Absolutely Kingston & Surrey October 2019

KINGSTON & SURREY

Kingston & Surrey OCTOBER 2019 / £3.95

I should C O C OA All the hottest chocolate treats

NIGHT clubbing

OCTO B E R 2019

Cabaret and the Avant-garde at the Barbican

SKI SPECIAL Where to hit the slopes this year

New

LOOKS FA B U L O U S FA S H I O N S F O R FA L L

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HANDCRAFTED IN ENGLAND

KITCHENS & LIVING SPACES For further information contact:

Lyon Kitchen

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2019

53

108 C U LT U R E

12 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

56 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

16 AGENDA

61 BEAUTY LIST

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for October

18 SHOW TIME

Nightlife and the Avant-garde at the Barbican

This month's best beauty buys

The best pumpkin-based skincare products

HOME 74 HOME WORK

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

32 RECIPES

91 BAKE OFF

All the best baking essentials

News from the industry

Nordic bakes from Bronte at Home

FA S H I O N 40 PAINTERLY STYLE

Dinny Hall's Pre-Raphelite jewellery

53 LOUNGE LOVERS

All the most stylish pyjamas for the onset of winter

27

Creating a stylish desk space at home

76 ROCKETT ST GEORGE

A new approach to decorating with colour

T R AV E L 102 SKI SPECIAL

Where to hit the slopes this season – from Europe to Japan

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.

ON THE COVER Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet FALL 19 aliceandolivia.com

113 LONDON CALLING

Our favourite hotels in the capital 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 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ABBIE SCHOFIELD EDITORIAL INTERN ZOË DELMER-BEST DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES EDUCATION SPECIALIST ANDY MABBITT ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO DIRECTOR LEAH DAY 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.

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

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5 LETTER Editor’s ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

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HOT CHOCOLATES

All the best ways with the bean page 39

PYJAMA PARTY

Stylish looks for bedtime and other times too page 55

PRE-RAPHELITE INSPIRATION

Dinny Hall's new collection for the National Portrait Gallery. page 42

M

arking the official start of autumn, this issue of Absolutely is designed to cheer us all up. We're being deliberately upbeat and optimistic in these pages, filling them with things to make us all smile. So we've been struck by the beauty of Dinny Hall's Pre-Raphelite-inspired jewellery, and particularly by the campaign images that recreate a painterly feel. Alongside this, we have spent happy hours researching chocolate for a special focus on creative ways with cocoa, of which there are many – and we've been almost as taken with the packaging. Our sugar cravings have been further satisfied by some new recipes from the Scandikitchen's talented Bronte Aurell, whose cinnamon buns are known all over London – we're loving her new book Bronte at Home. And finally, we've been thrilled to meet Oliver Jeffers, having spent many an evening reading his many magical and atmospheric children's books. We were lucky to catch the Irish-born and Brooklyn-based artist on a fleeting visit to London.

We hope this issue offers a cheery read.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

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4

OLIVER JEFFERS

Meeting the artist and children's book author. page 124

3 BAKE OFF

Cakes , nordic style page 32

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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ICONIC UPGRADE Cut for an oversized silhouette and with cropped sleeves, Mackintosh’s Humbie coat is an eye-catching example of the brand’s rounded, wide shape, giving an iconic look a contemporary charge, £1,095; mackintosh.com

SWEET D R EAMS Pour Les Femmes is a socially conscious sleepwear label from actress and activist Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler.

Upon learning of the struggles that women face in Eastern Congo, they came up with a beautiful product that could be sold to support women in conflict regions around the world. plfdreams.com

BIKER CHIC REBEL SPIRIT Mulberry’s new Keeley bag embodies the best of the rebellious spirit that runs through British history, from suffragettes to punks and everything in between, £1,095; mulberry.com

Having started out as a manufacturer of apparel for motorcyclists, it’s no surprise that Belstaff do biker-inspired pieces exceptionally well. Wear this leather skirt with boots or trainers and a tucked-in white tee, £550; belstaff.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

B E ST O F B R ITI S H

HEAD SMART

Rockins in the rock ’n’ roll label from PR guru, Jess Morris, and illustrator/ musician, Tim Rockins. They turned their love of 20s-inspired scarves into a collection after an overwhelming response from the fashion crowd. Rockins silk scarves are the insouciant accessory with an impeccable British pedigree, Rockins coat £860; youngbritishdesigners.com

House of Lafayette is named after the milliner’s Manhattan address and this pink Leila headband is handcrafted in its studio. Wear it with a white dress for a charming look, £110; matchesfashion.com

SEA VIEW B O OT I T

By Far produce effortlessly cool styles that have earned them a cult following among the fashion crowd. These Sofia 63 crocodileeffect ankle boots are perfect for transeasonal dressing, £405; farfetch.com

Johanna Ortiz uses her Colombian heritage as a starting point when designing her signature floaty dresses. This Acordeon Del Mar style is cut from seashell-print crepon and pairs perfectly with metallic sandals, £1,129.99 net-a-porter.com

PERFECT FIT

LAUNCH LABEL In a world where waste is rife, innovative new womenswear brand Palones launches this month with a capsule collection that uses up pre-existing stock rather than creating new pieces. palonesofficial.com

Maison Lejaby has been designing beautiful, meticulously detailed lingerie in its Lyon workshop for nearly a century.

Each piece is made from high-quality, European-sourced fabrics and precisely cut to flatter your figure, MissLejaby body £85; ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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C U LT U R E

TIM WALKER, RADHIKA NAIR, FASHION: HALPERN AND DOLCE AND GABBANA, PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE 2018, © TIM WALKER STUDIO

What's on 16 • Theatre review 20 • Theatre round-up 23 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

MU S I C

K-Pop

26 October M I C H A E L F R AY N T H E AT R E The Korean British Cultural Exchange (KBCE) has organised a national K-Pop competition to showcase fresh dance and music talent in the world of Korean pop, with the overall winner to receive a cash prize. Expect dance battles, wacky bubblegum pop and rap and the chance to win a signed album from K-Pop stars BTS. London Road, KT2 kbce.org.uk.

D E S I G N

S H OW

DECOREX I N T E R N AT I O N A L 6- 9 O C TO BE R • O LYMP I A LON DON

Europe’s leading interior design event, Decorex, is at Olympia London this month with innovative designs, the latest collaborations and inspiring seminars. Whether you want to source original products or stay on top of the everevolving world of interiors, for design professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists alike, Decorex is not to be missed.

Hammersmith Road, W14 decorex.com

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CO M E DY

Ruby Wax

20 October R I C H M O N D T H E AT R E Following comedy legend Ruby Wax’s sold out shows Same New World and Frazzled, her new show, How to be Human, is a warm yet intriguing exploration of the power of the mind with a dash of Ruby’s wicked humour. thrown in. Ruby shares the stage with neuroscientist Ash Ranpura and mindfulness guru Gelong Thubten who help to explain the science behind what makes us tick.

Little Green, TW9 atgtickets.com/richmond

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

MUST

T H E AT R E

BABY REINDEER

From 9 October B U S H T H E AT R E This debut play by Comedy Awardwinner at the Edinburgh Fringe Richard Gadd explores obsession, delusion and how chance encounters (and a cup of tea) can be life-changing.

Directed by Olivier Award-winner Jon Brittain, Gadd’s performance is chilling and utterly gripping.

Uxbridge Road, W12 bushtheatre.co.uk

SEE A RT

DÓRA MAURER Ongoing TAT E M O D E R N Subversive Hungarian artist Dóra Maurer’s exhibition at Tate Modern features 35 of her diverse works from the course of her 50-year career, from geometric and abstract drawings bursting with colour to black and white photography and moving image.

Bankside, SE1 tate.org.uk

MU S I C

THAMES CONCERT

DÓRA MAURER RELATIVE QUASI IMAGE 1996

This Month’s Must See

22 October ST ANDREWS CHURCH The annual Thames Concerts series returns to Kingston with a performance from string group the Jubilee Quartet. The series will continue into the autumn and winter, with future performances from Vickers Bovey Guitar Duo and the Cantabile vocal quartet.

St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, KT6 thamesconcerts.com

LITTLE BABY JESUS

N

F RO M 18 O CTOBER • ORAN GE TREE THEATRE

igerian-born playwright Arinzé Kene’s Little Baby Jesus follows the intertwining stories of Kehinde, Joanne and Rugrat as they navigate the tricky business of growing up. Heartwarming and funny, this production at The Orange Tree Theatre is directed

by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, winner of the 2019 JMK Award.

Clarence Street, TW9 orangetreetheatre.co.uk

T H E AT R E

DON GIOVANNI 3-10 October R OYA L O P E R A H O U S E The Royal Opera House stages Don Giovanni this autumn, with Kasper Holten’s production lifting Mozart’s tragicomedy to dazzling new heights.

The classic opera, which features spectacular visuals, follows the tale of the seductive Don Giovanni, who releases a dark and ominous power when he commits murder.

Bow Street, WC2E roh.org.uk

T H E AT R E

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Until 12 October T H E G L O B E T H E AT R E As The Globe's summer season draws to a close, there's still time to see Shakespeare’s mischievous comedy. This production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, starring Pearce Quigley as Falstaff, brings fresh air to the play by drawing on influences from 1930s fashion, music and dance.

Globe Walk, SE1 shakespearesglobe.com

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I N TO T H E NIGHT Cabarets and Clubs in

Modern Art opens at Barbican Art Gallery on 4 October and continues until 19 January 2020. barbican.org.uk

I L I F E I S A C A B A R E T Nightlife and the avant garde is the focus of a fabulous new show at the Barbican.

Absolutely has a preview Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

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nto the Night: Cabarets and Clubs in Modern Art is the first major show staged on the theme of cabarets, cafés and clubs around the world.

Spanning the 1880s to the 1960s, the exhibition explores the social and artistic role of nightlife as a form of artistic expression.

Featuring both famed and littleknown sites of the avant-garde, Into the Night offers an alternative history of modern art that highlights the spirit of experimentation and collaboration between artists, performers, designers, musicians and writers such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Loïe Fuller, Josef Hoffmann, Giacomo Balla, Theo van Doesburg and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, as well as Josephine Baker, Jeanne Mammen, Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, Ramón Alva de la Canal and Ibrahim El-Salahi.

Focusing on global locations from New York to Tehran, London, Paris, Mexico City, Berlin, Vienna and Ibadan, Into the Night brings together over 350 works rarely seen in the UK, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, films and archival material.

Liberated from the confines of social and political norms, many of the sites provided immersive, often visceral experiences, manifesting the ideals of the artists and audiences who founded and frequented them.

The exhibition features full-scale recreations of specific spaces, such as the multi-coloured ceramic tiled bar of the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna (1907), designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte, and the striking abstract composition of the CinéDancing designed by Theo van Doesburg for L’Aubette in Strasbourg (1926–28).

Jane Alison, Head of Visual Arts, Barbican, said: “Into the Night casts a spotlight on some of the most electrifying cabarets and clubs of the modern era. Whether a creative haven, intoxicating stage or liberal hangout, all were magnets for artists, designers and performers to come together, collaborate and express themselves freely. Capturing the essence of these global incubators of experimentation and cross-disciplinarity, immersive 1:1 scale interiors will take the visitor on a captivating journey of discovery.”

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

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CULTURE • FOCUS 02

Into the Night begins in Paris, on the eve of the 20th century, with two thrilling and iconic locations of the avant-garde. The theatrical shadow plays of the Chat Noir in the 1880s are brought to life through original silhouettes and works that decorated the interior of the cabaret, which acted as a forum for satire and debate for figures such as founder Rodolphe Salis, artist Henri Rivière and composer Erik Satie. The captivating serpentine dances of Loïe Fuller staged at the Folies Bergère in the 1890s were trail-blazing experiments in costume, light and movement. Henri de ToulouseLautrec captured her performances in his extraordinary series of delicately handcoloured lithographs, brought together for the exhibition. Visitors will encounter the immersive“Gesamtkunstwerk” (total work of art) design of the Cabaret Fledermaus (1907) in Vienna by the Wiener

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Creative havens, intoxicating stages and liberal hangouts

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Werkstätte, where experimental cabaret productions were staged. The exhibition includes original documentation of Oskar Kokoschka’s exuberant puppet theatre and Gertrude Barrison’s expressionist dance.

The Cave of the Golden Calf (1912), an underground haunt in Soho epitomising decadence and hedonism, is evoked through designs for the interior by British artists Spencer Gore and Eric Gill, as well as Wyndham Lewis’s highly stylised programmes for the eclectic performance evenings – advertised at the time as encompassing “the picturesque dances of the South, its fervid melodies, Parisian wit, English humour”. In Zurich, the radical atmosphere of the Cabaret Voltaire (1916) is manifested through absurdist sound poetry and fantastical masks that deconstruct body and language.

A few years later, a group of artists and writers from the radical movement Estridentismo, including Ramón Alva de la Canal, Manuel Maples Arce and Germán Cueto, began to meet at the Café de Nadie (Nobody’s Café) in Mexico City, responding to volatile Post-Revolutionary change and the urban metropolis. After a period of restraint in Germany during the First World War, the 1920s heralded an era of liberation and the relaxation of censorship laws. Numerous clubs and bars in metropolitan cities, such as Berlin, played host to heady cabaret revues and daring striptease.

01 Ramón Alva de la Canal, El Café de Nadie (Nobody's Café), c. 1970.

02 Karl Hoffer, Tiller Girls, before 1927, Kunsthalle Emden Siftung Henri und Eske Nannen © Elke Watford, Fotowerkstatt, Hamburg.

03 Giacomo Balla, Design for the sign and flashing light for the facade of Bal Tic Tac, 1921.

04 Rudolf Schlichter, Damenkneipe (Women's Club), c. 1925.

05 Bertold Löffler, Poster for the Cabaret Fledermaus, 1907, © The Albertina Museum, Vienna.

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

D AV I D H A R E ’ S

THE PERMANENT WAY An impactful production at Waterloo Vaults B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E S T

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his intense production of The Permanent Way is poignant, unsettling and hard-hitting. Using verbatim to document true stories of the people who where directly involved in the privatisation of the railways and subsequent tragic accidents, playwright David Hare captures the raw emotion, confusion and denial that surrounds the subject. Since its premier in 2003, this is the first time that the play has been performed on stage for 16 years. The caustic interrogation of railway privatisation has lost none of its potency since it’s first premier; in fact it may be more relevant than ever before. The audience is pulled into the lives of the characters and faced

with uncomfortable truths about the management of our country and the questionable decisions of the powers that be.

Set in the site-specific location of The Vaults at Waterloo, staging is simple and intimate. This is a performance where voice and movement take the lead. Four platform benches dominate the stage, hinting perhaps at the long duress people have spent waiting for change and acknowledgement.

The audience sits in an arrangement that appears to emulate the House of Commons.

Lighting is bright and interrogative.

For a serious topic, the performance is surprisingly witty. The cast are spoiled with the diversity of the characters they play. Tej Obano convincingly goes from a senior rail executive to a young man in denim to a vicar, each character having an

A performance with political bite important story to relay. Paul Dodds makes an excellent John Prescott, determined to do nothing about the ensuing transport crisis. The cast frequently break the fourth wall, establishing eye contact and speaking to audience members. They implore the spectators to engage and emphasise with their character's truths.

This isn’t a play about trains, it's a true story about people and how seemingly unimportant and aloof changes can produce life-changing altercations. There is a chaos to the performance; strikingly portraying the lack of communication between those in charge and the affected.

This is a performance with political bite and one that makes you think.

VERDICT

Poignant, reflective and relevant ★★★★★ T H E P E R M A N E N T WAY LEAKE STREET, SE1;

thevaults.london

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

MUST SEE

[BLANK]

From 11 October

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

[BLANK] is a play about the impact of the criminal justice system on women and their families. Imagined by awardwinning playwright Alice Wright, [BLANK] is made up of 100 separate scenes to show the varied experiences of women affected by crime. It celebrates the 40th anniversary of production company Clean Break, which was founded by two women prisoners.

Earlham St, WC2H domnarwarehouse.com

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Until 19 January SUN STREET

You’ll be familiar with the Hollywood blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio, but this theatre production of The Wolf of Wall Street tells the story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort like never before. Staged across four floors and 25 rooms, audiences are fully engulfed in the world of 90s Wall Street: power, greed and billions of dollars. Prepare for a heartracing immersive experience.

Sun Street, EC2N immersivewolf.com

TRANSLATIONS

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

ON BEAR RIDGE

From 15 October

From 24 October

NATIONAL THEATRE

ROYAL COURT THEATRE

After a sold out run, Brian Friel’s Translations returns to the National Theatre directed by Ian Rickson. It depicts the controversial attempt by one Irish man and two British Army officers to create a map of Donegal, changing the place names from Gaelic to English. The play is an examination of community, nationhood and the huge historical and cultural rifts between Ireland and Britain.

Upper Ground, SE1 nationaltheatre.org.uk

On Bear Ridge by Welsh writer Ed Thomas is a semi-autobiographical story of a forgotten family-run store. To compliment the play, several temporary outdoor installations have been created on Penwyllt, near Thomas’ childhood home in the Swansea Valley. The installations echo the themes of the play and audiences can visit in person or experience them through virtual reality.

Sloane Square, SW1W royalcourttheatre.com

FRANKENSTEIN

Ongoing

FRANKENSTEIN

UK TOUR

Eilidh Loan stars in a new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein playing Shelley herself, who the audience see wrestling with her tale of gothic horror alongside Victor Frankenstein’s creation of his own monster. This innovative production is embarking on a UK tour, with London dates 18-23 November at Richmond Theatre. selladoor.com

ON BEAR RIDGE

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Looking to keep the kids entertained during the half term? inkingston.co.uk

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We return to Kingston on 31 October for a special spooky edition!

Creepy crafts and ghostly games for kids age 2-11, plus kids eat free offers at many Kingston restaurants.

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CULTURE • FOCUS

Could the Red Planet become our solution for survival?

The harsh environment of Mars

DON'T MISS

A New

FRONTIER

This month The Design Museum invites visitors to experience the extra-terrestrial Words ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E S T Fashion on Mars

S

ince antiquity, Mars has captured the imagination of mankind.

The glowing red orb in the sky was perceived as a suspicious omen and has been a symbol of war and aggression for thousands of years. In more recent times, popular culture has devised numerous space invading sci-fi tales surrounding Mars, captivating readers with absurd extra-terrestrial tales. While many of us are fascinated with the concept of the space age, we are brought back to earth with the realisation that human existence on Mars is many moons away. Or is it? The Design Museum has put together an immersive exhibition that explores life on Mars not only as a scientific conquer, but also one

of creativity and design, showcasing the new technologies and concepts that could make life on the hostile Red Planet possible in the not so distant future.

The exhibition tackles all aspects that mankind would need to consider when cultivating a home on Mars. From exploring the logistics of the lengthy voyage (around 7 months), to re-imagining fashion and interiors, Moving to Mars encourages visitors to imagine our future there.

There are over 150 exhibits to capture the imagination, including original objects from NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency and new commissions from responsible design company, RÆBURN. The multisensory installation ‘On Mars Today’ mimics the harsh environment of Mars, allowing visitors to experience a snippet of life on Mars whilst keeping their feet firmly planted on Earth. Visitors can also wander through a full-scale Martian living suite designed by architecture firm Hassell.

Using a gaming engine to simulate Mars, Dr. Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg imagines the planet colonised only by plants in an alternative scenario called ‘Wilding Mars’. Staging Mars as a beacon for nature and greenery is an interesting notion, particularly when considering the worrying environmental pressures that we face on Earth in current times. Often dubbed as ‘planet B’ some believe that establishing a habitat on Mars for mankind is the only way to secure our survival.

Generation Mars unite.

M OV I N G TO M A R S is open between 18 October 2019 to 23 February 2020 at The Design Museum, Kensington High Street, W8 designmuseum.org

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FESTIVE CHEER AT THE WHITE HORSE HOTEL, DORKING As one of the most storied coaching inns dating back to 1278, The White Horse hotel is an ideal place to celebrate Christmas.

FESTIVE MENU Festive Menu available for 4 people upwards. Pre-bookings only.

3 course menu f rom £27.50 per person.

Event space available for up to 60.

CHRISTMAS DAY DINING

Book for our festive menu before 31st October and receive complimentary coffee and mince pies when you book for 10 or more.

Our chef has put together a delicious Christmas Day menu.

5 course lunch £79.95 per person.

QUOTE ABSOLUTELY

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

SUSHI SHARING YO! KITCHEN

22 years after it introduced the Japanese kaitzen conveyer belt to the UK, YO! will open its first full-service restaurant. Inspired by the markets of Tokyo, YO! Kitchen offers delicious dishes perfect for sharing such as katsu curry arancini and sashimi pizza.

Unit 1089A, Westfield, W12; yosushi.com

Food notes 28 • Food review 31 • Recipes: Nordic baking 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this October

By HELEN BROWN

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc by Isabel Estate  £11.95 Made by awardwinning winemaker Jeremy McKenzie, this Marlborough Sauvignon has a nose reminiscent of an invigorating sea breeze and freshly cut grass. Vine tomatoes follow on the palate which is rounded with a passionfruit edge.

2018 Pulenta La Flor Malbec, Mendoza  £14.50 The 2018 La Flor Malbec is well-balanced. A fresh acidity works with the intensely concentrated dark fruit notes and velvet-like tannins. Black cherry and plum dominate on the nose and palate, accompanied by a subtle cedar note persisting long into the finish.

Berry Bros. & Rudd English Sparkling Wine

by Hambledon  £25.95 Our English Sparkling is bright and enticing from the outset, with a fine mousse that brings added vibrancy to the crunchy acidity and pithy, chalky citrus fruit. Hints of toasted nuts and brioche add complexity to the nose and palate.

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

bbr.com

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Winter is coming WA H ACA

As the nights draw in, Wahaca will be warming things up with three new dishes that are reflective of autumn’s bountiful harvest. Choose from crispy cauliflower tossed in buttermilk, prawn cocktail tostado with chipotle mayo and a vegan butternut squash taco with a vibrant herb and cashew nut mole.

Various locations; wahaca.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our picks for

LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK

J AC K DA N I E L’ S

Fit for a king THE SIX

In the early 1900s, Jack Daniel - inspired by the bars he saw in Nashville – opened two saloons in his native Lynchburg – the White Rabbit and Red Dog. These two saloons will be resurrected for two nights only on 9-10 October with the UK’s best bartenders serving a series of bespoke Jack Daniel’s cocktails.

129 Stoke Newington High Street, N16; jackdaniels.com

JA PA N E A SY BISTRO UNION

Chef Yoshiko will be at Bistro Union for three days (30 September - 2 October) to create a special evening menu for Japan Week. Expect dishes such as spicy tuna tartare, beetroot and snow crab with yuzu and wasabi mayo and red bean paste tiramisu.

40 Abbeville Road, SW4; bistrounion.co.uk

Set idyllically between Bushy Park and bordering the maze of Hampton Court Palace, The Six is the eatery envisioned

by Michelin-starred chef Mark Kempson of Kitchen W8 fame. It forms part of the newly opened Kings Arm Hotel and will champion local produce with dishes such as the palace garden salad and lemon posset.

2 Lion Gate, Hampton Court Road, KT8; kingsarmshamptoncourt.com HENDRICK’S GIN Hendrick's invites you to step into the delightfully peculiar Hendrick’s Gin Tini Martini Townhouse, between 4-6 October where, for £15, you'll journey through the various universes of Hendrick’s Gin and enjoy six tini Martinis from the world’s best bars.

Oneroom, 9 French Place, E1; hendricksgin.com

IN SEASON PIZZA PILGRIMS

Hot sauce TOM KERRIDGE

Chef Tom Kerridge is vying for the condiment crown with a brand new ketchup range in collaboration with the Hawkshead Relish Company. Available in a variety of flavours from Virgin Mary to Black Garlic, the sauces are hand-made in the Lake District and make the perfect accompaniment to all manner of dishes.

From £4.75; tomkerridge.com

LIQUORETTE To celebrate its first birthday and the end of LCW, Liquorette is throwing a big bash in partnership with Chivas Regal. The first 50 people to rsvp will get a free tipple at the event which kicks off at 7pm on the 11 October.

Expect all the birthday trimmings: balloons, cake and a live DJ. 6 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T; liquorette.co.uk

As the UK sees an autumnal flourishing of artichoke growth, Pizza Pilgrims is embracing the changing seasons with the latest in their guest pizza series, The Popeye.

Available until 18 October, The Popeye has a bianca base and is adorned with spinach, ricotta, garlic oil and grilled artichoke.

The Balcony, Westfield, W12; pizzapilgrims.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2018 marylebonegin

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Little Bird offers quite an eclectic menu - think tempura served next to arancini.”

Little Bird

Fun and flavourful sharing plates from the Rock and Rose team

FOOD Asian with a Mediterranean twist

B y LUCIE PEARCE

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ne of Lorraine Angliss’s five independent London-based bars and restaurants, Little Bird is the newest venture to open its doors.

Smaller and less flamboyant than nearby Rock and Rose in Richmond, Little Bird is still immediately recognisable as part of the brand with its charming bohemian decor.

Knowing their affluent yet relatively safe clientele, Little Bird offers quite an eclectic menu. Fusing Asian and Mediterannean cuisine in sharing plates and bowls - think tempura served next to arancini - the

cocktail lounge and restaurant pulls off this distinctive menu with aplomb.

We sit at the bar where I order a martini with vodka, lychee, raspberry and vanilla bitters. It reminds me slightly of - and I mean this a compliment - turkish delight.

While the restaurant recommends between two to three dishes per person, we order eight between two because everything sounds appealing.

We start with the crab arancini, which I find can sometimes be claggy, but this isn’t overdone. The crab is perhaps slightly too subtle, but the abundance of fresh peas gives it a light taste.

Next up, we try the salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli, which I’d definitely recommend.

DECOR Charming and bohemian

PRICE From £3.95, sharing dishes from £8.95

Meaty, with a good chew, it’s neither too tender nor overdone. The thin layer of batter blends nicely with a very good quantity of seafood.

The tuna sashimi is served with avocado, ginger wasabi and lime, with soy sauce on the plate. While I think it may have been nicer on the side, the sashimi is very tender. Next up is another dish I’d recommend you try - the pork gyoza. Served with ponzu sauce, it’s pan-fried and slightly crispy, with the pork coming through deliciously. The filo and feta cheese parcels are served with honey and sesame; the honey is quite strong and works nicely with the saltiness of the feta.

Sweet potato fries come as they should - hot and in a very hefty serving, and I love the blackened cod fillet and miso aioli. A generous slab of fish, it’s cooked well and is complimented by the miso. Last up, we are served the sea bass tacos with pickled vegetables and miso mayonnaise.

This was, unsurprisingly for everyone but me, an abundance of food. Yet I still have my eye on the grilled halloumi, the sticky Vietnamese pork ribs and the butter chicken curry for next time.

VERDICT

LITTLE BIRD

Another jewel in Lorraine Angliss’s crown

1 Station Parade, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, United Kingdom, W4 3HD

littlebirdrestaurants.com

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Nordic

BAKES Comforting treats from new book Brontë at Home, by the owner of the Scandikitchen Wo r d s B R O N T Ë A U R E L L P h o t o g r a p h y P E T E R C A S S I DY

Easy lemon & blueberry bundt nem citron & blåbærkage

W

hen I was a child, I used to come home from school, throw my bag on the floor and head straight to the kitchen to make an ‘After School Cake’, basically, a cake that a child could bake, and quickly! My kids often come home and want to bake too, but starting a big project an hour before dinner isn’t quite doable. This recipe is based on a ‘Sockerkaka’ base – a sugar cake, in Swedish. You can top it with anything. from berries to nuts, and flavour with anything from cardamom to vanilla.

INGREDIENTS serves 10 • 30g breadcrumbs •3 25g caster/granulated sugar •4 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract •3 00g plain/all-purpose flour

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

• 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 50g butter, melted • 100ml whole milk • zest and juice of 1 large lemon • 50g Greek yogurt • 100–150g blueberries/bilberries • icing sugar, for dusting • whipped cream, to serve • a 25cm bundt or ring pan, greased with butter

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas Mark 4.

2 Dust the prepared bundt or ring pan with breadcrumbs, then tip out the excess.

3 In a mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract until thick, light and fluffy using a balloon or hand-held electric whisk. Mix the remaining dry ingredients together and sift into the egg mixture. Fold in until incorporated.

4 Add the melted butter, milk, lemon zest and juice and yogurt and fold gently until completely combined.

5 Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Add the blueberries or bilberries – they’ll sink quite a bit during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan before turning out onto a serving plate. Dust with icing/confectioners’ sugar and serve with whipped cream.

1

VA R I AT I O N S Grated orange zest and fresh raspberries is a delicious combination – or vary with lime zest, too.

Chocolate Oat Treats

Havregrynskugler / Chokladbollar

A

ll Scandinavian kids know this basic chocolate treat recipe. It requires no baking and is super-quick to make. In Sweden and Norway, these are made all year round, but they’re usually kept for the festive season in Denmark.

Make these ahead and keep them in the fridge, as they last for a week or so. I tend to make a few batches and flavour them for different tastes.

Colourful sprinkles and gentle flavours suit kids, but for a grown-up version, alcohol and more coffee work well.

Make a large quantity, split the mixture into several batches and flavour each one at the end. I’ve included some favourite variations below, but this recipe is perfect for experimentation.

INGREDIENTS makes about 40 • 250g butter • 400g rolled oats • 175g caster/granulated sugar • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder • 4 tablespoons strong, cooled coffee • 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar • desiccated/dried shredded coconut, sugar sprinkles or pearl/ nibbed sugar, to decorate

METHOD 1 Blitz all the ingredients, except the coconut, sugar sprinkles or pearl sugar in a food processor or mix by hand (but allow the butter to soften before doing so).

2 Put the mixture in the fridge to firm up a bit before using otherwise it can be a bit too sticky. Add more oats if you feel the mixture is too soft.

3 Roll into 2.5cm/1 inch. diameter balls, then roll each ball in desiccated/dried shredded coconut, sugar sprinkles or pearl/nibbed sugar. Firm up in the fridge before eating – they will keep in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.

VA R I AT I O N S Orange – This one is for the grown-ups only. Add 2 tablespoons Cointreau and 1/4 teaspoon orange zest to 200g of your mixture. Roll in chocolate sprinkles.

Almond – Another adults-only one. Add 2 tablespoon Amaretto to 200g/7 oz. of your mixture, then roll in toasted, chopped almonds.

Raspberry– Children can enjoy this one. Add 1 tablespoon raspberry jam to 200g of your mixture. Roll in freezedried raspberry pieces or sprinkles.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Absolutely London readers can buy a copy of Brontë at Home for the special price of £12.00 (RRP £16.99) with free UK P&P. To order go to rylandpeters.com and use code ABBRONTE at the checkout.

Offer valid until 1 January 2020.

Banana Rye Bread Bananbrød

B

anana bread isn’t a big thing in Scandinavia, but it’s a bestseller at my café. We came up with a recipe that contains wholegrain rye flour, which gives the final product a lovely nutty flavour and takes it from feeling a bit like a cake to more of a bread. I toast my banana bread lightly and add cinnamon butter – it’s a perfect morning treat.

INGREDIENTS makes 1 loaf • 4 very ripe bananas • 1 00g Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar • 125g plain/all-purpose flour • 125g wholemeal/ wholewheat rye flour • 2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 125g butter, softened • 150g dark brown soft sugar • 2 large eggs • a 500-g/1-lb. loaf pan, greased and lined with baking parchment

4 Cream together the butter and dark brown soft sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand-held electric whisk. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl between each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

5 Add the mashed banana mixture and mix until incorporated, then add the flours and mix briefly until smooth. Do not over-mix.

6 Spoon the mixture evenly into the lined loaf pan. Bake in the middle of the preheated oven for around 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out just clean.

Leave to cool a little before turning out of the pan onto a wire rack. Cut into slices and serve toasted, with plenty of cinnamon butter (see below).

Cinnamon Butter - Mix 3 tablespoons of strong cinnamon sugar (ratio 1:3) with half a packet of softened butter – re-chill and use as needed.

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas Mark 4 2 Peel and mash the bananas and mix with the yogurt, lemon juice and vanilla and set aside.

3 Mix the flours with the salt and bicarbonate of soda and set aside.

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Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

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

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INTERIORS • TREND PRESTAT Chocolate bars, £4.50 each; prestat.co.uk

CHARBONNEL ET WALKER Chase Rhubarb Vodka Truffles, £15; charbonnel.co.uk

MELT Chocolatier Gift Box of 28, £49; meltchocolates.com

NIEDEREGGER

EDITOR’S PICK

Black and White Chocolate, £4.99; niederegger.de

EDITOR’S PICK

HOTEL CHOCOLAT Rare & Vintage: The Curated Collection, £7.50 each; hotelchocolat.com

PUMP STREET Bachelor's Hall Estate 75%, £6.25; pumpstreetchocolate.com

FORTNUM & MASON Napolitains Assorted Selection, £17.50; fortnumandmason.com

COCOA LOCO

HARRODS 22-Piece Chocolate Selection, £22; harrods.com

Decadant chocolate treats for National Chocolate Week, 15-21 October

By V I C TO R I A P E A K E PIERRE MARCOLINI

ANANDA

Autumn Collection, from £3.50; eu.marcolini.com

Classic Round Up! , £3; anandafoods.co.uk

DEROSIER Bespoke champagne bottles; derosierchocolates.com

PIERRE HERME PARIS ROCOCO Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Thins, £16.95; rococochocolates.com

Classic Chocolate Assortments, from £12; pierreherme.com

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

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Marble Private

Production | Planning | Music | Lighting

Marble Private provides the platform for extraordinary occasions. Our team of event planners have been producing elegant, jaw dropping on point celebrations of every kind for over 15 years.

Our planners specialise in outrageous yet delicately beautiful private events. Whether it’s a wedding on a Boeing 747 aeroplane, a breathtaking birthday in the Italian countryside, or a custom built pergola for a 3 day festival bonanza on a private estate. City, Country, UK or Europe, our home is London but of course our clients take us around the globe.

What matters the most to us is ensuring your character and personality is brought to the forefront of your celebration.

www.marbleprivate.com | info@marbleldn.com | +44 (0)203 011 5388 |

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FA S H I O N

TO THE MAX MAX MARA

Max Mara's new collection Chaotic Elegance is inspired by the work of Japanese master glass artist Ritsue Mishima. This silk tunic with scarf-effect print is paired with a matching flared midi skirt for a bold look. weekendmaxmara.com

Dinny Hall and the Pre-Raphelites 40 ¡ Spotlight on the brooch 44 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DINNY HALL'S PRERAPHELITE COLLECTION

Art W

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Absolutely quizzes jeweller Dinny Hall about her new collection inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibition Pre-Raphaelite Sisters Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E P h o t o g r a p h y PAU L A P I E R O N I

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FASHION • Q&A

D

inny Hall's jewellery has been coveted among Londoners and internationally for more than 30 years, ever since her graduate collection was first bought in its entirety by Liberty. In 1985 she opened her studio in Notting Hill and she hasn't stopped producing pieces of fine jewellery that are both classic and contemporary. From bold fashion creations to subtly beautiful forever pieces, Dinny's range is diverse enough to cater for all demands.

Her eclectic range of inspirations – from 20th-century furniture to the onion domes of a Russian orthodox church – inform her timeless, feminine and beautiful designs, which have garnered a loyal following worldwide. Dinny’s work is eminently wearable and can be easily adapted to suit individual styles.

Now she has partnered with the National Portrait Gallery to design a collection in celebration of the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters Exhibition, which reveals a previously untold story of the women depicted and involved in the prominent art movement. Following the success of her Suffragette Collection from 2018 Dinny, who regards herself as a passionate feminist and advocate for women's culture through the ages, relished the opportunity to work with the subject.

Absolutely caught up with her to quiz her about it.

THE FIRST MEETING OF PETRARCH AND LAURA BY MARIE SPARTALI STILLMAN

DINNY HALL'S PRE-RAPHELITE COLLECTION

"Our best-sellers are always hoops – we've been designing iterations for 30 years" Q How did you go about designing a collection inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites?

A When we opened our Covent Garden store, we approached The National Portrait Gallery with a view to do a collaboration of some kind, as the gallery has always been one of my favourites in London. As with all good things, timings are key and after a short while they suggested I design a collection for their forthcoming collection Pre-Raphaelite Sisters looking at the influential women involved in the era. At the time I had no particular interest in the movement but I’ve since learnt how hugely influential Pre-Raphaelite art has been to contemporary art and design and as such have developed a fascination with their bohemian lifestyle, during what was a very conservative period of British history.

Q What’s your favourite piece from the collection?

A I’m totally torn between the double white petal studs with mother of pearl inlay and the triple sunbeam studs in glorious 18K gold vermeil, which I can wear with my gold Queenie hoops.

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

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FASHION • Q&A DINNY HALL CAMPAIGN IMAGERY BY PAULA PIERONI

“tapering circle”. There’s something poetic in that, and design is so cyclical after all. We call designs that are based around this favoured shape Signature and its is our best-selling range.

Q Have you ever done anything like this before?

A I was asked to create a collection for the opening of Tate Modern in 2000, inspired by the magnificent original power station converted by Herzog De Meuron. It was a little challenging as I don’t tend to lean towards such straight lines, but the resulting collection was sold in the gallery for several years.

Q What other themes have inspired you?

A Over the years, I’ve been inspired by many cultures and movements; the onion-like domes of Russian Orthodox churches, the horns of the Minotour in Knossos, ancient tribal jewellery, exotic bamboo and lotus plants – the list goes on. So long as I find some kind of meaning behind what I design, I find constant inspiration in the world around me.

Q What are your best-selling pieces?

A Our best sellers are always hoops, we’ve been designing iterations for over 30 years, from tiny to oversized, we’re known far and wide for our unique and varied Hall Of Hoops. Collections like our Pinky Rings and piercing jewellery (which we use at our in-store Luxe Piercing Events) have definitely been in hot demand too.

Q Who are your favourite designers?

A I am partial to Chloe shoes otherwise my taste is eclectic – I mix high street with designer and have built up quite a wardrobe from Etro to Theory, Sandro to The Row, Bimba and Lola to Max Mara and I am eyeing up Australian designer Rebecca Vallance suits right now.

Q What’s your own most cherished piece of jewellery?

A My cushion-cut Tanzanite ring set in 18 karat white and 22 karat yellow gold with a setting base inspired by an upturned Alvar Alto table.

Q What are you working on next?

A Next we are reinventing some hand-made chains to stack around the wrist or neck. There’s definitely a zeitgeist around chains right now and a move towards the bold, which is such fun. We’ve also just launched a new My World pendant inspired by peace, which feels poignant in times such as these. It’s the latest addition to our best-selling “charm” design. dinnyhall.com

JANE MORRIS BY JOHN PARSONS

Q Do you have a signature style?

A I do have a signature style which I seem to return to over and over: designs based on the sculptured

MADONNA PIETRA DEGLI SCROVEGNI BY STILLMAN

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Badge of honour Brooches to add a bold finishing touch

BUCCELLATI

BVLGARI

HALCYON DAYS

Buccellati Brooch in 18-karat yellow and white gold, with diamonds and peridot, £83,000; buccellati.com

Serpenti 18 karat white gold brooch set with pavé diamonds (1.15 ct), £16.900; bulgari.com

Sparkle Queen Bee Brooch, £150; halycondays.co.uk

MAISON MICHEL

KENNETH JAY LANE

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Camila brooch, £220;

Gold-tone, enamel and crystal brooch, £128; net-a-porter.com

Sacred Heart gold-tone brooch, £190.00; net-a-porter.com

farfetch.com

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SARAH ZHUANG

MARNI

LUCKY ANIMALS

Long Distance Love Brooch, POA; sarahzhuang.com

Marni, Burnished gold-tone and tasseled cord brooch, £141;

Lucky Animals Squirrel Clip: tigers eye, carnelian and onyx set in pink gold, £5,450; vancleefarpels.com

theoutnet.com

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floral

FA N TA SY

The modern fairytale inspires Stacey Bendet's Fall 19 collection for Alice + Olivia A L I C E A N D O L I V I A .CO M

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FASHION • LOUNGE

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P Y J A M A P A R T Y

IN PRINT YO L K E

Luxe lounge brand Yolke's lovely collection spans pyjamas, dressing gowns and daywear as well as matching eyemasks and scarves. We love this classic silk pyjama set with its Soleil print, £365 yolke.co.uk

SET YOURSELF UP FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

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S O F T TO U C H EBERJEY

Eberjey's secret lies in its super-soft modal jersey fabric, which makes their pyjamas a joy to wear. There's a wide range of shapes and colours, all of them classic and stylish.

Gisele pyjama set, £129 net-a-porter.com

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MINI ME

C Y B E R JA M M I E S

Cyberjammies' extensive collection of pyjamas includes matching pairs for adults and children. Pretty and quirky prints feature birds, florals and penguins, alongside classic stripes and checks – and look out for the Christmas bauble print launching soon. Womens pyjamas £48; children's pyjamas £24 cyberjammies.co.uk

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MEXICAN SUNSET

DESMOND & DEMPSEY

'Sexy comfort' is the goal at Desmond and Dempsey, where the new collection is inspired by Mexico.

Bold, bright prints and confident colours make these pieces dramatic and fabulous.

Long pyjamas £150, desmondanddempsey.com

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HOPES AND DREAMS POUR LES FEMMES

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Described as 'Sleepwear for people who dream of a better world, Pour les Femmes is a socially conscious sleepwear brand founded by actress Robin Wright to work with women in conflict regions around the world.

Pyjamas, £210 net-a-porter.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT HARBOUR CLUB CHELSEA Pilates at Harbour Club Chelsea focuses on using slow and measured movements and breathing techniques to give a restorative full-body workout. With two specialist Reformer Pilates studios to choose from, you are spoiled for choice. harbourclub.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty notes 56 • Treatment reviews 59 • Pumpkin-infused beauty 61 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

This month's beauty favourites for mind and body care B y ZO Ë D E L M E R - B E S T

THE REVIEW

Pretty PEACEFUL

Ethique The ultimate sustainable beauty brand

AĒSOP

Luxury beauty brand, Aēsop has released The Seeking Skin Facial Hydrator to address sensations associated with sensitive skin. It combines a green microalgae, dormant daffodil bulb extract, ginger root and bisabolol to sooth and reduce redness, leaving your skin feeling nourished.

From £40.00; aesop.com

EDITOR’S PICK

B y PENDLE HARTE

M WORK IT HARBOUR CLUB

Put your fitness to the test with HITT programme, Blaze. Providing a combination of cardiovascular, strength and combat training you can monitor your fitness levels with a cutting edge heart rate monitoring technology system.

Expert trainers ensure perfect form and running efficiency, whilst pumping tunes and a clubbing atmosphere will keep you motivated throughout. harbourclub.com

CLEAR CONSCIOUS

BY S A R A H LO N D O N

Channel inner mindfulness and experience ethical and organic beauty at its finest with skin, body and hair care brand, By Sarah London. Developed by two sisters, Sarah and Lauren, the range is extensive with products suitable for all skin types. With honest and upfront labelling you can rest assured that all ingredients used are natural, ethically sourced and vegan.

From £9.00; bysarahlondon.com

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y recycling is collected fortnightly, in clear plastic bags. Every other Thursday, I am confronted with the ugly reality of the amout of single-use plastic my household breezes through – and because we'd never dream of buying bottled water, and often shop for vegetables at the market, most of our throwaway plastic bottles and tubs comes from the bathroom. It's amazing how much shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, facewash, body lotion and deodorant four people can get through.

But now that we've discovered Ethique, our plastic consumption is set to decrease radically.

New Zealand brand Ethique launched recently in the UK and very quickly, we became their biggest market. It's a simple yet brilliant concept: shampoos, conditioners, face scrubs, serums, body lotions, deodorants and more all come as solid bars, which require no plastic at all to contain them.

They're sold very simply wrapped in compostible paper (yes, you can actually put it in your food waste bin) which means that there after you've finished the bar, there is absolutley no trace of it left anywhere. It's not difficult to get used to washing your hair with a bar – it lathers well, lasts for weeks and works flawlessly. There are lots of options for different hair types, and they all smell nice too. The brand is vegan, climate neutral and palm-oil free – so why would anyone ever use anything else again? ethique.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

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

TO P T R E AT M E N T S

THE LANESBOROUGH CLUB & SPA

DR PRADNYA APTE DERMAL FILLERS

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Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N

THE LANESBOROUGH CLUB & SPA

THE Lanesborough CLUB & SPA TATA HARPER AT THE LANESBOROUGH CLUB & SPA

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Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N

o doubt the hottest topic on the skincare scene right now is the arrival of Tata Harper treatments to the UK. Hailed as the queen of green beauty, Tata Harper creates 100% natural skincare products with fresh ingredients sourced from around the world. It should surprise no-one that it’s The Lanesborough Club & Spa that has brought the pioneering treatments to the UK with a tantalising Tata Harper menu launching at the award-winning spa this month. For something deeply relaxing and hugely glow-giving, go for the Grounding Yogic Facial. This is 90 luxurious minutes that begins with the melodic ring of a singing bowl and ends with a fully rejuvenated complexion.

To achieve such a result, Tata has developed a unique facial massage technique that uses brisk strokes in an upwards motion to stimulate the lymph nodes to boost the body’s natural detox process. Other steps are more typical of a facial - a cleanse, facial massage, a rejuvenating mask - making use of Tata Harper’s key products. The new treatments launch this month with prices from £60.

few years ago, the very notion of plastic surgery was taboo. Now more and more are on the hunt for a tweak here or an enhancement there. Procedures that give no down time, are less invasive and quicker to perform are on the up. I’m here to see Dr Pradnya Apte AKA “The Lip Dentist” for dermal fillers as she launches her facial aesthetics clinic on Harley Street. The treatment is quick and virtually pain-free. A mild anaesthetic cream is applied to the area before a very fine needle is used to inject 0.5ml of filler. It takes around 20 minutes and Dr. Pradnya is meticulous in stepping back every few moments to assess the overall look. I see the results instantly and am very happy with them – my lips look pillowy soft but the work is subtle. The area is slightly swollen for a few hours after the treatment but I experience no bruising which can often occur. Weeks later I am still pleased with the results. The look is natural and lipstick looks fantastic.

52 Harley Street, W1G; skinsouthwest.co.uk

2 Lanesborough Place, Belgravia, SW1X; lanesboroughclubandspa.com

DR PRADNYA APTE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Firma Day Serum, £67; cultbeauty.co.uk

ÉMINENCE Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, £34; theskinsmith.co.uk

KATE SOMERVILLE ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, £21; cultbeauty.co.uk

ELEMIS Superfood AHA Glow Booster, £27; elemis.com

PETER THOMAS ROTH Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, £50; cultbeauty.co.uk

OSKIA Renaissance Brightlight Serum, £89; net-a-porter.com

OSMIA ORGANICS Pumpkin Facial Soap, £24; osmiaorganics.com

SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask, £39; selfridges.com

EMMA HARDIE Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream, £49; marksandspencer.com

HARVEST HERO

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Pumpkin 24K Gold Mask, £8.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

Packed with fruit enzymes and AHAs, pumpkin is a powerhouse for brightening skin

IRENE FORTE Pistachio Face Mask, £109; ireneforteskincare.com

VOTARY Super Seed Facial Oil, £55; votary.co.uk

B y H E L E N B R OW N

EDITOR’S PICK

FRANCES PRESCOTT Tri-Balm, £46; francesprescott.com

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s I breeze through the tiny letters on the very bottom line, it occurs to me that I’m actually quite enjoying myself. Since when has anybody had fun at a routine sight test? But there’s something about this new space in Ledbury Road that’s more appealing than a regular optician.

Maybe it’s because Finlay London’s background is in fashion. The brand started out as designers of wooden sunglasses, but it’s come a long way since then, and now the focus is on eyecare as well as eyewear; they have an expansive own-brand collection of frames (Meghan Markle has been spotted wearing several of them and James Corden is a fan too) and they have just opened their second shop, in Notting Hill (the first is in Soho).

Dane Butler is one of the brand’s four founders and he is showing me around the freshly opened space. I tell him that I quite enjoyed my sight test. “Yes!

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o f r efer enc e Eyecare can be fun, as Absolutely discovers at Finlay’s newest store in Notting Hill Words P E N D L E H A R T E

That’s exactly what we want,” he says.

“We felt that experiences were improving everywhere – in shops, at the barbers – but that eyecare was lagging behind.” In their Soho store, they’d get people coming for an eye test in their lunch hour, then going back to the office and raving about it – after which their colleagues would come too. How have they made correcting vision cool? Well – aside from this being a stylish and pleasing space to inhabit – nice lights, plants, a relatively small and un-overwhelming selection of frames on display – there are really friendly experts on hand, and a clear and transparent pricing scheme. “You can come in and get

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

“ IT’S NOT

UNUSUAL FOR PEOPLE TO OWN FOUR OR FIVE PAIRS OF GLASSES ”

a pair of glasses with prescription lenses for less than £150,” he says, with none of the confusing choices and extras you’re faced with in some opticians. All frames are made in Italy and their quality is high, while the designs are strong (did we mention that Meghan Markle likes them?).

“Glasses can be the first thing you notice about someone,” says Butler. “And trends in eyewear tend to last for between three and seven years. So it’s not unusual for people to own for or five pairs of glasses.” And probably more sunglasses. There are even people, he says, who seem disappointed not to be given a prescription and simply order glasses with clear lenses anyway.

The Finlay collection is unisex, and frames come in a wide variety of colours and shapes. At the Notting Hill store, choosing frames is aided by capable and decisive staff who will tell you what suits you as well as what will work best for your prescription. There’s a curated selection of frames from Finlay’s favourite brands in addition to their own brand, and downstairs is a special area for children. Because they’ll probably enjoy their eye tests too.

F I N L AY 42 Ledbury Road, W11 2AB 020 3475 4890 finlayandco.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Prep School A C O - E D U C A T I O N A L DAY A N D B O A R D I N G S C H O O L

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PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Autumn Term: SATURDAY 12 th OCTOBER 2019 Spring Term: SATURDAY 7 th MARCH 2020 Summer Term: BANK HOLIDAY FRIDAY 8 th MAY 2020 All from 9.30 am - 12 noon

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AT 11+, 13+ AND 16+ To book an Open Morning place or for more information on our Scholarships contact Lucy Bryanton, Prep School Registrar

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•

E: admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to Framlingham College Prep School FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

• BRANDESTON

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Born in the USA How the best scents of the moment come from across the pond B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

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fter a two week jaunt around the Southern states of America I have returned, once again inspired by the sheer epic proportions of the country and the variety of its cultural influences. The US is currently the hottest ticket in town when it comes to edgy, young fragrance houses and we are very fortunate indeed to house some of the finest at Roullier White. My friend John Pegg at Kerosene perfumes in Michigan, is a great case in point. I have just picked up a huge batch of his fragrance 'Follow' which is in fact a fragrance of dark roasted coffee, dusted with vanilla, benzoin and amber. At first I didn't understand it –but our customers have seduced me with constant wafts of aroma that seep into my office from the Perfumery and now I am completely hooked. John tells me that it is the warmth of the scent that plays so well in the chilly temperatures of his native state.

I also picked up a few bottles of 'Mandrake' from Joseph Quartana in New York. The Mandrake root looks a little like a human figure and is a hallucinogenic poison, so it has been used in magic rituals for centuries. The flowers, however, have a delicious scent and here they are teamed with crisp apple, pomegranate, rhubarb and sueded leather. It is juicy and seductive and I think pays homage to the energy and sophistication of Manhattan.

Bruno Fazzolari resides in San Francisco and his latest, 'Vetiverissimo' is a hymn to the earthy root of Haiti's legendary export. His unique realisation blends spices and resins with warm cedar and other precious woods. This is a misty evocation that conjures the rolling fog that emanates from the bay.

It is not just American noses that draw inspiration from US landscapes. My good friend Nick Steward at Gallivant has a brand new scent launching this month that distills the neon and sea breeze,

the glamour and the grit of the City Of Angels. Sultry, smoky with a splinter of wood and the fresh tang of pineapple and mandarin, 'Los Angeles' is a scent for bright young things with attitude and purrs worldly sophistication with its glamorous combination of tuberose and narcissus.

The olfactory wizard David Moltz, at D.S. & Durga, calls one of America's creative hubs home and brings that bright, shiny, intellectual Brooklyn twist to everything that he does. 'I Don't Know What' is his latest offering and is, to my knowledge, a unique concept in the world of perfume; a 'fragrance enhancer' designed to bring out the best in any scent and lend it a certain je ne sais quoi. He has used the legendary aroma-chemical Iso E Super at the heart and I have not come across such a concentration before. He teams this slightly green, aromatic with another classic, man-made note, ambroxan and a glittering bergamot essence. Spray this across almost any scent and it will lift and deepen the effect – a technical triumph.

Imaginary Authors are a young, hip fragrance house with bold ambitions and big ideas. Based in Portland, one of America’s most dynamic and artistically stimulating cities, their range of fragrances are inspired by storytelling and the power of narrative. Contemporary, intriguing, and utterly intoxicating, Imaginary Authors promise to whisk your senses away to a new olfactory landscape .'Every Storm A Serenade' evokes the patter of raindrops on a windowpane and the thick, misty air rolling over the majestic forests that makes Oregon one of the most beautiful of all the United States. Danish Spruce, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, Calone, Ambergris & Baltic Sea Mist combine to capture the wonders of Mother Nature.

I shall end with a quote from Lyndon B. Johnson which eloquently distils my fascination with American perfume and basically says it all: "The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources, because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples."

In other words: 'vivre la difference'.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

TRANSFORM YOURSELF Absolutely poses its burning fitness questions to Charlotte Saunders, Manager of the Harbour Club Chelsea Interview H E L E N B R O W N

Q The Harbour Club Chelsea recently underwent a refurb, what are some of the highlights of the new space?

A Our stylish, ultra-modern and luxurious renovation includes the refurbishment of five of the Club's studios, and the creation of a new one to house the hugelypopular BLAZE high intensity classes.

Other improvements include an upgraded Mind & Body holistic studio, a newly refurbished High Energy studio, a larger Group Cycling area offering instructor-led and virtual classes and two modernised Reformer Pilates studios. Spanning two floors, the gym has been transformed with a new layout, complete with high-tech equipment and gym hosts on hand to help members get the most out of their workout.

The changing facilities now have sleek marble and gold finishes and members can enjoy Anyah toiletries and GHD hair straighteners. Also, five of the 12 existing tennis courts have been resurfaced and

given better lighting. Tennis hosts will also be on hand to provide members with new balls and towels for every match.

Q What is the main ethos that all Harbour Club trainers follow?

A Our friendly trainers are all highlyqualified and we have experts in a wide range of fields from mobility and rehabilitation to strength and endurance-based sports.

Q It’s often advised we include a range of low and high-impact exercises in our workouts. What are the benefits of this?

A It is important to include a variety of different types of exercise. Too much high-impact and intensity and you risk burnout and injury, too much low-intensity and you might not reach your desired result. Keep your workouts varied and challenging to keep your interest and motivation high.

Q How important is it to get children moving from a young age, and how can this be achieved?

A It's really important; the earlier good movement patterns are learnt the better their coordination will be in later life. At Harbour Club Chelsea, we offer some of the best children’s swimming and tennis coaching programmes in the UK and a timetable packed with children’s classes, crèche, soft play, after-school and holiday clubs.

Q Have you noticed any upcoming trends in health and fitness for winter and 2020?

A HIIT is top of the list for 2020 and fitness tech remains one of the most popular areas of interest at the moment with people wanting to be able to share and record their workouts.

Q Do you have any tips for maintaining a fitness routine during the winter months?

A Set a goal, write it down and share it.

By committing to not only yourself, but also your friends and family, you are far more likely to achieve your results.

Q What can a Harbour Club Chelsea membership offer that other gyms can’t?

A Harbour Club Chelsea is far more than just a gym. We have three luxurious swimming pools and a spa offering a range of treatments from Murad and Elemis.

At the heart of the club is a relaxing lounge with an adults’ area, family zone and outdoor terrace serving food and drink. The Club is a place for members to relax or spend time with loved ones.

HARBOUR CLUB CHELSEA For membership options at Harbour Club Chelsea, please visit harbourclub.com/chelsea

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

FO

Affordable choice.

Naturally.

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

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

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02074 857203

13/03/2019 09:06:20 21/03/2019 17:04

INTERIORS

MAGIC CASTLE M I N DT H EGA P

Mindthegap is a Transylvanian design company and its new collection, The Transylvanian Manor, pays homage to the region's romantic heritage.

Eclectic and decadent, these intricate designs adorn wallpapers, fabrics and accessories. mindtheg.com

Colour with Rockett St George 76 • Mary Katrantzou rugs 86 • Bake off 91 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

By PENDLE HARTE

POT HISTORY OGGETTO

French glazed terracotta confit pots were used primarily in the south of France to preserve cooked meats. The lower part was left unglazed as it was buried in the ground to keep the contents cool.

These antique, rustic pots now make a beautiful decorative addition around the home. ÂŁ150 oggetto.com

LI G H T TO U C H HABITAT

Habitat's new lighting collection includes the Aurora range designed by James Cottingham. Crafted in brass with white frosted lams, there's a pendant and two floor lamps to choose from. ÂŁ250 habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

FEEL THE BURN Fabulous candles for fall DIPTYQUE Limited edition London candle diptyqueparis.com

IN CHARGE

H O U S E S T Y LE JAMES HARE

Berkeley Square is one of the main designs in James Hare's new Fitzrovia Collection.

The fabric features a variety of architectural details including lamp posts, front doors and windows, all in stitched relief. Berkeley Square works on headboards, curtains and cushions, great used as upholstery too. £85 per metre james-hare.com

ESPELMA Scentless candle, £120 matchesfashion.com

NATIVE UNION

Traditional craft meets modern innovation in Native Union's Drop Marquetry Wireless Charger, which pieces together hand-carved, genuine Italian leather in complementary colors for a uniquely striking statement. £59.99 nativeunion.co.uk

SUNNY LIFE Inspire candle, £25 uk.sunnylife.com

JO MALONE London Pomegranate Noir candle, £48 jomalone.co.uk

DIP DYE ASHLEY & CO Waxed perfume, £44 ashleyandco.co

CURIOUS EGG

Exclusive to Curious Egg in collaboration with ceramicist Claire Henry, the Estrella Oil Pourer and Dipping Bowls Set has a beautiful charcoal colour glaze with pale blush pink band has an air of gypsy chic and crafted charm. £48 curiousegg.com

TRUE GRACE Orangery candle, £35 truegrace.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

1 1

L I G H T WO R K

THE CONR AN SHOP

H O M E W O R K E R S STYLISH ADDITIONS FOR YOUR DESK SPACE

3

Originally designed by Joe Colombo in 1970 and recreated

by Stilnovo, the Mini Topo Table Lamp is exclusive to The Conran Shop and available in three different finishes; £295 conranshop.co.uk

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T I C K TO C K VITRA

Vitra's desk clocks are available in various shapes and materials.

Equipped with high-quality quartz movements, they continue to offer a refreshing alternative to conventional clocks and the designs date back to George Nelson's 1947 pieces. Chronopak, £405 vitra.com

3

PIN UPS

KREIS DESIGN

2

The Peg-it-all pegboards are made from heavy-duty birch plywood and feature sturdy holes and pegs along with a range of new accessories. The Peg-it-all includes shelves and pegs of different types all of which slot into the main board giving an endless range of storage options. £227 kreisdesign.com

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S TA N D U P FERM LIVING

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Sort out your thoughts and ideas and let your office become a space of inspiration. Smart storage and beautiful details turn your office around from being a space you long to leave to a room, in which you long to be. Brass triangle stand, £25 fermliving.com

5

OFF THE SHELF STRING

String's brilliantly flexible modular storage solutions allow you to build exactly the system you need. Space saving, practical and stylish, String remains the best in its field. stringfurniture.com

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This practical home is also cool, colourful and ahead of the design curve

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

01 The walls and ceiling in this room are painted in coal black Zeitgeist from the Rockett St George paint collection. It’s a warm, dense black that gives surfaces a sumptuous, almost velvety look and creates a cosy, cocooning vibe.

02 Contrary to what you may think about black, it can make a perfect neutral backdrop for any room. Black (or other dark shades) works especially well if you want to use strong colours in your home – it makes them pop and allows furniture, textiles and artwork to shine through and become the stars of the show. In Aine and Eloise’s living room, black walls provide an understated background to their collection of graphic and colourful original artworks and prints

02

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In this stylish London home, a monochrome scheme creates a stylish setting for a colourful collection of objects and furniture Wo r d s J A N E R O C K E T T & LUCY ST GEORGE Phorography C AT H E R I N E G R AT W I C K E

T

he London home of Eloise Jones and Aine Donovan is brimming with hits of hot colour, daring drama and a playful sense of creativity.

Growing up in an artistic and creative environment, Eloise cites her mother’s hands-on decorating approach as having a great effect on her own style. Eloise and Aine’s home is an ode to this powerful influence, and their shared decorating philosophy of ‘Don’t be afraid to take a risk – you can always change it’ has spurred them on to be imaginative with their own home.

One thing we found really interesting when we visited Eloise and Aine’s North London home is that their colour scheme is actually very simple, relying on monochrome schemes and multiple shades of grey. This neutral backdrop acts as the perfect blank canvas for their witty and eclectic collections as well as an enviable selection of artworks that burst with expressive colour. Aine is the founder of They Made This, an online visual arts journal and print shop showcasing photography and illustration, and works from her company cover walls all around the home. The couple have managed to curate a practical home that meets the needs of modern family life but is also cool, colourful and ahead of the design curve.

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careful appreciation of its unique features that makes Aine and Eloise’s home feel special – many of us would be eager to rush in and paint over everything without giving a thought to a home’s history.

This individual approach to decoration is evident throughout. Eloise and Aine love the quirky versatility of the gym bench in the living room, as it works as a coffee table, a footstool and a climbing frame for Donnie, their gorgeous son.

Sentimental treasures on display include a toy tank inherited from Eloise’s dad and a sledge that has been in the family for over 40 years and now hangs on the kitchen wall. Such items are not hidden away but proudly and lovingly displayed.

Finally, we must mention the clever use of natural light. The aspect of a room has a huge influence on Eloise, who feels happiest in sunny spots. As a result, the furniture is arranged to make the most of the available light, such as the chaise longue positioned in the bay window in the living room. The dark walls and ceiling here create a warming ambience and look wonderful at night lit by flickering candles and a roaring fire.

Eloise and Aine’s confident use of light and colour sets the tone for a warm, fun-filled family home with a lively, positive vibe.

When embarking on a room design, Eloise and Aine are anything but reserved.

They start by thinking about what they need from a space and exactly how it will be used. The creative pair then gather together a few items and use these as the basis for their decorative scheme. In the case of the kitchen, for example, they considered all the functional elements first, then when it came to decorating drew inspiration from the blue and yellow colour palette they found when they moved in. The finished kitchen offers a new interpretation of the original decor yet also gives a nod to the history of their home. When redecorating, the couple have been respectful of the building’s past while making their own mark on it. It’s this

R O C K E T T ST G E O R G E 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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03

Furniture is arranged to make the most of the available light

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

ROCKETT ST G E O R G E E X T R AO R D I N A RY I N T E R I O R S I N C O LO U R

by Jane Rockett & Lucy St George Published by Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99 Available to buy from 8 October 2019

03 The light-flooded dining room has a more traditional feel, with off-white walls and woodwork/ trim. Vintage objects and favourite artworks take centre stage against this backdrop, including inherited items and pieces collected over time.

04 Pure brilliant white is the choice for the bright guest room, providing a clean backdrop for artwork from Aine’s website They Made This. The house is full of art, allowing Aine to showcase the photographers and illustrators she has worked with over the years.

05

05 These stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors are painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball. The glossy blue-black hue accentuates their grandeur and makes them into a striking feature that frames the view of the garden beyond. The choice of colour is true to the chosen palette of this home – mostly monochromatic but enlivened with warm bursts of colour.

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INTERIORS • TREND HUNTER & CO Eliot handmade cushion, £38 hunterandcostore.com

THE GIFTED FEW Green porcelain tray, £4.95 thegiftedfew.com

W.A. GREEN Jade Shamsian Nizwa cabinet

by Bethan Gray, £9,420 wagreen.co.uk

FARMHOUSE TABLE CO Prime oak round table, £950 farmhousetabelcompany.co.ik

EDITOR’S PICK

DECOVILLE W.A. GREEN

Green sanctuary anthracite wallpaper, £150 decoville.co.uk

SUCH & SUCH Pedersen Lennard Stockholm Green Wall Hook, £16 suchandsuch.co

SUE PARKINSON Antique gold potted cactus lamp, £99.95 sue-parkinson.com

Green cactus cushion, £38 wagreen.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

GREEN SCENE

SUE PARKINSON Skinny locker in olive, £199 sue-parkinson.com

Decorate your home with elements of lime, emerald and khaki

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

LOAF Slim Jim sofa in Clean Green, brushed cotton fabric, £1295 loaf.com

IAN SNOW Green & white cotton slub rug, £16 iansnow.com

NISI LIVING Diamante acrylic tumbler Emerald, £12 nisiliving.co.uk

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Tommy Walsh talks Crocodile Glass Verandas.

A Glass Veranda offers a unique extension to your living space, it’s a solid, open structure with a glass roof, constructed using powder coated aluminium and is maintenance free. It’s built to last and crucially with craftsmanship. So find out how a bespoke Crocodile Veranda will add style and elegance to your home.

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Or visit crocodile.co.uk

*Credit is available and is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.

Crocodile Products Ltd, Spring Garden Mill, New Street, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, HD3 4LN (Register no. 831361) is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a trading style of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register no. 704348). **Subject to terms and conditions.

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INTERIORS • TREND

CULT FURNITURE

IITTALA

Printed tie dye cotton cushion £47 cultfurniture.com

Kastehelmi plate in Sea Blue, £14 iittala.com

HURN & HURN Serax Table Nomade Large serving plate, £32 hurnandhurn.com

ROSE & GREY The Shorty Short locker in Navy Blue £129 roseandgrey.co.uk

BURBIDGE Kitchen Makers Alderley in Prussian Blue with English Bronze, £15,000 burbidge.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK ORIGINAL BTC Task Pendant in Navy Blue, £199 originalbtw.com

THE SHOP FLOOR PROJECT

BLUE MONDAY

Ellen Hayward Blue Cat candle holder, £120 each theshopfloorproject.com

HABITAT Talia dining chair, Cobalt Blue, £95 habitat.co.uk

Cool hues for stylish homes

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

IVYLINE Treviso plant flower pot, Denim Blue, £17.99 ivylinegb.co.uk

LOAF Habib rug in Blue, £475 loaf.com

HABITAT Adder laundry basket in Blue £90 habitat.co.uk

HUNTER & CO Mandville vase, £40 hunterandcostore.com

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

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INTERIORS • TREND LIME LACE

IUMI Hektor pendant lamp in red, £125 vivalagoon.com

Haipot pendant light by Dyberg Larson, £135.50 limelace.co.uk

SCARAMANGA Red travel trunk, £145 scaramangashop.co.uk

SOFAS & STUFF Kentwell chair in Designers Guild Varese Paprika, £1865 sofasandstuff.com

LIGNE ROSET AUDENZA

Ottoman armchair in Red, £1575 ligne-roset.com

Brick Red velvet wall clock, £49 Gold Rock On hand, £16.95 audenza.com

CHAPLINS Wassily lounge chair by Knoll, £1968 chaplins.co.uk

SCARLET FEVER Red hot homeware

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

CONTENT BY TERENCE CONRAN

ENGLISH BLINDS Orla Kiely Linear Stem Tomato Red Vintage Roman blinds, from £68.45 englishblinds.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

Linear bed linen, £45 contentbyterenceconran.com

MADE Jonah 2 Seater in Ketchup Red, £549 made.com

MANUFACTURED CULTURE Oyster chair by Krystian Kowalski, £750 manufacturedculture.com

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Woodwork and Joinery Experts

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

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

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

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SUNRAY PINK AVAILABLE FROM £4,242 (1.83M X 1.22M) OR £1,900/M2

BOTANICAL PARADISE

T F

L

O W F A I

E R R Y

Absolutely admires Mary Katrantzou’s new collection for the Rug Company Words P E A R L B OY D

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he Rug Company has collaborated with fashion designer Mary Katrantzou for a collection of striking rug designs. The collection features seven uniquely vibrant rugs and represents Katrantzou’s first foray into the world of interiors. Each of the rugs is unmistakably Katrantzou, inspired by the bold and imaginative designs for which her eponymous brand is renowned. The rugs are inspired by Katrantzou’s past collections and reimagined for this collaboration.

As the daughter of an interior designer mother and a textile engineer father, Katrantzou was exposed to the world of interiors from a very early age. She studied textile design at Central Saint Martins specialising in interiors and followed her bachelor’s degree with a Masters in fashion.

Last year she celebrated her 10-year anniversary, having established a cultfollowing for her artistic prints, digital craftsmanship and feminine silhouettes, over the past decade. Her work has been featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, the Victorian Albert Museum, The Copper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum,

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

FRAMIS AVAILABLE FROM £3,237 (1.83M X 1.22M) OR £1,450/M2

BLUEBELL DAYDREAM

“AMPLIFIED

FLORALS IN A SPECTRUM OF BLUES AND PURPLES ” GARDEN OF EDEN

VALLEY AVAILABLE FROM £2,567 (1.83M X 1.22M) OR £1,150/M2

The Barbican and many others.

The collection has been finely knotted

by The Rug Company’s expert craftsmen in order to capture even the most unique detail vividly, giving the designs a hyper-real and photographic quality.

Bluebell Daydream, Garden of Eden and Botanical Paradise take cues from Katrantzou’s SS18 collection “Nostalgia” and specifically from childhood ‘paint by numbers’ books.

An exuberant rug with a unique touch of magical realism, Bluebell Daydream features amplified florals in a spectrum of blues and purples.

Garden of Eden reflects the mood of the collection with dramatic contrasts, soft blue and white flowers depicted in silk and wool. The layering of the highly detailed blooms on top of the black and white floral background lends it a threedimensional quality and references the ‘paint by numbers’ art, which inspired it.

An ode to femininity, Botanical Paradise features a hyper-real floral scene. Blown-up flowers are combined with a palette of deep and powder pinks and striking amaranth, which is contrasted with colourless white wool flowers to dramatic effect.

These magnified, colourful florals are contrasted by the delicate monochrome flowers of Valley. The design transforms a traditional elegant motif into a contemporary graphic design, by playing with size and scale, creating a surreal effect. Handknotted entirely in Tibetan wool, the white flowers are contrasted with a black background, giving these delicate flowers a contemporary edge.

Speaking about the collection, Katrantzou says: “We are an image-led brand and print is so transferable across different disciplines.

Being able to create context beyond my runway collections and build a lifestyle brand has always been my intention.

Filtered beauty through design can impact how we feel whether it’s through what we choose to wear or what we choose to surround ourselves with. I chose to collaborate with The Rug Company as there was an authentic synergy between the two brands - a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship and a passion for bold patterns and unique beauty, values which we share at Mary Katrantzou.”

The Mary Katrantzou collection is available at the Rug Company showrooms and online. therugcompany.com

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

w w w.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

a totally coordinated look across their collection of furniture and home accessories.

All their products suit a large variety of moods and express current trends.

Dream

HOME

Style the house of your dreams with BoConcept, the premium retail lifestyle brand and interior design service

B

oConcept design, produce and sell a range of contemporary Danish design furniture, accessories and lighting for the living room, dining room, bedroom, home-office and outdoor spaces. Their furniture stores offer everything within modern design ranging from designer sofas and armchairs through to practical wall units and functional TV units. They also help their customers create a personal home with a free comprehensive in-home or in-store Interior Design service.

YOUR STYLE

BoConcept's Interior Designers incorporate interior decoration ideas, home accessories and more to craft a unique style for your home. They can help you in creating a Nordic mood in the dining room with Scandinavian style sideboards, elegant dining tables and dining chairs - or a hotel vibe in your living room with sofas, recliner

armchairs and daybeds in leather, velvet or your preferred fabric.

CUSTOMISE YOUR INTERIOR

When browsing through BoConcept's designer furniture, there is a whole line of unseen possibilities behind everything you see. You can create your very own unique home with a wide range of customisation available for each product. Customise every detail with BoConcept's staggering selection of high-quality fabrics and a vast range of finishes. With more than 140 finishes for sofas, dining chairs and bed headboards.

As well as a variety of sizes and options across wall cabinets, wardrobes, dining and coffee tables - the combinations are almost endless. There's no doubt you will be spoilt with choice.

FULLY COORDINATED COLLECTION

BoConcept’s world famous international designers work closely together to create

FREE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

Whether you need some advice furnishing your entire home or would like some inspiration as to which sofa will work in your living room, BoConcept's team of highly experienced interior designers are ready to help you create a unique home that matches your personal style. Perhaps you want to create a Nordic mood in the dining room with Scandinavian style sideboards, elegant dining tables and dining chairs - or a hotel vibe in your living room with sofas, recliner armchairs and daybeds in leather, velvet or your preferred fabric. BoConcept's design team will advise you in store, or come to your home, take measurements of your space, listen to your needs suggesting fabrics and finishes and produce full 3D renderings showing you how your space could look.

WALLPAPERS, CURTAINS, RUGS & HOME ACCESSORIES

In addition to BoConcept selection of Danish furniture and accessories, they offer a coordinated collection of contemporary bespoke curtains and blinds combined with a measuring and fitting service. To complete your stylish home BoConcept have many stunning wallpapers to choose from, the collections are a mix of modern classics, opulent silks, delicate florals and bold geometrics. Finally, you can discover rugs such as luxurious shag and lustrous cowhide or classics like rounds and freeform abstracts to suit all homes.

Visit one of their stores and see their wide range of multifunctional design furniture, and get professional advice about modern living and interior design. Stores located at Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Kingston, Guildford and now Westfield London or online at boconcept.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Great ideas set in stone

Luxury natural stone and handmade terrazzo products 132-136 Ormside Street, London SE15 1TF. 020 7358 0160

diespekerliving.com

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INTERIORS • TREND IITTALA Kastehelmi cake stand, £58 iittala.com

SOPHIE ALLPORT Baking pot grab, £9 sophieallport.com

PAUL HOLLYWOOD Stainless steel cake lifter, £17 lawsonshop.co.uk

SARA MILLER LONDON Chelsea collection cake slice, £17 saramiller.london

GARDEN TRADING Brompton cake tin in powdercoated steel, £30 gardentrading.co.uk

MINT MAY Marble and wood cake stand with glass dome, £65 mintandmay.co.uk

V&A Alice in Wonderland cake stand, £32 hartsofstur.com

SARA MILLER LONDON Zebra cake stand, £51.50 saramiller.london

BAKE OFF EDITOR’S PICK

ANTHROPOLOGIE Set of four Ariya ceramic bear measuring cups, £34 EDITOR’S anthropologie.com

PICK

Got the baking bug? Here's everything you need

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

Long rainbow candles, £2.99 candleandcake.co.uk

KITCHENAID 100th anniversary limited edition stand mixer, £699 hartsofstur.com

SOPHIE ALLPORT Baking apron, £20 sophieallport.com

THORNBACK & PEEL Teacup oven glove, £25 thornbackandpeel.co.uk

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

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

The Fireplace Specialists & Consultants

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

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INTERIORS • TREND MINT & MAY Retro Bloom lampshade with black fringing, £259; mintandmay.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Cult Living Cassey geometric square pouffe in Grey, £119; cultfurtniture.com

ALBERT & MOO Sacndi Boho Geo rug, £25; albertandmoo.com

COX & COX Embroidered Ikat cushion, £50; coxandcox.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

AUDENZA

ATKIN & THYME

Fabulous faux gold palm tree, £118; audenza.com

Sahara armchair, £599; atkinandthyme.co.uk

ARTISANI Moroccan antique silver tray table, £183; artisani.com

BOHO HAVEN

SOHO HOME Bobbin 4 poster double bed, £2,495; sohohome.com

Focus on texture and neutrals for a laid back, bohemian feel

By P E N D L E H A R T E BOHEMIA DESIGN LIMITED Bohemia Moroccan round tile mirror in White Brass, £42 bohemiadesign.com

BOHEMIA DESIGN LIMITED HABITAT Simone rug, £500; habitat.co.uk

Bohemian Moroccan Handira blanket in Teal, £395; bohemiadesign.com

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

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CURTAIN CALL

INSPIRED INTERIORS

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

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

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Antique Fireplaces

Grate Expectations Antique Fireplaces have procured a huge collection of beautifully unique original fireplaces of many years through our sister company Grate Expectations Fireplaces. Each of our fireplaces has been restored to their full former glory in an extremely careful manor.

Antique victorian and georgian fireplaces in our new showroom and salvage yard 333 Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW19 8JX 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk grateantiquefireplaces.co.uk

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INTERIORS • HOME COOK

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A LID ON IT S TAU B

I N T H E P O T

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ALL THE BEST CASSEROLES FOR YOUR COLLECTION

Staub's iconic cocottes come in a wide range of sizes and colours. The special matte black enamel on the inside and the 'drop' structure on the inside of the lid ensures even cooking. This is a pot for life.

From £209; staub-online.com

2

C O LO U R M ATC H LE CREUSET

The original French casserole is an essential piece of kit. Whether in traditional volcanic orange or in contemporaryr pastel blue, round or oval, large or small, these are pieces to be handed down through generations. From £210; lecreuset.co.uk

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DA R K A R T

GARDEN TR ADING

With every use of this Coalbrook casserole, oils from cooking reinforce the non-stick coating, helping it last for years to come. Cook on the hob, in the oven or on open fires for rustic outdoor dining. £35; gardentrading.co.uk

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DA N I S H D I N I N G KO B E N S T Y L E

A modern interpretation of a traditional design and an essential addition to any kitchen, the 4-quart red Kobenstyle Casserole Dish was originally designed in 1956 by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. £145; conranshop.co.uk

5

H E AV Y D U T Y

4

MORSO

5

Morso's attractive casserole is versatile and stylish. The pot provides the ideal cooking conditions for simmering dishes, soup and whole-roasted chicken, while also keeping the food hot for a long time. £159; morsoe.com

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

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C

oral Atkinson is the founder and creator of Velveteen Babies, a design-led children’s decor brand. She lives with her husband, Chris and their three children in a mid-century house which they bought two years ago and are working their way through a complete renovation. We took a peek inside their contemporary and dreamily decorated space.

DREAMY

DECOR Absolutely tours founder of Velveteen Babies Coral Atkinson’s stylish house

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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Q How did you come to buy the house and what drew you to it?

A When my parents relocated five miles from our old house five years ago, we found that we were spending a lot of time driving back and forth as they support us so much with childcare. When we outgrew our Victorian townhouse, the logical thing was to move closer to them, and we moved our eldest child to a village school near them beforehand.

When we were finally ready to buy our next house we were very restricted with area and there was just this one house in our budget and location, so we very much made a practical decision (over looks!) for a growing family – rather than buying the ‘dream’ house. It had all the things our townhouse didn’t – a garden, garage and a good amount of living space, beautiful parkland at the end of the road and a four-minute journey to school. Luckily we can both see through dated decor and saw the eventual potential.

Q What was it like when you bought it and have you done any renovation work on it?

A It’s a ‘60s A-frame dormer bungalow which had been extended prior to us buying it. The decor was all orange pine, patchy mismatched dull grey walls and fake Victoriana and we knew we’d want to alter the layout and completely renovate. The full-length windows had been bricked up at some point so our first big job was to knock

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

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

“Each room has a different identity and I wanted to make use of colour and all the wall art that we own”

them out and we went back to full-length windows to let the light stream in. The house had an L-shape living room when we bought it, but we added an internal wall and created a new living room and a separate playroom for the kids, making better use of the space. We’ve pulled out miles of polystyrene coving, and have replastered the whole downstairs. We’ve also completely renovated the kids’ rooms and living spaces.

The bathroom is a big job for next year, and our bedroom will be last on the list to tackle.

Q What was your decorating vision?

A Each room has a different identity and I wanted to make use of colour and all the prints and wall art that we own. I want the house to feel happy. Because it’s an ugly duckling on the outside, I want people to walk in the door and be pleasantly surprised by what is on the inside. I’ve spent so long choosing colours to reflect the different spaces and decor inside, and paying homage to its mid-century roots while making it a contemporary and stylish family home.

Q What did you do to the kids’ rooms?

A One room had a beige shagpile carpet and aubergine walls, and the other had royal blue carpet with lime green walls, so the kids’ rooms were the first on the renovation list as they were pretty grim.

We literally stripped everything out to the bare bones – new flooring, radiators and complete redecoration. I chose a white oak flooring for both rooms but the style of Willa’s feminine and dreamy bedroom is completely different to the boys’ room which is contemporary with rainbow highlights.

I used a beautiful wallpaper by Hibou Home in Willa’s room which is the perfect backdrop for her bed, furniture, toys and decor.

The boys’ room is light with a half wall painted in a blue-green. It’s a fairly small shared bedroom and I wanted to keep it from feeling oppressive, so I used the corners of the room to add shelving to give it some identity with pennants, decor and some my garlands to add rainbow touches.

Across both rooms, I’ve incorporated A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Senior School (13+): Saturday, 12th October Sixth Form (16+): Saturday, 9th November

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

“The kids love colour and seeing new things appear in their spaces”

wood to tone-down the colour and add a Scandinavian feel.

Q And how did you choose which Velveteen Babies pieces to feature?

A I’m always working them in on rotation! I never finish a room and then leave it alone, so restyling and hanging different pieces of wall art and my garlands is pretty much a weekly occurrence. I use the kids’ rooms to style my work for Instagram posts so spend quite a lot of time in their rooms when they are out. The kids love colour and seeing new things appear in their spaces. I’m always adding new things from other small design businesses too, as I love to support others.

Q Which room is your favourite?

A Sitting on Willa’s amazing petal rattan chair (from Tobs and Ror) when the sunshine

is streaming into her pretty room is definitely where I immediately feel calm, but I also love the kitchen gallery wall – it’s taken ages to source it all and get it all framed and hung and I’m so happy when I look over at it.

Q How do you all like to hang out at home?

A If we are all together then we always make sure we have family time around the table, or all squeezed together on our big old sofa in the living room (though the sofa is on overtime, a new one will be our next big purchase).

At the weekend, a family BBQ in the sunshine with the kitchen French doors wide open, sunlight pouring in over my kitchen table and the children building dens and scootering in the garden. velveteenbabies.co.uk @velveteen_babies

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

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TRAVEL

HIT THE SLOPES SKI SPECIAL

Absolutely explores the best snowy holiday spots in both Europe and further afield.

Japanese ski break 102 • European ski destinations 108 • Ibizan paradise 114 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“Japan is the promised land of powder. Once you experience the snow here, nothing compares.”

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TRAVEL • SKIING

SNOW DAY Absolutely jets off to Japan to find the perfect powder Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

W

ith Europe’s exceptional snow conditions and top quality resorts just a two-hour flight away, you’ll find many hard pushed to venture further afield for a wintery holiday. It takes a lot to tempt us away from the superb ski areas of the Les Trois Valley, the sunshine of St Moritz or the Michelin stars stacking up in the Italian Dolomites. It takes some seriously good snow.

And so to Japan. Over 70% of the country’s land is covered in mountains and it experiences some of the biggest snowfalls in the world, which makes Japan one of the most skiable regions in the world. Though some 5,000 miles away and with jet-lag guaranteed, it attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the globe to experience the legendary champagne snow.

Japan is the promised land of powder. There was a time when it was hard to find foreigners on the slopes, but word has spread and the land of the rising sun has become the land of the falling flake. Once you experience the snow here, nothing really compares. Japan is blessed with one of the best, if not the best snow climate in the world for two reasons, quantity and quality.

The quality is down to lighter snowflakes and the colder temperatures causing a dryer surface. The quantity is a result of good geography. The short version is that very cold and dry air sweeps in from Siberia over the Japanese sea, picking up moisture and causing snowstorms called Yamayuki or Satoyuki as it reaches the high mountains and the valleys. The ski season normally lasts from December to the end of March and it has been known to snow every day during winter. A good time to go is January and February, after the Asian market has gone back to work and it buckets with snow. Resorts typically get around 60cm a day throughout these months, in comparison with the 20-30cm that the Alps gets during this time.

Another notable difference between this and European skiing is that the pistes are much shorter here, which does mean that there is more time spent on lifts.

Whereas in France you might ski from the top to the bottom of a mountain in 30 minutes, there’s a lot more up-down-up-down in Japan which can be a nuisance for boarders. It pays dividends however because a with a relatively low altitude, avalanches aren’t a major problem here and as you can imagine, the white stuff piles up pretty high. Whatever the terrain lacks in steepness, it more than makes up for in deepness.

The setting too is a stark contrast from the chocolate box villages of Europe. Without the familiar craggy outline of the Alpine mountains and the timber huts under their A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TAILORED NOT UNIFORM When it comes to a good education, one size does not necessarily fit all.

At MPW, one of the UK’s best known names in fifth and sixth-form education, we offer a distinctive alternative to traditional schools.

A levels and GCSEs in over 45 subjects Personal tutors providing individual academic and pastoral support

Strong teaching and outstanding pastoral care.

Oxbridge-style tutorial groups with nine students or fewer Excellent results and progression to top tier universities Best in class inspection reports from the ISI and Ofsted

Discover MPW for yourself – visit www.mpw.ac.uk or call us to book your visit.

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The Good Schools Guide

London 020 7835 1355

25/07/2019 17:04 09:28 23/07/2019

TRAVEL • SKIING

KASARA TOWNHOUSE

HINODE HILLS, NISEKO VILLAGE

thick duvets of snow, the landscape takes some getting used to. But that’s not to say it isn’t beautiful in its own way. There’s an eerie sparseness without the pine trees.

Though there is plenty of tree-skiing here, the trees are bare like burnt matchsticks, standing out starkly against the snow. It’s as if Tim Burton had designed the Alps.

Niseko is one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts, its unique location that makes it a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts.

The resort is split into three main areas, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri which are all joined together at the top of Mount Niseko-Annupuri.

It’s possible to ski between the areas, but shuttle buses also run between the villages at the base of the mountain.

Niseko Village lies in the heart of the Niseko United ski area, nestled between KASARA NISEKO VILLAGE TOWNHOUSE

Annupuri and Grand Hirafu. It offers a huge variety of skiing options including some of the steepest courses on the mountain, as well as a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to all tastes.

With its pleasant atmosphere, Niseko Village is a brilliant base for skiers. It lies in the heart of the Niseko United ski area, nestled between Annupuri and Grand Hirafu, and offers a huge variety of skiing options as well as a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to all tastes.

For a stay that is as luxurious as it is conveniently-located, you can’t go wrong with a Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse.

Eight in total and available to book out individually or as a group, each embodies authentic Japanese elegance while providing all of the modern conveniences that make your time off the slope restful and relaxing. For example, each has a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, secure ski and snowboard rack and heated ski gear storage room. There’s even the option to get a private chef in for those days when the skiing really takes it out of you. Or else, Hinode Hills is a unique residential development with luxurious hotel services.

A variety of restaurants are also conveniently located, either a walk, quick taxi or gondola ride away. The best Shabu Shabu (a traditional Japanese hotpot dish) can be found up the mountain at Two Sticks in Niseko village, while the hugely popular Milk Kobo dairy, just 10 minutes away by car, offers tasty treats like original Hokkaido tarts, sweet/savoury custard tarts made with cheese. They sound

“You won’t find better snow.” diabolical but they’re really very delicious.

Both The Green Leaf Niseko Village and Hilton Niseko Village also have very good facilities, restaurants and bars that will no doubt make your trip a memorable one. Most notably perhaps is the spa and onsen at The Green Leaf.

Nothing relaxes tired ski legs like a warm bath but even better is the onsen.

These are naturally occurring volcanic hot springs, rich in minerals that are believed to be beneficial for the body and will leave your skin silky smooth. Japanese tradition says that to experience the full effect of an onsen, you should visit the hot spring every day for three weeks. Regardless, they make a satisfying and relaxing end to a long day of skiing, snowboarding, or hiking.

It’s additions like this that make the long-haul flight well worth it. While there is the familiarity of Europe, warmer temperatures, more sunshine and cheese fondue, Japan’s rich culture and culinary differences make it much more than a ski trip. Though of course, if it is all about the skiing, you won’t find better snow.

K A SA R A N I S E KO V I L L AG E TOW N H O U S E Ski Safari offer rates from £2,625 per person for 7 nights in a 3-bedroom townhouse (room only) at Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse. Includes return flights and private transfers. Based on 6 people sharing; skisafari.com

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TRAVEL • PROMOTION

1

Scoot Jacket and Stretch Pants

S L O P E S T Y L E

PEAK PER FOR M A NCE

High fashion meets high performance in this biker-style jacket and stretch pant. The fully taped jacket is made of waterproof and breathable fabric with warm but low-bulk insulation. The pants are designed with a flattering tight fit in stretch softshell fabric for comfort and performance.

Jacket £399.99, pants £239.99

2

Mirage and Driver Visor Helmets SA LOMON

1

FIND ALL THE WINTER KIT YOU NEED – INCLUDING CUSTOM BOOT FITTING – AT ELLIS BRIGHAM

Mixing style and performance, visor helmets continue to rise in popularity. This one comes with two easy-to-change visors for all conditions. Salomon’s EPS 40 foam liner gives increased shock absorption and safety while the adjustable Custom Dial makes for a comfortable, secure fit. £215

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Women’s Polset Pullover HENRI DUVILLARD

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Half Zip Sweater

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We love this après-tastic heritage knit pullover. It will be a hit in resort and play a big part in your chic winter wardrobe. £109.99

HENJL SLEDGE

Combining classic ski instructor styling with luxurious comfort, this 100% merino wool sweater uses super fine yarn so will not itch and is machine washable. £179.99

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SUREfit Boot Lab ELLIS BRIGHAM

Ellis Brigham have opened SUREfit Boot Labs in seven of their stores, including Covent Garden and St Pauls. Each is dedicated to offering the UK's largest range of ski boots and custom fitting them. Each store team is skilled at modifying existing or new boots to achieve the perfect fit, so whether it’s stretching, grinding or softening, they’ll remedy potential problems to give greater comfort. An online booking facility, state of the art fitting devices, free coffee and a heli-skiing VR experience create the perfect start to your winter trip.

SALOMON S/PRO - 120 £380

All products available at Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports ellis-brigham.com

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SUVRETTA HOUSE, ST MORITZ

E

urope is home to some legendary ski resorts and has a destination guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of snow bunnies. But when it comes to the very best, what do you go for? High altitude or high-profile winter hotels?

All-level skiing or unmatched shopping opportunities? Exceptional gastronomy or top-grade snow? Before you plan your next winter adventure, take a look at our guide to some of the top resorts in Europe.

St Moritz, Switzerland Altitude: 1,822m Pistes: 155km Ski pass: From CHF376 for a six-day adult ski pass for the Engadine mountain area Best for: intermediate

I Mountain SPIRIT

t doesn’t get much more elegant or exclusive than St Moritz, one of the world’s oldest winter holiday resorts.

Emerging from the trees of the Upper Engadine Mountains as if from the pages of a fairy tale, St. Moritz remains a draw for elite travellers thanks to its romantic beauty, the vast ski area and its reputation as a glamorous alpine getaway. If that wasn’t enough, the sun shines 322 days a year. But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping and excellent skiing off-piste that attracts celebrities and royalty alike.

With 350km of pistes, the skiing and snowboarding is second to none, especially for confident intermediates and experts.

Snow is guaranteed between 1800m and 3303m at Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza, and the entire area is serviced by state-of-the-art lift infrastructure. St. Moritz’s ‘house mountain’, Corviglia, has

Plan your perfect piste break with our guide to the best resorts in Europe

By HELEN BROWN

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TRAVEL • SKIING HOTEL LOBBY, SUVRETTA HOUSE

JUNIOR SUITE, APOGÉE

Courchevel, France

Altitude: 1300-1850m Pistes: 600km Ski pass: €312 for a six-day adult pass for Les Trois Vallées Best for: all abilities

the steepest start slope in Switzerland with the Piz Nair Wall’s 100 per cent vertiginous drop. Toboggan riders plunge down the icy slope which is one of the oldest natural ice bob runs in the world.

There are also 150 km of winter walking trails and a track network of around 200km for cross-country skiers. The snowboard fun park, curling and altitude training are just some of the other winter sports facilities that St Moritz has to offer.

C

STAY: SUVRETTA HOUSE Having opened its doors over 100 years ago, Suvretta House is one of Switzerland’s most iconic heritage hotels. Built by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, the ski-in-ski-out hotel was originally designed to provide a tranquil and exclusive retreat set away from the nearby buzz of St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism in the mid 19th century. Still owned by the fourth generation of founder Anton Bon’s family, the 181-room hotel has its own private ski lift giving exceptionally easy access to the Engadine Valley.

ourchevel is one of the most famous resorts in the world and the glitzy heart of France’s Les Trois Vallées.

It has a reputation for being a magnet for the rich and famous with Michelin-starred dining and endless shopping potential from fashion’s biggest designers. In fact, there’s even a Moncler shop on the mountain, should you need a new pair of salopettes before your afternoon ski. The area itself comprises of four glittering villages, each connected by bus and heated pavements and set at varying altitudes. There’s Le Praz (1300) a pretty village with tree-lined slopes and direct access to 1850, where you’ll find a host of chic boutiques, as well as a huge selection of restaurants and fine dining.

Courchevel 1550 has a relaxed atmosphere and good slopes, while Courchevel 1650 has a lively atmosphere and more of the best shopping, bars and restaurants. Courchevel has over 600 km of ski slopes and 170 mechanised ski lifts, as well as reliable snow and the most balanced range of runs in the Three Valleys to suit all abilities.

It's a magnet for the rich and famous with Michelin-starred dining and endless shopping

Rates for Suvretta House during the winter season start from approx. £434 per night based on two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis. The hotel will re-open on 9 December 2019. suvrettahouse.ch DOUBLE ROOM, SUVRETTA HOUSE

L'APOGÉE, COURCHEVEL

PENTHOUSE JACUZZI, L'APOGÉE

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Open Mornings for Open Minds Discover why Oakham is a leading co-educational boarding and day school: Lower School 10+ 11+ Sat 9 Nov / Sat 29 Feb Middle School 13+ Sat 1 Feb / Sat 25 Apr Upper School 16+ Sat 9 May @OakhamSch

To book your place or organise an individual visit, contact: 01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Arrange-a-Visit

@OakhamSchool

@OakhamSch OAKHAM.indd 1

We have boarding and flexi-boarding places available

@OakhamSchool 27/09/2019 14:13

SWIMMING POOL, SEVERIN*S

TRAVEL • SKIING

RESIDENCE AT SEVERIN*S

STAY: L’APOGÉE 13 of France’s five star hotels can be found in Courchevel, including the extremely elegant L’Apogée, located in 1850. Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, the ski-in-ski-out, 55-bedroom hotel is one of Europe’s most stylish and romantic alpine retreats, a collaboration between acclaimed designers India Madhavi and Joseph Durand. Entry level rooms at the hotel are the most spacious in all of Courchevel, and each of the luxurious suites is designed as a mini-chalet, offering spectacular views from the underfloor heated balcony. This snowy retreat offers an extraordinary leisure experience for everyone both on and off the slopes, and even has a 40-metre private conveyor belt to transport guests smoothly off the slopes directly into the hotel’s perfumed, uber-chic ski room. L’Apogée Courchevel is also home to a spectacular restaurant and two bars by renowned Chef Franck Ferigutti, a Fromagerie, ham-aging cellar and world-class sushi restaurant, Koori.

Rates at L’Apogée Courchevel start from approx. £939 based on two people sharing a deluxe room on a half-board basis. The hotel re-opens on 13 December 2019. oetkercollection.com

More exclusive than most - it was a favourite of Princess Diana’s - Lech is perfect for skiers who like uncrowded, wellgroomed, snowsure runs.

Lech, Austria

Altitude: 1,450m Pistes: 305km Ski pass: €300 for a six-day adult ski pass for the Alberg mountain area Best for: beginner/intermediate

T

his chocolate box alpine village is located in the Arlberg region of Austria - a sophisticated hangout for those in the know.

More exclusive than most - it was a favourite of Princess Diana’s - Lech is perfect for skiers who like uncrowded, well-groomed, snow-sure runs. Beginners have lots of choice, from nursery slopes to forgiving blues, while intermediates usually head for the famous White Ring, taking in the scenery from Lech to Zürs and back to Lech – but conditions can make it tricky. Black runs are few and far between locally, however there’s an awful lot of off-piste to discover for advanced skiers. The Arlberg ski area has grown steadily over the years and encompasses 305 kilometers of downhill skiing, more than 200 km of high-alpine powder snow runs and four snow parks.

Warm welcomes and incredible skiing are rounded off with a touch of sophisticated class - the towns are known as much for their quality hotels, fine dining and après as for their pristine pistes.

STAY: SEVERIN*S – THE ALPINE RETREAT The gorgeous Severin*s Alpine Retreat is the perfect place to stay when exploring this charming town. From the outside it might appear to be a traditional ski chalet but once inside the interior reveals a haven of high-altitude indulgence. The hotel has just nine exclusive suites and a two-level residence, each affording spectacular views over the soaring peaks and with sumptuous Minotti furniture, glass-encased fireplaces and slate soaking tubs. Guests may be hard pushed to get to the piste after discovering the enormous spa and wellness area complete with saunas and an impressive indoor pool. You’ll no doubt want to get in a bit of activity however after indulging in the nightly four-course dinners, which give the local Tyrolean cuisine the fine-dining treatment, and are paired with the very best from the 3,000-bottle-strong wine cellar. Most guests make a beeline for the lifts each morning, reached via private shuttle in a matter of minutes.

The Oxford Ski Company offers 7 nights at SEVERIN*S – The Alpine Retreat from £2,525 per person. This is based on two sharing a Junior Suite on a half board basis and includes return private transfers and flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck. The hotel will re-open on 6 December 2019. oxfordski.com

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Mayfield B OA R D I N G & DAY S CHO O L FO R GIR L S AGED 11 TO 18

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS • SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME EXEMPLARY PASTORAL CARE & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT STATE OF THE ART EQUESTRIAN CENTRE SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE FLEXI, WEEKLY AND FULL BOARDING OPTIONS 50 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL LONDON BY TRAIN WEEKEND RETURN BUS TO LONDON MINIBUS SERVICE ACROSS SUSSEX AND KENT

Open Mornings

Sixth Form Open Evening

THURSDAY 19 TH SEPTEMBER 2019

THURSDAY 26 TH SEPTEMBER 2019

TUESDAY 5

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NOVEMBER 2019

TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTRAR, MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

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TRAVEL • LONDON

B E

O U R G U E S T

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M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L

The famous hotel has now reopened in its entirety after undergoing the most extensive refurbishment in its 117-year history. Internationally renowned designer Joyce Wang oversaw the renovation of all the guest rooms and suites along with the creation of the new luxurious penthouses with art deco-inspired features.

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IT’S TIME FOR A STAYCATION. ABSOLUTELY ROUNDS UP THE BEST NEW OFFERINGS FROM THE LONDON HOTEL SCENE

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10 MANCHESTER STREET The forward-thinking hotel now offers all guests a ‘Handy smartphone’, providing all its guests with access to local and international calls (to selected countries) and 3G data free of charge. Visitors are able to use the phones both within the hotel and when out and about exploring the city.

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T H E B I LT M O R E

Opening its doors to guests for the first time, The Biltmore is London’s newest and greatly anticipated hotel opening. As Europe’s first property within The LXR Hotels and Resorts Collection, guests can expect elegant designs, exceptional service and state-of-the-art amenities from this £60 million redevelopment.

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THE LANGHAM

Learn the trade secrets from some of London’s finest chefs at Sauce, The Langham Hotel’s cookery school. Classes range from ‘building block’ where you are taught basic skills such as pastry making or knife sharpening to the premium classes, which covers complicated skills and recipes.

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B AG L I O N I H OT E L

5

Explore London in a restored classic Mini. Offering guests a unique experience, Baglioni Hotels have redesigned the Italian Job and brought its character to the streets of London. Passengers can expect to be given a detailed four-hour tour of the city streets, full of fascinating facts you won't find in the guidebook.

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The WHITE ISLE

As the season draws to a close on the party paradise that is Ibiza, we round up the spots we enjoyed this summer By

HELEN BROWN

VIEW FROM CASA MACA

Cas Gasi

Cas Gasi is a heavenly boutique hotel that feels worlds away from the rest of the island, despite being just a 20-minute taxi ride away from the town of Ibiza. Set within four hectares of organic garden, olive groves and orchards, this beautifully restored country home emerges from assorted flora, all whitewashed and traditional stone. Owners, husband and wife duo Margaret von Korff and Luis Trigueros, have made the place feel like a family home, taking great care to maintain the authenticity of a typical Mediterranean house. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with two swimming pools, an open-air yoga deck and fullyequipped gym and spa. With just 12 suites, Cas Gasi is one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets; a paragon of a hotel that pitches itself as a hideaway.  Suites from approx. £286 per night based on two people sharing; casgasi.com

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Casa Maca

Just as laid back but situated closer to the rest of civilisation is Casa Maca. Though only 10 minutes from the airport and five from Ibiza town, this boutique stay maintains a blissful sense of tranquility, due in most part to its position atop a lush green hill. As such it has spectacular views directly across to the iconic skyline of Dalt Vila which can be enjoyed best from the glittering pool. Set in a 300 year old farmhouse, Casa Maca is incredibly rural but boasts all the modern touches you’d expect from a five-star stay. The high-end Mediterranean restaurant offers seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and is fast becoming a gastronomic destination in itself. With just 10 rooms, total tranquillity is guaranteed year-round.  Junior Suite £109 in low season, and from £231 in high season per night based on two people sharing; casamaca.com

CAS GASI

“With just 10 rooms, total tranquillity is guaranteed”

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TRAVEL • IBIZA O BEACH IBIZA

CASA MACA

O BEACH IBIZA

Cala Gracioneta

Villa Mercedes

Located in the south west of the island and once a humble fishing village, San Antonio has established a name for itself as one of the world’s top holiday spots, not just for Ibiza’s party-goers but for families of all ages. It’s ultimately famous for the Sunset Strip, a collection of bars where thousands of people gather every evening to watch the sun go down as world renowned DJs playing at Café Mambo and Café del Mar provide the soundtrack. However, with one of Europe’s largest natural harbours at its heart, the town is the perfect location for watersports, beaches and gorgeous waterfront eateries like Villa Mercedes.

From its privileged position overlooking the port and yacht harbour, this converted Ibicencan villa serves a Mediterraneanfusion menu that excels in flavour. Standout dishes include the aubergine tempura, garlic prawns and the Baja California fish tacos. Creative cocktails are served from the fully equipped outside bar and there is a chill-out area and a large stage for daily live music performances.  villamercedesibiza.com

Far enough away from San Antonio to lose the masses but close enough to walk is Cala Gració, a typical Ibizan beach with powdery white sands and pristine waters. But for something that is really off the beaten track, you’ll want to walk around the line of the coast to Cala Gracioneta, a tiny beach with the same commendable characteristics as its bigger counterpart, but with an intimacy you can only dream of. It’s here you’ll also find El Chiringuito, a beach bar and restaurant by the respected Mambo Group and rumoured to serve the best Paella on the island, though we rate it for its exceptionally generous portion of delicious calamari. Look out for live music nights where everything from flamenco fusion to contemporary Latin pop jazz is played.  calagracioneta.com/es

CALA GRACIONETA

YO U R AG E N DA F O R T H E PA R T Y S E A S O N M O N D A Y Claptone Presents The Masquerade pacha.com • T U E S D AY Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party ibizarocks.com • W E D N E S D AY Paradise @ DC10 paradise.live • T H U R S D A Y Afterlife @ Hï Ibiza hiibiza.com • F R I D A Y Agoria Presents Drift @ Blue Marlin bluemarlinibiza.com • S A T U R D A Y ANTS @ Ushuaïa Ibiza unitedants.com • S U N D AY Sin Sundays @ O Beach Ibiza obeachibiza.com

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An ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school

community, set in 220 acres

of beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside.

We welcome day students

from 3 months to 19 years

and boarders from 6 years to 19 years.

The No.1 independent

secondary school in the North of England (QE College).

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019

Academic, sport, music and

drama scholarships available

for students in Years 7 to 13.

Open Days: 16 November

18 November (Sixth Form Open Evening) 18 January

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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KIDS & EDUCATION

MAGIC MOMENTS TOCOTO VINTAGE At Spanish childrenswear brand Tocoto Vintage, a sense of mischievous magic, inspires the autumn/winter 2019 collection. Romantic prints pair with cord, denim and knits for a quirky, vintage feel. tocotovintage.com

Small talk 119 · Education news 121 · In the studio with Oliver Jeffers 124 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

BRAND FOCUS

BOYS AND GIRLS S AY P L E A S E

The new collection from Spanish brand SayPlease is full of unisex, play-ready pieces. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton, we love the colour palette of brown, electric blue and mustard and the simple, graphic prints. saypleasebaby.com

FIN+ZEE

SMALL TALK

Spanish fashion, planet talk, dancing and dolls

PLANET COOL S M A L L S X O E U F N YC

Two of our favourites: Smalls and Oeuf NYC have come together to create a limited edition collection of long sleeve tees to highlight the importance of sustainable fashion. Coming soon in rose, mustard and natural, from ages 2 to 14 years. smallsmerino.co.uk

OH BABY

EDITOR’S PICK

A

relatively new indie brand is Fin+Zee, created by Londonbased Emily Chen-Moir. The capsule collection for little ones aged up to four years is designed to be gender neutral and takes pride in being multi-cultural – inspired by life in London and Chen-Moir's Asian hertitage. Seasonless and produced on a very small scale, every piece is made in a small London studio which she visits regularly. The fabrics are all from sustainable sources (Japanese gauze, denim cotton, and European linen) and she up-cycles wherever possible. The resulting aesthetic is clean and simple, the tailoring is thoughtful, and unexpected design details inlcude clever detachable hoods, reversible braces and colourful contrast trims. These clothes are made for playing in, but they're stylish, smart and with plenty of individuality too. finandzee.com

TINY DANCERS

MINIKANE X SMALLABLE

KAREN HARDY

Minikane's darling babydolls have acquired a whole new wardrobe made from offcuts from Smallable's lovely brands. They're available exclusively online in limited editions at £90 each – so hurry if you want one...

Do you have an aspiring star? Give your little one the gift of dance.

Karen Hardy Dance Studios offers private Ballroom & Latin tuition and lesson packages, catered to your child’s goals and ability. Book your free taster lesson today.

020 7731 7316

 smallable.com

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

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THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE CURIOSITY AT WORK. At ACS we prepare our students to be ready.

Ready to ask new questions and demand better answers. Ready to innovate and create.

Ready for cultures that crossover, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. We ready them for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen.

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and boys aged 4 –18 • International Baccalaureate (IB) • Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Bursaries and scholarships • Extensive busing • Girls

Visit acs-schools.com/opendays

27/09/2019 12:21

EDUCATION • NEWS

School

NEWS Success stories from the world of education Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

TA L E N T E D MUSICIAN Antonia Holloway, a Lower Sixth student at Downe House School, has been selected for the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra Junior Artist Scheme 2019/20. She is one of just eight young musicians from across the UK chosen to join the scheme which offers a host of opportunities to play with one of the world’s finest symphony orchestras, to attend skills-based workshops and concerts and to work with an LPO Mentor.

Cricket Champions Bromsgrove School’s under 17 team are National Cricket Champions after winning the Cricket Paper U17s Cup final against Bedes. An exciting day of play saw the two sides put up equally impressive performances on both the field and with the bat.

But with two stumpings and a run out in the final over, Bromsgrove became Champions by 5 runs.

LIGHTING FIRES As of this year, students at Latymer Prep School will automatically join the Upper School in Year 7, sharing the same campus with its fantastic sporting, science and arts facilities.

The school believes that a Latymer education is about ‘lighting fires, not filling buckets’ and it hopes this change will allow pupils to further flourish in all aspects of their education.

STA R P U P I L In September, the students from St. Francis’ College, Letchworth Garden City, were given an inspiring talk by Dr Nicola Fox – a former student who studied at St Francis' during the 1980s. Dr Fox is now the current Director of Heliophysics at NASA, and she is responsible for all the work that NASA does in regard to studying the Sun and its interaction with the Earth and the rest of the Solar System.

Mini Makeover At Beaudesert Park School in the Cotswolds, the children starting nursery and reception this school year were in for a surprise. The latest exciting developments include new bright, multi-sensory nursery and reception spaces inside and out. Nursery have a new creative room and outdoor classroom whilst the two reception classes are revelling in their outdoor learning and Forest School zones.

“Teaching children about healthy eating is just as important as teaching them English and Maths” T H E G R E AT B R I T I S H B A K E O F F ' S P R U E L E I T H

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

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DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.

Open Open Events Days

October 8th (9:45am) November 1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) October 16th (9:45am - specifically for Y5 & Y6) st November 15th/21 (7.00pm/ October 31st (9:45am - specifi cally for Y59.30am) & Y6) th November 15 (9:45am) November 29th (9.30am) November 19th (6:30pm) November 25th (9:45am) Book your place online:

www.kewhouseschool.com/openevents

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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@kewhouseschool

24/09/2019 15:33

EDUCATION • NEWS Record Success

S C OT T I S H A DV E N T U R E

Windlesham School has seen a marked increase of A* and A grades and a total of 48% of A*/A overall. A record high of 29 pupils received scholarships this year and all leavers gained places at their chosen senior schools.

Windlesham, a non-selective school, also had its best Common Entrance results ever.

Every parent knows that time away from devices is a good thing. But Frensham Heights in Surrey has taken this one step further. Each year, all Year 9 students travel to Knoydart in Scotland for two weeks, challenging themselves outdoors and working together on community projects. Frensham Heights is celebrating five years of being the only school in the whole country to hold the prestigious Gold Standard award for outdoor education, accredited by the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres.

NEW BUILDING Cross-curricular learning is reaching new heights at Putney High School GDST with the building of a new state-of-theart Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre due to open in 2021. “We’re really excited about our new STEAM building which will be full of acoustically engineered music rooms, high tech laboratories and inspiring learning spaces - there will even be a debating forum for a bit of intellectual sparring,” explained Headmistress Suzie Longstaff.

2020 VISION

Rising Stars

The new academic year may only be a few weeks old, but that hasn’t stopped Year 13 students at MPW London from thinking ahead. The well-known Sixth Form college, based in South Kensington, held its annual Higher Education Fair on 25th September. The event offered students the opportunity to meet with representatives from a host of prestigious universities and employers, including Imperial College, UCL and PwC.

ArtsEd Day School student Zoe Brough has been nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in The Nether.

However Zoe isn’t the only ArtsEd student in the spotlight, as current Day School pupil Oliver Crouch has been cast as Dennis in the RSC’s The Boy in the Dress. Also, Sixth Form alumnus Thomas Dennis is currently starring as Albert Nethercott in the UK tour of the National Theatre’s War Horse.

R U G BY CUP Queen Ethelburga’s is celebrating as York has been named as a Rugby League World Cup 2021 host city, following a city-wide bid involving the Collegiate.

Amy Martin, Executive Chair of the Collegiate Board, said: “We are beyond excited to be part of York’s winning city-wide bid to host teams during RLWC 2021. We know our grounds and facilities are in a league of their own and look forward to being involved in what will be an unforgettable experience for all of us, as part of the York offer.”

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B O Y W I T H A

P A I N T B R U S H Absolutely meets Oliver Jeffers to discuss the process behind his new book, The Fate of Fausto Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

O

liver Jeffers is having a year off.

Having crammed two years’ work into 12 months, and with a new book just out, he’s earned a rest. The plan is to travel with his wife and two children before his elder son is due to start school near their home in Brooklyn, and so far they have made it to the UK, where I meet him on the 17th floor of the News Building, looking slightly wearied by the tight interview schedule set by his people at Harper Collins.

He’s a stylish, neat dresser and a fast talker in his Belfast accent.

Although he’s known as a writer of children’s books – and a prolific one – Jeffers is primarily a fine artist. His first book, How to Catch a Star, was his final year project at the University of Ulster, and his new book The Fate of Fausto is an experiment in manual lithography, a new medium for Jeffers.

“I’ve definitely got my feet in two different camps,” he admits. “The fine art did start before the books, but my work is all about storytelling and using words and pictures.”

Anyone who has ever dragged their tired voice through another daft bedtime story as

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their dinner gets cold downstairs will know that the quality of children’s books is varied.

Many are delightful, beautifully illustrated and full of character, while others – however much they might appeal to your four yearold – offer nothing by way of engagement for adults. And some, at the other end of the spectrum, stand out for being nothing short of magical. Oliver Jeffers’ many books are all firmly in the latter camp. His are gentle, quiet and quirky stories, mostly image-led, featuring intrepid children that do things like take themselves off to the South Pole or the moon on missions of their own undertaking.

The logic of the stories is childlike and charming, and there’s an unpredictability to them that makes them unusual.

Jeffers doesn’t necessarily agree. “I’ve always thought there was a fine line between predictability and satisfaction. If it’s too unpredictable then it’s not a satisfying

“The boy and the penguin hugging must be one of the most satisfying literary moments ever ”

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

OLIVER JEFFERS AND SON AT IDEM PARIS

“It's not that I ever really decided to become an artist – I just kept going”

story,” he says. But who would predict a plot development where a penguin ‘looking sad’ inspires a small boy to row across the Atlantic? And yet the image of the boy and the penguin hugging at the end of Lost and Found must be one of the most satisfying literary moments ever. “I try to let the pictures do the lion’s share of the storytelling,” says Jeffers.

He says he’s always been an artist. “The question isn’t ‘when did you become an artist?’ – it’s really ‘when did you stop?’

Everybody makes art, the trick is just keeping doing it. Kids make great art but at a certain point you become self-aware and very self-conscious and that starts to get in the way of expression. I managed to retain that, so it’s not that I ever decided to become an artist – I just kept going.” In his final year studying art in Belfast, he put together his first picture book – “sort of by accident: a book was a wonderful way of using words and pictures to make a story” – which became his first published work, How to Catch a Star. He made the book pretty much in its entirety and set to getting it published as soon as he graduated; it was snapped up immediately. “I put a lot of time and care into how it was presented and who to send it to; two days later I got calls.

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

“I'd liken lithography to painting with a four-hour time delay and lots of variables”

FROM THE FATE OF FAUSTO

This was before he had any children of his own. What was it that made him think in this credibly childlike way without them?

“I wasn’t trying to think in a childlike way.

I was just trying to think in simple terms and get to the core of something,” he says.

In Jeffers’ books – and particularly with The Fate of Fausto – you might think that the pictures precede the story, because they are so fundamental, and the words so sparce. Not so, he tells me. “There’s no set formula. Often I think about how something will sound at the same time as wondering how it will look.” But then, he says, his last two books were written in their entirety before he’d even thought of putting pictures to them. The new book, which presents in hardback like a collector’s piece, with marbled endpapers, a muted colour palette and a surprising bright pink binding under the dust jacket, is a brief but deep tale of man attempting – and failing – to tame the natural world.

It seems darker and more symbolic than his other works. “Really? Some people say it’s a comedy. It divides people. I was surprised – some people think it’s hilarious and other people think it’s grim.”

The Fate of Fausto has been a huge project because it’s accompanied by lithographs, all of which Jeffers created manually in what he describes as “a steep learning curve.” He had a “very rudimentary” understanding of the process before he went to the famed Idem Studio in Paris with the idea of

producing a whole book in lithography.

What he soon learnt was that it was going to be harder than he thought. “Because there’s a very clear lack of control. You’re making something that you’re committed to, with an idea of what might happen in four or five hours time that you can’t go back on.

It’s not like you can start again.

I’d liken it to painting with a four-hour time delay and a lot of variables.” He wouldn’t do it again. “You’re working backwards and upside down and back to front. I tried to limit the mistakes that could be made so that’s why the book is quite sparce.”

The results, however, are impressive and intensely beautiful. Art prints of many of the pages are available for sale.

So what’s next? After the year off, of course. “Last time someone asked me that, I told them ‘more of the same but bigger and slower’,” he smiles.

We’ll look forward to that.

The Fate of Fausto by Oliver Jeffers is published by Harper Collins A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

A Long DAY Gordon’s School’s extended school day is surprisingly popular

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illed as a solution to anti-social behaviour in London by the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield, extended school days have been part of the fabric at Gordon’s School in Surrey since it first opened its doors in the late 80s.

The thinking behind the extended school day - which runs every weekday from 7.00am until 7.30pm – was that it would integrate day boarders and residential boarders better and make their daily school life as similar as possible. Students going back to their homes at night do so after sport, supper and prep.

They are also expected to be at school on Saturday mornings for sport or other co-curricular activities. In addition, they join the residential boarders on a few Sundays during the year to take part in parades and chapel services. The extended school day system is supported by all.

Working parent Vicky Genetay commented: “It’s brilliant. They’ve done their prep at school which means that when they come home we can all enjoy family life. There’s no ‘have you done your homework?’ and it ensures their prep is done well.”

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“It means that when they come home we can all enjoy family life”

B y R O B PAV I S

SPORT AT GORDON'S SCHOOL

In addition, Mrs Genetay pointed out that it gets students used to long days for when they start university or a job. Her son Luc particularly enjoys the activities before prep: “It’s like having 90 brothers on site and I don’t have to go home and argue with my sister!”

Lewis, a day boarder concurs: “You get to have a better social life; you talk more to people and you get your prep out of the way.”

Teacher Klaudia Gibson says the results of the school - in the top 1% for progress in England and Wales at A-level and the top state school in Surrey for the number of entries to Russell Group Universities – are in no small measure due to the extended day.

“Prep done in a disciplined environment like their classrooms is more likely to produce good results from students,” she said. “There are fewer distractions than at home and help is on hand from a teacher if they run into difficulties.” Agreeing with

her, Freya Keppel-Compton who boards at the school commented: “Prep at school encourages you to get work done. You are more productive.

Having supper and prep, especially in the younger years, is really helpful because if you are confused about something you can ask a teacher.”

Of course there are downsides to doing prep at school – it does limit the excuses for not handing it in and certainly precludes the excuse of the ‘the dog ate it’.

R O B PAV I S Deputy Head (Pastoral) Gordon’s School

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