Absolutely North & East August 2021

NORTH & EAST

North & East AUGUST 2021 / £3.95

Chain GANG

How welded jewellery became a trend

AUGUST 2021

IN GOOD

FAITH

Paloma Faith's new collection of homewares

HEALTH SPECIAL

Focus on summer wellbeing

SPOT CHECK BREEZY STYLES FOR SUMMER

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ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 22/07/2021 23:05

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LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

Lingerie and swimwear from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com

Our appointment book is now open, just go to ameliesfollies.co.uk and use the Book a Fitting button. We will operate by appointment only for the foreseeable future.

We can’t wait to see you all.

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2021

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86 10

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 59 BEAUTY NOTES

WHAT'S ON

67

10 things we’re coveting this month

14

What's hot and what's new

Your diary for August

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

FITNESS FOCUS

Women-only gyms

76

NUTRITION TALK

How to improve productivity

32 RECIPES

INTERIORS 84 INSPIRATIONS

36 BOX FRESH

86 INTERIOR FOX

FA S H I O N 42 THE SHOOT

94

Plant-based summer dishes

The best meals, delivered

Eberjey's lingerie and loungewear

52 JEWELLERY Kitch chic

32

News from the industry

At home with the designer

GOTTA HAVE FAITH

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.

Paloma Faith's new homewares

A B S O L U T E LY M A M A 127 MAMAHOOD

12 pages of babies and bumps incorporating Absolutely Mama magazine

O N T H E C OV E R evarae.com

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

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS, ANABELA KOLECI FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER

Make an entrance

MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S August issue highlights

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W

ith high hopes for a London heatwave this month, August is set to have a holiday feel. All the extra space dedicated to outdoor dining is here to stay, and those of us not on staycations elsewhere in the country – or even further afield – will be making the most of our London vacations. In this issue we focus on health, with a look at everything from nutrition to cosmetic wellness, sleep and women's health. Which isn't to say that we won't be having any fun, because we're also reviving our interest in eating out, while retaining the habit of ordering restaurant kits at home. On the subject of home, we're excited to feature three stylish women from the worlds of design and interiors in these pages, one of them – Paloma Faith – having moved into interiors from the music industry, which ties in nicely with another feature about architect-turned rockstar Henry Harrison. So it's a circular issue this month, which fits with our look at Atelier VM's welded bracelets and Sophie TaeuberArp's beautiful line drawings. Enjoy August.

5

Good to go

Faye Toogood's beautiful understated ceramics

4 G et the glow

Summer's best beauty products

Paloma's place

Maximalist homewares from Paloma Faith

2 Linked in

Atelier VM's beautiful welded collection

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

3 Art class

Sophie Taeuber-Arp at Tate Modern

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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AMELIE'S FOLLIES Prima Donna Swim's Melanesia bikini is colourful and comfortable, and the trusty Amelie's Follies fit is guaranteed. With vibrant colours, textured fabrics and always well fitting and supporting designs, there are no better bikinis out there. ameliesfollies.co.uk

MURANO GLASS These individual Murano Tumblers are inspired by the classic Murano 'Goto' glass.

Each one is handblown by master glass blowers on the island of Murano. £20 casacelva.com

P E A R L LOW E

M I C H A E L P L AT T

Rose is a beautiful vintage-inspired 50s swimsuit made from the finest Liberty Print stretch swimwear fabric by seamstresses in Somerset and designed by vintage queen Pearl Lowe. £195 pearllowe.co.uk

Colouful jewels are the signature at Michael Platt and this blue topaz, amethyst and diamond dress ring is a bespoke creation from the in-house goldsmiths. michaelplatt.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ROBINSON PELHAM Choose your own charms to add to this Arcadia Necklace with Rainbow glass beads on a 9ct yellow gold bright cut spiga chain. From £990 robinsonpelham.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

ANTHROPOLOGIE Traditional art meets avant-garde in designer Jyoti Sharma's line of heirloom-inspired pieces. Blending contemporary trends with conventional silhouettes, Bhanuni by Jyoti exhibits a deep love of design and celebrates her Indian culture in each colourful garment. Ronika Maxi Dress, £198 anthropologie.com

Channel the 90’s with these Dior Inclusion sunglasses. The green lenses offer a fun twist to sun protection and are an on-trend accessory for the summer. £365 the-eye-place.co.uk

S AY E There's a leather version of the Modelo 89, but these vegan models offer the better colours with this cool pastel collection. £125 sayebrand.com

URBAN F LOW E R CO This limited-edition floral bouquet was designed by UK rapper and songwriter Professor Green and independent London florist Urban Flower Co. to challenge stereotypes around men gifting blooms to mates. £40/£80 funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

S E P J O R DA N The multi-colored keffiyeh scarf features mixed hand embroidered patterns. Each scarf is hand-embroidered in Jordan and each one is unique. £65 sepjordancom 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

HEATHER PHILIPSON, TATE BRITAIN

What's on 14 • Sophie Taeuber-Arp 18 • Kensington + Chelsea Festival 22 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

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Sluggers Ongoing BOXPARK CROYDON The developers behind Roof East and Birdies Crazy Golf will be opening up a fun-filled third location at BOXPARK Croydon. The site boasts three batting cages alongside a menu of craft cocktails and Latin fusion street food. Baseball lovers can enjoy a virtual pitcher and pitching machines that can be adapted for every level of batter. playsluggers.com

A RT

Alive

TATE BR I TA I N • U NTI L 23 JA NUARY 2022

British multi-media artist Heather Phillipson has reimagined the Tate Britain galleries with her latest exhibition. She describes the spaces as a sequence of ‘charged ecosystems, maladaptive seasons and unearthed life forms’ - visitors should think of the space as a ‘parallel planet’. The exhibition is a sensory experience filled with sound, colour and light. tate.org.uk

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ART

Art-K Ongoing SHEPHERDS BUSH One for the kids, Art-K is the leading provider of educational classes for children across the UK. The new Shepherds Bush branch will be offering after-school classes that encourage children to explore paper sculpture, clay, design, mixed media, watercolours and acrylics.

Art-K acts as a safe place for children to study art and develop confidence. art-k.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

ART

ArtULTRA Until November 2021 KEW GARDENS Five star Belgravia hotel The Hari will be showcasing an exhibition by two previous artists in residence Emmanuel Unaji and Matilde Merli.

The emerging artists have been working hard on an exhibition that will showcase 11 artworks by the pair, that will be on display throughout the Hari bar and hotel. thehari.com

TO

MARKET Take a trip to one of our famous markets

BOROUGH MARKET

Easily one of the most famous markets London has to offer and open seven days a week, traders of Borough Market include Bath Soft Cheese Co (the perfect pitstop for cheese lovers), authentic Mexican pantry Changarro and Cartwright Brothers Vintners Ltd, a family-run wine merchants. boroughmarket.org.uk

MU S I C

SOUTH FACING FESTIVAL

This Month’s Must See

Throughout August C R Y S TA L PA L AC E PA R K After almost a year and a half without live music, South Facing festival are launching a brand new open air concert series, with dates spanning across Autumn. The events will be held at the Crystal Palace Bowl in Crystal Palace Park, and confirmed acts include the likes of Supergrass, Dizzee Rascal and Corinne Bailey Rae. See you there. southfacingfestival.com

QUEENS PARK FARMERS’ MARKET

GROOV Y F R I DAY ’ S

A

O NGOIN G • PIN G PON G SOHO

s restrictions are lifted and we are allowed to dance once again, Soho’s nightlife scene is back and busier than ever.

Ping Pong’s famous DJ Friday Nights are back, serving up an evening of the top tunes, tasty plates and boozy cocktails. Tequila lovers should opt for the strawberry and passion sunrise. It’s the perfect central London location to let your hair down. pingpongdimsum.com

Queens Park farmers' market is a family-friendly offering that opens every Sunday, come rain or shine. Adults and children love the market, and a bustling crowd attends every Sunday to sample the delectable poultry, seasonal vegetables and flowers that are on offer. lfm.org.uk

CAMDEN MARKET

Some may think of Camden Market as solely a tourist attraction, but the fact is the food and experience remains unmatched. The street food offering is vast, with favourites including Wok Boy and El Pollote Fried Chicken, and there are a number of independent shops and craft boutiques to browse. camdenmarket.com

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

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CULTURE • PROMOTION

Later LIVING

Lifestory Group unveils details of Fitzjohn’s residences in Hampstead B y C A S P A R D AV I D

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ifestory Group, a leading developer of premium retirement communities in Prime Central London, has unveiled details of the group’s new residential development in the capital launching in September 2021, known as Fitzjohn’s.

Located in Hampstead Village, it will provide 29 individually designed luxury residences with hotel-style facilities including a concierge, club lounge, library, health spa, stretch studio, automated underground car park and a beautiful landscaped courtyard garden.

Fitzjohn’s is arguably Lifestory Group’s most luxurious London development to date with inspired architecture, bespoke design interiors and specially curated furniture pieces, handcrafted lighting and accessories and original artwork by local Hampstead artists.

“HOTEL-STYLE FACILITIES INCLUDE A CONCIERGE, CLUB LOUNGE, LIBRARY, SPA AND STRETCH STUDIO” 16

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Fitzjohn’s architecture is designed by award-winning practice Sergison Bates with the development enjoying a prime London location at 79 Fitzjohn’s Avenue on the flat hilltop summit of the avenue, just a few hundred yards from the heart of Hampstead Village with all its outstanding local shops, cafes, delis and restaurants.

Renowned international design studio 1508 London was commissioned to design and dress Fitzjohn’s communal areas, amenity spaces and penthouselike show residence. It is the first time that the luxury design studio, whose work includes exceptional private homes, superyachts and The Lanesborough, Carlton Tower and Four Seasons hotels has helped to design and dress the interiors of a later living development.

Originally built between 1876 and 1886 by local landowner Spencer MaryonWilson and builder John Culverhouse, Fitzjohn’s Avenue was originally lined with 70 grand villas and chestnut trees, with the design inspired by the leafy Hampstead surroundings.

Inspired by the grandeur of the avenue and the local area’s Victorian mansion blocks and villas, part of Hampstead’s rich architectural heritage, Fitzjohn’s consists of two mansion buildings connected by a ground floor entrance lobby, designed in a contemporary interpretation of British Arts and Crafts style. The elegant Arts and Crafts inspired facades have feature brickwork with corbelled detailing, hexagonal bays with large full height windows, juliet balconies and sculptural Nouveau-style balustrades.

FITZJOHN'S Prices at Fitzjohn’s will start from £2m with the development launching in September 2021.

For further information contact Lifestory Group on 020 7980 8742 or fitzjohns@lifestory.group or to register interest visit fitzjohnsnw3.co.uk

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Nicolai Aluf Sophie Taeuber with her Dada head 1920 Gelatin silver print on card, 12.9 × 9.8 Stiftung Arp e.V., Berlin

Sophie Taeuber-Arp Geometric and Undulating 1941 Crayon and graphite on paper 49.2 × 39.2 Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland. Collection Cantone Ticino

Off GRID A new show at Tate Modern focuses on the work of avant-garde artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp

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CULTURE • ART

O

ne of the most innovative artists and designers of the 20thcentury avant-garde, Sophie Taeuber-Arp (1889-1943) challenged the borders between abstract art, design and craft. Tate Modern’s major exhibition is the first in the UK to trace TaeuberArp’s accomplished career as a painter, architect, teacher, writer, and designer of textiles, marionettes and interiors.

Bringing together over 200 objects from collections across Europe and America, the exhibition shows how she blazed a new path for the development of abstraction.

After studying fine and applied arts in Munich, Sophie Taeuber-Arp began her career in Zurich, an international hub for the avant-garde during the First World War. She took classes at Rudolf von Laban’s influential school of dance, and met her lifelong partner, artist and poet Jean (Hans) Arp. She became a successful textile practitioner and teacher while simultaneously experimenting with non-figurative art. Responding to the grid structure of textiles and the bold colours of vernacular culture, she created vivid works on paper and embroideries. Her work stood apart from the abstract art of her contemporaries by completely bypassing

Sophie Taeuber-Arp Stag (marionette for ‘King Stag’) 1918 Oil paint on wood; brass sheet; metallic paint on metallic paper; metal hardware 50 × 17.8 × 18 Museum für Gestaltung, Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Zurich.

Decorative Arts Collection

Sophie Taeuber-Arp Composition of Circles and Overlapping Angles 1930 The Museum of Modern Art, New York. The Riklis Collection of McCrory Corporation.

Photo: The Museum of Modern Art, Department of Imaging and Visual Resources. © 2019 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn

SHE BLAZED A NEW PATH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABSTRACTION

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

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CULTURE • ART

Sophie Taeuber-Arp Embroidery. c. 1920 Wool on canvas 12 5⁄8 x 15 3⁄4” (32 x 40 cm) Private collection, on loan to the Fondation Arp, Clamart, France

HER ABILITY TO EMBRACE NEW MATERIALS AND METHODS REMAINS HUGELY INFLUENTIAL

deconstruction of the figurative form.

A selection of these works are shown side by side with decorative artworks including beaded bags, jewellery, rugs, pillowcases and tapestries to reflect the fluid way in which Taeuber-Arp worked concurrently across disciplines.

By the end of the war, Taeuber-Arp had become active within Zurich dada, the short-lived but influential artistic movement which sought to integrate art and life, embracing abstraction and absurdity. Her turned-wood ‘Dada Heads’ are some of the most iconic artworks of the era. She also embraced the performative side of dada, dancing at the legendary Cabaret Voltaire

Sophie Taeuber-Arp Six Spaces with Four Small Crosses 1932 Oil paint and graphite on canvas 65 × 100 Kunstmuseum Bern. Gift of Marguerite Arp-Hagenbach

SOPHIE TAEUBER-ARP Until 17 October 2021, Tate Modern tate.org

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Flight: Round Relief in Three Heights 1937 Oil paint on plywood, diam. 60 Stiftung Arp e.V., Berlin

and creating marionettes for the avant-garde interpretation of the play ‘King Stag’. All of the original marionettes are on display at Tate Modern in a standout room.

In the 1920s Taeuber-Arp embarked on experimentation with architecture and interior design for private houses and public buildings. The exhibition includes designs and furniture from these projects, such as the commission for the Aubette, a modernist entertainment complex in Strasbourg, created in collaboration with Arp and Theo Van Doesburg. The commercial success of her architectural practice enabled Taeuber-Arp to design her own studiohouse near Paris, which would become a focal point for international intellectuals such as Tristan Tzara, Max Ernst and James Joyce. Taeuber-Arp’s involvement in the Parisian art scene prompted a return to painting in the late 1920s. She experimented with primary colours and abstract forms, going on to develop a series of compositions of rectangles and circles in the 1930s. Unconfined by the canvas, she also translated these ideas into a series of painted, turned-wood reliefs.

Fleeing Paris at the outbreak of the Second World War, Taeuber-Arp turned to drawing as one of a few means of artistic expression available to a displaced artist.

The final room of the exhibition brings together the works she made while on the move and in exile, created before her tragic accidental death in 1943 aged 53.

These works embody her lifelong interest in abstraction, her constant development of new ideas, and her ability to embrace new materials and methods in a way that remains hugely influential for artists today.

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CULTURE • LOCAL

“Local young people’s creative works span spoken word, dance, theatre and music” with our communities through surprising and spectacular experiences together.

All programming is free or affordable, and the festival organisers want to encourage anyone to get involved, enjoy and find inspiration.

AUGUST FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

CULTURE ZONE August highlights of the Kensington + Chelsea Festival include spectacular outdoor performances celebrating culture and innovation B y V E S TA L I A C H I LT O N

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his month of August boasts an incredible line up of performing arts events, comedy, theatre and young people’s takeover stages across the borough as part of the summerlong Kensington + Chelsea Festival.

Highlights include comedy nights at Chelsea Theatre on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, thought-provoking theatre, educative performances for children and a spotlight on the wonderful talents of local youth.

With focus on recovery from the pandemic and on providing opportunities for performers to come back to work as we all emerge out of lockdown, the festival presents a perfect moment to get back into our theatres, parks, cities, streets, see outdoor performances and reconnect

Bee Parade in Exhibition Road with Kensington + Chelsea Festival, together with Discover South Kensington and the amazing Carnival Artist, Sophie Lodge Pop-up nature hubs and installations created by architects, artists and garden designers will leave you buzzing with new ideas and inspiring visions for a greener future. Follow the trail through wildflower meadows, gardens and art installations in the heart of London’s cultural district.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

MUSEUM OF THE MOON BY ARTIST LUKE JERRAM WILL TOUR MULTIPLE LOCATIONS DURING THE FESTIVAL. THE INSTALLATION IS A FUSION OF LUNAR IMAGERY FROM NASA, MOONLIGHT AND SURROUND SOUND COMPOSITION BY BAFTA AWARD WINNING COMPOSER DAN JONES

Young People's Takeover Stages: Finborough Theatre Sunday 1 August | Chelsea Plaza, World's End New Youthquake and FerArts Sunday 7 August | Location to be announced Afternoon weekend stages will appear across the borough during July and August, presenting local young people’s creative works spanning spoken word, dance, theatre and music, in collaboration with professional arts organisations and young people's programming groups.

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CULTURE • LOCAL

“Explore the South Ken Green Trail and the BeeSuperHighway”

CATCH ME BY UPSWING

Get up close with bees and wild pollinators and explore architecture inspired by insects, plants with healing properties and imaginative ideas for upcycling materials.

This bee-inspired event with local families and groups will aim to encourage all to explore the South Ken Green Trail and to raise awareness of the BeeSuperHighway and need to support wild pollinators. The bee-inspired theme carries over to Earl's Court with the 'The Pleasure Garden, created by the KCAW team and artists Baker and Borowski to activate Warwick Road, with the help from the Earls Court Developments Company, a section of the road which was closed for many years.

BONDED by Alleyne Dance Afternoons of 7 & 28 August Outdoors + Free This incredibly powerful company, Alleyne Dance is based in UK based and was founded in 2014 by twin sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Bonded explores the construct of human dependency – especially that of siblings – and how time and external conditions can affect the synergetic connection.

The choreographic aesthetic reflects the sisters’ diverse backgrounds in athletics and dance training. They blend African, Caribbean, Hip Hop, Kathak and Circus Skills, delivered as fast paced and dynamic movement. This beautiful piece will be a free and outdoor performance suitable for all ages.

CATCH ME by Upswing Afternoon of 14 & 15 August | Outdoors + Free

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BAKER AND BOROWSKIS PLEASURE GARDEN IN WARWICK ROAD

(lots of parks are hosting these incredible shows including Avondale Park, Tavistock Square and Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park) Many performances are held in parks across Kensington and Chelsea, in surprising locations. An outdoor arts piece by contemporary circus company Upswing, Catch Me is an intimate and surprising take on age, race and gender. An older woman and younger man dance together through a landscape of abandoned chairs, discovering joy, risk and unexpected connections in a poignant duet. A poetic mix of dance and acrobatics, Catch Me asks how we see each other and who we value.

This performance is free and suitable for all ages, it doesn’t require pre-booking.

All Summer Season | Opera + Circus + Dance + Theatre … and much more Witness diverse, innovative performances, bursting with energy - for all to experience and enjoy

‘Love Art’ World Premier By The Dream Engine on 4 July to launch K+C Festival Photo By Paul Quezada-Neiman/Alamy The constantly evolving programming includes works across all disciplines to be enjoyed by every audience. There will be new pieces and experiences created by everyone from established artists and curators to youth groups and community organisations. The programming includes outdoor interventions which reimagine parks and community spaces, performances in established and even rarely accessible venues, exciting work by local young people in partnership with a variety of youth organisations and specific commissions supporting emergent and establish creative practices.

K + C F E ST I VA L To 31 August 2021 kcaw.co.uk/kc-festival kcfestival.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS AT

BAR

&

COVENT GARDEN RESTAURANT

&

POP UP PERFORMANCES This unique cabaret bar and restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden will thrill and entertain with incredible circus acts while you dine. Enjoy delicious pan-Asian food from our Christmas feasting menu, which includes bubbly on arrival and an irresistible 3 course meal – and you’ll get hot under the collar when you feast your eyes on our outrageous pop-up performances!

From work Christmas parties to celebrations with friends, there’s nowhere better to enjoy the festive season than Circus.

B O O K N O W F O R T H E U LT I M AT E C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y AT C I R C U S ! circus-london.co.uk

•

020 7420 9300

ENDELL STREET • COVENT GARDEN

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FOOD & DRINK

CHILL FACTOR BYRUBY

If you think you know what to expect from a frozen ready meal, think again. Leith's-trained Ruby and her friend Milly founded By Ruby to reinvent the TV dinner and their creations are a resounding success.

Time to stock the freezer. byruby.co.uk

Food notes 28 • Recipes 32 • Meal kits 36 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 month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Raventós i Blanc, De Nit Rosé, Brut, Penedès, Spain  £23.95 The De Nit Rosé spends 18 months on its lees; the result is a toasty nose of brioche, alongside hints of strawberry and fennel. Xarel·lo and Parellada, both indigenous varieties, add a refreshing herbal and pithy character, especially on the palate.

2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Gavi di Gavi by Roberto Sarotto, Piedmont, Italy  £13.95 Produced from Cortese grapes, Gavi is the quintessential Northern Italian white, famed for its delicacy. This textbook example offers elegant aromas of white flowers and green pear. Perfect with shellfish, white fish or delicate green vegetable dishes.

2017 Gaba do Xil, Mencía, Telmo Rodríguez, Valdeorras, Spain  £16.50 Mencía is an incredibly exciting grape that’s both refreshing (here, due to the Atlantic influence in Valdeorras) and complex.

The wine is unoaked, so the purity of the fruit character shines through. Try this with cured meats or aubergine dishes. Ready to drink now.

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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Summer sunset S E A R CY S AT T H E G H E R K I N

Enjoy 360 views of the London sky line while enjoying five course tasting menu at Searcys. Guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail before delving into a dinner of seasonal dishes, with highlights to include Isle Of Wight tomato ceviche and Searcys signature beef and oyster pie, before finishing off with a dessert symphony including a delectable Victoria sponge pudding.

30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DESSERT TIME London’s best dessert parlours

NEW YORK’S FINEST RU BY V I O L E T

Bao Brunch THE LUCKY CLUB

Ruby Violet serve up a delightful range of ice creams, sorbets and ice cream ‘creations’, all made in a traditionally British way with fresh fruits. Head down to the parlour to sample their famous salted caramel ice cream, alongside the ‘long and frothy’ hot chocolate. There’s also a great vegan selection, too. rubyviolet.co.uk

Indulge in a platter of freshly steamed bao buns with the new bottomless bao brunch at The Lucky Club. Every weekend, guests are invited for a session of endless bloody marys while enjoying karaage chicken, BBQ pork and crispy tofu baos. If you feel like carrying on the party, treat yourself to London’s most affordable margarita.

56 Davies St, W1K 5JF theluckyclub.com

SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN

Sunday In Brooklyn opened its doors in 2016 and has since become a staple in Brooklyn’s dining scene.

Londoners will soon be able to sample the magic for themselves with the open of the London site in Westbourne Grove. The menu will feature all of the restaurants favourites - expect American dishes, boozy cocktails and a stellar brunch menu.

98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU sundayinbk.co.uk

CHIN CHIN Chin Chin Ice Cream started out in 2010 with a mission to make life more fun. They started making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and shortly after became a viral sensation. A must-try is their Signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate with marshmallow fluff, as well as the coconut and rose ice cream. chinchinicecream.com

S O H O

STYLE

BAR CRISPIN

Pizza Please 400 RABBITS

With several locations across the south of London, Four Hundred Rabbits are the kings of sourdough pizza and beer. The menu is simple but high quality, and includes a range of cheesy, meaty and vegan pizzas alongside Allpress coffee, cocktails and craft beers. We recommend the padron peppers to start, followed by the rhubarb pizza. Delicious.

Various locations 400rabbits.co.uk

CREAMS CAFE London’s best loved dessert parlour, Creams Cafe, has recently launched a new menu just in time for summer. Alongside their signature pancakes and creamy freakshakes, Creams will now be offering cookie dough stuffed waffles, a new range of sundaes and velvety-smooth Creams Factory cheesecakes. creamscafe.com

New to the Soho dining scene, Bar Crispin is serving up an all-day menu with breakfast dishes and speciality coffee to natural wines and seasonal small plates. The space is a versatile offering, suitable for both casual lunching or late night dining.

19 Kingly Street, W1B 5PY crispinlondon.com 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…

“Even my friend who’s not a career tomato enthusiast agreed”

LPM

Excellent food and cocktails at LPM – especially if you like tomatoes

S

B y PENDLE HARTE

ome people might think it’s a bit pedestrian to count a tomato as your favourite food. But I have always loved tomatoes, a lot. The joy of an excellent tomato is – for me – unmatched, and the disappointment of a bad one intense. So I’m probably a bit biased in reviewing LPM, because this is a place that takes its tomatoes so seriously that it stocks a huge pile of them behind the bar, and bases its house cocktail on them.

I liked the place immediately. We hadn’t even ordered food yet, sitting

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FOOD Dreamily good Mediterranean dishes

outside in the sun in Mayfair, when our Tomatinis arrived and with them a massive dose of tomato joy.

LPM’s Tomatini (“the essence of LMP in a martini glass,” they say) is a vodka and tomato cocktail, but it’s nothing like a stodgy Bloody Mary. The Tomatini is more like an alcoholic gazpacho, thanks to its freshly blended and strained tomatoes (excellent ones, of course).

Salt, pepper, a touch of sugar and a splash of balsamic (white) are the only additions, and it’s a summery, fresh thing of beauty. Even my friend who’s not a career tomato enthusiast agreed. Anyway, tomatoes aside, the food here is impressive too.

DECOR International Mayfair chic

PRICE Hors d’oeuvres £5-£30, Les Plats £18-£130

It’s an extensive menu and from a long list of hors d’oeuvres we start with a vast, improbably creamy burrata (plus more tomatoes) and undressed crab with cucumber gazpacho, which is deliciously sweet and fresh. Salt cod croquettes look and taste perfectly baanced. A main courses of grilled tiger prawns comes prettily arranged with huge prawns sliced horizontally and drizzled with garlicky oil, while a salt-baked fillet of sea bass with artichoke and (yes, more) tomatoes is spot on too – soft, silky and summery. Everything comees when it’s ready, designed for sharing, and stylishly served to highlight the colourful, artistic creations.

Desserts, I later thought, were probably designed for sharing because of their generous sizing, but we ordered one each: cheesecake and creme brulee, both memorable.

The creme brulee was laden with vanilla seeds and the crisp caramelised top was perfection.

LPM is certainly a treat.

LPM

VERDICT Excellent contemporary dining

53-54 Brook’s Mews, W1 020 7495 4774 lpmrestaurants.com

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Plant

LIFE Summer dishes from vegan restaurant Holy Carrot

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Pea veloute Serves 6

INGREDIENTS • 300g frozen peas • 1 small bunch of fresh mint (20g) • 4 dried Kaffir lime leaves • 1 medium leek (80g), washed, trimmed and roughly chopped • 70g soya butter • 2 tbsp (30g) white miso paste • 30ml sake • 1 tsp garlic powder • 300ml oat milk • 200ml vegetable stock • 200ml water • Coconut oil for cooking • Sea salt flakes To garnish • 400g tinned black lentils • 400g green peas, fresh or frozen (if frozen, add to warm water to slowly defrost) • 200g raw cauliflower, sliced thinly • 1 tsp mint, basil or coriander, roughly chopped to sprinkle

METHOD Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and add the leek and miso paste. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.

2 Add the milk, stock, mint and lime leaves and cook for a further 10 minutes.

3 Add the frozen peas, garlic powder, water and a heaped teaspoon of salt.

Mix everything well and remove from the heat. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.

4 Remove the mint and lime leaves. Put the soup into a blender and pulse until smooth.

5 Add a spoonful of lentils to the centre of each bowl, before pouring the velouté around the edge. Then arrange the green peas, cauliflower on top of the lentils and velouté. Sprinkle with herbs.

Tomato Ceviche Serves 4

1

INGREDIENTS • 500g best quality seasonal tomatoes For the ceviche sauce • Juice of 2 lemons (100ml) • Juice of 2 oranges (100ml) • 1 heaped tbsp (20g) red miso paste • 50ml soy sauce • 1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 50ml sake • 70g best quality seasonal tomatoes To garnish • ¼ bunch chives, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black or normal sesame seeds • Handful of micro coriander • Handful of garlic flowers (optional) • 2 ripe avocados • Juice of ½ lime • Maldon salt flakes

METHOD 1 To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse until smooth. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

2 Cut the tomatoes into large chunks, lay them out on a flat serving dish and dress with the ceviche sauce (about half the amount of dressing to tomatoes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

3 Cut the avocados in half, peel, chop into cubes and put into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over it and add a large pinch of salt flakes. Carefully ensure all the pieces are coated and then arrange the avocado cubes on top of the tomatoes. Sprinkle with micro coriander and garlic flowers.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Lemon tart Serves 8

INGREDIENTS For the pastry • 190g gluten-free flour • 95g vegan butter • 75g coconut sugar • 25g ground almonds • Pinch of salt • Pinch of xanthan gum • 25g apple sauce For the lemon curd • 400g coconut cream (tinned is fine)

• Juice of 5½ oranges (400ml) • Juice of 4½ large lemons (250ml) • 285ml agave • 2½ tsp vanilla extract • 80g cornflour To serve • Approx. 1 tbsp zusto

METHOD 1 To make the pastry, mix all the ingredients in a food processor until a soft dough forms. Roll the pastry out to 3mm thick and then gently lay in a 28cm tart dish, lined with baking paper and buttered. Ensure the edges rise up to at least 3cm and pop into the freezer for at least 2 hours.

2 Preheat the oven to 160°C (normal) | 140°C (fan) | gas mark 3.

3 Put all the ingredients into a heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and whisk until the mixture thickens like a custard, but don’t allow it to boil. Remove from the heat and pour into the frozen pastry case and cut the pastry at the edge of the cream before baking it for 25 minutes. Let it cool down completely and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

4 To serve, sprinkle with a little zusto and either use a blow torch or pop under the grill for a minute to caramelise before serving.

H O LY CA R R OT 2-4 Hans Crescent, SW1 Holycarrot.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • MEAL KITS

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O R D E R P L E A S E OUR FAVOURITE MEAL DELIVERIES OF THE MONTH

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London's famed dim sum restaurant is now offering a menu of 'plantbased pork' dishes using Omnipork, a new alternative protein. We loved deep-fried Siu Mai with dried chilli garlic, delivered alongside a range of dishes using Omnipork (whch is also available at Ocado). royalchinagroup.co.uk

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BY R U BY Leith’s trained chef Ruby's new range of frozen ready meals are designed to challenge all preconceptions. Not full of preservatives or high in salt or fat, these are are lovingly cooked in small batches and then frozen immediately. Our favourite?

Cauliflower korma. byruby.co.uk

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GAILS Gails' picnic hamper for two features our favourite beetroot, lentil, goats cheese salad with roasted hazelnuts, cheese straws, seeded crackers, pistachio and rose cakes and a bag of chocolate sables, plus a punnet of strawberries.

All you need, and more, in fact. gailsbread.co.uk

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THE UNCOMMON The Uncommon picnic hampers are bursting with a beautiful grazing platter (for four), a soft , recycled wool blanket, the scandalously underrated lawn game of Quoits and a bounty of award-winning bubbly wines and spritzers. wearetheuncommon.co.uk

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TA R T X K U R A M I The Tart London menu for premium delivery service Kurami features dishes such as braised artichokes, broad beans, and peas with haricot beans, mint and lemon alongside smoked trout with fennel, dill, radish and new potatoes, pickled red onion and capers. Yum. kurami.co.uk

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CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends around the campfire.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays for gin tastings FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

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21/07/2021 20:59

FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

SPRITZ ZERO T U S CA N T R E E Tuscan Tree is a new premium, nonalcoholic Aperitivo, inspired by the orange orchards of Northwest Italy and the Italian culture of “Aperitivo Hour”.

A 0% ABV distilled spirit infused with real blood orange juice and Italian sparkling wine, alongside a complex blend of non-alcoholic botanical distillates, Tuscan Tree is made in the style of a classic Italian aperitif.

tuscan-tree.com

CORNISH SPIRIT TA R Q U I N ' S Multi award-winning Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin has been Amazon’s best-selling gin for three years running. Handcrafted in small batches using 12 meticulously chosen botanicals to create its unique, fresh flavour, this is the taste of summer 2021.

£35; tarquinsgin.com

SHOP TALK NEW BREED The New Breed Bottle Shop was named by the Independent as one of the UK's best wine delivery services. As well as selling wines from a selection of the world's most exciting producers they also have an abundance of exquisite craft beers, spirits, and pre-bottled cocktails.

newbreedbottleshop.com

Wineapp

Wine delivered to your door in 20 minutes, anyone?

By PENDLE HARTE

E

verybody knows that a restaurant's markup on wine is hefty. And with home meal kits here to stay even when eating out is back, our domestic wine supplies need to keep up. The UK’s biggest ondemand fine wine delivery app, Wine App, stocks hundreds of bottles that you’ll find in restaurants such as Nobu, Sushi Samba, Hakkasan, The Ivy and more, but sells them at a fraction of the price. It's a simple but devastatingly effective concept. Download the app (it appears as an unmistakable single glass of wine on your phone), set up a profile that includes personal preferences, and you're ready to order. There are discounts when you buy more than four bottles, plus lots of offers – and amazingly, delivery is within the hour.

Yes, that's right, the hour. Sometimes even 20 minutes. Our order was scheduled to come within a staggering 35 minutes – and a small delay of a few minutes on the estimated time resulted in a (frankly unnecessary) compensation voucher. So this isn't just a wine app, it's an emergency wine app. Sunny day and nothing in the fridge? You're just a few taps on your phone away from a delivery of chilled, high quality wine that beats any corner shop run. The selection is ever-expanding and comes with concise tasting notes – and when you build your profile, you can note wines to reorder (or avoid). The app will suggest things for you based on your tastes. In all, it's like having your own personal on-demand wine cellar in your phone, without the hassle of the actual cellar.

WINEAPP wineapp.com

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FASHION

EARN YOUR STRIPES AMELIES FOLLIES

Mary Jo's sporty-chic bikini top with cache-coeur effect has an original and contemporary look. The cups are embellished with a striped fabric and it's produced with 20% recycled materials. ameliesfollies.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Lounging in Eberjey 42 • Eternal jewellery from Italy 50 • Kitch charm 52 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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SUMMER Breeze

Soft, stylish pieces from Eberjey E B E R J E Y. C O M

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CIRCLE OF LIFE Welded bracelets are a big trend now, started by Italian jewellery brand Atelier VM. Absolutely gets welded

By PENDLE HARTE

50

W

ith its prominent position in Liberty’s prestigious jewellery department, it’s hard to imagine that Atelier VM started out so modestly. The Italian fine jewellery brand’s story began in 1998, when its founders were only 20 years old, making experimental jewellery out of glass and paper to sell at the beach and at markets in Milan. Fast forward to 2021, and today Atelier VM founders Marta Caffarelli and Viola Naj Oleari are fulfilling their vision of meaningful, inspired pieces that hold personal sentiment to the customer for them to carry through each stage of their lives.

Each piece in the ethereal collection of elegant, modern jewellery tells a story of unity, love and friendship designed to last a lifetime. Their focus is simplicity and minimalism, in contrast to the Italian jewellery tradition of big and bright pieces. The Atelier VM collection is small and subtle, designed to become part of the wearer’s life.

The idea of welded jewellery is simple: there's no clumsy clasp, simply an unbroken circle. Once welded in place, the L’Essenziale piece is bonded for a lifetime, only removed by cutting.

This revolutionary welded design was first launched by Atelier VM in 2014, when they were the first jewellery brand to introduce the concept. Each piece is designed by the customer, as

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

they select the chain and additional charms before the piece is measured onto the wrist by an Atelier VM specialist, and hand-welded to secure.

The collection has been designed with a delicate lightness that does not interfere with movement as each bracelet moulds to the natural contours of the body. Delicate, classic and personified with a gold thread entwining the wrist or finger, L’Essenziale acts as a promise that connects us to someone or something, completely unique for every person.

A L’Essenziale piece is an emotional and exciting experience with a made-tomeasure service provided to every customer, and each piece telling its own unique experience. The bracelets come in four thicknesses, ranging from £210 £1,300, with the option of 18ct yellow, rose or white gold finishes. Each one can be complemented and personalised further with a variety of charms including classic pearls, white diamonds, gold lettering and acrylic symbols.

The full collection is available exclusively in store at Liberty London and online at ateliervm.com/lessenziale-collection

“Each bracelet moulds to the natural contours of the body”

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

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Kitsch vision Chunky pieces that make a statement B y L AY L A T U R N E R

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MERCI MAMAN

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

Personalised Kindred Round Pendant, £109 mercimamanboutique.com

Sweetheart Pink Ring, £110 julychild.co.uk

Swift Ascending Earring, £25 tattydevine.com

MILLIE SAVAGE

TATTY DEVINE

JULY CHILD

Dasiy Daisy Do Ring, £374 milliesavage.com

Bowie Necklace, £55 tattydevine.com

White Cosmic Alien Ring, £15 julychild.co.uk

TATTY DEVINE

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

Solar Eclipse Pendant, £30 tattydevine.com.com

Ariel Cosmo Necklace, £80 julychild.co.uk

Mad Hatter Brooch, £35 vam.ac.uk

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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH Your health matters, all the time. So our private health plans give you access to medical experts 24/7, without having to leave your home.

Just one way we’re with you. Today, for the everyday and whatever’s next.

Search Bupa Global or call 0371 346 0409

Global

Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty notes 59 • Fitness focus 67 • Nutrition for productivity 76 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

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

Joelle - March 2019

2 weeks to Wow! “The difference was clear after 2 weeks!

I am now in my 2nd month of Skinade and the suppleness in my skin is incredible. I have noticed a marked difference in the hydration and texture in my face. I am hooked!”

Andrea - March 2019

The brand trusted by professionals, and loved by you...

The inside-out approach to skincare is becoming an increasingly appealing and effective way to achieve visible results.

As we age, our collagen production slows down, affecting the appearance of our skin. Skinade’s active ingredients work together to produce a daily drink aimed at nourishing and supporting the skin from the inside for beautiful skin on the outside.

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

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

HIGH

Tech

Looking after your hair with Paul Windle

C LO U D T W E LV E

B y FELICIT Y CARTER

Head down to luxury wellness and lifestyle club Cloud Twelve, for the ultimate pamper day. We recommend one of their ultra high tech facials, such as the Dermafrac signature treatment, for the ultimate skin makeover.

Prices vary,

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cloudtwelve.co.uk

Glass Glow K E V Y N AU C O I N

Designed to instantly brighten a lacklustre complexion, The Glass Glow liquid illuminator comes in six dazzling shades. The smooth, gel-like formula feels fresh on the skin, and can be mixed with a moisturiser for a hydrated finish. Alternatively, apply to the face and body alone in an upwards motion for a more intense look. £26 spacenk.com

S I G N AT U R E SHADE E M O LY N E

Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Cosmetics, spent years trying to find lip and nail products of an exact shade match. The brand offers kits containing a lip-liner, lipstick and nail polish, all of the same shade. Shades include ‘Zanzibar’, a showstopping, poppy red. £45

SUMMER Locks hen it comes to looking after your locks in summer, Paul Windle is here to help. A leading figure within the hairdressing industry for over 30 years, not only does he have his award-winning Covent Garden salon that dons a coveted client list, he's also developed his own range of haircare products aimed at the modern, health and eco-conscious consumer.

Windle shares his top tips for looking after your hair as the temperatures rise and the sun comes out this summer.

‘Prepare your hair for the sun. Like your skin, it’s good to get your hair ready for any exposure to the sun. Using a conditioning treatment after your hair has been in the sun is a good idea but using one before is even better, as strong and moisturised hair does much better in the sun. We have the Ultra Nourishing Treatment Shampoo and Ultra Nourishing Masque which I can recommend for this. Leave the shampoo on for a couple of minutes to let the goodness in. The masque can be left on every few days for 10 minutes or even overnight. It can also be used as a daily conditioner, as it doesn't weigh down the hair’.

‘It’s also important to protect your hair from the sun just like your skin. Several of our products have UV protection. The Invisible Day & Night Cream, moisturises the hair without weighing it down. For the best results apply it to the hair a few times per day and again at night. With that said, there is no substitute for a good hat!’

WINDLE LONDON

41-45 Short's Gardens, WC2H 9AP windlelondon.com

emolyne.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

MALIN + GOETZ Meadowfoam Oil Balm, £13 malinandgoetz.co.uk

MOA Queen Of The Night Serum, £35 moa.co.uk

HUDA BEAUTY GloWish Multidew Skin Tint, £32 hudabeauty.com

BITE BEAUTY Daycation Whipped blush, £30 boots.com

VERSO Body Oil Cleanser, £55 versoskincare.com

111 SKIN Nac Y2 Recovery Mask, £115 111skin.co.uk

GLOW GUIDE

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK; UNSPLASH, DOM AGUIAR

The best products for glowing skin, all summer long...

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Glaze Skin Perfector, £30 hudabeauty.com

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Body Drip Shimmering Oil, £42 cultbeauty.co.uk

B y L AY L A T U R N E R

GLOW RECIPE ROC SKINCARE

Avocado Recovery Serum, £38 cultbeauty.co.uk

Multi Correxion Gel Cream, £35.99 rocskincare.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS IF YOU WORK AT A DESK, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE TIME TO STRETCH OUT

REGULAR EXERCISE WILL KEEP YOUR LEGS LOOKING HEALTHY

pain, occasional itching, and swelling of the skin near the enlarged vein.

AT HOME TREATMENTS

VEIN, VEIN G O AWAY

Varicose veins are unsightly, uncomfortable and can cause pain – here’s how you can avoid them

By DR SELENA LANGDON

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aricose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are more common on the face, and are generally more superficial.

CAUSES

Varicose and spider veins are broken capillaries that can be caused by numerous factors including lifestyle, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, genes, and ageing.

Patients I see for treatment are more often those who stand for many hours

during their jobs because the veins in the legs have to work so much harder to get the blood back to the heart. It is also the case for people who sit for long hours because the circulation may be blocked and the blood pressure in the legs builds up.

A common cause of spider veins in the face is regular alcohol consumption.

Alcohol can temporarily dilate the blood vessels, while frequent alcohol consumption can cause longerlasting broken blood vessels.

SYMPTOMS

Even though spider and varicose veins are both vein disorders, only varicose veins produce symptoms. Patients that suffer from larger varicose veins will often report a heavy feeling in their legs, intense

Regular low-impact exercise can help to improve circulation in the legs which will help to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise will also help to reduce blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose and spider veins. For desk workers I recommend regularly standing up and to avoid sitting with legs crossed as this can further restrict blood flow.

I also recommend that patients choose non-restrictive clothing, and when relaxing to elevate their legs, ideally to the same height as the heart. Gentle massage of the area can also help, but pressure should be minimal to avoid causing further damage to the veins.

IN CLINIC OPTIONS

In my experience lasers are the most effective treatment for varicose and spider veins. At Berkshire Aesthetics we use an Nd:YAG laser called the Cutera V+, which is a very powerful laser designed specifically to treat veins.

The laser works by heating the walls of the veins, which then break down and are naturally absorbed by the body. I find that lasers are also more effective than injections as the laser can quickly treat a larger area in less time, and with less chance of the veins returning.

BERKSHIRE AESTHETIC S Dr Selena Langdon is an aesthetic doctor and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics – see more at berkshireaesthetics.com

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“My vision is to be that trusted heritage brand within the aesthetics industry”

POSITIVE INFLUENCE Sharin Shafer reveals the vision behind her game-changing aesthetics brand, Skinfluencer

By EVE HERBERT

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

Q What is Skinfluencer doing differently to other establishments?

A At Skinfluencer, we not only offer cutting edge medical aesthetics, but we deliver our bespoke medical grade treatments through a luxury client journey experience in boutique settings.

I think heritage fashion brands get it right. Brands such as Celine, Dior and Hermès represent quality, luxury and longevity, yet they always remain relevant and fresh. I have the same vision for Skinfluencer— to be that trusted heritage brand within the aesthetics industry that represents uncompromising quality at every level. That is: to deliver a client concierge service, offer cutting edge results-driven treatments, never compromise on quality, and build and support a team that delivers on your vision at every turn.

We also stand out because we have curated the best technologies available on the market and

assembled a clinical team of world class doctors and aestheticians who understand how to layer and combine energies and treatment techniques to deliver unrivalled results. This is why we are able to deliver protocols that push the boundaries of what is possible to achieve and can say with confidence that there is not a condition we cannot treat.

Q Talk us thorough your expert team and the technologies and techniques you use A Our doctors and aestheticians are global leaders in their fields; all with a minimum of ten years of experience and multiple post-graduate or specialised training certifications in advanced techniques. When they join the Skinfluencer team, they must also go through “Skinfluencer-U”, which is an intensive training program to master our protocols and the art of combining and layering technologies and techniques. This is why we can commit to delivering unparalleled results. There is not another clinic in the UK with multiple “hero” technologies such as the Cutera Enlighten III, the Fotona Dynamis Pro, the Cutera Secret RF, Cutera XEO Limelight, and CoolSculpting, to name but a few.

Q We love the bespoke approach Skinfluencer offers – why do you think that’s important?

A No two people have the same skin, and no one person has the same issues with his or her skin on any given day – or at every stage – in his or her life. This is where experience and technology meet to create bespoke treatment plans to address everything from fighting off age to complex issues stemming from chronic or inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea or melasma – for every skin type, age and condition.

Q What’s next for Skinfluencer?

A To grow Skinfluencer into a

global brand so that our clients can continue their treatment protocols without compromise, wherever life may take them. Later this month, we are launching our second branch in Belgrade, followed by Paris in late Autumn. In 2022, we will open our first branches outside of Europe.

We also have a skincare line under development that, in true fashion, will be something entirely new and innovative.

SHARIN SHAFER

S K I N F LU E N C E R 307 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10 9QH skin-fluencer.com

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21/07/2021 20:54

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

FEMALE

FITNESS THE CAPITAL’S WOMEN-ONLY GYMS

NOTES

By FELICITY CARTER

THE BRIDGE The Bridge believes passionately that all women have the right to live healthy lives. This Southwark gym is a friendly and supportive space, with flexible memberships, female instructors and a range of fitness classes, including yoga and meditation. thebridge-uk.org

STRONGHER Striving to provide a space where every woman ‘fits in’ is Strongher London. Strongher offers a space to train without hassle. There are a range of classes available, including HIIT sessions and weight training techniques, suitable for beginners and intermediate gym-goers alike. strongher.co.uk

SLEEP D E E P LY Drift off at The Cadogan Hotel

T K I S S GY M S Women-only and open 24 hours a day, Acton's Kiss is a beautiful gym with fantastic facilities and classes. Membership gives you access to free classes, while personal trainers are available to help you achieve your goals. kissgyms.com

he Cadogan hotel prides itself on offering a luxurious, tailored experience in which guests can kick back and relax in style. For its new service, ‘The Sleep Concierge’, the 5-star hotel has teamed up with revered Harley Street hypnotherapist and sleep expert, Malminder Gill.

Gill has more than 15 years’ experience in the world of sleep, including the management of anxious thoughts to aid rest and relaxation.

The service is available exclusively to hotel guests and

it’s a natural pairing as comfort and relaxation are at the heart of the hotel. General Manager Xavier Lablaude, says: ‘After a truly challenging year for all, we are excited to welcome our guests back to The Cadogan and be able to offer them best night’s sleep they’ve ever had’.

Here you’ll find a sleepinducing meditative recording in the rooms via the hotel app, recorded by Malminder. The service includes a pillow menu with a choice of different luxurious pillows tailored to back and side sleepers. There's also the option of a weighted blanket, alongside

a bedtime tea developed by The Cadogan specifically for the Sleep Concierge, and a scented pillow mist to support the best possible night’s sleep.

So, the next time you have trouble sleeping or feel a little restles, why not try the Sleep Concierge service, and drift off in one of The Cadogan’s sumptuous suites. For a thoroughly tailored experience, guests can book a one-to-one with Malminder Gill in person, for an in-room appointment if they book in advance. belmond.com

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CHANNELLING T H E 9 0 ’S

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hannel the 90’s with these Dior Inclusion sunglasses. The green lenses offer a fun twist to sun protection and are an on-trend accessory for the summer Dior Inclusion £365

K

OMONO brings innovation and contemporary design into the world of accessories. KOMONO embraces the experimental and proposes a glimpse of the future into the here and now.

Cat eye style sunglasses are a must have for this summer, a modern twist on a retro style.

Komono Ona £115

Both styles available in store and online

The Most Comprehensive Eye Examination in The UK 3D Deep Eye Scanning · Varifocal Specialists · Elite Contact Lens Centre · Luxury Eye Wear www.the-eye-place.co.uk Belsize Park - Fleet Street - Fitzrovia - Spitalfields Dore - Bakewell - Kensington - Towcester

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22/07/2021 11:38

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24/02/2021 15:49

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

And ZEN

The Massage Company has just opened in Putney offering a range of self-care treatments B y L AY L A T U R N E R

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he past year has been a ride, to put things lightly. Each one of us has been through struggles of our own, with many of us feeling less than fabulous, so it’s no surprise that the self-care trend gained momentum throughout multiple national lockdowns. Now that life is slowly returning to normal, it’s time to put yourself first and focus on your wellbeing – and what better way to do so than with a massage?

There are a multitude of benefits that come hand-in-hand with massage therapy: pain relief, immunity, increased flexibility and elevated mood to name but a few.

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Charlie Thompson and Elliot Walker, founders of The Massage Company, have recently opened the doors to their latest wellbeing location in Putney. Their vision is simple: to bring high quality massage to the wellbeing mainstream.

“Our focus on consistently high-quality massage therapy, through our fully certified training program, ensures that all our therapists are of the best possible quality and are also protected in the jobs they do. We are delighted to be joining the Putney community and our unique membership concept is already attracting new members.”

With several successful locations across the UK, including Tunbridge Wells and High Wycombe, Londoners will now be able to enjoy the high quality services that The Massage Company has to offer. Expectant mothers can enjoy the maternity massage, conducted by pre- and postnatal qualified therapists, while classic massage (similar to a Swedish massage) aims to loosen muscles and remove toxins. Guests will leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Located on Putney High Street and open late six days a week, The Massage Company is the perfect location for an after-work massage or a quick pick-me-up.

T H E M A S SAG E C O M PA N Y Putney Exchange, SW15 1TW. themassagecompany.co.uk

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TO P T R E AT M E N T S Luxurious treatments for embracing self care

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AGUA LONDON

RH LONDON HAIR TRANSFORMATION Wo r d s A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

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HAMMAMII GIFT SET

AGUA AT HOME DIY SPA

Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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gua London, the spa at Sea Containers London, offers two wonderful at-home pamper kits for a DIY spa treatment. The Made for Life: Embrace the Day Set is both invigorating and calming. It includes a lemongrass and marigold body scrub and a soothing balm for muscles and joints with rosemary, chamomile, calendula and lavender. The Hammamii Gift Set is designed to replicate a traditional Turkish bath; there's a black soap infused with eucalyptus and a super refreshing Moroccan tea body wash incorporating five different types of wild mint. Finally, there's a mask made of clay, mined from beneath the Atlas Mountains, to detoxify the skin and draw out impurities. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and enjoy an evening of me-time. From £85 seacontainerslondon.com

he ultimate destination for independent shopping in Chelsea, Walton Street boasts a plethora of beautiful retailers and eateries. And now it’s home to RH London, the new flagship salon for ethical hair extension experts Richy Hair UK. Known for transforming thin, lifeless hair into full-bodied (and totally natural-looking) locks, the team houses over 40 shades of premium hair and can do everything from tapes to Keratin bonds. A clever piece is the Hair Flow, an ultra-thin wire that you can slip on. It sits undetected on your head, instantly adding length and volume. Makeup artist Armand Beasley is also on-hand, should you require some extra glamour. As well as extensions, RH London offers a full-service of hair treatments, from styling to colouring. I have a simple cut and blow dry by Cristina, who turns my flat and shapeless ‘do into a voluminous long bob with beachy waves, which suits my face shape incredibly well. A post-treatment Walton Street wander ends the afternoon perfectly. £130 65 Walton Street, SW3 2HT rh-london.com

MINDFUL FACIAL

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS DANIELLE COLLINS

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MINDFUL FACIAL AT DR JACK

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

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he Mindful Facial at Dr Jack’s Harley Street clinic combines a rejuvenating facial with hypnotherapy. It begins with a call from award-winning hypnotherapist Malminder Gill, and we discuss my stress levels and emotional needs — she assures me there won’t be any Derren Brown-style antics. When I arrive for my treatment, facialist Izabela chats to me about my skin concerns before Malminder enters and we begin.

With soothing music playing, Izabela cleanses my face before a peel and dermaplaning, which gently scrapes away the top layer of skin. Meanwhile, Malminder’s voice guides me through visualisation exercises, putting me in a state of deep relaxation as she talks about being more confident, worrying less and sleeping better. The results are dramatic. My skin is baby-smooth and bright, and the next day, makeup glides on astonishingly well. Malminder’s hypnotherapy was incredibly soothing, and she sends me a recorded version to listen to at home once a week. £500 96 Harley Street, W1G 7HY drdavidjackclinic.com

RH LONDON

BEA SKINCARE'S LED MASK

FACE YOGA

BY DANIELLE COLLINS Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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anielle Collins is a worldleading expert in face yoga. Designed to lift, firm and plump the skin while relaxing and releasing tension from facial muscles, face yoga involves regularly practising a number of acupressure, massage and strength training exercises. Face yoga can also improve lymphatic drainage and reduce the appearance of dull skin, dark circles and crow’s feet. Rooted in established traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and Shiatsu, there is also plenty of modern evidence to support face yoga's benefits. A study

by Northwestern University found that participants who practised face yoga for 30 minutes a day, 20 days in a row ended up looking an average of three years younger. Danielle’s online video course teaches you ten minutes of face yoga a day for ten days. It also comes with a copy of Danielle’s book, which has all the exercises in plus lots of handy tips. Danielle recommends taking before and after photos, and ten days later there is certainly a difference in how lifted and ‘alive’ my face looks. After each session, I can feel the energising sensation of blood pumping round my head and my cheeks look perkier. I’m a face yoga convert. £29.99 faceyogaexpert.com

BEA SKINCARE

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

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ED light therapy is the latest huge trend in beauty tech.

It’s been used for years by facialists, but at-home LED masks have shot up in popularity thanks to the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen posing on Instagram with the futuristic-looking (and slightly creepy) face shields. You may be sick of wearing a face mask, but this kind can do wonders for your skin. LED therapy emits varying wavelengths of light onto the skin to trigger your body’s natural cell rejuvenation. Different types of light have different benefits: red boosts collagen and reduces inflammation, blue tackles acne bacteria and amber helps lymphatic drainage. The Bea Skincare Photodynamic Facial Mask is a fantastic at-home alternative to a professional LED session. You put it on like a pair of glasses and the clear plastic shield covers your face. Unlike UV rays, LED light is completely safe for the skin. The only downside is, the Bea mask doesn’t come with anything to cover the eyes — it’s fine to just close them, but I find it more comfortable to pop an eye mask on while I rest for 10-20 minutes. £99 bea-skincare.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEW

Cosmetic

WELLBEING Absolutely tries new non-invasive treatment Venus Bliss at The Prager Clinic

By PENDLE HARTE

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umber 52 Beauchamp Place is painted black and the front windows are obscured. From the outside, this spot is the last word in discretion – and inside, it’s a stylish and welcoming space with an aura of calm. This is home to awardwinning Dr Michael Prager, who has a global following for his game-changing skincare and ‘cosmetic wellbeing’ treatments.

This is the man said to have administered more than 100,000 Botox and dermal fillers injections in the four years between 2015 and 2019, more than any other practitioner. He is a leader in his world and his own range of ‘naturally protective skincare’ is specially formulated to address pollutants found in the urban environment.

His products are for city-dwellers, who are very much at home at his clinic.

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THE PRAGER CLINIC

I am here for a new body contouring treatment, the Venus Bliss, billed as ‘a progressive solution to stubborn pockets of abdominal and body fat’ and represented exclusively at the Prager Clinic. It’s ‘clinically proven to non-invasively induce lipolysis safely and comfortably, using diode laser applicators that are placed on the abdomen/flanks to deliver energy to and heat the adipose tissue layer’. The idea is that it destroys fat cells, potentially permanently, and results in inch loss around the stomach and flanks. What this involves in practice is hooking you up to a futuristic-looking machine that makes a noise thanks to swooshing water inside the unit. The therapist assesses your needs

and fits you with a tight belt which keeps the laser applicators in place. It’s a bit like a scuba diving belt with weights, and it feels heavy too. First it’s cold, and then for the next 25 minutes, the treatment feels like a kind of pressure; it slowly gets warmer until the skin reaches the needed temperature and then stays within that temperature range. It uses multipolar radio frequency and pulsed electro magnetic fields to tighten skin, reduce circumference, and reduce cellulite.

Venus Bliss is available as a standalone treatment option or used within The Prager Clinic’s proprietary body contouring programmes’ Target Core and Target Total Body. These holistic wellness programmes fuse cutting edge non-invasive cosmetic treatments with a bespoke holistic wellness activities to provide a long-term solution for reducing stubborn pockets of body fat. Dr Michael Prager says: “The key to successful fat loss and skin tightening treatments is the combination of several weight loss ingredients into a treatment plan. We prescribe a bespoke set of activities on a programme that can last up to three months and will include deep tissue massage, exercise, supplements, nutrition and sleep cycle regulation.”

T H E P R AG E R C L I N I C 52 Beauchamp Place, SW3; 020 3198 3098. drmichaelprager.com

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20/07/2021 21:26

When it comes to your health, you deserve the very best A world-class preventative health programme carefully tailored to your individual needs - now available right on your doorstep.

Bringing together two world-renowned names in healthcare and medical research, the Health and Wellness Plan from Mayo Clinic Healthcare in partnership with Oxford University Clinic combines access to an unrivalled network of international medical experts with world-class diagnostic and screening facilities.

Developed for discerning individuals who expect and deserve the very best, we help you to take a proactive approach to your health for a healthier, happier future for you and your family.

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21/02/2020 14:54

POWER

FOODS

A nutritionist’s guide to boosting productivity through diet.

By Rob Thorp, Nutritionist and Founder of Vite Naturals

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NUTRITION

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ith so many distractions keeping our minds occupied, from the ongoing pandemic to Brexit fears and the ever-growing influence of social media, it is no surprise that for many of us, concentration and productivity levels are at an all-time low.

In addition to this, our diets, which have a huge impact on overall wellbeing, often fall short in providing the essential nutrients needed to boost brain health. A diet high in processed foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates can cause insulin fluctuations, increase toxic load, and create an inflamed body. This all has a negative impact on cognitive health, and can subsequently impair your productivity and concentration levels, cognitive function, and mood. Opting for a balanced diet packed with nutrients and antioxidants, while avoiding processed and sugary foods, can go a long way. Here's how.

THINK STRAIGHT WITH GINSENG

In Chinese medicine, Ginseng is hailed as an all-healing herb, and has been recorded to help with cognitive function, memory, energy levels, and mood – perfect for supplementing busy lives. It has also been used to great effect in studies to help patients suffering with Alzheimer’s and ADHD.

THE POWER OF FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented foods contain beneficial, live bacteria and yeasts which help to restore the natural balance of your gut, VITE NATURALS SUPPLEMENTS

stomach, and intestines. Foods such as kimchi, miso soup, sauerkraut, yogurt and tofu contain good bacteria, leading to a healthy and well-balanced gut. This can in turn help to improve mood and increase brain function, providing the necessary boost to your productivity.

ADD A LITTLE ZINC

Zinc is a vital nutrient for brain health and many who experience mental health problems are found to be deficient in zinc. An easy way to up your zinc intake and boost your brain power is by consuming foods like pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, and spinach.

UP YOUR FISH INTAKE

From salmon to sardines, mackerel to trout, the health fats found in oily fish are widely recognised for being some of the best brain foods around. The fats in oily fish contain the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids, proven to have a positive difference on brain health and productivity. The compounds found in Omega 3s have also been proven to aid the transmission of chemical signals from cell to cell, keeping us more alert and focused. For those looking for a more sustainable way to up their omegas, try Vite Brain, a new range of supplements and delicious snack bars. Including a unique eight ingredient Nootropic and Omega formulation which has been formulated to provide your brain with everything it needs for peak performance, a daily dose can help you to feel sharper, think faster and focus longer.

“Diets have a huge impact on overall wellbeing”

TAKE A CHILL PILL

Many experience brain fog and a dip in concentration thanks to being constantly on the go and trying to multitask. It is important to include some down time in your busy schedule, simply to relax and turn your thoughts off. Aim for at least 15 minutes per day of down time.

LOAD UP ON ‘SUPER’ NUTRIENTS

Magnesium is a super nutrient, which is used in almost every process in the body. Neurotransmitters in the brain use magnesium to stimulate and regulate electrical activity. This super nutrient can also help to protect brain cells from the damage caused by poor diet and external toxins.

STOCK UP ON B VITAMINS

B vitamins are widely underrated in the food world, with foods such as legumes, green vegetables, wholegrain bread and even Marmite containing it. Not only do they help power your brain, they also help to form red blood cells and break down chemicals, whilst helping conditions like anxiety and depression, consequently boosting mental clarity. vitenaturals.com

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The Natural Formula for Weight Loss and Wellbeing S I M P LY B E C A U S E I T W O R K S

Supporting your wellbeing and losing weight may be a lot easier than you think, with Germany's No.1 meal replacement1 and ‘Most Trusted Weight Loss Brand 2020’2.

Made with a calorie-controlled, plant based, natural formula, Almased® contains a nourishing blend of soya, yogurt, enzymerich honey, all teeming with vitamins and minerals. Almased®’s ingredients combine synergistically to provide your body with superior levels of nutrition, all while optimising your immune system3, enabling you to feel your best while losing weight.

With over 30 years of scientific research, Almased® remains at the forefront of healthy, effective weight loss and optimum wellbeing. Recent clinical studies have shown that consuming Almased® not only results in significant weight reduction, but also improves detrimental inflammatory markers in the body and subsequently, immune health4.

Incorporating Almased® into a balanced diet will strengthen your immunity long after your weight loss goal has been achieved. Achieve your very own weight loss and wellbeing goal with Almased®’s 14-Day or Long-Term Plan. Lose weight, keep it off and feel great!

There’s a reason we were voted Reader’s Digest “Most Trusted Weight Loss Brand, 2020”...†

Support your Wellbeing While Losing Weight

• Greater calorie and fat burning vs a normal 2,000 calorie diet5.

• Reduces body fat without loss of essential muscle6.

• Clinically proven weight loss vs a fat restricted low calorie diet7.

• Low glycaemic index and glycaemic load. Improves glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes8.

• Anti-inflammatory. Positively reduces levels of inflammation in the body4.

• Supports healthy immune system. Packed full of antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc3.

• Backed by science. 30 years of scientifically proven results.

• Contributes to weight loss when replacing 2 daily meals*.

• Maintains weight after weight loss by replacing one daily meal.

• Natural. Contains no gluten, artificial flavours, fillers, stimulants or preservatives.

• Suitable for... vegetarians, sports enthusiasts and those with diabetes.

020 3463 9769

www.almased.co.uk

nutritionist@almased.co.uk

Almased UK ®

1. Euromonitor International (2020). 2. Reader’s Digest. Trusted Brands 2020. Germany.

3. Vitamin C and Zinc contribute to the normal function of the immune system. 4.

Kempf, K et al (2021). Nutrients, 13: 1-12. 5. Oliveira, C et al (2020). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 00:1–12. 6. Deibert, P et al (2004). Intl. Journal of Obesity; 28(10):1349-52. 7. König, D et al (2008). Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism; 52(1):7478. 8. Kempf, K et al (2017) Diabetes Care; Jul 40(7): 863-87. *Substituting two daily meals of an energy restricted diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss.

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21/07/2021 20:10

HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

well

WOMEN Human Health by The Clinic™ Well Woman programme is designed to facilitate good health for every woman

A

re you feeling emotional or struggling with up and down hormones, mood swings or anxiety? Do you feel like you have brain fog or that you are forgetting things or walking into a room with no idea what you went in there for?

Have you lost your sex drive or want to have sex but find your body just isn’t playing ball?

Do you keep meaning to book in for that breast check and smear but keep putting it to the back of the pile with all your other responsibilities?

Do you suffer with the sensation of something hanging down in between your legs or wear dark trousers and Tena Lady pads because you are worried you will leak urine if you laugh, sneeze, cough or run? Do you have faecal incontinence which stops you doing activities you love or even leaving the house for fear or embarrassment?

Do you suffer with niggling pains in your muscles or joints that are just dragging you down?

Have you gained weight during lockdown and are feeling at odds with your body? Do you feel tired and sluggish and just not yourself but are not sure why?

As women our health concerns are as individual, varied and diverse as we are, but one thing binds us together, we often put our own needs last.

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

T

he last year in particular has taken its toll and, with life as we know it on the backburner, many women have sidelined their health and wellbeing in order to cope with the new challenges life has thrown their way.

The pandemic and lockdowns have impacted our lives physically and emotionally but they have also shown us how important looking after our health and wellbeing is and as a result, many women are now feeling inspired to take back control of their health.

Someone who is leading the way in this charge is Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, who has announced the launch of the Well Woman

service/programme at Human Health by The Clinic™, designed to facilitate and promote good health for every woman everywhere.

So, if you have a constant niggling worry about your health but have been ignoring it in the midst of trying to juggle everything else and are struggling to find time to get it sorted, then Dr Mayoni is here to tell you, you don’t have to suffer in silence any more.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN HEALTH WELL WOMAN SERVICE/PROGRAMME?

E

veryone’s health needs are different and that’s why Dr Mayoni felt passionate about creating a bespoke, tailored, 360-degree approach to achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health.

Human Health by The Clinic was founded to empower people to take control of their own health destiny by giving them access to treatments, advice and lifestyle strategies that combine together in a holistic way to elevate all over health and wellbeing.

The clinic opened its doors in December 2020 and is now proud A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellness-facing... our future lies in lifestyle medicine” to announce the introduction of its Well Woman programme.

Dr Mayoni is extremely passionate about women’s health. A leading authority on sexual health and sexual regeneration as well as the founder of two award-winning aesthetic clinics in South East London, she has spent years working with her female patients helping them to age well. Now she wants to help them build strength and resilience through optimal health, increasing their chances of enjoying healthy longevity.

She punctuated her surgical training with a four year period of research at the Blizzard Institute under the supervision of Professor Sir Norman Williams where she looked at pelvic floor disorders, namely faecal incontinence and this is where her passion was ignited. “I was startled at the huge prevalence of this condition in women and the fact it was such a silent but debilitating condition”, Dr Mayoni says. “This is probably where my passion for female wellness has come from. I also realised how many human illnesses were preventable or

improved with better community based care which could mean a reduced need for drastic surgical options.

As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellnessfacing. We look for answers when our health has deteriorated to an extent where we then need medicines and surgery, which have risks and complications. This approach also places huge pressures on the NHS and the people working within it, which are not sustainable. I believe our future lies in lifestyle medicine.”

The clinic utilises effective evidence-based medicine combined with advice and support from allied medical professionals including a physiotherapist, nutritionist and health coach.

FEMALE-CENTRIC PACKAGES INCLUDE • BHRT package • Pelvic floor health • Well woman checks • The Human Health Kitchen with Nena Foster • Acupuncture for hormonal health

The Well Woman Clinic is a consultation and health assessment designed around the specific needs and concerns of the female body. At its core the ethos is to help women to feel like they are listened to, not just fobbed off with anti-depressants and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about as they are not alone.

Your journey starts with an hourlong consultation that can be done online at home. During this session, Dr Mayoni will get to know you not only medically but as a person, human-to-human. She will likely suggest some baseline blood tests which will be followed up in a second hour-long session where she will also discuss a no-obligation personalised treatment plan that has been tailored around you and your needs.

As part of this, you can expect a full physical examination including all your observations such as height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart and lung function and range of movement, as well as a breast exam and/or self-exam, a pelvic exam and screening for fertility, ovarian and sexual health problems.

You will also undergo an extensive blood test and the results, along with the findings from your assessment, will be used to recommend any treatments and/or possible referrals for mammograms and pelvic scanning for example.

With clinics in Honor Oak Park and Crystal Palace, London, Human Health is the future of healthcare, putting you in the driving seat and giving you responsibility for your own health and self-improvement journey.

“Giving you the answers and tools to looking after yourself is the key to our long term health and the relief of suffering from chronic but preventable illness”, Dr Mayoni says.

Human Health is designed for living in a post-Covid country and aims to tackle the modern health problems we faced in 2020 and beyond.”

Visit the Human Health website: drmhumanhealth.co.uk to find out more or book a consultation today by calling 0208 054 9191 or using the online booking tool on our website.

• Join in the conversation with on Instagram @humanhealth.theclinic #HumanHealth #FutureHuman.

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INTERIORS

HO U S E OF FUN H A B I TAT

Defined by its energising colour palette and architectural forms, the new Studio collection is fun and playful. Highly influenced by architectural forms, designs take on a utilitarian feel, transformed into uplifting pieces through bright block colours. habitat.com

Interior inspirations 84 • At home with Interior Fox 86 • Hadeda style 92 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

RIGHT ANGLE ANGLEPOISE

Anglepoise has launched a new collection of Original 1227 lamps in collaboration with the National Trust. The collection comprises three lights – a table, a desk, and a floor lamp in a new Sage Green colour. Proceeds will raise a minimum of £15,000 to help support restoration works at The Homewood, a modernist villa designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. anglepoise.com

N AT U R E LOV E HABITAT

The natural world is at the core of Habitat's new Folklore collection, promoting pared-back and considered interiors. The collection prioritises tactile materials such as cane, seagrass and jute, complemented by naive, unrefined accessories. habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Fragrance L'ORANGERIE Spiced reed diffuser, £28 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

NEW TA LE N T

T R U E B LU E KITESGROVE X FARROW & BALL

London-based design studio Kitesgrove has worked with Farrow & Ball to create a new and entirely bespoke beautifully deep teal colour – ‘Kitesgrove’ by Farrow & Ball. It's a rich, complex colour tone, available exclusively from Kitesgrove. kitesgrove.com

LOOK LIKE LOVE

Look Like Love has been supporting and promoting graduate and emerging designers since 2011 and this year they invited 10 designers to each create a one-off piece to form the anniversary collection, which spans prints, textiles and ceramics. looklikelove.co.uk

EMMA ALLINGTON Vine tomato and black pepper candle, £37 emmaallington.co.uk

DIPTYQUE Limited edition Citronelle candle, £49 diptyqueparis.com

JO LOVES Fig Trees diffuser, £90 joloves.com

TOM DIXON Fog incense set, £40 tomdixon.net

SET AND MATCH SETTING PRETT Y

Setting Pretty's table linens are designed to be mixed and matched – so here are Wild Child napkins and placemats with a gingham tablecloth in Dusty Rose.

Instant table style, achieved. settingpretty.com

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

Open

HOUSE A look around Interior Fox founder Jenna Choate’s London house

By P E A R L B OY D

J

en and Mar co-founded Interior Fox in 2016 with the aim of providing a stylish, affordable and achievable interior design service for the digital age. They made their distinctive mark and transformed the industry, making way for a fresh approach to interior design that was accessible for everyone.

Here we take a look inside Jen’s modern Finsbury Park home, designed by Interior Fox, with its clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic fused with a colourful global twist.

The property is an end-of-terrace Victorian house in Finsbury Park with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a home office. Jenna Choate lives here with her husband Ben James and their two sausage dogs Stella and Chloe. When they bought it, it needed a complete overhaul and a top-to-toe restructure. She says: “I treated my own home like I would a client, I planned each

room out with a moodboard of products and colours and took it from there. Not everything goes to plan so being able to adapt or adjust as you go is important as well. I knew from the get-go that things like floor colours, wall colours, electrical outlets, and hardware and then from there each room had a concept. For bathrooms, I was excited to pick out the tiles and really get playful with the combinations. If I have the opportunity to add a wall light or ceiling pendant I will.”

Phase one involved reconfiguring the main bedroom by cutting open the small bedroom next to it and turning it into a walk-in closet and master bathroom. The original family bathroom down the hall was converted to a guest bedroom with a small en suite bathroom. She says: “We wanted to embrace the period features while maximising space.

Originally, the chimney breast was narrow so to balance out proportions we extended the width to match the superking sized bed.

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units within the alcoves to use as bedside storage.” They whitewashed all the walls and stained all the floorboards black for a neutral base. Jenna recommends doing this when you move into any new space, so that you can really see the bones and make a fresh start.

Phase two brought the lower ground floor side extension with an internal structural refurb. They moved the entire ground floor staircase to create a small home bar in the dining space and a laundry room behind it on the lower ground floor.

The kitchen extension was a must, as the previous kitchen was sunken and very dark. Jenna said: “We opted for on-trend indigo blues that instantly lifted the kitchen aesthetic and created a cohesive look between the cabinetry and finishes. We wanted to make the kitchen island stand out with the addition of a brass metal sheet on the underside to add a wow factor while warming up the overall palette. To complement the brass tones and tie the look together, we chose upholstered stools in plush velvets.” The basement bedroom and hallway were re-configured and opened up to create a larger guest bedroom and built-in storage and window seat.

And what are her favourite things in the house? “My large-scale photograph from Tom Blachford was an investment but totally worth it for the scale and quality of the image. I love the long white tassel pendants in the same space, reminds me of a jellyfish or a 70s party room. I love the wallpaper and vibe of my office, it truly feels like sunshine to me. I still love the main kitchen wall with quartz stone and white tongue n groove wall, again the bright white feels like the light you get on a sunny day. Love the backrest with Kelly Weasrtler Graffito fabric in the dining room as well, makes me very happy.”

“We wanted to embrace the period features while maximising space”

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

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INSPIRING BATHROOMS. DESIGNED FOR LIFE.

Fresh air with DuoFresh odour extraction unit.

Clever storage solutions.

Frame cleverly concealed behind the wall.

At Geberit we combine over 150 years of expertise to offer you the perfect bathroom. Our complete bathroom solutions are designed to make lives easier; from ceramic wall-hung solutions using trusted concealed frames, to innovative shower toilets and beautiful furniture with clever features, Geberit products offer a perfect balance of timeless design and outstanding function.

Discover your dream bathroom now at geberit.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

CASACARTA Dinner plate set of two, £74 casa-carta.com

MARIMEKKO Siirtolaputarha Plate, £25 skandium.com

MINEHEART Undercover Antique plate, £22 mineheart.com

GARDEN TRADING Winderton Side Plate in Rosemary, £8 gardentrading.co.uk

HOT PLATES

EDITOR’S PICK

THE FIND STORE Moroccan Zwack plate, £15 thefi ndstore.co.uk

THE CURIOUS DEPARTMENT Insect Mandala plate, set of four, £160 thecuriousdepartment.com

Stylish dinnerware for your table

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

CIEL SHOP Dinner plate, £12 cielshopinteriors.com

SOUS CHEF Colour Pop Enamel Plate Pink, £22.99 souschef.co.uk

CASA CELVA Puglian face bread plate, £64 for four casacelva.com

ARTISANS DU MAROC Tamegroute plate, £25 wearenomads.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Aura stoneware plate, £14 roseandgrey.co.uk

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FORCE OF

NATURE How the UK fell in love with Hadeda’s beautiful artisan pieces from Africa

By PENDLE HARTE

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INTERIORS • STYLE

K

ate and Alex Kindersley are an almost ridiculously good-looking couple and their Cotswolds studio is improbably stylish. Inside it’s all cane furniture, woven baskets, hand-painted ceramics and beautiful linens, all from South Africa and sourced by Kate. This is the world of Hadeda, where everything is styled as it might be in your fantasy version of your life. Outside, think cushioned cane loungers around a perfect pool with cold drinks in coloured glassware.

Hadeda, named after a South African bird loved for its loud bird-song, is a collective of unique home and lifestyle collections sourced from talented artisans and co-ops across many disciplines including fashion, ceramics, art, weaving, beading and carpentry from Africa and around the globe.

Founded by Kate Kindersley, who grew up between Africa and UK, the idea is

to celebrate the enduring value of craft and design over mass production, and to trade ethically and sustainably.

The best-seller here is a traditional cane chair, either painted or in the natural handwoven cane. There’s a stylish collection of outdoor furniture, all made of handwoven cane using traditional techniques by villagers in Malawi. Other talented artisans include Karu, MADWA, Indego, Clementina Ceramics, African Jacquard, Tensira and Sidai. Kate says: “From traditional passeddown techniques to modern design, there are so many streams of talented designers in Africa. I want to share the magic, wonder, tradition and excitement of discovering these talented makers with others.”

Kate’s close relationship with the artisans who creates her products, as well as the handmade nature of all they do, means that many items can be custom made to your exact dimensions, or colour scheme. One recent (and hugely successful) commission was a vast pendant shade, spanning more than a metre, to hang over a dining table. Sun parasols can be created to exact dimensions and bespoke finishes can be arranged for everything.

Lucie de Moyencourt's Shellagance ceramic shell wall plates are new to the collection, joined by her latest nautical creation, a limited-edition collection of hand-moulded and hand-painted shell vases.

Also new are Australian design studio Tiles of Ezra’s Moroccan Zellige tiles, for which Hadeda is the UK distributor. These authentic, high quality tiles come in a vast range of colours, from neutrals to brights, in varying shapes and border options.

“IN THE WORLD OF HADEDA, EVERYTHING IS STYLED AS IT MIGHT BE IN YOUR FANTASY VERSION OF YOUR LIFE”

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

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

Paloma Faith has launched her own brand of homewares.

Absolutely takes a look

By P E A R L B OY D

W

hat do you get if you mix floral wallpaper, animal print upholstery and paisley cushions?

Welcome to the world of Paloma Faith.

The singer and songwriter has dipped a toe into the world of art and design with the launch of her own interiors label, Paloma Home. Elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary with her creative eye for pattern and play, the exuberant collection encompasses fabrics,

wallpapers, soft furnishings and select upholstered pieces in statement prints.

Born from her love of opulent glamour, retro bohemia and inspired by the renovation of her own kaleidoscopic London townhouse, Paloma Home is the culmination of Faith’s lifelong fascination with design and passion for vintage and thrifting. A self-confessed “nester” (and a true Cancerian), Faith has great fondness for the home and all its maternal connotations. “In times of uncertainty, the past year wholly revived my passion for my home and pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important.”

With a nod to the romantic noirs of Wong Kar-wai and his iconic sultry aesthetic, the collection will transport you with a palette of saturated jewel tones. Each of the pieces are rich with reference: dark, loaded wallpapers are reminiscent of a louche, backstage world while highly decorative botanicals allude to a freespirited air of femininity and a touch of the bohemian. The hedonism of the music scene unites with cinematic influence to create a dazzling interiors capsule.

“Pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

Plan your visit at enjoystalbans.com or scan me

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

“Growing up we didn’t always have a lot of money, but my mum did always prioritise investing in new cushion covers and things felt brand new.

With Paloma Home, you can have one piece and it changes a room - or you can embrace the whole collection, and it still works,” she says.

The debut line comprises ten house prints, from Pouncing Tigers and Luxe Leopards to Oriental Leaves & Birds, Vintage Chinoiserie and Monochrome Stripes. Underpinned by a feeling of faded grandeur and retro nostalgia, highlights of the range include sumptuous velvet cushions in fiery animal prints and intricate hand-drawn birds in flight splashed across bedding for a boudoiresque cocoon, as well as leopard and tiger print seating, intricate chinoiserie print wallpaper and blinds. More is always more, with tactile finishing touches such as braiding, piping and ruffles making for an entirely multi-sensory experience.

Paloma Home captures the essence of Faith’s much-loved fire and soul - a playful, premium and yet accessible collection - and a welcome mode of escapism for all. Paloma says: “Home for me is a place where there is warmth, life, vibrancy and human touch. Something truly ‘lived in’. So much beauty emerges from chaos - and I hope to share this sentiment with Paloma Home.”

palomahome.com

“Tactile finishing touches include braiding, piping and ruffles” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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GOOD

TIMES

British designer Faye Toogood's work spans interiors, fashion and now a new range of homeware too

By EVE HERBERT

B

ritish designer Faye Toogood has launched Toogood Homeware: the studio’s first dedicated collection of homeware designs. The new range includes the Dough collection, named to highlight the common ground of kneading in both baking and pottery. It comprises six pieces: a mug, a jug, a platter, a bowl, a vase and a centrepiece. Hand-shaped in the Toogood studio before being cast in earthenware, the pieces share a pared-back yet playful simplicity. The mugs and pitchers boast chunky, outsized handles, while the platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough. The two decorative pieces – a vase and a centrepiece – complement the range. Echoing the subtly organic swell of the tableware, these are distinguished by a reactive glaze treatment that transitions between silky matte and shiny gloss in a single piece. All pieces in the collection are available in two standard matte glazes; cream and charcoal.

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The Toogood interiors practice has executed numerous house interiors for private clients. A Mayfair apartment designed for a pair of American art collectors is filled with commissioned furniture pieces made by craftsmen and artists alongside bespoke designs by Faye. The penthouse at Tapestry in King’s Cross is a monumental space with a richly textured finish and a colour palette inspired by scudding skies.

For Casa Paloma, a seven-bedroom villa in Ibiza, Toogood oversaw every aspect of the interior to the finest detail, even executing the artworks that hang on the walls.

The practice has also made a name for itself with a number of extraordinary projects for commercial fashion clients, including the Mulberry store on Regent Street, the flagship Carhartt showroom in King’s Cross, Tiina the Store in the Hamptons, and site-specific installations for Hermes and Selfridges.

Toogood brings a distinctly sculptural approach to the art of furniture design, with pieces such as the ‘Spade’ chair and the ‘Roly-Poly’ chair achieving iconic

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INTERIORS XXXXXXXX• •DESIGN XXXXX

“A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset”

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

“The platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough”

status through their strong geometry and form. All of the pieces are handmade by small-scale fabricators and traditional artisans, with an honesty to the irregularity of the chosen material, whether it be raw fibreglass, aluminium or Barium crystal. Toogood produces made-to-order furniture and homewares, as well as limited-edition gallery pieces which are sold through Friedman Benda in New York.

Faye’s furniture crosses the boundary into fine art, and has been exhibited at Phillips and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Triennale in Milan, and D Museum in Seoul. Her works have been acquired for the permanent collections of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta,

Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Faberge Museum in St Petersburg.

The fashion side of the business was cofounded by sisters Faye and Erica Toogood.

They approach their work obliquely, collaborating with architects, product designers and painters to create clothes that are both practical and sculptural.

A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset.

Each piece takes its name, inspiration and cut from a traditional trade: the Metalworker jacket, the Stonemason trouser, and so on. Toogood’s clothing is instilled with the unmistakable spirit of both sisters: Faye’s preoccupation with materiality and Erica’s audacious shapemaking. One a tinker, the other a tailor.

Toogood has more than 60 stockists worldwide, including Selfridges, Dover Street Market and Matches. Faye Toogood’s works have been acquired for the permanent collections of institutions worldwide, including Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg.

Faye Toogood homewares are stocked at scp.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

Sofa

BLAZER

SO GOOD Spotlight on four of Minotti's seating systems

By EVE HERBERT

BLAZER

console tables, benches and armchairs - that pleasantly interrupt the symmetry and contribute to designing living areas with a bold personality.

Blazer is distinguishable due its exceptional quality, with a contemporary look characterised by clean, minimal lines.

The key feature of the design is the backrest with rounded internal corners, which creates a comfortable, enveloping niche, transforming the chaiselongue element with high backrest and armrest into a particularly welcoming alcove.

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN

CONNERY

Blazer is one of the creations that best expresses the most authentic artisanal attitude of Minotti.

The system is complemented by cushions in different sizes and headrests, which can be freely positioned, decorating the seats and offering maximum comfort.

The compositions can be mixed and matched with the complements of the 2020 Collection - coffee tables,

TORII

CONNERY

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN Contemporary, with a strong architectural appeal and pure lines reminiscent of the Mid-Century American spirit, the Connery seating system sports an exquisite aesthetic and design that instantly catch the eye. The clever combination of fine materials and sophisticated details adds a hint of couture to its design. An extremely versatile seating system, in terms of both composition and combination of materials, Connery has a distinctive personality also expressed in the pairing of original

square and round chaise-lounges.

As well as the fabric covering, the padded structural base can also feature a covering with strips of leather, crafted with the same technique used in fine leather luggage-crafting. References to the concept of high-end leather goods are also found in the headrests and the elegant “C”-shaped Flap surfaces, which seamlessly blend into the seating elements, animating the compositions with a vibrant rhythm.

The well-structured, customisable range, offers many different compositional options, in addition to longer square chaise-longues.

DAIKI

MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN Inspired by the Brazilian architect’s many trips to Japan, the Daiki seats are born out of Marcio Kogan’s deep passion for Japanese culture and are conceived as a real tribute to Japanese design.

The Daiki family includes armchairs with a deep seat, available both with and without armrests, and footstool.

Daiki offers a design that explores and reinterprets the American Mid-Century atmospheres in its bold, clean lines, precious materials and balanced proportions.

DAIKI

TORII

NENDO DESIGN Airy, with constructive details linked to Japanese tradition, the Torii modular seats play with round edged volumes, thin profiles and the apparent formal simplicity of an extremely detailed design.

The metal structure of the legs of the seats and tables is Nendo’s nod to the image of the “torii”, the entrance gate to Shinto shrines in Japan. The Torii family includes sofas - with high or low backrest and a linear shape, rounded at the arms - inclined sofas with a

combination of two different depths, armchairs and lounge and dining little armchairs, ottomans, coffee tables, and a slender, oval-shaped console table, ideal for placing anywhere in the living area.

The varied range of products makes it possible to design a flexible layout, in which the individual elements can also be combined to create a strong visual unity. The metal frame found in the components of the Torii family evokes the image of the “Senbon Torii, the wooden colonnade that forms a gallery made up of 1,000 vermilion torii gates”, as Nendo reminds us.

M I N OT T I minotti.com

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

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

T H E K I T C H E N M A K E R How Inglis Hall makes kitchens ‘to really cook in’ B y C A S P A R D AV I D

“Our aim is simple: to design and make wonderfully considered kitchens”

I

nglis Hall were approached to design a kitchen for a busy, dynamic husband and wife team, who run a successful design agency in New York. They split their time between New York and Hove, where they purchased a rundown but elegant seafront apartment. This Regency flat, spread over three floors, was being completely remodelled. Although bijou and compact, it still needed to be a ‘kitchen to really cook in’ and enrich their everyday lives.

The owners wanted a simple, pared back feeling, utilising natural materials such as marble and raw oak - a niche in the market that Inglis Hall happily satisfy.

After visiting Inglis Hall’s Workshops and Design Studio in the picturesque county town of Lewes they fell in love with the company’s unique material offering of oak band-sawn cladding, complimented with Carrara marble worktops, supplied by JF Stoneworks.

Optimising imaginative design solutions to make best use of this

relatively small space was also a priority.

Everything needed a home, a sense of simplicity and being. Using clean lines and a pared back aesthetic made this relatively straightforward. Storage was maximized by creating task oriented blocks and zones, a key fundamental in the company’s design philosophy. Blocks here provide bulk of storage and oven cookery whilst zones satisfy core functions such as cleaning, cooking and prep.

Everything is within easy arms reach.

The time frame to complete the project was incredibly tight. In fact, so tight that the staircase only arrived halfway through the kitchen installation, so the units had to be passed up ladders to access the apartment! The final result however, is enduring quality that comes with a lifetime guarantee.

INGLIS HALL Unit 3, Phoenix Works, Lewes, BN7 2PE 01273 486 177 inglishall.com

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Exploring an unusual house in W14, built by architect-turned-rock star Henry Harrison Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

S

ituated on Ceylon Road, near Brook Green, is a unique three-bedroom home built by architectturned-rock star Henry Harrison, now member of the indie rock band The Mystery Jets.

Henry H enry Harrison built the house in 1987 when he was living next door. After acquiring a plot of derelict land directly adjacent to his house, he built the 1,587 sq. ft. home using bricks from the remnants of a collection of large houses on Brook Green that had been demolished.

The result is a spectacular home arranged over four floors, with an impressive mezzanine on the lower ground and ground floors. Large full-sized roof windows create an atrium effect at the back of the home, with natural light filling each space. Occupying a tight plot - just 4.1 metres in width - the property benefits from exceptional depth, which creates a unique exterior that stands out from the Ceylon Road street scene.

Following completion, Henry Harrison sold his home next door to Hollywood actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who lived there with French actress, Isabelle Adjani, in the early 1990s. Upon selling the home Harrison left his architectural practice to set up the indie rock band The Mystery Jets with his son Blaine. The band has A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

“Harrison was voted the 18th coolest Rockstar

by NME”

gone on to release several albums and supported bands such as The Arctic Monkeys, while Harrison was voted the 18th coolest Rockstar by NME in 2018.

Continuing its connections with high-profile individuals, Ceylon Road’s current owner is Jane Gregory a successful literary agent who has represented some of the UK’s bestknown authors of crime, thrillers and suspense fiction, across a 30-year career.

The house’s light grey façade with a section of large window panels and a large nautical style porthole, brings its own character to the street of colourful terraced homes. The property is entered on the ground floor, which is a mezzanine floor looking down onto the lower ground floor. The entrance leads into the large reception room that is bathed in natural light through a spectacular atrium style glazed wall and inclined roof, with views directly onto the garden. There is a study off this upper reception which could provide the perfect home office space. Down to the lower ground floor, via the central staircase, there is an open-plan dining room and double height

reception room with full length bi-fold doors leading onto a spacious walled garden, with a central water feature providing a peaceful and tranquil area.

A practical kitchen, with integrated appliances, is accessed through the dining room. The upper floors have three bedrooms, a bathroom and en-suite shower room, including the principal bedroom suite on the top floor.

Paul Cosgrove, Director at Finlay Brewer, said: “This is a truly wonderful contemporary home that just oozes character and charm. The high-profile connections really add to the narrative here, however, the size and unique design combine to create a special property that provides an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.”

Ceylon Road is on the market for £1.795.

For more information contact sole agents Finlay Brewer on 020 7371 4171 or visit finlaybrewer.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

CUCKOOLAND Maze Rattan Riviera Garden Sofa, £899 cuckooland.com

ELLA JAMES Cream Macrame Double Hanging Seat, £125 ellajames.co.uk

MELODY MAISON Small Round Grey Metal Industrial Style Planter, £10.95 melodymaison.co.uk

GO MODERN Tribu Elio Garden Sofa, £2,890 gomodern.co.uk

VON HAUS Striped Hanging Garden Chair, £32.99 vonhaus.com

CULT FURNITURE Armando Woven Garden Lounge Chair Mustard, £119 cultfurniture.com

GARDEN PARTY Use your garden as an extra room with these stylish pieces

BRIDGMAN

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

Round Dining Table with Stacking Armchairs, £1599 bridgman.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE

CHAPLINS

Marisol Round Woven Garden Bar Table, £159 cultfurniture.com

Gan Garden Layers Indian Bed and Side Tables chaplins.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

DANETTI Skye Ginger Garden Dining Chair, £59 danetti.com

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WHY HARTLEY

MODERN MAGNUM OPUS RHS Hampton Court Palace Show 2019

S T R U C T U R A L LY S U P E R I O R Every Hartley Botanic Glasshouse is handmade in the North of England to your exact requirements. It is made of the finest materials with unparalleled durability, safety, and beauty.

All of the aluminium sections have a structural purpose. Short cuts, such as ‘sticking’ aluminium to glass for aesthetic reasons, are never taken. Hartley Botanic are so confident of the structural integrity of their Greenhouses; a 30-year Lifetime Guarantee is offered.

Visit us at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 21st- 26th September 2021 Discover the secret of Hartley Botanic by calling 0800 783 8083 or visit www.hartley-botanic.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

S P A C E W O R K S A journey to design the perfect bathroom with Geberit

W

hen designing a bathroom, planning is critical. Consider how you would like the room to make you feel – this will help determine the design and decoration decisions you make.

SPACE

Space is often at a premium in the bathroom, so consider incorporating smart storage solutions. In the Geberit Acanto range from the Geberit Aspire Collection, each compartment and drawer is created especially to house everything from toiletries and towels to electricals and cleaning products. Unique innovations such as a wall-mounted magnetic board maximise unused wall space, using niche storage trays and brackets attached precisely where you need them so that everything is within easy reach.

WALL-HUNG

Another key design-led solution is to consider wall-hung WCs and ceramics.

These not only look stylish, but utilise the latest in quick-to-fit, behind-the-

“Artwork and furnishings can help soften a bathroom's hard surfaces”

wall technology to create the illusion of a larger room and hide unsightly pipework. Wall-hung furniture makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Hygiene is more important than ever before, so consider coupling wall-hung WCs with touchless flush plates, activated by the simple wave of a hand.

DECORATE

Experimenting with a mix of contemporary and vintage styles and incorporating artwork and furnishings can help soften a bathroom's hard surfaces. Biophillic design is an increasingly popular trend, encompassing everything from surfaces, air quality, ventilation, acoustics and lighting.

Bathroom suites and ceramics in natural materials such as Geberit’s Citterio in Oak or Selnova Square S in light hickory are on trend. Finishing touches like flush plates are available in natural finishes, like the Sigma50 in Black Walnut or Slate.

GET INSPIRED

Geberit has teamed up with award-winning interiors blogger, writer, and social media influencer Lisa Dawson, for an exciting bathroom design journey and styling transformation. Documenting her journey through Instagram, Lisa will be sharing the entire design process from beginning to end, from the initial room sketches, mood boards and trends inspiration to product decisions, sneak peeks and finishing touches. geberit.co.uk/insiredbygeberi

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Beautiful Traditional Timber Windows and Doors

High quality windows and doors, made in the UK. Preserving the character of your home, while incorporating double glazing, where permitted.

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E D U C AT I O N

WORD UP

SUMMER READING

Stuck for ideas for your children's summer reading? We have lots of suggestions on page 117.

Summer reading 117 • Ask the experts 121 • GCSE results: what next? 125 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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School fees insurance will help cover future costs should you or your spouse die or suffer a terminal illness

School fees insurance from less than £21 per month

Get a quote today www.sfs-group.co.uk A4 ADVERT.indd 1

Keep your promise of private education should the worst happen 21/07/2021 20:29

TOP SUMMER M U ST READ From a confidence-building journal and tales to help young people overcome shyness and feeling blue to a powerful girl penguin and a brilliant time traveller, here's our pick of great summer reads

3+

HOW TO

MEND A FRIEND b y Karl Newson Illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi STUDIO PRE SS BOOKS , £6.99

K

arl Newson's touching picture book explores how different people react in difficult times. With simple but poetic text, it gives even very young children insights into friendship and empathy. The book explores differences between people, the nature of friendship – why some friendships are there forever and others don't stay the course.

Clara Anganuzzi's illustrations are comforting and evocative, and there's extra poignancy in a story that was inspired by the author's own experience of dark times during illness – and the friends and supporters who helped mend him.

8+

The Dare to be You Journal

by Matthew Syed W RE N & RO O K, £7.9 9

Matthew Syed is well known for his work as a motivational speaker and journalist, but the former table tennis champion has branched out to help children have confidence to be themselves – this book is a follow on to the hugely successful You are Awesome. Once again, it has brilliant illustrations by Toby Triumph and the easy-to-follow format is full of good advice – from how to get an extension on your maths homework and what to do if life deals you lemons to how to start a cascade of kindness.

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North Bridge House

New for er: Septemb Open day fairs

Subject stalls, school tours, taster activities and talks from the Senior Leadership Team. Book now at northbridgehouse.com/open NURSERY & PRE-PREP

NURSERY & PRE-PREP

PREP SCHOOL

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD

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Weekday open events and guided tours available online. Book your visit or call 020 7428 1520 to find out more.

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EDUCATION • BOOKS

4+

THE GREATEST SHOWPENGUIN

Editor's pick

b y Lucy Freegard PAVILION CHILDREN'S £6.99

Poppy the Penguin has performing in her veins, since she comes from a long line of circus stars. But with the expectations of her family to manage, her hardest job is not giving up the greasepaint, it's telling her Mum that she wasn't born to perform and would far rather organise the show.

This sweet and funny story, written and illustrated by Lucy Freegard, parodies The Greatest Showman, while also introducing themes of overcoming lack of confidence and managing the adult world's expectations of who we are born to be.

11+

6+

LITTLE ELIZABETH

THE SAD GHOST CLUB

b y Valerie Wilding Illustrated by Pauline Reeves

WREN & ROOK, £12 .99

b y Lize Meddings

In a year when the Queen celebrated her 95th birthday, this book offers an insight into her incredible life. It is beautifully illustrated by Pauline Reeves and with a lot of detail about royal traditions, the abdication, wartime work and the journey to the throne. The combination of history, fascinating facts (for instance, an album of her pets) and events that reshaped British history make this a book that will also inspire young readers to find out more about our history and civic life.

HACHET TE CHILDREN'S , £10.99

L 9+

THE

TIME-THIEF

b y Patience Agbabi CANONGATE , £6.99

The second book in Patience Agbabi's acclaimed Leap Cycle, The Time-Thief has all the verve and excitement of the first, and with the same fluidity of prose (Agbabi is also an acclaimed poet). Elle goes back in time to find the Infinity-Glass stolen from the Museum of the Past – the only way she can clear her Leapling friend's name. Along the way she meets Samuel Johnson, new friends and supporters and an old enemy out to destroy her. It's a gripping read.

ize Meddings' graphic novel is a fresh way of conveying messages about fitting in, feeling sad and finding school pressure and life in general a bit too much. In short, it tackles the isolating nature of teen and pre-teen depression. The novel starts at a low point, but the sad ghost (representing the invisibility lonely people feel) meets more ghosts, learns coping strategies and recognises that they are not alone. Lize Meddings' Sad Ghost Club is on Instagram – with half a million likeminded members – so there's solidarity within a story well told.

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EDUCATION • ADVICE

QUESTION TIME The experts at Gabbitas Education answer your questions

ANASTASIA HATVANY SENIOR EDUCATION CONSULTANT AND SEN SPECIALIST

Our two sons are very close in age and also very competitive. Teachers have suggested it might be a good idea to choose separate senior schools.

Can your school placement team advise on what we need to consider in making the decision?

Q

It is lovely for siblings to have a ‘shared education’, able to reminisce over the breakfast table about the funny mannerisms of the Latin teacher or the quality of the food in the canteen, but unfortunately sometimes the same school is not the right option.

A

“There is more to the UKiset than just testing a student’s aptitude – your daughter will learn valuable skills”

ABOVE Siblings may do better at different schools

Children have a great sense of identity and fundamental ‘fairness’, meaning that rivalry can easily be started when one is performing better than the other academically (or socially). This is obviously not healthy and should be avoided to the best of everyone’s ability.

When choosing different schools for siblings, it should be a considered and sensitive decision. It is imperative to analyse the schools properly to ensure that both are on level ground and so avoid any potential issues of unfairness that might arise. For instance, if one school has family ties – perhaps a parent or grandparent attended – it would be perhaps best to avoid it.

Logistics are another factor. The

first person your sons will look for when they score a try or take a bow is you, so it is important that both schools are within similar distance to home. This is also something to keep in mind if you are looking at boarding; you do not want one son feeling that he has been sent further away than his sibling and therefore sees you less.

I would advise that you also try to make sure that both schools are on a similar level when it comes to academics, sport, drama, and co-curricular activities. Children should be proud of their school. If a child is happy, they are confident, and when confident they will thrive as an individual and reach their academic potential.

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XANTHE LYNDEN ASSESSMENT MANAGER

I’ve been told that as my daughter wants to attend a UK independent school, it would be a good idea to take UKiset so her knowledge and potential can be accurately assessed. Can you explain more about the UKiset process and how schools use it?

Q

The UK Independent School Entry Test (UKiset) is a standardised assessment that effectively compares international students with their counterparts who have been in the British curriculum all their lives. As well as helping schools understand a student’s level of English, the resulting report generated by the assessment provides credible information on how a student like your daughter may perform within the school environment, as well as her aptitude for certain subjects.

Many people like UKiset as the process is a relatively simple one. Registration is quick and easy and once the test has been taken students can choose to send their report to up to five different British independent schools (or if they prefer, to none at all).

As well as having test centres across the globe, UKiset are now offering online invigilation, meaning that your daughter can take the test without having to organise travel, which of course has been made

more difficult due to the pandemic.

Note that there is more to the UKiset than just testing a student’s aptitude. When preparing to take the test, your daughter will learn valuable skills. These will help ready her for other school entrance exams, as well as assisting her with achieving academic success in the independent school system.

It is important to remember that each school will have different requirements and benchmarks for their applicants, however there is no doubt that a UKiset report will only serve to strengthen your daughter’s applications. It will also give you a good insight into her current academic level, and this will give you the chance to help her improve in any areas needed.

At Gabbitas we have recently launched our accredited UKiset Prep service, helping to prepare students for the test with targeted tutoring. If you’d like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

A

PAUL KELLY SENIOR EDUCATION CONSULTANT

My daughter is unhappy at school and this is now reflected in her behaviour and progress. We're looking to move her but are concerned about how current school reports will impact future school choices. How best should we go about finding a school where she will be welcomed and have a chance to thrive?

Q

Unfavourable school reports are an issue that many parents face, and it can be daunting to get to the bottom of the reasons why. It is especially frustrating when they can interfere with attempts to enter a new school, where the child may perform better. It is important to treat this as an opportunity to use the problem to your advantage, and consequently help your daughter achieve her academic potential whilst also being happy.

My advice is to first talk to your daughter in an effort to establish why this is happening. Tell her that you recognise that she is unhappy, and you are thinking of changing her school. It could encourage her to talk about the issues she faces.

Knowing these issues is beneficial for you too, as it will allow you to approach new schools more easily.

In some cases, it can be better to get an objective outsider to talk to her, as conversations between parent and child – especially relating to this subject matter – can be emotionally charged and therefore inconclusive.

Regarding finding the best school for your daughter, you should undoubtedly look for somewhere with great pastoral care, as your daughter may be entering at an unusual point of entry. It’s also a case of analysing current issues; is the current school boarding? Maybe try looking at day schools closer to home. Is it a big school? Perhaps your daughter may prefer a smaller and more intimate learning space.

Think about her subjects. If your daughter is sitting her A levels, schools understand that sometimes the wrong subjects are chosen, or perhaps she might be better suited to the IB? If she is studying GCSEs, there may be a subject she is more passionate about – use this to your advantage when talking to schools. Approaching the next school can be a tricky process, so it can be very useful to seek impartial advice on next steps and also help liaising with schools.

A

“WHEN CHOOSING DIFFERENT SCHOOLS FOR SIBLINGS, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ANALYSE THE SCHOOLS PROPERLY AND AVOID ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES OF UNFAIRNESS” 122

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NUMBERS

GAME

GCSE results are imminent... but what to do if your child doesn't get the grades?

A

By J O S H B L AC K B U R N

s we approach results day on 12 August, here is some advice on what you can do if your child doesn’t quite get the results they/you had expected.

is like no other, students have been under added pressure from missing lessons, a lack of peer interaction and loss of extra teaching support.

Most important is their mental wellbeing and that they’ve got what they need to move to the next stage of their academic lives.

DON’T STRESS!

RESITS ARE AN OPTION

This year students will receive a Teacher Assessed Grade which will be based on assessments and mock exams taken throughout the year.

Although this grade is determined by teacher judgement, every effort has been made to ensure that this is a true reflection of your child’s ability, with further moderations taking place with exam boards.

If your child does not open an envelope to straight grade 9s, it's important to consider that this is not the end of the world. This year

Students have the option to retake exams if they don’t meet their grade requirements and many schools and colleges allow you to retake GCSEs alongside A-Levels.

Maths and English retakes are compulsory if your child hasn’t achieved a pass (grade 4). Students can ask their destination college if they can continue studying these subjects with their A-Levels to avoid delaying sixth form life.

Although a specific date hasn’t been announced yet, there will

“If your child does not open an envelope to straight grade 9s, it's not the end of the world”

EDUCATION • GCSE

be an opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn or the summer of 2022. Your child will have other education obligations at this time, so it’s a good idea to only retake the most important exams – this should not be a vanity exercise.

Private resits are also an option but you’ll need to arrange these on behalf of your child and then encourage out-of-school GCSE revision. We estimate 5-10 hours of tutoring would be enough to help a student get over the pass mark if they were on the cusp of achieving a grade 4, so you may need to sacrifice other commitments to fit this in.

LOOKING AT THE EVIDENCE If you feel that your child has received unfair grading, there is the option to appeal. It may be worth providing the college/ sixth form with examples of work where your child has achieved higher grades, to demonstrate their ability to achieve on their desired course. We have previously done this on behalf of a student who was on the borderline of a grade 4, enabling them to resit their exams in November while at college.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT There are programmes and extra teaching support available to children who haven’t passed core subjects or who have missed out on lessons this year. If you ask the school, your child could receive extra support via one of the government’s pandemic programmes, which could help support them with retakes in autumn. Ultimately, it’s about getting over the line and moving onwards and upwards.

T LC L I V E Josh Blackburn is education specialist at online tutoring firm TLC Live. tlclive.com

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

TALKING TOPIC

How to explain racism to your child • NEW FLAVOURS

Weaning recipes from Annabel Karmel •

TI ER ONE Clary & Peg’s beautiful, vintageinspired clothes marry vintage nostalgia with contemporary design. Their stylish and versatile clothing is designed to appeal to pregnant and non-pregnant women alike, and everything is breastfeeding-friendly. We love this colourblock Clem dress, £190. claryandpeg.co.uk

IN TRAINING

Mastering the potty

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

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R ISE UP How to talk to your child about racism

W o r d s PA U L A R H O N E - A D R I E N

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mama PARENTING

“The power to eradicate racism is very real”

I

t would be hard for anyone to ignore the news reports referencing Black Lives Matter and the protests in support of and against the movement. After the alarming killing of George Floyd last year and the subsequent fury that enveloped thousands of people around the world, you must have had questions yourself about how or why this has all happened? What if you have a child who was also asking you questions? What could you possibly say to explain the anger or hurt that was being beamed into your home?

Racism may just not be an issue for you and so it is hard to talk about something that doesn’t or hardly impacts on your life. So perhaps the first question should be - do you need to talk about what’s happening, with your child?

If your child is asking questions because either they have seen or overheard something then please don’t shy away from answering, be brave and tackle the question head on. I say be brave because dealing with this topic can feel like a minefield.

Most people worry they will say the wrong thing or use terminology that may be insulting, but remember, it’s ok to answer “I don’t know” to a question, as long as it’s backed up with: “but let’s go and find out!”

If you try to dismiss such a serious topic, your child will sense your discomfort and attempt to rationalise in their own immature mind why mummy/daddy shut them or a topic down. If you give them the impression that there is something to hide, shy away from or be embarrassed about, then that is the impression that they will be left with. This would be wrong, particularly when history tells us that it is those who fail to question or challenge wrongdoing that permits such wrongdoing to fester.

If your child hasn’t raised the topic that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware. Children are being subconsciously taught about society, including race, all the time. In nursery they are taught to describe themselves; their family and their community; they watch TV and will notice subtle differences far more than we give them credit for. Some toddlers will be able to tell you what a ‘girls’ toy is as opposed to a ‘boys’ or that grandma is really old! When you hear a toddler say this, have you ever stopped to wonder who has told them this or why? Moreover, have you ever stopped to ask them why they think this and whether the statement is true? I suspect if you did, you would get a blank stare.

Children don’t understand why the differences they are identifying should create feelings of upset or anger, and this is where you come in. You may find that you need to challenge yourself first about your own views on what you think racism is. How do you express feelings about other races when at home, safely behind closed doors?

Do your children, for example, possess literature that references those from other races in a positive light? Do your children’s toys only reflect the inside of their home as

opposed to what their community looks like?

Be in no doubt, children are not colourblind and neither is the society in which they live. If you do care about your child understanding and appreciating other races, then take responsibility for ensuring that they receive clear positive messages from you, and that you can reinforce that positive message if they challenge you with a misconceived one.

Racism is not innate, if you are racist you will have been taught to believe that your race is superior to another. This could be because your race is deemed more intelligent, worthy, or important. However, the power to eradicate racism is very real and attainable through education, information and communication.

Racism isn’t just about the tragic loss of George Floyd (or so many others like him). Racist negative stereotyping is just as harmful, it leads certain groups to believe that others should only have particular jobs, that they are deemed as a threat or that it’s ok for them to be treated less favourably because society is suspicious of them. It is just as important to tackle this bias, because in failing to address it, those who suffer the unfair treatment will become disaffected, upset and turn away from the more conventional methods of seeking redress because they can no longer trust in the system. Those protesting the death of Mr Floyd no longer trust that the system will protect them from injustice.

So…. it’s over to you.

PAU L A R H O N E -A D R I E N is an award-winning barrister. She was awarded ‘Lawyer of the Week’ by The Times and is a trusted BBC Expert. As well as being a mama of four and a very well respected voice at the top of the legal profession Paula is also using her platform to educate people regarding racism.

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m am a WEANING

THE U LTIMATE G UIDE TO FING E R FOODS FOR BABY

F I N G E R F O O D S How to introduce finger foods from the start of weaning – what to serve and how to serve it

By ANNABEL KARMEL

L

et’s talk finger foods. From around six to six and a half months, you can introduce soft finger foods into your baby’s diet.

Finger foods are the ideal way to introduce your baby to different textures. Handing over the reins to your baby will allow them to work out how to get food to their mouth, break pieces off and chew. Don’t worry, even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you’ll be surprised by just how powerful a baby’s gums are!

So, what finger foods are best for baby?

And how do you prepare them so that they are safe for your little food explorer? Fear not! I’ve pulled together this handy reference guide on how to introduce finger foods from ANNABEL KARMEL

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the very start of weaning – whether it’s carrot batons, broccoli florets, avocado wedges or chopped berries, I’ve got those first taste fruits and veggies covered!

Ready for some finger food exploration? Let’s go!

Finger foods in the first few weeks If your baby is new to finger foods, start with single veggies, and I always recommend sweet root vegetables such as carrot and sweet potato. After only having naturally sweet breastmilk or formula until now, these are foods that your baby is likely to by interested in, so a great place to start.

However, it’s important that you also introduce more bitter green veggies such as broccoli and spinach at the beginning alongside those sweeter root veggies. If introduced early in your baby’s weaning journey (by that, I mean the first week of weaning and beyond), and with repeated exposure, it’s likely they’ll be more receptive to these foods in the long run.

You can start with offering a new food once a day for the first few days, and then increase this to twice a day by days three and four.

In finger food terms, a small portion will be anything from two to four small batons of food.

As a guide, your baby should generally be eating three small portions a day by the end of week two.

Banana, apple and yoghurt pancakes

Makes: 25 small pancakes Ingredients • 1 egg • 175g/6 oz Greek yoghurt • 50 ml/2 fl oz milk • 100g/4 oz self-raising flour • 1 overripe banana, peeled and mashed • 1 sweet apple, peeled, cored and grated • Sunflower or vegetable oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS 1 Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with the yoghurt and milk. 2 Sift in the flour and whisk until smooth. 3 Add the banana and apple and mix well. 4 Heat a little oil in a large frying pan. 5 Spoon small amounts of batter in the pan and fry for a few seconds until bubbles appear on the surface.

6 Flip over and cook on the other side for one minute until lightly golden.

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Finger Food Safety Guidelines 1. NEVER leave your baby alone whilst eating and they must always be supported in an upright position.

2. Become familiar with first aid procedures. Check out the Red Cross or NHS websites which have step-by-step training videos or there will likely be first aid courses near where you live.

3. NEVER give whole pieces of small solid foods, or raw fruit or vegetables that could easily lodge in and obstruct the throat. Foods such as grapes, large blueberries and cherry tomatoes should be safely cut up into quarters.

4. Avoid fruit with stones or remove pips and stones before offering to your baby.

5. Eating is a skill and tackling texture is another developmental milestone that your baby will have to train for on their weaning journey. Which is why at the start of weaning, finger foods need to be soft - your baby should be able to squash finger foods between finger and thumb.

6. To start with, avoid finger foods that are hard that your baby could break into large chunks such as cucumber.

7. Avoid cutting foods into circular coin shapes especially if they are raw e.g. round coins of raw carrot.

8. Cutting food into batons or wedges is for your baby. They will need to be fairly long (roughly 5 – 6cm) so that some sticks out of their fist and they are narrow enough for them to hold easily.

9. Remove the skin from most fruits and vegetables. The skin introduces a new texture which can be difficult for your baby to manage and could lead to choking.

10. Babies do have a tendency to store food in their mouth, so just have a quick check they’re not storing any spare food as a snack for later before you take them out of the highchair!

Fruit and Veg Lollies Makes: 20 mini balls Prep: 15 Minutes Cook: 10 Minutes

Chicken and apple balls DF, N F

SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Add some spice • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks • ½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or sage, or a pinch of dried mixed herbs • 1 egg yolk • 1 unsalted chicken stock cube, crumbled • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • Plain flour for coating • Vegetable oil for frying

Makes: 12 ice lollies Prep: 5 Minutes.

Cook: 6 hours freeze time SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Strawberry, Beetroot and Apple lollies: • 50 g/2 oz cooked beetroot, peeled and diced • 70 g/3 oz strawberries, chopped • 50 ml/2 fl oz apple juice Carrot, Kiwi, Mango, Banana and Orange lollies: • 25 g/1 oz kiwi, peeled and diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe mango, diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe banana, peeled

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté half the onion for about 3 minutes. 2 Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple. 3 Mix the apple with the chicken, then add the cooked and remaining raw onion, herbs, egg yolk, stock cube and breadcrumbs and roughly chop in a food processor for a few seconds. 4 With your hands, form into about 20 little balls, roll in flour and fry in shallow oil for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

1 Put all the ingredients into a jug. Blend using a stick blender until smooth.

2 Pour into 6 lolly moulds and freeze for 6 hours.

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“Tackling texture is a developmental milestone ” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DRY RUN

Simone Davies shares potty training tips from her book, The Montessori Toddler

T

he period when a toddler learns how to use the toilet does not have to be dreaded. After all, it is a completely natural part of being a human. Our children pick up our attitudes toward dirty nappies from infancy, and if we are screwing up our face, they will learn that it is a dirty thing instead of a normal bodily process.

I love this analogy from a fellow Montessori teacher. When a baby pulls themselves up to standing, falls down, stands up again, and then falls down, over and over until they master it, we think it is cute. When our child is learning to use the bathroom and they pee on the floor or poop in their pants, they are also practicing until they master it – except there is pee and poop.

So with open minds, I would love to help make this process a little less stressful.

SCAFFOLDING SKILL S

The child will slowly build skills around using the toilet, starting with being able to manage their own clothing. At first they practice pulling their shorts or trousers up and down, and then later their underwear.

We can offer a potty/toilet when we change their nappy never forcing them, but making it part of the daily rhythm.

“Would you like to sit on the potty/ toilet?” “Now that you’re finished on the potty, I’m going to put your nappy back on.” Using cloth nappies can also help the child feel wet when they have peed, increasing their body awareness.

SIGNS OF READINESS— LET THE CHILD LEAD

The most important thing is to follow our child. It is not a competition. I’m not including any ages here, but rather, signs that the child may be ready: • P ulling at their nappy when it is wet or soiled

• Squatting or going to a private place while they poop • Telling us they have peed or pooped • Resisting having their nappy changed (sometimes) • Taking off their nappy

S E T U P T H E B AT H R O O M WITH OUR CHILD

Have a potty or a small toilet seat on the toilet. If they are using the toilet, we will need a step that the child can manage themselves and as a place to rest their feet to feel secure while sitting on the toilet.

We can also have a place in the bathroom for soiled clothes and a pile of clean underwear. A pile of cleaning rags for puddles is useful, too. Having everything at the ready and being prepared will help us remain relaxed and not rushing about, looking for things. If they don’t make it to the potty/toilet, we can calmly say, “Ah. I see you are wet. We have everything we need right here. Let’s get dry.”

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If they usually go somewhere private to poop, gradually invite the child to move to the bathroom to poop in private. Then we can start to invite them to sit on the potty with their nappy on. Gradually they will feel safe on the potty/toilet without the nappy/underwear on. Again, we are simply supporting them and scaffolding skills.

I F T H E Y R E F U S E TO U S E T H E TO I L E T

We don’t force a child to use the toilet. This is their body. We can’t rush it or do this for them. We can only support them and find ways to work with them. We can make sure we aren’t interrupting them to take them to the bathroom. We can keep offering the potty/toilet and trust that they will learn to use them. We accept them for who they are and where they are in this process.

P E E I N G O N T H E F LO O R I N T E N T I O N A L LY

“If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer 'no'” KEEP IT NORMAL

Involve the child in the process. Buy some underwear together, as well as a potty.

We can also find training pants that hold a little bit of pee to help when they are trying to get to the toilet in time.

As we are scaffolding skills, we can start by letting them wear just their underpants when we are at home so there is less to have to take on and off, and less to wash. They are learning what it feels like to be wet and may even stand to watch the pee run down their leg. That’s the first step. Increasing body awareness.

Next we can help them go to the bathroom to change. Montessori teachers generally say, “You have wet clothes. Let’s go change,” rather than, “You had an accident.” Offer the potty/toilet regularly at first. If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer “no.”

It’s a common response for a toddler who is developing autonomy. Instead, we can

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wait until they aren’t in the middle of an activity and simply say, “It’s time to go to the potty,” leading them to the bathroom.

After some weeks, they generally will begin to have more awareness of their body and sometimes tell us that they need to go to the toilet. We will also observe that they are able to hold it in for longer periods at a time.

Eventually they won’t need reminders at all.

D RY AT N I G H T

Sometimes a toddler who knows how to use the toilet will suddenly start to pee on the floor intentionally. Observe them. Often they are telling us through their behavior that they are unhappy about something in their world, for example, a sibling who has started crawling and taking more of their space.

They want us to see them, and we can look from a place of curiosity, in order to understand them. We can acknowledge their feelings but set a clear limit about the behavior. “You’re upset about something?

I can’t let you pee on the floor. But I want to work it out with you.” We can go back to creating connection, finding ways to work with them, and do some problem solving together with them.

We can move to underpants at nap time and night at the same time or when we notice they can hold for longer periods and wake with a dry nappy/underwear. Place a thick towel across the child’s sheets and tuck it in, or use a bed protector; either can easily be removed during the night if needed.

HOLDING IT IN

Sometimes a child becomes scared of pooping. It may have hurt once to poop, someone may have had a reaction that made them scared to poop on the toilet, or we may not know why. Check with a doctor if you believe there is a medical issue.

If all appears healthy, help the child relax by being calm and supportive. We can tell them, “The poop will come out when it is ready. It may take a week, it may take two weeks, but it knows when to come. Our bodies are very clever.” Then try not to talk about it too much.

Rub their tummy if their abdomen hurts.

Excerpted from Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Curious and Responsible Human Being. By Simone Davies, Illustrated by Hiyoko Imai. Workman Publishing © 2019

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PROPERTY

CURZON ROAD W5

£1,100,000 FREEHOLD

well presented 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom mid terraced family home in the heart of Pitshanger Village, superbly modernised and extended. The ground floor offers through flowing accommodation including lounge, dining area, cloakroom, well arranged fitted kitchen and spacious family room opening onto the rear garden with its hobby room/office.

Energy Performance Certificate - C.

A

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EALING W5

£1,250,000 FREEHOLD

A spacious halls adjoining semi-detached five bedroom period property in a premier road in the heart of Pitshanger Village which has been modernised and extended throughout. To the ground floor are two excellent sized reception rooms, cloakroom, utility room and extended kitchen/dining/family area. To the first floor are four bedrooms and modern family bathroom. To the second floor is a large bedroom with separate shower room. Other benefits include period features, some double glazed windows, gas fired central heating and a 70’ east facing rear garden. Energy Performance Certificate - E.

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EALING W5

£465,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

A beautifully modernised ground floor, two bedroom flat only a short walk from Hanger Lane Central Line station and award winning Pitshanger Lane. The property has been tastefully redecorated and is in immaculate condition throughout. The accommodation comprises south facing lounge with balcony/terrace, newly fitted kitchen, two good sized bedrooms and modern bathroom. There is also gas fired central heating, double glazed windows, entryphone system, burglar alarm, two storage units to the rear and communal gardens to the front and rear. Energy Performance Certificate - C.

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www.johnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

EALING W5

£620,000 LEASEHOLD

A beautifully presented, split level (first and second floor) conversion apartment, a short walk from Ealing Broadway, which is rich in character and offers spacious living accommodation throughout. The first floor offers large lounge, well arranged fitted kitchen/diner, family bathroom and third bedroom currently used as a study.

To the second floor are two excellent sized bedrooms. The property also benefits from an array of period style features (period fireplaces, double hung sash windows), gas fired central heating and well maintained communal gardens. Energy Performance Certificate - D.

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A fabulous three bedroom corner cottage in the heart of the Brentham Estate just a short walk from Pitshanger Village. The property offers two reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen, modern wet room and three good sized bedrooms. There is wood flooring in living areas, carpets in hallways and on stairs, original quarry tiling in kitchen, gas fired central heating and period features. There are delightful gardens and garage/off street parking. Offered unfurnished. Available beginning August. Energy Performance Certificate - D.

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Blandford Road, W4 Arranged over four floors, this impressive six bedroom semi-detached house has plenty of space to entertain with a double reception room as well as a versatile basement room for a gym, children’s playroom or home cinema. This would make the perfect family home, energy rating e.

St. Mary’s Grove, W4 Situated on a quiet residential road, this five bedroom family house has a spacious through reception room with a feature fireplace and high ceilings. There is an extended kitchen at the rear which leads onto the west facing garden complete with a sun terrace, energy rating d.

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Spencer Road, Wimbledon

£4,750,000

Hillside, Wimbledon Village

£3,800,000

A stunning contemporary property in a private and secluded setting.

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Open plan receptions rooms, sitting room, TV/family/ play room, study area, kitchen/dining room, utility room/shower room, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, cellar storage, southerly mature garden, OSP ER/C.

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St Aubyn’s Avenue, Wimbledon

£4,500,000

Occupying an unusually large plot of 0.24 acres (975 sq m) with lovely views across Holland Gardens. Drawing room, kitchen/family room, games room/gym, 6 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, south facing garden with summerhouse, garage & OSP ER/C.

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Durham Road, Wimbledon

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Elm Road, New Malden

West Road, Coombe Estate

£1,200,000 freehold

A well-presented 5 bedroom detached family home that has great potential to extend on both the ground floor and into the roof - SPP. (1806 ft2). 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, garage, garden, off-street parking.

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SALES

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LETTINGS

An wider than average five double semi detached Victorian houseofideally located in this prestigious lined residential luxury road running An imposing amazingly light, well presented triplebedroom aspect flat with the added benefit a balcony and private garden.tree Three bedrooms, bathroom, north off Chiswick Highfully Road.

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newly four decorated ground garden with private west facing garden. bedroom with wardrobes, reception room with AA superb double lower bedroom periodfloor property withflat a stunning fully extended ground floor Large locateddouble moments from both Chiswick Park station and Chiswick woodRoad. floors, with shower over, fitted kitchen, agarden.

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LETTINGS POINT WHARFCLOSE, LANE, TW8 BEAUCHAMP W4

£350£825,000 PER WEEK

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A large, light and beautifully presented two doublehouse, bedroom flat loft, on this highly in located the heart of Bedford BedfordPark Park, minutes An immaculately presented four bedroom semi detached with large south facingdesirable garden androad ideally in the areajust offering closefrom TurnhamtoGreen underground station. Top floor position ensures luxury beautiful views from the spacious reception and bedrooms. proximity all amenities.

Accommodation comprises: four bedrooms, bathroom, large loft, entrance hall, 17’ reception room, fully integrated kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, study, cloakroom, private south facing landscaped garden, secured covered side access. The house is situated within close proximity of Turnham Green tube station and the extensive bars, shops and restaurants on Chiswick High Road. No chain

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26/03/2020 24/03/2020 14:33 16:21

PROPERTY • OPINION

House PROUD

The founder of John Martin Estates offers his view of the property market, with the benefit of 30 years' experience

By JOHN MARTIN

JOHN MARTIN

A

s I write this, we are readying ourselves for Monday 19 July, so-called “Freedom Day” and every individual will have their view on this both in terms of health but also the economic recovery. As a business owner, the safety of my staff, clients and applicants is the priority and since Coronavirus is still with us, we shall be continuing our strict viewing protocol and asking that masks are worn and occupiers vacate for a viewing.

Just today, an occupier has had to cancel a viewing due to a work colleague testing positive. With safety comes confidence.

My last article appeared after the Budget announcement that the £500,000 stamp duty holiday would continue until 30 June 2021 and I noted that I expected a frenzy of activity after the Easter break. Frenzy was the correct description. I have only ever seen a similar market at the end of the 1980s when double MIRAS relief was scheduled to end – there's nothing like a deadline for people to leave everything to the eleventh hour. However, unlike on that occasion, the activity this year did not produce a huge rise in prices as seen in other areas of the country, but correctly priced houses did not stay on the market for long.

We will have to wait and see whether the suggestion that a significant number of

transactions (particularly in London) fell through because they did not complete by 30 June is correct. The concern here is that if there were fall-throughs (despite the stamp duty holiday decreasing on 1 July to only £250,000 and not the original £125,000 as had been planned for 31 March), then perhaps buyers were either overstretching themselves in their borrowing or were not serious in the first place.

So what news of the property market since the frenzy around 30 June came to an end? We have seen increased interest in flats which had previously seen little or no activity and a number of investment buyers are returning to the market. It seems that many were not interested in taking part in the £500,000 stampede but see that the £250,000 stamp duty exemption, available for completions until 30 September, is better than nothing at all.

We have not, however – despite the government-backed 95% mortgage scheme – seen many first-time buyers coming to the market, and that is unfortunate. However, we hope that there will be increased activity in that sector, given that they will now have the advantage of their previous £300,000 stamp duty exemption and the confidence from the economy starting to open up as well as the evidence that the property market has held its own regardless of our withdrawal from the EU and the pandemic.

If the last quarter has shown us anything it

is that the ability to purchase is still based on affordability as well as confidence in the market – all the more reason for agents not to inflate prices but to properly manage clients’ expectations. Regrettably, I have seen agents who may not necessarily know a particular area doing just this and it is the client who loses out in the end.

Continuing safety measures as well as the property market weathering the storms will bring people to high street agents. In order to encourage the longevity of this confidence, we must reward those clients and applicants with our expertise and experience as well as the personal service for which we are known.

For advice on the property market in Pitshanger Village and Ealing and to view the properties available, please contact our team.

J O H N M A R T I N E S TAT E S 020 8998 3333 johnmartinestates.com

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

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SHOW HOME NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW Tucked away on a private lane, close to the bustling streets of Catford, sits Bellingham Mews, a striking collection of brand new three-storey, three/four bedroom homes.

The Mews forms part of a unique mixed-use regeneration scheme bringing high-quality housing and workspaces to the borough of Lewisham. The development spans a whole street block, with dual entrances connected by a shared urban garden.

Bellingham Station is just a minutes’ walk away, which connects you to Victoria in 25 minutes, Blackfriars in 27 minutes, and St Pancras in 32 minutes.

Prices from £600,000 Book to view now!

020 8315 6996 | acorngroup.co.uk/newhomes

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HELP TO BU Y AVA I L A B L E READY TO MOVE IN SUMMER 2021

BUY NOW WITH JUST A 5% DEPOSIT

OV ER 70% NOW SOL D! STAMP DUTY AND LEGAL FEES PAID ON ALL 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS! * Teulon House offers a collection of spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments all finished to a high specification.

All apartments boast large windows which flood rooms with natural light, and there are good-sized private balconies or terraces to selected apartments.

Situated in a prominent position on Blackheath Road, Teulon House is just a short stroll from the historic centre of Greenwich, as well as the buzz of trendy Deptford and both Greenwich and Deptford Bridge stations.

PRICES FROM £440,000

To arrange a viewing call 020 8315 6996 or visit acorngroup.co.uk/newhomes *

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Terms & conditions apply

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NOW ONLY TWO REMAINING Fully complete and ready to move in, Baran House is an exceptional new collection of spacious two bedroom apartments for sale.

Featuring contemporary open-plan living arrangements, modern kitchens with fully integrated appliances, and bright bedrooms. There are also private outside spaces to selected apartments, as well as a beautiful, secluded communal garden to the rear of the development.

Prices from £500,000

Baran House is conveniently situated under a mile from Bromley South mainline station and town centre.

Available with just a 5% deposit on Help to Buy.

For more information contact: 020 8315 6996 | acorngroup.co.uk/newhomes

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