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30 Contents ABSOLUTELY

JANUARY 2019

50

82 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK 50 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

AGENDA

52 RECIPES

STAGE NEWS

INTERIORS 64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

Diary dates for January

18

Theatre highlights for the month

News from the industry

Leah Vanderveldt's First Time Vegan

News and views from the world of design

68 COLOUR SCHEME

30 THE SHOOT

T R AV E L 82 SAND AND SPICE

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

Chic skiwear at Net a Porter

This month’s best beauty buys

'Tis the month to treat yourself

94

PROPERTY LIVING THE DREAM

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PLANT

LIFE

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The most luxurious London properties

IN THE

STUDIO Bella Freud’s stylish vision for TV Centre

Comfort

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40 NEW YEAR BEAUTY

Luxury in Zanzibar

JAN UARY 2019

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

Bella Freud's vision for Television Centre

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.

KINGSTON & RAYNES PARK

FA S H I O N 26 SWEATER GIRL

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

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ON THE COVER

SUMPTUOUS STYLE FOR WINTER ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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celticandco.com

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

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THE EXPERTS IN TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGERS CHARLOTTE RISSBROOK, REBECCA FLEUR, TOLGA SAYLAN ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID

Established in 1994

DIRECTOR 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 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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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

a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n

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Editor’s

ORWELL+ AUSTEN

Slogan knitwear is the best. page 24

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S January issue highlights

1

H

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

Cheers to 2019.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S RUMPELSTILTSKIN

We love a dark fairytale, especially with a large dose of the surreal. page 21

BELLA FREUD X RETROUVIUS

Two of our favourite visionaries team up to design a dream home for Television Centre. page 72

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5

4 CHAMPAGNE

Who cares if it's January? The champagne is still flowing. page 61

3

I RIS APFEL

Our favourite fashion icon page 71

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

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Wish LIST

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

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

Eye SPy

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

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

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

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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

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

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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

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

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

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

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Celebrate your love at the magniďŹ cent Hampton Court Palace hrp.org.uk/hireavenue 020 3166 6507 Dress by Naomi Neoh

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

What’s On 16 • Top Theatre Picks 18 • Theatre Review: Uncle Vanya 21 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

PA N TO MIM E

Dick Whittington Until 6 January LY R I C H A M M E R S M I T H Join the Lyric as it celebrates the 10th anniversary year of its Hammersmith Pantomime season. This year, the curtain calls for Dick Whittington which will feature the usual mix of live music, crazy characters, awesome adventure, singing, dancing, villainous baddies and heroic goodies with a little bit of feline flavour thrown in for good measure. Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk

T H E AT R E

HANSEL & GRETAL U NTI L 6 JA NUA RY • ROS E TH EATRE KIN GSTON

Rose Theatre Kingston puts an innovative twist on a much-loved Brothers Grimm fairytale. When young Hansel and Gretal are offered an escape from their little town of Freiburg, they know nothing of the dangers that await them in the forest. Battling magical beasts and enlisting a crew of fairytale bandits, Hansel and Gretal must race to save their town from the witch's curse.

24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org

16

T H E AT R E

Aladdin From 8 December N E W W I M B L E D O N T H E AT R E Have I Got News For You stalwart and comedy star, Paul Merton is taking to the stage as Widow Twanky alongside Blue’s Lee Ryan as Aladdin and leading funny man and magician Pete Firman as his brother Wishee Washee. Featuring a wishgranting genie, an evil sorcerer and all the festive frivolity of pantomime, Aladdin is this year’s must-see Christmas show.

The Broadway, SW19; atgtickets.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

T H E AT R E

THE SWIMMER 5 January O M N I B U S T H E AT R E Set against the backdrop of a golden age of swimming, The Swimmer is a comic one-women physical theatre show about swimming in France. Our storyteller emerges from her modesty hut at a poolside of nostalgic optimism before setting out alone on an epic adventure.

Charting the Great Swim, she struggles to stay on course and a frank and funny personal tale emerges.

1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org

AROUND

TOWN C E L E B R AT I O N

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

T H E AT R E

THE DOUBLE DEALER

This Month’s Must See

Until 26 January O R A N G E T R E E T H E AT R E When a marriage is arranged between Cynthia and Mellefont all should be smooth sailing, but in the wake of a house party on a sultry autumn evening, the young couple must contend with the jealousies, vanities and vagaries of a host of brilliantly-drawn characters.

Above all, they must overcome the Machiavellian machinations of Maskell the eponymous Double Dealer.

1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9; orangetreetheatre.co.uk

A MODEST LITTLE MAN F RO M 15 JA NUARY • BREAD & ROSE S THEATRE

M

ay 1945. Britain celebrates victory of Hitler. But things have changed and the poor don’t want to go back to the way things were. A political battle commences between Churchill’s party and a modest little man of the Labour Party. Even if by some miracle he wins an election, this man can’t make a revolution. Or can he?

68 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 breadandrosestheatre.co.uk

E XHI B I TI ON

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

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

F I L M

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

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

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

MUST SEE

Rumpelstiltskin ★★★★★ Until 6 January

QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL

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

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

By H E L E N B R O W N

Switzerland ★★★★★

Until 5 January AMBASSADORS THEATRE

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

Summer & Smoke ★★★★★

Until 19 January

SUMMER & SMOKE

Circus 1903 ★★★★★

DU K E O F YO RK’ S TH E ATR E

Until 5 January

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

ROYA L F E STI VAL HALL

Rosenbaum’s Rescue

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

★★★★★

From 9 January PAR K TH E ATRE

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

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

ROSENBAUM’S RESCUE

CIRCUS 1903

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THEATRE • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

Astrov the local doctor, who is coming to

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

VERDICT

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

hampsteadtheatre.com

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

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Charlie Williams...

..ART, BEAUTY, QUALITY AND THE UNUSUAL.

Well travelled and wonderfully connected.

Bringing stunning craftsmanship and artistic endeavour to you. Impressive savings are virtually guaranteed.

C An unrivalled selection of outstanding quality items 22

harlie Williams has been an auctioneer for nearly 30 years.

Procuring unusual items for his unique auctions from all over the globe, he specialises in luxury goods which include designer diamond and precious colour stone jewellery, contemporary art, rare entertainment memorabilia, hand-made furniture, persian carpets, whisky and wines and objects of art. You may have visited one of his UK auctions in the past but if you haven’t, he would like to extend an invitation to visit his next local auction which will take place in Weybridge this month. You are under no obligation to buy on your visit,

his main aim is for you to view the quality of goods on offer and experience firsthand the real auction environment. Due to his numerous business connections and contracts, built up over many years, he is able to bring to auction an unrivalled selection of outstanding quality items and - more importantly - able to offer for sale at prices substantially lower than the market value. Most of the items he brings to market are unique, obtained at source and won’t be found on the high street. Jewellery consignments come direct from the world's finest jewellery manufacturers and suppliers, the consignments would normally offer diamond set jewellery, high-quality tanzanite, ruby, emerald and sapphire. For rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings you can expect to pay only a fraction of valuation. All jewellery is accompanied by independent valuations and gemological reports. He always has a superb display of expertly-framed art from European artists, rare limited edition collectables from top London publishing houses, and often rare releases from artists such as Picasso, Dali, Miro, Chagall, Warhol and Lowry.

Visitors can expect genuine opportunities to purchase at half the market value.

There's also hand-made and hand-painted occasional furniture, chests of drawers, nests of tables cocktail cabinets and displays - most going to the highest offer.

Entertainment and sporting memorabilia includes one-of-a-kind signed and framed presentations from artists like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, The Who, Elvis, stars of TV and film, sporting icons, space and aviation and Hollywood greats. All items come with authenticity certification. All this, plus rare hand-knotted Persian carpets and runners, porcelain vases, bronzes, designer lamps, whisky, wine and champagnes, metal sculptures. There's just about something for everyone. All going for a song.......

Please Visit us at: Oatlands Park Hotel, Oatlands Drive Weybridge KT13 9HB on • SATURDAY & SUNDAY 26 & 27 JANUARY 2019 • Sales Start at 1.00PM EACH DAY VIEWING FROM 12 NOON

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

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ARTS & CULTURE • PROMOTION

Typical examples of the categories up for auction in Weybridge soon

HANDBAGS

ORIGINAL ART

UNIQUE MEMORABILIA

New designer labels such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Hermès

A selection of vibrant contemporary art, wildlife, street scenes and abstract

Vintage signed presentations, rock and pop, sport, tv and film

LIMITED EDITION ART

BRONZE SCULPTURES & PORCELAIN

DIAMOND JEWELLERY & GEMSTONES

Rare numbered low edition art from masters such as Picasso, Dali, Lowry, Warhol, Chagal and Miro

Various bronze figurines, porcelain vases and lamps, decorative items

A stunning range of diamond set jewellery, coloured stones, rings, bracelets and earrings

WHISKY AND WINES

PERSIAN CARPETS

OCCASIONAL FURNITURE

Scottish malts, French wines and champagnes, cases of 6 and individual, a selection of old and rare individual whiskies

A great range of traditional hand made carpets and runners in various sizes

Hand-made and hand-painted furniture chest of drawers, nests of tables and plant stands

TO V I E W M O R E www.charliewilliams.com/oatlandspark

T H E AU C T I O N H O U S E North Berwick Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland, EH21 8 JT. 0131 665 6448 • 07831511452 • E: charlie@charliewilliams.com

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

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IF YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD | WE DON’T LOOK GOOD

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

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FASHION

SOFT CENTRE MANDKHAI

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

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JESSICA SCHULE-LEWIS

Q&A

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

Q How did Orwell & Austen come about?

A The brand started five years ago, just

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

Q Where do you source your cashmere?

A Our yarns come from Outer Mongolia,

26

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

Q What makes an Orwell & Austen sweater?

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

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

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

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

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FASHION • Q&A

SLOGAN SWEATERS

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

Q Who are your favourite designers?

A When it comes to clothes, being a mum of

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

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

Q What are your best-selling styles?

A Our lightning bolt sweaters have been

a huge hit. I knew when I designed them

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

Q What’s next for Orwell & Austen?

A We are working ahead on new designs

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

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

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FASHION • LOUNGEWEAR

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S O F T TO U C H MADELEINE THOMPSON

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

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

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HOME A N D AWAY HEIDI KLEIN

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

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WO O L WO R K S SMALLS

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

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T H R OW B AC K OY U N A

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

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N O R T H S TA R MOSHI MOSHI MIND

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

Beauty Notes 39 • New Year Pick-Me-Ups 40 • Fitness 43 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

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

FITNESS REVIEW

Barrecore

GENDER NEUTRAL

Drop the HIIT and head to the barre

J E C CA M A K E - U P

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

B y H E L E N B R OW N

jecca-makeup.com

MORNING BREW

EDITOR’S PICK

I S L A A P OT H E CA RY

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

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

CLOCK STOPPER R A DA R A

Radara's anti-ageing regimen has become a social media phenomenon.

Like microneedling but without the downtime, microscopic plastic structures pierce the skin to enable a hyaluronic acid serum to penetrate its deeper layers and encourage a firmer, younger-looking complexion. £165; call 01252888875 or visit

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

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

BARRECORE Various locations around London

barrecore.co.uk

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

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Beauty

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

SALO N

HAIR A NEW SHADE ST I L

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

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

Exactly right for a new year revamp.

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

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NAILS COWSH E D

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

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NEW YEAR

S PA

SKIN

EDEN SKIN CLINIC WIMBLEDON

SALO N

HAIR CONDITION GA SA LON

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

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

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

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

PHARMACY

HEALTH

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

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

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ASK THE EXPERTS

Best face

Forward Dr Rekha Tailor of leading clinic, Health & Aesthetics tells us everything there is to know before getting aesthetic injectables.

Council. We’d like to take it further, ensuring that only medical practitioners properly trained in aesthetic medicine can administer these treatments. But some regulation would be a positive start.

HOW DO YOU DIFFER IN YOUR APPROACH?

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ith increasing conversation around injectables such as Botox and fillers, we spoke to Dr Rekha Tailor of Health & Aesthetics to understand more about the regulations in the aesthetic industry.

WHO CAN GIVE YOU FILLERS OR BOTOX? Right now, pretty much anyone. The industry is totally unregulated, which means that many of these practitioners have no medical knowledge, experience or qualifications. The lack of training isn’t the only issue, though. It’s possible to just order products from the internet and watch a few YouTube videos. Investigations have shown a huge variation in the quality and composition of these products, and unless only FDA approved products are used, patients have no way of knowing whether they are effective, or even safe. There is a voluntary register of practitioners who have qualifications, which is a positive step forward. But even those who have had training may have only had a very short training course – a day or less. Others, like pharmacists or dental professionals may have had extensive training in their own fields, but lack the specific knowledge needed to administer aesthetic treatments safely.

At our clinic in Surrey, we ensure that all injectable treatments are only ever administered by myself. We only use FDA approved products, meaning they have been extensively tested and monitored for safety and efficacy. This is much more superior than the CE mark often on products.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING INJECTABLES? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CONSUMER? Badly injected or poor-quality fillers can give an uneven, lumpy effect, but the potential complications from injectables aren’t limited to disappointing results.

Incorrectly injected or low-grade products can block essential vessels in the face, resulting in swelling, scarring or even tissue death. And a non-medical practitioner is less likely to be able to assess the risks of an allergic reaction – which could be lifethreatening if it results in anaphylaxis – or to deal with it if it occurs.

WHAT DOES THE INDUSTRY NEED? At Health & Aesthetics, we believe that the only real way to reduce the risks and ensure patients get the results they want is for the administration of injectables to be regulated, so these treatments can only be administered by properly qualified and experienced, medical practitioners.

That means doctors, already regulated by the General Medical Council, or nurses, regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery

You absolutely need to research who is injecting you and what they are injecting.

Put simply, it really should be a medical practitioner who is using FDA approved products. CQC approval is also integral in ensuring your chosen clinic is operating under the highest standards. I would never want to scare someone off having injectable treatments; done by the right person and under the right conditions, it can be perfectly safe and you can have fantastic results. You just need to be vigilant about who you trust your body and face to.

H E A LT H A N D A E S T H E T I C S Proud winners of the 2018 Aesthetic Awards Best Clinic in South England. They are a multiaward winning cosmetic medical clinic based in Surrey and offer a wide range of aesthetic treatments. Health & Aesthetics was founded by Dr Rekha Tailor who is a fully qualified Medical Practitioner graduating in 1989 and has 14 years under her belt as an Aesthetic Practitioner.

Oak House, Tanshire Park, Elstead/Shackleford Road, Elstead, Godalming, Surrey , GU8 6LB • 01252 888 875 healthandaesthetics.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

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

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

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

customer is greeted in-store by our expert staff members, who strive to ascertain your goals and requirements before helping you select the right equipment that supports you and your training. Want to give a machine a test-run before you part with your well-earned money? No problem – all the products on display are available to try before you buy, so you know in confidence that you are making the best choice for you.

One of these products, is the Bowflex MAX Trainer. Now, as we all know, New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to – but what if we said that with the MAX Trainer, you only had to dedicate 14 minutes a day?

Combining the power of an elliptical and

a stepper, this machine delivers results in under a quarter of an hour. And once you’re on, it’s pretty addictive.

Why? Because it’s a fun, motivational machine that provides you with not just quick results, but MAX results. Blitzing 2.5 times more calories than any other cardio machine, and engaging 80% more upper body muscles, you get the same results you’d get in 35-45 minutes on a treadmill in less than half the time. What's more, the MAX Trainer is easier on your joints than a treadmill, meaning it’s the perfect introduction to fitness for beginners.

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

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

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

Exclusive to Fitness Superstore, you can experience the MAX Trainer for yourself at our store on Frimley High Street- we look forward to seeing you soon.

F I T N E S S S U P E R S TO R E 30-32 Frimley High St, Frimley, Camberley GU16 7JD; 01276 818542 fitness-superstore.co.uk

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

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B OOK YOU R

TWO WEEK

EXPERIENCE only

£39

Come and train like the stars at F45 Training RAVENSCOURT PARK 0208 222 8261

0207 251 8062

150 King St | London | W60 QU

Basement, 9-13 Cowcross St, (Rear entrance) | EC1M 6DR

ravenscourtpark@f45training.co.uk

farringdon@f45training.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Smooth Operators Health and Aesthetics offers various options for laser skin resurfacing

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aser skin resurfacing helps to improve the appearance of your skin, but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which treatment is best for you.

Both iPixel Erbium and CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments work through a process called ‘ablation’, a word that means ‘wounding’. Ablation removes tiny areas of the epidermis and upper dermis, triggering the skin’s natural healing process and stimulating healthy new tissue growth. But there are significant differences between the two treatments.

texture. Treatment takes around 45 minutes and is virtually painless, so no anaesthesia is needed and recovery time is just two to three days. For best results, a course of treatment is recommended – three to five treatments at four-week intervals.

IPIXEL ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING

IPIXELCO2 LASER SKIN RESURFACING

iPixel Laser is a new generation of fractional skin resurfacing. This effective treatment can be used to improve skin texture and uneven skin tone, reduce pore size and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and scarring, including acne scars.

Compared to older skin resurfacing laser technologies, the iPixel laser gives excellent results with little downtime. It is less aggressive than ‘traditional’ laser resurfacing techniques, and is usually recommended for treating lighter scarring, or skin with less obvious signs of uneven

This treatment helps to dramatically rejuvenate the skin and can deliver radical improvements to aged, sun-damaged and scarred skin. The advanced iPixelCO2 (carbon dioxide) laser treats skin with a matrix of laser light. The result is a treatment that is fast, comfortable and requires less downtime than traditional resurfacing.

Each treatment takes from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area to be treated, and a local anaesthetic cream is used. Recovery time is usually five to seven

days, and patients may experience some redness, swelling or scabbing for a few days. iPixel CO2 laser skin resurfacing is more aggressive than the new iPixel Erbium laser treatment, so the recovery time is longer.

It’s really more suitable for skin that needs more radical treatment. There is also a greater risk of hyperpigmentation following treatment - uneven areas of pigment, showing up as dark spots on the skin.

Both treatments are FDA approved, so you can be confident of the results, but which you choose depends on how serious the condition is that you want to treat, and your preference regarding downtime.

At Health & Aesthetics, you will always have a full consultation, led by medical director, Dr Rekha Tailor. Dr Tailor is a fully-qualified medical doctor with 14 years experience as an aesthetic practitioner under her belt, and is highly experienced in all areas of non-surgical aesthetic medicine.

She will talk you through the options, and explain everything to you fully, before recommending the best course of treatment for you based on your medical history and the results you hope to achieve.

H E A LT H A N D A E ST H E T I C S Leading aesthetics clinic and proud winners of the Best Clinic in South England 2018 • 01252 888 875 healthandaesthetics.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Puppy Love

GAUCHO RICHMOND The Argentian steak chain's Richmond outpost welcomes dogs in the New Year.

One of only two in London to do so, and located a stone's throw from Richmond Park, we predict every man and his dog to be here. gauchorestaurants.com

Food Notes 50 • Vegan winter warmers 52 • Eating out 57 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this January

By FLORA THOMAS

Wine recommendations for the month

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

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

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

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

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

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CHEFS in RESIDENCE CA R O U S E L

Carousel has treats in store for us this January. Chantelle Nicholson, champion of plant-based cooking and vocal ambassador for the food waste movement, takes residency from the 3rd-5th. Then, Romy Gill from the 8th-12th: we’re looking forward to her tamarind spiced octopus. Finally, Matt Ravencroft celebrates Mexican food from the 15th-19th 71 Blandford St, W1U 8AB carousel-london.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

DESK-DELIVERY LUNCHES

FA R M E R J

Light fantastic

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

BRASSERIE OF LIGHT

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

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

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

STEAK OUT GAUCHO RICHMOND

Gaucho’s Richmond branch has recently become one of only two dog-friendly branches. Perched on the River and just a short walk from the park, what better way to brighten the bleakest of months than by walking the dog and rewarding yourself with a delicious Argentinian Steak.

The Towpath Richmond Riverside, Richmond TW10 6UJ gauchorestaurants.com

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

WINNING WILLOW THE WILLOW

Love local CHARLOTTE’S BISTRO

K A R M A CA N S

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

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

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

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

The Willow ‘Real Food’ Restaurant has been awarded four FreeFrom Eating Out Awards, including Best Overall Winner. Described as ‘an allergy-free haven’, whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or paleo you’re sure to find a suitable, delicious meal.

16 The Triangle, Kingston upon Thames KT1 3RT yourwillow.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Plant

BASE Anyone turning vegan this month should take heed of Leah Vanderveldt’s new book, First Time Vegan. Here are some of her dishes Wo r d s L E A H VA N D E R V E L D T

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

GINGER COCONUT BROTH

with veggies and noodles Serves 2–3

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his falls somewhere between a soup, a curry and a brothy ramen bowl.

With ginger, chilli and garlic flavours it often hits the spot when I’m looking for something that I can slurp a big bowl of without it weighing me down.

FOR TH E B ROTH • 2 teaspoons avocado oil • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger • 1 x 400-g/14-oz. can coconut milk (I use full fat) • 2 tablespoons tamari • 120 ml/1⁄2 cup water or vegetable stock/ broth • 1⁄4 teaspoon chilli flakes/hot red pepper flakes (optional)

ADD-INS • 120-170 g/4-6 oz. soba noodles • 1 courgette/zucchini, peeled or spiralized into noodles or cut into julienne • 1 carrot, spiralized into noodles or cut into julienne • 130 g/1 cup shelled frozen edamame beans, thawed

METHOD 1 Cook the soba noodles in boiling water according to the package instructions. (The 100% buckwheat soba noodles I use usually take about 8 minutes.) 2 While the soba noodles are cooking, heat the avocado oil in a large saucepan or high-sided frying pan/skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and let them sizzle for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, but not browning. 3 Add the coconut milk and tamari and stir. Add the water or vegetable stock/broth and chilli flakes/hot red pepper flakes (if using). 4 Bring to a simmer, then stir in the courgette/zucchini, carrot and edamame beans and let everything warm through for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. 5 Divide the cooked soba noodles between bowls and pour the hot broth and veggies over to serve.

WINTER VEGETABLE BOWL Serves 3–4

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inter can be rough on us veggie lovers, when farm fresh tomatoes and juicy stone fruit seem another world away. Here’s a bowl that celebrates cold weather produce and perks it up with a tasty lemon and olive chermoula and crunchy toasted walnuts.

INGREDIENTS • 130 g/3⁄4 cup wild rice • 1 acorn squash, sliced in half and seeds removed, then sliced into thin half-moons • 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-cm/ 1⁄2-inch wedges • 1–2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil • 300 g/3 cups Brussels sprouts, woody bases and outer leaves removed, then thinly sliced (so you get ribbons of Brussels sprouts leaves) • 2 big handfuls of baby rocket/ arugula or spinach • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Chermoula (see page 26), to serve • 50 g/1⁄3 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped, to serve • a roasting pan, oiled

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) Gas 7.

In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 350 ml/11⁄2 cups of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 40 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the rice is cooked. 2 Meanwhile, arrange the squash and onion in the prepared roasting pan.

Roast in the preheated oven for about 25– 30 minutes, rotating the pan and flipping the veg half-way through. 3 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan or a frying pan/skillet with high sides over a mediumhigh heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt. Cook, stirring a few times, for about 5 minutes until the sprouts are softened; they should be mostly bright green but golden in places. Stir in the rocket/arugula or spinach and remove from the heat. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. 4 To assemble the bowls, start with a scoop of rice and top with lots of Brussels sprouts, roasted squash and red onion. Add a generous drizzle of chermoula and walnuts to finish.

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

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LISA’S KITCHEN & BAR

Christmas & Group bookings are now available Traditional Swedish Julbord, Set menus and Feast/Sharing menus are all on offer

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAY: Jazz | FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Lisa’s Jukebox

MON CLOSED | TUE & WED 18.00 PM - 00.00 AM | THUR & FRI 11.00AM - 00.00AM | SAT & SUN 10.00AM - 00.00AM +44 (0) 20 8964 8293 | BOOKINGS@LISASPORTOBELLO.COM | LISASPORTOBELLO.COM

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“Big bowls of plant-based goodness containing grains, veggies and legumes” CHICKPEA & CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Makes about 12

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hese chewy and chocolatey cookies are the dessert I always want on- hand. They get their great texture from coconut oil, have just the right amount of sweetness, and use protein-rich chickpea (gram) flour, which leaves me feeling truly satisfied.

INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds • 120 ml/1⁄2 cup gently melted coconut oil • 100 g/1⁄2 cup coconut sugar or soft light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 185 g/11⁄2 cups chickpea (gram) flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt • 50 g/1⁄3 cup dark/bittersweet vegan chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate • flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional) • baking sheet, lined with baking parchment

METHOD 1 In a large bowl, combine the ground chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water and whisk to combine; this should form a gel-like consistency. 2 Add the melted coconut oil to the bowl with the chia seeds, along with the sugar and vanilla. Whisk with a hand-held electric whisk until well combined. 3 In a separate medium bowl, combine the chickpea (gram) flour, baking powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine everything using a rubber spatula. (Your cookie batter will be slightly wetter than a typical cookie batter, but don’t worry.) Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly dispersed.

Place the batter in the fridge to firm up for 30–60 minutes. 4 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. 5 Scoop the chilled mixture into ping pong-sized balls, using a spoon, and space evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet. Press each cookie gently using a piece of baking parchment and your hand to flatten them slightly. Sprinkle each cookie with a small pinch of sea salt (if using). 6 Bake in the preheated oven for 11–12 minutes (if they look a little underdone, that’s okay).

Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Recipes taken from First-time Vegan by Leah Vanderveldt, published by Ryland Peters & Small

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Set in the charming heart of Dorking, nestled between the North Downs and gentle slopes of the Denbies Estate and Vineyards, The White Horse stands as one of England’s most storied coaching inns, with a history dating back as far as 1278.

The property has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and overhaul of both the public spaces, dining concept, and 56 bedrooms. Offering stylish accommodation, a destination restaurant, as well as an all-new bar and deli concept, The Dozen, specialising in local Surrey produce.

In other words, plenty to get your teeth into‌

01306 881138 The White Horse Hotel, High Street, Dorking, Surrey, United Kingdom RH4 1BE info@whitehorsedorking.com | www.whitehorsedorking.com

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“By the time the dessert menu is passed to us, I am replete.”

Rock and Rose A stylish restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Richmond

FOOD Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist

B y LUCIE PEARCE

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ecorated and furnished by owner Lorraine Angliss, her eclectic taste has produced a fun, impressive restaurant in Rock and Rose, which is comfortable and cool.

On arrival we’re greeted by the manager Teddy. Charming, polite and helpful, Teddy is a credit to the restaurant. Buzzing on a Monday night, Teddy gives us a tour, part of which includes the garden room, which in the summer months will be the perfect setting for alfresco dining.

We’re seated at the bar area where I opt for a Christmas cocktail, my less refined dining partner opts for an Asahi. We’ve all had an Asahi so I shan’t bore you with details of that, the Popcorn Espresso Martini, however, devised by the in-house mixologist, is delicious. With two vodkas infused with vanilla and popcorn, it’s the perfect festive treat.

While enjoying our aperitifs, we pick three starters to tuck into, all of which I’d recommend. My favourite are the seared scallops - served with glass noodles, they are tender and expertly cooked. Craig’s favourites are the crispy peanut chicken lettuce wraps, also incredibly well done, so

DECOR Eclectic, bohemian vibes

PRICE Starters from £7.95; Mains from £16.95

VERDICT A fun, glamorous venue with excellent cocktails

much so that we fight over who gets to eat the last one. The chilli salt squid is also delicious.

Torn between the lobster risotto and crispy sea bass for my main course, I ask Teddy for guidance.

Already quite full from the starters, he suggests the sea bass, a decision I don’t regret. With a fragrant oriental glaze and basil scattered on top, the sea bass is served medium rare. A generous helping of jasmine rice and sauteed pak choy complete the dish.

Craig plumps for the monkfish and tiger prawn curry, a coconut based curry with sugar snaps and coriander naan. It’s usually served with jasmine rice, but after he’s tasted the glass noodles, he eager to have some more of those. Moreish and mildly spicy, this dish will suit a myriad of palettes.

By the time the dessert menu is passed to us, I am replete. Next time, I won’t have three starters and ensure I’ve room for the hot chocolate pudding.

ROCK AND ROSE 106 - 108 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2PQ, 020 8948 8008

rockandroserestaurant.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

fabulous

FIZZ

What to drink and how to drink it

By PENDLE HARTE

NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

Bollinger R.D 2004 • £180

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

De Venoge Louis XV 1996 • £205

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

ISLAND LIFE HARRIS GIN

Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires 2004

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

• £175

harrisdistillery.com

SPIRIT OF LUXURY MORUS

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

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

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

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

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

thechampagneguru.com

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FOOD & DRINK • SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The evening started with a welcome drink

by Champagne Frèrejean Frères – quoted

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

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

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

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

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

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The home of the

HOUSE PROUD

New Roman Blinds Collection Our exciting new collection of Roman Blinds opens up a whole world of style choices. All backed by a service we’re pleased to say is second to none; with the highest quality products expertly made to measure and fitted beautifully.

So whatever the design, window or room we will do your house proud.

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INTERIORS

RED ALERT ANGLEPOISE

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

Interior inspirations 64 • Iris Apfel 67 • Bella Freud x Retrouvius 68 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

WORLD CUPS SUNNJU

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

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

DRIP FEED THE BARISIEUR

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

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INTERIORS • NOTES

EDITOR’S PICK

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

NICOLA FASANO FOR THE CONRAN SHOP

TOP

Oval Splatter Platter, £110 conranshop.co.uk

LOCK UP FORNASETTI

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

SHOP SUCH AND SUCH

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

FERM LIVING Muses vases, from €79 fermliving.com

KARLSSON Original ceramic wall clock, £35 hurnandhurn.com

HABITAT Buzz vase, £35 habitat.com.uk

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

BROSTE COPENHAGEN

TRAVEL STORY CARAVANE

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

Blue Amalfi vase trio, £20 featherandmarble.com

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

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RENOVATION RESTORATION

N E W B U I L D* REPLACEMENT

Slimline Metal Windows & Doors The slimmest thermally broken ‘A+10 rated’ metal windows and doors available • Handmade by our skilled craftsmen • A+10 rated and Part L compliant • Polyester powder coated finish including hammerite and dual colour options • Multipoint locking and Welded corners as standard • Beautiful leaded lights, Georgian pane, Horizontal bar designs • Can be installed direct to brick, stone or wood surrounds

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INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGE 2½-11 YEARS

Experience e magic of Longacre OPEN MORNINGS 23rd January (Early Years) 12th February 8th May 9.30-12.00

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info@metthermwindows.co.uk facebook.com/MetThermWindows www.metthermwindows.co.uk

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BRUNCh

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DINNER

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• KINGSTON_ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

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17/12/2018 16:51

INTERIORS • DESIGN

APFEL WAT C H

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

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERIORS • DESIGN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HEALTH INTERIORS & BEAUTY• •DESIGN NOTES

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

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

MARIA SPEAKE (LEFT) AND BELLA FREUD IN THE PENTHOUSE

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

Downstairs, the bedrooms are cosier and darker.

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

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

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

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

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Carpets so good you won’t want to walk on them

ORDER YOUR NEW CARPET NOW! • Free measuring and estimating service • 100’s of carpets & rugs to choose from • Amtico and Karndean specialists • Many more types of Wood and Vinyl flooring available • We will beat any written like for like quote

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21/11/2018 10:10

My Style

INTERIORS • MOODBOARD

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

MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION...

PAUL SMITH AW18

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

MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER...

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

M Y ST Y L E ICON...

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

MY FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT STOCK...

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

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART...

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

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

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2019 Open Mornings 5th Feb | 19th Mar | 30th Apr Our children strive to achieve their academic potential, expand their sense of curiosity, understand the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, objectivity and reflection.

www.cumnorhouse.com

Leading single - sex preparatory education in South West London since 1931

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10/12/2018 14:18

KIDS & EDUCATION

WHITE HOUSE CUMNOR HOUSE Cumnor House School, featured in Top 50 Preparatory Schools for Cricket 2019 by The Cricketer. Awarded every year to Secondary Schools, and for the first time in 2019 to Junior and Preparatory Schools, the prestigious cricketing publication have included Cumnor House School in its Top 50 Preparatory Schools for Cricket in the UK. cumnorhouse.com

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YES, IT’S A CRYING SHAME…

…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film-making – “A utopia for creative minds” – as the Good Schools Guide says.

And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top co-ed boarding schools in the UK. So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late.

Contact Cosmo Jackson or visit our website for more information.

T: 01483 279000

E: info@hurtwood.net

hurtwoodhouse.com

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

SLEEP TALK CY B E RJA M M I E S

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

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

SHAPE UP COS KIDS

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

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

MOUSE STYLE

MARIE CHANTAL

H

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

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

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

FEEL IT

M O L LY M O O N ’ S M I S S I O N

W H E N SWA D N E S S

By Duncan Beedie

C O M E S TO CA L L

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

By Eva Eland

 templar.co.uk

 penguin.co.uk

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

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

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GORDON’S SCHOOL SIXTH FORM BOARDING IN SURREY

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

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

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CROSSING THE

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION • OPINION

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

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

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

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

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

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Save 40% on Dubai Holidays

5 Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort This resort sits an enviable location on the longest stretch of private beach in Dubai.

It boasts a total of 15 restaurants & bars and a choice of 5 swimming pools (with adults-only sunbathing areas, as well as a separate shaded children’s pool). There’s plenty to do with the Watersports Centre, complimentary Kids Club, Heavenly Spa and tennis courts - as well as excursions to all of Dubai’s main attractions.

Discover all-new Club benefits including food served all day in the exclusive club lounge, complimentary house drinks between 12pm-8pm, dedicated check-in areas and more.

EXECUTIVE CLUB ROOM + CLUB BENEFITS 5 Nights Bed & Breakfast + Flights from

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Call 0208 329 2679 or book online letsgo2.com Prices are per person based on two people sharing. Available on various departures between 6 June - 15 July 2019.

Subject to availability. For full T&Cs visit letsgo2.com. Prices correct as of 11/12/2018.

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TRUSTED MERCHANT 2018

11/12/2018 15:27

TRAVEL

SUN,SEA & STYLE ZANZIBAR

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

Zanzibar's first Design Hotel 82 • UK Getaway: Grand Central Belfast 89 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean in one fascinating cultural melting pot 82

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TRAVEL • WINTER SUN

Spice of

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

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

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

SPICE HERITAGE

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

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

STONE TOWN

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

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TRAVEL • WINTER SUN

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

BEACHE S

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

DE SIGN DE STINATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information, please visit zurizanzibar.com.

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

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

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TRAVEL • DIVING

THE

DEEP

DIVE

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

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

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

I

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

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

1. CONSTANCE MOOFUSHI

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FOOD

C

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

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

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

THE LOCATION

L

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

weekend

THE HOTEL

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

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

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL B E L FA S T

Irish charm meets city chic

By H E L E N B R OW N

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

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

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Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

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

www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk | info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk HALCYON.indd 1

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PROPERTY Living the Dream

SEAFORTH AVENUE KT3

OIEO £700,000

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ocated in one of Raynes Park’s most desirable streets is this spacious five bedroom, two bathroom Victorian home.

Combining traditional style with a modern finish, the property has been extended by its current owners to provide nearly 1,500 sq. ft. of comfortable family living space. The property is also only a short walk from Motspur Park station, with good transport links to Central London.

L

KFH Raynes Park 020 3542 2000 www.kfh.co.uk

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

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HAMM COURT, WEYBRIDGE KT13 A stunning, detached riverside family home directly facing the River Thames and open meadows with its own private mooring, ideally situated a short walk from Weybridge town centre and its many amenities.

Five bedrooms • Three reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Three bathrooms • Garage and parking • EPC rating C

WEYBRIDGE

01932 821160 weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

GUIDE PRICE £1,999,950

• JS.indd 1

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BURWOOD PARK, WALTON-ON-THAMES Dolphins is a spectacular piece of land, in the middle of Burwood Park private estate. Measuring just over one acre, with a secluded access and offering a fantastic opportunity to create a replacement property, or reconfigure and update the existing house. No onward chain.

EPC rating E

WEYBRIDGE

01932 821160 weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

GUIDE PRICE £3,250,000

• JS.indd 2

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

ALBANY PARK ROAD K T 2 , £ 1 ,9 9 9,9 5 0

S

et behind private gates, this spacious five bedroom family home has almost 3400 sq. ft. of accommodation, spread across four floors. There are three reception rooms, offering flexibility to create children’s play areas, cinema rooms and a more formal drawing room. Positioned on one of North Kingston’s most sought-after river roads, residents are less than a mile from Kingston town centre.

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Kingston, 020 5849 9449 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

COBBETTS HILL K T 1 3 , £ 2 .1 5 M

A

stylishly designed family home, enjoying a quiet position in a wonderfully secluded plot at the end of a private lane behind electric gates. Ideal for commuters, with Weybridge mainline station about just half a mile away. It has recently been completely refurbished, remodeled and extended offering a fantastic layout across two floors, with underfloor heating throughout. house.

Weybridge, 01932 283288 weybridge@housepartnership.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

LIVERPOOL ROAD

KT 2 , G U I D E : £ 3 , 5 0 0,0 0 0

C

CHERTSEY ROAD

EDGECOOMBE CLOSE KT 2 , G U I D E £ 2 ,9 9 5 ,0 0 0

A

lifton Lodge is a unique opportunity to purchase a large detached house, situated on a substantial double plot, with uninterrupted views of Richmond Park. It also has a separate coach house, extensive parking and a swimming pool. The property is principally arranged over three floors and offers extremely well proportioned and spacious rooms throughout.

very attractive and well-presented five bedroom detached house in this quiet cul-de-sac off Warren Road. The property has been sympathetically designed and extended to provide a light, spacious family home that has been well laid out for modern day living.

The beautiful walled gardens are a particularly notable feature of the house and are perfectly orientated for all day sunshine.

KNIGHT FRANK

KNIGHT FRANK

Richmond, 020 8939 2808 mathew.hahn@knightfrank.com

Wimbledon, 020 8115 9703 wimbledon@knightfrank.com

G U 2 0, O I E O £ 1 . 6 M

S

ympathetically refurbished, this is a substantial period home set in the attractive village of Windlesham. There are excellent amenities, including six pubs, a theatre and the nearby Windlesham Arboretum. This seven bedroom family home includes a separate annex, perfect for multi-generational living. The village infant school is rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and there are seven further schools nearby. house.

Virginia Water, 01344 798 548

SEVEN BEDROOM FAMILY HOME INCLUDES A SEPARATE ANNEX, PERFECT FOR MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING

virginiawater@housepartnership.co.uk

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

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

housepartnership.co.uk

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We’ll just get a really obedient dog

PRIME LOCATION.indd 1

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O N! NO W SA LE

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Call us 0208 329 2679 Book online www.letsgo2.com Visit us Chessington, Surrey

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Dubai

Caribbean & Mexico | Europe | Indian Ocean | Asia Middle East | USA | Multi Centre Holidays

Winners of the British Travel Awards 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018

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