Absolutely North by North West May 2018

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

ABSOLUTELY North by Northwest City & East MAY 2018 / £3.95

Sister

ACT THE WOMEN BEHIND AESME FLOWERS

MAY 2018

LIFE IN BLOOM

CITY BREAK

The Chelsea Flower Show

Exploring Munich

Floral

ZEST.LONDON

FANCY

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F L OW E R S I N F O C U S T H I S S P R I N G ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 23/04/2018 12:24

“It’s fine.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.

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We’ll shop

online.”

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BASEMENT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

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BUILT ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS

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77-79 WESTBOURNE GROVE - W2 4UL LONDON - UK Tel: +44 (0) 20 7221 5137 london@devon-devon.com

FLORENCE ·

CHICAGO ·

COPENHAGEN ·

HAMBURG ·

ISTANBUL ·

LONDON ·

MILAN ·

MUNICH ·

NAPLES

NASHVILLE · NICE · PADUA · PARIS · PRAGUE · ROME · SHANGHAI · TBILISI · TEL AVIV · WARSAW · WIEN

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents M AY 2 0 1 8

72 10

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

14

The vitamin C products you need now

AGENDA

FLORAL FEVER

50 SCANDI KITCHEN

FA S H I O N FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

INTERIORS 58 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show

22

43 BRIGHT START

FOOD & DRINK 48 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Diary dates for May

16

30 48

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

24 GOOD SPORT

News from the industry

Summer recipes from Scandinavia

News and views from the world of design

61

BEST BUYS

Floral pieces for spring

Athleisure just got luxe

T R AV E L THE CITY OF SPIRES

26 JOANNA DAI

72

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 40 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

PROPERTY 84 LIVING THE DREAM

The designer making smart clothes comfy

This month’s best beauty buys

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

Tradition meets innovation in Munich

The most luxurious London properties

ON THE COVER MALENE ODDERSHEDE BACH SS18 AVAILABLE FROM FENWICK. PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTOPHER FENNER STYLING: HANNAH TEARE maleneoddershedebach.com fenwick.co.uk

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

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Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGIE RUTHERFORD EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE

Make an entrance

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO 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

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We b si t e

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17/04/2018 12:11

Editor’s

LETTER

In honour of The Chelsea Flower Show (22-26 May 2018), Kensington restaurant Maggie Jones’s is giving its menu a floral makeover by adding edible flowers to each of its dishes. maggie-jones.co.uk

W

e're looking at a lot of flowers this month. It's May, which is properly spring, and there's the Chelsea Flower show, so focus is on colour and freshness. Throughout this issue there are bright shades and floral patterns, plus conversations with actual florists, as well as a preview of the flower show itself. Foodwise, we're preparing for the new season with a focus on summer salads, courtesy of our friends at ScandiKitchen, and looking forward to the British Library's new Food Season where guests can learn from the best in the culinary industry. In fashion, we look at Daiwear's clever new performance workwear, which is designed for the office (not the gym) but feels as comfortable as any yoga outfit. We quiz the woman behind the brand as we covet her stylish key pieces. A large interiors section this month spans chair design, wall storage, floral displays and the leagacy of Kähler Design. Travel takes us to Munich in search of interesting things to report, and there's the usual mix of diary dates, local events and property news too.

We hope you enjoy the magazine.

ABSOLUTELY’S favourite floral pieces for spring

1

MAGGIE JONES

4

5

LENA HOSCHEK

Austrian designer Lena Hoschek's summery collection is inspired by bohemian, gypsy looks and her florals are bright and bold. lenahoschek.com

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

AESME FLOWERS

The sisters behind Aesme Flowers create some of the most beautiful arrangements with a loose, natural flair. aesme.co.uk

2

DE GOURNAY

De Gournay's beautiful Amazonia print on pink silk is exactly how I picture the backdrop to my dream house. degournay.com

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L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR

Developed by perfumer Anne Flipo for L'Artisan Parfumeur, Champ de Fleurs is a transparent white floral inspired by the first flowers of spring. With grapefruit, pear, lily of the valley, jasmine, cedar, musk and amber.

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

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17/04/2018 11:39

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

10

SPORT MEETS ST YLE Danse Lente takes inspiration from gymnastics for a SS18 collection of striking silhouettes and sculptural design. Imagine the clean lines of vaults, rings and pommel horses, robust hardware and the fluidity of the athlete. danselente.com

Drinking in Design

A limited edition whisky from Blue Label and decorated by Tom Dixon for the dapper drinker who enjoys design. £195; selfridges.com

WALL FLOWER

Junique's poster is just what we need to brighten the mood as we wait for summer to show up. Warning: evokes wanderlust. £24.90; juniqe.co.uk

L E AT H E R H E AD Get dressed head-to-phone this season with the new collection from Greenwich. Cases come in a range of pastel hues and promise to protect from every bump and scrape. £129; greenwich.design

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

Silk Road

Dolce & Gabbana's scarf is decorated with the label's vibrant Maiolica motif and cut from fluid silk-twill. We'll have ours tied around the handles of a tote. £155; net-a-porter.com

SLEEPING BEAUTY

W I NGI N G I T Finlay is a British eyewear brand born with a rebellious spirit. We’ve opted for the winged Willow frames in blue for guaranteed Brti-chic cool. £165; finlayandco.com

Nighttime has never been so chic with the Cotton Sateen PJ set from Laurence Tavernier at Amélie’s Follies. Simple and practical, yet modern and elegant, each design showcases refi ned details and elegant fabrics. £144; ameliesfollies.co.uk

HOME COMFORTS

Muted hues and eclectic embroidery make the Tasseled Salima Cushion a spring sofa staple for delivering a sophisticated splash of colour. £58 each; anthropologie.com

TAS SEL FEVE R Radiant rose gold, stamped sentiment and tassels; the Luxe Bangles from Joma Jewellery are the only bracelets you’ll want to stack this summer. £19.50; jomajewellery.com

Perfect Pastels

Specialising in demi-couture, Roksanda bags are elegant with a touch of effortless modern cool; ideal for adding interest to an otherwise safe spring ensemble. £1,531; farfetch.com

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

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10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

12 July

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

10 – 15 July 2018

kewthemusic.org Royal Botanic Gardens Raymond Gubbay

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis

Special guest Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Rosie Mae.

A magical outdoor tale for all the family

Life is suddenly turned upside down and everything becomes curiouser and curiouser…

21 July – 27 August 2018

0871 231 0847 (calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras)

theatreonkew.co.uk

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CULTURE

Made in Arts London; Stella Kapezanou, The Girl In Miu Miu, courtesy of The Affordable Art Fair

What’s On 14 • What to expect from this year's Chelsea Flower Show 16 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

F E S T I VA L

Chelsea Fringe Day 19 May GEFFRYE MUSEUM

Though the Geffrye Museum has closed its doors for a two-year development project, its front gardens remain open for an action-packed programme of spring and summer events. Chelsea Fringe Day celebrates the joys of urban gardens with plant workshops, lawn games, botanical cocktails, street food and more. 136 Kingsland Road, E2; geffrye-museum.org.uk

FA I R

Art House A F FO R DA BL E A RT FA I R • 10 -13 MAY

Local artists will take centre stage at the Affordable Art Fair which returns to Hampstead Heath in a celebration of established and emerging local talent. Highlights of the varied programme include Barnet-based John Brown’s figurative paintings, Anne Gournay’s prints and Mychael Barratt's works illustrating the diversity of life in London.

Lower Fairground Site, NW3; afforadableartfair.com

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ARK 1 CARRIED IN COMFORT, © ESTATE OF ENID MARX

EXHIBITION

Print, Pattern and Popular Art From 25 May

HOUSE OF ILLUST RAT ION

Enid Marx was a textile designer, printmaker and illustrator who defined mid-20th century design. From patterned paper for Curwen Press to stamp, poster and print design, over 150 pieces are brought together in the most comprehensive retrospective of her work in 40 years. 2 Granary Square, N1C; houseofillustration.org.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EXHIBITION

WERNER BÜTTNER From 25 May

WERNER BÜTTNER, DIET – GEISSEL DER POSTMODERNE (2017). COPYRIGHT

Around Town EXHIBITION

SISTER BROTHER

MARLBOROUGH FIN E ART

Until 20 May

Plenty of Room for All Sorts of Happiness is the latest show from Werner Büttner which will see new works made over the last two years together with a rich selection of paintings from the 1980s. Imbued with a dark humour, Büttner’s work pursues one essential underlying theme: the pursuit of lucidity as a tool for survival.

6 Albemarle Street, W1S; marlboroughlondon.com

V&A MUSEUM OF C H ILD H OOD

WERNER BÜTTNER, COURTESY MARLBOROUGH FINE ART

The roles we are given at an early age within the family group become defining elements of who we are.

Sister Brother shines a light on the impact siblings have on our identity as we grow up. Bringing together a set of portraits by Madeleine Waller, the exhibition aims to explore sibling relationships and how they affect our sense of self.

Cambridge Heath Road, E2; vam.ac.uk/moc DAMIEN FROST, BOURGEOISIE FROM NIGHT FLOWERS

EXHIBITION

FOOTNOTES: INTIMATE STORIES OF SHOES From 9 May S U T TO N H O US E

This Month’s Must See

London College of Fashion, UAL, presents Footnotes, an exhibition of artist responses to the college’s historic shoe archive. Visitors will discover objects from the college’s eclectic archive which includes 1930s orthopaedic footwear, silk slippers from the 1800s and a shoe made for a sheep.

2&4 Homerton High Street, E9; nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhouse

EXHIBITION

LONDON NIGHTS From 11 May MUSEUM OF LOND ON

JANE EYRE

N

15- 19 MAY • SADLER'S WELLS

orthern Ballet are marrying a Brontë classic with ballet in its production of Jane Eyre. Join one of literature’s most iconic heroines on a journey of courage, romance and tragedy, set to a score of original compositions and existing work that will bring this beautiful love story to life.

Roseberry Avenue, EC1R;

As daylight fades, the city’s character changes and a new night persona emerges. Delve into the darkness and explore nocturnal London at this major new photography exhibition at Museum of London.

150 London Wall, EC2Y; museumoflondon.org.uk

EXHIBITION

TEETH From 17 May WELLCOM E COLLEC T ION

From vampires and tooth fairies to barber surgeons and professional dentists, Wellcome Collection’s summer exhibition traces the evolution of the relationship with our teeth and what they say about us with over 150 objects, cartoons, caricatures and more.

183 Euston Road, NW1; wellcomecollection.org

northernballet.com

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

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RHS, LINDLEY LIBRARY

RHS/JON ENOCH

FLORAL TRADITION

RHS/LUKE MACGREGOR

The Chelsea Flower Show returns in full glory this May. These are our top tips for floral fanatics

By GEORGIA MCVEIGH RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH

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CULTURE • CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RHS/HANNAH MCKAY

W RHS/JOANNA KOSSAK

ith a reputation almost as prestigious as those who attend it, the Chelsea Flower Show is returning to London on 22 May. A favourite of Royals and celebrities, its 2018 return promises to showcase some of the most aspirational and innovative of recent garden designs, as well as many favourite exhibitors from previous years. With over a century of history behind it – having run in its Chelsea location since 1913 – its longevity is owed to its ability to adapt and change with the times, and many of the installations reflect the issues that face our planet through living displays.

Here are this years highlights:

RHS/LUKE MACGREGOR

G R E AT PAV I L I O N

ne of Chelsea's biggest attractions, the Great Pavilion will exhibit over 85 of the best nurseries in the world and play host to some of the most prestigious florists in the business. There will be interactive plant science displays in the Discovery Area and a Hampshire Carnivorous Plants section to watch as the prey becomes the predator.

Or help celebrate alpine specialist D’arcy & Everest’s 25th anniversary.

O

ARTISAN GARDENS

he Artisan Gardens combine traditional materials and methods with the most innovative recent design approaches, and are dotted throughout Ranelagh Gardens. Always a favourite at the show, it’s possible to observe rustic materials married with stylish, modern twists as a tasteful combination between the contemporary and the classic. The gardens will also showcase artisan products and the highest quality detailing.

T

“Many installations reflect the issues facing our planet through bright, living displays”

C H E L S E A AT T W I L I G H T

new feature for 2018, the Chelsea at Twilight event will take place on Friday evening. For the first time, the Chelsea Flower Show will open its doors for an evening event from 8-10PM. It will feature a live band, an artisan food market and wandering artists – but most excitingly, the chance to enjoy the Artisan Gardens by twilight as a farewell to the show for another year. Tickets are limited, so speedy booking is essential.

A

E N V I R O N M E N TA L AWA R E N E S S

he aquatic theme of the Pearlfisher Garden subtly suggests how the natural beauty of the ocean is being irrevocably damaged. Large aquatic tanks surround the central piece – a threedimensional pearl diver, and suspended Tillandsia will hang from the top of the tanks to produce an algae effect. Live fish and coral will feature, as a final reminder of those which are most deeply affected by our damage of the planet; making it the most poignant and evocative exhibition this year.

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RHS/GEORGI MABEE

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

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CULTURE • CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RHS/GEORGI MABEE

H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G

new place to sit and contemplate life, the inception of the Garden of Health and Wellbeing is a result of research that focuses on the beneficial qualities of plants and trees to general welfare. The garden aims to show that both gardeners and those simply in the presence of flora and fauna can achieve a sense of calm and tranquillity, thus championing the immense power of plants. It’s little wonder that Prince Charles famously takes the time to talk to his plants.

A

S PAC E T O G R OW

he Space to Grow Gardens are a collection of new exhibitions for 2018 that focus on designs for the naturally smaller urban garden. The designs will show how to maximise on the space available, aiming to provide inspiration for London dwellers who are struggling to plant the minimal terrain that comes with an urban townhouse. Great for anyone London-based looking to give new life to their outdoor space.

T

JA R D I N B L A N C

( R AY M O N D B L A N C )

ardin Blanc with Raymond Blanc will be returning to the Chelsea Flower Show with day and evening packages in the food and hospitality area. Package depending, options include exclusive access to the Jardin Blanc area, breakfast, a four-course lunch and Afternoon Tea designed by Raymond Blanc himself, as well as botanically themed cocktails. The evening package offers canapés and a champagne reception, musical entertainment and dinner. A great (and delicious) way to ensure you’re fully fuelled for some serious flower foraging.

J

RHS/GEORGI MABEE

R H S C H E L S E A F LOW E R S H OW RHS/GEORGIE MABEE

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will run from 22~26 May rhs.org.uk

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CONCEPT KITCHENS

DESIGN & FUNCTION

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk

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spice london

SUMMER // 1 8 162 REGENTS PARK RD LONDON NW1 8XN T: 02077222478 WWW.SPICESHU.CO.UK

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FASHION

GARDEN OF DELIGHTS BIMBA Y LOLA

Bimba Y Lola is celebrating a summer of love, with a collection inspired by the bohemian spirit of the 1970s. Delivering plenty of frayed denim, natural leather and paintbox brights, this is psychedelic made stylish. bimbaylola.com

Fashion Notes: Cold Shoulder Tops and Bridal Jewellery 22 ¡ Trend: Good Sport 24 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

Blouses are given the cold shoulder and fashionable brides get bejeweled this May

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

2

4 OF THE BEST

ONE-SHOULDER B LO U S E S

3

4

1. HELLESSY, One-shoulder textured linen and silk-blend top, £885; net-a-porter.com 2. MSGM, One-shoulder broderie-anglaise cotton top, £455; matchesfashion.com 3. SELF-PORTRAIT, Plumetis frill top, £240; self-portrait-studio.com 4. THEORY, Ruza one-shoulder crepe top, £275; net-a-porter.com

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CORNELIA WEBB X N E T-A- P O R T E R

This year, self-taught Stockholmbased jewellery designer Cornelia Webb is returning for a second bridal collaboration with Neta-Porter. Fascinated by human anatomy, Webb sketches all of her designs directly onto her own body rather than paper. The result is undulating, graphic pieces, which add a stylish spin to any bridal ensemble. corneliawebb.com

BEJEWELED B R I D E

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EDITOR’S PICK

17/04/2018 11:57

FASHION • NOTES

COLOUR

A B S O L U T E LY T R I E S . . .

PERSONAL SHOPPING

CONCEPT ST I N E G OYA

Copenhagen-born Stine Goya entered the scene 12 years ago with its art-inspired designs. This season, the brand embraces floaty fabrics, whimsical prints and bold colourways. With the brand now available on Net-a-Porter, there’s no excuse not to get in on the action. stinegoya.com

Fit & Style Studio

EDITOR’S PICK

T

B y J OY M O N T G O M M E R Y

Frill

SEEKER G RAB BAG

JOSEPH

It might look unassuming, but Joseph’s Sevres bag quietly claimed the crown of fashion week’s most coveted tote.

Made from Italian leather and featuring a statement buckle, it offers a fresh take on the 2017 bucket bag. Wear now with androgynous separates, and come summer, a linen sun dress; £476 joseph-fashion.com

VAMPIRE’S WIFE

The Vampire’s Wife's ruffled dresses have been spotted at countless fashion parties and worn by everyone from Keira Knightley to Sienna Miller. Chic, flattering, and a little bit retro?

Consider us sold; £1,395 doverstreetmarket.com

Graphic

DESIGN O R W E L L + AU ST E N

We love the graphic, colourblocking appeal of Orwell + Austen’s ‘Love’ cashmere jumper. This statement knit will add a pop of personality to any outfit and come in handy on cool summer evenings. We want one in every colour (navy, baby blue, black, grey and red, if you’re wondering); £219 store.orwellausten.com

he idea of personal shopping has always filled me with dread. I love shopping (I am a fashion writer after all), but my trips tend to be onewoman missions carried out with military precision. I know what I want, what I like and where I want to go.

So when Marks & Spencer invited me to experience their new 'Fit & Style Studio', I was hesitant but also intrigued.

Firstly I'm asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which details everything from sizing to 'my typical day'. The studio itself is spacious and elegantly furnished, and I sip on a glass of Prosecco while my stylist Sara reveals the rails of clothes she has picked out for me. With decades of celebrity styling under her belt, I am impressed by both her professionalism and, most importantly, her taste. So far so good.

We begin with one outfit, and I'm asked which aspects I do and don't like. We use this as a starting point from which to add and take away pieces - swapping a blouse for a T-shirt, a block heel for a brogue. I feel at ease with Sara and welcome her expert opinion. I even enjoy being pushed out of my sartorial comfort zone, trying colours and shapes that I would usually recoil from.

Three hours and many outfits later, I leave with a classic white shirt, on-trend pastel blue blazer and nude patent brogues, all of which slot perfectly into my summer wardrobe. Mission accomplished.

So whether you’re looking for a dress for a special occasion, or simply something to shake up your style, give personal shopping a try. You might just become a convert.

FIT & STYLE STUDIO

Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush, W12; 02082662200 To book an appointment visit marksandspencer.com

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

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FASHION • TREND ALBUS LUMEN

CALVIN KLEIN

Fishermans Linen Shorts, £118; matchesfashion.com

Chantal Slides, Chambray, £29.99; office.co.uk

ZARA Jogging Trousers With Stripes, £29.99; zara.com

SOLID & STRIPED The Nina Waist-Belt Swimsuit, £155; net-a-porter.com

KENZO ARKET Fishtail Parka, £150; arket.com

Good Sport Pound the pavement in this season’s elevated sportswear.

Athleisure just got luxe

VALENTINO

Embroidered Cotton Sweater, £225; net-a-porter.com

VETEMENTS X TOMMY HILFIGER Striped Socks, £85; matchesfashion.com

GUCCI Grosgrain-Trimmed Pleated Washed-Silk Skirt, £795; net-a-porter.com

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

EDITOR’S PICK

ZARA Backpack With Metal Detail, £19.99; zara.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

ADIDAS

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Trefoil T-Shirt by Adidas Originals, £23; topshop.com

NIKE Waffle Racer Shoe, £75; arket.com

17/04/2018 11:59

38 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk BATH SORTS NOV.indd 1

17/10/2016 12:21

WORK AND PLAY

Absoutely quizzes Joanna Dai, financier turned fashion designer, about making smart clothes that are comfortable too

Could workwear feel like yoga, but wear like a powersuit?

Interview PENDLE HARTE

PENDLE HARTE What inspired you leave the world of finance for fashion?

JOANNA DAI I was always creative and entrepreneurial when I was young – between my grade school art recognitions and always running for student government so that I could plan events for my fellow classmates. I was analytical at the same time, so spending the first eight years out of college in finance was exhilarating. I’ve acquired a business mindset from banking which has been invaluable. As I looked ahead, I felt I was ready to be more creative and entrepreneurial again. I wanted to create something more tangible, something

26

the consumer would appreciate, and to build a brand where there was no roadmap, just a vision for positive impact.

PH Your collection is all about being comfortable. How does it work? Is it about the fabrics or the cuts? How is it possible to be both tailored and comfortable?

JD I grew up in Southern California where getting dressed was relaxed and easy.

I swam and played water polo all year round where it was just your suit and towel. I’m still active with a long-distance running in breathable sportswear. So clothes never constricted my movement until

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FASHION • Q&A

my professional life, when I was working more than 12 hours a day. When I saw the athleisure trend take off and become a lifestyle, I asked myself if workwear could feel like yoga, but wear like a powersuit.

My hypothesis was more about the fabrics and making them tailored. Our first cuts are quite classic and tailored with modern, minimal details. As we’re combining elegant tailoring with innovative fabrics that have quite a bit of stretch, we’re constantly testing the finishings and details to achieve the clean and high-end look while withstanding the stretch-enabled movements.

PH How does feeling uncomfortable affect your performance?

JD What you wear represents you and how you want to be perceived. It impacts how you feel. So clothes can have a transformative power on your mindset and your confidence. I’ve been through days where scratchy tag,s stiff linings, skirts that keeps riding up or constrictive waistbands have been really disctracting, especially at the moments when I needed my laser focus the most. I want to optimise women’s performance and confidence, not create distractions for them with shortcomings in their clothes.

PH What fabrics are you using?

JD Our technical fabrics are sourced from premium, environmentally friendly Italian mills. We look for performance functions such as four-way stretch, breathability, wrinkle resistance, anti-pilling, machine washable, eco-certified, and no bagging out after wear (the list goes on). For seven out of eight styles in our capsule collection, we’re using a microfibre jersey that’s double bonded, meaning two breathable single layers which are joined together for extra

structure, making it comfortable yet great for tailoring. We also love silk, a natural fibre that has a luxe hand feel, temperature control, and drapes beautifully.

PH How old are your customers and who are they?

JD Our customers generally range from 30 to 65+, which is amazing because it shows that comfort is universal. From urban professionals to countryside entrepreneurs, the common thread is busy women seeking comfort that looks smart.

PH With no background in fashion, how did you learn the basics?

JD Over the course of five months, I took fashion design and womenswear patternmaking at London College of Fashion, and interned with luxury British womenswear designer Emilia Wickstead, whom I knew and admired from making my wedding dress. The combination of these experiences – aka my crash course in fashion – gave me the foundation to venture off on my own.

PH Which designers do you admire?

JD From the archives, Christian Dior for his waist-defining silhouettes which were revolutionary at the time and fundamental classics today. In the modern day, the designers I admire the most are also

powerhouse businesswomen on a mission to support other women, give back socially and/or change the world environmentally: Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenburg, Maria Grazia Chiuri.

PH Do you miss the world of finance?

JD I definitely miss aspects of it. I still love numbers and being technical, and these days I’m not the technical expert in almost any aspect of my day-to-day, except for the Dai brand, products and values. I miss the fast-paced environment with constant news flow and always having a point of view that impacted the direction of market transactions. I miss the amenities of a city office building such as a reception, IT on call, cleaners and maintenance. Our last studio did not even supply toilet paper, which always makes me laugh, but I’m building something that women are enthusiastically responding to and that’s what matters.

PH What’s next for Daiwear?

JD We’re expanding our range, introducing new colours and using a few new lighterweight fabrics for our spring/summer collection. We’ll have more styles and silhouettes for trousers, tops, dresses and skirts. And size UK 16, which we’ve had a lot of women ask for. daiwear.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DISTINCTIVE STYLE

ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Watches, diamonds and gems: these jewellers are a cut above the rest 28

M I C H A E L P L AT T

R E B E C CA BY D U M AU R I E R

Why not mark a special time or memorable occasion with a remarkable gift? Michael Platt, Goldsmith and Jewellers in Wimbledon Village will work to your requirements and budget to make an exceptional and bespoke piece of jewellery just for you, with a complimentary design consultation for new jewellery or remodelling dated or inherited jewellery. 1 Church Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 5DW020 8947 4772 michaelplatt.co.uk

If you’re really in the mood for something fresh and sparkly, the Rebecca by Du Maurier will definitely do the trick. The lovely white lizard strap offsets the Rebecca’s twelve diamonds, rose gold and mother-of-pearl perfectly. Try it on at The Pommier in Covent Garden and see the full choice of lovely strap colours while you’re there. Alternatively, see the full collection at dumaurierwatches.com

LOV E F I N E D I A M O N D S

D U M AU R I E R WATC H E S

When it’s time to shine look no further than Love Fine Diamonds, located in Hatton Garden. Their team of experts and master jewellers will help you select fine jewellery to treasure forever.

Whether it's a celebratory event to rival the royals or a more laid-back intimate occasion, they'll find you a fit whatever your budget. lovefinediamonds.co.uk

Known for their stunning Swiss-made watches, Du Maurier have recently launched a capsule collection of desirable jewellery. The Sylvia Collection, featuring gorgeous aqua chalcedony and citrine in a gold setting are versatile enough to add the perfect finishing touch to everyday outfits or some sparkle to a Little Black Dress. See the full collection at dumaurierwatches.com

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INSPIRATION & DESIGN

40 Offord Road, Islington, London N1 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk TILE BOX NOV_V3.indd 1

17/10/2016 17:03

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PRETTY COOL Embrace your feminine side with summer orals, bright embroidery and playful textiles anthropologie.com

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11/07/2017 15:21

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Chain Gang Link up with this season’s heavy metal jewellery trend with Harriet Kelsall hkjewellery.co.uk

Fairtrade 9 carat white gold, 0.25ct sapphire and 0.024ct diamond engagement ring, £1,995

Fairtrade 9 carat rose gold engagement ring with diamonds totaling 0.76ct, £3,750

9 carat white gold and 0.33ct H SI princess cut diamond engagement ring with ruby and sapphires, £3, 395

9 carat yellow gold and 0.65ct brilliant cut emerald earrings, £1,475

Geometric multicolour 0.06ct diamond and 0.35ct ruby and sapphire pendant, £1,550

Fairtrade 18 carat yellow gold and 1.10ct trilliant cut blue sapphire earrings, £1,595

Rainbow inspired sapphire and palladium mobius twist eternity ring, £1, 375

1.9ct sapphire, ruby, tsavorite and 9 carat rose gold bombe ring, £5,985

Milky way inspired platinum engagement ring with 0.70ct sapphire and diamonds totaling 0.50ct, £6,950

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

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SWING LOW CHANEL Largerfeld muse and teen it-girl, Lily-Rose Depp, is fronting Chanel’s latest beauty campaign, Rouge Coco Lip Blush. With a silky gel formula that melts onto lips and cheekbones, these little tubes of colour are perfect for offering your complexion a natural flush. Healthylooking skin here we come. chanel.com

Beauty Notes: Sea Salt Scrubs and Water-Fresh Formulas 40 ¡ Trend: Vitamin C 43 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

From sea salt scrubs to water-fresh formulas, it's all about embracing the Big Blue this May

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

WASH Out R I T UA L S

Inspired by an ancient Balinese ceremony, The Ritual of Banyu honours the powerful healing properties of water, with every item in the eight-piece collection infused with purifying sea salt and revitalising kelp minerals. rituals.com

TOUCHE ÉCLAT

YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen, £25.50; boots.com

IT COSMETICS

Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer In Medium, £23.50; qvcuk.com

5 OF THE BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALERS

NARS

Radiant Creamy Concealer, £24; feelunique.com

BOBBI BROWN

Creamy Concealer Kit, £26; bobbibrown.co.uk

40

TARTE

Shape Tape Contour Concealer With Quickie Blending Sponge, £28.02; qvcuk.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

SCANDI SKIN

SALON REVIEW

BJORK & BERRIES

We’re always on the lookout for products that have style and substance, and Swedish botanical brand Bjork & Berries, delivers both.

Combining centuries-old Swedish beauty traditions with modern-day technology, this eco-conscious skincare brand prides itself on using as few ingredients as possible. bjorkandberries.com

Top Tips For A Peaceful Night’s Sleep

EDITOR’S PICK

By ANANDI, THE SLEEP GURU

HERE COMES THE SUN MEDIK8

RIDE THE WAVE DIOR

Dior’s Cool Wave collection is guaranteed to freshen up your makeup game this summer. From cobalt blue eye shadow palettes to vibrant coral lipsticks, the edit packs plenty of personality. Wall flowers need not apply. dior.com

SPF is essential for maintaining a youthful complexion, yet finding a formula that doesn't clog the skin can be tricky. Enter Medik8. Boasting broadspectrum UVA and UVB protection, anti-pollution technology and SPF 30, this complexion-loving wformula will both shield skin and combat signs of photoageing. wmedik8.com

Cool Runnings CREME DE LA MER

La Mer has always been our go-to for rich antiageing formulas, however their latest release, Moisturising Cool Gel Cream, is a godsend for combination skin. Refreshing and light, this water-fresh formula packs hydration without the heaviness. An essential for summer holidays. cremedelamer.co.uk

1 B R E AT H E The breath, heart and mind are intimately linked. The moment you start taking longer, deeper breaths, the heart rate comes down and the mind settles.

2 C O N N E C T T O YO U R S E L F , N O T T H E I N T E R N E T When you become disconnected from yourself you become stressed. Switch off your computer and TV at least 1.5 hours before bed time and spend that time reading and relaxing instead.

3 U N R AV E L YO U R S E L F A N D P U T YO U R L E G S U P T H E WA L L The name of this yoga pose is Viparita Karani. I recommend legs up the wall to nearly everyone as it has such a heavenly rejuvenating power and will bring you back to earth after all that running and rushing. Stay there for 10 minutes as your bedtime prep.

4 B O O S T YO U R N AT U R A L M E L AT O N I N L E V E L S Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Various foods contain melatonin such as grapes and cherries but there are also some excellent all natural supplements on the market such as the Neuro Fruit extracts from Utmost Me. 5 HUM LIKE A BUMBLEBEE The bumblebee breath is incredible for insomnia. It calms the mind, gets rid of negative emotions and stimulates serotonin. Turn the lights out, lay comfortably on your back and make the bumblebee sound. You’ll soon be putting in the zzzz’s instead of the mmmm’s! thesleepguru.co.uk

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

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Flaunt your legs and your confidence

Love your legs again…

Book in with one of our Varicose Vein Specialists today Varicose Vein Surgery from £2,270 To book, call us on 020 8108 7035 or visit www.highgatehospital.co.uk/general-surgery/varicose-veins 17–19 View Road, Highgate, London, N6 4DJ. Email: enquiries@highgatehospital.co.uk

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Issey Miyake SS18

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

LIXIRSKIN Vitamin C Paste, £32; cultbeauty.com

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Eye Cream, £69; spacenk.com

SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, £70; spacenk.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NATURA BISSÉ C+C Vitamin Scrub, £58; net-a-porter.com

THE ORDINARY Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, £4.90; theordinary.com

BRIGHT START

SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic, £135; skinceuticals.co.uk

EMMA HARDIE SKINCARE Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream, £46; feelunique.com

Brightening, anti-ageing and pollution-fighting; vitamin C is your skin's secret weapon B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

ALPHA-H

YOUTH CORRIDOR

Supersize Vitamin C Serum, £55.02; qvcuk.com

Ultimate Antioxidant C Boost Serum, £140; net-porter.com

MZ SKIN Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum, £245; harveynichols.com

THE HERO PROJECT PERRICONE MD Vitamin C Ester Serum, £80; allbeauty.com

Vit C-30 Ultra Brightening Serum, £35; qvcuk.com

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

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new houses | extensions | refurbishments | basement excavations

gregoryphillips.com | 020 7724 3040

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06/03/2018 09:13

HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

SUMMERY SCENTS

With trees in full leaf and gardens bursting with blossoms, May is a month full of colour and promise B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

P

erfume’s ability to reflect the very best in nature never ceases to inspire me and so, at this most effusive juncture in the calendar, it would be appropriate to unveil some of the most exciting and enthusiastic summery scents that stimulate the soul and the senses.

One of my favourites is ‘Agua di Colonia Concentrada’ from Alvarez Gomez, a family perfumery in Madrid. The formula dates back to 1912 and is perhaps the ultimate Spanish cologne, full of juicy lemons, lavender, rosemary and thyme. It reminds me of childhood holidays and can still lift my spirits in seconds.

The truly gifted David Seth Moltz at D.S. & Durga also has a joyful olfactory hymn in ‘Italian Citrus’.

Chinotto and blood oranges with green mandarine and cold-pressed lemons dance across this scent. It is expansive and sparkling with a really interesting and rather serene drydown of copaida balsam and incense.

It has its heart in the grand tradition of soft Mediterranean colognes but its head in an altogether more spiritual place. Heavenly.

James Heeley is a British talent and a lovely guy whose rather epic ‘ Note de Yuzu’ is perhaps the most potent infusion of sunshine ever bottled. Here, sharp and effervescent yuzu is teamed with sea salt and a vivid white musk to become the olfactory equivalent of a double espresso.

Heliotrope is one of my favourite flowers and smells like almonds but slightly sweeter and creamier.

‘Heliotrope’ from the legendary French fragrance house of Molinard is perhaps the finest rendering as it layers the flowers over the top

“Scents that stimulate the soul” and heart of the scent. The clever inclusion of neroli adds a little zing and the classic triumvirate of rose, iris and jasmine provides the fragrance’s unyielding good taste.

This is an intoxicating perfume and one application is never enough. Addictive.

Finally to figs and coconuts, two tropical temptresses that never fail to mesmerise the mind and seduce the senses. The fact that they are gourmand notes probably plays a role in the attraction however it is the mellow, unhurried ease of these notes that I find bewitching.

Two outstanding candidates are ‘Gorse’ from Laboratory Perfumes and ‘Figue en Fleur’ from Andree Putman. The former is a scent based on the prickly bushes that occupy scrubland across Europe, brought to Britain by the Romans and, unusually for us, a plant the flowers almost all year round. Its flowers actually smell like coconuts and here they are combined with fresh green and citrus over the lemony spice of cardamom. Creamy and dreamy.

From Paris, ‘Figue en Fleur’ utilises the aromatic leaves for the fig tree, which has an almost vanilla green scent, and adds the ethereal beauty of almonds and tonka over the spiced sweetness of sandalwood.

It is Provence in May, windows down, driving through the green undulating hills before the summer sun has baked them brown. Effortless chic.

These are the scents of endless summers; shimmering and incandescent - Enjoy!

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

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FOOD & DRINK

PERFECT SETTING KAHLER DESIGN Created in collaboration with Anders Arhøj, Kähler's Unico bowl is decorated with a heavy and colourful glaze, which creates an exciting contrast against the delicate ceramics. kahlerdesign.com

Food Notes 48 • Recipes -Scandikitchen Summer 50 • Eating Out 55 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and delicious things to see you through April

By MIRIAM CAREY

Wine recommendations for the month

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2014 Etna Rosso, Feudo di Mezzo, Graci, Sicily, Italy  £42.75 Created predominantly from Nerello Mascalese with a small proportion of the darker, more brooding, Nerello Cappuccio grape, this is a bold red with seductive ripe, smoky berry fruit flavours and complex finish.

2015 Arbois Chardonnay, Les Bruyeres, Tissot  £37 From south-facing vines – the oldest planted in 1938 – which are farmed biodynamically, this superb Chardonnay is rich, buttery and voluminous on the palate, with a subtle spicy, savoury character towards the finish.

NV Berry Bros. & Rudd Grand Cru Champagne, Mailly  £28.50 This classic blend of 75 percent Pinot Noir and 25 percent Chardonnay showcases all the hallmarks of Grand Cru Champagne with flower aromas on the nose and an elegant palate of lemon grass, gingerbread and honeysuckle.

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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Food for Thought T H E B R I T I S H L I B R A RY

Unleash your inner gourmet and intellectual hunger as Food Season kicks off at the British Library. Whether its tackling tastes or understanding traditions, food writers, Michelin starred chefs, campaigners and creators are on hand to walk you through the culinary universe with talks, workshops, demos and more.

96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

V EGA N R E STAU R A N T S

MILDRED’S

Mildred’s has earned its stripes with a menu packed with Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Highlights include gyoza dumplings with a mirin and soy sauce, as well as creative desserts like Persian lemon, almond, pistachio and polenta cake. Even the wine, coffee and milk are organic.

Various locations; mildreds.co.uk

NEW TRACKS C O R N E R STO N E

Tom Brown’s restaurant named after the famous Artic Monkeys track, Cornerstone, has opened its doors in Hackney. The Nathan Outlaw protégé will launch his debut restaurant and showcase his style of simple, clean and produce-driven cooking. Designed for sharing, dishes include roast cod served with Café de Paris hollandaise and marinated squid with black pudding.

3 Prince Edward Road, E9; cornerstone.com

CUTTER & SQUIDGE

Following the hugely popular Genie’s Cave Afternoon Tea, Cutter & Squidge have conjured up their latest immersive experience, The Potion Room. Join them in adding a dash of magic to sweet treats and tea under the watchful eye of a virtuoso Potion Master. Guests will concoct their own edible and drinkable potions, before devouring an all-natural afternoon tea.

20 Brewer Street, W1; potionroomlondon.com

UNICO GELATO

Unico Gelato has launched its fourth site in leafy St John’s Wood with a variety of quintessentially Italian goods. From Pistachio and Cremino, to dark chocolate and strawberry, flavours are varied and can be enjoyed with expertly made coffee, pastries and a wide selection of savoury snacks. 138 St John’s Wood High Street, NW8; unicodelicacies.co.uk

WULF AND LAMB

With help from Franco Casolin, formerly of famous veggie Vanilla Blacks, Wulf and Lamb brings creative vegan cuisine to Sloane Square. This minimalist cafe boasts a terrific line up of vegan dishes including the Open Burrito and the mac ‘n’ cashew cheese. Don't leave without picking up a guilt-free treat.

243 Pavilion Road, SW1; wulfandlamb.com

BY CHLOE.

THE POTION ROOM

COOL RUNNINGS

By Chloe. has been making headlines as the new vegan hotspot for fast food. Here you'll find British classics with a twist like fish and chips with crispy tofu. It comes as no surprise that this place has been rammed since day one and is a serious hit with non-vegans too.

34-43 Russell Street, WC2B; eatbychloe.com

FARMACY

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Farmacy is the sort of venue that wouldn’t look out of place in California. Here you can indulge in nutritional dishes that are satisfying and guilt-free. The Mezze Feast is a sharing platter of dreams and the signature Farmacy Burger is a triumph for the tastebuds.

74 Westbourne Grove, W2; farmacylondon.com

STEAK OF THE ART SCHOOL OF MEATOLOGY

The country’s first School of Meatology launches this month from culinary hotspot, Heliot Steak House. In a series of immersive classes, meatlovers will be educated in the art of the perfect steak, from preparing the beef to chosing the tastiest cuts.

14 Cranbourn Street, WC2H;

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

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Curried Cauliflower & Rye Grain Salad Serves 4 as a side dish

T

his salad is so delicious and a perfect platform for the humble cauliflower.

Our good friend Kobi Ruzicka came up with this a few years back. We didn’t put it on the café menu for a while and then, one day, we found his notes and, well, it was a bit like discovering your favourite toy that you thought you’d lost. Kobi left London and now runs his own restaurant in Hobart – you should look him up if you ever go to Tasmania. Use whatever grain you like, at the café, we use boiled whole rye grain. Cooked spelt or pearl barley also work well – anything with a good, firm bite.

INGREDIENTS • 1 medium head of cauliflower • glug of olive oil • 1–2 teaspoon(s) mild curry powder • 1⁄2 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped • 1 bunch spring onions • 75 g feta cheese • a good handful of plump raisins • 100–150 g cooked grains such as rye grain, pearl barley or spelt • squeeze of fresh lemon juice • glug of good rapeseed or olive oil • salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD 1

SUMMER Salads

Bronte Aurell’s new book ScandiKitchen Summer brings a nordic focus to summer food. Here are some of her favourite salads words BRONTE AURELL p h o t o g r a p h y P E T E R CA S S I DY

50

Preheat the oven to 160°C Gas 3.

2 Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Put the florets in a bowl and toss together with the olive oil, curry powder and salt and pepper to taste. Spread out on a baking tray and roast for about 10 minutes – the cauliflower should be more on the firm side than soft.

3 Meanwhile, place the parsley in a large salad serving bowl. Remove the outer layer from the spring onions and finely slice both the green and white bits at an angle and add to the bowl. Lightly crumble the feta into the same bowl with your fingers and set aside.

4 When the cauliflower slightly cooled, add to the bowl along with the raisins and cooked grains. Stir, then add oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and season to taste.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Black Rice & Salmon Salad Serves 4 individual portions or 6–7 as a side dish

B

lack rice lends itself well to being used cold in salads.

It is known sometimes as ‘forbidden rice’, and sometimes as ‘black venus rice’. It has a hard husk and a great bite to it – and, of course, a wonderful dark colour.

INGREDIENTS • 200 g uncooked black rice • 1 cucumber • 1 green apple • 1 shallot, finely chopped • squeeze of lemon juice • 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped mint (optional) • 150 g/51⁄2 oz. hot-smoked salmon

Dressing • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar • 4 tablespoons good quality olive or rapeseed oil • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice (plus extra as needed) • salt and freshly ground black • pepper

Raw Courgette Salad

with Västerbotten Cheese Serves 2–3

A

t the café we love using uncooked courgettes in different types of salads; this one in particular looks really pretty on the plate. We use Västerbotten cheese at the café, but you can also substitute with pecorino or any similar aged cheese. It’s the saltiness of the cheese that really lifts the raw courgette – and with the dressing as well as the nuts, it makes for a really lovely side dish.

INGREDIENTS • 50 g flaked/slivered almonds • 2 medium-sized courgettes • 1 small bunch of rocket (or other strongflavoured salad leaves of your choice) • 50 g Västerbotten cheese, shaved (or use a good pecorino instead)

Fo r t h e d r e s s i n g • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • 1⁄4 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon sugar • salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Rinse the black rice a few times, then bring to the boil in a large pan of water. Cook until al dente following the packet instructions. (It can take about 30 minutes to cook).

METHOD 1 Lightly toast the almonds over a gentle heat in a dry frying pan/skillet and set aside.

2 Shave the courgettes into thin strips lengthways. You can use a mandoline for this, or a flat metal cheese plane also works well. You want long, thin flat strips.

3 Place the courgette/zucchini strips in a big bowl, then add the leaves and mix gently. Add the cheese and fold in.

4 Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, whisk well and season to taste. This salad doesn’t need much dressing, so don’t pour it all on at once – taste as you go along.

5 Scatter the toasted almonds on top of the salad and serve at once.

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Room for new ideas. bulthaup b Solitaire

Our Mayfair showroom is now open following a complete refurbishment as we celebrate thirty years on Wigmore Street. bulthaup Mayfair 37 Wigmore Street London, W1U 1PP Tel. 020 7495 3663 www.mayfair.bulthaup.com

BULTHAUP.indd 1

bulthaup Holland Park 142–144 Holland Park Avenue London, W11 4UE Tel. 020 7822 2800 www.hollandpark.bulthaup.com

17/04/2018 15:54

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES Dressing • 3 generous tablespoons good quality mayonnaise • 3 tablespoons buttermilk • 1 tablespoon icing sugar • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (only if needed) • 1⁄2 teaspoon celery salt • 1 teaspoon grated fresh horseradish or horseradish sauce • salt and freshly ground black pepper

To s e r v e 3 spring onions, sliced 50 g toasted, chopped walnuts 30–35 g pumpkin seeds 1 Place the shredded white and red cabbage in a large bowl. Finely slice the red onion into half rounds, and then grate (or julienne, if you can be bothered) the carrots and add both to the bowl.

In another bowl, mix together the water, white wine vinegar, icing sugar and salt. Pour over the cabbage, then cover the bowl and shake well. Leave for at least one hour, ideally two – shake it once in a while.

2

3 Press the cabbage free of excess vinegar liquid and leave in a sieve until excess vinegar has drained. The cabbage will now be softer and the onion appear almost a little cooked.

Make sure the vinegar is well pressed out or the end result will be too acidic.

2 Once cooked, rinse well to remove the excess colour. Set aside for a moment and leave to cool.

Slice the cucumber lengthways, then scrape out the seeds and chop into 1/2 cm pieces. Chop the apple into similarly sized small pieces.

3

Add the cucumber, apple and shallot to a serving bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the apple fresh. Add the cooked and cooled black rice, dill, parsley and mint (if using). Flake in the salmon pieces and mix gently to combine.

4

5 Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir. Do adjust the seasoning once you have done this – it may need more lemon juice or even a squeeze of lime (this depends on the saltiness of the fish and the sweetness of the apple you have used).

My Summer Slaw Serves 4–6 as a side dish

I

love coleslaw, I really do, but I detest the gloopy factorymade rubbish that seems to have become standard fare in supermarkets all over. If you ask me, the secret to a good slaw is lightly pickling the cabbage base before adding a punchy, flavourful dressing.

4 Mix together the ingredients for the dressing. Mix the dressing with the slaw and taste – it should be a bit tangy. If not, add a teaspoon extra of vinegar (this depends how much of the pickle juice was pressed out – it is easier to add a bit than remove if too much).

Just before serving, fold in the spring onion and toasted chopped walnuts. Sprinkle over the pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This coleslaw is extra delicious on days two and three – when it will be pink (if you have used red cabbage).

5

INGREDIENTS • 300 g shredded white and red cabbage • 1 red onion • 2 large (or 3 smaller) carrots • 100 ml plus 1 tablespoon water • 100 ml plus 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • 3 generous tablespoons icing sugar • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

R E C I P E S TA K E N F R O M

SCANDIKITCHEN SUMMER

by Bronte Aurell (Ryland, Peters & Small, £16.99)

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

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The skin is crispy enough to add a satisfying crunch atop the soft and succulent meat”

Les Nénettes The new local bistro giving Clapton a French flair

FOOD Elegant, classy and indulgent; how French cuisine should be done.

B y BECCA GRANT

I

n an area that spoils the discerning diner for choice, it takes something really special to not only attract, but sustain the culinary interest of east London’s coolest residents. Enter, Les Nénettes, the latest finedining addition to Clapton’s eclectic range of independent restaurants.

Meaning ‘the girls’ in French, this gorgeous bistro is situated just a short walk from Victoria Park in Hackney. Sitting on a quiet, sunny street corner and boasting a large terrace, it’s the perfect spot to soak up every ounce of the summer rays. The menu offers a sublime

DECOR selection of French cuisine with an east London twist; we opt for a couple of dishes from the ‘Snack’ section to tick us over whilst we deliberate the rest. Perhaps a little more indulgent than your average snack, the deep-fried Babybel with red onion jam and the buffalo-style frog’s legs with a blue cheese dip arrive and are swiftly demolished.

I could eat the blue cheese dip as a dish on its own, but it sets us up perfectly for what’s to come.

For starters, we go for the scallops with verjus, cucumber and lemon aioli. Simple and elegant, the scallops are perfectly tender yet

Relaxed neighbourhood vibes, yet stylish and chic.

PRICE Snacks from £2.50, starters from £6.50 and mains from £10.

VERDICT An absolute gem, which stands out in a vibrant and diverse food scene

crisp, and the light and tangy aioli evokes a sun-drenched holiday in the French Riviera. Next, we move on to the duck confit, served on a bed of sweet potato puree.

This caught my eye on the menu immediately and I’m delighted to say it doesn’t disappoint. The skin is crispy enough to add a satisfying crunch atop the soft and succulent meat which melts in the mouth. An absolute delight for the senses, there are quite possibly not enough superlatives to do this dish justice.

I would have been happy leaving it at that, but with a very slight nudge from one of the waitresses of the all-female team, we have a look at the dessert menu. Let’s be honest, there is always room.

We choose to share the St Honore choux, which is our only mistake as we could easily devour an entire portion each. Light, airy choux pastry is filled with soft and fluffy cream and topped off with salted caramel. It’s a perfect end to the evening and I can’t wait to go back. ● LES NÉNETTES 19 Lower Clapton Road, E5; lesnenettes.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BISQUE Beautiful radiators for stylish interiors

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

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

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INTERIORS

ELECTRIC DREAMS

SECRET LINEN STORE Secret Linen Store's collaboration with colour expert Sophie Robinson has resulted in this Dazzling Blue bedding set, which is setting a new standard for bright bedrooms . secretlinenstore.com

Interior Notes 58 • Floral Pieces for Spring 61 • Legacy: The History of Kähler 63 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

Sit Soft

ZOFFANY

Bespoke sofa London colloborates with Zoffany on the launch of their new Muse Collection. The furnishings were launched at SLEEP London with the Bespoke Sofa London upholstered in Zoffany's Conway Velvets fabric. zoffany.com

SEASON YOUR SCENT ALESSI

Alessi has launched its ďŹ rst home fragrance selection, designed by Marcel Wanders. Called The Five Seasons, the collection is a love song to nature and available as diffusers, scented candles and room sprays. alessi.com

58

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INTERIORS • NOTES O

F AV UR

OR

ITE

K P I NC E S PIE NEWGATE Echo - Number Three Wall Clock; £85 black-by-design.co.uk

ECLECTIC INTERIOR A NEW TRIBE

DYNAMIC TWIST

A New Tribe brings together a curated selection of objects from across the globe - Including Milo Made's ceramic planter with geometric shapes. anewtribe.co.uk

PINCH Elan: £POA pinchdesign.com

EDITOR’S PICK

MUUTO

Copenhagen-based brand Muuto is the latest addition to Heal's Designer Collections. The stacked storage systems illustrate the evolving influence of Scandinavian design and innovation.

Modules are versatile yet stylish, and their functionality fits any storage need. muuto.com

BOBBY RABBIT Felt Storage bag; £65 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

PAPIER Danielle Kroll Notebook of Palms; £12.99 papier.com

HAY Moroccan Vase; from £39 hay.dk

MADE Frame; £599 made.com

MAKE A WISH THE CONRAN SHOP

Carl Hansen & Son has launched a unique, specially treated edition of Hans J. Wegner's wooden Wishbone Chair in celebration of his 104th birthday. conranshop.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk Crouch End

Islington

Telephone 020 8341 2020

Telephone 020 7359 4041

128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY

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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS MARIMEKKO Helmikka cushion cover, £29.50marimekko.com

ORLA KIELY Linear Stem tomato roman blind, from £68.45 englishblinds.co.uk

ANABEL JAMES Auricula jug, £29.95 annabeljames.co.uk

DE GOURNAY Amazonia wallpaper, £POA degournay.com

THE CONTEMPORARY HOME Teal flower wall plate, £10 tch.net

MIND THE GAP

MARIMEKKO

Tulipa wallpaper, £150 vivalagoon.com

Mynsteri teapot, £75 marimekko.com

IN FULL FLOWER CASADECO Romantic Garden wallpaper, £157.20 per mural selectwallpaper.co.uk

Absolutely’s ultimate floral edit

By P E A R L B OY D

JOHN DERIAN FOR DESIGNERS GUILD The Rose Tuberose, £85 per metre deisgnersguild.com

HEINRICH LOFFELHARDT Porcelain coffee set, £120 nataliawillmott.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

The Legacy Danish ceramics company: Kähler

“Today, they reinterpret the best from their artistic ceramic heritage ”

T

he story of Kähler begins in 1839, when the Holstein potter Herman J. Kähler opened a small ceramics workshop in the city of Næstved. However, it was not until his son, Herman A. Kähler, took over the workshop in 1875 that the ceramics adventure gathered speed.

With production of international art ceramics, the groundwork was laid for one of the greatest successes in Danish ceramics history. With handicraft experience passed down from generation to generation and great insight into the versatile moulding potential of clay, Kähler has now been at the cutting edge of Danish ceramic art for more than one hundred years.

Since its foundation in 1839, Kähler has been showing its works of art at exhibitions and museums all over the world, and the vision is to restore Kähler as an

internationally acclaimed ceramic workshop with a strong artistic inheritance.

Today, they take the best from their artistic ceramic heritage and interpret it in a contemporary light. The results are promising new ceramics with broad appeal in a timeless idiom, yet individually interpreted.

One hundred years ago, highly respected artists such as Thorvald Bindesbøll, Svend Hammershøj and Kai Nielsen explored ceramics at Kähler. Today, Louise Campbell, Bjørn Poulsen and Jeanette List Amstrup carry on the tradition, with the ambition of bringing art to the people.

Kähler Design’s Hammershøi Teapot won in the Household/Tableware category of the 2017 iF Design Awards, elected by a 63-member jury made up of independent experts from all over the world. The teapot has a modern idiom, decorative brassplated handle and a built-in strainer that controls the pouring speed and filters out the tealeaves. It is a beautiful and functional designer product created in accordance with historical principles of design and tea-brewing. Kähler’s Hammershøi range is designed by Hans-Christian Bauer who draws his inspiration from the original works by Svend Hammershøi for the Kähler workshop in the early 20th century.

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION

STREETS AHEAD

MARC JACOBS Daring designs with cool credentials defines Marc Jacobs' SS18 for tots.

Think skater chic with an 80s vibe. childrensalon.com

Small Talk: Tom & Teddy, Muddy Creatures and Clarks 67 · Education 69 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Subscription FOR STYLISH MUMS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Mama, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Home, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings.

Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features that consider every key parental moment from pregnancy through to a child’s early years.

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01/11/2017 12:38

London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18.

We are a city school with 30 acres of grounds where north east London meets Epping Forest.

Summer Open Evening Monday, 25 June 2018 4.30pm - 7.00pm

www.forest.org.uk admissions@forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744 E17 3PY

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

Father and son

UUIO

TO M & T E D DY

With fun prints and quick-drying, UV-protected fabric, Tom & Teddy surf-style swimwear is ideal for the beach – and a lovely gift for the little (and big) men in our lives. Boys shorts, £34.95; men’s shorts, from £69.95. tomandteddy.co.uk

C

SMALL TALK Design-led furniture, fun with numbers and fashion made easy

MINI STYLING

EDITOR’S PICK

M U D DY C R E AT U R E S

Muddy Creatures takes the effort out of shopping for kids by delivering a box of handpicked and hard-to-source brands (tailored to your kids’ style, needs and age) direct to your door. You only pay for what you keep.

muddycreatures.com

hildren’s furniture and toys” is how Uuio defines itself online – a spare, straightforward description that both reflects the German brand’s minimalist ethos and belies the beguiling nature of its products.

Design is at the heart of the Uuio project, which began with an effort to reimagine the humble high chair. The result, which forms one part of the broader Uuio SIB furniture concept, is a modern masterpiece combining a classic form with high-end materials and functional simplicity.

The remainder of the collection is just as enticing – from Uuio TRE, an arboreal spin on building blocks hewn from solid oak, to Uuio ONN, a multicoloured wool rug made in Germany from completely natural fibres. But our current favourite is Uuio VII, a child’s bed crafted from oak and featuring a softly angular design and fun yellow struts under the mattress. The effect is one of playful dynamism, albeit a dynamism of the most stylish sort. Available in two sizes, it’s soon to be reworked as a daybed – which we’re sure we’ll be seeing all over Pinterest and Instagram before the summer is out... shop.uuio.de

HAPPY FEET

COUNT UP

CLARKS

5 WILD NUMBERS

Clarks Originals has launched its first-ever collection for tiny feet. The Mini Me Icons features three of the classics perfectly recreated in a series of muted colours in kids’ sizes 5-2.5. From £45; clarks.co.uk

We love Bella Gomez’s new board book, which uses clever paper engineering to help young ones learn to count from one to five – all in the company of some very fetching wild animals. £9.99; foyles.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

2018. What a year! Our 40th Birthday, an MBE and an Outstanding Ofsted. Celebrate with us…

Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 3rd May 2018 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher, Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk USE.indd 2

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

A Sporting

CHANCE A educational expert says the rules of the playing field can help with successful revision

By TIM WILBUR

F

or some 20 years, I spent my time at the chalk-face preparing literally thousands of youngsters for GCSEs and A-Levels. From the early 1980s onwards, I began to deliver homilies on revision technique. Interestingly, these were drawn more from my experience coaching school sport to the very highest level than teaching itself. I have long believed in the crucial connection between the playing field and the classroom.

My favourite sporting adage was that to be good, one needed

physical ability, high levels of relevant skill and the correct temperament. To be better than good, one needed to have these three facets perfectly balanced.

If this is transferred to revision, the skill in question is the revision process, and in modern parlance, the other two might constitute ‘well-being’. The truth remains, however, that to revise successfully requires far more than cramming knowledge for the fateful day.

It requires a lifestyle and commitment.

Most good revision guides will suggest a variety of ways for

Break your day down into three sessions of 90 minutes

KING’S WIMBLEDON PUPILS AIMING HIGH

knowing and understanding the material; two very different concepts. The strategy is to balance the competing demands on an individual’s time in the period before a major exam. The vital interests to be balanced are: Revision, Relaxation and Rest – the three Rs. The good news for those revising is that the process is limited and achievable. There is absolutely no way the average student can concentrate for more than the five teaching hours that constitute a normal day. I would suggest further that this should be broken down into three sessions of 90 minutes, with a 10 minute break mid-way.

However, as stated this is only a third of the story. The concept of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ has, as always, a lot to recommend it.

Thus, the relaxation component does not mean one should be supine; that is the ‘R’ for rest.

Physical activity of any sort, even a brisk 10-minute walk, will suffice to increase stimulation. There is also no reason for an adolescent to compromise on a much-needed eight-plus hours of sleep. In fact, if the candidate plans their revision well, every other aspect of their normal life should find room for itself. There is room to find time to eat healthily, meet up with friends, visit the dreaded internet, etc. If the person can ‘balance’ they can succeed. The other good news is that successful revision does not have to be a seven day a week endeavour; plan days off.

It goes without saying that the process needs to start early. If the student has all the materials necessary for revision, the process can be narrowed to six weeks.

At the end of my examination coaching spiel, I liked to ruin the moment by asking the immortal question ‘Is that not how you live your life anyway?’ The quality and quantity of the derisory scowls used to tell me whether I had hit the nail

TIM WILBUR is Director of School Consultancy at Gabbitas Education

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

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17/01/2018 11:52:19 16/04/2018 17:34

TRAVEL

OLD MEETS NEW MUNICH From Mediterranean street cafes to Mitteleuropa beer halls, highbrow art, high-tech industry and traditional charm, we discover it all in the unofficial southern capital of Germany

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MUNICH OLD TOWN

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

THE CITY OF DREAMING SPIRES Tradition meets innovation in an action-packed city break to Munich

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

E

verything in Munich comes back to beer. After all, the city’s name derives from the Old German term munichen, meaning ‘by the monks’, which refers to the beerbrewing Benedictine fathers who ran the monastery that later become the Old Town. Fast-forward to the present day and every summer sees seven million lederhosen-clad revellers swarm to the city for the iconic beer festival, Oktoberfest.

The monks would be proud.

This time-honoured love for ‘liquid bread’ is one of many examples of old meeting new in Munich. The contrast between past and present, tradition and innovation is a continual theme. We make it our mission to discover both sides of this vibrant city.

HOME COMFORT S

W

e’re staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, conveniently located down a quiet street in the heart of Munich’s Old Town. Built in 1880, the site originally housed a grand ballroom before becoming a hotel in 1990. Ten years later, it was taken over by the Mandarin Oriental Group, and in 2015 received an extensive refurbishment, unveiling a new entrance area, bar, restaurant and lobby lounge.

The hotel expertly combines traditional Bavarian elegance with the high-end luxury of a contemporary fivestar establishment. The lobby boasts a sweeping staircase, wrapped around a dramatically lit central column, while to the left, a plush lounge area presents the perfect setting for a cosy afternoon tea, with elegant furnishings and a

seasonal art exhibition. Our room, meanwhile, features cherry wood furnishings, parquet floor, Oriental rug and panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, it is opulent yet homely, modern without trying too hard. It also provides the perfect base from which to explore the city sights.

T R ADIT IONAL C H AR M

S

teeped in history, the winding, cobbled streets of Munich tell a story at every turn. The best way to bring these narratives to life is to join a walking tour, and we link up with Veloso Tours and local guide Sabina. We start out at the Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich’s most famed beer halls. Located seconds from the hotel, this local establishment dates back to the 16th century and is a must for soaking up some Bavarian charm. Picture soaring vaulted ceilings painted with elaborate murals, thigh-slapping live music and long wooden tables groaning with brimming steins and caveman-sized joints of meat.

With over 80% of the buildings destroyed during World War II, the city is made up of an incredible melting pot of architectural styles. We take a short walk from the beer hall to the Marienplatz, the city’s main square since 1158, which still houses the city council and Mayor’s office. The impressive Neo-Gothic New Town Hall dominates the landscape, tall spires piercing the grayscale skies, while to the east is the whitewashed exterior of the Old Town Hall.

When it comes to museums in Munich, you are spoilt for choice. A quick 15 minutes from Marienplatz, is the unmissable Residenz Schatzkammer, one of Europe’s most magnificent treasuries. Housing the contents of the Palatinate treasury from Heidelberg, Düsseldorf and Mannheim, magpies will love exploring the jewelA 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.

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

CHINA MOON ROOFTOP

encrusted corridors, glinting with all manner of fantastical treasures. Keep an eye out for the travelling set owned

by Empress Marie Louise of France, which contains cleverly disguised secret compartments and more than 120 items, including a dinner service for two, sewing implements, screwdriver and dentist’s instruments.

A day of exploration would not be complete without a traditional Bavarian feast, and Spatenhaus an der Oper hits the spot nicely. With breath-taking views of the Residenz, the restaurant offers plenty of local allure with its panelled ceiling and waiters clad in traditional dress. For the authentic experience, make sure to order the roasted pork knuckle or Bavarian duck, both served with a sumptuous cabbage salad and traditional potato dumplings.

CONTEMPORARY COOL

T

he Maximilianstrasse, Munich’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, is a moment from the ancient grandeur of the Residenz, and offers an impressive array of designer fashion: Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Bulgari, you name it.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

BAR 31

Construction of Mystery’ exhibition, which runs until 10 June. Boasting never-beforeseen acquisitions from across the globe, the show primarily follows Klee’s Bauhaus years and his path as a ‘thinking artist’.

Klee’s detailed, small-scale works offer glimpses into his whimsical worlds, where understanding and feeling, construction and intuition are held in perfect balance. It’s a thought-provoking and beautifully curated collection.

For contemporary dining in Munich, you can’t do better than the Mandarin Oriental’s in-house restaurant Matsuhisa.

From internationally celebrated chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa, the restaurant serves innovative JapanesePeruvian fusion cuisine, with particular emphasis on seafood. Highlights include yellowtail jalapeno, made with tender yellowtail sashimi and topped with garlic purée, and the black cod miso, featuring Alaskan black cod marinated in sweet soy paste and garnished with Hajikami. The deceptively simple spinach salad with dry miso is another winner, delivering a punch with decadent flavours of Parmesan and truffle oil.

As our final evening draws to a close, we enjoy a moment of calm on the Mandarin Oriental’s China Moon roof

“Magpies will love exploring the jewelencrusted corridors, glinting with all manner of fantastical treasures” It reveals a different side to the city. Woven between the towering churches and historic beer halls, modern Munich exists as a buzzing hub, where young people enjoy all the mod cons of a cosmopolitan city.

To get a taste of local living, away from the crowds of the city centre, explore the streets around the universities Schellingstrasse, Türkenstrasse and Theresienstrasse. Think of it as your go-to for stylish fashion boutiques, independent coffee shops and happening bars. Quirky concept store Kauf Dich Glücklich is great for unique finds, while hidden gem Café Vorhölzer is essential for Sunday brunch with a view. As the night draws in, head to James T. Hunt for plenty of buzzy atmosphere and delicious cocktails.

Modern Munich isn’t just about hipster cafes, however. Located a 20 minutes walk from the Old Town, Pinakothek der Moderne is a veritable cathedral of contemporary art, with a central, lightflooded space encircling a soaring, celestial dome. We’re here to see the new ‘Paul Klee:

terrace which during the summer months plays host to a restaurant, open-air pool and stunning 360-degree views of the skyline.

Up above the spires and bustling streets, the city unfurls beneath us. We spot the iconic twin domes of Munich Cathedral, proudly visible due to city law that forbids anyone from building above it. Fittingly perhaps, the Mandarin Oriental is the highest rooftop in the Old Town and the only one with an unobstructed 360 degree view. Together they represent the two sides to Munich - the old and the new - both framed against the snow-capped Alpine horizon.

M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L Rates for Mandarin Oriental, Munich start from EUR 525 per room per night (approx. GBP 470) For more information or to make a booking, please call +49 89 290 980 or visit mandarinoriental.com/munich

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

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ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

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T

The House

T

his year saw the 150th anniversary of Huntsham Court, a grand Baronial mansion in the Devon countryside. Originally built in 1868, the gothic estate bridges the gap between hotel and country home. Huntsham Court is a private hire mansion.

Guests who stay have full reign of the house, can supply their own food and alcohol with no corkage fee, bring their dogs, put their feet on the furniture and relax in every room with no limitations. It is the ultimate home from home.

Things to do

S

et in a magnificent five-acre garden within the rolling Devon countryside, there is certainly no shortage of things to do here.

If the weather is good, get out and explore the grounds. The estate also makes the perfect base for venturing into the nearby countryside where you can try your hand at bell ringing, archery, shooting or fencing. If the weather is cold and dreary, you may prefer to explore the house. Get lost in a book in the library, thrash out a tune on one of the many organs, or organise a pamper evening and wine tasting.

The Rooms

T

he estate boasts 35 spacious, comfortable and lavishly decorated bedrooms. These are where the artistic background and penchant for antiques of co-owner Damian Llambias comes across. Loud colour palettes, four-poster beds, free-standing bath tubs, chinoiserie, grand mirrors, and a baby-pink fireplace scream opulence and fun, but at the same time manage to maintain good taste. There is no wifi or TV in the bedrooms which is a great help in switching off from the outside world and encourages guests to venture downstairs to spend time in the communal areas.

weekend

The Food

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

he Ginger Peanut in Bampton is a must-visit during your stay. This gorgeous pub is the sister venue of Huntsham Court and is a gastronomic destination in its own right. We enjoyed starters of deep fried poached duck egg with pancetta, portuguese style pan-fried sardines and beetroot salad with candied walnuts and blue cheese. These were followed by show-stopping mains, including a fillet of sea trout, a rump of lamb and a 28-day, Himalayan salt-aged rib rump of beef.

“A baby-pink fireplace screams opulence and fun”

HUNTSHAM COURT A weekend of fun, frolics and finedining at this Devon countryside estate

By MIRIAM CAREY

Early season price for two nights start from £86 per person, per night HUNTSHAM COURT Huntsham, Tiverton EX16 7NA; 01398 361 277 huntshamcourt.co.uk

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CREATORS OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE FIREPLACES We created our unique FIRE RIBBON BURNER technology in 2003 with a large, glamorous and distinctive flame quality

CVO Fire | Unit 4 Beaumont Square Newton Aycliffe | County Durham | DL5 6XN 01325 301020 | sales@cvo.co.uk www.cvo.co.uk

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tiles etc.

www.tilesetc.com | angel@tilesetc.com | 020 7607 2700 4 Shillingford Street, London N1 2DP TILES ETC.indd 1

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PROPERTY Living the dream

ROPEMAKERS FIELDS E14

ÂŁ2,950,000

84

n imposing three/four double bedroom, Georgian house which has recently been completely rebuilt and extended to an exceptionally high standard. The current owner, working with Burchdaume interior designers, has carefully created a home that balances period details with contemporary style. Premium features include marble fireplaces with gas fires and LED lighting.

A

KNIGHT FRANK Canary Wharf 020 3641 6112 knightfrank.co.uk

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A HYBRID AGENCY OFFERING A HIGH STREET SERVICE AT INTERNET PRICES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONNY HUME-PATON

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

CHESTER TERRACE

CRAVEN STREET

N W 1 , £14,500,0 0 0

WC 2 N , £1,795,000

ith exceptional views of Regent's Park this five bedroom house offers an incredible living space. It boasts a beautiful interior finish, master suite over the second floor, lift over all floors and landscaped roof terrace. A double reception room with a balcony overlooks the park and the property benefits from having a garage, parking, resident gardens and staff quarters.

ituated on the top floor of a beautiful period building, this three bedroom flat offers a tranquil and bright living space in the heart of the city. Positioned on the same street Benjamin Franklin once lived, this superb home is located just a short walk from both Charing Cross and Embankment stations.

Some of the best theatres in town are just a short stroll away making this wonderful spot truly unique.

KFH Clerkenwell, 020 3199 3285 kfh.co.uk

W S FOXTONS

Marylebone, 020 7659 8100 foxtons.co.uk

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

WATERFALL ROAD N 1 4 , F H £ 82 9,9 5 0

T CHRONICLE TOWER

MERCHANT COURT E 1 W, £ 1 , 4 5 0,0 0 0

A

hese spacious four/ five bedroom homes have been carefully designed with urban decor and open plan living space in mind. Each offers state of the art technology, perfect for today’s modern lifestyle.

Local amenities include Arnos Pool, Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym. In addition to this, there are many green spaces and parks, the closest being Arnos Park.

n impressive two bedroom apartment of 1782 sq ft offering a good sized reception, private balcony and views over the River Thames to Canary Wharf. Set on the fourth floor, the property benefits from a bright south facing aspect. It offers a communal riverside terrace, underground car parking and concierge All principal rooms are of a good size.

MARTYN GERRARD

KNIGHT FRANK

Whetstone, 020 8886 2094 martyngerrard.co.uk

Wapping, 020 7480 4475 knightfrank.com

E C 1 V, £ 1 ,0 5 0,0 0 0

W

ith breathtaking views over South London and the City, this two bed flat is exceptional.

The apartment is set on the 15th floor of the Chronicle Tower, an iconic development built by award-winning developers Mount Anvil. The Lexicon provides an array of resident facilities including luxurious spa with sauna, steam room, pool and state of the art residents' gym.

AN ARRAY OF RESIDENT FACILITIES INCLUDING LUXURIOUS SPA WITH SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, POOL AND STATE OF THE ART GYM

WINKWORTH

Islington, 020 7354 2480 winkworth.co.uk

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THE FINAL WORD IN LUXURY LAST CHANCE TO BUY AT THE AWARD WINNING BLAKE TOWER

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN ZONE 1 – 1 & 2 BEDROOMS PRICED FROM £770,000 Blake Tower offers a superior standard of living surrounded by the green space of the Barbican Estate in Zone 1, close to London’s Square Mile.

• Zone 1 location • Minutes from Holborn on foot • Forthcoming Crossrail 2018* at Farringdon Station

• Close to London’s Square Mile • Parking available • Concierge Service

TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE CALL 0203 5536 227 OR EMAIL: BLAKETOWER@REDROW.CO.UK WWW.BLAKETOWER.COM

*Times are approximate. Source: www.tfl.gov.uk. Images are indicative only. Details correct at time of going to press.

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Your parkside home awaits

Visit Fenman House Live amongst the manicured parks and gardens of King’s Cross, with all the benefits of central London on your doorstep.

Move into Fenman House today.

2 bedroom apartments from £1,425,000* Show apartment now open 020 7205 4268 fenmanhouse.co.uk

*Price correct at the time of going to press.

Photography of 8th floor apartment.

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A computer generated image of The Oren

T H E A R T O F L AT E R L I V I N G A zest for life. A passion for culture. A taste for the finer things.

These are not qualities that diminish with age. In fact, quite the reverse. The Oren is a residence which combines the best aspects of a luxury apartment building, a private-members club and a truly great hotel.

5* Hotel Style Concierge | Restaurant with Private Dining | Coffee Lounge & Bar Luxury Spa, Pool & Gym | Library, Cinema & Event Space | Hair Salon & Treatment Rooms 24 Hour Expertly Trained Staff | Mature Woodland Setting | Bespoke Professional Care A collection of two and three bedroom apartments from ÂŁ1.6m Additional charges applicable, full details available upon request.

www.theorenhampstead.com an exclusive development by Elysian Residences located on West Heath Road

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HI THERE, IT’S NICE TO MEET YOU. Spaces is an exciting business destination where elegant design keeps you inspired, and a social atmosphere gets you talking.

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Move This Spring get back to what you love sooner by selling or letting with Knight Frank.

Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 3657 7340 @KF_NorthLondon islington@knightfrank.com

We’d love to help you.

KnightFrank.co.uk

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Connecting people & property, perfectly.

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