Absolutely Kensington & Chelsea May 2019

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA

ABSOLUTELY Kensington & Chelsea

MAY 2019 / £3.95

Weddings SPECIAL

All the venues, trends and contacts you need

MAY 2019

Floral FANTASY The Chelsea Flower Show returns

MARY QUANT 1960s fashion at the V&A

Pretty

GREEN ZEST.LONDON PCL May19_Cover.indd All Pages

ALL THE COLOURS OF SUMMER ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

25/04/2019 16:41

We’ll just get a really obedient dog

PRIME LOCATION.indd 1

11/10/2018 12:24

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover rural cottages with acres of space using keyword search.

PRIME LOCATION.indd 2

11/10/2018 12:25

020 7736 2810 | www.lockettestates.co.uk 963 Fulham Road London SW6 5JJ | lettings@lockettestates.co.uk

• LOCKETTS.indd 1

18/04/2019 14:10

CHELSEA EMBANKMENT, CHELSEA, SW3

£1,200 per week

A beautifully presented and spacious three-bedroom apartment located within this exceptionally well-maintained Mansion Block in Chelsea. The apartment briefly comprises of two double bedrooms, with an En-Suite designated to the largest double bedroom, one single bedroom, modern fitted kitchen, 21’ x 17.5’ reception room and an additional modernised family bathroom. Further benefits include a large entrance hallway giving a great sense of space and a private patio area. Situated on the Chelsea Embankment, this purpose-built block overlooks the River Thames. The famous ‘London Peace Pagoda’ can be seen across the river in Battersea Park. The surrounding areas have numerous amenities, ranging from ‘Restaurant Gordon Ramsey’ to the National Army Museum. The famous King’s Road is also located within close proximity of the apartment, offering travel routes towards Fulham & Victoria, not to mention the many popular cafe’s, restaurants, bars, pubs and high street retailers.

• Three Bedroom Apartment

• Modern Family Bathroom

• Large Reception

• M ansion Block

• Modern Fitted Kitchen

• P rime Location

• En-Suite Bathroom

• P atio Area

• LOCKETTS.indd 2

18/04/2019 14:10

JUMEIRAH.indd 1

23/04/2019 15:24

ABSOLUTELY

Contents

105

M AY 2 0 1 9

118 C U LT U R E

10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

63 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

14 AGENDA

65 PASTEL BRIGHTS

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for May

16 MARY QUANT

The V&A's new exhibition

This month's best beauty buys

Colourful cosmetics

INTERIORS 74 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

34 RECIPES

72 COLOUR CONFIDENCE

Give your home a colourful update

News from the industry

At home with Rosie Birkett

News and views from the world of design

80 LUCINDA SANFORD

Inside the designer's stylish home

FA S H I O N 48 PYJAMA PARTY

T R AV E L 118 CARIBBEAN DREAM

57 RAINBOW GEMS

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 129 SMALL TALK

Comfortable prints from Yolke

Jewellery for spring

34

Helen Baron heads to Barbados

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

ON THE COVER YOLKE SS19 Model Gianne Alves at Hive Models.

Shot on location on Golborne road for SS19 campaign wearing the Marianne Scarlet Harrods Exclusive, available at yolke.co.uk and Harrods

All your tots could ever want

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

PCL_May19_Contents.indd 7

7

25/04/2019 16:44

RESTORING AND REPLACING TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MEDIA CONSULTANT JAMIE GOGGIN ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN

Conservation Area and Period Property Specialists

MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

01344 868 668

We b si t e

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

www.sashwindow.com

May19_Flannel.indd 10

25/04/2019 17:02

WA GREEN

Editor’s

We all want to live in Zoe Anderson's stylish boutique page 86

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S May issue highlights

1

ANDY WARHOL MEMORY GAME

W

e're feeling very colourful this month. Of course it's May, which marks the beginning of our increasingly early summers – and the start of the Chelsea Flower Show brings an entirely new palette to our city. We have spent a lot of time thinking and talking about colour in our homes this month – the stylish Zoe Anderson, of WA Green boutique, is of the opinion that we don't use it enough. She is a devotee of bright shades and her shop stocks a diverse array of colourful objects and curiousities, while her own home is a courageous mix of bright shades, different textures and contrasting styles. Also a fan of colour is interior designer Lucinda Sanford, whose living room is painted an unusual glossy red, which she admits was a brave move. And in fashion, we look at the V&A's impressive new Mary Quant exhibition, all brightly coloured tights and 1960s optimism, as well as at Yolke's beautifully crafted patterned pyjamas, which are too fabulous to be slept in. And of course there's our annual weddings special too. We hope you enjoy the issue.

The fashion illustrator behind Mini Rodini page 132

4

LUCINDA SANFORD'S HOUSE

Gloss paint in the living room. page 80

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Soup in countless colourways page 85

CASSANDRA RHODIN

5

2

3

DIAMOND LIFE

Wedding sparkles from De Beers. page 111

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

ED_LETTER_May16.indd 9

9

25/04/2019 16:56

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love

LO N DO N CALLI N G LF Markey is a London-based fashion designer, renowned for creating elegant, utility-inspired clothing. This Venus Tee embodies the brand’s signature nononsense aesthetic of simple, geometric shapes, bold colours and hand-painted prints. £45 youngbritishdesigners.com

PLASTIC FA N TA S T I C Go from beach to bar with the Red Ark mini bag from Cult Gaia.

Rendered in acrylic, it’s a hard wearing accessory that will live in your wardrobe for a lifetime. £252; farfetch.com

H OT POTS Bedecked with geometrical spots and stripes and printed in vivid primary hues, Kea's vases make a spectacular centrepiece. Individually striking but better as a set, we like them grouped together to add an eclectic touch to neutral interiors. From €25; made.com

DENIM DREAMS Well-fitting denim is the Holy Grail of women’s fashion. We’ve found ours and got a piece of the classic red label with this straight-legged, copped pair from Levi’s. £146; farfetch.com

COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

10

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

ABS_May19_Abs_Loves_02.indd 10

25/04/2019 16:57

ABSOLUTELY • LOVES FAMI LY AFFAI R DeGabriel’s Delle bag was born as a tribute from the designer to her mother.

With the top handle, the minimalist bag represents her strong spirit and the curve, represents her kind smile. Handcrafted in Spain using high quality leather, this is the perfect structured bag for both casual and more sophisticated looks. £275; neutrestore.com

SENSORY JOURNEY From Europe to Asia, Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection pulls its influences from all over the world. The Crimson Jewel candle is inspired by Chinese flowers and is subtle and exotic in its scent. £50; selfridges.com

SOLE SEEKER Chromatic colours and unfussy shapes define Maryam Nassir Zadeh. These brown leather Martina sandals from the eponymous brand sport a mid-height block heel and a leather sole. £490; farfetch.com

EDITOR’S PICK

T H AT ' 7 0 S S H OW Look closely at the delicate arms of Chloé's '70's-inspired sunglasses to spot the brand's moniker.

Complete your look with big hair and a punchy coral lip. £335; net-a-porter.com

ST Y L E N OT ES Choose a pen to match your mood with the Claim Your Style ballpoint collection from Caran d'Ache. This limited edition set of six debuts coloured clips and buttons, and each is crafted from light and robust aluminium. £39.95 each; store.carandache.com

IN THE BAG Designed from smooth suede leather, the Marc Ella Sol shoulder bag perfectly captures the circle trend. Conveniently-sized and with a wide adjustable strap, this bag will take you from desk to disco. £165; marcellalondon.com

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

ABS_May19_Abs_Loves_02.indd 11

11

25/04/2019 16:57

HRP BH.indd 1

24/04/2019 15:35

C U LT U R E

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA ART WEEKEND Take part in Kensington + Chelsea Art Weekend 28, 29, 30 June 2019 Registrations are open, sign up to get regular updates or learn how to take part. The three day celebration of arts, literature, food, music and more, will be held from 28 to 30 of June 2019.

Join by visiting the website kcaw.co.uk

BOWL OF SALTED PEANUTS, 2019 BY PATRICK DOYLE; ACRYLIC PAINT ON CANVAS; 120 X 152CM

What’s On 14 • Mary Quant 16 • Theatre Review: Top Girls 23 • Chelsea Flower Show 25 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_Culture_Opener.indd 13

13

25/04/2019 17:11

The Agenda

LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

T H E AT R E

All My Sons

Ongoing OLD VIC Joe and Kate Keller are a success story.

They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. Nothing lasts forever though, their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. Long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Jeremy Herrin directs double Oscar-winner Sally Field (Lincoln) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner) in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama.

The Cut, SE1; oldvictheatre.com

EXHIBITIO N

PHOTO LONDON 16- 19 MAY • S O ME R S E T HOUSE

Discover the very best of the past, present and future of photography as Photo London returns with close to 100 of the world’s leading galleries and artists, from established masters to rising stars. See a special exhibition from Stephen Shore, Photo London’s 2019 Master of Photography, as well as exhibitions from the likes of Roger Fenton, Vivian Maier and Gavin Turk.

Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

14

A RT

I Am Bateman: The Relations

Until 11 May 2 B L E N H E I M C R E S C E N T, W 1 1 This month sees fictitious collector couple Mrs & Mr Bateman open up their world with an installation where visitors have the opportunity to shop what’s on display. Comprised of seven vignettes, the piece depicts the individual stories and peculiarities of various relatives, giving insight into each persona through the objects they own. mrsandmrbateman.com

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

PCL_May19_Culture_Agenda.indd 14

25/04/2019 17:03

CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EX H IBITIO N

K E N S I N G TO N + CHELSEA ART WEEKEND 28-30 June VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S KCAW draws on the artistic heritage of Kensington & Chelsea with a rich and vibrant weekend celebrating art and the local culture. From South Kensington’s Museum Quarter to the urban bohemia of Notting Hill and the modern elegance of the Design Museum, KCAW showcases the cultural legacy of the borough by opening the doors and inviting the public to explore its local creative spaces.

Various locations, kcaw.co.uk

AROUND

TOWN A RT

LONDON CRAFT WEEK 8-12 May VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S Back for a fourth year, London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international creativity with over 240 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. londoncraftweek.com

EX H I B I T ION

BALDWIN ’S COINS

This Month’s Must See

29 May S TA N L E Y G I B B O N S This month sees the launch of Baldwin’s exhibition at Stanley Gibbons, showcasing ten of the world’s rarest coins. The evening will allow you to see a collection of historic coins that have never been gathered together before, taking you on a journey through the streets of ancient Rome, the Acropolis of ancient Greece and the tumultuous roads of Britain.

399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LX. stanleygibbons.com

E XH I B I TI ON

WALLACE & GROMIT’S MUSICAL MARVELS

CHELSEA FRINGE

27 May B A R B I C A N Join everyone’s favourite dynamic duo as Wallace prepares to perform his musical masterpiece with help from his faithful canine companion, Gromit.

This interactive experience features specially created animations as well as live orchestral accompaniment and the chance to try your hand at making your very own Gromit in a model making workshop Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org

18- 26 MAY • VARIOUS LOCATION S

C

helsea Fringe returns for an eighth year with nine jam-packed days of horticulture and events for all ages. It gives people the freedom to express themselves through the medium of plants with everything from avant-garde art installations to grassroots community garden projects. Expect work from professionals and enthusiasts from the gardening world and beyond.

A F T E R

HOURS

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT 15-18 May VA R I O U S L O C AT I O N S This month sees venues across London and the UK open their doors for an exciting series of evening events and spectacular night-time displays. The latest offering includes unmissable after dark exhibitions from the the Fashion and Textile Museum and Cutty Sark. museumsatnight.org.uk

Various locations, chelseafringe.com

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

PCL_May19_Culture_Agenda.indd 15

15

25/04/2019 17:04

Quant quickly became the woman that made fashion less exclusive and more accessible

SATIN MINI-DRESS AND SHORTS BY MARY QUANT PHOTOGRAPH BY DUFFY, 1966 © DUFFY ARCHIVE

16

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

ABS_May19_MARY QUANT.indd 16

25/04/2019 17:05

CULTURE • FASHION

The

M I N I RE VO LU TI O N Spotlight on the V&A’s new exhibition celebrating Mary Quant Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

D

uring the years between 1955 and 1975, Mary Quant revolutionised the high street, harnessing the youthful spirit of the sixties and new mass production techniques to create a new look for women.

Quant personified the energy and fun of swinging London and was a powerful role model for the working woman. Challenging conventions, she popularised the miniskirt, colourful tights, and tailored trousers, encouraging a new age of feminism. The mini skirt would go on to become an icon of the time and spark a new creative scene in London and beyond.

Receiving unprecedented access to Dame Mary Quant’s Archive, as well as drawing on the V&A’s extensive fashion holdings, which include the largest

public collection of Quant garments in the world, the show brings together more than 120 garments, accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs, the majority of which have never been on display before.

In June 2018, the museum launched a call-out to the public to track down rare Quant garments from wardrobes around the country, and received more than 800 responses. From these, curators selected 35 objects from 30 individuals alongside personal stories and photographs of the women wearing their beloved Quant clothes. These objects and stories transformed the exhibition narrative, including a very early and unlabelled blouse, a hat sold at Bazaar and colourful PVC raincoats.

Quant’s designs, often based on schoolgirl pinafores or masculine tailoring, brought an entertaining slant to fashion, soon noticed by fashion editors and A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_MARY QUANT.indd 17

17

25/04/2019 17:05

www.MarcEllaLondon.com

ME.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:49

CULTURE • FASHION FASHION MODEL IKA POSING WITH MARY QUANT'S NEW COLLECTION OF SHOES, 6 APRIL 1972 © ROGER JACKSON/ CENTRAL PRESS /GETTY IMAGES

Mary Quant overturned the dominance of luxury couture from Paris

MARY QUANT SELECTING FABRIC, 1967 © ROLLS PRESS/POPPERFOTO/GETTY IMAGE

newspaper journalists in the burgeoning media of the day. Inspiring young women to rebel against traditional dress worn by their mothers and grandmothers, Quant’s tiny boutique on the King’s Road grew into a wholesale brand available in department stores across the UK. Her success soon hit America, where her designs were made for chain stores and mail-order companies. Quant quickly became the woman that made fashion less exclusive and more accessible to a new generation.

Ahead of her time in marketing and promotion, Quant was the embodiment of the label. Her distinctive, photogenic style, playful energy and revolutionary approach made her the ultimate ambassador for the brand. The exhibition looks at her collaborations with manufacturers, diversifying into underwear, hosiery and cosmetics, all made to her designs, and packaged with her distinctive daisy logo.

Jenny Lister, co-curator, said: “Mary Quant transformed the fashion system, overturning the dominance of luxury couture from Paris. She dressed the liberated woman, freed from rules and regulations, and from dressing like their mothers. This longoverdue exhibition will show how Mary Quant’s brand connected with her customers, how she made designer fashion affordable for working women, and how her youthful, revolutionary clothes, inspired by London’s creative scene, made British street style the global influence it remains today.”

Dame Mary Quant said: “We didn’t necessarily realise that what we were creating was pioneering, we were simply too busy relishing all the opportunities and embracing the results before rushing on to the next challenge. Friends have been extremely generous

in loaning, and in many cases, donating garments and accessories to the V&A which they have lovingly cherished for many years.”

From small boutique to international label, Quant revolutionised British fashion with energy, flair and rebellion. This exhibition provides an unrivalled insight into the career of one of Britain’s most revolutionary and important fashion designers.

MARY QUANT AND MODELS AT THE QUANT AFOOT FOOTWEAR COLLECTION LAUNCH, 1967 © PA PRINTS 2008

MARY QUANT continues at the V&A until 16 February 2020 vam.ac.uk/maryquant

MODEL HOLDING A BAZAAR BAG C.1959 © MARY QUANT ARCHIVE

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

ABS_May19_MARY QUANT.indd 19

19

25/04/2019 17:06

Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include return flights. Available on various departures June 2019. Subject to availability. For full T&Cs visit letsgo2.com.

Prices correct as of 18/04/2019

LG2.indd 1

24/04/2019 10:47

MUST SEE

ROUND UP

Best in SHOW Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month

By H E L E N B R O W N

CULTURE • THEATRE

Rutherford and Son Ongoing

LY T TELTON THEATRE

Roger Allam (Les Misérables) returns to the National for the first time in a decade to play Rutherford in this new production that takes a piercing look at power and family.

In a Northern industrial town, John Rutherford rules both factory and family with an iron will. But even as the furnaces burn relentlessly at the Glassworks, at home his children begin to turn against him. Rutherford and Son is an astonishing play by Githa Sowerby, inspired by her own experience of growing up in a family-run factory in Gateshead.

National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1; nationaltheatre.org

Death of a Salesman From 1 May YOUNG VIC

Following her award-winning success for Company and Angels in America, Marianne Elliott directs Death of a Salesman, bringing a unique vision to one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century. Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Suits) makes his UK stage debut as Willy Loman, with Olivier Award-winning Sharon D. Clarke as Linda Loman. 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1; youngvic.org

Come From Away Ongoing

PHOENIX THEATRE

Discover the remarkable true story of a small town that welcomed the world with the UK premiere of Come From Away.

Nominated for nine Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, this joyous production shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited them into their lives. Charing Cross Road, WC2H; comefromaway.com

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

Fiddler on the Roof Ongoing

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

Straight from its sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Fiddler on the Roof transfers to the West End, with the Tony and Olivier award-winning Trevor Nunn in the director’s chair. Old traditions and young love collide in this exuberant and timely celebration of life. Expect the iconic score and Jerome Robbins’ original Tony award-winning choreography.

Northumberland Avenue, Charing Cross, WC2N; fiddlerwestend.com

Our Town From 16 May

REGENT ’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

As day breaks on another ordinary day, the townsfolk of Grover’s Corners go about their business; newspapers are delivered, people go to work, gardens are tended to and a boy and girl fall in love. Birth, marriage, death and everything in between; as life events unfold and a community comes together, Our Town questions "do any human beings ever realise life as they live it? Every, every minute?”

Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play celebrates what it means to be human and the bonds that unite us all.

Regent’s Park, NW1; openairtheatre.com

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

OUR TOWN

Abs_May19_Theatre Roundup.indd 21

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

21

25/04/2019 17:06

RGGH.indd 1

09/04/2019 12:48

CULTURE • THEATRE

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

TOP GIRLS A new production of Caryl Churchill’s feminist fantasy at the Lyttleton

By PENDLE HARTE

F

irst performed in 1982, Caryl Churchill’s much-loved feminist play comes to the National in a new, all-female production directed by Lyndsey Turner. It’s at once funny and political, naturalistic and fantastic, touching and raw in its story of women, work and family, very much of its time. In 2019, Top Girls reads as a play about the 1980s, the decade that brought the UK its first female prime minister and saw the world of women’s work broadening beyond recognition in comparison with previous generations.

These previous generations are a focus of the play’s famous fantasy dinner party scene. The scene opens in a restaurant, where 1980s career girl Marlene – all

shoulderpads and big hair – is celebrating her promotion to managing director of a recruitment agency with some carefully chosen guests. There’s 19th century explorer Isabella Bird, 13th century Japanese concubine Lady Nijo, ninth century Pope Joan, Bruegel’s Dull Gret as depicted in 1561 and Patient Griselda from Boccaccio’s Decameron. All women with wildly differing lives, from different periods in history and without anything in common, yet they comfortably share stories, talking over each other in their eagerness and increasing inebriation. There’s a hilarious moment when Pope Joan recalls giving birth during a papal procession, revealing her to be a woman and resulting in her being stoned to death.

Top Girls is traditionally played with just seven actors, each doubling up, but this

In 2019, Top Girls reads as a play about the 1980s production casts an extravagant 18 people, and the stage is larger than the play is used to. Four entirely separate scenes make an unusual formula, and after a late interval, the final scene sees Marlene return to her provincial home, where her sister’s life hasn’t benefited from what for Marlene are the freedoms afforded to women by the world of work. Her daughter Angie – revealed to be in fact Marlene’s abandoned baby – is eager, as Marlene was, for a London life, but opportunities, as the play highlights, are never equal.

Welcome to the 1980s.

VERDICT

Funny, touching and clever ★★★★★ CARYL CHURCHILL'S TO P G I R L S UNTIL 20 JULY,

nationaltheatre.org.uk

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

ABS_May19_ Thearte.indd 23

23

25/04/2019 17:07

What is the true price of the American dream?

ON STAGE UNTIL 08 JUN | £25 DAY SEATS AVAILABLE

An Old Vic & Headlong co-production

OLD VIC.indd 1

23/04/2019 15:25

Garden PA R T Y

Absolutely Looks Forward To The Chelsea Flower Show

G

racing Chelsea with an eclectic range of designer gardens, awardwinning cuisine and nurseries from around the world, the RHS Flower Show is back for its 107th year. Once again, the haute couture of flowers and foliage will be running from 21 until 25 May. At the centre of the show, the iconic Great Pavillion will once again stand tall, packing in the apex of specialist growers and nurseries from around the world. For everyday green thumbs to radical designers, Chelsea Flower Show guarantees a bounty of inspiration.

Year after year, Chelsea Flower Show presents stunningly crafted gardens that represent the true spectacle of the show with their magnificence and sheer innovation, never failing to inspire. 2019

Wo r d s B R A N D O N C L A R K S O N

looks to prove no different. Visionary gardens are named for the sole purpose of creating anticipation, especially in those with a visual appetite for tranquility, perfection and of course, design.

At Absolutely, we’re most excited for the collaborative greeneries that showcase gardens that fully fuse settings in the most organic of fashion. Rustic structures are overtaken by nature at Walker’s Forgotten Quarry Garden while the Kampo no Niha is visually synonymous with Japanese culture and medicine, where every plant in this garden has its purpose for curing a plethora of ailments.

This May, childhood memories take us back to woodland gardens.

The RHS Back To Nature Garden features a playful design created by Andree Davies, Adam White and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

Tyre swings hang low and trickling

The haute couture of flowers and foliage returns to SW3

CULTURE • FLOWER SHOW

lakes meander through the grounds.

Jump into your playful side, step out of the everyday and into another world.

Silent Pool Gin have collaborated with acclaimed designer David Neale, The University of Surrey and Dutch pioneers Plant-e to produce The Anti-Stress Garden. This miniature oasis works by scientifically installing plants that soothe the senses of scent and sound. The blending of sweet roses, gorgeous elderflower and calming chamomile accompany the sounds of Surrey Hill, inspiring a blissful response. This wonderful mix allows for the Anti-Stress Garden to decrease the body’s sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ feeling while increasing the parasympathetic response, the one that helps the body to relax. To top of your afternoon, the Silent Pool Gin Garden is running a competition for a chance to attend the shows exclusive ‘after-hours’ party, with a G+T to hand of course.

If you’ve yet to visit the marvellous flower show, make this year the one.

The exceptional gardens are set to be better than ever, with design standards at an all time high. Be one with nature for the day or gather all the inspiration you need for your next gardening project.

THE CHELSEA F L OW E R S H OW 21-25 May 2019

rhs.org.uk

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

ABS_May19_ CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW.indd 25

25

25/04/2019 17:10

Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

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

www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk | info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk HALCYON.indd 1

27/06/2018 16:22

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPER TIME 26 GRAINS

On 1 May 26 Grains in Neal’s Yard will open for dinner service. In line with founder Alex HelyHutchinson’s philosophy, the new menu will focus on simple seasonal cooking with high quality ingredients.

26grains.com

Food notes 28 • Food review 33 • Tom Kerridge 38 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

MAY19_Food_Opener.indd 27

27

25/04/2019 17:13

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this May

By FLORA THOMAS

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Château Fontarèche, Corbières Blanc Vieilles Vignes  £10 This vibrant, fleshy white has lots of fresh acidity despite its warm southern origin. The nose shows peach, sherbet and blossom, while the palate moves to more generous stone-fruit with hints of citrus and a clean, slightly honeyed, finish.

2016 Petalos, Descendientes de J Palacios, Bierzo, Spain  £18.50 Pétalos is produced from 60-year-old vines, deep ruby in colour, its nose displays generous notes of red and black fruits, lifted by hints of violet and wild herbs.

There is a minerality and hint of graphite which creates a velvet-like finish..

2017 Flint Vineyard, Charmat Rosé, Norfolk, England  £22.99 Deep pink, this wine has fine aromas of forest fruits and cherry blossom. A proportion of the base wine is barrelaged for four months. The palate bursts with juicy cassis and wild raspberry.

Natural acidity makes this a perfect apéritif.

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

bbr.com

28

Grain Store 26 GRAINS

This month Alex Hely-Hutchinson will welcome guests for dinner at her Neal’s Yard restaurant for the very first time. Thus far, her menu has focused on pots of porridge and tasty toast, but the dinner menu will champion seasonal cooking, high quality ingredients and a set menu comprising of a starter followed by a fresh pasta dish.

1 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 26grains.com

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

West_May19_Food_Notes.indd 28

25/04/2019 17:16

FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

COFFEE ROASTERS

ALLPRESS

55 Years young

Allpress started roasting coffee on Redchurch Street in 2010. Now their London roastery is in a beautiful old joiner’s factory in Dalston. Their work there is designed to be seen, from loading the green bean silos to hand packing their blends, every stage of the process is on show. uk.allpressespresso.com

DAPHNE’S

This year marks 55 years since the iconic Chelsea restaurant was founded by Daphne Rye. They're celebrating with a series of special events and oneoff dishes. During Chelsea Flower Show, Daphne’s teaming up with Wedgwood to create a special edition strawberry dessert served atop an iconic plate.

112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 Daphnes-restaurant.co.uk

CANALWAY CAVACLADE LONDON SHELL CO

Over the bank holiday weekend, Fishers Gin and the London Shell Co will be partnering to host a one-off gin and food pairing cruise. Guests are invited to hop aboard and dine and drink your way down the canal.Think gin-cured trout with a coastal martini.

The Prince Regent Sheldon Square Central, W2 londonshellco.com

CA R AVA N The Caravan roastery is set within a grade II listed Victorian Grain Store in King’s Cross. With soft industrial styling and an open plan design, visitors can feel part of the process.

Caravan sources green coffee from single farms across the world, where the focus is on sustainability and fair relationships with farmers. caravancoffeeroasters.co.uk

HOUSE PARTY THE LITTLE YELLOW DOOR

Mad for mango JAMAVAR

In celebration of India’s annual Alphonso mango season, Michelin-starred Jamavar is to pay homage to the highly-prized fruit via a six-course tasting menu. Dishes include soft shell crab with mango chilli chutney, Allepey fish curry with raw mango and a mango semifreddo.

8 Mount Street, W1K jamavarrestaurants.com

OZO N E The Kiwi-owned company, Ozone, has its coffee roastery in Shoreditch and it is a popular coffee and dining spot for city workers. The basement space is where you'll find their roastery and the promise of seats for dining when upstairs if full, which is most of the time since Ozone take their food as seriously as they do their coffee. ozonecoffee.co.uk

Notting Hill’s cult pop-up, The Little Yellow Door has returned to west London, opening a permanent new home on the iconic All Saints Road. The space has smartened-up somewhat, and a menu boasting top-notch food has been unveiled.

6-8 All Saints Road, W11 1HH thelittleyellowsdoor.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

West_May19_Food_Notes.indd 29

29

25/04/2019 17:16

HBAG.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:35

ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

B I D for Champagne Prepare for your chance to own your very own barrel with Champagne Paul Launois

O

n Friday June 14th, 2019, Champagne Paul Launois invites you to the first ever auction of bottles from a unique concept in Champagne: The “Single Barrel”.

This high-end experience will enable you to tailor-make 216 bottles of Champagne, together with official champagne consultant Mr Philippe Jamesse. This is a dream come true for any champagne lover.

This auction is for 10 different oak barrels where one barrel contains 216 bottles of 75cl

high-end Champagne. Your champagne will be solemnly made by grapes from the region of Le Mesnil sur Oger, known as one of the best regions in Champagne. This ensures the very top quality, finesse and rarity. Decide on the ageing, sugar dosage and become the co-creator of 216 bottles of vintage champagne from 2018 labelled in your very own name.

The “Single barrel” auction sale from Champagne Paul Launois is a very rare one-of-a-kind event. Julien Launois will share the exceptional experience and give you the ability to tailor make your very own exclusive Champagne. A very personal exciting adventure.

H OW D O E S T H I S WO R K? 1 Select your Single Barrel by reading Phillippe Jamesse‘s tasting notes available on our website from May 15th, 2019

2 Fill in the information form in order to facilitate the organization of the event on the following champagne-paul-launois.fr/ singlebarrel

3 Bid through the live auction June 14, 2019 at 6.00 pm On site: 3 ruelle de l’Arquebuse 51190 Le Mesnil sur Oger Online: interencheres-live.com By phone: Maison de Vente Chativesle (pre-registration)

C H A M PAG N E G U R U @thechampagneguru 07956 124806 thechampagneguru@gmail.com

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

C&E_May19_SPICE SHU.indd 31

31

25/04/2019 17:20

The magniďŹ cent Kensington Palace, spectacular and truly unique events hrp.org.uk/hireavenue 020 3166 6115

1 - London Lifestyle - C,F,NH&K May 2019.indd 1 HRP -KP.indd KP Private

24/04/2019 08:20 15:56 16/04/2019

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

So crispy you can eat them heads-and-all, dipped in the verdant, smooth avocado sauce

SIMPLY SCOTTISH

FOOD Organic produce and Scottish seafood

Jackson Boxer’s highly anticipated third restaurant has arrived in Notting Hill

O

B y F LO R A T H O M A S

rosay is the name of the Outer Hebridean island frequented by a young Jackson Boxer and family.

Since then, the chef-restaurateur has taken the capital by storm. First with the critically acclaimed Brunswick House in Vauxhall, then with St Leonard’s in Shoreditch. Spelled with an a, Orasay is the name of both Boxer’s daughter and his and Andrew Clarke’s most recent culinary venture. One of his chefs blames Boxer’s dyslexia for the variation on spelling. We arrive on

one of the first properly warm days of the year, to a small, bright restaurant on Kensington Park Road with walls adorned with art by Jackson Boxer’s mother, Kate Boxer.

The kitchen uses produce (salad leaves, vegetables, honey and eggs) from Boxer’s organic family farm in Sussex. Orasay boasts a 60-bin wine list, and there are seven on tap, four white and three red, mostly French.

I’m with my mother and we’re both excited by the seafood-heavy menu, so we go for a humble glass of the viognier. Of the starters, our favourite is the fried shrimp which are small and so crispy you can eat them heads-

DECOR Minimal and elegant

PRICE Starters from £8, Mains from £12

VERDICT Neighbourhood restaurant

and-all, dipped in the verdant green, smooth avocado sauce. Also very good is the scallop starter, served in a shell and sprinkled with tiny tasty shiitake mushrooms.

Next up is the Orasay version of burrata: creamy buffalo curd, sweet grilled onions and the only nut I’ve seen on plates of late: hazelnut. It’s an attractive plate of food, slightly messy on the plate but with bright colours, the unusual but lovely taste of burnt honey speaks the loudest. We eat it all.

The salad of courgette and artichoke with grated sheep’s cheese isn’t bad, but pales in comparison to the grilled tropea which is brilliantly crispy, a meaty piece of fish, big enough to share if you’re going all out on salads and starters like us.

We get pudding although it’s somewhat unnecessary because we’re feeling well-fed already. It’s a generous pile of pastry and cream - a millefeuille of sorts. Pretty but slightly too sweet for our liking. All in all, we leave satisfied and in high spirits, wishing the restaurant the best of luck.

O R A S AY 31 Kensington Park Road, W11

orasay.london

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

PCL_May19_FOOD REVIEW.indd 33

33

25/04/2019 17:21

BURRATA AND ROAST ROOT RAVE SALAD with harissa and walnut salsa Serves 4 as a starter or side, 6 as a side

INGREDIENTS 150g puy lentils; 200g fregola or giant couscous; 2 large beetroots, scrubbed; olive oil, for drizzling; 300g organic carrots, scrubbed and halved lengthways; 100g parsnips, scrubbed and halved lengthways; 4 banana shallots, peeled and halved lengthways; zest of 1 orange; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; pinch of dried chilli flakes; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; leaves of 3 heads of chicory; 2 large burrata; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the pickled beetroot 100ml cider vinegar; 5g sea salt; 30g caster sugar; ½ tsp fennel seeds; ½ tsp mustard seeds; ½ tsp coriander seeds; 1⁄2 cinnamon stick; 2 candy-striped beetroots, peeled and thinly sliced; ½ red chilli, thinly sliced (optional) For the walnut salsa 50g walnuts; 40g tinned anchovy fillets; 1 tbsp rose harissa; 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley' 1 tbsp coriander leaves; 1 tbsp orange juice; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 100ml olive oil

METHOD

The Joyful

HOME COOK Rosie Birkett’s seasonal recipes are simple yet impressive Wo r d s R O S I E B I R K E T T P h o t o g r a p h s H E L E N C AT H C A R T

34

1 Cook the lentils in salted water and the fregola separately (also in salted water) until al dente, drain both and transfer to a bowl. Pour in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and fork it through so that they don’t stick together.

2 Now pickle the beetroot. Combine the vinegar, 100ml water, salt, sugar and spices (except the chilli) in a pan and bring to the boil. Place the beetroot slices and chilli in a clean heatproof jar and pour over the pickling liquor. Leave to steep.

3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6. Take a piece of foil big enough to wrap the beetroots and place the whole beetroots on it. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season. Wrap the beetroots in the foil, leaving a little air between them, and place on a baking tray. In a roasting tray, combine the carrots, parsnips, shallots and orange zest, pour over a little olive oil, then scatter over the spices and drizzle over the honey or maple syrup. Season well with salt, give everything a good toss, then put that tray and the foiled beetroot tray in the oven, with the beetroot tray on the top rack.

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

Abs_May19_Recipes_3pp_USE.indd 34

25/04/2019 17:21

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

4 Check the parsnips and carrots after 35 minutes. They should be browned and tender with crispy edges, but not dry, while the shallots should be nicely caramelised and sticky. Roast the beetroots for 1 hour in total, until they are tender all the way through (use a skewer to check). Remove from the oven and leave until cool enough to handle, then use some kitchen paper or the back of a spoon to peel away the skin, and slice them into wedges.

5 To make the salsa, blitz the walnuts in a food processor briefly until coarsely chopped, then add the anchovies, harissa and herbs and blitz again to combine. Add the orange juice, lemon juice and olive oil.

Blitz again, then taste and season with salt to taste.

6 To assemble the salad, add the chicory and herbs to the bowl of lentils and fregola, season with salt and pepper and add a splash of the beetroot pickling liquor and a little olive oil. Toss to coat, then arrange on a sharing platter. Top with the beetroots, carrots, shallots, parsnips and burrata, then dress with the salsa. Drain the beetroot from the pickling juice and scatter it; serve with extra salsa on the side.

SPRING CHICKEN AND wild garlic puff pie Serves 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 500ml chicken stock; 100g frozen peas; 100g wild garlic leaves; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 leek, washed, trimmed and cut into 1–1.5-cm slices; 40g butter; 60g plain flour; 30ml dry white wine; 1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar (optional); 2 tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche; nutmeg, for grating; a few asparagus spears, trimmed and chopped (optional); 320g puff pastry; 1 egg, beaten; sea salt and black pepper

METHOD 1 Put the chicken thighs in a saucepan and pour over the chicken stock. Cover, place over a medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, until a thigh which is pierced

yields no blood. Remove the thighs from the stock with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate to cool. Once cool, remove the skin from the thighs, pick the chicken meat from the bone and place it in a bowl, discarding any skin or excess fat.

2 Turn the heat under the pan of stock up to high and boil until the stock has reduced by a third, then add the frozen peas and cook for a minute, followed by the wild garlic leaves. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Blitz until you have a green-flecked stock – this is to make your wild garlic béchamel.

3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6. Heat the olive oil in a high-sided frying pan, add the leek with some salt and pepper and sweat for about 6 minutes, until softened but not browning, then mix into the bowl with the chicken meat. Melt the butter in the same pan, then add the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring, until it forms a thick paste (a roux) and smells nutty.

4 Pour the wine into the pan, still stirring, and cook for a couple of minutes, then gradually add the green stock, whisking constantly. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring until you have a silky, thickened green sauce. Remove from the heat, season to taste, and sharpen with a little lemon juice or vinegar if you think it needs it. The sauce may be a little thick, but it will loosen when you stir through the sour cream. Stir in the cream or crème fraîche and season with a little grated nutmeg.

If the sauce is still a little thick, thin it slightly with a splash of water or milk – it should have the consistency of thick double cream. Stir in the chicken meat and asparagus.

5 Pour the pie filling into a 23cm pie dish and allow to cool a little. Cut a circle from the puff pastry sheet a little larger than the dish and top the filling with the pastry.

Use a pie bird or cut a slit in the pastry to let out steam. Crimp the edges with a fork, brush the pastry with beaten egg, top with wild garlic leaves and paint over them with egg wash. Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden. Serve warm with boiled Jersey Royal potatoes and a scattering of wild garlic flowers.

Wild garlic can be picked between March and June

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

Abs_May19_Recipes_3pp_USE.indd 35

35

25/04/2019 17:22

PULLMAN.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:45

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

It will still be quite wobbly, but don't fret – it will set when cooled 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6.

4 Remove the pastry from the fridge, unwrap it (leaving it sitting on the greasproof paper) and place another piece of paper on top. Roll it out between the sheets of paper to the thickness of a pound coin (large enough to line a 23cm tart tin). Line the tart tin with the pastry, letting it overhang to allow for shrinkage, and put the lined tin in the fridge until the pastry is firm. Prick the base with a fork, line the pastry with the crumpled greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans. Blind-bake the pastry for 25 minutes, then lift out the beans and paper and return it to the oven for a further 5–8 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and turn it down to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 4.

APRICOT, BUTTERMILK AND HAZELNUT TART

METHOD

2 egg yolks; 75ml buttermilk; 150ml double cream pinch of salt; grated zest of ½ unwaxed lemon; 140g light muscovado sugar; 6; Poached Apricots, halved and stoned; handful of whole, skin-on hazelnuts, thickly sliced; lavender flowers, to decorate; crème fraîche, to serve

1 First, make the pastry. Put the hazelnuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender and blitz to a coarse crumb. Add the flour, butter, egg yolk, salt and sugar and blitz again, to breadcrumb consistency. Add the iced water, a tablespoon at a time, sprinkling it across the crumb and blitzing between additions until the dough clumps together. Tip the dough out into a bowl and squish it into a ball, adding a dash more water if it needs it, or a dusting of flour if it’s a little sticky. Mould it into a ball and flatten to a disc. Wrap it in greaseproof paper (rather than cling film, which makes it sweat) and leave it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes

For the pastry 50g skin-on hazelnuts; 200g plain flour; 125g cold unsalted butter, diced; 1 egg yolk; pinch of fine sea salt; 1 tbsp caster sugar; 1 tbsp iced water

2 To make the filling, whisk the egg yolks, buttermilk, double cream, salt, lemon zest and muscovado sugar together in a bowl to make a smooth custard. Set aside.

Serves 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

4 Allow the pastry shell to cool for a couple of minutes then fill it with the custard. Place the apricot halves cut side down in the custard and scatter over the nuts. Bake the tart in the oven for 45 minutes, until the custard is puffed and golden. Carefully remove it from the oven – it will still be quite wobbly but don’t panic, it will set once cooled. Allow it to cool then place in the fridge to set for an hour or so. Remove it from the fridge a good hour before you want to serve it so it’s at room temperature. Garnish with lavender and serve with crème fraîche.

T H E J OY F U L H O M E C O O K Taken from The Joyful Home Cook by Rosie Birkett, HarperNonFiction; £20 rosiebirkett.com

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

Abs_May19_Recipes_3pp_USE.indd 37

37

25/04/2019 17:22

PA R K L I F E Pub in the Park is back, on a larger scale than ever. We caught up with Tom Kerridge to talk about Michelin stars, diets and how to get children to eat their greens.

Wo r d s F LO R A T H O M A S

T

“If you cook to get the star, you’re cooking for the wrong reason”

38

om Kerridge is sitting at a grand table in one of the private dining rooms at Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, his glitzy London restaurant in the Corinthia Hotel.

This year, Pub in the Park, the touring food and music festival kicks off in Kerridge’s hometown of Marlow and culminates four months (and eight venues) later in St Albans. So why has the Salisbury-born chef decided to give up a third of his year to entertain his family, friends and 18,000 other people?

The answer, it appears, is simple: “It’s a lot of fun.” He tells me it’s all about maintaining the vibe and making sure everyone’s having a good time behind the scenes, “The chefs all drink loads of beer, eat tons of food and get to hang out with their families. We've found that if they’re all having a party, it’s just like inviting a few thousand other people to join in.

“When you walk into your favourite pub, you know what to expect. It’s important for us to replicate that with the festival.

We didn’t want to risk changing it entirely

by making the event too big.” Instead, they’re taking the event and putting it on in locations across the country. “Like with everything, you just get a bit better the more you do it.”

I’m interested to know how involved Kerridge is in curating the festival, which boasts an impressive line up, “On the food side, I bring people in. I’m the one encouraging them. They’re all friends, and those who’ve done it before all want to come back. Those in the restaurant industry in particular recognise that mixing with young chefs is great for the industry, and although they are working, they have a great time.

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

ABS_May_19_TOM KERRIDGE.indd 38

25/04/2019 17:36

FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

“In terms of the music acts, I do throw a few names in there… Some get through, some don’t. But this isn’t a house music festival or Indie festival, it’s a pub garden festival. Lots of people who like eating different things, so the music has to be the same - it’s eclectic and energetic, with songs you know and can sing along to. That’s what really brings the energy. When you walk into a pub, if the staff are having fun while they work you know you’re going to be having a good time. If everyone’s miserable you just want to leave.”

“It’s the same here,” he says, gesturing around the room, “Everyone’s working really hard but they’re having a good time.”

Kerridge famously lost twelve stone and is a champion healthy eating. I want to know how he manages his own diet in

the face of an undeniably heavy workload, “I’m conscious of what I eat. On the way to the gym I eat two apples and protein shake with coffee, but it’s so early you’re forcing the apples into you… I got here, had some yoghurt and fruit…” He trails off, understandably, he seems bored by the question. “It’s all related to physical exercise, it’s about what I’m doing in the day.” A food as fuel outlook, perhaps. His approach to what his three-year-old eats is similar and as a father he leads by example, “If he wants to eat fish fingers and chips, that’s fine, but I won’t be eating chips with him, so he’s the odd one out.”

The Hand and Flowers in Marlow received its second Michelin star in 2012, the first ever pub to have done so. Kerridge’s other pub, The coach, on the same street, has one. How important are Michelin stars?

The chef is quick to reply: “Very.”

“Not for the reason you probably think…

If you cook to get the star, you’re cooking for the wrong reasons. Just as the Guide is for guests, chefs should be cooking with the guests in mind. Michelin Stars are brilliant from a professional point of view, to achieve two is amazing for staff morale, but first and foremost they recognise a world-class level of cooking and consistency."

What about the pressure on chefs to maintain their star(s), does he ever wish they didn’t exist? “Never. You choose to be a chef because you love the pressure. If you wanted an easy life, you wouldn’t do it. It takes a huge amount of commitment.

“I had a conversation last year with some fellow two-star chefs, someone said ‘can you imagine if next year the guide ceased to exist?’ The three of us couldn’t fathom it.

How would you define yourself? The idea of them being taken away… It’d be like being stripped of your identity.”

P U B I N T H E PA R K Runs from May until September in eight locations across the country. For tickets and full line up, visit pubintheparkuk.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May_19_TOM KERRIDGE.indd 39

39

25/04/2019 17:36

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

SILENTPOOL.indd 1

13/03/2018 17:14

ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Curry-Up South African Fruit & Veg Supper WITH CAULIFLOWER RICE

T

his clever vegetarian curry-style dish combines roasted South African apples and pears with sweet potato, spices, young spinach and canned mixed beans in chilli sauce. It’s served with cauliflower ‘rice’ for extra health benefits.

Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes

B E AUTIFUL COUNTRY B EAUTI FU L FRUIT

Doing good with South African fruit

T

he South African Fruit campaign in the UK is this year focusing on the theme ‘Doing Good with South African Fruit’, which will highlight the exceptional taste; ethical reasons for buying it; seasonality and the exclusive varieties produced.

There is also an emphasis on supporting the battle against current UK issues such as obesity and food waste, particularly through this season’s recipes and social media activity. Varieties of South African apples and pears are now available in store until October.

For more information on South African apples and pears, including health benefits, varieties and recipes, please visit beautifulcountrybeautifulfruit.com

Varieties of South African apples and pears are now available in stores until October

INGREDIENTS • 1 South African pear, cored and cut into chunks • 2 South African Pink Lady apples, cored and cut into chunks • 1tbsp lemon juice • 800g sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks • 2tbsp olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 1tsp cumin seeds • 1 medium cauliflower, broken into florets • 2 x 400g cans mixed beans in chilli sauce • 100ml vegetable stock • 1tsp ground coriander • 80g baby spinach • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, Fan Oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6. 2 Toss the South African pear and apple chunks in the lemon juice. Put them into a large roasting tin with the sweet potato. Add the olive oil, garlic and cumin seeds, stirring to mix.

Season with black pepper and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender. 3 Meanwhile, put the cauliflower florets into a blender or food processor and blitz to give a fine, grain-like texture. Steam or simmer in a little water with a pinch of salt for 5-8 minutes. At the same time, heat the mixed beans in a large saucepan with the stock, stirring in the ground coriander. 4 Tip the roasted fruits and sweet potato into the saucepan with the beans. Add the spinach and cook gently until the leaves have wilted. Serve with the cauliflower ‘rice’.

CO O K’ S TIPS

The good-for-you ingredients give you almost all your 5-a-day fruit and veg requirement. The recipe is perfect for diabetic diets with its slow-burn carbohydrates and it’s ideal for vegetarians and vegans too.

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

ABS_May19_PEARS ADVERTORIAL.indd 41

41

25/04/2019 17:38

LONDON CHILDREN’S BALLET presents

Ballet Shoes Based on Noel Streatfeild’s timeless novel

4-7 JULY 2019

"A firework display of talent and promise, bursting with more life and energy than most London stages ever produce."

4 July Première Gala Tickets from £45 020 8969 1555 | londonchildrensballet.com

5-7 July Tickets £14 - £65* 020 7863 8222 | peacocktheatre.com

*£3 transaction fee applies for phone and online bookings. No charge in person at Ticket Office.

RG.indd 1

Photo © Pedro Ferrer

Emma Thompson

11/04/2019 09:40

FOOD & DRINK • BAKING

Daily bread

Making your own sourdough is satisfying and sustainable. But learn to love the mess Wo r d s PENDLE HARTE

W

hat could be more satisfying than a fresh loaf of crispy, fragrant sourdough?

Don’t we all have a fantasy version of ourselves where we are effortlessly removing perfectly cooked, springy loaves from our domestic ovens, feeling capable and connected to the earth, part of a long-standing human tradition?

It’s not hard to understand why an interest in baking bread is something that often dawns on people trying to find new meaning in their lives, while focusing on sourdough has countless benefits for gut health. And as a hobby, breadmaking fulfills a variety of needs. It occupies time, it’s creative, there’s lots of scope for variety and improvement.

There’s even quite a lot of kit that you can acquire. What’s not to like?

Well there is quite a lot not to like actually. Getting the starter right is the very first thing you need to do, and while the instructions are simple – as any enthusiast will tell you repeatedly – this fertile mix of flour and water is needy and messy. Regular top-ups require the scooping out of some of it and throwing it away, and any resulting drips will instantly turn into cement needing to be scraped vigorously off the countertop/ floor. The starter will sit unattractively in a kilner jar, bubbling ominously, until the temperature becomes too warm or too cold, when it might give up the ghost. Your best bet is to have several on the go at once,

Once you have a thriving starter, breadmaking is a rhythm lining the shelves of your dream kitchen not with pretty jars of colourful pulses but with growing (possibly overflowing) bacteria with a mind of its own.

But it is all worth it. Once you have a thriving starter (it take about five days), breadmaking is a rhythm that may or may not fit with your existing routine.

Sourdough takes longer to rise than yeastbased dough, so it can be left overnight and then proved again – you’ll need to get to know your timings and your kitchen’s warm and cold spots. Anyone obsessed with lovely empty surfaces might not appreciate baskets of dough covered with comedy shower caps carefully placed on windowledges and strategic spots near radiators, but breadmaking is a labour of love. You’ll learn to love the thin dusting of flour that will inevitably cover your kitchen, as well as the new sounds your oven will make as it comes to terms with its highest setting. But the taste, and the gut benefits, make it all worth it.

SOURDOUGH KIT YOU WILL NEED…

NETHERTON FOUNDRY DOME AND CLOCHE This is an oven-within-an-oven that creates an intensely hot space in which your bread can thrive and achieve the perfect crust. netherton-foundry.co.uk KILNER JARS Lots of these. It’s worth having more than one starter on the go.

PROVING BASKETS TIP: cover them with shower caps; it’s more sustainable than clingfilm.

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

ABS_May19_SOURDOUGH.indd 43

43

25/04/2019 17:39

BRILLIANT CYCLING ART & GIFTS await...

www.pittawaycycling.co.uk

| Email: info@lucypittaway.co.uk | Tel: 01748 810 965 lucypittawayart Follow us on social

LP.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:43

FOOD & DRINK • PROMOTION

BRIAN MCFADDEN AND KEITH DUFFY

JOHN PARTRIDGE

IRINI TZORTZOGLOUX

Fo o d ie s FESTIVAL Looking forward to a weekend of music, fundraising and food

Wo r d s B R A N D O N C L A R K S O N

T

he eagerly-anticipated Foodies Festival will be heading to Syon Park over the May Bank Holiday Weekend to serve up a mouth-watering selection of top chefs and music acts. Having triumphed in MasterChef’s first all-female final, 2019 winner Irini Tzortzoglou will be headlining festivities, alongside actor John Partridge, who famously played Christian Clarke in EastEnders and was crowned Celebrity MasterChef 2018 champion, and super

group Boyzlife, comprising former Westlife star Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy.

The three-day festival is expected to attract more than 20,000 food-lovers and has been highly-praised by the Mayor of London’s promotional agency, London and Partners for its contribution to the city’s tourism. For the second year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis. Food and drink left over from the festival will also be donated to local food banks and homeless shelters.

The 2019 Foodies Festival will dish up more than 200 exhibitors and awardwinning artisan producers as well as a Street Food Village, Cakes and Desserts Theatre, Kids Cookery School, Chef’s Theatre, Vegan Beer Tent, Dog Arena and Funfair.

Also appearing in the Chef’s Theatre is Norfolk’s Richard Bainbridge, who won the 2015 Great British Menu series on BBC2 and returned as a judge two years later.

Top chefs from London’s finest eateries will also demonstrate their skills. They include Jose Pizzaro, Arnaud Stevens of Plate in Shoreditch, Andrew Cole, head chef at Richmond-upon-Thames’s Bingham Riverhouse, Guillaume Gillian, executive chef of Bòkan in Canary Wharf, and Nepalese chef Santosh Shah of Indian restaurant Baluchi.

Also on the menu is Italian chef and author Giancarlo Caldesi of Caffe Caldesi in Marylebone along with a hearty helping of top tips from vegan chef and author Katy Beskow, aka Little Miss Meat Free.

As well as headline act Boyzlife, the festival’s Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) stage will also be graced by leading Queen tribute act Flash and a host of emerging bands and soloists. MAH provides opportunities for up-coming talent while raising funds for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis in the process. Foodies Festivals, staged up and down the country, will provide a major platform with more than 400 acts appearing during the series of events. For every ticket sold, the festival will make a donation to the cause. There will also be merchandise on sale giving a further boost to funds.

SYO N PA R K , 2 5 , 2 6 & 2 7 M AY Tickets, including VIP packages, are now on sale; visit foodiesfestival.com or call 0844 9951111

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

ABS_May19_FOODIES FESTIVAL.indd 45

45

25/04/2019 17:45

BC.indd 1

23/04/2019 10:12

FASHION

BEACH STYLE B E AC H CA F E

Online luxury swim, beach and resortwear boutique, Beach Cafe, take the stress out of pre-holiday shopping with the UK’s widest range of designer beachwear. The brand is celebrating its 10th birthday this month with an exclusive collection that includes this orange boho blouse. beachcafe.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Q&A with Yolke's Ella Ringner 48 · The shoot: Racine's summer styles 50 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_Fashion_Opener.indd 47

47

25/04/2019 17:48

ELLA RINGNER

Q: How did Yolke start?

A: Back in 2012 I was studying Textile Design at Central Saint Martins and Anna was working for the interior designer Hugh Leslie.

She was always trying to buy my designs to put on her private clients’ bespoke pieces, so one thing led to another and we decided to branch out on our own doing exactly this.

We couldn’t find any fresh interiors that we would want to have in our own homes at the time so we began designing our own, working with local silk and wool mills, and candle makers in Devon. We launched with a lifestyle collection of loose tailored silk styles from pyjamas to dressing gowns to sit alongside the interiors collection. These were picked up by Fortnum & Mason, with Selfridges following soon after. With so much going on, the homewares were put on hold while we concentrated on the clothing and predominately the pyjamas – but they’ll be making a comeback next year.

Q: When does sleepwear become too stylish to sleep in?

A: When you put on something so

48

P YJA M A PA R T Y Absolutely discusses prints, comfort and childrenswear with Ella Ringner of Yolke Interview PENDLE HARTE

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

ABS_May19_FASHION Q&A - YOLKE.indd 48

25/04/2019 17:55

FASHION • Q&A

A printed twopiece suit is so elegant and cool dressed down with trainers or up with boots

of the job (alongside the designing part). Everyone is so unique and working on such different projects, but I would say what they all have in common is that they all have something brilliant and important to say.

beautiful that you just don’t want to confine it to the bedroom.

Q: Yolke girls include Sheherezards Goldsmith, Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton. What makes a Yolke girl?

A: We have had the privilege to work with some amazing women over the years, it’s our absolute favourite part

Q: You have a lovely linen dress in your new collection - not sleepwear at all! How did that come about?

A: When Yolke launched, the collections mostly consisted of classic staples in our signature prints such as pyjamas. We were very much led by our brilliant wholesale clients for a number of seasons however, as our e-commerce has caught up with our stockists, we have been so excited to bring back the RTW side of the brand.

There is such a fluidity now when it comes to dressing, and with so many people working for themselves, the emphasis is on comfort and design rather than what someone should be seen in. For us, pyjamas are as much daywear as a dress – a printed two-piece suit is so elegant and cool dressed down with trainers or up with boots. The importance for our RTW pieces is that they are uncomplicated and easy to transition from season to season.

Q: Where do Yolke’s prints come from?

A: Until a couple of seasons ago, I designed all the prints myself but more recently we have begun collaborating with amazing artists such as Isabelle Feliu and buying designs from print archives to offer

something new (or really old such as our SS19 Anais print which is a French design we purchased from a print archive in New York from the 1920s) and to keep things interesting.

Q: What’s your favourite Yolke piece ever?

A: Tricky one, possibly the Marianne Print we did for Harrods this season.

I adore pink and red together. Who doesn’t?

Q: What made you start doing a kids range?

A: Growing up, pyjamas were something that always played a memorable part in family occasions such as Christmas, Easter, birthdays and holidays. After having two little ones of my own, it has been something I have wanted to do for a while. My son Blue meows around the house in his leopard print and Scarlet adores the florals.

Q: And lastly - what do you wear to bed?

A: Sounds incredibly predictable in context, but our classic cotton pyjamas or silk slips. yolke.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_FASHION Q&A - YOLKE.indd 49

49

25/04/2019 17:55

MIRROR MIRROR SUMMER AT RACIL IS ALL ABOUT PASTEL SHADES, CANDY STRIPES AND DELICATE FLOWERS R AC I L . C O M

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 50

25/04/2019 17:58

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 51

25/04/2019 17:58

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 52

25/04/2019 17:59

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 53

25/04/2019 17:59

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 54

25/04/2019 18:00

ABS_May19_Shoot.indd 55

25/04/2019 18:00

Cinderella

Enjoy an unforgettable night at the ballet with our Hospitality Packages From �ne dining to meeting the dancers and spectacular views from your own private box, our range of luxury experiences are the perfect special treat.

Dancers: Emma Hawes and Francesco Gabriele Frola. Art Direction: Charlotte Wilkinson. Photo © Jason Bell.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL AND ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENT

6 – 16 JUNE 2019

A magical in-the-round ballet

Call: 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com RAH.indd 1

18/04/2019 12:41

BP.indd 1

24/04/2019 15:41

• PCL HALVES/QUARTERS.indd 2

26/04/2019 10:49

FASHION • JEWELLERY

She’s a rainbow All the most colourful gems

LARK & BERRY

ANANYA

IRENE NEUWIRTH

Lark & Berry Dark Halo Sapphire Drop Earrings, £825

Mogra layered ring, Morganite, £POA

Irene Neuwirth at Farfetch, £3,225

ananya.com

farfetch.com

larkandberry.co.uk

SUZANNE KALAN

BOODLES

WWAKE

18kt gold and sapphire Rainbow Eternity ring , £3,634

Raindance Rainbow Watercolour Pendant, £10,000

14-karat gold multi-stone ring, £845

farfetch.com

Boodles.com

net-a-porter.com

GUCCI

ROXANNE ASSOULIN

MISSOMA

GG Running necklace with multicolour stones, £2,690

Gold-tone Swarovski crystal earrings, £70

Missoma Feb Birthstone Necklace, £85

Gucci.com

net-a-porter.com

missoma.com

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

Abs_May19_Jewellery.indd 57

57

25/04/2019 18:02

MM.indd 1

18/04/2019 12:39

FASHION • SWIMWEAR

Mix and match Top swimwear picks from yamamay.com

TIE-SIDE

BALCONY STYLE

SCULPT IT

Bottom with coulisse, £14.95

Balcony bikini bra Shira, £29.95

Modelling one-piece swimsuit, £69.95

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

BANDEAU TOP

HIGH WAIST

ASYMMETRICAL TOP

Bandeau bra, DJ set, £29.95

High waisted bikini bottom, £19.95

Bandeau bikini bra, £29.95

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

PADDED ONE-PIECE

TRIANGLE BRA

STRING SIDES

Padded one-piece swimsuit, sunrise, £59.95

Triangle bikini bra, One Night, £29.95

Brazilian bottom, Shira, £16.95

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

yamamay.com

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

May19_YAMAMAY_USE.indd 59

59

25/04/2019 18:03

Beautiful skin from the inside Skincare innovation in a drink

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

Joelle - March 2019

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

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

Andrea - March 2019

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

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

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

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

Claudia - February 2019

skinade.com

SKINADE.indd 1

#BelieveTheHype

24/04/2019 15:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WATER THERAPY CHANEL Hydra Beauty is drenched in Camellia Water to intensely hydrate skin. The illuminating formula leaves the complexion prepped for makeup with a glowing, even-toned appearance. chanel.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty notes 63 • Treatment reviews 66 • Perfume 71 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_Beauty_Opener.indd 61

61

25/04/2019 18:09

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Glowing tans, Vitamin C and a brilliant oil – plus finding your perfect fragrance B y H E L E N B R OW N

THE REVIEW

GLOW GETTER

Atkinson's

Fragrance Consultation

S K I N N Y TA N

Stay safe in the sun while achieving that soughtafter glow with Skinny Tan. Their team of tanning experts have launched a new line of Protect & Glow products, combining UVA 5* high sun protection with the brand’s well-loved daily, gradual self-tanner. From £14.99;

B y PENDLE HARTE

skinnytan.co.uk

Daily DOSE P E T E R T H O M A S R OT H

Hyped as a super giant for the skin, vitamin C is the ingredient of the moment, thanks to its ability to protect against UVA and UVB damage and fight wrinkles. The breakthrough launch of Peter Thomas Roth is the Potent-C range, a glow-making, age-defying collection of skincare that includes this Potent-C Power Serum. It’s packed with a concentration of 20%THD Ascorbate, 3% Vitamin E and 2% Ferulic Acid delivering an advanced anti-aging, brightening treatment.

EDITOR’S PICK

peterthomasroth.com

THE MULTI -TASKER M A L A KO

Brand new therapeutic and eco-wellness based skin care brand MALĀKO is inspired by the century- old wisdom of traditional Thai healing. Packed with wildharvested, organic ingredients and suitable for hair and skin, this Skin to Soul Saviour Oil delivers an instant hit of hydration and a calming effect for mood and mind. £20;

D

o you know what fragrances you like? There are so many out there and it’s difficult to know where to start. You might think that you like florals, for instance, but which florals? And maybe it’s not actually the floral notes in your fragrance that you like, but the woody ones. Fragrances function beyond language and it’s not easy to translate our responses into the descriptions and packaging that appeal to our aesthetics and reason. So, we need some guidance.

At Atkinsons, a British fragrance house that dates back to 1799, there exists a wealth of knowledge which they are keen to share by offering fun, informal fragrance consultations. Its contemporary fragrance library builds on its legacy, while focusing on new combinations and aromatics to create a modern feel. As the brand expands its offering from its Burlington Arcade flagship store across the road to Fortnum and Mason, charismatic expert Andrew Kyriakou is on hand to sit you down for a chat. What colours do you like?

What childhood memories stand out?

What appeals to you more, a summer field or a cosy log fire. After lots of questions and lots of unidentified fragrance samples, my ideal scent is identified, and it’s not what I would have predicted. I thought I would choose orange blossom and florals, though a blind smelling revealed my liking for juniper, whisky, tea and spicess.The final prescription? It’s the utterly lovely 24 Old Bond Street Triple Extract, since you ask, a unisex classic from Atkinson's.

What’s yours? atkinsons1799.com

malakoskincare.co.uk

62

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

May19_ Beauty Notes.indd 62

25/04/2019 18:14

Reduced prices are for a course of treatments

POPUL AR AREAS INCLUDE Buttocks & Back of Thighs (60 minutes) Was £240, Now £180 (save £60) Stomach and Waist (30 minutes) Was £180, Now £100 (save £80) Buttocks (30 minutes) Was £180, Now £100 (Save £80)

CLINICALLY PROVEN FOCUSED FAT REDUCTION

• Cellulite improvement • • Long term circumferential decrease • • Skin tightening and firming • • Lifting, toning and firming of muscles • • Detoxification and improved drainage • • Enhanced blood circulation and oxygenation • Treatments are from: • £100 for body • £30 for face

Book your complimentary consultation today

0207 243 1113 bookings@coconailbar.com @coconailbarlondon

COCO NB.indd 1

26/04/2019 09:39

RG.indd 2

11/04/2019 09:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

BY TERRY Brightening CC Powder, £52; byterry.com

URBAN DECAY Naked Skin Colour Correcting Fluid, £20; urbandecay.co.uk

LIPSTICK QUEEN Peachy Coral Lipstick, £22; lipstickqueen.com

NAILS. INC Kiss My Peach Nail Duo, £15; nailsinc.com

BENEFIT Galifornia Blusher, £26; benefit.com

EDITOR’S PICK

JO MALONE LONDON Orange Blossom Diffuser, £65; jomalone.co.uk

PRIME PASTELS Spring’s coolest trend sees us updating our make-up bag with ice cream shades B y H E L E N B R OW N

XXXXXXXXXXXXX Xxxxxxxxxxxx, £xx; xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

OPI Rice, Rice, Baby Nail Polish, £14.50; opiuk.com

GUERLAIN Meteorites, £40.50; johnlewis.com/

NARS Afterglow Lipbalm, £23; selfridges.com

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

BEAUTY PRODUCTS_MAY19.mj.indd 65

65

25/04/2019 18:17

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

TO P T R E AT M E N T S

YOUNG LDN

66

YOUNG LDN

YOUNG LDN HOLLYWOOD FACIAL

Y

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

oung LDN is the salon shaking up the beauty sphere. It’s a space created specifically with Gen Z and Millennials in mind and is split into various treatment areas including the Peel Bar, the Nail Lounge and the Men’s Grooming Lounge. The salon is distinctly urban in its decor - there’s a lot of exposed brick and wall art - but each space has its own aesthetic. One treatment room has a ceiling painted as the sky while another has had pink paint poured in a drip effect down the walls. I’m downstairs in the Skincare Lab for a Hollywood Peel. Otherwise known as the Spectra Carbon Peel, the treatment gets its name from its fanbase of A-Listers; Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian are all said to swear by the treatment before hitting the red carpet.

It’s said to leave your skin refreshed, revitalised and red carpet-ready with no downtime. It’s a non-invasive peel that can be performed in a lunch break, but it can remove up to 80 microns of skin. How does this compare to other treatments? My therapist, Gigi tells me that typical exfoliating treatments remove just 10 microns. Gigi starts by thoroughly cleansing my skin before applying a layer of liquid carbon over my face. This black, viscous product acts as a photo-enhancer while a state-of-the-art laser delivers targeted, high-intensity pulses of light to the skin.

Highly-attracted to the carbon particles, the laser blasts away the carbon, taking with it the top layers of the epidermis and the dead skin cells, impurities and dirt that cause congestion. It’s not the most relaxing of facials, but it’s completely pain-free. There’s a burning smell as the laser is applied (I’m assured this is the product burning off and not my face), a mild heat and a loud popping and crackling as the carbon is blasted away. It’s over fairly quickly and immediately there’s a noticeable glow to my complexion. Even a few days later I’m told by observant friends that my skin looks noticeably clearer and blemish-free. With no recovery time, no uncomfortable sensations and immediate results, I’m sold.

Hollywood Peel, £180; youngldn.com

YOUNG LDN

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

ABS_May19_BEAUTY REVIEWS.indd 66

25/04/2019 18:20

HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEWS

OZZIE RIZZO

BROWHAUS

CUT & BLOWDRY

Wo r d s F LO R A T H O M A S

Ozzie Rizzo achieved success in the fashion industry, but took the decision to re-invent himself by opening two selfnamed salons, in the desirable locations of Richmond and Mayfair respectively.

After a brief discussion about what I want - a trim, basically, my hair is washed and head massaged nicely. The stylist talks to me about long layers but isn’t pushy when I explain it’s not what I want. She rightly recognises my hair to be extremely dry, and takes care not to overwash it, instead she applies a heat-activated ‘resurfacing strengthening milk’ by Alternative Hair. It’s a first for me when my head is wrapped in clingfilm and I’m put under a heater for ten minutes. Usually skeptical about specific treatments for damaged hair - nothing seems to work for me - I’m seriously surprised and impressed to see the transformation it encourages.

As my hair starts to dry during the trim, it is noticeably shinier and less brassy in tone. The salon doesn’t stick to one brand of products - both Kérastase and Alternative Hair are used during my appointment.

Now for the blowdry - I tense up at the sight of curling tongs. When the stylist is finished, however, I’m over the moon. It’s not over the top, she’s created subtle waves with the aid of tongs and round brush. My hair is much better shape thanks to the deep conditioning treatment. I’ll be returning to this simple yet elegant, no-frills salon.

Womens’ wash, cut and blow dry costs £65 - £85, depending on hair length.

18 Hill Rise, Richmond, TW10 6UA ozzierizzo.com/richmond-salon

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

HAECKELS FACIAL

H

arnessing the health-giving properties of the Margate sea, Haeckels has created a series of treatments designed to balance, stimulate and intensely nourish the skin. The sustainable beauty brand offers pregnancy and full body massage, but as i’m suffering from dry winter skin, I visit their Thalassotherapy Therapy Room at Radio Salon in King’s Cross for a seaweed facial.

The treatment room itself is like a little snug, with the soft glow of Haeckels candles adding to the warm and cosy feel. I feel an instant connection with my therapist, who explains that thalassotherapy (taken from the Greek word ‘thalassa’, meaning sea) uses seawater, sea vegetables and shore climate to treat the skin.

The facial is every bit as calming as the name suggests. My skin is cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised using Haeckels products that contain natural ingredients such as raspberry seed oil and microalgae (producing a genuine glow that lasts for days). I’m also treated to a heavenly neck, arm and hand massage and leave feeling thoroughly relaxed.

RADIO SALON

A

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

Wo r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

1 York Way, N1; radiohairsalon.com

OZZIE RIZZO

BROWHAUS

RADIO SALON BROWHAUS

chieving the no-makeupmakeup-look is no easy feat. You either look like you have a face full of product but have forgotten the mascara, or like you’ve just made no effort. Eyelash extensions promise full, long, dark lashes every single day, with not a mascara wand in sight. I’m sold.

Semi-permanent lashes are applied by a technician who meticulously hand-glues the extensions on top of your natural lashes. This means that they are completely customizable and actually look real. With proper care, they can last for six to eight weeks until they naturally fall out. When it comes to extensions, you get what you pay for.

Skimping on price can result in either poorly applied lashes or, scarier, eye infections. So go somewhere reputable.

I’m at Browhaus, a salon brand that focuses on nothing but lashes and brows. Their Lash In Bloom service allows you to choose from a range of styles such as single lash, where individual false lashes are applied one by one to single, real lashes; cluster lashes for a bolder, more dramatic look, and multi-lash for a very full and fluttery finish. Wanting something natural, I go for the single lash service. The whole thing takes around an hour. I leave with fluttery, full lashes that are noticed and complimented time and time again.

Are they worth it? Definitely. They last a long time and have a huge impact on the way you look. I haven’t worn a stitch of makeup since getting them because I feel like I’ve already made an effort, just by having them.

Chelsea, Covent Garden, Holborn, Islington; browhaus.com

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

ABS_May19_BEAUTY REVIEWS.indd 67

67

25/04/2019 18:21

FS.indd 1

25/04/2019 17:23

HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

LEAGUE COLLECTIVE 100% Recycled Hoodie, £65; leaguecollective.co.uk

FITNESS NOTES

By H E L E N B R O W N

SWELL Pink Topaz Water Bottle, £35; selfridges.com

STYLE N O T E S

Make your workout count with these ethical picks DAVY J The Red Swimsuit, £140; davyj.org

BJORN BORG Calina Tights, £50; johnlewis.com

SILOU Bojana Ballet Top, £129; siloulondon.com

W O R L D F I T N E S S Asuno co-founder, Ben Moreland looks into sustainable fitness and shares his top tips for working out in a way that works for the planet

Y

Wo r d s B E N M O R E L A N D

ou train at the gym to feel your best physically, you do yoga for mental clarity, and you eat healthily to feel good from the inside out.

But your workout can also help save the planet. Here are five ways you can make a difference to the planet while getting fit.

PATAGONIA Cross Beta Sports Bra, £40; eu.patagonia.com

BUY SMARTER

STAY WILD SWIM Nomad Bikini, top £70, bottom £70; staywildswim.com

Many brands have made it their ethos to give back to the world, either by supporting charities or by using sustainable or recycled materials. Wolven Threads makes activewear from recycled bottles and inspired by nature, while yoga and activewear brand, Asuno, helps feed malnourished children, provides water to regions in Africa and birth certificates to unregistered children, all through their three charity partners.

DITCH THE PLASTIC

Staying hydrated is crucial when exercising, but you should make it a priority to ditch the plastic.

Choose Water has created the world’s first plastic-free water bottle and 4Ocean is physically removing plastic waste from the sea and have now begun selling re-usable metal water bottles to help rid the world of plastic waste.

As well as manufacturing pretty, printed metal water bottles, S’Well donate to UNICEF and other charities.

BIGGER GOALS

Instead of training without a goal, why not aim for a big charitable event to participate in? From marathons and bike rides to triathlons, mud runs and mountain races, there has never been a better time to push yourself in the name of charity.

London Marathon, the world’s

largest one-day fundraising event sees over 30,000 participants yearly running for charity.

FOOT WORK

From using all-natural materials to supporting local manufacturers and even helping out in the plastic waste movement, some brands are making waves in footwear. Veja makes breathable and waterproof shoes from recycled plastic bottles, while Ethletic creates shoes from Fairtrade materials that are 100% vegan.

DITCH THE EQIPMENT

Gym’s spend a lot of money keeping people cool with air conditioning. Why not cancel the membership, get outside and run in the fresh air? If you prefer the weight section, it’s easy to replace the chest press with push-ups, bicep curls with pull-ups and the leg press with jumping squats.

Check the internet, fitness apps and YouTube for trainers who can put you through your paces with little or no equipment in the comfort of your living room or back garden.

GO AS U R Long-line Halter & High Waist Tights, top €95, bottoms €105; goasur.com

Abs_May19_Fitness.indd 69

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

69

26/04/2019 13:55

Photography by Paul Craig

Engineered Walnut Pre-lacquered

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

w w w.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

NWF.indd 1

20/08/2018 13:09

HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Spanish Sunshine Discovering the fragrance house of Ricardo Ramos B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

I

was given an uplifting shot in the arm this week when a charming gentleman arrived at the perfumery and proceeded to study the 400 bottles of artisanal fragrances currently on our shelves in the greatest of detail.

I had a sneaking suspicion that he may be a fellow scent addict and my instincts were spot on. Ricardo Ramos is creative director of his eponymous fragrance house in Granada and his collection is dedicated to the history, arts and smells of the ancient Spanish kingdom of of Andalusia.

Ricardo is an incredibly exuberant olfactory ambassador and totally charming and we were like two excitable children comparing notes. Fortunately for me, he had some samples of his work with him; it was a real privilege to smell them with their creator and learn about their inspiration and the incredible ingredients that he has used. His background is no less fascinating – he is half Columbian and half Spanish and a successful fashion designer too. Incredibly well travelled with qualifications in historic textile conservation, Ramon is also an avid collector of ancient banknotes. This is a man of great passions, which is abundantly apparent in his perfumes.

I was going to concentrate on his range of Eau de Parfum, but one Extrait or pure perfume seduced me and I couldn't live without it. Ziryab is my current paramour and I am utterly entranced. It is named after historic polymath Ziryab, of whom it is not known if he was of African, Arabic of Persian origin. His career flourished at the Court of Granada, where he became a renowned musician, fashion designer, mathematician, cosmologist, botanist, composer, poet, singer, meteorologist, chef.... well you get the picture. The man was a genius and I like to think that I am channelling just a little of his talents when I wear this mesmerising combination of Mediterranean notes and Oriental

spices. Mandarin, petit grain and jasmine sparkle at the top, however it is the truly intoxicating heart of mace, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, patchouli and oakmoss over a woody/chypre base that really transports.

This is a very strong scent at a high concentration, yet it does not overwhelm but rather envelops one in warm arms - it basically feels like being hugged all day.

In terms of sheer elegance, Morayma, dedicated to the last Queen of Granada, is incandescent in its loveliness. White flowers dominate, with gardenia, jasmine and magnolia supported by coriander, guava and fig leaf over sun-dried hay and Tuscan iris root. Zambra is inspired by Flamenco with a throbbing heartbeat of amber, chypre and vetiver crowned with a flourish of bergamot, lemongrass, citronella and basil. LaAurora is dedicated to the scent of incense exuded by the Easter Procession in Granada. This was a early favourite, teamed with two of my favourite ingredients, green violet leaf and zesty bergamot. Add a dash of gurjun balsam, rose and cedar and we have a very sophisticated ambery oriental that lasts the distance.

Matcha Nono is the perfect spring scent as its lead note is almond blossom which is light, creamy and full of sunshine. It is also a very interesting cultural melting pot, with Japanese Matcha tea, yuzu and cherry blossom, a touch of Baklava from Turkey and a delicious combination of cinnamon, white chocolate and pistacio.

Finally there is La Lindosa, named after the mountain range at the door of the Colombian Amazon jungle. It represents its ancient heritage with a formulation inspired by fragrant offerings to the ancient gods expressed with fruits and aromatic resins. If you are going on holiday, I recommend taking this with you as the combination of passion fruit, coconut, copahu balm and jasmine are gently exotic and will create a scent memory that will last forever.

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

ABS_May19_Perfume.indd 71

71

25/04/2019 18:23

Green A new collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880

LO N D O N S H O W R O O M S M A RY L E B O N E | C H E S L E A

Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com

LG.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:44

INTERIORS

HELLO BAMBOO OUT THERE INTERIORS

Rattan is stylish, robust and adds an instant splash of freshness to any room. We love this polished rattan bench with cushion, £470. outthereinteriors.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Interior inspirations 74 • At home with Lucinda Sanford 80 • Kitchen upgrades 89 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 73

73

25/04/2019 18:30

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

By PENDLE HARTE

IN PRINT CELIA BIRT WELL X BLENDWORTH

Blendworth Interiors have collaborated with Celia Birtwell, taking inspiration from her extensive archive and lovingly interpreting her fashion prints into fabric designs for interiors. Designs include large-scale retro florals, abstract animal prints and whimsical geometrics. blendworth.co.uk

C A B I N E T LOV E LIGNE ROSET

Combining elegance, sobriety and finishing details, LIgne Roset's Estampe TV cabinet/ media storage unit is marked out by fronts and sides in sawn oak, doors and drawers with slimmed-down edges and rounded corners, and a fixed linoleum-covered upper top. From ÂŁ2,954. ligne-roset.com

74

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

ABS_May9_Interiors_Notes.indd 74

25/04/2019 18:32

INTERIORS • NOTES

G R E AT OUTDOORS Gorgeous garden accessories

LIGHTS4FUN Festoon lights, from £10 lights4fun.co.uk

SOUND BITE RUARK AUDIO

EAST LONDON PARASOL CO

S P OT LI G H T

Bette parasol with handcarved pole, £399 eastlondonparasols.com

ANGLEPOISE

Anglepoise and Margaret Howell renew their collaboration by introducing a smart new Sienna Edition into the best-selling Type 75TM lighting collection designed by Sir Kenneth Grange. The rich, clay colour adds a new dimension to the Margaret Howell colour palette. anglepoise.com

HABITAT Jambi natural woven chair, £195 habitat.co.uk

New from Ruark is the super stylish R5 High Fidelity Music System which not only looks fantastic but offers the ultimate in sound quality too. Encased in luxurious walnut or soft grey lacquer, the R5 has wifi and bluetooth for streaming as well as a cd player, dab radio and endless input and output ports. £999; ruarkaudio.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ANNIE SLOAN Chalk Paint In English Yellow With Gloss Lacquer anniesloan.com

SUNNYLIFE Croquet set, £50 uk.sunnylife.com

CHARGE

UP LE CORD

HABITAT Zeno oak folding table, £195, and chairs, £60 each habitat.co.uk

If you hate unsightly wires, Le Cord has the solution. Le Cord comes in countless colours and the tactile knitted fabric cables are pretty as well as functional.

They're all Apple approved too. lecord.com

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

ABS_May9_Interiors_Notes.indd 75

75

25/04/2019 18:32

INTERIORS • STYLE OUT THERE INTERIORS Rattan coffee table, £180 outthereinteriors.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Large bamboo pendant light, £95 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

HABITAT Jambi natural woven chair, £195 habitat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ABODE LIVING Bamboo round natural mirror, £100 abodeliving.co.uk

CANE WORKS

THE FARTHING Large rattan double armed chair, £299 thefarthing.co.uk

All the best wicker, rattan and bamboo pieces

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

THE FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY Retro rattan console , £499 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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

Bamboo shelf unit, £85 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW COX & COX

Siam armchair natural, £340 sweetpeaandwillow.com

Rattan looped mirror, £125 coxandcox.co.uk

76

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

ABS_May19_Rattan.indd 76

25/04/2019 18:35

BL.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:51

Front - Spring Campaign 2019 (1).pdf

1

28/03/2019

12:12

Rated ‘Excellent’ by our customers

HC.indd 1

16:40 28/03/2019 12:15

INTERIORS • MOODBOARD

My Style P H OTO G R A P H E R J O H N S WA N N E L L S H A R E S H I S I N S P I R AT I O N S johnswannell.com

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE EXHIBITION...

The picture of my wife Marianne on the beach in Long Island is very special. We used to rent a house there every September when all the New Yorkers had gone. The morning and evening light was always magical, and I took this picture when the beach was empty.

MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION...

Venice is the most magical place on earth. The first time I went there I just couldn’t believe that this beautiful city had no roads and was built on wooden posts over 400 years ago. The place has a mystery of its own and its own special smell - there’s no other city like it.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS...

Gaudi’s Cathedral in Barcelona is just awe-inspiring. It is hard to believe that a human being designed and built this wonderful building - it is almost like it’s from another planet.

MY ST Y LE I CO N IS ...

David Bowie. I remember being in the nightclub Tramp with David Bailey when I used to work for him, and David Bowie and Mick Jagger were at the next table. Bailey knew them both so started chatting; I was in awe.

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART...

Burn Jones’ Love Among The Ruins is one of the most beautiful images.

The Pre-Raphaelites were not very fashionable when I first discovered them, but as a fashion photographer I used to copy some of the poses he created with his models. His work was so seductive, I just got hooked on it.

A selection of John Swannell’s images of famous British faces including Sir Elton John, Darcey Bussell and Joan Collins DBE is now on display at Le Caprice. 20 limited edition signed prints of each photograph will be available to purchase exclusively at Le Caprice, for £950 each.

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

May19_MOODBOARD.indd 79

79

25/04/2019 18:36

OPEN HOUSE 80

Absolutely tours interior designer Lucinda Sanford’s stylish Fulham home Interview PENDLE HARTE

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

ABS_May19_LUCINDA SANFORD_4pages.indd 80

25/04/2019 18:38

INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

Q: When did you move into your house and what was it like when you bought it?

A: We moved in to the top half 5 years ago and then we started the basement dig and ground floor.

Q: What did you do to change it?

A: We structurally changed this Victorian terrace to create more space and light into the home. The whole home has been entirely reworked. As an interior designer and master builder, I believe in fully integrating the design and build from start to finish. We dug to the basement that follows the footprint of the house and extended into the side return and converted the loft. We also rearranged the internal layout, in place of the usual two rooms on either side of the front door we enlarged the existing sitting room and turned what remained of the second reception room into an L-shaped entrance hall, installing a run of cupboards at the far end. I added two floor-to-ceiling glazed panels in the wall that separated the new sitting room from the entrance hall and positioned the staircase

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

ABS_May19_LUCINDA SANFORD_4pages.indd 81

81

25/04/2019 18:38

A: I think the world has been stuck the world of boring neutrals for far too long. I am all about colour and patterns – I believe heavy patterns are far better for hiding the effects of daily life and they are perfect for homes with children. I am a big believer that people should have more fun with patterns and layering them up. I love using patterns in a home, patterns and florals are a great way to create interest and charm, as well as to zone areas and make people smile.

which would normally be opposite the front door around the corner of the L-shape and opposite the new glazed door that leads into the sitting room. All of this was done to avoid the dark tunnel effect typical of a Victorian terraced house.

Q: Is that gloss paint in your sitting room?

A: The paint is certainly gloss. I wanted to use a deep red for the sitting room but in gloss not matt, which is an unusual choice. I wanted to add additional visual interest. My husband and painter thought I was mad for choosing red gloss but in the end they were won over. The interesting part of the design was doing the matt cornice with a contract.

The paint is Dulux’s Red Stallion 1 gloss.

I think the world has been stuck the world of boring neutrals for far too long.

I am all about colour and patterns 82

Q: Your business is more than traditional interior design, involving builds and potentially planning applications. Can you explain how you work?

A: “Master Builder” is what describes Lucinda Sanford best – we take a house from concept to construction to completion. We are the masters of combining all the elements needed to make a property and turn it into a home. We can oversee the entire process – submit the planning, oversee the engineers and the surveyors, and tie everything together. We have covered a range of London properties – I loved working on a new build apartment in Marylebone that was extremely modern in design.

Q: How did you start out?

A: I have a long history of loving buildings and interiors; I can remember more about my school friends’ houses and the school interiors, than anything I learnt inside them.

During university at St Andrews, I worked at Farmore Interiors and this grew my passion for interiors – and I was inspired by the women who ran these businesses

Q: We notice the internal glass doors they are beautiful and a clever way of dividing spaces. Tell us your thoughts on them?

A: I don’t think open plan really works in life but I like spaces to connect and also that you can see from one room to another - little invitations in Q: Your kitchen has been extended. What was it like originally? What did you change?

A: To create this bright family kitchen, we dug down to lower the floor and used glass panels and doors to embrace a new staircase and sitting room. We went for a traditional look in the kitchen and used antique mirrored tiles for the splashbacks on both sides of the kitchen, a modern splashback would have been too clinical.

Q: There is lots of pattern everywhere, and a striking wallpapered corridor. What are your thoughts on making patterns work?

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

ABS_May19_LUCINDA SANFORD_4pages.indd 82

25/04/2019 18:39

INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

and how hard they worked. I also gained work experience with Nina Campbell, who will always be an inspiration. Following St Andrews, I was lucky enough to work for the Royal Household in the ceremonial office – this offered opportunity to learn all the details to make every minute of every event during a state occasion perfect; a great training ground for learning how to mobilise tradesman in my future career. A stint in Lady Bamford’s marketing department was a learning curve. She has an amazing eye for detail and style in Bamford and Daylesford, and especially how simple materials and colours can make for a sensational design.

Between these jobs I was busy doing up a first flat which I sold to move onto a next property.These properties gained attention and people started asking for help to do up their own homes. The key thing that people wanted was the ability to help them at the very beginning and offer more than just a pure interior design service.

Q: Can you describe your signature style?

A: At the heart of my design is enthusiasm for a good layout. I am a complete layout addict, which is where the business’s architectural arm comes in. I love nothing more than working and reworking floorplans to make them suit each family. Even my own work still amazes me: despite the number of terraced houses I have worked on, they always end up with different layouts to suit their different owners. You may need to tweak your house, update it and edit it but when you design a house, its bone structure should stand the test of time. It’s easy for clients to get lost in their current moment and forget the future. Designing a home for babies won’t stand the test of time: children are children/teens and young adults for longer than they are babies. A key part of the work we do is the decoration, not the soft furnishing but the painting and architectural joinery.

Q: Where do people go wrong with their interiors?

A: I always tell clients they don’t need to be ashamed and hide a radiator, a speaker or a television – we are all allowed to keep warm, listen to music and watch television.

We always look at practicality and real life, a home should be a home and that means a real reflection of the people who live there and how they live in it. I often challenge my clients with their choices and I have a practical approach that they appreciate. I do not believe that homes should be overstyled. Also, I love colour. There is a place for neutrality, but colour and pattern are something that people are really missing out on. I just love the combination of different patterns and materials. lucindasanford.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_LUCINDA SANFORD_4pages.indd 83

83

25/04/2019 18:39

CHAPLINS.indd 1 Chaplins_Absolutely_MAY_2019_03.indd 1

24/04/2019 23/04/2019 15:33 18:18

INTERIORS • GAMES

P L

1

A Y

E M T I

STYLISH GAMES FOR YOUR PARLOUR

1

D E A D LY G A M E

MAFIA

Based on the classic role-playing strategy game, this strikingly illustrated card game pitches between 7 and 24 players against each other in solving a murder. It's a kill or be killed situation. £14.99 laurenceking.com

2

DON ’T FORGET

A N D Y WA R H O L' S M E M O R Y

4

Put your brain to the test by matching pairs of authentic colours used by Andy Warhol on his iconic soup can prints. The Andy Warhol Memory Game from Galison belongs next to your favorite art books. £17.99 wordery.com

3

O N T H E B OA R D

L AC RO IX BAC KGAM M O N

New to the family of board games

by Christian Lacroix is a stylish backgammon set. The case folds out to reveal the game board, decorated in two-tone shading. The same pink and blue shading is also used on the 30 wooden checkers and dice. £46 abramsandchronicle.co.uk

4

P UZ Z L E A R T

F R A N K L LOY D W R I G H T P UZ Z L E

3

2

5

The Frank Lloyd Wright Imperial Hotel Peacock Rug 500 Piece Foil Puzzle brings shiny new glamour to the rug design. Gold foil embellishments bring the luxurious deco era back to life, piece by piece.

Galison puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes. galsion.com

5

ROLL WITH IT PERUDO

This classic family game is fun for all ages. Noble Macmillan's leather bound cups and matching dice come in an array of colours, from tangerine to ivory. The luxury set is made in Spain, using the finest calfskin leather; your initials can be embossed. £110 noblemacmillan.com

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

ABS_May19_WGAMES.indd 85

85

25/04/2019 18:40

86

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

ABS_May19_WA GREEN.indd 86

25/04/2019 18:41

INTERIORS • COLOUR

CONFIDENT COLOUR Absolutely discusses colour with Zoe Anderson,, founder of W.A. Green Wo r d s ROSIE REYNOLDS

Z

oe Anderson, founder of W.A.Green, remarks on the growing move consumers are making from decorating their homes with subdued greys and comfortable whites in favour of bold, statement colours.

This expanding trend gives you the freedom to enhance a pre-existing design scheme or simply accentuate your personal style.

W.A.Green’s philosophy on design is playful, yet their recommended approach to how colours are used is based upon a concrete understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Bold colours have until recently been a choice amongst artists and designers. Zoe predicts that consumers will become braver with their colour palette; combinations such as pink and yellow, lilac and lime and blue and orange will become commonplace features in the home.

A room’s purpose is a key consideration because certain colours and shades can have a noticeable effect on your mood. If you want to create a relaxing living room, then pinks, greens and darker hues are perfect because of their calming and grounding effect. Yellows and blues are a better choice for your kitchen and bathroom because they are energising and inspire positivity.

The amount of natural light that enters your room throughout the day is another factor to consider, as this can really alter a colour’s appearance. Accommodate for less natural light by choosing darker colours, as these thrive in shadier spaces and create a feeling of cosiness. Extra warmth and balance can be added through clever lighting and a colourful accent; sofa cushions are a great way to add a pop of colour. Larger, brighter rooms are ideal for light shades because the natural sunlight keeps it crisp and fresh instead of washing it out.

Zoe gives some general tips on how to use colour in the household. Colour blocking is an excellent way to add depth and interest to a room; a great way to do this would be to pair a bright colour with a more subtle one. Many are opting for a boldly painted ceiling, a different way to create openness and drama, if you have the space to carry it.

You could also paint your fireplace in a bold pink or purple, as this will surely make a statement.

YELLOW plifting and cheerful, yellow is a perfect accent colour for your home. Painthouse’s pick is Orlando Yellow; a subtle mustard hue within a bright sunshine yellow is a lovely choice for someone wanting an energising lift in their home.

U

B LU E elieved to be the first colour synthetically made into pigment by the Egyptians, blue can arguably be heralded as the world’s most popular shade. Wisdom, luxury and power are implied through deeper shades of blue, making it a perfect choice for your living room. Aria Blue is Painthouse’s choice; modern and vibrant, this shade is a fresh option for 2019.

B

G REEN ousehold horticulture was and will remain a highly popular trend. The colour itself has also had a renewal, with the shades Elvis Green and Kamilla Green being two of Painthouses’ firm favourites. If the mood of a room is something you are considering, green should not be overlooked, especially if tranquility is the mood you want to create.

According to Zoe, green is “a very versatile colour… you can decorate an entire room with greens and have contrast, drama, richness, and balance.”

h

PIN K f one had to pick the defining colour of 2018, Millennial Pick would be the most likely option.

W.A.Green predict that pink’s popularity will continue in 2019, and Painthouse have selected the rosy-hued Ida Pink as their key colour. Dustier roses are the perfect pinks because they remain contemporary and playful whilst avoiding appearing sickly sweet.

B

OR ANG E lamboyant, inspiring, energetic and vibrant are words one would pair with this colour. Reggie Orange is Painthouse’s fiery pick. Incredibly dramatic, Zoe advises to save orange as an accent colour to avoid it dominating your room.

Perhaps use orange as a smaller feature colour in your office to spark creativity.

F

W. A .G R E E N 10 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3DH; 020 7729 8599 wagreen.co.uk

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

ABS_May19_WA GREEN.indd 87

87

25/04/2019 18:41

TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors.

Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production.

Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products.

Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR www.treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk

Treehouse_July.indd 1

24/11/2017 13:43

CURTAIN CALL

INSPIRED INTERIORS

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

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

CURTAIN CALL MAY.V2.indd 1

• PCL HALVES/QUARTERS.indd 1

10/04/2018 15:05

26/04/2019 10:49

INTERIORS • IN THE KITCHEN

THE POWER OF PAINT ANNIE SLOAN

The iconic Haws watering can hasn't changed since John Haws designed it in East London in 1886. Cleverly conceived to prevent spillages when pouring, the shape remains unrivalled as the most practical and stylish model around. It comes in a range of colours as well as the classic copper. £50 haws.co.uk

K I TC H EN QUICK FIX CAN'T AFFORD A NEW K I T C H E N ? U P G R A D E YO U R EXISTING ONE WITH THESE SIMPLE YET FIXES

TI LE COU N S EL BERT AND MAY

A new tiled splashback creates an instand kitchen update. Bert and May's Pink Pradena tile is a great choice for the kitchen. The warm pink softens the geometric pattern and the natural pigments make it a delight to live with. bertandmay.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

Abs_March19_kitchen upgrades.indd 89

89

25/04/2019 18:42

ELTHAM DIY.indd 1

24/04/2019 15:43

Patios & Brick Work | Fencing & Decking Summer Houses Victorian Pathways and much more

SUMMER SHOW

May 10th & 11th 2019 Everything in your world, captured in miniature

Kitchen & Bathroom | Fitting Kitchen & Bathroom CAD Design | Bespoke Wardrobes | Electrical & Plumbing phillip@acadia-homes-gardens.co.uk www.acadia-homes-gardens.co.uk

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 0208 037 8615

AHAG.indd 1 • PCL HALVES/QUARTERS.indd 3

KDH.indd 25/04/2019 11:57 1

25/04/2019 14:36 26/04/2019 10:49

INTERIORS • IN THE KITCHEN

TH E FLOOR

CARPETRIGHT

If you're snooty about vinyl flooring, you're missing out.

This stylish, bright floor is slipresistant and easy to wipe clean, it works with underfloor heating and it's extremely affordable.

So not only is it versatile, hardwearing and durable, but the shades in Carpetright's True Colours range are bold, contemporary and sure to update your kitchen simply and quickly. carpetright.co.uk

N EW DOORS

SHELVES STRING

String is simple to assemble, shelves can be easily repositioned. and shelves of different depths can be combined in the same unit for the ultimate in flexibility. skandium.com

TAPS ABODE

Upgrade your tap for an instant style update that will transfor the entire kitchen. Abode's Althia single lever tap looks great in a range of finishes, is easy to install and has a luxe feel.

PLYKEA

Bored of your Ikea units? Don't replace the kitchen, just add Plykea's ply or formica doors, drawer fronts and worktops to the existing carcass to create the look of a bespoke handmade plywood kitchen for a fraction of the cost. plykea.com

abodedesigns.co.uk

TH E WOR KTOP

LUNDHS

A new worktop will create a luxe feel and Lundhs Emerald is a classic choice. The intense color sits well with stripped-back modern designs and is also neutral enough to blend with environments that are more traditional. lundhsrealstone.com

LIGHTS

ORIGINAL BTC

Clever task lighting will improve your kitchen's functionality as well as update its look. These pitched wall lights offer a concentrated light source just where you need it. originalbtc.com

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

Abs_March19_kitchen upgrades.indd 91

91

25/04/2019 18:43

HC.indd 1

25/04/2019 16:46

WEDDINGS

MODERN BRIDE T H E CO U T U R E GA L L E RY

From The Couture Gallery designer Britta Kjerkegaard comes an elegant wedding dress collection for the modern bride seeking a fresh take on the traditional minimalist look. Highlights include corseted jumpsuits, figure hugging crepe dresses with detachable skirts and romantic lace covers offering variety of styling opportunities throughout the wedding day. thecouturegallery.com

Ask the experts 94 ¡ Trends: Art Deco 97 ¡ Wedding venues 107 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_Weddings_Opener.indd 93

93

25/04/2019 18:44

SERENA FOYLE is a multi-award-winning pyromusical producer and founder of Foyle Fireworks, which fuses bespoke musical soundtracks with fireworks

fo y l e f i re w o rk s .c o m

Photo: Kate Hopewell Smith

Wedding

EXPERTS Our panel of experts answer your wedding planning, shopping and design questions

94

Q We have experienced a ‘son et lumière’ show on our travels and would love something similar at our wedding. How would this work?

A Fireworks are beautiful on their own but designed to a soundtrack they are transformed into a completely different experience.

A key consideration is to include the timing of your display in your order of the day and stick to it. We are fortunate here in the UK that we don’t require a licence for setting off each display, but there is an 11pm cut-off – the only exceptions being Bonfire Night, Diwali, Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve. In other countries licences vary, so consider that in your planning schedule.

Scene-setting is hugely important which is why we often incorporate music to build atmosphere before the show begins. Manufacturers are going big on multi-effects, such as colours, and these can change in time with the music, which gives us a different way of highlighting the ‘beats’ of certain moments.

These subtleties are what make the difference between a display that your audience describes as great and a display that’s remembered by everyone who watches it as absolutely amazing.

SARAH KELLUM is venue manager at contemporary and exclusive-use Surrey wedding venue Millbridge Court

m i l l b r i d g e c o o u r t .c o .u k

Q We want a high-summer wedding that incorporates indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly throughout the day. Any suggestions?

A Ensuring you have ample indoor as well as outdoor spaces during the great British summer is essential.

The key lies in finding a venue

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

ABS_May19_WEDDINGS_ASK THE EXPERTS.indd 94

25/04/2019 18:47

WEDDINGS • ASK THE EXPERTS

JANE HELLIWELL is founder and designer of Champagne & Flamingos, which creates scented settings

c h a m p a g n e a n d f l a m i n g o s .c o .u k

that allows you to flow seamlessly between the two if the weather is on your side. If it’s not – be it due to rain or extreme heat – indoor spaces must be designed so that you and your guests don’t feel ‘cooped up’ for shelter.

The features to look for inside are an abundance of natural light, doors that open fully onto gardens or outdoor space and large, open reception areas. When it comes to outside spaces, the perfect summer venue will have plenty of paved or decked areas as well as grass. Ideally, it should have an arbour or other dedicated space that is licensed for ceremonies. It’s also important to look for venues with an outdoor bar option for those long, hazy summer evenings.

When designing Millbridge Court, huge emphasis was placed on the venue having an outdoor-indoor feel. Our picturesque location in Frensham means we know our couples seek a connection to the countryside, and we designed internal spaces so that – whatever the weather – there is light flooding in from all sides.

Q We’d like to add an extra element to our wedding through scent. How does this work?

A Scent is widely used as a mood setter in hotels and retail environments, and it can do exactly the same at weddings. Scent creates ambiance, makes you feel good and creates memories. I work on an individual scale, hand-pouring every candle, but I also use other elements – atomisers, scented ceramics and traditional and electric diffusers.

I will typically plan two or three consultations – including one at the venue – where we consider the locale, the season, the wedding colours and the couple’s personalities. In this way, we ‘whittle down’ to a signature scent. We can incorporate scent into all elements of the event, from invitations to specially created and personalised candles for guests to take home as party favours.

Scent should be subtle and complex, and is tailored to work differently across spaces. I do advise couples not to scent the dining area to the same extent. Here, scent works best used very sparingly – for instance, a spritz on tablelinen.

The Wedding Shop townhouse Enjoy an appointment with your very own gift guru

T

he Wedding Shop’s Townhouse, opened in London earlier this year, is the brand’s newest and largest showroom and appointment space, where couples can enjoy an appointment with their very own Gift Guru.

Brides and grooms-tobe can browse over 3,000 carefully curated products from more than 400 different brands.

The Wedding Shop also have the UK’s first wedding gifting app, where couples can scan products throughout the Townhouse and add directly to their gift lists.

Soho Home, the eclectic interiors brand created by

world-renowned member’s club Soho House, currently have a brand takeover on the top floor of the Townhouse, with a wide range of products available for couples to browse and add to their wedding gift lists, including the brand’s iconic cut crystal Barwell glassware, House pool towels, velvet Monroe furnishings and cosy House Robes, bringing the prestigious style of Soho House into the home.

THE WEDDING SHOP 312 Fulham Road, SW10 9UG Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm. Evening appointments available on request. Couples can book appointments by calling 0207 384 8400 or emailing townhouse@weddingshop.com

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

ABS_May19_WEDDINGS_ASK THE EXPERTS.indd 95

95

25/04/2019 18:47

www.thecouturegallery.com

CG.indd 1

25/04/2019 13:18

WEDDINGS • TRENDS

HOW TO

work it

New

DECO Art Deco has always been a key influence in bridal, but this season there's renewed focus on elegant lines and jewel embellishment

A

Valencia designer Isabel Sanchis included this glittering metallic gown in her 2019 collection, complete with golden-fringe skirt. isabelsanchis.com Eliza Jane Howell’s Nancy gown and Mars bracelet are the perfect Deco pairing. Photo: Jacqulyn Hamilton; hair & make up: Cara McDaniel. elizajanehowell.com

rt Deco is a perennial influence in bridal design – loved for its flattering lines and glitzy flourish – but this season it has a fresh twist. You will find bold embellishment, metallic hues, sleek or flapper-style lines and all manner of beautiful accessories to add a sparkle to your look. It’s a glamour injection for any style of wedding and, whether you choose to add Deco elements in shoes and jewels or shimmy down the aisle in a full-on flapper gown, you will be both timeless and perfectly on trend.

Red-carpet favourite Naeem Khan has some fabulous flapper-style gowns in his new bridal collection, including this shimmering mini.

Original Art Deco Colombian emerald earrings. £24,500; susannahlovis.com

Exciting new designer Mar Rodriguez showed a gorgeous plungeneck gown with Deco lines at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. marrodriguez.com

thewedding-club.co.uk

Tahitian balloon pearl and white gold cocktail ring by Sweet Pea. £3,065; sweetpeajewellery.com

Crystal embellished Cinderella Point shoe by Emmy London. £765; emmylondon.com

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

ABS_May19_How to_DECO PC LN.indd 97

97

25/04/2019 18:49

HEVER CASTLE.indd 1 1879-HEV-Wedding-Ad-Index-210x297mm-AW2.indd 1

26/09/2018 15:09 17/01/2018 16:57

WEDDINGS • FLOWERS

1 2 1

PERFECT

blooms ydie Dalton grew up in rural southern France, in a family of flower and fruit growers, and was surrounded by the beauty of the French landscape. After moving to Paris, and then England, she developed her passion for all things floral – most particularly roses and the midsummer English garden. Becoming a florist was, she says, a return to her roots. Working across the Home Counties and London, her design approach combines English style with classic French elegance. She loves using perfumed roses – both English and French – and sources these, along with Provence lavender, from the very best suppliers. lydiedaltonfloraldesign.co.uk

L

4

3

This bouquet incorporates a home-made armature to add movement and lightness, and let each bloom shine. It features a pastel combination of Guelder rose, Nigella, Astilbe, Astrantia hydrangea and lush Menta and Sensation roses. Greenery includes fern, eucalyptus and salal. Photo: Jacqulyn Hamilton. Hair & make-up: Cara McDaniel.

2

This romantic domed bouquet centres on Lydia spray roses, alongside ranunculus, rice flowers, Astilbes, lilac and scented stock. It is hand tied with double velvet and silk ribbons.

Photo: Jacqulyn Hamilton.

3

This elegant hand-tied bouquet has a restrained colour palette of green, with accents of soft white and tonal pinks. It combines blowsy Queen Anne’s Lace flowers with traditional garden roses.

Photo: Catherine Benson.

4

This design blends greys and soft greens with blooms chosen for resilience to heat and sand. It includes eucalyptus, blue thistle and Majolika and Menta roses.

Photo: Jacqulyn Hamilton.

Gown: Sassi Holford.

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

ABS_May19_Flowers PC LN.indd 99

99

25/04/2019 18:49

EMMY.indd 1

25/04/2019 17:31

WEDDINGS • STATIONERY HEART STRUCK

B O TA N I C T W I S T

Leeming Brothers is the place for bespoke stationery to match your wedding design, offering inspiration and a huge choice of options. This lush botanic suite, incorporating everything from save the date to menus and thank you cards, is a smart choice for a summer country wedding. leemingbrothers.co.uk

Trimmed with twine and two wooden hearts, this romantic laser cut Hattie invitation is part of the range by creative card and invitation specialists Imagine DIY. A great way to add the personal touch to your invitations, the website is full of brilliant craft ‘how to’ ideas. imaginediy.co.uk

G A R D E N PA R T Y

Perfect for a summer garden wedding, this sweet bunting design is by Norma & Dorothy, which specialises in rustic style invitations featuring lovely traditional papers. As with all its designs, you can create a whole suite around this theme. normadorothy.com

T R O P I C A L PA R T Y

Citrus Fresh

Inspired by the Mediterranean, this lemondecorated invitation by Ananya Cards is a great choice for an Italian or Greek destination wedding. We love the rough edges on the design, adding a casual twist. ananyacards.com

L O V E LY L A C E

In a lovely floral lace-effect design, this laser-cut design by Imagine DIY has a traditional flavour with a modern twist. You’ll find a whole range of matching ideas for your wedding suite in its laser-cut collection. imaginediy.co.uk

Post Perfect Romantic wedding ideas from leading luxury stationers to inspire perfect party announcements

Created by leading designer Matthew Williamson, this bold Blue Maracas invitation is a brilliant scene setter for a destination or festival wedding. Featuring bold foliage on a blue background, it’s available exclusively from Papier. papier.com

SHINE BRIGHT

This lovely stationery suite is by Emmy Designs. With shimmering stars on a black background, it’s a standout design for the mantelpiece and a great way to announce a sparkling party to come. emmydesigns.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_Stationary PC LN.indd 101

101

25/04/2019 18:50

Discover the home of gift lists.

Townhouse now open, 312 Fulham Road.

WS.indd 1

25/04/2019 17:14

WEDDINGS • CAKES

In the pink

This soft pink and gold design by award-winning baker Rosalind Miller is dressed with peonies and would be perfect as a standalone design or as part of a cake table. rosalindmillercakes.com

NAKED DELIGHT

Semi-naked cakes remain popular for more relaxed celebrations and Konditor & Cook makes fabulous designs that taste as good as they look.

We love the simple elegance of this three-tier sponge. konditorandcook.com

HIGH DRAMA

Add some drama to your dessert table with this lush black cake decorated with lush orchids. It’s part of a range of creative and bold designs by the super-talented team at Elegateau. elegateau.co.uk

F E S T I VA L F L AV O U R

With a festival flavour, this three-tier white cake is dressed with fresh flowers and was designed by the team at La Belle Cake Company. labellecakecompany.co.uk

ROSE DELIGHT

With a rose-dressed base and five fabulous tiers trimmed with romantic blooms, this impressive Heartbeat design is a perfect centrepiece. It’s designed by cakemaker The Frostery. thefrostery.co.uk

GOLD GLAMOUR

In classic white trimmed with gold, this design is by London artisan cakemaker Nicky’s Buttercup Bakery. Featuring multiple tiers, it is topped with pure white sugarcraft roses. nickysbuttercupbakery.co.uk

Sweet

LOVE

Seven creative ideas from some of our finest wedding cakemakers to ensure you and your guests indulge in sweet heaven

ROSE DELIGHT

Picking out bold wedding colours of yellow and black – and with a subtle flash of crystal – this smart design

by GC Couture features four elegant heart-shaped tiers. gccouture.co.uk

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

ABS_May19_Cakes PC LN.indd 103

103

25/04/2019 19:00

GETTING MARRIED?

BOTLEYS MANSION, SURREY

CAIN MANOR, SURREY-HAMPSHIRE BORDER

NOTLEY ABBEY, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE-OXFORDSHIRE BORDER

CHATEAU DU BIJOU, FRANCE

OPENING SOON – THE HARPER, NORTH NORFOLK

ELEGANT EXCLUSIVITY – BIJOU WEDDING VENUES

0345 130 9966 YO U R DAY @ BI J O UWEDDINGS. C O. UK BIJOUWEDDINGVENUES. C O. UK

BIJOU.indd 1 1979BIJadAbsoluteLondonGroupMay19v1.indd 1

16:19 05/04/2019 14:00

WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS

P R O N OV I A S

Form-fitting Higuera has a sleek off-theshoulder neckline with unusual cape sleeves that create a train effect. pronovias.com

ALEXANDRA GRECCO SUZANNE NEVILLE

Carmella has a fan-effect detail at the neckline, a striking architectural element to add the wow factor to a sleek gown. suzanneneville.com

Sharp

With a plunge neckline and bodycon shape, this design is by Alexandra Grecco. London stockist is The Wedding Club. thewedding-club.co.uk

CUT

WITH BOLD AND ANGULAR LINES FOR A STRONG SILHOUETTE, THESE EDGY AND REVEALING DESIGNS ARE PERFECT FOR THE MODERN MINIMALIST BRIDE

JUSTIN ALEXANDER S AVA N N A H MILLER

Nancy is an on-trend bridal jumpsuit with wide-leg trousers and a wrap-effect halter bodice with front split. savannahmiller.com

E N ZOA N I

A split-front bodice and graphic lace give this gown from the Beautiful collection a modern profile. enzoani.com

This gown by Justin Alexander has a flowing skirt and halter-effect bodice with twist detail at the neckline. justinalexander.com

J E N N Y YO O

With long sleeves and deep v front, this understated Blythe knit crepe gown is by New York bridal designer Jenny Yoo. jennyyoo.com

O S C A R D E L A R E N TA Utterly simple, this gown features a softly draped plunge bodice and neat belt detail. Stockists include The Wedding Gallery. oscardelarenta.com

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

ABS_May19_BTCool_PC LN.indd 105

105

25/04/2019 19:01

Unique weddings at Sunbeam Studios CEREMONIES

W E D D I N G S A N N I V E R SA R I E S E N GAG E M E N T PA RT I E S

AN INSPIRING LOC ATION WITH AN EXPERT TEAM BRINGING YOUR BES T IDEAS TO LIFE

Ladbroke Hall | London | W10 6AZ +44 (0)20 8962 3204 www.sunbeamstudios.com

• SUNBEAM.indd 1

16/07/2018 11:37

WEDDINGS • VENUES

London’s finest From chic boutique venues and landmark buildings to central London hotels, here’s our pick of the smartest party places in the capital

H U R LI N G H A M C LU B

A

dd enduring touches of classic English grace and heritage to your ceremony at the Hurlingham Club, set on 42 pristine acres of classic English landscape.

With extensive scenic grounds for photography—including emerald green croquet lawns, old growth trees, fragrant botanical gardens and the stately East Wing, the prestigious club offers a romantic fairytale event space. The wedding venue space can accommodate up to 800 guests and with the aid of The Hurlingham Club’s dedicated food and beverage team and expert event planning professionals, your day at this rarefied sanctuary of British prestige and tradition can be personalised to your specific needs. hurlinghamclub.org.uk/venue

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

Weddings_AW18_Venues London LN.indd 107

107

25/04/2019 19:03

STOKEPARK.indd 1

25/04/2019 11:14

WEDDINGS • VENUES

ROYA L FAVO U R

C

reated for royal parties, Banqueting House is one of the finest landmark settings in London, guaranteed to ensure your guests enjoy a memorable red-carpet occasion. It can host a dinner for over 350, with standing reception space for considerably more. The Main Hall with its romantic painted ceiling by Rubens is an unforgettable venue.

The vaulted Undercroft – once among the favoured drinking haunts of King James I – is equally atmospheric. Your personal event manager will guide you on accredited suppliers for catering, flowers, furniture and entertainment. hrp.org.uk

CAV E N D I S H S Q UA R E

N

o.11 Cavendish Square is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse offering a fabulous choice of spaces and a courtyard garden in an enviable location just around the corner from Oxford Circus. No.11 provides the perfect setting to host chic wedding celebrations, giving your day a sense of sophistication and distinguished elegance.

No.11 Cavendish Square offers an established and experienced wedding team; and the in-house caterers Dish deliver fine catering and great value for money. Whatever your style, there is a room that will meet the needs of your big day.

11cavendishsq.com

R OYA L S P LE N D O U R

H

ampton Court Palace’s stunning combination of Tudor and Baroque architecture and beautiful grounds make it a majestic setting for a grand or intimate wedding celebration. The Garden Room has its own private walled garden and plenty of space for dancing. For more intimate weddings (up to 89), the Little Banqueting House makes a stunning location. It features glorious murals by Antonio Verrio and views of the Thames. For larger evening weddings, some palace ceremonial rooms are available, including the sumptuous Tudor hammer-beamed Great Hall and the atmospheric wood-panelled Cartoon Gallery, where you can feast banquet style surrounded by works of art. hrp.org.uk

STO K E PA R K

F

or weddings, Stoke Park is a stunning backdrop to your perfect day. Situated only 35 minutes from Central London and within 300 acres of beautiful parkland, landscaped gardens and lakes, stands an imposing white Palladian Mansion.

Over 200 years old, the grand building is truly one of the most romantic settings for a marriage ceremony, civil partnership or wedding reception in the country. A star of the silver screen, not only does it make a picture perfect setting but as Britain’s leading 5 AA Red Star Hotel, Spa and Country Club, it offers undeniable luxury for your special day. stokepark.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

Weddings_AW18_Venues London LN.indd 109

109

25/04/2019 19:03

NO11.indd 1

24/04/2019 15:32

WEDDINGS • JEWELLERY TRENDS

SUSANNAH LOV I S

These morganite and diamond teardrop earrings in an 18ct gold setting are from Burlington Arcade jewellery specialist Susannah Lovis. £4,800 susannahlovis.com

LARA HEEMS These unusual silver drop earrings from costume jewellery specialist Lara Heems feature a spiral of cubic zircona with a turquoise ball. £230; laraheems.com

DE BEERS

LINKS OF LONDON

Classic diamond studs from De Beers are an elegant and understated wedding-day finishing touch.

Available in 0.30 and 0.70 carats, from £2,700; debeers.co.uk

From the Wholehearted collection, this Endless love 18ct rose gold vermeil bracelet features interlinked hearts. £450; linksoflondon.com

TROLLBEADS

Custom-create your own wedding-day tiara, choosing beads to match your style and wedding colours. Beads cost from £30 to £350. This design would cost from £160. trollbeads.com

ANNOUSHKA

Rose gold hoops studded with diamonds feature lovely tulip drops in lavender jade.

The drops can be removed from the hoops. £1,145; annoushka.com

Bridal B EST

Our pick of wedding-day finery, from ontrend golden hoops to flower jewels and a delicious wedding-day tiara G I O VA N N I RASPINI CHAUMET

Perfect for a summer bride, these delicate diamond and pink opal Hortensia Aube Rosée earrings are from Chaumet’s Jardins collection. POA; chaumet.com

Southern Sea earrings feature natural freshwater pearls in a coral-pattern silver setting. £210; giovanniraspini.com

SWEET PEA FINE JEWELLERY

Decadent Flapper Girl hoop earrings feature gold chains beaded with seed pearls, moonstones and golden balls, making them perfect for afterdark glitter. £1,025; sweetpeajewellery.com

KO H I N O O R JEWELLERS

These elegant lemon quartz and green amethyst earrings are by Kohinoor Jewellers. £2,000; kohinoorjewellers.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

Weddings_SS19_Wedding_Jewels_PC LN.indd 111

111

26/04/2019 13:58

Your Biggest Day. The Smallest Details.

Delighting guests since 1865, The Langham, London continues to set the standard for luxury hotels in the capital. With its unique ‘Private Dining by Roux’ concept in partnership with Michel Roux Jr, genuine service and attention to detail in the lavish surroundings of The Grand Ballroom, The Langham, London will be the setting for your happiest memories.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1JA T 44 (0) 20 7636 1000 langhambrides.co.uk

LANGHAM.indd 1 Weddings Ad Nov18.indd 1 Langham Absolutely

25/09/2018 25/09/2018 13:02 12:55

HOW TO

work it

Romantic

WEDDINGS • TRENDS

Ines di Santo’s romantic dress features a flowing skirt and fabulous balloon sleeves with frills below the shoulder and ruffles at the wrist. inesdisanto.com

RUFFLES Ruffles and frills are adding a flirtatious twist to bridal in 2019, featuring on skirts, sleeves and glamorous redcarpet accessories

R

uffles and frills have been a recurring theme on the bridal runways of London, New York and Barcelona, cropping up on everything from frothy skirts to flyaway sleeves. You’ll even find them on bags and elegant bridal heels. Whether you want to add an ethereal or flirtatious edge, they are a brilliant way to add flow and movement – and an element of romantic drama – to your weddingday ensemble.

Awon Golding’s Lover veil in ruffled tulle with ivory blooms. £380; awongolding.com

Jimmy Choo Cloud suede clutch with ruffle. £1,595; jimmychoo.com

Di Hassall Amarine peep toes with organza ruffles. £290; dianehassall.com

Savin London’s signature ruffled skirt was paired with a bustier-style bodice and chic wedding coat on the London Bridal Week runway. savinlondon.com

Reem Acra’s ethereal bridal collection includes this gown with flounced skirt paired to crystal-trimmed bodice. UK stockists include The Wedding Gallery. reemacra.com

Cymbeline’s flirty wedding gown features a longline lace bodice and ornate flounced skirt. Cymbeline stockists include Mirror Mirror London. mirrormirror.uk.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

Abs_May19_How to Ruffles_PC LN.indd 113

113

25/04/2019 19:04

GROUNDS FOR CELEBRATION AC C O M M O DAT I O N

|

C E L E B R AT I O N S

|

WEDDINGS

|

C O R P O R AT E R E T R E AT S

Battel Hall is a truly unique medieval property on the edge of the Leeds Castle estate.

For the first time in its long history, this charming and newly renovated manor house has opened its doors for bookings. Ideally suited to group gatherings with friends or family, intimate weddings and corporate retreats.

Within easy reach of London, for further enquiries or to book please call 01622 767877 or email battelhall@leeds-castle.co.uk battelhall.leeds-castle.com

29191 LC Battel Hall ad 134x190mm.indd 1

04/03/2019 14:04

FS.indd 1

24/04/2019 15:49

• PCL HALVES/QUARTERS.indd 4

26/04/2019 10:50

Banqueting House hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house 020 3166 6000 Botleys Mansion bijouweddingvenues.co.uk 0345 130 9966 Cain Manor bijouweddingvenues.co.uk 0345 130 9966 No 11 Cavendish Square 11cavendishsq.com 020 7307 2474 Hampton Court Palace hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace 020 3166 6000

Notley Abbey bijouweddingvenues.co.uk 0345 130 9966 Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel stokepark.com 01753 71 71 71 Sunbeam Studios sunbeamstudios.com 020 8962 8690 Tower of London hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london 020 3166 6000

GIFTS BagPad bagpad.co.uk 07954 935624

Hever Castle hevercastle.co.uk 01732 865 224

Prezola prezola.com 0800 488 0082

Hurlingham Club hurlinghamclub.org.uk 020 7610 7400

Pullman Editions pullmaneditions.com 020 7730 0547

Kensington Palace hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace 020 3166 6000

The Wedding Shop weddingshop.com 020 7384 8400

Langham Hotel langhamhotels.com 020 7636 1000

BEAUT Y

Leeds Castle leeds-castle.com 01622 765 400

Coco Nail Bar coconailbar.com 020 7243 1113

FA S H I O N The Couture Gallery thecouturegallery.com 020 7792 3100 Emmy London emmylondon.com 020 7704 0012 Onitaa onitaa.co.uk 020 3689 5927 Sassi Holford sassiholford.com 020 7584 1532

JEWELLERY Michael Platt michaelplatt.co.uk 020 8947 4772 Harriet Kelsall hkjewellery.co.uk 020 3886 0757 Preston Diamonds prestonsdiamonds.co.uk 01483 454091 Philippe Pfeiffer Jewellery Ltd philippepfeiffer.com 020 7377 9722

All the contacts you need when preparing for your big day

VENUES

WEDDINGS DIRECTORY

WEDDINGS • DIRECTORY

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

ABS_May19_directory.indd 115

115

26/04/2019 09:31

DISCOVERMORE

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

Open Days

Our state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre

November 1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) November 15th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) November 29th (9.30am)

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

KHS.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

19/11/2018 14:07

TRAVEL

LEAVE NO TRACE

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Long haul travel doesn't have to be an enviroment crime.

We seek out places that offer sustainable experiences, such as Silversands Grenada on the glittering shores of Grand Anse Beach, pictured.

Sustainable travel 118 • Barbados with toddlers in tow 122 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_Travel_Opener.indd 117

117

25/04/2019 19:06

GREEN FINGERS

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO, PHILIPPINES

Green SCENE Recycling, reusing and reducing their impact on the environment, these eco-friendly and sustainable hotels are doing their bit to help the world Wo r d s H E L E N B R OW N

118

Silversands Grenada, Caribbean Opened in December 2018, Silversands Grenada offers guests a chic, luxury and sustainability-led experience on the glittering shores of Grand Anse Beach. The resort has committed to supporting the Grenadian community by partnering with GRENROP (Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers), which provides farming jobs to single mothers on Grenada. The majority of fruit and veg for Silversands’ two restaurants come through the initiative, giving female growers guaranteed monthly financial benefits.  Rates at Silversands Grenada start from approx. £609 per night; silversandsgrenada.com

RURAL VOLUNTEERING

Nihi Sumba, Indonesia Sumba is a hauntingly beautiful Indonesian island 250 miles southeast of Bali - twice the size, yet undiscovered by mass tourism.

Nihi Sumba is the only resort on the island, comprising 28 villas that blend into the resort’s lush environment. Philanthropy is at its core, with a chunk of profits channelled into The Sumba Foundation. As part of their stay, guests are encouraged to volunteer with foundation, which works to minimise poverty across the island. The foundation has had an incredible impact

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

ABS_May19_SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL.indd 118

25/04/2019 19:06

TRAVEL • SUSTAINABILITY

Manila, Philippines. A pioneer when it comes to delicious, organic, vegan cuisine, The Farm is home to award-winning Alive!

Restaurant – one of Asia’s first and finest restaurants offering vegan cuisine. Alive! serves delicious, innovative vegan dishes using ingredients predominantly grown on-site, saving the transportation of food to the resort.  Rates at The Farm start from approx. £262 per night; thefarmatsanbenito.com

SUSTAINABLE SPLENDOR SILVERSANDS GRENADA, CARIBBEAN

off-the-beaten track group of six tropical islands in the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.

The stunning eco-resort combines high-end design with sustainability and a “back-tonature” concept, pioneering eco-friendly practices such as solar water heating, water desalination systems and fortnightly cleaning of its beaches. The resort has also set up a nursery to repopulate the islands’ forests and created a 500sqm permaculture garden. It recently announced the launch of Bawah Anambas Foundation (BAF), an independent charity aiming to protect and improve the overall ecosystem of the Anambas, by preserving land, sea and local community.  Rates at Bawah Reserve start from approx. £1515.65 per night; bawahreserve.com

NIHI SUMBA, INDONESIA

since its creation in 2001, reducing malaria infection rates by more than 93 per cent, with 360 students now trained in WHO Malaria Training. In 2008, the Nihi team launched their School Lunch Programme, encouraging guests to volunteer at the local school where they can serve the students lunch and spend valuable time learning more about the island’s rural villages.  Rates at Nihi Sumba start from approx. £1,627 per night based; nihi.com

VEGAN ACTION

Six Senses Krabey Island One of the latest outposts from the sensational Six Senses group, Six Senses Krabey Island draws upon the brand’s commitment of providing top-tier facilities wedded to environmental responsibility.

Both resort and spa have been brilliantly designed to blend into their surroundings using local sustainable materials. As with all Six Senses resorts, there is an on-site water bottling plant providing drinking water in reusable glass bottles. The resort takes a proactive approach within the local community by supporting the education of disadvantaged youth through social projects within the local Khmer communities. What’s more, the marine ecosystem surrounding the island is looked after through projects to support and promote coral propagation and sea-plant growth.  Rates at Six Senses Krabey Island start from approx. £408; sixsenses.com

BAWAH RESERVE, INDONESIA

The Farm at San Benito, Philippines Veganism is said to be the single biggest way to reduce environmental impact on the earth and The Farm at San Benito puts this at the forefront of its values. The Farm is the original eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort located in Lipa, Batangas, a 90-minute drive south of

SIX SENSES KRABEY ISLAND

BACK TO NATURE

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia Made up of six private islands, 13 beaches and three lagoons, and accessible only by private seaplane, Bawah Reserve is an A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL.indd 119

119

25/04/2019 19:07

RESINDRIVES.indd 1

26/03/2019 15:43

TRAVEL • SUSTAINABILITY SINGITA SERENGETI HOUSE, TANZANIA

Branches are cut in a controlled way and only fallen flowers can be used for decoration GOLD STANDARD

Knai Bang Chatt, Cambodia Once a 1960s escape for the elite, Knai Bang Chatt offers cultural and coastal holidaying in Kep National Park. Knai Bang Chatt is the only hotel in Cambodia to be recognised as internationally sustainable and has been certified Platinum to the Green Growth 2050 Global Standard. A Sustainability Manager is on site to ensure that this benchmark of excellence is upheld and educational sustainability tours are offered to all guests. Knai Bang Chatt also give back to their local community and environment, supporting several initiatives including the ‘Hand in Hand’ Cambodia socio-economic empowerment project.

Over a number of years, the Hand in Hand initiative has invested nearly $1million to improve education, health and livelihood

SIX SENSES LAAMU, THE MALDIVES

KNAI BANG CHATT, CAMBODIA

opportunities for over 600 million families in the neighbouring village.  Rates at Knai Bang Chatt start from approx. £140 per night; knaibangchatt.com

DAMAGE CONTROL

Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives Worldwide, human damage to natural habitats is an increasingly global concern, with the Maldives on heightened alert.

Six Senses Laamu is a gorgeous resort, with sustainable practices like no other. It implements a ‘non-interference’ approach, with much of the island’s flora, fauna and reefs having survived for millions of years without the interruption of mankind.

Damage avoidance was imperative to Six Senses, with buildings designed to minimise any damage to the lagoon and branches cut in a controlled way - so that plant matter can decompose and only fallen flowers can be used for decoration. The resort also runs incredible initiatives including restoring local coral reefs, removing shrimp and prawns from customer menus and conservation efforts to protect the turtles.  Rates at Six Senses Laamu start from approx. £659 based on two sharing a Lagoon Water Villa; sixsenses.com

REALLY WILD SHOW

Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania Travellers serious about conservation and philanthropy will feel right at home with Singita. Singita is one of Africa’s leading conservation brands, which not only pioneers anti-poaching tactics, but also brings new meaning to privacy, with over 350,000-acres of private concession in Tanzania for guests’ exclusive use. Located in the Singita Grumeti concession, considered one of the greatest conservation success stories in Africa, Singita Serengeti House is designed for exclusive use and is ideal for those seeking a relaxed freedom far from prying eyes. Guests can enjoy sundowners at one of Singita’s highflying anti-poaching observation points and meet the anti-poaching task force for a first-hand insight into the new era of tactics Singita have introduced to combat wildlife poaching. Formerly made up of several hunting concessions, there were virtually no animals left in the area when Singita took over the reserve and even the migration avoided the area. 15 years on, the turnaround has been extraordinary. Results include a four-fold increase in wildlife numbers since 2003.  Rates at Singita Serengeti House start from approx. £4785.63 per night on an exclusive-use basis; singita.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

ABS_May19_SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL.indd 121

121

30/04/2019 15:44

THE FAIRMONT ROYAL PAVILION RESORT FROM THE AIR

Paradise FOUND Helen Baron seeks an answer to winter woes on Barbados’ Platinum Coast

T

he answer to the long London winters, if you’re lucky, is a winter sun holiday to top up your vitamin D and remind you of the pleasures of the open air. A week or two somewhere hot and beautiful will keep the wolves of winter misery at bay... right?

A long-haul flight with a couple of preschoolers cannot, however tiring, be as bad as a British winter completely unleavened by something – or more precisely somewhere – lighter, brighter and more beautiful. So we consider our options.

Where can we go that offers (a) reliably great weather, (b) family-friendly things to do and (c) a direct flight with a duration less than nine hours?

The answer is... not many places.

Everywhere with serious sun in January or February (plus beautiful beaches and no ongoing war or murder epidemic) is ten or more hours away. In the end, only one destination appears to tick all the boxes: Barbados.

122

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

Abs_May19_Barbados.indd 122

We weren’t sure at first. Barbados seemed aimed at older generations. Many of the hotels and private villas we looked at online – even some very famous and nominally luxurious ones – left a lot to be desired in terms of decor and design.

Not that it mattered in the end. The fear of flying for longer than a full working day with a couple of small sociopaths did not diminish. We chose a hotel, booked flights and took a deep, deep breath.

Spoiler alert: it all worked out.

We just about made it through the flights.

Things got very hairy in the final thirty minutes outbound, and our older daughter didn’t sleep for about 36 consecutive hours coming back. But it was doable, even with kids as active and intractable as ours.

And what came between made it very worthwhile.

The first thing to say is that Barbados itself is sublime. It’s a small island, so you can get around it super easy in a hire car, and they drive on the left, so there’s not even that initial period of awkward adjustment. It’s also well-maintained in relation to some of its neighbours, with AL FRESCO DINING ON THE FAIRMONT’S TERRACE

25/04/2019 19:08

TRAVEL • LONG HAUL

THE SUITE’S BEACH TERRACE WITH A VIEW OF THE SEA

“The beaches – all of which are public by law – are numerous, pristine and often world-beatingly beautiful”

clean streets, clear signposting and lots of shops and services.

Admittedly, it’s highly developed: no vast tracts of untouched jungle here. But the beaches – all of which are public by law – are numerous, pristine and often world-beatingly beautiful.

The general atmosphere is upbeat and the people are incredibly friendly – in fact, there’s a sense (confirmed to us by several locals) that the economic inequalities here are less pronounced than on other Caribbean islands, which makes for lower rates of crime and social unrest. Everyone also seems to love kids, so you don’t have to apologise as much as you might elsewhere.

Our overall impression was of general convenience and resounding good vibes.

Speaking of good vibes, we also turned out to be extremely fortunate in our choice of hotel.

We stayed at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, one of the oldest resorts on the island, positioned in a sweet spot halfway up the western (or ‘platinum’) coast.

The Fairmont was built before regulations were introduced prohibiting development too close to the beach, so it occupies an enviable spot right on the sand. We stayed in a beachfront suite: 650 square feet of newly refurbished space with a superking bed for us, double sofa-bed for the kids and a private terrace overlooking the strand. Waking each morning to the pale gleam of the sun on the sea was an

experience bettered only by viewing the same panorama at dusk, when the ebbing light swept the water with deepening shades of gold and rose. Our littles walked the dimming sand collecting fragments of coral and shell while we sipped margaritas and gazed in utter contentment. It did us the world of good.

It’s no exaggeration to say that, following recent renovations, the Fairmont is probably the most stylish and luxurious hotel on the island. Residents of beachfront suites benefit from a dedicated butler service, all manner of extra treats – the children loved the daily delivery of macaroons, while we grown-ups appreciated the free wi-fi and amazing buffet breakfasts – and, of course, access to the beach so direct it’s not even a stone’s throw away.

There’s also an exquisite garden teeming with palms and green monkeys, plus tennis courts, a beach club offering free watersports and turtle tours, three restaurants and a perfectly-sized pool,

where our elder daughter learned to swim unaided for the first time. We heard that they’re planning to introduce a kids club, which would make the whole thing even more perfect, if that’s possible. And right next door – reachable via a short walk up the beach – is the Lone Star restaurant, one of the best on the island, where you can dine while your little ones play on the sand.

The Fairmont is also ideally situated for exploring further afield. The buzzing nightlife of St Lawrence Gap is 15 minutes’ drive away, while another five minutes takes you to the happy crowds of Oistins fish fry.

Back north and closer to the Fairmont there’s luxury shopping at the Limegrove mall and the world-famous Sandy Lane golf course, while we also enjoyed a day lounging at the Boatyard in Bridgetown (the island’s capital), with its beach-party vibe, sea trampolines and jetty-jumping.

We discovered some great cafes and restaurants on the picturesque Hastings boardwalk – notably the Artsplash Centre, with its huge children’s playground, and the Blue Pineapple, home of amazing veggie options and killer cocktails. Best, though, was the boat ride we took on our penultimate morning, organised by the hotel’s watersports team, which saw us tour the insanely picturesque coastline with a local captain before swimming with wild sea turtles in crystalline waters.

Memories like that don’t fade. And they definitely helped us to stay positive on the red-eye flight home…

Rates for the Fairmont start from $468 and are per room, per night, based on double occupancy in a Luxury Oceanfront inclusive of BB, Fast Track and once per stay afternoon tea fairmont.com

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

Abs_May19_Barbados.indd 123

123

30/04/2019 15:46

AUSTRIA

GALAPAGOS

AZORES

GOZO

BORNEO

CROATIA

PORTUGAL

SLOVENIA

MOMENTS SHARED, EXPERIENCES LIVED! This summer, pick Activities Abroad for your family-approved adventure and spend your time creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Hear the kids screech in delight as you navigate the rapids on a rafting adventure; watch as your family dive into the sea and explore a mystical underwater world; join an expert and wander through rainforests to encounter some of the world’s most fascinating animals; or simply, enjoy stopping for ice-cream and soaking up local sights on a bike ride!

BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER 2019 ACTIVITIESABROAD.COM OR CALL 01670 333 091 AA.indd 1

03/01/2019 16:26

littledippers.co.uk

01273 229390

Teaching young babies key water safety techniques in a fun and nurturing environment. As well as great exercise building physical and cognitive skills, it’s a great opportunity to have special bonding time with your baby.

Classes take place in the warm water pool at the The London School of Diving with a max of 7 babies in a class.

Free Trial Sessions Available at the London School of Diving’s warm water pool in Chiswick LITTLEDIPPERS_V1.indd 1

• Chis Half/Quarters.indd 2

21/01/2019 16:33

19/02/2019 09:54

T

his Georgian townhouse dates back to the 1740s, when it was a gentleman’s residence. Converted to a hotel in the 1930s, it was bought recently by hoteliers Peter and Lana de Savary and offers old-fashioned comfort and English country cosiness, with a stylish, contemporary edge. Staff are friendly and professional. A series of potting shed cabins are currently being built in the charming walled garden to provide additional accommodation.

The Area

S

herborne is the ancient capital of Dorset; it’s a pretty town near the Somerset border known for its medieval Abbey and castle. It’s just under an hour’s drive to the beautiful Jurassic coastline, while The Haynes Motor Museum and the Fleet Air Arm Museum are within easy reach.

We spend an enjoyable afternoon at the motor museum with its vast collection of classic cars (and good cake in the cafe too).

The Food

The Rooms

W

e are tucked away upstairs in comfortable connecting rooms, perfect for families. There are huge, comfortable beds and luxurious blankets along with toiletries from the White Company, fluffy towels and robes, a nespresso machine and a fantastic shower plus two vast televisions. We appreciated the welcoming carafe of sloe gin.

T

weekend

The Hotel

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

he Eastbury’s awardwinning Seasons restaurant is headed up by chef Matthew Street (former Masterchef finalist and local hero) and his kitchen is serious and ambitious. Dubbed the Best Hotel Restaurant in Dorset again in 2019, it’s proud of its entry in A Taste of the West Country. Highlights of our dinner include Devon crab salad and poached salmon in coconut broth – there’s also a seven course tasting menu.

THE EASTBURY HOTEL DORSET

By P E N D L E H A RT E

English country house charm, contemporary comfort and excellent food THE EASTBURY HOTEL Rooms start from £195 B&B theeastburyhotel.co.uk

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

ABS_May19_UK Getaway.indd 125

125

25/04/2019 19:09

HH.indd 1

14/01/2019 14:47

KIDS & EDUCATION

SOFT TOUCH MINIMALISMA

Minimalisma use only the most luxurious materials like cashmere, silk or merino wool for their designs. Pieces are made to be breathable and stretchable with no side seams; perfect for active babies and children. shop.minimalisma.com

Small Talk 129 ¡ Mini Rodini 132 ¡ Education 137 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

May19_Kids_Opener.indd 127

127

25/04/2019 19:10

‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

“My time at Dallington has helped me to grow in body, mind and soul – this is something that I am immeasurably grateful for. Dallington has given me a push in the direction of success and I am thankful for all they have done.

I will do the best I can to repay them, the best I can, by leading an honest and dignified life.” - Nick (Year 6 pupil) Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 16th May 2019 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher: Maria Blake Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

USE.indd 1

25/04/2019 17:23

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

BRAND FOCUS

CHINA GIRL WA N D E R A N D WO N D E R

Hong Kong brand Wander and Wonder's new collection is designed in collaboration with young textile and graphic designer Yuk Yee and is a riot of happy, playful prints and embroidery. Think peacocks, bold sunshine colours, guitars, florals, tacos and Frida (of course). wander-n-wonder.com

SUNUVA

W

SMALL TALK Summer matters: tassels and trims, belly boards and stylish swimwear

DRUMMER TOTS SCHOOL OF RHYTHM

Drumming is fun yet challenging, a highly energetic and uplifting activity which boosts self-confidence as well as instilling inner calm. It improves coordination and the ability to focus. International drummer Dominique Pizzinat runs the School of Rhythm in Penge, focusing on drumming lesssons for all ages. schoolofrhythm.com

GET ON BOARD

EDITOR’S PICK

hen Emily and Sabrina met on holiday with their children, they bonded over what they both agreed was a lack of stylish swimwear for tots in British stores.

Together they devised Sunuva, a brand dedicated not only to fun and fashion but also to sun protection.

Sunuva's rash vests, swim shorts, bikinis and swimsuits are all created using a premium Italian fabric that provides 50+ UPF defence against 97% of the sun's harmful rays. It's a luxurious, comfortable fabric and Sunuva designs new prints every season, making the collections quirky, colourful and wearable.

With cute complementary colours for siblings, the range includes swimsuits, shorts and bikinis as well as rash vests, surf suits and kaftans.

Your little ones' entire summer wardrobes, in fact. sunuva.com

HEAD SPACE

DICK PEARCE B E L LY B OA R D S

S O P H I E ' S WO R L D

Handmade in Cornwall, Dick Pearce wooden bellyboards support the strong tradition of riding waves on wood – and there are mini versions for tots too, including this pretty two-tone, unicorn-themed one.

This intriguing book sets out to draw teenagers into the world of Socrates, Descartes, Spinoza, Hegel and all the great philosophers. A beautiful new Folio Society edition features illustrations by Sandra Rilova.

 dickpearce.com

 foliosociety.com

by Jostein Gaarder

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

ABS_May19_Kids_Notes 2.indd 129

129

25/04/2019 19:12

EDUCATION • OPINION

FIRMLY GROUNDED: JAG’S STUDENTS

REAL

Sally-Anne Huang, Headmistress of James Allen’s Girls’ School, on her highly successful social media campaign

I

t’s impossible to listen to the news these days without hearing stories about the mental health crisis amongst young people. Schools, universities and doctors are all acutely aware of the increased number of reported cases and are also keen to explain the cause of the problem. It seems that social media is an easy target.

A relatively new phenomenon, it can often be blamed for all sorts of evil.

From my own perspective, I think social media can do a lot of good.

It helps people to connect, stay in touch and share ideas. Many of the teenagers I know use it to sustain friendships and plan fuller lives. I do tend to think the line of ‘total evil which should be banned’ has Luddite overtones and merely indicates the failure of one generation to

130

understand another. However, I do recognise we all have a tendency to portray only the best of ourselves online. For teenagers, this pressure seems much worse. In a world of filters, they pick only the very best images of themselves to post – often counting the likes and being offended if people don’t comment positively or follow back. Any one individual participating is then on the receiving end of other carefully curated accounts where everyone is seen in the right light from the right angle and is having a great time with their many friends. Real life, as it is really lived, with grey clouds, slight discomfort and bad hair days, never gets a look in. It stands to reason that, if you are forever pursuing a false, edited ideal, mental health and real happiness will often be sacrificed.

“My posts reveal the less-thanperfect moments in my day”

KEEPING IT

We get told that teachers are role models to the young people in our schools. I’m not sure that extends entirely to headteachers but, in any case, I have tried to do things differently for a little while. For the past few months I have been posting with the tag #headteachersreallife, photos and comments which reveal the less than perfect moments in my day. Don’t worry – I haven’t gone for the really tragic or depressing, but you might have seen untidy desks, missed trains and sad looking lunches. I am astounded by the response, and have enjoyed seeing other heads from across the country embracing the hashtag.

Tweets have ranged from one head being stung on the foot by a bee in his sock to another admitting to insomnia before the start of term.

The response from the national media has also been overwhelming, and the campaign has seen coverage in the Evening Standard, iNews and the BBC. The girls who have spoken about the hashtag say that they have enjoyed seeing aspects of my daily life and found comfort in the fact that I have mishaps too. They do feel that it makes me seem more approachable.

Similarly, I take comfort in the tweets from other heads who also admit to having bad days.

There’s always the pressure when you’re growing up to think that you’re the only one that has any problems. It takes confidence to admit that not everything in your day has gone as you might have liked it to go. For me, there’s great mental health in being able to say that and in being able to laugh at it. If we believe that striving for an impossibly perfect ideal to match those edited online lives is making our students ill, then we should at least offer a more realistic alternative.

SALLY-ANNE HUANG Headmistress James Allen's Girls' School

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

AbsMay19_ TH_Jags.indd 130

25/04/2019 19:12

LYCEUM.indd 1

26/04/2019 10:38

ALL IMAGES FROM MINI RODINI'S SS19 COLLECTIONS

132

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

ABS_May19_MINI RODINI CASSANDRA.indd 132

25/04/2019 19:13

KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

CASSANDRA RHODIN

S U S T A I N A B L E

S T Y L E Absolutely meets Cassandra Rhodin, founder of Mini Rodini Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

CASSANDRA RHODIN

N

ewly opened in Westbourne Grove is Mini Rodini’s first stand-alone shop in the UK. The Swedish brand has a cult following in its home country as well as a large fan base in – perhaps surprisingly – South Korea.

Now in its 13th year, the brand was founded by illustrator Cassandra Rhodin and has grown organically through Instagram as well as through celebrity support (Orlando Bloom and Penelope Cruz are fans). The brand has a strong focus on sustainability and participates in a living wage scheme at every stage of the production process – and its quirky prints, bright colours and soft fabrics make it a popular one for parents as well as tots.

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

ABS_May19_MINI RODINI CASSANDRA.indd 133

133

25/04/2019 19:13

ST JAMES.indd 1

11/04/2019 11:52

KIDS & EDUCATION • PROFILE

I DREW THIS COLLECTION WHILE I WAS ON A TROPICAL ISLAND WITH A HIGH FEVER What made you start Mini Rodini?

I was working as a fashion illustrator when I had my son, but I felt ambivalent about the fashion industry. I was quite lonely - I was a young parent and had no friends with children, and I hated waiting for work. I was frustrated that children’s clothes were so gendered – all boys’ clothes had cars on them; all girls’ clothes were pink.

How did you begin?

I have always been into drawing and I always produce lots of illustrations. I wanted to make clothes that children would want to wear, with fantasy and playfulness.

Not miniature versions of adult clothes.

And what about the brand’s focus on sustainability?

I was never interested in conventional production. I didn’t want to go into

this dirty industry, but now I have 100 employees and we’re part of a living wages programme, because sustainability’s not just about nature – it’s also a social thing.

All our cotton is organic and we don’t use factories in Cambodia or Bangladesh. Also, we focus on making our clothes last longer they are designed to be handed down. In the new shop we will have an area where you can trade in your old pieces.

Mini Rodini pieces have become very collectible - how do they change hands?

In Sweden, there are actually Facebook groups dedicated to collecting rare pieces and past collections! That happened organically.

Where do you find inspiration for your drawings?

The current collection is called Tropical Island – I drew it while I was on a tropical island with a very high fever, so it’s a Paracetamol-inspired fantasy. The prints include a monkey playing Madonna on a boombox, bananas wearing sunglasses and crocodiles lurking.

MINI RODINI minirodini.com

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

ABS_May19_MINI RODINI CASSANDRA.indd 135

135

25/04/2019 19:13

BH.indd 1

09/04/2019 13:26

EDUCATION • OPINION

Confidence

BUILDING

C

oding, abseiling, singing carols to tourists, cooking paella, broadcasting the news, negotiating with French market-stallholders, goal-shooting challenges – Bassett House children take it all in their stride. Education is about building character and resilience, in and out of the classroom, so we give each child the academic skills to succeed, but also expose them to as many other positive experiences as we can.

Providing a broad and challenging curriculum is the best way to spark children’s natural curiosity about life. Exciting classroom activities develop new skills, but the best schools also provide a rich and varied

extra-curricular and enrichment programme, including clubs and residential trips. These are crucial to a child’s personal development.

Our wide range of clubs give children life skills; they can hone their sporting or creative talent or learn something new, such as producing their own newspaper or radio programme.

Clubs such as chess, fencing and cooking teach concrete skills, but also develop softer skills such as teamwork and problem solving. Children learn to organise themselves for a task, developing a sense of independence and selfreliance.

Children need strong emotional development in order to counter the challenges life presents. Extracurricular activities help children to develop their social skills and

“Extra-curricular activities help children develop social skills and have a more confident approach – they also improve their mental health”

Head of Bassett House School Philippa Cawthorne says that lessons both inside and outside the classroom are key to building a confident outlook

have a more confident approach to working with others. They also improve children’s mental health.

The earlier we provide access to a world of stimulating new activities the better. Studies have shown that young people who take up extra activities are less likely to suffer from depression: it is always good to shake a leg or two, paint, sing, write, or try something new.

Bassett House’s challenging residential trips combine these benefits. On their first residential trip, simply sleeping away from home gives children greater independence.

Our older pupils gain self-confidence on our popular sailing and bushcraft trips, when they successfully manage to rig and sail a boat or build a shelter and sleep in it. Orienteering through the Normandy countryside gets our Year 6 children working together and speaking French.

Nobody knows what new jobs will exist in the future; very few people will have a job for life. We must help our young people become flexible, creative thinkers who can use their initiative to solve problems but also work well with others. Our aim is for each child to leave the school with a solid core of confidence and skills for life, and to remember their years at Bassett with joy.

PHILIPPA CAWTHORNE

Headmistress Bassett House School

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

ABS_May19_TH Bassett Hse PC.indd 137

137

25/04/2019 19:15

HCA.indd 1

18/04/2019 10:47

EDUCATION • OPINION BRAMPTON COLLEGE STUDENTS

SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES For teenagers, the pressure to fit in can strongly affect them academically and emotionally. A new school which places an emphasis on wellbeing can provide a fresh start. A sixth-form college also offers a great opportunity to make new friends as everybody is new and there are no existing and long-established friendship groups.

SCHOOL ETHOS

TIMING is all Bernard Canetti, the Principal at Brampton College, on moving your teenager to a new school

F

or those who haven’t yet settled at school, the New Year can be a tough time. Whether it’s down to academic difficulties, struggling to make friends or simply not feeling challenged, being unsettled at school will often spill out into a teenager’s personal life. It leads to changes in behaviour such as underachieving academically, not wanting to go to school, a drop in motivation or even apathy.

For parents it can be difficult to know when a problem is normal teenage behaviour or something more. Changing school is a big decision. If your child is unhappy or unmotivated, however, moving school for their final year or their entire sixth form can be the best boost to getting a young person back on track. Preparing early and looking at schools in the New Year will help ensure you’re adequately prepared for a move come September. To help you make the right decision you may want to consider the following:

“Sixth form is a crucial time, it should be marked by subject specialism” IS YOUR CHILD BEING STRETCHED ACADEMICALLY? Some schools have more rigorous academic standards than others, while some put greater emphasis on helping struggling students achieve their personal academic aspirations. Focusing on just the highest and lowest achievers can be a problem for many children who fall in the middle bracket and can get lost amid a class of 20 or more. Those who could have been pushed to attain A or even A* grades may not gain the grades they are capable of achieving.

Sometimes the overall ethos of a student’s current school may just not be right. At Brampton we often meet students who feel their current school is at odds with their own targets. These same students often comment that they feel a lack of individual attention and care, one student told us he felt like ‘just another number’. If your child is experiencing similar feelings it’s possibly time to consider a move.

ACADEMIC STRUGGLES We also meet students who have experienced too much academic pressure to succeed, which becomes detrimental to their confidence. It is often the case that a student has the ability and intelligence to do well but just hasn’t been adequately supported. Students may lack confidence in their current school’s academic provision or the quality of teaching may be inconsistent – for example too many changes of teachers or the absence of rapport and trust. Often teachers are simply not accessible enough.

Ultimately, sixth form is a crucial time in a student’s life – a time of significant development which should be marked by subject specialism, increased responsibility and leadership opportunities with a view to life beyond school. If these opportunities aren’t being offered, another school may be a better fit. Ensuring that your teenager gains their A-Levels at a school which adequately supports them emotionally and academically is the best route to ensuring they succeed with the next step on their academic path.

BERNARD CANETTI Principal Brampton College

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

Abs_May19_EDUCATION 2.indd 139

139

25/04/2019 19:16

ABELS.indd 1

28/09/2018 09:21

PROPERTY

LANSDOWNE CRESCENT W11

PRICE ON APPLICATION

fantastic opportunity to create the ultimate Notting Hill family home with direct access to communal gardens. This handsome Grade II listed building offers incoming purchasers the opportunity to acquire the freehold interest with vacant possession. The property is currently arranged as five separate apartments, and with the necessary consent(s) has the ability to create the ultimate family house.

A

KNIGHT FRANK Notting Hill 020 7229 0229 nottinghill@knightfrank.com

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

PCL_May19_PFC.indd 141

141

26/04/2019 13:22

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Westgate Terrace, Chelsea SW10 A wonderful stucco fronted period conversion at garden level.

• • • •

1

A spacious south west facing garden Benefiting from a bespoke kitchen An abundance of natural light Approximately 928 sq ft (86.21 sq m)

2

2

1

Robert French looks forward to helping you. robert.french@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,200,000 Share of freehold

020 8128 9743

Paultons Street, Chelsea SW3 This is an exceptional low built double fronted house that is 26 ft wide.

• • • •

1

An incredibly rare double fronted house There is a cinema room and wine cellar Located in the heart of Chelsea Approximately 3,657 sq ft (339.74 sq m)

5

4

3

James Pace looks forward to helping you. james.pace@knightfrank.com

Guide price £8,500,000 Freehold

020 8128 9743

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

KF.indd 1

26/04/2019 10:17

A beautiful Victorian terrace family house.

1

4

2

2

3

2

Victoria Gardens, Notting Hill W11 A lovely house offering excellent family accommodation and a fantastic private garden. Victoria Gardens is a quiet street just off Notting Hill Gate. It has great communication links to the West End and City via the London Underground.

• • • •

Emily Ramsay looks forward to helping you. emily.ramsay@knightfrank.com 020 8115 3620

Extensively refurbished retaining a period charm Master bedroom with luxurious en suite bathroom Floor to ceiling windows which flood the house with natural light Approximately 1,726 sq ft (160 sq m)

Guide price

£2,850,000

Freehold knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

KF.indd 2

26/04/2019 10:17

Homes to rent in Fulham.

New Kings Road, Fulham SW6

Stevenage Road, Fulham SW6

1

1

A unique four bedroom lateral 5,000sqft Penthouse apartment, with views over Eel Brook Common.

Guide price £6,500 per week

Rainsborough Square, Fulham SW6

1

A stunning family home finished, offering the perfect accommodation to living space balance.

Guide price £2,750 per week

Ackmar Road, Fulham SW6

Wonderful, bright and contemporary 4 bedroom town house with large garden in an exclusive gated square.

6

4

3

Whittingstall Mansions, Fulham SW6

Guide price £2,250 per week

Vera Road, Fulham SW6

1

1

1

A stunning family home refurbished to the highest standard, with excellent accommodation to living space balance.

A stylish, newly-refurbished apartment in a popular mansion block on a quiet residential street in Parsons Green.

A stunning terraced house in a prime location which provides very spacious living area and accommodation.

Guide price £1,800 per week

Guide price £450 per week

Guide price £900 per week

Burnthwaite Road, Fulham SW6

Ryecroft Street, Fulham SW6

Farm Lane, Fulham SW6

1

1

1

A contemporary four bedroom mews house located within a private gated development.

A beautifully presented 7 bedroom family house with a a large open plan kitchen.

Bright and spacious split-level property in a popular modern portered block.

Guide price £1,250 per week

Guide price £2,750 per week

Guide price £695 per week

Call the Fulham Lettings team on 020 3463 2621, we'd love to help you. knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co. uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

KF.indd 3

26/04/2019 10:17

Did you know?

70% of all prime London developments are for sale with Knight Frank.

Kingwood at 55 Hans Place, Knightsbridge: a development by Finchatton

Register with us for the widest choice of exceptional new homes. We’d love to help you.

Contact Rupert des Forges, Head of Prime Central London Developments, on +44 20 3463 0234

knightfrank.co.uk Statistic based on developments that Knight Frank are directly mandated on in London zone 1 at an average list price in excess of ÂŁ2,000/sq ft.

PRIME.indd 1 361494_KF_AbsolutelyCity&Angel_Nov18.indd 1

15/10/2018 15/10/2018 16:12 11:38

CADOGAN LANE, SW1X

£1,750 per week

A newly decorated and well-presented house situated in a peaceful street in Knightsbridge ideally located just of Sloane Street. The house has four bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, two reception rooms, eat-in kitchen, patio garden, garage, cloakroom and access to communal gardens.

4 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • CLOAKROOM • TWO RECEPTION ROOMS • GARAGE • COMMUNAL GARDENS • UNFURNISHED

CHESHAM CLOSE, SW1X

£2,500 per week

This wonderfully light and spacious house is situated in the heart of Belgravia in a secluded private portered courtyard development. The house offers two good sized reception rooms as well as generous bedrooms and excellent bathrooms. There is an integral garage and an off street parking space.

3 BEDROOMS • SHOWER ROOM • 2 EN SUITE BATHROOMS • 2 GUEST WCS • RECEPTION ROOM • DINING ROOM • KITCHEN • UTILITY ROOM • PORTER • GARAGE

117 Sydney Street London SW3 6NR Lettings: +44 (0)20 7351 7822 or information@hlrlets.com hlrlets.com HLR.indd 1

23/04/2019 09:31

ST LUKES STREET, SW3

£1,850 per week

A light and bright house which is located in a quiet street close to Chelsea Green and the King’s Road and has west facing views over the grounds of St Luke’s church. The property is unfurnished and has a fabulous kitchen/ family room, with a first floor reception overlooking a west facing roof terrace as well as an integral garage/utility room.

3 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • RECEPTION ROOM • DRAWING ROOM • KITCHEN • TERRACE • GARAGE • UNFURNISHED

CHESHAM CLOSE, SW1X

£1,200 per week

This charming Belgravia townhouse is situated in a private courtyard with good security and parking. There are two separate reception rooms with wood floors and the master bedroom has excellent storage and the possibility of an adjacent dressing room. This house makes a perfect pied de terre with the private parking and portage on hand.

2 BEDROOMS • BATHROOMS • GUEST WC • RECEPTION ROOM • DINING ROOM • STUDY ROOM • KITCHEN • PARKING • PORTER

HLR.indd 2

23/04/2019 09:31

ARCHEL ROAD, LONDON Featherstone Leigh are delighted to bring to the market this four to five bedroom house located within the heart of West Kensington. This spacious terraced house set over four floors and benefits from a spacious garden to the rear and an enviable location just minutes from West Kensington Tube station and West Brompton Overground Station.

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ1,450,000

FSL.indd 1

5

3

2

FULHAM 020 7610 9755

26/04/2019 09:48

Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

PARSONS GREEN, LONDON A very rare and wonderful opportunity to purchase a family home directly on Parsons Green. The house comprises an entrance hall, double reception room, cloakroom, kitchen and a further reception room/diner along with access to a large basement. The first floor provides three double bedrooms and a modern family bathroom whilst the top floor is arranged with a further two double bedrooms and two bathrooms (one of them an en suite). Externally there are generous gardens to both the front and back of the property.

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ2,950,000

FSL.indd 2

4

3

2

FULHAM 020 7610 9755

26/04/2019 09:48

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING

HONEST Laurence Lai of YOUhome on not leading clients up the garden path

L

et me start by saying that it is the estate agent’s duty to get the best price and the best sale for their client’s property.

This is what I have always believed throughout my 28-year career as an estate agent, this is what I practice (and preach) here at YOUhome.

However, securing the best price isn’t achieved by asking for an over-inflated price in the hope that someone will come along and make an offer. It is far more complicated.

THE STRESS OF MOVING HOUSE

Moving house is one of the most stressful things that we are likely to do in our lifetimes. In fact, A Which? survey at the start of 2016 revealed adults considered moving house more stressful than having children, changing jobs or getting married.

The whole process from beginning to end can be a physically and emotionally draining experience.

Some estate agents should take responsibility for their part as the cause of this stress. According to Zoopla research carried out in 1988, Britons move home every 8.6 years. This was against the backdrop of a buoyant market and strong economic growth. This same research carried out in 2017 showed that Britons move home every 23 years. Either way, it would be fair to say that moving home is not something that most of us do frequently or have much experience in unless you are somehow involved in transacting property. Therefore, home sellers rely on the advice of people within the business, like estate agents and financial consultants and surveyors.

150

FINDING THE BEST PARTNER FOR THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

Choosing and instructing an agent is a difficult decision and it's where some of the stress begins. How do I choose the right agent? What am I looking for? How do they differ?

The home seller should be equipped with a whole host of criteria and questions that they should pose to themselves, before even speaking to an agent. What is it that they want to achieve and in what time frame?

What’s the perfect outcome?

What does the end game look like?

Instructing an agent should be like entering into a partnership, with one (the agent) facilitating the other (the client’s) needs and requirements while offering factual and considered advice. At YOUhome, we call this “intelligence throughout the sale”.

HOME SELLERS ALWAYS COME FIRST

Estate agency is a service industry so the customer should always come first, above the agent’s desire to show “market appraisal to instruction” ratios to their directors and above the necessity to achieve a quick sale because it has been a lean month in the office. Many agents will overinflate the estimated price to win the seller’s business. This strategy doesn’t have much of a downside in a rising market because as prices increase, the proposed “bullish” figure in time could be achieved.

However if an agent adopts this tactic in a static or declining market, the consequences to the home seller can be costly. Sometimes thousands and occasionally hundreds of thousands of pounds can be lost through lack of relevant market information.

INFLATED VALUATION

I have first-hand experience of a client who instructed Agent A at an asking price of £4,200,000. Agent B took over and asked for £3,850,000.

Agent C was brought in and asked for £3,850,000. Agent D took over and asked for £3,250,000. YOUhome sold the property and achieved £2,950,000 within a month. Was this the home seller’s fault? No. The sellers were listening to the advice from their agents. Either the agent simply didn’t do enough market research or they were more interested in winning the instruction.

In another example, I was invited

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

YOUHOME.indd 150

26/04/2019 09:55

PROPERTY • FOCUS

ADVICE TO HOME SELLERS

Laurence Lai, London Sales Director of YOUhome, and his advice to home sellers • Don’t get tied into a lengthy contract with an agent that you can’t break if they fail to deliver • Go through the research that the agent has carried out when arriving at their suggested asking price

to meet with potential clients who were considering selling their property and after carrying out my research, reviewing the market data and looking at comparable evidence, I suggested they should achieve a price somewhere between £1,150,000 and £1,200,000. They instructed Agent X at an asking price of £1,300,000 for 3 months and then took the property off the market. Then they instructed Agent Y at an asking price of £1,295,000 for 3 months. Finally they instructed Agent Z at an asking price of £1,295,000 and 8 months later the property sold for £1,185,000. I am convinced that had they taken my

advice from the outset; they would not have had to put their lives on hold for 14 months to achieve the same result.

On another occasion, my market appraisal price for a property was £700,000. The vendor instructed Agent F at an asking price of £850,000. In just over two weeks, Agent F reduced it to £795,000.

The property was withdrawn from sale in December 2018. Agent G was instructed in February 2019 at an asking price of £725,000.

The property has now gone Under Offer at a smaller figure than I had recommended. I can quite literally go on and on with other examples.

• Find out who exactly will be showing prospective buyers around your property and ask how experienced they are • Make sure that you get regular feedback and advice • Even when you have an offer, ask the agent for evidence so you know that it is the best offer you can get • Instruct a good solicitor as soon as you have instructed your agent to prepare papers in readiness

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

YOUHOME.indd 151

151

26/04/2019 09:55

KNIGHTSBRIDGE COURT KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1 A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO LET A BRAND NEW THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENT Located on the first floor of this desirable period building, the apartment has been completely refurbished to the highest standard offering many modern amenities including a brand new fully fitted kitchen, air conditioning and underfloor heating throughout. Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge Court is positioned just a few minutes walk from the many luxury amenities of Slone Street and Slone Square.

Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception room, open plan kitchen and dining room, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, two further bedrooms, guest shower room. Amenities: Air conditioned, underfloor heating, lift, 24-hour porter.

Karolina Moore

£2,650 / week

karolina@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

LONDON

BEAUCHAMP.indd 1

·

C A NN E S

·

M YKO N O S

·

N E W YO R K

·

H E R Z L I YA

26/04/2019 10:20

SOUTH EATON PLACE BELGRAVIA SW1 A LUXURIOUSLY DESIGNED, DETACHED SIX BEDROOM PROPERTY This beautiful Grade II listed house located just off Eaton Square has been impeccably refurbished by renowned developers Earlcrown, to create a family home of the highest calibre. Featuring a fully fitted Mark Wilkinson kitchen, book matched marble bathrooms throughout, and wood or stone floors to principal rooms, this impressive home also benefits from a garage and parking for two cars. South Eaton Place is ideally located just a few minuets walk from the restaurants and amenities of Slone Square.

Accommodation: Reception room, living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, dressing room, 4 further bedrooms with ensuite bathroom/shower room, cinema. Amenities: Gym, large terrace, balcony, garage parking for two cars.

ÂŁ12,500 / week No tentant fees

Karolina Moore karolina@beauchamp.com +44 (0)20 7499 7722

w w w. b ea u c h a m p .com BEAUCHAMP.indd 2

¡

2 4 Cu rzon St reet , Lon don W1 J 7TF 26/04/2019 10:20

ALBERT COURT KENSINGTON SW7 A GENEROUSLY PROPORTIONED TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT Located next to the Royal Albert Hall, this raised ground floor apartment resides in a magnificent 19th-century mansion block, overlooking its central courtyard. Albert Court offers spacious accommodation and contemporary finishes combined with a classical style and benefits from high ceilings and parquet flooring throughout. Albert Court is located within close proximity to the luxury shops and department stores of Knightsbridge and South Kensington and is moments away from the expansive Hyde Park.

Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception room, kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, bedroom two, guest bathroom. Amenities: 24- Hour porter.

LONDON

BEAUCHAMP.indd 3

·

Vlad Viaryshka

£2,850,000

vlad@beauchamp.com

Share of Freehld

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Sole Agents

C A NN E S

·

M YKO N O S

·

N E W YO R K

·

H E R Z L I YA

26/04/2019 10:20

WILTON CRESCENT BELGRAVIA SW1 A SPACIOUS DUPLEX APARTMENT IN AN IMPRESSIVE LATE REGENCY PERIOD HOUSE Wilton Crescent presents an impressive four bedroom, duplex apartment set across the second and third floors of this impressive late Regency period house. The apartment benefits from an open reception/dining room overlooking the private crescent gardens, leading to a modern, fully equipped kitchen. Located within the heart of Belgravia the apartment is ideally located on the corner of Motcomb Street and minutes from Sloane Street.

Accommodation: Reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, three double bedrooms, bedroom four/study, two shower rooms. Amenities: Access to the private gardens.

£5,600,000

Marcus O’Brien

Leasehold

marcus@beauchamp.com

Joint Sole Agents

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

w w w. b ea u c h a m p .com BEAUCHAMP.indd 4

·

2 4 Cu rzon St reet , Lon don W1 J 7TF 26/04/2019 10:20

house..indd 1

26/06/2018 16:17

country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

housepartnership.co.uk

house..indd 2

26/06/2018 16:16

VM.indd 1

16/04/2019 14:59

THE ONE BEDROOM COLLECTION NOW L AUNCHED BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 020 3944 5712 | sales@chelseacreek.co.uk

Discover waterside living at Chelsea Creek with a selection of contemporary one bedroom apartments in the heart of the development.

• Prime zone 2 location, just minutes from the King’s Road • Imperial Wharf Station on your doorstep • Residents’ facilities including a 24-hour concierge service, spa and fitness centre PR I C E S F RO M £ 8 4 0 , 0 0 0 Chelsea Creek Marketing Suite, 9 Park Street, London SW6 2FS Computer Generated Image is indicative only and photography is of Chelsea Creek one bedroom apartments.

Price correct at time of going to print.

www.chelseacreek.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

CC.indd 1 STG_CC_Absolutely_297x210_Mar19.indd 1

22/02/2019 22/02/2019 16:08 15:40

YH.indd 1

26/04/2019 14:05

YH.indd 2

26/04/2019 14:05

YH.indd 3

26/04/2019 14:05

YH.indd 4

26/04/2019 14:06

HC OBC.indd 1

25/04/2019 13:43