Absolutely Kingston & Raynes Park, Surrey September 2018 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KINGSTON & RAYNES PARK

ABSOLUTELY Kingston & Raynes Park Surrey SEPTEMBER 2018 / £3.95

Shrimps for

HABITAT The fashion label's new home collection

S EPTEM B ER 2018

LO N D O N DESIGN F E ST I VA L Highlights from the fairs

GET FIT

London's most coveted ﬁtness classes

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Bespoke Design at Prestons At Prestons our bespoke jewellery collections are as individual as you are. Our jewellery designer, Katrina Young, hand-sketches and creates intricate bespoke pieces for each of our showrooms and for personal commissions. Each piece is completely distinctive and beautifully crafted in our workshop.

An exceptional 10.88ct Columbian GIA certified emerald, surrounded by 0.64ct F/VS quality diamonds. This piece has been set into a bespoke platinum mount with each diamond delicately handset.

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BASEMENT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

WHEN IT COMES TO BASEMENTS, NOBODY MATCHES OUR DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE. We are Normand Developments, a residential design and build company with an exemplary record. We specialise in extending homes with first-class basement excavations. Your one-stop-shop for... Concept design Planning Structural design Project management Construction Interior finishing

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BUILT ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS

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P I C K U P Y O U R F R E E C ATA L O G U E I N S T O R E

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AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN WAITROSE, MAJESTIC, 31DOVER.COM AND UK DUTY FREE

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents SEPTEMBER 2018

36 56

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

AGENDA

Diary dates for September

80 47 RESCUE REMEDIES Post-summer beauty saviours

FOOD & DRINK 56 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

24 LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 58 RECIPES September is the capital's design month

FA S H I O N 30 SHRIMPS

Hannah Weiland brings her fun fashion to Habitat for a home collection

35 JEWELLERY Golden pieces

From The German Cookbook

INTERIORS 64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the world of design

PRETTY IN PINK

Our picks for the home

36 THE SHOOT

T R AV E L 80 TUSCAN SUMMER

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 45 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

PROPERTY 92 LIVING THE DREAM

British flora for J Crew

This month’s best beauty buys

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

Holidaying in an Italian villa

The most luxurious London properties

ON THE COVER stil-salon.com

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN

Offering a wide range of beautifully unique hats and headpieces

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR ENXHI KOLECI EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGER REBECCA FLEUR MAGAZINE MANAGER TOLGA SAYLAN ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY 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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We b si t e

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

www.viviensheriff.co.uk

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Editor’s

BAKE OFF German cakes and sweets are the best. page 58

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S September issue highlights

eptember means one thing in London: design. The London Design Festival covers a growing number of events all over town, spawning several separate Design Districts and countless events, installations and projects in addition to the main fairs. At Decorex, designjunction, 100% Design and Focus/18, exhibits from new and established designers from the UK and all over the world will descend on London's design-hungry audiences and redefine the aesthetics of the year to come. Expect to see new shapes, colourschemes and ideas in everything from furniture and textiles to small accessories, ceramics, technology and decorative objects. Of the many themes and trends emerging, our favourites are colour – whether bright and bold or intriguing sludgy shades that aren't eaily categorised – and an angular, 80s aesthetic of tubular shapes, pastel shades and asymmetry, as well as a fearless world of elaborate, busy prints for textiles and wallpaper and a focus on quirky details. Also this month is London Open House Weekend, an opportunity to see inside buildings you're not normally allowed inside. Among them are some amazing residential interiors, so study the programme closely. And enjoy design month..

ART IN GLASS We love a well-formed piece of glass... page 64

ARISTOCRATS Brian Friel's little-performed play comes to the Donmar in a brilliant new production by Es Devlin. page 23

THINK PINK

It's not all faux fur at Shrimps but of course there is some in the fashion brand's new interiors collection for Habitat. page 30

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PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

So much to see, so little time. We choose some highlights. page 24

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Wish LIST 10 THINGS WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE Compiled by

ROLL UP, ROLL UP

Known for their exclusive prints, the latest offering from Emily & Fin spins a playful twist on the trends of AW18 with circus-inspired motifs, ﬁtting for both daytime chic and evening glamour. emilyandﬁn.co.uk

ROBOT WARS Add a whimsical edge to the everyday with MayraFedane’s Flinn Robot Charm, handcrafted from luxurious European Calf leather, and gold plated hardware. £112; mayrafedane.com

SOMETHING SWEET

T by Ladurée takes the lead from Charlotte Olympia to create a collection of tea and trinket boxes that as just as sweet as the treats inside. laduree.co.uk

NEW START

September brings with it new starts and fresh stationary. We’re coveting Smythson’s 2019 Panama Diary which is crafted in a soft deerskin that is designed to get better with age. £95; smythson.com

H E L E N B R OW N

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

Chanel’s Soleil de Tan cream-gel bronzer is the perfect way to maintain that summer glow. Buildable and lightweight, it glides on leaving a velvety ﬁ nish and a glowing complexion. £40; chanel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

GLOBE TROTTER Travel trotting fashion house, Tatjana Anika caters to the modern woman, offering collections that can be worn both home and away. The two distinct summer capsule collections will see you from city to sea. tatjana-anika.com

SEPTEMBER SHADES

The latest shades from Le Specs have been created in collaboration with NYC-based jewelry designer Jordan Askill and inspired by ‘90s style. £80; net-a-porter.com

SCENT SURROUND

When you can't decide on one candle from Tom Dixon's coveted range, this 'Materialism' set is the perfect solution. Scents range from fresh Mediterranean Bergamot to rich, smoky Cedarwood. £130; net-a-porter.com

IT BAG The Cecyle is the new bag shape for AW18 from Bally. Featuring the signature stripe and ‘keyhole’ hardware, it blends craftsmanship with classic design. £1,331; bally.co.uk

SEASONAL SERVE Roku is the ﬁ rst gin from Japan's legendary Suntory made using six botanicals cultivated over the four seasons. Cherry blossom and green tea provide a sweet, ﬂoral aroma while yuzu delivers a punchy top note. £30; waitrose.com

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

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‘Tennis In The Bahamas’ 1957 Slim Aarons / Getty Images Archive

Explore Beautiful Prints. www.GALERIEPRINTS.com GALERIE PRINTS | 152 Arthur Road | Wimbeldon Park | SW19 8AQ | t 020 8947 6898 GP.indd 1

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C U LT U R E Antonio Lopez (1943 – 1987) Daniel Hechter Fashion ‘Variation 3’, 1967; Drawing On Style; Gallery Eight

What’s On 18 • Theatre Review: Aristocrats 23 • London Design Festival 24 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

WELLN ES S

Unbroken 31 August - 2 September

OSO COMMUN IT Y ARTS C ENT RE

Local theatre company, Shadow Road will bring the Unbroken Festival & Short Prize Film home to Barnes for the ﬁrst time as they take over the OSO Arts Centre. Shadow Road founded the festival in 2016 with the aim of increasing awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health. The three-day programme includes a range of interactive events, discussions, workshops and cinema screenings. 49 Station Road, SW13; unbrokenfest.com

T H E AT R E

AN ADVENTURE F RO M 6 S E PTE MB E R • BUSH THEATRE

An Adventure follows headstrong Jyoti and her fumbling suitor Rasik from the shores of post-Partition India through the forests of Mau Mau and onto London in the present day. But tensions peak as they look back at their story together. Was it all worth it? Witty, charming and full of fearless historical insight, An Adventure is an epic love story from one of the country’s most promising young writers. 7 Uxbridge Road, W12; bushtheatre.co.uk

T R I AT H LO N

Wanderlust 108 15 September

BAT TERSEA PA RK

Wanderlust is back in Battersea Park to host the world’s only mindful triathlon. Featuring three mindful activities - running, yoga and meditation Wanderlust 108 will this year join in the ﬁght against HIV/AIDS with $1.08 from every ticket sold donated to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS. Battersea Park, SW11; wanderlust.com

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

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

T H E AT R E

BLOOD WEDDING 4-23 September OMN IBUS THEATRE

What happens when it’s too late to escape? Will fate cut you down? Will you ever breathe easily again? Lorca’s 1932 folk tragedy is deftly pulled into sharp focus in a modern-day London. This contemporary adaptation of passion and vendetta blends grit, fate and claustrophobia with a streak of dark humour. 1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 15 • 23 SEPTEMBER

London Design Festival transforms the city with an inspiring programme of landmark projects, installations and events. Here are the highlights.

MU SIC

CLASSICS IN THE AFTERNOON

DECOREX INTERNATIONAL

Various dates

16-19 September, Syon Park; decorex.com

LA N D M A R K A RTS C E NTR E

Landmark Arts Centre welcomes some of the UK’s most revered musicians to perform in a short series of intimate Sunday afternoon concerts. British pianist Joseph Tong will be performing Debussy, Schumann, Sibelius and Grieg, while former sub-principal Ochestra of the Royal Opera House cellist, Mary Mundy will perform Beethoven, Moscheles and Moeran. Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11; landmarkartscentre.org

This Month’s Must See

100% DESIGN

THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM

19-22 September, Olympia London; 100percentdesign.co.uk

F RO M 1 S E PTEMBER • RICHMON D THEATRE

he Height of the Storm kicks of a star-studded season at Richmond Theatre, with Jonathan Pryce and Dame Eileen Atkins in the lead roles. A beautifully compelling family drama, it follows the story of André and Madeleine as their lives and those of their daughters are thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a women from the past. Who is she? And why does André feel like he isn’t there at all? Little Green, Richmond, TW9; atgtickets.com

DESIGNJUNCTION 20-23 September, various locations; thedesignjunction.co.uk

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

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KEIL abstracts at

gallery Ossowski

keyw o rd sea rc h/ a r t, con t e mpor a ry, sc ulp ture, m eta l, be a u t y, gla s s, le d lig hts, p ho to g ra p hy, macr o mi cr o, qu a ntum p hysic s, sm a ll w or ld me e t t h e bi g wo rld, p im lic o roa d, h e r i tage , mod e r n, the vo id, g ravity, look los e you r co nsc io usness o f tim e for a t i me , s pi n , pa rtic les a re fields, fi e ld s a re tho ug ht-fo rm s.

83 Piml ico R oa d L on d o n S W 1 W 8PH o s s o w s k i.co.uk

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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 By H E L E N B R O W N

Antony and Cleopatra

MUST SEE

★★★★★ From 18 September OLIVIER THEATRE

At the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen ﬁercely in love. Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo star in this tragic ﬁght between devotion and duty. Simon Godwin (Twelfth Night) directs Shakespeare’s gripping tale of power, politics and passion. National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Village ★★★★★

From 7 September THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST

Village life for Jyoti is simple: the people work hard, sing and live off the earth. But when the Inspector and his men arrive, things quickly sour. Transporting its audience to contemporary India, The Village is a powerful story of community, solidarity and the lengths each of us are willing to go to protect ourselves from tyranny. Gerry Raffles Square, E15; stratfordeast.com

THE VILLAGE ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

The Outsider

Distance

From 18 September

5-29 September

THE PRINT ROOM

PARK THEATRE

Mersault is a young French clerk in 1940s Algeria, disengaged from a world in which he doesn't ﬁt in. Following his senseless killing of someone he barely knows, he ﬁnds himself on trial both for the murder and his refusal to conform to society’s expectations. Camus’ sparse parable about the human condition is regarded as a modern classic. 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11; the-print-room.org

Shining a light on male mental health and suicide, Distance follows Steven, a man trying to make sense of his world. Following the acclaimed Out Of The Cage (Park Theatre), Fine Line Productions, Alex McSweeney and Simon Pittman return with this darkly funny and visually dynamic portrayal of the mind in an urgent examination of mental illness. Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4; parktheatre.co.uk

★★★★★

Eastern Star ★★★★★

11-29 September TARA THEATRE

Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the 1988 student uprising against the military dictatorship in Burma, Guy Slater directs Eastern Star. Based on the true story of the relationship between a BBC World Service journalist, Christopher Gunness and a Burmese human rights lawyer, U Nay Min, it follows a painful and fraught reunion 25 years after the revolution. 356 Garratt Lane, SW18; tara-arts.com

DISTANCE

EASTERN STAR

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Aristocrats by BRIAN FRIEL

Sad but intensely watchable, this Irish family saga is a hit for the Donmar By PENDLE HARTE

ristocrats is one of Brian Friel’s lesserperformed plays, often seen as a difficult one. And though it’s certainly bleak, Es Devlin's production of this Chekovian family drama, set in a decaying Big House in Donegal, is engaging and full of comic moments – despite its ultimate sadness. We open as the family has all returned to visit their elderly,

bedridden father, who can be heard issuing instructions to his dutiful daughter Judith (Eileen Walsh) through a newly installed baby monitor (lots of comic potential here). In the house are his other daughters Alice (Elaine Cassidy)– an alcoholic, visiting from London with her husband – and Claire (Aisling Loftus), a talented though thwarted pianist who still lives at home and whose depression is also managed by dutiful Judith. Their mother, we learn, died at the age of 47. The star of the show is David Dawson, captivating as Casimir, the

Lovely Irish sentence constructions and beautiful vocabularly

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHAN PERSSON

son visiting from Hamburg, where nobody believes that he is married to Helga with three sons. His is a nervy presence, all twitchy mannerisms and intense conversation, but he’s likeable and very watchable despite his delusions, and his languages characterise the play, with its lovely Irish constructions and beautiful vocabulary. Words like ‘turgid’ and ‘frivolous’ and ‘thwarted’ and ‘absorb’ stand out – the latter used several times, showing how layers of dysfunction and historical grievances are accepted – absorbed – into family lore. Characters retreat to the back of the stage when they’re not in the scene – there’s nowhere to hide. It’s a brilliant device to have an anthropologist in the midst, and Tom Hoffnung (helpfully translated by Casimir as ‘hope’ in German) is a visiting American professor, writing a book on the the Irish aristocracy and inviting everyone to share their stories. It’s a stylish production, beautifully acted throughout and a moving, meaningful story.

VERDICT

Intriguing and engaging ★★★★★ A R I S T O C R AT S DONMAR WAREHOUSE Until 22 September donmarwarehouse.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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B R AV E NEW WORLD Absolutelyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights of the London Design Festival

SHAPE OF IT

DEADGOOD/DESIGNJUNCTION

Deadgood's collection of modern furniture, lighting and interior products with personality is designed and made in Britain and supplied worldwide, to some of the freshest commercial projects on the planet. deadgoodltd.co.uk

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

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CULTURE â&#x20AC;˘ LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

Colour Ways JOHANSON/DESIGNJUNCTION

Wood Works

ShNorma is a very versatile sofa and armchair series with a look that can change depending on the colour and fabric choices. Its signature is the three fabric sections, put together using a layering principle.The idea is based on the concept of using blankets and throws on sofas to create contrasts. johansondesign.com

TON/DESIGNJUNCTION

Ton manually bends its furniture in the same workshops where this unique technology has been in use since 1861. These tables and chairs become a connection of quality, innovative shapes and a legacy to the place that has learned to understand the wood for generations. ton.eu

Designjunction is focusing on the Netherlands with the return of Dutch Stuff

Robot wars & NEW/DESIGNJUNCTION

All &New products are manufactured in Britain in small batches. They have plenty of character as every weld is different. The result is a collection of furniture that celebrates those little imperfections that make objects beautiful. They are exhibiting at designjunction. andnew.bigcartel.com

Flexible forms EARNEST STUDIO/ DESIGNJUNCTION

Showing as part of designjunction's Dutch Studd focus, Earnest Studio was founded by American-born, Netherlands-based designer Rachel Griffin. Her fascination is for simple, flexible structures with a forthright attitude toward material. earnestly.org

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

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CULTURE â&#x20AC;˘ LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

Decorex has established itself as Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading interior design event

Metal heads

Swedish design

PROPER COPPER DESIGN

LAMMHULTS/DESIGNJUNCTION

Proper Copper Design is the leading Designer for innovative hand-made copper homeware, specialising in minimal designs to complement a modern home. The aim is to restore elegance to industrial metals such as reclaimed copper and brass. propercopperdesign.com

Lammhults' rich heritage of Swedish design classics includes timeless pieces of furniture that also point to the future. These unique designs are characterised by innovation and an aesthetic awareness that never goes out of style. lammhults.se

Modern Retro DECCA HOME/DECOREX

Designed by award-winning British luxury lighting designer Robbie Llewellyn, The London Collection includes occasional furniture and upholstered seating crafted from a broad spectrum of luxury materials. Inspired by the design codes of the industrial era, Robbie's furniture possesses an authentic design sensibility - updated for today's modern lifestyle. deccahome.com

Showroom story KENT & LONDON

Visitors are invited to explore high quality furniture and kitchens alongside homewares and material samples in their Shoreditch showroom. As part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle Kent & London is hosting a design challenge where the design savvy public is invited to create their own piece of furniture using selected materials within the showroom. kentandlondon.co.uk

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

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BISQUE Beautiful radiators for stylish interiors

Our Classic radiator in rose copper finish Now on display at our new London showroom

London showroom: Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street London N1 0QH T: 0207 328 2225 London wide dealers

www.bisque.co.uk

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FASHION

NICE THREADS T H R E A D TA L E S

Thread Tales is a luxury, sustainable accessories brand. Working with talented artisans in Myanmar, Nepal and Kasmir they produce hand-woven, hand-embroidered designs using luxury materials such as yak, camel, cashmere and lotus fabric, making a significant contribution to the ethical fashion revolution. threadtalescompany.com

Shrimps at home 30 Âˇ Jewellery: go for gold 35 Âˇ The fashion shoot 36 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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IN THE PINK

FASHION • Q&A

As British fashion brand Shrimps teams up with Habitat, Absolutely catches up with the label’s designer and founder Hannah Weiland Interview PENDLE HARTE

Pendle Harte: How would you describe Shrimps signature style? Hannah Weiland: Shrimps is feminine, colourful, playful and fashion forward. PH: Had you thought of transferring Shrimps’s style to interiors before? HW: It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and always thought my prints and illustrations could look amazing on rugs and bed sheets. I always have so many ideas and I’m so happy that I’ve had this opportunity with Habitat, whose homeware I’ve always loved! PH: Where did you begin with the collection for Habitat? HW: I went into the Shrimps archive and picked out my favourite doodles and prints that I’d always thought could work perfectly for homeware. The colour combination of red and pink is one that I keep returning to,

and is very present in this collaboration for Habitat - it is quintessentially Shrimps! PH: What is your own home like? And your dream home? HW: My home has lots of colour and pattern, however I would say that it is not over the top, there is still a feeling of simplicity which I think is important for creating a sense of calm. I love particular colour combinations in both fashion and homeware, red and pink is one that I’ve definitely used a lot in my house and my collections, including our Habitat collection. My dream home would be a bigger version of my current home, with more tiles and more outdoor space, I love the feeling of greenery coming into a house, tiled indoor courtyards are my favourite thing, I would love one of those - very Italian! A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Photography by Paul Craig

Engineered Walnut Pre-lacquered

Beautiful flooring, designed to last Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m 2 of stock | Express delivery SHOWROOM 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

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FASHION • Q&A

PH: Your background is in textiles. How are fashion textiles different from interiors ones? HW: To me they aren't that different, interior textiles always inspire my fashion collections, and vice versa. PH: What are your favourite pieces from the collection? HW: I love the Doodle rug, it is one of my favourite Shrimps prints and just looks so beautiful as a rug. PH: Tell us about the creatures and characters. HW: The characters are all from my imagination and I have been making them up and drawing them for as long as I can remember. The Doodle print was literally created from my drawings on a piece of paper that I had been doodling on over a few weeks, I often doodle in important meetings. At the time I was researching nursery rhymes and the work of the artist Paula Rego, these doodles were definitely, subconsciously inspired by that.

“I love particular colour combinations in both fashion and homeware, red and pink is one that I’ve definitely used a lot”

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

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Heart of Gold Your heart doesn’t have to stay on your sleeve with these luxury pieces

THE ALKEMISTRY

THE KOOPLES

THE ALKEMISTRY

Sydney Evan Heart 14ct gold and diamond ring, £495.00

Long chain heart pendant necklace, £90.00 selfridges.com

Kismet by Milka diamond heart 14ct ring, £395.00 selfridges.com

selfridges.com

JENNIFER MEYER

CAROLINA BUCCI

JENNIFER MEYER

Heart 18-karat gold turquoise earrings, £1,770 jennifermeyer.com

Florentine 18ct gold bracelet, £4,930 carolinabucci.com

Open Heart 18ct gold diamond earrings, £5,670 jennifermeyer.com

LINKS OF LONDON

THE FINE JEWELLERY COMPANY

JENNIFER MEYER

Mini Heart 18ct rose-gold and diamond charm, £325.00 selfridges.com

9ct Gold Heart Locket, £175 theﬁnejewellerycompany.com

Heart 18ct gold, opal and diamond ring, £4,990 jennifermeyer.com

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

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Flower

FAIRY J Crew's new collaboration with British print maker Abigail Borg is inspired by the ďŹ&#x201A;owers of the English countryside j c r e w. co m

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BLADES HEATING LIMITED THE AGA SHOP

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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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HEALTH & BEAUTY

FLORAL FANCY JO MALONE

Jo Malone's new Honeysuckle & Davana collection is both elegant and unexpected. Fresh with rose and the aromatic twist of davana, this whimsical new floral evokes the wildness of honeysuckle winding through the English countryside. jomalone.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty Notes 45 • Post-Summer Saviours 47 • London's Best Fitness Classes 48 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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skinade.com

Beautiful skin from the inside We all know the importance of looking after our skin on the outside. To achieve your perfect complexion, you must also support your skin from within. Discover skinadeâ&#x201E;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the skincare drink that nourishes the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.

Available from skincare professionals only. To find a stockist go to skinade.com To become a stockist, please call us on 08451 300 205 or email info@skinade.co.uk

MADE IN THE UK

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NO 1 PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE DRINK IN THE UK

20/12/2017 09:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY

PRODUCT REVIEW

NOTES

Fresh scents, candles, bubble bath and other luxuries B y PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

BLOG STYLE L ' O C C I TA N E

Beauty, fashion and travel blogger Josie of fashionmumblr.com has chosen her favourite L’Occitane products to collaboratively create a vanity case of handy goodies for holidays. This includes the Precious Cream, Almond Shower Oil, Lavendar Hand Cream and Pivoine Flora Beauty Milk. £25; uk.loccitane.com

SCENT FROM HEAVEN BRAMLEY

Crafted from only the finest essential oils, Bramley's range of soaps, scrubs and shampoos are indulgent and essential in equal parts. We love this exfoliating body wash, which combines scents of sweet orange, fennel and spearmint. £14 bramleyproducts.co.uk

SWEET SMELLS MODERNIST FRAGRANCE

Formulated in London, made in England, modernist fragrance is a new house of updated classics handmade in small batches. It debuts with “the modernist”, with its notes of bergamot, frankincense and freesia for a woody, earthy and yet sweet mix guaranteed to have passers-by stopping in their tracks. £145 (50ml); modernistfragrance.com

Light Therapy Acne Mask

chieve your best skin yet in as little as one week with Neutrogena®. The skincare visionary is revolutionising the way we look after our complexion with the Light Therapy Acne Mask, a wearable LED device that delivers red (to reduce inﬂammation) and blue (to reduce bacteria) wavelengths deep into the skin to disrupt the acne cycle. Though the mask is fairly cumbersome to wear and makes the wearer look like an illuminated welder, the clever technology behind the plastic facade targets acne-causing bacteria without harsh chemicals, reducing size and redness of breakouts while allowing skin to heal. It’s not as strong as strong as the lights used in dermatologist’s clinics, but the the portable and practical mask can be worn every day at home. Research showed that that the mask doesn’t just make users look better, it can make them feel better, too. In the same clinical study, 77 percent of users said that they had higher self-esteem after 12 weeks of daily sessions wearing the mask, with 69 percent reporting that they felt more comfortable interacting with others. All in all, 79 percent of the study subjects agreed that using the mask had improved their overall acne-related quality of life. Here’s to putting your best face forward. N E U T R O G E N A® L I G H T T H E R A P Y AC N E M A S K £59.99 available at

boots.com

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

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#LOOKING MINT Welcome to MINT, our fresh new hair and makeup studio at 113 Northcote Road it provides great cuts, colouring and make-up too. Our talented make-up consultants offer everything from a personal make-up lessons to total glam makeover. You can even bring your own make-up and learn how to create a beautiful new look using your current products. To make make-up or hair booking, just call 0203 745 3126 Download our booking app minthairlondon at the app store

113 NORTHCOTE ROAD LONDON SW11 6PW 020 3745 3126 HELLO@MINTHAIRLONDON.COM MINTHAIRLONDON.COM @minthairlondon NEW_ANTHONYLABAN_USE.indd 1

23/01/2018 16:49

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Magic Night Rescue Cream £100; selfridges.com

WELLECO The Super Elixir, 300g £96; welleco.com

SWISSCODE BIONIC Recovering Complex 30ml, £160; pureswissboutique.com

RITA HAZAN NEW YORK

DEBORAH LIPPMANN

Weekly Hair Remedy Treatment £34; selfridges.com

The Cure - Ultra nourishing cuticle repair cream, 10ml £20; deborahlippmann.com

MARGARET DABBS Black Leg Masque 200g £45; margaretdabbs.co.uk

BUTTER LONDON 10-in-1 Patent Shine Nail Lacquer in Dusty Mauve £15; butterlondon.com

RECOVERY SEASON

ELIZABETH AND JAMES, NIRVANA VANILLA BOURBON 50ml, £69; harrods.com

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Revive Body Wash, 250ml £22; aromatherapyassociates.com

Breathe life back into your hair, skin and nails after a long summer of sun B y A N G I E KO L E C I

THIS WORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, 75ml £18; thisworks.com

BYBI BUFFER Natural lip scrub & exfoliator £.9; bybi.com

AURELIA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE Firm and Revitalise Dry Body Oil, 100ml £48; aureliaskincare.com

DIOR LIP GLOW Hydrating Colour Reviver Lip Balm £26; dior.com

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

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Ki t BAG We put the latest in luxury activewear through its paces at London’s best boutique gyms By PENDLE HARTE & HELEN BROWN

ANOTHER_ SPACE SPIN  The room is dark, the music is loud; a spin class at Another_ Space is like a rave for the fitness generation. A collective act of sweaty worship led by a motivational studio evangelist, albeit only for 45 high-octane minutes. I mentally note my gratitude for the high-tech sports bra and leggings (Varley knows spin), good showers, Cowshed products and spacious changing room – and then it’s back out into reality. anotherspace.london

EQUINOX

KUBRICK 7/8 LEGGINGS, £235;; LUCASHUGH.COM

 E by Equinox is the sleek and swanky sister site to the original and equally stylish Equinox in Kensington. Think polished marble, dark oak, high-tech fitness kit and a coffee machine in the changing rooms. MetCon3 is a high-intensity metabolic conditioning workout that challenges your strength and cardiovascular fitness by way of thrusters, bicep curls, chest presses and squats. equinox.com We Wore: L U C A S H U G H With clever engineering, say hello to the flattest stomach you’ll have all week. The Odyssey set stays in place, fits beautifully and is incredibly flattering. lucashugh.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 • FITNESS BROOKS CROP IN MAUVE SNAKE, £54; VARLEY.COM

LOUISE PARKER  The Wellness Clinic in Harrods is a beatific haven of wellbeing and calm in which Louise Parker has a permanent residency. Offering expert dietitian consultations and 1:1 personal training sessions, this is one of the most luxurious spots to get in shape. louiseparker.com We Wore: S W E AT Y B E T T Y The Power leggings flatter where it matters, but they aren’t just for show. They sit tight on the hips and whisk away sweat efficiently. sweatybetty.com

ANOTHER_ SPACE HIIT  The HIIT class at Another_ Space combines high-intensity strength training like burpees, plank holds and sandbag lifts with boxing. The class is split into two groups, one carrying out the energetic drill on the floor, the other doing battle with a boxing bag. This format means that 45 minutes flies by. anotherspace.london We Wore: VA R L E Y Varley creates fashion-forward pieces that look chic. I've never felt so supported by a pair of leggings; I feel athletic and toned before the workout has begun. They move well and stay firmly in place. varley.com

MANOR

HEARTCORE

 Set up and run by former professional fighters, Manor offers train, fight and recovery classes. Training is gimmickfree and pretty hardcore. The FORCE class is a conditioning session formatted around explosive movements. mymanor.london

 The Dynamics Pilates class promises a long and lean physique befitting a Victoria’s Secret angel. We work through a series of slow, controlled movements that use spring tension on the machine to build postural strength and improve mobility. heartcore.co.uk

We Wore: L O R N A J A N E Core Stability technology means that the Force Core Tights are 100% squat-proof and fit like a second skin. lornajane.de

We Wore: L U L U L E M O N As the go-to brand for yogis, Lululemon's leggings move well in the deepest of Downward Dogs. lululemon.co.uk

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

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FEEL-GOOD FEET F R O M F O OT S O L U T I O N S Correct footwear and arch supports can improve balance and posture and relieve pain. At Foot Solutions, our trained consultants use high-tech foot scanning equipment and gait analysis to help ﬁ nd the perfect footwear and custom arch supports for your feet. VISIT OUR RICHMOND STORE TODAY.

To arrange a FREE foot analysis call: 020 8940 1814 or email: richmond-surrey@footsolutions.com

Foot Solutions, 4 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW A short walk from Richmond station, opposite Pizza Express Open Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm, Sunday: 11am - 5pm

www.footsolutionsrichmond.co.uk

BY BUS • BY TUBE • BY TRAIN • BY LONDON OVERGROUND • PARKING NEARBY

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

The Psychologist

OF SCENT

Going beyond the conventions of scent with Baruti B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

arlier this year I was working at the store when a very tall gentleman arrived and introduced himself as perfumer Spyros Drosopoulos, founder of fragrance house 'Baruti'(which is Greek for Gunpowder). As we talked, it emerged that this half Greek, half Dutch, self taught nose, is in fact a neuropsychologist by profession. The psychology of scent is a fascinating topic what draws us to one smell and not another and why can a smell transport us through time and space with such emotional pull? Fortunately for me, Spyros had brought samples of his fragrances with him and first out of the bag was 'Chai' an homage to the delicious masala tea served by street vendors across India. The smell is unmistakable, a mixture of cardamom, spices, black tea and steamed milk which turns sweet as it boils. Having visited India and been

“THE PERFUME FIRMAMENT HAS A NEW STAR” captivated by its colours and smells, I was in paroxysms of joy as he has nailed this perfectly. I had a quick spritz and the scent has haunted me to such an extent that I have not been able to get it out of my mind and hence I have taken possession of the Baruti Collection at Roullier White this week. 'Berlin im Winter' is the cosiest of scents with whisky, coffee and tonka bean and a wonderfully spiritual combination of Frankincense and Myrrh. Relaxed and confident like the city itself, this perfume will work

for any occasion. I am particularly captivated by the clever use of plum which floats across the sillage adding just a touch of hedonism. 'Tindrer' means 'sparkle' in Danish and it truly does. This conjures the countryside in summer with the bite of cut grass and verbena over twigs, leaves and a wet soil note. The forest floor is imagined with oakmoss and fir balsam, and the delicate scents of violet leaves and almondy heliotrope at the heart add incandescence. Beautiful and uplifting, it's great for everyday although I have been wearing at the weekend. 'Dama Koupa' is a fantastic surprise - a coolly glamorous perfume of grappa and iris a with a touch of lipstick. Bitter almonds make it creamy but really the star is an outstanding iris which is one of my favourite notes. It doesn't get much more sophisticated than this and I see her in cream cashmere with a slash of red lippy. Regular readers will know of my weakness for smokey scents. An autumnal addiction, I have tried everything to wean myself off but to no avail. And now comes 'Voyance', a scent that will set me back years. Tendrils of fresh mountain air drift across guiac wood, tuberose, an epic vetiver and, what I believe to be, the slightly damp embers of ambrette. This also contains a deliciously soapy note so that the juxtaposition of dark and light, clean and dirty make this a scent of mystery. Spyros clearly has talent in spades. We have seven scents and I would recommend every one - they are ridiculously good and spectacularly nuanced, full of little twists and turns in the dry down. I shall watch his development with interest as I think that the perfume firmament has a new star. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Interior Fabrics designer centre has now relocated to: Walton on Thames Top fabric brands:

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

QUIT

the Gym With Fitness Superstore you can forgo the hefty gym membership and the packedout changing rooms. Here’s why you should train at home

odern life means many of us are too busy. With work, family commitments and social gatherings, fitness can often take a back seat. For many of us, a gym membership can often be money down the drain as life gets in the way of any sort of regular training regime. This is why more and more people are opting to train at home. Proving more practical and effective, here are just a few reasons why…

SAVE MONEY

The cost of a gym membership adds up over time and we often don’t get the full benefit of what we’re paying for. When you train at home, you can choose key pieces to suit your budget, needs and preferences, which means a great investment. Once you have what you need, you can add to your personal collection as and when you want to, rather than pay out on a monthly basis to pay for an unused membership. There are fantastic fitness equipment options to suit all budgets, as well as plenty of functional pieces that can really complement all training programmes, such as resistance bands, kettlebells, dumbbells and medicine balls.

completely. Instead, you can use this time to get the most out of your workout, and you’ll feel better knowing you haven’t skipped a session.

YOU DON’T NEED LOADS OF SPACE

Not everyone has the luxury of lots of space. And even if you do, you might not want to dedicate masses to fitness. Fitness equipment for the home continues to evolve to make it more and more practical for using in smaller spaces. Foldaway treadmills, rowing machines, compact multi-gyms

and adjustable dumbbells (which provide you with many weights in a single pair of dumbbells) are just a few examples of excellent space-efficient options. Want to try the equipment for yourself before you buy? Just pop in to one of the 10 UK Fitness Superstores, or check them out online. Who knows, this time in six months, you may wonder how you ever got by without your own fitness equipment at home. fitness-superstore.co.uk

“The The cost of a gym up ” membership adds up”

SAVE TIME

A major stumbling block for a lot of gymgoers is the distance. Missing occasional sessions because you’re too tired to travel there can quickly become a slippery slope. With a home gym, this barrier is removed

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

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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 Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 intoâ&#x20AC;Ś

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 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MODERN BRITISH WHITE HORSE DORKING The Dozen restaurant at The White Horse is a newly refurbished drink/dine/deli hotspot for traditional British and modern European cuisine. The Dozen Set Menu is swimming in simple yet elegant dishes, showcasing quality produce at its finest. whitehorsedorking.com

Food Notes 56 • Recipes: German sweet treats 58 • Eating Out 61 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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W H AT TO D R I N K

GRAPE NEWS

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this September By GEORGIA MCVEIGH

WINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MONTH B y P e t e r Ta y l e r

Greyfriars Classic Cuvée Brut, England  £24.50 The 2013 vintage is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and is made from hand-harvested grapes from the Greyfriars Estate. It boasts light lemon zest & green apple aromas, with no oak contact, emphasising clean mineral notes.

Denbies Whitedowns Cuvée NV Sparkling, Surrey, England.  £18.99 100% Seyval Blanc. This French hybrid grape is popular in English vineyards as it isn’t opposed to some cold weather. It has generous fresh citrus aromas with just a hint of brioche. The palate is crisp, dry and refreshing.

Albury Estate Classic Cuvée, Surrey Hills  £30 A NV blend made in the traditional Champagne method, from this biodynamic vineyard. The subtle fruit on the nose, predominately red berries and light citrus is backed up by a long, mouth-ﬁlling palate that lingers and satisﬁes.

THE WHITE HORSE DORKING Befitting its rich history as a lively inn, The White Horse features extensive dining facilities, alongside a delicatessen and refurbished bar, serving both local ales and an outstanding selection of local wines, particularly sparkling.

whitehorsedorking.com

Soho Roots O L D C O M P TO N B R A S S E R I E

Both the food and the interior of Soho's newest opening is guaranteed to wow. Old Compton Brasserie brings Soho back to its artistic roots, with bespoke art from local street artists and pop art to recapture 'forgotton Soho'. Award-winning cocktails and a British menu championing provenance round it off beautifully. 36-38 Old Compton Street, W1D oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk

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

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

LO N D O N BRUNCHES

A ST E R

Brunches at Aster are not for the faint-hearted. If you're not prepared to eat a lot, then it's likely not the one for you. If, however, you come with an empty stomach and high expectations, then the buckets of Crayfish, homemade linguine and blueberry crumble will leave you feeling more than satisfied. aster-restaurant.com

S E A C O N TA I N E R S

BY THE BUCKET B U C K E T R E S TAU R A N T

Giving new meaning to a bucket-load of food, Westbourne Grove's newly opened Bucket does exactly what is says on the tin. For seafood lovers fed up of small portions, it serves up Whitebait, Calamari, Sautéed prawns and Mussells by the bucketful. Pair each of these with beers by the bucket or a jug of cocktail - all at a surprisingly reasonable price. Meat-eaters and veggies are also accommodated for. 104 Westbourne Grove, W2 bucketrestaurant.com

Soak up the night before at Sea Containers' new weekend brunch. Set in Southbank's infamous design hotel, Mondrian London, Sea Containers serves innovative takes on classic brunch dishes. The benedict flatbread with baby spinach, roast ham and Bernaise sauce is not one to miss. seacontainersrestaurant.com

MEZZE STYLE MAISON DU MEZZE

Feast Lebanese-style with Kingston's Maison du Mezze. Middle Eastern-inspired interiors, a warm and cosy atmosphere and plates and plates of food is what makes this restaurant tick, and the huge selection of seafood, grilled meats, huge sharing platters and vegan and veggie options will leave you feeling full and satisﬁed. Unit F13 Wood Street, KT1 maisondumezze.com

C H I LT E R N FIREHOUSE

The brunch admittedly doesn't come cheap, but Chiltern Firehouse makes it worth every penny, adding a touch of glitz and glamour to any weekend morning. Spice up the day with the crab-stuffed doughnuts with wasabi and chopped egg. chilternfirehouse.com

COSY HAVEN NO. 97 SEA CONTAINERS

FINE SPICE CINNAMON CLUB

Spice up curry-night with some Indian fine dining at The Cinnamon Club. Innovative and creative curries from Head Chef Vivek Singh put the flair back into Indian cuisine. Indulge in the tasting menu to try the full flight of dishes or try the Tandoori octopus. The Old Westminster Library, SW1P cinnamonclub.com

ASTER

Combining the energy of London with the cosiness of the country, Kingston’s No. 97 bar and restaurant serves innovative cuisine with lots and lots of gin. Classic dishes such as lemon sole join more exotic plates like a duo of lamb with aubergine curry. no-97.co.uk

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

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Chilled Fruit Soup Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Chilling time: 2 hours Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS • 3 tsp cornﬂour • 2 egg yolks • ½ vanilla bean • 1 litre milk • 100g sugar, plus extra for dusting • 1 orange • 1 banana • 200g strawberries

METHOD 1 Dissolve the cornflour (cornstarch) completely with a little cold water and the egg yolks. 2 Split the vanilla bean. Combine the milk with the sugar and vanilla bean in a pan and bring to a boil. 3 Whisk in the cornflour (cornstarch) mixture, let simmer briefly, remove from the heat and let cool, stirring often. 4 Then remove the vanilla bean and stir the soup very well. Chill for 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Sweet

TREAT German food is having a moment. Here are some sweet treats from Phaidon's new German Cookbook recipes ALFONS SCHUHBECK

5 Peel the orange, divide into segments, and cut into small pieces. Peel and slice the banana. Wash, trim, and pat dry the strawberries. Cut into quarters. 6

Mix the fruit and add a little sugar.

7 Fill soup plates with the soup and spoon over the fruit.

THE GERMAN COOKBOOK BY ALFONS SCHUHBECK Published by Phaidon on 17 September, £29.95 phaidon.com

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

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Poppy Seed Strudel Preparation time: 40 minutes Rising time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 8-10

INGREDIENTS Fo r t h e d o u g h • 125 ml milk • 4 tsp fresh yeast • 300g plain (all-purpose ﬂour) • 50g sugar • 2 egg yolks • 1 tsp almond liqueur (e.g. amaretto) • Salt • 1 pinch vanilla bean seeds • 1 pinch unwaxed lemon zest • 50g softened butter • Melted butter, for greasing • Flour, for dusting • 1 egg • 1 tbsp double (heavy cream) • Icing (confectioners) sugar, for dustingtopped and tailed and thinly sliced

Fo r t h e f i l l i n g • 4 apples • 200g poppy seeds • 200ml milk • 80ml brewed coffee • ½ vanilla bean • 1 cinnamon shard • 2 eggs • Salt • 40g sugar • 2 tbsp icing (confectioners) sugar • 1tsp unwaxed lemon zest

METHOD Fo r t h e d o u g h 1 Heat the milk until lukewarm. Crumble the yeast and dissolve in the milk. Mix with the ﬂour, sugar, yolks, liqueur, a pinch of salt, vanilla and zest 3 Knead to a dough by hand or using a mixer. Add the butter and knead until elastic 5 Shape into a ball, put into a bowl and cover.Rise in a warm place for 30 minutes

Fo r t h e f i l l i n g 1

Cut the apples into 5-10 mm (1⁄4-1⁄2 inch)

dice. Finely grind the poppy seeds. Combine with the milk and coffee in a pan. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the apples, vanilla and cinnamon, remove from the heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Discard the vanilla and cinnamon. 2 Separate the eggs. Beat the whites with a pinch of salt and the sugar to firm peaks. Beat the egg yolks with the sugars and lemon zest until fluffy. Mix the poppy seed mixture with the yolks and fold in the beaten egg whites. 3 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a baking sheet. Roll out the dough thinly over a floured surface into a 40 cm (153⁄4 inch) square, then halve into rectangles. Lay one rectangle on a dish cloth. Make a thick band of filling along one side. Leave a 5 cm (2 inch) wide space free of filling at the shorter ends and fold inward. Use the cloth to roll up the strudel. Lay seam-side down, on the baking sheet. Repeat to make a second. 4 Whisk the egg with the cream. Brush the strudels with butter and bake until golden, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 30 minutes. Cut into portions and dust with sugar.

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

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LOW FODMAP

LOWER SUGAR VEGAN

GLUTEN FREE

PALEO PROTEIN RICH

GRAIN FREE

HEALTHY FATS

your_willow /yourwillow @your_willow DAIRY FREE

VEGETARIAN “With Daisy Mae having coeliac disease & also being allergic to egg, we have always struggled to eat out & enjoy a family meal together. Thank heavens for The Willow – an incredible destination that embraces all dietary requirements & lifestyle choices!” Nic Kemp, mother

Real food, really well made LOW CARB

A restaurant that caters for everyone who enjoys deliciously nutritious food, and those with specific dietary requirements can dine with peace of mind. A truly unique destination for your friends, family and clients.

Grass fed steak

Raw Vegan Cheesecake

Natural wines

ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY DESSERT ON US* Email

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TICK BOX TO OPT IN TO SIGN UP TO THE TRI-HEALTH NEWSLETTER. WE DO NOT SHARE YOUR DETAILS WITH ANY THIRD PARTY COMPANIES. SEE WEBSITE FOR PRIVACY POLICY.

The Willow 16 The Triangle, Kingston, Surrey KT1 3RT Tel 020 3034 2424 Web yourwillow.co.uk *COMP DESSERT WITH ANY MAIN DISH ORDERED FROM A LA CARTE MENU. COMPLETE FORM & HAND OVER WHEN ORDERING. OFFER VALID TIL 30 NOV 18. NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS OR SET MENUS. AbsolutelySept18 20/08/2018 11:12

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Big robust dishes that smack you in the face with ﬂavour”

Nanban Fun and ﬂavourful Japanese fusion food in Brixton

FOOD Japanese food with creative ﬂare

B y H E L E N B R OW N

ondon is in the midst of an obsession with all things Japanese so it takes something stellar to stand-out in its long line of casual Japanese eateries. Enter Nanban, a busy little hotspot on Coldharbour Lane, just a chopstick’s throw from Brixton station. It comes from American-born head chef Tim Anderson, Masterchef winner and high-flyer on London’s restaurant scene. He was recently nominated as one of the capital’s top 12 chefs by Timeout. Nanban delivers soul food; big robust dishes that smack you in

the face with flavour. Tim plays with influences and flavours to create a menu of Japanese food that is quite unlike anything you’ve tried before. Our selection of starters defines fusion food. We go for the usual Japanese suspects - edamame beans and hanetsuki gyoza, plus padron peppers and crispy deep-fried chicken wings. We definitely over order but enjoy picking our way through the mish-mash of flavours and textures. The wings are a clear winner. They’re not as spicy as the three chilis on the menu would suggest, but for me they are perfect. Wanting something light and

DECOR Casual and comfortable

PRICE Small plates from £4.50, mains from £10

VERDICT Japanese cusine done differently; a must-try

refreshing in the midst of a British heatwave, I opt for the roasted aubergine ramen salad - a new addition to the menu. It comprises ramen noodles with slow-roasted aubergine, ponzu, onsen egg, fresh mint and crushed white sesame seeds. Basically the integral parts of a typical ramen, without the hot, sloppy broth. It’s fresh, fragrant and vegan, no less, but still manages to deliver the substance and satisfaction of a steaming bowl of noodles. A kick of fresh ginger does wonders to lift the dish. My pal goes for the lazy goat ragùmen which features a slow-cooked goat leg enrobed in a rich sauce and accompanied with noodles, seafood sawdust, fried shallots, scotch bonnet bamboo shoots and a tea pickled egg. I’m not sure that ramen traditionalists will enjoy the dish; it’s much thicker than the norm and eats more like a curry. But flavour-wise it’s divine. Earthy and unctuous, it’s a renegade ramen and showcases exactly what makes Nanban stand out among its Japanese contemporaries. Definitely one to try when you’re next in the area. NANBAN 426 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9; nanban.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MARBLEHILL FIREPLACES THE MOST IMPRESSIVE & EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF FIREPLACES IN THE UK

WITH OVER 7 DIFFERENT SHOW AREAS AND MORE THAN 55 MANTELS ON DISPLAY WITH 14 ACTUALLY UNDER FIRE, MARBLE HILL IS ONE OF THE LEADING LONDON SHOWROOMS FOR ALL YOUR FIREPLACE NEEDS. WE ARE CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE AND NEW DESIGNS.

70-72 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BE

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

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INTERIORS

MORE SPACE NORMAND DEVELOPMENTS Normand Developments works extensively throughout London and South East England with a reputation for high-end, high quality residential design and building. normand-developments.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

G R P I

E E

E C

N E

NISI LIVING

Designed and created by Federica Bubani, this elegant pair of Sem carafes is full of rustic, Italian charm. Crafted from ceramic, they have a soft matt ďŹ nish and come in two shades of green. Minimalist in design they are extremely tactile and beautiful to behold. Use as a vessel for holding water, milk or as a decorative piece. nisiliving.co.uk

CHECK MATE MARIMEKKO

New from Marimekko this season are graphic print textiles and shiny, block coloured ceramics with a luxe finish. With an inky, autumnal palette, the new collection is as covetable as ever. marimekko.com

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

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INTERIORS • NOTES

GLAS S ACT All our favourite glass pieces

EDITOR’S PICK

LALIQUE Pig sculpture in pink, £POA lalique.com

ON THE EDGE STILLEBEN

FERM LIVING Ripple long drink glass set of four, £49 hoosglasgow.co.uk

Stilleben’s terracotta Edge bowls for Skagerak are inspired by an old Mediterranean tradition for pottery and mixed with a Nordic cool. On the outside, the bowls have kept their raw-burned look while the insides are glazed. stilleben.dk

FRENCH FANCY MELODY MAISON

IITTALA Ruutu vase, £169 skandium.com

Head to Melody Maison for a beautiful collection of furniture and home furnishings with a vintage, French or country look. Painted furniture, mirrors, candelabras, clocks and pictures are available alongside shabby chic home accessories, and gifts. melodymaison.co.uk

CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA Bubble light, £545 curiousa.co.uk

MARIMEKKO Urna vase, £170 skandium.com

POT LUCK LRNCE

JONATHAN ADLER Master Cleanse glassware set jonathanadler.com

If you haven't noticed the characterful, hand-painted ceramics by Lrnce yet, then you will soon. Belgian-born Laurence Leenaert works from a studio in Marrakech and her range spans mirrors and leather sandals as well as these beautiful ceramic pieces, available at the Conran Shop. lrnce.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Surrey, Sussex & Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Oak Framed Specialist Surrey Oak Barns is a specialist oak frame contractor offering a complete and seamless multitrade service, from simple garages and garden rooms to fully finished buildings, all tailored to meet our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific requirements. We offer a complete service from design, planning and construction through to completion, ensuring our clients achieve their aspirations for oak buildings from a single source. Surrey Oak Barns is the only oak framed contractor to be awarded Chartered Building Company status which identifies those businesses that are committed to quality of product and service, integrity of conduct and concern for clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

01483 420 258 info@surreyoakbarns.co.uk www.surreyoakbarns.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS MADE Frame armchair in blush pink, £599 made.com

PAD HOME Marquetry pink wallpaper, £175 oostor.com

NISI LIVING Rose Sem Carafe set of two, £80 nisiliving.co.uk

ATKIN AND THYME Calvin armchair, £399, and Carnaby footstool, £149 atkinandthyme.co.uk

DELIGHTFULL Living room in Pink Serenity with Armstrong lamp, £POA delightfull.eu

ATELIER LANE Sphere clay beaded pendant in pink, £466 atelierlane.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FIRST BLUSH

CARPETRIGHT

Absolutely’s prettiest pink shades

Luna Twist carpet, £17.99 per metre carpetright.co.uk

MADE Cairn bedside table, £1p9 made.com

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

MADE

CRANMORE HOME Little Bling cushion, £59 cranmorehome.com

Cairn coffee table in tonal pink, £179 made.com

MY FURNITIURE Alveare tub chair, £349.99 my-furniture.com

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

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MAXIMISE YOUR

SPACE Q&A with Lars Clausen of Normand Developments Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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

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INTERIORS • DEVELOPMENT

Q&A Q What kind of projects do you work on? A We do everything. From a full refurb with side extensions and loft conversions to a basement dig-out. We can handle the whole project or a specific part. Q What’s your background? A I had always wanted to be in property development business and when I got the London Basement Company in to do a basement for me, I met the project manager, who wanted to set up his own business. So we teamed up for a couple of years, starting in 2006. Now we do our own projects as well as client projects.

We increase the square footage signiﬁcantly, while incorporating luxurious additions

Q Do you have a signature style? A We specialise in high quality prime London locations. We increase the square footage significantly, while also incorporating luxurious additions including cinema rooms with surround sound systems, basement swimming pools, gyms and wine cellars as well as bathroom TVs. Q What are you working on now? A We are renovating two houses in Fulham, transforming them from run-down properties to luxurious residences with full length basements, side extensions and mansard roofs in projects around the million pound mark. We recently extended a 5,000 sq foot house in Wimbledon to 10,000. Q What’s next for Normand Developments? A We’re looking at really pushing the boundaries in our next interesting and well-designed project. We have an in house architect and can offer a full service with our team of 13, two project managers, carpenters and everything in house. normand-developments.com

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

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e l b a tt e g r o f n U eettttaabbllee

g g r r o o f f n n U U

St Catherine’s, Bramley St St StCatherine’s, Catherine’s, Catherine’s,Bramley Bramley Bramley GSA GSA GSA Day Day Day &&&Boarding &Boarding Boarding Boarding School School School since since since 1885 1885 1885| ||4| 44-4-18 years years GSA Day School since 1885 --181818years years Guildford Guildford Guildford GU5 GU5 GU5 0DF 0DF 0DF| ||www.stcatherines.info |www.stcatherines.info www.stcatherines.info www.stcatherines.info Guildford GU5 0DF

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KIDS & EDUCATION

UNDER COVER SMALLS

British brand Smalls makes supersoft Merino essentials for children that can be worn all year round, provide years of wear, can be handed down to siblings and at the end are biodegradable. lovemysmalls.co.uk

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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

Dream dresses TUTU LE MONDE Celebrating the imaginations of little (and big) girls the world over, a Tutu Du Monde garment is truly unique – just like its wearer – and is perfect for all occasions, from playing dress-ups to ﬂower girl.. tutudumonde.com

SMALL TALK Tutus, dolls and new reading matter

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS MERI MERI

Meri Meri's beautiful edit of toys, homewares and accessories includes a delightful family of fabric dolls: Matilsa, Lila and ruby, who are soft, pretty and appealing. They even have their own unicorn dress-ups. £53 merimeri.co.uk

BEE NICE

W H Y D O W E N E E D B E E S?

BOB & BLOSSOM

ounded in the year 2000, Bob & Blossom pre-dates (and arguably inspired) so much of what we now see as ubiquitous in the field of independent kids fashion. Currently operating from a small but perfectly formed shop on Columbia Road, the brand does a fine line in what you might call “beautiful basics”. Breton tops, cotton tees, easy-fit grey marl sweatshirts, dinky trousers – many enlivened with simple prints in pretty colours, or else with cute slogans like “Believe in Magic”. One speciality is the tutu, returning for AW18 in flouncy, foamy peach and coral chiffon, with an elastic waist and a shiny satin bow (for sheer sass). Put it all together and you have a one-stop shop for both everyday casuals and glamorous finishing touches. Add the brand’s range of pretty accessories to the mix and you hardly need to shop elsewhere. It’s great for gifting, too – they even create their own line of goldspot polka-dot gift packaging. bobandblossom.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

HOT SEAT

U N C L E O S CA R ' S C H A I R S

Katie Daynes' Why Do We Need Bees? is a pretty lift-the-flap book teaches tinies the importance of bees to our ecosystem. Discover where they live, why we need them and the hierarchy system in bee society. £9.99

Magnus Englund, co-founder of leading design brand Skandium, is delving into literature with this fun new book that explores the world of designer chairs – all while learning your ABC. Which chair is your favourite? £12.99;

usborne.c.om

penguin.co.uk

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

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARRING

CHERYL FERGISON

14 DEC 2018 to 6 JAN 2019

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BOOKI NG NO W FOR T HIS

‘GIANT

OF A P ANTO

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MIME

21/08/2018 14:09

12/07/2018 12:44

KIDS • ACTIVITIES

Into The

WILD

As term sets in, Absolutely celebrates the holiday memories

rriving at the carpark having not seen our children for a week, we don’t know what to expect. The camp is quite deep in the woods – a 15 minute trek – and they have been there for five days. Will they have been miserable and homesick? We’re fairly certain they won’t, but you never know. Sending children off to summer camp with no phones means they can’t spend their days staring at tiny screens, but it also means that they can’t phone home. Old school style. In the carpark we hear them before we see them. There’s a chanting and stomping coming

towards us. As some figures emerge, we catch some lyrics: a song about baked beans. A rowdy bunch is striding towards us, their skin partially decorated with amateur tribal markings, large sticks in their hands, among them our children, who are entirely unrecognizable from the shy, uncertain ones we left here a few days ago, and smelling of bonfire. What happened to them? Summer holidays should be about spending time outdoors. They should not be about homework or keeping to the bedtime routine. Our children’s lives are so scheduled, so full of improving activities and timetabling that the six-week break is the only time for them to experience the childhood freedom that, as adults, we fantasise about. Returning from Camp Wilderness, my daughters, aged 9 and 12, are exhausted, filthy and beside themselves with happiness. The best thing, they say, is having no rules and no clocks. “Whenever we asked the time, we’d be told ‘evening time’ or ‘morning time’. They said it was because time was a social construct. Mummy, what’s a social construct?” The five day camp involves nonstop games, delicious meals (the favourite? dolphin, they insist, which on further questioning turns

Returning from Camp Wilderness, my daughters are exhausted, ﬁlthy and beside themselves with happiness

By PENDLE HARTE

out to be a creamy potato dish. Everybody loves dauphinoise) and lots of freedom. There isn’t even a set bedtime, they report proudly. Children are split into small groups – tribes – and collective activities include shelter-building (those with the most successful shelters actually electing to sleep in their own structures) and lake swimming (freezing) as well as lots of campfire time and the joy of sleeping in a small forest village of teepees. There are also skills: the girls report learning first aid and knots. And the friendships? When we get home to the iPhone, the messages have already begun. Our elder daughter has a whatsapp group chat entitled ‘Wilderness friends’. They are already planning next year. And so are we. campwilderness.co.uk

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

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Mayﬁeld BOAR DI NG & DAY S C H O O L FO R G IR L S AG E D 11 TO 18

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Fact FINDING The Director of ICT at St Benedict’s School says we must educate students about fake news B y CHRISTIAN SMITH

e’ve all heard the phrase ‘fake news’, often decrying news stories that are unflattering or unfavourable to politicians and public figures. But have you really considered how difficult it must be to be a student these days, researching and learning when you cannot be 100 percent sure that the source you’re reading is legitimate or trustworthy? Fake news is not a new phenomenon. Many of us will have been shown the 1957 Panaorama Spaghetti Harvest programme as part of our education, or perhaps used the DiHidrogenOxide dangers website as part of our teaching activities. But in recent years, the number of satire, biased or outright false news sites and

sources has exponenttially increased, many with names, layout and URLs all designed to fool us into thinking they are sites linked or aligned with other trustworthy sources. We’ve all been there, scrolling through our social media feed, when a post pops up, shared by multiple friends, with a headline just outlandish enough to get you interested, or so outlandish your only response is to re-share. Most of the time it’s an outraged response or a wry laugh: that is what these posts are designed to do, to get us to react, to share and increase traffic to a site and increase ad revenue. When we see stories and memes shared repeatedly by people we trust and respect, we don’t go through the usual fact checking we might do otherwise.

For many of our young adults, news isn’t something you search out, it’s something that’s fed to you

EDUCATION • FOCUS When talking with many of our students, we discussed this change in how we receive news, and for many of our young adults, news isn’t something you search out, it’s something that’s fed to you. Sometimes by push notifications from sources such as the BBC, but more often, it’s given to us through social feeds, via friends or sources we have chosen to hear from. And when the sources are people we know, rather than mainstream media, we do less fact checking and we are more likely to engage with or share a false story with a sensational headline, than a legitimate, factbased headline. In the three months leading to the November 2016 Presidential election, Buzzfeed found that 8.7 million fake news stories were shared or interacted with on Facebook regarding the election. 1.5 million more stories than actual verified mainsteam news on the same platform in the same time. So what can we do about this? Actually, we can do what we’ve always done in‘analogue’research, and encourage everyone to challenge, research and triangulate the information being presented to us in social media and online sources. • Sources - have you checked the initial source? Is it legitimate or satire? What else have they published? • Patterns - How are similar stories presented? Is there a bias on the site or other posts? • Fact Check - is it even being reported elsewhere? Sites like Snopes and Politifact are your friend. Use these sites to check and debunk clickbait headlines. • Triangulate - How are other sources reporting this? Can you find two other sources that verify what’s being said? • Challenge - tell people when they share false stories, educate them by telling them how you know and where you found conflicting information. Fake news is not going away. It’s always been here, but in an everinterconnected world, it is far easier to share false narratives that can become part of an‘understood’truth. It is the responsibility of all of us to pause, read and challenge false online news before sharing to ensure that we don’t add more fake news to our feeds and the feeds of everyone who follows us. St Benedict's is London's leading independent co-educational Catholic school stbenedicts.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL

HISTORY & HILLTOPS TUSCANY We head to Arezzo, the historic hilltop town in eastern Tuscany to explore its Romanesque chapels, vibrant culinary scene and medieval castles.

Arezzo, Tuscany 80 â&#x20AC;¢ UK Getaway: De Vere Wotton House 87 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HIDDEN CORNERS Already done Florence and Siena? Discover the lesser known gems of central Tuscany, with a stylish ‘home away from home’ as your base By HANNAH HOPKINS

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

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TRAVEL • ITALY

easoned holidaymakers will be familiar with Tuscany’s many charms and will likely have visited the big names like Florence and Siena. But Central Tuscany has so much more to offer, from the hilltop town of Cortona to the historic city of Perugia and one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, Arezzo. Within an hour’s drive of all these special places is Fontelunga – a boutique hotel set up a quiet side road in the quaint town of Pozzo Della Chiana – a short drive from Pisa airport. The ideal base from which to explore, it boasts spectacular views across the Valdichiana, the largest open valley in the Apennine mountains and an area known for its beef from the Chianina cattle, which provides the coveted Florentine steak.

An open valley in the Apennine mountains known for its beef from the Chianina cattle The 19th century red-brick villa, surrounded by gardens and olive groves, has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated, and now has its own large pool, hot tub and tennis court. Inside its classic Tuscan façade you’ll find modern art pieces and furniture from the likes of Philippe Starck and Arne Jacobsen blended in with original mouldings and large windows framing the valley views. Owners Paolo Kastelec and Philip Robinson make staying with them feel like visiting the country bolthole of fashionable friends – they even have a pack of friendly little dogs. They’ve lived in the area for more than a decade, so can offer insider advice and honest opinions on everything from restaurants to wineries in the area. One they take us to on our first night is local haunt La Lodola, yet another beautiful Tuscan farmhouse which serves seasonal dishes, written up on chalkboard menus. As well as eight double rooms and one twin, there are two villas to rent in their entirety nearby. All come with bathtubs and overhead showers with Molton Brown products. There are no televisions (time to ‘switch off’), but there are Bluetooth speakers for you to listen to your own music. Rooms are simple and classic with white walls, terracotta tiled floors and bedspreads A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • ITALY

and headboards in light Italian prints. If you can splurge, go for the junior suite housed in the cottage with French doors opening onto the garden and double sinks in a large bathroom. Breakfast, much like lunch and dinner in Italy, can be as long and lazy an affair as you like. As well as a feast of homemade pastries and cakes, fresh local and seasonal fruit, and cooked breakfasts are all included. Casual dinners (the chef asks in the morning whether you will join in the evening for a communal meal) highlight local and seasonal ingredients as well as regional dishes like pasta with truffles and torta salata (a type of Tuscan quiche), and light lunches include caprese salads with tomatoes from the hotel’s garden, and prosciutto with figs or melon. And naturally, aperitivos are always welcome, as is wine, which leads me onto Avignonesi – a winery near the village of Valiano, just a few kilometres from the historic town of Montepulciano. With its vineyards, villa, chapel and ancient stone wine

cellars, it transports you right to the heart of this famous wine region and an afternoon spent tasting its collection is a must. If you’re willing to blow the budget a little, try the dark and mysterious Occhio di Pernice 2002 - an exclusive wine made from Sangiovese grapes with a flavour of dates, roasted figs and sweet spices akin to liquid caramel. Activities from yoga sessions and cookery classes to hot air ballooning and horseback riding can easily be arranged by the hotel. While a scenic drive will take you to Monte San Savino – a little town brimming with impressive renaissance relics and a little way further, to Cortona – a city enclosed by stone walls dating back to Etruscan and Roman times with excellent shopping and several tempting bars where you can people watch. We didn’t have time to get to Lucignano – one of the most extraordinary examples of medieval town planning, but it was highly recommended, so there’s the perfect excuse to go again. Like I said, Tuscany has many charms – in fact, far too many to fit into just one trip.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can each be as long and lazy an affair as you like

F O N T E L U N GA H OT E L & V I L L A S Rooms in the main Fontelunga hotel from 175EUR (approx. £155) per night, and exclusive hire of the villas is available from 1,855EUR (approx. £1,648). Booking: Call +39 0575 660 410 or contact. info@fontelunga.com

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S A LT & V I N E G A R ?

The Salt & Vinegar batter has been perfected over the years, creating a crispy casing for its fresh fish, with a flaky moist centre  Grilled selection of seafood, carefully marinated in their own home recipe  Licensed to serve alcohol to accompany your meal  New gluten free Tuesdays (applies to all battered fish)  OAP special on Mondays M o nday - We dne s day 11. 30 am – 1 0 pm • Thur s day - S a tur day 11. 30 a m – 1 0. 30 p m • C l o s e d S unday

1 7 1 H i g h S t r e e t , N e w Mal d e n, K T 3 4 BH

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TRAVEL • GUIDE

Get ready

JET SET, GO… Award-winning destination specialist Letsgo2 shares its deﬁnitive guide to Barbados By LETSGO2

THINGS TO DO THE HIGHLIGHTS  Go ‘liming with the locals’ at Oistins fish fry on a Friday night  Watch a polo match at one of Barbados’ world class grounds  Go on a sunset catamaran cruise along the west coast  Visit Hunte’s Gardens - the most amazing garden you’re ever likely to see  Hire a car and explore the rugged east coast

 Visit an old plantation house and learn about Barbados’ rich history  Seek out designer labels at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre and Holetown’s Chattel Village  Learn to surf on the south coast

WHAT TO EXPECT The Bajan people are very welcoming, but there’s more to it than that. Everything has a British tint to it, whether it’s glimpsing cricket being played on village greens or sipping tea and nibbling scones in the afternoon. The rolling countryside of the island’s interior is reminiscent of Devon and Somerset, and you’ll see familiar place names like Scarborough, Worthing and Scotland. There’s one crucial difference, the weather in Barbados is far superior.

DINING IN BARBADOS Barbados boasts some of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in the Caribbean, including The Tides, The Cliff and Daphne’s (managed by the same team as its iconic Kensington counterpart). Seafood features on most menus, but you’ll also find Thai fusion, Italian and international cuisine in abundance. A trip to Barbados wouldn’t be complete without sampling the island’s national dish: flying fish. Traditionally, it’s fried in breadcrumbs and served in a cutter (bread roll) with a good dollop of Bajan hot pepper sauce.

The food is top-notch and the history is fascinating

here’s so much to love about the Caribbean island of Barbados: the beaches are breathtaking, the weather’s near-perfect, the food is top-notch, the history is fascinating and the people are warm and welcoming. Barbados has it all.

WHERE TO STAY West Coast Blessed with soft sands, the west coast of Barbados is often called ‘The Platinum Coast.’ It’s where you’ll find all the luxury resorts such as Sandy Lane, Fairmont Royal Pavillion, as well as the upscale all inclusive offerings such as Colony Club and Mango Bay. South Coast The lively south coast is the place to stay if you like to do more than simply lounge by the pool. By day, there are watersports aplenty and after dark, St Lawrence Gap is a popular nightlife hotspot. Accommodation includes the highlyrecommended Sugar Bay Barbados, Bougainvillea Beach Resort and Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels. LETSGO2 letsgo2.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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‘One school, two buildings, great teaching, and tip top facilities.’ The Good Schools Guide The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community.

OPENING TIMES Mon, Tues: 5.30pm - 10:00 pm Wed: 12 noon - 10:00 pm Thur-Sat: 12 noon - 12 midnight Sunday/Bank Holidays: 12 am - 10 pm

Enjoy your favourite German dishes in a well

designed contemporary and cosy atmosphere. Modern chalet style with a city twist.

020 8546 2411 | Kingston@stein-s.com | kingston.stein-s.com

For further details and to book a school visit, contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

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RENOVATION RESTORATION

N E W B U I L D* REPLACEMENT

21/08/2018 17:26

Slimline Metal Windows & Doors

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20/08/2018 12:10

Hawkesdown House School

For Boys & Girls aged 3 to 11 years

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 * Part Q testing pending

01730 89 47 45 info@metthermwindows.co.uk facebook.com/MetThermWindows www.metthermwindows.co.uk

OPEN MORNING Thursday 20th September 2018 9.15 am or 10.15 am. Please telephone the School to register for a place. 27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

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nce the former seat of the Evelyn family, De Vere Wotton House is the 17th century home with a long tradition of entertaining guests. Located just a 20-minute taxi ride from Dorking station - accessible by a 60-minute train from London - Wotton House is an ideal getaway for time-poor Londoners (guilty as charged). Last year the house underwent a £6 million refurbishment, which saw the historic location given a new lease of life.

THE ROOMS

here are four different categories of room at De Vere Wotton House: guest, superior, deluxe and suite. Each has its own flowerinspired name - we’re staying in Marigold. It is impressively spacious, simply yet tastefully decorated in neutral hues and cosy heritage fabrics.

deceptively simple description of ‘chocolate orange pavlova’ doesn’t do it justice. A domed shell of meringue arrives, accompanied by a dollop of orange flavoured ice cream. After gently tapping on the shell, an interior of rich chocolate moose, salted caramel and chocolate ganache is revealed. Salty, sweet and decadent - a match made in heaven.

WHAT TO DO

ven if you don’t own a car (which, let’s face it, is most Londoners) there are plenty of things to keep you occupied during your stay. I make the most of the tranquil setting and enjoy a leisurely walk in the nearby woodland wearing a trusty pair of Hunter wellies (which are available for guests at no extra charge) and stop by the nearby Wotton Hatch pub for a delicious lunch. For those wanting to fit in a

“A rich chocolate moose is revealed. Salty, sweet and decadent - a match made in heaven.” weekend workout, the hotel also provides bikes, ideal for pootling around the grounds, as well a small leisure centre, where I enjoy an afternoon swim and a sauna.London has never felt so far away.

weekend

THE HOTEL

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

DE VERE WOTTON HOUSE Original features and 21st-century style come together in this picturesque country getaway in Dorking B y JOY MONTGOMERY

THE FOOD

he 1877 Restaurant is popular with hotel guests and locals alike, with its menu of locally-sourced, modern classics and its elegant interiors, centred around a striking tree feature. From immaculately presentated pork belly to flavoursome and flakey trout with Jerusalem artichoke, the food is divine. The pudding is certainly a showstopper - the

Rooms from £130 based on two people sharing for one night DE VERE WOTTON HOUSE Guildford Rd, Wotton, RH5 6HS 01306 730000 phcompany.com

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MADE IN GERMANY TO MEET YOUR DESIGN NEEDS Built in Kitchen Specialist

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Kitchen Revolutions Ltd 580 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW20 8DR T 020 3302 6266 E info@kitchenrevolutions.co.uk W www.kitchenrevolutions.co.uk WE ARE OPEN Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm | Sun 11am - 4pm

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PROPERTY Living the Dream

HENRY MACAULAY AVE. KT2

£580,000

set within the popular Kingston riverside development is this larger-than-average, two bedroom, contemporary apartment, offered in pristine condition. The property is beautifully located on the riverfront and close to Kingston town centre and train station. Of particular note, is the property’s own private balcony as well as the two large bathrooms and immaculate open-plan living spaces.

KFH Kingston upon Thames 020 3792 4524 kfh.co.uk

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

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26/06/2018 16:17

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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

HEADLEY K T 1 8 , £1.495M

ituated in the Surrey Hills area, that is known for its outstanding natural beauty, is this contemporary family home renovated and extended by the current owners. The property comprises a large garden and open-plan kitchen. It is conveniently located on the edge of a quintessential village with a pub and cricket green, and is also close to Beaverbrook Country Club, Epsom Downs and Kingston. house. London, 01932 283283 sales@housepartnership.co.uk

GIBBON ROAD

K T 2 , £1, 349,95 0

lending period features with contemporary design, this picturesque five-bedroom house features a striking extension, with bespoke sliding doors opening to a charming landscaped garden. Perfectly located for Kingston’s wide variety of amenities and entertainment facilities, the home is a ten minute walk from the bustling town centre, the Thames and Richmond Park. FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Kingston, 020 8549 9449 featherstoneleigh.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

LEIGH HILL FARM KT 1 1 , £ 2 . 2 5 M

SW 2 0 , G U I D E £ 2 ,9 5 0,0 0 0

SAVILLS

KNIGHT FRANK

Cobham, 01932 586 200 savills.com

Wimbledon, 020 8946 0026 knightfrank.co.uk

his wonderful Grade II listed property has undergone complete renovation by the current owners to provide a fabulous family home. The contemporary glass conservatory and period features are striking and of particular note. Set in a secluded plot of almost half an acre, the outside space also includes a terrace, sweeping lawn and a swimming pool.

BROOM WATER WEST

CRAWFORD MEWS

his beautifully presented, four bedroom, end-ofterrace house is located at the front of the prestigious Wimbledon Hill Park development. The property has access to all the facilities of the development including communal gardens, concierge service, cinema and gym. The owner has recently upgraded the bathrooms, hall floor, lighting and exterior to create a truly luxurious home.

T W 1 1 , G U I D E £4 ,0 0 0,0 0 0

his property is beautifully positioned, overlooking an inlet of the River Thames, on a very quiet and highly sought after residential road. Finished to the highest of standards, this impeccable house offers 4,818 sq. ft. of lateral living space. Underfloor heating, a bespoke hand-built kitchen and Zano lighting controls, ensure a unique living experience like no other. KNIGHT FRANK Kingston, 020 8939 208 mathew.hahn@knightfrank.com

BEAUTIFULLY POSITIONED, OVERLOOKING AN INLET OF THE RIVER THAMES, ON A VERY QUIET AND HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER RESIDENTIAL ROAD

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MARCH ROAD, KT13

WEYBRIDGE 01932 821160

A wing of a magnificent character property, set on a bold corner plot, 0.5 miles from Weybridge Station. Reception hall - Reception room - Dining room - Kitchen/breakfast room – Utility - Store room – Cloakroom - Four bedrooms – Bathroom - Extensive gardens - Double garage - Parking for several cars. EPC rating E

weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

GUIDE PRICE OF £1,395,000

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SEVEN HILLS ROAD, KT11

WEYBRIDGE 01932 821160

An exquisite detached family home situated at the end of its own private driveway in one acre of landscaped grounds. Three reception rooms Kitchen/breakfast room - Five bedrooms - Three bathrooms - Gardens of one acre - Triple garaging. EPC rating B

weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

GUIDE PRICE OF £1,995,000

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QUEENS ROAD, KT13

WEYBRIDGE 01932 821160

Queens Gate Mews is a private new development comprising one bedroom apartments; two bedroom maisonettes; a pair of four bedroom semi-detached houses; and a three bedroom detached house each with off-street parking. Help to Buy available. EPC rating TBC

weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

PRICES FROM £475,000

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OATLANDS COURT, KT13

WEYBRIDGE 01932 821160

ONLY 2 REMAINING - SHOW HOME OPEN EVERY SATURDAY 10am to 4pm - Please call to arrange appointment - A brand new scheme of beautifully appointed 4 and 5 bedroom homes in excess of 2,800 sqft; open plan kitchen/ dining/ family room, reception room, private garden and garage. EPC rating TBC

weybridge@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices.

GUIDE PRICE OF £1,595,000

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What are they going to see from down there, really?

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The heart wants what the heart wants. Discover penthouse flats with city views using keyword search.

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Halkidiki, Greece Ikos Oceania, Halkidiki

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21/08/2018 10:02