January 2012

NX NW JANUARY 2012

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

THE HEALTH ISSUE THE BEST BEAUTY TREATMENTS WONDER WORKOUTS YOGA

LALLA ABOUCH

THE COMPLETE YOGA RETREAT

POETS CORNER

KEATS HOUSE SPOTLIGHT

WALTZING MATILDA

CROUCH-ENDER TIM MINCHIN

A Thing

Beauty

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NXNW

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2011

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

A thing of

Beauty FEATURES 10 14 10

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54 14

REGULARS  FAMILY

WALTZING MATILDA Tim Minchin: comedy music maestro IN THE SPOTLIGHT: KEATS HOUSE The home of one of the world’s most influential poets TRIED & TESTED - ACUMEDIC Katie Randall discovers the virtues of acupuncture

 HEALTH & BEAUTY  FASHION 34

 FOOD & DRINK  TRAVEL  INTERIORS

THE GRAPEVINE Wine-tasting with Marylebone’s Antique Wine Company

 GADGETS

FOREIGN TRAVEL Helen Baron journeys to Morocco for a complete yoga retreat

 WHAT’S ON

 MOTORING 54

 PROPERTY

Editor’s letter

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I M AT E L U I M AT E L U LT

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t’s the New Year and I find myself feeling comforted rather than put off by the usual mantras that do the rounds at this time of year. I really do want to believe that a new year can equal a new me; that the marking off of yet another year can also mark a commitment to changing certain aspects of my lifestyle and addressing any advancing bad habits that have accrued over the years.

With that in mind, this month’s issue focuses on health and wellbeing. Join us as we extol the virtues of acupuncture at Camden’s own Acumedic clinic and take a tantalising survey of the fitness fads taking the local area by storm. Our brand new ‘Beauty Confidential’ page shines a welcome light on new salon openings and gives the lowdown on all the latest treatments for those looking for a new year makeover. And as ever, our fashion page has all the inspiration you need to spark a style reboot.

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Our travel feature spotlights the beautiful Lalla Abouch farm in Essaouira, Morocco, where I took part in a yoga retreat to coincide with the coming of the full moon. I’m so glad I was able to review it as it really did provide a wonderful few days in which to de-clutter the mind and arrive at a genuine sense of wellbeing, both mentally and physically – something that can seem incredibly hard to achieve with a hectic London lifestyle. And for those of you watching your weight after all that festive feasting, we’ve even reviewed the Real Greek restaurant in Hoxton – it being one of the few UK restaurant chains to list the number of calories in each dish!

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Hugo Desmarais in La Soiree at the Roundhouse (photo: Matilda Temperley)

CULTURE

LA SOIRÉE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE ENDING THIS MONTH After a hugely successful run in 2009, La Soirée returns to the Roundhouse for another awe-inspiring and downright unmssable season, ending on 29 January. A theatrical phenomenon, La Soirée’s heady cocktail of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety has taken the world by storm. Tickets from £15, roundhouse.org.uk Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

Agenda On the

This month’s highlights

NEW EVERYMAN CINEMA IN MAIDA VALE The ninth cinema in the Everyman Cinema portfolio opened its doors last month. Everyman Maida Vale is set to be a great destination for cinema aficionados and the local community; offering a selection of films, special events and everything that the independent chain are renowned for. everymancinema.com, 215 Sutherland Avenue, W9 1RU

THE IRON LADY FILM SCREENING AT THE TRICYCLE THEATRE This film adaptation of Margaret Thatcher’s life is a definite must-see - the New York critics circle have already given Meryl Streep (Thatcher) a Best Actress award. The Iron Lady tells the compelling story of Margaret Thatcher, a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. Also starring Jim Broadbent as Denis Thatcher, the film will be showing at the Tricycle from 8th January. tricycle.co.uk, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR 020 7328 1000

31THIRTYONE CHARITY AUCTION Muswell Hill photographer Matt Humphrey - co-owner of creative hub The LOCAL gallery - has curated the charitable photographic project 31thirtyone; taking 31 portraits in as many days. The project first ran in 2010 and focused on actors and directors. Now the exhibition is focusing on popular musicians and Matt has captured the likes of Razorlight, Kim Wilde and Alabama 3. Limited edition prints are currently under silent auction which ends later this month with all proceeds going to The African Workshop charity. thelocalgallery.co.uk africanworkshop. org, matthumphreyimages.com, 14 Avenue Mews, N10 3NP

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LOCAL EVENTS

MUSWELL HILL FESTIVE EVENT The Muswell Hill Traders Group (MHTG) put together their popular Muswell Hill Festive event last month. With family entertainment, shopping and food and drink from local suppliers, it was a huge success over a bright and sunny December weekend. theheartofmuswellhill.co.uk Photography by Yvonne Chakraborta

the

Socialite WEST HAMPSTEAD CHRISTMAS MARKET Festive food, drink and produce was available from locals at the West Hampstead Christmas Market which was set up around West End Green and Emmanuel Church. It was a lovely day with glorious sunshine and a great way to bring the community together.

Photography by socialmetre.co.uk and Maurice Joy

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TRAVEL INTERVIEW

Waltzing MAtildA A cAndid inteRvieW With tiM Minchin

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WORDs: HeLeN BARON

y interview with Tim Minchin got off to a slightly odd start. I suppose I should have expected it – should have braced myself for the Australian musical comedy cyclone that I’d been reading about and watching on YouTube. Instead, I wrote some questions and then had to abort mission no less than thirty seconds in. And how glad I am of it, for his own spin on things made for a much more involving half hour.

To start, he greets me like an old friend, telling me that he likes the sound of my name.

He then launches into a lengthy explanation of how we (as people) exist inside our grandmother’s ovaries before we are born. And when I clarify that my surname used to be Baronowski and was changed by a relative during the Second World War, his opening gambit comes full circle, and he concludes by contemplating the advantages of hiding from the Nazis in my grandmother’s DNA. I feel compelled to agree: it’s not like anyone found me there.

We chat about how he navigates the stormy waters of ‘celebrity’ – after all, 2011 saw Tim Minchin’s name everywhere. Whether he’s doing the rounds of the TV chat shows, performing for thousands on one of his arena tours or trending on Twitter, it seems that Minchin’s time has finally come, and his singular style – all

wild hair, bare feet, mascara and catchy-as-hell songs that make you laugh as well as tap your feet – is here to stay. He’s fast becoming a household name – so what does he do if someone hasn’t yet caught the Minchin bug? And how does he explain when someone asks him what he does for a living?

he prefers to think of his ‘breakout year’ as a five-year breakout, which doesn’t have quite the same ring to it but probably reflects a talent that has earned a place in the nation’s hearts – and is thus here to stay. Though for all that, I offer, five years from unknown to top of the comedy tree remains a pretty rapid ascent. Most comics wouldn’t say no to Minchin’s trajectory. “The rise to success has been quick in the arts world, I guess,” he says, “but it’s not been X Factor quick, which leads me to think that actually really it’s been exponential.”

He adds that he’s incredibly grateful to have such an adoring audience and remains surprised that he has earned enough money to buy a house – five years ago, when he emigrated to the UK from his native Australia, he didn’t know if that was something he would ever achieve. He refers to his particular skill-set as ‘slightly weird’, but is thankful of the opportunities this has spawned – from performing at the BBC Proms and the Sydney Opera House to writing the music and lyrics for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

“What has happened this year,” he says, “is that people have come to recognise me for what I do, rather than trying to work out what I am. In terms of breaking out, the most important thing to me is that

“WheRe i live is selfcontAined And AWAy fRoM the tube And theRe ARe nice pARKs And nice cAfÉs And good schools And loAds of people With Kids… And siMon pegg lives theRe, As Well As A Whole lot of otheR ARtists. Although [dAvid] tennAnt Just left – Annoying!”

He tells me he avoids the issue by telling them he’s a musician – though the difficulty there is that people then assume he’s out of work. “It’s nice when people don’t know who I am, so that we can crack on and have a normal conversation,” he says, in a moment of almost-seriousness.

Then: “It’s really hard being mildly well-known.”

But for all his lightness of heart, Tim Minchin does recognise that, although the last few years have been good for him, he’s not quite the overnight success some articles have made out – in fact,

11

TRAVEL INTERVIEW

MATILDA, THE MUSICAL

“It’s incredibly exciting to have an audience of any sort, and a big one is particularly cool” I’m my own thing.” This crops up again when we talk about how he is selling out bigger venues than most bands and musicians. “This is all beyond my most lofty aspirations,” he replies. “Which isn’t to say I’m all weird about it – it has grown quickly, but quite manageably, and I’ve had time to adjust. It’s incredibly exciting to have an audience of any sort, and a big one is particularly cool.”

I ask him how he came to be a man of such diverse ability. “I’m incredibly bad at doing more than one thing at once,” he says.

“I have to allot time periods for specific tasks. If I go on tour, that’s my focus. I often feel that I can’t concentrate on a project unless I keep my week free for it. Matilda was daunting in the sense that if I really thought about what I was doing, it would be easy to get in a tizz. There’s a part of me that thinks I should still be playing keyboards in a pub in Western Australia and nothing fundamentally has changed to make me think I should be allowed to do what I do. But a larger part of me thinks ‘Right on, I should definitely be doing what I’m doing.’”

Creatively speaking, Minchin is not really interested in musicals, and “certainly not the jukebox variety, or the back catalogue of a band wedged into a crap story.”

Of Matilda he says, “It was totally invigorating working with the team and Dennis Kelly, my cowriter. Our workshop sessions were

amazing; you would think we were planning the invasion of a country – grown men intensely discussing the intention of a child in this moment! I was incredibly excited about the musical. I’d been to the Dahl estate before I was involved, and I’d discussed the rights to Matilda, so it’s an interesting coincidence that I ended up writing the score.” He concludes “I do believe in fate. I can’t be holierthan-thou about this, though; Matilda was a very well-established story and exceedingly popular in its own right… for my next project I’d like to work on something from the ground up, based on nothing but my own stupid brain.”

He then lets me in on the fact that he’s slipped into his local pharmacy to buy some concealer for a filming appointment later, before explaining that he’s compulsively honest.

A true North Londoner now, having worked in Highgate for some time on the original cast recording for Matilda and now residing in Crouch End, Minchin has only good things to say about his local area.

“Where I live is self-contained and away from the tube and there are nice parks and nice cafes and good schools and loads of people with kids… And Simon Pegg lives there, as well as a whole lot of other artists. Although [David] Tennant just left – annoying!” He continues, “My wife and I had always assumed we’d move back to Australia – we’re both from Perth and our families

are mostly still there – but it’s getting harder and harder to see how or when that will happen. I want my kids to have an upbringing like mine, full of beaches and sport and going to farms. But I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that even if I replicate the geography of my childhood, my children won’t have the same sort of experience as I did. My dad wasn’t an opinionated comedian!”

This surprises me a little – my picture of Tim Minchin being less about vociferous opinions and more about mischievous wit. But one glance at Google explains a lot – this is a man unafraid to speak his mind on big topics that interest him (organised religion in particular: check out his satirical song The Pope – but only if you’re over 18 and have a high tolerance for the F-bomb).

We end by discussing Minchin’s own taste in music, because it seems to me that he’s been feted for his musical ability as much as for his sense of humour – but his response is a tad surprising – if understandable. “I basically never listen to music,” he says. “I listen to podcasts while I run, and will sometimes put something classical on in the car. I’m trying to listen to more, but I’m just not in the habit.

It’s something to do with thinking about and playing music all day.

By the time I stop working, I quite like peace. When people come over to dinner, I put tunes on. Usually Kinks, Beatles, Stones, or acid jazz, or old-school jazz like Etta or Satchmo.”

And there you have it: one of the nation’s funniest and friendliest stars of the moment is about as unpredictable (and disarmingly honest) as they come. Australia’s loss is North London’s gain. And Crouch Enders: look out for him lurking in the cosmetics aisles of your local pharmacy.

Tim Minchin and The Heritage Orchestra is now available on DVD, £19.99. theheritageorchestra.com matildathemusical.com timminchin.com

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13/10/11 15:00:34

Bright Star Gemma Billington explores the North London museum that was once the home of one of the world’s most famous and influential poets: John Keats pHOtOgRApHy: eRiN BARRy (eRiNKBARRy@gmAiL.COm)

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

H

ampstead Heath - leafy and tranquil - is a world away from the chaotic hustle and bustle of Central London. A stone’s throw from the Heath and tucked away in an idyllic street stands Wentworth House, better known today as Keats House due to its most famous inhabitant. Though John Keats spent just under two years of his short life there, it was to be a place of major significance. It is the house where Keats produced some of his best-known poems and letters and, most pertinently, where he met the love of his life; the girl-next-door and his ‘bright star’, Fanny Brawne.

Originally comprised of two semi-detached houses, Wentworth Place was built in 1816 and Keats rented a room there from his friend and landlord Charles Brown. Already suffering from the symptoms of tuberculosis by the time he moved in, he was to benefit from the clean air and countryside of North West London. Externally, the house is the same as it would have been all those years ago save for the addition of a medium-sized Victorian extension and the Heath Branch Public Library next door.

The semi-detached buildings were knocked together to create one big property and the house has recently been treated to Lottery-funded large-scale refurbishment; each room made into a representation of the way it would have been during Keats’ time there. John Keats’ parents died young and with his three younger siblings he was shuffled between grandparents and guardians before embarking on a medical career and working at Guy’s Hospital. It was during his medical apprenticeship that Keats was introduced to a world of literature and music under the teachings of Charles Cowden Clarke, and began reading the works of poets such as Milton and Spenser. He wrote poetry during his studies and, though he qualified

as a surgeon-apothecary, he never practised this professionally.

A world-renowned poet, it is surprising to note that during his life Keats’ work received mostly negative reviews and he died - as so many great creative figures in history do tragically young and empoverished.

Though the story of Keats is one marred with sadness, the time spent at Wentworth Place was, despite his ill health, one of great happiness and peace - where he met his muse and wrote such prolific works as Ode to

communal garden where he would see Fanny - “I come - I see thee, as thou standest there, Beckon me not into the wintry air” (from Ode to Fanny).

On the doctor’s recommendation, Keats left London for the last time and travelled to Rome in late 1820; it was thought the climate would help his debilitating condition. He died a few months later on February 23 1821 at the age of 25. Fanny Brawne, who remained in mourning for some years, eventually went on to marry and spent a great deal of time travelling Europe.

A talented seamstress, her ‘room’ in the museum is a dedication to her intelligence and creativity, with replica scrapbooks and postcards of her time abroad, giving us a detailed insight into the woman behind the ‘muse.’ In a short, tumultuous span of time, some of the world’s most famous and esteemed poetry was created at Keats House; work that is still as beautiful and relevant today as it was nearly 200 years ago.

The story of John and Fanny and their fleeting, fragile time together inspired the 2009 film Bright Star and it is easy to see why the sense of pride and community in the upkeep of the house is so strong.

IT IS THE HOUSE WHERE KEATS PRODUCED SOME OF HIS BEST-KNOWN POEMS AND LETTERS AND, MOST PERTINENTLY, WHERE HE MET THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE a Nightingale and Bright Star. The Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, in his research for his biography on John Keats, described the house as “...a place with an exceptionally strong spirit. Not just a shrine (though it is that), but a living and breathing memorial.” For a man who left nothing but his words, Keats House captures the atmosphere of his time there well: from the library where he worked, to his bedroom where he suffered from illness, to the chaise longue overlooking the

keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk, Keats Grove, NW3 2RR

Bright Star Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art — Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night And watching, with eternal lids apart, Like Nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite, The moving waters at their priestlike task Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores, Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask Of snow upon the mountains and the moors — No — yet still stedfast, still unchangeable, Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast, To feel for ever its soft swell and fall, Awake for ever in a sweet unrest, Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever — or else swoon to death.

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This New Year, EF MEDISPA can help you on your way to a better than ever you – that stands the test of time

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t’s cold, it’s dark and you may have had one (or two) many mince pies. Yet instead of resorting to another quick fix, turn to EF MEDISPA for solutions that are simple, effective and frankly – the answer to everyone’s prayers.

EF MEDISPA create a bespoke programme that suits your body type, fits in seamlessly with your lifestyle – and ultimately, delivers the kind of long lasting results that make sticking to your body-related New Year’s resolutions a doddle.

Having teamed up with television’s Diet Doctor Dr Wendy Denning, EF MEDISPA has created the Well Woman diet – a protein-rich, meal substitution programme that promises to help you lose between 15 and 30 pounds in six weeks.

Ideal for pre-menopausal women who find themselves gaining weight, or for younger women who are struggling to maintain their ideal weight it requires no calorie counting or hunger pangs. After a free consultation, your body-shaping regimen will be overseen by your own personal consultant who will advise on a treatment programme of lymphatic massage or skin-tightening acoustic wave therapy to complement your meals and ensure you get results in a healthy, sustainable way.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a high tech way to be healthier in 2012, EF MEDISPA are the first to bring the latest generation of Vaser lipo technology to the UK from America. Even the most stubborn of fat deposits on arms, legs, the stomach or neck will be a thing of the past with this minimally invasive procedure that allows you to selectively sculpt your problem areas with stunningly little downtime or bruising.

Sometimes though, a gentler approach is all it takes to tweak your body back to optimum health. Surrender to EF MEDISPA’s non-invasive Electrolymphatic treatment that applies an energy field to the surface of the skin to release internal muscle tension and

69 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7NL 020 7449 6924 Website: www.efmedispa.com Online shop: www.efmedishop.com Twitter: twitter.com/estherfieldgras Blog: www.efmedispa.com/news/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/EFmedispa

OFFER: 10% off the Well Woman Diet booked during January only

boost the flow of fluids in the body. The result is total body wellness and relief from a whole range of ailments including water retention, sinus congestion and headaches.

With the promise of similarly wideranging benefits, colonic hydrotherapy removes waste and toxins from your colon, boosts immunity, clears the

complexion and helps you on your way to the new, streamlined you. And when you discover that the slinky dress you’ve always dreamed of suddenly slips on with miraculous ease, you’ll want to ensure that your legs look up to scratch.

EF MEDISPA’s Laser Hair Removal is mercifully painless, works on all skin and hair types – and will keep your legs silky smooth right through spring.

If you’re still suffering the effects of over-imbibing the Champagne or Gluhwien why not have a session in the Drip & Chill Lounge. A specially prepared infusion of health-boosting antioxidants and vitamins streams into your body via a saline drip. Within an hour your December’s over-indulgence will be a distant memory and you’ll feel ready to face a brand new year with a spring in your step. t

TOP TIP: A MAGIC ERASER FOR STRETCH MARKS On her worldwide search for the latest and greatest aesthetic products and treatments, EF MEDISPA founder, Esther Fieldgrass has discovered a miniature pen to make stretch marks a thing of the past. Based upon centuries old, Carboxy therapy, it re-oxygenates the skin, boosts collagen and elastin production and makes for a smoother, more flawless appearance. Now you really can just rub out your problem areas!

Voted Best Clinic Chain in the UK at the 2011 Aesthetic Industry Awards 17

Dedicated followers o of Be inspired by our very own ode to sixties style at Keats House

virginia Cream knit jumper £208 American Retro. Grey polo neck £239 Brora. Blue kilt mini skirt £230 Gryphon NY at Oxygen Boutique.

Necklace £195 Monica Vinader. jodie Blue maxi shirt dress £232 American Retro.

jodie Floral dress £315 Project D. Pale blue cardigan £229 Brora. Gold ring £100 Monica Vinader.

Virginia Navy shirt dress £135 Whistles. Gold watch £60 Accurist. Tan round toe heels £408 Ipilya.

Virginia Blue lace dress £285 Paul Smith Black Label. Navy cardigan £145 By Malene Birger. Berry opaque tights £5.59 Charnos at Tightsplease. Purple stone ring £165 Monica Vinader.

CREDITS JODIE Fur collar coat £295 Maxmara at The Merchant. Satchel bag with chain handle £425 Belen Echandia.

PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Blackett (info@mikeblackett.com) STYLIST Charlotte Kewley HAIR Paul Donovan paul@pauldonovanhair.com MAKE-UP Louise Dartford at nakedartists.com using Vapour Organic Beauty Models Jodie Tucker Virginia Kiss With thanks to KEATS HOUSE keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Stockists Accurist accurist.co.uk American Retro available at Harvey Nichols 0207 235 5000 Belen Echandia belenechandia.com Brora 0845 659 9944

By Malene Birger 0207 486 0486 DKNY 020 7499 6238 Ipilya ipilya.com Jexika jexika.com Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com Manolo Blahnik 0207 352 3863 Monica Vinader monicavinader.com Oxygen Boutique oxygenboutique.com Paul Smith paulsmith.co.uk Project D www.my-wardrobe.com Rokit www.rokit.co.uk The Merchant www.themerchant24.com Tightsplease www.tightsplease.co.uk Tommy Hilfiger www.tommy.com Whistles www.whistles.co.uk ZOEtee’s www.donnaida.com

VIP: THE BEAUTY CENTRE The Beauty Centre is the celebs’ salon of choice and we’re loving our VIP Club Membership - unlimited access to all the popular treatments including lash enhancements, hair removal, threading and waxing. The IPL hair removal treatments come highly recommended this winter and our particular highlight are the 3-week manicures.

There’s also a 20% discount on all the in-house big brand beauty products so now you can really live the well-groomed NY lifestyle! For more info on particular treatments check out the website. the-beautycentre.com, 020 7586 1513

BEAUTY

CONFIDENTIAL Your local salon news N PINK AILS: & NAIL WHITE Pi n k & Wh ite on SPA Ro

a d sp ecia li Islington’s na i ls se i n E s s ex -a G treatm hugely pop el Shellac polish ent of tra ular hybri d diti an wears d U V gel p ona l nail o fl l a i sh w h wless Price ly f ich s just £ for a mani or 14 days c u re 10. Pi . st nk & 30 E s W hite ar t from se x R Nail S oa d , p 7226 N1 8L N, 0 a , 20 9230

NEW: SKIN3 SALON Last month saw the opening of Skin3, a stylish, new era salon which offers a specialist menu of cutting edge anti-ageing treatments. Consultations use a sophisticated Visia imaging system to target lines, dehydration, congested pores or redness - ideal for any post-party problem areas. skin3.co.uk, 41 Fairfax Road, NW6 4EL, 020 7328 1291

TOP TIP 24

TREND: STYLING LESSONS Brooks+Brooks Bloomsbury’s long hair specialist Valerie Benavides, brings her experience of Milan and Paris fashion week to London and reveals the secret to great style in one 90 minute session. As London Fashion week kicks off next month, have a go at perfect ponytails, top knots or a classic chignon: “Success rests on getting to grips with certain skills such as how to backcomb properly and how to pin and grip to ensure your style lasts all day (or night!)”. As well as dressing techniques, the stylists talk through what’s on the runways and red carpet, and how styles can work with their client’s face shape and hair texture.

A 90-minute appointment with Valerie or Sophia costs £100 and includes a list of your prescribed hair accessories so you know exactly what you need to create your chosen style. brooksandbrooks.co.uk, 13 -17 Sicilian Avenue, 020 7405 8111

TOP BEAUTY TIP: Don’t rub moisturiser into your face; pat it. Rubbing actually takes cream off your skin, dispersing it in different places. Patting helps the skin to soak it up.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

OUT OF TOWN: FAT ATTACK Need to get into shape fast? Fat Attack to the rescue! Offering one day fitness bootcamps in not too far East Grinstead, Essex and Buckinghamshire, you’ll be amazed what a difference a day makes.

For those who want something more intense, you can sign up to a whole weekend of fat-fighting. The residential camp runs a fat attack ‘basic’ and ‘plus’ option and both conveniently start from Friday afternoon through to Sunday early evening so there’s no need to miss a whole day of work. Time to sweat! Prices start at £399, fatattack.co.uk

Health &Fitness

News

All you need to know about the latest trends and products TREND: BODY STUDIO Leaders in their field, the creators of Body Studio offer personal training, injury rehabilitation, weight loss management, strength/functional training and nutrition advice. They also run a host of fun classes such as Boxing Fitness, Girls in Gloves, Sparring and Work/Shape/Sweat (now you’re talking). There’s also a handy Monday power lunch yoga class for those stretched for time. bodystudio.co.uk, 89a Rivington street, EC2A 3AY, 020 7729 0111

NEW: FRUITY PEEL BODY SCRUB Banish cellulite with this fruity fresh rejuvenating scrub for the body with exfoliating and smoothing effect. Jojoba spheres delicately remove keratinized cells and alpha-hydroxy acids work alongside fruit extracts to improve the texture and hydration of the skin. £24.50, comfortzoneskincare.com

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a new ch u s ering n Shoredit inning e n o i P r sp m! i , Boo n space fo a gent le gy ms a b r o u r ho se e and hipste You can c id . s r amp r classe r a boot c h t wo -hou o g u e o l o ef r at cyc even a l cha lleng ! ’s e r e th t er v us up t e d i n i s t s. S i g n e g r a t r cycl .com , brave mmybody C2A 4RT, o o b et , E n Stre 702 o t t u r c 426 0 2- 8 S 020 7

PRODUCT: RODIAL CRASH DIET™KIT This crash diet™ kit claims you can drop a dress size in 10 days. Three slimming products in a convenient boxed set help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Smooth your way to a firmer and slimmer silhouette with crash diet™ gel, scientifically proven to help break down stubborn fat build-up by promoting drainage and reducing fluid retention in the body. Drink your way to a faster metabolism and drain excess water retention with crash diet™ sticks and lastly, supplement your energy levels with crash diet™ smoothies, low-calorie protein shakes with protein and polyphenols (antioxidants). £75, rodial.co.uk

TOP TIP

TOP HEALTH TIP: BOOST YOUR VITAMIN C as it can reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a high level of which is a sign that you are at risk of heart disease. Remember its water soluble so keep your levels topped up throughout the day.

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LOCAL FOCUS

Hayley trained as a ballerina and moved to Melbourne aged 15 to train with the Australian Ballet School. She went on to dance the lead role of the Spanish Princess for the school’s production of Swan Lake. Throughout her career as a dancer, Pilates has played an important part in her training and she has studied Polestar Pilates, which is built on scientific principles familiar to rehabilitation and fitness professionals.

workout rather than spending hours at the gym without breaking a sweat. I would suggest doing 2-3 cardio quickies such as rebounding and cycle, along with 2-3 toning quickies such as butts, abs and arms, depending on which body parts you want to work the hardest.

Close Up

How long have you been a fitness instructor and how did you get into it?

I have been teaching Pilates for 6 years. I started as a ballet dancer.

After an injury I began Pilates to maintain flexibility and core strength. I have since done my personal training qualifications which adds another slant to my Pilates teaching and helps when teaching classes like Frame Method and Frame Work.

plenty of articles. Australia and the US have always been streets ahead of us in terms of their fitness industries, but London is starting to catch up.

Has the industry changed much over the last few years; how do you keep up with all the latest exercise trends?

There are more classes that are combining principals of yoga, dance, Pilates and/or fitness into one intense class. I keep up by traveling (New York is always ahead with the latest trends) and reading

Of all the trends in the last few years, which would you say have been long lasting? Or which trends have proved most universally beneficial?

The fusion classes are lasting as they don’t put too much stress on the body, are enjoyable and still get the results we all want, all whilst not boring us!

with Hayley Alexander at Frame, Shoreditch

What do you think of the fashion for ‘quick’ workouts? Can you really get all your cardio and resistance training done in 20 minutes?

Yes. At Frame we offer 30 minute “Quickie” classes. It’s more beneficial to do an intense shorter

INSPIRATIONS

How would you describe your personal style: I wear lots of black even when teaching. I’d say I’m a mixture of grunge and glam style….

Favourite Film: Stealing Beauty by Bernado Bertolucci 26

What’s it like working for Frame?

Its exciting that it offers a bit of everything.

Yes, I love it! The atmosphere is upbeat and exciting. People come to Frame simply to have fun and hang out. Career-wise I’m given the freedom to really push the boundaries in terms of classes we offer and to think creatively, which is uncommon in the industry.

What would you like to see more of in gyms?

Dance inspired classes and goodlooking boys!

What’s your own personal keep fit regime?

Luckily I get lots of exercise from teaching Frame Method and Frame Work, but I also enjoy yoga classes.

Do you eat healthily?

I do eat healthily although I rarely turn down chocolate or red wine.

Everything in moderation.

What are your top tips for getting fit in the New Year?

Don’t take too much time off or over-indulge. Also make sure to try something new like a Frame signature class or a Quickie to get yourself reinspired and make your new year’s resolutions a reality.

Check out the timetable at moveyourframe.com

Favourite song to work out to: Personal Jesus, Depeche Mode or anything by Cut Copy Favourite Holiday Destination: Byron Bay Australia for the beaches and hippies

Most Treasured Possession: My Chanel handbag

Traditional Thai Therapy Come and experience the ancient tradition of Thai Massage in a beautiful and tranquil traditional setting.

Just One Minute From Angel.

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Reduce stress. Boost energy and vitality. Improve circulation. Improve flexibility.

Increase focus. Relieve aches and pains. Relieve headaches and migraines. Stimulate proper organ function. Boost immune system. Remove toxins. Promote restful sleep.

Members of The Association of Physical and Natural Therapists and The British Complimentary Medicine Association.

332a Goswell Road, Islington EC1V 7LQ Tel: 020 7837 3643 www.phothai.co.uk info@phothai.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

NEEDLES & PINS

Katie Randall discovers acupuncture with AcuMedic, the oldest pioneers of Chinese medicine outside Asia...

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he ancient Chinese art of acupuncture has been utilising needles to manipulate your Qi (pronounced chee) and promote well-being for thousands of years. On Western shores the practice is gaining momentum with more and more people turning to needles.

Typanophobes (those with an extreme fear of medical procedures, including the use of needles) have no fear. As an acupuncture virgin myself, I was completely in the dark about the procedure and whether my pain threshold would be high enough. In actual fact, the needles are small and painless. After a slight scratch on contact with the skin, you cannot even feel them. The facial and neck massage that followed was one of the best I’ve ever had, enlivened by the needles and with my Qi unblocked I was able to really relax into the rest of my treatment.

The AcuMedic Clinic group are

forerunners in Chinese alternative medicine - to date they have treated over 40,000 patients, including high profile clients such as Princess Diana.

AcuMedic’s experience and knowledge more than qualifies them to deal with all sorts of ailments.

Personally, I wanted to try to alleviate stress, building up from a somewhat hectic lifestyle and to rejuvenate my skin.

According to Chinese medical practice, Qi travels through your body with your blood and along twelve meridians that have been mapped out by acupuncturists over thousands of years. Don Mei at AcuMedic says that the famous Ice Man mummy, which is over 5,000 years old, was discovered with tattoos all over its body that correspond to key acupuncture points. Qi is a transient element that moves through the universe and enters the body when we breathe air. When we are happy it multiplies in our bodies and it is reduced when we DON MEI AT ACUMEDIC SAYS are sad. Acupuncture needles inserted along THAT THE FAMOUS ICE MAN specific points along the MUMMY, WHICH IS OVER 5,000 meridian lines unblock YEARS OLD, WAS DISCOVERED any stagnation of Qi and circulation.

WITH TATTOOS ALL OVER ITS stimulate My treatment began BODY THAT CORRESPOND TO with a thorough KEY ACUPUNCTURE POINTS discussion, covering

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lifestyle, sleeping habits, skin concerns and diet. Theresa, my therapist, offered suggestions to help. She also happened to have a strikingly soothing voice so I was quickly at ease, and with a dab of disinfectant on my skin, the needles were in.

Looking not unlike a giant pin cushion, but feeling decidedly relaxed I was left to rest. After my down time I was treated to face masks that smelt good enough to eat and Theresa’s skillful hands exfoliating my upper epidermis. Afterwards my skin felt enriched and soft, and I left the clinic feeling blissfully calm.

If you have time, I recommend you stop for a pot of tea - the attentitive waitress brewed me a special variation of jasmine tea. The clinic believe strongly in prevention of ill-health and in 2007 launched Chinalife. This sister company offers its customers herbal solutions to improve and maintain good physical and emotional health. They also offer herbal tonics and skincare products developed by AcuMedic doctors - so your regeneration can continue at home.

Cosmetic acupuncture and herbal facial £85 clinic.acumedic.com, 99-105 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN, 020 7388 6704

HAIR & BEAUTY HAIR & BEAUTY LOCAL NEWS HAIR & BEAUTY HAIR& &BEAUTY BEAUTY HAIR HAIR & BEAUTY

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grounds of the BOTH BOTH SALONS SALONS OPEN TILL TILL LATE LATE Hurlingham Club. OPEN The event attracted crowds of people and showcased some of the finest international property on the market. If you missed out this year, the next event takes place on the 30th and 31st of October 2012. theluxurypropertyshow.com

CA NOV 11 CITY SPY.indd 11

A LIFE IN ART EXHIBITION The death of artist Ed Day inspired his wife to organise a major exhibition of his paintings in The Gallery in Redchurch Street.

The retrospective, which ran in November, celebrated the life of a creative and hugely talented individual. dazearts.com

30/11/2011 15:21

PROMOTION

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Dr Ralph Rogers from The London Orthopaedic Clinic gives his expert advice on the ‘new you’ in the ‘new year’

I’m not in great shape after Christmas. So, I’d like to start a new fitness regime but am worried about overdoing it.

Do you have any advice on how I can lose weight safely?

The trick to weight loss is to be realistic. Losing weight too fast (more than 2lb a week) can leave you at risk of malnutrition. Instead of the latest ‘fad’ diet, try to make changes to your lifestyle. Cut down on saturated fat, sugar, salt and always have a proper breakfast. To accelerate weight loss, try gentle exercises as these will burn off additional calories and produce feel good endorphins. This will make you feel better immediately, especially if you are affected by the long winter nights.

Every time I go to the gym I end up doing the same old exercises so never really feel like I get an all-round work out. Could you recommend ways to improve my gym experience?

Remember these important points: Work all muscle groups, if you only focus on your upper boy, don’t be surprised if there isn’t as great an improvement in muscle strength or size.

Keep your heart rate up, don’t stop or slow down; when you have completed your first exercise, move straight on to the next.

Be imaginative, and change your circuit; if you are becoming a bit bored seek advice from a personal trainer, they can show you how to exercise the same muscle groups but using different machines or trying different exercises.

Take a friend, a friend can help to push and encourage you to complete the exercises.

I’ve been doing my best to keep fit over the winter months but unfortunately had an injury when running and had to rest up. Is there anything I can do in terms of rehabilitation and getting myself ready to start exercising again?

If your fall has caused damage do not consider running until you are fully healed. However, depending on your injury, you can consider gentle exercises. For example: Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular and full body work out, with all the benefits of other cardio activities, but with the added advantage of having your body supported and resisted by the water.

Walking is low impact and you can still burn calories. By walking briskly, head up, back straight and swinging your arms, you can burn 180 calories in just 30 minutes.

Dr Rogers is a skilled sports and musculoskeletal physician from the London Orthopaedic Clinic.

The clinic is now working in new facilities in Golders Green. For more information call 020 7186 1000 or visit www.londonorthopaedic.com

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15/2/08

HAIR & BEAUTY HAIR & BEAUTY HAIR & BEAUTY HAIR& &BEAUTY BEAUTY HAIR HAIR & BEAUTY

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11:12

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Colouring Colouring Colouring ••••Colouring Brazilian blowdrys Brazilianblowdrys blowdrys Brazilian blowdrys ••••Brazilian Facials Facials Facials ••••Facials Nails •• Nails d am at 171 an h te he T Electrolysis •• Electrolysis o wis would like t very M X E Massage a Massage Massage ••••Massage our readers and ll a as out at the age of 30, you vouchers istmand Gift“If, vouchers • Gift Chrstiff Gift vouchers ry are vouchers •••Gift merIf, ar. esupple of shape, you are old. at 60, you are Make-up • Make-up happy new y Make-up •••Make-up and strong, then you are young.” specialist Mensspecialist specialist • Mens Mens specialist Joseph Pilates •••Mens treatments treatments treatments treatments Get a stronger back, a flatter stomach and a suppler, younger body at our stunning studio Waxing Waxing ••Waxing Waxing 020 7288 8080

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BOTH TILL islington@pilatescentral.co.uk www.pilatescentral.co.uk BOTH SALONS SALONS OPEN OPEN TILL LATE LATE 10-12 Gaskin St (off Upper St) London N1 2RY

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

WINTER RESCUE Arm yourself against the big chill with these beauty life-savers

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1 Rodin by Recine Luxury Hair Oil Tame unruly winter hair with luxurious hair oil. Top stylists recommend using it to blow dry with as it shuts down the cuticle layer keeping excess moisture out and eliminating frizz. £60, cultbeauty.co.uk

2 La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm This seriously thick moisturiser has a creamy consistency at the outset but on contact with the skin quickly takes on a balm-like texture. Great as a barrier between your skin and harsh winter weather. £11.50 0800 055 6822

3 Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath The versatile cream with a milk

L Loca

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protein base can be used as a bath soak or directly applied onto the skin as a moisturiser. £39.90, timetospa.co.uk

Oil, contains a unique blend of fatty acids to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. £18.50, urbanretreat.co.uk

4 Shu Uemura Brightening Cleasing Oil

6 Korres Lip Butter Sticks

Smooth translucent skin can be achieved with a little helping hand from Shu Uemura. Ingredients like extract of prune and sakura leaf all help to calm the skin, reducing the redness that is common in the winter months. £28 for 150ml, shuuemura.co.uk

5 Connock London Nourishing Hand Cream This fast-absorbing cream provides intense moisture and nourishment when dry hands and nails need it most. The key ingredient, Kukui

Korres love natural ingredients and their conditioning lip butter sticks with Shea butter and Sunflower wax are perfect for softening chapped lips. We’ve chosen the rose flavour but peach also tickled our fancy. £6.50, houseoffraser.co.uk

7 Kiehl’s Rose Artica Cream The ‘Resurrection Flower’ in Kiehl’s Rose Artica cream is hand-harvested and delivers energy to the skin stimulating cellular activity. £45, spacenk.co.uk, 299 Upper Street, N1 2TU Islington London N1 2TU 31

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! SHINE Hypnobirthing courses with Peter Scott & Delyth Johnson.

Run by Certified Hypnobirthing therapist Peter Scott, mums-to-be can learn a range of gentle self-hypnosis, muscle relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques helping to prepare both mind and body towards giving birth. These techniques are also learnt by partners to enable them to deepen and support the mum’s levels of relaxation, empowering them to feel more calm, confident and in control in order to have a more relaxed and enjoyable birthing experience. Nutritional therapist Delyth Johnson provides you with nutrition information as well as support for breast feeding and what to consider postbirth to support the health of mother and baby. Essential, practical information to give your body the nourishment it needs. The course starts Jan 15th and takes place over 4 consecutive Sundays. For more information see shineholistic.co.uk or call Peter Scott 0845 689 1024, www.hypnobirthing-uk.com,

171 & EXM Indulge with a range of skin and hair treatments from 171 Hair & Beauty and EXM for a New Face, New Hair and New You in 2012.

The salon offers re-hydrating facials that are tailor made to suit your skin type - to put in what the harsh winter and party season takes out. If you’re after a new look, why not take the plunge and totally change your locks with various sharp cuts and in vogue hair styles to try at the salon. Take advantage of their diverse range of treatments and dedicated, experienced staff for a total transformation. 171hairandbeauty.com 171 Upper Street, N1 1RG, 020 7354 3733, www.exmhairandbeauty.com, 48 Exmouth Market, EC1, 020 7833 2424

LAB SPA For those who prefer the finer things in life...Luxury, style, space and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the pressures of London life. The Lab clubs boast an effortless and peaceful ambiance that draws you in, leaving you wanting more. Voted best private health club and spa in London by Time Out, The Lab offers a unique atmosphere rarely enjoyed in other clubs. Their flawlessly finished workout areas compliment an inviting 25m UV treated swimming pool, personalised fitness programming and the choice of over 100 different fitness classes.

Their newly refurbished treatment rooms are the perfect backdrop for an exceptional team of highly qualified therapists delivering a broad range of treatments. labspa.co.uk. For further information call 020 8457 3300 (Mill Hill) or 020 8482 3000 (Muswell Hill), Mill Hill - 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ, Muswell Hill - The Avenue, N10 2QE 32

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

It’s a brand new year, so why not make it a brand new you to match? We’ve got the health, fitness and beauty recommendations to get you feeling gorgeous for 2012...

PHO THAI TRADITIONAL THAI THERAPY The secret is out and word is spreading fast. With a clientele of actors, dancers, artists and musicians, this wonderful Thai therapy spa - tucked away on little-known Goswell Road but just a minute’s walk from Angel - is one of Islington’s seriously impressive new destinations. Pho Thai are truly raising the massage bar. Step away from the bustle of the street into their large reception surrounded by beautiful Thai artifacts and it’s clear this place is different. Their treatment range is small and rightly so – they stick to what they do best: Thai Massage.

Whether it’s the soothing Aromatherapy Massage, the exquisite Thai Foot Massage, the full-on Traditional Thai Massage or the gentler Thai Oil Massage, the temple-trained therapists skillfully mix modern techniques with the ancient techniques practised in Thailand for thousands of years. A visit to Pho Thai not only feels good, but does you good too. www.phothai.co.uk, 332a Goswell Road, EC1V 7LQ 020 7837 3643

TATAMI HEALTH Tatami Health has just turned two and to celebrate they’re launching two new websites in 2012 dedicated to some of their specialist services: Women’s Health and Sports Injuries (check out tatamihealth.co.uk for details). So far they’ve been bashful about their success stories but have fast become the go-to physios for problem solving aches, pains and performance issues that have proved difficult to solve in other ways, and they’re mighty proud of that! If you haven’t been improving as you might have hoped with other treatments or you think they might be able to help with your ailments, for the month of January, Tatami Health are offering a free ten minute consultation from one of their experienced physiotherapists. Available from 8am-8pm Monday – Thursday, 8am-5pm Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturdays. See the website for details on making your booking now as January gets busy! www.tatamihealth.co.uk, 6a Liverpool Road, N1 0PU, 020 7288 0422

PILATES CENTRAL Pilates Central is a superb state-of-the-art pilates studio in the heart of Islington. The teachers there have had exceptional training and experience, and whatever your age or fitness level, they will devise a pilates program to suit your individual needs.

Pilates may now have become something fashionable but a high proportion of the clients who visit Pilates Central are by medical referral - because they have bad backs, necks, shoulders, joints or other physical problems.

Pilates Central occupies a stunning building with plenty of space and natural light. It has state-of-the-art facilities, which make it one of the best-equipped studios in the world. Pilates Central is just off Upper Street and the Essex Road in the heart of Islington N1, five minutes from Angel tube but also within easy reach of King’s Cross, Clerkenwell, and the City. www.pilatescentral.co.uk, 10-12 Gaskin Street, N1 2RY, 020 7812 1132, 020 7288 8080 33

Through the grapevine...

Stephen Williams founded the Antique Wine Company 25 years ago. At their head office in Marylebone, we chatted to Stephen about their new classes and what makes a good drop...

Words: Gemma Billington PHOTOGRAPHY: George Ramsay

O STEPHEN WILLIAMS, FOUNDER

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n a particularly wet and miserable winter afternoon, the sleek tasting room at the Antique Wine Company - set out with wine glasses and canapés in anticipation of our visit - is a welcome sight indeed. Founded over 25 years ago, the wine merchants moved to their prestigious Marylebone address in May 2011, and the tasting courses have been running since September. Surely this was on the back of client demand, I suggest.

“We wanted to strengthen our business here in London,” Stephen says. “We felt the best way was to share wine with potential clients. It’s good to get that practical experience coupled with a bit of theory. Most

people who buy wine invest as a secondary consideration, the primary reason is because they enjoy drinking it!”

Courses are available for tipplers of all levels of expertise, and a Tuscan Masterclass and Starter’s Guide are planned this month. The company’s extensive global database of châteaux, vineyards and producers mean that they are very well equipped for the job. Despite a penchant for old and rare bottles, over 50% of stock is less than five years old and there is an interest in sourcing potential antiques of the future.

When it comes to fine wine it is easy - particularly for a novice such as myself - to feel a little intimidated. The atmosphere today

FOOD & DRINK

is immediately welcoming, however, and the team are quietly busy in preparation for tonight’s cheese and wine tasting event with Telegraph writer Susy Atkins. The occasionally stuffy attitude in fine wine society is something that Stephen and

renowned wine writer and tutor, John Stimpfig are quick to address.

“With the classes, we wanted to give real structure and make them fun; we don’t want them to be intimidating,” John says. “We all make mistakes but that’s part of the learning process - the whole point of what we do here is just to make it enjoyable.” Enjoyment is a word that’s used frequently and both Stephen and John are animated when discussing their ‘life in wine’. Stephen admits that the business started as “a bit of a hobby”, while John began his career 20 years ago through wine education.

“Like a lot of people, I went on a course not knowing anything about wine whatsoever,” he says. “I was just enraptured by all these new facts on these wonderful wines. People become thirsty for more knowledge.”

My companion and I blind-test a glass of white (a superb bottle from German estate J.J Prüm, a personal favourite of John’s) and are introduced to the techniques of wine tasting before even putting the glass to our lips.

Stephen insists that wine engages all five senses: even the ‘inviting’ sound of the cork is part of the experience. Each table in the room has a contemporary light box installed for an in-depth look. The texture, ‘legs’ and rich hues all reveal something about the wine’s origins.

We take a whiff. The first thing to decipher is the quality of the drink if anything is wrong - and to try and pick out the multiple components.

This is the area I find most difficult; how do you describe and break down the myriad aromas? John agrees that it’s tricky and also notes that taste and smell are unique senses.

John Stimpfig, wine-writer and tutor

“We all have our sort of internal world of taste,” he says, “and often at tasting courses someone stands in front and says ‘this smells like X’.

The power of suggestion is so strong that everyone just agrees. What we do here is say ‘this is how I interpret the wine but you may think completely differently’. The most important thing is how it tastes to you and, above all, do you like it?”

The wines we try are delicious and there isn’t any pressure to accurately describe them as if we’re taking part in a test. Instead we indulge in the anecdotes and stories behind some great wines. I’d imagine that both Stephen and John would make excellent guests at a dinner party... not to mention that they’d bring the best bottle to the table.

For class information visit awcwineacademy.com, 53 Queen Anne Street, W1G 9JR

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feaTUred RESTAURANTS

REDHOOK

SU RF

&

89 Turnmill Street, EC1M 5QU 020 7065 6800 redhooklondon.com

TU RF

OPENING TIMES Mon: 6pm - midnight Tue/Wed: noon - midnight Thu/Fri: noon - 1am Sat: 6pm - 1am Sun: Closed

R

edhook is a cocktail and oyster bar on Turnmill St in Farringdon. Specialising in seafood and steaks (cooked at a searing heat in a charcoal oven), the restaurant is open Tuesday - Friday for lunch, dinner and drinks and from 6pm on Monday and Saturday. These surf and turf specialists also boast a wine list with over 70 great wines from the Americas plus a few favourite clarets. They take pride in their exceptional cocktail list, which is revamped on a weekly basis. If you like martinis then you’ve got to try The Three Martini Lunch - three perfect 50ml Grey Goose vodka martinis balanced with a selection of Noilly Prat, Martini Dry & Kümmel rinses. Redhook can accommodate a variety of diners. You can eat Oysters Rockefeller with a Guinness and a Grey Goose Martini at the counter, or share a ‘Rum, Rye & Rib Eye Steak’ at a booth in the bar. Try the seafood like King Crab legs and a California Chardonnay in the dining room which overlooks St John’s Gardens.

t City&EasBOHO MEXICA

151-153 Commercial St City of LondonE1 6BJ ☎ 020 7377 8418

North

PUBLIC HOUSE

54 Islington Park Street Islington N1 1PX ☎ 020 7359 6070

NorthWest

BEYOGLU GRILL AND MEZE BAR

72 Belsize Lane, NW3 5BJ ☎ 020 7435 7733

British

Turkish

31-33 Heddon Street Mayfair W1B 4BN ☎ 020 7478 8910

ALMEIDA RESTAURANT 30 Almeida Street N1 1AD ☎ 020 7354 4777

Modern european

French

168 Highgate Road Tufnell Park NW5 1QS ☎ 020 7267 3641

THE PEASANT

THE HOUSE

CAFE REX

gastro Pub

Fine dining

British

Mexican

BELOW ZERO

240 St John Street Clerkenwell EC1V 4PH ☎ 020 7336 7726

63 – 69 Canonbury Road Islington, N1 2DG ☎ 020 7704 7410

THE BULL & LAST

British

172-174 Muswell Hill Broadway N10 3SA ☎ 020 8444 3463

ROSE AND CROWN

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MANNA

French

japanese

vegetarian

86, Highgate High Street Highgate N6 5HX ☎ 020 8340 0770

ST. JOHN BAR & RESTAURANT

67 Stoke Newington Church Street N16 0AR ☎ 020 7254 3488

YUM YUM THAI RESTAURANT

4 Erskine Road Primrose Hill NW3 3AJ ☎ 020 7722 8028

PROUD KITCHEN

26 St John Street Clerkenwell EC1M 4AY ☎ 020 7251 4090

183-187 Stoke Newington High Street N16 0LH ☎ 020 7254 6751

Stables Market Camden Town NW1 8AH ☎ 020 7482 3867

CANTINA LAREDO

ROOTS AT N1

SMITHS OF SMITHFIELD

British

St Martin’s Courtyard 10 Upper St Martin’s Lane WC2H 9FB ☎ 020 7420 0630

Thai

115 Hemingford Road Barnsbury N1 1BZ ☎ 020 7697 4488

World Cuisine

67-77 Charterhouse Street Farringdon EC1M 6HJ ☎ 020 7251 7950

indian

Modern european

DOLLAR GRILLS & MARTINIS

MAGHREB RESTAURANT

XO

american

Moroccan & Mediterranean

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2 Exmouth Market Farringdon EC1R 4PX ☎ 020 7278 0077

189 Upper Street Islington N1 1RQ ☎ 020 7226 2305

29 Belsize Lane Belsize Park NW3 5AS ☎ 020 7433 0888

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The NorThgaTe Bar restaurant

113 Southgate Road, N1 3JS 020 7359 7392

aS RecommeNde d by th Michelin eFood and PuB Guide

Wishing all of our customers a Happy New Year

CITYPROD WITH THE AGREEMENT OF STING MUSIC PRESENTS

The alma

59 newington green road, london n1 QU

“Enough energy to light up London.

I defy anyone to leave this hit dance musical feeling anything less than elated” Daily Telegraph

Tasty Tartan Tucker Exploring all that is wonderful from the pantry of the North.

Join us for...

The Scottish Food & Drink Festival 2012 Starts Wednesday 18th January until Wednesday 25th January, ‘BURNS NIGHT’!

A festival of Scottish themed activities culminating in ‘BURNS Night’ on Wednesday 25th January.

Come join us for a wee Dram & wear your finest traditional kilt or tartan to get a FREE drink.

Free enTry bookingS eSSenTial 020 7359 4536 info@thealma-n1.co.uk www.thealma-n1.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINk

featured BARS

SHAKER & COMPANY N A EW TA O STE RL O EA F N S

Shaker and Company 119 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EE 020 7387 5474 Opening times Monday - Wednesday 5pm to 12pm Thursday - Saturday 5pm to 1am www.shakerandcompany.co.uk

T

he team behind the esteemed Shaker & Co bar schools have opened up their first establishment. Inspired by the cocktail bars of New Orleans, this venue provides a showcase for the skills of some seriously talented bar tenders. Located just north of Warren Street Station, in the space once occupied by Positively 4th Street, the bar is bottle-lined and well stocked with rare spirits. Cocktails are of the highest quality (with home-made liqueurs and fresh ingredients) and very reasonably priced; there’s even a downstairs tasting room, which plays host to regular cocktail-themed events.

City&East

BAR MUSIC HALL

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69 COLEBROOKE ROW

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143 Adelaide Road Primrose Hill NW3 3NL ☎ 0870 383 4595

CHISWELL STREET DINING ROOMS

THE ALMA

CALOOH CALLAY

THE NORTHGATE BAR & RESTAURANT

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ICE BAR LONDON

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PAUSE BAR

THE LONDESBOROUGH

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VINOTECA

WAX JAMBU

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65 Rivington Street Shoreditch EC2A 3AY ☎ 020 7739 4781 31-33 Heddon Street Mayfair W1B 4BN ☎ 020 7478 8910 1 Whitby Street Shoreditch E1 6JU ☎ 020 7012 1234 80-84 Leadenhall Street Shoreditch EC3A 3DH ☎ 020 7621 0850 7 St John Street Smithfield EC1M 4AA ☎ 020 7253 8786

59 Newington Green Road Islington N1 4QU ☎ 020 7359 4536

131 Upper Street Islington N1 1QP ☎ 020 7354 9535 36 Barbauld Road Stoke Newington N16 0SS ☎ 020 7254 5865

144-145 Upper Street Islington N1 1QY ☎ 020 7226 7660

THE ALICE HOUSE

283-285 West End Lane West Hampstead NW6 1RD ☎ 020 7431 8818

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26 Broadway Parade Crouch End N8 9DE ☎ 020 8340 2031 39

FOOD & DRINK

It’s all GREEK Shed those new year worries with transparent tastiness at N1’s The Real Greek Words: Helen Baron

I

f December is traditionally a month for partying, presents and every kind of indulgence, then January is supposed to be quite the opposite: a time for self-restraint, saving pennies and counting the cost of all the fun you’ve had in the year just passed. Except that we at Zest Media have an ace up our collective sleeve, in the shape of The Real Greek…

Founded in 1999, The Real Greek first opened its doors in Hoxton Market, N1 – the brainchild of Greek chef Theodore Kyriakou and his business partner Mark Yates. The pair had a plan: to take the traditional strengths of Greek restaurants – fresh ingredients, authentic ‘old country’ recipes, the taverna’s welcoming atmosphere – and create something with a more upmarket, contemporary feel. It wasn’t long before the idea began to bear fruit.

Local residents flocked to the newly opened restaurant – as much for its magnificent interior as for the modern take on classic Greek meze dishes. The Real Greek’s Hoxton outpost is housed in a converted Christian mission hall, a space which on Zest’s visit somehow managed to match gasp-inspiring scale – high ceilings, a huge wheellike chandelier above the curved bar

40

– and a cosy, homespun intimacy.

The Real Greek was purchased by the Clapham House Group several years ago and, with the investment provided by its new owners, has retained its old charms while flourishing as a chain. It boasts branches in Spitalfields Market, Bankside, Marylebone, Westfield and Covent Garden – but don’t come here expecting the typical chain experience. On our visit, it quickly became clear that The Real Greek doesn’t specialise in faceless ‘in and out’ dining.

That’s partly because the eating experience – mostly made up of meze sharing dishes – is so social, and partly because the waiting staff are so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, without being at all overbearing. It’s also down to Operations Manager Christos Karatzenis, who has spearheaded a service policy that seeks to understand the modern diner, and to make eating out a healthier, more transparent experience. We chose a selection of delicious meze, including tiropitakia – delicate filo pastry parcels filled with creamy spinach, leek and feta cheese; loukoumades – dumplings packed with black olives, sun-dried tomatoes and an amazing feta cheese mousse; salt cod home cured

and fried in beer batter, plus the tastiest hummus we’d sampled in many moons. This was accompanied by souvlaki – halloumi and mixed Mediterranean vegetables grilled and served in a flatbread wrap – a kind of healthier Greek kebab.

But there’s a reason why The Real Greek is the main January destination for anyone looking to make up for Yuletide immoderation while still enjoying every mouthful - the menu lists the calories in all items – from meze to desserts to drinks – and allows diners to make up their mind about how many they end up ingesting. “The Real Greek empowers its customers, providing them with the opportunity to make informed choices on what they put into their bodies. This is particularly unique in a fast food society and has proven especially helpful to those on the popular Weight Watchers diet”.

Pleasure you can count on not to come back and bite you in the behind (quite literally)? Sounds like a perfect plan for January, month of restraint and resolutions. As far as the crew at Zest are concerned, you can count us in. Happy New Year – and bon appetit! therealgreek.com, 14-15 Hoxton Market N1 6HG (020 7739 8212)

2

A H 1 i

Islington Join us @ The House this weekend for brunch Sat/Sun 10am-12pm Toast Jam & Butter 2.50 Full Farmhouse English breakfast 8.95 Eggs Benedict 7.50 /Eggs Florentine 6.50 /Eggs Royale 8.50 Omelette with choice of toppings Cheddar cheese, Smoked Bacon, Ham, Red Pepper, Mushroom, Onions, Spinach, Tomato, Smoked Salmon Choice of 3 or 5 6.50/8.50

2 for 1 Pizza Mon/Tues

Alongside our British seasonal menu The House is now serving traditional thin crust 12” pizzas made from the freshest ingredients from just £7.95

As of January 2012 The House will be open Mon - Fri 4pm - midnight Sat/Sun 10am - late Serving excellent, seasonal, locally sourced British food alongside our award winning international wine list, premium ales and classic cocktails WE’RE THE MEREDITH GROUP

WE REALLY LOVE PUBS WITH REALLY GOOD FOOD

63-69 Canonbury Road Islington N1 2DG 0207 704 7410 blair@thehouseislington.com

FOOD & DRINk

TRISHNA Trishna in the heart of London’s Marylebone Village delivers an innovative twist on the coastal cuisine of south west India. Trishna London is the sister restaurant of Trishna in Mumbai which is widely acknowledged as one of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Check out the express set-lunch menu set to beat the January blues. The menu features a choice of 3 different dishes eg. A seafood biryani served with hyderbadi dal and raita for £10. trishnalondon.com, 15 -17 Blandford Street, Marylebone Village, W1U 3DG, 020 7935 5624

Foodie news

From the gastro front STEWED

THE FOLLY Need to get in touch with your healthier side this new year? Head on down to the self-professed secret garden of the city - complete with garden lounge, flower shop and hanging chairs. Inspiration for The Folly, Drake & Morgan’s fourth bar, came from travelling the world; the eatery models itself on the most successful venues in the USA and the Middle East, “places where service culture is valued highly.” the follybar.co.uk, 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0BT, 084 5468 0102

Stewed have relaunched with a brighter, funkier look for their one-pot meals. Alan Rosenthal of Crouch End is fast establishing himself as a one-pot, one-stop shop. He quit his job in 2008 and set to work in the kitchen - just one year later, via Alexandra Park farmers’ market, he was stocking in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Whistlestop, Booths, Wholefoods, Superquinn stores and ocado.com. This year he is due to join the Good Food Channel. A local success story! steweduk.co.uk

BYRON, ISLINGTON Not only do Byron do smashing burgers but from 24th January, they will be introducing a Bourbon list - carefully crafted, it will feature 10 different Bourbons and will be available at all Byron restaurants. byronhamburgers.com, 341 Upper Street, N1 0PB, 020 7704 7620

CHISWELL STREET DINING ROOMS We’ve been hearing lots about this place lately. Providing the best of new and old-fashioned British cooking courtesy of head chef Richard O’Connell, who previously worked at The Groucho Club and One Aldwych, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms is decidedly decadent. Divided into three areas, literary inspired art and typography adorn the walls in the restaurant combining stylish leather tub chairs, luxurious banquettes and a colour palate of creams, greens and golds.

We can’t wait to try it! chiswellstreetdining.com,56 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA 07872 456 090 42

INTERIORS

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1 1. AUTREMENT DIT SIBERIE THROW £109.50, occa-home.co.uk 2. FAIR ISLE CUSHION £50, bottlegreenhomes.co.uk 3. LOG CARRIER WICkER BASkET £50, coxandcox.co.uk 4. RETRO SLEIGH BELLS £7.50, bubbledrum.co.uk 5. WHITE ANTLER WALL MOUNT £124, 164 Regents Park Road, NW1 8XN, grahamandgreen.co.uk 6. WILLOWHERB ROLLING PIN £14, anthropologie.co.uk 7. AUTHENTIC MODELS GLOBE LANTERN - Electric £235, occa-home.co.uk 8. BUFFALO CHAIR by Samuel Chan £870, channelsdesign.com 020 7371 0301 44

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INTERIORS

Marbled halls Decorate with

Gail Abbott

You may have a taste for classical decoration or feel more at home with folk art.Whatever your taste, a specialist paint effect can achieve any look you want, says interior designer Gail Abbott

2 2. CRILLON PANELS

The owner of this sumptuous London apartment found reproductions of 15th century woodcuts, and gave enlarged copies to his decorator who painted delicate traceries of the constellations on the ceiling of the library.

Painting by Lynette Peel

D

o you remember the paint effects craze that swept the interior design world in the 1980’s? If you are too young, let me tell you that colour-washing, dragging, stippling and marbling were all the rage, and even bunched up plastic bags dipped in emulsion paint were dabbed over walls to give the appearance of an aged, fresco look. Doors, skirtings, fi re surrounds and even floors were painted to look like anything but wood. The hugely successful book,

‘Paint Magic,’ showed us how to do it ourselves and those who couldn’t afford to pay a skilled decorator experimented with the joy of paint.

But by the mid ‘90’s, big businesses had jumped on the band wagon and were producing wallpapers that could instantly recreate the look with no effort – it stopped being fun and the trend moved on. Since then minimalism has ruled – it’s so much easier to pick up a pot of brilliant white - but traditionalists and those with a passion for the antique and classical have never

1

lost their love of traditional skills. Marbling, wood graining, gilding and tromp l’oeil painting are difficult and time-consuming techniques, and amazingly, there are still those who can restore a room to its original splendour, or emulate the interior of a french chateau. Those painters who trained with the best of the masterdecorators are keeping alive ageold skills in our digital, fast-moving age, and are able to recreate anything from an 18th century palace to a Swedish farmhouse.

47

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARK SCOTT

1. ASTROLOGICAL CEILING

As an art historian, the American owner of this dining room took inspiration from a room originally in the Hotel Crillon in Paris, now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Neo-classical paintings of sphinxes and acanthus curls reproduce the elegance of the 18th century.

Painting by Lynette Peel

INTERIORS

3. ROCOCO SWAGS Taking inspiration from the delicacy of the Gustavian style, the owners of a Swedish farmhouse commissioned painted swags and panels on the walls which have given their living room a look of faded grandeur.

Taken from ‘Living with Light.’

4

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Get the Look

4. PAINTED PANELS The Swedish country house wall was traditionally painted in faux marble effects by travelling decorators who had never seen the real thing, creating wonderfully surreal wall paintings. The grey-marbled door panels of this country farmhouse hall has been recreated with a much more sophisticated touch.

Taken from ‘Living with Light.’

• Try traditional paint effects yourself with the help of ‘Paint Magic’ by Jocasta Innes, published by Frances Lincoln. amazon.co.uk

6

5. FAUX TILING Tiled stoves were an expensive luxury in 19th century Sweden, so humbler rooms had stoves hand-painted with a faux effect.

This antique stove has been restored for a child’s bedroom.

Taken from ‘Living with Light’

• Decorative artist Lynette Peel was apprenticed to Leonard Pardon, a master of all the old traditional skills and taught at his school for many years. Contact Lynette at lpnettie33@googlemail.com • For interior design by post, contact Gail Abbott: gailabbott.co.uk gail.abbott@ntlworld.com 01223 501314 Living with Light by Gail Abbott is published by CICO Bookts at £14.99, pb, and available from all good bookshops, cicobooks.com 01205 630 2699

6. CLASSICAL SPLASHBACK The splashback behind a kitchen sink was adapted from several paintings by Nicolas Poussin. It is tucked safely behind a sheet of perspex and shows bucolic swimmers, a Renaissance citadel and Poussin himself wandering around with his easel.

Painting by Lynette Peel

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INTERIORS

Retailer of the month ATELIER ABIGAIL AHERN Of all the many interior shops on Islington’s Upper Street, you won’t find one quite like Atelier Abigail Ahern. The brainchild of designer Abigail Ahern, the store is an Aladdin’s Cave of eccentric ornaments and furniture. Quirky and edgy, their range of sculptural animal lamps in particular are the oddball must-have accessory. atelierabigailahern.com, 137 Upper Street, N1 1QP, 020 7354 8181

Interior

The Icon OIVA TOIKKA

Gemma Billington rounds up the best trends, local gems and designers this month...

Design BANTIE

Inspired and named after their favourite auntie, Bantie is a Swedish textiles company set up in 2007 by Ulrika and Wilhelmina. Their lovely range of fabrics, wallpaper and accessories are all designed and crafted in Sweden and the styles are sweet and original. bantie.se

Part of the Scandinavian design powerhouse Iittala, Professor Oiva Toikka is one of the biggest names in Finnish glass. Renowned for the Birds collection which began in 1972, his designs are imaginative yet simple; each piece is hand blown and unique.

Available at skandium.com Iitallia.com

Design RICE

Danish company Rice have a happy, colourful ethos that is reflected in their funky range of home-ware and accessories. They’re also the first Scandinavian company certified by the SA8000 Standard based on their projects with suppliers around the world. How could you not love this bright and bonkers candle stick holder, complete with flowers and flamingos? rice.dk

INTERIOR INSPIRATION JAN 2012_HB.indd 50

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Nu-Line

BATHROOM & LIGHTING Showroom

311 Westbourne Park Road London W11 1EF

T: 020 8206 5177 F: 020 8206 5188 E: showroom@nu-line.net

www.nulinebathrooms.com

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14/8/11 17:50:05

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A FIRMER, SLIMMER BODY IN JUST 17 MINUTES ”Advance Inch loss 10 day programme” now available Lie down for 17 minutes, read a magazine and get these results. A single session is equivalent to 300 sit-ups and 400 buttock raises.

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020 7722 1569 * All offers subject to t&c E& O.E. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

TRAVEL

Water baby Gemma Billington discovers North London’s hidden gem

I

n Primrose Hill, the stretch of water between Regent’s Park and Camden is home to a rather special secret. On the Water is a custom built canal boat-cumboutique hotel; serving as a unique venue for events, dinners and mini getaways. Even a native Londoner would be hard pressed not to be bowled over by this charming boat and its tranquil setting, far from the high-rises and busy streets. My ‘check-in’ is a brief meeting and handover of keys as I then find my way down a ‘secret garden’ style path to a selection of moored boats.

On the Water stands out from the rest in its size - both width and height - and the plain white exterior belies the beautiful space inside. A simple yet chic palette of creams and greys, its decked out with modern appliances, delicate accents such as white roses, candles and fresh bread, cereals and jam for breakfast.

The result is high-end luxury in a comfy, intimate environment. With Valentine’s day coming up, this is the perfect romantic mini-break heaven, benefitting from the secluded setting on a small stretch of canal that runs through the heart of Primrose Hill.

I’ve had previous holidays on canal boats so am accustomed to the (thankfully) high level of accommodation available, but this exceeded all expectation and previous experiences. Dispelling all notions of single, regimented bunk-beds too, the marshmallow-like bed made getting up the following morning all the more difficult. It’s also a good sign when your companion shuns the pub in favour of returning to the boat with a takeaway and bottle of wine. Definitely a boat that rocks!

From £250 a night, visit canopyandstars.co.uk, 01275 395447 for booking info, beonthewater.co.uk

WHILE YOU’RE THERE 1. Buy some fresh organic deli produce at Camden Wholefoods Market wholefoodsmarket.com 2. Catch a live gig at Green Note, the famous music venue and veggie café-bar greennote.co.uk 3. See something wild at ZSL London Zoo zsl.org 4. Whilst you’re on the water, get a dose of culture at the Cascade Floating Art Gallery - a former historic barge on Regent’s Canal.

Blomfield Rd, W9 2PA 53

A4_ZestMedia_Layout 1 14/12/2011 11:53 Page 1

“For people who’d like a home aquarium, but think it’s too much work” The truth about filters

Many traditional aquariums have a filter on the side or at the top, but guess what - fish waste sinks. biOrbs have a filter hidden at the bottom of the aquarium. Put simply, the filter works where there is most to

filter. We’ve even made it easy to change. It takes seconds and you only need to do it every four to six weeks.

Slim built-in lighting

It’s so slim you’d be forgiven for not noticing it was there. The LED light is neatly built-in to the lid. The LEDs themselves are bright, low voltage and long lasting.

broken a glass aquarium and flooded their home. Did you know it’s also noticeably clearer? Acrylic has a transparency rate of 93% but glass only allows 70% of light to pass through. With a biOrb it’s been said that “it’s like watching fish in high-definition”.

Backed by a no-quibble 12 month guarantee

All biOrbs have a no-quibble 12 month guarantee which includes all the electrical components.

Inside the patented biOrb filter

The built-in LED light

Made from acrylic, not glass

Acrylic is ten times stronger than glass.

Why’s that important? Just ask anyone who’s

There’s a biOrb for you

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biOrbs come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Visit your local aquatics store or you can buy online at www.reef-one.com

Ask about biOrb at your local aquatics store or buy online at www.reef-one.com

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Buy a biOrb and you’ll get everything you need to start your aquarium. You won’t have to go shopping for any additional parts and you’ll get full instructions to help you on your way. Just add water and fish. Then sit back and enjoy the magic of keeping fish without lots of work.

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PROPERTY NORTH BY NORTHWEST

JANUARY 2012

THE MOUNT, NW3 Discreetly located in the heart of Hampstead Village behind a gated high wall, a charming and beautifully restored four bedroom, two bathroom Georgian cottage with a 19’ reception room, separate dining room overlooking a secluded 60’ South facing garden.

£2,150,000

Stirling Ackroyd 020 7748 5224 stirlingackroyd.com 55

Sydney Road, Crouch End, N8

£595,000 Freehold Sole Agents

An imaginative and contemporary three/four bedroom town house designed over three floors by the award winning architects, Julian Cowie, and has been tastefully decorated by the present owners. This intelligent, high quality design provides clever use of light and space with open-plan kitchen and dining room with tall full width doors opening onto a landscaped rear garden. On the first floor level is the high ceiling reception room with contemporary feature fireplace and floor to ceiling windows. Located within easy reach of the restaurants, bars and fashionable boutiques of Crouch End Broadway, the house is close to Hornsey main line station and Piccadilly Line Underground Station at Turnpike Lane for quick and convenient access to the West End and City. Being offered Chain Free.

Crouch End Office: 020 8341 4050

Park Road, Crouch End, N8

£5375,000 Leasehold Sole Agents

Tatlers have pleasure in offering for sale this truly stunning and immaculately presented first floor apartment within a well maintained converted property. This bright, airy and spacious property covering two floors offers well-proportioned rooms throughout. Features include a spacious reception room with an attractive spiral staircase leading to a 20’4 x 9’4 loft room (currently used as a bedroom), master bedroom, a modern fitted kitchen with appliances and a modern bathroom suite. A great location situated 5 minutes walk from Crouch End Broadway and 10 minute’s walk from Muswell Hill. Located very close to Alexandra Palace, Park Road Leisure Centre and Priory Park. Excellent transport links to Finsbury Park. An internal viewing is highly recommended.

Crouch End Office: 020 8341 4050

BRANCHES AT MUSWELL HILL, CROUCH END AND EAST FINCHLEY

www.tatlers.co.uk

Firs Avenue, Muswell Hill, N10

£1,625,000 Freehold Sole Agents

Situated in the heart of Muswell Hill is this fine five bedroom end of terraced double fronted Edwardian (Collins) family home set over three floors and being offered in very good decorative order whilst retaining a wealth of original period features throughout. The property benefits from a fantastic loft conversion and off street parking for one car. Located within moments walk from Muswell Hill Broadway’s local shops and restaurants and in catchment for Tetherdown Primary School and Fortismere Secondary School, also with bus services to Highgate and East Finchley Tube Stations (Northern Line).

Muswell Hill Office: 020 8444 1771

Bedford Road, East Finchley, N2

£749.950 Freehold Sole Agents

Tatlers have pleasure in offering this wider than average three double bedroom period family home. The property benefits a wealth of original features and has an abundance of charm and character. The current owners have placed the steels in the loft in readiness for a loft conversion and benefits include a south facing rear garden and is presented with no on-going chain. Bedford Road is ideally located within a five minute walk to the shops of East Finchley and is within favourable distance of Fortismere Secondary School catchment.

East Finchly Office: 020 8883 1001

PROPERTY

PRINCE ALBERT STREET NW8 £4,500,000

Situated in the best block on Prince Albert Road, overlooking Regent’s Park, this apartment is a lifetime investment. Enjoy far stretching views over London, 24hr concierge, smart appearance, underground parking, long lease. In need of minor refurbishment, one could add their own touch.

London Residential 020 7424 3222

Property

Roundup CURZON ROAD, MUSWELL HILL, N10 £1,295,000

Having recently undergone complete refurbishment, this is a beautifully presented three storey mid-terraced Edwardian residence which comprises four double bedrooms, (originally five and could easily be reinstated) and provides extremely bright and airy accommodation throughout.

Located within a short walk from Muswell Hill Broadway and within favourable distance of Rhodes Avenue Primary School and Alexandra Park Secondary School.

Tatlers tatlers.co.uk 020 8444 1771 58

COMMENT: TIM VAN DER SCHYFF, SAVILLS ST JOHN’S WOOD LETTINGS AMERICAN TENANTS LOOKING IN ST JOHN’S WOOD

Savills St John’s Wood lettings have witnessed an influx of American tenants looking to move in before Christmas.

Tim Van der Schyff, head of St John’s Wood lettings comments: “60% of the properties we have let in the last 2 months have been to American families relocating to the UK for work, with budgets from £975 to £8,250 per week. The area is always desirable for families with The American School within such close proximity and good travel connections to Canary Wharf and the City. In these uncertain economic times, this is a positive sign for the market.”

In prime London, Savills research forecasts rental growth of 20.5% for the next five years, though the forecast of 22.7% capital growth will suppress yields.

For prime central locations then, capital growth will continue to be the major draw for investors.

Savills savills.com 020 3043 3611

Knowledge takes you far.

Know-how takes you further.

Over 50% of our sales and lettings business in Central London is with international buyers and tenants.

We have years of experience in tracking down exactly the right buyer or tenant for your property, wherever in the world they might be.

Even more importantly, our International Desk exposes your property to the widest global audience, opening up new opportunities all over the world.

With our award-winning marketing and close relationships with major international companies, it’s hardly surprising news of your property travels far and wide.

Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk marshandparsons.co.uk

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Royal College Street Camden NW1 l

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Two double bedrooms Study or third single bedroom South west facing garden Contemporary kitchen Share of Freehold Fantastic location

£549,950

Parkway Camden NW1 l

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Stunning studio penthouse apartment Completely refurbished Close to all amenities Perfect for professionals Close to Regents Park and Camden Town Decked roof terrace Panoramic views

£325pw

Proprietor: LRSL Limited Registered in England No: 4783452

london residential i Independent Estate Agents 103 Parkway, London NW1 7PP t 020 7424 3222 f 020 7424 8515 e info@londonresidential.uk.com www.londonresidential.uk.com Specialising in St John’s Wood, Regents Park, Primrose Hill, Camden, Kentish Town, Tufnell Park, Kings Cross, Euston, Bloomsbury, Angel, Islington

18:05

Estate Agents Residential Lettings and Management

Central Muswell Hill, N10

£2,650,000 Freehold

Church Crescent, N10

£1,900,000 Freehold

An imposing double fronted “late Regency” villa, circa 1830’s, incorporating a wealth of architectural features, combined with a smart and tasteful modern restoration. 3,800 sq. ft. of living space provides a delightful family home for the 21st Century. Situated right in the heart of Muswell Hill, nestled behind established trees, is a deep, secluded 80 ft. front garden and carriage driveway, leading to this impressive house, Set on a large plot of 1/3rd of an acre, which is spread over 3 floors and has 5 double bedrooms - one with an en suite bathroom and a large, adjacent dressing room - 4 expansive reception rooms, including a drawing room, a spacious study/morning room and a separate formal dining room plus a family sized kitchen/breakfast room. There is a large playroom/games room - on the lower ground floor - with a utility area and a wine store. There is also a stunning, approximately 200ft. long, south westerly facing garden - and a generously sized garage, opening from the carriage driveway.

In one of the most prestigious of Muswell Hill’s tree lined crescents, only moments walk from the heart of Muswell Hill Broadway, is an expansive Edwardian double fronted and semi linked house, retaining many original features and fireplaces. Priced to allow for someone to create a home reflecting their individual taste and style, the house could be arranged with 8 bedrooms - 2 currently kitchens, with good potential to convert into en suite bathrooms - 3 generous reception rooms, a kitchen/dining room, 3 bathrooms and 2 separate loo’s, gas central heating and a wide, approximately 40ft. long, Westerly facing garden.

336-338 Muswell Hill Broadway London N10 1DJ Telephone: 020 8883 5485 | Email: info@jhk.co.uk jhk jan 12.indd 78

23/12/2011 16:06

www.jhk.co.uk

Muswell Hill, N10

£1,575,000 Freehold

Situated within walking distance of good local schools and close to bus routes, Bounds Green tube and Alexandra Palace Main Line Station, in a tree lined road, is an expansive 1920’s built, “Arts & Crafts style” semi linked house, retaining many original period features and fireplaces, which has 4 good sized bedrooms - one with a dressing room, leading to an en suite shower room - 3 spacious reception rooms, a large kitchen and a separate dining room. The house has an impressive entrance hall, a family bathroom and a downstairs loo, a huge loft - with potential for conversion to an extra bedroom with an en suite - and gas central heating. Also a spacious garage, opening to the driveway - providing off street parking for 2 or 3 cars - and a wide, approximately 130ft. long, South Westerly facing garden, with a large “Summer house”.

Sutton Road Muswell Hill N10

£625,000 Freehold

Situated in a tree lined, residential road, is a “Chain Free”, detached, 1930’s built bungalow, priced to allow a new purchaser to decorate, refurbish or extend as they wish. The bungalow which is only a few moments walk from a parade of good local shops and a short car or bus ride from Muswell Hill Broadway, has 2 double bedrooms - plus a loft studio or guest bedroom - with potential to further extend by creating a dormer window - a spacious reception room, a fitted kitchen/diner, a pale coloured fitted bathroom and gas central heating. The house also has a long single garage and an off street parking space and a 30ft. wide and approximately 85ft. long, Southerly facing lawned garden.

jhk jan 12.indd 79

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PROPERTY ADVICE

HEMA ANAND FROM COLMAN COYLE, GIVES HER EXPERT ADVICE ON ALL YOUR LEGAL PROPERTY QUESTIONS I have 81 years left to run on my lease and want to extend it.

The Landlord is being difficult.

What should I do?

Owing to the fact that your landlord is being difficult, then it really is in your interest to protect your position. Having 81 years left to run on your lease is critical. This is because a certain and often significant sum of money payable to the landlord and known as “marriage value” is not payable where there are over 80 years left to run on the lease. It could be that your landlord is being difficult or delaying matters to see if whether or not you let your lease fall below 80 years to gain more money.

In the absence therefore of being able to negotiate with your landlord then subject to meeting criteria, you can serve formal Notice pursuant to Section 42 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 upon the landlord to acquire a lease term extension.

By serving Notice, you establish a valuation date. For you, the valuation date is very important because it, for example, means that as at the date you service formal Notice, you have set the number of years left on the lease as at 81, the present value of the flat and so forth. These are all relevant when it comes to valuing the price that is payable for a lease term extension. So notwithstanding how long it may take to agree the price or terms of the new lease, such delay will not cause you concern because the valuation date has been set at a time when you have 80 years left to run.

On another note…. you are invited by the Islington Society to join: The Chief Executive of Islington Council, Lesley Seary who will be speaking on her vision for Islington.

17th January 2012 at 7.30pm, Islington Town Hall Please contact the Islington Society for further details and on how to become a member islingtonsociety@aol.com or call 020 7226 2207, www.islingtonsociety.org.uk

ASK THE EXPERTS

Contact property partner Andrew Flint with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email property@colmancoyle.com

www.colmancoyle.com 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

• Independent mortgage advice and service • Whole of Market • Extensive Knowledge • Professional Advice For advice call

020 7933 9710 or email mortgageadvice@charcol.co.uk

5th Floor Cutlers Exchange 123 Houndsditch London EC3A 7PQ Your initial mortgage consultation is obligation free. There will be a minimum fee for our mortgage service of £450, of which £150 is payable when you apply, and we will retain the commission from the mortgage lender. Alternatively, you can choose the fee only option which is typically 0.65% of the amount borrowed. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances and mortgage loan amount, and will be discussed and agreed before you make a mortgage application.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON

A MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT

PROPERTY

MARKET INSIGHT

Comment by Anita Mehra, Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings How was 2011 for you?

2011 has been fantastic for us. The lettings market has been incredibly strong. We just wish there were more properties available for us to let to the many waiting tenants we have. We’re seeing demand from all types of applicants, from young professionals who can’t afford to buy to families relocating to London on secondment.

How long have you been based in Hampstead and what makes this area so special within London?

The company started in Hampstead village over 50 years ago and I joined in 1976. I live and work in Hampstead and there’s nowhere I’d rather be. It has a really cosmopolitan feel, with its buzzing cafés, restaurants and shops, elegant architecture and the beauty of nearby Hampstead Heath. The area is also well served by some of the best schools so the location is popular with families and yet we are only 10 minutes from Central London.

What’s the typical property you have on your books at present?

We have a variety of homes available, from one and two bed apartments in period conversions to large family houses. Hampstead village is always desirable whilst other factors are seasonal – in spring and summer outside space is more sought-after.

With the rental market so strong, how do you see the next 12 months? What advice do you have for those looking to rent

Are you optimistic for 2012?

We are very optimistic about 2012.

With mortgage lending likely to remain restricted and sales prices holding up, buying a property will be out of reach for many so rental demand should remain strong.

The influx of professionals and students relocating to London should continue. The only issue will be maintaining stock levels and we will continue to work hard to attract international investors.

and those looking to let their properties?

I expect demand to continue to exceed supply next year.

There is a chronic shortage of rental properties, with no new developments in the Hampstead area and few buy-to-let investors as yields can be quite low due to high property prices. I suggest tenants set a budget and research the market to see what they can get for their money. If you see something you like, put an offer in quickly – the market is moving fast. I would recommend landlords make sure their property is in good condition and well presented.

Listen to your agent’s advice in terms of asking rental.

In an area with so many lettings agents, what makes your agency different?

We’re passionate about providing a fi rst rate lettings service. The needs of our Landlords come fi rst and we are wholly dedicated to their success. Many clients have been with us for decades and they value the fact that we not only have offices locally but also in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and India where there is always someone to talk to in their own time zone.

We provide a ‘one-stop’ service for Landlords offering not just a lettings and management service but furnishing solutions and a full refurbishment service, so from under one roof a landlord can fi nd all the help he or she needs. brlets.co.uk 020 7435 9681

Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings 51-53 Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3 6UG 65

London’s Letting Agency www.brlets.co.uk

Beaufort Beaufort Park Park From From£190 £190 pw pw Furn/Unfurnished Furn/Unfurnished

Highbury Highbury

Studio/1/2 Bedrooms Bedrooms || 1/2 1/2 Bathrooms Bathrooms || Residents Residents Gym Gym Studio/1/2 24hr Porterage Porterage||Parking Parking| |Balcony Balcony| |Close ClosetotoTube Tube 24hr

1/2/3 Bedrooms Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 1/2 Bathrooms 1/2/3 Bathrooms Lift || Porter Porter || Formerly Formerly Arsenal Stadium Lift

Bedroom || 11 Reception 21 Bedrooms Reception||11Bathroom Bathroom Period Conversion Conversion || Heath BalconyNearby | Near| Tube Amenities Period Sole & Agents

Beaufort BeaufortPark Park020 0208732 87327980 7980 beaufortpark@brlets.co.uk beaufortpark@brlets.co.uk

Highgate Highgate020 0208341 83412335 2335

Hampstead Hampstead020 0207435 74359681 9681

Highgate Highgate

Hampstead Hampstead

£550 £550pw pwUnfurnished Unfurnished

Hampstead Belsize Park

From Furn/Unfurnished From £300 pw Furn/Unfurnished

high@brletts.co.uk high@brlets.co.uk

£795 pw Furn/Unfurnished £750 pw Unfurnished

£500 pwpw Unfurnished £475 Furnished

hamp@brlets.co.uk hamp@brlets.co.uk

West Hampstead £1,200£750 pw Furn/Unfurnished Highgate pw Unfurnished

Bedrooms || 1 22 Bedrooms 1 Reception Reception || 11 Bathroom Bathroom Period House | Terrace Period House | Terrace || Near Near High High Street Street

Bedrooms || 1 32 Bedrooms 1 Reception Reception||22Bathrooms Bathrooms Period House | Hampstead Village Nearby | Sole Agents Balcony | Period Conversion | Nearby High Street

Bedrooms ||11Reception Reception||23Bathrooms Bathrooms 33 Bedrooms Balcony | Garden | Parking | Close Heath Modern Townhouse | Terrace | Nearto Amenities

Highgate020 0208341 83412335 2335 Highgate

Hampstead020 0207435 74359681 9681 Hampstead

Hampstead 7435 9681 Highgate 020020 8341 2335

high@brlets.co.uk high@brletts.co.uk

hamp@brlets.co.uk hamp@brlets.co.uk

Belsize Park £1,250 pw Unfurnished West Hampstead £1,200 pw Furn/Unfurnished

Hampstead Hampstead

Bedrooms || 11 Reception Reception || 32 Bathrooms Bathrooms 33 Bedrooms Porter | Gardens | Close to Primrose Park Balcony | Garden | Parking | Close toHill Heath

Bedrooms || 23 Receptions Receptions ||34Bathrooms Bathrooms 58 Bedrooms Detached Townhouse | Garden | Garage Detached House | Garden | Garage | Sole Agents

Bedrooms ||33Receptions Receptions||22Bathrooms Bathrooms 55 Bedrooms Detached House | Pool | Sauna Garden| |Garage Garage Detached House | Pool | Sauna | |Garden

Hampstead020 0207435 74359681 9681 Hampstead

Hampstead020 0207435 74359681 9681 Hampstead

Highgate020 0208341 83412335 2335 Highgate

Nine offices open six days a week: Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 Canary Wharf 020 7038 8057 City 020 7213 9700

hamp@brlets.co.uk hamp@brlets.co.uk

Hampstead Highgate Hyde Park

020 7435 9681 020 8341 2335 020 7402 9866

£2,750 £2,350 pw pw Unfurnished Unfurnished

Imperial Wharf Kensington Knightsbridge

hamp@brlets.co.uk hamp@brlets.co.uk

020 7348 7620 020 7938 3522 020 7581 2112

Highgate Borders Borders Highgate

hamp@brlets.co.uk high@brletts.co.uk

Hong Kong Singapore Dubai India

£3,300 £3,300 pw pw Unfurnished Unfurnished

primelocation.com

high@brlets.co.uk high@brletts.co.uk

benham & reeves nxnw jan 12.indd 2

19/12/2011 21:26

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