Surrey December 2019 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KINGSTON & SURREY

Kingston & Surrey DECEMBER 2019 / Â£3.95

Gifts GALORE All everybody wants...

S P E C I A L D ECE M B E R 2019

DECK

40 pages of gifts, decorations and festive cheer

the halls

How to create a beautiful festive home

Party

PIECE GLAMOROUS LOOKS FOR THE SEASON

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2019

122 C U LT U R E 12 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 51 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

16 AGENDA

55 BEAUTY LIST

10 things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coveting this month

Diary dates for December

18 RINK ROUNDUP Where to skate this winter

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

32 RECIPES Festive favourites from Marcus Wearing

This month's best beauty buys

Glamorous looks for party season

CHRISTMAS 61 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 40 pages of ideas and inspirations

75 GIFT GUIDES Presents all round

INTERIORS 105 WREATH HAVOC 107 PEARL'S CHRISTMAS

41 CHARM SCHOOL

T R AV E L 122 A VIENNESE CHRISTMAS

Expand your wardrobe by sharing someone else's...

All the cutest charms

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Adorn your door in style

FA S H I O N 38 CLUB RULES

Decorating tips from Pearl Lowe

ON THE COVER Viktor&Rolf Soir viktor-rolf.com

Europe's most magical city

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR ABBIE SCHOFIELD EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ZOE DELMER-BEST EDITORIAL INTERN ORLANDO WHITEHEAD COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MEDIA CONSULTANT ANABELA KOLECI EDUCATION SPECIALIST ANDY MABBITT ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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Editor’s

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

40 pages of gift ideas and festive flavours page 61

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S December issue highlights

IN THE ROUND

All the best wreaths page 105

DECORATING – HOW TO DO IT

Top tips from queen of maximalism, Pearl Lowe page 107

5 5

ver since Halloween – and in some cases even before that – Christmas has been making its presence felt. But now that it's actually December, even the least excitable among us are having to admit that it's real. Christmas is finally here and if we want to hang garlands liberally, fix wreaths to doors and go large with fairy lights, we're entirely justified. Which is what we're doing here at Absolutely – and in this issue, for the first time, we are dedicating a huge 40-page section exclusively to all things Christmassy. So as well as gift guides for everybody, we look at how to make your home look stylish as well as festive, where to get the best baubles, how to make the ultimate roast potatoes and which hampers to choose. In an urge to curb the rampant consumerism that's unleashed at this time of year, we are looking into alternatives to owning things and have tried out wardrobe rentals as well as car sharing, both with great success. Also this month we focus on London's ice rinks and winter rooftops, as well as travelling to Vienna, Tuscany and the Cotswolds. Happy Christmas everybody!

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

STILL IN STYLE

Making our own gin – London's favourite tipple page 31

3 ALL THE SCENTS

Diptyque's rise and rise page 109

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love

CONSCIOUS DRESSING Stella McCartney's winter '19 collection blurs the lines between masculinity and femininity. The brand has joined forces with ethical agency Good On You to give shoppers the power to choose positively when they shop the line; Faux leather trim coat, £2,730 farfetch.com

LUXE LI ST In a nod to a time when travel by car held prestige, Johnstons of Elgin’s Integral Cut Car Coat puts a contemporary twist on a traditional design. Made with 100% pure new wool and fully lined in silk charmeuse, this striking, loose fitting coat is the ultimate winter luxury; £1,250 johnstonsofelgin.com

C H E C K M AT E

A L L T H AT GLITTERS

With many a drawn in evening ahead, we’ll be sharpening our skills on the chess board. A beautiful addition to any home, this L'objet set is a modern take on the classic game; £1,540 harveynichols.com

Glittered leather and the label’s signature red in the lining make Christian Louboutin’s Panettone wallet stand out. The small size makes it perfect for stowing in mini bags and coat pockets; £235 net-a-porter.com

COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES HAN D BAGS & GL AD R AGS We’re lusting after all six limited edition designs from Whistles’ collaboration with luxury, architectural bag brand Mlouye. Each bag has been handcrafted in Turkey with a colour palette of soft nudes, bright yellow, glossy black and rich emerald green; from £250 whistles.com

EDITOR’S PICK

C O C K TA I L HOUR Shaken or stirred? Now it doesn’t matter. Buveur, a London based brand making bottled cocktails, has launched in Selfridges with a temptatious range of four classic drinks including a vegan White Russian; £7.49 selfridges.com

HAPPY FEET Sophia Webster puts the fun into footwear with these elegant Toni Mary Jane flats made from supple black suede with shimmering crystals and faux pearls. We're wearing them with tailored trousers; £325 net-a-porter.com

P R I N T WO R KS For winter '19 Andres Sarda designed Durero as an exclusive capsule collection. It features four stunning garments that fit like a dream. Our favourite is the bodysuit, available from Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

SPECS APPEAL

GA M E C H A N G E R Lark & Berry has been disrupting the jewellery industry with cool, clean designs since its launch in 2018. Now the brand has segued into the world of fragrance with three crisp new scents. We love White Dawn which is bursting with citrus; £75 larkandberry.co.uk

For chic optical frames that are as comfortable as they are stylish, head to Alexis Amor. The eponymous Richmondbased eyewear brand offers precision eye testing and dynamic handmade frames in the highest quality materials; COCO Black Havana Tortoise frames, £245 alexisamor.com

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CULTURE IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ZIPPOS CIRCUS AT HYDE PARK'S WINTER WONDERLAND; PHOTO CREDIT: PIET-HEIN OUT

What's on 16 • The best ice rinks 18 • Cosy winter pop ups 20 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

T H E AT R E

Candida

Until 11 January O R A N G E T R E E T H E AT R E In Candida, a passionate power struggle is played out in one of Bernard Shaw’s most enduring and witty works. It tells the story of a young man with the soul of a poet who clashes with a popular Socialist preacher. Only Candida can decide who is the stronger and who is to be the winner. 1 Clarence Street, TW9; orangetreetheatre.co.uk

EV E N T

U LT I M AT E NYE 2019 3 1 D EC E MB E R • LO ND O N SKYBAR

For New Year’s Eve 2019, London Skybar presents an exclusive, must-attend party to ring in 2020. Be an exclusive VIP guest and discover an extravagant and luxurious party on the 28th and 29th ﬂoor of London Skybar, complete with ﬁreworks and a 360 degree view of the city. Millbank Tower, SW1P 4QP; atmospherevenues.com

M A RK E T

Christmas Market Until 31 December ALL SAINTS CHURCH A traditional market place and Alpine village is coming to Kingston this month, bringing a touch of festive cheer to the town. Pick up unique Christmas gifts and stocking ﬁllers whilst enjoying the live entertainment with a steaming mug of mulled wine. There will also be a ﬁre pit for toastin marshmallows and a vintage carousel. 14-16 Market Place, KT1; inkingston.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

CHRISTMAS

M A RK E T

Spitalfields 4, 11 and 18 December O L D S P I TA L F I E L D S M A R K E T Head to Old Spitalfields Market on Wednesday 4th, 11th or 18th December for their festive Christmas Shopping Lates evenings. From 5pm- 8pm you’ll find the central market open late, exclusive retailer offers, gospel singers, seasonal street food, a pop-up bar serving mulled wine plus sustainable gifting from Zero Waste and Urban Makers Markets. 56 Brushfield St, E1 6AA; oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

EVENTS FAI R

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER From 26 November Perfect for family and friends, this London Bridge fair boasts 70+ stalls alongside a schedule of creative workshops. The festive shops will offer a stunning array of boutique gifts and delicious world cuisine, for a unique Christmas shopping experience with unbeatable riverside views. londonbridgecity.co.uk

MU S I C

WINTERFEST

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

This Month’s Must See

21-22 December LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE The hugely popular Christmas carols service returns for another year of festive tunes, mince pies and mulled wine. Getting visitors in the festive spirit, Surrey Brass, the Harlequin Chamber Choir and narrator Giles Abbott will be joined by Sacred Heart School Choir. Book early to avoid missing out. Ferry Road, TW11; landmarkartscentre.org

TR AI L

CHRISTMAS AT KEW From 20 November N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y Christmas at Kew is back for its seventh year with a magical winter trail full of exquisite lights, lasers and art installations. Visitors can grab street food and a cup of mulled wine as they wander through the grounds and marvel at the illuminated Temperate House, ﬁnishing off with a browse of Kew’s gift shops. kew.org

THE SNOW QUEEN U NTI L 5 JAN UARY • ROSE THEATRE

hildren and parents alike will be transﬁxed by this retelling of Gerda’s journey into the frozen north to save her best friend Kai from the evil Snow Queen. Based on the well-loved Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, the production features local talent alongside a professional cast and is showing throughout the festive season. 24-26 High St, KT1;

L I G HTS

WEMBLEY PARK From 20 November An unusual Christmas light display is coming to the up-and-coming Wembley area in the form of Winterfest, an immersive light festival beginning on 20 November. Installations such as ‘Sonic Runway’, straight from Nevada’s Burning Man, will transform the park into a multisensory corridor of music and light. Other highlights include a threemetre heart sculpture adorned with mistletoe and pulsating red lights. wembleypark.com/winterfest

rosetheatrekingston.org

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On Ice

Nothing will get you into the festive spirit like a glittering evening on ice. Here’s where you can get your skates on this year in the capital. By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

N AT U R A L H I S TO RY M U S E U M 1

1 9 O C T O B E R - 1 2 J A N UA R Y

Glide around beneath the twinkling lights of an impressive 30ft Christmas tree and marvel at one of London’s most breathtaking buildings. The Natural History Museum provides a dramatic skate setting, especially when lit up at night. If you don’t fancy the ice yourself, watch the action from the warmth of The Cafe Bar and open-air balcony where hearty treats and boozy drinks are served daily. Cromwell Road, SW7; nhmskating.com

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CULTURE • ICE RINKS

H Y D E PA R K WINTER WO N D E R L A N D 2

2 1 N OV E M B E R - 5 J A N UA R Y

Hyde Park’s gigantic tribute to festive frivolity is back with a spectacular array of long-time favourite and new wintery attractions. With the UK’s largest ice rink at its centre, Winter Wonderland’s extraordinary gathering of stalls, markets, food stands and bars will sit alongside a newly-themed Magic Ice Kingdom, the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club and Zippos Christmas Circus. Paddington on Ice will make its UK debut, combining cutting edge choreography and toe-tapping music in a 45-minute show that is perfect for the whole family. Hyde Park, W2; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com 3

S K Y L I G H T

3 1 O C T O B E R - 2 5 J A N UA R Y

Skylight will be transporting guests to a wintery wonderland high above the pavements of Tobacco Dock with cosy igloos and Europe’s only real-ice rooftop rink. Mulled wine and a delicious array of winter cocktails will be served from Skylight’s many après skate bars, while Greek street food vendors, YIRO, will be joining the culinary team this year to warm skaters with kofta and grilled halloumi. Don’t miss the changing programme of cutting edge DJs, seasonal events and parties including New Year’s Eve and a Burns Night Ceilidh. Pennington Street, Car Park Entrance, E1; skylightlondon.com

S K AT E AT SOMERSET HOUSE

H A M P TO N C O U R T PA L AC E

1 3 N O V E M B E R - 1 2 J A N UA R Y

2 2 N O V E M B E R - 5 J A N UA R Y

The stately surrounds of Somerset House have once again been transformed into the ultimate winter destination for stylish skating, contemporary music, festive shopping and gourmet food and drink. Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason celebrates its 20th anniversary with London’s first 24-hour skating event, the Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City, and the signature 40ft Christmas tree. Cosy up post-skate with a Baileys Chocolate Reindeer Cocktail in the treat lounge and indulge in a spot of rink-side festive shopping at the Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade. Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

The historic home of Henry VIII has once again set up shop as one of the most scenic skate experiences this festive season. The ice rink at Hampton Court Palace epitomises the glitz and glamour of London at Christmas-time, but the fun doesn’t stop on the ice. There are 500 years of history to discover inside the palace, and a rare Elizabethan treasure in new exhibition, The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I, and a the Festive Fayre promises a fantastic day out for foodies with a mouthwatering range of artisan food stalls, cookery demos and masterclasses. Molesey, East Molesey, KT8; hrp.org.uk

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CULTURE • FOCUS

LO D G E D ’A R G E N T

Coq d’Argent has opened an apres-ski inspired pop-up. The restaurant’s rooftop will bring Courchevel to the heart of the city by way of chic wooden interiors, white furniture draped in faux-fur blankets, and ski décor. No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ coqdargent.co.uk

F E S T I V E F O R A Y

THE BEST OF LONDON’S WINTER POPUPS TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON

WINTER T E R R AC E

French restaurant Orrery has transformed its terrace into a winter wonderland thanks to The White Company; the intimate space will be decorated with wreaths, cashmere throws and twinkling baubles. Also, Moët & Chandon will be serving four bespoke cocktails. Marylebone High Street, W1U 5RB orrery-restaurant.co.uk

THE GHERKIN

Helix by Searcys, the restaurant at the top of the Gherkin, has partnered with Laurent-Perrier to create a champagne breakfast for the festive season. A 12-foot Laurent Perrier Christmas tree will tower above the 360 degree Iris bar, making it one of the tallest Christmas trees in London. 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8BF searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

FENTIMAN ’S GINGERBREAD HOUSE

A life-size Pink Gingerbread House has been erected on the 9th floor of Skylight in celebration of Fentiman’s new pink ginger soft drink. Londoners can visit the house for a cocktail followed by a skate on Skylight’s ice rink. Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF designmynight.com

S O H O T E R R AC E

5 20

Seafood and oyster specialists Wright Brothers and classic London dry gin company Sipsmith have collaborated to launch a winter popup. The Soho restaurant's terrace will be transformed into a snug hideaway with blankets, lanterns and fairy lights, with an exclusive winter sipping menu. Kingly Court, W1B 5PW thewrightbrothers.co.uk

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CULTURE • PROMOTION

“Available online and at over 1,700 branches of Tesco, Waterstones and WH Smith”

A night at the

T H E AT R E Treat someone to the perfect night out with Theatre Tokens - the easy way to give the gift of theatre

he Christmas season is nearly here and that means it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas. In the modern world, it’s hard to buy someone a gift no-one else will be able to. So why not buy them an experience that can’t be replicated - a night at the theatre. The right show at the right time can be a life-changing experience; from a gripping play to an uplifting musical, a dramatic opera to a mesmerising dance performance, nothing is quite like live theatre. But how do you give that gift while making sure it’s the right show and right time for the recipient? That’s where Theatre Tokens come in. Theatre Tokens are unique gift vouchers that can be used to buy tickets to shows at over 260 theatres across the country, from Aberdeen to Jersey. This means your giftee

can see plays, musicals, entertainment, opera, dance and more either at their local theatre or on a holiday away from home. Best of all, Theatre Tokens have no expiry date. This means you can give the gift of theatre safe in the knowledge that the recipient can wait for their dream show before they book. With 800 branches of Tesco stocking Gift Cards or instantly activated eGifts from our website theatretokens.com, Theatre Tokens is the easy way to give someone a night they’ll never forget. Venues in London’s West End now accept Theatre Tokens online when booking at officiallondontheatre.com. Not only does this make Theatre Tokens even easier to use, it also means that for the first time you can use Theatre Tokens to buy tickets in Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale where tickets to major West End shows start from as little as £10.

Buy the perfect Christmas present now at theatretokens.com or by calling the Tokenline on 020 3011 0755 (available Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm except Bank Holidays) and give someone the gift of theatre.

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PREMIUM EXPERIENCES AFFILIATE PARTNER

HOTEL PARTNER

VIP ROUGE IN THE GALLERY – FINE DINING – FAMILY FUN CIRCUS BOX FAMILY RECEPTION PACKAGE – VIP BOXES

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

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

MUST SEE

CIRCUS 1903

Until 5 January

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Be immersed in the wondrous world of turn-of-the-century circus with the return of Circus 1903. The show include the much loved favourites from last year, including sensational life-sized elephants created by the puppeteers form War Horse, and the thrilling spectacle of the Brazillian Wheel of Death. Southbank Centre, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

By Z O Ë D E L M E R - B E S T

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

Until 4 January

PICCADILLY THEATRE

Following its sold out run at the Young Vic, Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman has transferred to the West End and is now in residence at the Piccadilly Theatre. Co-directed by Marianne Elliot and Miranda Cromwell, the pair bring a strikingly unique vision to one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century and present the narrative through the eyes of an African-American family. 16 Denman Street, W1D; thepiccadillytheatre.com

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Until 16 January

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Prepare to be immersed in the ballet adaptation of the much-loved fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. Set to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score, Petipa’s classic choreography makes a whimsical sight to behold on the famous stage of the Royal Opera House. Brimming with powerful imagery, beautiful costumes and strong characters, this is a performance that can be enjoyed by all ages. Bow Street, WC2; roh.org.uk

UNCLE VANYA From 14 January

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE

Until 2 February BRIDGE THEATRE

Step through the wardrobe this winter into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. 3 Potters Fields Park, SE1; bridgetheatre.co.uk

UNCLE VANYA BRIDGE THEATRE

HAROLD PINTER THEATRE

Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson’s stunning new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece makes its stage debut under the direction of Ian Rickson. Uncle Vanya is a portrayal of life at the turn of the 20th century, full of frustration, dark humour and hidden passions. Panton Street, SW1; haroldpintertheatre.com

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FOOD & DRINK

ALL ABOARD THE GRAND DUCHESS

Moored boat restaurant The London Duchess wil be offering a festive feasting menu at its private banqueting table, perfect for a Chrismtas gettogether. Dishes on the set menu include Dorset estuary oysters, dressed Devon crab and a dark chocolate and orange tart with mince pie ice cream. londonshellco.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Tasting notes 28 • Restaurant review 31 • Recipes 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this December By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chilean Sauvignon Blanc by De Martino  £9.95 With its fresh and zesty aromas of lime and kiwi fruit, this is a mouth-watering, crisp white wine with a beguiling mineral character. Enjoy it with seafood, or as an apéritif - this wine is a great crowd pleaser to have on hand during the festivities.

2015 Anthonij Rupert, L'Ormarins, Brut Rosé, Western Cape, South Africa  £19.95 A sparkling rosé of an eye-catching faint pink hue. It has gentle aromas of strawberry and raspberry with a slight cream and biscuit nuance. Vibrant and lively with crisp fruit ﬂavours accompanied by hints of grapefruit and lime - perfect for raising a toast.

2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Australian Pinot Noir by Crittenden  £13.95 An exceptionally pure expression of Pinot Noir, this approachable red wine exhibits berry and fruit characters that dominate the nose. Its palate is fresh and juicy and this wine makes a brilliant accompaniment to a warming roast supper. BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

Plant pastries R U BY ’ S C U P CA K E S

Greenwich market stall Ruby’s Cupcakes is now offering deliveries of its freshly-baked sweet treats within London. The capital’s leading vegan and gluten-free patisserie makes cupcakes with the finest ingredients, and all goods are hand-finished and piped, meaning no two batches are the same. Absolutely recommend the strawberry swirl. Greenwich market, SE10 9HZ; rubysoflondon.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Festive

AFTERNOON TEAS

FITZ'S

Le weekend

The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel is serving a high tea perfect for a repose from Christmas shopping. Celebrating all things chocolate, the indulgent afternoon tea will include scones, cakes and cocktails designed by Thibault Marchand, winner of Bake Off: The Professionals. 8 Russell Square, WC1B 5BE; kimptonfitzroylondon.com

LE PETIT CITRON

WINTER WA R M E R THE PETERSHAM RESTAURANT

Head Chef Jean-Didier Gouges has created a festive menu which includes Norfolk turkey breast with all the trimmings, duck a l’orange, dover sole and vegetarian pumpkin tortellini. A unique 1.2-metre-tall chocolate Christmas tree has also been crafted. Nightingale Lane, TW10 6UZ; petershamhotel.co.uk

A French-style weekend brunch has landed at Shepherds Bush Road restaurant Le Petit Citron. The menu includes breakfast classics like ‘le full French’ - bacon, poached eggs, mushroom and sausage - as well as more adventurous options like scrambled eggs with a twist of truffle oil and chives on sourdough. 98-100 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7PD; lepetitcitron.co.uk H E L L O DA R L I N G Hello Darling, tucked just behind the Old Vic, will be serving a G&Tea afternoon tea to coincide with matinees of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the legendary theatre. A range of sweet and savoury scones will be served with a pot of tea or a cocktail. 131 Waterloo Rd, SE1 8UR; hellodarling.london

OUI OUI CHEZ ANTOINETTE

Perfect poultry MR JI

Following a successful pop up in Camden, Mr Ji is bringing its Taiwanese fried chicken to a permanent site on Old Compton Street. Using only free range chicken, Mr Ji’s hero dish is the Big Ji, a butterflied breast coated in gluten-free sweet potato flour and deep fried, flavoured with a secret recipe devised from scratch. 72 Old Compton St, W1D 4UN; mrji.co.uk

S O F I T E L ST JA M E S This beautiful neoclassical hotel’s Rose Lounge will be serving a festive afternoon tea featuring Parisienne pastries, Christmasthemed cakes and sandwiches, gingerbread men, and of course, the very best fine tea selected by the in-house tea sommelier. 6 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AN; sofitelstjames.com

The husband-wife duo behind much-loved French eatery Chez Antoinette has opened a second site in Victoria. Inspired by Parisian bistros, the restaurant will use French and local suppliers to bring guests modern takes on classic, rich French dishes from Croque Monsieur to tartines and freshly-baked pâtisseries. 22 Palmer Street, SW1H 0PH chezantoinette.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The lobster was delicately infused with burnt garlic and lemon”

KAMA by Vineet A masterful use of spice and flavour

FOOD Flavoursome and expertly prepared

B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E S T

t was a cruel twist of fate, when, just a week after Rasoi received its Michelin star in 2017, the restaurant closed. People clamoured to make a reservation during its final swan song, but many missed out on the taste of gastronomic excellence. However all was not lost: earlier this year, Vineet Bhatia resurrected a culinary home in the centre of Harrods Dining Hall. One could be forgiven for thinking that eating in Harrods Dining Hall would be a noisy and hectic affair, but in fact you couldn’t be further from the truth. The ambience calmly bobs on a friendly level and because there are over six restaurants under one roof, there’s always an eclectic

mix of patrons and a welcoming hubbub of conversation – making it the perfect location for a speakeasy dinner over a bottle of good red. Whilst sipping on divine lychee martinis, my dining partner and I closely studied the menu and placed our orders. Midway through enjoying a platter of papad (small poppadum’s spiced with cumin seeds that have a soft yet crunchy texture) with spicy green herb raita and tangy mango chutney, our sharing plates arrived; curry leaf and tomato lobster tails, and a pair of pistachio lamb chops. The hot grilled lobster was delicately infused with flavours of burnt garlic and lemon, accompanied by a chilled potato chatt; combining the two resulted in a sensual play of hot and

DECOR Classically unassuming

PRICE Large plates starting from £12

VERDICT Perfect speakeasy for food lovers

cold. However the lamb chops were the true winners of not only this course but of the whole meal. With the bright pistachio green crusting, and a bed of saffron potato mash, the dish was completed with a generous sprinkling of romantic rose petals and pomegranate seeds. The lamb was perfectly tender and provided a heady, full-bodied meaty flavour. For the main course we chose the famed butter chicken and coconut-lemongrass prawns. The butter chicken was a heady concoction of rich flavours and warming spices and the sauce made a delicious dip for our garlic naan bread. Perfectly cooked, the prawns were piping hot and bursting with flavour within their bed of aromatic sauce - an exemplar of how seafood should taste in Indian cuisine. The dessert menu came out and my dining partner and I settled on the gulab jamun with sesame malai. Holding sumptuous flavours of cardamom, rose syrup and sesame seed, it tasted like an exotic take on the very British golden syrup pudding- a perfectly cosseting finish to a foray in the exotic. K A M A BY V I N E E T Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X

kamabyvineet.co.uk

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

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F E ST I V E

favour ites Recipes for Christmas from Marcus Wareing

Wo r d s M A R C U S WA R E I N G • P h o t o g r a p h y S U S A N B E L L

Marmalade and Earl Grey Teaglazed Ham Serves 6–8 with leftovers Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS • 2–3kg middle-cut unsmoked gammon, knuckle on • 1 onion, quartered •2 carrots, halved •2 celery sticks •2 bay leaves • 1 tsp black peppercorns •4 cloves •4 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves, or 8 tea bags •2 00g marmalade

METHOD 1 Place the gammon in a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns and cloves. Cover with cold water and place over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface, and cook for 1½ hours. Turn the heat off and allow the gammon to sit in the liquid for a further 30 minutes. Remove from the pan and leave until cool enough to handle. Strain off the liquid and keep it for soup (it will be rather salty). 2 Once the ham is cool enough to touch, cut away the skin, leaving a 1cm-thick layer of fat intact on the ham. Gently score the fat with crisscross marks to create a diamond pattern. 3 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/ gas 5 and line a roasting tray with foil. 4 Pour 100ml water into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the tea leaves or bags and remove from the heat. Leave to infuse for 6 minutes then strain into a bowl. Add the marmalade to the bowl and mix well. 5 Transfer the gammon to the lined roasting tray and brush it liberally with the marmalade mix (keep a little back to use for a second glaze in the process). Place in the oven for 20 minutes, brush with the remaining glaze and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes, until the skin is crisp. 6 Remove from the oven, cover with the foil and leave to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

MARCUS’ TIP: Cloves impart a huge amount of flavour and therefore must be used sparingly. A little goes a long way – chew on one and your mouth will turn numb. Clove oil is used for toothache for that very reason.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Ultimate Roast Potatoes Serves 6 Prep time: 10 minutes, plus cooling Cooking time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 18 potatoes, about 140g each, peeled •3 00g duck fat •3 00ml vegetable oil •½ bunch of thyme •6 garlic cloves, bashed •S ea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD 1

Place the potatoes in a large pan of

water. Season well, bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 18– 20 minutes, until a knife inserted meets only a small amount of resistance (they shouldn’t be soft all the way through). This parboiling part of the process is crucial, as it’s what makes them fluffy once you put them in a really hot tray of oil. 2 Drain the potatoes then place 4 or 5 back into the pan and cover with a lid. Shake vigorously until all edges of all potatoes have been roughed up. Repeat until all potatoes have been shaken. 3 Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a tray. Allow to cool to help them dry out. 4 When the potatoes have cooled, preheat the oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas 8. Remove all oven racks except the middle one, so you can have easy access to that rack.

5 Place the duck fat and vegetable oil into a deep roasting tin and place the tin in the centre of the oven for 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7 then open the oven door and carefully remove the tin. Using a pair of tongs, carefully place the potatoes in the hot fat. Add the thyme and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Place the tin back in the centre of the oven and roast the potatoes for 40–50 minutes, carefully turning them every 15 minutes. 6 When the potatoes are golden, place a colander above a bowl and, using tongs, with the roasting tin still in the oven, transfer the potatoes to the colander. If you do not need to use the oven, leave the door ajar for the hot fat to cool before removing. If you do need the oven, be very careful when removing the hot fat-filled tin.

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

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Now

OPEN We have lovingly transformed The Guildford Arms, opening up the ground floor and basement to create dining areas that overlook our stunning sunken garden.

Our focus has been on finding the best quality produce, from ethically sourced suppliers and ensuring our ingredients haven’t travelled further than necessary. Our wine list is completely European from small, family-run wineries. Our seasonal dishes, created by Guy Awford, have been designed to share with friends and family. Showcasing natural, fresh food, cooked over charcoal or with induction - the oldest and newest methods of cooking.

THE GUILDFORD ARMS 55 Guildford Grove SE10 8JY 020 8691 6293 mail@theguildfordarms.co.uk www.theguildfordarms.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Quince, Rosemary and Honey Trifle Serves 8 Prep time: 30 minutes, plus chilling, cooling and setting Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 250g honey • 1 sprig of rosemary •2 large quince, peeled, quartered and cored (550g) •3 gelatine leaves •2 00g Madeira cake, diced into 2cm cubes •2 5ml dry sherry F O R T H E C U S TA R D • 150ml milk • 1 50ml double cream •3 sprigs of rosemary •4 egg yolks •5 0g caster sugar •2 gelatine leaves FOR THE CREAM • 1 50g double cream • 1 00g crème fraîche • fi nely grated zest of 1 clementine

METHOD 1 Place the honey and rosemary in a medium saucepan. Add 750ml warm water, bring to the boil then reduce to a gentle simmer and add the quince. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours, until the quince are soft. 2 Strain the quince over a heatproof bowl and pour the liquid back into the saucepan. Return to the heat and simmer for a further 10–15 minutes. Pour the liquid from the saucepan into a measuring jug – you want 400ml. Return this to the pan, setting the rest aside. 3 When the quince are cool enough to touch, cut them into 2cm dice and refrigerate. 4 Soak the 3 gelatine leaves in a shallow bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. 5 Bring the 400ml of syrup to the boil. Squeeze the water from the gelatine and stir it into the hot liquid until completely dissolved. Strain into a clean, small heatproof container and refrigerate for 1–3 hours until set. 6 To make the custard, put the milk,

cream and rosemary sprigs in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer then remove from the heat. Cover with clingfilm and leave to infuse for 20 minutes. Strain, discarding the rosemary, and pour the infused milk back into the saucepan. Bring back to just below the boil, stirring frequently. 7 Put the egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl and whisk together. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl, whisking as you do so. 8 Pour the mixture back into the pan and cook over very low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. While the custard is cooking, soak the 2 leaves of gelatine in a shallow bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. 9 Squeeze the water from the gelatine and stir it into the hot custard until completely dissolved. Strain through a sieve, cover and chill in the fridge. 10 For the cream, whisk the cream, crème fraîche and clementine zest together in a bowl until stiff peaks form. 11 To assemble the trifle, place the quince, diced sponge and sherry in your trifle bowl along with 200ml of the reserved quince syrup (any leftovers make a great addition to a champagne cocktail or gin and tonic, by the way). Cut the quince

jelly into cubes and add it to the bowl. Mix very gently. Whisk the custard then pour it on top. Finish with the cream and serve straight away or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

MARCUS’ TIP: I prefer my trifle not straight from the fridge as the flavour and texture improve when it is not so cold. I therefore make all the elements up then assemble it just prior to serving.

M A R C U S E V E RY DAY Recipes taken from Marcus Everyday by Marcus Wareing, with photography by Susan Bell (HarperCollins, £20)

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

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FA S H I O N

LONG STORY ANNA MASON

Anna Mason London has launched a special collaboration with world-renowned specialist Stivaleria Cavallin, who makes exquisitely Italian crafted women’s boots. This is the Empire State Suede boot, a luxe, extra-long creation that's made to order. £1,250 annamasonlondon.co.uk

Rent your wardrobe 38 • Jewellery: charms 41 • The shoot – jungle fever at Annabel's 42 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HURR FOUNDERS, VICTORIA PREW AND MATTHEW GELETA

Dress up

TIME

Absolutely trials Hurr Collective, the UK’s first peer-to-peer fashion rental service Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

T KNIT, £430; DENIM SKIRT, £150; BOOTS, £550; GANNI.COM

“Hurr is Instagram and eco-friendly” 38

is the season for Christmas parties - and buying dresses you’ll only wear once. But this year, it’s different - fast fashion is out and sustainability is in. The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters - more than the aviation and shipping industries combined - and in light of the revelation that UK households send 300,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill, consumers are waking up. However there is a dissonance between the growing demand for ethical, or ‘slow’ fashion, and the pressure to be wearing a different outfit in every photo on your Instagram grid. Whilst pre-loved fashion retailers like Vestiaire Collective have long been the go-to for vintage luxury finds, purchasing the odd second-hand piece doesn’t negate the environmental and human damage that excess clothes shopping - be it high street or designer - can do. This is where Hurr Collective comes in. The selfproclaimed “Airbnb of Fashion” allows members to rent designer items from its lenders for a short period of time - usually around a week - and simply pop them back in the post using zero-waste RePack bags. It’s Instagram and eco-friendly. Curious to find out more, I paid a visit to Hurr Collective’s HQ, a Belgravia townhouse which is home to a special selection of items available to rent. It’s also where Hurr’s concierge service takes

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • PROFILE

place; celebrity customers - who presumably don’t have the time to traipse to the Post Office - can drop in and collect outfits for events at short notice. I am greeted by Sophie Devlin, Head of Partnerships, who takes me downstairs to the Hurr showroom. As I enter, I have to suppress a gasp; Racks upon racks of luxe clothes line the room, of which the walls and carpet are smothered in deep blue velvet. It’s a wardrobe Carrie Bradshaw would be envious of. “Once a lady was down here for so long I thought she might have died,” Sophie laughs. It is indeed a heart-stopping fashion heaven, and deciding which item to borrow proves tricky. From a slinky Rebecca Valance gown to a bright pink Balenciaga blazer, Hurr have a perfectly curated collection of the most sought-after brands and styles. “People like to rent things they would never buy. Our most popular item is this Alexis dress,” Sophie points to a bedazzled pink and red sequined mini-dress. It retails for £1,388 but is available to rent from Hurr for £120. With no black tie events on the horizon, I select some work-appropriate wear: a cream, one-shouldered Ganni knit, a cosmic print Rixo dress and a brick-red Dolce and Gabbana bag, worth £925 but £51 to rent. For renters, the process is simple. They create a membership and select the item (or items) they want to borrow, which the lender then posts. After the agreed time period is up, the renter posts the item back for the lender to dry clean and prepare for the next renter. Victoria Prew, Co-Founder of Hurr, says that she envisioned

“People today prioritise access over ownership”

DRESS, £335; RIXO.CO.UK

DRESS, £265; RIXO.CO.UK

DRESS, £386; RIXO.CO.UK

CASHMERE SWEATER, £810; SKIRT £410; LEKASHA.COM

DRESS, £315; RIXO.CO.UK

the platform after spotting a gap in the market: “I’d watched the massive rise of the sharing economy - from Airbnb to Uber - that’s impacted all areas of our day to day lives. As one of the world’s most polluting industries, I really believed fashion was the next big industry that was ripe for disruption.” With people today prioritising access over ownership, Hurr gives eco-conscious it-girls an unlimited online wardrobe at their fingertips. “Our customers care about the environment, are savvy enough to know they can monetise their wardrobes and love being part of a forward-thinking community of women,” Victoria explains. Hurr recently took the concept to the next level with a physical rental pop-up shop in Belgravia last month. Visitors had access to in-house personal styling, clothes repair workshops and events. “The pop-up was a great opportunity for us to build our online community offline, get to know our customers and create a luxury rental experience,” says Victoria. At the end of the week, I say goodbye to my rented items - parting with the Dolce handbag is particularly traumatic - but I find comfort in the knowledge that I no longer have to complain of “nothing to wear”. When I need a Christmas party outfit or a last-minute dress for New Year’s Eve, Hurr will be on hand. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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22/11/2019 15:07

ABSOLUTELY READERS 10% OFF â&#x20AC;¢ USE CODE: AB10

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22/11/2019 12:44

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Simply Charming Get your good luck charm fix

ANOUSHKA

BIBI VAN DER VELDEN

LINKS OF LONDON

Mythology 18ct Gold Citrine Beetle Charm, £3,200; anoushka.com

Mammoth Bear Necklace, €3,725; bibivandervelden.com

Yellow Gold Jammy Dodger Charm, £70; harrods.com

LOQUET

ALEX MONROE

RACHEL JACKSON

9kt solid yellow gold locket pendant, from £440; loquetlondon.com

Dinosaur and Baroque Pearl Charm Bracelet, £360; alexmonroe.com

Queen of Revelry Gold Coin Necklace, £62; roosbeach.co.uk

GODDESS CHARMS

THOMAS SABO

MONICA VINADER

God of Courage and Inner Strength, £85; goddesscharms.co.uk

Koi Charm Pendant, £69; thomassabo.com

Atlantis Hamsa Pendant Charm, £85; monicavinader.com

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

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22/11/2019 12:23

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22/11/2019 13:22

J U N G L E B O O G I E Dodo Bar Or's winter getaway collection is inspired by Annabel's Jungle Bar N E T-A- P O R T E R .C O M

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22/11/2019 13:23

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22/11/2019 13:23

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22/11/2019 13:24

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22/11/2019 13:25

Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

Skinade has been a game changer for skin hydration “My hair and nails look healthier as well. Even my Dermatologist noticed the improvement in my skin”.

Joelle - March 2019

2 weeks to Wow! “The difference was clear after 2 weeks! I am now in my 2nd month of Skinade and the suppleness in my skin is incredible. I have noticed a marked difference in the hydration and texture in my face. I am hooked!”

Andrea - March 2019

The brand trusted by professionals, and loved by you... The inside-out approach to skincare is becoming an increasingly appealing and effective way to achieve visible results. As we age, our collagen production slows down, affecting the appearance of our skin. Skinade’s active ingredients work together to produce a daily drink aimed at nourishing and supporting the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.

Love skinade “I just started my third month and see a great difference in the texture, elasticity and brightness of my skin highly recommend to everyone”.

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

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#BelieveTheHype

24/04/2019 15:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MAGIC CIRCLE JO MALONE

Jo Malone's scent of the season is London Rose and Magnolia, a sensual floral with a mysterious character. Luminous magnolia and rose is draped in sensuous patchouli and warm amber for a magical effect. jomalone.com

Beauty notes 51 • Treatment reviews 53 • Party make-up 55 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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22/11/2019 12:59

MORE TH AN JUST COCKTAILS & NAILS! POPUL AR TREATMENTS INCLUDE Deep Cleansing Galvanic Facial (60 minutes) £60 LVL Lash Lift & Tinting (60 minutes) £70 Nouveau Lash Extensions (from 90 minutes) £130

• Galvanic Facials •

• Murad Facials •

• Eyelash extensions •

•LVL lash lifts •

Book your complimentary consultation today

0207 243 1113 bookings@coconailbar.com @coconailbarlondon

COCO NB.indd 1

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in winter skincare and fragrance THE REVIEW

B y H E L E N B R OW N

Nature Republic

Floral MAGIC

The new K-beauty store taking London by storm

J O M A LO N E

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

Jo Malone’s Christmas collection conjures festive magic with a twist on Victorian tricks. The scent of the season is the luminous Rose and Magnolia Cologne, a mysterious floral with a decadent heart of sweet rose, warmed by sensuous patchouli and warm amber. £104 for 100ml; jomalone.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

T SQUEAKY CLEAN CHANEL

Chanel’s Sumblimage cleansing collection is just what the doctor ordered as wintery winds and party make-up wreak havoc on our complexions. With an oil, an acid, a soap and a scrub, say hello to skin that is squeaky clean, soft and soothed as you overhaul your cleansing routine. From £80; chanel.com

BEE HYDRATED BEE YÜ

Luxury, all-natural New Zealand skincare brand, bee yü uses medical-grade Manuka honey to create skincare that is packed with youth-enhancing benefits. The new Hydrating Day Crème and Intensive Night Crème is a powerful duo designed to plump and firm, giving skin a natural glow from within. £76 each; beeyuskincare.co.uk

he UK’s first ever stand-alone K-beauty store has opened on Charing Cross Road. Nature Republic is a bestselling South Korean brand whose new site has been described as the ‘ultimate destination’ for K-beauty lovers, providing guests with an effortless shopping experience. It follows the explosion in popularity of Korean beauty, which has become synonymous with ‘glass’ skin and the infamous 10-step routine (think a whole lot of skin prep, sheet masks and serums). The store design is inspired by Mother Nature with an ‘ecofriendly’ interior featuring a living garden wall and plants aplenty, reflecting Nature Republic’s ethos and focus on natural ingredients. There are 10 main raw elements used in its products, including aloe vera, deep seawater, snail mucus, and ginseng. The K-beauty heaven boasts products for every budget, purpose and concern, from cleansing water and SPF to facial mists, masks and makeup. The hero product is the ‘Soothing & Moisturise Aloe Vera’ gel, which sold 1 million units in one day after launching in a Chinese shopping mall and is priced at just £5.90 for a tube.

NATURE REPUBLIC 64-66 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0BB;

brand.naturerepublic.com

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

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Some of London's finest beauty spots, reviewed by the Absolutely team

TO P T R E AT M E N T S

HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

HARLEY STREET

REVIV WELLNESS MEGABOOST IV

Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

DR NYLA LUNCHTIME FACELIFT

Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

acelifts are invasive, timeconsuming and complicated, right? Actually, wrong. Dr Nyla has developed ‘The Lunchtime Facelift’ which promises the ultimate natural face re-modelling delivered in under an hour - and there’s no need to go under the knife. I arrive at Dr Nyla’s Harley Street Clinic with high hopes, as her treatment uses two advanced technologies and is the very first to reach 4.5mm under the skin without surgery. Dr Nyla begins by tackling the surface layer of my skin with radio frequency, which aims to promote thermo-collagenesis to tighten and smooth the skin. Ultrasound is then applied, lifting the skin from underneath, contracting the muscles to smooth out deep lines and reduce sagging. By creating ‘microtrauma’ the skin stimulates a wound healing action resulting in a collagen boost and optimal radiance levels. "This treatment works dynamically with your own body and skin rhythms but supercharges them with zero pain, giving very tangible, rested and dewy results with everything being sculpted back into place,” says Dr Nyla. The speedy process is truly remarkable and I am thrilled with the results - my skin feels bouncy and tight, and the next day I wake up with a rested glow.

ou may have seen vitamin IV drips doing the rounds on Instagram - both Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian are fans - but the wellness trend has only recently touched down in London. I visited Reviv Wellness' Great Portland Street clinic to try the phenomenon for myself. During the IV hydration, the blood stream is administered with key vitamins in fluid form to encourage the most effective absorption. After having my blood pressure and BMI taken, the practitioner - a fully-trained paramedic - numbed my arm, inserted the needle and connected me to the drip. I opted for the ‘Megaboost’, which contained ‘anti-ageing' glutathione, vitamin C, B12 and a host of antioxidants and promised to help prevent colds, boost energy and hydration. I left with a spring in my step, feeling energised. As for the long term benefits, I can’t say I’ve seen a difference, but Reviv do recommend monthly treatments for maximum effect. gb.revivme.com

drnyla.com

REVIV IV HYDRATION TREATMENT

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

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Eating the right food and exercising sometimes isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to get rid of stubborn fat - so let the CoolSculpting procedure do the work to get you back into shape The scientifically-supported, FDA-cleared way to eliminate stubborn fat with no surgery

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The Hogarth MediSpa | Airedale Avenue | Chiswick | W42NW 21/03/2019 16:36

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND TOM FORD Eye Quad in Photosynthesex, £68; harveynichols.com

BOBBI BROWN Luxe Jewel Lipstic, £28; bobbibrown.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ZOEVA Spice of Life, £21; zoevacosmetics.co.uk

MAC COSMETICS Spellbinder Shadow, £19; maccosmetics.com

ICONIC LONDON

LAURA MERCIER

Love Struck, £19; iconiclondoninc.com

Face Illuminator, £32; harveynichols.com

AFTER HOURS ICONIC LONDON

Add a bit of glamour to your night time beauty look

Illuminator, £30; iconiclondoninc.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Luxury Palette of Pops, £42; charlottetilbury.com

B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E ST

MARC JACOBS Glam Glitter Eyeshadow , £23; harveynichols.com

AXIOLOGY Devotion, £25; gloworganicbrighton.co.uk

MAC COSMETICS Walk of Flame, £19; maccosmetics.co.uk

BOBBI BROWN Luxe Gems Eye Shadow Palette , £59; bobbibrown.co.uk

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

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77 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB 020 7018 2373 www.silkandcashmere.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY â&#x20AC;˘ SCENT

PERFUME

Jingle Smells An olfactory guide to festive fragrances B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

uying perfume as a gift for one's nearest and dearest should always be a joy, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to select something new and exciting rather than repeat a tried and trusted favourite. It may be the safer option, but it will not illicit the squeals of delight that make Christmas morning so magical. Here are some truly inspirational scents that are guaranteed to caress the nostrils and set pulses racing long after the tinsel has been packed away. For women one need look no further than 'Kiss My Name' from Spanish Master Perfumer Ramon Monegal. Not only is this the most romantic of monikers but the delicious scent is utterly seductive and quietly theatrical with tuberose, Egyptian jasmine and a lovely, mystical hit of tolu balsam. It's the Mata Hari of a fragrance and a great fit for the flirtatious. 'Dagian' (which means 'dawn' in old English) from British Master Perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek has it all and is the most optimistic fragrance to have crossed my desk in quite some time. Ruth translates the beginning of a new day and its "exhilarating hope of a fresh start" with a truly epic explosion of lime, lemon and mint at the top that would wake even the most practised somnambulist. Heart notes of jasmine, orange blossom and a mellifluous sandalwood base evoke a velvety, rather knowing sensuality that is both soapy and deliciously seductive at the same time. My thanks to the Marvellous Mrs Mastenbroek for raising the bar and producing a scent that is energising, sophisticated, culturally relevant and uplifting. The perfect gift for those whose cup is always half full. Hiram Green in Switzerland makes the most opulent of scents and among my favourites is the luminous 'Dilettante'. This is a floral fragrance with one foot in the present and other in the 1930s( perfume's golden age). It pulls off the dual aspects of contemporary extravagance and old

world glamour with olfactory aplomb and features a rich combination of orange flower, orange essential oil and warm, sweet resins. This is simply magnificent and will dazzle those that enjoy the spotlight. For gentlemen, here at Rouillier White we adore the hirsute traditionalism of 'Forbes Of Forbes' from Castle Forbes in Scotland. It has festive top notes of orange and tangerine teamed with oak moss and pine from the Highlands over patchouli and ambergris. This is a handsome fragrance of sophistication and elegance. Likewise 'Milano Cento', which is also British in origin but inspired by classic Italian colognes of the South. The fragrance opens with zesty, sparkling notes of lemon, bergamot and green petitgrain. Herbaceous notes of lavender and rosemary combine with the intensity of basil and clary sage, followed by rich, sensual sandalwood and patchouli. Spicy clove, cinnamon, amber deliver a modern twist on a traditional cologne and this fragrance is both ageless and timeless. For the contemporary urbanite our best-selling fragrance is 'Gruhme No14' with its sensual, aromatic woody accord and notes of juniper, bergamot, lemon and lavender, interlaced with traces of cumin, celery seed and petitgrain. This is a youthful, vigorous scent that works equally well for work or play and is a fragrance for the charismatic charmer. At Roullier White we are dedicated to helping our customers find something truly inspirational at Christmas and offer the little safety net of a free sample of any fragrance purchased as a gift. This means that the recipient can take the scent for a spin prior to opening the bottle and therefore can exchange it should the perfume not love them back! So be courageous this NĂśel and eschew the safer choice in favour of something fanciful and extraordinary. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a cool Yule and a fragrant 2020. rouillierwhite.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

SHAPE UP How one gym-avoider became a gym convert at W10 Performance

here are lots of reasons why non-gym goers don’t like gyms. We find them intimidating, for one. Nobody wants to broadcast their inadequacy alongside others who are blatantly showing their superior strength and skills. The presence of sweaty, big-muscled types can be off-putting for smaller, flabbier, weaker people who are already miles away from their comfort zones. Then there are the showers and the changing rooms, presenting further challenges. And that’s before we even get to the actual exercising, which of course nobody likes anyway. At least that’s how I used to feel. All of the above reasons are why so many of us avoid the gym, and why even if we do sign up half-heartedly, we rarely go, so we see no results, so we go even less. However, some gyms seem to inspire great loyalty and almost religious fervour. Like W10

Words P E N D L E H A R T E

Performance, which entered my radar after about five people had sung its praises to me, unsolicited. Eventually I succumbed and signed up for a month’s trial. Because though I am instinctively a non-gym goer, I am also not a fan of the looming middle-age spread that’s becoming the wolf at my door. At W10, they’ve eliminated many of the obvious problems. The showers are lovely, fully equipped with nice products and fresh towels; the changing room is small and inviting; there are lots of hairdryers with diffusers, there’s even a bowl of hairbands for when you’ve forgotten yours. And when you’re new, you start with a detailed consultation, which results in a list of detailed statistics about you – and you’re instructed to download their app, which makes it very easy to book sessions (and brilliantly, less easy to cancel them). The gym works on the principle of small group personal training sessions. So you book a session with a trainer, and the session is shared with up to four people.

Sessions are tailored to you, so you’ll probably be doing different things to the others in your group, and the pitch is just right. They definitely push you hard, but in a nice way, and the hour seems to be over quite fast, thanks probably to the large variety of different exercises you’re forced to do. All the trainers are smiley and friendly, everyone remembers your name and there’s no need to feel ashamed. Lots of exercises require no equipment at all, while others involve machines, weights or funny elastic strap things. Two or three sessions a week will certainly keep the wolf from the door and instill a new sense that gym-going is less binary than you may have thought: you don’t have to be a gym-goer or a non-gym goer, because at W10, everyone is equal.

W 1 0. F I T 202-208 Kensal Road, W10 020 3489 5428

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LONDON N e w Ye a r 's Eve 2 0 1 9 For New Year’s Eve 2019, London Skybar presents an exclusive, must-attend party to ring in 2020. Be our exclusive VIP guest and experience luxury and indulgence at its finest with and inspired night on our 28th & 29th floors with The Ultimate New Years Eve Experience In the Sky.

TICKET PRICES Standard NYE Ticket: from £220 VIP NYE Experience Ticket: from £425 For more information visit londonskybar.com

BOOK NOW LONDON SKYBAR +44 (0) 203 019 6520 | info@londonskybar.com

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Christmas S

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Lu xe LOOKS HABITAT

"Gold looks particularly striking against dark colours like black and green and a glittering bauble adds that extra special finishing touch," says Sophie Robinson, who has put together some Christmas styling inspiration for Habitat. habitat.com

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SCANDI CHRISTMAS AT HABITAT

Styling

C H R I S T M A S Colour expert Sophie Robinson has put together a variety of festive looks for Habitat. Here are her tips for how to achieve them Wo r d s S O P H I E R O B I N S O N / H A B I TAT

TH E LOO K

SCANDI TIP 1 Whenever you are holding back on colour you have to ramp up the texture, so here the story is all about that lovely play between materials. I love the matte wood, marble and pottery against the soft metallic decorations in nude tones of copper, blush pink, gold and silver which add a feeling of warmth.

SCANDI CHRISTMAS AT HABITAT

TIP 3 Scandinavian design often draws on a strong connection to nature and you can do this subtly at Christmas. Snip a few branches off the Christmas tree and string them up as garlands, interspersed with baubles for a quick and affordable decoration.

TIP 4 Candlelight is so evocative of the Christmas celebration so invest in some stunning candlesticks. Arrange in groups together in different heights for effect.

TIP 2

TIP 5

Decorating a sideboard where all your decorations are housed together will create a stylish focal point for a room and keep things contained for a curated, minimal look. Here we’ve created a miniature Christmas tree by being inventive with a fir branch and a wide topped glass vase – a great option if you’re short on space and want to bring in an element of nature.

In small spaces, opt for Christmas tree designs that have ‘twiggy’ profiles and will not block a room like a traditional fir tree can. These hand-wrapped Arran trees have a wonderful woollen texture which look great with a few well-chosen decorations for a minimal Christmas statement. Their design lets light flow through a room and still give a sense of space.

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CHRISTMAS • DECORATION

“Definitely don’t go matching your baubles to your décor – that would be a design crime”

TH E LOO K

C O LO U R POP TIP 1 If, like me, you love to go hard on brights, introduce some natural elements to help ground the look. Here a real Christmas tree is the perfect foil to all the bold colour and the dark green fir really makes the bright colour pop.

TIP 2 While Christmas décor is mostly about the tree, you can create other little festive moments around the home. I love to create little tablescapes, where you mix a few Christmas ornaments in with your existing objects. This could be on a shelf, console or side table. My tip is to arrange in odd numbers and make sure you have a variety of heights for interest.

THROUGHOUT THIS SCHEME PINK, TURQUOISE AND ORANGE FEATURE STRONGLY

TIP 3 When you are opting for a strong colour story, begin by focusing on three hero colours. Basing your colour scheme around three main colours will give an element of cohesion. To help a scheme feel organic and edgy, don’t be overly matchy and definitely don’t go matching your baubles to your décor- that would be a design crime.

HERO COLOURS

COLOUR POP DECORATIONS AT HABITAT

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S RE R O FE ST OF IN E K NC AS INA F R

Affordable choice. Naturally. - Stunning solid oak kitchens made in the UK - Choose from the complete range of Farrow & Ball paint colours, to ďŹ nish the look of your kitchen - The largest range of solid timber worktops in the UK

www.solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk 70 CHALK FARM ROAD, CAMDEN, LONDON, NW1 8AN

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CHRISTMAS • DECORATION

MODERN LUXE AT HABITAT

TH E LOO K

MODERN LUXE TIP 1

“Baubles aren’t just for the tree – place them in a dish or tie them to the back of chairs”

For me Christmas is a time where we get to up our game with a little opulence and yet also cherish the humble things. Fuse together luxury with the handmade and you have one of my favourite festive looks. My mum always went foraging for foliage and branches to decorate the house at Christmas and I’ve kept the same tradition. For a modern update, hang a swathe of tied branches with string and use Command strips or existing picture hooks to secure it to the wall or suspend it over the table. Embellish with some sprayed gold leaves, hand-embellished baubles and even some fairy lights for a striking display.

TIP 2 Continuing the theme, snip some smaller branches and lay them down the centre of your table as a basis for a centrepiece. Weave lengths of satin ribbon and nestle a few shimmery baubles and candle sticks in-between the foliage for a striking look. Baubles aren’t just for the tree: add them to place settings by placing them in a dish or tying them to the back of chairs.

SPRAY LARGE LEAVES GOLD TO UP THE OPULENCE

TIP 3 Spray some large leaves and sprigs of foliage gold to up the opulence. These can be added to your displays or added to gift-wrapped presents. Gold looks particularly striking against dark colours like black and green and a glittering bauble adds that extra special finishing touch. habitat.co.uk

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Create the perfect atmosphere for your special occasion

We can host Weddings, Proposals, Birthday Parties, Anniversary Parties, Civil Ceremonies and many more celebration types. Specialising in bespoke events, our experienced events team have helped host hundreds of events from mild to wild.

ATMOSPHERE GROUND

ATMOSPHERE 28

ATMOSPHERE 29

With a private outdoor area, cinema and inbuilt bar, Atmosphere Ground can be your premium screening room. Alternatively, the street level, exclusive entrance welcomes your guests heading up-to our two skyline venues; Atmosphere 28 & Atmosphere 29

A Brooklyn loft inspired venue with reclaimed wooden flooring from old gymnasiums and exposed brickwork, complementing the most stunning London skyline views, providing the perfect backdrop for all occasions.

The interior is minimal with clean lines and low lighting to emphasise the stunning wrap around views of London and beyond. Think of it as a blank canvas, allowing you to craft your dream event.

+44 (0) 203 019 6500 AT M O S P H E R E V E N U E S .C O M

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CHRISTMAS • BAUBLES PARTY FLASHING STAR £5, John Lewis johnlewis.com

PEARL EMBELLISHED VELVET BAUBLE £29.00, Harrods harrods.com

CHRISTMAS MOON AND STARS £10, Selfridges selfridges.com

KAT+ANNIE NETTED TULIP BAUBLE £12, Harrods harrods.com

STAR AND MOON BAUBLE £10, Selfridges seldfridges.com

OMBRE GLITTER DETAIL BAUBLE

EDITOR’S PICK

BETHLEHEM STAR ORNAMENT £6.95, Liberty London libertylondon.com

COSMIC GLITTER BAUBLE SET £34, Selfridges selfridges.com

£18, Harrods harrods.com

CHRISTMAS STARS BAUBLE £6, Selfridges selfridges.com

COSMIC CHRISTMAS

GLITTER AND CRYSTAL EMBELLISHMENT BAUBLE £10.00, Harrods harrods.com

This year it's all about the celestial B y ZO E D E L M E R - B E ST

ALES ILL SUD DEL NORD £37, Harrods harrods.com

GLITTER SUN DISC £28, Harrods harrods.com

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT £24, Jo Malone jomalone.co.uk

GLITTER DROP DECORATION £12.00, Harrods harrods.com

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CHRISTMAS • PROMOTION

“One lucky winner will experience the best of Hatton Garden”

Treat

YOURSELF Win the ultimate pre-Christmas pamper day in Hatton Garden

hen you think of historic Hatton Garden, worldfamous jewellery is probably the first thing that springs to mind. But there’s so much more to this central city hub. From skilled craftsmen and artisans to beauty salons, startups and boutique gyms, Hatton Garden is quickly becoming a destination in its own right. Not to mention Leather Lane Market which comes to life at lunchtime, along with Hatton’s many independent coffee shops and refined restaurants. We’ve teamed up with Hatton Garden to offer one lucky winner (and a plus one) the chance to experience the best that Hatton Garden has to offer, with a pre-Christmas pamper day packed with treats from the best independent businesses in the area.

The prize for a lucky winner and their plus one includes: • A Reformer Pilates class at Ten Pilates (and a jam-packed goody-bag to take home) • A Wash & Blow Dry and Express 7-Day Manicure at The Lion and the Fox • Cocktails and appetisers at brand new musical cafe/bar Fidelio • A guided tour of a world-famous Hatton Garden jewellery workshop • Afternoon tea with crumpets at Good and Proper Tea • A beautiful bouquet of seasonal flowers from luxury florists Wildabout What’s more, the winner can choose to combine their prize day out with a visit to Hatton Garden’s Christmas Market, taking place from 4 to 6 December, where they could grab a complimentary cup of mulled wine, enjoy listening to carols, and browse the stalls run by local jewellers. That means you could get your Christmas gift shopping sorted too.

H OW TO E N T E R Visit absolutely.london/win-hatton-garden @hattongdn • hatton-garden.london

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D EC K YO U R H A L L S

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CHRISTMAS • CRACKERS JO MALONE Christmas crackers, £32; jomalone.co.uk

ANNABEL JAMES Pine cone crackers, £34.95; annabeljames.co.uk

ANTHROPOLOGIE Crackers, £8 for 8; anthropologie.com

MERI MERI Confetti crackers, £21 for 6; smallable.com

EDITOR’S PICK FORTNUM & MASON Midas Touch crackers, £5,000 for 6; fortnumandmason.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CHRISTMAS C RAC K E RS MERI MERI Snowman crackers, £20.50 for 6; thehambledon.com

Begin your meal with a bang

MOET Moët Impérial Rosé mini cracker, £19.99; selfridges.com

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

NANCY & BETTY Pheasant crackers, £35; nancyandbetty.com

COX & COX JOHN LEWIS AND PARTNERS Campfire Leaves crackers, £20 for 12; johnlewis.com

Luxury copper crackers, £45; coxandcox.co.uk

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CHEESE BOARD BRINDISA

Spanish specialist has put together a range of hampers that make great gifts for foodies, but their cheese selection is worth trying too. There's loots of Manchego in varying stages of maturity, plus a variety of soft goats cheeses and more. Also worth trying are the cured meats, truffle crisps and tinned olives. brindisa.com

C h ri s tm a s FOOD

ALL THE FINEST FESTIVE T R E AT S A N D S TA P L E S

LIQUEUR LOVE

FENWICK

Fenwick's new own-brand food range includes a delicious spiced clementine gin liqueur as well as high quality mince pies, chocolates, chutney and generously filled hampers. fenwick.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • FOOD & DRINK

Top f izz...

THE CROWN COPAS

Copas Turkeys is a family business established in 1957, and their artisan high welfare way of rearing their guarantees you the best flavoured turkey in the country. Whether you're after a whole 10kg organic Bronze bird or a free range crown, Copas will take your order now and deliver to your door on 20 December. copasturkeys.co.uk

FRENCH PRESS BRUNO PAILLARD

Family-run, boutique Champagne House Bruno Paillard has just launched its 2009 “Assemblage”, made exclusively from the first pressings of the grapes, ensuring the best quality. £68.80 hedonism.co.uk

CHOCOLATE BOX

VENCHI

Around a hundred recipes created from the finest ingredients such as single-origin chocolate (from Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru), Piedmont Hazelnuts and Green Pistachios from Bronte make up the Venchi offering. Magnificent multicoloured packaging makes a gift from Italian chocolatier Venchi a real treat. venchi.com

ENGLISH ROSE BLACK CHALK

Black Chalk is an English sparkling wine made from grapes hand-sourced from Hampshire’s top vineyard sites. Choose from the Classic 2015 and the Wild Rose 2016. £35/£40 blackchalkwine.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

BAKE OFF DARBYS

Pastries and oysters may be an unlikely combination but Darbys has created a wonderful festive selection of baked goods alongside their usual oyster and bread offering. The festive bakes include mince pies brimming with spiced dried fruits, tsugar-dusted cinnamon bun and sticky Kouign Amman with miso coffee glaze as well as small, personal-sized sourdough loaves. darbys-london.com

FULL FRUIT CHAPEL DOWN

Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus 2018 is characterised by aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and elderflower. The palate is tropical and floral with a crisp texture and a refreshing finish. £18 chapeldown.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ROTARY

JAMES PURDY

Limited Edition Heritage Gold Watch, £249; rotarywatches.com

Leather & Steel Flask, £125; mrporter.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BARBOUR Men’s Icons Bedale Waxed Jacket, £299.00; barbour.com

JO MALONE LONDON Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense Diffuser, £77; jomalone.co.uk

CONRAN SHOP Luxury Leather Tool Kit, £185; conranshop.co.uk

ADAM Lemon and Melon Hair Clay, £9; adamgroomingatelier.com

STEFANO RICCI Eagle Buckle Crocodile Belt, £1,895; harrods.com

KIEHL’S Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, £14; harrods.com

Gifts for

HIM Present inspiration for the man in your life

WILLIAM & SON Two-Pack Playing Cards, £75; mrporter.com

B y H E L E N B R OW N

LEFRIK Handy Backpack in Dark Lake, £44; lefrik.com

TOM FORD SAMSUNG

Beard Comb, £32; harrods.com

Blue AK Y500 Wireless Headphones, £99; samsung.com

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ANTHROPOLOGIE Crayon La Mode Frida Journal, £32; anthropologie.com

YAMAMAY Precious Collection Bra, £19.95; Knickers, £14.95; yamamay.com

COLD PICNIC Boob Pillow, $60 coldpicnic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BAYCO Earring and ring, price on request; net-a-porter.com

MICHAEL PLATT Bespoke Natural Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring, from £3,500; michaelplatt.co.uk

AESOP Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet, £57; aesop.com

Gifts for

HER Treats for under the tree that she'll love By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

OLIVIA VON HALLE POLKRA Matchbox, £10; polkra.com

Lila Abandon Pyjama Set, £420; oliviavonhalle.com

NEOM

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Christmas Wish Candle, £46; neomorganics.com

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FASHION • GIFTS SKIN REGIMIN The Glow Getter Set, £126; skinregimin.com

MADELEINE THOMPSON Beatrice Cashmere Jumper, £298; madeleine-thompson.com

JOHNNY LOVES ROSIE Headband, £18; johnny-loves-rosie.com

GANNI Leather bag, £380; ganni.com

CHLOE Emoji Bracelet, £400; chloe.com

RIXO Jagger Multi Paisley Scarf, £80; rixo.co.uk

BYREDO Bal D'Afrique Eau De Parfum, £165 for 100ml; byredo.com

DESMOND & DEMPSEY Arantza Pyjama Set, £150; desmondanddempsey.com

EVERMORE

Moon Candle, £48 ; evermorelondon.com

AMELIE'S FOLLIES La Belle Etoile by Aubade Triangle Bra, £97; Tanga, £63; ameliesfollies.co.uk

MAHABIS Classic Slipper in Larvik Grey and Perola Purple, £79; mahabis.com

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PICCA LOULOU Cloud & Stars Mobile, £22 cottage-toys.co.uk

NUMERO 74 Star Comforter, £21 mollymeg.com

KONGES SLOJD, Konges Slojd, Baby Toothbrush, £12.50 sorenshouse.co.uk

LIEWOOD Number Book, £24 acornandpip.com

POLAR POST Baby’s First Christmas Letter, £20.95 polarpost.co.uk

Gifts for

BABIES Adorable gifts for baby's ﬁrst Christmas

MIFFY Corduroy Miff y, £20 miff yshop.co.uk

MORI Gruffalo Pyjama Set, £44.49 babymori.com

MUM AND DAD FACTORY Activity Arch, £124 smallable.com NOBODINOZ Moon Cushion, £18.95 scandiborn.co.uk

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FASHION • GIFTS

MEMINIO Memory Box, £135 meminio.com

5 of the best

WO O D E N TOYS

MAIN SAUVAGE Teddy Bear Rattle, £25 smallable.com

NOBODINOZ Play Mat, £53 smallable.com

PEA Personalised Letter Print, £15 frompea.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FABELAB Christmas Stockings, £17.22 each fabelab.myshopify.com

SWEDISH LINENS Baby sheet, £30 swedishlinens.com

1. FERM LIVING Safari Box, £41.95; scandiborn.co.uk 2. KIDS CONCEPT Sorting Box, £17; alexandalexa.com

THE BONNIE MOB, Hat, £32 thebonniemob.com

3. LIEWOOD Rattle, £19; acornandpip.com 4. PETIT COLLAGE Multi-Language Puzzle, £24.95; cottage-toys.co.uk 5. KONGES SLOJD ABC Frame, £42.95; scandiborn.co.uk

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MERI MERI Glitter Holly Crown, £12, Shaker Collar, £16, Jewelled Hair Bow, £10; merimeri.co.uk

POLAR POST Nice Rosette, £13.95; polarpost.co.uk

POLAR POST Chocolate Coins, £3.50 polarpost.co.uk

LITTLE CLOUD, Name Hoop, from £16; little-cloud.co.uk

MARKS & SPENCER, Pom Pom Jumper, £10; marksandspencer.com

PLAN TOYS, Motor Mechanic £300; cottagetoys.com

Gifts for

KIDS Presents to light up little faces on Christmas morning

MERI MERI, Angel Toy,£45; merimeri.co.uk

LE TOY VAN Popcorn Machine, £29.95; letoyvan.com

MAILEG Tent and Mouse, €35; maileg.co.uk BONTON X BANWOOD, Pushbike £156; smallable.com

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FASHION • GIFTS

5 of the best

KIDS CONCEPT Doctor’s Set, £29.95; acornandpip.com

C H R I ST M A S P YJA M A S

JELLYCAT Sacha tigers from £25.95 curtain-call.co.uk

PLAN TOYS Victorian Doll House, £347 smallable.com MERI MERI, Fairy Costume, £50; merimeri.co.uk BIGSTUFFED, Giant Whale Toy, £150; smallable.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PLAN TOYS, Banjoele, £32.95; sorenshouse.com

3 5

1. YOLKE, Cotton Pyjamas, £70; yolke.co.uk 2. THE BRIGHT COMPANY, Pyjamas, £38; thebrightcompany.uk 3. LULU & NAT, Tiger Pyjamas, £45; luluandnat.com 4. DESMOND & DEMPSEY, Pyjama Set, £70; desmondanddempsey.com 5. FAUNE, Bay Nightie, £58; faune.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS URBANEARS Plattan 2 Bluetooth Headphones in Icon Blue, €99; urbanears.com

POLAROID Pop camera in Blue, £164; amazon.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

SUNNYLIFE Giant Jumbling Tower, £40; uk.sunnylife.com

STABILO Pastel Highlighters, £6.16; stabilo-uk.shptron.com

YES STUDIO Faux Leather Glasses Case, £12; store.wildandwolf.co.uk

LOVE INC LTD

SUSHI SOCKS Salmon Lovers, £27; anthropologie.com

FRIENDS Top Trumps Quiz, £9.99; game.co.uk

Personalised Neon Name Light, £445; loveincltd.co.uk

Gifts for

SEIKO Yellow Sports Clock, £89; conranshop.co.uk

TEENS Even the most hard-to-buy-for teens will enjoy these goodies

DINNY HALL Bamboo Hoop Earrings, £250; dinnyhall.com

By PENDLE HARTE

TATTY DEVINE Dental Bling Luggage Tag, £12.95; tattydevine.com

GREENWICH Caramel and Gunmetal Phone Case, £129; greenwich.design

UMI. SOURCE Multiciloured Lightening Bolt Cushion, £36.50; sourcelifestyle.com

SAINT IRIS ADRIATICA On the Glow Bliss Pack, £65; siadriatica.com

TWS Bluetooth Headphones, £39.98; amazon.co.uk

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s t f i G s u o e g r Go

From gin-infused smoked salmon to beautifully scented candles, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sure to find the perfect festive gifts from the Silent Pool Gin collection. silentpoolgin.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS PERCY & CO The Finland Bow Tie Collar, £30; percyandco.com

KIPPY GPS Tracker, €79; kippy.eu

PET TEEZER Detangling Grooming Brush, £12; petteezer.com

EDITOR’S PICK

WILD WASH Pro Shampoo, £14.95; wildwash.co.uk

CHESHIRE & WAIN

ARTON & CO.

Caspian Cat Collar, £60; cheshireandwain.com

Doggy Doughnuts, £12; artonandco.com

CHARLEY CHAU Teal Sunuggle bed in Velour, £90; charleychau.com

Gifts for

PETS All the best presents for your furry friends

PETS PYJAMAS

B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E ST

Travel Gift Vouchers, from £25; petspyjamas.com

MUNGO & MAUD Sweet Pea Cat Collar, £34; mungoandmaud.com

VELVETEEN HOUND Lavender Suede Sighthound Collar, £40; velveteenhound.com

FETCH & FOLLOW Kana Dog Bowl, £32; fetchandfollow.com

CHESHIRE & WAIN Catnip Toy Lobster, £12.50; cheshireandwain.com

MINKEYS TWEED Tweed Pet Blanket, £25.00; minkeystweed.com

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

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned A r t D e c o posters feature glamorous h o l i d a y destinations around the world, ski resorts in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cm.

Pullman Editions Ltd

Priced at £395 each.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547

Private commissions are also welcome.

94 Pimlico Road Chelsea

London SW1W 8PL

www.pullmaneditions.com

info@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

OBJECTS OF USE

EDITOR’S PICK

Turkish Enamel Teapot, £23.50; objectsofuse.com

HADEDA Zulu Indlulamithi Giraffe, £350; hadeda.co.uk

PULLMAN EDITIONS Villars: 'High Altitude' By Pullman Editions; pullmaneditions.com

W.A.GREEN Yokota Knit Blanket, £180; wagreen.co.uk

MARIMEKKO Kuusikossa, £26; marimekko.com

BLOOMBOX CLUB Subscription, £40; bloomboxclub.com

FERM LIVING

Gifts for

Still Teapot, £65; fermliving.com

HOMES Presents for stylish interiors By P E N D L E H A R T E

VITRA Wooden Doll No. 4, £95; Vitra.com

THE GIFTED FEW Moon Table Lamp, £73; thegiftedfew.com

CURTAIN CALL Cushions from £42 and Merino Wool throws from £85 curtain-call.co.uk

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GALERIE PRINTS Poolside Gossip 1970 by Slim Aarons, £670; galerieprints.com

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Introducing our ﬁrst soundbar

Silver Smoked Oak Bronze

BEOSOUND STAGE A powerful soundbar that brings Bang & Olufsen sound to your own TV. Take the TV experience to a different level with Beosound Stage, a beautifully crafted soundbar that sounds as good as it looks. Beosound Stage enhances viewing pleasure with a combination of the latest in audio technology and seamless design – as well as being powerful enough to avoid the need for a separate subwoofer.

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BANG & OLUFSEN OF BEXLEYHEATH 155 BROADWAY BEXLEYHEATH DA6 7EZ

BANG & OLUFSEN OF CAMBRIDGE 29 MAGDALENE STREET CAMBRIDGE CB3 0AF

BANG & OLUFSEN OF SOUTH EAST LONDON INFO@BEOSHOP.CO.UK WWW.BEOSHOP.CO.UK

Tel: 0208 303 2760

Tel: 01223 464400

Tel: 0808 231 0000

BANG & OLUFSEN OF MAIDSTONE 37 ROYAL STAR ARCADE HIGH STREET, MAIDSTONE ME14 1JL

BANG & OLUFSEN OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS 66 MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN1 1RB

Tel: 01622 756756

Tel: 01892 527525

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

H I G H T E C H

CHARGER

N AT I V E U N I O N

Handcrafted from natural Jesmonite, this Terazzo Wireless Charger looks stylish and is a handy dock for boosting your battery, whilst providing full access to your phone. £129.99; nativeunion.com

GORGEOUS GIFTS FOR GADGET LOVERS

S P E A K I N G C LO C K AMAZON

The new Echo Dot is designed for your bedside with its dimmable clock face – though of course you can still ask Alexa the time, or anything else. £44.99; amazon.co.uk

TRIANGLE COCK MADE

Waking up to your alarm isn't so bad when it's a work of art; the Odette Triangle Clock in oak boasts discreet side speakers and a digital display. Also available in black, the clock can be gift wrapped. £25; made.com

HEADPHONES BA NG & OLUFSEN

The Beoplay H9 headphones are limited edition and come in peony or chestnut. With advanced noise cancellation, these high-tech but stylish over-the-ear headphones make a brilliant gift for music lovers. £450; bang-olufsen.com

CAMERA

PAU L S M I T H X L E I C A

British fashion designer Paul Smith has collaborated with Leica to create a stylish camera with colours adapted from his custom Land Rover Defender and unique illustrations. Only 900 have been produced, so snap one up quickly. £3,500; paulsmith.com

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

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

M A K E A D A T E COVETABLE DIARYS FOR 2020 1

B LO C K D E S I G N FLIP CA LEN DER

With a strong focus on colour and a passion for design, Block Design have created a calender ideal for hanging on the wall, giving you a new, colourful piece of art every day. £20; blockdesign.co.uk

NOBLE M AC M I L L A N R A S PB E R RY 2 0 2 0 D I A RY

This striking raspberry pink diary is made from a slightly textured leather and has a handy week-to-view layout. £59; nobelmacmillan.com

PORTICO DESIGNS

R O L L E R S K AT E P L A N N E R

This playful and colourful roller skate diary is made by independent design company, Portico Designs and features a useful week-by-week layout. porticdesigns.com

N OT E M

V I TA N O T E B O O K

Known for their straighforward and functional approach to design, Notem have created this stylish pocket-sized notebook to write down all your happy moments, musings and shopping lists. £59; notem-studio.com

PA P I E R

C H E R R Y B AY 2 0 2 0 D I A R Y

This hardback diary features everything you'll need to get organised in the new year. From weekly, monthly and yearly overviews to important dates and To Do lists. £21.99; papier.com

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

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NORDUR Blueberry Sea Salt, £6.95; harveynichols.com

BISCUITEERS Merry and Bright Gin Gift Box, £72; biscuiteers.com

CHARBONNEL ET WALKER Starry Eyed Chocolate Truffle Cracker, £7.95; harveynichols.com

EDITOR’S PICK

HARVEY NICHOLS Chocolate and Amaretti Panettone, £3.95; harveynichols.com

Gifts for

EMMA BRIDGEWATER Christmas Toast Large Jug, £59.95; emmabridgewater.co.uk

FOODIES Satisfy the foodies in your life with these goodies

OLIVER BONAS Brunch Club Diamond Dust Wall Art, £39.50; oliverbonas.com

BAILEYS Salted Caramel, £16; baileys.com

SMEG Drip Filter Coffee Machine, £179; smeguk.com

HARVEY NICHOLS

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Chocoholic Hat Box, £40; harveynichols.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS LE CHOCOLAT ALAINE DUCASSE

BEES WRAP Reusable Food Wraps, £25; amara.com

Hexa - Star, from €14; lechocolat-alainducasse.com

HARVEY NICHOLS Blood Orange Negroni, £6; harveynichols.com

LE CREUSET Double Oven Glove, £32; selfridges.com

OTTOLENGHI Spice Hamper, £65; ottolenghi.co.uk

CKBK One year gift subscription, £49 ckbk.com

SMITH & SINCLAIR The Naughty or Nice Selection Edible Cocktail Gummies, £14.95; harveynichols.com

BE CHOCOLAT Vegan chocolates, £34.99; selfridges.com

DISHOOM From Bombay With Love cookbook, £23.40; bloomsbury.com

AURELIE BELLACICCO Morocco Gold Olive Oil, £24.49; morocco-gold.com

GRIND Compostable Nespresso Pods (Refillable Tin), from £10; grind.co.uk

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

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Located in the heart of Mayfair, Hedonism Wines is an amazing fine wine & rare spirits boutique & the most talked about wine project of recent times. With over 3,000 spirits & 6,500 wines from the around the World Hedonism is the place to find the perfect hedonistic gift for a friend or loved one. There are always 48 exquisite fine wines available to taste, our tasting cards make a great gift or you can arrange a tutored tasting with one of our expert sommeliers. We offer friendly, knowledgeable service with free delivery within 1 hour in Central London plus quick & efficient shipping to the rest of the UK & many worldwide destinations. We look forward to welcoming you to Hedonism Wines!

OPENING TIMES Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm Sunday 12pm – 6pm 3-7 Davies St London W1K 3LD +44 (0) 207 290 7870

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CHRISTMAS • HAMPERS

OTTOLENGHI Napkin Set with Gift Bag, £85; ottolenghi.co.uk

OTTOLENGHI Christmas in a Bag, £85; ottolenghi.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

HARVEY NICHOLS Boxing Day Hamper, £150; harveynichols.com

BERRY BROS & RUDD Classic Hamper, £255; bbr.com

BRINDISA Christmas Party Selection; brindisa.com

OTTOLENGHI Sweet Spice collection, £15; ottolenghi.co.uk

FESTIVE HAMPERS Christmas hampers full of festive wonders By PENDLE HARTE

THE HUNGRY GUEST Best of Sussex Hamper, £465; shop.thehungryguest.com

LINA STORES Christmas Sacks; linastores.co.uk

TRAIDCRAFT Sweet Treats Hamper, £25; tradecraftshop.co.uk

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

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Sustainable Christmas Trees Grown with care and freshly cut to order from our historic Dartmoor farm for delivery to your door The most sustainable choice, our trees are grown without chemicals on a small family farm with one planted for each cut. Gorgeous Nordmann and Fraser Firs from 4ft to 9ft available. Delivered to homes in North London on 30th November, 1st, 7th and 8th December. Choose your tree and select your delivery date online now to secure delivery slot.

Order at holefarmtrees.uk Wishing you a lovely Festive Season from all of us at Hole Farm

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS THE HAMBLEDON The Flower Fix by Anna Potter, £20 thehambledon.com

SLEEPY WILSON Childrens pyjamas, £145; sleepywilson.com

HYKE

EDITOR’S PICK

Sustainably Sourced Gin, £32 foxholespirits.com

BUY A GIFT Eco-friendly Treehouse Escape in Snowdonia, Two nights for £379; buyagift .co.uk

NINI ORGANICS Skin So Festive Collection, £250; niniorganics.com

MINDFUL BITES Vegan Panettone, £14.99; wholefoodsmarket.com

ECO GIFTS

THE MARSHMALLOWIST Toasted Coconut Gourmet Marshmallows, £7.50; themarshmallowist.com

Sustainable brands for a more conscious Christmas MAIN SAUVAGE Dream Big Bunny Soft Toy, £3; smallable.com

BEAM

LUCY AND YAK

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

Sustainable clothing; lucyandyak.com

MALIN+GOETZ Get Lit Holiday Candle Set, £48 malinandgoetz.co.uk

Gift card to help the homeless find work, From £10; beam.org

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

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TreasureHouse 20 AFFORDABLE LUXURY

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Up to 50% off

Discover our fantastic range of Home Decor, Gifts, Candle Holders, Glassware, Scented candles, Accessories & more!

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ASPINAL OF LONDON Lion iPhone Case, £75; aspinaloflondon.com

CALIFORNIA CLOCK CO. Kit-Cat Klock, £65; libertylondon.com

D.S. & DURGA Pocket Purfume, £75; libertlondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK OLIVIA VON HALLE Eye Mask Icon, £295; oliviavonhalle.com

CHOCOVERT Hot Chocolate Spoons, £4; chocovert.com

QUAIL Schnauzer Salt & Pepper Shakers, £28; libertylondon.com

JAN COSTANTINE Galaxy Apliqué Festive Stocking, £59.95 libertylondon.com

STOCKING FILLERS BARBOUR Tartan Travel Mug, £9.95; barbour.com

From playful keepsakes to useful trinkets B y ZO E D E L M E R - B E ST

ASPINAL OF LONDON Small Pen Case , £40; aspinaloflondon.com

TALKING TABLES Cheesy Jokes, £8.50; johnlewis.com

SHRIMPS Shrimp Earrings, £145; shrimps.com

AESOP The Chronicler, £97; aesop.com

CHARBONNEL ET WALKER NACH BIJOUX

Milk Chocolate Champagne Truffles, £5; johnlewis.com

Crocodile Letter Opener, £45; libertylondon.com

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

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Grate Expectations A Family run business established for over 30 years The UK’s leading suppliers of luxury gas ﬁreplaces, wood burning stoves and bioethanol ﬁres manufactured by DRU, Spartherm, Ebios, Dik Guerts, Gazco, Stovax and many more.

The Fireplace Specialists & Consultants

1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateexpectations.com | grateexpectations.com

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INTERIORS

NORTH E R N LI G H T B R O ST E CO P E N H AG E N

Broste Copenhagen pays tribute to traditional Nordic design and aesthetics, but with a new and refreshing perspective. The collection includes colours inspired by nature, and materials such as mosaics and glass. brostecopenhagen.com

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR MAX ANNIE SLOAN

Why stop at baubles and wreaths when decorating your house for Christmas? Painting a bright, festive stair runner is a quick way to add a fresh feel and create a colourful entrance to your home... and with chalk paints, it can be done in an afternoon. Are you brave enough? anniesloan.com

A M E R I C A N B E AU T Y JOHN LEWIS X CALLIGARIS

An exclusive collaboration between John Lewis and Connuba by Calligaris has seen an update to the original New York velvet dining chair. Evoking an art-deco inspired aesthetic thanks to its soft upholstered velvet seat, this chair is supported by a minimalist polished brass metal sled base, with dark rubber feet. ÂŁ329 john lewis.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE... Candlesticks for Christmas

KATRIN MOYE Flower garland candle holder, £235 theshopfloorproject.com

BRANCH OUT

WHITE CHRISTMAS BROSTE

Broste's Salt range has a very slight rustic speckle and a simple black rim, and its effortlessly stylish feel can create a lovely backdrop for a festive table arrangement, whether you're going minimal or full max. From £13 royaldesign.co.uk

COX AND COX

Struggling to fit in a tree or just not keen on green? These industrial metal ladderstyle conceptual trees are designed to hang baubles on, with a small footprint and a mess-free look. £40 coxandcox.co.uk

HABITAT Madison cast metal candle holder, £12 habitat.co.uk

FERM LIVING Balance candle holders, £29 nordicnest.com

BLOOMINGVILLE Star ceramic candle holder, £9 cultfurniture.com

TABLE TALK FERM LIVING

LIME LACE Copper pipe candle holder, £48.50 limelace.co.uk

Set a beautiful table with napkins made with the unique artworks by paper marbling artist Julia Genet. Use them as they are or pair them with the organically shaped napkin rings to complete the setting. £5 fermliving.com

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

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

1 1

WO O D E N S TA R M E L O DY M A S I O N

D O O R D E C O R GIVE A CHRISTMASSY WELCOME TO YOUR GUESTS

Made from wood, this wreath has a sumptuous glittery finish. An ideal piece of sparkly festive wall decor for rustic modern Scandinavian or country style home decor themes. £29.95; melodymasion.co.uk

W I N T E R WO N D E R BLOOM & WILD

Inspired by a frosty winter morning this wreath is full of sparkling silver ruscus and poppy seeds, along with pretty pink limonium, statice, green oranges and pinecones. £75; bloomandwild.com

T H I S T L E & B E R RY T H E R E A L F L OW E R C O.

Filled with seasonal foliage such as conifer, spruce and aromatic herbs like silver lavender and rosemary, this wreath is finished with festive blue thistles & Viburnum berries. £85; realflowers.co.uk

B E R RY & P I N E C OX & C OX

Touched with delicate sage leaves, white winter berries and a frosting of sparkle, this wreath, with its delicate tones will bring glorious festive magic year after year. £75; coxandcox.co.uk

E U C A LY P T U S HUDSON HOME

This natural looking wreath is a classic edition to your christmas decor, a firm favourite for us with subtle soft greens and texture, add a bow for the more classic wreath look. £49.95; hudsonhome.co.uk

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

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CHRISTMAS

CHIC

INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

TIP 3

I always create a wonderful piece for our staircase, as this is what everyone sees when they walk into our house.

Struggling to get the festive look right? Take inspiration from Pearl Lowe. Here are her top five Christmas decorating tips Words P E A R L LOW E

TIP 4

TIP 1

Ask a local florist to create something magical for your fireplace at home or create one yourself. Columbia Road market on a Sunday has some fantastic flowers and wreaths – and there are so many great pictures to copy on Pinterest. TIP 2

Fairy lights are a wonderful way to create ambience at Christmas. I love wrapping them around all the beds in our house.

I love picking brambles, holly and berries when I go out for walks and then I put them in jam jars in all the bedrooms and bathrooms in our house. TIP 5

I collect little vintage Christmas trees and I put them along the fireplace in my dining room every year. It looks so sweet.

A N D F I N A L LY…

I’m going for a faux black Christmas tree this year, as our room is red and black. I will add some gold decorations and pink and dark red flowers as well – I’m going for a Tim Burton vibe. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Woodwork and Joinery Experts

The Design & Build of Bespoke Timber Garden Ofﬁces & Outbuilding, tailored to individual requirements Quality Internal/External Joinery Drawings & Plans Provided

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

0208 037 8615 • 07851 043539 phillip@acadia-homes-gardens.co.uk www.acadia-homes-gardens.co.uk AHAG.indd 1

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INTERIORS • HOME FRAGRANCE

The Legacy D I P T YQ U E How the house grew from a small Paris boutique to an international brand Words

PENDLE HARTE

DIPTIQUE’S SIGNATURE CANDLES

THE 2019 PATRICE BEST-SELLING FRAGRANCE COLLECTION DO SON

They had a penchant for Penhaligon’s and a love of textiles

THE BOUTIQUE AT 34 BOULEVARD SAINT-GERMAIN

iptyque is widely known as a fragrance company, but that hasn’t always been the whole story. The brand was born from a collaboration between a stage designer, a textile designer and a painter in Paris in 1961, when they set up a boutique and called it Diptyque. Artist Desmond Knox-Leet, interior designer Christiane Gautrot and theatre craftsman Yves Coueslant sold trinkets from their travels as well as small scents and candles; they had a penchant for Penhaligon’s and a love of textiles. The shop at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain still remains, though it has replaced its bazaar feel with the extensive collection of fragrances that make up today’s Diptyque offering. In 1963, Knox-Leet, the trio’s painter, created an experimental fabric which featured geometric variations inspired by abstract and modern art. Using textiles from Wisembach, a mountainous region near France’s German border, the pieces were then hand-dyed in Haut-Rhin. The creation was dubbed Prétorien—after the oval shape of the praetorian soldier’s shield—and the symbol afterward became a mainstay of the group, who by this time became officially known as Diptyque. The name came from two outwardfacing windows on the store’s façade that created a diptych effect. (In time, the boutique would expand as the neighborhood changed.) That same year Diptyque added candles to its shelves of objets d’art, debuting Aubépine, Cannelle, and Thé. Half a decade later—in the loaded year of 1968—their first eau de toilette came to life: L’Eau, a 16th Century potpourriinspired, genderless scent comprising geranium, clove, and cinnamon.

EARLY DIPTYQUE TEXTILE DESIGN

The distinctive Diptyque labels and lettering haven’t changed over the years, other than to add new ones. The oval shape and detailed ink illustrations make up the brand’s signature: now there are more than 50 fragrances in total, each containing three main ingredients alongside what they call an ‘olfactory accident’ that fuses them together. Diptyque’s candles contain single notes – the bestsellers are Baie and Feu du Bois, and for Christmas, the smoky notes of John Galliano’s namesake candle are always popular. diptyqueparis.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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T O

T H E

T O W E R 01

Two new showflats at Balfron Tower have launched after a five-year project to redevelop Erno Goldfinger’s famed brutalist block

alfron Tower, Poplar’s brutalist monolith, has been reinvented. The smaller and less famous – yet slightly older – sibling of Erno Goldfinger’s iconic Trellick Tower has (albeit controversially, due to the removal of long-standing council tenants) been revived and transformed into luxury apartments that give the imposing east London block a glamorous new identity. Studio Egret West architects worked alongside Ab Rogers Design to bring a new lease of life to the high-rise building, while remaining sympathetic to its heritage and original architecture. The late Hungarian architect Erno Goldfinger originally completed work on Balfron Tower in 1967, and he and his wife famously moved into the building in order to experience actually living in it. Carefully designed to be somewhere that people would enjoy living,

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Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E Photography JAKE CURTIS

Balfron Tower is angled so that bedrooms face east for sunrise and living areas and their balconies face west for sunset. To transform the 27-storey building into a modern residence, Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design were each responsible for the design of 50 per cent of the homes. In total there are 146 contemporary apartments and maisonettes ranging in size from one to four bedrooms. Ab Rogers Design worked with creative consultant Blue Farrier – previously creative director at fashion label Issa, and designer at Chloe, Stella McCartney and Anya Hindmarch – on the concept of the apartment, which draws on the principles of Goldfinger’s original scheme for the building, adapted for the 21st century. Together they created an apartment inspired by fictional character Ursula Kim, who loves the world of heritage and vintage design; living in a re-imagined apartment, surrounded by objects on their second, third

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INTERIORS â&#x20AC;¢ SPOTLIGHT 01 Architect Erno Goldfinger 02 Balfron Tower in 1967 03 Restored balcony, Balfron Tower 04 Living area, show apartment by 2LG

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

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Antique Fireplaces

Grate Expectations Antique Fireplaces have procured a huge collection of beautifully unique original fireplaces of many years through our sister company Grate Expectations Fireplaces. Each of our fireplaces has been restored to their full former glory in an extremely careful manor. Antique victorian and georgian fireplaces in our new showroom and salvage yard 333 Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW19 8JX 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk

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CURTAIN CALL

INSPIRED INTERIORS

Our redesigned and extended showroom is now open, incorporating a large Luxaflex design studio showing the latest motorised blinds, nestled alongside nearly new curtains and a huge choice of fabrics to be made to measure as curtains and blinds

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm • Sat 10am-6pm Evenings by appointment 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT 05 Kitchen, 2LG show apartment 06 Bedroom, Ab Rogers show apartment 07 Dining area, Ab Rogers show apartment

“Goldfinger intended Balfron Tower to be somewhere that people would enjoy living” 06

or fourth lives. The interior reveals curious, intimate and surprising details of her meticulous nature, exploring her passion for cultural pursuits including fashion and cinema. An evocative soundscape, inspired by the acoustic values of the space, will set the tone of the show apartment experience. Ab Rogers, founder and creative director of Ab Rogers Design called it: “a fascinating journey, working with the bones of the building, pushing the philosophy of Goldfinger and breathing new life into his iconic building while looking at ways to make its functions more relevant to the tenants of 2020 and beyond." Studio Egret West worked with 2LG Studio to style an apartment that combines brutalism with contemporary design, its material, texture and colour palette spanning concrete alongside aluminium, jesmonite and fluted glass. 2LG Studio brings a strong edge to the urban aesthetic with its approach to lighting and furniture design, and consciously softens this experience with layers of deeply textured natural fabrics. The apartment features an exclusive new version of the design studio’s Capsule light and Stanley table, along with a bespoke series of rugs from its latest collection. As print is central to the studio’s approach, it will create a new series of wallpapers, soft furnishings and photographic artwork inspired by the Grade II*-listed building, which will form a collection available to buy. The studio is also collaborating with a number of

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marblehill fireplaces the most impressive & extensive selection of fireplaces in the uK

With over 7 different shoW areas and more than 55 mantels on display With 14 actually under fire, marble hill is one of the leading london shoWrooms for all your fireplace needs. We are constantly striving to shoWcase innovative and neW designs.

70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BE

Tel: 020 8892 1488 info@marblehill.co.uk www.marblehill.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

08 Living room, Ab Rogers show apartment

09 Bedroom, 2LG show apartment 10 Bathroom, 2LG show apartment 11 Bedroom, 2LG show apartment

exciting new and emerging designers on bespoke pieces that will launch with the opening of the show apartment. Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio founders said: ‘We pass Balfron on our route into London and it has become a symbol of homecoming for us. It is also a unique opportunity for us as designers: brutalism has always been a source of inspiration to us, though our residential interior design work is usually dominated by work in period properties. This was a real opportunity for us to find a new starting point for our design process.’ As an integral part of the restoration project for Balfron Tower, six heritage apartments, one of each of the original flat typologies designed by Goldfinger, are being reinstated, including the original apartment that Erno and Ursula Goldfinger lived in during 1968. Designed by Studio Egret West, they will be as close as possible to the original design, remaining faithful to the original room layouts, while meeting today’s technical requirements, such as the inclusion of modern appliances alongside reclaimed heritage details and a historic colour palette. A heritage show apartment will launch in early 2020. balfrontower.co.uk 11

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Meri Meri Reindeer Pinata; £20.50 merimeri.co.uk

P A R T Y T I M E

Chloe Thurston, @chloeuberkid, on how to throw a festive party for kids

From left to right Meri Meri, Christmas Tree Plates; £6.75 merimeri.co.uk Fabelab, Stockings; £24.95 scandiborn.co.uk Cam Cam Copenhagen, Advent Calendar; £49.95 scandiborn.co.uk Severina Kids, Globe Rattle; €27 severinakids.com Maileg, Fairy Mouse; £23.95 scandiborn.co.uk Meri Meri, Fairy Dress; £40 merimeri.co.uk Meri Meri, Tree Advent Calendar; £12.95 merimeri.co.uk Meri Meri, Reindeer Mask; £19.50 merimeri.co.uk The Faraway Gang, Fairisle Sweater; £75 kidpix.uk

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INTERIORS • INSPIRATION

Little Munchkins, Playdough Set; £30 littlemunchkinsplaydough.com

Marks & Spencer, Snowy Christmas Tree; £49.50 marksandspencer.com Meri Meri, Tree Decorations scandiborn.co.uk Olli Ella, Dinkum Doll; £49 olliella.com

for all the guests (like the gorgeous ones by Rockahula) and I like to leave lots of Christmas photo booth style props in a basket to grab, a reindeer mask, holly crown, Santa hat, Christmas themed necklaces (Meri Meri) all make for the best fun pictures.

DECK THE HALLS

ama of five (soon to be six), Chloe Thurston lives on the south coast of England and is the founder of the blog Uber Kid. She has gained a following on Instagram for her play-themed posts, which share a peek inside her childrens’ imaginative bedrooms. Her interiors style is very much a meeting of Scandi-minimalism and colourful maximalism; as beautiful wooden toys, rainbow My Little Ponies and Care Bears explode from every surface in a sort of beautiful chaos. When it comes to celebrating the festive season with her family, Chloe takes a similar approach to decor, dress-up and entertaining. Here, she shares her top tips for partying with little ones.

FESTIVE BEST

Our party dress code is anything Christmassy goes! I am a massive fan of Christmas jumpers, (like this one from The Faraway Gang at KidPix) novelty or smart... outfit (and decoration wise) the more shiny, glittery and sparkly the better. My daughter has a fairy dress by Meri Meri that she loves to wear over the Xmas period and I can’t resist a novelty outfit for the babies, like a knitted reindeer suit! Sparkly Christmassy hair clips come out

My go-to party decorations come from Meri Meri, literally a one-stop place for all decorations, festive and sparkly. Garlands and bunting are hung wherever possible, stockings aplenty off every shelf, and as many twinkling lights as I can get my hands on to really get us in the festive spirit. I always include special Christmas crackers for each child at the party table, Christmassy tattoos and woodland set-ups dotted around for the kids to play with. Literally every surface has a deer, Christmas fairy and a bottle brush tree on it! The tree (mine is from Marks & Spencer) is decorated with cute Meri Meri decorations from Scandiborn that the kids

Rockahula, Christmas Hair Clips; £6 rockahulakids.com Meri Meri, Holly Crown; £12 merimeri.com

“I like to leave lots of Christmas photo booth style props in a basket to grab” are always welcome to take off and play with and I normally decorate underneath with lots of the soft toys complete with their own party hats and crowns on.

FUN AND GAMES

This year we have some Christmas playdough kits from the wonderful Little Munchkins, deliciously scented with chocolate orange, baked apple and mulled wine for the littlest kids, with tree cutters and snowflake stamps. I always bake a massive batch of gingerbread biscuits for the kids to ice, decorate and hang on their tree with ribbons (or eat of course)! And we have a gorgeous reindeer pinata ready for after the party food and then Christmas movies to watch snuggled on the sofa for the evening eating all the treats! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • INSPIRATION

“I lay a table for a good old fashioned roast for the grown-ups to enjoy”

Meri Meri, Doll Necklace; £20.50 merimeri.com

LET’S FEAST Meri Meri , Table Decorations merimeri.co.uk Meri Meri, Tree Advent Calendar; £12.95 merimeri.co.uk

We normally have a party with adults and kids so I lay a table for a good old fashioned roast for the grown-ups to enjoy during the kids Christmas movie times. My top tip for catering for that amount of people is to use the barbecue for the meat, leaving the oven free for the massive amount of potatoes and vegetables! The children have their own earlier party tea, with sandwiches cut from reindeer and snowflake cutters, strawberry and cream Father Christmasses, and all the carrot sticks, cucumbers and fruit cut up into Pinterest-inspired festive shapes (even if they don’t turn out that Pinterestworthy when the kids and I arrange them)!

MAG I C TO U C H E S

Every year I always love putting together the advent calendar as a great way of building anticipation for the big day, as well as it being a pretty decoration in itself! We fill our one (Cam Cam from Scandiborn) with just a couple of mini presents (Christmas necklaces, Rockahula hair clips, a letter from Santa) but also activity prompts such as cookie cutters, Christmas decorations on tree decorating day, Christmas crafts, Christmas movie tickets etc. We also have a big stack of Christmas books, including ones from my childhood, that we add to each year and we leave out for all the party guests to read and reminisce over! CHLOE UBER KID

@chloeuberkid • uberkid.net

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TRAVEL

CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA HOTEL SACHER WIEN

From ice skating outside the iconic town hall to discovering a plethora of christmas markets, we explore a city brimming with festive anticipation.

Christmas in Vienna 122 A world of luxury in Tuscany 126 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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"The atmosphere is indisputably full of festive anticipationâ&#x20AC;?

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TRAVEL • VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKET, RATHAUSPLATZ

Christmas in

VIENNA With its architecture carving a romantic cityscape and luxury shopping districts, Vienna is the ultimate winter wonderland

By ZOË DELMER-BE ST

winter's day in Vienna is an entirely different kind of cold to the vaguely damp chill of London. Here it’s far more cutting and crisp – a deep type of cold that has to be taken seriously. As I make my way through the streets to my hotel, I am glad I packed my warmest winter coat. Arriving at Hotel Sacher, I am instantly welcomed into a space bursting with luxurious style and historic character. As the only family-run, topclass luxury hotel in Vienna, there’s a slightly homely vibe nestled amongst the sophisticated interiors and impeccable service. My room is an elegant affair with classically stylish soft furnishings and tastefully chosen pieces of art. The Sacher is known for its famous chocolate cake, which is utterly divine.

S HO P P I NG

Vienna is a city bursting with luxury and as I watch the elegant citizens wander the streets swathed in the most sumptuous winter coats and loaded with

vibrant shopping bags from the most desirable of brands, I begin to think of Christmas gift shopping. The vast streets are full of high end shops, from well known designers to lesser known, but no less lavish, independent stores, all of which harbour the most fantastic and beautiful items, perfect for gift shopping – or in my case, treating yourself. A must see is Vienna’s answer to London’s Fortnum and Mason, Julius Meinl am Graben. It’s an expansive deli spread over three floors with an exotic array of local and imported culinary delights from savoury delicacies including morsels of preserved meats and cheeses to heady wines and sweet marzipan. While here I stock up on unique Christmas grocery items and scrumptious stocking filler treats to bring back.

CU LIN ARY D ELIGHTS

It would be criminal to visit Vienna without going to one of its renowned cafes: after all, Vienna is the birthplace of the croissant. As a city that is celebrated for its cast of creatives and intellectuals, Viennese coffee shops have played a fabled role in cultivating ideas, with many people attributing brainwave moments to specific cafes. I was keen to A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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‘ I wanted my daughter to be somewhere where she could continue her academic successes, but in a warm and happy environment that’s fun and supportive, and ArtsEd was the answer.’ Parent

Fuelling your child’s passion for performance

Co-Educational Day School & Sixth Form London, W4 1LY Find out more: artsed.co.uk @ArtsEdLondon

Day School Application Deadline: 31 January 2020 Sixth Form Application Deadline: 13 December 2019

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TRAVEL • VIENNA

HOTEL SACHER WIEN

EXPLORIN G

CAFÉ CENTRAL

“Wafting aromas of roasted chestnuts and spiced Glüwein” TUCHLAUBEN

get in on the creative light bulb moment and made my way over to Café Central. Café Central is a truly high-class experience that would make a worthy set in any Agatha Christie remake. Sipping on freshly ground coffee and nibbling on a divine spiced apple strudel, I looked around the stunning interior with its boastful vaulted ceilings and traditional décor, waiting for a wave of creative inspiration to come my way. Along with delicate pastries and reviving coffees, schnitzel also features heavily on Vienna’s resume of culinary delights. There are many outstandingly good schnitzel restaurants in Vienna but one worth particular note is Reinthaler's Beisl. Located just off the famous Graben, you would be forgiven for thinking that dining here is a fancy affair; in fact you couldn’t be further from the truth. Packed full of locals, this is a joint with an eclectic mix of patrons, from the old ladies meeting for chatty catch ups to workmen grabbing a quick hearty lunch and the occasional tourist – here its all about the food and atmosphere. Seated in the small and busy restaurant, I watch waiters seamlessly negotiate the maze of tables with plates loaded high with delicious golden schnitzels and other delicacies. The schnitzels here are divine, the meat is perfectly tender and the crispy coating is sublimely crunchy and hot - the perfect lunch stop after a morning of vigorous sight seeing in the brusque December chill.

With the crisp sound of blades cutting through ice, I watch people elegantly glide across the fairy-tale like ice rink in front of the iconic town hall. I haven’t skated since I was about 12 years old but I bravely don a pair of blades and set off, clinging to the rink's edge. Thankfully it seems I haven’t forgotten how to ice skate and after a few initial wobbles, I surprise myself by swanning across the vast rink with the fresh winter air whipping my hair and flushing my cheeks. It’s an exhilarating experience made even more impressive by the picturesque backdrop and Christmassy lights. In Vienna you are spoiled for choice when it comes to Christmas markets. It's impossible to walk more than 100 yards through the city streets without coming across the wafting aromas of roasted chestnuts and spiced Glüwein emanating from clusters of cosily lit market stalls. The tradition of Christmas markets in Vienna dates back to the middle ages when in 1298, Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or “Krippenmarket”. Of course the markets have evolved much since then, but the tradition remains the same and the atmosphere is indisputably full of festive anticipation. By the end of each day I was weighed down with trinkets I had brought from the markets and had lightly flushed cheeks from drinking just a little too much steaming Glüwein. H OT E L SAC H E R W I E N Philharmoniker Street, 1010, Vienna, Austria sacher.com

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Village

PEOPLE Absolutely visits Castelfalfi in Tuscany, a sprawling estate in a beautiful location By

PENDLE HARTE

CASTELFALFI

here are few better places to be than on top of a hill in Tuscany at sunset, sipping sparkling wine from Franciacorta. The view is astounding. The castle that was originally built for its strategic hilltop position, overlooking a valley almost exactly in between Florence and Tuscany, is now a luxurious holiday destination for global travellers. Today, the view is an attraction, not a defence. It’s sunset and we are lounging on the terrace watching the sun drop, casting its intense cloak of oranges, reds and purples over a vast expanse of Tuscan hills and fields. The view is all anybody can talk about. It’s majestic and makes all of us glad to be alive. Castelfalfi, we are told repeatedly, is not a resort. It’s much more than that. This impressive estate in Tuscany is three times the size of Monaco,

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made up of a cluster of restored farmhouses and an abandoned medieval village. There are vineyards and olive groves, forests full of truffles, mountain bike trails and golf courses, multiple restaurants, a few pools, a spa and lots of accommodation options. This is a ‘concept’ and we are invited to appreciate it in itself. The concept is simple once you understand it: this small Borgo, home for centuries to farming communities, was pretty much a ghost town by the 1960s, its population gradually having migrated to the cities. Abandoned and empty, it was bought in its entirety by German holiday giant Tui in 2007 and restored: now the sprawling estate has revived all the original delights of the land as enjoyed for centuries by Tuscan peasants, and repackaged them as a luxury experience. So when they talk about authenticity, they mean it, because visitors to Castelfalfi are able to reap all the benefits of the land that have existed for hundreds of years. The reality of all of this is that we are staying in a staggeringly beautiful place with lots of things to

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TRAVEL • TUSCANY THE POOL AND ITS VIEW

LUNCH ON THE TERRACE

entertain us and pander to our needs. We are in the main hotel, our room blessed with The View and full of all the comforts you’d expect: a huge bed, pristine linen, a spacious bathroom and lovely bath products. There’s lots to do, from lounging by the pool (with a view) and enjoying the spa, to mountain biking around the estate, and golf, as well as more esoteric activities such as essential oil blending or the alarmingsounding ‘brain kinetic’, or, seasonally, truffle hunting. The latter is our favourite, involving chasing a forester and his highly trained dog through the forest and watching them unearth several golfball-sized prize white truffles. Italian truffle policy is interesting, because truffles officially belong to the state, not to the landowner, and all found truffles must be reported and taxed, which is what our forester, pockets full of truffles, immediately disappears off to do. Meanwhile, we head to Castelfalfi’s popular pizza restaurant, where our pizzas come decadently topped with generous shavings of (pre-documented) white truffle. One of the main things that makes Castelfalfi not a resort is the fact that there are no gates. It’s a village, and people might come from the next village for dinner, say, or to enjoy the sunset, and there are no access restrictions. Its award-winning spa is open to non-residents and the presence of privately

HOTEL LA TABACCAIA

YOGA ON THE HILL

owned villas and apartments on the estate creates a small and very international community, which contributes to the notion of this being a village. All of the restaurants’ kitchens make use of vegetables from the estate’s organic vegetable patch; dining options include the more formal castle restaurant La Rocca (watch out for the resident ghost, Giovanna, who is known to appear in mirrors) and La Via del Sale in the hotel, which focuses on Tuscan specialities as well as Il Rosmarino, the more rustic trattoria and pizzeria. All of them make liberal use of the estate’s organic olive oil and serve Castelfalfi’s own high class wines. Food and drink is at the heart of Castelfalfi and you’re guaranteed to be well fed here. It’s all part of the concept.

TO S CA N A R E S O R T CA ST E L FA L F I Rates at Il Castelfalfi, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, start from £277 per room per night. For further information or to book visit castelfalfi.com

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THE PLACE

ehind its discreet entrance, Lakes by Yoo is a sprawling Cotswold estate that takes in 850 acres of lakes and woodland. This huge area is home to more than 150 luxurious modernist holiday homes privately owned by the international rich and glamorous. Elle McPherson has one; Kelly Hoppen and Jade Jagger have designed others. Prices start at £1m plus.

THE HOUSE

e’re in the Barnhouse and it’s an impressive place. Located at a comfortable distance from its neighbours (you can’t see them), it has its own outdoor heated pool, five bedrooms, more bathrooms and a vast, doubleheight living area as well as a separate, cosier tv room. The decor is decadent, with a party pad vibe – think shiny surfaces, velvet textures and iconic framed photography – thanks to the input of Kate Moss, who is credited with its interior design.

THE AREA

e’re 90 minutes outside London and the pretty village of Lechlade is a mile away – good for antiques, pubs and a nice artisan bakery – but you’re likely to find enough entertainment around the lakes. (If you venture out, be warned: it’s very possible to get lost looking for your lodge on your return). There’s a restaurant in a teepee on site, plus a luxe spa.

weekend

WHAT TO DO

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

he pool is our main attraction – heated to 28 degrees year round and just a short dash from the house, there’s no reason not to have another dip (the lights are great for evening swims too). Watersports are huge here – kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing – while there’s a huge zipwire that stretches across one of the lakes, a climbing wall, tennis courts, archery, bikes for hire and more. There are kids clubs and a seasonal programme of activities for children too.

THE LAKES BY YOO LECHLADE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE By P E N D L E H A RT E

Uber-luxe waterside living RENTAL PRICES START FROM £875 PER NIGHT FOR A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE

(low season/minimum stay two nights); The Barnhouse with interiors by Kate Moss starts at £3000 for a two night stay. thelakesbyyoo.com; 01367 254260

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TRAVEL • MOTORING

“The individual vehicle is an increasingly dated concept”

SHARING ECONOMY Tempted to ditch your wheels but not sure how you’ll cope? Sharing is the solution. Absolutely tries Getaround, a new car share scheme

ar ownership in London is on the decline. Of course it is – with traffic at rushhour levels almost around the clock, parking pretty much impossible everywhere and the new Ultra Low Emissions Zone active at all times, who can take the stress? Anyone concerned with pollution levels should really be focusing on alternative methods of getting around anyway. As new car-free housing developments offer alternatives such as Uber credits and cycle parking, there have never been so many reasons

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B y PENDLE HARTE

providing hassle-free, fully insured car access to non-car-owners whenever they need it. You can hire a car for an hour, a day or a week. And it’s simple. Once you’re signed up, an app will display available cars near your location. Ours was a few streets away and pickup was easy, with instructions easy to follow on our phones. We opened the door, slung our bags inside and headed off on our trip to Devon, returning four days later and leaving the car in the same spot. It’s set to become our regular mode of transport, because, well, why bother with all the admin, expense and guilt of owning a car when you can get around with Getaround? uk.getaround.com

3 Ways to share borrowmydoggy.com

to abandon the increasingly dated concept of the individual vehicle. As many as 46% of London households are now non-car owning. They can swan around entirely free of residents’ parking fees, road tax, insurance, congestion charges, fines and all other associated costs and admin tasks. They don’t need to feel guilty about their emissions, or to waste money on owning a car they hardly use. Because for the occasions when you really do need a car – a weekend in the country, say, or a large load to transport, a sharing scheme is likely to be the best option. So we download Getaround, a clever scheme that works like airbnb for cars, allowing car owners to monetise their vehicles when they’re not using them, and

Fill the dog void in your life by spending time with one and helping out owners at the same time – or find a trusted local dog lover to take care of your dog when you can’t. •

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Vacation rentals with a difference – these are the world’s most stylish homes. Offer yours up to guests, or stay somewhere that’s guaranteed to be fabulous. •

mywardrobehq.com

Do you own more clothes than you can wear? Or are you looking for something for a special event? Wardrobe sharing is new to the UK but offers a great solution to the problems of storage, waste and fashion fatigue. It’s like swapping clothes with your friends, only with more friends.

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Curiosity. Integrity. Compassion. Respect. “Through TASIS I’ve had the opportunity to learn about other people and cultures, and become a member of a global community.” Current TASIS Student

We are an international school and community near London where the aspirations and potential of every student are fostered, nurtured, and challenged. Discover more at www.tasisengland.org Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE Call us on: 01932 582 316 Email us at: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org

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Photography by Paul Craig

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